Over the past few years, Utah has skyrocketed to the top of the list of places to explore in the United States. Known for its majestic natural beauty in breathtaking scenery, this state is a must-see for the whole family. But if you’re an outdoor adventurer or scenic explorer, the Beehive State might call you to dip your toes in the water and stay awhile.
For those who want to spend more time here without putting down roots, you can find camp trailers for sale in Utah that move you from hotels and tents into longer-term living facilities. While you’re here, your mobile home on wheels gives you access to the whole state, where you can experience these 10 must-try outdoor activities in Utah.
1. Arches National Park
Number one on every outdoor lover’s Utah bucket list is the Arches National Park, located on the outskirts of Moab. This scenic natural wonder is famous across the globe, and not just because it’s on the state license plate.
Arches National Park, home of the Delicate Arch and more, is visited by over one million people every year. The park hosts so many breathtaking natural structures that would take years to really explore them all! But your visit will bring you up close and personal with some of the more than 2,000 sandstone arches, leaving you in awe of the natural processes that took millions of years to form.
The park is easy to drive through and there are air tours available, but you’ll only get a glimpse of the wonder it brings. However, if you’d like to trek through the trails, there’s an arch on most of them!
2. Learn to Rock Climb
Has rock climbing been on your bucket list, but you’re too nervous to give it a go? Or are you already a seasoned spelunker looking for new vistas to conquer? Rock and cave climbers of all ages will find what they need in Moab.
Because the red sandstone is unique to most of the world, Moab is a hotspot of climbing and bouldering venues. You’ll need a permit or an experienced climber with you, but once you get out to the canyons, the horizontal world awaits!
Local guides not only provide advice and access but also offer valuable insights and perspectives. They rent the gear and equipment you’ll need to traverse the rock walls safely. Since there are so many rules and regulations, it’s advisable to check with the National Park before digging into your next outdoor rock climbing adventure.
3. Go White Water Rafting
Utah and the southwestern coast as we know it wouldn’t be the same without the waters of the Colorado River that runs through multiple states. Throughout history, the powerful currents of the river shaped the canyons and valleys, turning them into the magnificent landscape we see today. And you can experience the beauty of the Colorado River or its neighbor, the Green River, during your trip to Utah.
Local guides can take you on short or long tours where you ride rafts down the water, swim in the pristine waters, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of a river in the middle of nowhere. Consider kayaking or paddle boarding if more intense rafting isn’t your cup of tea.
4. Check Out Zion National Park
While it’s impossible to see all of the natural beauty Utah has to offer in one trip, Zion National Park is right behind (or alongside) the Arches when it comes to must-see stops. This gorgeous scenic park offers breathtaking places to stop as you drive through it, or take the time to hike or adventure into the canyons.
One place that should top everyone’s “places to go” list in Zion is The Narrows. This section in the Zion Canyon is the narrowest place in the park, and as you walk through, tall walls encircle you at over a thousand feet high. Note that you’ll likely get a little wet if you go into the deepest sections here, but the beauty and memories are well worth it!
5. Spend a Day at the Moab Museum of Film and Western Heritage
Looking for a slower-paced or less intensive way to spend a day? Stop and see the Moab Museum of Film and Western Heritage. Although it’s partly inside, the Red Cliffs Ranch that hosts the museum gives you the fresh outdoor air and gorgeous Utah scenery that is sure to recharge your soul.
The Moab Museum is full of exhibits and artifacts that teach you about the life of settlers in the American West, with a focus on cowboys and cowgirls of the past and how they’ve assimilated into modern-day living. The story begins in the ‘40s, when director John Ford found the desert area so impressive that he decided to shoot a film there. Since then, the Moab desert has hosted dozens of movies and commercials, and a museum was born.
6. Saratoga Hot Springs
Are your muscles achy and tired after all of the rock climbing and canyon exploring you’ve done? It may be time to relax in the famous Saratoga Hot Springs. This natural getaway is located off of a half-mile trail in Saratoga Springs, but the walk is flat and mostly paved. Once you reach the springs, your relaxation begins, complete with scenic lake and mountain views.
7. Bryce Canyon National Park
Should you be searching for something even more unique than what we’ve already included, head over to Bryce Canyon National Park. There, you’ll see what all the fuss is about and why two million or more visitors come to Utah just for this stop. They want to see the natural hoodoos that dot the canyon.
Hoodoos, or tall spires of rock, are created by weathering and erosion, forming a natural wonder that exists in very small numbers around the world. The result is a magnificent protrusion of rock that is as beautiful as it is awe-inspiring.
8. Visit Mill Creek to Cool Off
Utah’s water adventures are limited to places like the Colorado and Green River, but you can also hit the ever-popular Mill Creek. The creek is shallow and cool, ideal for swimming and picnicking. However, more adventurous visitors can also cliff dive into the waters from one specific part of the creek that is deep enough for jumping.
9. Explore Ice Castles
Fantasy books pay attention! Midway, Utah, hosts a winter wonderland of ice castles etched into reality by ice artists each year. Located on the edges of Salt Lake City, this fairyland is a popular stop for residents and visitors. Once all the castles are built, they can weigh up to 25 million pounds and come complete with their own princesses and shows. Note that the castles only last as long as weather permits.
10. Get Your Souvenirs Downtown
Finally, a trip to Utah isn’t complete without bringing home evidence that you were there in the form of souvenirs! Downtown Moab is full of quaint shops, retail stores, and restaurants to enjoy a little relaxation and fun before you leave the state.
Buy some locally-made jewelry or art, try the native cuisine in one of the small eateries, and explore the downtown area to see what these hidden towns look like behind the tourist stops!
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