Top Things to do in Utah
Top Hotels in Utah
- 1. Best Western Plus Zion Canyon Inn & Suites
- 2. Best Western Plus Abbey Inn
- 3. Abbey Inn & Suites
- 4. Best Western Plus Ruby'S Inn
- 5. Hyatt Place Moab
- 6. Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel
- 7. Goulding's Lodge & Campground
- 8. Desert Pearl Inn
- 9. Bowen Motel
- 10. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham at Zion Park/Springdale
10 State Parks in Utah That You Shouldn't Miss
Welcome to “The Greatest Snow on Earth” – Utah’s paradise for all outdoor enthusiasts! As host of the 2002 Winter Olympics, Park City knows how to entertain winter fun seekers. Snowboarders and skiers head for miles of spectacular slopes with deep fluffy powder and breathtaking mountain views. The Olympic Park provides family-friendly ski programs, rides and shows. Alta, Sundance, Snowbird and Brighton are other popular destinations for cross country and Alpine skiers. Those alluring snowy slopes turn to rolling wildflower fields in the summer. Golfing, fishing, horseback riding and water sports replace chilly outdoor sports adventures. Corral the family, pack a picnic and catch one of the ski lifts for an afternoon of hiking or mountain biking along scenic trails. Head to Salt Lake City, where Temple Square hosts millions of visitors a year. Bryce Canyon and Arches National Park are famous for surreal landscapes from horseshoe-shaped amphitheaters to unusual rock formations and hundreds of natural sandstone arches. Closer to home, wander along the quaint main streets of mountain villages to browse, shop and enjoy lunch at an outdoor café. At the end of the day, head home for an outdoor barbecue and an evening of games. Home rentals blend privacy, space and comfort with the cost-saving advantage of eating some meals at home.
Restaurants in Utah
1. Wasatch Mountains
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 62 reviews
A beautiful mountain range.
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, United States
We had a vacation to Utah. We enjoyed seeing the Wasatch Mountains as we were staying in Park City. We also visited Sundance. There is hiking, biking, exploring, picnics, events in the summer. And in the winter, its all about winter activities like skiing.
2. Dead Horse Point State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 292 reviews
Accessible to vehicles, hikers, and the disabled, this spot offers a beautiful overlook of the Colorado River.
Reviewed By DJDinKC - Leawood, United States
I would recommend visiting Dead Horse State Park as a half day excursion during a visit to Moab. In my opinion, the views at Dead Horse Point are better than those at Grandview Point Overlook in the Island in the Sky region of the Canyonlands. You do have to pay $20 entry fee as the park pass for Arches National Park and Canyonlands does not cover Dead Horse State Park, but I believe the views are well worth this cost. The trails on the East and West Rim are flat and easy, with little to no incline or scrambling. I thought the views on the West Rim were better than the East Rim, but both are beautiful. As you can see from the many pictures posted by travelers, the most dramatic and beautiful view is from the Dead Horse Point, either at sunrise or sunset. The main reason I am posting this review was to warn others against a mistake we made which in hindsight should have been obvious. I think it is worth hiking the entire West and East Rim trails, which with outlooks can be 5 to 7 miles. You can start at the Visitor Center and do the entire loop. But, if you want to watch the sunset at Dead Horse Point, be sure to complete the hike at the Visitor’s Center and then get in your car and drive down to the Dead Horse Point to watch the sunset. The views of the horseshoe bend of the Colorado river are beautiful. The mistake we made was to park our car at the Visitor Center to begin our hike of the West Rim. We timed our arrival to the Dead Horse Point to watch the sunset. The problem is that once the sun went down we still had 2.5 miles to walk back to the Visitor Center on the East Rim. It got dark fast and we had a difficult time getting back to the Visitor Center in the dark. We almost had to abandon the trail and walk back on the main highway. Fortunately, just as we were about to do that we saw the Visitor Center’s inside light ahead of us which acted as a guide and we were able to make it back to our car, staying on the trail for the most part. We also did not have flashlights, and our cell phones were about out of charge. A comedy of errors. It would have been impossible to find the Visitor Center if we had tried to head back from Dead Horse Point taking the West Rim because that trail is not well marked. Even during the daylight, we temporarily lost the trail and had to backtrack a few times. So, I would recommend if you are going to hike the entire trail loop (East and West Rims) and want to see the sunset, start early enough to complete the 5 mile loop and finish at the Visitor Center. Then, you can drive down to the Dead Horse Point and park in the parking lot to enjoy the dramatic views of the sunset and simply drive back to your home base once it gets dark, like most of the other visitors were smart enough to figure out.
3. East Canyon State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
The creek that flows through the canyon is good for boating and fishing, and is tied to Mormon history.
4. Bear Lake State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 295 reviews
Scenic lake stretching 20 miles along the Idaho border.
Reviewed By GammaKarie - American Fork, United States
My family loves to boat, jet ski, swim, build sandcastles, and float on/in beautiful Bear Lake!! It's our favorite outing of the year.
5. Antelope Island State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,203 reviews
A beautiful park located on the largest of the Great Salt Lakes islands; features lots of white-sand beaches, hiking and biking trails in addition to a variety of flora and fauna, including deer, bob cats, and of course, antelopes.
Reviewed By NordEdKim2019
We went to hike Antelope Island and picked the 33 Bison Roundup!Started by crossing the 7.5 mile causeway onto an amazing, serene and beautiful island.The Park Service staff greeted us with smiles and pride for their island home. At first bison grazed while cowboys and cowgals mounted their beautiful horses. Soon bison realized riders were near and started slowly but picked up speed;to a run.Huge beasts racing along the shoreline and up a ridge heading for the corral. Park employees wisely kept visitors safe and away from charging bison. After the roundup we hiked Buffalo Trail and saw sweeping views of the Grear Salt Lake.It was a memorable day and location I will never forget.Minutes from downtown Salt Lake; vast wilderness beauty.
6. The Edge of the Cedars State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 212 reviews
Informative displays on the history of the region.
Reviewed By paulsY5534PS
I am old enough to remember when this park was on a little dirt road out of town. Now the road is paved and the museum sits in a residential neighborhood as the edge of Blanding has reached the Edge of the Cedars. That doesn't change the ruins, which were there long before Blanding, or the quality of the collections and displays. It puts Anasazi state park (across the Waterpocket Fold in Boulder) to shame. Also, they actually allow you to climb into a kiva here which is always fun for kids and adults too. There are a couple of videos you can watch if you have time, a good sized gift shop, flush restrooms, and two floors of exhibits. Everything except the kiva (wood ladder) is accessible so everyone can enjoy it. The friendly staff can answer your questions and give you directions and information on other archaeological sites nearby.
7. Kodachrome Basin State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 522 reviews
Kodachrome Basin is a spectacle of towering sandstone chimneys, changing in color and shadow with the day's mood- from red-tinged spires against a blue sky, to soft evening light settling over the desert. This color and contrast inspired prompted the National Geographic Society in 1949, with consent from the Kodak Film Corp., to name the park Kodachrome Nearly 70 monolithic spires, ranging from six to 170 feet in height, jut up from the valley floor or protrude from the sandstone. These natural towers stand like stone sentries overlooking the park and create a backdrop that is sure to delight the senses and spark imagination. The redrock and semi-desert climate make this state park attractive to visitors all year.
Reviewed By jesseo582 - Jackson, United States
We came in spring, I don’t know if popularity takes off in the summer but it wouldn’t surprise me. It is a relatively unknown, hidden gem for fans of the desert and geology. To camp or picnic here is a joy. And, a hiker can truly get into some splendid topography in solitude, unlike sine of the other well-known southern Utah attractions. But with so many other more famous draws to be found close by, I hope this site rewards you with its humble grandeur.
8. Snow Canyon State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 646 reviews
Reviewed By randy2trips - Keller, United States
This amazing park in Ivins, northwestern suburb of St George, Utah, is just a short distance away. Fantastic vistas, biking and hiking trails. Be sure to take your camera.
9. Dead Horse Point State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,354 reviews
From the prominence of Dead Horse Point, 2,000 feet above a gooseneck in the Colorado River, an ever changing landscape unfurls. Immense vertical cliffs meet with canyons carved by ice, water and wind creating a visual masterpiece. Plants and animals surviving on the edge of existence face many challenges of extreme conditions within this high desert environment. Stories of ancient hunters, resting along the cliff tops while knapping chert in preparation for the next hunt, and cowboys of the late 1800's, chasing wild mustangs onto Dead Horse Point, using the narrow neck to block off the natural corral . What story will you discover on your visit to Dead Horse Point State Park?
Reviewed By apkh0828 - Granite City, United States
After leaving Canyonlands National Eye in the Sky area, stopped in the Dead Horse State Park. A state park entrance fee is required & almost didn't go. However, we paid the fee of $16.00 and drove in the park. Well worth the entrance fee for this beautiful scenic overview...several hiking trails here also.
10. Heber Valley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 79 reviews
Visiting the picturesque Heber Valley is the perfect way of enjoying one of Mother Nature's favorite destinations. Only minutes from the world-renowned Deer Valley and Sundance resorts, Heber Valley boasts three state parks, a 2002 Olympic venue, a historic tourism railroad, 90 holes of unparalleled mountain golf, and a Swiss-themed town that was recently voted as Utah's favorite town. Oh, and did we mention dining and lodging? Heber Valley is home to award-winning dining options that are the perfect complement to our variety of comfortable hotels, world-class resorts, and premier camping sites. Visit our events page to learn more and make your next visit unforgettable.
Reviewed By midwaytoheaven - Midway, United States
Ok, ok, I'll confess, I love all that there is to see & do in Haber Valley and that is why I moved here 25 years ago from California! As a visitor, you could spend several WEEKS here enjoying biking, hiking, sledding, tubing & ice skating (in winter), float-tubing down the Provo River, boating (3 lakes to choose from), fishing, quad running/snowmobiling, plane gliding, camping, flying, golfing, swimming year round in the natural heated "Crater" in Midway, farmer's markets (summer), Swiss Day's in Midway, eating at different restaurant each night and much more. Who could not fall in love in an incredible place like this! WOW. BOTTOM LINE: (Keep this a secret to yourself...only you!). Whether you come as a visitor or come here to live (or retire) you'll enjoy four distinct seasons of beauty & contrast. The views of Mt. Timpanogos and the valley are breath-taking in any season. MY RATING: 10/10,
TAGS
