The Best Outdoor Adventures You Can Have in Utah

Utah is a beautiful state. Perhaps the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Utah is its sizable Mormon community, but there’s a lot more to consider if you’re thinking about whether to visit. It’s a particularly exciting place to go if you love the outdoors and you’re looking for opportunities for adventure.

The naturally diverse state is home to the Rocky Mountains, the Great Basin, and the Colorado Plateau, all of which make it a wonderful place for outdoor enthusiasts and thrill seekers. If you’re thinking about planning a visit to the “beehive state”, you can find some fantastic outdoor adventures.

Take a look at these ideas to start planning your trip to Utah.

Rafting

Utah has several awe-inspiring rivers that are just great for whitewater rafting. It’s a thrilling activity that gives you a fun way to explore the lay of the land and visit some pretty remote places too. If you want to go whitewater rafting in Utah, you can find some fantastic opportunities on the Colorado River, Green River, and San Juan River, where some of the most popular runs can be found. However, if you’re looking for something calmer, there are also flatwater rafting opportunities. You can drift lazily, rather than feel like you’re paddling for your life.

Hiking

Hiking is one of the best ways to get to know any area. It’s perfect for people who love slow travel and really want to take everything in. Of course, that doesn’t mean that you have to dawdle or drag your feet. Utah has hikes for all fitness and skill levels, from gentle strolls to more challenging options. Utah has thousands of miles of hiking trails, including five national parks. More than 70 percent of Utah is public land, so you’re really spoilt for choice if you want to go hiking. If you’re not sure where to start, pick one of the parks to give you some ideas.

Fishing

Like hiking, fishing can often be as slow and relaxing or as fast and exciting as you would like. There are over 1,000 fishable lakes in Utah, as well as many fishing streams. If you’re thinking about a fishing trip, some of the top places to base your stay include Boulder, Heber Valley, Ogden and Park City. However, you do need to have a fishing license if you want to fish in Utah, so make sure you get one from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. It’s important to check any regulations for the areas where you’re planning to fish too.

Cycling and Biking

Getting on two wheels and pedaling away is a great way to get around and explore Utah. If you want to try out road cycling, it can be an alternative to doing a road trip in a motor vehicle. There are some excellent trails and paths for you to follow, such as the 20-mile Alpine Loop or the 50-mile Parowan Gap Loop. For those looking for something different, there’s also the option of mountain biking in Utah. Moab is a popular destination for mountain biking trails, but you can find plenty of other trails around the state.

Slot Canyons

Slot canyons are narrow gorges in soft rocks, which are fantastic for exploring. Although named for their narrow widths, they vary in appearance. You can stroll right through some of them, while others are excellent for canyoneering. Slot canyons can be found all over, with Utah possibly having the highest concentration of them in the world. Some of the top slot canyons include Antelope Canyon, Buckskin Gulch, Burr Trails Singing Canyon, and Willis Creek Narrows. You can explore these canyons with a guide to ensure you do it safely and get the most out of your adventures.

Skiing

The adventures you can have in Utah certainly aren’t all warm-weather activities. Skiing is also a popular pastime for both residents and visitors. There are several resorts that are excellent for downhill skiing, including Park City and Alta. In fact, there are 15 resorts in total. Utah is also an excellent place for cross-country skiing, with hundreds of roads and trails for you to try out. There are groomed trails or you can head into the backcountry for more of a challenge. You can head out on your own or you can look for guided tours with an expert to show you the way.

Utah is an incredible state with so many things for adventurers to do. You’re sure to find something that you love doing.

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