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National Historic Trails
Four National Historic Trails pass through Utah, recognizing routes of travel that are of national historic significance. Utah's trails touch on past routes of exploration, migration and military action. Explore three of these trails with free NPS audio tour. Additional backcountry routes follow routes lost to time, such as the Transcontinental Railroad Backcountry Byway. When traveling in the backcountry, always travel prepared and stay on designated routes.
National Historic Trails in Utah
Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail
1,300 miles
Experience the final stretch of the route 70,000 Mormons traveled from 1846 to 1869 to escape religious persecution. It's about 75 miles from the Wyoming border to Salt Lake City, but there are dozens of historical sites along the last leg of the famous route. Get a taste of the journey on a 4.5-mile hike in Little Emigration Canyon near East Canyon State Park (Read: A Family Bike Tour of Salt Lake’s East Canyon) from Mormon Flat to Big Mountain then learn more at This Is the Place Heritage Park and The Museum of Church History and Art in Salt Lake City. Learn more
California National Historic Trail
5,600 miles
Follow in the footsteps of over 250,000 emigrants who traveled to the gold fields and rich farmlands of California during the 1840s and 1850s — the greatest mass migration in American history. Learn more
Old Spanish National Historic Trail
2,700 miles
Follow the routes of mule pack trains across the Southwest on the Old Spanish National Historic Trail. Explore areas where the routes passed near Moab and its neighboring national parks (Arches and Canyonlands), through the central part of Utah, the oasis of the Fishlake Cutoff and southwest Utah near Cedar City, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, St. George and Zion National Park. Visitor centers throughout the region may have NPS passport stamps for trail enthusiasts. Learn more
Pony Express National Historic Trail
2,000 miles
Young men once rode horses to carry mail from Missouri to California in the unprecedented time of only 10 days. The toughest and most dangerous stretch passed through Utah's West Desert. Today, it makes an unforgettable road trip. See: West Desert Ramble & The Pony Express itinerary
Discover More
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A Visitor's Guide to Zion's Kolob Canyons
Written By Matcha
In the Kolob Canyons section of Zion National Park, you’ll find a scenic wonderland with an adventure for everyone. Learn more about this unforgettable attraction and plan a visit.
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Backpacking: Start 'Em Early
Written By Tim Sullivan
Follow a father and his seven-year-old daughter on her first-ever backpacking trip at the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve.
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Boomer Travel: 76 Hours in Moab
Written By Ray Grass
Moab, Utah is a prime destination for Baby Boomer travel. Check out our specially-designed itinerary and plan your visit!
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Dog-Friendly Utah: The Road to Mighty
Written By Visit Utah
7 minute read
Want to bring your furry friend on your next vacation? Utah is home to several great dog-friendly national parks and other fun destinations. Check it out and plan your trip!
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Enjoying the Simple Pleasures of Lake Life on Palisade Reservoir
Written By Visit Utah
4 minute read
Utah’s beautiful Palisade Reservoir is an oasis of serene water in the central part of the state, a perfect getaway for paddling, fishing, swimming and camping.
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Escalante River Canyon Trail
Written By Matcha
4 minute read
Located in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, the Escalante River Canyon river trail winds and knots its way east and south.
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Exploring Utah's Little Sahara
Written By Matcha
4 minute read
Little Sahara Recreation Area is an unforgettable destination for sand dunes in Utah and ATV, camping, hiking, and sand-boarding enthusiasts.
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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.
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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.
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How to Support Local On Your Utah Road Trip
Written By Elainna Ciaramella
5 minute read
Many small businesses in Utah rely on tourism for survival. These expert tips help road trippers make a real difference in communities by supporting local.
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How to Take a Kayak & Camping Trip at Yuba State Park
Written By Matcha
5 minute read
Pristine sandy beaches, warm water temperatures all summer long and serene mountain views make Yuba State Park an appealing destination for campers and kayakers in sunny Central Utah.
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Knobby Tired Nomads: Bikepacking the Utah High Country
Written By Kurt Gensheimer
10 minute read
If you’re into bikepacking, Utah is a place you’ll want to check out. Read about a self-supported tour of Utah’s backcountry here, and start planning your trip.
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Like a BOSS (Boulder Outdoor Survival School)
Have a couple of weeks? Learn to survive in the wild. Hard work? Most definitely. Sign up for challenging survival education Utah's great outdoors.
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Looking Up: Dark Skies of Heber Valley
Written By Kristen Pope
3 minute read
A trio of state parks in Heber Valley offer stellar views of the Utah night sky. Come stargaze here.
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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.
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Moab Under Canvas: Glamping
If you’re looking for a luxurious camping experience, Moab Under Canvas is just the ticket. Book your stay in a fully-furnished canvas tent in canyon country!
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Moab's Singletrack Renaissance
Written By Matcha
3 minute read
Moab isn’t just for burly Slickrock riders anymore. In the last few years, local groups have established dozens of miles of new mountain bike trails.
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Movies Filmed in Utah: Plotting a Cinematic Drive-Through
Written By Andrea David
Follow a Germany-based film enthusiast on an extended road trip to discover the rich history of Utah cinematography.
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See the Fall Leaves Near Utah's National Parks
Written By Visit Utah
Sure, any of Utah’s Mighty 5 national parks are spectacular year round — covered in snow, peppered with spring wildflowers, and baked in sunshine. But find them exponentially special when the changing fall leaves are in juxtaposition to the immaculate red rock cliffs.
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Seven Must-Ride Mountain Biking Trails in Utah
Written By Visit Utah
5 minute read
To help you plan a Utah mountain biking trip, we've assembled a list of seven of Utah’s best mountain biking trails followed by a roundup of Utah’s best fat-tire destinations.
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The Art of Supporting Utah Artists
Written By Lindy Blanchette
5 minute read
Here’s a look at six local artists whose work draws upon Utah’s diverse environments as inspiration.
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The Story of Starvation Reservoir
Written By Matcha
Sprawling waters and local legends at Fred Hayes State Park at Starvation.
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Utah’s Scenery Offers A Backdrop for Inclusive Family Camping
Written By Nushin Huq
5 minute read
While Utah is known for its amazing outdoors, it also has resources that ensure that families and individuals of all abilities can access these places.
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Walking The Line Between Risk and Responsibility
Written By Chelsea Yamase
Why a Hawaii-based highliner and influencer hasn't returned to Utah — yet.
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Where to Take Your Family to Eat in Moab
Written By Visit Utah
You’ll work up a solid appetite biking, exploring and hiking in Moab. Here are a few of the best family-friendly restaurants in Moab.
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3 Days
West Desert Ramble & The Pony Express
This itinerary is a three-day adventure along the Pony Express National Historic Trail in Utah's West Desert. Visit Simpson Springs, Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge, Gold Hill and more.
Adventure, Film Tourism, History and Heritage, Solitude, Wildlife, Ghost Towns
Highlights
- Camp Floyd State Park Museum
- Fish Springs Wildlife Refuge
- Pony Express National Historic Trail
- Historic Wendover Airfield