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Utah

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2019 2019 Fodor’s Go List Destination

Fodor's Utah: with Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Capitol Reef, and Canyonlands National Parks
Whether you want to hike through Zion, ski in Park City, or visit the Great Salt Lake, the...

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From mountain-biking on slickrock to hiking past dinosaur fossils, Utah has thrilling adventures for everyone. The world-class ski resorts of the Wasatch Mountains are a haven for those seeking perfect powder, and national parks such as Arches and Zion offer colorful geology lessons with natural arches, hoodoos, and mesas in brilliant ocher and red. History lovers can ponder petroglyphs made by the earliest inhabitants or explore the Mormons' pioneer past in Salt Lake City. At the end of the day's activities, a hot tub and plush bed await.

Fodor's Utah: with Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Capitol Reef, and Canyonlands National Parks
Whether you want to hike through Zion, ski in Park City, or visit the Great Salt Lake, the...

View Details

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Utah’s National Parks

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Utah’s National Parks

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Utah’s National Parks

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Salt Lake City

Nestled at the foot of the rugged Wasatch Mountains and extending to the south shore of the Great Salt Lake, Salt Lake City is a...

Southwestern Utah

Just two hours by desert highway north of the glittering lights of Las Vegas lies one of the most beautiful and distinctive regions of the...

Park City and the Southern Wasatch

The Wasatch Range shares the same desert climate as the Great Basin, which it rims, but these craggy peaks rise to more than 11,000 feet...

Northern Utah

When you picture Utah, many envision the red-rock crags and canyons of the south, but the north, with its cattail marshes and pasture lands framed...

Moab and Southeastern Utah

Southeastern Utah, especially Moab, is full of converts, and not so much in a religious sense. These are people formerly from suburbs or cities who...

Park City and the Wasatch Back

The best-known areas of the Wasatch Mountains lie east of Salt Lake City. Up and over Parley's Canyon via I–80 you'll find the sophisticated mountain...

Dinosaurland and Eastern Utah

The rugged beauty of Utah's northeastern corner, wedged neatly between Wyoming to the north and Colorado to the east, is the reward for those willing...

Arches National Park

More than 1.5 million visitors come to Arches annually, drawn by the red rock landscape and its wind- and water-carved rock formations. The park is...

Ogden

As the Wasatch Front population continues to swell, it's harder to tell where Salt Lake City ends and the next major city, Ogden, begins. In...

Zion National Park

The walls of Zion Canyon soar more than 2,000 feet above the valley. Bands of limestone, sandstone, and lava in the strata point to the...

Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park is a natural kaleidoscopic feast for the eyes, with colors more dramatic than anywhere else in the West. The Moenkopi rock...

St. George

Believing the mild year-round climate ideal for growing cotton, Brigham Young dispatched 309 LDS families in 1861 to found St. George. They were to raise...

Moab

When you first drive down crowded Main Street (Moab’s commercial, downtown strip), you might not get the town’s appeal right away. The wide thoroughfare is...

Bryce Canyon National Park

A land that captures the imagination and the heart, Bryce is a favorite among the Southwest's national parks. Although its splendor had been well known...

Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands is truly four parks in one, but the majority of visitors drive through the panoramic vistas of Island in the Sky and barely venture...

Logan

Mormon pioneers created the permanent settlement of Logan in 1859, but the town didn't become prominent until 1888, when it was chosen as the site...

Outside Arches National Park

Moab is the primary gateway to both Arches and Canyonlands national parks. Don’t let its outsize image and status as Grand County seat fool you:...

Side Trips from Salt Lake City

The skiing is top notch and plentiful just under an hour outside of Salt Lake City at the many resorts in Big and Little Cottonwood...

Escalante

Though the Dominguez and Escalante expedition of 1776 came nowhere near this area, the town's name does honor the Spanish explorer. It was bestowed nearly...

Provo

With Mount Timpanogos to the east and Utah Lake to the west, Provo and the adjacent city of Orem make up one of the prettiest...

Vernal

Vernal is the hub of Dinosaurland, mixing the region's ancient heritage with a certain kitschy charm—think down-home diners and giant dino statues. Dinosaurs aren't the...

Cedar City

Rich iron-ore deposits captured the attention of Mormon leader Brigham Young. He ordered a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints mission be established here...

Heber Valley

Bounded by the Wasatch Mountains on the west and the rolling foothills of the Uinta Mountains on the east, the Heber Valley, including the towns...

Torrey

Torrey, just west the Capitol Reef National Park, has lots of personality and charm. The town dates back to the 1880s, when Mormon settlers first...

Kanab

Since the 1920s, Kanab has been Hollywood's vision of the American West. Soaring vermilion sandstone cliffs and sagebrush flats with endless vistas have lured filmmakers...

Springdale

Although small, this gorgeously situated town of about 600 has more than doubled in population since 1990, thanks in large part to its being directly...

Price

Thousands of visitors travel to Price every year to experience Utah's past through fossils, exhibits, and preservation sites at the Prehistoric Museum, USU Eastern. For...

Ogden Valley

Locals call it "the valley," as if it were the only valley in the world. It's sleepy and slow, and if it had sidewalks they'd...

Little Cottonwood Canyon

Skiers have been singing the praises of Little Cottonwood Canyon since 1938, when the Alta Lifts Company pieced together a ski lift using parts from...

Bluff

Bluff is a tiny but unexpectedly cool town that's built a reputation for fun events. Like Moab, it doesn’t have a palpable Mormon feel, and...

Brigham City

People passing through Brigham City are charmed by its sycamore-lined Main Street and old-fashioned downtown, but may not realize they are in one of Utah's...

Sundance Resort

As Thoreau had Walden Pond, so does Redford have Sundance. Lucky for the rest of us, the "Sundance Kid" shares his 5,000-acre bounty. Several miles...

Outside Capitol Reef National Park

The best home base for exploring Capitol Reef, the pretty town of Torrey, just west of the park, has lots of personality. Giant old cottonwood...

Panguitch

An elevation of 6,650 feet helps this town of 1,700 residents keep its cool. Main Street is lined with late-19th-century buildings, and its early homes...

Big Cottonwood Canyon

The history of mining and skiing in Utah often go hand in hand, and that's certainly true of Big Cottonwood Canyon, with its adjacent ski...

Bear Lake State Park

Known for its vibrant blue water rivaling the Caribbean and Lake Tahoe in beauty, Bear Lake is a perfect summer destination offering swimming, boating, fishing...

Outside Bryce Canyon National Park

...

Blanding

There is famously little to do around here, yet many residents love it for its peaceful quality. As the biggest town in San Juan County...

Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area

If you are standing in front of the Flaming Gorge or its reservoir with a crowd of people, you'll likely hear gasps and exclamations of...

Brian Head

This tiny town's Brian Head Resort is Utah's southernmost and highest ski area at well over 9,000 feet, but the area's summer recreation, especially mountain...

Roosevelt

Roosevelt, a small town named for President Theodore Roosevelt, lies between blocks of the sovereign land of the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation. Its tiny...

Dinosaur National Monument

Dinomania rules at this 330-square-mile park that straddles the Utah–Colorado border. Although the main draw is obviously the ancient dinosaur fossils, the park’s setting is...

Outside Zion National Park

...

Boulder

To give you an idea of just how out-of-the-way Boulder, Utah is, mail was delivered to Boulder by horse and mule until 1940. Today, Boulder...

Mexican Hat

The tiny town of Mexican Hat lies on the north bank of the San Juan River. Named for a nearby rock formation, which you can't...

Green River

The town of Green River and the namesake river that runs through it are historically important. Early Native Americans used the river for centuries; the...

Hurricane

...

Lake Powell

The placid waters of Lake Powell allow you to depart the landed lifestyle and float away on your own houseboat. With 96 major side canyons...

Helper

...

Hanksville

...

Mirror Lake Scenic Byway

Although the Wasatch may be Utah's best-known mountain range, the Uinta Mountains, the only major east–west mountain range in the United States, are its tallest...

Lehi

...

La Sal Mountains

Although Moab is best known for its slickrock desert, it's also the gateway to the second-highest mountain range in the state—the 12,000-foot La Sal Mountains...

Antelope Island State Park

The best way to experience Great Salt Lake is a half-day excursion to Antelope Island. There’s no place in the country like this state park...

Outside Canyonlands National Park

Moab, the major gateway to both Arches and Canyonlands national parks, abounds with outfitters, shops, restaurants, and lodging options—see the Arches National Park chapter for...

Duchesne

A small town in a small county of the same name, Duchesne is probably best known for its proximity to Fred Hayes State Park at...

Golden Spike National Historic Site

Golden Spike National Historic Site offers a variety of activities in addition to the annual reenactment that celebrates the anniversary of the completion ceremony for...

Natural Bridges National Monument

The scenery and rock formations found in this national monument must be seen to be believed...

Monticello

...

Mount Carmel Junction

Little more than where Highway 9 meets U.S. 89, Mount Carmel Junction does offer some funky small-town lodging for those willing to stay about 15...

Timpanogos Cave National Monument

Although visitors of all ages and abilities can find easy exploring in the canyons surrounding the Wasatch Front, Timpanogos Cave is suitable only for robust...

Paria

...

Salt Lake City

Nestled at the foot of the rugged Wasatch Mountains and extending to the south shore of the Great Salt Lake, Salt Lake City is a...

Southwestern Utah

Just two hours by desert highway north of the glittering lights of Las Vegas lies one of the most beautiful and distinctive regions of the...

Park City and the Southern Wasatch

The Wasatch Range shares the same desert climate as the Great Basin, which it rims, but these craggy peaks rise to more than 11,000 feet...

Northern Utah

When you picture Utah, many envision the red-rock crags and canyons of the south, but the north, with its cattail marshes and pasture lands framed...

Moab and Southeastern Utah

Southeastern Utah, especially Moab, is full of converts, and not so much in a religious sense. These are people formerly from suburbs or cities who...

Park City and the Wasatch Back

The best-known areas of the Wasatch Mountains lie east of Salt Lake City. Up and over Parley's Canyon via I–80 you'll find the sophisticated mountain...

Dinosaurland and Eastern Utah

The rugged beauty of Utah's northeastern corner, wedged neatly between Wyoming to the north and Colorado to the east, is the reward for those willing...

Arches National Park

More than 1.5 million visitors come to Arches annually, drawn by the red rock landscape and its wind- and water-carved rock formations. The park is...

Ogden

As the Wasatch Front population continues to swell, it's harder to tell where Salt Lake City ends and the next major city, Ogden, begins. In...

Zion National Park

The walls of Zion Canyon soar more than 2,000 feet above the valley. Bands of limestone, sandstone, and lava in the strata point to the...

Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park is a natural kaleidoscopic feast for the eyes, with colors more dramatic than anywhere else in the West. The Moenkopi rock...

St. George

Believing the mild year-round climate ideal for growing cotton, Brigham Young dispatched 309 LDS families in 1861 to found St. George. They were to raise...

Moab

When you first drive down crowded Main Street (Moab’s commercial, downtown strip), you might not get the town’s appeal right away. The wide thoroughfare is...

Bryce Canyon National Park

A land that captures the imagination and the heart, Bryce is a favorite among the Southwest's national parks. Although its splendor had been well known...

Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands is truly four parks in one, but the majority of visitors drive through the panoramic vistas of Island in the Sky and barely venture...

Logan

Mormon pioneers created the permanent settlement of Logan in 1859, but the town didn't become prominent until 1888, when it was chosen as the site...

Outside Arches National Park

Moab is the primary gateway to both Arches and Canyonlands national parks. Don’t let its outsize image and status as Grand County seat fool you:...

Side Trips from Salt Lake City

The skiing is top notch and plentiful just under an hour outside of Salt Lake City at the many resorts in Big and Little Cottonwood...

Escalante

Though the Dominguez and Escalante expedition of 1776 came nowhere near this area, the town's name does honor the Spanish explorer. It was bestowed nearly...

Provo

With Mount Timpanogos to the east and Utah Lake to the west, Provo and the adjacent city of Orem make up one of the prettiest...

Vernal

Vernal is the hub of Dinosaurland, mixing the region's ancient heritage with a certain kitschy charm—think down-home diners and giant dino statues. Dinosaurs aren't the...

Cedar City

Rich iron-ore deposits captured the attention of Mormon leader Brigham Young. He ordered a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints mission be established here...

Heber Valley

Bounded by the Wasatch Mountains on the west and the rolling foothills of the Uinta Mountains on the east, the Heber Valley, including the towns...

Torrey

Torrey, just west the Capitol Reef National Park, has lots of personality and charm. The town dates back to the 1880s, when Mormon settlers first...

Kanab

Since the 1920s, Kanab has been Hollywood's vision of the American West. Soaring vermilion sandstone cliffs and sagebrush flats with endless vistas have lured filmmakers...

Springdale

Although small, this gorgeously situated town of about 600 has more than doubled in population since 1990, thanks in large part to its being directly...

Price

Thousands of visitors travel to Price every year to experience Utah's past through fossils, exhibits, and preservation sites at the Prehistoric Museum, USU Eastern. For...

Ogden Valley

Locals call it "the valley," as if it were the only valley in the world. It's sleepy and slow, and if it had sidewalks they'd...

Little Cottonwood Canyon

Skiers have been singing the praises of Little Cottonwood Canyon since 1938, when the Alta Lifts Company pieced together a ski lift using parts from...

Bluff

Bluff is a tiny but unexpectedly cool town that's built a reputation for fun events. Like Moab, it doesn’t have a palpable Mormon feel, and...

Brigham City

People passing through Brigham City are charmed by its sycamore-lined Main Street and old-fashioned downtown, but may not realize they are in one of Utah's...

Sundance Resort

As Thoreau had Walden Pond, so does Redford have Sundance. Lucky for the rest of us, the "Sundance Kid" shares his 5,000-acre bounty. Several miles...

Outside Capitol Reef National Park

The best home base for exploring Capitol Reef, the pretty town of Torrey, just west of the park, has lots of personality. Giant old cottonwood...

Panguitch

An elevation of 6,650 feet helps this town of 1,700 residents keep its cool. Main Street is lined with late-19th-century buildings, and its early homes...

Big Cottonwood Canyon

The history of mining and skiing in Utah often go hand in hand, and that's certainly true of Big Cottonwood Canyon, with its adjacent ski...

Bear Lake State Park

Known for its vibrant blue water rivaling the Caribbean and Lake Tahoe in beauty, Bear Lake is a perfect summer destination offering swimming, boating, fishing...

Outside Bryce Canyon National Park

...

Blanding

There is famously little to do around here, yet many residents love it for its peaceful quality. As the biggest town in San Juan County...

Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area

If you are standing in front of the Flaming Gorge or its reservoir with a crowd of people, you'll likely hear gasps and exclamations of...

Brian Head

This tiny town's Brian Head Resort is Utah's southernmost and highest ski area at well over 9,000 feet, but the area's summer recreation, especially mountain...

Roosevelt

Roosevelt, a small town named for President Theodore Roosevelt, lies between blocks of the sovereign land of the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation. Its tiny...

Dinosaur National Monument

Dinomania rules at this 330-square-mile park that straddles the Utah–Colorado border. Although the main draw is obviously the ancient dinosaur fossils, the park’s setting is...

Outside Zion National Park

...

Boulder

To give you an idea of just how out-of-the-way Boulder, Utah is, mail was delivered to Boulder by horse and mule until 1940. Today, Boulder...

Mexican Hat

The tiny town of Mexican Hat lies on the north bank of the San Juan River. Named for a nearby rock formation, which you can't...

Green River

The town of Green River and the namesake river that runs through it are historically important. Early Native Americans used the river for centuries; the...

Hurricane

...

Lake Powell

The placid waters of Lake Powell allow you to depart the landed lifestyle and float away on your own houseboat. With 96 major side canyons...

Helper

...

Hanksville

...

Mirror Lake Scenic Byway

Although the Wasatch may be Utah's best-known mountain range, the Uinta Mountains, the only major east–west mountain range in the United States, are its tallest...

Lehi

...

La Sal Mountains

Although Moab is best known for its slickrock desert, it's also the gateway to the second-highest mountain range in the state—the 12,000-foot La Sal Mountains...

Antelope Island State Park

The best way to experience Great Salt Lake is a half-day excursion to Antelope Island. There’s no place in the country like this state park...

Outside Canyonlands National Park

Moab, the major gateway to both Arches and Canyonlands national parks, abounds with outfitters, shops, restaurants, and lodging options—see the Arches National Park chapter for...

Duchesne

A small town in a small county of the same name, Duchesne is probably best known for its proximity to Fred Hayes State Park at...

Golden Spike National Historic Site

Golden Spike National Historic Site offers a variety of activities in addition to the annual reenactment that celebrates the anniversary of the completion ceremony for...

Natural Bridges National Monument

The scenery and rock formations found in this national monument must be seen to be believed...

Monticello

...

Mount Carmel Junction

Little more than where Highway 9 meets U.S. 89, Mount Carmel Junction does offer some funky small-town lodging for those willing to stay about 15...

Timpanogos Cave National Monument

Although visitors of all ages and abilities can find easy exploring in the canyons surrounding the Wasatch Front, Timpanogos Cave is suitable only for robust...

Paria

...

Salt Lake City

Nestled at the foot of the rugged Wasatch Mountains and extending to the south shore of the Great Salt Lake, Salt Lake City is a...

Park City and the Wasatch Back

The best-known areas of the Wasatch Mountains lie east of Salt Lake City. Up and over Parley's Canyon via I–80 you'll find the sophisticated mountain...

Ogden

As the Wasatch Front population continues to swell, it's harder to tell where Salt Lake City ends and the next major city, Ogden, begins. In...

St. George

Believing the mild year-round climate ideal for growing cotton, Brigham Young dispatched 309 LDS families in 1861 to found St. George. They were to raise...

Moab

When you first drive down crowded Main Street (Moab’s commercial, downtown strip), you might not get the town’s appeal right away. The wide thoroughfare is...

Logan

Mormon pioneers created the permanent settlement of Logan in 1859, but the town didn't become prominent until 1888, when it was chosen as the site...

Escalante

Though the Dominguez and Escalante expedition of 1776 came nowhere near this area, the town's name does honor the Spanish explorer. It was bestowed nearly...

Provo

With Mount Timpanogos to the east and Utah Lake to the west, Provo and the adjacent city of Orem make up one of the prettiest...

Vernal

Vernal is the hub of Dinosaurland, mixing the region's ancient heritage with a certain kitschy charm—think down-home diners and giant dino statues. Dinosaurs aren't the...

Cedar City

Rich iron-ore deposits captured the attention of Mormon leader Brigham Young. He ordered a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints mission be established here...

Torrey

Torrey, just west the Capitol Reef National Park, has lots of personality and charm. The town dates back to the 1880s, when Mormon settlers first...

Heber Valley

Bounded by the Wasatch Mountains on the west and the rolling foothills of the Uinta Mountains on the east, the Heber Valley, including the towns...

Kanab

Since the 1920s, Kanab has been Hollywood's vision of the American West. Soaring vermilion sandstone cliffs and sagebrush flats with endless vistas have lured filmmakers...

Springdale

Although small, this gorgeously situated town of about 600 has more than doubled in population since 1990, thanks in large part to its being directly...

Price

Thousands of visitors travel to Price every year to experience Utah's past through fossils, exhibits, and preservation sites at the Prehistoric Museum, USU Eastern. For...

Ogden Valley

Locals call it "the valley," as if it were the only valley in the world. It's sleepy and slow, and if it had sidewalks they'd...

Little Cottonwood Canyon

Skiers have been singing the praises of Little Cottonwood Canyon since 1938, when the Alta Lifts Company pieced together a ski lift using parts from...

Bluff

Bluff is a tiny but unexpectedly cool town that's built a reputation for fun events. Like Moab, it doesn’t have a palpable Mormon feel, and...

Brigham City

People passing through Brigham City are charmed by its sycamore-lined Main Street and old-fashioned downtown, but may not realize they are in one of Utah's...

Sundance Resort

As Thoreau had Walden Pond, so does Redford have Sundance. Lucky for the rest of us, the "Sundance Kid" shares his 5,000-acre bounty. Several miles...

Panguitch

An elevation of 6,650 feet helps this town of 1,700 residents keep its cool. Main Street is lined with late-19th-century buildings, and its early homes...

Big Cottonwood Canyon

The history of mining and skiing in Utah often go hand in hand, and that's certainly true of Big Cottonwood Canyon, with its adjacent ski...

Blanding

There is famously little to do around here, yet many residents love it for its peaceful quality. As the biggest town in San Juan County...

Kimball Junction and Olympic Park

...

Brian Head

This tiny town's Brian Head Resort is Utah's southernmost and highest ski area at well over 9,000 feet, but the area's summer recreation, especially mountain...

Roosevelt

Roosevelt, a small town named for President Theodore Roosevelt, lies between blocks of the sovereign land of the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation. Its tiny...

Mexican Hat

The tiny town of Mexican Hat lies on the north bank of the San Juan River. Named for a nearby rock formation, which you can't...

Orderville

...

Hurricane

...

Green River

The town of Green River and the namesake river that runs through it are historically important. Early Native Americans used the river for centuries; the...

Boulder

To give you an idea of just how out-of-the-way Boulder, Utah is, mail was delivered to Boulder by horse and mule until 1940. Today, Boulder...

Hanksville

...

Lake Powell

The placid waters of Lake Powell allow you to depart the landed lifestyle and float away on your own houseboat. With 96 major side canyons...

Helper

...

Garden City

Nearly 6,000 feet above sea level and quite remote, Bear Lake straddles the Utah–Idaho border. Known for its vibrant blue water rivaling Lake Tahoe, it's...

Lehi

...

Bryce Canyon City

...

La Sal Mountains

Although Moab is best known for its slickrock desert, it's also the gateway to the second-highest mountain range in the state—the 12,000-foot La Sal Mountains...

Tropic

Just a few miles farther from the national park than Bryce Canyon City but considerably cuter and more charming, tiny Tropic (population 480) is a...

Duchesne

A small town in a small county of the same name, Duchesne is probably best known for its proximity to Fred Hayes State Park at...

American Fork

American Fork serves as a good base for exploring Timpanogos Cave National Monument as well as other sights throughout the canyon...

Monticello

...

Golden Spike National Historic Site

Golden Spike National Historic Site offers a variety of activities in addition to the annual reenactment that celebrates the anniversary of the completion ceremony for...

Mount Carmel Junction

Little more than where Highway 9 meets U.S. 89, Mount Carmel Junction does offer some funky small-town lodging for those willing to stay about 15...

Paria

...

Salt Lake City

Nestled at the foot of the rugged Wasatch Mountains and extending to the south shore of the Great Salt Lake, Salt Lake City is a...

Park City and the Wasatch Back

The best-known areas of the Wasatch Mountains lie east of Salt Lake City. Up and over Parley's Canyon via I–80 you'll find the sophisticated mountain...

Ogden

As the Wasatch Front population continues to swell, it's harder to tell where Salt Lake City ends and the next major city, Ogden, begins. In...

St. George

Believing the mild year-round climate ideal for growing cotton, Brigham Young dispatched 309 LDS families in 1861 to found St. George. They were to raise...

Moab

When you first drive down crowded Main Street (Moab’s commercial, downtown strip), you might not get the town’s appeal right away. The wide thoroughfare is...

Logan

Mormon pioneers created the permanent settlement of Logan in 1859, but the town didn't become prominent until 1888, when it was chosen as the site...

Escalante

Though the Dominguez and Escalante expedition of 1776 came nowhere near this area, the town's name does honor the Spanish explorer. It was bestowed nearly...

Provo

With Mount Timpanogos to the east and Utah Lake to the west, Provo and the adjacent city of Orem make up one of the prettiest...

Vernal

Vernal is the hub of Dinosaurland, mixing the region's ancient heritage with a certain kitschy charm—think down-home diners and giant dino statues. Dinosaurs aren't the...

Cedar City

Rich iron-ore deposits captured the attention of Mormon leader Brigham Young. He ordered a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints mission be established here...

Torrey

Torrey, just west the Capitol Reef National Park, has lots of personality and charm. The town dates back to the 1880s, when Mormon settlers first...

Heber Valley

Bounded by the Wasatch Mountains on the west and the rolling foothills of the Uinta Mountains on the east, the Heber Valley, including the towns...

Kanab

Since the 1920s, Kanab has been Hollywood's vision of the American West. Soaring vermilion sandstone cliffs and sagebrush flats with endless vistas have lured filmmakers...

Springdale

Although small, this gorgeously situated town of about 600 has more than doubled in population since 1990, thanks in large part to its being directly...

Price

Thousands of visitors travel to Price every year to experience Utah's past through fossils, exhibits, and preservation sites at the Prehistoric Museum, USU Eastern. For...

Ogden Valley

Locals call it "the valley," as if it were the only valley in the world. It's sleepy and slow, and if it had sidewalks they'd...

Little Cottonwood Canyon

Skiers have been singing the praises of Little Cottonwood Canyon since 1938, when the Alta Lifts Company pieced together a ski lift using parts from...

Bluff

Bluff is a tiny but unexpectedly cool town that's built a reputation for fun events. Like Moab, it doesn’t have a palpable Mormon feel, and...

Brigham City

People passing through Brigham City are charmed by its sycamore-lined Main Street and old-fashioned downtown, but may not realize they are in one of Utah's...

Sundance Resort

As Thoreau had Walden Pond, so does Redford have Sundance. Lucky for the rest of us, the "Sundance Kid" shares his 5,000-acre bounty. Several miles...

Panguitch

An elevation of 6,650 feet helps this town of 1,700 residents keep its cool. Main Street is lined with late-19th-century buildings, and its early homes...

Big Cottonwood Canyon

The history of mining and skiing in Utah often go hand in hand, and that's certainly true of Big Cottonwood Canyon, with its adjacent ski...

Blanding

There is famously little to do around here, yet many residents love it for its peaceful quality. As the biggest town in San Juan County...

Kimball Junction and Olympic Park

...

Brian Head

This tiny town's Brian Head Resort is Utah's southernmost and highest ski area at well over 9,000 feet, but the area's summer recreation, especially mountain...

Roosevelt

Roosevelt, a small town named for President Theodore Roosevelt, lies between blocks of the sovereign land of the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation. Its tiny...

Mexican Hat

The tiny town of Mexican Hat lies on the north bank of the San Juan River. Named for a nearby rock formation, which you can't...

Orderville

...

Hurricane

...

Green River

The town of Green River and the namesake river that runs through it are historically important. Early Native Americans used the river for centuries; the...

Boulder

To give you an idea of just how out-of-the-way Boulder, Utah is, mail was delivered to Boulder by horse and mule until 1940. Today, Boulder...

Hanksville

...

Lake Powell

The placid waters of Lake Powell allow you to depart the landed lifestyle and float away on your own houseboat. With 96 major side canyons...

Helper

...

Garden City

Nearly 6,000 feet above sea level and quite remote, Bear Lake straddles the Utah–Idaho border. Known for its vibrant blue water rivaling Lake Tahoe, it's...

Lehi

...

Bryce Canyon City

...

La Sal Mountains

Although Moab is best known for its slickrock desert, it's also the gateway to the second-highest mountain range in the state—the 12,000-foot La Sal Mountains...

Tropic

Just a few miles farther from the national park than Bryce Canyon City but considerably cuter and more charming, tiny Tropic (population 480) is a...

Duchesne

A small town in a small county of the same name, Duchesne is probably best known for its proximity to Fred Hayes State Park at...

American Fork

American Fork serves as a good base for exploring Timpanogos Cave National Monument as well as other sights throughout the canyon...

Monticello

...

Golden Spike National Historic Site

Golden Spike National Historic Site offers a variety of activities in addition to the annual reenactment that celebrates the anniversary of the completion ceremony for...

Mount Carmel Junction

Little more than where Highway 9 meets U.S. 89, Mount Carmel Junction does offer some funky small-town lodging for those willing to stay about 15...

Paria

...

Southwestern Utah

Just two hours by desert highway north of the glittering lights of Las Vegas lies one of the most beautiful and distinctive regions of the...

Park City and the Southern Wasatch

The Wasatch Range shares the same desert climate as the Great Basin, which it rims, but these craggy peaks rise to more than 11,000 feet...

Northern Utah

When you picture Utah, many envision the red-rock crags and canyons of the south, but the north, with its cattail marshes and pasture lands framed...

Moab and Southeastern Utah

Southeastern Utah, especially Moab, is full of converts, and not so much in a religious sense. These are people formerly from suburbs or cities who...

Dinosaurland and Eastern Utah

The rugged beauty of Utah's northeastern corner, wedged neatly between Wyoming to the north and Colorado to the east, is the reward for those willing...

Outside Arches National Park

Moab is the primary gateway to both Arches and Canyonlands national parks. Don’t let its outsize image and status as Grand County seat fool you:...

Side Trips from Salt Lake City

The skiing is top notch and plentiful just under an hour outside of Salt Lake City at the many resorts in Big and Little Cottonwood...

Outside Capitol Reef National Park

The best home base for exploring Capitol Reef, the pretty town of Torrey, just west of the park, has lots of personality. Giant old cottonwood...

Outside Bryce Canyon National Park

...

Outside Zion National Park

...

Mirror Lake Scenic Byway

Although the Wasatch may be Utah's best-known mountain range, the Uinta Mountains, the only major east–west mountain range in the United States, are its tallest...

Outside Canyonlands National Park

Moab, the major gateway to both Arches and Canyonlands national parks, abounds with outfitters, shops, restaurants, and lodging options—see the Arches National Park chapter for...

Southwestern Utah

Just two hours by desert highway north of the glittering lights of Las Vegas lies one of the most beautiful and distinctive regions of the...

Park City and the Southern Wasatch

The Wasatch Range shares the same desert climate as the Great Basin, which it rims, but these craggy peaks rise to more than 11,000 feet...

Northern Utah

When you picture Utah, many envision the red-rock crags and canyons of the south, but the north, with its cattail marshes and pasture lands framed...

Moab and Southeastern Utah

Southeastern Utah, especially Moab, is full of converts, and not so much in a religious sense. These are people formerly from suburbs or cities who...

Dinosaurland and Eastern Utah

The rugged beauty of Utah's northeastern corner, wedged neatly between Wyoming to the north and Colorado to the east, is the reward for those willing...

Outside Arches National Park

Moab is the primary gateway to both Arches and Canyonlands national parks. Don’t let its outsize image and status as Grand County seat fool you:...

Side Trips from Salt Lake City

The skiing is top notch and plentiful just under an hour outside of Salt Lake City at the many resorts in Big and Little Cottonwood...

Outside Capitol Reef National Park

The best home base for exploring Capitol Reef, the pretty town of Torrey, just west of the park, has lots of personality. Giant old cottonwood...

Outside Bryce Canyon National Park

...

Outside Zion National Park

...

Mirror Lake Scenic Byway

Although the Wasatch may be Utah's best-known mountain range, the Uinta Mountains, the only major east–west mountain range in the United States, are its tallest...

Outside Canyonlands National Park

Moab, the major gateway to both Arches and Canyonlands national parks, abounds with outfitters, shops, restaurants, and lodging options—see the Arches National Park chapter for...

Arches National Park

More than 1.5 million visitors come to Arches annually, drawn by the red rock landscape and its wind- and water-carved rock formations. The park is...

Zion National Park

The walls of Zion Canyon soar more than 2,000 feet above the valley. Bands of limestone, sandstone, and lava in the strata point to the...

Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park is a natural kaleidoscopic feast for the eyes, with colors more dramatic than anywhere else in the West. The Moenkopi rock...

Bryce Canyon National Park

A land that captures the imagination and the heart, Bryce is a favorite among the Southwest's national parks. Although its splendor had been well known...

Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands is truly four parks in one, but the majority of visitors drive through the panoramic vistas of Island in the Sky and barely venture...

Bear Lake State Park

Known for its vibrant blue water rivaling the Caribbean and Lake Tahoe in beauty, Bear Lake is a perfect summer destination offering swimming, boating, fishing...

Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area

If you are standing in front of the Flaming Gorge or its reservoir with a crowd of people, you'll likely hear gasps and exclamations of...

Dinosaur National Monument

Dinomania rules at this 330-square-mile park that straddles the Utah–Colorado border. Although the main draw is obviously the ancient dinosaur fossils, the park’s setting is...

Antelope Island State Park

The best way to experience Great Salt Lake is a half-day excursion to Antelope Island. There’s no place in the country like this state park...

Natural Bridges National Monument

The scenery and rock formations found in this national monument must be seen to be believed...

Timpanogos Cave National Monument

Although visitors of all ages and abilities can find easy exploring in the canyons surrounding the Wasatch Front, Timpanogos Cave is suitable only for robust...

Arches National Park

More than 1.5 million visitors come to Arches annually, drawn by the red rock landscape and its wind- and water-carved rock formations. The park is...

Zion National Park

The walls of Zion Canyon soar more than 2,000 feet above the valley. Bands of limestone, sandstone, and lava in the strata point to the...

Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park is a natural kaleidoscopic feast for the eyes, with colors more dramatic than anywhere else in the West. The Moenkopi rock...

Bryce Canyon National Park

A land that captures the imagination and the heart, Bryce is a favorite among the Southwest's national parks. Although its splendor had been well known...

Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands is truly four parks in one, but the majority of visitors drive through the panoramic vistas of Island in the Sky and barely venture...

Bear Lake State Park

Known for its vibrant blue water rivaling the Caribbean and Lake Tahoe in beauty, Bear Lake is a perfect summer destination offering swimming, boating, fishing...

Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area

If you are standing in front of the Flaming Gorge or its reservoir with a crowd of people, you'll likely hear gasps and exclamations of...

Dinosaur National Monument

Dinomania rules at this 330-square-mile park that straddles the Utah–Colorado border. Although the main draw is obviously the ancient dinosaur fossils, the park’s setting is...

Antelope Island State Park

The best way to experience Great Salt Lake is a half-day excursion to Antelope Island. There’s no place in the country like this state park...

Natural Bridges National Monument

The scenery and rock formations found in this national monument must be seen to be believed...

Timpanogos Cave National Monument

Although visitors of all ages and abilities can find easy exploring in the canyons surrounding the Wasatch Front, Timpanogos Cave is suitable only for robust...

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Arches National Park

Outside Arches National Park

Brigham City

Bryce Canyon National Park

Outside Bryce Canyon National Park

Canyonlands National Park

Outside Canyonlands National Park

Capitol Reef National Park

Dinosaur National Monument

Dinosaurland and Eastern Utah

Duchesne

Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area

Helper

Logan

Mirror Lake Scenic Byway

Moab and Southeastern Utah

Northern Utah

Ogden

Ogden Valley

Park City and the Southern Wasatch

Price

Roosevelt

Salt Lake City

Side Trips from Salt Lake City

Southwestern Utah

Vernal

Zion National Park

Outside Zion National Park

Arches National Park

Outside Arches National Park

Canyonlands National Park

Outside Canyonlands National Park

Dinosaurland and Eastern Utah

Helper

Moab and Southeastern Utah

Ogden Valley

Roosevelt

Southwestern Utah

Brigham City

Capitol Reef National Park

Duchesne

Logan

Northern Utah

Park City and the Southern Wasatch

Salt Lake City

Vernal

Bryce Canyon National Park

Outside Bryce Canyon National Park

Dinosaur National Monument

Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area

Mirror Lake Scenic Byway

Ogden

Price

Side Trips from Salt Lake City

Zion National Park

Outside Zion National Park

Arches National Park

Outside Arches National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park

Outside Bryce Canyon National Park

Capitol Reef National Park

Dinosaurland and Eastern Utah

Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area

Logan

Moab and Southeastern Utah

Ogden

Park City and the Southern Wasatch

Roosevelt

Side Trips from Salt Lake City

Vernal

Brigham City

Canyonlands National Park

Outside Canyonlands National Park

Dinosaur National Monument

Duchesne

Helper

Mirror Lake Scenic Byway

Northern Utah

Ogden Valley

Price

Salt Lake City

Southwestern Utah

Zion National Park

Outside Zion National Park

Top Experiences

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25 Ultimate Things to Do in Utah

10 Reasons This Might Be America’s Best Lake

25 Ultimate Things to Do in Utah

10 Reasons This Might Be America’s Best Lake

10 Reasons This Might Be America’s Best Lake

10 Reasons This Might Be America’s Best Lake

Skip the National Parks. Visit the Caribbean Waters of Utah Instead

Skip the National Parks. Visit the Caribbean Waters of Utah Instead

Recent Forum Posts

Recent Forum Posts

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Help narrowing Itinerary: Yellowstone, RMNP, Utah NPs
FelixFamily started Sep 24, 2023 |Last reply Oct 2, 2023 View Post 24 replies 1013 views View Post
Utah's National Parks during Thanksgiving break 2023.
Suchda started Jun 16, 2023 |Last reply Jun 17, 2023 View Post 8 replies 2027 views View Post
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Moab, Arches, and Canyonlands, Utah
WarrenWST started Jan 21, 2023 |Last reply Jun 15, 2023 View Post 36 replies 2727 views View Post
Need help with Utah national park trip (Zion, Bryce + ?)
Yk started Dec 31, 2022 |Last reply Jan 7, 2023 View Post 34 replies 4540 views View Post

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Fodor's Utah: with Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Capitol Reef, and Canyonlands National Parks
Whether you want to hike through Zion, ski in Park City, or visit the Great Salt Lake, the...

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Fodor's Essential Southwest: The Best of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, and Utah
Whether you want to take in the views from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, explore Salt...

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Fodor's The Complete Guide to the National Parks of the USA: All 63 parks from Maine to American Samoa
Whether you want to hike through the jaw-dropping scenery of Acadia, see rare wildlife and...

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Fodor's InFocus Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks
Whether you want to hike through The Narrows in Zion, photograph the sunset at Sunset...

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Fodor's The Complete Guide to the National Parks of the West: with the Best Scenic Road Trips
Whether you want to hike through jaw-dropping landscapes of Yosemite, see rare wildlife...

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Fodor's Best Weekend Road Trips
Whether you want to explore a national park, visit major tourist sights, or escape to a...

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