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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.
Hiking, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Ghost Towns
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.
Hiking, Dinosaurs, 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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11 More Utah Winter Experiences Outside the Ski Resorts
Written By Matador
6 minute read
No matter your level of adventure, you will find good reason to save some time for a day away from the resort.
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15 Non-Technical Slot Canyons
Written By Whitney Childers
7 minute read
You don’t have to be Spider-Man to explore some of the best slot canyons Utah has to offer. You just need to be ready for an adventure in tight spaces with huge photographic rewards
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5 Expert Tips to Prepare for Your Utah National Parks Adventure
Written By Visit Utah
3 minute read
If you’re planning to visit Utah national parks for a hike, learn important tips to maximize your experience and keep you and your family safe.
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A Van Lifer’s Guide to Responsible Travel in Southern Utah
Written By Kristen Bor
2 minute read
When Utah’s dirt roads are calling you, it’s time to plan your van life road trip. Here’s what you need to know to travel safely, support Utah’s rural communities, and help preserve the delicate desert landscapes.
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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.
Zion National Park
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An Insider’s Guide to Torrey
Written By Melissa Fields
4 minute read
Look no further than Capitol Reef National Park and nearby Torrey for lesser-traveled red-rock hikes, plenty of lodging options, satisfying dining and night sky as our ancestors knew it.
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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Best Hikes in St. George During Winter
Written By Matcha
5 minute read
While Utah's Greater Zion offers a few hundred trails, we’ve highlighted seven of the best hikes in the state's southwestern corner, from deep canyons to high peaks.
St. George
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Bryce Wildlife Adventure Museum
Explore wildlife near Bryce Canyon at the Bryce Wildlife Adventure Museum.
Bryce Canyon National Park
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Chasing John Wesley Powell: Six Places to Explore Utah's Green and Colorado Rivers
Written By Heather May
5 minute read
One hundred and fifty years ago a one-armed Civil War veteran set off with nine mountain men on a scientific expedition to map one of the last blank spaces left on the U.S. map: The Green and Colorado rivers. Much of the river remains wild today. Follow Powell's journey here.
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Chasing Old West Outlaws on the Cassidy Trail
Written By Matcha
4 minute read
The Cassidy Trail wasn’t just the filming location for an iconic Western movie, it’s steeped in history. Once you find this hidden trailhead, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking scenery and Wild West legend.
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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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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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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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Ice and rock, snow and splendor: Winter in Southern Utah
Written By Jeremy Pugh
7 minute read
Come along on a five-day expedition to see Southern Utah’s wintry face, explore national parks, ski its mountains and find ways to play in the snow.
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Max Out Your Multi-Pass
Written By Paula Colman
With so many ski and snowboard resorts easily accessible in and around Utah, using the state as your gateway can maximize the value of any multi-pass. Here's some tips on how to make your ski vacation more flexible, fun and affordable than ever before!
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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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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!
Moab
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Moonscapes, Marscapes and More
Written By Matcha
If you want to know what Mars looks like — then the dramatic terrain of Capitol Reef National Park and the surrounding lands are a good place to start.
Capitol Reef National Park
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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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Permit of Solitude in Robbers Roost
Written By Visit Utah
6 minute read
Local guide Christopher Hagedorn leads a group through Robbers Roost in Southern Utah, where wind, water and time has left a primitive maze of canyons.
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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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Serenity Found in Torrey and Capitol Reef’s Cathedral Valley District
Written By Melissa Fields
5 minute read
Taking Southern Utah’s remote, less-traveled path in Capitol Reef's Cathedral Valley District to nurture your body, mind and spirit.
Capitol Reef National Park
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The All-American Road: Scenic Byway 12
Written By Visit Utah
4 minute read
This is 122.863 miles (to be exact) of pure driving bliss. Welcome to Utah’s Scenic Byway 12, a designated All-American Road.
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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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Utah’s Unexpected Pit Stops
Written By Melissa McGibbon
5 minute read
You’re doing it wrong if you think road trip pit stops are boring layovers on your way to more exciting destinations. How many of these hidden gems have you been to? Here are 11 mini-adventures to check off your list next time you’re road-tripping through Utah.
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Where to Eat and Drink in St. George
Written By Elainna Ciaramella
6 minute read
As you explore St. George and Greater Zion seeking excellent food, coffee and drinks, you’ll want to add these top restaurants to your list.
St. George
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Why You Should Ditch I-15 on Your Way to Zion
Written By Melissa McGibbon
6 minute read
If you’re not in a rush to get to Zion National Park from Northern Utah, consider taking a long, meandering route that features historic sites, adventure breaks and out-of-this-world scenery. Hop off I-15 and take Highway 89 and four nearby scenic byways to see and do as much as you possibly can on your way to Zion.