A dozen amphitheaters, or horseshoe-shaped canyons, make up the alien scenery of Bryce Canyon National Park in southwest Utah. These canyons are situated on an eroded escarpment of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. Visitors who enjoy exploring the slot canyons, windows, fins, and, most notably, the tall, thin spires known as hoodoos, find the fanciful limestone rock formations produced by erosion and rain to be mesmerizing.

In actuality, Bryce Canyon National Park has the greatest number of hoodoos in the entire globe. Bryce, whose heights can exceed 9,115 feet, has a visibility range of around 150 miles on a clear day. Plus, the park provides the best observing circumstances because it receives relatively little light pollution. In fact, Bryce Canyon was named an International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark-Sky Association in 2019.

The months of May through September are ideal for visiting Bryce National Park. This time of year not only has the hottest weather, but it also has a lot going on for rangers. The months of October through April have their own charms. Less people are around, the weather is cooler, and the wildflowers and fall leaves may be breathtaking. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are two wintertime activities that tourists can enjoy in the park, which is covered in snow. But keep in mind that Bryce Canyon's fall, winter, and spring weather can vary greatly due to the area's high elevation. Before your visit, it's a good idea to check the National Weather Service website for the current situation.

Rankings:

• #1 in Best Places to Visit in Utah
  
• #7 in Best U.S. National Parks
  
• #17 in Best Summer Vacations in the USA
  
• #19 in Best National Parks in the World

Location: Utah

It's like traveling to another planet when you visit Arches National Park, which has thousands of naturally occurring sandstone arches, red rocks and other landforms arranged in breathtaking ways, and light that seems to change constantly. The park is particularly alluring for photographers, who are compelled to capture its lovely landscapes in particular at dawn and twilight because of the way the shadows dance across the arches. However, Arches National Park is more than just a photographer's haven.

The park, which is 5 miles northwest of Moab, Utah, has 26 miles of scenic road and treks for people of all fitness levels. Hikers have a wide range of routes to select from, ranging in length from short 20-minute strolls to Balanced Rock and the Double Arch to longer, more difficult hikes through the Fiery Furnace and up to Delicate Arch. The Colorado Plateau has among of the darkest sky in the contiguous United States, making for stunning views of the Milky Way when you need to return to Earth.

Arches National Park is a fascinating destination to visit with its world of red rocks. The park is beautiful whether you are just driving through the alluring environment or choose to go on an adventure trek or guided tour. At the visitor center, where you can brush up on the park's many trails and overlooks and hear about available ranger programs, it's a good idea to get your bearings. Even while it's simple to admire the surreal landscape from your car, you'll want to pull over, park, and investigate, especially at must-see attractions like the well-known Delicate Arch and Balanced Rock.

Rankings:

• #2 in Best Places to Visit in Utah
  
• #9 in Best U.S. National Parks
  
• #9 in Best Places to Hike in North America
  
• #18 in Best National Parks in the World

Location: Utah

Travelers seeking to explore Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park may find Moab to be a suitable base. Additionally, there are lots of things to do in and around the city for tourists, such as bicycling, hiking, off-roading, and whitewater rafting. Visitors can go skydiving, take a scenic ride in an aircraft or hot air balloon, or go paragliding to get a bird's-eye perspective of Moab's breathtaking red rock formations. After a long day of activity, go to a nearby restaurant to eat and enjoy some live music.

The rustic desert outpost of Moab is located in southeast Utah, situated in a sandstone valley with easy access to incredible rafting, hiking, mountain biking, climbing, and other experiences in a spectacular expanse of sand, stone, and sky. The town's main allure is the proximity to the beautiful public lands surrounding; the town itself is little more than a strip of adobe shops, bike stores, guide outfitters, cafés, and t-shirt shops.

A magnificent array of national parks and wilderness areas encircle Moab, spanning the vast geological region known as the Colorado Plateau. You can go on day trips or more extensive excursions from Moab to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. You may raft down the turbulent Colorado River and mountain cycle on endless slickrock sandstone paths. The neighboring desert spires, canyons, arches, and hoodoos offer a variety of additional exhilarating activities.

Rankings:

• #3 in Best Places to Visit in Utah

Location: Utah

The Sundance Film Festival, skiing, and snowboarding are Park City's three claim to fame. Park City, which is 35 miles southeast of Salt Lake City, is easily reachable and has a wide variety of lodging options that draw large numbers of tourists throughout the winter. This historic mining town is located in the shadow of the untamed Wasatch Mountain Range, sandwiched between Deer Valley and Park City Mountain. Both resorts participated in the Winter Olympics in 2002, and the Utah Olympic Park, which is located just to the north of the main drag, continues to be a significant training ground for winter athletes like the US Ski Team.

However, you are not have to be an Olympian to enjoy everything Park City has to offer. Visit the High West Distillery and Saloon or take a stroll through the city's quaint Historic Park City neighborhood. Grab the whole family and head to Gorgoza Park for a day of snow tubing in your best winter attire. And take advantage of the vibrant après-ski culture in the city after a strenuous day of skiing (or relaxing in the lodge).

Park City, which was once a silver mining community, is now a popular winter sports resort. The city becomes crowded with powder hounds and movie buffs from November to March due to the presence of two large ski resorts, Deer Valley and Park City, as well as an athlete training center at Utah Olympic Park (it hosts the acclaimed Sundance Film Festival every January). The free, ski-friendly transportation system in Park City makes it simple to explore both the resort and downtown areas, including Historic Park City, all year long. Furthermore, Gorgoza Park, which provides snow tubing and miniature snowmobiles, is a good option if you're traveling with little children who aren't yet ready to take on the bunny hills.

Rankings:

• #4 in Best Places to Visit in Utah
  
• #4 in Best Ski Vacations in the USA
  
• #6 in Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the USA
  
• #6 in Best Places to Visit in February
  
• #7 in Best Places to Visit in December
  
• #8 in Best Ski Vacations
  
• #11 in Best Christmas Vacations

Location: Utah

Zion National Park, located in the southwest corner of Utah and named after the Hebrew word for "refuge," is no longer the peaceful haven it once was. With more than four million visitors a year, the park is currently among the most popular in the nation. Travelers can admire the apricot-colored Zion Canyon while wading in its Virgin River or climbing Angels Landing, with each bend in the river or turn in the path providing an even more spectacular vista.

It's as if they've discovered a hidden gem and can't get enough. The night sky's canopy of stars is also a wonderful nightcap to a day full with energetic activities. The 166-mile travel from Las Vegas or the 308-mile drive from Salt Lake City is roughly the ideal amount of time to allow you to contemplate all the beauty you just experienced before returning from the refuge to reality.

Outdoor adventures and breathtaking sights abound in Zion National Park. Any of the park's hiking paths, including Angels Landing or Observation Point, which provide bird's-eye views, let visitors experience the burnt umber canyons. Adventure seekers can hike down the canyon by wading through the Virgin River via the Narrows for a new perspective. Visitors can also board the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive if they'd rather to take in the view from a car or shuttle.

Rankings:

• #4 in Best Places to Hike in North America
  
• #5 in Best U.S. National Parks
  
• #5 in Best Places to Visit in Utah
  
• #6 in Best Fall Vacations
  
• #6 in Best Places to Visit in the USA
  
• #8 in Best National Parks in the World
  
• #11 in Best Places to Visit in July
  
• #13 in Best Summer Vacations in the USA

Location: Utah

Capitol Reef National Park is just as spectacular even though it may not be as well known as Utah's other national parks. The approximately 100-mile-long Waterpocket Fold, a buckling of the Earth's surface, is the park's principal draw. There are additional backcountry paths and hiking trails all across the park. But keep in mind that these wilderness paths are not officially maintained trails, so use caution and get a backcountry permit. Bike riding, horseback riding, rock climbing, and canyoneering are other well-liked pastimes. Choose a picturesque drive if you'd want to spend your visit less energetically.

A variety of activities are available in the Capitol Reef area of Utah, which is located in the state's midsection and has views painted against every horizon. Even in the height of the tourist season, those who choose to detour from the freeway and visit areas off the main road will be rewarded. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking overlooks that have been carved out over ages and miles, thanks to the geological feature that raised the western part of the fold over 7,000 feet above the eastern side.

A recognized International Dark Sky Park is Capitol Reef. Some of the world's darkest skies can be found in the park and its environs. It's worth getting up early in the middle of the night to look out your tent or hotel window and wonder at the heavens since clear, cold nights provide amazing views of the Milky Way Galaxy.

Rankings:

• #6 in Best Places to Visit in Utah

Location: Utah

Being one of the Best Places to Visit in Utah, Salt Lake City has a history of mysticism. Pioneers thought the region's Great Salt Lake was inhabited by giants and monsters back in the early 19th century. Until Brigham Young chose Salt Lake as the location for the fledgling Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1847, this eerie legend vanished. People who have lived in Salt Lake City today will tell you that it is more than just a city of great faith; it is also a thriving cultural center and a terrific place to base oneself for hiking and skiing.

Many tourists take advantage of the opportunity to learn more about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by exploring the stunning temples and other places of worship on Temple Square. And even if you have no interest in Salt Lake's past, a trip there is nevertheless worthwhile for the scenery. The Great Salt Lake is nothing short of magnificent, and the Wasatch and Oquirrh mountain ranges make for a spectacular background for the city skyline.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' main administrative building, Temple Square, is a place you should spend a significant amount of time examining. In addition to stunning religious structures like the Salt Lake Temple, this walled enclave in the center of Salt Lake City also features lush gardens and towering statues. However, there is more to do: While the surrounding Wasatch National Forest is interspersed with picturesque paths, the Great Salt Lake offers an excellent location for hiking and picnicking. If you're searching for an exhilarating day excursion, consider going skiing at Snowbird Ski Resort or Park City.

Rankings:

• #7 in Best Places to Visit in Utah

Location: Utah

Monument Valley is a region with a distinctively red terrain that is shared by Arizona and Utah. The Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is located nearby, and it is home to sandstone towers and buttes that have been featured in "Forrest Gump" and "Stagecoach"-style motion pictures. In the Utah portion of the valley, hiking, horseback riding, and whitewater rafting are all must-do activities. While taking in the grandeur on a guided car or horseback trip with a Navajo tour provider, you'll want to set aside some time to learn more about the Navajo history of the area.

The Monument Valley is a must-see location in Utah. Additionally, it will allow you to become familiar with and immerse yourself in Navajo culture. Long before the Spanish arrived in the area in 1581, the Navajo people were already residing there. However, Monument Valley was an uncharted region and a desolate desert up until the year 1930. The Navajos were the only people who had complete knowledge of the area. Due to the Western movies that were filmed here, this valley gained notoriety. the well-known films starring John Wayne and produced by John Ford.

Rankings:

• #8 in Best Places to Visit in Utah

Location: Utah

There are four districts in this national park in Utah, and each one provides a distinctive experience. Island in the Sky, which is the most accessible neighborhood and is located more than 1,000 feet above sea level, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. The Needles, a location featuring vibrant sandstone spires, a former cowboy camp, and ancient rock art, is located in the southwest portion of the park. The difficult, off-the-beaten-path roads and hiking paths of The Maze are best tackled by individuals with experience. You may kayak or canoe across the last district, where the Colorado and Green rivers meet.

A large park called Canyonlands National Park can be found close to Moab, Utah. There are five distinct portions to this national park, and each one offers a distinctive experience. This article on the top Canyonlands attractions covers the top activities in each of the park's five sections. The majority of first-time tourists spend their time in the Island in the Sky neighborhood exploring the viewpoints and taking short hikes up to the top of the mesa. But beyond the sights from the top of the Island in the Sky mesa, there is so much more beauty and adventure.

Rankings:

• #9 in Best Places to Visit in Utah

Location: Utah

Taking the last position on the list of the Best Places to Visit in Utah is Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. A marvel of nature, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument took millions of years to form. This protected region, which covers over 1 million acres, is split into three sections. A hiker's paradise, the Escalante Canyon portion features backcountry paths that pass waterfalls, arches, and constricting canyons. Visitors may find the largest network of slot canyons in Utah as well as the vibrant cliffs that give the monument its name in the remote Grand Staircase region. The Kaiparowits Plateau, which divides the two regions, is home to a remarkable collection of fossils that will excite fans of paleontology.

When you are here, you can discover links and details for hotels, motels, and bed & breakfasts under the lodging area. Then, you'll be able to browse activities in Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, Utah, Utah, according to category, such as horseback riding, ATV tours, air tours, biking, entertainment, fishing, golf, guided tours, hunting, museums, paintball, ranch activities, rappelling, river running, shopping, snowmobiling, and skiing.

To assist you in planning your vacation, you might choose to buy a travel packet from AreaTravelPackets.com. If you want to camp or bring an RV trailer with you when you visit the Grand Staircase in Utah, you should look at the website's links to fantastic campgrounds and RV parks. When visiting Utah's Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, everyone will want to discover the greatest restaurants. To find your favorite places, look in the eating area.

Rankings:

• #10 in Best Places to Visit in Utah

Location: Utah