What to do and see in Utah, United States: The Best Sights & Landmarks

July 21, 2021 Chanda Heide

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. Delicate Arch

Near Moab, Arches National Park, UT 84532 +1 435-719-2299 [email protected] https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/delicate-arch.htm
Excellent
86%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,859 reviews

Delicate Arch

A world-famous natural sandstone arch.

Reviewed By 355margotm

We hiked to Delicate Arch in November, starting early-ish in the morning of a sunny (but cool) day. The walk has a bit of everything - colonial history (a historic shack), pre-history (petroglyphs), slick-rock, clambering, ledges and - when you get around the final corner, the amazing Delicate Arch! It stands off to the side of a natural amphitheatre, and we couldn't imagine how it came to be formed. Amazing and beautiful.

2. Scenic Byway of Highway 128

UT
Excellent
83%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 198 reviews

Scenic Byway of Highway 128

Popular 'road drive', along the Colorado River.

Reviewed By TravelingJohnB80 - Martinsburg, United States

Beautiful drive along the Colorado river. This road winds along the canyon walls along the Colorado river with stunning views.

3. Highway 12 Scenic Byway

Torrey, UT http://www.scenicbyway12.com/
Excellent
89%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 744 reviews

Highway 12 Scenic Byway

This 122-mile route, located in the southwestern region of the state, passes Bryce Canyon and the Grand Staircase-Escalante Monument.

Reviewed By CarElzSEA

Get BBQ in Tropic. Hike to Calf Creek Falls. Eat at Hells Backbone grill. Visit the Anasazi Museum. Allow extra time. Stay at the Prospector Inn, Escalante. Slowly drive the Hogback (and Hells Backbone). Here's the list of highlights along the road: Capitol Reef National Park Boulder Mountain Anasazi State Park Burr Trail Hell's Backbone Backway Hogback Calf Creek Falls Escalante River Trailhead Canyons of the Escalante Upper Valley Granaries Escalante Petrified Forest State Park The Blues Overlook Grand Staircase National Monument Kodachrome Basin State Park Bryce Canyon National Park Red Canyon The problem is having enough time!

4. Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument

735 W Main, UT 84726 +1 435-826-5499 http://www.utah.com/nationalsites/grand_staircase.htm
Excellent
81%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 387 reviews

Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument

This massive national monument holds endless sights within thousands of acres.

Reviewed By gwenh465

All I can say is WOW. Jaw dropping views. Beautiful sunset views. Watch for road conditions in winter.

5. Zion Canyon Scenic Drive

Zion National Park, UT +1 435-772-3256 http://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/shuttle-system.htm
Excellent
84%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2,626 reviews

Zion Canyon Scenic Drive

A popular drive within Zion National Park.

Reviewed By jesseo582 - Jackson, United States

Most of the year, this is a road you can’t drive your own vehicle on unless you’re staying at the Zion National Park Lodge! The road winds along the Virgin River beneath towering cliffs and buttresses of stupendous sweep and colour. The free shuttle bus from the park main visitor centre just north of Springdale Utah goes to the end of the canyon and back all day affording convenient access to each of the trailheads. Helpful taped interpretation/narration aids visitor’s appreciation of this amazing park and the road you’re on.

6. Observation Point

Zion National Park, UT
Excellent
90%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 746 reviews

Observation Point

This overlook provides a great view of southern Zion Canyon if you're willing to climb the 2200 feet of elevation to get there.

Reviewed By ankitg445 - Vienna, United States

The main trail was closed when we visited due to landslide/rockfall but we did not want to miss this point, so we visited it though East Messa trail. The drawback of East Mesa trail is that the views are left to the last and the advantage is that the hike is pretty much flat. There is some altitude change towards the end. The canyon was overcrowded when we visited due to Memorial day weekend, however, to our delight, this place was largely empty. You can see Angel's landing down below, along with the road in the canyon. Beautiful views and photo taking opportunities.

7. Moki Dugway

Hwy 261, UT +1 800-574-4386 http://www.utahscanyoncountry.com
Excellent
81%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 350 reviews

Moki Dugway

Reviewed By F3150RGsharons

We did as part of a day tour from the North 261, including Muley Point, Moki Dugway & Goosenecks SP. We read many reviews of the Moki here, so no surprises. We were in a 1 ton Dodge Dually, 8' wide. So, the road is narrow in places for wide vehicles. If you pay attention to oncoming traffic, you can pull over in spots & turnoffs. There are several pullouts /wide spots to take pics. We passed maybe 6 cars/suvs. As a driver, it is best to just focus straight ahead and pay attention to where you are going (Duh!). My wife is a white knuckler and had no problem. We talked to a guy coming down and was only vaguely aware this was here. So, read about 30 reviews, be prepared for the road, drive slow & carefully, take you time, take pics, pull over. The best free ride in America!!

8. South Coyote Buttes

Near the wave, Kanab, UT +1 928-691-1047 http://www.blm.gov/az/st/en/arolrsmain/paria/coyote_buttes.html
Excellent
93%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 256 reviews

South Coyote Buttes

Reviewed By olgasX5785ZL

If you are up to remote, difficult to reach and unique places, then South Coyote Buttes are the must. It was unforgettable experience. Breathtaking views. We have not met even a single person other than our group during all our visit there... I highly recommend to invest in tour guide for two reasons: 1. The guide would definitely show you much more than you can find on your own; 2. The part of the road to reach both trailheads (especially Cottonwood cove) requires special vehicle and driving experience. Shon (Dreamland safari tours) was not only knowledgeable about the geology, history and nature of the place but also was a full of funny stories. I enjoyed every minute of this 9 hour tour.

9. Cove Fort

I-70 and I-15 How Much It Costs To Enter: Free, UT +1 435-438-5547 http://www.covefort.com/
Excellent
86%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 351 reviews

Cove Fort

Cove Fort was used as a Stagecoach Way Station and Pony Express station.

Reviewed By jacobcX238UA - Provo, United States

This is a wonderful place to bring your family and feel immersed in pioneer times. The tour guides are all volunteers and do an excellent job in the tour and answering any questions you may have. We loved visiting and anyone who's in the area should do the same.

10. Guardsman Pass Scenic Backway

1845 E Cedar Trails Way, Park City, UT http://www.utah.com/parkcity/guardsman_pass.htm
Excellent
80%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 481 reviews

Guardsman Pass Scenic Backway

Reviewed By mlbourgeois

Wow, a Saturday morning drive on the Guardsman Pass between Park city and Salt Lake City is definitely an adventure. The beauty is incredible. The curves, cliffs and bikers make it very challenging but fun. Lots of pull offs,hikers and bikers.

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