Discover the top activities in Utah, from hiking and skiing in the Mighty 5 national parks to experiencing cultural events like the Sundance Film Festival. Dive into the rich history of the Anasazi people, watch incredible wildlife, and have fun with family-friendly attractions.
Utah is known for its diverse landscapes, from towering mountains and lush forests to red rock deserts and sandy dunes. Here are the top activities to enjoy in this beautiful state.
Outdoor Adventures:
Hiking and Backpacking: With five national parks, known as the "Mighty 5," Utah is a hiker's paradise. Must-visit trails include the Delicate Arch in Arches National Park, The Narrows in Zion National Park, and the Fairyland Loop in Bryce Canyon National Park.
Skiing and Snowboarding: Utah's snow is famously light and fluffy, making it perfect for skiing and snowboarding. Popular resorts include Park City Mountain Resort, Deer Valley Resort, and Snowbird.
Rock Climbing and Bouldering: Utah's red rock country offers some of the best rock climbing and bouldering opportunities in the world. Popular spots include Indian Creek, Joe's Valley, and Little Cottonwood Canyon.
Mountain Biking: Moab is often considered the mountain biking capital of the world, with famous trails like the Slickrock Trail and the Whole Enchilada.
River Rafting: The Colorado River and Green River offer world-class white water rafting through stunning canyons.
Canyoneering: Explore Utah's slot canyons with a canyoneering adventure. Popular spots include Robbers Roost, Zion National Park, and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
Cultural Experiences:
Visit Temple Square: Explore the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Salt Lake City, including the iconic Salt Lake Temple and the Tabernacle, home of the famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
Experience the Sundance Film Festival: Attend one of the most prestigious independent film festivals in the world, held each January in Park City.
Explore the Anasazi Culture: Learn about the ancient Anasazi people at the Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum and the Anasazi State Park Museum.
Wildlife Watching and Nature Experiences:
Bird Watching: Utah is home to over 400 species of birds, making it a prime destination for bird watchers. Great Salt Lake is especially popular for viewing migratory birds.
Stargazing: With numerous International Dark Sky Parks, including Canyonlands National Park and Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah is a great place to stargaze.
Wildflower Viewing: The mountains and valleys come alive with wildflowers in the spring and summer. Popular spots include Albion Basin in Little Cottonwood Canyon and the meadows of Mount Timpanogos.
Family Fun:
Visit Lagoon Amusement Park: Enjoy rides and attractions for all ages at this popular amusement park located in Farmington.
Explore Dinosaur National Monument: See real dinosaur bones and learn about these ancient creatures at this fascinating monument.
Go Sand Sledding at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park: Slide down the beautiful pink sand dunes on a sled or snowboard.
With so many diverse activities to choose from, Utah truly has something for everyone.
Subscribe here and get the latest travel tips and our insider secrets!
Your Guiding Light to Adventure!
Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, including links from Amazon and Expedia. As an Amazon Associate and Expedia Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases and bookings. This means if you click on a link and make a purchase or booking, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.