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Visiting Southern Utah
Where to Go
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Southeastern Utah
Southeastern Utah is anchored by Arches and Canyonlands national parks, and the active tourism basecamps of Moab and Green River. Further south, explore the vast stretch of land known as Bears Ears country, including Native American communities and sites, such as Monument Valley and Hovenweep.
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Southwestern Utah
The majority of visitors to southwestern Utah focus their efforts on Zion and Bryce Canyon national parks. These parks anchor an entire region of national monuments, state parks and national forests.
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Utah's National Parks
Known as the Mighty 5, each national park can be an entire vacation all in itself. The best visits include a mix of activities inside and outside of the park, and guided experiences to bring the stories of these remarkable landscapes to the forefront.
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"Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world."
– Gustave Flaubert
Iconic Southern Utah
01
4 Days
The Complete Arches Trip
Discover a new side of Arches National Park with this four day itinerary. Start exploring the hidden gems in the Arches region today.
Hiking, Scenic Drives/Road Trips
Highlights
- Arches National Park
- Colorado River Rafting Trips
- Delicate Arch
- Dead Horse Point State Park
- Manti-La Sal National Forest
02
6 Days
The Complete Zion Trip
Tucked into the southwest corner of Utah, Zion National Park is the centerpiece for a 6-day red-rock vacation that includes a little bit of everything that makes the state such a marvel to experience.
Ghost Towns, Hiking, Scenic Drives/Road Trips
Highlights
- The Watchman Trail
- Grafton Ghost Town
- St. George and Snow Canyon State Park
- Brian Head to Dixie National Forest
- Slot Canyon Adventures Near Kanab
03
7 Days
Trekking Along the Dinosaur Diamond Highway
Utah’s Dinosaur Diamond Highway is the perfect guide to experience ancient history, millions of years in the making.
Dinosaurs, Hiking, Kid-Friendly, Scenic Drives/Road Trips
Highlights
- Dinosaur National Monument
- Jurassic National Monument
- San Rafael Swell
- Dead Horse Point State Park
04
5 Days
Red Rock & Dark Skies: Stargazing the National Parks
This road trip through southwest Utah takes you to four of Utah’s best places to see the Milky Way — Capitol Reef National Park, Kodachrome Basin State Park, Bryce Canyon National Park and Cedar Breaks National Monument.
Adventure, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Solitude, Stargazing
Highlights
- Hell's Backbone Grill
- Bryce Canyon Lodge
- Ranger-led Star Programs
- Road Trip Southwest Utah
05
5 Days
Rest, Relax and Rejuvenate in the Red Rocks
The breathtaking red rock landscape of southwestern Utah is a perfect getaway for those times when you need some deep rest and rejuvenation. Soak up the warming sun, meditate to the dark Milky Way skies, and nourish yourself at wellness stops along the way.
Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Solitude, Wellness
Highlights
- Rest and Relax in Utah's Red Rocks
- Yoga in Zion National Park
- Experience a World-Class Spa
- Enjoy a Unique Wellness Experience
More Inspiration
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24 Hours in Cedar City
Written By Sarah Braun
A unique small town, Cedar City is a perfect place to stop on your journey to natural wonders such as Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park.
Cedar City
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A Van Lifer’s Guide to Responsible Travel in Southern Utah
Written By Kristen Bor
2 minute read
When Utah’s dirt roads are calling you, it’s time to plan your van life road trip. Here’s what you need to know to travel safely, support Utah’s rural communities, and help preserve the delicate desert landscapes.
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Ancient Pictographs, Petroglyphs and Timeless Mysteries
Written By Matcha
5 minute read
Exploring Horseshoe Canyon isn’t for everyone. First of all, the effort to get there is an adventure in itself, but those efforts make the reward — namely, the chance to see up close some of the most significant pictograph panels in North America — even more noteworthy.
Canyonlands National Park
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Exploring Mule Canyon: House on Fire and Cave Tower
Written By Matcha
4 minute read
Driving the up the dusty, terracotta-colored road toward Mule Canyon in Cedar Mesa, you get a sense that this is a special place, though you might not be able to put a finger on why.
Bears Ears National Monument
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Fishing Fish Lake
Written By Matcha
5 minute read
The largest natural mountain lake in Utah, Fish Lake sits at more than 8,800 feet of elevation, which makes for pleasant weather all summer long. Located near Richfield, Utah, the lake has everything you need for a relaxing summer getaway.
Fishlake National Forest
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Fly Fishing Guide to The Green River Less Traveled
Written By Visit Utah
5 minute read
If you are in the Flaming Gorge area and fish, even just a little bit, you shouldn’t leave without spending at least one day in your waders throwing a line across the blue-ribbon waters of the Green River.
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HBO's Westworld. See it now, in Utah.
Written By Visit Utah
2 minute read
Where is Westworld filmed? Much of Castle Valley is actually located in Utah. Learn more about the setting of your favorite television series.
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Historical Sites in Utah
4 minute read
Explore Utah's fascinating past with our guide to historical sites and hidden gems. Uncover pioneer and indigenous stories at these Utah heritage hot spots.
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Hole N'' the Rock
Your road trip in Moab might call for a stopover at the famous Hole N” The Rock.
Moab
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How to Canyoneer Safely
Written By Edmund Vallance
Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned canyoneer, here are six expert tips for your next canyoneering adventure.
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How to Support Local On Your Utah Road Trip
Written By Elainna Ciaramella
5 minute read
Many small businesses in Utah rely on tourism for survival. These expert tips help road trippers make a real difference in communities by supporting local.
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Insider's Guide to Hiking Rainbow Bridge National Monument
Written By Matcha
From choosing the best season and trail, to understanding logistics and history, here's what you need to know to hike Utah's Rainbow Bridge National Monument located off the south coast of Lake Powell.
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Kanab's Western Legends Heritage and Music Festival
2 minute read
Kanab's Western Legends Heritage and Music Festival is filled with round-the-clock Western-themed entertainment — think: music, cowboys and history.
Kanab
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Kiva Koffeehouse
Kiva Koffeehouse is a welcome stop for fresh food and espresso tucked on a hillside down a dirt driveway near milepost 73 on the scenic byway.
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Meet the Fremonts: Unearthing an Ancient Civilization
Written By Andrew Dash Gillman
5 minute read
Did you know that interstate highway construction created Fremont Indian State Park? Visit the park and Museum for a peek into Utah’s past, plus hiking and ATV trails.
Fishlake National Forest
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Mesa Farm Market
Best local shops and healthy eats near Moab and Capitol Reef. Try the goat cheese!
Capitol Reef National Park
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Movies Filmed in Utah: Plotting a Cinematic Drive-Through
Written By Andrea David
Follow a Germany-based film enthusiast on an extended road trip to discover the rich history of Utah cinematography.
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Mystic Hot Springs and Music Festival
Explore on of the best hot springs in Utah, the Mystic Hot Springs in Monroe.
Fishlake National Forest
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Navajo: Fry Bread, Tacos, Pizza
Despite its troubling origins, Navajo fry bread is an inspired food of the nation’s people, and it can be found in many forms with various names around the southwest.
Monument Valley
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Red Rock, Rock ’n’ Roll and Ribs
Written By Jeremy Pugh
3 minute read
Planning a great weekend getaway? Utah’s Brian Head Resort is smokin’. Come play in the snow, party like a local, and chow down on Big John’s KC-style BBQ.
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Serenity Found in Torrey and Capitol Reef’s Cathedral Valley District
Written By Melissa Fields
5 minute read
Taking Southern Utah’s remote, less-traveled path in Capitol Reef's Cathedral Valley District to nurture your body, mind and spirit.
Capitol Reef National Park
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The Art of Supporting Utah Artists
Written By Lindy Blanchette
5 minute read
Here’s a look at six local artists whose work draws upon Utah’s diverse environments as inspiration.
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The World's First Dark Sky Park
Written By Matcha
On March 6, 2007, Natural Bridges National Monument became the first International Dark Sky Park certified by the International Dark-Sky Association. More than 100,000 people visit Natural Bridges each year to check out the stunning bridges and hike in cool canyons, but only a handful of them stay through the night to see the area’s most amazing and unique feature: dark skies and glistening, bright stars.
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Tips for Astrophotography
Written By Visit Utah
3 minute read
Need tips on how to take pictures of stars? Utah is the perfect location to put tips from an award-winning photographer into action.
Kodachrome Basin State Park
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Utah’s Unexpected Pit Stops
Written By Melissa McGibbon
5 minute read
You’re doing it wrong if you think road trip pit stops are boring layovers on your way to more exciting destinations. How many of these hidden gems have you been to? Here are 11 mini-adventures to check off your list next time you’re road-tripping through Utah.
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Walking The Line Between Risk and Responsibility
Written By Chelsea Yamase
Why a Hawaii-based highliner and influencer hasn't returned to Utah — yet.
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Where to See Women's Art in Utah
Written By Ashley Mae Hoiland
4 minute read
There’s no shortage of art galleries in Salt Lake City and across Utah's Wasatch Front. Beyond the major metropolitan areas, there are also small artist communities across the state where artists seeking a slower pace have flocked for decades. Here are a few recommendations for where you can experience art in Utah.
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Why You Should Ditch I-15 on Your Way to Zion
Written By Melissa McGibbon
6 minute read
If you’re not in a rush to get to Zion National Park from Northern Utah, consider taking a long, meandering route that features historic sites, adventure breaks and out-of-this-world scenery. Hop off I-15 and take Highway 89 and four nearby scenic byways to see and do as much as you possibly can on your way to Zion.