Utah is full of varied landscapes and adventures. Whether you want to explore the culture and energy of a big city or escape to the unknown rugged backcountry, you can find it in this state. Come along as we explore the ten best cities to visit in Utah.
1. Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City is the capital of Utah and the largest city in the State. This is a great place to visit if you enjoy an exciting city pace.
There are so many fun things to do in Salt Lake City, but it’s really well-known for two particular things. The Great Salt Lake, after which the city is named, and as the headquarters of the LDS Church.
You can get a real snapshot of the landscape of the area with a trip to The Great Salt Lake. And a look into the culture with a tour through Temple Square, in downtown Salt Lake City.
Sports fans might enjoy a Utah Jazz NBA game or a professional soccer game rooting on the Real Salt Lake. And, of course, during the right season, world-class ski slopes are just a short drive away.
2. Park City
Located in the mountains, about 40 minutes outside of Salt Lake, Park City is a world-renowned resort town. With strikingly different activities available in the summer versus the winter, it’s a fun place to visit year-round.
During the winter months, world-class skiing is available at different resorts in the area. Visiting in the summer is just as fun, thanks to the thrilling Alpine Coaster and Alpine Slide!
Summer weather also allows for biking and hiking along McCleod Creek Trail or stand-up paddleboarding at Pebble Beach at Deer Valley.
Park City is also home to fascinating museums and a charming historic district. Not to mention the memorable food at Grub Steak Restaurant and so many other tasty eateries!
3. Moab
When it comes to things to do in Moab the list is long. There’s no better way to explore this rugged backcountry landscape than through the nearby national parks, Arches, and Canyonlands.
In Arches, take the hike to Delicate Arch. The domineering sandstone arches and desert scenery are stunning.
Rent a Jeep and take on White Rim Road and Shafer Trail in Canyonlands National Park for a thrilling adventure. You can also explore the park on a 4×4 tour if you don’t have access to a vehicle or lack backroad experience.
4. St. George
St. George is a city in the southwest corner of Utah, about four and a half hours from Salt Lake City. It’s known for its comfortable weather year-round, making it a great snowbird escape!
St. George is a treasure trove of some of Utah’s most beautiful state parks. Snow Canyon State Park is a great place for a hike through the sand dunes. And Sand Hollow State Park boasts the reddest beach you’ve ever seen!
5. Kanab
Deep in the beautiful red rocks, travelers will find Kanab, on the Utah/Arizona border. Like so much of Utah, this beautiful little town is an outdoorsman’s paradise. There are endless hiking and biking opportunities.
One of its most treasured attractions is Buckskin Gulch. It’s the longest and deepest slot canyon on planet Earth. Visitors can wander for miles, where the canyon is rarely wider than 20 ft.
Other highlights of this quaint town include the gorgeous Cottonwood Canyon Rd, stargazing at Coral Pink Sand Dunes, and the Moqui Cave Natural History Museum.
6. Springdale
Springdale is a small town most notable as being the entrance to Zion National Park. The park is a Utah highlight you can’t pass up. The highlights of Zion National Park include Angel’s Landing, The Narrows, Emerald Pools Trail, Zion Canyon Overlook Trail, and The Watchman.
7. Panguitch
Panguitch is a very small town that gets a lot of foot traffic thanks to its proximity to Bryce Canyon National Park. The park is less than 30 minutes from Panguitch, which makes this a very popular home base for visitors exploring the park.
Bryce Canyon National Park is relatively small when compared to other national parks. That said, it’s full of stunning sights and opportunities for adventure. Popular hikes here include Bryce Canyon Rim Trail, Bristlecone Loop, Queen’s Garden, and Bryce Canyon Navajo Loop. The impressive hoodoos alone make this park worth visiting.
8. Vernal
Vernal, just 20 miles west of the Colorado Border, is known as a gateway city to recreation in all forms. The area is home to a national recreation area as well as a national forest and many state parks.
Hiking and biking on trails throughout the area are very popular, as is fishing in the reservoirs. Rafting The Green River or checking out the Dinosaur National Monument are other amazing ways to enjoy some time in Vernal.
9. Logan
Logan is located in a high mountain valley and is most notably known as a small but buzzing college town. Home to Utah State University, this town is rich with outdoor activity opportunities. Whether you want to cycle or mountain bike, fish, or hike, there’s a beautiful land to be explored through Logan Canyon!
10. Provo
Provo is a beautiful college town, home to Brigham Young University. But it’s also one of the state’s fastest-growing cities. New residents are flocking to this picturesque spot located between Utah Lake and the Wasatch Front.
A hike to Mount Timpanogos summit or an afternoon rafting down the Provo River are some of the best ways to enjoy this striking and green environment.
A scenic drive through Provo Canyon offers the most memorable Utah views. The drive will eventually lead you to the beautiful Sundance Mountain Resort, known for both skiing and the famed film festival.
Thanks for exploring Utah with us! Here’s to great adventures throughout The Beehive State!
This post was produced and syndicated by A Dime Saved.
