A Guides’ Guide to Utah

Written By Kristen Pope

Robbers Roost | Andrew Burr

From vibrant red rock canyons and winding waterways to epic desert landscapes and mountainous terrain, Utah offers unparalleled adventure that encompasses both its iconic national parks and secluded gems. With so much to discover, where does your journey begin? Utah's experienced guides and outfitters hold the answer, their insider knowledge unlocking the state's best hikes, experience and hidden treasures. Passionate about sharing their love for Utah, these guides know the top spots. Read on for a Utah guide’s guide to favorite hikes, experiences and must-see destinations.

Utah's experienced guides and outfitters can help you unlock the state's hidden treasures.

Photo: Andrew Burr

Utah offers unparalleled adventure, from vibrant red rock canyons and winding waterways to epic desert landscapes and mountainous terrain.

Photo: Andrew Burr

Passionate about sharing their love for the state, Utah's guides know the top spots for all your favorite activities.

Photo: Andrew Burr

What are your top recommendations for first-time visitors?

Go Whitewater Rafting

“Don’t miss out on a whitewater rafting trip, because exploring Utah’s stunning landscapes through an immersive river adventure is unforgettable,” says Sara Hinck at Holiday River Expeditions. Hinck’s top picks for rafting include Green River’s Lodore Canyon and Dinosaur National Monument’s Yampa River.

Fish on the Fremont River

People who love fishing should be sure to spend some time casting along the Fremont River. Bridget Fabel, owner of Chunky Trout Outfitters and Dixie Top Outfitters, offers both guided and self-guided fishing along her company’s private stretch of river. “The Fremont River offers incredible dry fly hatches, crystal clear waters beneath red rock cliffs and chunky brown trout and rainbow trout,” she says.

Visit Monument Valley

In the Four Corners region, the buttes and mesas of Monument Valley beckon visitors who might think they look familiar — like something out of a movie. “They might recognize the area as settings in various box-office films,” says Louis Williams, owner of Ancient Wayves River & Hiking Adventures.

Explore the National Parks and Nearby Towns

“To me, the national parks are the best of everything Utah has to offer, with the red rocks, the amazing landscapes that are just so different,” says Jason Murray, owner of Cedar City-based Southwest Adventure Tours. He says one of his team members who recently relocated to the area described the awe-inspiring landscape as like “looking at Mars.”

Kyle Walker, owner of Greater Zion Tours puts Zion National Park at the top of his list. “First time visitors absolutely need to see Zion National Park,” he says. “This is such an iconic place in the world and is a must see for any first time or long time visitor.” Walker says the park features famous draws — like the Narrows and Angels Landing — but also a wealth of little-known gems, providing countless avenues for exploration, with options for guests of all hiking levels.

Plus, Utah's five national parks each anchor a travel region, inviting visitors to explore not just the iconic parks, but also the surrounding state parks, national monuments and small towns that weave texture into Southern Utah.

“Don’t miss out on a whitewater rafting trip, because exploring Utah’s stunning landscapes through an immersive river adventure is unforgettable,” says Sara Hinck at Holiday River Expeditions.

Photo: Michelle Craig

What is your favorite hike or outdoor activity in Utah?

Get Off the Beaten Path at Eagle Crags

One of Walker’s favorite spots to go for a hike is Eagle Crags, on the side of Canaan Mountain. “This off-the-beaten path location offers stunning north facing views of Zion National Park with similar geology and almost no people,” he says, noting people should be very comfortable in the backcountry and with trail finding before attempting this route.

Wake Up Early for a Sunrise Hike

Rising early for a sunrise hike is Hinck’s favorite way to enjoy Utah’s trails. “Watching the sun wake up and paint the canyons in the morning light on a cool fall or spring morning is a great way to start your day,” she says. Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park and Dead Horse Point State Park are two of her favorite spots to explore at sunrise.

Explore Chesler Park in Canyonlands National Park

Chesler Park, located in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park, is just about perfect, according to Ben Alter, who works as a river guide for the National Ability Center (Read: Adapt, Access, Success). “It’s not too challenging, not too easy, not too long, not too short, truly in that ‘Goldilocks’ zone,” he says. Consider booking a backcountry campsite for an even more immersive experience.

Hike in Bryce Canyon National Park

No matter how many times Murray visits Bryce Canyon National Park, every visit leaves him in awe. “No matter how many times I go, I’m still blown away at the uniqueness and variety…No matter what time of year you go, whether it’s summer, winter, spring, or fall, it could be the next day and with the way the sun hits the hoodoos and rock formations it can be a completely different experience from day to day.” Visit on a few different days to capture the park’s ever-changing magic.

Raft the San Juan River

Rafting the San Juan River is Williams’ favorite way to connect with the natural world and his culture. “Out on the river, I’m able to see the native wildlife, native plant life, unique delicate landscapes and Indigenous history, all which are connected to my cultural heritage,” Williams says. “As a Diné (Navajo) river runner, when I float down the river, the animals and landforms I see remind me of our origin stories and the storytellers, my grandparents.”

Chesler Park, located in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park, is just about perfect, according to Ben Alter, who works as a river guide for the National Ability Center.

No matter how many times local guide Jason Murray visits Bryce Canyon National Park, every visit leaves him in awe.

Photo: Alison Vagnini

What is your favorite post-adventure activity?

Watch the Sunset

After a long day outside, Walker finds no better way to relax than eating a good meal and watching the sun set over Zion National Park. “Our views here in Southern Utah are some of the finest views anywhere in the world,” he says.

Explore Local Communities

After a day of adventure, Hinck likes to grab some food and beverages at a local coffee shop or farm-to-table restaurant and spend some time enjoying the local community. “There is such depth, care, beauty, rich history and unique character in the communities of Utah’s small towns that are worth taking the time to explore and getting to know,” she says.

Enjoy Delicious Fresh Local Food

Alter’s post-adventure routine consists of “Tacos, nap-time, and moonlit bocce if it's in the cards.” His favorite taco stop is Tey’s Homemade Mexican Food in Moab, followed by ice cream at La Michoacana Artisan on hot days. If it’s clear of snow, he likes to head to Geyser Pass in the La Sal Mountains to play bocce — under a full moon whenever possible.

After a day of adventure, consider grabbing some food and beverages at a local coffee shop or farm-to-table restaurant and spend some time enjoying the local community.

Photo: Andrew Burr

What makes Utah and your region unique from other destinations?

Incredible and Diverse Geology

Southern Utah is home to fascinating geology, with unique regions like the Colorado Plateau, Mojave Desert and the Basin and Range, which Walker says makes the region incredible, saying, “Each location offers world class scenery and is some of the most unusual geologic formations found on planet earth. A lifetime of exploring this area isn't enough time.” (Read: View Millions of Years of Geologic History in an Afternoon)

World-Renowned Dark Skies

Utah is home to an incredible array of internationally-certified Dark Sky locations, from remote public lands to communities that have made efforts to preserve dark skies. “Sitting amongst the canyons, in a remote location, with limited light pollution, taking in the magic of the Milky Way, and all its wonder, is an experience every traveler should have at least once,” Hinck says.

Wilderness Solitude

Experiencing true solitude and quiet is still possible in remote parts of Utah, and Christopher Hagedorn, owner and lead guide at Get In The Wild Adventures, says people who want to experience true, off-the-beaten path wilderness can find what they’re looking for in the Hanksville area. “With over six million acres of canyon country wilderness, there is a lifetime of exploration options around Hanksville. The Dirty Devil/Robbers Roost Wilderness where we guide many of our trips is one of very few landscapes in the Lower 48 where solitude is protected by federal law.” He cautions the wild and remote area does not have many designated trails, so good route planning and navigational skills are required to safely explore the area.

Rich Indigenous Culture

Utah is rich in Indigenous culture, providing opportunities for visitors to learn about tribes such as the Paiute, Ute, Diné (Navajo) and many Puebloan groups. “Tourists who visit this area get a chance to see and learn about the various cultures of the region by way of festivities and tours led by Indigenous guides,” Williams says.

Public Lands

Utah is a wonderful place to celebrate and enjoy our public lands. “The access to public lands fosters an unparalleled spirit of adventure, but also a deep sense of stewardship,” Alter says. “People come away from here wanting to do more and do better with our lands. I cherish that.”

Endless Variety

Utah’s landscapes offer an incredible amount of variety, which is one of Fabel’s favorite things about the state. “In my area, we have the red rock desert and high alpine mountains right next to each other,” Fabel says. “I love that one day I can be walking the desert for native fish and the next I can be above 10,000 feet fishing spring-fed glacial lakes.”

Practice safe and responsible travel

Whether hiking Utah’s incredible red rock country, exploring canyons and photographing arches, rafting rivers, fly-fishing peaceful streams, or enjoying the state in a multitude of other ways, make sure you practice responsible travel. Be sure to follow Leave No Trace guidelines and take precautions for a safe trip and safe backcountry travel. Learn how to visit responsibly, dispose of human waste, and support local communities on your trip. Consider hiring a guide or outfitter to help have a safe and enjoyable experience.

Utah is home to an incredible array of internationally-certified Dark Sky locations (pictured: Goblin Valley State Park), from remote public lands to communities that have made efforts to preserve dark skies.

Photo: Marcin Zając

About the Author – Kristen Pope

Kristen Pope is a freelance writer who loves exploring Utah and writing about her adventures for Visit Utah. She also writes about science, conservation, and travel for a variety of publications. See her work at www.kepope.com.

Guides & Outfitters

Guides and outfitters allow you to deeply experience the outdoors, without any planning or wayfinding stressors. They also know Utah’s lands intimately, offer local perspectives and geological insights, and make sure your trip follows the ethic of Forever Mighty. Not only can guides get you somewhere safely, they often take you and your family to places only accessible with a permit and the right gear. Guided trips can vary in length from half-day to multi-day adventures, and can include hiking and backpacking clinics, stargazing, petroglyph tours, river rafting trips, technical canyoneering, or bikepacking and mountain biking.

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