From scenic drives to national parks, Utah offers terrific experiences that should be on every traveler’s list. Here are Fodor’s top picks for a memorable trip.
1
WINTER SPORTS
Courtesy of Deer Valley ResortThe “greatest snow on Earth,” plentiful sunshine, and beautiful panoramas make Utah a fabulous winter playground. Deer Valley Resort in Park City draws crowds with its groomed ski trails for families as well as experts.Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Park City and the Southern Wasatch Travel Guide
2
SCENIC DRIVES
Courtesy of Utah Office of TourismMirror Lake Scenic Byway through the Uinta Mountains is one of the state’s unforgettable drives. Highway 12 is another stunner.Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Utah Travel Guide
3
BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK
Maridav / ShutterstockDrive the main park road for breathtaking views into the canyon. For a closer look, accessible hikes take you into the amphitheater to see limestone spires, called hoodoos.Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Bryce Canyon National Park Travel GuidevDrive the main park road for breathtaking views into the canyon. For a closer look, accessible hikes take you into the amphitheater to see limestone spires, called hoodoos.Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Bryce Canyon National Park Travel Guide
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4
SUNDANCE
Courtesy of Utah Office of Tourism; Photo by Steve GreenwoodA ski resort and year-round artistic retreat, Sundance is best known for the annual independent film festival founded by Robert Redford and based in nearby Park City.Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Park City and the Southern Wasatch Travel Guide
5
DINOSAUR TRACKING
Courtesy of Utah Office of Tourism; Photo by Matt MorganUtah is a treasure chest of dinosaur remains. See tantalizing footprints at several museums, including the Natural History Museum of Utah in Salt Lake City.Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Utah Travel Guide
6
DELICATE ARCH
Johnnya123 | Dreamstime.comRecognize this arch? Utah’s calling card is this well-known rock formation in Arches National Park. Get up close on a moderate three-mile hike and marvel at its scale.Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Arches National Park Travel Guide
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7
WATER SPORTS
Courtesy of Utah Office of TourismSkiing grabs the headlines, but fly fishing, boating, and river rafting, especially on the mighty Colorado River, make this a year-round destination.Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Utah Travel Guide
8
SALT LAKE CITY
Andrew Zarivny / ShutterstockAt the foot of the Wasatch Mountains, Utah’s capital has a stunning setting, Mormon culture, cosmopolitan dining, and easy access to outdoor activities.Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Salt Lake City Travel Guide
9
ZION NATIONAL PARK
Courtesy of Utah Office of TourismAngels Landing Trail, with its exhilarating overlooks, and the Narrows Trail, set in a river between dramatic 2,000-foot cliffs, make Zion one of America’s top parks.Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Zion National Park Travel Guide
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10
MOAB
Downtown Moab, Utah by Ken Lund CC BY-SA 2.0This countercultural frontier town is a hub of artsy activity and a great base for Arches National Park. It’s a must for biking, rock-climbing, and rafting as well.Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Moab and Southeastern Utah Travel Guide
11
GREAT SALT LAKE
Antelope Island, Utah by Edgar Zuniga Jr. CC BY-ND 2.0The best place to explore one of the earth’s saltiest locales is Antelope Island, home to scores of bison and a pit stop for migrating birds.Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Salt Lake City Travel Guide
12
TWO-WHEELED FUN
Mtn Bikers on the Slickrock Trail by Delta Whiskey CC BY-ND 2.0Mountain-bike trails, such as the world-famous Slickrock Trail near Moab and the White Rim Trail, are unparalleled.Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Utah Travel Guide
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