Discover Utah's Top Attractions
Utah is a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering stunning ski resorts, national and state parks, and scenic drives. To explore the sights efficiently, consider renting a car. Salt Lake City is perfect for cultural experiences and skiing, while Moab and St. George are gateways to outdoor adventures. Remember, Utah's diverse elevation means varied weather conditions across the state. Most attractions are accessible year-round, but check ahead in winter. For more, visit our guide to the top attractions in Utah.
1. Zion National Park
Zion National Park is a hiker's dream with its towering cliffs and scenic drives like the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. Explore the park by shuttle bus or self-drive for breathtaking views. Nearby camping and RV options are available. For accommodations, see Where to Stay near Zion National Park.
2. Arches National Park
Arches National Park boasts over 2,000 natural stone arches, including the iconic Delicate Arch. Explore the park's highlights like Devil's Garden and Fiery Furnace. Located near the adventure hub of Moab, the park offers a variety of trails and camping spots. For lodging options, visit Where to Stay near Arches National Park.
3. Monument Valley
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park features iconic red rock formations and the Valley Drive, a 17-mile route through the stunning landscape. For a deeper exploration, guided tours are available. The visitor center offers one of the best views. Accommodations can be found at Where to Stay near Monument Valley.
4. Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park, less crowded than the Grand Canyon, features breathtaking landscapes in its Island in the Sky district. Don't miss the Mesa Arch and the thrilling White Rim Road. The park's other sections, The Needles and The Maze, offer unique hiking and 4x4 adventures.
5. Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon's amphitheater of orange and pink hoodoos is a natural wonder. A scenic drive and hiking trails offer immersive experiences. The park is cooler due to its high elevation, with the best visitation times from April to October. Accommodations are available near the park.
6. Salt Lake City Temple
Salt Lake City, known for skiing, also offers attractions like the Temple Square and the 19th-century Temple. The city is undergoing a major renovation, so check what's open before visiting. For places to stay, see the best areas and hotels in Salt Lake City.
7. Utah's Ski Resorts
Utah's ski resorts are renowned for their light, fluffy snow. Resorts like Snowbird, Alta, and Park City offer exceptional skiing within an hour of Salt Lake City. Discover the largest ski resort in the U.S. and enjoy the state's winter sports offerings.
8. Park City
Park City is a vibrant mountain town with top ski resorts like Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley Resort. It's also home to the Sundance Film Festival. Nearby Utah Olympic Park offers year-round activities. For accommodations, check out Where to Stay in Park City.
9. Moab
Moab is the epicenter for outdoor activities like mountain biking, hiking, and rafting. With trails for all levels and proximity to national parks, it's a must-visit for adventurers. The best times to visit are spring and fall. Find lodging at Where to Stay in Moab.
10. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
This vast monument offers a sense of seclusion with its rugged terrain and remote dirt roads. Hiking trails like the Lower Calf Creek Falls Trail lead to picturesque spots. The monument is the largest in the U.S. and managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
11. Dead Horse Point State Park
Dead Horse Point State Park offers stunning views of the Colorado River and surrounding cliffs. The park's rim trail provides panoramic vistas, and it's located near Moab. For accommodations, see Where to Stay in Moab.
12. Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park showcases a striking sandstone wall and diverse geological features. With fewer visitors, it offers a peaceful experience. Nearby Torrey provides accommodation and camping options. Don't miss the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive. For lodging, visit Where to Stay near Capitol Reef National Park.
13. St. George
St. George is a hub for exploring nearby parks like Zion National Park and Snow Canyon State Park. The city itself offers attractions such as the St. George Temple and historical sites. For accommodations, check out Where to Stay in St. George.
14. Sand Hollow State Park
Near St. George, Sand Hollow State Park is known for its beaches and outdoor activities like off-roading and boating. It's a popular camping destination. For nearby lodging, visit Where to Stay Near Sand Hollow State Park.
15. Snow Canyon State Park
Close to St. George, Snow Canyon State Park offers hiking trails through petrified dunes and lava tubes. The park features a campground and is known for its striking red rock formations. For accommodations, see Where to Stay Near Snow Canyon State Park.
16. Cedar Breaks National Monument
Cedar Breaks National Monument displays a colorful amphitheater of hoodoos. At 10,000 feet, it experiences heavy snowfall, with the scenic drive closed in winter. Summer offers hikes with stunning views.
17. Natural Bridges National Monument
Natural Bridges National Monument protects three impressive natural bridges, accessible via short hikes. The largest, Sipapu, is a must-see. The park also features ancient Native American ruins.
18. Dinosaur National Monument
Dinosaur National Monument is famous for its vast collection of dinosaur fossils and outdoor activities like hiking and rafting.
19. Great Salt Lake
The Great Salt Lake offers unique bathing experiences due to its high salinity. The lake has beaches and a recreation park at its southern end.
20. Bonneville Salt Flats
The Bonneville Salt Flats are known for high-speed races like Speed Week. When no events are happening, it's open for public driving.
21. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
This park is famous for its coral-hued dunes, offering activities like sandboarding and ATVing. It also has a campground for overnight stays.