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Help CenterExplore Utah
Utah is home to numerous stunning lakes, each with its unique charm, but one that stands out as the crown jewel is Lake Powell. Nestled within the sprawling red-rock canyons of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Lake Powell is a mesmerizing oasis that stretches across the Utah-Arizona border. Boasting a shoreline longer than the entire west coast of the United States, Lake Powell offers a vast playground for water enthusiasts.
The lake’s crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding sandstone cliffs, creating a surreal and breathtaking landscape. With its countless hidden coves, towering red rock formations, and opportunities for water-based activities such as boating, fishing, and kayaking, Lake Powell truly epitomizes the natural beauty and recreational diversity that Utah has to offer.
Top Three Facts about Utah
01
Best Snow on Earth
Utah claims to have the “Greatest Snow on Earth” due to its dry, powdery snow, which is ideal for skiing. The state hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics and is a premier destination for winter sports.
02
Fossil Haven
Utah is a treasure trove for dinosaur enthusiasts. The Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry has one of the highest concentrations of Jurassic-era dinosaur bones in the world.
03
Four Corners Monument
Utah is one of the four states (along with Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona) that meet at a single point known as the Four Corners. It’s the only place in the United States where you can stand in four states at once.
Must See Attractions
Zion National Park
Nature & Parks
Renowned for its awe-inspiring red sandstone cliffs, verdant valleys, and a diverse array of wildlife, Zion National Park offers visitors a spectacular journey through ancient landscapes sculpted by time and the Virgin River.
Arches National Park
Nature & Parks
Arches National Park, famed for its over 2,000 natural stone arches, presents a mesmerizing red rock landscape that creates a surreal and captivating environment in the heart of Utah’s high desert.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Nature & Parks
This park is celebrated for its unique geological structures known as hoodoos, towering spires of rock that create an amphitheater of red, orange, and white formations.
Where to Sleep
Utah Lakes
1. Great Salt Lake
As the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere, the Great Salt Lake is famous for its high salinity and unique buoyant swimming experience.
2. Jordanelle Reservoir
Jordanelle Reservoir offers a mix of water activities, with excellent facilities for boating, fishing, and camping. It is set amidst stunning mountain scenery.
3. Pineview Reservoir
Pineview Reservoir is a hub for water sports, including wakeboarding, kayaking, and paddleboarding, and is known for its beautiful sandy beaches.
4. Mirror Lake
Nestled high in the Uinta Mountains, Mirror Lake captivates visitors with its picturesque mountain reflections and serene fishing and kayaking opportunities.
5. Strawberry Reservoir
A premier fishing destination, Strawberry Reservoir is stocked with trout and is known for its quality fishing, beautiful mountains, and recreational activities.
6. Fish Lake
At 8,800 feet, Fish Lake is one of the highest alpine lakes in Utah, offering excellent trout fishing and a quiet escape surrounded by aspen forests.
7. Flaming Gorge Reservoir
Renowned for its spectacular red cliffs and crystal-clear waters, Flaming Gorge is a haven for fishing, boating, and camping enthusiasts.
8. Lake Powell
Straddling the Utah-Arizona border, Lake Powell offers stunning scenery with deep blue waters set against a backdrop of red sandstone cliffs, ideal for boating and fishing.
Annual Events and Festivals
April 12 – 20, 2025
Moab Jeep Safari
The Moab Jeep Safari, an annual event in Moab, Utah, is a spectacular gathering that attracts off-road enthusiasts from around the globe. Held over a nine-day period, usually in late March or early April, this event celebrates the thrill and adventure of off-roading in one of the most iconic and rugged landscapes in the United States. Participants in the Moab Jeep Safari can choose from many trails, varying in difficulty from scenic drives suitable for standard 4×4 vehicles to challenging technical routes requiring advanced equipment and skills.
Summer 2025
Deer Valley Music Festival
The Deer Valley Music Festival, nestled in the picturesque mountainous setting of Park City, Utah, stands as a harmonious blend of music and nature. Held annually during the summer, this festival is a musical extravaganza presented by the Utah Symphony and Utah Opera. The open-air amphitheater, surrounded by the stunning peaks of the Wasatch Mountains, provides a breathtaking backdrop for various performances. The festival caters to diverse musical tastes, featuring classical masterpieces, pop sensations, and symphonic renditions of beloved film scores.
July 24, 2025
Pioneer Day Celebration
Pioneer Day, celebrated annually on July 24th in Utah, is a state holiday commemorating the arrival of Brigham Young and the first group of Mormon pioneers in the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. This significant day in Utah’s history is marked by various festivities reflecting the state’s heritage and the pioneer spirit. In Salt Lake City, the day is highlighted by the “Days of ’47 Parade,” one of the oldest and largest in the United States, featuring colorful floats, marching bands, and cultural displays. Throughout Utah, cities and towns host their own events, ranging from pancake breakfasts and pioneer-themed games to concerts and art exhibits.
Top Hiking Trails
Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail
Sunset Point Overlook, Bryce Canyon City, Utah
This loop, approximately three miles long, is a fusion of two of the park’s most famous trails, offering an immersive journey through a landscape of hoodoos, spires, and stunning natural amphitheaters. The trail begins at Sunset Point with the descent of the Navajo Loop, which winds down into the canyon, allowing hikers to walk amidst the towering hoodoos. The trail’s narrow switchbacks, such as the famous “Wall Street,” a narrow slot canyon passage, provide an up-close perspective of the park’s unique geology.
Lake Blanche Trail
6510 Big Cottonwood Canyon Rd, Salt Lake City, Utah
This 6.9-mile round-trip trail is known for its challenging terrain and scenery, making it a favorite among local hikers and nature enthusiasts. The trail steadily ascends through a beautiful forested area, offering occasional glimpses of the Salt Lake Valley below. The hike is considered strenuous due to its steep inclines and elevation gain. Still, the reward at the top, with its awe-inspiring vistas and peaceful ambiance, makes the effort truly worthwhile.
Angels Landing Trail
Angels Landing Trail, Zion Cyn Rd, Springdale, Utah
The Angels Landing Trail in Zion National Park is one of the most famous and exhilarating hikes in the United States, offering adventurers views and heart-pumping challenges. This 5.4-mile round-trip trail starts at the Grotto trailhead, following the Virgin River before ascending steeply through a series of switchbacks known as Walter’s Wiggles, a set of 21 tight turns carved into the stone. The trail culminates at Angels Landing, a lofty perch standing 1,488 feet above the canyon floor, providing panoramic views of Zion Canyon’s sculpted rock formations and the meandering river below.
Best Golf Courses
Sand Hollow Golf Course
5662 W Clubhouse Dr. Hurricane, Utah
Sand Hollow Golf Course is a golfer’s paradise offering a unique blend of natural beauty and challenging play. The facility boasts two distinctive courses, The Championship Course and The Links Course, designed by renowned golf architect John Fought. With its undulating fairways, strategic bunkering, and water features, this 7,315-yard course is visually stunning and a test of skill. The golf experience at Sand Hollow is not just about the game; it’s an immersive journey into the captivating landscapes that define Utah’s southwestern allure.
Entrada At Snow Canyon Country Club
2537 Entrada Trail, St. George, Utah
Entrada at Snow Canyon Country Club in St. George, Utah, offers a world-class golfing experience that beautifully integrates the natural landscape with a challenging and meticulously designed course. Crafted by the legendary Johnny Miller, this 18-hole championship course is a masterpiece that weaves through the striking desert terrain, offering stunning vistas of the surrounding vermilion cliffs and black lava flows. Measuring over 7,000 yards, the Entrada course is challenging and rewarding for golfers of all skill levels. Its unique layout includes rolling fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and undulating greens, demanding precision and strategic thinking.
Soldier Hollow Golf Course
1370 West Soldier Hollow Ln, Midway, Utah
Soldier Hollow Golf Course, nestled in the serene Heber Valley of Utah and part of Wasatch Mountain State Park, stands as a testament to golfing excellence and scenic beauty. This venue boasts two 18-hole courses, the Gold and the Silver, each offering a unique and memorable golfing experience. Renowned course designer Gene Bates masterfully utilized the natural landscape to create these two distinct courses, which cater to a wide range of skill levels while providing stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Water Sports
Holiday River Expeditions
White Water Rafting
Whitewater rafting in Utah offers an exhilarating adventure set against the backdrop of the state’s stunning natural landscapes, and one of the premier companies facilitating this experience is Holiday River Expeditions. Specializing in guided rafting trips, Holiday River Expeditions takes adventure-seekers down some of Utah’s most iconic rivers, including the Colorado, Green, and Yampa rivers. Their trips range from calm, scenic floats to adrenaline-pumping rapids, catering to all levels of experience and adventure-seeking.
Fish Lake Guides and Outfitters
Fishing
Fishing in Utah is a captivating experience, with its diverse range of lakes, rivers, and reservoirs teeming with various fish species. Among the companies offering exceptional fishing charters, Fish Lake Guides and Outfitters stands out as a premier choice for anglers seeking a memorable adventure. Whether it’s trolling for trophy lake trout, casting for rainbow trout, or landing elusive splake, Fish Lake Guides and Outfitters tailors each trip to the preferences and skill levels of their clients. The guides, seasoned experts with extensive knowledge of the local waters, not only facilitate an excellent fishing experience but also share insights into the region’s ecology and history.
Paddle Moab
Stand Up Paddleboarding
Paddling in Utah is a serene and picturesque way to explore the state’s diverse waterways, ranging from tranquil lakes to gently flowing rivers. Among the companies offering top-notch paddling experiences is Paddle Moab, which specializes in providing kayak and stand-up paddleboard (SUP) rentals and guided tours in the stunning Moab region. This area, known for its breathtaking red rock landscapes and clear, calm waters, is ideal for paddlers of all levels. Paddling is an opportunity to connect with nature, experience the peaceful rhythm of the water, and see Utah’s natural beauty from a unique and unforgettable perspective.
Resorts to Explore
Bluff Dwellings Resort & Spa
Excursions, Spa
2625 US-191, Bluff, Utah 84512
Arcadia Resort Utah
Family-friendly
2761 Arcadia Dr, Santa Clara, Utah 84765
Sorrel River Ranch Resort
Rustic, Spa
Mile 17 UT-128, Moab, Utah 84532
Tips on Vacationing in Utah
Scenic Drives
Utah boasts some of the country’s most scenic drives. Consider driving Scenic Byway 12, the Mirror Lake Highway, or the Alpine Loop for views of the mountains, canyons, and forests.
Respect Nature
Utah’s landscapes are fragile. Follow Leave No Trace principles, stay on designated trails, and respect wildlife. Utah’s natural beauty is a treasure, and responsible tourism ensures it remains for future generations.
Stargazing
Utah’s clear skies make it an excellent destination for stargazing. For an unforgettable night sky experience, consider visiting designated dark-sky areas like Bryce Canyon.
Frequently Asked Questions about Utah
Salt Lake City boasts an array of vacation rental options, ranging from luxurious downtown apartments to cozy mountain retreats. Some popular choices include rentals close to Temple Square, the University of Utah, and local ski resorts. Depending on your preferences, you can find properties offering stunning city views, walkability to local attractions, or a secluded escape in the surrounding mountains.
St. George vacation rentals typically offer amenities like swimming pools, hot tubs, and well-equipped kitchens. Many are located in resort-style communities, such as Paradise Village at Zion Resort and Ocotillo Springs Resort, offering even more on-site amenities and activities for guests to enjoy. With easy access to outdoor attractions like Zion National Park and Sand Hollow State Park, St. George vacation rentals provide a perfect place to experience Southern Utah’s natural beauty and adventure.
Yes, Southern Utah has unique rental properties that are perfect for those looking for something unusual. You can find rentals in enchanting desert landscapes near national parks like Zion and Bryce Canyon and vibrant communities like St. George and Kanab. With options ranging from cozy vacation homes to luxurious villas, there is something for everyone in Southern Utah.
Utah offers a wide range of vacation rental spots for every traveler. Some popular locations include Salt Lake City, St. George, Park City, and Moab. Each area offers unique experiences, with Salt Lake City being known for its urban attractions and proximity to ski resorts. At the same time, St. George boasts southern Utah’s stunning landscapes and outdoor adventure opportunities.
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