21 Epic Adventures to Have in Utah This Summer
Planning a trip to Utah this summer? Check out these 21 bucket list stops to visit on your trip.
Utah, nicknamed the Beehive State, is known for its red rock scenery, unique rock formations, charming towns, and delicious food. The state has five US National Parks offering all the outdoor activities you can think of, such as, hiking, canyoneering, mountain biking, camping, rafting, and so much more.
Utah is located in the Western US and is bordered by Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, & Wyoming creating a diverse landscape of Rocky Mountains in the Northeast, Desert Basin in the West, and Colorado Plateau in the South.
In addition to Utah’s unique landscape, you can also find mountain lions, bighorn sheep, bison, jackrabbits, juniper trees, pinyon pine, quaking aspen and a variety of other plant & animal life.
In this post, we are sharing 20 epic adventures to have on your trip.
This post contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
#1. EXPLORE THE BONNEVILLE SALT FLATS
The Bonneville Salt Flats is a 30,000 acre recreation area in Northwest Utah. It spans 5 miles wide and nearly 12 miles long making it one of Utah’s most iconic locations. It’s located 2 hours west from Salt Lake City near the border of Nevada.
This giant salt pan is the remains from Lake Bonneville, a lake that covered one-third of Utah and is made up of mostly table salt. Many different events bring most crowds out to the salt flats such as Speed Week, Endurance Runs, Motorcycle Speed Trails, & US National Flight Championship.
TIP | Definitely bring sunglasses because the reflection of the white salt makes it blindingly bright. The parking area is large so RVs and other oversized vehicles can visit just fine.
2. HANGOUT WITH BISON AT ANTELOPE ISLAND STATE PARK
Antelope Island is a 28,000 acre state park in Northern Utah about a 1 hour drive from Salt Lake City. It is the largest of ten islands found on the Great Salt Lake at 15 miles long and 5 miles wide.
The island has over 40 fresh water springs supporting a variety of animals such as free roaming bison, mule deer, bighorn sheep, antelope, coyotes, bobcats, owls, falcons, & hawks. March to November are the best times to visit Antelope Island for the parks ideal camping, horseback riding, and hiking weather.
The parks most popular adventures are hiking to the top of Frary Peak, taking a evening sunset Ebike tour of the island, camping under the stars in the Bridger Bay campground, and enjoying a scenic drive around the island.
3. WALK THE HALLS OF HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL AT EAST HIGH
Live out your dream of singing and dancing in High School Musical at East High. East High also known as Salt Lake High School East is a public high school in Salt Lake City and was the filming location for the all three High School Musical movies as well as the tv series, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.
When you visit East High you can pick up a detailed map guiding you to the movies iconic scenes, such as, Sharpay’s Locker, the cafeteria, the gym, and much more.
We wrote a whole blog post about our experience Visiting High School Musicals East High that you can read here.
4. WALK THE STREETS OF PARK CITY
Park City is one of Utah’s most charming mountain towns and one of our personal favorite places to visit in Utah. Located just 40 minutes East from Salt Lake City, this mountain town is a hub for all seasonal adventures, from winter skiing at Deer Valley Resort to summer boating on the Jordanelle reservoir.
Dine with the locals at one the many gourmet restaurants found in Park City. Choose from a Brew Pub or a piano bar, Asian or American, fine dining or laid back, inside or outside, either way you're sure to find something you enjoy in Park City.
Check out our post How to Spend 2 Awesome Days in Park City.
5. RIDE THE BOBSLED TRACK AT UTAH OLYMPIC PARK
For an experience like no other, take a thrilling bobsled ride on the 2002 Olympic Sliding Track at Utah Olympic Park. Available June to September, riders can experience speeds up to 70 mph on a 3 person 15 turn bobsled excursion. Utah Olympic Park also offers nordic ski jumps, a 2002 Winter Games Museum, extreme tubing, discovery course and so much more.
6. HIKE TO MESA ARCH IN CANYONLANDS
Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park Island in the Sky is one of the most photographed locations in all of Utah. Stretching 27 feet long, this arch with its breathtaking views of the La Sal Mountains and the canyon below make it a popular sunrise spot amongst photographers and hikers alike.
To get to Mesa Arch take the short & easy 0.6. mile trail right up to the arch. Take pictures and enjoy the view.
For a Complete Travel Guide + One Day Itinerary to Canyonlands National Park, check out our guide.
7. SEE DELICATE ARCH AT ARCHES NATIONAL PARK
When you think of Arches National Park, you’re probably picturing Delicate Arch. Delicate Arch is by far the most popular arch to visit in Arches National Park and it’s the one featured on Utah’s license plate.
Standing 46 feet tall and 32 feet wide, Delicate Arch is the largest free standing arch in the entire park. This arch can be reached via the 3.0 mile trail or the Upper & Lower Viewpoints.
Check out our Trail Guide to Delicate Arch for more information on the hike.
8. HAVE A DOGGIE DAY AT DEAD HORSE POINT STATE PARK
Dead Horse Point is a 5,ooo acre state park in Moab Utah located right next door to Canyonlands National Park. Since Canyonlands isn’t very dog friendly, Dead Horse Point is a great option to explore some of the same great canyon views with your furry friends.
The parks most popular adventures are the 5 mile trail around the rim, camping in the Kayenta or Wingate campground, mountain biking the intrepid trail system and star gazing the incredible night sky.
9. EXPLORE THE TOWN OF MOAB
Moab is a popular outdoor town known as the gateway to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks in beautiful red rock country. The town sits in the Moab Fault, surrounded by unique rock formations and geological features.
Mountain biking, hiking, off roading, rafting as well as a host of other outdoor activities are what bring most travelers to Moab. Grab a bite to eat a local restaurant, tour the shops, hike to Corona Arch, and immerse yourself in this awesome town.
10. WALK AMONG THE HOODOOS AT GOBLIN VALLEY STATE PARK
Goblin Valley is a 10,000 acre state park in Central Utah situated between Capitol Reef National Park and the town of Moab. It’s home to thousands of mushroom shaped hoodoos also known as goblins and offers unique hiking through the hoodoos. The park has a newly renovated disc golf course, 7 miles of mountain biking, camping and incredible night sky viewing. For a truly unique experience visit Goblin Valley this October for the Annular Solar Eclipse.
We stopped at Goblin Valley on our way to Capitol Reef from Moab and it was definitely worth the stop. Since we had our travel trailer with us parking was limited as there isn’t a lot of spots for how busy the park gets. It also gets hot, hot, hot so make sure to bring sun protectant and lots of water while exploring.
11. SPEND THE DAY IN CAPITOL REEF
Capitol Reef is a 242,000 acre National Park located in South Central Utah. The park is known for the Waterpocket Fold, a 100 mile wrinkle in the earth’s surface creating a diverse landscape of arches, cliffs, domes, and canyons.
Grab a pie at the Gifford House, hike to Cassidy Arch, camp in the Fruita campground and experience all that Capitol Reef has to offer.
See our Guides to Capitol Reef for the top sights & hikes in the park.
12. HIKE KODACHROME BASIN STATE PARK
Kodachrome Basin is a 2,000 acre state park in South Central Utah situated just 30 minutes from Bryce Canyon National Park. It showcases 180 million years of geologic time in its colorful towering stone spires which make hiking and biking popular ways to explore the park. The Basin campground brings most travelers to Kodachrome for its dark starry nights.
13. HIKE THE HOODOOS IN BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK
Bryce Canyon is a 36,000 acre National Park located in South Central Utah. The park is known for having the largest collection of bright orange hoodoos in the world and features 65 miles of jaw dropping hiking trails, night sky viewing, horseback riding, scenic drives, camping, as well as seasonal ranger programs.
The best way to explore Bryce Canyon is out on a trail such as the Fairyland Loop ( our favorite ) or Navajo Loop, and Queens Garden.
14. HIKE THE NARROWS IN ZION NATIONAL PARK
Zion is a 146,000 acre national park located in Southwest Utah. The park revolves around the Zion Canyon, a 15 mile long and nearly 3,000 feet deep canyon offering incredible hiking trails, challenging rock climbing routes, camping under the stars, and seasonal ranger programs.
Travel Guide: How to Hike the Narrows in Zion National Park
15. ENJOY THE NIGHT SKY AT GOOSENECKS STATE PARK
Goosenecks is one of the smallest state parks in Utah at just 10 acres. It’s located in the town of Mexican Hat just a short drive from the border of Arizona. The park features the San Juan River winding its way through a 1,000 foot deep canyon.
The best way to experience Goosenecks State Park is by camping overnight along the rim of the canyon. Colorful sunsets and starry nights made this one of the campsites we’ve ever stayed in.
16. TAKE A SCENIC DRIVE THROUGH VALLEY OF THE GODS
Valley of the Gods is Utah’s version of Monument Valley. Located a short drive from Goosenecks State Park and the border of Arizona this 17 mile scenic drive meanders through towering red mesas, and buttes with plenty of places to camp along the way. It is BLM land so there is no cost to visit Valley of the Gods.
The road through Valley of the Gods is a hard packed dirt path that is passable with a non 4X4 vehicle. However rain or snow could make the road impassable.
17. EXPLORE THE BUCKSKIN GULCH
The Buckskin Gulch is the longest and deepest slot canyon in the southwest. It’s located in the Paria Canyon Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness Area in southern Utah near the border of Arizona.
Hikers can access Buckskin Gulch via the Wire Pass trail. Permits are required and can be purchased online.
18. WALK THE FORREST GUMP HIGHWAY
See in the filming location for the iconic scene in the movie, Forrest Gump. Located along scenic Highway 163 in Mexican Hat Utah, just outside Monument Valley, Forrest Gump Highway is a must do on any southwest road trip.
Travel Guide: Guide to the Southwest: Monument Valley + Valley of the Gods + Goosenecks State Park
19. EXPLORE KANAB
Kanab is a small town in southwest Utah on the border of Arizona. It known as Little Hollywood for it’s history as a filming location for many western movies such as Buffalo Bill, The Lone Ranger, & Planet of the Apes.
The town is centrally located to Zion, Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon and Lake Powell making it a popular base to explore the areas popular spots. Walk the town, grab a bite to eat and enjoy all that there is in Kanab.
20. KAYAK TO ICE CREAM CANYON ON LAKE POWELL
Lake Powell is a man made reservoir in the Glen Canyon Recreation Area occupying parts of both Northern Arizona and Southern Utah. It’s a major summer destination offering a variety of water activities, hotel, campground, restaurant & lounge.
Ice Cream Canyon is located on west side of Lake Powell across from the Stateline Marina Boat Docks. This spot is popular amongst paddlers for its slot canyon type formations. Water levels vary depending on the time of year.
Travel Guide: Top Things to Do on Your Visit to Lake Powell/ Page, AZ
21. CAMP OVERNIGHT AT CORAL PINK SAND DUNES
Coral Pink Sand Dunes is a 3,700 acre state park located in southwestern Utah. It’s situated in between the popular Zion National Park and the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, also known as Lake Powell, making this park a great stop on any southwest roadtrip.
The park gets its name from the pink hue given by the Navajo sandstone and features RV & tent campsites, ATVing on the dunes, and incredible night sky viewing.
Comment below your favorite places in Utah!
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HEY THERE!
WE’RE MIKE & DEANDRA.
Two adventure seekers traveling the U.S in our 37 FT. travel trailer with our two companions, Griffin & Lucy. We share our life on the road and travel guides to our favorite destinations.
This post contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
Enjoy this scenic hike through the world’s largest collection of bright orange hoodoos on Bryce Canyon’s Fairyland Loop Trail. Featuring everything you need to know before you go, including when to go, what to bring, about the trail, & much more.