From scenic drives to national parks, Utah offers terrific experiences that should be on every traveler’s list. Here are Fodor’s top picks for a memorable trip.
Winter Sports
The “greatest snow on Earth,” plentiful sunshine, and beautiful panoramas make Utah a fabulous winter playground. Deer Valley Resort in Park City draws crowds with its groomed ski trails for families as well as experts.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Park City and the Southern Wasatch Travel Guide
Scenic Drives
Mirror Lake Scenic Byway through the Uinta Mountains is one of the state’s unforgettable drives. Highway 12 is another stunner.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Utah Travel Guide
Bryce Canyon National Park
Drive the main park road for breathtaking views into the canyon. For a closer look, accessible hikes take you into the amphitheater to see limestone spires, called hoodoos.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Bryce Canyon National Park Travel Guide
Sundance
A ski resort and year-round artistic retreat, Sundance is best known for the annual independent film festival founded by Robert Redford and based in nearby Park City.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Park City and the Southern Wasatch Travel Guide
Dinosaur Tracking
Utah is a treasure chest of dinosaur remains. See tantalizing footprints at several museums, including the Natural History Museum of Utah in Salt Lake City.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Utah Travel Guide
Delicate Arch
Recognize this arch? Utah’s calling card is this well-known rock formation in Arches National Park. Get up close on a moderate three-mile hike and marvel at its scale.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Arches National Park Travel Guide
Water Sports
Skiing grabs the headlines, but fly fishing, boating, and river rafting, especially on the mighty Colorado River, make this a year-round destination.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Utah Travel Guide
Salt Lake City
At the foot of the Wasatch Mountains, Utah’s capital has a stunning setting, Mormon culture, cosmopolitan dining, and easy access to outdoor activities.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Salt Lake City Travel Guide
Zion National Park
Angels Landing Trail, with its exhilarating overlooks, and the Narrows Trail, set in a river between dramatic 2,000-foot cliffs, make Zion one of America’s top parks.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Zion National Park Travel Guide
Moab
This countercultural frontier town is a hub of artsy activity and a great base for Arches National Park. It’s a must for biking, rock-climbing, and rafting as well.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Moab and Southeastern Utah Travel Guide
Great Salt Lake
The best place to explore one of the earth’s saltiest locales is Antelope Island, home to scores of bison and a pit stop for migrating birds.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Salt Lake City Travel Guide
Two-wheeled Fun
Mountain-bike trails, such as the world-famous Slickrock Trail near Moab and the White Rim Trail, are unparalleled.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Utah Travel Guide