12 Best Places to Visit in Utah

Utah is a destination full of adventure and stunning scenery, attracting travelers from all over the world. It’s known for its breathtaking national parks, unique rock formations, and outdoor activities that cater to all types of adventurers.

Whether it’s hiking through vast canyons, exploring mesmerizing red rock landscapes, or simply taking in the rugged beauty, Utah offers unforgettable experiences for nature lovers and travel enthusiasts alike. This guide highlights some of the best places to discover in Utah, providing a glimpse into the diverse attractions that make this state so enchanting.

Antelope Island

Our Rating: 8.7/10

Antelope Island offers breathtaking landscapes and thrilling adventures. Visitors can enjoy miles of hiking trails with stunning views of the Great Salt Lake. Each step rewards them with sightings of wildlife like roaming bison and graceful antelope. For those who love cycling, the island’s backcountry trails provide a perfect playground. Cyclists often encounter scenic views at every turn.

Bird watchers can delight in the diverse array of species that call this island home. The shimmering waters and sandy beaches make it a picnic paradise, inviting families to relax and soak in nature’s beauty. Whether exploring on foot or by bike, Antelope Island promises an unforgettable outdoor experience.

Arches National Park

Our Rating: 9.5/10

Arches National Park is a sculptor’s dream carved by nature. Visitors can explore the awe-inspiring Delicate Arch, a natural masterpiece that frames the desert landscape. It’s a favorite spot for photographers, especially during sunset.

Guests can also discover the Devils Garden Trail, which offers a chance to walk among stunning rock formations. Wildlife watchers might spot desert animals between the dramatic red arches. Balanced Rock is another must-see, where massive boulders appear to defy gravity. It’s perfect for short, scenic hikes that provide breathtaking views at every turn.

Canyonlands National Park

Our Rating: 9.2/10

Canyonlands National Park offers stunning views that make visitors feel like they’ve stepped onto another planet. In the Island in the Sky district, the Green River Overlook provides breathtaking sunsets viewed from the comfort of your car. It’s a must-see for anyone craving panoramic horizons.

Adventurers can hike through The Needles, where colorful spires rise dramatically against the sky. These trails reveal hidden treasures and unique rock formations that entice explorers of all levels. The Maze district offers a more remote experience, perfect for those seeking solitude amid nature’s artistry. Here, the zigzagging canyons and intricate paths challenge even the most seasoned hikers, creating an unforgettable outdoor adventure.

Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument

Our Rating: 9.3/10

Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument is a haven of natural beauty. This vast expanse offers visitors a mix of adventures, from scenic drives to thrilling hikes. The canyons, such as Zebra Canyon, promise exploration and wonder. Slot canyons here are narrow and exciting, drawing hikers and photographers alike.

For those seeking a quieter escape, the remote Grand Staircase area provides solitude. Its rugged beauty makes it a hiker’s paradise and a haven for those who love the great outdoors. Families will find many adventures, making it a perfect destination for unforgettable experiences.

Great Salt Lake

Our Rating: 8.5/10

The Great Salt Lake offers a unique water experience. Visitors can swim or float effortlessly at Antelope Island State Park. This spot provides gentle entryways into the salt-rich waters surrounded by striking views. Adventurers can hike along paths with sweeping lake views, capturing stunning photos of the varied landscape. Nearby attractions, like the Tree of Life sculpture and the famed Spiral Jetty, add an artistic touch to the surroundings.

Bird watchers will find the lake an ideal spot to see diverse species flocking to the area. The lake’s serene beauty combined with outdoor exploration makes it an unforgettable destination in Utah.

Lake Powell

Our Rating: 9.1/10

Lake Powell is a stunning oasis in the desert. Visitors can explore scenic views and unique geological formations. Boating is a popular activity, with endless opportunities to glide through the sparkling waters and discover hidden coves. Rainbow Bridge National Monument is a must-see. It’s one of the world’s largest natural bridges, offering a majestic sight against the blue sky. Hiking here feels like walking through history.

For those seeking adventure, there’s kayaking through the calm waters. Paddling close to towering red rocks is both thrilling and peaceful. The lake also offers spots for fishing, where anglers might catch bass or catfish. Lake Powell is truly a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.

Moab

Our Rating: 9.5/10

Moab is a paradise for adventurers and nature lovers alike. This Utah gem offers breathtaking landscapes with its stunning red rock formations. One of the highlights is Arches National Park, where visitors can witness the beauty of naturally occurring stone arches. Canyonlands National Park is perfect for those seeking a rugged, wide-open space with stunning views of deep canyons and towering mesas.

For thrill-seekers, Slickrock Trail offers exhilarating mountain biking experiences across challenging terrains. The Colorado River provides opportunities for white-water rafting that promise both excitement and a fantastic way to connect with nature’s grandeur. Moab’s varied landscapes ensure unforgettable experiences for all who venture here.

Monument Valley

Our Rating: 8.9/10

Monument Valley is a must-visit spot in Utah’s iconic landscape. Towering sandstone rock formations capture the imagination, offering breathtaking views that seem straight out of a movie. Visitors can embark on the Loop Drive, a scenic 17-mile route, to explore these natural wonders up close.

While there, driving the Trail of the Ancients is an adventure through history, culture, and geology. It’s a fantastic way to appreciate the Navajo Tribal Park and its many views. For a dash of history, the Goulding Film and History Museum at Goulding’s Lodge provides fascinating insights into the area’s cinematic legacy and the local Navajo culture.

North Rim Grand Canyon

Our Rating: 9.3/10

The North Rim of the Grand Canyon offers breathtaking views and tranquil beauty. Visitors can explore numerous trails like the Bright Angel Point, which is easily accessible from the Grand Canyon Lodge. This short walk rewards with panoramic views that are unforgettable.

Scenic drives like Cape Royal provide mesmerizing overlooks. These views encapsulate the grandeur of the canyon. Also, the area offers fantastic spots for photography, especially during sunrise and sunset. Visitors can enjoy camping or staying overnight at nearby lodges for a more immersive experience. Exploring the rugged landscapes of the North Rim is perfect for those who appreciate nature’s wonders in a quieter atmosphere.

Park City

Our Rating: 8.5/10

Park City offers activities for every season. In winter, it’s a skier’s paradise with top-notch resorts like Deer Valley and Park City Mountain Resort. The powdery slopes attract snow lovers from all over. When the snow melts, the charm doesn’t fade. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails like Bloods Lake and Silver Lake. Mountain biking also offers thrilling rides through picturesque trails.

Main Street is a must-visit. It’s lined with unique shops and cozy cafes. Don’t miss the chance to visit the High West Distillery for a taste of local spirits. Utah Olympic Park adds excitement with activities like bobsledding. It’s a place where adventure meets history, offering a glimpse into past winter games.

Temple Square

Our Rating: 8.6/10

Temple Square in Salt Lake City is a true gem. Visitors can explore the stunning Salt Lake Temple, an impressive sight with its grand architecture. The area surrounding the temple offers peaceful gardens, perfect for a leisurely stroll.

The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square offers captivating performances for music lovers. Visitors can enjoy the rich history at the Church History Museum, where exhibits tell fascinating stories of the region. The Joseph Smith Memorial Building provides an insight into the area’s spiritual heritage. For those looking to learn more about Temple Square’s history and significance, guided tours are available, offering an enriching and informative experience.

Zion National Park

Our Rating: 9.5/10

Zion National Park, a gem in Utah’s crown, offers breathtaking landscapes and thrilling adventures. Hikers can conquer Angels Landing for panoramic views. This trail is one for the brave, with sections holding you close to the cliff’s edge.

The Narrows invites visitors to wade upstream through stunning slot canyons. Cool river water greets your feet while towering walls reach toward the sky. Drive the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive along the Virgin River. This route is filled with picturesque stops perfect for photos. Each view along the drive is more captivating than the last, with towering cliffs and vibrant colors redefining beauty.

Utah’s stunning landscapes offer an unparalleled blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. From the majestic arches of Arches National Park to the serene waters of Lake Powell, each location provides a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate the wonders of the natural world.