Zion National Park
Utah's most-visited park, featuring towering sandstone cliffs, the Virgin River Narrows, and the iconic Angels Landing hike
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About Utah
Utah stretches from the Great Basin in the northwest to the Colorado Plateau in the south and east, taking in the Wasatch Range, the Great Salt Lake, Monument Valley, and the canyon country of the Colorado River system. The five national parks form the 'Mighty Five' — a 300-mile circuit through southern Utah that ranks among the world's great road trips. Salt Lake City provides urban conveniences and access to a string of elite ski resorts in the Wasatch Range. Moab serves as the adventure capital of the American Southwest, and St. George is the warm-weather gateway to Zion National Park.
- Capital
- Salt Lake City
- Largest city
- Salt Lake City
- Population
- 3.4 million
- Languages
- English, Spanish
- Currency
- US Dollar
- Time zone
- Mountain Time (MT) — MST (UTC-7) in winter, MDT (UTC-6) in summer
Explore Utah by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Utah
The 5 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Bryce Canyon National Park
The world's largest concentration of hoodoos — otherworldly orange and red limestone spires filling a natural amphitheater
Arches National Park
More than 2,000 natural sandstone arches including the iconic Delicate Arch, set against red rock and desert sky
Canyonlands National Park
Utah's largest national park, carved by the Colorado and Green rivers into mesas, canyons, and spires across 337,598 acres
Capitol Reef National Park
A 100-mile wrinkle in the Earth's crust revealing nearly 10,000 years of human history among colorful cliffs and orchards
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Utah Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Utah, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Utah
- Days 1-2Utah city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Utah
- Days 1-3Utah comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Utah, departure
Where to stay in Utah
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget $85
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range $220
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury $600+
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Grand America Hotel
Check rates on Booking.comStein Eriksen Lodge
Check rates on Booking.comAmangiri
Check rates on Booking.comWaldorf Astoria Park City
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Utah
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Log Haven
Hell's Backbone Grill & Farm
Valter's Osteria
Café Diablo
Moab Brewery
Ruth's Diner
Getting around Utah
A rental car is virtually essential for exploring Utah's national parks and canyon country. Salt Lake City has a functional public transit network (TRAX light rail and buses) within the metro area. Moab and St. George require a car to access most attractions. Shuttle services operate within Zion National Park (mandatory in peak season) and offer partial access to Bryce Canyon.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in USD, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $35 | $130 | $400 |
| Food (per day) | $25 | $60 | $130 |
| Transportation | $15 | $20 | $50 |
| Activities | $10 | $30 | $80 |
| Daily total | $85 | $220 | $600+ |
Best time to visit Utah
Spring (March–May) and fall (September–October) offer mild temperatures, vivid colors, and significantly lower crowds in all five national parks. Skiers should target December–March in the Wasatch Range.
Essential travel tips
- A $35 America the Beautiful Pass (annualpass.usgs.gov) covers entry to all five Utah national parks plus 2,000+ other federal lands — pays for itself in two park visits
- Reserve campsites and popular permits (Angels Landing, The Wave) months in advance at recreation.gov
- Utah has no state income tax on Social Security and a 4.85% state sales tax; food is taxed at a reduced 3% rate
- Utah's alcohol laws: beer over 5% ABV and spirits are sold only at DABC state liquor stores (closed Sundays and state holidays); restaurants and bars with licenses can serve alcohol
- Download the VisitUtah app for offline maps and park information before entering areas with no cell service
Safety information
Carry at least 1 gallon (3.8 liters) of water per person per day in summer desert conditions
Flash floods in slot canyons (The Narrows, Antelope Canyon, etc.) can be fatal — always check upstream weather before entering canyon hikes
Cell service is absent in most national park backcountry — download offline maps via apps.utah.gov or Gaia GPS before leaving signal
High-altitude areas (Brian Head, elevation 11,307 ft / 3,446 m) can cause altitude sickness — ascend gradually and stay hydrated
Deer and elk crossing on roads after dark is common statewide — reduce speed on rural highways at night
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Utah?
The best time to visit Utah is March–May and September–October.
Do I need a visa to visit Utah?
Entry requirements follow United States federal rules. Visitors from Visa Waiver Program countries may enter for up to 90 days with an approved ESTA (apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov). All others require a US visa from the nearest American consulate. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with your nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
What currency is used in Utah?
The currency in Utah is the US Dollar (USD). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
What language is spoken in Utah?
The main language(s) spoken in Utah: English, Spanish. In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.
What are the top attractions in Utah?
The top attractions in Utah include Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Capitol Reef National Park. Each offers a unique experience, from historic landmarks to natural wonders.