Utah encompasses national and state parks, museums, and the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere. There are so many options for places to visit, you might want to make a Utah bucket list before you visit. This will help you keep track of the things you want to do most so you can be sure you have a trip full of amazing experiences.
This article will share some of the key attractions and experiences to include on a Utah travel bucket list. You’ll finish with plenty of ideas on where to go and what to do while in the state.
Arches National Park
Arches National Park has more than 2,000 documented natural sandstone arches – the highest density of these arches in the world. You can hike or drive through the park and admire the red sandstone formations. You can camp inside the park, or in nearby Moab.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its otherworldly hoodoo formations. You can walk around the rim of the colorful canyon and look down at the hoodoos from above, or hike down into the canyon for an up close view. There are also nearby waterfalls and other natural areas to explore at the park. Bryce Canyon has some of the darkest night skies in the U.S., so be sure to spend some time stargazing as well.
Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park features four areas: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the Rivers. Each district is unique, showcasing Utah’s widely varying landscape. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the canyons, buttes, and rock formations found here.
Capitol Reef National Park
Cliffs, canyons, domes, and natural bridges are scattered throughout Canyonlands National Park. The park sits in the Waterpocket Fold, a literal wrinkle in the earth. The red rock of these features is striking against the green grass and blue skies.
Cedar Breaks National Monument
Cedar Breaks National Monument features views into a canyon, bodies of water tucked into the woods, and plenty of bristlecone pine trees to get lost in. For an extra special experience, head into the wildflower-laden meadow and stay until the sun goes down for some incredibly dark night skies.
Dinosaur National Monument
Dinosaur National Monument has more than 1,500 dinosaur fossils embedded in rock at the Wall of Bones. And while most dinosaur exhibits prohibit guests from touching, here you can touch the fossilized remains and feel them for yourself. You’ll also find evidence of human history that dates back 10,000 years, including petroglyphs and pictographs.
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is an excellent place to enjoy boating, hiking, camping, fishing, and more. It spans 1.2 million acres of desert, from the bottom of Canyonlands National Park to the tip of the Grand Canyon.
Golden Spike National Historical Park
Golden Spike National Historical Park tells the story of the creation of the first transcontinental railroad built across the US. See where the last spike was placed, walk along the original railroad grade, and see replicas of Victorian-era locomotives up close.
Hovenweep National Monument
Hovenweep National Monument was once home to over 2,500 people and includes six prehistoric villages, all built between 1200 and 1300 A.D. Explore the structures and learn more about how people lived day-to-day life in these homes.
Natural Bridges National Monument
Guests can view three natural stone bridges at Natural Bridges National Monument. These bridges were formed by water and time and now stand as a reminder of the power of water. This was the world’s first “International Dark Sky Park” so you can’t go wrong stargazing at night.
Rainbow Bridge National Monument
Rainbow Bridge National Monument is another Utah natural bridge. It’s one of the largest natural bridges in the world and is considered sacred by many Native American tribes.
Timpanogos Cave National Monument
Timpanogos Cave National Monument is home to three separate caves, with colorful formations like helictites. The “Great Heart of Timpanogos” is a formation shaped like a human heart. You will need to hike a 1.5-mile challenging trail with 1,092 feet of elevation gain up the side of Mount Timpanogos.
Zion National Park
Zion National Park is the last of the five Utah national parks. Its colorful sandstone cliffs stand in stark contrast to the blue skies. Here, you can hike a narrow slot canyon, see the wildlife, and view the second-largest freestanding arch in the world.
National Trails
Utah also plays host to a number of national trails. These trails all have a story to tell, and a stop at any visitor center will help you better understand these stories.
Utah’s national trails include:
- Pony Express National Historic Trail
- Old Spanish National Historic Trail
- Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail
- California National Historic Trail
Cool Off in Lake Powell
Lake Powell is a huge man-made reservoir that is welcome relief for those in the dry desert of southern Utah. It offers opportunities to swim, boat, waterski, and more. The lake is part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, and is a popular spot for houseboating.
Explore Monument Valley
Some people are surprised to learn that Monument Valley isn’t a national park, it’s a Navajo Tribal Park. Drive along the 17-mile dirt road, admire the rock formations and views, and be sure to stop for photos along the way.
Try Skiing at Park City Mountain Resort
Park City Mountain Resort is a popular ski resort, and is suitable for skiers of all ages and abilities. Ski lessons and trails are available for all levels, making this a great place to try skiing for the first time.
Spend Some Time in Moab
Located just outside of Arches National Park, Moab is an outdoorsy town that attracts hikers, climbers, river rafters, and wilderness enthusiasts from all over the country. There are great local restaurants, lots of live music, and funky stores to shop.
Check out this video from our Road Ahead series that takes you through and around the town of Moab first-hand.
See the Homestead Crater
A strange and unique place, the Homestead Crater is a geothermal spring that is hidden away within a 55-foot-tall limestone rock. The hole at the top of the rock allows sunlight and fresh air into the rock, but because it’s so well insulated, the water stays heated to around 90–96 degrees (°F) all the time. Guests can swim, snorkel, or scuba dive in the spring, or they can stay dry and take a crater tour.
Check Out the Great Salt Lake
The Great Salt Lake is the largest saltwater lake in the world, and it features a number of islands. The South Arm of the lake is three to five times saltier than the ocean, and the North Arm is ten times saltier. The Great Salt Lake is also a critical habitat for wildlife, and has one of the largest breeding colonies of American white pelicans in the world.
Visit Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City is right by the Great Salt Lake, and worth a visit as well. Check out the old Mormon Temple and learn about the history of the area, spend some time exploring the Capitol Building, or check out the city’s many tourist attractions.
Be Awed at Moqui Cave
Moqui Cave is a sandstone erosion cave located in southeastern Utah. The interior of the cave is a natural history museum that features Native American artifacts as well as some fluorescent rocks and minerals. The temperature inside the cave never exceeds 65°F, so be sure to take a jacket when you go.
Attend the Utah Shakespeare Festival
Shakespeare may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Utah, but the state’s Shakespeare festival is one of the best in the country. During this event, you can see nine Shakespeare plays performed live, attend seminars and talks, and take tours of the backstage area.
Learn at the Natural History Museum of Utah
The Natural History Museum of Utah is home to more than 1.5 million artifacts and covers a huge variety of natural history topics and time periods.
Marvel at the Valley of the Gods
Valley of the Gods has quite a collection of Utah rock formations. You can drive over a dusty trail to see mushroom rocks, sandstone towers, and more. You can camp overnight in one of the onsite campgrounds.
Take Off to the Hill Aerospace Museum
The Hill Aerospace Museum is run by the US Air Force and allows guests to check out a variety of aircraft. Additionally, the museum has artwork on display and hosts lectures. You can also visit the Utah Aviation Hall of Fame in the same area.
Stand in Four States at Four Corners
At Four Corners Monument you can touch four states in one spot. By placing your hands and feet just right, you’ll be in Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, and Colorado all at the same time!
Drive the Alpine Loop
The Alpine Loop takes you through a 20-mile stretch of gorgeous alpine canyons. You can choose to stop and enjoy sights along the way, or drive straight through, enjoying the views from your windows.
Step Back in Time at Fort Bluff Historic Site
Fort Bluff Historic Site was once a military fort. It was constructed in a practical but interesting manner, with the doors and windows facing inward. At this site, you can explore many old structures to learn more about life at the fort.
Adventure through Dead Horse Point State Park
Dead Horse Point State Park may not sound pretty, but this park is a stunning one. Walk to the rim of the canyon and admire the view.
Head to the Sundance Film Festival
Fans of films and entertainment should plan to visit Utah during the famed Sundance Film Festival. The movie festival is two weeks long and packed with amazing independent films. Who knows? You might even find a new favorite film while you’re there.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
The dunes at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park are an odd and magical sight. Like other dunes, these shift in the wind, creating an even more mystical feel. Try sandboarding or ATVing while you’re there.
Relax at Mystic Hot Springs
Relaxing in Mystic Hot Springs is the perfect way to wind down after a long and eventful vacation. Be sure to stop by this relaxing spot to enjoy the two concrete soaking pools, as well as the vintage soaking tubs filled with mineral-rich water.
Utah is an amazing place to visit, and a Utah bucket list can easily be filled with lots of fascinating places to visit. A Utah RV rental can be a great way to experience the state and check items off your list.
