If you ever take a trip through Utah, you will find yourself wondering if you have stepped into another world. One minute you’ll be driving through the dry desert of Moab, and the next a vast canyon view will open up before you!
Utah is home to such a variety of landscapes, you could spend a week exploring a small corner of it, and never even touch a fraction of the adventures it has to offer.
I’ve spent more than 6 weeks in Utah over five trips, and have discovered many of the top things to do, but one traveler can hardly explore them all. So I’ve invited Rebecca from The Researched Traveler to help round up the best things to do in Utah. Between the two of us, we’ve explored the coolest places in Utah, from the great outdoors to the inner cities.
From our experiences, we’ve uncovered 75 of the best things to do in Utah:
75. Visit Zion National Park
Let’s start in southern Utah, which is where I began my first visit to Utah. First of all, you should know that Utah is home to five national parks, each one with so many unique things to explore.
The first national park you’ll come across if coming from the south is Zion National Park, which many consider one of the best national parks to visit alone, and certainly one of the best places to visit in Utah.
Picture a gorgeous red canyon with hikes and adventures galore. This was my first stop on my first-ever trip to Utah, and I’ll always treasure my memories here.
Of course there’s endless things to do on your visit to Zion, so the next few items on this list are specific places in the park you won’t want to miss.
74. Hike the Narrows
This hike in Zion National Park is one of two iconic hikes that the park is especially well known for (the second one is coming next!). The Narrows is a beautiful stretch of canyon where the Virgin River runs through.
To hike the Narrows, you walk right through the water, between the canyon walls with new views around every corner. It was definitely the hike I was most looking forward to in Zion and it did not disappoint. As long as you’re prepared with what to wear when hiking the Narrows you’ll have a fantastic time.
73. Attempt Angel’s Landing
This is the other majorly popular hike in the park, and when you see the viewpoint at the top, it’s obvious why. This hike is a steep climb and a scenic view all rolled into one. But as this hike has grown in popularity, it can be crowded, and on a trail like this that can be dangerous.
That’s part of the reason you’ll need to apply for a permit by lottery to hike to the top. For the best experience, try to pick an off time to go, like a weekday afternoon or early morning. When I did this hike many years ago, I was the only one at the viewpoint – totally worth it!
Keep in mind that this hike has very narrow passages at the top, requiring that you hold onto chains as you go. For those afraid of heights, this could be an uncomfortable experience.
72. Catch Views from Observation Point
If you want similar canyon views offered by the last hike, but without testing your limits with the hazardous route, Observation Point offers a great perspective of the Zion Canyon.
Observation Point is higher than Angel’s Landing, so your view from here actually looks down on it from above! You used to be able to get to Observation Point by hiking up from the canyon, but that route is now closed indefinitely due to a rockfall. You can still reach this epic view though – via the East Mesa Trail.
Read next: Observation Point vs. Angel’s Landing
71. Discover the East Zion Slot Canyon
This canyon is the photography muse of many hikers, and for good reason! The way the light pours into the narrow cavern creates a dreamy orange atmosphere for the entire length of the canyon.
The widest gaps you can walk through are just 10 feet wide, and the narrowest are a mere 6 feet wide. Considering the stellar height of the canyon walls — reaching over 100 feet in some places — it’s a pretty breathtaking hike.
Check out this tour that features the slot canyon and provides a detailed description of its unique geology and Native American cultural significance.
70. Enjoy Canyon Overlook
Of course there’s so many more hikes in Zion – you could spend most of your time in Utah just exploring one national park. If you want an easy hike in Zion that’s only a 15 minute walk from the parking lot, the Canyon Overlook trail is gorgeous. Sunset is also a great time to go and enjoy the show!
69. Drive the Zion Mount Carmel Highway
If you’re not up for a lot of hiking, you can still experience the red rocks of Zion National Park from the road. The Zion Mount Carmel Highway is the main road in Zion that is open to personal vehicle traffic.
I drove its entire length within the park and was stopping every few minutes to pull off and enjoy a different scenic view. And this road will take you right out of the park and onto your next adventure in Utah!
68. Ride Horses Through Zion’s Backcountry
Is there a better way to explore the backcountry of Utah? Horseback riding is very popular in southern Utah, so this is a fun way to get in touch with the local culture. And including something like this on your Zion itinerary will give you something super unique to remember.
Orderville Utah, just outside of Zion National Park is a great spot for some trail riding. This White Mountain tour welcomes beginner riders and goes through some impressive slot canyons along the way.
67. Stop in at Dixie National Forest
Are you ready for your next adventure in southern Utah? Dixie National Forest is the largest national forest in Utah, at nearly two million acres. You may not think of Utah as famous for its forests, but this national forest is the perfect spot to enjoy the variety of this state.
See red sandstone formations, mountain peaks, and unique landscapes in every direction. And it’s right next to three national parks and two national monuments, so don’t skip past it – it’s a great central point for all kinds of outdoor adventures.
66. Go to Bryce Canyon National Park
Famous for its hoodoos (natural columns of rock) and overlooks, Bryce Canyon is stunning at any time of year. I loved getting to see it in March with a fresh layer of snow. The higher elevation of this national park can bring snow more often to an already unique landscape.
Year-round, Bryce Canyon is a great spot for camping, hiking, and enjoying those incredible viewpoints that give Bryce Canyon its signature look.
Next up are some of the experiences I’ve enjoyed in Bryce Canyon:
65. Walk the Bryce Canyon Rim Trail
This trail is easily accessible from the road and takes you to many famous viewpoints throughout the park. You can choose to walk a portion of it, or trek the entire way, but because it goes along the rim of the canyon, it offers the most comprehensive views of the park.
The section between Sunset and Sunrise Points is paved, and these two viewpoints are an accessible way to take in the best views in Bryce Canyon.
64. Hike the Navajo Loop Trail
While Bryce Canyon is Utah’s smallest national park, there’s still plenty of room for hiking. This was one of the only hikes I chose to do in Bryce Canyon, and it gave me a great introduction to the hoodoos and vistas that make visiting Bryce Canyon one of the best things to do in Utah.
The Navajo Loop takes only 1-2 hours, but you’ll see so many famous areas on your way down to the canyon floor, including Wall Street, Two bridges, and Thor’s Hammer. Every oddly shaped rock is unique and incredible to see so many together up close!
63. Take Bryce Canyon’s Scenic Drive
Another amazing national park scenic drive, this was one of my favorite parts from my visit to Bryce Canyon. The drive is only 18 miles long, so easy enough to complete in a morning or afternoon.
Even so, budget enough time to stop at many of the scenic overlooks. I think I stopped at every single one on my visit! The Natural Bridge viewpoint was my favorite.
62. Adventure in Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument
This area of Utah was actually recommended to me by a couple I met while I was in hiking in Bryce Canyon. They insisted you have to visit if you’re in the area.
As a national monument, Grand Staircase-Escalante is protected land, and was once the largest protected area in the US. While it was reduced by nearly half in 2017, it still remains one of the most remote areas in the country, full of adventures.
The land is an expansive and open for hiking, biking, backpacking, off-roading. The roads can be rough being this remote, so a four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicle is recommended.
These next few spots will give you a taste for what Grand Staircase has to offer.
61. Explore Zebra Canyon
Do you have slot canyons on your Utah bucket list? Zebra Canyon in Grand Staircase Escalante is way less popular than Antelope Canyon and the Narrows, but just as stunning.
This out-and-back hike is just over 5 miles through a narrow slot canyon that can, at times, have waist-deep water in parts. The best time to hike it is in the spring and fall. Keep in mind that you want to avoid any times that rain is predicted in the vicinity.
Taking a guided tour would be a great way to make the most of your canyon visit.
60. Venture into Devil’s Garden
Devil’s Garden outside of Escalante town is a playground for adventurers. Getting here requires a bit of a drive down a rough road, but it’s on the way to Coyote Gulch and has unique rock formations and hoodoos.
It definitely showcases what the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument has to offer. If you’re spending time in Escalante, it’s absolutely worth the stop. The hike is short and easy!
59. Visit Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Glen Canyon covers a large area, and much of it is accessed via Grand Staircase–Escalante. Honestly, an entire trip could revolve around this part of Utah alone, as there’s so much to see and do.
You would be surprised at how many of the things to do in Utah are so remote and beautiful, yet hidden gems because of how remote they are. What does Glen Canyon have to offer? Here’s some favorites:
58. See the Jacob Hamblin Arch in Coyote Gulch
When I did this hike, I actually thought that it was part of Grand Staircase–Escalante, because you’ll be driving through Escalante to access it. But as you begin this hike, you actually cross into the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
There are several ways to access the Jacob Hamblin Arch, including parking at the more accessible Hurricane Wash, or taking a 4WD vehicle to the crack in the wall.
The third option, which is the only single-day one, is to take the sneaker route at the water tank and rappel down with a rope. This is how I did it, and you can learn all you need to know about the hike here.
57. Backpack through Reflection Canyon
This hike is completely exposed and requires a 4WD vehicle — you’ll be driving along the same washboard road that brings you past many of the preceding stops on this list.
Reflection Canyon is within the recreation area, and it’s a 15.2-mile hike that requires overnighting, but imagine that view as the sun rises over the canyon!
Be prepared – backpacking in Utah is not to be taken lightly, especially on such a remote unmarked trail, but the experienced backpacker will find this one to be a treat!
56. Plan a Paria Canyon Backpacking Trip
As a backpacker, I know you start mentioning backpacking, and the list of must-do trips becomes longer and longer. This five-day backpacking trip begins in Kanab, Utah, and takes you through gorgeous canyons and rivers all along the way. Permits are required, as there is a strict 20-person per day limit. Definitely one to put on your Utah backpacking bucket list!
NOTE: This is also close to Page, Arizona, the jumping-off point for the Wave and Horseshoe Bend. You might want to consider an epic Utah + Arizona road trip!
– Read More –
55. Stop at Goosenecks State Park
These next three stops are located near the Arizona border and would be great stops to close out the southernmost portion of Utah.
Gooseneck State Park provides a wonderful, drive-up overlook of a unique, winding canyon. The name gooseneck comes from the way the river winds through the canyon.
54. Camp Out at Valley of the Gods
The Valley of the Gods isn’t in a national or state park. It’s not even on most itineraries of Utah, and I wouldn’t have ever known much about it unless I had decided to go explore it when I saw the sign on my way to Monument Valley — and I am so glad that I did!
The road is probably not always perfectly accessible, as it is dirt and gravel, but it provides gorgeous views and red buttes. There are also plenty of dispersed camping spots. As always when dispersed camping, there will be no services, and you are responsible for leaving absolutely no trace.
53. Photograph Forrest Gump Point
For lovers of the movie, this is where Forrest Gump famously finishes his long run. But it’s not just for the movie buffs out there. This gorgeous stretch of highway provides beautiful views all the way to Monument Valley in Arizona.
You can find the perfect spot to snap a photo of this iconic point just outside of Monument Valley, in Mexican Hat County along Highway 163 Scenic Drive, also known as Forrest Gump Road.
52. Uncover Capitol Reef National Park
Ready for another amazing national park? Southern Utah sure is full of them! But as you venture further into the central area of Utah, the scenery is ever changing.
Capitol Reef provides quite a grand entrance while you drive by gorgeous buttes and bentonite hills. This is one of my favorite areas of Utah and this national park definitely shouldn’t be overlooked. Never heard of it? Here’s a few reasons to give it a visit.
51. Do the Navajo Knobs Hike
The Navajo Knobs is a tough hike, clocking in at just over 9 miles. But the views are incredible. The hike takes you up to the top of a rock formation on an amazing trail with some fun scrambling.
Imagine alien-like holes in the rocks, unique formations, all the way to the top for grand, sweeping views. Since this hike is uncovered, it is best done during the cooler months.
50. Stop at Goosenecks Overlook
I stopped by this overlook for the first time on my most recent trip to Capitol Reef, and I love how easy it is to just pull right up and do the quick hike to the overlook. That’s one of the best things about a road trip in Utah, even a quick stop can be breathtaking.
Surprisingly, this Goosenecks is completely unrelated to the state park already mentioned!
This road can get a little tricky, but though I drove it in my 4WD truck, I feel a high-clearance vehicle would be best, and a 4WD is probably not needed.
49. Slow Down on Capitol Reef’s Scenic Drive
The most accessible part of Capitol Reef National Park, the Scenic Drive takes you through lovely canyons and washes. Having driven it I believe there are other parts of the park that are more beautiful and we’ll discuss those next.
But this is a great interlude to those activities and since it is imperative that you stop by the visitor’s center to check the road conditions for those other activities, a drive along the scenic drive is time well spent.
48. Admire the Bentonite Hills
Have you seen the photos of that Mars-like landscape with multicolored hills? Though there are probably hundreds of bentonite hills all throughout the American Southwest, these are some of the more famous.
Technically just outside the boundaries of Capitol Reef, they’re conveniently on the way to the Temple of the Sun and the Moon as well. The whole drive is stunning, so give yourself plenty of time for it.
As mentioned in the previous stop, be sure to check the road conditions at the national park headquarters before you go, as this road can become impassable when wet.
47. Find the Temple of the Sun and Moon
I loved seeing this part of Capitol Reef. When my friend Kristen and I went a couple of years ago in February, we were the only ones there.
Again, these are accessed down a dirt road that can become impassable at times. However when accessible, this is a must-see in my book.
46. Relax at Mystic Hot Springs
At this point in your trip, if you’ve visited any of the previous national parks, national monuments, or recreation areas, you might be down to relax from all the hiking and touring.
Within a few hours drive of all the national parks on this list so far, Mystic hot springs is a worthy stop. The entrance fee is $25 for a two-hour soak, and you can also book one of the old buses to spend the night in.
I loved watching the sun setting over the mountains while soaking in the travertine hot springs. I highly recommend booking for the sunset hours. Reservations will most likely need to be made ahead of time due to popularity.
45. Detour to Goblin Valley State Park
Between Capitol Reef and Moab, you’ll see a sign to the left with a detour to Goblin Valley State Park. This is absolutely worth it, as this is one of the most unique landscapes I have ever seen — and that is saying a lot, considering how crazy beautiful Utah is!
These hoodoos are different from the ones that you will see in Bryce Canyon, with a more knob-like shape. There is a campground in the area, and of course plenty of dispersed camping.
44. Stop Off at Little Wild Horse Canyon
For lovers of slot canyons, we’ve got another one close to Goblin Valley! Little Wild Horse canyon is an 8-mile loop, but you can see some amazing parts of the narrow canyon right at the beginning.
When Kristen and I visited, it looked like it might rain, so we just explored the beginning part, and that was amazing in and of itself.
43. Visit Moab
Moab is my absolute favorite part of Utah, and the one place that I have visited every single time that I have made it out. There is so much to see in Moab that the next dozen or so items making the list of top things to do in Utah are all located in Moab! It’s the perfect spot to spend a chunk of your time in Utah.
42. Go Rafting on the Colorado River
One of things you should know about Moab is that the Colorado River runs right by it. I think it should be a rule that you can’t leave Utah without rafting on the Colorado River. Seriously, Utah isn’t just desert, there’s water here, and rafting along the river is a perfect opportunity to see Utah from another perspective.
Rafting this area of Moab is a fun way to take in the gorgeous scenery of the Fisher Towers and Professor Valley. You’ll be able to take in the spectacular desert sights while you splash through mild rapids on a raft fit for beginners and expert rafters alike.
This rafting tour from Moab — along a seven-mile stretch of the Colorado River known as the Fisher Towers section — is an excellent option. Seriously so much fun!
41. SUP-board on the Colorado River
If rafting isn’t quite your thing and you’d rather take in the sights of the Colorado River at a slower pace, try stand-up paddleboarding! There is a section of the Colorado near Moab where the steady flow of water is perfect for a leisurely float. Consider a guided SUP-board tour that includes some neat information about the area while you paddle.
40. See Petroglyphs
Utah is home to some amazing Native American sites, and the Petroglyphs were something I was not expecting. I was just driving down a road in Moab and saw a sign pointing the way to some roadside Petroglyphs.
These native american images were all over the rockface in this area along Potash Road in Moab and was one of the coolest things to stumble upon.
39. Explore Arches National Park
Easily one of the most famous parks in Utah, Arches is full of an endless possibility of things to do! Prepare to be wowed.
Before we get into some of the best Utah activities found within the park, you need to know that because of its popularity and small size, timed entrance reservations are required to visit Arches National Park.
38. Stroll along Park Avenue
There’s more than just arches in Arches National Park. This hike is the first trail you’ll come to on the drive through Arches, and not too many people venture down from the main viewpoint.
But the best perspective is from down below, where the towering rock slabs appear like large buildings – thus giving it the name Park Avenue, after the skyscrapers in New York City.
37. Stargaze Under Arches’ Dark Sky
You can’t visit Utah and only enjoy what it has to offer during the day. The night skies were the highlight of my first visit to Arches National Park. Getting to venture into the park after dark was so magical.
Arches National Park is a dark sky park, meaning the area around Moab is intentional about protecting the night from light pollution. If you visit on a night without moonlight or clouds, you should be able to see the milky way.
The short paved trail around Balanced Rock was a perfect spot for stargazing.
36. Hike the Devil’s Garden Trail
This trail in Arches is one of the densest areas of arches you’ll find in the park. On one hike, you’ll find so many arches, including the longest arch in the park – Landscape Arch is 306 feet long! The full trail is nearly 8 miles, but you can choose to hike just a portion of it.
I found it to be one of the best ways to see the most arches in the park, but that also makes it popular. It’s likely to be a busy trail!
35. Explore the Windows
For a shorter hike to see some arches, the Windows Section of Arches provides a great spot. My absolute favorite arch, Double Arch was in this section, and this is one you can climb up under. It is massive and will make you feel small!
34. Visit Delicate Arch
The most famous arch in Utah. I was definitely not expecting this arch to be this big after seeing it on Utah’s license plate. The hike to Delicate Arch is 3 miles uphill, so requires some effort, but if arches are your thing, this one can’t be missed.
33. Navigate Out to Corona Arch
This might be the best arch hike in Moab, and it’s not even inside Arches National Park. Practically across the street, I loved that Corona Arch was so much less crowded.
What makes this hike so special is the route you’ll take to get there. Across railroad tracks, and up and down ladders, this is a fun hike. It is an easy, three-mile round-trip hike and in addition to Corona Arch, you’ll also see Bowtie Arch. Just keep in mind that it is completely uncovered and can get hot. It does make a great sunrise hike!
32. Chart a Path in Bride’s Canyon
If you want to get off the beaten path and away from the most popular areas of Moab, check out Brides’ Canyon. It’s on your way to Dead Horse Point and Canyonlands National Park down some bumpy roads to get out further to the path less traveled.
I know at this point, you’ve seen a lot of unique rock formations, but Bride’s Canyon has a uniqueness all its own that you get to explore. If you’re an adventurous traveler, there are great dispersed camping options too!
31. View Dead Horse Point Overlook
Don’t let all the national parks in Utah overshadow the state parks! This must be one of the best sunset views in all of Utah.
Having seen the sunset on the Grand Canyon, I can’t say it’s any better than Dead Horse Point State Park. There’s not much to do other than drive up and look, but I highly recommend that you do so at sunset.
Plus, if you happen to go in the winter, you can buy a drone permit, which they don’t allow in the summer. This was one of the best drones of my life!
30. Enter Canyonlands National Park
On the same road as Dead Horse, and still within driving distance of Moab, you’ll find your way to the most accessible and popular part of Canyonlands National Park. For incredible canyon views and even more arches, you’ve come to the right place. It’s also possible to see it with a scenic flight, more on that below!
29. Off-road in the Canyonlands Backcountry
Getting off-road to explore the canyons, cliffs, and winding rivers of Canyonlands is a thrill. This tour takes you on a wild ride through Canyonlands. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to get their heart pumping and enjoy the beauty of Canyonlands in an exciting way.
28. Visit the Island in the Sky District
The Island in the Sky District is the most popular part of Canyonlands National Park, but for good reason. There are several overlooks in the area, including the Green River Overlook, that are stunning at sunset.
I recommend giving yourself plenty of time in order to stop at all of the overlooks that interest you. Most of them are easily accessible and quick stops, but they each have unique views.
27. Spot Sunrise at Mesa Arch
Certainly the most popular sunrise spot in the whole area and maybe all of Utah, Mesa Arch provides the perfect frame for the rising sun over the canyon. Having witnessed it myself, I can vouch that it is beautiful, but even having arrived an hour early, the best spots for the photo were taken up by other people and their tripods.
I got lucky, though, as there were low-hanging clouds on the morning that I went, causing some of the photographers to leave early and vacate a prime spot. By waiting a little bit longer, I got that gorgeous morning glow on the arch.
The moral of the story is, if you’re a photographer and you want an iconic photo, it’s probably best to get there at least two hours early during the busy spring and fall months. If you don’t really care, then still prepare to queue up for your opportunity to take the photo at any time of day!
26. Take a Sunset Flight over Canyonlands and Arches
The sunset flight over Canyonlands and Arches National Parks was one of the highlights of my Utah experiences. Imagine the opportunity to view these amazing places from above, and with the perfect light! It’s a small, lightweight plane, so everyone gets an amazing view.
This is such a special experience to share with one or two other people as you fly for an hour over stunning landscapes and get a bird’s eye view of what would take weeks to traverse by car and foot.
Our pilot, Tracey, always had photography in mind and would perfectly situate the plane for photos, chasing the best light. There is only one company that is allowed to fly over the national parks, as helicopters are too loud! You can book a flight here.
25. Look Out from the Needles Overlook
Photo of me by Kristen of barefoottheory.com
Canyonlands covers a large area, with many hikes and districts. We could talk for hours just about the options in Canyonlands alone, but for those who love a gorgeous view for minimal effort, I recommend the Needles Overlook.
Because sometimes you just don’t want to hike, amiright? This one provides sweeping views in nearly every direction.
24. Enjoy Hite Overlook
If you venture down the road from Canyonlands, you’re back in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area! On this side of the recreation area you’ll find the Hite Overlook.
This is one of my favorite drive-up views in Utah, looking out over the Colorado River.
23. Stop Roadside at Salt Wash View Area
You really never know what you’re going to find in Utah when you decide to take the chance and stop off on the side of the road. I hope that’s one thing you get from this list is to always explore the unexplored places in Utah.
This simple roadside viewpoint was somewhere I found by accident, just pulling off the road on my road trip as I turned toward northern Utah.
22. Relax at Utah Lake
Ready to start putting Utah in perspective? Everything we’ve talked about so far has been in southern Utah. The vastness and sheer size of Utah is amazing. And northern Utah does not stop delivering, with mountain ranges and lakes perfect for a road trip.
Turning north, the first lake you’ll come to is Utah Lake, the largest freshwater lake in the state, at 148 square miles in size. The lake and surrounding areas are part of Utah Lake State Park, which hosts a variety of recreational activities, including swimming, boating, paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing.
The lake’s location in the middle of the desert definitely gives it an oasis feel, which is the perfect refreshing break after a long desert road trip.
21. Go Off-Grid in Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest
The United States Department of Agriculture says this national forest is “free from modern human control or manipulation, is undeveloped, and provides outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of recreation.” If that’s not a good enough reason to go there and completely unplug from modern society, I don’t know what is.
With scenic byways, recreational areas, and wide open wilderness, this is a great place to hike, camp, or even rent a cabin. Ready for it? The Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest encompasses nearly 2.1 million acres of land. Incredible.
20. Escape to the Uinta Mountains
Whether you’re looking for a day hike, a full-on backpacking trip, or an equestrian adventure, the Uinta Mountains are an awesome destination. The scenery in this part of northern Utah is sure to make your jaw drop, and there are a variety of trails that all have something special to offer.
19. Summit Mount Timpanogos
On the northeast side of Utah Valley sits Mount Timpanogos. This 11,749-foot monstrosity of a mountain is one of Utah’s most popular hiking destinations.
Two trails are available to hike to the summit: the 8.3-mile Aspen Grove Trail and the 7.5-mile Timpooneke Trail. Each of them provides a different hiking experience, but both promise incredible views, wildlife settings, and plenty of wildflowers to admire.
18. Ski in the Wasatch Mountains
Utah can offer an entirely new set of outdoor experiences in the winter. Get ready to immerse yourself in a winter wonderland in the Wasatch Mountains. Here skiers of all levels can hit the slopes and spend the entire day in the fresh, powdery snow.
Of course there’s plenty of ski resorts, but for avid skiers, this is also one of the best places in the state for backcountry skiing.
17. Visit Park City’s Olympic Park
In 2002 Salt Lake City hosted the Winter Olympics, and Park City was the site of five events: bobsled, skeleton, luge, and the Nordic combined events. Nowadays, the Utah Olympic Park is open to the public and has plenty of activities available, including a zip line tour.
This is a great place for solo travelers, small groups, and families alike.
16. Try Hot-Air Ballooning
If you want to get your hot-air balloon fix while visiting Utah, Park City is the perfect place to do it! From a thousand feet above the gorgeous landscape surrounding the city, you’ll be able to see the Kamas Valley and the Wasatch Mountains.
Each season offers a different kind of beauty: bright blue skies with lush green hills in the summer, red- and orange-speckled mountains in the fall, snow-capped peaks in the winter, and colorful wildflower blossoms in the spring. View it all from a hot-air balloon in the sky!
15. Ride the Mountain Resort Alpine Coaster
Have you ever heard of a mountain coaster? This roller coaster is nothing like the mega-industrial ones you’d find at Six Flags. With over a mile of loops and turns, the Park City Mountain Resort’s Mountain Coaster offers a breezy mountain atmosphere while moving at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour.
Think a scenic hike crossed with a roller coaster ride. It’s a must-visit if you like your gorgeous views served up with a side of adrenaline.
14. Explore Salt Lake City
As Utah’s state capital, Salt Lake City is a hub for arts, culture, entertainment, food, and much more. The city has a unique and fascinating history worth exploring. Its proximity to so many state and national parks makes it another wonderful launching point for your outdoor adventures.
Even though I was just stopping through to catch a flight my first time here, I made sure to experience some of the good food.
13. Enjoy a Salt Lake Trolley Tour
If you want to see the sights of Salt Lake City in the most theatrical way possible, consider a trolley tour. This “show-tour” features historical tales told by an eccentric crew of entertainers, which is bound to have you laughing the entire ride. You can make your reservation here.
12. Take in the Natural History Museum of Utah
If you go to any museum in Utah during your visit, make sure it’s this one. The Natural History Museum of Utah features an impressive collection of dinosaur bones, anthropological artifacts, and fossils – nearly 2 million objects!
You could spend hours exploring the treasures in this museum. Reservations are required and can be made here.
11. See the Historic Temple Square
The entirety of Salt Lake City was built around Temple Square. In fact, the gridded street system designates addresses according to how many blocks to the north, south, east, or west a particular place is in relation to Temple Square.
Where the temple stands today was once the epicenter of the city, but it now encompasses 35 acres and several city blocks full of landmarks. There’s a lot of amazing architecture and important buildings here, including the temple, tabernacle, assembly hall, and visitor centers.
10. Stroll in the Red Butte Garden
Created by the University of Utah, the Red Butte Garden is easily one of the most beautiful botanical treasures in Salt Lake City. This 100-acre property contains 21 acres of developed gardens that feature a variety of plant species, five miles of hiking trails, and loads of community events year round. The garden is known for its outdoor summer concert series, which hosts big-name artists as well as local favorites.
9. Enjoy the Salt Lake Public Library
You might be thinking, why is she telling me to visit the library? I get it — it’s not exactly your typical tourist destination, but hear me out. The Salt Lake Public Library is one of the coolest buildings in town and has some stunning modern architecture to admire.
It’s completely free to visit, too! After all of the outdoor adventures, this could be a welcome change of scenery and an excellent place to relax with a good book.
8. Visit the Great Salt Lake
No visit to Salt Lake City is complete without checking out Great Salt Lake. As the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere, it’s truly an amazing site to marvel at.
Consider taking a road trip on Interstate 80, along the southern coastline of the lake, for some stellar views.
There are several beaches along Great Salt Lake’s shores that are ideal for boating, swimming, kayaking, SUP-boarding, and fishing. You’ll also find plenty of hiking trails at nearby parks that showcase the area’s wildlife and flora. Make sure not to miss one of the lake’s iconic colorful sunsets! You can take it all in with a guided bus tour.
7. Sightsee on Antelope Island
Antelope Island is easily one of the most popular places to enjoy Great Salt Lake. It’s a small peninsula that features soft, white-sand beaches ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
At Antelope Island State Park, you can explore backcountry trails on foot, horseback, or mountain bike while admiring the natural beauty all around. This is also a highly popular camping spot and great for viewing local wildlife.
6. Climb Ensign Peak
This lookout point is one of the best ways to see Great Salt Lake from above. You can find the trailhead in Salt Lake City behind the capitol building. From there, make the upward hike to the top and catch an amazing view of the city and the lake all in one.
It’s only about a mile round-trip but definitely best to do early in the morning or late in the afternoon, as the scorching temperatures of Utah summers are not ideal for a midday hike.
5. Stop in the City of Ogden
Ogden is the ultimate gateway to northern Utah’s ski resorts. This charming city is brimming with delicious eateries, hip breweries, and fresh outdoor spaces. It also makes a great central point for adventures to the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest and other natural areas.
4. Hit the Slopes at Nordic Valley
Nordic Valley is the perfect place to visit during the wintertime. This ski resort is known to be the best for all levels out of the three resorts close to Ogden.
It has well-groomed slopes, of which 35% are suitable for beginners. For intermediate skiers and snowboarders, 45% of the slopes are ideal and 20% for advanced skill levels. You can even go night skiing here, as all of the slopes are lit up at night!
3. Enjoy Fort Buenaventura
This historic park is a popular community gathering place. Here you can camp, fish, play disc golf, check out the visitors center, canoe, or catch an event at the pavilion. It’s only about a mile from downtown Ogden and is the ideal place to spend a relaxing afternoon.
2. Go Birding at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge
If you’re a birding enthusiast, the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge is about to become your new favorite place. The refuge is a habitat for over 250 species of migrating birds, with different ones passing through with every season.
It’s a wetlands area that is beautiful and serene to visit any time of the year and has plenty of opportunities to see wildlife. You can even enjoy the birds from the window of your car on the 12 mile auto route.
1. Bonneville Salt Flats
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to walk on a landscape that looks like snow in July, head to the dreamy Bonneville Salt Flats!
The best way to access this lake bed covered in salt deposits is to navigate to the Racetrack Playa, where in the late summer months, cars go out to race and set land speed records.
That said, don’t just drive on any part of the flats, and keep time of year in mind: it is not always dry, and people are constantly having to be towed out. Since there’s only one company that tows out there, prepare to shell out hundreds of dollars for the service.
It’s really only the summer months that it is dry enough to drive on. That’s why it’s best to head to the Racetrack Playa, where the salt is patted down.
It’s also located on BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land, and although you cannot camp directly on the flats, there is plenty of dispersed camping nearby!
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With this list, your options for things to do in Utah are truly limitless. It’s one of the most beautiful states in the USA because of its diverse and otherworldly landscapes, but it also has some lovely mountain towns that are worth visiting as well.
Have you been to Utah? Let us know what your favorite thing to do there is!
Xin Li says
It would be very helpful if you could post each spot with a GPS coordinate.
Kristin says
They’re all findable on google maps!