Utah is a state of breathtaking landscapes, adventure-filled activities, and vibrant cultural experiences. If you are an outdoor enthusiast looking for national parks, a history buff interested in ancient ruins, or a city explorer ready to dive into urban entertainment, Utah has something for everyone. Here is an extensive guide to the best things to do in Utah.
Things to Do in Utah
1. Explore Utah’s Mighty Five National Parks
Utah is home to five iconic national parks, also known as the Mighty Five:
Zion National Park
- Known for its towering red rock cliffs, slot canyons, and breathtaking viewpoints.
- Must-do hikes: Angels Landing, The Narrows, and Observation Point.
- Enjoy scenic drives through Zion Canyon or take the shuttle bus for easy access to major sites.
Bryce Canyon National Park
- Famous for its hoodoos—unique rock formations that create a magical landscape.
- Best hikes: Navajo Loop, Queens Garden Trail, and Fairyland Loop.
- Sunrise and sunset at Bryce Point offer stunning views.
Arches National Park
- Home to over 2,000 natural stone arches and dramatic rock formations.
- Top attractions: Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, and The Windows Section.
- The Fiery Furnace tour offers an adventurous way to explore hidden arches and canyons.
Canyonlands National Park
- Divided into four districts, the most accessible being Island in the Sky.
- Visit Mesa Arch at sunrise for a picture-perfect view.
- The Needles District offers great backcountry hiking opportunities.
Capitol Reef National Park
- Features rugged cliffs, ancient petroglyphs, and scenic drives.
- Best hikes: Hickman Bridge, Capitol Gorge, and Grand Wash.
- Stop by Gifford Homestead for fresh-baked pies and jams.
2. Experience Salt Lake City’s Top Attractions
As Utah’s capital and largest city, Salt Lake City is packed with things to see and do:
- Temple Square – A must-visit for its stunning architecture and historical significance.
- Utah State Capitol – Offers impressive views of the city and the surrounding mountains.
- Hogle Zoo – Perfect for a family outing with over 800 animals.
- Natural History Museum of Utah – Showcases fascinating exhibits on dinosaurs, geology, and Native American culture.
- Great Salt Lake – Float in the salty waters or explore Antelope Island for wildlife spotting.
3. Go Skiing or Snowboarding in Utah’s World-Class Resorts
Utah is known for having The Greatest Snow on Earth, attracting winter sports enthusiasts from all over the world. The best ski resorts include:
- Park City Mountain Resort – The largest ski resort in the U.S., offering excellent slopes for all skill levels.
- Deer Valley Resort – A luxurious ski experience with perfectly groomed runs and top-notch service.
- Snowbird & Alta – Known for deep powder and challenging terrain, great for advanced skiers.
- Brighton & Solitude – More affordable, family-friendly resorts with excellent skiing conditions.
4. Discover Unique Outdoor Adventures
Utah is a paradise for outdoor lovers beyond the national parks.
- Bonneville Salt Flats – A surreal landscape where you can drive on the vast, white salt plains.
- Goblin Valley State Park – A Mars-like desert filled with bizarre rock formations.
- Lake Powell & Glen Canyon – Perfect for houseboating, kayaking, and scenic hikes.
- Dead Horse Point State Park – Offers one of the most stunning overlooks of the Colorado River.
- Dinosaur National Monument – See real dinosaur fossils embedded in the rock.
5. Take a Scenic Road Trip
Utah’s highways and byways are some of the most scenic in the country. Consider these epic road trips:
- Highway 12 Scenic Byway – One of the most beautiful drives in the U.S., connecting Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef.
- Monument Valley – Iconic red rock formations seen in many classic Western movies.
- Mirror Lake Highway – A beautiful alpine route through the Uinta Mountains.
- The La Sal Mountain Loop – A stunning drive near Moab with views of snow-capped peaks and red rock canyons.
6. Explore Utah’s Ghost Towns and Historical Sites
Utah is home to fascinating ghost towns and historical sites:
- Golden Spike National Historical Park – Where the first transcontinental railroad was completed in 1869.
- Grafton Ghost Town – A well-preserved ghost town used as a movie set for films like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
- Nine Mile Canyon – Known as the “World’s Longest Art Gallery” due to its thousands of ancient petroglyphs.
7. Visit Unique Small Towns and Hidden Gems
- Moab – The gateway to Arches and Canyonlands, offering mountain biking, rafting, and off-roading adventures.
- Kanab – Known as “Little Hollywood” because of its history in Western films.
- Springdale – A charming town at the entrance of Zion National Park, with great restaurants and shops.
- Heber City – Offers scenic train rides on the Heber Valley Railroad.
- Logan – Home to the Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre.
8. Enjoy Utah’s Best Food and Drink Spots
View this post on Instagram
Utah may not be known for its food scene, but it has some unique dining experiences:
- The Pie Pizzeria (Salt Lake City) – Famous for its deep-dish pizzas.
- Hell’s Backbone Grill (Boulder, UT) – A farm-to-table gem in the middle of the desert.
- The Red Iguana (Salt Lake City) – Serves some of the best Mexican food in the state.
- Moab Brewery – A great stop after a day of hiking.
- High West Distillery (Park City) – The first legal distillery in Utah since Prohibition.
9. Attend Utah’s Best Festivals and Events
View this post on Instagram
Utah hosts many exciting festivals throughout the year:
- Sundance Film Festival (Park City) – One of the most prestigious independent film festivals in the world.
- Utah Arts Festival (Salt Lake City) – A celebration of music, art, and culture.
- Moab Jeep Safari – A must for off-road enthusiasts.
- Days of ’47 Parade & Rodeo (Salt Lake City) – Celebrating Utah’s pioneer heritage.
- Festival of Colors (Spanish Fork) – A vibrant Holi-inspired event at the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple.
10. Relax at Utah’s Best Hot Springs
View this post on Instagram
After all the adventures, take some time to relax at Utah’s natural hot springs:
- Mystic Hot Springs – Famous for its old bathtubs filled with natural mineral water.
- Meadow Hot Springs – A scenic and secluded soaking spot.
- Fifth Water Hot Springs – Requires a short hike but rewards you with beautiful blue pools.
Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Utah
1. What Are the Must-Visit National Parks in Utah?
Utah is home to the Mighty 5 national parks, offering some of the most stunning landscapes in the U.S.:
- Zion National Park – Famous for the Zion Canyon, Angels Landing hike, and The Narrows.
- Bryce Canyon National Park – Known for its unique hoodoos and breathtaking viewpoints like Sunrise Point and Inspiration Point.
- Arches National Park – Features over 2,000 natural stone arches, with Delicate Arch being the most iconic.
- Canyonlands National Park – Divided into four districts, with Island in the Sky offering dramatic overlooks.
- Capitol Reef National Park – A lesser-known gem with scenic drives and hiking trails through the Waterpocket Fold.
2. What Are the Best Outdoor Activities in Utah?
- Hiking – Try Angels Landing, The Narrows, or Delicate Arch Trail.
- Skiing & Snowboarding – Visit Park City, Deer Valley, or Snowbird in the winter.
- Mountain Biking – Moab is a world-class destination for biking, with trails like Slickrock.
- Rafting & Kayaking – The Colorado River offers excellent rafting, while Lake Powell is great for kayaking.
- Rock Climbing – Utah’s sandstone cliffs in places like Moab and Maple Canyon attract climbers from around the world.
- Off-Roading – Drive through the backcountry in a 4×4 vehicle in areas like Moab’s Hell’s Revenge.
3. What Are the Best Scenic Drives in Utah?
- Scenic Byway 12 – Connects Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef, offering incredible red rock scenery.
- Highway 9 through Zion National Park – A winding road with tunnels and jaw-dropping canyon views.
- Mirror Lake Scenic Byway – A high-mountain drive with lakes, forests, and hiking trails.
- Monument Valley Scenic Drive – Travel through iconic red rock formations featured in many films.
- The Valley of the Gods Road – A dirt road drive through unique rock formations in southern Utah.
4. What Are Some Unique Natural Attractions in Utah?
- Bonneville Salt Flats – A surreal, flat landscape where land speed records are set.
- Goblin Valley State Park – A park filled with strange rock formations called goblins.
- Homestead Crater – A geothermal hot spring inside a limestone cave, perfect for swimming and scuba diving.
- Timpanogos Cave National Monument – A fascinating cave system with guided tours.
- Dead Horse Point State Park – Offers a breathtaking view of the Colorado River and Canyonlands.
5. What Are the Top Attractions in Salt Lake City?
- Temple Square – The heart of the Mormon Church, featuring the Salt Lake Temple and Tabernacle.
- Utah State Capitol – A beautiful building with panoramic city views.
- Red Butte Garden – A botanical garden with scenic hiking trails.
- The Great Salt Lake – The largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere, with floating experiences.
- Natural History Museum of Utah – A museum showcasing dinosaur fossils and Native American artifacts.
Final Thoughts
Utah is one of the most diverse and beautiful states in the U.S., offering something for every type of traveler. If you’re hiking the national parks, skiing in the Wasatch Mountains, or exploring cultural landmarks, Utah guarantees an unforgettable experience.
Leave a Reply