Places to visit in Utah that aren’t national parks

Places to visit in Utah that aren’t national parks

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Utah is famous for its Mighty 5 National Parks, stunning red rocks, and beautiful mountain scenery. Are you thinking about heading to Utah? Here are 25 places to visit in Utah that aren’t national parks. Hopefully this list will get you off the beaten path an onto your next adventure out west.

Want to focus on the national parks in Utah instead? Here we ranked the best national parks in Utah. And we have this itinerary (complete with a map and hiking recommendations) here.

Places to see in Utah

I couldn’t possibly rank this in order from best to worst because these are all incredible places to visit in Utah. However consider the area of the state, how adventurous you’re feeling, and the time of year when deciding where to go. This list will be grouped by area of the state. For scenic drives that will connect many of these beautiful places, check out the best scenic drives in Utah. Also, each of these are places that I have visited personally and all of the pictures are my own. If you want to see more pictures of Utah, follow me on Instagram here.

If you are thinking about adding some of these spots to your bucketlist, go ahead and pin this post on Pinterest so you don’t forget any of these cool locations.

places to visit in Utah that aren't national parks
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Northern Utah places to visit

Bear Lake

Bear Lake is split between Idaho and Utah. The color of the water is so amazingly beautiful – you are going to have a hard time believing that you are in the the middle of the western part of the USA. It really looks like the Caribbean! We have been to Bear Lake twice. Once we camped and cycled around the lake (about 50 miles). The other time we rented a boat for a day. Both times were wonderful.

places to visit in Utah Bear Lake
We rented a boat on Bear Lake

Waterfall Canyon

This is a hike that we have done twice. Once in the summer and once in the winter. Waterfall Canyon is located in Ogden, Utah. It is 2.4 miles and 1,105 ft of elevation gain. This hike was absolutely stunning in both seasons. If you decide to do this trail with snow, my recommendation would be to wear spikes. (I personally never hike in the winter without them!)

If you like the icy waterfall look, check out these other frozen waterfall hikes in northern Utah.

best places to visit in Utah Waterfall Canyon
Frozen waterfall Canyon in Ogden, UT
A quick video of Waterfall Canyon on YouTube Shorts.

Bonneville Salt Flats

If you can’t make it all the way to Bolivia but still want to experience salt flats, this is your next best option. The Bonneville Salt Flats are an area where the the land speed record has been broken. They are one of the best places to visit in Utah because they look different depending on the time of the year that you visit. If it’s the summer and it has been dry, you see salt that appears like snow. If it’s spring/winter and it has recently been wet you get a really cool reflection. Bonneville Salt Flats is one of my favorite day trips from Salt Lake City and I often bring visitors to this spot.

best places to visit in Utah Bonneville Salt Flats
Beautiful reflection at the Bonneville Salt Flats

Uinta Mountains and Mirror Lake Highway

The Uintas are the highest mountain range in Utah and can really give you that true wilderness feeling. A fun piece of trivia: The Uintas are the only major range in the contiguous United States with an east-west orientation (there is another east-west range in Alaska). For those visiting from out of state, be aware that elevations range from 8,000 feet in the lower canyons to 13,528 feet atop Kings Peak – the highest point in Utah.

Because of the elevation, Mirror Lake Highway is not open year-round. So check before visiting. This photo was taken at the end of June 2019 and you can still see plenty of snow.

must see in Utah Mirror Lake Highway
The Uintas in June 2019.

The Canyons near Salt Lake City

I feel like this is almost a cop-out not to pick one canyon but it’s hard as they all feature different choices and amazing hikes. If you are looking specifically for a hike close to Salt Lake City, check out this post here. Otherwise, these canyons are certainly worth a drive.

Millcreek Canyon allows dogs, the Cottonwood Canyons do not (not even in your car!). With limited time (and depending on the season), you can drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon through Guardsman Pass and connect up with Park City. This gives you a taste of the canyons without having to get out of the car.

places to see in Utah
About a 10 minute walk from the parking lot at the end of Millcreek Canyon

Park City and Sundance Film Festival

Park City is one of the more famous locations in Utah. It’s known for its skiing as well as being one of the main sites for the Sundance Film Festival. If celebrity sightings and film critique is your thing, you must visit in January when the festival is ongoing. Otherwise, it’s a great ski town with a lot of activities year-round even if you don’t want to hit the slopes.

Park City Ski Patrol Hut off season
Park City ski patrol hut off season

Park City Mountain Resort

No trip to Park City would be complete without doing a bit of skiing. And Park City Mountain Resort is easily one of the best places to visit in Utah for skiing.

After all, this stunning mountain resort is the second largest in the nation and attracts adventure lovers from all over the world who want to ski amidst 7,300 acres of land.

However, if you want to work on your skills then you can always join the Park City Ski and Snowboard School before exploring one of 330 different runs that are suitable for skiers of all skill levels.

Midway Ice Castle and Crater

This choice is seasonally dependent. Year-round you can soak in the crater. And in the winter, you can visit the ice castle. We enjoyed our trip to Midway so much that I wrote an entire blog post about it here.

things to do in Midway Utah
Pictured at the Ice Castle in Midway, Utah

Homestead Crater

This stunning, geothermal hot spring is tucked away beneath a 55-foot limestone rock that is well over 10,000 years old.

However, because this hot spring is inside Homestead Resort in Midway, Utah, you’ll need to make a reservation in advance if you want to visit.

Thankfully, though, you can check out one of the best places to visit in Utah as part of a self-guided tour and don’t have to be a guest of the resort.

And once here, a built-in tunnel will lead you into the cave so that you can swim, scuba dive, or just relax in the refreshing waters.

Flaming Gorge Reservoir

Flaming Gorge is on the border of Utah and Wyoming. When we visited, we camped and rented a boat. However Flaming Gorge also has houseboats if that is of interest. You might notice a general boat theme here (lol). The scenery from both the viewpoint on top of the gorge and from the boat were definitely worth the visit.

must see in Utah
Flaming Gorge Reservoir
Red Canyon Overlook at Flaming Gorge
Red Canyon Overlook at Flaming Gorge

Central and Eastern Utah places to visit

Calf Creek Falls

Calf Creek Falls is located in Boulder, UT. It is a 6.7 mile trail with 521 ft of elevation gain. It has a stunning waterfall finale and it is more like a long walk on the beach than a hike compared to the rest of the options in Utah. Because of this, the trail does get crowded. So consider a weekday or off-peak hours to make this hike more enjoyable.

Calf Creek Falls
Calf Creek Falls in Boulder, UT

If you are looking to hike in Utah and trying to decide what to wear, check out this post about the best hiking clothes.

Mystic Hot Springs

Maybe this one is just “for the ‘gram” but if you like hot springs, you don’t want to miss Mystic Hot Springs. This must see in Utah has a collection of different tubs that are filled with hot water directly from the spring, The best part is there is no smell!

Mystic Hot Springs in Monroe UT
Mystic Hot Springs in Monroe UT

Goblin Valley State Park

One of the first places that we visited in Utah that wasn’t a national park was Goblin Valley. Despite the intense wind we experienced while camping that weekend, Goblin Valley was still very cool to visit. With enough advanced planning, you could stay in one of the yurts which would be a pretty sweet experience. Goblin’s Valley is one of the best state parks in Utah – make sure to hike to Goblin’s Lair while you’re there.

Goblin Valley State Park
Me in Goblin Valley, UT (you can tell it was an early trip with my hair color!)

Reflection Canyon

Located off of Hole in the Rock Road which begins in Escalante, UT, Reflection Canyon was one of the most epic views that I have ever seen. Getting there is no joke. Hole in the Rock Road is a dirt road and this is only 5 miles from the very end. As you get farther down the road you are more likely to need a 4WD vehicle.

Additionally getting to Reflection Canyon is either a backpacking trip or a really long day hike. It is 18.7 miles with 1,873 ft elevation gain. There is no water available on the hike and it is recommended that you avoid doing this hike in the summertime due to the heat. If you can overcome these obstacles, prepare to be delighted.

Reflection Canyon places to see in Utah
Dex at Reflection Canyon

Peakaboo and Spooky Slot Canyon Loop

Another beautiful trail located off of Hole in the Rock Road in Escalante, UT. This one is closer to the beginning of the dirt road and you can likely get away with a regular car to visit. These slot canyons are not for the claustrophobic or cautious hikers. There are areas where you need to climb or jump down and also very narrow sections. The loop itself is 6.3 miles with 738 ft of elevation gain.

must visit in Utah
Austin in Peakaboo Slot Canyon

Coyote Gulch

One last recommendation located off of Hole in the Rock Road in Escalante, UT is Coyote Gulch. As this is the third recommendation off of Hole in the Rock Road, make sure Escalante is on your list of places to visit in Utah. Depending on how adventurous you are feeling, you have plenty of options in this area for day hikes or overnight backpacking trips. If you choose to do the backpacking loop, it is 12.8 miles and 2,011 ft of elevation gain.

Just a note – when we visited on one of our first ever backpacking trips, we missed the loop exit and had to go out the long way (a long story for another day), but just a note that it is a little tricky. Being prepared with extra water and rope is ideal. For additional desert hiking tips, check out this blog post here.

Backpacking in Coyote Gulch
Backpacking in Coyote Gulch

Corona Arch

If you are in the Moab area and looking for trails that allow dogs, visiting Corona Arch might be for you. Not to be confused with the virus, this trail was fun and very close to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. The trail is 2.3 miles and 469 ft of elevation gain and actually features another arch as well – Bowtie Arch.

Corona Arch
Under the Corona Arch – the good kind of Corona

Monument Valley

If you are looking for iconic places to visit in Utah, look no further than Monument Valley. There is absolutely no way you haven’t heard about this place unless you have been living under a rock. It’s featured everywhere from westerns, to cartoons to Forest Gump.

Monument Valley in Southern Utah
Monument Valley

Southwest Utah places to visit

If you want to visit the Southwest corner of the state and have some extra time on your hands, you may want to pay a visit to Northern Arizona and Southern Nevada as well. Check out this Ultimate Southwest Road Trip Itinerary to help you plan.

Cedar Breaks National Monument

While I promised that this list would not include any of the Utah National Parks, I made no such promises about National Monuments. While I have only visited Cedar Breaks one time, it was still very beautiful and worth making the list of places to see in Utah. It reminded me a lot of Bryce Canyon.

places to visit in Utah
Cedar Breaks National Monument

Red Canyon

Although not specifically the biggest of destinations, Red Canyon is located just outside of Bryce Canyon National Park. One of the coolest features of Red Canyon are the two arch tunnels that you drive through in the canyon. Despite having driven through these two tunnels countless times, I still get excited since they are pretty unique. There are several shorter hikes in this area including Pink Ledges, Arches Trail, and Red Canyon Tunnel Trail that are pretty off-the-beaten path with much fewer people than Bryce Canyon National Park.

places to visit in Utah
One of the two arch tunnels that you drive through in Red Canyon

Kanarra Falls

Popularized from Instagram, Kanarra Falls in Kanarraville, Utah is a beautiful hike. Because of its popularity, this hike now requires a permit. We visited in the off-season a weekday and only saw one other couple. The hike is 4.3 miles long with 743 ft elevation gain. Because it is in and through a creek, you should be prepared to get wet on this hike.

places to visit in Utah
Kanarra Falls

Yant Flats

If you have seen pictures of Coyote Buttes North (The Wave), which is located just over the border in Arizona, this is a similar concept. Although not quite as wave-y (is that a word?), the cool spots are actually much larger than the Arizona wave. For that reason it’s a must see in Utah.

The trail is 3.4 miles long with 337 ft of elevation gain. We tried to get to this hike more than once and the road gets very muddy after it rains so definitely be careful with the weather. Side note: I learned from my friend Jessi that Yant Flats is pronounced like Yont Flats (rhymes with “font” not “ant”). Call this one its name like a local.

must see in Utah
Yant Flats

Snow Canyon State Park

Utah has so many awesome state parks so I can’t include them all. However, I feel like Snow Canyon would be a national park if it wasn’t located so close to Zion National Park. With some of the overlooks, you will certainly see what I mean. If you are headed to Snow Canyon, check out Jenny’s Canyon and the Petrified Sand Dunes.

must see in Utah
Petrified Sand Dunes in Snow Canyon State Park with my friend Jessi

Lake Powell

Contrary to what you might think, Lake Powell is a man-made reservoir and not a lake. However, because this is one of the best places to visit in Utah which is 186 miles long and 25 miles wide, you have ample space to try kayaking, wakeboarding, swimming, and boating.

You are also allowed to bring motorized vehicles onto the lake. So, feel free to rent a boat from one of the many agencies in the area. In fact, many visitors rent a houseboat and spend their vacation relaxing on the lake.

Just be prepared to share this natural oasis with others since an average of 2,000,000 people visit the lake annually. If you want, you can also hike the area’s many trails before visiting nearby Rainbow Ridge National Monument in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

Natural Bridges National Monument

Home to three stunning natural bridges that have been carved into White Canyon over the course of thousands of years, Natural Bridges National Monument is truly a sight to behold and one of the best places to visit in Utah.

Known locally as Owachomo, Kachina, and Sipapu, these bridges got their names from the local Hopi people and can be admired during a nine-mile scenic drive through the area.

Alternatively, you can embark on an intense, 1.2-mile hike to Sipapu to get a closer look at this natural landmark. Just be sure to wear the right gear since the hike is steep and features several ladders.

However, the hikes to Owachomo and Kachina are definitely more manageable. Also, be sure to see the Ancient Puebloan ruins that are scattered throughout the area while you’re here.

Places to Visit in Utah FAQ

What is the number 1 attraction in Utah?

Zion National Park is easily the number 1 attraction in Utah. Not only is this magical place less than a 3-hour drive from Las Vegas but it’s home to incredible waterfalls, amazing red rock cliffs, and gorgeous vistas with even better views.

What is the Prettiest Place in Utah?

It’s hard to pick the prettiest place in Utah since this state is home to so many beautiful natural landscapes.

However, some of the prettiest places in Utah include:

  • Capitol Reef National Park
  • Bryce Canyon
  • Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument
  • The Great Salt Lake
  • Bonneville Salt Flats
  • Arches National Park
  • Canyonlands National Park

What is Utah Best Known For?

Utah is best known for its skiing since the mountains surrounding Salt Lake City regularly get an average of 500 inches of snow annually.

Additionally, Utah is also well known for the famous Sundance Film Festival. In fact, it’s one of the greatest independent film festivals in the world and is held in Park City, Utah every January.

What are 3 Cultural Attractions in Utah?

Three cultural attractions in Utah include:

  • Bluff Fort Historic Site
  • Camp Floyd State Park Museum
  • Cove Fort
  • Frontier Homestead State Park
  • Hill Aerospace Museum
  • John Wesley Powell River Museum
  • Little Hollywood Museum
  • Land Cruiser Heritage Museum
  • Anasazi State Park Museum
  • Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum
  • Fremont Indian State Park and Museum

Places to visit in Utah

So… have you been to Utah? What must see spots in Utah did I miss? How many of these 21 places to visit in Utah have you been to or are you adding to you list? Let me know in the comments!

Adding some of these spots to your bucketlist? Pin this post on Pinterest so you don’t forget any of these cool locations.

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24 thoughts on “Places to visit in Utah that aren’t national parks

  1. I LOVE this list so much! And all of your photos are GORGEOUS. Can’t wait to check some of these off my adventure list!

    1. Aww I wish you would! I saw that you were in Phoenix recently and I was so bummed I wasn’t there! Hope everything is going well!

  2. This list is absolutely incredible, so many places I didn’t know about and now I’m so excited to visit! Thank you for the great compilation, I had to open Google maps and add them all to my bucketlist 🙌🏼

  3. Love this!! Utah is one of my favourite states! I haven’t heard of half of these places so I’ve definitely still got a lot to explore. Calf Creek Falls looks amaaaaaazing, and Reflection Canyon! Those bathtubs look pretty magical too haha.

    P.S. love the name of your site!

  4. Based on the area I know (canyon country) this is a great set of picks. Another one I would recommend is the Toadstools, a short hike to an otherworldly area that starts from highway 89 near the Paria River.

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