| Utah Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| State | Utah, USA |
| Currency | US Dollar (USD) |
| Language | English |
| Time Zone | Mountain Time (MT) |
| Daily Budget | $80 to $350+ per person |
| Best Time | April to May, September to October (parks); Dec-Mar (skiing) |
| Getting There | Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) |
Utah is an outdoor paradise that goes far beyond the Mighty Five national parks. Salt Lake City is a rapidly growing, surprisingly cool city with excellent dining and craft beer (yes, despite what you may have heard). The ski resorts are world-class, with the ‘Greatest Snow on Earth’ falling on Park City, Alta, Snowbird, and Deer Valley. Monument Valley, Goblin Valley, and the San Rafael Swell offer landscapes that look like another planet. The state’s public land network (national parks, monuments, forests, and BLM land) covers over 60% of the state, creating a road-tripping paradise. For the national parks specifically, see our dedicated Utah National Parks guide.
For a broader framework for organizing any trip, our how to plan a trip guide covers the fundamentals.
Best Time to Visit Utah
April through May and September through October are best for the southern national parks and canyon country. December through March is ski season in the Wasatch Mountains. Salt Lake City is pleasant from May through October. Summer is hot (100+ F) in the southern deserts. The state has dramatic elevation variation (4,200 to 13,500 feet), so temperatures vary greatly by location.
Getting to Utah
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is a major hub served by most US airlines with a new terminal (opened 2020). It is a Delta hub with direct flights from most major cities. The ski resorts are 30 to 60 minutes from the airport. The national parks are 4 to 5 hours south. Las Vegas (LAS) is a closer gateway for the southern parks (2.5 hours to Zion).
Top Things to Do in Utah
- Mighty Five National Parks: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands. See our Utah National Parks guide for the full breakdown.
- Salt Lake City: The vibrant capital with Temple Square, the Natural History Museum of Utah, craft breweries, and excellent restaurants. A stop on the way to ski resorts or as a trip in itself.
- Skiing: 14 ski resorts within an hour of SLC. Park City has two resorts (Park City Mountain and Deer Valley). Alta and Snowbird in Little Cottonwood Canyon get 500+ inches of snow annually.
- Monument Valley: The iconic Navajo Tribal Park with towering sandstone buttes. Guided tours by Navajo guides are the best way to explore ($50 to $100). Located in the Navajo Nation on the Utah-Arizona border.
- Goblin Valley State Park: A surreal landscape of mushroom-shaped rock formations that kids (and adults) love climbing on. One of the most unique state parks in the country. About 3 hours south of SLC.
- Bonneville Salt Flats: A vast expanse of white salt crust stretching to the horizon west of SLC. Free to visit. The site of land speed records. Best after a dry spell when the surface is firm and white.
Where to Stay
Salt Lake City has a full range of hotels from $80 to $300. Park City has ski lodges and resorts ($150 to $600+ in ski season). Moab is the base for Arches and Canyonlands ($80 to $250). Springdale is the base for Zion ($150 to $350). Camping is available throughout the state at national park, state park, and BLM sites ($15 to $35).
Sample 5-Day Utah Itinerary
- Day 1: Salt Lake City: Explore Temple Square, the Natural History Museum of Utah, and downtown. Evening at a craft brewery or restaurant.
- Day 2: Day Trip: Ski at one of the Wasatch resorts (winter) or drive to Bonneville Salt Flats / Antelope Island State Park (summer). Or start driving south toward the national parks.
- Day 3-5: Southern Utah: Road trip through the national parks: Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion. See our Utah National Parks guide for the detailed itinerary.
Budget Estimate
Budget travelers can manage on $80 to $140 per day by camping, cooking at campsites, and focusing on free or low-cost outdoor activities. An America the Beautiful Pass ($80) covers entry to all national parks. Mid-range travelers should plan for $180 to $300 covering hotels, restaurant meals, park entry, and car rental. Ski trips are the most expensive: lift tickets $150 to $220 per day, plus lodging in Park City.
Planning Tools
Ready to start building your Utah trip? Our free AI trip planner can generate a custom itinerary based on your dates, budget, and interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you drink alcohol in Utah?
Yes. Utah has loosened its liquor laws significantly. Bars, restaurants, and breweries serve alcohol. Beer above 5% ABV is available at state liquor stores. The main quirk: restaurants technically need you to intend to order food with your drink, but this is rarely enforced. Utah’s craft beer scene (Epic, Uinta, Wasatch) is excellent.
How long do you need for a Utah trip?
Three to four days covers Salt Lake City and one other area (skiing or a park or two). Seven to ten days is ideal for the full Mighty Five national park loop plus Salt Lake City. Two weeks lets you add Monument Valley, Goblin Valley, and deeper exploration.
Is it all desert?
No. Northern Utah has the Wasatch Mountains with world-class skiing and alpine scenery. Salt Lake City sits at 4,200 feet with mountains to the east. Southern Utah is canyon and desert country. The contrast between north and south is dramatic.