The 50 Best Adventures in Utah
This is just the tip of the iceberg...
Are you a rugged modern-day Thoreau seeking solitude (and/or tax evasion?) in the backcountry? Are you a Conventional Utah Family seeking weekend adventures in the frontcountry — or outings, rather than adventures, really, and preferably ones that pose little-to-no risk to your 2.3 kids?
No?! What else could you possibly be?
Actually, it doesn’t matter. Utah’s diverse landscape has experiences for everyone. Day hikes to gorgeous alpine lakes, steep and deep backcountry skiing, camping in one of Utah’s beautiful national parks, squeezing your way through slot canyons... the list goes on and on.
Below, that is. The list goes on and on below. Fifty Utah adventures. Zero excuses not to find one that suits you. By next weekend at the latest. Read through, let your mind wander and then make plans to make your daydreams come true.
1. Hike to Diamond Fork Fifth Water Hot Springs
2. Camp at Willow Lake
3. Backpack and Camp at Ibantik Lake
4. Hike the Subway - Top-Down
5. Hike to White Pine Lake
6. Rock Climbing in Indian Creek
7. Backpack to Silver Lake
8. Hike Bryce Canyon’s Riggs Spring Loop
9. Hike Angels Landing at Night
10. Backpack to Lake Catherine and Bag Sunset Peak
11. Fly Fish the Green River below Flaming Gorge
12. Camp in Capitol Reef National Park
13. Relax in the Saratoga Hot Springs
14. Backpack to Red Pine Lake
15. Hike Many Pools
Photo: Spencer Rudy
16. Ski Little Cottonwood Canyon
Photo: Sam Watson
17. Backpack Coyote Gulch
18. Camp by the Spiral Jetty
19. Hike and Shoot Delicate Arch
20. Hike Lakes Mary, Martha, and Catherine (Brighton Lakes)
21. Backpack Mount Timpanogos
22. Backpack Reflection Canyon
23. Short Hike to Double Arch
24. Hike Kanarraville Slot Canyon
25. Summit the Pfeifferhorn
26. Hike Observation Point
27. Backpack to Red Castle and Red Castle Lakes
28. Explore the Zion Narrows
29. Wildflower Hike in Albion Basin
30. Backpack Amethyst Basin
31. Canyoneering Keyhole Canyon
32. Camp under Zion’s Watchman
33. Cliff Jumping at Power Dam
34. Climbing in the Lone Peak Cirque
35. Beach Camping on Lake Powell
36. Hike to False Kiva
37. Hike to Mt. Olympus
38. Explore Arches’ Fiery Furnace
39. Camp at Goblin Valley
40. Backpack Kings Peak
41. Hike Buckskin Gulch Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness
42. Backpack into the Needles District
43. Hike Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Canyons
44. Scale the Cliffs at Ruth Lake
45. Night Photography at Calf Creek Falls
46. Canyoneering the San Rafael Swell
47. Backpack Bryce Canyon’s Under the Rim Trail
48. Photograph the Bonneville Salt Flats
49. Bike Holy Guacamole outside of Zion NP
50. Camping at Granstaff Campground
Cover photo: Andy Earl
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Do you love the outdoors?
Yep, us too. That's why we send you the best local adventures, stories, and expert advice, right to your inbox.
