Utah | Trips & Attractions

Capitol Reef is a diverse destination. Many short park trails and scenic drives make for great family fun, while some technical canyoneering adventures keep the more adventurous entertained.

Carbon County is, in my opinion, one of the often overlooked gems of Utah as people from the Wasatch Front hurry through on their way to destinations more to the south, like Moab. This is a great place from some less-visited places and amazing rock art.

This are is renowned for its Indian ruins and rock art, Cedar Mesa / Bears Ears National Monument takes up the southeast corner of Utah.

Escalante area is likely best known for its stunning backpacking opportunities. There are also plenty of hiking and canyoneering adventures. This makes a great spring and fall destination and would take a lifetime to fully explore.

Lake Powell is unique in the world with miles and miles of exquisite boating. Beyond the boating, however, are some of the most stunning canyoneering and hiking adventures on the Colorado Plateau.

Moab, the civilized desert. This is THE place to go for easy access canyoneering, hiking, roadside attractions, and then end the day with fine dining and a 4-star hotel.

Canyoneering is king in North Wash, and likely the reason most visit. North Wash canyons tend to be short, narrow, and physical. This is the place to bring long sleeves and long pants. With easy access, next to the highway, this makes a good choice for groups.

Northern Utah is the most populated area in Utah, though once you venture an hour or so away from the Wasatch Front, solitude can be found.

The Roost is a very remote area of south eastern Utah. Canyoneering adventures in Robbers Roost tend to be fairly dry, and have long exits. The area was used in the late 1800's and early 1900's by outlaws, hence the name.

My favorite area in Utah, the San Rafael Swell offers excellent camping, hiking, canyoneering, and rock climbing. For solitude and amazing views, this is the place to go.

The Wasatch Front offers excellent hiking, climbing, mountain biking, and skiing all within a short drive of Utah's major population centers. There are many peaks to hike, climbs to climb, and routes to ski.

Utah's West Desert is a barren place, far more populated by wild horses and coyotes than people. Hiking and exploring the west desert is a solitary activity, but there is a stark beauty in the area, and many interesting things to see and do.

Quite possibly the canyoneering capital in the US, Zion offers canyoneering, climbing, and hiking among towering sandstone walls. The park itself is a destination, but within a short distance of the park are many additional wonders to be visited.