Utah
Utah is a state of striking contrasts and natural wonders, where towering red rock canyons, rugged mountains, and vast desert landscapes come together in breathtaking harmony. From the otherworldly formations of Arches and Bryce Canyon to the pristine lakes and ski resorts of the Wasatch Mountains, Utah offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure.
Visitors can hike, mountain bike, ski, raft, and explore some of America’s most iconic national parks, including Zion, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef. Beyond its natural beauty, Utah features charming towns, cultural attractions, and a rich pioneer and Native American heritage.
Zion National Park
Located in southwestern Utah, Zion National Park is an impressive nature reserve characterised by Zion Canyon’s steep red cliffs.
The park’s unique geography allows for unusual plant and animal diversity including 289 species of birds, 75 species of mammals, and 32 species of reptiles.
Visitors can look forward to exploring Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, which leads to forest trails along the beautiful Virgin River.
This river flows to the Emerald Pools, which feature spectacular waterfalls and a lovely hanging garden. Also along the river, partly through deep chasms, runs the Zion Narrows, one of the world's best slot canyon hikes.
This adventurous route involves a fair amount of wading and swimming in addition to hiking. Other popular outdoor activities on offer include kayaking, bird watching, and visiting the historic Zion National Park lodge, built in 1924.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Located in southwestern Utah, Bryce Canyon National Park was established to protect Bryce canyon - a collection of giant natural amphitheatres along the eastern side of the Paunsaugunt Plateau.
The park is known for its crimson-coloured 'hoodoos', which are spire-shaped rock formations stretching across the expansive landscape.
Visitors can look forward to some spectacular scenery and countless recreational opportunities such as hiking and horse riding in the summer and cross-country skiing and sleigh rides in the winter.
Not-to-be-missed are the viewpoints at sunset and sunrise, the most popular of which are Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Inspiration Point and Bryce Point.
Other well-known attractions include the Rim hiking trail and the waterfall at Mossy Cave.
Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park is located in south-central Utah. This small but stunning protected area features a rocky desert landscape, and is centred around the geological feature known as Waterpocket Fold, a spiny ridge (called a monocline) which runs the length of the Park from Thousand Lake Mountain to Lake Powell.
Visitors can look forward to enjoying scenic drives (Grand Wash) and fantastic hiking trails (Rim Overlook, Cohab Canyon) through the magnificent area, where colourful cliffs and crags rise starkly from the ground in a manner that resembles a coral reef.
There are a range of camping options available at Capitol Reef National Park, in addition to a number of small nearby towns (Torrey, Caineville, Hanksville) offering lodging, shopping and other tourist amenities.
Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City, nestled at the foot of the Wasatch Mountains, is a vibrant urban hub surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. The city is known for its striking mountain views, historic architecture, and rich cultural heritage, including the iconic Salt Lake Temple and the expansive Temple Square.
Outdoor enthusiasts can easily access nearby ski resorts, hiking trails, and the Great Salt Lake for boating and birdwatching. The city also offers a lively arts scene, diverse dining, and family-friendly attractions, making it a perfect blend of urban amenities and outdoor adventure.
Moab
An oasis of bustling activity in a vast expanse of desert, Moab in southern Utah is a prime adventurer’s hub. Use the town as a base camp to freshen up after day trips to Arches or Canyonlands National Parks – you’ll find plenty of accommodation and late-night shopping.
Over the US summer, the area fills up with 4x4 enthusiasts eager to join the annual Moab Jeep Safari, mountain bikers lured by the extensive trails in the area, and other fans of rugged living.
Thrill-seekers can go rock climbing, white-water rafting in Westwater Canyon, kayaking, hiking and backpacking. Visitors are encouraged to use existing trails to preserve the desert lands.
For a more laid-back experience, pop into Hole ’n the Rock, or take in the surprise offerings at the Moab Museum of Film and Western Heritage.
Monument Valley
In San Juan County in the southeastern corner of Utah, lies the vast, wild and sunbaked desert plane of Monument Valley.
This red-sand desert region is known for its towering sandstone buttes and forms part of the lands sacred to the Navajo Nation.
In this area, the stars of the Milky Way can be seen exceptionally clearly at night. Visitors can enjoy hiking, jeep tours, horse riding and stargazing on their own or escorted and narrated by Navajo guides.
Top activities also include touring the Monument Valley Drive for spectacular views of the landscape, hiking the Wildcat Trail for closer views of the buttes, learning more about the area at the Goulding Film and Cultural History Museum, and watching the sunrise from one of the many viewpoints.
Lake Powell Area
Straddling the border of Utah and Arizona, Lake Powell is a popular destination for leisure travellers and watersport enthusiasts.
The lake’s otherworldly landscape features magnificent red-rock canyon walls, golden sand beaches, deep blue water, and a stunning night sky.
Boating is the most popular activity here, with many visitors renting a boat or joining guided cruises from one of the marinas to explore secluded coves and wide-open bays. Other options include swimming, kayaking, or simply relaxing by the shoreline.
Dutch John
Dutch John is a quiet community near the Flaming Gorge Reservoir, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a peaceful retreat. The area offers fishing, boating, and hiking amid striking red-rock canyons.
Nearby Dinosaur National Monument features fossil beds and dramatic canyons, showcasing prehistoric life alongside stunning natural landscapes, making Dutch John a unique blend of natural beauty and ancient history.
