Utah

When I think of my time in Utah, I think of how completely unique and varied the landscapes are there. Daniel and I drove through this magnificent state for two weeks, visiting all of the Mighty 5 national parks and a number of state parks, as well. I’ll never forget the endless expanse of Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park or scoring permits to hike one of the most infamous hikes in the country: Angels Landing.

The most challenging part of visiting Utah for us? It’s still a little bit of the Wild West. We couldn’t rely entirely on cell service or weather reports from a day or two before–the desert has a mind of its own when it comes to the climate and what it chooses to be that day.

We even had to change our accommodations the night before we took on Angels Landing since our campsite was too far away and we weren’t sure we would draw permits. Knowing the system a little better would have saved us having to pack up all of our things and moving to the other side of Zion.

This guide will cover the basics of visiting Utah, as well as some tips that I wish I had known going into our trip there. I’ll definitely be using these when Daniel and I visit again this year!

Quick tip: Don’t forget to stop by Kiva Koffeehouse while traveling through Utah–it might have the best views of any shop I’ve ever been to!

Map of Utah

Utah basics

Date founded: January 4, 1896

Nickname: The Beehive State

Fun fact: The name Utah comes from the Native word “Ute.” It means “people of the mountains.”

Can’t-miss: Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Zion National Park, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, Goblin Valley State Park.

Top 5 things to do in Utah

Here are some activities in Utah I think you absolutely shouldn’t miss when you head to this otherworldly state.

1. Utah’s National Parks

Exploring the Mighty 5, including Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef, is a must. Each park offers unique landscapes and unforgettable hiking experiences. My favorites were actually the less-visited parks, so don’t skip over those if you can!

2. State parks

Utah’s state parks are hidden gems. From the Goblin Valley’s quirky formations to Dead Horse Point’s dramatic overlooks, they’re perfect for off-the-beaten-path exploration. They’re also perfect for camping if you want to spend a night or two under the stars.

3. Salt Lake City

Enjoy the urban side of Utah with a visit to its capital. Museums, historic Temple Square, and the many restaurants available make it well-worth a day or two of your itinerary.

Quick tip: Craving a coffee? You’ll have to look to independent shops and head to grocery stores for your Starbucks fix–you won’t find any drive-thru coffee places in the city.

4. Skiing in Park City

Renowned for its winter sports, it’s a haven for skiers and snowboarders, with charming resorts and apres-ski activities. I recommend visiting in the summer too for some fantastic hikes and rock climbing.

5. Bonneville Salt Flats

Located only 110 miles from Salt Lake City, these salt flats are a photographer’s dream. They remind me so much of the salt flats Daniel and I saw in Bolivia, and if you are looking to grab some epic Instagram photos, this is the place to do it.

Best time to visit Utah

Spring and fall are the sweet spots for visiting Utah’s parks. April to May and September to October offer perfect hiking weather, like when Daniel and I hit the trails in October.

Summer’s way too hot for me, but if you don’t mind the heat and crowds, you can definitely visit during this time.

Winter, while beautiful, can make some trails hard to access.

No matter what, make sure you are prepared for your time in the desert–expect extremes and pack appropriately.

Quick tip: Some trails, like Angels Landing, require permits to hike all year. Make sure to double check so you can check off all of the hikes on your bucket list.

I recommend 10 days in Utah

Spending ten days in Utah is perfect for a thorough exploration. It’s just the right amount of time to cover all the Mighty 5 National Parks and some hidden gems, like Daniel and I did.

Each park, deserves at least a day or two. This way, you’re not just ticking boxes; you’re really experiencing what each place has to offer and giving yourself some time to rest too. We were pretty wiped after hiking almost every day!

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Tips for visiting Utah

Here are some tips I found helpful when Daniel and I explored Utah and some recommendations on things I wish I knew.

Hydration and sun protection: Utah’s arid environment means easy dehydration. On our hikes, carrying extra water in a reusable water bottle was essential. Sunscreen and hats are must-haves too, as the sun can be intense.
Environmental respect: It may not look it, but the landscapes here are fragile. Staying on trails is crucial for conservation–I highly recommend you download an app that can guide you along the trail even when it has been washed out by rain.
Elevation prep: While not as intense as other states like Colorado, the higher altitudes in can be challenging. In Bryce Canyon, we took it slow to adjust. Bring appropriate gear for elevation changes, including crampons if there is still snow on the ground.
Beyond the Mighty 5: Exploring state parks and lesser-known areas like Goblin Valley added unique experiences to our trip. Some of my favorite moments were actually enjoying the sunset in Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park or checking out the views in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
Seasonal packing: Weather varies from hot summers to snowy winters. Layered clothing helped us adapt to changing conditions, especially during our camping trips. I checked the weather every day of our trip to make sure I was bringing the right items with me.

Looking for information on the national parks in Utah?

Arches National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park