20 Things to Do in Utah, From Red Rock Hikes to Lake Days

By SophieOccasions EditorHome & Rooms·Oct 8, 2026·20 ideas·9 min read·Editorial standards

Looking for things to do in utah that go beyond another scenic drive? Think orange rock arches, a paddle on a mountain lake or a snowy tubing hill.

These pictures give you plenty to start with, whether you love a hiking day or would rather stop for the view.

You can keep your plans simple or add a bigger adventure. Pick a few favorites, then check seasonal access and reservation requirements before you go.

Some of these stops deserve a whole day of their own!

Utah adventures worth saving

a ladder along the trail

How’s this for a change from an ordinary trail? A tall ladder leans against the rock, with green branches framing the narrow approach.

That little stretch looks like an adventure all on its own.

If a ladder hike is on your list, confirm the route and its current condition first. A photo alone isn’t enough to tell whether this ladder is maintained or open to visitors.

golden light at Delicate Arch

I am obsessed with that orange glow on Delicate Arch. The opening frames the distant cliffs so beautifully, with open rock stretching across the foreground.

Plan a late-day visit if you’d like to see the rock in softer light. Bring a headlamp for the return walk rather than relying on your phone.

a window through the red rock

This arch may just be one of my favorite views here. I love how the dark green trees fill the opening beneath the pale orange rock.

Natural Bridge in Bryce Canyon is a stop to consider if you want this kind of view. Enjoy it from the designated overlook rather than trying to scramble down beneath it.

watching for bison

Want to add wildlife watching to your trip? Put Antelope Island on your list for a chance to see bison.

The curved horns and huge shaggy head in this close-up are quite a sight.

Keep your distance and use binoculars or a zoom lens. This framing isn’t an example of how close you should stand.

a day on the tubing hill

Don’t want your whole winter trip to revolve around skiing? No problem!

Snow tubing is another idea to save. The yellow tubes and separate snowy lanes make this scene look so fun.

Choose an operated tubing hill and check its session times, age rules and snow conditions before heading out.

the shapes of Goblin Valley

How cute are these mushroom-shaped rocks? Goblin Valley gives you a very different scene from the tall arches, with rounded caps and squat orange formations all across the view.

Leave time to look at the smaller shapes too. I’d keep the camera handy here, without climbing on the formations for a photo.

houseboating on Lake Powell

If you’re looking for a trip built around the water, this one is for you. A houseboat sits beside tall pale cliffs, with their reflections stretching into the green-blue lake.

A Lake Powell houseboat trip takes more planning than a quick shore stop. Check current water levels, departure locations and boating requirements before booking.

sunrise at Mesa Arch

That glowing underside of Mesa Arch is gorgeous. I love how the low opening frames distant rock towers instead of just a patch of sky.

Save this Canyonlands stop if you enjoy sunrise photography. Give other visitors room at the viewpoint and keep off the arch itself.

inspiration for a night under the stars

Love the idea of stargazing among red rocks? This dramatic image pairs sweeping striped formations with a bright, star-filled sky.

Treat it as inspiration, not a promise of what you’ll see.

The exact location and the image’s realism aren’t confirmed here. For your own outing, choose a verified Utah stargazing spot with permitted nighttime access and check the cloud cover and moon phase.

wide-open salt flat views

Don’t want a busy background in every vacation photo? This white salt-flat landscape is about as simple as it gets.

The low mountains and huge blue sky are so pretty together.

Consider the Bonneville Salt Flats for a similar outing. Check surface conditions first and avoid driving onto wet salt.

a roadside fruit stop

Not every stop needs hiking boots! These baskets of green and red fruit make a roadside stand look worth a little detour.

Leave room in your plans for a seasonal farm stand. If you’re visiting Capitol Reef, you could also check the Fruita orchard schedule, though this photo doesn’t establish the stand’s location.

holiday lights in Salt Lake City

How pretty are those lights around the Salt Lake Temple? The illuminated spires and glowing trees give you a lovely reason to plan a city evening during the holidays.

Check the current Temple Square access updates and holiday schedule before you go. This picture isn’t confirmation of the display you’ll find during your visit.

a red rock hike with friends

If you love a walk with plenty to look at, save this idea. The group is following a broad red dirt trail toward a wall of uneven rock towers.

Choose an established route that suits everyone in your group. With so little shade visible here, water and sun protection belong in your daypack.

blue water inside a crater

This is such a different scene from the open desert. Bright blue water sits beneath dark, curved rock walls, with a dock and ladders leading down to the pool.

For a Utah outing like this, look into Homestead Crater in Midway. Confirm reservations and the rules for your chosen water activity before making the drive.

a paddle on Mirror Lake

I love this Mirror Lake view with the mountains rising behind the trees. The little blue kayak makes a day on the water look especially tempting.

Bring your own picnic if you’d rather stay on shore. For paddling, wear a life jacket and check the weather as well as seasonal access along Mirror Lake Highway.

footprints across the dunes

The tiny ripples in this sand are so pretty. Two walkers head toward a tall dune, leaving a trail of footprints behind them.

Coral Pink Sand Dunes is a Utah option to consider for a sandy outing. I’d choose suitable footwear rather than copy the barefoot walkers, since sand can get hot.

a green canyon creek

Here’s a change from all that open orange rock. A narrow path follows the creek through leafy plants, with red canyon walls peeking between the branches.

If a creekside hike sounds like your kind of day, choose a confirmed route and check flash-flood conditions. Keep to the trail rather than stepping through the plants beside the water.

a Sundance mountain stop

I love the tall evergreen against this golden-brown Sundance building. It’s a lovely bit of mountain-trip inspiration without another desert overlook in sight.

Consider Sundance Mountain Resort for a stop in Provo Canyon. Look through the current seasonal activities before deciding whether to plan a short visit or a longer stay.

the river bend at Dead Horse Point

If you are looking for a sweeping canyon view, then this one is for you. The river curves around a huge rock formation, with layer after layer of cliffs behind it.

Save Dead Horse Point for a stop with time to linger. Bring your camera, but stay behind overlook barriers rather than moving closer to the edge for a different angle.

a zipline above red rock

Last but definitely not least, we have a little adventure above the rocks. A helmeted rider hangs from the zipline, with orange slopes and scattered green trees below.

If you want to add ziplining to your Utah plans, book with an established operator. Check participation requirements and follow the guide’s instructions rather than copying the pose in the photo.