Best Places to Visit in Utah, United States
Top Destinations in Utah List
Use our realistic list of the Best Places to Visit in Utah to plan your next adventure in “Beehive State”.
This post includes affiliate links that will earn us commission if you make a purchase via these links.
Utah is a landlocked state in the Western US. It is the 13th largest state by territory. But Utah ranks much lower by population. Moreover, most of the state’s population is near Salt Lake City and St. George.
Whatever Utah might lack in terms of the population density, it makes up in beauty. Just see for yourself the list of Utah’s sights:
- “Mighty 5” national parks
- Six national monuments
- 43 state parks
- Several national historic parks, trails, and forests
- Handful of ski resorts
Utah’s national parks are among the most popular in the nation. Park overcrowding became a real issue in the last few years. As a result, you would need to deal with several entrance requirements.
This list of the Best Places to Visit in Utah aims to help you plan an unforgettable trip to Utah.
1. Arches National Park
Arches claim the top spot on the list of the Best Places to Visit in Utah. This is very well deserved. The park has some of the most impressive natural formations in the US.
There are a lot of arches to visit. Just to name a few:
- Delicate Arch
- Landscape Arch
- Double O Arch
- Navajo Arch
- Turret Arch
However, the Delicate Arch is a true symbol of Utah. Most of the state’s license plates proudly display this arch.
You would need an advance reservation to visit the park between April and October. It is best to arrive as early as possible to get a parking spot at the Delicate Arch trailhead.
This 3-mile (4.8-km) hike is strenuous. Hiking under the summer sun and during the winter fog is even more difficult. But the Delicate Arch views at the end are well worth the effort.
2. Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon is a must-see destination for any traveler to Utah. It is the second best place to visit in Utah.
This national park has hoodoos, bright colored rock formations. You can find them throughout the park.
There are several ways to explore the park.
- Bikers and drivers could take the 18-mile (29-km) scenic drive and stop at overlooks.
- Hikers would find a few breathtaking paths in the park.
Bryce Canyon is a fairly remote part of Utah. On the bright side, you do not need an advance reservation.
But it is still a good idea to arrive early. You would want to pick your viewpoints and trails strategically to avoid crowds.
3. Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands is a magnificent national park. This park would have topped the list of Best Places to Visit in most other states. But not in Utah. The nearby Arches National Park overshadows Canyonlands.
The park has a surreal landscape. Colorado and Green Rivers created these canyons over thousands of years.
The park has three districts. It is impossible to explore them all in one day.
Pick the Island in the Sky district if you only have a day in Canyonlands. This district’s scenic drive has great overlooks: Grand View Point, Candlestick Tower, and Green River.
Visit the Needles district if you have a longer itinerary. Or venture into the Maze if you feel truly adventurous.
4. Zion National Park
Zion National Park is the most visited national park in Utah. This is hardly a surprise. Just consider the breathtaking views that the Zion Canyon trails offer.
But the park’s crowds make a visit less enjoyable. Here are some requirements:
- You have to take a shuttle if you visit Zion Canyon between early March and late November.
- You would also need to win a lottery to hike the Angel’s Landing trail.
- Finally, you would be wading if you take on the Narrows hike.
For a more pleasant experience, visit Kolob Canyons or Kolob Terrace. These Zion units attract less people.
Kolob Canyons unit is just a short detour from Interstate Highway I-15. You can explore this unit from the comfort of your vehicle.
5. Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park protects an ancient ocean bed. You could also see petroglyphs and structures of Fruita Historic District.
Capitol Reef is the most remote national park in Utah. It is a major issue. Other parks of Utah’s Mighty 5 comes in clusters:
- Arches and Canyonlands are near Moab, UT;
- Bryce and Zion are near St. George, UT.
On the bright side, Capitol Reef is about halfway between Bryce Canyon and Arches. The drive would take you via some of the most scenic national forests in the whole state.
6. Snow Canyon State Park
Snow Canyon is the only one of Utah’s 43 state parks that made this list. It has a favorable location just outside of St. George, UT. The park is a good addition to a Zion itinerary.
Snow Canyon has an impressive list of sights. You will see slot canyons, lava beds, sand, and petrified dunes. Some areas would give several national monuments and parks a run for their money.
This park is a hiker’s paradise with miles and miles of trails.
There are a few downsides of visiting Snow Canyon.
- The park charges different fees for state residents and non residents.
- The online pass display system is old and inefficient.
7. Fishlake National Forest
Fishlake National Forest is an excellent destination for travelers. It is the most scenic way to drive between Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef.
You can see Capitol Reef and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument from the forest’s overlooks.
High elevation of up to 9,600 ft (2,926 m) could be a problem. Exercise caution due to a rapid elevation gain. And expect some ice on the road in winter.
8. Park City
Park City is the largest ski resort in the United States. It is an unbeatable destination within a short drive from the state’s capital.
Park City is home to 2002 Winter Olympic Games and an annual Sundance Film Festival. Nowadays it attracts adventure and film lovers alike.
Park City has an extensive trail system. But it comes with a steep price tag for ski pass, equipment, and places to stay.
Takeaways: Best Places in Utah
Utah is an amazing destination for nature lovers. Spectacular beauty of Utah’s Mighty 5 serves as a magnet for explorers from all over the world.
Do not forget that Utah is a large state. You would need about a week to visit just the state’s national parks.
National Park Service manages a large number of Utah’s wonders. Therefore, an Interagency pass is a must-have when traveling to Utah. It offers sizable savings over the normal admission fees.
Remote location of Utah’s sights presents a challenge when picking places to stay. Some parks, like Arches, Canyonlands, and Zion, are near cities and towns with tourist infrastructure.
Others, like Capitol Reef, have very limited options. Either way, make sure to book your places to stay as early as possible. This way you increase your chances to get a better deal.
Take a look at our Best Places to Visit in Utah Vide List and visit our YouTube channel for the latest videos.
Frequently Asked Questions
You need to get an advance reservation to visit Arches between April and October. Visit the park as early in the day as possible. This way you can beat the crowds. And explore the sights before the sun becomes a problem.
Bryce Canyon has a good mix of easy, moderate, and strenuous hikes. Be extra careful when hiking in and out of the canyon during summer and winter.
You need at least half a day to visit Canyonlands. Remote location of the park’s districts adds time to your visit.
Zion National Park has beautiful canyons. The park has several hiking trails with breathtaking views.
Capitol Reef National Park has impressive formations along the Waterpocket Fold.
Snow Canyon State Park has a scenic drive with several overlooks and trailheads.
Safe realist travels!
