Hello Traveler, Find your next adventure for explore the best places to visit in Utah. From the salt flats to the bright red rock formations even making the alien world appear to be on Earth, Utah possesses one of the most unique features in the United States.

With a total of five national parks and over 40 state parks, it is a haven for nature lovers and, simultaneously, an experience in adventure. The state will also have small towns oozing all the charm, premier ski resorts, and even an urban center in Salt Lake City midway through one’s trip, making it impossible to get bored.

History buffs get to visit sites such as the largest saltwater lake, or some of the interesting ancient rock art that has been found in the canyons and cliffs throughout this state.

Some folks show up to conquer adrenaline-pumping hiking trails, others to ooh and ahh over quirky attractions, and some to study the ruins of ancient civilizations. It is just a case of anything, anywhere, and not really knowing where to start.

In this blog post, I’ll take you on a virtual tour of some of the best places to visit in Utah through my “Tale of Journey“. Get ready to be inspired and plan your next adventure in this incredible state.

The 18 Best Places To Visit In Utah

Here are the best places to visit in Utah for whatever adventure you’re looking for.

1. Zion National Park

Zion National Park is certainly one of those places that can leave you utterly speechless and does this with one of the most amazing landscapes found in the United States. Zion boasts some of the most incredible rock formations, including towering sandstone cliffs, making it a favorite destination for hiking, canyoning, and climbing.

Whichever, multiple trails entice hikers from the more difficult, like Angel’s Landing, to easier trails like Riverside Walk. Fantastic photo opportunities, incredibly scenic drives, and trails to die for with viewpoints, and this place is a catch for whatever activity one desires, be it hiking, casual visits, or even relaxation in the scenery.

Zion National Park promises to leave one with lifetime memories. The park grounds are very clean, an amazing place to clean up the campsites, and have fun with family and friends.

Top Attractions

• Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
• Angels Landing
• The Narrows
• Emerald Pools
• Weeping Rock

2. Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon is Utah’s most unique national park. Glowing in shades of orange, pink and cinnamon, the stone pillars rise from the floor of a huge natural amphitheater, truly taking your breath away. I think this park is best seen by hiking.

We quickly parked at Bryce Point and hiked the Rim Trail to Inspiration Point, then Sunset and Sunrise Point. After a short rest, we headed down the Queens Garden Trail and back up the Navajo Loop. While moderately challenging, the hike through the Hoodoos Forest is beautiful not only from the top but also from the bottom.

My favorite hiking route is the Scenic Navajo Trail and Queens Garden Loop Trail combination. Other things to do in Bryce Canyon include watching the sunset from Inspiration Point, driving the scenic drive to Bristlecone Point, and taking in the Rim View.

Still quite challenging for non-hikers. I would say you should do the Rim Trail if you are able. Really cool and inspiring.

Top Attractions

• Bryce Amphitheater
• Rim Trail
• Navajo Loop Trail
• Queen’s Garden Trail
• Sunrise and Sunset Points

3. Arches National Park

Arches ranks among the most spectacular and popular national parks in the US. Visitors from all over the world are fascinated by the overwhelming stone arches and rolling petrified dunes, which have taken millions of years to develop into the shapes you see today.

There are more than 2,000 natural arches scattered around the park, but the most popular one is Delicate Arch. A 3-mile, 4.8-kilometer round-trip hike brings you to this breathtaking arch, and it is definitely worth it once you reach the top.

Another great hiking trail can be found in the maze-like Fiery Furnace; however, entry is allowed only with a ranger or an individual permit, which requires an advance reservation.

Top Attractions

• Delicate Arch
• Park Avenue
• Double Arch
• Devil’s Garden
• Balanced Rock

4. Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park in southeastern Utah is a landscape of canyons cut by the Colorado and Green Rivers into the desert. It’s a very large park and has much more walking than car sightseeing in it.

I believe you can spend an entire day visiting different places within the park; so, you have to plan accordingly. Spanning over 330,000 acres, the park is divided into four districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the rivers themselves.

Panoramic views, massive rock formations giving way to deep canyons, and ancient petroglyphs are some of the myriad experiences provided by each district. Outdoor activities like hiking and biking are popular; the park is remote enough that some clear night skies can be enjoyed for stargazing.

Top Attractions

• Mesa Arch
• Island in the Sky
• Grand View Point
• Upheaval Dome
• Green River Overlook

5. Salt Lake City

It is known as the center of American Mormonism, Utah’s capital is rich in various religious, natural landscapes, and historical sights. Nestled between the Great Salt Lake and Wasatch Mountains, it offers endless opportunities for hiking, skiing, and visiting nearby national parks to the outdoor enthusiast.

Take some time to visit Temple Square to view the huge Salt Lake Temple and learn about the Mormon faith from church representatives. The following are recommended for those interested either in the Great Salt Lake or the Native Americans of the area: the Natural History Museum of Utah and the Botanical Garden.

When families are visiting, they might want to incorporate stops into their visit like the Hogle Zoo or catch a movie at the Redwood Drive-In Theater.

Top Attractions

• Natural History Museum of Utah
• Heritage Park
• Liberty Park
• Temple Square

6. Bonneville Salt Flats

One of the most extraordinary natural wonders of the country sits about a hundred miles west of Salt Lake City, the Bonneville Salt Flats. Composed of 30,000 acres of bright white clay, which seems to sparkle in isolation beneath the surrounding mountains.

These flats are remnants of the ancient Lake Bonneville that dried up long ago, leaving behind a landscape that is out of this world. There is an option to either drive directly onto the flats with one’s car or to park in the lot and then walk onto the flats.

While salt flats can easily be seen from the highway, driving onto the flats is one of the more thrilling ways to see them. The easiest access is via the famous Bonneville Speedway to the west near the town of Wendover. Here the ground is absolutely flat with a thick crust of saline soil that looks just like ice.

Snacks and water are also highly recommended. Please clean your car immediately at Wendover after driving and shooting on the salt flats to avoid damage to the parts of the car and its paint.

Top Attractions

• Bonneville Salt Flats State Park
• Bonneville Salt Flats International Raceway
• Salt Flats

7. Monument Valley

Straddling the borders of Utah and Arizona, the park lies on the Monument Valley Navajo Indian Reservation. Dramatic landscape is formed when crimson rock buttes burst up from the desert floor of orange and red hues.

Part of the Navajo Nation Reservation, it measures 91,696 acres in area and features dramatic formations that rise up to 1,000 feet. The area is a matter of great cultural concern for the Navajos, who have been inhabiting the region since time unknown. This view has made it a case whereby many films and photography activities have been carried out here.

Top Attractions

• Monument Valley
• John Ford Point
• Mittens Buttes
• The Thumb

8. Capitol Reef National Park

Smack in south-central Utah, Capitol Reef National Park offers striking, un-crowded natural beauty. Compared to some of the other Utah national parks, this one is long but skinny, about 100 miles in length.

Comprising colourful canyons, monoliths, buttes and ridges, red canyons, rock spires, cliff walls and arches can be explored either with the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive or on foot. Undeniably, the most spectacular hike would be the Cassidy Arch Trail, named after the infamous outlaw known as Butch Cassidy.

The round-trip hike is 3.5 miles, or rather 5.5 kilometers, and gains approximately 680 feet or 210 meters in elevation. You have a great view of the arch from the top. The other park highlights are the viewing of the sunrise or sunset from Sunset Point, the walk through gardens around the historic settlement of Fruita, and the petroglyphs visible in the rocks.

Top Attractions

• Waterpocket Fold
• Fruita
• Hickman Bridge Trail
• Cassidy Arch

9. Moab

Moab in Eastern Utah has become one of the weird destinations in which flocks of tourists flow in every year. It acts as an entry into the gorgeous Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, showing very beautiful landscapes.

It has gained fame for its outdoor adventures, it also happens to include mountain biking because of the vast network of trails within the area. Whitewater rafting on the Colorado River, canoeing on the Green River, rock climbing, base jumping, hiking, and extreme 4×4 off-roading done in an adrenaline junkie’s playground.

Top Attractions

• Dead Horse Point State Park
• Delicate Arch
• Corona Arch
• Colorado River

10. Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

The Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest situated in Utah is a mountain field of more than 2 million acres in area. This is a forest within the Uinta Mountains and has a range of ecosystems, sitting between the southeastern devoid forest and the northern alpine tundra.

It is a paradise for a considerable number of outdoor lovers owing to the availability of various activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and skiing. Inhabited by elk, moose, and black bears, the area has viewpoints and roads; the area also includes scenic drives and the road naked to ugly skyscraping residential complexes.

All these goodies, the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest is becoming the best place to go for leisure among the many nature lovers and adventurers.

Top Attractions

• Mirror Lake
• Mount Timpanogos
• Logan Canyon Scenic Byway
• Ogden Valley

11. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

Some of the most important attractions to be included in a tour around Utah are Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The expanse of nature around Lake Powell and Glen Canyon is simply breathtaking. Entry is only $10 per vehicle, so this is an extremely affordable day out.

It takes about 20 minutes of walking to reach the main viewpoint. The path that leads to this spot is gentle-sloped and generally wheelchair accessible. The views are simply magnificent from the viewpoint overlooking the landscape.

Boating, fishing, hiking, and camping can be done in an assortment of ways in the great outdoors, making this a tremendous sport for the enthusiast of adventure. Photography can be great in this wonderful spot; one should bring a camera and shoot several photos.

Top Attractions

• Lake Powell
• Bullfrog Marina
• Rainbow Bridge National Monument
• Jacob Hamblin Arch

12. Park City

Picturesque mountain town located in Park City, Utah, Park City is widely famous for its world-class ski resorts and vibrant cultural scene. Primarily because it lies close to three famous ski resorts: Deer Valley Resort, Canyon Resort, and Park City Mountain Resort offering exceptional snowboarding and skiing experiences.

Contributing to these winter sports, the City of Park is famous for its highly recognized Sundance Film Festival largest independent film festival in the United States.

The city area, one may wander around and keep catching beautiful scenery, reservoirs, forests, hot springs, and above all miles of biking and hiking trails. The combination of these adventure outdoor events with that of cultural ones sends a charm to this place.

Top Attractions

• Park City Mountain
• Historic Main Street
• Deer Valley Resort

13. Fish lake National Forest

The Fishlake National Forest, situated in Utah’s central part, is a place of very pleasing topography and offers varied recreational opportunities. This forest houses one of the most famous pandas, a clonal aspen grove. It is among the oldest and largest living things in the world.

The area spread over 1.5 million acres contains some beautiful lakes called Fish Lakes, grasslands, and rugged hills. You can engage yourself with hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife watching. This place is amazingly beautiful and is the best for making so many memories!

It does not matter if you have a tent, a trailer, or even a cabin. Camping, family reunions, river fishing, lake fishing, or hunting-Seriously, there is no better place!

Top Attractions

• Fish Lake
• Pando
• Rugged hills

14. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is a large area in southern Utah. Almost 2 million acres of canyons, cliffs, waterfalls, forests, and even rock formations make it unlike any other park because of the remoteness that cannot be visited at once.

It is divided into three primary regions: the Grand Staircase, the Kyparovit Plateau, and Escalante Canyon. On your first drive, Scenic Byway 12 is highly recommended. Along the way, you’ll see park highlights such as Devil’s Garden and Lower Calf Creek Falls.

The southern part of the monument near Kanab, on Highway 89, includes the weird toadstool hoodoo and Pariah ghost town with more than its share of old Western movie filming. These colorful places are also worth a visit.

Top Attractions

• Devil’s Garden
• Lower Calf Creek Falls
• Escalante Canyons
• Coyote Gulch

15. Dead Horse Point State Park

Dead Horse Point State Park is located just outside of Moab. It’s an overview of Utah, the Colorado River, and Canyonlands National Park. It’s sort of between Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, and I think partially because of that, it gets passed over a lot. But it is so cool.

It resembles the Grand Canyon. Any time that I go there, it’s not even busy. You just walk past it but see the same view, and it’s such a wonderful place. A highlight is Dead Horse Point, a viewpoint with the associated legend of wild mustangs dying at the point.

Popular for hiking, mountain biking, and photography. This park brings together desert landscapes, spectacular sunsets, and unique geological features. It’s awesome.

Top Attractions

• Dead Horse Point Overlook
• Canyon Rim Trail
• Landscape Arch

16. Snow Canyon State Park

Snow Canyon State Park, located in southern Utah, is a stunning natural area known for its dramatic landscape of red and white sandstone mountains, lava flows, and unique geological formations. This place is truly stunning! There are plenty of cool places to see, including lava tubes and petrified sand dunes. Be prepared though, there is no shade.

All offer a variety of outdoor activities with trails suitable for all skill levels including hiking, biking and rock climbing in the sun unless you decide to venture into the lava tubes. You can explore features such as ancient lava tubes, petroglyphs and various flora and fauna Pro-tip on these: The first thing you’ll come across is a big hole that looks like there’s no way out.

If you can only see the edge where you go, you will be able to see a path down The second one is completely blocked off and you can only go a little way, but the 3rd one is pretty cool, and would definitely recommend going in.

Top Attractions

• Petrified Dunes Trail
• Jenny’s Canyon
• Lava Tubes
• Snow Canyon Overlook

17. Goblin Valley State Park

Goblin Valley State Park, located in eastern Utah, is famous for its unique rock formations, known as “goblins,” which are strange, mushroom-shaped hoodoos. Amazing state park with incredible goblin hoodoos, caves, hiking trails and picnic areas.

We hiked the Goblin’s Lair Trail to Goblet’s Lair which is just off the Goblin’s Lair. Watching the Three Sisters was also cool. You can hike for free in three valleys and see the White Dome and many small goblin hoodoos.

The park offers stunning desert landscapes, panoramic views and opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, photography and camping. It’s super dog-friendly and kid-friendly as well. This place is otherworldly and worth a visit.

Top Attractions

• Valley of the Goblins
• The Goblin’s Lair
• Carmel Canyon Loop Trail
• Three Sisters

18. Bentonite Hills

The eastern high desert region near the city of Hanksville and Capitol Reef National Park is home to some spectacular bentonite hills. This is an immense place with terrain that looks similar to the planet Mars. There’s even a Mars Desert Research Station located here with the aim of conducting field study research.

While the research facility itself is private property, the landscape beyond is accessible and open to visitors. To get here, drive 20 to 30 minutes down the North Cow Dung dirt road until you pass the research station and come to a sign that says “leaving state lands to lease for research.”

A couple of minutes past here, you’ll find a very colorful grouping of hills with pre-stepped paths to follow. The best time to visit is during the blue hour, about 60 minutes before sunset, as you can see the deepest colors of blue and green in the hills.

Top Attractions

• Painted Hills
• Cathedral Valley

FAQ About Places To Visit In Utah

Q:What is the best time to visit Utah?

A: The best time to visit Utah depends on the activities you plan to do and the destinations you want to visit. Spring and fall are ideal for milder temperatures and fewer crowds.

Q: Are these parks accessible in a single trip?
A: Yes, many of Utah’s parks are close enough for a road trip.

Q: What are the best things to do in Utah?

A: Utah offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, rock climbing, skiing, snowboarding, wildlife watching, photography, and stargazing.

Will talk to you again on another blog! Have a great trip to Utah. And don’t forget to share your Utah travel experience with ”Tale of Journey”. Looking forward to your feedback! And don’t forget to subscribe to our free newsletter for travel inspiration and receive our latest post by email!!

Happy Travel!!