Utah is a land of jaw-dropping landscapes and endless adventure. Known for its Mighty 5 national parks, world-class skiing, and desert canyons, the Beehive State offers something for every kind of explorer. Whether youβre road-tripping through red rock country or hitting the slopes in Park City, this Utah travel guide will help you plan the ultimate journey.
Where is Utah?
π Location: Western United States, part of the Mountain West
π Major Cities: Salt Lake City, Park City, Moab, St. George, Provo
π Bordering States: Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, Idaho, Wyoming, New Mexico (Four Corners)
π Visit Utah Tourism
π Major Cities: Salt Lake City, Park City, Moab, St. George, Provo
π Bordering States: Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, Idaho, Wyoming, New Mexico (Four Corners)
π Visit Utah Tourism
Best Time to Visit Utah
πΈ Spring (March-May) β Great for desert wildflowers, hiking, and canyon adventures.
βοΈ Summer (June-August) β Ideal for high-elevation hikes and alpine lakes; hot in desert areas.
π Fall (September-November) β Colorful foliage in the mountains and perfect hiking weather.
βοΈ Winter (December-February) β Best for skiing and snowboarding in world-renowned resorts.
βοΈ Summer (June-August) β Ideal for high-elevation hikes and alpine lakes; hot in desert areas.
π Fall (September-November) β Colorful foliage in the mountains and perfect hiking weather.
βοΈ Winter (December-February) β Best for skiing and snowboarding in world-renowned resorts.
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Top Attractions & Destinations in Utah
1. Zion National Park β Canyons & Iconic Hikes
Utahβs most-visited national park, famous for its towering cliffs and epic hikes.
π§ Best Things to Do in Zion:
- Hike Angels Landing (permit required)
- Explore The Narrows in the Virgin River
2. Arches National Park β Natural Stone Wonders
Home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches and stunning desert landscapes.
ποΈ Top Attractions in Arches:
- See Delicate Arch at sunset
- Walk through Landscape Arch and Double Arch
3. Bryce Canyon National Park β Hoodoos & High Elevations
Famous for its amphitheaters filled with otherworldly spires called hoodoos.
π Best Things to Do in Bryce Canyon:
- Walk the Navajo Loop and Queenβs Garden Trail
- Watch sunrise at Bryce Point
- Stargaze in one of the darkest skies in America
π Location: South-central Utah
πΒ Visit Bryce Canyon
4. Moab β Adventure Capital of the West
Moab serves as a basecamp for outdoor thrill-seekers exploring Arches and Canyonlands.
π΅ Top Things to Do in Moab:
- Mountain bike Slickrock Trail
- Raft the Colorado River
5. Salt Lake City & Park City β Urban Meets Alpine
Utahβs capital offers city life with easy access to outdoor escapes, while Park City is a premier ski destination.
πΏ Things to Do in Salt Lake & Park City:
- Ski at Deer Valley or Park City Mountain
- Visit Temple Square and the Utah State Capitol
- Ride the alpine coaster at Utah Olympic Park
π Location: Northern Utah
πΒ Visit Salt LakeΒ |Β Visit Park City
Best Outdoor Adventures in Utah
- π₯Ύ Hike to the top of Angels Landing or to Havasu Falls (permit required)
- π΅ Mountain bike the Whole Enchilada near Moab
- πΆ Paddle Lake Powell or Green River
- βοΈ Ski at Snowbird, Alta, or Brighton
Where to Stay in Utah
π¨ Unique Lodging & Scenic Resorts:
- Amangiri (Canyon Point) β Ultra-luxury desert resort
- Stein Eriksen Lodge (Park City) β Elegant alpine lodge with ski-in/ski-out access
ποΈ Best Cabins & Campgrounds:
- Watchman Campground (Zion) β Riverside camping near the visitor center
- Red Cliffs Lodge (Moab) β Rustic cabins on the Colorado River
Tips for Visiting Utah
β
Book national park entry permits and lodging early
β Stay hydrated and bring layers β temps swing dramatically in desert regions
β Use 4WD vehicles for off-roading in Moab and beyond
β Respect protected areas and Leave No Trace principles
β Stay hydrated and bring layers β temps swing dramatically in desert regions
β Use 4WD vehicles for off-roading in Moab and beyond
β Respect protected areas and Leave No Trace principles
Nearby Travel Destinations
- ArizonaΒ β Visit the Grand Canyon or Pageβs slot canyons
- ColoradoΒ β Explore Mesa Verde and the Rocky Mountains
- NevadaΒ β Head to Great Basin National Park or Las Vegas
Final Thoughts
Utahβs surreal landscapes and adventure-filled parks make it one of the best travel destinations in the U.S. Whether youβre trekking across red rock canyons, skiing powdery slopes, or camping under the stars, the Beehive State offers a truly epic experience.
For more Southwest inspiration, check out our Arizona Travel Guide and Colorado Travel Guide.