The hike is rewarded with incredible views of the entire Salt Lake Valley, The Great Salt Lake, and multiple surrounding mountain ranges.
Zion National Park is a southwest Utah nature preserve distinguished by Zion Canyon’s steep red cliffs. Zion Canyon Scenic Drive cuts through its main section, leading to forest trails along the Virgin River. The river flows to the Emerald Pools with waterfalls and a hanging garden. Also along the river, partly through deep chasms, is Zion Narrows wading hike.
Something should tell you you’re not in Kansas anymore. (Hint: It’s the miles and miles of brain-boggling and strangely orangely vertical rock formations known as hoodoos.) No, it’s not Oz, but in this high-elevation sandstone playland, anything is possible. Who knows? Maybe you’ll meet a member of the Lollipop Guild or see rocks that look like lollipops. Either way, there’s no place like this home away from home.Bryce Canyon National Park is a must-see for its otherworldly landscapes, featuring towering red rock hoodoos—unique spire-shaped formations created by erosion. The park’s stunning sunrises, dark night skies, and scenic hiking trails offer breathtaking views and opportunities for exploration. Whether you hike, stargaze, or enjoy the surreal scenery, Bryce is a destination that feels like stepping into another world.
The whole park is a redrock woodcut engraved by wind’s and water’s big, slow chisels. The Green and Colorado Rivers trisect the Colorado Plateau, etching Canyonlands into distinct districts. The mesas you see at Island in the Sky look like a mountain range lopped off by a broadsword. The Maze is gorges, gorgeously gouged. Needles is a pincushion, pointy-sides-out. Chopped buttes, scored sediment, and carved petroglyphs. Lots of sculpting, scraping and dividing asunder.
Arches National Park Timed Entry From April to October, Arches will be implementing a timed entry system. During this time you will need to reserve your ticket (with a dedicated entry time) in advance, and the number of daily visitors will be capped. Reservations will be released three months in advance — so if you’re planning a visit for May, you’ll have to snag them in February.
Location: About 110 miles west of Salt Lake City, near Wendover, Utah, off Interstate 80. The Bonneville Salt Flats is a vast, otherworldly expanse of hard, white salt crust located in northwestern Utah, near the Nevada border. It is one of the largest salt flats in the world, covering about 30,000 acres. Formed from the remnants of the ancient Lake Bonneville, the salt flats are famous for their smooth, hard surface, making them an ideal location for land speed racing.
The southeast corner of Utah looks about like it did 300 years ago, which looked like it did 3,000 years ago: vast, wild and sunbaked, with deep canyons and towering buttes variegating the desert plain. You’ll see the sky, bigger and bluer than you remembered. You’ll see the earth, red, rough and unpredictable. And you won’t see anything else. Monument Valley is what wind and water can make with enough time and creative license. Stand stranded at its center, struck by astounding simplicity. It will never happen again.
At the very heart of Utah sits a hidden gem, Capitol Reef National Park. This beautiful and pristine park is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors such as Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks. However, this lesser-known destination has so much to offer and is truly a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. At Capitol Reef Country, you can experience the beauty of nature, learn about the land's rich history, and embark on unforgettable adventures.
Park City is world-famous for its ski resorts, Sundance Film Festival, and its rich mining history. Nestled in the Wasatch Mountains, it offers year-round outdoor recreation, luxury resorts, and a charming historic Main Street filled with shops, restaurants, and art galleries.
Temple Square is a historic and spiritual landmark in the heart of Salt Lake City, Utah. It is the global headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and one of Utah’s most visited attractions. 🛕 Salt Lake Temple – The iconic granite temple, built in the 19th century, is the centerpiece of Temple Square. Currently under renovation (until 2026), but still a must-see from the outside. 🎶 Tabernacle & Choir – Home of the world-famous Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square and the massive pipe organ with 11,623 pipes. Free choir performances and organ recitals are held regularly.
🚗 Location: In Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, about 4-5 hours from Salt Lake City and 2.5 hours from Grand Canyon North Rim. Lake Powell is a stunning desert lake with crystal-clear blue waters set against dramatic red rock canyons. It is one of the largest man-made lakes in the U.S., straddling the border between Utah and Arizona, and offers world-class boating, hiking, and outdoor adventures.
Dinosaur National Monument is a world-renowned fossil site and outdoor adventure destination located in northeastern Utah and northwestern Colorado. It is famous for its massive collection of dinosaur fossils, stunning canyons, and rugged landscapes. What is Dinosaur National Monument in Vernal, Utah? Dinosaur National Monument is a world-renowned fossil site and outdoor adventure destination located in northeastern Utah and northwestern Colorado. It is famous for its massive collection of dinosaur fossils, stunning canyons, and rugged landscapes. Top Attractions & Activities 🦖 Dinosaur Quarry Exhibit Hall – See over 1,500 dinosaur fossils embedded in rock, 🏜️ Scenic Drives & Overlooks 🚣 Rafting the Green & Yampa Rivers – Some of the best whitewater rafting in the U.S., with thrilling rapids and incredible canyon views. 🥾 Hiking & Petroglyphs – Fossil Discovery Trail and Jones Hole Trail lead to dinosaur bones and ancient Native American rock art.
Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort is a premier year-round destination located in the Wasatch Mountains' Little Cottonwood Canyon, approximately 29 miles from Salt Lake City, Utah. During the summer months, Snowbird transforms into an adventure hub, featuring activities such as hiking, mountain biking, an alpine slide, and a mountain coaster. The resort's Aerial Tram provides scenic rides to the summit of Hidden Peak, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Accommodations at Snowbird include various lodging options, such as The Cliff Lodge, which offers amenities like a spa, diverse dining venues, and conference facilities. The resort's proximity to Salt Lake City makes it a convenient getaway for both locals and visitors seeking mountain recreation throughout the year.
Thanksgiving Point is a nonprofit farm, garden, and museum complex located in Lehi, Utah. Established in 1995, it offers a variety of attractions suitable for all ages. Key Attractions: Ashton Gardens: A 55-acre garden featuring 15 themed areas, including a replica of the garden from "The Secret Garden," a Monet pond, and a rose garden with 60 different varieties. Butterfly Biosphere: An insectarium housing hundreds of butterflies from around the world, as well as other insects like tarantulas and beetles. Farm Country: A working farm that offers live cow-milking demonstrations, traditional farm animals, and wagon and pony rides. Museum of Ancient Life: One of the world's largest collections of mounted dinosaur skeletons and fossils, providing an immersive experience into prehistoric life. Museum of Natural Curiosity: Features five exhibit areas: Rainforest, Waterworks, Kidopolis, Traveling Exhibits, and Discovery Garden, offering interactive learning experiences for children.