9 Best Places For A Vacation In Utah
In 2021, over 11 million visitors were drawn to Utah’s state parks, a place celebrated for its monumental features, stunning scenery, and thrilling outdoor activities. Whether seeking a serene retreat or eager for thrilling adventures, the Beehive State is your ultimate destination. As you traverse Utah’s exquisite terrains, you’ll have the opportunity to discover historical ruins, wander through picturesque pathways, and admire its grand canyons in 2024. It’s a welcoming destination for family adventures, inviting people from across the globe.
This article discusses some of the most unforgettable places to see on your next trip to Utah:
Moab
Outdoor enthusiasts and adventure fanatics should head to Moab, Utah, to explore its archaeological marvels. It’s a mecca for hikers, campers, and rock climbers. Marvel at its red rock formations, Native American cave art, and dinosaur footprints dating back to the Jurassic period. Enjoy the view from the top of Moabian hills and explore its trails on a bike. Trample Potash Road with your friends and enjoy a morning of rafting in the middle of the Colorado River. It’ll be a vacation worth remembering.
St. George
Located 300 miles away from Salt Lake City on the Utah-Arizona border, St. George is famous today for its proximity to many tourist attractions. After arriving in this town, you can explore the Mojave Desert, the Grand Canyon, and Zion National Park. Visitors flock to this place to sightsee its city parks and hire along St. George’s 60 miles of paved trails. Its museums, sports events, and shopping places are also worth your time. Before arriving, look up options for St. George resorts for families to book a comfortable stay. View rentals online and read guest reviews before renting the resort.
Lake Powell
This artificial reservoir attracts two million visitors every year. Established over the Colorado River, it spans two states, i.e., Utah and Arizona. This iconic site has been featured in many movies, such as the 1968 version of Planet of the Apes. You can also see the Rainbow Bridge National Monument, a famous attraction in Lake Powell. Tourists flock here to engage in water sports, house boating, fishing, canyoneering, and scenic drives. You can also experience this lake by camping in your RV.
Canyonlands
When traveling out of Moab, you should visit the beautiful Canyonlands during your trip to Utah. Its towering mesas and panoramic views attract visitors from all over the country. Some of the most iconic landmarks in Canyonlands include Mesa Arch, White Rim Road, and Island in the Sky. These landmarks allow you to immerse yourself in Utah’s remote hinterlands and drive along Canyonlands’ scenic hiking trails. Explore this place’s amazing canyons during your vacation now. Moreover, you go rafting, kayaking, stargazing, and horseback riding in Canyonlands.
Antelope Island
This amazing place is just a 90-minute drive from Salt Lake City. As the name suggests, this place is named after the species of pronghorn antelope discovered here in the 19th century. Many tourists visit this 15-mile island, one of the ten major islands floating in the Great Salt Lake, the largest saltwater reservoir in the western hemisphere. You can enjoy the guided tours of Antelope Island and marvel at its wildlife. If you’re lucky, you’ll even get to see coyotes and mule deer, among other creatures.
Monument Valley
Visiting Monument Valley, sure enough, will give you a sense of Deja Vu. You’ll feel as if you are more familiar with these red rock buttes than you care to admit. It’s because old Westerns used the images of this valley as picturesque backdrops to their iconic movies. Featured in countless flicks across many years in Hollywood, the mesmerizing sandstone formations on Monument Valley serve as a holy site in Navajo culture. Do not forget to visit Navajo-owned parks when visiting this important site. You can also drive along Monument Valley’s scenic trails and photograph the towering rock formations here. Attend cultural festivals to appreciate Navajo heritage.
Goblin Valley State Park
These rock formations will remind you of hobbits from The Lord of the Rings franchise. Aptly named Goblin Valley, this state park is located not far from the much more famous Bryce Canyon. So, if you’re fascinated by hoodoos, wait until you see these gnome-shaped Entrada sandstones on your trip. It took millions of years of erosion to create these mushroom-looking objects. You can marvel at these sandstones by hiking across Goblin Valley or exploring it on a bike. Also, it’s a chance to explore the petroglyphs (rock carvings) dating back to the Fremont culture.
Dinosaur National Monument
If dinosaurs interest you, visiting this national monument in Utah should be part of your future itinerary. In 1915, this tourist site was declared a national monument that contains hundreds of important paleontological marvels and ancient dinosaur fossils. This prehistoric site contains dinosaur bones that are 160 million years old. Utah’s Dinosaur National Monument also contains the cultural remnants of the Fremont culture. This 210,000-acre landscape will be a good scientific experience for you.
City of the Saints (Salt Lake City)
Salt Lake City, also known as the City of the Saints, serves as a gateway to many vacation spots in Utah, such as Moab, Park City, and the Big Five. Nonetheless, the city also has some of the most gorgeous specimens of Mormon history, such as the Tabernacle, Temple Square, and Brigham Young Monument. Its Assembly Hall is worth sightseeing as well. Tourists admire SLC because of its walkable downtown. Moreover, this holy city has amazing museums like Chase Home and The Leonardo. Its zoo is a fun place to visit with the children.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for entertainment and adventure, Utah, the second-driest state in America, appears to be your new summer vacation destination. Its lakes, canyons, and mountains offer a unique immersive opportunity for traveling, camping, and hiking with your pals. So, grab a map and mark all the places mentioned above. Visit these places one by one to appreciate the charm of Utah. Get your camera, book your hotels online, and head out on an adventure.
