Things To Do In Utah For Once In A Lifetime Experience: The Ultimate Bucket List For You

Dec 20, 2024

Last Updated on: Jul 7, 2025

Travel Blog

Utah has the greatest natural treasures, it has 46 state parks and 5 national parks. In addition, Utah is known for the high urban energy of Salt Lake Park. In addition, the 15 world-class ski resorts promise the best adventure for outdoor enthusiasts. 

So, even if you are not biased about the wonders of Utah, you have to admit that tourism is huge in this part of the world. The market data also looks very promising for tourism in the state. 

With endless things to do in Utah, the state has recorded a direct visitor impact of $12.71 Billion in 2023. Furthermore, the total tourism-related tax revenue in the year was $2.35 Billion. 

Moreover, 159,800 jobs were created in the market thanks to travel and tourism in Utah. 

So, in the current bustling market scenario, do you also want to visit Utah? Here are the things you can try for a once in a lifetime experience. 

Things To Do In Utah For Once In A Lifetime Experience | A Complete Bucket List For You 

Things To Do In Utah For Once In A Lifetime Experience

April to May is the best time to visit Utah. These months are the springtime and thanks to sunny days and a mild temperature, you can enjoy hiking and exploring the national parks. Furthermore, the wildflowers are in full bloom during this season. 

However, if you want to avoid the rush, September to November is the best time for your Utah visit. 

Irrespective of the time you are traveling to Utah, you can try the following activities for a lifetime experience.

1. Visit The Zion National Park

Visit The Zion National Park

Zion National Park is the crown jewel if it’s about tourism in Utah. The Zion Canyon scenic drive here is 57 miles long. You can stop at the pullouts to explore the spectacular landscape of the park and its surroundings. 

Moreover, the park has many trailheads and the Angel’s Landing is of course the most challenging among them. Explore it if you are looking for some serious adventure. 

2. Explore The Canyonlands National Park

Explore The Canyonlands National Park

The Grand Canyon of Utah, Canyonlands National Park, is home to many beautiful hiking trails. You will especially love the Murphy Point Trail and Mesa Arch Trail.

If you don’t have the time for a hike, you can take a drive around the park to enjoy spectacular views. 

3. Visit The Arches National Park

The dusty red landscape of the Arches National Park looks all the more dramatic with more than 2000 stone arches. If you are not ready to explore the park on your feet, you can take a drive and see many of the arches from the car.

Otherwise, you can plan a hike to the Delicate Arch and other rock formations. Sunrise views are amazing at Arches National Park. So, don’t forget to capture photos for your socials. 

4. Spend Some Time At Bryce Canyon National Park

Spend Some Time At Bryce Canyon National Park

A day at Bryce Canyon National Park is indeed a once in a lifetime experience with the vibe of being in the land of Hoodoos. The geological formations here look otherworldly. The irregular-shaped columns here stand close to each other, making it appear like an escape you cannot miss.

Further, make it a point to visit the following viewpoints when you are at Bryce Canyon National Park.

  • Inspiration Point
  • Bryce Point
  • Sunrise Point
  • Sunset Point

Two other highlights of the park are the Navajo Loop Trail and Queen’s Garden. Hike through the trails and make memories. 

5. Enjoy The Remote Beauty Of Capitol Reef National Park 

Enjoy The Remote Beauty Of Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park is one of the mighty fives in Utah. The petroglyphs and geology here are amazing. Further, thanks to a remote location, this land of red rocks usually experience less rush.

The geological wonders at this park include the following features:

  • Warp in the Earth’s crust
  • Domes
  • Cliffs
  • Canyons
  • Waterpocket fold

You can explore the geological versatility of the park on a bike, or car. You can even hike through the trails.

However, for me, stargazing at Capitol Reef National Park is one of the greatest things to do in Utah. In addition, you must not miss visiting the Gifford Homestead here to try some homemade pie and icecreams. 

6. Enjoy Boating At Lake Powell

Enjoy Boating At Lake Powell

There are debates about Lake Powell being a lake or not. Let’s not get into this because even if it’s a manmade reservoir, its allure is hard to avoid. 

Located in Southern Utah, Lake Powell is on the Colorado River. Further, it is a place to try different outdoor pursuits. Visit Lake Powell for boating, hiking, camping, fishing, and swimming. 

7. Explore The Monument Valley 

Explore The Monument Valley

In Navajo, the “valley of the rocks” or the Monument Valley flaunts mesmerizing geological features. It has sandstone buttes and the towers over the sandy terrain stand as eternal witnesses of time. 

If the American West had a quintessential pictorial depiction, it surely would have been the Monument Valley. Many films and TV commercials are filmed here. The classic My Darling Clementine by John Ford has been the most celebrated one among them.

8. Plan A Stay At Yonder Escalante 

If you are looking for luxurious things to do in Utah amidst the company of nature, Yonder Escalante will be your go-to place. Close to the Bryce Canyon National Park, this place has more than 60 RV sites and 22 modern cabins.

You can plan a stay here to enjoy bonfires at night, watch movies in restored cars and take outdoor showers. 

9. Visit The Goblin Valley State Park

Visit The Goblin Valley State Park

Goblin Valley State Park attracts visitors with its quirky geological formations. The formations here look like goblins, imparting the park an eerie vibe.

During the daytime, you can play disc golf or hike in the park. Furthermore, it is a great spot for mountain biking. 

The State Park is also designated as the International Dark Sky Park. So, you are going to have a once in a lifetime stargazing experience here. 

10. Explore The Dead Horse Point State Park

Explore The Dead Horse Point State Park

Do you want to see the most beautiful sunset in Utah, you can visit the Dead Horse Point State Park. Seeing and capturing the sunset views are some of the best things to do in Utah.

Located between the Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, the Dead Horse Point State Park offers the best sunset views because of the 2000-feet elevation above the Colorado River. 

Moreover, it is a great place to stop in the afternoon for soaking in some warm light. 

So, these are things to do in Utah for a once in a lifetime experience. If you want to explore more of the state, you can visit the Mystic Hot Springs, Bonneville Salt Flats, and the Natural Bridges National Monument.

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Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!

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A Complete Guide To Maine National Parks

BY  Mashum Dec 29, 2021

Are you like me? Who loves the wilderness and the solitude. I am a solo traveler and I have visited a lot of national parks in the USA, the best of them according to me is Maine National Parks. If we share the same interest then Maine is the perfect getaway from everything.  The state is considered to be the place where the beautiful rocky coastline, pine forests, lighthouses, and the Appalachian Trail await you!.  When we talk about National Parks in Maine, there is only one National Park in Maine, but there are four sites that have been affiliated with the National Park services along with these there is also one National Trail that starts from Maine itself.  Acadia National Park is the main park in Maine. Maine National Parks that are affiliated are:  Maine Acadian Culture Centre. Katahdin Woods And Waters National Monument. 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Badlands National Park: Into The Land Of Sunrise, Sunset, And Stars | Stargazing At Badlands National Park

BY  Sibashree Sep 30, 2024

Guest speakers from Dark Ranger Telescope and NASA attended the “Astrofest Festival” at Badlands National Park this year (July 5 to 7, 2024). In this celebration of the night sky and astronomy, the guest speakers discussed various aspects of space. The 2024 fest included the following activities. Scale model of the solar system in the afternoon An early evening solar viewing program Guest speaker session “These are objects that have been important to our culture since we could probably talk. So, we think it’s important to maintain that connection and bring back that connection to these things that used to be so important to us for thousands of years.”Ed Welsh, the education specialist at Badlands National Park  The yearly Astrofest Festival at the park indeed has a role in making the park a favorite for star gazing and exploring the night sky. Also, the remote location of the park and minimal light pollution here make it a wonderful site in South Dakota for watching the celestial bodies in action.  Further, this park is a wonderful place to soak in the beauty of sunrise and sunset, making it the land of light and stones! Night Sky Viewings/ Stargazing At Badlands National Park View this post on Instagram A post shared by Badlands National Park (@badlandsnps) Everyone talks about the geology, wildlife, and fossils of Badlands National Park. However, if you are an introvert and always seek an immersive experience like me, night sky viewing will be your favorite activity at the park.  In fact, I feel that watching the night sky is the chef’s kiss in the park tour. The stargazing activity takes place near the park’s Cedar Pass area, which is close to the visitor center.  Further, the rangers inform you about the celestial bodies you will see. You just need to keep your eyes glued to the telescope to explore celestial bodies, such as the Milky Way, star clusters, planets, satellites, and nebulae.  The table below gives a quick excerpt of the stargazing and night sky viewing experience at Badlands National Park.  Stargazing And Night Sky Viewings At Badlands National Park LocationCedar Pass AmphitheaterSpecialtyMore than 7500 stars are exposed to each visitor. They especially enjoy the clarity of the Milky Way. Add-onsFly-overs by the International Space Station and many satellitesTelescopes Provided By Celestron and Badlands Natural History AssociationBest Season for StargazingSpring, Summer, and Fall In summer, the Night Sky Viewing Program starts after the evening star gazing session every day. The park rangers conduct this program. Further, its timing keeps changing based on the sunset hours.  Best Places For Stargazing At Badlands National Park  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cc1WjJfoGBB/ Badlands National Park has earned a name in astrotourism thanks to its pristine nature. With fewer pull-outs and roads, the north unit of the park especially has many amazing stargazing destinations. Let’s explore them! The Space Tourism Guide features the Badlands National Park and the Badlands National Park Observatory as some of the best places for stargazing in South Dakota. Badlands Observatory became accessible to visitors in May 2021. It is a privately owned facility in the Badlands National Park. Also, it works for astronomical education and research.  Cedar Pass Campground Amphitheater Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the Cedar Pass Campground Amphitheater has a Night Sky Viewing event every day. This experience is about gathering more information by stargazing in a structured setup.  You must visit the Ben Reifel Visitor Center every day to learn about the program.     Badlands Loop Road Like many other parts of the Badlands National Park, the Badlands Loop Road also allows you to find your spot for stargazing. However, two of the best spots along the loop are: Burns Basin Overlook Yellow Munds Overlook These locations are especially great for taking photographs and indulging in tranquility.  Sage Creek Rim Road The Sage Creek Rim Road is one of the least crowded spaces in the park. You will also get to see very few cars passing through the area.  The Sage Creek Basin Overlook and Hay Butte Overlook are some of the best spots for stargazing on Sage Creek Rim Road. However, as very few people visit this area, you can find a stargazing spot of your own.  Big Badlands Overlook Big Badlands Overlook may appear last on my list of places to stargaze in Badlands National Park. However, it is the first overlook for someone accessing the park from the Northeast Entrance or the Sioux Falls.  Take a short walk and reach the best stargazing point in the Big Badlands Overlook. From here, enjoy a 360-degree view.  The Backcountry  The open backcountry of the Badlands National Park is a wonderland for camping and stargazing. So, just set your camp and enjoy stargazing for the entire night.  Watching Sunrise And Sunset At Badlands National Park The magic hours of Sunrise and Sunset paint the Badlands National Park with the most vibrant shade of red. The table below shows the best points for watching the sunrise and sunset and the accessibility points. ActivityBest Spots In The ParkAccessibility Points with Boardwalks and for Visitors with Wheelchairs SunriseDoor TrailNorbeck Pass AreaDillon Pass AreaBig Badlands OverlookPanorama PointCastle Trail WestBig Badlands OverlookDoor Trail Panorama PointSunsetPinnacles OverlookCastle Trail EastNorbeck Pass AreaBigfoot Pass Picnic AreaConata Basin OverlookPinnacles Overlook Conata Basin OverlookBigfoot Pass Picnic Area  As the Sun rises, its warm golden and red lights spread over the pinnacles that face the east. Further, the drama of light and shadow makes every frame mesmerizing. So, many photographers flock to Badlands National Park’s sunrise and sunset points for the best captures.  Stargazing At Badlands National Park: Plan Your Trip Well  There are two easy ways to reach the remoteness of the Badlands National Park.  Reach the Rapid City Regional Airport and ride for an hour to Badlands National Park.  Further, you can reach the Sioux Falls Regional Airport and take a road trip to Badlands National Park. This trip through South Dakota will take you around 4 hours. If you want to have the best stargazing experience at Badlands, you need to stay there overnight. You can reserve a room at the Cedar Pass Lodge in advance or stay at the Sage Creek Campground or Cedar Pass Campground.  However, if you are an adventurous soul and want the most immersive experience, put a camp in the backcountry or the north and south units of the park. Don’t forget to collect your permit for backcountry camping in the Badlands National Park.  Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13 Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit! [Updated 2024]