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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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A Guided Adventure for Everyone in Utah's National Parks
Written By Melissa Fields
5 minute read
Thinking of hiring a guide? Leaving the planning to someone else and learning more about backpacking are just a few of the perks of going with a guide.
Capitol Reef National Park
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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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Explore Utah Through the Lens of "Horizon: An American Saga"
Written By Taylor Hartman
2 minute read
It's no surprise that Hollywood has turned to Utah's stunning and untouched terrain time and again.
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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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Heritage and History: Exploring Native and Settler History in a Town Known for Celebrations
Written By John Byron Turner
6 minute read
You may know Cedar City for its lineup of lively Festival City events, but the area offers many stories to be explored about the region’s Native and settler history.
Cedar City
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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 Attend a Powwow with Respect
Written By Samuel Jake
4 minute read
Attending a powwow can be a very meaningful endeavor. Here are five tips to help you prepare.
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How to Stay Safe and Stoked as a Solo Woman Traveler
Written By Elisabeth Brentano
3 minute read
Tips to help keep solo women travelers safe on road trips and outdoor adventures in Utah and beyond. From a gear checklist to suggestions about where to camp and how to handle stressful situations, writer and photographer Elisabeth Brentano shares her experiences.
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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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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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On the Trail of Utah's Classic Movies
Written By Andrea David
7 minute read
Germany-based film enthusiast Andrea David is back in Utah, embarking on a road trip to explore 100 years of Utah film history.
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Painted Pony Restaurant
Located in Ancestor Square in the heart of St. George, Utah, the Painted Pony, affectionately known as “The Pony,” gets rave reviews by all, as evidenced by its 4.5-star Trip Advisor rating.
St. George
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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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The 46 Miles of Nine Mile Canyon
Written By Andrew Dash Gillman
4 minute read
Follow Nine Mile Canyon Road into the rugged and remote Book Cliffs, where messages from the ancients interface with settlers of the West and modern ways of thinking.
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The Complete Winter Camping Packing List for Staying Warm in Southern Utah
Written By Jeremy Pugh
For most travelers, Southern Utah winters prevent comfortable camping, and occasional snowfall can make outdoor adventure a little more challenging. With a little extra planning, good layers, and the right equipment, however, you can enjoy Utah's national parks in the solitude of winter.
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The Story of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
Written By Visit Utah
Ancient erosion and modern cinema joined forces to elevate Monument Valley to one of the world's most iconic places to visit — but it's also the sacred home of the Navajo people. Learn more about the history, size and scenes that define the Monument Valley Utah experience.
Monument Valley
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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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Twin Rocks Trading Post
A must stop! The shop has museum-quality ancient art as well as handcrafted Native American and Southwest art.
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Uniquely Utah Après Ski Spa Experiences
4 minute read
Relax with these seven ski resort spa experiences only in Utah.