Utah's rich natural splendor provides more than a lifetime's worth of amusement and adventures. How could one ever choose? We've narrowed down the list a bit and collected a worthwhile adventure in each of Utah's 29 counties. Can you catch them all?
Beaver County, UT
Tushar Mountains & Eagle Point Resort
Most don't know it but the Tushar Mountains are Utah's third-highest mountain range and provide a fantastic place to take refuge from the heat in the summer months. Grab a condo at Eagle Point or camp to enjoy endless miles of high-altitude hiking, biking, hunting, fishing and relaxing in nature.
Box Elder County, UT
Golden Spike National Historic Park
Rewind the times to the locomotive era and pay homage to one of the most important technological advancements of the 19th century at the Golden Spike National Historic Park. Visit the location of the Last Spike where the Transcontinental Railroad was finally joined in 1869. Walk or drive the original railroad grade and investigate replica locomotives hailing from the Victorian era.
Cache County, UT
Cherry Peak Summer Concert Series
Northern Utah's Cherry Peak is renowned for its annual summer concerts on the lawn. Check their website for a current lineup which typically features big-name country music acts and rock and roll.
Carbon County, UT
Historic Helper, Utah
Stay a while in Helper the next time you pass on through. A charming Main Street has been preserved and restored and offers eateries, art galleries, live music, and even a new brewery! Helper was formerly a prosperous railroad hub surrounded by coal mines and has a lot of interesting history to share. Chill out along the newly revitalized river walk or swing by for the annual Helper Arts, Music and Film Festival.
Daggett County, UT
Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area
For boating, world-class trout fishing, and endless camping options, Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area should be on your radar. The reservoir stretches over 90 miles in length so there is plenty of space to spread out. Additional activities include waterskiing, jet boating, fly fishing, parasailing, and fishing. The higher elevation of this reservoir means temperatures will be cooler than other areas in Utah.
Davis County, UT
Antelope Island State Park
A place of serene natural beauty amid an austere and fascinating landscape, Antelope Island State Park is a must-see for any visitor to Utah. Bugs can be a hassle, so we do recommend calling the ranger's office first for insight into the current bug situation. Sunrise and sunset are phenomenal times to experience the island as the sun reflects off the saline waters of the Great Salt Lake. It's best to go October–May when frosty nights kill the bugs that often plague the shores of this unique place. Enjoy sightings of antelope and buffalo. Camping, swimming, paddling, hiking, and biking are all great options to explore this singular State Park.
Duchesne County, UT
King's Peak - Utah's Highest Mountain
At 13,528 feet, King's Peak is the highest point in the state of Utah. A good chunk of the Uinta Mountain Range is located within Duchesne County and offers wonderful camping, paddling and hiking. King's Peak is a challenging 25 mile out-and-back hike that many folks choose to attempt in an overnight mission, though intrepid trail runners or serious hikers may attempt a summit bid in under a day.
Emery County, UT
Goblin Valley State Park
You don't have to leave planet Earth to feel like you've landed in a different universe. All it takes is a quick trip to Goblin Valley State Park to experience an otherworldliness that's bound to enchant adults and children alike. The sandstone hoodoos rise out of a small natural amphitheater that feels like a maze lost in time. The surreal landscape is enjoyable day or night and the stargazing at this remote outpost is unparalleled. Book a spot in the nearby campground or snag a primitive camping spot within the sprawling desert that surrounds the park.
Garfield County, UT
Scenic Byway 12
Connecting the small towns of Panguitch and Boulder, this 123-mile stretch of highway is arguably one of Utah's finest. Wind through jaw-dropping sandstone formations and climb high plateaus while spying the distant Henry Mountains, the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and the red rocks of Capitol Reef National Park. Forests give way to ancient rock formations in a dramatically vibrant landscape like no other. Foodies will want to make reservations at the famous Hell's Backbone Grill in Boulder.
Grand County, UT
Klondike Bluffs Mountain Bike Trails
Find the flow and a little slickrock in this awesome trail network north of Moab with trails suitable for beginners or experts. There's a short hiking track where you can even spy some Dino tracks or you may enjoy biking through a glittering field of agate.
Iron County, UT
Cedar Breaks National Monument & Brian Head Resort
Just east of Cedar City lies a high alpine oasis and Brian Head Ski Resort. The resort boasts an awesome bike park, summer concerts and tons of activities. Nearby is Cedar Breaks National Monument which is great for hiking and catching a memorable sunset.
Juab County, UT
Rockhounding at Topaz Mountain
Topaz Mountain is a rockhounding paradise and a peak within the Thomas Range in Juab County. The land is publicly owned by the BLM and it's a place where amateur or professional rock collectors flock. Topaz is Utah's state gem and it can readily be located in a bowl on Topaz Mountain. Be sure to do your homework to understand where and how to find topaz crystals and pack for hot, windy weather in the summer months. The Dugway Geode beds are just a short drive to the north if Topaz won't cure your crystal fix.
Kane County, UT
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
If the sandbox is your jam then Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is a veritable paradise. These 10,000-15,000 year-old pink and reddish sand dunes are the remnants of Navajo sandstone formations that existed during the Middle Jurassic era. The unique geology of the area creates steady winds that promote erosion of the sandstone and deposition of the sand grains in the nearby valley. Here you can partake in ATV and off-road fun in addition to hiking and playing in the unusual dunes.
Millard County, UT
Udig Fossil Quarry
A rockin' time for adults and children alike, the Udig Fossil Quary west of Delta, Utah is a place where you can step back in time and play archaeologist. Dress for hot and dusty weather and take plenty of water on your quest to unearth ancient trilobite fossils. There's endless primitive camping nearby but visitors will need to be prepared for the elements and wind. Neighboring Swasey Peak is the highest peak for hiking in the House Range and a prominent West Desert landmark at 9,678 feet in elevation.
Morgan County, UT
Blues, Brews, and BBQ at Snowbasin Resort
For a jammin' time and great views, head to Snowbasin Resort'ss summer jam sessions at the Blues, Brews, and BBQ concert series. Check for the current lineup and dates on Snowbasin's website. Pair the tunes with hiking, mini-golf, lift-served or lift-served mountain biking for a darn good weekend.
Piute County, UT
Summit Mount Belknap
Mount Belknap is the second-highest peak in the Tushar Mountain Range and it's arguably the most beautiful and dramatic. This high-elevation hike is challenging and strenuous but the views are highly rewarding. Keep your eyes peeled for mountain goats and elk as you climb the peak!
Rich County, UT
Bear Lake
Need to cool down? The chilly turquoise waters of Northern Utah's Bear Lake are the perfect respite from brutal summer heat. White sand beaches surrounding the lake offer an ideal platform for water play. Paddleboarding, boating, waterskiing, jet skiing, wake surfing, kayaking and more can be enjoyed in what many locals refer to as "The Caribbean of the Rockies."
Salt Lake County, UT
Natural History Museum of Utah
Utah is famous for a lot of things, snow, recreation, the 2022 Winter Olympic Games...and dinosaurs! Don't skip a visit to the Natural History Museum of Utah to dive deep into all facets of Utah's natural history. The gallery of dinosaur skeletons is spectacular and compliments exhibits on Utah's indigenous cultures, geology, ecology, and more.
San Juan County, UT
Natural Bridges National Monument
Sure, we've all heard of Canyonlands National Park but why not give Natural Bridges National Monument a go? This monument serves up three huge natural stone bridges that visitors can enjoy along hikes or easily accessible viewpoints. With archaeological sites and petroglyphs, this geological site is also resplendent with human pre-history.
Sanpete County, UT
Climb in Maple Canyon
Maple Canyon is one of Utah's most renowned rock climbing zones, known worldwide by climbing enthusiasts. With over 550 routes ranging from 5.4 to 5.14 in difficulty, there's a climb for everyone in this exciting landscape. Routes are easily located from the road or hiking trails and the canyon offers a cool refuge from the summer heat. The interesting conglomerate rock composition makes for engaging climbing and good fun!
Sevier County, UT
Mystic Hot Springs
A well-loved Utah landmark can be discovered at Mystic Hot Springs near Monroe, Utah. It's difficult to think of a more Instagram-worthy place to relax, chill out and enjoy the simpler side of life. Reservations are required at this funky yet affordable resort and a stacked summer concert lineup ensures plenty of lively entertainment to complement your hot spring soak.
Summit County, UT
Deer Valley Mountain Bike Park
Once the snow retreats from Deer Valley's perfectly groomed slopes, tacky mountain bike flow trails are revealed. A number of flow trails connect to a total of 70+ miles of mountain biking fun spanning 3,000 feet in elevation at Deer Valley. Silver Lake Lodge offers amazing food, refreshing beverages and comfy chairs to chill out between laps. A number of the trails at Deer Valley connect to the over 400-mile network of singletrack surrounding Park City. Check our Deer Valley Mountain Bike Guide for more info on trails, lessons, and more.
Tooele County, UT
Bonneville Salt Flats
You truly have to see them to believe them, the Bonneville Salt Flats. A photographer's paradise, the options for creative angles on the salt flats can be mindbending.
Uintah County, UT
Red Fleet State Park
This reservoir near Vernal boasts hiking trails studded with dinosaur tracks, camping and boating. There's also mountain biking around Vernal and a number of dinosaur-related attractions that honor Utah's prehistoric past. The sandstone scene surrounding the water is a unique landscape to enjoy some downtime.
Utah County, UT
Sundance Mountain Resort
Sundance is a high mountain retreat with jaw-dropping views and enough activities to keep any summer traveler well entertained. Art classes, summer concerts, fly fishing lessons, lift-served mountain biking, hiking, and more. From fine dining to enjoying life at a quieter pace, time spent at Sundance is time to treasure.
Wasatch County, UT
Heber Valley Railroad
Fun for kids, the Heber Valley Railroad is a historic locomotive experience. Board a vintage train and let the slower pace of the early Industrial Age take over. The Railroad has a robust events calendar with themed train rides, music nights, and daily train rides (excluding Sundays).
Washington County, UT
Snow Canyon State Park
Just northwest of St. George lies the beguiling landscape of Snow Canyon State Park. Petrified dunes, living sand dunes, red walls, canyons, and waterfalls all beckon to hikers, walkers, campers, and horseback riders. The sandstone cliffs provide a striking backdrop to the beautiful and harsh desert habitats.
Wayne County, UT
Basecamp in Torrey, UT
Torrey is a funky and artsy little town perfectly situated to take advantage of Utah's red rock country. Hiking, canyoneering, biking, fishing, and climbing abound and the town is just eight miles from Capitol Reef National Park, Utah's least crowded park. Nearby Fishlake National Forest offers a high alpine retreat with aspen woodlands and a beautiful lake.
Weber County, UT
Powder Mountain's Dirt Mountain
The newly sculpted bike park at Powder Mountain is expanding each summer thanks to topography that perfectly lends itself to loamy berms and grin-inducing descents. In addition to the new lift-served bike park, there are cross-country cycling and hiking trails aplenty. Get yourself up to Pow Mow to see what their new summer scene is all about.
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