Resorts to Red Rock: Utah Relaxation
Mix the wild desert with a contemplative retreat for the ultimate getaway adventure
Utah is a magical place for adventure and relaxation alike. From world-class spas high up in the mountains to meditative adventures through red rock hoodoos, you’ll find solace and reprieve in the diverse landscape that only Utah can offer. You don’t have to choose between your craving for rest and relaxation and your need to enjoy outdoor excursions. Spend a week mixing the wild desert with the contemplative retreat for the ultimate getaway adventure.
You’ll start off your rejuvenation week in Park City, where many people go for classy spa experiences, then enjoy an evening of hot springs soaking. The next day is filled with inspiration and relaxation in Sundance. Fulfill your inner artist or participate in a wellness class and soak up the mountain at the decadent Sundance spa.
Next, head off for an adventure in the San Rafael Swell. Find your inner explorer in the Goblin Valley hoodoos and unwind at a local beach. On the fourth day, see the incredible beauty of Moab from the back of a horse or up in a hot air balloon. Finish off the day at a spa for a gentle, relaxing end to the adventurous day.
The next day, head to Bluff for a river rafting adventure on the Green River. Then head back out for a sunset tour of the stunning Valley of the Gods. On your sixth day, see the infamous Bears Ears National Monument, then unwind at a local Navajo-inspired spa. (Watch: The Voices of Bears Ears).
The final day of the trip you’ll spend exploring even more on your drive back up north. Enjoy stunning Utah outdoor views, then wrap up your trip with a spa experience to make you glow.
Itinerary designed by Cedar City local: Sarah Braun
Park City to Heber Valley
30 Miles
You might know Park City for its world-class skiing, but in the warmer months, it’s also an incredible place to enjoy a relaxing vacation. Kick off your wellness vacation with a decadent morning at one of the award-winning spas in Park City. Try out the five-star amenities at the Stein Erikson Lodge or go deep with a Traditional Chinese acupressure massage at Oasis Massage.
In the afternoon, move your body and soul with a meditative walk around the Swaner Preserve and Ecocenter nature trails. Follow it up with a lunch crafted from the best in local, seasonal produce at Five5eeds.
After lunch, head over to Heber Valley to check out the unique geothermal hot springs hidden inside a dome at Homestead Crater. Lounge in the mineral-rich waters that are a blissful 90-96 degrees all year. Or choose scuba diving, SUP board yoga or a tour of the crater.
Where to Stay: Park City or Heber Valley
Sundance to Provo
15 Miles
- Art and Wellness at Sundance
- Spa Rejuvenation at Sundance
- Farm-to-table or Cultural Cuisine in Provo
As a place known for its celebrity-status pampering, you’ll be grateful you stopped at Sundance Mountain Resort. Feed your inner artist by taking a pottery, jewelry, soap making, or printmaking class at the art studio. Or you choose from one of the resort's wellness experiences and take a meditation, yoga or herbal walk class.
Hot stone massages, herbal exfoliation, oxygen therapy facials, and organic manicures and pedicures are also awaiting your arrival at the resort's luxurious The Spa. Spend the afternoon being pampered and come out renewed.
In the evening, enjoy a leisure dinner at one of Provo's eclectic, farm-to-table restaurants. Choose from New American flavors, Native American-inspired plates, a variety of Asian-inspired cuisines, or a sweet ice cream treat made with dairy from local farms.
Where to Stay: Provo
Green River/Moab
85 Miles
Often passed by road-trippers headed straight for Moab, the Green River area is a beautiful place to explore. Start off this more rugged day on a hiking or mountain biking trail at San Rafael Swell. Explore the surreal rock formations while enjoying the quiet and crowd-free trails.
In the afternoon, explore the hoodoos, mushrooms and goblins at Goblin Valley State Park. If you stick around until early evening, you'll catch the glow of the red rocks at sunset. And if you need a cooldown, visit Swasey’s Beach for some waterfront views.
For dinner, enjoy one of Green River's local restaurants: Ray’s Tavern, Tamarisk Restaurant, or the Green River Coffee Company. If you’re there during harvest season, be sure to pick up a Green River watermelon — they’re delicious!
Where to Stay: Green River or Moab
Green River/Moab, Take-Two
20 Miles
Moab is one of those towns you don’t forget easily. A resort town located in the middle of nowhere, it’s surrounded by astounding rock formations and two national parks. Home to desert adventurers, it offers an abundance of tourist activities to keep you busy for days.
Head out early to beat the heat, starting with a different kind of Moab adventure. Choose from a guided horseback riding adventure or see the breathtaking canyons from a hot air balloon. You’ll get a view of the Moab area that most people don’t get to see!
At lunchtime, enjoy Utah’s first food co-op, Moonflower Community Cooperative, for a distinctly “crunchy” foodie vibe and delicious snacks to go. If you’re in the mood to sit and eat, pop by the Eklecticafe for unique cuisine with a regional food flare.
If you need a little pampering after your rugged adventures, choose from two decadent spas in Moab for massage, bodywork and skin treatments: Spa Moab or Sorrel River Ranch Spa.
Where to Stay: Moab
Rock and Rivers in Bluff
24 Miles
Bluff is a remote town with a big history and lots to see. You’ll want to take the time to explore the area even though it’s off the beaten path.
Spend the day exploring the region by either hiking or river rafting, depending on your preferences. Choose to take an easy hike out to the River House Ruin, an ancient Puebloan village ruin site. If you’re searching for a more adrenalized day, enjoy a guided river rafting excursion on the San Juan River.
Unwind from your active morning at a low-key cafe with regional flavor: Comb Ridge Eat + Drink. Peruse the art and crafts for sale in the restaurant and take something home to support the local artists.
If you’re looking for a site that will take your breath away, look no further than the Valley of the Gods. Adventure out there to watch the sun descend behind the glowing rocks or hire a tour guide to eliminate possible stressors.
Where to Stay: Bluff
Bears Ears and Bluff
59 Miles
Explore even more of Bluff’s natural surroundings and prehistoric ruins with a day packed with local adventures.
If you’ve wanted to see Bears Ears National Monument, this is your chance. Explore the vast ruins, petroglyphs and pictographs left by ancient Native Americans hundreds to thousands of years ago. For the most relaxing and informative experience of Bears Ears, consider a guided tour.
Recharge at the western-themed Twin Rocks Cafe for lunch or dinner. Then wander over to the sister business Twin Rocks Trading Post to view local Native American and western Americana arts and crafts.
After all the sand and sun, an afternoon at the spa will be a welcomed experience. Spend the afternoon feeling nurtured with desert and Navajo-inspired massage, skin and bodywork treatments at the HozHo Spa. You’ll finish out the day feeling euphoric.
Where to Stay: Bluff or Moab
Scenic Route Home
440 Miles
There are so many amazing sites along the route home, so save time for a few more stops on your way back to the Salt Lake City area.
Helper is a small town with a unique story. The past few years, locals and newcomers have worked on revitalizing this town and it’s evident. Stop by Happiness Within for delicious coffee and a bite to eat, then meander around the historic downtown, enjoying the many art galleries, restored historic buildings and small-town charm.
Take a break from the drive home to be inspired by a car tour of Nine Mile Canyon. Breathtaking panels created by ancient Native Americans line the canyon walls offering a detour to remember. Or relax in Price Canyon Recreation Area with a picnic, enjoying the cooler temps of the higher elevation.
End the day in Salt Lake City with a relaxing massage and full spa experience at the Grand America’s Grand Spa. With over 20,000 square feet of spa space and a four-star hotel rating, you’ll find just the relaxation experience to polish off your trip.
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