Salt Lake City, known as a religious center for Mormons, is a surprisingly vibrant and diverse location. The capital city is an excellent starting point for touring Utah's major ski resorts and famed red rock terrain. This lively city, dubbed the "Crossroads of the West," can also be visited en route to Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks.

There are numerous outstanding attractions to explore, including the one-of-a-kind City Creek Center shopping and Utah's largest library, The City Library. Add Temple Square to your schedule to learn about LDS history, or go directly to one of the 10 ski slopes within an hour of Salt Lake City International Airport!

The downtown area has historic buildings as well as a thriving shopping, dining, and nightlife scene. Visit the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art, the National History Museum of Utah, and the Red Butte Gardens for a dose of culture.

If you have time, visit the fashionable espresso cafes and pastries in the 9th and 9th districts. Sugar House, one of Salt Lake City's oldest neighborhoods, is certainly worth a visit. Boutique boutiques, bookstores, and art galleries abound in this trendy neighborhood. Alternatively, enjoy a peaceful picnic in Liberty Park, Salt Lake City's largest public park. This is one of the Best Things To Do In Utah that you should experience.

Address: Utah, the United States

Rating: 4.0/5.0, 961 Tripadvisor reviews

Website: http://www.slcgov.com/

Visiting Great Salt Lake State Park is without a doubt one of the most exciting things to do in Utah. You can float on the largest natural lake west of the Mississippi River and the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere!

Lake Urmia's salinity averages about 12%, making it two to seven times saltier than the ocean. Bridger Bay is easily accessible from Salt Lake City, and many visitors come there to float on the salt water and enjoy this rare occurrence. You can also bring a kayak or stand-up paddleboard if you want to leave the shore without getting wet.

Sailing is another popular sport on the lake, and there are full-service marinas at Great Salt Lake State Marina and neighboring Antelope Island. If you want to treat yourself, guided sunset cruises are a wonderful way to enjoy the stunning sunsets.

Great Salt Lake State Park is also a popular destination for birdwatchers, as it is home to millions of migrating waterfowl in the spring and fall. The California Seagull, Utah's state bird, can be spotted here, as can endangered falcons and bald eagles. You may even see them while floating in the lake!

Address: 13312 W 1075 S, Magna, UT 84044, United States

Rating: 4.2/5.0, 2,955 Google reviews

Website: https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/great-salt-lake/

Antelope Island State Park, located 25 miles north of Salt Lake City, is rich in natural beauty. If you appreciate wildlife watching, this is a must-do in Utah. Antelope Island, with a surface area of 42 square miles, is the largest of ten islands in Utah's Great Salt Lake. The island is located in the lake's southeastern corner, and it becomes a peninsula when the lake levels are exceptionally low.

This one-of-a-kind park allows visitors to see free-roaming bison and antelope herds, as well as mule deer and bighorn sheep. Throughout the year, the park also conducts a number of events and activities, such as guided hikes and an annual Bison Roundup. It can be considered as one of the Best Things To Do In Utah.

There are also abundant options for outdoor reaction, such as white sand beaches that attract sunbathers. The 36 miles of hiking and bike routes provide breathtaking views of the lake and the island beauty. The one-mile Buffalo Point hike provides stunning views of Salt Lake, Antelope Island, and the park below.

Water sports enthusiasts can hire kayaks and paddleboards from the marina on-site. Many visitors also enjoy swimming in the salty waters of Great Salt Lake. You can also spend an unforgettable night under the stars in one of the many primitive campsites. Because this park is an internationally accredited dark sky park, the stargazing is spectacular.

Address: Davis County, Utah, United States

Rating: 4.5/5.0, 1,243 Tripadvisor reviews

Website: https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/antelope-island/

When it comes to iconic winter sports destinations, Park City is one of Utah's most well-known. This picture-perfect mountain community values the great outdoors. Its snow-covered slopes were even used in the 2002 Winter Olympics.

Park City has 426 downhill trails spread throughout nearly 10,000 acres, providing unlimited opportunities for adventure. Park City Mountain is the largest ski resort in the United States, while Deer Valley is noted for its opulent amenities and world-class skiing.

Mountain Park, a chairlift-accessed ski and snowboard complex featuring base area lesson zones and big freestyle zones, is a new attraction in Woodward Park City. Cross-country skiers can also explore the neighboring Soldier Hollow Nordic Center. After a day on the slopes, meander down Park City's charming Main Street and peruse its restaurants, pubs, stores, and Victorian buildings. For beautiful alpine beauty surrounding Park City, take the Guardsman Pass Scenic Byway or the Provo Canyon Scenic Byway.

If winter activities aren't your thing, Park City is also a great place to come in the summer. Its stunning mountains and adjacent state parks make it an ideal location for hiking, mountain biking, and fishing.

Address: Utah, United States

Rating: 4.5/5.0, 146 Tripadvisor reviews

Website: www.parkcity.org

Ogden is a popular outdoor destination in Utah because of its proximity to world-class skiing, biking, and hiking trails. Ogden is a city in Utah located north of Salt Lake City. It serves as an entry point to ski destinations such as Snowbasin, Powder Mountain, and Nordic Valley. Once home to Prohibition-era speakeasies, historic 25th Street is today a shopping and dining destination. Ogden Union Station, located at the street's western terminus, houses museums that study railroads, autos, and cowboy history.

This can be seen as one of the Best Things To Do In Utah. Skiing is a major reason why most visitors stop in Ogden. Nordic Valley and Powder Mountain in Eden, as well as Snowbasin in Huntsville, are among the most popular ski resorts.

Hill Aerospace Museum, which houses military aircraft, missiles, and aerospace vehicles from around the world, is a must-see for history fans. Then, proceed to Ogden's Historic 25th Street to see Union Station's collection of museums, which includes the famed Utah State Railroad Museum.

The dinosaur exhibits at George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park and ice skating at Ice Sheet will appeal to children. Active visitors can trek the Waterfall Canyon Trail to observe cascading rivers or wander through the beautiful lawns of Ogden Botanical Gardens to stop and smell the flowers.

Address: Utah, the United States

Rating: unknown

Website: http://ogdencity.com/

Bear Lake State Park is a great place to have some fun in the sun in Utah. Bear Lake is a huge natural lake with picturesque communities dotting its shoreline and has been dubbed the "Caribbean of the Rockies" due to its gorgeous turquoise-blue water and sandy beaches. Bear Lake is a natural freshwater lake in the western United States, located on the Idaho-Utah border. It is roughly 109 square miles in area and is split roughly evenly between the two states; the Utah portion contains Utah's second-largest natural freshwater lake, behind Utah Lake.

The natural beauty of the lake, combined with its modern facilities, makes it an ideal family vacation, offering outdoor leisure such as boating, kayaking, swimming, fishing, and camping. Away from the beach, outdoor enthusiasts will find more than 100 miles of hiking, biking, and ATV trails.

Relax on Rendezvous Beach or try your hand at jet skiing on the calm waters. You can also drive part of the Logan Canyon Spectacular Byway, which travels via Bear Lake State Park and is the most scenic route from Northern Utah to Yellowstone.

Expect a snowy paradise if you visit Bear Lake in the winter. Ice fishing and snowmobiling are common winter hobbies. Don't forget to try the local raspberries, which are famous in Bear Lake!

Address: Utah, the United States

Rating: 4.5/5.0, 301 Tripadvisor reviews

Website: https://bearlake.org/

Sand Hollow State Park is a state park in Utah, United States, with a 1,322-acre reservoir and a large off-road vehicle recreation area on Sand Mountain. The park lies near the town of Hurricane. The park, which surrounds the Sand Hollow Reservoir, was officially dedicated in April 2003. It has activities for people of all ages and skill levels, including water sports like boats, jet skis, wakeboarding, paddleboarding, and kayaking.

The reservoir's waters are delightfully warm from May through September, making it an ideal location for swimming and other water-based sports. Anglers can cast from the shore or from a boat and try their luck at catching bluegill, crappie, bass, or catfish.

On land, ATV riders visit this easily accessible park near Hurricane to explore its vast sand dunes and 62,000 acres of challenging routes. The 12-mile Sand Hollow Reservoir OHV Trail is suitable for riders of all abilities, whereas the Maze OHV Trail features steep ascents and cliff exposure. On-site ATV rentals are offered.

Families enjoy this year-round getaway because it offers kid-friendly activities such as picnicking, hiking, and camping. After a day in the sun, the Beach at Sand Hollow (BASH) has a tempting menu of burgers, sandwiches, ice cream, frozen drinks, and a shaded area to relax.

Address: 3351 Sand Hollow Rd, Hurricane, UT 84737, United States

Rating: 4.6/5.0, 4,696 Google reviews

Website: https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/sand-hollow/

Many visitors think that visiting the Bonneville Salt Flats is one of the coolest things to do in Utah... if not the entire country! The 30,000-acre expanse, located about an hour outside of Salt Lake City, is by far one of Utah's most unusual natural attractions. The Bonneville Salt Flats are a tightly packed salt flat in Tooele County, Utah. It is the largest of many salt flats west of the Great Salt Lake and a remnant of Pleistocene Lake Bonneville.

The history of the salt flats is as fascinating, extending back to the end of the last ice age. The 12-by-5-mile piece of land has a salt crust that ranges in thickness from a few inches to five feet thick, resulting in a blinding white plain as far as the eye can see.

One of the best sites to see this natural beauty is about 10 miles east of Wendover on I-80. Take Exit 4 and follow the instructions to the Speedway; a parking area is located at the end of the road (40°45'45.3′′N 113°53'46.3′′W). There's also Salt Flats Rest Area Westbound, where you can stroll out into the earth.

While the salt flats are available all year, there are a few yearly events that take place throughout the summer, including the popular Speed Week. Pack clothes for changeable temperatures, as well as sunscreen and sunglasses, because the salt crust reflects the sun upwards.

Address: Utah, the United States

Rating: 4.8/5.0, 1,221 Google reviews

Website: https://www.blm.gov/visit/bonneville-salt-flats

Fifth Water Hot Springs, also known as Diamond Fork Hot Springs, has a number of pools with clear blue water. It's one of the most unusual things to do in Utah, surrounded by a magnificent canyon surrounded by red granite cliffs. Fifth Water Hot Springs, located in the magnificent Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, is a popular location for travelers and locals from the Salt Lake City region. Diamond Fork Canyon, which separates from Spanish Fork Canyon, is home to these picturesque hot springs.

The short 2.5-mile Three Forks Trailhead to the hot springs is located around an hour drive from downtown Salt Lake and has a modest 700 foot elevation climb. It's a straightforward path, with the first half along the side of Sixth Water Creek. About a mile in, a footbridge crosses Sixth Water Creek, and you'll continue to Fifth Water Creek. This is where you'll first catch a peek of the cobalt-blue ocean.

You'll eventually arrive at a series of picture-perfect soaking pools ranging in color from milky blue to emerald green. The finish of the walk is marked by a flowing waterfall with numerous more baths just beyond the section of pools. Dip your toes in the pools to see which temperature suits you best. This secluded hot spring can get crowded on weekends, so a weekday visit is recommended for those seeking peace and quiet. This is one of the Best Things To Do In Utah.

The Fifth Water Hot Springs are quite popular, and as a result, many tourists leave litter, hike off track, or otherwise degrade the environment. Bring a trash bag with you on your hike if you adore this spot. Wear shoes when walking between the pools because there has been complaints of shattered glass on the trail. The trailhead has plenty of parking and a restroom. Parking on the street is discouraged because parking citations are frequently issued.

Address: Diamond Fork Rd, Springville, UT 84663, United States

Rating: 4.5/5.0, 792 Google reviews

Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/

The Dinosaur National Monument near Jensen lives up to its name. Yes, dinosaurs previously walked this land! The best part is that their skeletons are still visible and lodged in the rocks. Dinosaur National Monument is a national monument in Colorado and Utah located on the southeast face of the Uinta Mountains near the junction of the Green and Yampa rivers.

The Morrison Formation, which dates from the Jurassic Period and is 150 million years old, is a sandstone and conglomerate bed of alluvial or river bed origin that encloses the fossils. The sediment mound was later buried and lithified into solid rock. The mountain building forces that produced the Uinta Mountains during the Laramide orogeny later raised and tilted the rock layers to their current angle. The unrelenting forces of erosion exposed the layers at the surface for paleontologists to discover.

At this one-of-a-kind attraction, geological wonders have worn the earth's crust to uncover ancient fossils, bringing dinosaur history to life. Kids will enjoy exploring the dinosaur quarry and taking a driving trip throughout the park to see the 1,500 fossils on display. You may see granite formations and experience breathtaking views of Green River on the short driving trip. You'll also get to see some old rock art, such as petroglyphs and pictographs made with paints.

Hiking nature paths, backpacking, and whitewater river running are all popular outdoor activities in this area, as are birdwatching and fishing. The family-friendly Fossil Discovery Trail, Sound of Silence Trail, and Desert Voices Trail provide an overview of the park's geology.

Address: 11625 E 1500 S, Jensen, UT 84035, United States

Rating: 4.8/5.0, 2,770 Google reviews

Website: https://www.nps.gov/dino/index.htm

Goblin Valley State Park is a state park in Utah, America. Goblin Valley State Park, known for its interesting formations, has a distinctive landscape covered with sandstone "goblins" that has been compared to Mars. Its strange aspect is unique in Utah, resulting in a maze-like playground with nooks and gnomes. The park contains thousands of hoodoos, often known as goblins in the area, which are mushroom-shaped rock pinnacles that can reach heights of several yards.

It's a geologic time capsule, with visible cliffs and rock layers dating back 180-140 million years. Not only is it one of the best spots in the US to stargaze, but it's also a popular destination for hiking, mountain biking, and other outdoor activities. The Valley of the Goblins, a three-square-mile area covered in hoodoos and open for on-and off-road path exploration by foot, is the main draw. There are over a dozen routes to choose from, with distances ranging from one to four miles roundtrip.

There are seven miles of beginner to intermediate singletrack mountain bike paths for those who wish to explore on two wheels, and canyoneering is also a favorite pastime for thrill seekers. Goblin Valley State Park is largely unknown and provides an excellent alternative to Utah's major national parks. Stay in one of the park's 26 campsites or two yurts to see the goblin formations contrasted against the starry skies.

Address: Goblin Valley Rd, Green River, UT 84525, United States

Rating: 4.8/5.0, 2,280 Google reviews

Website: http://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/goblin-valley

Moab is an adventurer's dream and one of the most interesting spots to visit in Utah. Dinosaur footprints can be found at locations such as Bull Canyon Overlook and Copper Ridge. The Museum of Moab in the city houses dinosaur bones and ancient relics. It is a significant outdoor recreation hub in the United States, with popular activities including hiking, mountain biking, river rafting, climbing, and canyoneering. It can be considered as one of the Best Things To Do In Utah that you should try.

It's also an excellent place to base yourself while exploring Utah's Mighty 5 national parks. Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, and Zion National Park are all easily accessible from here. Moab's slickrock and rough terrain provide an endless list of tracks for 4x4 tours, and experienced operators can take you to where the Green River joins the Colorado River, which is North America's largest white-water segment.

Moab is particularly well-known for its sandstone formations, which attract climbers and canyoneers from all over the world. Two of my favorites are Wall Street and Longbow Arch. Take a picturesque trip to Dead Horse Point Scenic Overlook instead. After an exciting day, spend some time browsing the lovely Main Street area's locally owned restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries.

Address: Utah, the United States

Rating: unknown

Website: moabcity.org

Canyonlands National Park is a must-see in Utah, with its unending landscapes of deep canyons, towering mesas, pinnacles, cliffs, and spires. It is the largest park in Utah and one of the most diversified, spanning 527 square miles.

With so many different travel experiences available in this park, you'll be spoiled for choice! Begin your vacation with an incredible hike through The Needles district, which provides access to over 70 miles of trails. Along the trip, take in the beautiful sandstone spires that rise from the desert bottom. Then, go up close and personal with Mesa Arch, one of the most photographed features in the West. The 50-foot stone window, perched on a 500-foot cliff, provides panoramic views of the valley, canyons, and the distant La Sal Mountains.

Grand View Point has one of Canyonlands' most iconic vistas. It's at the end of a one-mile sandstone staircase on the edge of the Island in the Sky mesa. Finally, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Monument Basin. If you only have a few hours to explore, drive the park's 20 miles of paved roads and take in the breathtaking scenery. Sunrise and twilight are both excellent times of day for photographing the park's unearthly natural splendor.

Address: Utah, United States

Rating: 4.8/5.0, 6,417 Google reviews

Website: https://www.nps.gov/cany/index.htm

Dead Horse Point State Park is one of Utah's most popular parks, with one of the world's most photographed picturesque panoramas. The famed Dead Horse Point Overlook, which towers 2,000 feet above the Colorado River, offers breathtaking views of the pinnacles and buttes. This park, which sits above the picturesque White Rim Trail and gives stunning views of Canyonlands National Park, is sometimes likened to the natural splendor of the Grand Canyon. These views can be captured when hiking the park's eight kilometers of trails.

The trails are level and easy and lead to eight distinct views. The West Rim Trail has breathtaking views of the Colorado River, with the segment between Dead Horse Point Overlook and Meander Overlook being the most beautiful in the park. Mountain cyclists can enjoy the Intrepid Trail System, which features 16.6 miles of routes of various complexity. You'll find amazing vistas around every curve, in addition to slick rock sections, looping singletrack, and sandy washes.

Stop at the visitor center and art museum before beginning your trek to get an overview of the park's viewpoints. The best seasons to visit are spring and fall, because summers are hot and winters may have snow.

Address: UT-313, Moab, UT 84532, United States

Rating: 4.8/5.0, 4,643 Google reviews

Website: http://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/dead-horse/

While Utah has a number of beautiful national parks and monuments, none compare to the size of Capitol Reef National Park. With infinite desert rock panoramas, this less-visited Utah destination earns a spot on your Utah bucket list.

Begin your tour by driving along the eight-mile Capitol Reef Scenic Drive, the park's principal route. The scenic drive provides a peek of the park's natural splendour. Enormous domes and massive red sandstone mountains will be encountered. It's a great place for hikers who seek peace and alone, with a variety of distant desert trails and slot canyons. One of the most popular is the 3.4-mile Cassidy Arch path, which offers beautiful views of the Grand Wash.

Another popular hike is the 1.8-mile Hickman Bridge hike, which follows the Fremont River and offers stunning views. Follow the more difficult 3.4-mile Cohab Canyon trek for an aerial glimpse of Fruita. Cathedral Valley, an isolated desert location, and the northern district of Capitol Reef, with sandstone monoliths and multicolored Bentonite hills, are well worth a visit. Along Cathedrals Trail, which gives panoramic views of the unique rock formations, you'll find tranquility.

Address: Utah, United States

Rating: 4.84,141 Google reviews

Website: https://www.nps.gov/care/index.htm