Utah might not seem the most obvious choice when considering destinations in the United States, but that is far from the truth - just take these 7 things to do on a Utah road trip as an example! There are so many fantastic and top-notch locations scattered around Utah that are worth visiting while visiting this state.
Of course, famous siblings like California, Florida, or New York can eclipse Utah (to name a few), but that does not imply that you should pass by Utah without considering it. If you love the outdoors as we do, it's one of the best states in America.
You certainly can't miss Utah's treasure trove of unique locations and history. Moreover, this state is diverse, so be ready for long walks and sights. So, with that in mind, here are a few things you need to do the next time you visit Utah!
7 things to do on a Utah road trip
1. Spend a Few Days at The Inn at Entrada in St. George
The Inn at Entrada provides a luxurious resort setting. This hotel, located inside a gated golf complex, offers luxuriously designed rooms with extras like private patios, fireplaces, and jacuzzi tubs. Families can choose one of the two or three-bedroom suites, which can accommodate up to six people.
The suites also have a fully-fledged formal dining room, living room, and kitchen. Furthermore, The Inn also houses various sports, indoor and outdoor pools, and has free WIFI. Interestingly, this is where the 2007 Disney picture High School Musical 2 was filmed.
A simple search for resorts St George Utah will yield fantastic results if you're looking to make your visit memorable and comfortable.
2. Visit Hovenweep for a Historical Adventure
Hovenweep was an Ancient Pueblo (Anasazi) settlement, like much of the Four Corners region. It is situated on terrain once home to more than 2,500 people and contains six prehistoric villages in southwest Colorado and southeast Utah. Its abandoned structures from the 13th century stand watch in a sage and juniper-covered terrain, making it an exciting sight for history buffs.
Visitors can tour various buildings, including multi-story towers balanced on boulders and perched atop canyon rims. Every nook and cranny portals in the Hovenweep castle seem to line up with the sun, highlighting the inhabitants' reliance on the rhythms and cycles of the land and seasons for survival.
3. See the Stars at Natural Bridges National Monument
Natural Bridges Monument is one of the best locations for stargazing because of its remote location of about fifty miles in the Southeast of Utah. This area offers the nation's darkest night skies and minimal light pollution.
Due to this, it was named the first International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark-Sky Association. Although an extraordinary amount of water was used to carve three beautiful natural bridges, its main aim was to conserve some of nature's most majestic, naturally existing stone bridges.
A nine-mile scenic drive offers views of the bridges, canyons, and even the region's intriguing past with prehistoric Puebloan remains, including pictographs and cliff dwellings. A must-see site for people visiting Utah.
4. Have Some Fun at the Vernal and Dinosaur National Monument
Housing the largest collection of dinosaur bones discovered from the Jurassic Period, the dinosaur National Monument is located near the junction of the Yampa and Green Rivers, between the borders of Utah and Colorado.
Nearly fifteen hundred dinosaur fossils and other interactive exhibits can be seen in the well-known Carnegie Quarry. Not to mention, this location's numerous petroglyphs provide a close look into ancient cultures.
People visiting the Field House of Natural History State Park Museum, Utah, in the nearby town of Vernal are welcomed by a massive skeleton of a Diplodocus before moving on to a range of dinosaur fossils. Additionally, there are several miles of trails to explore the breathtaking environment. Campgrounds, tours, and various ranger-guided tours are also available in the region.
5. Take in the Sights of Lake Powell
Located in the southern part of Utah, Lake Powell is a rather sizable body of water. This indicates that when traveling along Highway 89, Lake Powell is one of the best and most accessible sites to visit in Utah. The best part is you can cruise Lake Powell and see all its little bays in the most amazing houseboats for hire.
One of the biggest natural arches in the world, the Rainbow Bridge National Monument, is not too far away. In addition, the Natural Bridges National Monument is close to Fry Canyon, west of Highway 95.
6. Visit the Bonneville Salt Flats
The Bonneville Salt Flats is one of the best sites in Utah to visit if you want to experience a completely different landscape because they are tucked away in the dry mountains. In fact, it's the closest thing you'll see to Bolivia's salt plains.
The miles-long salt flats, formed after the last Ice Age, are a distinctive feature of Utah. Oh, and if you're up for a challenge, there are annual Salt Flat Endurance Runs. It's a challenge! One thing to remember; never drive on damp salt flats! This could be hazardous, and you might end up stranded.
7. Enjoy Your Time at the Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands is easy to reach, especially in Utah, because it is only around thirty miles from the border of Arches National Park. While you're here., you can also spend some time in the Needles District.
It's only a short stroll away from the region's towering pinnacles as you go through it. That said, it will take some time to locate Mesa Arc if you plan on visiting it while you're here.
However, as you head south from Arches National Park to the Needles District, it's incredibly easy to reach. Oh, and don't overlook the bordering Dead Horse Point State Park. This site offers stunning views that will leave you in awe.
Lastly, be sure to drive the Indian Creek Scenic Byway if you're coming from the south.
The Final Words on Our Favorite 7 things to do when visiting Utah...
Are you up for some adventurous challenges? If yes, get ready to explore and navigate the sites of Western America today. There are many locations to visit, both in the summer and winter, that will make your vacation to Utah memorable. So, pack your bags, book your ticket, and go on the adventure of your lifetime!
Laura | In Travel says
Utah looks so beautiful! Would love to do a road trip there someday 🙂