Epic Things to do in Utah
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Planning a trip to Utah or already live here and looking for things to do in Utah? Well you are in luck as there are so many options – you will never run out of choices. And while you may have heard a lot about the Utah national parks, there are actually plenty of places to visit in Utah aren’t national parks as well.
But with limited time you might not know where to start. In order to help you narrow it down, I will group these suggestions by area of Utah: Northern, Central, and Southern.
Things to do in Northern Utah
1. Go for a hike
While the hiking attention may get directed more towards the southern part of the state, northern Utah still has some amazing hiking options. In fact, some of the best hikes in Utah are in the northern part of the state. If you want to bring your furry friend along, make sure to avoid hiking in the Cottonwood Canyons as dogs are not allowed.
There are hikes that are better according to the time of the year. For example if you want to see some frozen waterfalls near Salt Lake City, you obvioulsy won’t want to visit in the summer. For additional recommendations, check out this blog post for easy hikes in Salt Lake City and this blog post for Salt Lake City hiking trails you can’t miss.
Other can’t miss hiking areas in Northern Utah include the Uinta Mountains, Dinosaur National Monument, Flaming Gorge, Antelope Island State Park, and the various canyons in the Wasatch Mountains.
2. Visit the Bonneville Salt Flats
About a 90 minute drive from Salt Lake City, the Bonneville Salt Flats had better be on your list of things to do in Utah. To get there, you drive straight west on the I-80. You can view the salt flats from the Highway at the salt flats west bound rest stop. To get a different view, take exit 4 (the exit after the rest stop), turn right and continue into Bonneville Speedway Road.
The salt flats will look different based on the weather and recent rain. Sometimes they look like a mirror and sometimes it looks…. like salt! When it is dry, you can drive on the salt flats (but be careful that it is actually dry or you could get stuck!)
Barefoot walking is not very comfortable (the salt is sharp) but it is doable. Tight water shoes might be ideal, but anything remotely lose will likely get sucked off in the mud.
3. Explore the State Parks
Utah has so many state parks and I have not yet been to each of them. However, beautiful state parks in Northern Utah that I would recommend include Antelope Island, The Great Salt Lake Marina, Utah Lake, Bear Lake, Wasatch Mountain, and Jordanelle.
Many of these have plenty of different activities to choose from including hiking, scenic drives or walks, and watersports. If you plan to visit several of the Utah State Parks, buying an annual pass might make a lot of sense. You can check them out on the Utah State Parks website here.
4. Visit the National Monuments
While the national parks in Utah get a lot of the attention (and for a good reason)! There are quite a few national monuments in Utah that you should add to your list. In Northern Utah, these are Dinosaur National Monument, Timpanogos Cave National Monument, and Golden Spike National Historic Park.
5. Soak in Homestead Crater
Not far from Park City is the adorable town of Midway. If you are looking for what to do in Midway, an awesome year-round activity is to soak in the Homestead Crater.
This activity requires a reservation but is totally worth it. The crater is unique and you can even scuba dive there!
6. Visit the Midway Ice Castles
If you are already visiting Midway for the Homestead Crater and it happens to be wintertime, you absolutely should check out the Midway Ice Castles while you are there. This will also require tickets and some advanced planning.
Be sure to wear warm winter boots as when I visited the people in regular sneakers looked quite cold. If possible the best time to reserve your entry is around 4:30 so you can experience both the daytime and nighttime in the castle (they light up the ice at night).
Visiting Northern Utah in the winter? Here are 13 things to do in Salt Lake City in the winter.
6. Go skiing, snowboarding, or snow tubing
One of the most popular things to do in Salt Lake City in the winter is to hit the slopes. Twelve of the Utah ski resorts are located within about an hour drive from downtown Salt Lake City. To the north are Snowbasin, Powder Mountain, and Nordic Valley. To the south is Sundance Resort. The ski resorts centrally located are: Park City, Canyons, Woodward Park City (terrain park), Deer Valley, Brighton, Solitude, Alta, and Snowbird.
Check out one (or several) of these mountains and see why they say that Utah has the “greatest snow on earth”. The best place to ski in Utah likely depends on the passes that you have and your personal preferences, but you have plenty of spots to pick from in this state.
Want to get an adreneline rush without having to work quite as hard for it? Consider going snow tubing at Woodward Park City. As the newest winter destination in Utah, Woodward Park City is a complete adventure destination. For those that have visited Utah previously, Woodward Park City took over the old Gorgoza Park Tubing Hill. Woodward Park City has a lot to offer from a terrain park and snow tubing, in addition to indoor activities. For a complete review of tubing in Park City check out this post.
7. Go Boating on Bear Lake
Bear Lake is one of those destinations that will not feel like you are actually in Utah. The water is a beautiful blue shade that rivals water in the Caribbean! Bear Lake is located on the border of Idaho and Utah and the lake actually is split between the two states.
You can participate in water sports while on Bear Lake or bike around the lake (if you are into that sort of thing – it’s about 50 miles). But regardless, you should finish your day with an infamous Raspberry Milkshake.
8. Go paddleboarding at Jordanelle or Causey Reservoir
If you don’t have (or want to pay the money to rent) a boat, consider stand up paddle boarding at Jordanelle State Park or Causey Reservoir. Both of these are usually choppier by the end of the day so going in the morning is best.
9. Visit a local brewery
Utah in general isn’t known for its alcohol. However slowly buy surely some breweries have been popping up. A great way to take a break from the the outdoor activities you have probably been doing is with a nice local beer.
There are dozens of breweries that are crafting the local beer scene and quickly making this place a destination for craft beer. One of my favorites, TF Brewing, is located right in downtown Salt Lake City.
10. Take a Scenic Drive in one of the Canyons
Fortunately northern Utah has no shortage of canyons. Honestly the entire state is filled with beautiful scenic drives. If you are bringing along a dog, just a reminder that there are no dogs allowed in the Cottonwood Canyons, even just in the car.
Instead check out Millcreek Canyon or the Alpine Loop near American Fork. For more details. check out this post when deciding on the best scenic drive in Utah.
11. Soak in a Hot Spring
Ok so this one was sort of already covered once when I mentioned the Midway Crater. However, this is not the only hot water you can find in northern Utah.
About an hour north of Salt Lake City, Crystal Hot Springs is a commercialized option if you are interested in visiting a hot springs. Alternatively consider visiting Saratoga Hot Springs. This hot spring is accessible from a park with a short 10 minute walk. Looking for a cute swimsuit? Cupshe has some very affordable options.
12. Attend a Utah sporting event
Depending on the season, Utah has some great choices from a professional sports perspective. The Utah Jazz play downtown in Salt Lake City in the Vivint Arena. The minor league baseball team, the Salt Lake Bees is also in downtown Salt Lake City.
Additionally, the professional soccer team Real Salt Lake has their stadium in Sandy.
13. Tour the Olympic Village
Open throughout the year with a variety of activities, you can check out the schedule for the Olympic Park here. As Salt Lake City was the host of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, you can still see some remnants of the Olympics in Salt Lake City and the surrounding areas – the torch, the long jump, signs on specific ski runs, etc.
14. Visit Temple Square
One of the first things you may think of when you think of Utah is the significant influence from the Mormon Church (formally known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints). If you are looking for things to do in Utah, visiting Temple Square downtown is a great way to learn more. You can tour the welcome center if you are interested or just admire from the outside.
Please note: You do not have to be Mormon/LDS/religious to enjoy this activity. I personally have toured the Welcome Center downtown because I was curious and wanted education but am not a member of the church myself.
Things to do in Central Utah
1. Visit a National Park
When you think of things to do in Utah, visiting a national park might be high on that list. And for a good reason. Utah has some incredible national parks. In central Utah, you will find Capitol Reef National Park, Arches National Park, and Canyonlands National Park. Check out this post if you are planning a Utah National Parks road trip.
Each of these parks deserves its own post as you could spend a full week in each and not see it all. However some of my favorite activities include: Driving the White Rim Trail in Canyonlands and Driving the Cathedral Valley Loop near Capitol Reef. Both of these drives require 4WD high clearance.
2. Go to Moab
Moab is one of the premier adventure destinations in Utah. If you are into off-roading, hiking, camping, or mountain biking, then you should certainly spend some time in Moab. You will find both Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park just outside the main town, in addition to Dead Horse Point State Park.
However, you don’t have to be in an official park to experience beautiful scenery. To experience Moab outside the parks, take a drive along the beautiful UT-128 next to the Colorado River, camp at the various Bureau of Land Management Campgrounds, and hike Fisher Towers. Check out this post for an epic Salt Lake City to Moab road trip itinerary.
3. Check out a Utah State Park
Utah has so many state parks in Central Utah and I have not yet been to each of them. However, beautiful state parks in Central Utah that I would recommend are Dead Horse Point State Park and Goblin Valley State Park.
Many of these have plenty of different activities to choose from including hiking, scenic drives or walks, and watersports. If you plan to visit several of the Utah State Parks, buying an annual pass might make a lot of sense. You can check them out on the Utah State Parks website here.
4. Soak in a Hot Spring
You might be noticing a hot spring theme. Hot springs are such a fun year-round activity. And fortunately central Utah also has some hot springs. The most insta-worthy of these is Mystic Hot Springs I mean check this out.
5. Visit Pando
Did you know that the largest Aspen Grove and single largest living organism is located in Utah? Well now you do. Located in Fishlake National Forest, the Pando Aspen Grove is definitely worth your visit. Pando takes up over 100 acres and consists of 40,000 trees.
6. Off-road at Swing Arm City
As I am not that into the crazy driving, mountain biking or dirt biking, this is one I observed from afar. Ever since I first drove by Swing Arm City, I have recognized it in many off-road commercials. However there was a dirt road that we took to visit Factory Butte which is located right beside Swing Arm City,
7. Explore a slot canyon
Utah is known for its slot canyons. One of the most popular of these is Little Wild Horse Canyon in Central Utah. Importantly, if you plan to visit this (or any) slot canyon, be sure to check out the weather. Even if you aren’t expecting rain in your immediate area, rain elsewhere can cause a flash flood.
Things to do in Southern Utah
1. Visit a National Park
Potentionally the entire reason why you are considering visiting Utah has to do with this section right here. Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park are two of the best national parks in the country (according to me, haha).
If you are reading this looking for things to do in Utah and haven’t visited Zion and Bryce, stop reading right now and get to planning your trip. Yes that even includes those of you who have lived here all of your life. Just do it! Check out this post if you are planning a Utah National Parks road trip.
2. Explore a National Monument
Grand Staircase Escalante has to be my favorite national monument ever. Although ironically the first time we drove arond the area we did not fully understand the hype. You really have to explore to get the full idea of what this area has to offer. In fact, three of the hikes in Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument made it onto my list of 21 places to visit in Utah that aren’t national parks.
There are also other national monuments in southern Utah as well. Others I have visited and enjoyed include Cedar Breaks National Monument and Natural Bridges National Monument.
3. Check out a Utah State Park
My favorite state parks in Utah are in the southern part of the state. I am convinced that these would be potential national park status if there weren’t so many other jaw droppingly beautiful places in Utah. Snow Canyon State Park and Coral Pink Sand Dunes are two of my favorites.
If you plan to visit several of the Utah State Parks, buying an annual pass might make a lot of sense. You can check them out on the Utah State Parks website here.
4. Visit Escalante
If you read the above section about visiting a national monument, then you might recognize that the town of Escalante is the gatekeeper for a lot of the amazingness found in the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument.
Escalante itself is an adorable, albeit very small town. Hole in the Rock Road, a dirt road with many trail heads starting from it begins just east of town. You could easily spend a week exploring just this area alone.
5. Take a Hike
There are many opportunities for hiking in Utah and Southern Utah is no exception. There are amazing hikes in Utah that are located both within and outside the national parks, national monuments, and state parks. Consider using the AllTrails app or site to find the options nearby.
6. Visit Kanab
Kanab is my favorite town in Southern Utah. It is also known as “Little Hollywood” in honor of the many westerns filmed there. And you will be pleasantly surprised with actual quality restaurants in Kanab as well.
While Kanab is not adjacent to any national parks, it’s not far away from them either. So if you’re on a road trip through the southwest, Kanab is a perfect place to set up your base camp to explore. Check out this list of 11 things to do in Kanab while you are there.
7. Run like Forest Gump in Monument Valley
There is absolutely no way that you haven’t heard of Monument Valley in Southeast Utah. It is featured in everything western from cartoons to Forest Gump. There is even a spot named “Forest Gump Hill” that you can put in your maps for the infamous point in the movie.
8. Go Houseboating (or Kayaking) on Lake Powell
Lake Powell is a man-made reservoir from the Colorado River that crosses both Arizona and Utah. It is a major vacation destination with a variety of popular watersports. My experience with Lake Powell has been from the shores but I hope to explore more of Lake Powell this spring.
9. Visit One of the Many Historical Sites in Southwest Utah
There is more to it than its beauty. Southwestern Utah has a fascinating history to match. Much of the history shows the determination of early settlers to thrive in what was once considered a barren wasteland not worthy of settlement. These 15 Southwest Utah historical sites are the perfect addition to your Utah road trip in between your exploration of the impressive landscape in this corner of the Beehive State.
Things to do in Utah
Hopefully this list of epic things to do in Utah will get your sense of adventure flowing. What is on your Utah bucket list? What do you plan to do first? Let us know in the comments!
You May Also Enjoy These Posts:
- Best Hikes in Utah
- Easy Hikes near Salt Lake City
- 11 Things to do in Kanab
- What to do in Midway Utah
- Best State Parks in Utah
- Visiting the Utah Mighty 5 National Parks
- Best Scenic Drives in Utah
Let’s Stay in Touch…
Andrea Cannon is a pharmacist, triathlete, gratitude practicer, and avid traveler. For both business and pleasure, she has taken more than 250 flights yearly for the past 3 years. In addition to being a travel hacking enthusiast, Andrea enjoys hiking and spending time with her husband (Austin) and dog (Dex). You can connect with her via her blog www.beaUTAHfulworld.com or on Instagram @andreafcannon .
17 thoughts on “Epic Things to do in Utah”
Wow! That is a lot of information packed into one blog post.
Thanks Dad! There is so much to do in Utah! Hard not to pack these in!
Utah has been on my bucket list for so long, it looks like a stunning place to explore! I love the look of all the national parks and that state park is incredible! The hot springs would be an awesome place to experience too! Bookmarking for future travels!
I love Utah. There’s so many great things to see! What a great list!
Thank you so much Ashley!
I love this list- take me to Utah right now! The hot springs, the Belly of the Dragon, all of it looks so amazing.
Thank you so much! Yes there is a ton to do!!
So kewl to find out more about Southern Utah..I ve seen a lot of info focuses on this area lately..we are moving to Vegas soon, so excited about exploring this area nearby!
This is awsome!
VAlerie
http://www.mapleleopard.com
Oh man so exciting about moving to Vegas! You are going to be in the middle of all the amazing stuff!
I see a lot of posts about Utah covering hiking trails, so it’s great to know that there are a lot more activities to do here as well!
Yes there is a lot of hiking but so much more as well!
Utah is just so full of things to do and dreamy places to see, it’s almost overwhelming!! I was only 13 when I went and we missed many spots so I really want to go back as soon as possible! This post will come super handy when I do 🙂
Haha I hear you on that! I have felt the same way even despite living here for 6 years. Always adding new things to the list!
There’s so much to explore in Utah, still. I’ve seen the national parks, and a few national monuments.
Haha I feel the same and I have lived here almost 6 years! Seriously so much to do!
This is so inspiring. I’ve only briefly driven through Utah a few times while on my way to other places. I’d love to spend more time there hiking and exploring all the cool things to see in the state.
Oh yes I hope you get to come back! There is so much to do!