The unique state of Utah is home to 5 national parks, 28 scenic byways and endless outdoor opportunities. Without a doubt, you could easily spend months here just exploring a tiny section of the state. From the red rocks of Arches National Parks to the ski mountains of Park City, the diversity of geography in the state is truly astounding. Here are 8 amazing places to visit on a Utah road trip.

Also, be sure to check out our GoogleMaps link to all of the places listed in this guide!

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1. Arches National Park

Located on the eastern side of Utah near the famous town of Moab, Arches National Park certainly lives up to its name. If you want to visit during the months of April to October, you’ll have to make a timed entry reservation. Favorite spots here include: Double Arch, Windows Arch, Devil’s Garden and Fiery Furnace (which requires an additional permit or ranger led tour.)

2. Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area

The Flaming Gorge, a true hidden gem in Utah, is found on the eastern border with Wyoming. Since most people have never heard of this area, it stays quiet even during the peak months of summer. You can rent boats/kayaks here, hike, swim and also camp at one of the many campgrounds along the shoreline.

For incredible camping as well as spectacular sunsets, check out the Canyon Rim Campground. This spot literally sits along the rim of the gorge, as shown in the above picture!

3. Dead Horse Point State Park

The third place on this list is Dead Horse Point State Park. This spectacular state park is also near Moab, close to Arches & Canyonlands National Parks. While the national parks are more visited, Dead Horse offers several unique experiences – yurt “glamping” rentals, incredible sunrises/sunsets, and dark sky star parties & full moon hikes.

Additionally, you can take a fantastic guided jet boat tour through the park on the Colorado River. This experience shows a different side of the park that most people don’t see!

4. Stansbury Island

This “island” is located on the western side of the Great Salt Lake and about 45 minutes from Salt Lake City. Here, you’ll find pink tinted waters, human engineered salt collection sites and also unique mountain formations. Drive out to the Stansbury Viewpoint, which is at the northern end of the “island”, to find the unique pink toned waters. You can also hike on the Stansbury Island Trail, which is a more difficult trail, but worth the effort for the stunning views.

Keep reading for the 4 remaining spots of the 8 amazing places to visit on a Utah road trip!

5. Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway

A fantastic alternate route to get to Moab, the Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway is a must do drive in this region. While the road is only 44 miles long, you could easily spend a day exploring between the sites. The route primarily runs alongside the Colorado River with many wild looking rock formations as well as several beautiful hiking trails. Favorites include the Professor Creek/Mary Jane Canyon trail and the Fisher Towers Trail.

6. Bonneville Salt Flats

Undoubtedly, the Bonneville Salt Flats are one of the most other-wordly looking places in Utah. This area encompasses over 30,000 acres in western Utah and for the most part, really looks as white as the picture above. You can walk across the flats as well as drive (only in very specific areas though!) Additionally, every year, the area hosts several land speed events, like the Bonneville Flats Speed Week. The best viewpoint is at the rest area that is found right off I-80 going westbound.

7. Canyonlands National Park

One of Utah’s 5 iconic national parks, Canyonlands is also located close to Moab and Arches. Canyonlands has 4 distinct zones in the park, with the most popular (and accessible) being Island in the Sky. This is where you’ll find the visitor’s center as well as most of the ranger led tours and talks.

Other favorite things to do here include a 4×4 backcountry tour of the Island in the Sky zone, hiking on the Grand View Point trail and watching the sunrise at Shafer Canyon Overlook.

8. Silver Island Mountains Byway

This strange and spectacular area of Utah is located near the Bonneville Salt Flats. It’s a great area to explore as you access the driving portion of the Salt Flats from here. Additionally, there are many incredible dispersed campsites in this region, which have great views of the mountains and the Salt Flats.

Enjoy your Utah road trip!

Without a doubt, Utah has some of the most magnificent scenery in the United States. So be sure to enjoy these 8 amazing places to visit on a Utah road trip.

Jonathan & Caroline