Utah is a land of extremes—soaring sandstone arches, snow-capped mountains, surreal desert valleys, and alpine lakes that feel like hidden treasure. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or simply in search of beauty that stirs the soul, the Beehive State delivers in spades.
Here are 15 jaw-dropping places in Utah that you won’t believe are all in one state.
1. Zion National Park
Where: Southwestern Utah
Why It’s Beautiful: Towering red rock cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and lush valleys define this iconic park.
What to Do: Hike the legendary Angels Landing (not for the faint of heart), explore The Narrows by wading through the Virgin River, or enjoy the views from the scenic Zion Canyon Drive.
2. Bryce Canyon National Park
Where: South-central Utah
Why It’s Beautiful: Otherworldly “hoodoos”—those spire-shaped rock formations—light up in fiery oranges and pinks at sunrise and sunset.
What to Do: Hike the Navajo Loop Trail, drive the Bryce Amphitheater scenic route, or stargaze—this is a certified Dark Sky Park.
3. Arches National Park
Where: Near Moab, Eastern Utah
Why It’s Beautiful: Over 2,000 natural sandstone arches dot the landscape, carved by millennia of wind and rain.
What to Do: Visit Delicate Arch at sunset, hike to Landscape Arch, and drive the 18-mile scenic loop for photo ops galore.
4. Canyonlands National Park
Where: Just southwest of Moab
Why It’s Beautiful: Often overshadowed by nearby Arches, Canyonlands offers sweeping canyon vistas, towering mesas, and deep river gorges that rival the Grand Canyon.
What to Do: Explore Island in the Sky for panoramic views, drive the White Rim Road (permit required), or kayak the Green or Colorado River.
5. Monument Valley
Where: Southeastern Utah, on the Arizona border
Why It’s Beautiful: This sacred Navajo land features iconic red sandstone buttes that rise from a flat desert floor—instantly recognizable from countless Western films.
What to Do: Take a Navajo-guided tour, drive the 17-mile Valley Loop, or catch sunrise from John Ford Point.
6. Lake Powell and Glen Canyon
Where: Southern Utah, near the Arizona border
Why It’s Beautiful: Deep blue water winds through towering red sandstone walls, creating a striking desert oasis.
What to Do: Rent a houseboat, kayak to Antelope Canyon, or hike to the Rainbow Bridge National Monument.
7. Capitol Reef National Park
Where: Central Utah
Why It’s Beautiful: This hidden gem boasts colorful canyons, domes, and cliffs along the Waterpocket Fold—a 100-mile wrinkle in the Earth’s crust.
What to Do: Drive the Scenic Byway 24, pick fruit in the historic Fruita orchards, or hike to Hickman Bridge.
8. Bonneville Salt Flats
Where: Western Utah, near Wendover
Why It’s Beautiful: Miles of flat, white salt crust stretch to the horizon, creating an ethereal, mirror-like landscape.
What to Do: Take surreal photos at sunrise or sunset, watch land-speed races (seasonal), or walk the flats during dry conditions.
9. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
Where: South-central Utah
Why It’s Beautiful: A vast, rugged expanse of slot canyons, natural arches, waterfalls, and colorful rock layers spanning millions of years of geologic history.
What to Do: Hike to Lower Calf Creek Falls, explore Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Gulch slot canyons, or take the scenic Burr Trail.
10. Snow Canyon State Park
Where: Near St. George in southwestern Utah
Why It’s Beautiful: A lesser-known treasure filled with lava flows, red rock cliffs, and sand dunes—like a mini Zion without the crowds.
What to Do: Try the Petrified Dunes Trail, go rock climbing, or bike the scenic loop through the park.
11. Mirror Lake Scenic Byway
Where: Northeastern Utah, Uinta Mountains
Why It’s Beautiful: This high-elevation drive offers alpine lakes, pine forests, and views that feel like Switzerland more than the Southwest.
What to Do: Stop for a picnic at Mirror Lake, hike Bald Mountain, or fish for trout in the crystal-clear lakes.
12. Dead Horse Point State Park
Where: Near Moab
Why It’s Beautiful: With jaw-dropping views over the Colorado River, it’s often compared to the Grand Canyon—just more compact and accessible.
What to Do: Hike the Rim Trail, enjoy a sunset over the overlook, or mountain bike the Intrepid Trail System.
13. Goblin Valley State Park
Where: Southeastern Utah
Why It’s Beautiful: Wind and water have carved thousands of strange, mushroom-like formations (the “goblins”) into a surreal desert playground.
What to Do: Wander freely among the goblins, camp under the stars, or hike the Carmel Canyon loop.
14. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
Where: Southern Utah, near Kanab
Why It’s Beautiful: Vibrant pink-orange dunes contrast beautifully with blue skies and red cliffs. The sands shift daily with the wind, creating a constantly changing landscape.
What to Do: Rent a sandboard or sled, drive an ATV, or hike among the rolling dunes.
15. Alpine Loop Scenic Byway
Where: Northern Utah, between American Fork and Provo Canyon
Why It’s Beautiful: This mountainous route winds through aspen forests, wildflower meadows, and towering peaks—especially stunning in autumn.
What to Do: Visit Timpanogos Cave, hike to Stewart Falls, or take a fall foliage drive for incredible colors.
Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.