With soaring sandstone arches, serpentine slot canyons, slickrock domes, and hoodoos of all shapes and sizes, Utah boasts some of the most otherworldly panoramas on planet Earth.
Public lands cover two-thirds of the state, offering vast opportunities to hike, bike, raft, ski, climb, and camp – or simply gape at epic views from behind the wheel of a car. If the outdoors is your thing, Utah is your place. Here are the best places to go for a uniquely Utah experience.
Base Yourself in Moab for Outdoor Adventures
On the doorstep of two national parks, a national forest with summits over 12,000ft, and endless acres of slickrock-clad Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands, Moab is ground zero for outdoor action in Utah. With a variety of restaurants, shops, hotels, and outfitters lining the streets downtown, Moab is equipped for all your adventurous needs.
Just to the north, Arches National Park showcases some of the most spectacular formations shaped by the forces of nature. It’s an essential destination in Utah, although the crowds can be overwhelming during peak season.
Nearby, Canyonlands National Park is Utah’s largest park, attracting fewer visitors while offering countless spots to experience a Martian-like landscape from stunning rims or canyon bottoms. The Green and the Colorado Rivers converge here, adding to the park’s allure.
Moab also serves as an excellent hub for some of the best mountain biking, desert rock climbing, river rafting, and more outdoor adventures.
Canyons of the Escalante: A Hiking Paradise
Prepare to get wet and dirty hiking this sinuous canyon system, hewn into a massive field of petrified sand dunes. Covering approximately 1500 sq miles, including regions of both Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, the Escalante is wild and rugged. While you may wade through pools and creeks, struggle among tamarisk groves, and scramble over rocks, the stunning red and orange-hued canyon walls inspire a sense of awe.
Wasatch Range: World-Class Skiing Awaits
The Wasatch Range, home to the alpine events of the 2002 Olympic Games, boasts world-class skiing on the western edge of the Rocky Mountains. Visitors can enjoy a variety of ski areas, including Park City, the largest ski area in the US, and other resorts like Deer Valley and Alta, which are snowboarding-free. This region receives about 500 inches of powder each winter, making it a prime destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
Bears Ears National Monument: A Journey into History
Covering 1.36 million acres of sacred land to Native American tribes, Bears Ears National Monument features remarkable Ancestral Puebloan sites. Whether you have a few hours or several days, this area offers something for everyone. Drive directly to the petroglyphs at Newspaper Rock or take a hiking excursion to sites like Moon House and House on Fire.
Highway 12: A Scenic Drive Like No Other
Among the plethora of scenic roads in Utah, Highway 12 stands out. Starting at Capitol Reef National Park, where the rocks reveal every color of the rainbow, this highway plunges south into the exquisite landscapes of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Enjoy breathtaking views as you drive between Boulder and Escalante, and consider taking a side trip along the Burr Trail Scenic Byway or hiking in the colorful formations of Bryce Canyon National Park.
San Juan River: An Adventurer’s Dream for Rafting
Flowing through Utah’s southeastern corner, the San Juan River weaves through 300 million years of geology. Rafting trips, ranging from two to seven days, take you alongside sheer canyon walls and cliffs adorned with ancient petroglyphs. Nights spent camping under a starry sky complete this outdoor adventure, making it ideal for families and avid adventurers alike.
Dinosaur National Monument: A Fossil Lover’s Paradise
Dinosaur National Monument offers a glimpse into the Jurassic era, with animal carcasses preserved as fossils in exposed sandstone layers. The Quarry Exhibit Hall allows visitors to view about 1500 fossils in a comfortable setting, while numerous trails lead to fossil beds and stunning river scenery perfect for hiking and rafting.
Salt Lake City: Culinary Delights Await
The culinary scene in Utah’s capital is unparalleled. Salt Lake City boasts a variety of dining options, ranging from innovative farm-to-table restaurants to family-owned diners. The city’s international cuisine includes Mexican, Ethiopian, Greek, and Nepalese dishes. Explore neighborhoods like downtown, Liberty Park, or Sugar House for a diverse selection of eateries and coffee shops.
