10 Must-See Spots When Road Tripping Through Utah
10 Must-See Spots When Road Tripping Through Utah
Are you planning a road trip through Utah? Well, you’re in for a treat! Utah is packed with breathtaking landscapes and iconic landmarks that make every mile worth it.
From the majestic rock formations of its national parks to mystical desert landscapes and scenic byways, Utah offers a range of sights that will keep your camera busy and your spirits high. Let’s go through the 10 must-see spots that will make your Utah road trip unforgettable.
1. Zion National Park
Zion National Park is a haven for nature lovers. Imagine towering cliffs and stunning vistas at every turn. This park is famous for its incredible hikes, such as the Narrows, where you wade through a river valley, and Angels Landing, which offers you panoramic views after a thrilling climb.
The park’s unique geography has created a variety of habitats, leading to diverse wildlife and plant species. It’s a place where you can truly enjoy the great outdoors.
2. Bryce Canyon National Park
This park is known for its hoodoos, spire-shaped rock formations that stand out against the sky. Walking through Bryce Canyon feels like stepping onto another planet. The best time to visit is either at sunrise or sunset when the light paints the rocks in hues of orange and red.
Don’t miss the Bryce Amphitheater, which encapsulates the most densely packed geological structures. A simple walk along the rim offers views that are nothing short of spectacular.
3. Arches National Park
Arches National Park, near Moab, is a landscape of contrasting colors, landforms, and textures unlike any other in the world. The park is home to over 2,000 natural stone arches, including the famed Delicate Arch.
You can explore many of these formations via hikes or scenic drives. The park’s beauty is its simplicity – vast skies, arid land, and exquisite formations make for stunning photo ops and memorable hikes.
4. Canyonlands National Park
Imagine a place where the mighty Colorado River meets its tributaries, carving out a series of deep canyons. Welcome to Canyonlands National Park. The park is divided into districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, and The Maze. Each offers unique vistas and experiences. Island in the Sky sits atop a massive 1,500-foot mesa, quite literally an island in the sky, with breathtaking overlooks.
5. Monument Valley
Monument Valley, with its dramatic landscape, has been the backdrop for numerous films. The vast, flat desert is punctuated by towering sandstone buttes, some reaching over 1,000 feet high.
Driving through the valley, you feel as though you’re in a Western movie. The visitor center offers guided tours by local Navajo guides, providing insights into the history and culture of the area.
6. Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park is often overshadowed by its bigger cousins like Zion and Bryce, but it’s just as worthy of a visit. Here, you’ll find cliffs, canyons, domes, and bridges.
The park also has a rich history, visible in the orchards planted by Mormon settlers and ancient petroglyphs carved into rock walls. It’s a great spot for those who enjoy both history and nature.
7. Dead Horse Point State Park
Dead Horse Point State Park offers one of the most spectacular scenes in the American West. Perched 2,000 feet above the Colorado River, the park provides a breathtaking panorama of Canyonlands’ sculpted pinnacles and buttes. The legend says that it was once a corral for wild mustangs. The park’s viewpoint provides a perfect spot for sunrise or sunset watching.
8. Goblin Valley State Park
Goblin Valley State Park is unlike any other place in Utah. The valley is filled with thousands of bizarrely shaped rock formations known as “goblins.” A visit here feels like exploring a Martian landscape. It’s a fantastic place for kids and adults alike to wander and imagine.
9. Great Salt Lake
The Great Salt Lake, known for its high salinity, is a unique natural wonder. The lake is several times saltier than the ocean, which makes swimming here a unique buoyant experience. The area also attracts millions of migratory birds, making it a prime spot for bird watching.
10. Moab’s Scenic Byway 128
Driving along Moab’s Scenic Byway 128 is an experience in itself. The route follows the Colorado River through a stunning red rock canyon. The drive is lined with spots to stop, picnic, and enjoy the river or start a hike. It’s a beautiful way to either start or end your exploration of Moab’s incredible natural landscapes.
We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home.
We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home. With over 10 years of experience in dating and traveling to romantic places, we share our favorite date ideas and romantic destinations to help couples level up their relationships. Having lived in and traveled through the USA, we also share our favourite things to do in the States.
With 70,000 monthly readers and 16,000 followers on social media, Be Right Back is your go-to resource for romantic trip ideas and couple activities at home and abroad.