Utah is a state known for its unique landscapes and outdoor recreational activities. Whether you are an adrenaline junkie, history buff, or nature lover, there is something for everyone in Utah. In this article, we have compiled a list of the 21 best things to do in Utah that will guarantee a memorable experience for you and your loved ones.
Visit the Mighty 5 National Parks
Utah is home to five stunning national parks, known as the Mighty 5. Each park is unique in its own way, offering visitors an opportunity to explore the natural wonders of Utah.
Arches National Park
Arches National Park is known for its iconic natural sandstone arches, towering spires, and other unique rock formations. The park offers visitors hiking trails, camping sites, and opportunities for stargazing.
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Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park is a geological wonder, featuring a collection of horseshoe-shaped amphitheaters filled with colorful hoodoos, spires, and pinnacles. Visitors can explore the park through hiking trails or a scenic drive.
Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park features stunning landscapes, including canyons, mesas, and buttes, formed by the Colorado River and its tributaries. Visitors can go hiking, camping, or even mountain biking.
Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park is known for its unique geological features, including the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long warp in the Earth’s crust. Visitors can explore the park through hiking trails or a scenic drive.
Zion National Park
Zion National Park is famous for its towering sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and unique hiking trails, including the Narrows. Visitors can also camp, rock climb, or go on a scenic drive.
Go skiing in Park City
Park City is one of the most popular ski destinations in Utah, featuring two world-renowned ski resorts, Deer Valley Resort and Park City Mountain Resort. Visitors can also explore the historic downtown area, filled with shops, restaurants, and art galleries.
Hike the Narrows in Zion National Park
The Narrows is one of the most iconic hikes in Zion National Park, featuring a narrow slot canyon carved by the Virgin River. The hike can be done by walking in the river, making it a unique and exciting adventure.
Explore Goblin Valley State Park
Goblin Valley State Park is a unique geological wonder, featuring thousands of hoodoos and mushroom-shaped rock formations. Visitors can explore the park through hiking trails or by participating in ranger-led programs.
Visit Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the rich Native American culture and stunning landscapes of Utah. Visitors can take guided tours, explore the park’s famous sandstone buttes and mesas, and even stay in a traditional Navajo hogan.
Take a dip in the Homestead Crater
The Homestead Crater is a unique geological feature, featuring a natural hot spring hidden inside a limestone cave. Visitors can take a dip in the warm, mineral-rich waters, making it a perfect relaxing getaway.
Tour the Utah State Capitol Building
The Utah State Capitol Building is a beautiful historic landmark located in Salt Lake City. Visitors can take free tours to learn about the state’s history and government, as well as admire the building’s stunning architecture and art.
Visit the Salt Lake Temple
The Salt Lake Temple is an iconic landmark and one of the most recognizable symbols of Utah. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the temple’s history and significance to the Mormon religion.
Watch the Sundance Film Festival
The Sundance Film Festival is one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world, held annually in Park City. Visitors can watch independent films, attend panels and discussions, and experience the bustling atmosphere of the festival.
Go on a hot air balloon ride in Park City
Hot air balloon rides in Park City offer a unique and breathtaking way to experience the state’s natural beauty. Visitors can soar over the stunning landscapes, including the Wasatch Mountains, Park City, and the Jordanelle Reservoir.
Visit the Natural History Museum of Utah
The Natural History Museum of Utah is a fascinating and educational experience for visitors of all ages. The museum features interactive exhibits, artifacts, and displays on Utah’s natural history, geology, and paleontology.
Attend the Utah Shakespeare Festival
The Utah Shakespeare Festival is a renowned cultural event, featuring performances of Shakespeare’s plays as well as contemporary plays and musicals. Visitors can also attend workshops, seminars, and other events related to the festival.
Explore Antelope Island State Park
Antelope Island State Park is a unique natural wonder located in the Great Salt Lake. Visitors can explore the island’s diverse wildlife, including bison, pronghorn antelope, and bighorn sheep, as well as enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, and camping.
Experience the Great Salt Lake
The Great Salt Lake is one of the most unique natural wonders of Utah, known for its stunning sunsets and unusual mineral formations. Visitors can enjoy activities such as swimming, boating, or simply relaxing on the beach.
Visit the Olympic Park in Park City
The Olympic Park in Park City was built for the 2002 Winter Olympics and now serves as a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can take guided tours, watch athletes train, and even participate in activities such as zip-lining or bobsledding.
Attend the Utah Arts Festival
The Utah Arts Festival is a vibrant and colorful celebration of art, music, and culture held annually in Salt Lake City. Visitors can enjoy live performances, browse art exhibits, and sample delicious food and drinks from local vendors.
Take a scenic drive through the Wasatch Mountains
The Wasatch Mountains offer some of the most stunning landscapes in Utah, including towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant foliage. Visitors can take a scenic drive through the mountains, stopping at lookout points and hiking trails along the way.
Visit the Golden Spike National Historic Site
The Golden Spike National Historic Site is a must-visit for history buffs, commemorating the completion of the first transcontinental railroad in 1869. Visitors can explore the site’s exhibits and learn about the role of the railroad in shaping Utah’s history.
Go skiing or snowboarding in Park City
Park City is known for its world-class ski resorts, offering some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the United States. Visitors can hit the slopes, take lessons, and enjoy the town’s lively après-ski scene.
Take a scenic drive through Zion National Park
Zion National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the United States, known for its towering red cliffs and stunning canyon views. Visitors can take a scenic drive through the park, stopping at lookout points and hiking trails along the way.
Visit Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park is a unique natural wonder, featuring thousands of red rock spires known as “hoodoos”. Visitors can hike through the park’s stunning landscapes, participate in ranger-led programs, and enjoy stargazing at night.
Go river rafting on the Colorado River
The Colorado River offers some of the most thrilling and scenic river rafting experiences in Utah. Visitors can choose from a variety of guided tours, ranging from gentle floats to challenging rapids.
Visit the Hogle Zoo
The Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake City is a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages. The zoo features a wide variety of animals from around the world, as well as interactive exhibits and educational programs.
Take a scenic drive through the Moab desert
The Moab desert offers some of the most unique and stunning landscapes in Utah, including towering rock formations and vast sand dunes. Visitors can take a scenic drive through the desert, stopping at lookout points and hiking trails along the way.
Explore the Timpanogos Cave National Monument
The Timpanogos Cave National Monument is a hidden gem located in the Wasatch Mountains. Visitors can explore the park’s stunning cave formations, participate in ranger-led programs, and enjoy hiking and other outdoor activities.
Visit the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site
The St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site is a fascinating and educational experience for visitors of all ages. The site features well-preserved dinosaur tracks and fossils, as well as interactive exhibits and educational programs.
In conclusion, Utah offers a wide variety of unique and exciting experiences for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re interested in exploring natural wonders, experiencing Native American culture, or enjoying outdoor activities, there is something for everyone in Utah.
FAQs:
- What is the best time of year to visit Utah? Answer: The best time to visit Utah is from late spring to early fall when the weather is mild and outdoor activities are in full swing.
- What are some of the best national parks to visit in Utah? Answer: Some of the best national parks to visit in Utah include Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Arches National Park.
- What is the Sundance Film Festival? Answer: The Sundance Film Festival is an annual independent film festival held in Park City, Utah, showcasing the best in independent cinema.
- Can I go skiing or snowboarding in Utah? Answer: Yes, Utah is known for its world-class ski resorts, offering some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the United States.
- What is the Great Salt Lake? Answer: The Great Salt Lake is a large saltwater lake located in northern Utah, known for its unique natural features and stunning sunsets.