From the snow-capped mountains to the red rock desert, Utah is a state that has it all. And with five national parks, 43 state parks, and world-renowned ski resorts, it’s no wonder why Utah is a popular travel destination. But with so many places to see and things to do, it can be tough to decide which city to visit first. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the 12 best cities to visit in Utah. From Salt Lake City to Moab and beyond, there’s something for everyone in Utah. So whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure or a relaxing weekend getaway, be sure to add these cities to your travel list.
Salt Lake City
The first city on our list is the capital of Utah: Salt Lake City. This vibrant city offers a mix of outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and unique dining experiences.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Salt Lake City is a paradise. The surrounding mountains offer endless opportunities for hiking, biking, and skiing. In the city itself, you can enjoy kayaking or paddleboarding on the Great Salt Lake, or take a scenic drive through one of the many canyons.
Cultural attractions in Salt Lake City include the world-famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the Utah Symphony, and the Natural History Museum of Utah. The city is also home to numerous art galleries and museums, including the Utah Museum of Fine Arts and the Library of Congress' Western History Collection.
If you're looking for a unique dining experience, Salt Lake City has you covered. From gourmet restaurants to food trucks, there's something to suit every taste and budget. And be sure to try a slice of pie from one of the local bakeries – it's aSalt Lake City specialty!
Park City
Park City is a beautiful city located in the heart of Utah. It is best known for its ski resorts and outdoor recreation. Park City is home to some of the best ski resorts in the country, including Deer Valley Resort and Park City Mountain Resort. The city also offers a variety of other outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and fishing.
If you're looking for a place to enjoy the great outdoors, Park City is the perfect destination. Whether you're an experienced skier or just getting started, you'll find plenty of ways to enjoy the slopes. And when you're ready to take a break from the cold, there are plenty of other activities to keep you busy. Park City is truly a year-round destination.
Moab
Moab is a city in southeastern Utah that's known as a gateway to two national parks: Arches and Canyonlands. This small town has a lot to offer visitors, from scenic hiking and biking trails to world-class rock climbing. There's also plenty of history to explore, from ancient petroglyphs to old mining towns. Whether you're looking for an adventurous getaway or a relaxing vacation, Moab is the perfect place to visit.
St. George
If you’re planning a trip to Utah, you won’t want to miss out on visiting St. George. This vibrant city is located in the southwest corner of the state and is known for its sunny weather and red rock landscape. Outdoor enthusiasts will love hiking, biking, and canyoneering in the nearby national parks, while others can enjoy exploring the city’s many shops and restaurants. Whether you’re looking for an adventure or a relaxing vacation, St. George is the perfect place to visit.
Zion National Park
Zion National Park is a must-see when visiting Utah. The park is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the state, with red rock cliffs, canyons, and rivers. Visitors can hike, bike, or take a scenic drive through the park. There are also several lodges and campgrounds in the park for overnight stays.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park, located in southwestern Utah, is known for its crimson-colored hoodoos—odd-shaped pillars of rock formed by erosion. The park’s main road leads to several overlooks, each with different views.
Bryce Canyon is best known for its crimson-colored hoodoos—odd-shaped pillars of rock that were formed by erosion. The park’s main road leads to several overlooks, each with different views of the hoodoos.
The best time to visit Bryce Canyon is between April and June, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. July and August are also good months to visit, but be prepared for larger crowds. September and October offer beautiful fall colors, but the weather can be cool and unpredictable.
Arches National Park
Arches National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Utah. The park is home to more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, making it a mecca for photographers and nature lovers alike.
With its easy accessibility and abundance of photo opportunities, Arches National Park is one of the best places to visit in Utah.
Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Utah. The park is home to a variety of unique geological features, including canyons, mesas, and buttes. Canyonlands National Park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, deer, and eagles.
Canyonlands National Park is located in southern Utah, near the city of Moab. The park is divided into four main sections: Island in the Sky, The Needles, Maze, and Grand View Point. Each section of the park offers its own unique attractions and activities.
Island in the Sky is the largest and most popular section of Canyonlands National Park. The Island in the Sky district offers stunning views of canyons and mesas from a variety of observation points. Popular hiking trails in this section include Mesa Arch Trail and Upheaval Dome Trail.
The Needles district is home to a variety of unique rock formations called “needles.” This section of the park also offers a variety of hiking trails, including Elephant Hill Trail and Chesler Park Loop Trail.
The Maze district is the least accessible section of Canyonlands National Park. This remote section of the park can only be accessed by four-wheel-drive vehicles or on foot. The Maze district offers a variety of challenging hiking trails, including Harpers Corner Trail and Colorado River Overlook Trail.
Grand View Point is the highest point in Canyonlands
Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park is one of Utah's most popular tourist destinations. The park is home to a variety of natural attractions, including the Capitol Reef, a massive rock formation that stretches for over 100 miles.
Other popular attractions in the park include the Fruita Historic District, a thriving community of farmers and ranchers; Cathedral Valley, a beautiful valley with towering sandstone formations; and the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long geological fold.
Visitors can explore the park through a variety of activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and horseback riding. There are also numerous ranger-led programs available to help visitors learn about the park's unique geology and history.
Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park is one of the most popular destinations in Utah. The park offers a variety of activities for visitors, including hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife watching.
The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including bison, elk, deer, and moose. Visitors can also see a variety of birds, including eagles and ospreys.
Grand Teton National Park is located in the northwest corner of Utah, just south of Yellowstone National Park. The park is open all year round and offers a variety of lodging options, including hotels, motels, and campgrounds.
Yellowstone National Park
Just a short drive from Salt Lake City, Yellowstone National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Utah. The park is home to geothermal features like hot springs and geysers, as well as waterfalls, canyons, and hiking trails. Old Faithful, one of the most famous geysers in the world, is located in Yellowstone.
Conclusion
There are so many great cities to visit in Utah, and this list only scratches the surface. Whether you're looking for a place to enjoy outdoor activities, take in some history, or just relax and recharge, there's sure to be a city on this list that's perfect for you. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your next trip to Utah today!