When you think of the must-visit destinations in Utah, typically the national parks are at the top of the list. And while these parks are certainly bucket list worthy, there are so many other destinations that many Utahns tend to overlook. Here are just 11 destinations in Utah that always deserve a visit.
- Calf Creek Falls, Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
Doug Meek/Corbis Documentary Via Getty Images Calf Creek Falls is one of the best waterfall hikes in Utah and definitely worthy of a visit. The hike to the waterfall is nearly three miles one way and can be a bit challenging due to sandy areas, but the waterfall at the end is worth every step. During the summer, make sure to bring a swimsuit and spend some time in the natural pool at the bottom of the falls — it’s refreshing and beautiful! Lower Calf Creek Falls, Utah 84716, USA
- Alpine Scenic Loop
Dan Pearce/Flickr The Alpine Scenic Loop is one of the best scenic drives in Utah. This drive takes you from the mouth of American Fork Canyon to the end of Provo Canyon. There are many attractions along the drive including Sundance Resort and Bridal Veil Falls. And while the summer is a beautiful time to take this drive, we highly recommend exploring during the fall. The fall foliage along this road is breathtaking! Alpine Loop Scenic Byway, Utah, USA
- Timpanogos Cave National Monument
Aaron Hawkins/iStock / Getty Images Plus Timpanogos Cave National Monument may be one of the most well-known caves in Utah, but it is also overlooked when Utahns are searching for a day trip destination. The hike to the cave is less than two miles, but it is difficult. However, the reward is certainly worth the effort and is an adventure you likely won’t forget. Timpanogos Cave National Monument, 2038 Alpine Loop Rd, American Fork, UT 84003, USA
- Parowan Gap, Parowan
Jim Culp/Flickr The Parowan Gap is where both history and geology combine to create the ultimate destination. Here, you will not only find an incredible natural gap but all types of remarkable petroglyphs. This is one hidden gem that many Utahns don’t even know exists. Parowan Gap, Utah 84761, USA
- Dead Horse Point Overlook, Dead Horse Point State Park
Dean_Fikar/iStock / Getty Images Plus Did you know one of the most photographed overlooks is located in Utah? It’s true! Dead Horse Point Overlook, at Dead Horse Point State Park, is absolutely stunning. On a clear day, you can see the buttes and mesas in the distance, as well as the Colorado River, which sits 2,000 feet below you. Dead Horse Point, Utah 84532, USA
- George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park, Ogden
Ogden’s George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park/Facebook Here in Utah, we love our dinosaurs and one of the best dinosaur attractions in Utah is the George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park in Ogden. This incredible attraction features more than 100 dinosaur sculptures, including some that have built-in sound effects and actually move. Some of the sculptures are so big that you can even walk underneath them — it’s one park you aren’t likely to forget! Ogden’s George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park, 1544 Park Blvd, Ogden, UT 84401, USA
- Fantasy Canyon, Near Vernal
EdwardSnow/iStock / Getty Images Plus Fantasy Canyon is truly a hidden gem in Utah. This unique canyon is only 10 acres but features the most unique and other-worldly rock formations. You can take the short trail through the canyon to see many of these unique features. Just make sure to let your imagination run wild as you hike — the formations can look like the most bizarre shapes and you never know what you may see. Fantasy Canyon, Utah 84078, USA
- Golden Spike National Historical Park, Promontory Point
National Park Service/Flickr Did you know that Utah is where the first Transcontinental Railroad was completed? Promontory Point is where this great achievement occurred, and today, it is where you can learn all about this remarkable feat, what it meant for Utah, and more. This historical park in Utah includes driving tours, a hiking tour, and more. Promontory Point, UT 84307, USA
- Antelope Island State Park
Shelly Linford/Google Antelope Island is not only one of Utah’s largest state parks, but it is also one filled with many things to do. During a visit here, you can stop into the visitor center, go for a hike, ride a bike, and observe the free-ranging bison and other wildlife. Antelope Island State Park is also an International Dark Sky Park, perfect for stargazing. Antelope Island State Park, Utah, USA
- Hill Aerospace Museum, Hill Air Force Base
Hill Aerospace Museum/Google Hill Aerospace Museum is located on Hill Air Force Base and is a must-visit museum in Utah. This museum teaches you all about airplanes, the history of flight, military aircraft, and more. Even better, admission to this museum is free, making it the perfect family outing. Hill Aerospace Museum, 7961 Cottonwood St Building 1955, Hill AFB, UT 84056, USA
- Red Reef Trail, Near St. George
Xiaomei Ning/AllTrails The Red Reef Trail is an easy hike near St. George that takes you through red rocks and a desert landscape and leads you to a beautiful waterfall. Once you reach the falls, you will see Moki steps and a rope, allowing you to climb on top of the falls and explore the surrounding area. Red Reef Trailhead, Hurricane, UT 84737, USA
What do you think of these 11 must-visit destinations in Utah? Are there any others you would add to this list? Let us know in the comments.
Doug Meek/Corbis Documentary Via Getty Images
Calf Creek Falls is one of the best waterfall hikes in Utah and definitely worthy of a visit. The hike to the waterfall is nearly three miles one way and can be a bit challenging due to sandy areas, but the waterfall at the end is worth every step. During the summer, make sure to bring a swimsuit and spend some time in the natural pool at the bottom of the falls — it’s refreshing and beautiful!
Lower Calf Creek Falls, Utah 84716, USA
Dan Pearce/Flickr
The Alpine Scenic Loop is one of the best scenic drives in Utah. This drive takes you from the mouth of American Fork Canyon to the end of Provo Canyon. There are many attractions along the drive including Sundance Resort and Bridal Veil Falls. And while the summer is a beautiful time to take this drive, we highly recommend exploring during the fall. The fall foliage along this road is breathtaking!
Alpine Loop Scenic Byway, Utah, USA
Aaron Hawkins/iStock / Getty Images Plus
Timpanogos Cave National Monument may be one of the most well-known caves in Utah, but it is also overlooked when Utahns are searching for a day trip destination. The hike to the cave is less than two miles, but it is difficult. However, the reward is certainly worth the effort and is an adventure you likely won’t forget.
Timpanogos Cave National Monument, 2038 Alpine Loop Rd, American Fork, UT 84003, USA
Jim Culp/Flickr
The Parowan Gap is where both history and geology combine to create the ultimate destination. Here, you will not only find an incredible natural gap but all types of remarkable petroglyphs. This is one hidden gem that many Utahns don’t even know exists.
Parowan Gap, Utah 84761, USA
Dean_Fikar/iStock / Getty Images Plus
Did you know one of the most photographed overlooks is located in Utah? It’s true! Dead Horse Point Overlook, at Dead Horse Point State Park, is absolutely stunning. On a clear day, you can see the buttes and mesas in the distance, as well as the Colorado River, which sits 2,000 feet below you.
Dead Horse Point, Utah 84532, USA
Ogden’s George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park/Facebook
Here in Utah, we love our dinosaurs and one of the best dinosaur attractions in Utah is the George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park in Ogden. This incredible attraction features more than 100 dinosaur sculptures, including some that have built-in sound effects and actually move. Some of the sculptures are so big that you can even walk underneath them — it’s one park you aren’t likely to forget!
Ogden’s George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park, 1544 Park Blvd, Ogden, UT 84401, USA
EdwardSnow/iStock / Getty Images Plus
Fantasy Canyon is truly a hidden gem in Utah. This unique canyon is only 10 acres but features the most unique and other-worldly rock formations. You can take the short trail through the canyon to see many of these unique features. Just make sure to let your imagination run wild as you hike — the formations can look like the most bizarre shapes and you never know what you may see.
Fantasy Canyon, Utah 84078, USA
National Park Service/Flickr
Did you know that Utah is where the first Transcontinental Railroad was completed? Promontory Point is where this great achievement occurred, and today, it is where you can learn all about this remarkable feat, what it meant for Utah, and more. This historical park in Utah includes driving tours, a hiking tour, and more.
Promontory Point, UT 84307, USA
Shelly Linford/Google
Antelope Island is not only one of Utah’s largest state parks, but it is also one filled with many things to do. During a visit here, you can stop into the visitor center, go for a hike, ride a bike, and observe the free-ranging bison and other wildlife. Antelope Island State Park is also an International Dark Sky Park, perfect for stargazing.
Antelope Island State Park, Utah, USA
Hill Aerospace Museum/Google
Hill Aerospace Museum is located on Hill Air Force Base and is a must-visit museum in Utah. This museum teaches you all about airplanes, the history of flight, military aircraft, and more. Even better, admission to this museum is free, making it the perfect family outing.
Hill Aerospace Museum, 7961 Cottonwood St Building 1955, Hill AFB, UT 84056, USA
Xiaomei Ning/AllTrails
The Red Reef Trail is an easy hike near St. George that takes you through red rocks and a desert landscape and leads you to a beautiful waterfall. Once you reach the falls, you will see Moki steps and a rope, allowing you to climb on top of the falls and explore the surrounding area.
Red Reef Trailhead, Hurricane, UT 84737, USA
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