Utah holidays
Holidays to Utah plunge you into the heart of the Wild West, where red-rock landscapes meet desert ghost towns and Native American heritage sites. ‘The Mighty 5’ national parks — Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands and Arches — command much of the limelight. But the ‘Beehive State’ is also home to world-class skiing, stargazing and cities as vibrant as its crimson canyons. Whatever thrill you’re chasing, Utah’s got you covered.
Top destinations in Utah
Moab
With Arches National Park on its doorstep, Moab’s otherworldly landscapes go hand in hand with outdoor adventures. And it’s all sprinkled with a little Southwestern charm.
Park City
Home to one of the most iconic film festivals in the world, this former silver-mining town boasts luxury lodges, top-rated restaurants and some of the state’s best ski runs.
Salt Lake City
Just an hour from the jagged peaks of the Wasatch Mountains, Utah’s capital keeps you guessing with trendy cafes, cool bookshops and a thriving arts scene.
Utah: fast facts
Language
English
Currency
United States dollar ($)
Time zone
Salt Lake City - UTC−7 (MST) and UTC−6 (MDT)
High season
June – August; December – March
Low season
April – May; October – November
Utah holiday highlights
National parks
Utah’s five national parks are packed with stunning hikes. Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for its ‘hoodoos’ (rock pillars), best seen along the Rim Trail. In Arches National Park, take a ranger-led hike through Fiery Furnace’s slot canyons, boulders and arches. Zion National Park offers epic trails among red-and-white cliffs, lush greenery and natural springs.
Outdoor adventure
There are plenty of things to do in Utah for thrill seekers. Rent a sandboard and zoom down the rosy-hued slopes at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. Try mountain biking on McCoy Flats’ beginner-friendly trails. Or, if you’re an experienced rider, tackle Slickrock’s challenging terrain. In winter, the Wasatch Range turns into a snowy paradise for skiing and snowboarding.
Indigenous cultures
Utah has been home to Indigenous people for more than 10,000 years. At This Is The Place Heritage Park, learn about Native American cultures in a replica village featuring traditional structures like a tipi and a medicine wheel for healing. Or hike Horseshoe Canyon to marvel at Native American rock art created thousands of years ago.
Things to do in Utah
Top attractions
For a world-famous trek in Zion National Park, try the Narrows, a challenging trail through a steep-sided gorge with plenty of wading and rock hopping. In Arches National Park, hike the 5-kilometre out-and-back trail to see Delicate Arch, famed for its gravity-defying shape. And you can’t miss the otherworldly Bonneville Salt Flats — doable as a day trip from Salt Lake City.
Beaches
Despite being landlocked, there are a handful of great beaches in Utah. Sand Hollow State Park is known for its reddish-orange sand overlooking a deep blue reservoir where you can waterski, wakeboard or kayak. At Antelope Island State Park, float in water up to seven times saltier than the sea. For family-friendly beaches and turquoise waters, head to Bear Lake.
Nature
Utah’s natural beauty goes beyond ‘The Mighty 5’. Explore the snow-white expanses of Bonneville Salt Flats or admire Monument Valley’s soaring sandstone pinnacles and buttes. Take a boat trip through Lake Powell, framed by crimson cliffs and surreal rock formations like Rainbow Bridge. At night, Utah shines bright with some of the best stargazing conditions on Earth.
Cuisine
You’ll find an eclectic mix of restaurants in Utah’s capital, from ramen bars to taco joints to Old West–style saloons. Look out for local favourites like the delicious (but morbidly named) ‘funeral potatoes’, a cheesy potato casserole with a cornflake crust. Don’t miss fry bread, a traditional Indigenous flatbread. For dessert, try the sweet version soaked in honey butter and dusted with cinnamon sugar.
Culture and museums
In the Great Salt Lake, ‘Spiral Jetty’ is a famous piece of land art created by Robert Smithson in 1970 from nearly 6,000 tonnes of basalt rock. Salt Lake City’s Temple Square offers a fascinating glimpse into Mormon history through the Salt Lake Temple and Mormon Tabernacle. And the Native Voices exhibit at the Natural History Museum of Utah gives insight into local Indigenous cultures.
Nightlife
Some of the best nightlife in Utah can be found in Salt Lake City. Sip local ales at award-winning breweries, soak up the mountain views from a rooftop cocktail bar, or sample one of North America’s largest craft cider collections. For live music, see what’s on at Kilby Court, or check out the summertime Twilight Concert Series in Gallivan Plaza.
Find the best time to visit Utah
Weather in Utah through the year
March – May: Snow gives way to wildflowers, clear days and high temperatures that climb to the low-to-mid 20s°C. It’s a great time to explore without the crowds, though spring break can get busy.
June – August: Summer brings highs of 38°C and longer daylight hours. It’s peak season for hiking Utah’s national parks, so head out early.
September – November: With milder weather and thinner crowds, autumn is one of the best times to visit Utah. Look for golden-brown foliage in the Wasatch Range, and expect snowfall from late October.
December – February: The snowy season draws skiers to Utah’s world-renowned resorts, such as Alta, Snowbird and Deer Valley. Across the state, averages hover around freezing.
Events in Utah
Living Traditions Festival (May): Salt Lake City celebrates the state’s cultural diversity at this free weekend-long celebration. Expect everything from Argentine music to Navajo basket weaving and Tibetan food trucks.
Utah Arts Festival (June): Each June, downtown Salt Lake City transforms into a four-day celebration of creativity, with live music, dance and performance art alongside bustling rows of artists booths, food trucks and hands-on activities for all ages.
Moab Music Festival (August to September): During this award-winning festival, Moab’s red-rock landscapes become the backdrop for an eclectic mix of jazz, classical and Latin music.
Oktoberfest (August to October): Feast on pretzels, beer and bratwurst at this festival in Snowbird. With over 60,000 attendees, it’s one of the state’s largest festivals.
Know before you go
Getting around Utah
Public transport
Buses: Salt Lake Express buses run between Utah’s major cities, including Salt Lake City, Green River, Provo and Ogden. The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) operates buses throughout northern Utah and ski buses around Salt Lake City in winter.
Trains: Amtrak’s California Zephyr line passes through Green River, Helper, Provo and Salt Lake City on its journey between Chicago and San Francisco. For epic desert and mountain views, take the Zephyr west from Salt Lake City toward Nevada or California There’s also a light rail service in Salt Lake City known as TRAX.
Domestic flights
Utah’s main airport is Salt Lake City International, while regional hubs include St George, Provo, Ogden and Cedar City. With most destinations a half-day’s drive or less from Salt Lake City, many travellers prefer driving over short domestic flights.
Driving and car hire
Although you can get by on public transport in the main cities (Salt Lake City, Provo and Ogden), a car or campervan is the best way to explore the state. Opt for a 4x4 to access remote areas or ski resorts in winter. Note that the roads within the national parks can get crowded in summer.
