Utah, located in South Western United States, is home to some of the most incredible national parks and encompasses one of the most iconic road trips that can be done in the US!
From the red valleys, monumental canyons, to delicate sandstone arches, Utah is the perfect destination for all things outdoor adventures.
But with so many options of hikes and sights to see, it can be challenging to choose how to best spend your time.
So below, we will highlight the 13 best things to do in Utah and also explain what made each of them stand out. This way, you will get a good sense of what type of marvels you will get to experience at each spot.
We have ensured to provide a variety of activities ranging from admiring landscapes, short hikes, and water activities, to adrenaline-filled canyoneering. There is something for everyone!
Quick summary of our top 5 best things to do in Utah
If you are short on time and just want to know the best 5 experiences we had in Utah, then check out this list. We try to include not just the typical tourist hotspots but also some unique off-the-beaten-path adventures!
- Angel’s Landing hike (US’s most dangerous hike)
- Paddleboarding/Kayaking the Colorado River through Horseshoe Bend
- Canyoneering in Moab
- Sunset at Delicate Arch
- Hiking and standing on top of a 400-foot-high sandstone arch at Cassidy Arch at Capitol Reef
How to do this trip?
To travel through Utah, it is highly recommended to rent a car. This will allow you the freedom to visit off-the-beaten-path locations and experience the true nature of Utah.
Although it is possible to take shuttles between the main national parks, they are expensive and also inconvenient.
Utah is one of the most iconic road trips of the United States so it is well worth renting a car to do it justice.
We have highlighted the ideal 2 week Southern Utah road trip itinerary here that includes all the 13 best things to do, how to plan each day, where to stay, and some truly unique hidden gems.
13 Best things to do in Utah
Utah is an amazing destination for outdoor enthusiasts. From incredible landscapes, and hikes, to adrenaline activities like canyoneering, Utah definitely has something perfect for you!
Below, we’ve compiled the best 13 things to do in Utah. We spent over 2 weeks exploring Utah and these are what we would consider the must-sees!
Angel’s Landing
Angel’s Landing, located in Zion National Park, is known as one of the United State’s most dangerous hikes. Here, you will climb up multiple switchbacks until you are about 1500 feet high, and then start traversing a rock fin, straddled on both sides by sheer cliffs.
By holding onto a network of chains anchored into the rocks, you will balance your way through the trail, intermittently taking a look behind to admire the magnificent views. For us, this was definitely one of the most exciting hikes you can do in all of Utah.
At the end of the hike, you are presented with a full 180-degree view of the entire valley of Zion National Park. This hike is not for the faint of heart or for those who have a big fear of heights.
Due to the high popularity of this trail, Zion National Park has implemented a lottery system by which to limit the number of entries per day. If you are interested in doing the hike, make sure to inform yourself about how the draw works.
Narrows hike
The second unique hike in Zion National Park is the Narrows. Here, you will be trekking through ankle to knee-deep water through one of Utah’s largest slot canyons. Over 3-5 hours, you will get to admire the massive canyon cliffs on both sides, winding you through incredibly variable scenery.
It is an out-and-back hike so the length of the hike is totally up to you as you can turn around whenever you’d like. In total, the slot canyon stretches on for 15 miles but most will only do about 1/3 of it before turning back.
Also, make sure to purchase the Water gear package including the neoprene socks, waterproof boots, and a hiking stick. We unfortunately thought we would be fine without it but ended up freezing in the cold water of the Narrows.
Paddleboarding Colorado River
One of the most unique experiences you can have in Utah is Paddle boarding down the Colorado river through Horseshoe Bend. By taking a backhaul boat to bring you upriver, you will then be dropped off and paddle about 10 miles along the current back down to Lee’s Ferry.
Along the way, surrounded on both sides by towering red cliff walls, you will have the opportunity to admire the true wilderness of the Colorado River. These cliffs were carved over millions of years of erosion, and some still have the ancient remnants of petroglyphs.
You will also be able to make several stops and embark on some short hikes along the way. In total, this activity should last between 5-8 hours and was one of the most breathtaking off-the-beaten-path and rarely mentioned activities in Utah.
Book your own unique experience here in advance
Yant Flats
Yant Flats is located only a 45-minute drive away from Zion National Park and is often overlooked. However, it was one of the most spectacular landscapes we saw in all of Utah.
The Yant Flats are also known as “Candy Cliffs” due to their unique bubbly rock formations and the red and white hue of the rocks.
It requires driving through some windy cliff roads, followed by a 1-hour hike to reach it, but the adventure makes it even more worth it! This is the ideal spot to enjoy the sunset and you will likely have the place all to yourself.
The area can be freely explored and we would highly recommend climbing down lower into the valley where you can fully admire the otherworldly landscapes.
We spent a total of 2 hours there and could’ve easily spent more time, however, it was getting dark after sunset and we still needed to do the 1-hour hike back.
Horseshoe Bend
Although theoretically located in Arizona, Horseshoe Bend is often recommended also as one of the best things to do in Utah. The reason for this is that it is located so close to the border of Utah, and is one of the iconic symbols of the area.
Here you will witness the canyon carved out by the Colorado River into a horseshoe shape. As much as that may not sound so impressive, when you stand on the edge and witness its gargantuan size, you can’t help but be mesmerized.
There is one main viewpoint but you can freely explore along the edge of the cliff to see it from multiple perspectives. This is also a popular and ideal spot to visit during sunset.
Monument Valley
Monument Valley is one of the most iconic symbols of the American West and is located right on the border of Utah and Arizona. The land is owned and protected by the indigenous Navajo people and is considered a sacred site.
It was showcased in multiple Western films and also in one of the famous scenes of Forest Gump. This is the perfect scenic drive that winds through the park on a 17-mile route.
If you are interested, you can also join in one Navajo-guided tours that bring you up close to the buttes, pinnacles, and cliffs.
Some of the highlight features of the park include monolithic red sandstone buttes, mitten buttes, elephant buttes, totem pole, and John Ford’s point.
You can book a tour with a Navajo Local Guide here
Arches National Park
When you research Utah, one of the most renowned pictures you will see is that of Delicate Arch. I mean, it is even on the Utah license plate. Delicate arch is one of the many impressive arches you will find in Arches National Park.
In fact, Arches National Park has the densest concentration of natural arches in the entire world! Visiting this park is perfect for families as most of the arches can be seen from the parking lot or by way of a short paved walk.
Most of the sites are also wheelchair accessible. You can easily spend the entire day exploring the multitude of arches and short hikes.
Note: Keep in mind that during the peak season, Arches National Park may limit the number of cars that can enter to control the tourist crowds.
Pro Tip: If you want the iconic hike, then make sure to go to Delicate Arch for sunset!
Dead Horse Point State Park
Picture the Grand Canyon, but more compact, and you will have Dead Horse Point State Park. Here you will witness some of Utah’s most impressive canyons.
In fact, we preferred Dead Horse Point State Park over the Grand Canyon since it had far fewer crowds, was less touristic, and the more compact nature of it made us feel like we could take it all in better.
There are a couple of hikes that you can do here, mostly flat trails along the rim of the multiple canyons. It is also one of those easier hikes and perfect for enjoying the sunsets.
Canyoneering in Moab
For those who want an adrenaline-filled adventure, look no further than canyoneering in Moab. Imagine scrambling across the cliffs and valleys of slick rock, far from the beaten path, and then rappelling 200 feet down a cliff.
Canyoneering allows you to access places that others cannot get to. You will feel the thrill of navigating the otherworldly terrain, and reaching totally remote areas.
Some canyoneering adventures will have you rappelling down massive cliffs, others wedging and scrambling through slot canyons, whereas some even have you swimming through rivers.
There are multiple levels of difficulty available so you are sure to find one that is suitable for you. If you are interested in Canyoneering, check out our guide reviewing the experience of canyoneering and essential things to know before trying it out!
Book a Canyoneering Experience in advance here
Valley of the gods
Valley of the Gods is located only a short drive away from Monumental Valley and is the perfect alternative. Landscape-wise, it presents a similarly impressive terrain of buttes, pinnacles, and mountains.
However, Valley of the Gods is free to visit, has far fewer tourists, and is free from the rules of private reserves. This means you can drive your car freely through the park, hike wherever you’d like, and be able to fully admire the beauty of the nature.
Along our 17-mile scenic drive, we only encountered 3-4 other vehicles, making it an amazing off-the-beaten-path experience.
Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon National Park presents a truly unique landscape of hoodoos, which are carved-out rock spires.
There are multiple hikes that you can do here to fully explore, ranging from hikes down in the valley amongst the hoodoos, to impressive above-the-valley viewpoints.
One of the hikes we would highly recommend is the Figure 8 trail which combines 3 hikes together to give you the best views the park has to offer.
Cassidy Arch
Cassidy Arch, located in Capitol Reef National Park, gives you the rare opportunity to stand on top of a rock arch formed over a million years ago.
Through a short 2-3 hour out-and-back hike, you will traverse through alien-like landscapes and finish off by walking over a 400-foot high sandstone arch.
It was one of our favorite shorter hikes during our trip and we had the place almost all to ourselves. Oh and before doing this hike, make sure to go to Gifford Homestead for their famous pies!
Antelope Canyon / Canyon X
Both Antelope Canyon and Canyon X are located in Arizona, but again due to its proximity to the border of Utah, they are often included in the best things to do.
Imagine walking through a fiery red narrow slot canyon, the walls carved out by wind and water through millions of years, creating a smooth and wavy rock tunnel.
If you are here at just the right time, the sunlight will stream in at just the right angle, illuminating the canyon in an ethereal glow.
Although Antelope Canyon is the most famous, if you are seeking a less touristic alternative, then we would recommend Canyon X.
Our Canyon X experience was excellent and it was just us and 1 more couple with the guide.
Book this unique Canyon X experience here
How long to stay in Utah?
To properly visit the best things to do in Utah, we would highly recommend 14 days. If you are willing to skip a couple of the spots, then a minimum of 10 days is required.
Although we have seen some proposed itineraries with only 1 week, this would require you to drive long distances on most days.
We do not recommend this as you will be spending more time driving than admiring. Also, since many of the activities are physical and can take a good portion of the day to do, it is important to have some rest time in between.
Best time to visit Utah
The best time to visit Utah is during the months of April to June, and then September to October, when the temperatures are comfortable and there is minimal rain.
During the Peak season of July to August, temperatures can soar up to 40 degrees Celcius and with very little shade on the hikes, it can become quite uncomfortable.
We ended up visiting at the end of September and had perfect weather with temperatures around 25-30 degrees Celcius and no rain.
It is also important to consider that Utah’s National Parks are some of the most visited in the entire United States. This is particularly the case for Zion National Park and Arches National Park.
For some of the hikes like Angel’s Landing, the park has implemented a lottery system to control the crowds. In order to be allowed to participate in that hike, you need to enter a draw and be granted a permit. Therefore during the high season from July to August, the chance of being granted access is reduced.
Recap: 13 Best things to do in Utah
These are what we would consider the 13 best things to do in Utah. Although there are so many options to explore, this list will provide you with a full array of experiences and have something suitable for all interests. Utah was definitely one of our favorite road trips ever and we can’t wait to go back!
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About the author: Ryan & Nan are two curious travel storytellers and adventure photographers who started WaylessTravelers to share their passion for travel with the world. Having explored over 25 countries across the globe, they seek to share their passion for travel planning and photography to help others organize their next adventure. Ryan & Nan seek authentic culture, adventure, hiking, and venturing off-the-beaten paths to uncover the true marvels of the world. Click here to check out our Instagram!
