UTAH TRAVEL GUIDE
Utah is one of our favorite states in the USA for outstanding natural beauty, fun adventures, and unique national parks.
We have spent about six weeks exploring this beautiful state - mostly Southern Utah and plan to return again and again!
Keep scrolling for our posts on best things to see and do, hidden secrets and amazing hikes.
UTAH HIGHLIGHTS
From hidden secrets to popular national parks, here are your top things to do in Utah.
UTAH ITINERARY GUIDES
Our favorite region for exploring national parks in the American Southwest. Think vast canyons, stunning vistas, giant arches and mesas, Native American culture, and the spectacular Colorado River helping to shape the land.
This colorful, rocky, desert landscape is perfect for adventurous activities and camping under starry skies.
The following itinerary guides for Southwest USA include Utah destinations and many national parks and monuments, including Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, which is owned and managed by the Navajo people and is unmissable.
“ I relied heavily on your Arches NP blog post when we were there two weeks ago - by far the best post I found on hiking in the park with kids.."
Eric Stoen
UTAH NATIONAL PARKS
If you love rugged beauty, you are in the right place in Utah.
To full embrace that you'll want to experience each of Utah's five national parks, knowns as the Mighty 5.
These Utah national parks have some of the most stunning landscapes, thrilling hikes, and fun outdoor adventures.
The national parks are close enough to visit each one on a road trip. This area of Southern Utah is one of our favorites in the country.
Plus, there are several other federally protected areas nearby that are just as beautiful!
These Utah national parks are popular so plan your trip there carefully to avoid crazy crowds.
We offer lots of tips in the following posts.
P.S. One of our favorites is Capitol Reef National Park and is often overlooked by most visitors!
- Capitol Reef National Park
- Canyonlands National Park
- Arches National Park
- Zion National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park (we have not returned since pre-blogging days. We mention some highlights in this post. )
UTAH HIDDEN SECRETS
Of course you want to visit all five national parks in Utah. They are worthy of your time.
But, don't overlook Utah's lessor known state parks and national monuments. They are equally beautiful and offer many outdoor adventures and surprises.
They are also less crowded than the national parks so could offer a much better experience in that way.
- 13 Places in Utah no one tells you about
- Stunning Adventures in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
- The Valley of Gods and Natural Bridges Monument
- The Magical Goblin Valley State Park
- Thrilling ATV adventure in Sand Hollow State Park
- 15 Amazing things to do in Monument Valley
- 16 Adventurous things to do in Moab
- Camping at Lone Rock Beach
UTAH HIKES NOT TO MISS
With its desert landscapes, canyons, mesas, buttes and slot canyons, Utah is filled with hiking experiences you'll never forget.
You'll find many in each of our national and state parks above.
Here are a couple more that we won't forget.
FEATURED VIDEO: ATV Adventure in Snow Canyon
This was one of our favorite family adventures, for the thrill and the stunning scenery!
WHAT OTHER SOUTHWEST USA STATE ARE YOU INTERESTED IN?
There is much debate over what states are in the American Southwest. For geographic and road trip ease and convenience of how we organize content on this site we're including the states of Texas, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Arizona.
FOLLOW OUR CURRENT ADVENTURES
Travel has been the focus of our life since 1997 - intentionally.
We don't plan on stopping that. We now have a base in Raleigh, NC - after being granted a Green Card for our extraordinary ability in the art of travel blogging.
We will continue to explore more of the US but also intend on traveling further abroad - Europe, South East Asia and Central and South America.
We can't wait to share more of our favorites as we experience them.
Be sure to join our free VIP email community - form below for loads of free US travel planning resources.
And connect with us on social for live udpates!
SOUTHERN UTAH BUCKET LIST
Want help planning your Utah and Southwest USA travels? Get access to our Utah Bucket List and Southwest itinerary ideas. Our free VIP email community also gets access to a range of checklists, tipping guides, and itinerary ideas. All easy to print off and follow PDF formats! Fill in the form to join,
ALL UTAH ARTICLES
Browse all our articles on travel in Utah.
