This article was written for Silversurfers, which is now part of Rest Less.
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Utah is known for its incredible outdoor landscapes, adventure activities, and vibrant cities and at Bon Voyage, a North America tailor-made holiday specialist, we know how to help you make the most of your trip.
Here are just a few things you may want to include in your itinerary
1. “The Mighty 5®” National Parks
Utah is home to five incredible national parks – Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef – collectively known as “The Mighty 5®.” These parks feature jaw-dropping rock formations, vast canyons, natural arches, and towering cliffs.
Zion National Park
2. The Greatest Snow on Earth®
Utah is a paradise for adventure seekers. Whether you’re into walking, hiking, or mountain biking, Utah has it all. There are trails and routes for every level, from easy walks through stunning landscapes to challenging climbs and slot canyon adventures.
If you’re into photography the vast, white expanse of Bonneville Salt Flats is a unique destination and well worth a visit.
In the winter, Utah transforms into a world-class skiing and snowboarding destination, with resorts like Park City, Alta, and Deer Valley boasting “the greatest snow on Earth.”
3. Scenic Drives
Utah is home to one of the most beautiful drives in the U.S. – Scenic Byway 12 which connects Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef national parks, passing through stunning landscapes with plenty of scenic overlooks to enjoy the aspen and pine groves, meadowlands and far-reaching views towards Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
A must see is Monument Valley on the Utah-Arizona border, this drive within the Navajo Reservation is iconic for the towering sandstone buttes regularly featured in Hollywood classics including The Lone Ranger, Easy Rider and Forrest Gump.
Monument Valley
Martin Lock, Silversurfers CEO has been to Utah, and the highlight of his trip was Monument Valley.
My road trip through Monument Valley, nestled in the Navajo Nation in Utah, was nothing short of breathtaking. As I drove along the winding roads, the towering sandstone buttes that punctuated the vast desert landscape dominated the horizon. It really was one of the most amazing landscapes I have ever seen anywhere. These natural monoliths, some rising over 1,000 feet from the desert floor, stand like sentinels against the wide-open sky. Their burnt-orange hues contrast with the deep blue sky of autumn when I went, creating a dramatic and almost otherworldly scene. The rock formations, sculpted by centuries of wind and water, seemed timeless, evoking the powerful forces of nature that shaped them. Some buttes had smooth, sweeping sides, while others were rugged and jagged, like the hands of the Earth reaching toward the heavens.
As the sun began to set, I was treated to one of the most unforgettable sights. The sky ignited into a blaze of colours—warm reds, purples, and golds—casting long shadows across the valley floor. The silence of the desert, paired with this incredible display was amazing.
4. Cultural & Historical Sites
Utah also offers a unique cultural backdrop, especially in Salt Lake City, the headquarters of the Mormon faith (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). A visit to Temple Square offers an insight into the region’s history, including the Mormon settlers who established the city in the 19th century. Utah’s rich Native American heritage is celebrated with opportunities to learn about and explore ancient cliff dwellings, petroglyphs, and cultural sites in places like Bears Ears and Hovenweep national monuments.
5. Unique Experiences
To make your trip complete make sure you squeeze in one of Utah’s unique experiences. Southern Utah is famous for its slot canyons, including Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon and The Narrows in Zion and is well worth a visit. Or you could try the Mystic Hot Springs or Fifth Water Hot Springs for a relaxing soak.
And you must dedicate an evening to stargazing. Utah has numerous certified International Dark Sky Parks and Places, and experiencing the night skies in locations like Bryce Canyon National or Goblin Valley State Park is an unforgettable experience. Ranger-led talks and astronomy tours offer the opportunity to see The Milky Way, planets and constellations.
Visit Utah with Bon Voyage as we believe that your holiday should be an experience that truly reflects your wants and desires. That’s why we tailor-make your trip, our travel experts will work closely with you to create a personalised itinerary that fits your budget.
