15 Best Things to Do in Utah (2025)

These Best Things to Do in Utah cover fun attractions, beautiful nature and unique experiences, perfect for all types of travelers.

Utah remains one of the top travel destinations in the American West, famous for its red rock arches, sweeping salt flats, and world-class ski resorts. The state’s rugged canyons, alpine forests, and fascinating geology attract travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation. 

This guide includes some of the best things to do in Utah, from hiking iconic national parks and rafting desert rivers to uncovering cultural highlights in Salt Lake City.

Urban explorers can discover an emerging food scene and historic landmarks, while nature lovers venture into secluded landscapes and scenic byways that feel a world away from everyday life.

Best Things to Do in Utah (2025)

Explore Salt Lake City and Its Culture

As the capital and largest city in Utah, Salt Lake City provides a refreshing urban break amid a landscape dominated by desert vistas and towering canyons. Here you can dive into local art galleries, museums, and a growing food scene that offers everything from farm-to-table cuisine to international flavors. The downtown area is walkable, making it convenient to explore shops, historic buildings, and cozy cafés.

One of the most iconic landmarks is Temple Square, the religious and cultural heart of the city. The impressive Salt Lake Temple stands at its center, surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens and visitor centers that share insights into the city’s history.

Beyond Temple Square, you’ll find a range of cultural sites like the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art and lively nightlife venues in neighborhoods like Sugar House.

Salt Flats at Bonneville

The Bonneville Salt Flats is one of Utah’s most surreal landscapes. This vast, white expanse stretches for miles, creating an illusion of endless space. The surface, made entirely of salt, is so flat and reflective that it mirrors the sky, making it a favorite spot for photographers.

The best time to visit is after a rainstorm when a thin layer of water turns the flats into a massive natural mirror. However, most visitors come for the Bonneville Speedway, where world land-speed records have been set for decades. If you visit during Speed Week, you’ll see high-powered vehicles racing across the salt at mind-blowing speeds.

Located just off I-80, about 90 minutes west of Salt Lake City, the Salt Flats are easy to access. Bring sunglasses—on sunny days, the white ground reflects intense light. Walking across this unique terrain feels like stepping onto another planet.

Antelope Island State Park

Antelope Island State Park is the largest island in the Great Salt Lake, offering panoramic lake views and opportunities to spot abundant wildlife. Home to a free-roaming bison herd, the island also hosts antelope, bighorn sheep, and various bird species. The Causeway leading to the park provides a dramatic approach across the lake, where the reflections of surrounding mountains are often mirrored on calm waters.

Once on the island, you can explore numerous hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulties. Buffalo Point is a popular, moderate trail with sweeping vistas of the lake and the Wasatch Range, especially stunning at sunset. If you’re looking for a flatter option, Lady Finger Point is an easy walk to a rocky outcrop perfect for wildlife viewing.

Facilities include picnic areas, a visitor center, and a campground. Keep an eye on seasonal conditions, as brine flies can be plentiful during warmer months.

Road Trip through Utah

Exploring Utah in a motorhome is one of the best ways to experience its breathtaking landscapes. The state is home to five national parks, dramatic desert scenery, and endless open roads that make for an unforgettable journey. A classic road trip is The Mighty 5, covering Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands, with towering cliffs, rock formations, and deep canyons along the way.

For a more remote adventure, head to Valley of the Gods or Grand Staircase-Escalante, where the open desert stretches for miles. Many travelers choose to camp at RV-friendly sites inside or near the parks, but there are also incredible boondocking spots for those who prefer solitude.

Motorhome rentals are available in Salt Lake City, Moab, and Las Vegas, giving you plenty of options to find the right vehicle for your adventure. Some roads require high clearance, so plan your route carefully.

Arches National Park

If there’s one place in Utah that feels straight out of another world, it’s Arches National Park. Home to over 2,000 natural stone arches, this park is a paradise for hikers, photographers, and anyone who loves breathtaking landscapes. The dramatic red rock formations, sculpted over millions of years, create a stunning contrast against the deep blue Utah sky.

One of the most iconic spots in the park is Delicate Arch—the most famous natural arch in the world. A 3-mile round-trip hike will take you right up to it, where you can witness the arch standing alone against the vast desert backdrop. The best time to go? Sunset. As the last rays of light hit the arch, it glows in brilliant shades of orange and red.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park is a dream destination for outdoor lovers. With its towering sandstone cliffs, lush river valleys, and thrilling hikes, it’s no surprise that Zion is one of the most visited national parks in the United States.

The park is home to some of the most famous hikes in the world, including Angels Landing. This trail is not for the faint of heart—it’s a 5.4-mile round trip with steep switchbacks and a final stretch that involves gripping chains bolted into the rock. But if you’re up for the challenge, the panoramic views from the top are absolutely worth it.

For those who prefer a different kind of adventure, The Narrows is another Zion classic. Instead of climbing up, you’ll be wading through the Virgin River, surrounded by towering canyon walls that rise hundreds of feet above you. You can hike as far as you like, turning back whenever you’re ready, but make sure to wear water shoes and check the weather forecast—flash floods can be dangerous.

Not far from Zion is St George Utah, a great, lesser-known destination that you can base yourself in before heading off and exploring the nearby parks.

Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon National Park is a place unlike any other, famous for its thousands of hoodoos—tall, thin rock spires sculpted by erosion over millions of years. The park’s Bryce Amphitheater offers some of the most dramatic views, especially at sunrise when the rocks glow in deep orange and red hues.

For those looking to explore the hoodoos up close, the Navajo Loop Trail is a must. This 1.3-mile trail takes you through towering rock walls, passing landmarks like Wall Street and Thor’s Hammer. If you prefer a longer but easier route, the Queen’s Garden Trail offers a more gradual descent into the canyon with equally stunning views.

Beyond hiking, the scenic drive through the park features multiple overlooks, including Inspiration Point and Sunset Point.

Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park encompasses a vast region of deep canyons, towering mesas, and rugged desert terrain shaped by the Green and Colorado Rivers. The park is divided into four districts—Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the combined rivers.

Island in the Sky is the most accessible, featuring overlooks like Grand View Point and Mesa Arch, where sunrise illuminates red cliffs and plunging valleys.

In The Needles district, colorful sandstone spires dominate the landscape. Several hiking trails wind among these formations, revealing hidden canyons and ancient petroglyphs. The Maze is the most remote section, known for challenging 4×4 roads and solitude. Backcountry permits are required for overnight trips, and careful planning is essential due to limited resources and rugged terrain.

Canyonlands is a designated Dark Sky Park, so consider staying after sundown to witness a canopy of stars stretching across the desert sky.

Drive the Scenic Byway 12

Often referred to as one of the most beautiful roads in America, Scenic Byway 12 connects Bryce Canyon National Park and Capitol Reef National Park, spanning about 122 miles through southern Utah’s rugged terrain. Along the way, you’ll pass striking desert vistas, red-rock canyons, and high alpine forests—all within a few hours’ drive.

Highlights include the Red Canyon, where crimson cliffs line the highway, and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, offering dramatic overlooks like Calf Creek and the Escalante River Canyon. If you have time, stop for a hike at Lower Calf Creek Falls, a picturesque waterfall nestled between towering canyon walls.

Portions of the byway sit atop narrow ridges with steep drop-offs on both sides, providing views unlike many road trips. Packing extra water and planning stops in the small towns along the route is recommended.

Monument Valley

With its towering sandstone buttes rising from the desert floor, Monument Valley is one of the most iconic landscapes in the American West. Located on the Navajo Nation Reservation, this region has been featured in countless Western films, making it instantly recognizable.

The best way to explore Monument Valley is by driving the 17-mile scenic loop, which takes you past some of its most famous formations, including The Mittens, Three Sisters, and Totem Pole. For a deeper experience, consider booking a guided tour with a Navajo guide, who can take you to restricted areas and share insights into Navajo culture and history.

Sunrise and sunset are the best times to visit, as the shifting light transforms the landscape into a palette of deep reds and oranges. The nearby Goulding’s Lodge offers stunning views and a glimpse into the region’s Hollywood history.

Goblin Valley State Park

Goblin Valley State Park is famous for its eerie, mushroom-shaped rock formations—often called “goblins.” Formed by centuries of wind and water erosion, these sculpted pinnacles create a unique maze-like playground for visitors of all ages.

The park is relatively small, making it easy to explore on foot. You can wander among the goblins, climb over them (where permitted), or simply marvel at their bizarre shapes and textures. Hiking trails like the Goblin’s Lair lead to a secluded cavern, adding a dash of adventure to your visit. If you plan to stay the night, the park’s campsite offers a quiet place to enjoy the sunset, as the rocks seem to glow red in the fading light.

Keep an eye on the skies here—Goblin Valley is known for its dark night sky, perfect for stargazing. There’s also a small visitor center that shares insights into the park’s geology, history, and preservation efforts.

Rafting in Moab

Moab is a mecca for adventure enthusiasts, and rafting on the Colorado River is one of its most exhilarating offerings. The river cuts through red-rock canyons, creating both scenic flatwater stretches and adrenaline-pumping rapids. Popular half-day or full-day trips usually begin near Fisher Towers or Westwater Canyon, depending on the level of intensity you’re seeking. Several local outfitters provide guided tours, offering all necessary gear and safety briefings.

Spring and early summer bring higher water flows, which can turn the trip into a thrilling ride through Class III or IV rapids. During late summer and fall, the river tends to be calmer, making it perfect for families or those who prefer a gentler experience. Along the way, you’ll see towering cliffs, sandy beaches, and desert wildlife. Most tours also include breaks for swimming or a riverside picnic, allowing you to soak in the canyon scenery from a unique vantage point.

Soak in Mystic Hot Springs

Mystic Hot Springs, located in the small town of Monroe, is a unique spot to unwind after exploring Utah’s dramatic desert landscapes. The water from natural, mineral-rich hot springs flows from a hillside into a series of rustic bathtubs and shallow pools, offering views of the surrounding desert and mountains. Water temperatures average around 100–110°F, making it a soothing soak year-round. Because this is a small, privately owned resort, it maintains a laid-back, bohemian vibe that differs from the typical spa experience. 

Visitors can book a session online to secure a spot or stay overnight in one of the property’s converted buses or cabins, adding to the quirky charm. Arriving at dawn is popular for those seeking a tranquil sunrise, while evenings are perfect for stargazing.

Ski in Park City

Utah is famous for its powder snow, and Park City is one of the best places to experience it, so get your Park City packing list and enjoy a visit.

Home to two world-class ski resorts, Park City Mountain and Deer Valley, this destination attracts winter sports lovers from around the globe. The 2002 Winter Olympics were held here, and the Utah Olympic Park still offers bobsledding and ski jumping experiences.

Park City isn’t just about skiing. The historic Main Street is lined with charming boutiques, art galleries, and cozy cafés. Après-ski is a must—there are plenty of spots to enjoy a warm drink by the fire.

For those visiting outside of winter, the mountain turns into a playground for hiking, mountain biking, and alpine slides. The Sundance Film Festival also takes place here every January, bringing Hollywood glamour to this scenic mountain town.

Visit the Dinosaur National Monument

Dinosaur National Monument straddles the border between Utah and Colorado, showcasing both intriguing geology and an abundance of prehistoric fossils. The Quarry Exhibit Hall near Jensen, Utah, houses a wall of dinosaur bones partially embedded in rock—an authentic glimpse into the region’s ancient past. Exhibits explain the types of dinosaurs discovered here, their habitats, and how they were preserved over millions of years.

Beyond the fossils, the monument’s canyons carved by the Green and Yampa Rivers offer incredible scenery and recreational activities such as rafting, camping, and hiking. Routes like the Harpers Corner Road provide vantage points overlooking rugged canyon country and scenic river bends. Meanwhile, petroglyphs and pictographs left by Native American cultures add a layer of human history to the park.