- Zion National Park offers endless activities for hikers, bikers, and nature lovers.
- Arches National Park is home to 2,000+ natural sandstone arches that span over 76,000 acres and features iconic sites like Delicate Arch and Balanced Rock.
- Bryce Canyon National Park features an 18-mile-long natural amphitheater filled with towering red-orange hoodoos formed from water and ice erosion.
- Visitors can also explore the park’s world-class mountain biking trails, horseback riding paths, hiking trails, and more!
- Utah is a must-visit destination for those exploring stunning landscapes without breaking the bank!
Utah is one of the most popular destinations for local and international travelers in the United States. From its iconic national parks to its stunning natural beauty, Utah’s landscapes offer something for everyone.
Over 13 million people visited Utah last year, making it one of the most-visited states in the nation. Of those visitors, over 6 million were international tourists. International tourism increases yearly due to increased direct flights from overseas and other marketing efforts, even if it took a hit in 2020 due to the pandemic.
You might be planning a visit to Utah soon and wondering where to go first. No matter the length of your stay, this stunning state has plenty of places to explore. Here are a few areas to consider when planning your Utah getaway.
Zion National Park
Zion National Park is a must-visit for tourists in Utah due to its stunning natural beauty and wide range of activities and attractions. Located in southwest Utah, the park offers an unparalleled experience for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those looking to explore one of the United States’ most beautiful public lands.
Here are four reasons why Zion National Park should be on your list when visiting Utah:
Hiking & Biking Trails
Zion National Park features dozens of trails perfect for hikers and bikers of all skill levels. From strolls along the Virgin River to challenging ascents up Angel’s Landing, there is something for everyone. Take advantage of the breathtaking views as you traverse the giant red cliffs and canyons that make this park unique.
Wildlife Viewing
As home to some of the most diverse wildlife in North America, Zion National Park is a great spot to observe animals in their natural habitat. The park hosts over 300 species of birds, as well as big cats such as mountain lions and bobcats, black bears, mule deer, bighorn sheep, coyotes, foxes, lizards, snakes, and more!
Unique Rock Formations
The rocks at Zion National Park are unique—they tell stories from millions of years ago when dinosaurs roamed this part of Utah. Explore slot canyons like The Subway or hike through massive sandstone towers like Checkerboard Mesa for an up-close look at these incredible formations.
Camping & Stargazing
Camping is popular for those wanting extended stays in Zion National Park. There are over 12 campgrounds located throughout the park that offer amenities ranging from full hookups to primitive sites with no services provided. After a long day exploring the area, relax by stargazing under the night sky, where you’ll see countless stars twinkling in the clear sky above you!
There are many things to do in Zion National Park, making it a must-visit for people dropping by Utah. If you are one of those people, be sure to put the tourist spot in your itinerary!
Arches National Park
Arches National Park is home to some of the most spectacular rock formations in the world. Located in eastern Utah near Moab, this national park features over 2,000 natural sandstone arches that are millions of years old. Whether visiting Utah for a day or staying for weeks, Arches National Park is a must-visit destination.
The park is home to iconic sites like Delicate Arch and Balanced Rock, making it one of America’s most photographed places. With its stunningly red geologic features, Arches provides an unforgettable experience for adventure seekers and photographers alike.
Arches’ vast landscapes and towering vertical cliffs make it unique—it spans over 76,000 acres and includes more than 2,000 natural stone arches. The area’s fascinating geology has ancient lakebeds, fins formed by wind erosion, balanced rocks withstood by gravity alone, and otherworldly hoodoos carved by wind and water over thousands of years.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park is the perfect destination for those exploring spectacular red rock formations in Utah. Located in the southwestern part of the state, Bryce Canyon offers a unique experience for its visitors, with great colors and stunning views from viewpoints along the rim of the canyon.
The park’s main feature is Bryce Amphitheater—a giant natural amphitheater formed by hundreds of massive red-orange hoodoos that extend across 18 miles. These hoodoos were developed over time due to water and ice erosion, windblown sand, and other geologic forces.
But that’s not all there is to do at Bryce Canyon. The park also features world-class mountain biking trails, horseback riding through picturesque landscapes, and many hiking trails. Bryce Canyon is also home to various wildlife, including elk, mule deer, black bears, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and more!
Final Thoughts
No matter what kind of adventure you’re looking for in Utah, the state offers something for everyone. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or just looking to explore some stunning landscapes without breaking the bank, these three destinations will surely provide a unique experience that will make your trip unforgettable. So don’t hesitate—visit Utah today and start planning your dream getaway!
