The state of Utah is known for many things, but it is mostly known for being a place for skiing, hiking, and the great outdoors. That’s understandable because Utah has seven national monuments, five national parks, and of course, the famous Salt Lake City. It is home to a lot of tourist spots and destinations for people of all ages to enjoy.
That’s why for your next road trip or vacation, consider traveling to Utah to discover the great outdoors. It might just be what you need as your next adventure. Tourists have been coming from all over the world to see the amazing parks and monuments first-hand. So be a tourist and marvel at the natural beauty that Utah has to offer.
In fact, here are a few of the most popular tourist destinations in Utah to get you started. Make sure to include them in your plans the next time you’re looking for an adventure:
Go sightseeing and canyoning at Zion National Park
As one of Utah’s most popular destination sites, Zion National Park covers roughly 146,000 acres of land and is home to Zion Canyon, Angels Landing, Checkerboard Mesa, and the Weeping Rock. Here you can go sightseeing, hiking, or canyoning with your friends and family.
There are many scenic drives that you can see during your Zion Park outing, even if you’re not up to the task of going hiking. You can bring your own car to use inside the park depending on the season, but utility vehicles are available for rent if you prefer to use them as you explore the park.
If you plan to go hiking, make sure to research the trails and peaks so you can plan. Some are easy, but others require more experience and skill because it can be dangerous. There are also campsites available if you want to spend the night, and a Human History Museum if you want to discover the culture and history of Zion National Park.
Discover the culture and history of Salt Lake City
As the capital of the state, Salt Lake City houses the biggest population of Utah. It is also known for being a popular skiing destination because of its great slopes and the many mountain resorts that welcome skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts of all levels.
A few miles outside the city, you can find the Great Salt Lake, the biggest natural lake west of the Mississippi River. If you prefer to spend the day relaxing, swimming, or having a picnic by the lake, the Great Salt Lake is your best bet. The city even takes the name of this lake, so you know that it’s a significant landmark worth visiting.
You can also go to the more cultural route of being a tourist and visit the Mormon Temples to discover the religious history of Utah’s capital. Aside from the temples, there are aviaries, museums, and planetariums where you can go to learn more about what the city can offer. There are so many great adventures that await you in Salt Lake City.
Explore the wilderness in the Grand Staircase — Escalante National Monument
As the largest national monument in the United States, the Grand Staircase — Escalante National Monument occupies almost two million acres of land in Southern Utah. This is a perfect place for hikers and nature enthusiasts who want to discover Utah’s more remote areas.
You can see the Kaiparowits Plateau, along with the Straights Cliffs as you take scenic drives around the monument. From that peak, you can also see the broad sandstone flats of the Escalante River. Along with the Canyons of Escalante and the Grand Staircase, Kaiparowits Plateau makes up the entire Grand Staircase — Escalante National Monument.
To see the famous tourist spots like the Calf Creek Falls, Peek-a-Boo, Spooky Slot, and the Spider Canyons, you’ll have to hike, climb up and over rocks, and shimmy through sleek openings. This is perfect for all hiking enthusiasts who want to experience the joys of the great outdoors and the wilderness.
There are so many other places and landmarks to see and discover in Utah, so make sure to see them the next time you go to the state. The best part about these destinations is that there’s no time limit or pressure because they are all-natural formations taken care of by different organizations. It’s not like a museum exhibit that can only be seen for a few months; as long as these parks and monuments are preserved and protected, you can keep coming back no matter how many times you want to.
