10 Bucket List Adventures You Can Only Have in Utah
Just a short drive southeast of Salt Lake City lies Big Cottonwood Canyon, a mountain escape that transforms with the seasons. Hiking the Lake Blanche Trail offers a challenging but rewarding trek, climbing roughly 6 miles round trip to a stunning alpine lake nestled beneath the towering peaks of the Wasatch Range. The trail’s wildflower-filled meadows and crystal-clear waters framed by rugged granite are a portrait of Utah’s mountainous beauty. Winter visitors might know this area for its ski resorts, but summer reveals a quieter, reflective side perfect for those seeking solitude and panoramic views. Early morning hikes here often mean encountering local wildlife like marmots and deer, making the experience all the more magical.
Farther south, near Moab, Arches National Park is a must for those drawn to the extraordinary shapes carved by time. The Delicate Arch Trail, about a 3-mile round trip, leads to Utah’s iconic natural sandstone arch, standing alone against an open sky. This solitary arch is unlike any other in the state for its dramatic, freestanding silhouette and the sense of vastness that surrounds it. Sunset is the crowning moment here, when the arch glows in fiery orange hues, perfect for photographers and dreamers alike. The surrounding park is peppered with more than 2,000 natural arches, but Delicate Arch’s solitary grandeur cements its legendary status.
In southern Utah’s canyon country, the town of Kanab serves as a gateway to an adventure unlike any other. Slot canyons nearby, like Peekaboo and Spooky Gulch within the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, offer narrow, twisting passages etched by water and wind. These slot canyons are a playground for hikers who love a dash of adrenaline, with tight squeezes and surreal patterns of light and shadow. Kanab, roughly two hours north of Page, Arizona, is a quaint western town that embraces its film history and outdoor culture, making it a perfect base for exploring these natural wonders. Late spring and early fall bring cooler temperatures, ideal for navigating these narrow canyons safely.
Around three hours south of Salt Lake City lies Goblin Valley State Park, home to one of Utah’s most otherworldly landscapes. Here, thousands of hoodoos—rock formations shaped like goblins—dot an expansive valley, creating a surreal playground for explorers and photographers. The park’s easy hiking trails, like the Goblin’s Lair Loop, offer close encounters with these whimsical shapes, set against a backdrop of red desert sky. It’s a place where kids and adults alike can roam freely, clambering over rocks that seem to have popped out of a fantasy novel. Spring and fall visits yield comfortable temperatures and brilliant skies, perfect for camping under stars in a truly alien landscape.
Further north, the town of Park City, about 35 minutes east of Salt Lake City, blends mountain culture with vibrant arts and cuisine scenes. Visitors can take the historic Main Street stroll or hit the trails on the nearby Mid Mountain Trail, which stretches 32 miles through alpine forests and open meadows. This trail is celebrated for its accessibility and sweeping views of the Uinta Mountains, making it a favorite for mountain bikers and hikers alike. Park City also hosts numerous cultural festivals throughout the year, but no matter the season, its mix of outdoor adventure and small-town charm stands out in Utah’s mountainous west.
In the southwestern corner of Utah, Zion National Park offers the famous Angels Landing hike, starting about an hour from St. George. This strenuous 5-mile round trip trail is not for the faint of heart, with steep switchbacks and narrow ridges flanked by dramatic drop-offs. Reaching the summit means standing on a narrow rock spire with breathtaking views of Zion Canyon’s red rock walls stretching endlessly below. The experience is both exhilarating and humbling, a quintessential Utah adventure that blends heart-pounding exposure with natural splendor. Early morning or late afternoon hikes are best to avoid heat and crowds, especially in spring and fall.
East of Salt Lake City, Antelope Island State Park sits within the Great Salt Lake, a unique ecosystem home to free-roaming bison herds and diverse bird species. The island’s Buffalo Point Trail leads hikers through sagebrush and wildflowers to an overlook with panoramic views of the shimmering lake and surrounding mountains. This spot is unlike most Utah destinations because it showcases the state’s saline inland sea and its adaptations. Wildlife watching is a highlight, especially at dusk when bison graze and the lake mirrors the sunset. Summer can be hot, so spring and autumn visits are preferred for cooler, more comfortable conditions.
Near Moab, the Colorado River offers a different kind of adventure with guided rafting trips that run through the breathtaking red rock canyons of the region. Starting points like the daily launches at the Moab Whitewater Rafting center allow paddlers to experience the river’s mix of gentle floats and thrilling rapids. The contrast of rushing water against towering sandstone cliffs creates a dramatic setting unique to this corner of Utah. Summer mornings bring cooler water temperatures and vibrant light along the cliffs; a river trip here is both an adrenaline rush and a serene way to absorb the landscape’s grandeur.
In the heart of the Uinta Mountains, about two hours east of Salt Lake City, Mirror Lake Scenic Byway offers a drive and hike combo that’s pure alpine bliss. The byway winds through lush forests and meadows, culminating in Mirror Lake itself. A short trail loops around this pristine, reflective body of water, making it a perfect spot for picnicking, fishing, or kayaking. The lake’s mirror-like surface perfectly captures the surrounding peaks, a photographic treasure. Summer and early fall are the best times to visit when the wildflowers bloom and the weather stays mild, avoiding the long winters that blanket this high-elevation area.
Lastly, Cedar Breaks National Monument, approximately 2.5 hours south of Salt Lake City near Cedar City, offers a lesser-known but spectacular amphitheater of colorful rock formations. The rim drive provides access to several overlooks where the vibrant reds, oranges, and purples of the canyon walls glow in the morning and late afternoon light. Hiking the Alpine Pond Trail reveals subalpine forests and wildflower meadows, a refreshing contrast to the nearby desert landscapes. This high-altitude monument is especially striking in summer when wildflowers carpet the meadows, and the cooler temperatures make for pleasant exploration away from the desert heat. Its dramatic scenery often surprises visitors who come expecting something more typical of Utah’s desert parks.