Utah, renowned for its majestic natural wonders and numerous national parks, is an ideal destination for backpacking enthusiasts and those who love exploring challenging road trips. With a perfect combination of breathtaking landscapes, diverse terrain, and adventurous trails, Utah promises unforgettable experiences for anyone passionate about travel. Join “Du lịch khắp thế gian” (Travel Around the World) to discover the most beautiful road trip destinations in Utah, where you can fully appreciate the unspoiled beauty and conquer challenges on exploration routes.
Utah is not only about famous national parks, but also about wildlands, hidden small towns, and lesser-known trails. These are the elements that create a special attraction for road trips, where you can freely explore, immerse yourself in nature, and experience new things. From the fiery red cliffs of Moab to the vast white salt flats of Bonneville, Utah offers a colorful and inspiring picture for anyone who sets foot here.
1. Salt Lake City – Starting Your Journey
The capital and most populous city of Utah is a great starting point for your road trip. Salt Lake City is not only a modern city with full amenities but also a gateway to stunning natural wonders.
Salt Lake City skyline with mountains in the background
The most famous attraction here is the Great Salt Lake, the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere. You can visit Great Salt Lake State Park or Antelope Island State Park to explore the unique beauty of this lake.
2. Moab – A Paradise for Road Trippers
Moab is a small town surrounded by stunning red rock formations, a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and one of the most beautiful road trip destinations in Utah. From here, you can easily explore two famous National Parks: Arches and Canyonlands.
Dramatic rock arches in Moab, Utah
Moab is also a popular destination for outdoor adventures such as hiking, rock climbing, and canyoning. If you want to see the panoramic view of Moab from above, try skydiving or flying in a plane or hot air balloon.
3. Arches National Park – Kingdom of Stone Arches
With over 2,000 natural stone arches, Arches National Park attracts millions of visitors each year.
Iconic landscape of Arches National Park in Utah
Some of the most famous arches here include Landscape Arch (the longest arch in North America), the Windows Section, and the Fiery Furnace.
4. Dead Horse Point State Park – Amazing Viewpoint
Located about 30 miles from Moab, Dead Horse Point State Park is one of Utah’s most amazing tourist destinations.
Panoramic view from Dead Horse Point State Park overlooking Canyonlands National Park
Here, you can mountain bike, hike, or visit the Dead Horse Point overlook to admire the panoramic view of Canyonlands National Park.
5. Canyonlands National Park – Land of Canyons
Canyonlands National Park is divided into four districts, each offering different experiences.
Vast canyon landscape in Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Island in the Sky is the most accessible district, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area. The Needles is an area with colorful sandstone spires. The Maze is a challenging area only for experienced adventurers. The confluence of the Colorado and Green Rivers is where you can explore by canoe or kayak.
6. Monument Valley – Icon of the American West
Monument Valley is one of the most iconic locations in the American Southwest.
Iconic buttes of Monument Valley, Utah-Arizona border
Located on the border between Utah and Arizona, this valley is best photographed from U.S. Route 163.
7. Glen Canyon/Lake Powell – Paradise of Water and Stone
Stretching from the Orange Cliffs of southeastern Utah to the Grand Canyon, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area features over 1.2 million acres of unique geology, stunning landscapes, and the clear waters of Lake Powell.
Turquoise waters of Lake Powell surrounded by sandstone cliffs
Lake Powell is the heart of this area, offering endless opportunities for exploration and relaxation.
8. Capitol Reef National Park – Hidden Gem
Although not as famous as other national parks in Utah, Capitol Reef National Park is just as breathtaking.
Scenic landscape of Capitol Reef National Park, Utah with red rock formations
The park’s main attraction is the Waterpocket Fold, nearly 100 miles long. You can hike, bike, horseback ride, climb, or scenic drive.
9. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is a natural wonder that took millions of years to create.
Layered rock formations in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah
This monument is divided into three units: Escalante Canyons, Grand Staircase, and Kaiparowits Plateau.
Unique hoodoo rock formations at Wahweap Hoodoos trail in Grand Staircase-Escalante
10. Bryce Canyon National Park – An Otherworldly Place
Bryce Canyon National Park is often described as an otherworldly destination.
Hoodoos in Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah at sunset
Here, you can hike, horseback ride, snowshoe, or cross-country ski.
11. Zion National Park – Majestic Canyon
Zion National Park is another popular tourist destination in Utah.
The Virgin River flowing through Zion Canyon in Zion National Park, Utah
You can hike, backpack, canyoneer, or climb 2,000-foot sandstone cliffs.
12. St. George – Vibrant City
Nestled in the southwestern corner of Utah, St. George is a vibrant city where stunning red rock scenery blends seamlessly with outdoor recreation.
Red rock landscape surrounding St. George, Utah
Whether you’re an adrenaline seeker, a nature enthusiast, or simply seeking a warm-weather escape, St. George offers a unique blend of adventure, scenery, and relaxation.
13. Kanab – Gateway to Adventure Land
Ideally located near the Utah-Arizona border, the small desert town of Kanab is a great base for outdoor adventurers.
Desert landscape near Kanab, Utah with red cliffs and vegetation
Kanab is not only surrounded by some must-see national parks, but the town also has access to lesser-known wonders.
14. Dinosaur National Monument
Dinosaur National Monument is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in dinosaurs.
Dinosaur fossils embedded in rock at Dinosaur National Monument, Utah
You can see a plethora of fossils, hike, or camp.
15. Bonneville Salt Flats – Endless White Desert
The Bonneville Salt Flats have a landscape unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Vast white expanse of the Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah
This vast, perfectly flat expanse of blinding white salt crust stretches for miles, creating a surreal and otherworldly environment.
Conclusion
Utah is a treasure trove of beautiful and unique road trip destinations, promising unforgettable experiences for anyone who loves exploring and conquering challenges. From famous national parks to lesser-known wildlands, Utah always has something new to discover and experience. Plan your Utah road trip today and explore “around the world” in America!