Introduction
If you’re like me—someone who loves the open road, red‑rock sunsets, and getting lost (in the good way) in nature—then my recent road trip through Utah turned out to be one of those travel experiences that stays with you long after you’re home. I expected dramatic scenery, but I found so much more: ancient geology, vast skies, alpine lakes, big‑city culture, and moments of quiet that felt almost sacred. Here are the 12 Best Things To Do & Places To Visit in Utah—the spots I fell for, and why I think you will too.
12 Best Things To Do & Places To Visit In Utah (2025)
1. Explore Arches National Park
My first “wow” moment in Utah happened here. Arches National Park is home to more than 2,000 natural stone arches—wind‐carved, sculpted by time.
Why I loved it: I hiked to the iconic Delicate Arch just as the sun was beginning to set. The rock glowed, the sky turned pastel, and for a moment the world felt exactly right.
Tip: Go in the late afternoon or early evening to catch the rocks in glowing light. Bring water and good shoes for the trail.
2. Visit Zion National Park
Zion is the vertical park—the cliffs rise, the canyon walls soar, and every viewpoint feels cinematic.
Why I loved it: I took the trail to Emerald Pools and stood by the waterfall with the canyon rising above me. Then at dusk the canyon walls glowed red.
Tip: Go early to avoid crowds, or take shuttle services inside the park. For a serious adventure, consider Angel’s Landing—just know it’s steep.
See Also: 27 Best & Fun Things To Do In Hilton Head, SC
3. Wander the Hoodoos at Bryce Canyon National Park
A landscape like nowhere else: Bryce Canyon features thousands of hoodoos—narrow spires of rock rising from the canyon floor.
Why I loved it: I watched sunrise over the amphitheater and saw warm light dance across the hoodoos. It felt other‑worldly.
Tip: Stay at a viewpoint like Sunrise Point or Bryce Point. Wear layers—mornings can be chilly even in summer.
4. Drive through Capitol Reef National Park
Less crowded, fewer bells and whistles—Capitol Reef feels like discovering a secret. Geology meets quiet roads.
Why I loved it: I drove the scenic route, stopped at petroglyph panels, and felt like I had space to breathe.
Tip: Visit in spring or fall for mild weather and fewer people. Bring a picnic and make a day of it.
5. Adventure in Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands is huge and wild—canyons carved by rivers, mesas, and epic viewpoints.
Why I loved it: I watched sunrise at Mesa Arch—just me and a few early risers as light poured into the canyon. The scale is humbling.
Tip: Pick one district (Island in the Sky is the most accessible). Bring layered clothes—wind picks up.
6. Float on the Great Salt Lake
For a change in pace from red rocks, the Great Salt Lake offers reflective water and a peaceful end to a busy road trip.
Why I loved it: I floated effortlessly on the salty water, watched birds at Antelope Island and felt the contrast to the desert lands.
Tip: Go for golden hour at the lake’s edge. Bring a towel and maybe a change of clothes—salt residue can be real.
7. Ski or Hike the Wasatch at Park City & Surrounds
Utah isn’t just desert—it’s alpine beauty too. Park City and the Wasatch Mountains deliver fresh air, trails, and village charm.
Why I loved it: I wandered the historic Main Street of Park City, then took a short hike above town with snow‑dusted peaks behind me.
Tip: In winter go for skiing; in summer go for mountain biking or alpine hikes. Book lodging early for ski seasons.
8. Visit the Unique Landscapes of Goblin Valley State Park
One of Utah’s quirky highlights: Goblin Valley features thousands of weird mushroom‑rock formations—perfect for family adventure or starlit nights.
Why I loved it: I scrambled across the strange formations, felt like a kid exploring an alien landscape, and stayed for the Milky Way overhead.
Tip: Stay in the park campground for stars. Bring a flashlight and loved ones for a fun night.
9. Houseboats & Water Fun on Lake Powell
For water lovers, Lake Powell offers a stunning juxtaposition of blue water against red rock. Houseboating is on many bucket lists.
Why I loved it: I spent a day kayaking, exploring side‑canyons, then sat on the deck as the sun sank into the water and sandstone.
Tip: Book early, especially for houseboats. Bring water shoes and sun protection for midday on the water.
10. Discover Salt Flats & the Desert of Bonneville Salt Flats
An iconic Utah scene: the salt flats stretching to the horizon, often used for land‑speed racing and mirror‑like photos. (
Why I loved it: Driving across the flats at dusk, seeing the horizon stretch so far, feeling the quiet — it felt cinematic.
Tip: Bring sunglasses—sun and white surface make a glare. Visit when dry for the best reflection effect.
11. Explore the Capital & Culture in Salt Lake City
Don’t skip the city. Salt Lake City balances urban culture, mountain access and history—from Temple Square to modern dining.
Why I loved it: I wandered Temple Square, enjoyed local craft coffee, and then visited a viewpoint of the city backed by mountains.
Tip: Use downtown as a base for a day. Visit museums, enjoy the food scene, then hop out into nature.
12. Drive Scenic Highway 12 & Off‑the‑Beaten‑Path Spots
One of the best parts of Utah is the drive itself. Scenic Byway 12 winds through red‑rock canyons, alpine forests, and small towns.
Why I loved it: I turned off the main highways and followed Byway 12 at sunset—a mix of geology, solitude, and cinematic landscapes.
Tip: Make it a slow drive, stop often, and watch for cell‑service gaps. Pack snacks.
Final Thoughts
Utah surprised me. I expected beautiful landscapes—and got them—but I also found peace, depth and big‑sky moments that felt rare in our busy world. From towering arches and hoodoos to alpine towns and salt flats, the state offers immense variety in just a few days.
Here are a few travel take‑aways from my trip:
- Allocate at least 5–7 days if you can—there’s so much ground to cover and so much space you’ll want to linger.
- Mix high‑energy and slow‑paced stops—one avalanche of views (Bryce or Zion), one calm lake afternoon (Great Salt Lake or Lake Powell).
- Visit in spring or fall for best weather—and fewer crowds in the national parks.
- Pack for contrast—desert heat in the day, cool mornings, mountain air, red‑rock glare.
- Leave room for the unexpected—some of my favourite moments weren’t on a map (a quiet view from the side road, star‑filled night in Goblin Valley).
- Respect this land—these are fragile environments. Stay on trails, bring reusable water, leave no trace.
- Bring a camera—whether phone or dedicated, you’ll capture landscape after landscape that feels worthy of the ‘gram, but hold your gaze too and just be.
If I had to pick one favourite memory: it was standing at Sunrise Point in Bryce Canyon as the first light hit the hoodoos, the air still cool, and knowing I’d found something rare. Utah gave me that. If you go, I hope you have moments like that too.