Utah not only boasts some of America’s greatest national parks, but it also offers a host of other exciting activities to do. From adventure-filled road trips to world-class winter experiences, Utah truly has something for everyone.
Moqui Cave offers an unforgettable journey back in time, featuring unique fluorescent minerals and artifacts from its ancient inhabitants. Explore this sandstone erosion cave as both a natural history museum and a discovery spot!
Zion National Park
Zion National Park is renowned for its stunning sandstone walls and has been carved by millions of years of river erosion and flash floods.
There are plenty of activities to enjoy in the park, from hiking and driving to canyoneering. But nothing compares to taking a scenic drive for an overall overview of this magnificent area.
It’s a 12-mile road with plenty of dramatic scenery, or you can take the shuttle bus for an even shorter journey.
For a more leisurely stroll through the park, try taking the Riverside Walk. This paved trail winds along the Virgin River with stunning views of mountains on either side.
Another popular attraction is the 1.1-mile long tunnel. Blasted through red sandstone in 1930, this fun to drive through. However, you’ll have to pay $15 if you’re driving a motorhome or large vehicle; so be sure to double check that before heading out!
Arches National Park
Arches National Park in Utah boasts some of the most breathtaking natural sandstone arches and rock formations. For millennia, these features have been shaped by erosion and geologic events.
Experience this UNESCO World Heritage Site through various methods. Hiking is an excellent way to see the area, as is auto touring.
Another popular activity is stargazing. In fact, Arches has been designated a Dark Sky Area by the International Dark Sky Association.
You can also hike the 4.5-mile Double O Arch Trail to take in all six arches and some of the park’s stunning scenery.
For some stunning landscape photos, try visiting during sunset or nightfall. These are the most popular times to view these magnificent formations.
Visit Fiery Furnace Viewpoint, a stunning maze of towering red sandstone fins that will take your breath away. For something truly adventurous, join a ranger-led hike through this area.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon is one of America’s most unique and remarkable national parks, boasting hoodoos, fins and spires shaped by water, ice and wind erosion over millions of years.
When planning your visit to this park, be sure to time it around sunrise or sunset for the best views. Summer may be the busiest and hottest season to go, but fall, winter, and spring are also fantastic times to go!
Another remarkable aspect of the park is its diverse ecosystems. From highest to lowest elevation, you’ll find various zones here such as spruce/fir forests and pinyon/juniper woodlands.
Hiking is a popular activity in the park, especially during summer and fall. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing can also be enjoyed during winter. Horseback riding is another popular pastime with wranglers available from April through October.
Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park is one of Utah’s most stunning national parks. It’s home to the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long wrinkle in Earth’s crust that has gradually eroded over millions of years into vibrant canyons, towering monoliths and stunning domes.
Capitol Reef offers an array of activities to suit all ages and interests. Photographers, geologists, wildlife watchers, hikers, mountain bikers, rock climbers, campers and stargazers will find something they enjoy here.
Visitors to Yellowstone National Park can explore many historic sites, both Mormon and Native American. The Fruita District and Griffith Homestead are two must-visits areas for those wanting to get an insight into life among its pioneers.
Another enjoyable activity in the park is exploring its numerous petroglyphs. Carved by ancient Native Americans, these carvings depict hunting activities, myths and stories from that time period.
Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City, Utah’s largest city, offers an array of attractions and activities. It also makes a popular winter sports destination due to its ideal combination of weather conditions and mountain scenery.
Salt Lake City offers an abundance of activities, so make sure you reserve enough time for all your favorites. From shopping to dining, SLC has something for everyone that will keep you entertained.
If you’re a lover of art, the Utah Museum of Fine Arts should not be missed. This museum offers both rotating exhibits and permanent collections to explore.
For an immersive and educational experience, the Clark Planetarium is a must-stop. Here you’ll discover topics related to space like black holes and planets as well as music-accompanied lightshows.
Finally, the Utah State Capitol should not be missed when visiting Salt Lake City. This majestic building provides visitors with a captivating view of both the city and surrounding mountains.
Moab
Moab is an idyllic town built upon a sea of rust-hued sandstone, towering arches and ancient canyons. For outdoor adventurers seeking world-renowned natural destinations in an intimate setting, this Utah adventure epicenter should not be missed!
Moab’s rugged landscape provides an idyllic haven for outdoor adventurers and is the ideal place to set up camp while rafting or fishing on the Colorado River. Aside from its famous national parks, this region of southeast Utah also contains many lesser-known gems.
Moab offers many thrilling attractions, such as Hell’s Revenge – an exhilarating ride that will leave you feeling like you’re in outer space! For something different, try base jumping; jump off cliffs and into canyons for an exhilarating adrenaline rush!
Other attractions to keep you occupied while in Moab include Rock Art Tours, the memorabilia-filled Film Museum at Red Cliffs Ranch and the Dan O’Laurie Museum. Furthermore, downtown Moab offers plenty of shops and restaurants for refuelling after your day of outdoor adventures.
Park City
Skiers, moviegoers, art admirers or foodies will find plenty to love about Park City. Surrounded by world-class resorts and unmatched outdoor recreation opportunities, its historic main street provides shopping and dining with a view.
When in Park City during the wintertime, don’t miss out on skiing at world-class resorts like Deer Valley and Park City Mountain. There are 426 downhill trails across 9,326 acres, as well as plenty of opportunities for Nordic skiing as well.
Park City transforms into a lush green haven when the snow melts, making it the ideal spot for hikes, bike rides and tours. Its Historic Pacific Union Rail Trail provides an interesting opportunity to cycle through the city while learning about its fascinating past.
While in town, visitors to Utah Olympic Park can relive the story of the 2002 Winter Olympics. This museum is free and visitors can watch bobsled teams practice and take a trip down its 1,335 meter track. Plus, there’s a women changemakers exhibit where visitors can learn about gender equality in sports and meet those responsible for making that possible.
Monument Valley
Monument Valley, situated between Arizona and Utah on Navajo territory, is one of America’s most iconic natural parks. Its red sand desert landscape featuring towering sandstone buttes, monoliths, and spires has been featured in countless films.
Visitors to this stunning region have two options: explore it independently or take a guided tour with a Navajo guide. This option is especially advantageous for those wishing to see more off-road sights that are inaccessible for self-drivers, plus it allows visitors to interact with local Navajo people living nearby.
Another wonderful way to explore the valley is by hiking around some of its iconic rock buttes. The Wildcat Trail, the only self-guided hiking trail available in the park, provides an unforgettable opportunity for outdoor adventurers and photographers alike alike to take in breathtaking landscapes.
Monument Valley is open year-round, but the best times to visit are in spring and fall when temperatures are milder than summers. While it’s possible to visit during winters as well, bear in mind that temperatures can drop significantly and snow may accumulate here.
