Utah Travel Guide
Where Red Rocks, Arches, and the Spirit of the American West Collide…
Utah is full of breathtaking landscapes and is what comes to mind when you think of the American West in terms of the old western films.
The infamous red rock formations are what people think of the most when Utah comes to mind including the arches of Arches National Park, the cliffs of Zion National Park, the red hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park, the surreal landscapes of Monument Valley (where Forrest Gump ran to), the mesmerizing sandstone patterns found at the Wave, to the slot canyons of Canyonlands National Park.
Salt Lake City has unparalleled views of mountains and Park City is a world-class skiing destination in the winter.
Throughout the state, Utah’s rich Native American heritage is preserved in ancient petroglyphs and archaeological sites, offering glimpses into the region’s past.
Quick Tips for Visiting Utah
When is the best time to visit Utah?
The best time to visit Utah is typically in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November).
During these months, the weather is comfortable, with mild temperatures and clear skies, which is a great recipe for the abundance of outdoor activities Utah has to offer.
Spring brings comfortable temperatures ideal for outdoorsy adventures too.
Fall offers stunning foliage displays, particularly in places like Zion National Park and the Wasatch Mountains.
Summer (June to August) can be hot in Utah’s desert regions like Moab and St. George, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F (38°C).
Higher elevation areas such as the mountains around Park City and Salt Lake City provide cooler escapes for outdoor recreation during this time.
Winter (December to February) brings cold temperatures and snowfall to higher elevations, creating excellent conditions for skiing and snowboarding in resorts like Park City and Deer Valley and is a nice time to enjoy popular places like Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument with fewer crowds.
Mid-July through mid-September is monsoon season and a dangerous time to visit certain areas like the slot canyons and many of the naturally beautiful areas. You don’t even want to hike if there is a chance of rain in the forecast!
How Much Time Do I need in Utah?
How much time you need for a visit to Utah depends on what you want to do and the area you want to cover. If you’re solely visiting a city destination like Salt Lake City you can easily enjoy most attractions in a long weekend of 3 to 4 days.
To experience the state of Utah fully, plan to spend at least 7-10 days to visit the state’s array of landscapes and outdoor adventures. But I will say, even this won’t be enough there really is so much to see here and it’s more about how much time you have and how much you can physically do since this state is full of outdoor recreational opportunities.
If you’re anything like us, you’ll want to spend a full week at bare minimum covering one area of the state and returning to do another area.
What is Utah most famous for?
Utah is most famous for its stunning natural beauty and landscapes with multiple national parks and recreation areas.
Utah is particularly known for its red rock formations, arches, and desert landscapes.
Zion National Park with its towering sandstone cliffs, Bryce Canyon’s unique hoodoos, and Arches National Park’s delicate arches to name a few.
The state’s geography also includes the Great Salt Lake, the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere, and the Wasatch Range, offering opportunities for outdoor activities year-round, from skiing in Park City to hiking in the Uinta Mountains.
Utah’s cultural heritage, including its Mormon pioneer history and Native American history.
What’s the best way to get around Utah?
The best way to get around Utah as a traveler is by car. This allows flexibility to visit multiple destinations at your own pace.
Scenic drives like the iconic Highway 12 through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, US Scenic Highway 163, also known as the Bluff to Monument Valley Scenic Byway, and the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway showcase Utah’s breathtaking scenery, which is why this is such a popular road trip destination.
If you’re planning on visiting areas where there’s a lot of hiking, like Coyote Buttes for instance, you’ll need to have an AWD or 4WD vehicle to access trailheads.
Must Try Food in Utah
Some must try foods in Utah include the state’s famous scones! They are with yeast and no butter, which makes them more airy and sweet and resemble Native American fry bread.
Being a huge Morman community, more must try foods include funeral potatoes. This potatoes casserole is typically made with hash browns, cheese, sour cream, and topped with a crunchy layer of potato chips or cornflakes.
