Southern Utah

Zion National Park

Utah's Most Visited Natural Wonder

HikingCanyoneeringPhotographyFamily Trips

Zion National Park is a cathedral of stone — towering sandstone cliffs in shades of cream, pink, and red rising 2,000 feet above the Virgin River. Whether you're tackling the iconic Angels Landing trail or wading through the Narrows, Zion delivers awe at every turn. It's Utah's most visited park, and for good reason.

Must-See

Highlights

Angels Landing

One of America's most iconic hikes — a 5.4-mile round trip with chain-assisted scrambling and panoramic views.

The Narrows

Hike through the Virgin River as it carves through the world's narrowest canyon — a bucket-list experience.

Emerald Pools

A family-friendly trail system leading to three tiered pools and waterfalls.

Canyon Overlook Trail

A short, rewarding hike with stunning canyon views — perfect for all ages.

Plan Your Visit

Practical Information

Distance

310 miles south of Salt Lake City

Elevation

3,666–8,726 ft

Best Time

March–May and September–November for mild temps and smaller crowds

Getting There

I-15 South to UT-9 East. Shuttle system operates spring through fall — no private vehicles in the main canyon.

Plan Your Trip to Zion National Park

Accommodations near Zion

Hiking Experiences

Family Fun near Zion

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Southern Utah

Bryce Canyon

The World's Greatest Concentration of Hoodoos

StargazingHikingPhotographyScenic Drives

Bryce Canyon isn't technically a canyon — it's a series of natural amphitheaters carved into the edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. What fills those amphitheaters is extraordinary: thousands of flame-colored hoodoos, spires, and fins that glow like embers at sunrise. Bryce is also one of the darkest places in the continental US, making it a world-class stargazing destination.

Must-See

Highlights

Sunrise & Sunset Points

The most photographed viewpoints in the park — arrive early for golden light on the hoodoos.

Navajo Loop Trail

A 1.3-mile loop descending into the amphitheater past Thor's Hammer and Wall Street.

Queens Garden Trail

The easiest trail into the canyon, passing Queen Victoria's hoodoo formation.

Astronomy Programs

Bryce Canyon's ranger-led stargazing programs are among the best in the National Park system.

Plan Your Visit

Practical Information

Distance

270 miles south of Salt Lake City

Elevation

8,000–9,100 ft

Best Time

May–October; winter offers magical snow-dusted hoodoos with smaller crowds

Getting There

I-15 South to US-89 North to UT-12 East to UT-63 South.

Plan Your Trip to Bryce Canyon

Accommodations near Bryce

Hiking Experiences

Scenic Drive Guides

Moab Utah Arches National Park red rock landscape

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Eastern Utah

Moab & Arches

Adventure Capital of the American West

Mountain BikingOff-RoadingHikingRiver Rafting

Moab is Utah's adventure capital — a small desert town surrounded by two national parks and some of the most dramatic red rock scenery on earth. Arches National Park alone contains over 2,000 natural stone arches. Add world-famous mountain biking on Slickrock, white-water rafting on the Colorado River, and a thriving local food scene, and you have one of the West's most compelling destinations.

Must-See

Highlights

Delicate Arch

Utah's most iconic landmark — a 65-foot freestanding arch best seen at sunset.

Slickrock Bike Trail

The world's most famous mountain bike trail — 10.5 miles of undulating sandstone.

Colorado River Rafting

Half-day to multi-day rafting trips through stunning canyon scenery.

Dead Horse Point State Park

A spectacular overlook 2,000 feet above the Colorado River — one of Utah's most dramatic views.

Plan Your Visit

Practical Information

Distance

235 miles southeast of Salt Lake City

Elevation

4,026 ft

Best Time

March–May and September–October — summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F

Getting There

I-70 East to US-191 South. No public transit — a rental car is essential.

Plan Your Trip to Moab & Arches

Accommodations in Moab

Adventure Experiences

Family Fun near Moab

Canyonlands National Park Utah vast canyon overlook

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Eastern Utah

Canyonlands

Utah's Largest and Most Remote National Park

Backcountry Hiking4WD AdventuresPhotographySolitude

Canyonlands is Utah's largest national park and its most untamed. Divided into four distinct districts by the Colorado and Green Rivers, it offers everything from easy rim walks to multi-day backcountry expeditions. The Needles district rewards hikers with slot canyons and arches; the Island in the Sky mesa delivers some of the most sweeping panoramas in the American West.

Must-See

Highlights

Mesa Arch

A short half-mile hike to a stunning arch framing the canyon below — magical at sunrise.

White Rim Road

A 100-mile 4WD loop around the Island in the Sky — one of the great off-road adventures in the US.

Needles District

Colorful cedar mesa sandstone spires and excellent hiking through slot canyons.

Green River Overlook

A paved, accessible viewpoint with one of the most dramatic canyon panoramas in the park.

Plan Your Visit

Practical Information

Distance

250 miles southeast of Salt Lake City

Elevation

5,000–6,000 ft

Best Time

March–May and September–October

Getting There

US-191 South from Moab to UT-313 West (Island in the Sky) or US-191 South to UT-211 West (Needles).

Plan Your Trip to Canyonlands

Accommodations near Moab

Backcountry Experiences

Getting Around Utah

Salt Lake City Utah skyline with Wasatch mountains

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Northern Utah

Salt Lake City

Utah's Vibrant Capital at the Foot of the Wasatch

Culture & ArtsDiningDay TripsSports

Salt Lake City is Utah's cosmopolitan heart — a surprisingly vibrant city with a world-class dining scene, thriving arts community, and immediate access to some of the best skiing on earth. The Wasatch Mountains rise dramatically just 30 minutes from downtown, making SLC the perfect base for exploring northern Utah.

Must-See

Highlights

Temple Square

The spiritual and architectural heart of Salt Lake City — 35 acres of gardens, monuments, and historic buildings.

Natural History Museum of Utah

World-class dinosaur exhibits and Utah geology — a must for families.

Red Butte Garden

A stunning 100-acre botanical garden with summer concert series and mountain views.

The Great Salt Lake

The largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere — unique ecology and surreal landscapes.

Plan Your Visit

Practical Information

Distance

City center

Elevation

4,226 ft

Best Time

Year-round — spring and fall offer the most pleasant weather

Getting There

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is 7 miles from downtown. TRAX light rail connects the airport to downtown.

Plan Your Trip to Salt Lake City

Accommodations in SLC

Dining in Salt Lake City

Getting Around SLC

St George Utah red rock desert landscape

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Southern Utah

St. George

Utah's Warm-Weather Gateway to the Southwest

GolfHikingWarm WeatherNational Park Access

St. George is Southern Utah's fastest-growing city and a year-round destination in its own right. Blessed with 300 days of sunshine and surrounded by red rock formations, it's the perfect base for exploring Zion, Snow Canyon State Park, and the Arizona Strip. World-class golf, a growing dining scene, and easy access to multiple national parks make it a compelling destination for families.

Must-See

Highlights

Snow Canyon State Park

A stunning 7,000-acre park with lava tubes, sand dunes, and red and white sandstone canyon walls — just minutes from downtown.