Utah Travel Guide: Best Places to Visit & Things to Do

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 you’re 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?

πŸ“ Location: Western United States, part of the Mountain West
πŸŒ† Major Cities: Salt Lake City, Park City, Moab, St. George, Provo
πŸŒ„ Bordering States: Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, Idaho, Wyoming, New Mexico (Four Corners)
πŸ”— Visit Utah Tourism

Best Time to Visit Utah

🌸 Spring (March-May) – Great for desert wildflowers, hiking, and canyon adventures.
β˜€οΈ Summer (June-August) – Ideal for high-elevation hikes and alpine lakes; hot in desert areas.
πŸ‚ Fall (September-November) – Colorful foliage in the mountains and perfect hiking weather.
❄️ Winter (December-February) – Best for skiing and snowboarding in world-renowned resorts.

 

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Top Attractions & Destinations in Utah

1. Zion National Park – Canyons & Iconic Hikes

Utah’s most-visited national park, famous for its towering cliffs and epic hikes.
πŸ§— Best Things to Do in Zion:
  • Hike Angels Landing (permit required)
  • Explore The Narrows in the Virgin River
  • Drive the Zion-Mount Carmel Scenic Highway
    πŸ“ Location: Southwestern Utah
    πŸ”—Β Visit Zion

2. Arches National Park – Natural Stone Wonders

Home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches and stunning desert landscapes.
🏜️ Top Attractions in Arches:
  • See Delicate Arch at sunset
  • Walk through Landscape Arch and Double Arch
  • Drive the Arches Scenic Road
    πŸ“ Location: Near Moab, Eastern Utah
    πŸ”—Β Visit Arches

3. Bryce Canyon National Park – Hoodoos & High Elevations

Famous for its amphitheaters filled with otherworldly spires called hoodoos.
πŸŒ„ Best Things to Do in Bryce Canyon:
  • Walk the Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail
  • Watch sunrise at Bryce Point
  • Stargaze in one of the darkest skies in America
    πŸ“ Location: South-central Utah
    πŸ”—Β Visit Bryce Canyon

4. Moab – Adventure Capital of the West

Moab serves as a basecamp for outdoor thrill-seekers exploring Arches and Canyonlands.
🚡 Top Things to Do in Moab:
  • Mountain bike Slickrock Trail
  • Raft the Colorado River
  • Off-road in Hell’s Revenge
    πŸ“ Location: Eastern Utah
    πŸ”—Β Visit Moab

5. Salt Lake City & Park City – Urban Meets Alpine

Utah’s capital offers city life with easy access to outdoor escapes, while Park City is a premier ski destination.
🎿 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
    πŸ“ Location: Northern Utah
    πŸ”—Β Visit Salt LakeΒ |Β Visit Park City

Best Outdoor Adventures in Utah

  • πŸ₯Ύ Hike to the top of Angels Landing or to Havasu Falls (permit required)
  • 🚡 Mountain bike the Whole Enchilada near Moab
  • πŸ›Ά Paddle Lake Powell or Green River
  • ❄️ Ski at Snowbird, Alta, or Brighton

Where to Stay in Utah

🏨 Unique Lodging & Scenic Resorts:

  • Amangiri (Canyon Point) – Ultra-luxury desert resort
  • Stein Eriksen Lodge (Park City) – Elegant alpine lodge with ski-in/ski-out access

πŸ•οΈ Best Cabins & Campgrounds:

  • Watchman Campground (Zion) – Riverside camping near the visitor center
  • Red Cliffs Lodge (Moab) – Rustic cabins on the Colorado River

Tips for Visiting Utah

βœ… Book national park entry permits and lodging early
βœ… Stay hydrated and bring layers – temps swing dramatically in desert regions
βœ… Use 4WD vehicles for off-roading in Moab and beyond
βœ… Respect protected areas and Leave No Trace principles

Nearby Travel Destinations

  • Arizona – Visit the Grand Canyon or Page’s slot canyons
  • Colorado – Explore Mesa Verde and the Rocky Mountains
  • Nevada – Head to Great Basin National Park or Las Vegas

Final Thoughts

Utah’s surreal landscapes and adventure-filled parks make it one of the best travel destinations in the U.S. Whether you’re 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.
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