Utah Travel Guide
Located in the western part of the USA, Utah will instantly impress you with its natural diversity. You will find rugged deserts with high canyon walls shaped by the Colorado river, but also large forests of pine trees with smells that make you think of Christmas.
Some of the best places to visit in Utah feature the states most incredible natural landmarks. You can find them in the Mighty 5, the 5 National Parks in Utah and in several other very popular State Parks, you don't want to miss.
Utah's landscape is a real paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. In which other state can you sweat under the hot sky while hiking Angel's Landing, one of the world's most thrilling trails, but also ski in 'The greatest snow on earth'?
We put together a list of our top 28 things to do in Utah to inspire you and elevate your wanderlust! Also find in-depth information about the best time to go, unique travel tips, how to get around and important foods to try, to make planning your next trip smooth and easy.
Quick Facts:
Capital: Salt Lake City
State Abbreviation: UT
State Size: 13th largest - 84,899 square miles
National Parks: Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Zion
Highest Point: Kings Peak
Lowest Point: Beaverdam Wash
Bordering States: Arizona, Nevada, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico
International Border: None
Best Time to Go
Best Time to Go
You will find exciting things to do in Utah all year long but April to May and September to October are considered the overall best months for outdoor adventures. They bring moderate temperatures to go hiking and enjoy Utah’s mountains, high plateaus and deserts the best.
Here are some of our top activities to do for every season:
Winter - Hit the slopes and enjoy one of Utah’s many ski resorts for some winter fun in Park City. Not interested? Venture to one of Utah’s National Parks to see how the snow glistens on some of the most scenic views in the USA.
Spring - Take a visit to Utah road trip to the 5 national parks to see them come back to life from the winter with blooming wildflowers and active wildlife.
Summer - Cool off and enjoy the summer at one of Utah’s lakes. Head to Lake Powell in the southern part of the state to enjoy boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, and more recreation activities. When you plan on visiting the vast deserts during the summer, be aware that it can get hot. Even though we visited Utah’s National Parks in August, we were able to enjoy a lot of beautiful hikes without suffering too much from the heat.
Fall - Utah may not be the first destination you think of when you want to see fall foliage, but don’t let that fool you. It is there and you can find it in the many national forests throughout the state, as well as, Capitol Reef National Park. Or hit the road for a Utah road trip on one of these scenic drives to experience Utah’s fall foliage.
Temperature by Season
Season | Fahrenheit | Celsius |
|---|---|---|
Winter | 20-40 | -7 to 4 |
Spring | 50-85 | 10-29 |
Summer | 85-100 | 29-38 |
Fall | 60-90 | 15-32 |
Top 28 Things to Do
in Utah
Top 28 Things to Do
in Utah
No matter if you are looking for epic road trips in desert landscapes, a week full of outdoor activities in the National Parks, a weekend getaway in the snow or historical and cultural experiences for the day, Utah has endless possibilities for it all.
We put together a list of our 28 favorite nature spots to admire, cities and towns to visit, adventures to do, and Utah road trips to take to add to your Utah travel bucket list! Let's start exploring Utah!
Nature to Admire
Utah is one of the best states in the USA for outdoor adventures and fun. If you can do it outdoors, then you can do it in Utah. Get inspired with the best places to visit in Utah to help decide how you will spend time enjoying the outdoors in this beautiful state!
1. Zion National Park
Zion National Park is Utah’s first national park and one of the most visited national parks in the United States. It is a must for anyone who loves hiking, so plan enough time to explore every inch of the beautiful scenery.
Angels Landing and The Narrows are two of the most thrilling and scenic hikes in the USA, you absolutely don’t want to miss. See #15 and #16 for more information about these popular hikes.
Interested in some technical hikes? Hike the Subway. The 9.5 mile top-down hike through a slot canyon requires you to have excellent route finding and rappelling skills. You need a permit to visit the area.
Read more: 11 Best Hikes in Zion National Park
2. Bryce Canyon National Park
Not too far from Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park is located in southwestern Utah. It is well known for its “hoodoos,” which are the spire shaped rock formations seen throughout the park. When you look closer, you can even see castles shaped in the rock formations. Can you imagine a more magical place to see in Utah for a sunset?
It’s even more fun to get up close and hike through the hoodoos on the famous Navajo and Queens Garden Loop.
Read more: Best Bryce Canyon Hikes for Your Bucket List
3. Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park broadcasts a rough colorful desert landscape, which is sculptured by the Colorado River. Visit the various viewpoints to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the canyon, mesas, and buttes. Do you love to explore by off roading? This national park will more than please you with its spectacular four-wheel-drive road.
Read more: The Best of Island in the Sky Canyonlands National Park
4. Arches National Park
A short drive from Canyonlands National Park and also located just outside of Moab, you will find Arches National Park. It is home to the largest quantity of sandstone arches in the world. The park is easily explored by all kinds of visitors from the beautiful hikes and picturesque overviews/ photo opportunities. Check out #19 and #20 for some of the best adventures in the park.
Read more: How to See Arches National Park in One Day
5. Capitol Reef National Park
The last of the mighty 5 national parks in Utah. It is located in Utah’s red rock country in the south central part of the state. Capitol Reef National Park is truly a magnificent place to see in Utah which unfortunately gets overlooked by too many people. It is full of canyons, cliffs, petroglyphs, and orchard fields to explore.
Did you know that the park helps preserve the waterpocket fold? The waterpocket fold is a wrinkle in the earth and the major geological feature of the park.
Read more: Explore 10 Striking Capitol Reef Hikes in the Fruita District
6. Cedar Breaks National Monument
Photo credit: Seth Betterly
This national monument resembles a little Bryce Canyon with its colors and spire shaped pinnacle rock formations. Sitting at about 10,000 feet and dropping 2,000 feet to its base, Cedar Breaks looks like a large coliseum. Experience this amazing feature by hiking, camping, sightseeing, and capturing incredible photographs.
7. Natural Bridges National Monument
After visiting Utah’s first national park, take a trip to Utah’s first national monument, Natural Bridges National Monument. It features 3 stunning natural bridges named Kachina, Owachomo, and Sipapu. Not only will you see these incredible natural wonders, but Ancestral Puebloan ruins as well.
8. Dinosaur National Monument
Photo credit: Azzedine Rouichi
Want to dive deeper into the Jurassic world? Then you have to take a visit to Dinosaur National Monument in Jensen, Utah. Here you can see the delicate dinosaur remains embedded in the rocks. After learning about the culture and history, why not explore the park a little more by going river rafting or seeing petroglyphs?
9. Bonneville Salt Flats
Located in the northwestern part of Utah, Bonneville Salt Flats is a striking white salt pan. The salt flat sits on what once was the freshwater Lake Bonneville that covered the area during the last ice age. The salt flats began to form as the lake dried up. Now the area is popular for high speed automobile racing due to its super flat surface. You can also enjoy the views of this out of the world place, by strolling around and taking unique pictures of the vast land.
10. Great Salt Lake
Located in the northern part of Utah, it is the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere and largest natural lake west of the Mississippi. The lake is a remnant of Lake Bonneville.
Wondering why the lake is salty? It is due to the fact the lake does not have an outlet. The nearby rivers carry in salt and when the water from those rivers evaporates, they leave the salt residue behind. Check out this lake up close from one of the beautiful white sand beaches at Antelope Island State Park.
Cities and Towns to Visit
Utah doesn't have a lot of bigger urban areas but those you can find in the state, are surrounded by mesmerizing landscapes and offer various outdoor activities. What's better than combining your city trips with exploring the outdoors?
11. Salt Lake City
Photo credit: Robin SaVille
The capital city of Utah is an excellent destination to enjoy the mountains. The home to the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, is the gateway to the largest and the second largest ski resort in the USA. Read #14 to get to know more about some winter fun in Utah.
Don’t like the cold? Then enjoy the incredible mountain views while biking or hiking in the summertime or admire the colorful flowers at the Red Butte Garden.
12. Moab
Moab is a fascinating little town surrounded by breathtaking sandstone formations and amazing outdoor adventures. It is also the gateway to Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. If you have more time, we highly recommend checking out the Dead Horse Point State Park for stunning overlooks of the Colorado River and Canyonlands National Park. Take a hike or go off roading during the day and grab a bite to eat at one of the eateries in town to finish off your night.
13. Kanab
There is a good reason why Kanab has earned the name, “Little Hollywood.” This city has captivated travelers and artists for years with its gorgeous cliffs, vistas, mountains, plains, and canyons. Filmmakers have been drawn to this area and now the abandoned film sets have become an ever so popular tourist attraction. Kanab is a perfect destination for a stop over on your way to Utah’s and Arizona’s national parks and monuments.
Adventures to Do
Due to all the natural wonders the state has to offer, you will find many unique and thrilling adventures to do. Learn more about some of the most adventurous outdoor activities in the National Parks and other areas of Utah.
14. Ski and Snowboard in the Largest Ski Resorts of North America
Keep enjoying Utah's outdoors even when the weather is cold by heading to the slopes. Utah houses two of the largest ski areas in North America, so hitting the slope is a must do experience when you’re a real winter sport enthusiast.
With more than 8,000 acres of terrain, Powder Mountain is the largest ski area in North America. It is not just unique because of its size. Due to their daily limitations of skiers and snowboarders, you are guaranteed a more secluded winter experience.
You can also explore the historic Park City located just 30 minutes outside of Salt Lake City. What once started out as a mining town for the early settlers has now turned into a world class 7,300 acres resort town with 348 ski and snowboarding trails.
15. Explore the Narrows at Zion National Park
Trek through the narrowest section of Zion Canyon on the Narrows hike. There are 2 options to complete this trail. If you choose to hike it from the top down, you will need a permit, whereas everyone can hike the first section from the bottom up. This hike will have you walking, wading, and depending on the season could have you swimming in the water.
Read more: A Guide to Hike the Narrows in Zion National Park
16. Take the Climb up Angels Landing in Zion National Park
Ready for a challenge? Then this hike is one of the best in the USA. Journey up to the summit of Angels Landing on a 2.5 mile one way hike that requires you to use bolted chains to navigate through the narrow cliff. At the top you will be rewarded with incredible views of Zion Canyon.
Read more: How to Hike Angels Landing Trail in Zion National Park
17. Camp at the Beach at Lake Powell
Sleep under the stars on the sandy beach of Lone Rock at Lake Powell. Wondering what makes this such a cool place to camp? It is one of the few places where you can drive up to the water and sleep on the beach’s shoreline. Wake up to the beautiful views of blue waters and massive sandstone rocks.
18. Mountain Bike in Moab
Moab is home to some of the top mountain biking trails in Utah. Don’t worry if you are not an experienced mountain biker, there are trails for beginners to experts. Moab is best known for the famous Slickrock Bike Trail. A challenging 9.6 mile trail. So if you are looking for an adventure with scenic views along mesa tops and through stunning canyons, then give mountain biking a try! For other tips on what to do in Moab, see #12.
19. Navigate Yourself through a Sandstone Labyrinth in Arches National Park
Exploring the sandstone canyon of Fiery Furnace in Arches National Park requires you to either have an individual permit or to go on a ranger led hike. Tickets for ranger led hikes and individual permits are extremely popular and requires advance reservations and planning to secure a spot. This really fun hike will take you through some difficult terrain including broken sandstone, narrow ledges, loose sand, and small passages ways. At times you may have to hold yourself up and push yourself through using the sandstone walls around you.
20. See a Natural Arch Up Close
Experience one of the best places to visit in Utah by seeing one of the most well known landmarks up close. It’s hard to decide which one to see, since there are tons of beautiful arches in Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. You could join the millions of visitors from around the world by hiking to Delicate Arch which is Arches National Park’s largest free standing sandstone arch. The only way to get a view of the arch is to take the 3 mile round trip trail. It’s a park favorite and symbol on the Utah license plate.
Read more: Hike to Delicate Arch: The Must Do Trail in Arches
21. Experience a Slot Canyon in Grand Staircase Escalante
Did you know that due to its remote location, the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument was the last place in the lower 48 states to be mapped? That means: Get yourself ready for a bumpy ride on a dirt road, which will bring you to the amazing slot canyons in the Grand Staircase Escalante.
Be sure to check the weather before you go. When we wanted to hike Zebra slot canyon in August, the canyon was filled with water and unfortunately we didn’t make it too far. Other fun slot canyons to check out, are the Peek a Boo and Spooky Gulch slot canyons.
22. Be a Cave Explorer
Why not add exploring a cave to your best places to visit in Utah list? Go inside and enjoy some of Utah’s most fascinating cave systems. The most popular caves to visit are: Timpanogos Cave, Scout Cave, Wild Horse Window, and Mammoth Cave. Before you head out on your cave adventure, make sure to secure any permits or tour tickets you may need to visit a particular cave.
23. Admire the Kanarra Falls
The little town of Kanarraville in the south of Utah, surprises you with one of the most beautiful gems in the state, the Kanarra Falls. This 3.8 mile round trip hike has it all: from eye catching scenery to slot canyons and waterfalls. What more can you ask for?
Be aware that the hike requires you to walk through water and climb up several ladders to reach the upper waterfalls. If you love hiking adventures like us, then make sure to get a permit because there are a limited number given out daily.
Read more: Kanarra Falls Trail Guide: The Slot Canyon You Don't Want to Miss
24. Go Whitewater Rafting on the Colorado River: Cataract Canyon
Take on the waters of the Colorado River through Cataract Canyon. Here you will experience class III to class V rapids. Feeling a little more daring? Then take a trip down the river in late spring when the river is at its peak from the recent snow melt off the mountains.
Road Trips to Take
In Utah
Dive deeper into the amazing landscape of Utah on one of these unforgettable Utah road trips. Driving on these iconic Highways and popular byways will make you feel like you're in the Wild Wild West.
25. Highway 12
Drive along Utah’s most scenic road. Exiting Highway 89, this magnificent 112 mile long journey connects Bryce Canyon National Park and Capitol Reef National Park, also passing the Red Canyon, and Grand Staircase-Escalante. Known as “A Journey Through Time Scenic Byway”, this road brings you through a rocky, colorful landscape you can’t take your eyes off.
Did you know? About ⅓ of the scenic byways in America get designated All American Roads. Highway 12 is one of them! Although this drive can be completed in a few short hours, plan on taking a few days to really get out and explore the areas along the way.
26. The Mighty 5 - Utah’s National Parks
Utah is home to some of the most beautiful national parks in the United States. Luckily the beautiful parks are located close to each other (at least for Americans), which makes it possible to connect all of them in less than 7 hours. Would you love to see them all? Us too!
Read more: Explore Utahs National Parks in One Unforgettable Trip
27. Capitol Reef Scenic Drive
When you visit Capitol Reef National Park, the 7.9 mile scenic drive within the park is a must see in Utah! From the scenic paved road you have access to 2 dirt roads that will lead you into a narrow canyon and to different trailheads. Driving next to the massive canyon walls, is a once in a lifetime experience. Learn more about the park's history by stopping at the 11 marked stops along the way.
28. Highway 163
Take a drive on Highway 163 made famous by the movie, Forrest Gump. It is a 64 mile long road that runs from Utah through Monument Valley and further into Arizona. This drive is sure to excite all road trippers from sharp curves, perfect photo spots, and remarkable views of the American southwest.
Don’t forget to add on the 17 mile Monument Valley Scenic Drive to get up close to the marvelous rock formations over the enormous sandstone buttes.
Map of Things to Do
Map of Things to Do
Getting overwhelmed with all of the best places to visit in Utah? This map will give you an overview of where our top recommendations to visit are located. Be sure to save this Google Map for your trips to Utah as your Utah Travel Guide!
How to us this Google Map:
To find out more about each place, click on the icon. To save this map, click on the star next to the map title. This will add the map to your Google Maps account. How do you find this map once you save it? Open Google Maps and click on the menu button. Scroll down and click on "Your Places" then click over to maps. This Utah Travel Guide Map will be saved there for later use so you don't have to worry about forgetting the best places to visit in Utah.
Ways to Get Around
Ways to Get Around
Having your own car is by far the best, easiest, and quickest way to get around. Most of Utah’s top and popular places to visit are located in more rural areas which require a car to access. Without having access to your own vehicle, you will miss out on a lot of the best places to visit in Utah. So buckle up and go explore the 85,000 square miles of the beautiful state!
Car rental agencies are easily found in Salt Lake City since it is the capital city of Utah. If you are looking to save money on a car rental, it may pay to look at car rental agencies that are outside of the airport services.
International Airports
Salt Lake City has Utah’s only international airport, however, there are several regional airports throughout the state. From Salt Lake City you have easy access to interstate 15 and interstate 80. Interstate 15 runs north and south while interstate 80 runs east and west. From Salt Lake City airport you can also get connecting flights to Ogden-Hinckley Airport and Provo Airport in the northern region and St.George Regional Airport and Canyonlands Field Airport in the southern region. If you are looking for an easier and quicker way to access the southern part of Utah, it may be a better option to fly into Las Vegas McCarran International Airport.
Travel Tips to Know
Travel Tips to Know
We want you to know all the best travel hacks and tricks to plan your perfect trip to Utah. That's why we put together this list with our ultimate travel tips in our Utah Travel Guide:
1. Purchase an America the Beautiful Pass
Utah has a total of 13 national park sites, 5 of which are national parks. The America the Beautiful pass will save you money on the entrance fees to these locations and even more. Buy once and save for an entire year for more than 2,000 federal recreation sites in the USA. We love our annual pass and cannot imagine being without it anymore!
2. Book Activities in Advance
With so many amazing adventures to do in Utah, it is important to plan and book your activities early. You don’t want to miss out on one of the best places to visit in Utah.
Enter the lottery for The Subway and make reservations for The Narrows (top down hike) in Zion National Park three months in advance. Some other popular things to do that require advanced planning and booking are the Kanarra Falls, the Fiery Furnace in Arches National Park and camping in some National Parks and Lake Powell.
3. Arrive Early to Your Destination
Many of the popular places to go in Utah, will be crowded. The best way to avoid the crowds and find parking is to start your day early. We had to arrive in Zion National Park around 6:00 AM in August to make sure we had a parking spot and climb up Angels Landing without tons of people. Another plus of starting your day early is to avoid the summer heat in the afternoon.
4. Time Zone
Utah is in the Mountain Standard Time Zone (MST) whereas the neighboring state Nevada is in the Pacific time zone. Be aware of the time difference when you travel from or to these states. Especially when you have purchased tickets for a specific time, you want to make sure to arrive in time.
5. Be Prepared for the Weather
Depending on the time of year, Utah’s weather can vary greatly. Since Utah is partly located in the desert, summers can be extremely hot by reaching 100 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to stay very well hydrated and to know your limits.
Bring at least 16 oz of water for every hour you plan to hike per person. The higher the temperature and intensity of the hike, the more you should increase the amount of water to drink. The winters can be cold, especially in the mountain areas, which will be filled with snow. Be sure to pack for the weather depending on when you plan on traveling to Utah.
6. Check Out the Night Sky
Ever heard of the quote: “The darkest nights produce the brightest stars?” Stay up till the stars start sparkling in some of the world’s most impressive night sky destinations.
Utah is known for some of the best Dark Sky Parks in the USA. Never heard of the International Dark Sky Parks (IDSP)? The IDSP are publicly or privately owned lands with outstanding starry nights which are protected for their scientific, natural, educational and public enjoyment.
Here are a few of the top places to go in Utah to experience the beautiful dark sky:
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Arches National Park
- Natural Bridges National Monument
- Antelope Island State Park
- Cedar Breaks National Monument
Find a map of all the International Dark Sky Parks here.
7. Leave No Trace
Everywhere you travel, it is important to practice the 7 Leave No Trace Principles to protect the outdoors. No matter if you are in local parks, national monuments, or remote areas make sure to be aware of the following:
- Plan ahead and prepare your trip to minimize damage to the land
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces like rock, gravel and sand
- Properly dispose of (human) waste ("Pack it in, pack it out!")
- Leave what you find to minimize site alterations
- Minimize wildfire impacts and consider taking a stove
- Respect wildlife and don't disturb them
- Be considerate of other visitors for everyone to enjoy the outdoors
Help let future travelers enjoy the beautiful state of Utah.
Foods to Try
Foods to Try
Photo credit: Jonathan Mast
Experience the taste of Utah with these must try foods. Although these foods can be found in other areas of the United States too, there is something special about them in Utah. Give them a try and let us know which differences you tasted.
- Honey - Did you know that Utah is nicknamed the Beehive state? Give their raw golden honey a try on your next visit.
- Bear Lake Raspberries - Those sweet, pink fruits are a popular treat in Utah. But what makes these raspberries so good? The cool nights and warm summer days at Bear Lake create these candy-like raspberries that are filled with flavor. Go to some local farms to find the little gems or even visit their Raspberry Festival in the summer.
- Fry Sauce - Why not combine two awesome sauces, mayonnaise and ketchup, and call it Fry Sauce? This mix was created in the 1940’s by the founder of the Utah based fast food restaurant, Arctic Circle. Check out the burgers with the famous Fry Sauce in one of the 37 locations throughout the state.
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Articles to Read
Articles to Read
Want more in-depth information and the best tips and tricks about Utah's best places to visit and adventurous things to do? Check out these posts to get everything you need to plan a perfect trip to Utah:
