14+ spots that prove that Utah is the ultimate outdoor playground
World-class hiking, rock climbing, overnight backpacking, canyoneering, horseback riding, and photography opps, it’s not surprising why the Utah is one of the ultimate destinations in the US for outdoor sport. Here are some of the highlighted activities to do in the state.
Editor’s note: These spots are all taken directly from travelstoke®, a new app from Matador that connects you with fellow travelers and locals, and helps you build trip itineraries with spots that integrate seamlessly into Google Maps and Uber. Download the app to add any of the spots below directly to your future trips.
Climbing, Fisher Towers, Moab
Fisher Towers is 20 miles northeast of Moab, along the scenic Highway 128. There’s camping here, as well as hiking trails that skirt the bottom of massive cliffs and skinny towers of striated sandstone. You may see some little dots moving upward on some of the spires; those are rock climbers.
Sandboarding, Coral Pink Sand Dunes
Utah has so many opportunities in the way of offroading. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, near Kanab, is 2,000 acres of salmon pink sand and is the only major area of sand dunes on the Colorado Plateau.
Kayaking, Causey Reservoir
Causey ReservoirHuntsville, United StatesAwesome place to kayak and jump off rocks #kayak
With the Colorado River running through some of the country’s most scenic landscapes — Arches, Canyonlands, Glen Canyon — the best way to experience it is by kayak or canoe. Moab makes for a good base camp to organize a paddle trip, with plenty of guided tours and rentals available.
Hiking Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon is relatively small compared to other Utah national parks like Zion, Arches, and Canyonlands. The 18-mile scenic road that runs north-south through the park traces the rims of the amphitheaters for the most part and has turnoffs for viewpoints, hiking trailheads, and picnic areas. There’s a 1,200ft elevation gain between the entrance and Rainbow Point at the end of the paved road. Pay attention to the changing flora — from ponderosa pine to spruce, fir, and aspen — as you ascend.
Top of Angels Landing
Angels Landing is one of the premier hikes in Utah, if not the entire US national park system, and as such is a “must-do” for any visitors physically fit enough and capable of handling the heights and exposure. The trail is around 5.5 miles round trip, is steep, and includes many switchbacks — the Walter’s Wiggles section alone has 22. It’s a strenuous but straightforward hike to Scout Lookout, a good resting spot with an outhouse and spectacular views up the canyon.
Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort
With a fresh coating of fine Utah powder, the landscape takes on a whole new aura. Perfect location to break out the snowshoes and skis.
Camping Granstaff Campground
Granstaff has 17 campsites, spots are around $15 p/n. Some sites are reservable, but most are first-come, first served.
Sailing and Kayaking, Echo Reservoir
Rappelling, Negro Bill Canyon
Utah is one of the world’s top canyoneering destinations. There are hundreds of remote and rugged canyons to scramble, rappel, and swim through. Neon Canyon makes for a mixed backpacking and canyoneering trip — it’s also super photogenic.
Hike to Fairyland Point
This trail begins at Fairyland Point and is 8 miles round trip. Most people take 4-5 hours for the entire hike, which has several elevation changes. A highlight is Tower Bridge, a unique rock formation consisting of two tall towers connected by a natural bridge, accessed by a spur trail off the main loop — don’t miss it!
Mesa Arch Trailhead
Dead Horse Point State Park
Don’t let the fact that Dead Horse Point State Park isn’t a national park dissuade you from visiting. It’s 32 miles northwest of Moab, and from the visitor center (and from many other places as well) you get views off of sheer cliffs that drop 2,000 feet to the Colorado River. If you have bikes with you, a great way to explore the area is on the Intrepid Trail system, which has routes for all different riding abilities. You can also hike on many of these trails.
Slickrock Bike Trail Practice Loop
ATVs, Moab
Moab Information CenterMoab, United States4-wheeling through the crazy redrock formations of #moab
There are miles of trails for ATVs. Utah Off-Road Outfitters can set you up with all of the gear you need to rip through the sand.
Camping Horsethief Campground
*Note, most national parks have drive-in campgrounds. Discounts are available for National Park Pass holders.