Utah is a state known for its natural beauty, with landscapes ranging from rugged canyons to snow-capped mountains. Whether you're a local looking for a new adventure or a visitor looking to explore, there are plenty of great day trips to take in this beautiful state. Here are the 10 best day trips in Utah:
- Zion National Park: This park is a must-see for anyone visiting Utah. Known for its towering red cliffs and beautiful hikes, Zion offers something for everyone.
- Bryce Canyon National Park: Another popular park in Utah, Bryce Canyon is known for its unique hoodoos (tall, spire-shaped rock formations) and beautiful hiking trails.
- Arches National Park: This park is home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, making it a popular destination for photography and hiking.
- Canyonlands National Park: This park offers a diverse range of landscapes, from canyons to rivers to mesas. It's a great place for hiking, camping, and exploring.
- Moab: This small town is a popular base for exploring the surrounding national parks and offers a variety of outdoor activities, including rock climbing, mountain biking, and river rafting.
- Great Salt Lake: The Great Salt Lake is the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere and offers a unique experience for swimming and boating.
- Park City: This former mining town is now a popular ski destination and offers a variety of activities, including skiing, hiking, and mountain biking.
- Antelope Island: This island in the Great Salt Lake is home to a variety of wildlife, including bison, antelope, and bighorn sheep. It's a great place for hiking and wildlife viewing.
- Ogden: This city is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, including skiing and hiking in the nearby Wasatch Mountains.
- Flaming Gorge: This area offers a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, boating, and hiking. The Flaming Gorge Reservoir is also a popular spot for water sports.
In addition to the more popular destinations listed above, Utah also offers a number of lesser-known day trip options that are worth exploring. Here are a few additional options to consider:
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- Goblin Valley State Park: This park is home to thousands of unique rock formations called "goblins," which are created by erosion. It's a great place for hiking and exploring.
- The Wave: This unique rock formation located in the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is a popular destination for photographers and hikers. Access to the wave is by lottery system.
- Escalante: This small town in southern Utah is a gateway to the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, which offers a variety of hiking and outdoor activities.
- Bear Lake: This lake located on the border of Utah and Idaho offers a variety of water activities like boating, swimming, and fishing. It's also known for its beautiful turquoise color.
- Dead Horse Point State Park: This state park offers stunning views of the Colorado River and Canyonlands National Park. It's a great place for hiking and photography.
- Alpine Loop Scenic Backway: This scenic drive offers views of the Wasatch Mountains and passes through several small towns. It's a great way to explore the backcountry of Utah.
- Mirror Lake Highway: This scenic drive takes you through the Uinta Mountains, offering beautiful views of alpine lakes and forests. It's a great place for hiking and fishing.
- Timpanogos Cave National Monument: This national monument offers guided tours of a series of limestone caves, featuring unique rock formations and underground streams.
- Grafton ghost town: This ghost town is located in the Zion National Park and it's a popular destination for history buffs and photographers.
These lesser-known destinations offer a unique perspective on the beauty and diversity of Utah. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventure or a chance to explore the state's history, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Hi, my name is Melissa! I live in Spanish Fork, Utah. I'm happily married to Rob, and together we have five wonderful kids. Our family loves to embark on adventures, often in our RV, exploring the great outdoors. I'm an avid reader and a big fan of Hallmark movies – they always have a way of lifting my spirits. Hiking is another passion of mine; there's nothing like the tranquility of nature. I have a sweet tooth for chocolate and a love for Mexican food, both of which make life a little more delicious. In my downtime, I enjoy playing games with my family, creating memories and sharing laughter. Life is an adventure, and I'm here to enjoy every moment of it! I'm the blogger and creative mind behind the blog A Sparkle of Genius! Check out our posts on recipes, crafts, kid stuff, printables, travel and more!