Utah Bucket List: A Local’s Guide to 35 Epic Adventures
Hey adventure-seekers! Here at the Minivan Bucket List, we’re a family of Utah locals that loves to road trip around our home state. Let us be your guide to the best adventures for your Utah bucket list! Picture this: high-five worthy moments in the Mighty Five national parks, laid-back ski towns that once hosted the Olympics, dipping your toes in the sandy shores of some bea-UTAH-ful lakes, and uncovering those hidden gems that are like the ‘X’ on a treasure map. Here are our favorite 35 things to do in Utah.
Utah Bucket List Adventures in Northern Utah
1. Revisit the 2002 Winter Olympics in Park City
Park City is one of the best known places in Utah thanks to the 2002 Olympics and the annual Sundance Film Festival. If you love ski towns, this is definitely something you’ll want to add to your Utah Bucket List. Non-skiers fear not – there’s plenty for you, too. Try shopping and dining on charming Main Street, soaking in a thermal hot springs at the Homestead Crater in nearby Midway, or checking out the Olympic Park.
Here’s our guide to the most affordable Utah ski resorts for families.
2. Visit Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City is the capital city of Utah and its largest city, making it one of the top places in Utah to visit. It’s home to two professional sports teams – the perpetual NBA underdogs the Utah Jazz and the 2009 MLS champions Real Salt Lake. Not to mention the University of Utah, back-to-back Pac12 Champions for football.
It’s also the global headquarters for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, commonly known as the Mormon church. Temple Square is the most visited tourist attraction in Utah and is especially popular during Christmastime thanks to its massive lights display and nativity scene. It’s one of the best Christmas activities in Utah. The temple itself is currently undergoing major renovations and will re-open in 2024.
One of the best things about Salt Lake is its proximity to the outdoors. Check out these easy hikes near Salt Lake within a short drive.
Or take a break from the outdoors and sit down for afternoon tea at the Grand America.
3. Drive on the Salt Flats
When visiting Salt Lake, you also might want to consider a day trip to the Bonneville Salt Flats. There’s nowhere else in the United States like it and it’s only about 90 minutes west of the city These salt flats are best known for the location of the land speed record attempts and are also where several movies have been filmed, like the Pirates of the Caribbean & Independence Day.
4. Go hiking in Big Cottonwood Canyon
Big Cottonwood Canyon is renowned for its awe-inspiring natural beauty and year-round adventures. Home to world-class ski resorts Brighton and Solitude, it offers exceptional winter sports thrills. In the warmer months, the canyon transforms into a hiking and rock-climbing mecca. A scenic drive up the canyon and through the famous S-curve reveals breathtaking vistas and trails. Here’s a roundup of the best kid-friendly hikes in Big Cottonwood, including one that definitely deserves a spot on your Utah bucket list – Donut Falls.
5. Hiking & Skiing Little Cottonwood Canyon
Speaking of skiing, you’ll want to consider resorts like Alta & Snowbird as well. Tourists go to Park City. Locals go here. And Utah locals are serious about their skiing. One year, Snowbird did a marketing campaign based around some 1-star reviews that angry tourists were giving it because the terrain was “too steep” or “too difficult”. But steep and deep is how we locals like it, so we took it as a badge of honor. Little Cottonwood is also a great place to visit year-round, with epic hikes, unique waterfalls, beautiful wildflowers, and fall leaves. You won’t want to miss our roundup of the best hikes in Little Cottonwood.
6. Go boating at Bear Lake
Bear Lake takes the crown for largest natural freshwater lake in Utah. It’s not very well-known outside of Utah but locals know it’s one of the best places to visit in Utah. Thanks to its shockingly turquoise waters and sandy beaches, it’s known as “The Caribbean of the Rockies”. On your way up to Garden City for a fresh raspberry shake, read up on the best things to do in Bear Lake and the best beaches at Bear Lake.
7. Paddleboarding at Tibble Fork
Tibble Fork Reservoir used to be somewhat of a hidden gem a few years ago but the secret is out now! This beautiful mountain lake has become a popular summer hangout among the locals. The lake doesn’t allow motorized boats so you get incredibly scenic views of Mt Timpanogos reflected in the serene water. Grab your paddleboard from JJ’s Rentals and take the kiddos out for a lovely lake day. If you like paddle sports, you’ll want to add this spot to your Utah bucket list.
8. See the Wildflowers
Hold onto your hiking boots, nature lover! Utah isn’t just famous for stunning winterscapes – come summertime, we’re also the hosts of the wildest wildflower parties. Look out for the iconic Rocky Mountain Columbine with its delicate blue and white petals. The bold Indian Paintbrush adds strokes of scarlet, while the Mountain Lupine spreads a tapestry of purple. There are tons of mountain trails lined with these beauties but one in particular deserves a spot on your Utah bucket list – Albion Basin.
Can’t wait ‘til summer? Check out the best places to see spring flowers in Utah.
9. Timpanogos Cave
I couldn’t leave Timpanogos Cave off this list, especially considering it’s the only national monument within a 1-hour drive of Salt Lake. You’ll find the visitor center just a couple miles up American Fork Canyon. From there, it’s a steep 3-mile roundtrip hike plus a captivating one-hour tour of the cave. Well worth it though, for a journey into something out of a fantasy realm.
10. Leaf peeping in the fall
Fall in Utah is totally unbeatable – sorry, New England!! It’s not just the fact that Trader Joe’s has pumpkin-flavored everything back in stock. The real magic of autumn here is the stunning foliage, painting our majestic mountains with shades of red and gold. Our family loves to get up in the mountains as much as possible in the fall to enjoy the crisp, cool air and golden aspen leaves. Our top pick for a scenic lead peeping drive is the Alpine Loop, hands down.
For more of the best things to do in Utah in the fall, here are our favorite fall activities and halloween activities in Utah.
11. Try a Corn Maze
Fall in Utah means more than just cozy sweaters and colorful foliage – it’s corn maze and pumpkin patch season, y’all! So put on your best flannel shirt and get lost in twisty trails, find the perfect pumpkin, and soak in the fall vibes. These fall harvest traditions are pure pumpkin-spiced joy.
Here’s a rundown of the best corn mazes and pumpkin patches in Utah.
12. Try snowshoeing
Why stay inside curled up by the fire when there’s adventure to be had? Well, we think that snowshoeing is one of the best (not to mention most affordable) ways to get outside and stay mentally and physically active during the winter. There are a myriad of snowshoeing trails in Utah that will reward you with some epic snowy vistas. Never been? Try snowshoeing in American Fork on the groomed trails at Sundance Resort and make sure to read this beginner’s guide to snowshoeing.
13. Swim in hot springs inside a crater
Dive into relaxation at Homestead Crater in Midway, Utah. This unique geothermal hot spring, hidden within a limestone dome, offers a one-of-a-kind swimming experience. The mineral-rich waters are wonderfully soothing and a constant 90-96°F. Snorkeling or paddleboarding in this warm oasis is an adventure you won’t want to leave off your Utah bucket list. It’s one of the best things to do in Utah in the winter to survive the cold!
14. Se the bison at Antelope Island
Did you know that you can see bison in Utah? You don’t have to drive all the way to Yellowstone to see these majestic creatures that once roamed the plains by the millions. You can see them with less than an hour’s drive from Salt Lake City. Antelope Island State Park is home to a semi-free range herd of about 500 bison. Every fall, you can witness the bison roundup, where a group of horse riders corrals smaller herds into one large herd.
15. Go paddleboarding at Causey Reservoir
Causey Reservoir is a beautiful lake located near Pineview & Huntsville, Utah. Causey is still somewhat of a hidden gem in Utah but quickly gaining popularity among paddleboarders and kayakers. Motorized boats aren’t allowed, so it’s a perfect place to enjoy paddling on the glassy smooth water all day long. It’s also a great place for camping, fishing, and cliff jumping.
16. Ride the zipline at Sundance Resort
There’s a reason why Robert Redford bought Sundance in 1969 and committed to creating a community of artists and nature lovers there for the next five decades. The place is insanely beautiful and boasts one of the best views of all of Utah – Mount Timpanogos. What you might not know is that the ski lifts aren’t just for skiing in the winter – they run when there’s no snow, too. And if you’re feeling especially adventurous, you’ll want to add their zipline to your Utah bucket list as well! It boasts over 2,100 feet of vertical drop – the most of any zipline in the United States. Ages 10+ can participate. It takes about 3 hours and costs $150.
17. Ride an electric bike to Bridal Veil Falls
While Utah has a seemingly endless supply of incredibly beautiful canyons, Provo Canyon is unique among them for a couple reasons.
First, it’s home to the tallest waterfall in Utah – Bridal Veil Falls. Not only that, but it doesn’t take a lot of work to see it. In fact, you can see it right from the highway as you drive by.
Second, there’s a long paved biking and walking trail, completely separate from the main road. Other canyons in nearby are too narrow to allow for this. So it’s an awesome place for a leisurely stroll or bike ride to enjoy the scenery. But one of our favorite Utah bucket list activities we recently tried was renting an electric bike from Voltage Rentals and riding up to Bridal Veil Falls. 10/10 would recommend!
18. Witness The Holy War
Our family bleeds red! OK, I guess everyone technically does. But we bleed UTAH red. Brittany and JJ both graduated from the University of Utah and we’ve passed down a love for Utah Football to our 5 kids.
Growing up, the Utah Utes would play our rivals from Provo, the BYU Cougars in a heated rivalry game that came to be known as The Holy War (the public state school vs the private church-owned school). When the Utes joined the Pac12, the game became infrequent and less meaningful.
But it’s back! BYU & Utah are both joining the BIG12 Conference, which means The Holy War will resume every year once again. It’s a fall tradition in Utah you can’t miss.
18. Visit Thanksgiving Point
Thanksgiving Point tops the list of things to do in Lehi. Between the Museum of Ancient Life, Farm Country, Museum of Natural Curiosity (the children’s museum), and the Ashton Gardens, there is so much to see and do here. The crown jewel is definitely the massive botanical gardens, which boast the largest manmade waterfall in the country. Our favorite times to visit are in April for the Tulip Festival and in October for the Scarecrow Festival. Oh, and let’s not forget Luminaria – an insanely cool display of Christmas lights in December.
Utah Bucket List Adventures in Southern Utah
19. Go hiking in Southern Utah
Southern Utah is a hiker’s paradise, boasting some of the world’s most incredible trails. The iconic red rock landscapes, dramatic canyons, and ancient rock formations create a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Adventurers of all ages are treated to unforgettable vistas and a genuine connection with nature. Whether you’re a local who wants to slowly explore the state and check things off your Utah Bucket List one by one, or someone looking to take an epic road trip through the desert landscape, consider this guide to the best hikes in Southern Utah.
20. Go on a “Mighty Five” National Parks Road Trip
Utah is home to five national parks, more than every other state except California and Alaska. Not to mention the national monuments, dozens of state parks, and a nearly endless amount of public lands. And the best part? They’re all within a short drive of each other, making it possible to hit all five on a single, unforgettable national parks road trip.
21. Stay in a Yurt at Goblin Valley State Park
Want an off-the-grid experience without leaving behind some creature comforts? Then be sure to add glamping in Goblin Valley yurt to your bucket list. Nestled amidst otherworldly rock formations, these yurts offer a unique blend of comfort and nature. Marvel at the star-studded skies, explore the whimsical goblin-like formations, and create lasting memories in this captivating desert landscape.
Utah Bucket List Adventures near Bryce Canyon & Capitol Reef National Parks
22. Sleep in a Covered Wagon at Capitol Reef National Park
Despite being a national park, Capitol Reef is one of Utah’s hidden gems. It gets 1/5 the visitors that Zion National Park gets but is still one of the best places to visit in Utah. Capitol Reef is like a mixture of all the other national parks in one – it has stunning red cliffs, slot canyons, off-roading excursions, and even arches. Not to mention, it’s also a great place to experience both Native American and pioneer history, with petroglyphs and a working fruit orchard that was planted by Mormon pioneers in the 1800s. For tips on the best things to do, try this Capitol Reef itinerary. And if you want to feel fully immersed in the history of the area, be sure to try the Capitol Reef covered wagon glamping experience.
23. See the hoodoos at Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon is actually my favorite national park in Utah because it’s such a unique landscape. If you leave if it off your Utah Bucket List, you’re crazy! Hiking among the hoodoos feels like you’re on another planet or that you’ve taken a step back in time to the Wild West. Fun fact! Did you know that it was actually the inspiration for the design of the Thunder Mountain Railroad ride at Disneyland? Check out our Bryce Canyon weekend itinerary for more on what makes this one of the top places in Utah to visit.
24. More hoodoos at Cedar Breaks
Discover the awe-inspiring beauty of Cedar Breaks National Monument in Utah. This natural amphitheater boasts vibrant red rock formations, towering spires, and lush meadows at an elevation of over 10,000 feet. Hike its trails, catch the stunning views at Sunset Point, and be prepared to be mesmerized by one of Utah’s best hidden gems.
Utah Bucket List Adventures near Moab
25. Mountain biking in Moab
When I was a kid, there used to be these bumper stickers that said,“Paris London New York Moab” and I used to scoff at the idea that this small town in rural Utah was in the same league as these big cities. Now as I’ve gotten older, I get the sentiment behind the bumper sticker.
What makes this one of the top places to visit in Utah and such a unique and special place, is that it has not one but two national parks, a spectacular state park, world-class mountain biking and jeeping trails, and river rafting on the Colorado River. There’s a reason why people from all over the world travel here! Check out our guide to spending 3 days in Moab for under $500.
26. Hike the iconic Delicate Arch in Arches National Park
Embark on a desert adventure like no other to witness the iconic Delicate Arch in all its glory. This stunning sandstone arch stands proudly against the expansive backdrop of the LaSal Mountains. A moderate hike leads you to this natural wonder, where you can capture breathtaking photos to make all your Instagram followers filled with jealous rage. Bonus: Arches National Park has literally thousands more cool, weird, and awe-inspiring arches. Here are the best hikes at Arches to see them. Bring the kiddos! The best trails here are actually super easy.
27. Watch the sunrise in Canyonlands National Park
Remember that 90s screensaver with the sun rising behind the arch? That’s the mesmerizing Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park. Catch the first light as it paints the La Sal Mountains and the vast canyons below. A short hike takes you to this spectacular scene—truly a worthy addition to your Utah bucket list if you’re an aspiring photographer.
28. Run, Forrest, Run in Monument Valley
Explore the iconic red rock landscape of Monument Valley, Utah. You may recognize the breathtaking backdrop from Forrest Gump’s cross-country run scene where he says, “I think I’ll go home now”. You won’t want to! Take a photo opp or Forrest Gump Hill where history and cinema merge for an unforgettable adventure. Then enhance your experience by taking a tour guided by the Navajo people, who share their rich culture and stories.
Utah Bucket List Adventures near St. George
29. Hike Angel’s Landing… or not
Embark on a heart-pounding adventure with the Angel’s Landing hike in Zion National Park. Ascend through daring switchbacks and conquer Walter’s Wiggles for awe-inspiring views. Hold onto chains as you reach the summit and marvel at the sweeping vistas of the Virgin River below. A thrilling challenge for the brave…and lucky! Now you need a permit to hike it.
Fret not, it’s not the only bucket list-worthy view in Zion. Try the less crowded Zion Canyon Overlook for a more kid-friendly alternative.
30. Visit St. George
Zion National Park is the third most-visited national park in the United States but there is so much more to that region than just Zion. They’ve actually branded the region as Greater Zion and just an hour away from the park is St. George – one of the fastest growing metro areas in the country. St. George is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, which is why it’s the most popular area among Utah locals for second homes and vacation rentals.
People say Snow Canyon State Park probably could’ve been a national park if it weren’t located so close to Zion. And Sand Hollow State Park has some of the best water sports and sandy beaches in the state, thanks to the large dunes on its south side. Let this post guide you to the best things to do in St George.
St. George is also home to the most popular marathon in Utah and recently became host city to the Iron Man, after leaving Kona, Hawaii for the first time since 1978. And there is no shortage of hikes with amazing vistas – here’s 14 easy hikes in St. George to get you started.
Bonus: St George is less than two hours from Las Vegas if you’re up for a side trip to the Strip. Believe it or not, there are plenty of family-friendly things to do in Las Vegas.
31. Relax at the beach
Utah is a land-locked state, 400 miles from the nearest ocean. But shockingly, the state has some brilliant beaches that you’d be foolish not to include on your Utah bucket list. Lounge on the sandy shores of Lone Rock Beach at Lake Powell, where crystal-clear waters meet red-rock cliffs. Dive into fun at Sand Hollow State Park, where a warm reservoir surrounded by sand dunes offers a perfect aquatic playground. Unwind and soak up the sun in stunning desert oases. Or try these other lakes near St George and sandy beaches in Utah.
32. Summit a volcano
You don’t have to travel all the way to Iceland or Hawaii to hike a volcano. It’s one of the most unique things you’ll find on my Utah bucket list! Head to Snow Canyon Stake Park where you can embark on the Cinder Cone Trail for a striking desert adventure. This short but scenic hike leads you through ancient lava flows, revealing the beauty of the rugged terrain. From the top, savor panoramic views of the park’s red rock formations and the distant Snow Canyon.
Utah Bucket List Adventures near Kanab
33. Go Sandboarding at Coral Pink Sand Dunes
Discover the mesmerizing Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, one the most unique places to visit in Utah! Strikingly vibrant, these dunes formed over thousands of years, creating an otherworldly playground for outdoor enthusiasts. If you’ve got little adventurers tagging along, you’ll want to try sandboarding at Coral Pink Sand Dunes.Giggles guaranteed. Whether you’re off-roading in a UTV or simply soaking in the breathtaking scenery, this unique destination guarantees a one-of-a-kind adventure for your Utah bucket list.
34. Go off-roading to a slot canyon in Kanab
Kanab is one of the best little towns in Utah to set up camp so-to-speak for a southern Utah adventure, and that’s because it’s located centrally to so many different things. Within a 90-minute drive, you have Bryce Canyon National Park, Lake Powell, and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon (which, by the way, only gets about 10% of the annual visitors as the South Rim but you are literally looking at the same thing). It’s also the only place where you can pick up a permit to hike The Wave, one of the most unique rock formations in the Southwest.
With so many possibilities for adventure, it’s no wonder Kanab is one of the top places to visit in Utah. But my favorite family-friendly adventure in Kanab was renting a jeep and heading to Peekaboo Canyon. Our kids felt like mini Indiana Jones, trekking through the desert to find the Holy Grail. Check out our guide to 3 days in Kanab for under $400 for more info on the best things to do in Kanab.
35. Stay in a houseboat on Lake Powell
The undisputed heavyweight champion of our Utah bucket list is Lake Powell. Weighing in at a massive 2,000 miles of shoreline, Lake Powell is a man-made reservoir created when the Glen Canyon Dam was built in the 1960s, damming up the Colorado River upstream from Lake Mead & the more famous Hoover Dam.
Imagine yourself waterskiing or wake surfing in a huge lake at the bottom of the Grand Canyon and that’s essentially what you experience at Lake Powell. There’s nowhere else like it in the world. Check out our budget-friendly guide to Lake Powell to learn more about our favorite place in Utah.
Staying in a houseboat on Lake Powell among soaring red cliffs and slot canyons is an unforgettable experience you must have at the top of your Utah bucket list! You can rent one in Bullfrog, Utah or Page, Arizona. Even though around 90% of the lake is in Utah, I’d recommend starting in Page – only because it’s less remote and you have a ton of cool things to do in Page, like Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend.
Download Your FREE Utah Bucket List
Utah is a pretty amazing place! There’s no way you could see it all on one trip. That’s why we created The Ultimate Family-Friendly Utah Bucket List with the 100 best places in Utah to visit for kids. Just click the link and you can download a printable PDF copy for free to track your adventures or inspire future road trips.
–JJ🤘🏻