Utah is a true outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Utah provides plenty of opportunities to reconnect with nature thanks to its natural beauties, including five national parks, and tiny towns with a wide variety of outdoor activities. The greatest places to visit in Utah were selected by U.S.
News to help you pick where to go on your next vacation. They considered variables like attractions, value, and accessibility. To influence the list for the following year, vote for your preferred location below.
Bryce Canyon National Park
It makes sense why Bryce Canyon National Park is frequently regarded as being unearthly. Its naturally occurring amphitheaters in sunset hues and hoodoos (Bryce Canyon has the highest number of them on Earth) almost appear too exquisite to be true. During the warmer months, you can explore these natural wonders on foot or horseback.
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are two other activities that can be done in the winter. Go on a full moon trek at this International Dark Sky Park at night for a very remarkable experience.
Arches National Park
More than 1 million people visit Arches National Park every year, which is home to a variety of astounding red rock formations, including more than 2,000 naturally occurring arches (the most you’ll find anywhere on Earth).
The windows section, one of Arches' most picturesque spots, Landscape Arch, and Fiery Furnace are a few of the park's most well-known rock structures (a challenging natural labyrinth between sandstone walls). Less active visitors may choose to view the park from the comfort of a car or on horseback, while adventurous visitors can go hiking, rock climbing, canyoneering, and more.
Moab
Moab is a fantastic starting point for visitors who want to visit Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park because it is strategically located between both. Outside activities including biking, hiking, off-roading, and whitewater rafting are available for tourists to enjoy both inside and outside of the city.
Visitors can go skydiving, take a scenic flight in a plane, or ride in a hot air balloon to get a birds-eye perspective of Moab’s magnificent red rock formations. After a tiring day of activity, dine at a nearby restaurant while enjoying live music.
Park City
Fans of snow sports swarm to Park City every year to shred powder. Many of the 2002 Winter Olympics competitions were held on the town’s well-known slopes, but tourists can also go snowboarding and skiing here.
In January and February, moviegoers pack the streets to attend the annual Sundance Film Festival. Tourists can also go zip lining and whitewater rafting during the summer. Any time of year, visitors can browse the array of shops, galleries, and restaurants in Historic Park City.
Zion National Park
Because of its beauty, Zion National Park is growing in popularity. The Narrows, the park’s narrowest section, is one of the more than 90 miles of hiking and backpacking trails that can be found in Utah’s first national park.
There are more scenic trails like the Observation Point and Watchman Trails in addition to easier trails like the Pa’rus and Canyon Overlook Trails. If hiking isn’t challenging enough for a visitor, they can also go canyoneering down or rock climbing up Zion’s 2,000-foot-tall sandstone cliffs.
Capitol Reef National Park
Even though Capitol Reef National Park may not be as well known as some of Utah’s other national parks, it is no less magnificent. The main attraction in the park is the 100-mile-long Waterpocket Fold, a buckling of the Earth’s surface. All over the park, there are additional hiking trails and backcountry paths.
But bear in mind that these off-trail paths are not maintained by the government, so proceed with caution and obtain a backcountry permit. Other well-liked pastimes include biking, horseback riding, rock climbing, and canyoneering. If you want to spend your visit more leisurely, pick a scenic drive.
Salt Lake City
If you only take into account Temple Square, you would be doing yourself a disservice. You might immediately think of Salt Lake City and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The capital city of Utah also boasts a thriving live music scene, a wide array of professional sports teams, and fascinating museums.
In addition, Salt Lake City is close to several ski areas as well as the Wasatch Mountain State Park, which is known for its abundance of hiking trails and appeals, particularly to those seeking adventure.
Monument Valley
Arizona and Utah share the region of Monument Valley, which has a distinctly red landscape. Nearby is the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, which is home to sandstone towers and buttes that have appeared in movies with a “Forrest Gump” and “Stagecoach” aesthetic.
Whitewater rafting, horseback riding, and hiking are all must-do activities in the Utah section of the valley. You’ll want to set aside some time to learn more about the Navajo history of the region while taking in the magnificence on a guided car or horseback trip with a Navajo tour operator.
Canyonlands National Parks
Four distinct districts make up this national park in Utah, and each one provides a distinctive experience. The neighborhood with the most accessibility is Island in the Sky, which is more than 1,000 feet above the ground and has fantastic views of the surrounding area.
The Needles is a location in the southwest quadrant of the park that features vibrant sandstone spires, a historic cowboy camp, and prehistoric rock art. The challenging, desolate roads and hiking trails of the Maze should only be attempted by those with prior experience. You can also go canoeing or kayaking in the last district, which is where the Colorado and Green rivers converge.
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
A marvel of nature, the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument was formed over millions of years. The roughly one million acres of this protected area are divided into three sections. In the Escalante Canyon region, backcountry routes pass through narrow canyons, arches, and waterfalls.
The remote Grand Staircase region is home to Utah’s largest network of slot canyons and the brightly colored cliffs that give the monument its name. Paleontology enthusiasts will be thrilled by the excellent fossil collection found on the Kaiparowits Plateau, which separates the two sites.
Midway
Only 28 miles from Salt Lake City, Midway, ranked as Utah’s best small city, is tucked away in the Heber Valley. The Wasatch Mountain State Park offers stunning scenery in the alpine terrain and is a haven for mountain bikers, hikers, and campers. Memorial Hill, one of Midway’s most serene locations, offers breathtaking views of the Heber Valley.
On the peak, there is a special memorial honoring American veterans. Ice Castle, a snowy location straight out of a fairytale, offers hand-crafted ice castles, slides, tunnels, and other enjoyable features. Midway is a must-visit family destination when in Utah, whether you want to go diving in the Homestead Crater or swim in the cool waters of Deer Creek Reservoir.
Dead Horse Point State Park
Dead Horse Point State Park, the most breathtaking state park in Utah, is 32 miles from Moab. The park, which rises 2,000 feet above the Colorado River, has enormous vertical cliffs, pinnacles that have been carved out, canyons, and buttes.
The park, which was carved out by the ancient oceans and freshwater lakes, offers a glimpse of Canyonlands National Park and the meandering Colorado River. To see some of Utah’s Canyons’ best sunsets, drive onto one of the park’s many outlooks. The park offers a great taste of the Utah Mountains with its miles of hiking trails, which include the Intrepid Trail System and the East Rim Trail System.
Route 163
Route 163, one of the most famous roads in the world, will transport you to the typical Wild West. Route 163, a 64-mile road that was constructed in 1970, runs from Navajo County in Arizona through Utah’s red rock desert. The stunning drive, with its fascinating spires, buttes, and red rock creations, passes through Monument Valley, the San Juan River, and magnificent spires.
It offers something for every rider. The historic neighborhood of Bluff, a picturesque town with prehistoric rock art and ruins, can be reached after a two-hour drive. You will be awed by the breathtaking scenery of this scenic byway on your drive, whether it is sunrise or sunset.
Guardsman Pass
Guardsman Pass, a charming road into the Wasatch Mountain Range, links Park City with Midway and the Big Cottonwood Canyon. A beautiful 14-mile paved road meanders through summits, alpine meadows, and blooming wildflowers. The pass rises to its highest point at 9,700 feet above sea level, offering magnificent views in all directions.
The pass is flanked by evergreen trees and stunning aspen trees, making it a well-liked location for wildlife viewing and autumn foliage. The Guardsman Pass, one of Utah’s most beautiful roads, offers a relaxing drive with scenic turnouts around every bend.
Natural Bridges National Monument
Natural Bridges National Monument, the first national monument in Utah, is situated in southeast Utah, 42 miles west of Blanding. As you look at the three magnificent natural bridges of Kachina, Owachomo, and Sipapu, pause to consider the power of nature.
The national monument offers a nine-mile scenic drive through the canyons that were once inhabited by ancient Pueblos. Every visit to the Natural Bridges offers a magnificent experience, whether you choose to hike the rocky canyon terrain, camp under the starriest skies, or explore the ancient Pueblo cliff dwellings.
Flaming Gorge Reservoir
Flaming Gorge Reservoir, which lies on the border of Utah and Wyoming, offers fascinating geology and contrasts. The 91-mile reservoir is a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts and naturalists because it is close to the untamed Uinta Mountains, gorgeous alpine forests, and the breathtaking Green River Gorge.
Flaming Gorge is a scenic playground for hikers, boaters, windsurfers, cross-country skiers, and campers and is a part of the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. There are many things to do in this little paradise, such as tour the Flaming Gorge Dam or hike the Canyon Rim Trail.
Red Butte Garden
Red Butte Garden in Salt Lake City is tucked away in the Intermountain West’s Wasatch foothills. The garden, which is well-known for its exotic plant collections, themed gardens, springtime blooms, and sizable natural area, hosts several events throughout the year with lovely exhibits.
The garden provides a tranquil and peaceful time amid nature with its miles of lovely hiking trails and educational programs. There is a lot to explore and learn in this lovely garden, whether you take a stroll through it or take the tram.
Bonneville Salt Flats
The Bonneville Salt Flats, one of the planet’s flattest regions, is located in western Utah, west of the Great Salt Lake. The salty region, which covers more than 30,000 acres, provides an otherworldly landscape and a distinctive environment.
The salt flats, a well-liked location for photography, offer the ideal backdrop to capture the sunrise and the night sky far from the city lights. In addition to offering beautiful views, the salt flats have hosted numerous other events throughout the year, including international auto races.
Brigham City
Brigham City is situated in Box Elder County, tucked away on the flanks of the Wellsville Mountains. Brigham City, a small community founded by Mormon families, is renowned for its unmistakable natural beauty and some of the best peaches.
Millions of migratory birds rest at the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge near Brigham, which serves as an entrance to Utah’s largest wild bird refuge. You can experience small-town charm in this contemporary city by visiting the neo-gothic Brigham City Tabernacle or learning more about its history at the Brigham City Museum.
Utah’s Ski Resort
If you enjoy skiing and haven’t been to Utah, you should. Utah has some excellent ski resorts, but Colorado and California frequently steal the show. The amount of snow that does fall in Utah each year is surprisingly high, and it is light and fluffy, which makes powder days even more amazing.
Within an hour of Salt Lake City, you can find many of the best resorts, whether they are in the Little Cottonwood Canyon, where Snowbird and Alta are, or the Big Cottonwood Canyon, where Solitude and Brighton live, or higher up by the town of Park City, where Deer Valley and Park City Resort are. Powder Mountain, Snowbird, Alta, Snowbasin, Sundance, and other well-known ski areas can be found in Utah.