Visitors from all over the world flock to Utah because of its stunning natural beauty. Utah is a state full of diverse landscapes and experiences. The distinctive terrain and the exciting opportunities it presents to adventurers are the main draws of this area. You might have trouble knowing where to start when exploring Utah because there is so much to do. If you need assistance deciding, we’re here to provide it. Take a look at our suggestions for must-see places and top attractions.
A list of the best tourist destinations in Utah
Houseboating on Lake Powell’s Clear Waters
More than two thousand miles of shoreline surround this enormous artificial reservoir in Utah. Due to the expansive coastline, numerous water sports are accessible. It’s a sight to behold, what with the brilliant blue water set off by the brilliant red rocks and the arid desert all around. We suggest taking a relaxing houseboat trip around the expansive lake to soak in the sights. Of the numerous exciting things to do in Utah, this is one that you really must try! The natural beauty of Lake Powell is yours to explore as you sail across. One of Utah’s top tourist attractions, Lake Powell now sees over two million tourists per year.
Traveling across the magnificent Monument Valley
The beautiful Monument Valley is Utah’s most visited attraction due to its jaw-dropping monoliths. The border between Utah and Arizona is home to a very magnificent site that is well worth a day trip. One of the odd things to do in Utah is to drive yourself along the valley’s dry, dusty road, which spans 17 miles. Magnificent granite buttes rise suddenly from the orange desert floor, resembling a scene from a Hollywood film.
One’s jaw will literally drop as one drives along the stunningly beautiful landscapes. Amongst these breathtaking vistas, many movies and TV ads have been filmed. You can get some amazing photos for your social media accounts by taking a drive through the troughs between the curved rocks. Put these exciting Utah activities to the test and see how your vacation is elevated.
Park City’s Snow
Further, Park City, located 35 miles east of Salt Lake City, is a mountain town with some of Utah’s finest ski resorts. Moreover, Park City Mountain and Deer Valley Resort, two of the world’s finest mountain resorts, offer an abundance of winter sports facilities and services. There are a lot of people here in the winter because of three things: skiing, the beauty, and the Sundance Film Festival. Park City is more than simply a ski resort; it’s a genuine American town complete with landmarks and local businesses. You’ll also be able to see Utah Olympic Park, the site of the Winter Olympics in 2002 after you reach that altitude. Now, you can enjoy exciting adventures like bobsledding, ziplining, and hiking here at any time of year. If you want to see some snow, Park City, Utah, is one of the best spots to go.
Explore Ancient Rock Art at the Dinosaur National Monument
Further, Dinosaur National Monument straddles the state line between Utah and Colorado and spans over 210,000 acres. The 1,500 dinosaur fossils in Carnegie Quarry’s rock wall will astound you. Here, you may learn all about the region’s fascinating prehistoric ancestors and fascinating natural history. Hiking, camping, stargazing, and river rafting are additional popular tourist pursuits in this area.
Add this to your Utah itinerary whether or not you are interested in dinosaur fossils; the colorful canyons and rocky scenery are truly unforgettable. Outdoor facilities near the monument are available at all hours. Visiting this monument in Utah is like stepping back in time to the age of dinosaurs.
Great Salt Lake Float Trip
The Great Salt Lake is a short journey from Salt Lake City, taking only 30 minutes. With dimensions of 72 miles in length, 34 miles in width, and 50 feet in depth, this lake is the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere. The lake’s salt content can reach 27% on occasion, making it eight times saltier than the ocean. The salt content is high enough that swimmer won’t sink. I know, right?
Furthermore, the trip around the lake’s southern shore will take you past various beaches where you may enjoy the lake’s famously vibrant sunset. In addition to kayaking, hiking, stand-up paddle boarding, sailing, boating, swimming, fishing, and animal viewing are all possible here. There is no way to really appreciate Salt Lake City without spending some time at this lake. Floating on the Great Salt Lake is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and one of the more out-of-the-ordinary activities in Utah.
Get Out Of Here And Go To Zion
As one of the most frequented national parks in the United States, Zion deserves its widespread renown. There are many things to see and do in this area, including the red sandstone cliffs, Zion Canyon, gushing waterfalls, and beautiful woodland.
Further, the vast Zion Canyon, set in such spectacular surroundings, is likely to be the most stunning natural attraction you’ve ever seen. Zion Canyon is approximately 2,500 feet deep and 15 miles long, making it a one-of-a-kind trekking destination for those seeking excitement. Most people will recognize Angel’s landing as the most well-known. You may see more of what Zion Canyon has to offer by driving through it and stopping at each of the major attractions and trailheads along the Zion Canyon Scenic Route. Furthermore, Zion National Park is always ready to satisfy your wanderlust, whether you’re trying to catch your breath on a strenuous hike or you’re simply enjoying the ever-changing colors of the stunning canyon.
Let Go of the Line Here, at the Fish Lake
Utah’s greatest natural mountain lake can be found at an altitude of 8,800 feet among the forested mountains at Fish Lake. One of the most popular activities in this high alpine haven is fishing, as the lake is too chilly for swimming. In addition to fishing, water sports enthusiasts can also go scuba diving, water skiing, and jet skiing on this lake.
Many people look forward to the winter months so that they can try out activities like snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing. A million acres of Fish Lake National Forest surround this lake. There are a number of restaurants, hotels, resorts, and developed campgrounds in the Fish Lake area, so getting food and a place to sleep won’t be an issue. Fish Lake in Utah is a great summer vacation spot because the weather is mild there throughout the entire season.
Watch the Sun Go Down Over Arches National Park
Arches National Park is a must-see in Utah because of its towering sandstone arches. Bicycling, horseback riding, hiking, and driving are all viable options for getting about Arches National Park. In order to see everything the park has to offer, you should take the 18-mile scenic drive. Stop and take in the sights of Windows, with its many arches, and the nearby Balancing Rock. Among of the most well-known routes in Arches National Park are the Delicate Arch Trail and the Double Arch Trail. Park Avenue leads visitors to these imposing stone pillars. The La Sal Mountains, which rise majestically in the background, are covered with snow and are sure to wow. Among the top things to do in Utah, a trip here is a must.
Picnic in the Sun Tunnels and Make Some Cool Pictures
The Nancy Holt art exhibit is a must-see if you’re looking for a memorable experience in the Beehive State. Four concrete cylinders, each measuring 18 feet in length and 9 in width, make up the impressive piece of art. Each of the four cylinders stands in for one of the four constellations: Draco, Perseus, Columba, and Capricorn. Different-shaped holes, each representing a star in one of the four constellations, are punched through the concrete walls of the four tunnels.
At first glance, these tunnels could be mistaken for works of minimalist modern art, but they are actually quite remarkable works of engineering. As this astronomical observation post is out in the middle of nowhere, it’s imperative that you come prepared with a full tank, completely protective clothing, food, and drink. When the sun is directly over the horizon through the Sun Tunnels, as it is on June 21 and December 21, those are the finest times to visit. Yet, the Sun Tunnels are open all through the year.
Visit the Natural History Museum for the Day
Around 1.6 million artifacts can be found in the Utah Natural History Museum. The research park of the University of Utah in Salt Lake City is home to this magnificent museum. Utah’s three main areas are explained in the land display, along with their respective geological features and biodiversity (the Basin and Range, the Colorado Plateau, and the Middle Rocky Mountains).
There are also dinosaur bones, minerals, insects, plants, and fossils from millions of years ago on display in this museum. You can take the kids to a dinosaur museum that they will enjoy. Check out the vertebrate zoology area for some fascinating displays of lizards, birds, mammals, and frogs. The museum is open every day from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and stays open later on Wednesdays until 9:00 p.m. Spending the day at the museum is a great way to daydream about the past.
Relax With A Soaking at Homestead Crater
Geothermal activity has been occurring in Homestead Crater for the past 10,000 years, making it a really one-of-a-kind natural hot spring. This crater was created as melting snow from the Wasatch Mountains slowly seeped into the ground. When the snow melts and percolates down into the ground, it picks up all the minerals along the way. The limestone deposit over time grew into a 55-foot-tall volcano known as the Homestead crater.
The enjoyment of the beehive-shaped limestone deposit 55 feet below ground level can be had without even entering it. For below-ground passage, a tunnel is bored through the rock wall. Once inside, you can swim, dive, snorkel, or just relax in a hot tub. Take a self-guided crater tour if you don’t want to get wet and learn about the fascinating history, geology, and archaeology of this otherworldly location.
Navigate High Above The Canyons And Arches
Utah is best appreciated from above, and anyone who hasn’t done so clearly hasn’t seen the state. The state of Utah has exploded in popularity in recent years, in no little part due to the thrill of flying over Canyonlands and Arches national parks. The highlight of your trip to Utah will be the breathtaking views you get from above. The geological history of an area can be better understood from the air than by automobile or on foot.
Capture some breathtaking images from above to demonstrate your aerial photography skills. Plan ahead and fly with Redtail Air Adventures, the only authorized airline. Further, you can take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime chance all through the year. Moreover, you can take a scenic flight in an aircraft or chopper, go on an exciting tour, enjoy the sunset, or design your own unique excursion. You can fly over restricted and inaccessible regions that you otherwise wouldn’t be able to visit.
I hope you find this list useful in narrowing down the many interesting and fun options available to you in Utah. All of these locations welcome visitors throughout the year, so take advantage of the opportunity to have an unforgettable adventure. Utah is one of the only places on Mars you might never want to leave.
Secrets of Utah Revealed
So why is Utah so well-liked?
Utah is well-known for its stunning landscapes, unusual geological features, and ski resorts.
Is it ok to travel to Utah?
Utah is a safe state since it is a popular tourist destination with relatively low crime and natural disaster rates.
So, what exactly is it that makes Utah so special?
Utah is the second driest state in the country, after Nevada, with an average of 300 sunny days each year.
Is Utah a snowy state?
Indeed, the winter season lasts from November to about the middle of April, with the heaviest snowfall occurring in January (average of 3.4 inches).
Is the Great Salt Lake swimmable?
The Great Salt Lake is a swimming destination, but the salt, mosquitoes, and stench may discourage others.
Is it possible to see everything in Salt Lake City in a short amount of time?
You can easily tour all the highlights of Salt Lake City and its surrounding areas in just three days.