There’s something majestic about Utah’s otherworldly, rugged landscape. With more national parks, state parks, national monuments and natural wonders than you can explore in one trip, Utah keeps active travelers coming back for more.
Adventure-loving families already know Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands National Park and Monument Valley should be on your list, but these additional can’t-miss locales will be reason enough to plan two trips.
See the 72-mile-long Great Salt Lake on a warm-weather trip to Utah. On the south end of the lake, visitors find a local park and beach space to lounge between dips in the water. Perfect for a refreshing dip with the kids after a long hike or just a unique way to soak in the Utah summer sun. Like the Dead Sea, Great Salt Lake’s high-salt content allows swimmers to bob at the surface, so just relax and float with the family.
Bison on Antelope Island State Park. Photo: Martin Knaack | Dreamstime.com
While in the area, head to Antelope Island State Park for hiking, beaching and incredible photo ops. More of a peninsula jutting out into Great Salt Lake, this stop is an easy way to check two destinations off your list. Just pack a day pack for your hike, including water, snacks and other essentials you might need — this locale offers more adventure pursuits than a few hours can allow.
For that star-filled night sky and otherworldly landscape your family has been dreaming of, Moab is the gateway to Arches National Park and a total must-visit. The geological wonder boasts Canyonlands National Park, Native American rock art, archeological finds at Bull Canyon Overlook and Copper Ridge and even more in the city.
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
Climb Grand Staircase cliffs and terraces, make your way to the Kaiparowits Plateau and shimmy through slot canyons. Visit the Escalante River Canyons filled with natural bridges, arches and monoliths. There’s even a quaint town nearby with Wild West-esque restaurants, general stores and attractions — just make sure you going during high season (spring and summer) as this village becomes a ghost town later in the year.
Small Waterfall in Coyote Gulch, Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, Utah. Photo: Kwiktor | Dreamstime.com
Once home to dinosaurs and prehistoric dwellers, Dinosaur National Monument is an incredible site for all ages. Check out dinosaur remains still embedded in the rocks and hike along stunning lakes, mountainsides and truly breathtaking terrain.
There is so much more to do in Utah, we would be here all day just talking about it. Plan for multiple trips and don’t try to do it all in one — there is just so much to see and do. Take it all in while you can and know your family can come back for the rest.
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