50 Things to Do in Utah
Utah unfolds across a landscape of breathtaking contrasts, from the snow-capped peaks of the Wasatch Range to the dramatic red rock canyons and deserts of the south. Renowned for its “Mighty 5®” national parks and world-class outdoor recreation, the Beehive State offers adventure and beauty at every turn. Exploring scenic byways or discovering dinosaur fossils are just some of the incredible experiences available, including many fantastic free things to do in Utah, like hiking local trails or marveling at dark night skies.
This guide highlights fifty distinct ways to experience the best of Utah, spanning its iconic parks, charming towns, historic sites, and unique natural wonders. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures, serene moments in nature, insights into geological time, or a taste of local culture, these suggestions will help you navigate the incredible diversity of this Western state. Prepare to be amazed by Utah’s unparalleled landscapes and welcoming spirit.
The Mighty 5® National Parks
Zion National Park: Hike through the Virgin River in The Narrows or tackle the thrilling Angels Landing trail (permit required) for incredible canyon views. Explore easier paths like the Pa’rus Trail or Emerald Pools for stunning scenery accessible to more visitors.
Arches National Park: Witness the iconic Delicate Arch, especially beautiful at sunset, or hike the trails through the Windows Section featuring numerous massive arches. Drive the park’s scenic road stopping at viewpoints like Balanced Rock for unforgettable photos.
Bryce Canyon National Park: Marvel at the world’s largest concentration of hoodoos (irregular rock spires) from viewpoints along the rim of the Bryce Amphitheater. Hike down among the formations on trails like the Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden for an up-close perspective.
Capitol Reef National Park: Drive the scenic drive through the Waterpocket Fold, a massive wrinkle in the earth’s crust, stopping for short hikes to places like Hickman Bridge. Don’t forget to enjoy fresh fruit pies in the historic Fruita orchard district (seasonal) for a delicious local treat.
Canyonlands National Park: Explore the vast wilderness divided by rivers into distinct districts; Island in the Sky offers accessible viewpoints like Mesa Arch (popular at sunrise) and Grand View Point trail. The Needles and Maze districts provide more remote backcountry adventures.
National Monuments & Recreation Areas
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument: Discover rugged landscapes featuring slot canyons like Zebra Slot or Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Gulch (experience needed), scenic drives like Hole-in-the-Rock Road, and vast wilderness areas. Plan carefully as much of this monument is remote and requires preparation.
Bears Ears National Monument: Explore culturally significant landscapes rich in Ancestral Puebloan history, featuring sites like House on Fire ruin and Mule Canyon. Respect the fragile archaeological sites and enjoy the natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Natural Bridges National Monument: Drive the scenic loop road connecting viewpoints of three massive natural bridges – Sipapu, Kachina, and Owachomo. Enjoy short hikes to bridge overlooks or longer trails down into the canyon in this International Dark Sky Park.
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (Lake Powell): Enjoy boating, kayaking, or swimming in the vast reservoir set amidst stunning sandstone cliffs. Take a boat tour to see the magnificent Rainbow Bridge National Monument, one of the world’s largest natural bridges.
Dinosaur National Monument (Utah Side): Visit the Quarry Exhibit Hall to see a wall embedded with hundreds of real dinosaur fossils discovered in the area. Explore the Utah side’s scenic drives and short trails offering glimpses into geological history.
State Parks Wonders
Dead Horse Point State Park: Soak in arguably one of the most photographed vistas in the world, overlooking a dramatic gooseneck bend in the Colorado River near Moab. The easily accessible viewpoints offer breathtaking canyon panoramas.
Goblin Valley State Park: Wander among thousands of whimsical mushroom-shaped hoodoos (goblins) in this unique valley. Kids and adults love exploring the maze-like formations in this otherworldly landscape.
Snow Canyon State Park: Hike trails through stunning red and white Navajo sandstone cliffs, ancient lava flows, and sand dunes near St. George. Explore lava tubes or hike to overlooks for diverse geological beauty.
Antelope Island State Park: Drive the causeway across the Great Salt Lake to encounter free-roaming bison, antelope, and diverse birdlife. Hike trails for panoramic lake views or take a dip in the buoyant salty water.
Kodachrome Basin State Park: Discover unique sandstone spires and sedimentary pipes set against dramatic cliffs, named by National Geographic explorers. Hike easy trails like the Grand Parade Trail for close-up views of the formations.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park: Play on expansive dunes of coral-pink sand, popular for ATV riding, sandboarding, or simply enjoying the unique scenery. The shifting sands create a beautiful desert playground near Kanab.
Wasatch Mountain State Park: Enjoy year-round recreation near Midway and Heber City, including golf courses, hiking trails, camping, and Nordic skiing in winter. Experience the beauty of the Wasatch Back mountain range.
Escalante Petrified Forest State Park: Hike trails through areas scattered with colorful petrified wood and see fossilized dinosaur bones. Camp by the reservoir or explore the unique geological specimens.
Goosenecks State Park: Marvel at the entrenched meanders of the San Juan River carved deep into the landscape from an easily accessible viewpoint. Witness the incredible power of erosion shaping the Colorado Plateau.
Bear Lake State Park: Enjoy the brilliant turquoise-blue waters of Bear Lake (“The Caribbean of the Rockies”) on the Utah-Idaho border. Relax on sandy beaches, go boating, or try a famous fresh raspberry shake (seasonal).
Salt Lake City Area Highlights
Temple Square: Take a free guided tour of the headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, admiring the Salt Lake Temple exterior and historic Tabernacle. Attend a performance by the Tabernacle Choir if possible.
Utah State Capitol: Explore the beautiful architecture of the state capitol building, both inside and out, perched above the city. Enjoy panoramic views of the valley and surrounding mountains from its grounds.
Natural History Museum of Utah: Discover exhibits on Utah’s ecosystems, paleontology (including impressive dinosaur skeletons), and cultures, located near the University of Utah. The building itself offers stunning architecture and views.
Great Salt Lake State Park: Visit the shores of the Western Hemisphere’s largest saltwater lake, learn about its unique ecosystem at the visitor center, and watch spectacular sunsets over the water.
Ensign Peak Nature Park: Hike the short trail to the summit where early pioneers first surveyed the Salt Lake Valley. Enjoy commanding views of the city, the Great Salt Lake, and the Wasatch Mountains.
City Creek Canyon: Walk or bike the paved path alongside the creek just minutes from downtown Salt Lake City. Enjoy the cool, shaded canyon offering a peaceful natural escape (closed to cars certain days).
Liberty Park & Tracy Aviary: Relax in Salt Lake City’s oldest public park, featuring playgrounds, a pond, and the Tracy Aviary, home to diverse bird species. It’s a lovely spot for family outings or quiet reflection.
Clark Planetarium: Explore interactive space and science exhibits downtown at The Gateway. Catch a show in the dome theatre or Hansen Dome Theatre for immersive celestial journeys.
Red Butte Garden: Wander through themed gardens and natural areas adjacent to the University of Utah, offering beautiful plant collections and walking trails. Attend outdoor concerts during the summer season for music amidst nature.
Family History Library: Research your genealogy at the world’s largest collection of family history records, offering free access and expert assistance. It’s an unparalleled resource for ancestry exploration.
Mountain Towns & Resorts
Park City Main Street: Stroll the charming historic main street of this famous ski town, lined with boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and remnants of its silver mining past. Enjoy the alpine town atmosphere year-round.
Ski or Snowboard “The Greatest Snow on Earth®”: Hit the slopes at one of Utah’s renowned ski resorts in the Wasatch Mountains during winter. Choose from resorts in Park City, Cottonwood Canyons (Alta, Snowbird), or near Ogden for world-class powder.
Utah Olympic Park: Visit the site of the 2002 Winter Olympics near Park City, watch athletes train, ride the summer bobsled, or try zip-lining and ropes courses. Explore the free Alf Engen Ski Museum and Eccles Olympic Winter Games Museum for Olympic history.
Sundance Mountain Resort: Experience Robert Redford’s arts-focused mountain resort known for its rustic elegance, beautiful scenery, hiking trails, and the Sundance Film Festival (held mainly in Park City). Enjoy nature and creativity combined.
Alpine Loop Scenic Byway: Drive this stunning paved road (typically open late May-Oct) through the Wasatch Mountains connecting American Fork Canyon and Provo Canyon. Enjoy incredible views of Mount Timpanogos, waterfalls, and vibrant fall colors.
Southern Utah Adventures
Moab Outdoor Playground: Base yourself in Moab for adventures like rafting the Colorado River, mountain biking the Slickrock Trail, or exploring nearby national parks via jeep tours. It’s a hub for desert adventure sports.
Kanab & Slot Canyons: Explore the stunning slot canyons near Kanab, like Buckskin Gulch (permit needed for long hikes) or easier-to-access options with guided tours. Visit Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, the nation’s largest no-kill sanctuary, for animal encounters.
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park (Border): Witness the iconic sandstone buttes rising dramatically from the desert floor on the Utah-Arizona border. Take a guided tour with a Navajo guide to explore deeper into the valley and learn about Navajo culture.
Cedar Breaks National Monument: Admire the large natural amphitheater filled with hoodoos and rock formations, similar to Bryce Canyon but at a higher elevation. Enjoy stunning views, hiking trails, and excellent stargazing opportunities.
St. George Area Recreation: Explore the red rock landscapes surrounding St. George, hike trails in Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, or catch a show at the outdoor Tuacahn Amphitheatre. Enjoy outdoor activities in Utah’s warmest region.
Scenic Byway 12: Drive one of America’s most beautiful highways, an All-American Road connecting Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon National Parks. Travel through diverse landscapes, over narrow ridges (“The Hogback”), and past charming small towns offering unforgettable vistas.
Hole N” The Rock: Stop at this unique roadside attraction near Moab where a home was carved directly into a massive sandstone rock. Browse the trading post and see the quirky mid-century desert dwelling.
Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum: Explore Ancestral Puebloan artifacts and visit a partially restored ruin site in Blanding. Learn about the ancient cultures that inhabited the Four Corners region.
Bluff Fort Historic Site: Visit the reconstructed pioneer fort telling the story of the arduous Hole-in-the-Rock expedition settlers. Explore cabins and learn about the challenges of settling southeastern Utah.
Newspaper Rock Petroglyph Panel: Stop alongside Highway 211 near Canyonlands’ Needles District to view a large rock panel covered with hundreds of petroglyphs spanning thousands of years. It’s an incredible outdoor gallery showcasing ancient rock art.
Unique Utah Experiences
Bonneville Salt Flats: Experience the vast, flat expanse west of Salt Lake City, famous for land speed records. Walk out onto the salt, take unique perspective photos, or witness Speed Week events for a surreal landscape encounter.
Dark Sky Park Stargazing: Visit one of Utah’s many designated International Dark Sky Parks and Areas (like Natural Bridges, Capitol Reef, or Bryce Canyon) for unparalleled views of the night sky. Enjoy ranger programs or simply marvel at the brilliant stars and Milky Way.
This Is The Place Heritage Park: Immerse yourself in Utah’s pioneer history at this Salt Lake City park featuring historic buildings, craft demonstrations, and train rides. Commemorate the arrival of Brigham Young and early settlers in the Salt Lake Valley.
Utah Shakespeare Festival: Attend professional theater productions, including works by Shakespeare and contemporary playwrights, held annually in Cedar City (summer/fall). Enjoy performances in outdoor and indoor theaters for a world-class cultural experience.
Dinosaurland (Vernal Area): Explore northeastern Utah’s hub for paleontology, visiting Dinosaur National Monument, the Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum, and other sites along the “Dinosaur Diamond.” Discover real fossils and impressive replicas.
