Where to Go
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Southeastern Utah
Southeastern Utah is anchored by Arches and Canyonlands national parks, and the active tourism basecamps of Moab and Green River. Further south, explore the vast stretch of land known as Bears Ears country, including Native American communities and sites, such as Monument Valley and Hovenweep.
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Southwestern Utah
The majority of visitors to southwestern Utah focus their efforts on Zion and Bryce Canyon national parks. These parks anchor an entire region of national monuments, state parks and national forests.
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Utah's National Parks
Known as the Mighty 5, each national park can be an entire vacation all in itself. The best visits include a mix of activities inside and outside of the park, and guided experiences to bring the stories of these remarkable landscapes to the forefront.
"Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world."
– Gustave Flaubert
01
The Complete Arches Trip
Discover a new side of Arches National Park with this four day itinerary. Start exploring the hidden gems in the Arches region today.
Highlights
- Arches National Park
- Colorado River Rafting Trips
- Delicate Arch
- Dead Horse Point State Park
- Manti-La Sal National Forest
02
The Complete Zion Trip
Tucked into the southwest corner of Utah, Zion National Park is the centerpiece for a 6-day red-rock vacation that includes a little bit of everything that makes the state such a marvel to experience.
Highlights
- The Watchman Trail
- Grafton Ghost Town
- St. George and Snow Canyon State Park
- Brian Head to Dixie National Forest
- Slot Canyon Adventures Near Kanab
03
Trekking Along the Dinosaur Diamond Highway
Utah’s Dinosaur Diamond Highway is the perfect guide to experience ancient history, millions of years in the making.
Highlights
- Dinosaur National Monument
- Jurassic National Monument
- San Rafael Swell
- Dead Horse Point State Park
04
Red Rock & Dark Skies: Stargazing the National Parks
This road trip through southwest Utah takes you to four of Utah’s best places to see the Milky Way — Capitol Reef National Park, Kodachrome Basin State Park, Bryce Canyon National Park and Cedar Breaks National Monument.
Highlights
- Hell's Backbone Grill
- Bryce Canyon Lodge
- Ranger-led Star Programs
- Road Trip Southwest Utah
05
Rest, Relax and Rejuvenate in the Red Rocks
The breathtaking red rock landscape of southwestern Utah is a perfect getaway for those times when you need some deep rest and rejuvenation. Soak up the warming sun, meditate to the dark Milky Way skies, and nourish yourself at wellness stops along the way.
Highlights
- Rest and Relax in Utah's Red Rocks
- Yoga in Zion National Park
- Experience a World-Class Spa
- Enjoy a Unique Wellness Experience
More Inspiration
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24 Hours in Cedar City
A unique small town, Cedar City is a perfect place to stop on your journey to natural wonders such as Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park.
Cedar City
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A Van Lifer’s Guide to Responsible Travel in Southern Utah
When Utah’s dirt roads are calling you, it’s time to plan your van life road trip. Here’s what you need to know to travel safely, protect Utah’s rural communities, and help preserve sensitive desert landscapes.
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Alpine Fishing Above the Red Rock Landscapes of Southern Utah
Sitting just outside of Capitol Reef National Park, this 11,000-foot peak offers views of the surrounding red canyons and desert-like region. In contrast, Boulder Mountain is heavily forested and home to more than 80 lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. With an average rainfall multiple inches more than the lower regions, the area makes for some surprisingly good fishing.
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Ancient Pictographs, Petroglyphs and Timeless Mysteries
Exploring Horseshoe Canyon isn’t for everyone. First of all, the effort to get there is an adventure in itself, but those efforts make the reward — namely, the chance to see up close some of the most significant pictograph panels in North America — even more noteworthy.
Canyonlands National Park
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Angling Secrets: How and Where to Catch Fish on Lake Powell
Read expect advice on when and where in Lake Powell to get the prized fish you're chasing.
Lake Powell
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Artisan Cheese in Red Rock Country
Two decades ago, Randy Ramsley traded his Dockers-and-tie city job for a 50 acre plot of land that he called a “Garden of Weedin” and the dream of establishing a sustainable farmstead. Now travelers from all over the globe know the small market and counter-service restaurant at Mesa Farm as a refreshing “must-do” respite seemingly plunked in the middle of nowhere on Highway 24 east of Capitol Reef National Park.
Capitol Reef National Park
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Exploring Mule Canyon: House on Fire and Cave Tower
Driving the up the dusty, terracotta-colored road toward Mule Canyon in Cedar Mesa, you get a sense that this is a special place, though you might not be able to put a finger on why.
Bears Ears National Monument
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Fishing Fish Lake
The largest natural mountain lake in Utah, Fish Lake sits at more than 8,800 feet of elevation, which makes for pleasant weather all summer long. Located near Richfield, Utah, the lake has everything you need for a relaxing summer getaway.
Fishlake National Forest
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How to Camp on Utah’s BLM Lands
Read these insights and tips gathered from a novice’s first-ever camping trip on BLM and public lands to gain the confidence you need to recreate happily and respectfully on Utah’s public lands.
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How to Canyoneer Safely
Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned canyoneer, here are six expert tips for your next canyoneering adventure.
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How to Support Local On Your Utah Road Trip
Many small businesses in Utah rely on tourism for survival. These expert tips help road trippers make a real difference in communities by supporting local.
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Kanab's Western Legends Heritage and Music Festival
Kanab's Western Legends Heritage and Music Festival is filled with round-the-clock Western-themed entertainment — think: music, cowboys and history.
Kanab
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Kiva Koffeehouse
Kiva Koffeehouse is a welcome stop for fresh food and espresso tucked on a hillside down a dirt driveway near milepost 73 on the scenic byway.
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Meet the Fremonts: Unearthing an Ancient Civilization
Did you know that interstate highway construction created Fremont Indian State Park? Visit the park and Museum for a peek into Utah’s past, plus hiking and ATV trails.
Fishlake National Forest
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Mesa Farm Market
Best local shops and healthy eats near Moab and Capitol Reef. Try the goat cheese!
Capitol Reef National Park
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Movies Filmed in Utah: Plotting a Cinematic Drive-Through
Follow a Germany-based film enthusiast on an extended road trip to discover the rich history of Utah cinematography.
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Mystic Hot Springs and Music Festival
Explore on of the best hot springs in Utah, the Mystic Hot Springs in Monroe.
Fishlake National Forest
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Navajo: Fry Bread, Tacos, Pizza
Despite its troubling origins, Navajo fry bread is an inspired food of the nation’s people, and it can be found in many forms with various names around the southwest.
Monument Valley
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Painted Pony Restaurant
Located in Ancestor Square in the heart of St. George, Utah, the Painted Pony, affectionately known as “The Pony,” gets rave reviews by all, as evidenced by its 4.5-star Trip Advisor rating.
St. George
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Panguitch Lake's Literal "Big Fish"
People have been traveling to fish at Panguitch Lake for a long time. Legend has it this popular high mountain fishery in Southern Utah was named by the Paiute people who once frequented the area and it translates to mean “big fish.”
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Red Rock, Rock ’n’ Roll and Ribs
Planning a great weekend getaway? Utah’s Brian Head Resort is smokin’. Come play in the snow, party like a local, and chow down on Big John’s KC-style BBQ.
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Serenity Found in Torrey and Capitol Reef’s Cathedral Valley District
Taking Southern Utah’s remote, less-traveled path in Capitol Reef's Cathedral Valley District to nurture your body, mind and spirit.
Capitol Reef National Park
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The Art of Supporting Utah Artists
Here’s a look at six local artists whose work draws upon Utah’s diverse environments as inspiration.
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The World's First Dark Sky Park
On March 6, 2007, Natural Bridges National Monument became the first International Dark Sky Park certified by the International Dark-Sky Association. More than 100,000 people visit Natural Bridges each year to check out the stunning bridges and hike in cool canyons, but only a handful of them stay through the night to see the area’s most amazing and unique feature: dark skies and glistening, bright stars.
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Tips for Astrophotography
Need tips on how to take pictures of stars? Utah is the perfect location to put tips from an award-winning photographer into action.
Kodachrome Basin State Park
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Utah’s Unexpected Pit Stops
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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Walking The Line Between Risk and Responsibility
Why a Hawaii-based highliner and influencer hasn't returned to Utah — yet.
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Where to See Women's Art in Utah
There’s no shortage of art galleries in Salt Lake City and across Utah's Wasatch Front. Beyond the major metropolitan areas, there are also small artist communities across the state where artists seeking a slower pace have flocked for decades. Here are a few recommendations for where you can experience art in Utah.
