The 12 Very Best Places To Visit In Utah

Are you looking for the very best places to visit in Utah during a South West USA road trip? Then you’ve come to the right article!

Not only will I discuss the most incredible places that you can see in Utah’s Mighty 5 but I’ll also share some incredible hidden gems!

A lot of times Utah looks like an out-of-this-world place. One moment you’ll feel like you’ve landed on Mars and 2 hours later it looks like you’re staring into a crater on the moon.

The best way to explore Utah and to get to all of these places is to either rent a camper or RV or to rent a 4×4 rental car. I say 4×4 because for a couple of these places you’ll definitely need it as you’ll have to traverse gravel road with a lot of washboards and sand.

But trust me when I say, the toughest places to reach are the most worth it!

Now without further ado let’s go over all of the best and most beautiful places to visit in Utah.

The 12 Very Best Places To Visit In Utah

1. Zion National Park

Zion National Park is one of the 5 most visited and most popular National Parks in the USA. The best advice I can give you? Arrive early! And by that I mean, arrive before or at sunrise. There’s limited parking space within the National Park and this way you can get a head start on the mayhem of tourists that will appear from 9am.

Top attractions in Zion National Park

• The Watchman – Ideal to photograph from the Canyon Junction Bridge during sunset but also a very popular sunset spot. Don’t expect to be here alone.
• Scenic Tour on the Zion Shuttle
• Court of the Patriarchs – A magnificent viewpoint that’s especially enchanting during sunrise
• Canyon Overlook Point – A short 20 minute hike up will give you a magnificent overview over Zion Canyon. Ideal to visit during sunset or sunrise.
• Angel’s Landing – The most popular hiking trail in entire Utah. On reservation basis only.
• The Narrows – Another very popular and adventurous hiking trail.

Entrance fee – $35 per vehicle or if you plan on visiting other National Parks during your trip I highly recommend purchasing the America The Beautiful Pass. This US Park Pass gives you entrance to all of the National Parks for the duration of 12 months. 1 US Park Pass is valid for up to 4 adults in 1 vehicle.

Best time to visit – The absolute best time to visit Zion National Park is during Fall when all of the pine trees turn a beautiful shade of orange. If Autumn is not an option for you then try for Spring. But try to time it around the end of April or May when all of the snow will be gone and all of the hikingn traills will be open. Try to avoid the Summer months cause it will be scorching hot.

Time needed – We only had 1 day but I highly recommend staying for at least 1 night. I think ideal would be to stay for 2 nights so you have to complete multiple hiking trails and you can even rent a bicycle in the nearby town of Springdale.

2. Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is definitely one of the best places to visit and was also the National Park in Utah that I was looking forward to the most!

Unfortunately during our visit at the start of April there had just been a snow storm so the most scenic hiking trail in Bryce Canyon had been closed off. It was simply too dangerous at that time. But we were able to do a part of it and still had an incredible time exploring one of the best National Parks in Utah.

Top attractions in Bryce Canyon National Park

• Inspiration Point – One of the best places in Bryce Canyon National Park to watch the sunrise
• Sunset Point – In spite of what its name may suggest this particular spot is actually also a beautiful one to watch the sunrise from.
• Navaja Loop – One of the most scenic hiking trails in Bryce Canyon National Park
• Queens Garden Trail – A wonderful addition to the Navajo Loop
• Rim Trail – A must do when in Bryce Canyon National Park to hike from Inspiration Point to Sunrise Point

Entrance fee – $35 per vehicle or if you plan on visiting other National Parks during your trip I highly recommend purchasing the America The Beautiful Pass. This US Park Pass gives you entrance to all of the National Parks for the duration of 12 months. 1 US Park Pass is valid for up to 4 adults in 1 vehicle.

Best time to visit – Spring and Fall are a good idea for visiting Bryce Canyon cause there will be fewer people and lower temperatures in the middle of the day. But due to its high elevation you do need to keep an eye on the weather channel cause there might be seasonal closures of some hiking trails. You can keep up to date through nps.gov.

Time needed – You can visit the highlights of Bryce Canyon National Park in half a day, especially if you start at sunrise. I recommend skipping sunset and plan your visit in the morning when the orange hoodoos light up and have to typical glow.

3. Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park was by far my favorite place to visit in all of Utah. And one of the biggest reasons is that it’s way less crowded compared to the other National Parks in Utah. There’s a ton to see and do in Capitol Reef National Park and the amount of accommodation is limited so make sure to book in advance.

Top things to do in Capitol Reef National Park

• Drive through Cathedral Valley – You’ll definitely need a 4×4 car to explore these dirt roads but it was one of our best experiences during our road trip through Utah.
• Temple of the Sun and Moon – The most secluded and beautiful place in all of Capitol Reef National Park
• Sunset Point – One of the best places in Capitol Reef National Park to watch the sunset
• Goosenecks Overlook – Another epic viewpoint in Capitol Reef National Park
• Fruita District – This is where you will find the visitor center, the start of several great hikes, campgrounds, and historic buildings.
• Grand Wash – Hike through a wide canyon, similar to the Zion Narrows, but without having to walk through a river.
• Capitol Reef Scenic Drive – A paved road that takes you along some of the most beautiful scenery in the park
• Cassidy Arch – A wonderful and rather easy hiking trail in Capitol Reef

Entrance fee – $20 per vehicle or if you plan on visiting other National Parks during your trip I highly recommend purchasing the America The Beautiful Pass. This US Park Pass gives you entrance to all of the National Parks for the duration of 12 months. 1 US Park Pass is valid for up to 4 adults in 1 vehicle.

Best time to visit – The best time to visit Capitol Reef National Park is either in spring or fall when the temperature is mild but the snow is gone. Take into account that it’s a desert landscape so in the morning and evening the temperature can become pretty chilly. If you go in spring, you can admire the orchards in bloom, and if you go in autumn, you can admire the kaleidoscope of colorful foliage as the leaves change.

Time needed – I highly recommend staying at least 2 nights in Capitol Reef National Park.

4. Betonite Hills

The Betonite Hills in Utah is one of those places that you have to see for yourself to actually believe this place exists for real.

The Betonite Hills can be found in several places in Utah but my favorite spot to admire them is located right next to Capitol Reef National Park and close to the Mars Desert Research Station . Do know that the road leading to the Betonite Hills isn’t a paved road so it’s best to with a 4×4 to ensure you won’t get stuck on your way there.

Entrance fee – The Betonite Hills that I am referring to are located on BLM and are free to visit.

Best time to visit – You can visit the Betonite Hills year round (I would skip winter though) but the absolute best time during the day is blue hour during either sunrise or sunset. During this short time period there will be enough light hitting the rainbow colored hills and you can also see the vibrant blues. Once the sun is up the blue color will fade and the hills will turn a more orange/red tone.

Time needed – You’ll only need 1 morning or evening to visit the Betonite Hills.

5. Moonscape Overlook

The Moonscape Overlook viewpoint is only 30 minutes driving from Betonite Hills and the perfect stop after watching the sunrise there. From thinking that you’ve set foot on Mars to actually landing on the moon. This is another spectacular place in Utah that you absolutely have to see for yourself.

It’s also more off the beaten path which makes a bit of a hidden gem in Utah.

Do be careful when taking photos here because the drop off is very steep. You can also see us sitting on the pinnacle because once we were there both of us were like nope, it’s too risky to stand up. Then again everyone is different so if you feel sure footed and comfortable enough doing so by all means go for it! Just be careful :).

Entrance fee – The Moonscape Overlook is located on BLM and are free to visit.

Best time to visit – You can visit the Moonscape Overlook year round. If you have the time you can also choose to visit the Moon Overlook during sunset. When we were there we also saw a couple of campers and RV’s parked near the edge.

Time needed – You don’t need more than 1 hour to visit but I have to admit that it would have been an epic location in Utah to camp overnight!

6. Factory Butte

Factory Butte is the most recognizable feature of a large area of stark, barren land either side of the Fremont River known as the Upper Blue Hills, bordered by Capitol Reef National Park.

And if you’ve visited the Moonscape Overlook you will actually drive by Factory Butte on your way there or back.

If you drive a 4×4 or a dirt bike, and you’ve ever dreamed of drifting on the Moon, be sure to go make a few turns and skids in Swing Arm City, an off-roading terrain located next to the road’s entrance.

💡 TIP – After a morning of exploring grab breakfast at Duke’s Slickrock Grill in Hanksville.

7. Goblin Valley State Park

Goblin Valley State Park is one of Utah’s most popular parks to visit and if you’re driving from Capitol Reef National Park towards Arches National Park you will pass by it. Its otherworldly landscape will make you feel like you’ve set foot on Mars. The landscape, covered with sandstone “goblins” and other fascinating formations, is often compared to Mars. 

Top attractions in Goblin Valley State Park

• Observation Point – Hard to miss cause it’s where you enter Goblin Valley afterwards parking your car.
• Explore the different valleys – I preferred Valley 1 and Valley 2. We walked all the way to Valley 3 but I found it to be very underwhelming compared to the other 2. Valley 2 was definitley the most spectacular.
• Goblin’s Lair – The trail starts at the parking lot and follows the Carmel Canyon Loop before splitting off to enter the canyon.

Entrance fee – The entrance fee for Goblin Valley State Park is $20 per vehicle. Since it’s a State Park your America The Beautiful Pass isn’t valid here.

Best time to visit – I recommend visiting Goblin Valley State Park during either spring or fall when the temperature is on the milder site. We were there in the middle of the day in April and already then the sun was burning and I had to take shelter in the shade a couple of times.

Time needed – You’ll need a couple of hours if you want to hike through the several valleys and stop for photos along the way.

💡 TIP – Goblin Valley State Park is certified as an International Dark Sky Park, making it one of the best places to stargaze in the country.

8. Arches National Park

Arches National Park is one of the best and most popular places to visit in Utah. During high season it’s even so popular that you have to reserve a time slot if you want to enter the park between 7am and 4pm. Luckily I had another idea in mind that required us to be in the park at 5am to see Delicate Arch during sunrise.

This way we were able to be one of the first ones in the park and by noon we had covered most of the top attractions.

Top attractions in Arches National Park

• Delicate Arch – One of the most famous landmarks in Utah. I highly recommend to start hiking 1.5 hour before sunrise so you don’t miss anything!
• Park Avenue – Located only 10 minutes driving from the Visitor’s Centre and a wonderful viewpoint in Arches National Park.
• Double Arch – Another famous landmark that requires very little hiking.
• The Windows and Turret Arch – An easy walk connects three stunning arches.

Entrance fee – $30 per vehicle or if you plan on visiting other National Parks during your trip I highly recommend purchasing the America The Beautiful Pass. This US Park Pass gives you entrance to all of the National Parks for the duration of 12 months. 1 US Park Pass is valid for up to 4 adults in 1 vehicle.

Best time to visit – The best time to visit Arches National Park is during spring or summer when the temperature is mild and the snow is gone.

Time needed – Half a day up to 1 day to see the highlights. If you want to explore more off the beaten path or take it slow you should stay 2 days.

9. Dead Horse Point State Park

Dead Horse Point State Park is one of the best places to visit in Utah during sunset. The view from Dead Horse Point is one of the most photographed scenic vistas in the world. But because there is so much space and such a wide viewing platform it didn’t feel crowded at all.

We arrived about 1.5 hour before sunset so we could pick out a good spot to watch and photograph the spectacle.

Entrance fee – The entrance fee for Dead Horse Point State Park is $20 per vehicle. Since it’s a State Park your America The Beautiful Pass isn’t valid here.

Best time to visit – The best time to visit Dead Horse Point State Park is during spring or fall. When it comes to the time of the day I highly recommend visiting for sunset.

Time needed – You’ll only need 1 evening here to take it all in.

10. Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park is only 1 hour driving from Arches National Park and both can actually be visited in 1 day. For instance we started at Arches before sunrise, had lunch at Moab and then made our way for an afternoon at Canyonlands National Park.

You won’t be able to do every single hike this way but you will be able to see all of the highlights that this beautiful place in Utah has to offer.

Top attractions in Canyonlands National Park

• Mesa Arch – One of the most famous sights in Canyonlands National Park. A lot of photographers come here to capture the sunrise on the arch.
• Green River Overlook – Another stunning viewpoint on the Canyonlands Island in the Sky. Also an excellent spot to watch the sunrise.
• Grand View Point – One of the most impressive viewpoints and right next to the car park
• Grand View Overlook – This one requires some hiking but is an easy family-friendly hike that follows along the rim of the canyon.

Entrance fee – $30 per vehicle or if you plan on visiting other National Parks during your trip I highly recommend purchasing the America The Beautiful Pass. This US Park Pass gives you entrance to all of the National Parks for the duration of 12 months. 1 US Park Pass is valid for up to 4 adults in 1 vehicle.

Best time to visit – The best time to visit Canyonlands National Park is during spring or summer when the temperature is mild and the snow is gone.

Time needed – Half a day up to 1 day to see the highlights. If you want to explore more off the beaten path or take it slow you should stay 2 days.

11. Valley of the Gods

The stunning Valley of the Gods is often referred to as Monument Valley’s little sister. And while it can’t compare to the grandeur of the iconic Monument Valley it’s definitely worth a visit!

But if you’re visiting the American Southwest and you’re looking for an epic drive, then head over to Valley of the Gods. The road is not paved but suitable for passenger cars when the weather is dry. The entire loop has a driving time of approximately 1 hour if you don’t do any stops along the way.

Since Valley of the Gods is also located on BLM it is allowed to overnight camp here as well. Unfortunately this spot got extremely popular for doing just that in the past few years so if you find a spot to park your van consider yourself lucky!

Entrance fee – Valley of the Gods is free to visit

Best time to visit – The best time to visit Valley of the Gods is during spring or fall.

12. Monument Valley

Monument Valley is one of the most iconic places to visit in the American Southwest. Its landscape has been featured in a ton of popular movies and tv-shows and honestly when you see it from up close you immediately understand why.

The easiest way to visit Monument Valley is to do the 27km Monument Valley Scenic Drive. Depending on the amount of stops you make along the way your total drive time here will be around 2 to 3 hours.

Be aware that the Monument Valley Scenic Drive is not on a paved road. Instead you’ll drive on a dusty and sandy road that includes a couple of washes so if you’re not sure your car can handle it it’s best to book it as a tour.

Top attractions in Monument Valley

• Merrick Butte, East Mitten Butte and West Mitten Butte
• Three Sisters
• John Ford’s Point – My favorite viewpoint in the entire Navajo Nation Tribal Park
• Artist’s Point – another must stop along the way
• Wildcat Trail – The only self-guided hike that you can do in Monulent Valley.

Best time to visit – The best time to visit Monument Valley is during spring or fall. Opening hours are 6 am – 8 pm (May – Sep) or 8 am – 5 pm (Oct – Apr).

Entrance fee – The Monument Valley Scenic Drive is included in the entrance fee to Monument Valley and is $20 per vehicle with up to 4 passengers per vehicle.

Time needed – You’ll need 2 to 3 hours depending on how many stops you’ll do along the drive.

Charlotte

Charlotte Lint is the founder of Charlies Wanderings.
Charlotte has traveled all over the world and is based in Belgium where she also owns her very own dental practice.
She is an expert on writing efficient travel guides and finding unique places to stay.
Every month she helps over 134.000 people discover the most beautiful places in the world through her detailed travel guides.