Utah is known for its 5 national parks, but there are a few other gems you should consider adding to your Utah road trip bucket list. Here’s our top 5 Utah road trip locations you should consider taking with your family before the summer ends.
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Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park
These two iconic parks are must-sees on a road trip to southern Utah. Separated by just a one hour and 22 minute drive, these two parks offer beautiful scenery and adventurous hikes. Bryce Canyon is known for its hoodoos and orange-colored rocks, while Zion National Park contains the famous Narrows and Angels Landing hikes.
2. Park City
Park City is known for the Sundance Film Festival and skiing, but is also a fun place to visit during the summer. During the summer you can still take ski lifts up the mountain to hike or mountain bike. After your adventures, you can go shopping on Main Street. You can also stop by the Utah Olympic Park and watch skiers and snowboarders practice going off the Nordic jump into a swimming pool. The Utah Olympic Park also offers zip lining for those searching for an adrenaline rush.
3. Arches and Canyonlands National Parks
If you’ve never visited Moab before, put it on your list. Both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks are only 30 minutes from each other, and both offer spectacular sights. Arches National Park has more than 2,000 arches to explore and hike to. Drive another 2 hours and 20 minutes from Arches National Park and visit Goblin Valley State Park, home to unusual and unique rock formations that you can climb on.
4. Lake Powell
One of the most popular places to go boating in Utah, Lake Powell attracts around 2 million visitors every year. Many people choose to go camping, climbing, rappelling, swimming, kayaking, waterskiing and more on the reservoir.
5. Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City is an exciting place to visit not only for city slickers, but also for those who want to be close to the 9 ski resorts all within an hour from the city. There are also 8 canyons located near Salt Lake City, perfect for a day hike. For those who want to stay near civilization, but also want a dose of nature, Salt Lake City is the ideal destination.
Sources:
https://www.visitparkcity.com/things-to-do/utah-olympic-park/
https://www.visitutah.com/things-to-do/road-trips/must-do/
https://www.myutahparks.com/road-trips/road-trip-itineraries
