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National Historic Trails
Four National Historic Trails pass through Utah, recognizing routes of travel that are of national historic significance. Utah's trails touch on past routes of exploration, migration and military action. Explore three of these trails with free NPS audio tour. Additional backcountry routes follow routes lost to time, such as the Transcontinental Railroad Backcountry Byway. When traveling in the backcountry, always travel prepared and stay on designated routes.
National Historic Trails in Utah
Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail
1,300 miles
Experience the final stretch of the route 70,000 Mormons traveled from 1846 to 1869 to escape religious persecution. It's about 75 miles from the Wyoming border to Salt Lake City, but there are dozens of historical sites along the last leg of the famous route. Get a taste of the journey on a 4.5-mile hike in Little Emigration Canyon near East Canyon State Park (Read: A Family Bike Tour of Salt Lake’s East Canyon) from Mormon Flat to Big Mountain then learn more at This Is the Place Heritage Park and The Museum of Church History and Art in Salt Lake City. Learn more
California National Historic Trail
5,600 miles
Follow in the footsteps of over 250,000 emigrants who traveled to the gold fields and rich farmlands of California during the 1840s and 1850s — the greatest mass migration in American history. Learn more
Old Spanish National Historic Trail
2,700 miles
Follow the routes of mule pack trains across the Southwest on the Old Spanish National Historic Trail. Explore areas where the routes passed near Moab and its neighboring national parks (Arches and Canyonlands), through the central part of Utah, the oasis of the Fishlake Cutoff and southwest Utah near Cedar City, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, St. George and Zion National Park. Visitor centers throughout the region may have NPS passport stamps for trail enthusiasts. Learn more
Pony Express National Historic Trail
2,000 miles
Young men once rode horses to carry mail from Missouri to California in the unprecedented time of only 10 days. The toughest and most dangerous stretch passed through Utah's West Desert. Today, it makes an unforgettable road trip. See: West Desert Ramble & The Pony Express itinerary
Discover More
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10 Top Stops Along the National Pioneer Mormon Heritage Area
Written By Matcha
5 minute read
Here are 10 of the best stops along Utah's Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area’s backroads and byways. Explore rich Mormon historic sites, awe-inspiring canyons and mountains and unforgettable outdoor adventures.
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11 More Utah Winter Experiences Outside the Ski Resorts
Written By Matador
6 minute read
No matter your level of adventure, you will find good reason to save some time for a day away from the resort.
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5 Expert Tips to Prepare for Your Utah National Parks Adventure
Written By Visit Utah
3 minute read
If you’re planning to visit Utah national parks for a hike, learn important tips to maximize your experience and keep you and your family safe.
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Bryce Wildlife Adventure Museum
Explore wildlife near Bryce Canyon at the Bryce Wildlife Adventure Museum.
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Chasing Old West Outlaws on the Cassidy Trail
Written By Matcha
4 minute read
The Cassidy Trail wasn’t just the filming location for an iconic Western movie, it’s steeped in history. Once you find this hidden trailhead, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking scenery and Wild West legend.
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Desert Shutter Speed
Written By Jeremy Pugh
10 minute read
After lunch isn't the prime time to head to the desert. Come early or late, and Utah's deserts will reward you with their isolated landscapes, sunrises and sunsets, and stargazing opportunities.
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Dog-Friendly Utah: The Road to Mighty
Written By Visit Utah
7 minute read
Want to bring your furry friend on your next vacation? Utah is home to several great dog-friendly national parks and other fun destinations. Check it out and plan your trip!
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Endless Utah Ski Options for Families: Four Itineraries to Get You Started
Written By Jill Robinson
Here are some pointers for planning your Utah family ski vacation, including where to make homebase and why.
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Ice and rock, snow and splendor: Winter in Southern Utah
Written By Jeremy Pugh
7 minute read
Come along on a five-day expedition to see Southern Utah’s wintry face, explore national parks, ski its mountains and find ways to play in the snow.
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Make Your Next Trip A Volunteer Vacation
Written By Megan Michelson
5 minute read
At the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, you can enjoy a getaway to stunning southern Utah while also making a difference in the lives of rescued animals.
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Max Out Your Multi-Pass
Written By Paula Colman
With so many ski and snowboard resorts easily accessible in and around Utah, using the state as your gateway can maximize the value of any multi-pass. Here's some tips on how to make your ski vacation more flexible, fun and affordable than ever before!
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Ofland Escalante
Airstreams, cabins and RV sites on the grounds of an old drive-in movie theater near Bryce Canyon and Escalante.
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Paradise and Slickrock
Written By Stephen Trimble
Utah's national parks seen through a lifelong relationship with Capitol Reef
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Ski into Summer: Mountain Resorts in Transition
Written By Jill Robinson
From spring skiing to golfing and fly fishing, here are tips and things to do to make the most of spring in Utah.
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The All-American Road: Scenic Byway 12
Written By Visit Utah
4 minute read
This is 122.863 miles (to be exact) of pure driving bliss. Welcome to Utah’s Scenic Byway 12, a designated All-American Road.
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The Complete Winter Camping Packing List for Staying Warm in Southern Utah
Written By Jeremy Pugh
For most travelers, Southern Utah winters prevent comfortable camping, and occasional snowfall can make outdoor adventure a little more challenging. With a little extra planning, good layers, and the right equipment, however, you can enjoy Utah's national parks in the solitude of winter.
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The Cool Old Hotels, Rich History and Eclectic Shopping of Historic Panguitch
Written By Matcha
4 minute read
Explore Panguitch, the gateway to Scenic Byway 12 and Bryce Canyon National Park.
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Top 10 Family-Friendly Hikes in Utah National Parks
With so many destinations, and so many trails, it can be difficult to decide where to begin in Utah's Mighty 5® national parks. Here are 10 family-friendly hikes, two per national park, you cannot miss.
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Traveling with Dogs: The Mighty 5 National Parks
Written By Visit Utah
At all of The Mighty 5® national parks, activities with pets are extremely limited, and every time your dog is out of your vehicle, it must be restrained in a crate, cage, or on a leash (of no more than 6 feet).
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Tropic, Utah: Bryce Canyon Coffee Company and The Stone Hearth Grille
Get an introduction to the best-known restaurants in Tropic, Utah — The Stone Hearth Grille and Bryce Canyon Coffee Company. Prepare your appetite!
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Utah’s Unexpected Pit Stops
Written By Melissa McGibbon
5 minute read
You’re doing it wrong if you think road trip pit stops are boring layovers on your way to more exciting destinations. How many of these hidden gems have you been to? Here are 11 mini-adventures to check off your list next time you’re road-tripping through Utah.
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Why You Should Ditch I-15 on Your Way to Zion
Written By Melissa McGibbon
6 minute read
If you’re not in a rush to get to Zion National Park from Northern Utah, consider taking a long, meandering route that features historic sites, adventure breaks and out-of-this-world scenery. Hop off I-15 and take Highway 89 and four nearby scenic byways to see and do as much as you possibly can on your way to Zion.
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Winter in the Bryce Canyon Area: Hiking, Cross-Country Skiing and Snowmobiling
Written By Jeremy Pugh
4 minute read
Learn more about why Bryce Canyon and the surrounding areas are the perfect place for winter hiking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
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Winter Road Trip: Where to Stay, Hike and Eat When Traveling from Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon
Written By Jeremy Pugh
Need winter break ideas? Take a road trip from Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon and enjoy the best of Utah landscapes during its quiet season.
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Winter Wonders in Greater Zion
Written By Matcha
As you’re mapping out your winter trip through southeastern Utah, consider adding the following parks and natural wonders to your itinerary.

3 Days
West Desert Ramble & The Pony Express
This itinerary is a three-day adventure along the Pony Express National Historic Trail in Utah's West Desert. Visit Simpson Springs, Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge, Gold Hill and more.
Adventure, Film Tourism, History and Heritage, Solitude, Wildlife, Ghost Towns
Highlights
- Camp Floyd State Park Museum
- Fish Springs Wildlife Refuge
- Pony Express National Historic Trail
- Historic Wendover Airfield