Something about the bright orange sandstone, unique textures and shapes, and the rugged remoteness of southern Utah keeps drawing us back. From narrow slot canyons to towering spires and deep canyons, there’s an awe-inspiring natural wonder waiting around every corner and no shortage of incredible things to do in Southern Utah. We’ve spent months living in various small towns throughout southern Utah, exploring all the ins and outs of this amazing landscape. In this mega-article, we’ve rounded 51 of the best things to do in Southern Utah! We hope this list will spark your adventurous spirit and help you plan an epic southern Utah road trip.

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Things to do in Southern Utah

We’ve taken a fairly broad definition of “southern” Utah, so this article will cover all the best things to do in the bottom half of the state. This includes the mighty 5 national parks, Kanab, Springdale, Escalante, Moab, and everything in between.

Other Utah Resources

This guide to the best things to do in Southern Utah is quite extensive. If you’re looking for details on a specific location or itinerary, you may find that one of these resources better suits your needs!

• 24 Best Hikes in Southern Utah
• Best Hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park
• Amazing Hikes in Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
• Best Things to do near Kanab, Utah
• How to Spend One Day in Zion National Park
• Ultimate Utah National Parks Road Trip

Help us protect this beautiful place!

Before we get into it, we wanted to start with a word about preserving the incredible landscapes throughout southern Utah.

You’ve almost surely heard or read about “Leave no trace“, but it’s especially important in this remote area, as services are limited, the ecosystem is particularly fragile, and there are often no defined trails. Here are a few important things to keep in mind:

• Do not carve or vandalize any of the rock or plant life.
• Always stay on the trail. When there is no defined trail, avoid trampling the crypotbiotic soil (that layer of black or white crust over the sand and dirt). Walk through loose sand, previously disturbed land, or across slick rock where ever possible.
• Pack out what you pack in – do not leave behind trash. Do not take anything with you that you didn’t bring.
• Use waste disposal bags to carry out any human waste.
• Be prepared! Many of the best things to do in Southern Utah are in remote areas down dirt roads with no cell service. Make sure you are prepared to change a tire, carry extra water and food, and have a means of navigation without cell service. Carrying a GPS device, like a Garmin In-Reach Mini, is a good idea to be able to call for help in case of a serious emergency.
• Know your limits. Research trails ahead of time and don’t attempt any hike that is outside your skill level.
• Never set out on a hike in the desert without extra food and water, and avoid hiking midday during the summer.

Southern Utah is a remote and rugged place. Please help keep it that way!

Remember to Leave No Trace. Pack out what you pack in, stay on trail, be well-prepared, leave nothing behind, take only photos and memories with you, treat the area with respect and help preserve this beautiful spot for generations to come.

51 best things to do in southern Utah

Here’s an overview of our mega-list of the best things to do in Southern Utah. You can use the links below to jump around the article.

1. Road trip through Utah’s Mighty 5
2. Explore a slot canyon
3. Tackle Utah’s most thrilling hike: Angel’s Landing
4. Go rock climbing in Moab
5. Take a backpacking trip through Coyote Gulch
6. Hike the Figure 8 Loop in Bryce Canyon
7. Try a fresh baked apple pie in Fruita
8. Take a guided canyoneering trip in Capitol Reef
9. Watch a sunrise at Sunrise Point and a Sunset at Sunset Point
10. Camp in one of the most remote protected areas of the United States
11. Go glamping at Yonder Escalante
12. Drive the Scenic Highway 12
13. Hike the Zion Narrows
14. Go horseback riding at Kodachrome Basin State Park
15. Take a guided fly-fishing trip
16. Explore the Toadstool Hoodoos
17. Hike through a slot canyon to Kanarra Falls
18. Explore the otherworldly landscapes of Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
19. Backpack the Boulder Mail Trail
20. Hike through the world’s largest slot canyon: Buckskin Gulch
21. Go on a backpacking trip through Paria Canyon
22. Watch the sunset from Coral Pink Sand Dunes
23. Climb through Peekaboo and Spooky Slot Canyons
24. Eat at a James Beard award winning restaurant
25. Visit the Moqui Caverns & Belly of the Dragon off Highway 89
26. Try to score permits for the famous Wave
27. Explore the otherworldly landscape of Coyote Buttes South
28. Hike to Druid Arch in Canyonlands’ Needles District
29. Climb through a narrow slot canyon to see the striped walls of Zebra Slot Canyon
30. Backpack the West Rim Trail in Zion
31. Catch a sunrise at Delicate Arch
32. Visit Snow Canyon State Park: a mini-Zion
33. Embark on a epic adventure to Golden Cathedral
34. Find as many arches as you can in Arches National Park
35. Explore the Waterpocket Fold in Capitol Reef
36. Visit Zion’s Kolob Canyon
37. Watch the sunrise at Zion Canyon Overlook
38. (Respectfully) admire ancient petroglyphs
39. Go on a backpacking trip in the Needles District
40. Drive the Cathedral Valley Loop
41. Go off roading in the Maze
42. See a sunrise at Mesa Arch
43. Cool off in a desert oasis at Lower Calf Creek Falls
44. Visit Cedar Breaks National Monument: a mini-Bryce Canyon
45. See petrified wood at the Escalante Petrified Forest State Park
46. Feel like a kid again exploring nature’s playground: Devil’s Garden
47. Explore the Red Cliffs
48. Drive through Monument Valley
49. Visit Dead Horse Point
50. Explore the Dixie National Forest
51. Go skiing in Brian Head

Map of the best things to do in Southern Utah

The map below displays the locations of the best things to do in Southern Utah that we will cover in this article, including trailheads, national and state parks, camping areas, scenic drives, viewpoints and more!

• To view more details about each location, click on the marker on the map.
• To save this map for future use, click the star next to the title. From your phone, open the Google Maps app and click the “saved” tab, followed by the “Maps” icon. From your Gmail account, navigate to Maps –> “Saved” –> “My Maps” –> “Maps” tab.
• To email this map to yourself, click the three dots in the upper right corner.

1. Road trip Utah’s Mighty 5

Without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Southern Utah is to embark on a road trip through the state’s “Mighty 5” National Parks:

• Bryce Canyon National Park | Bryce Canyon is an amphitheater known for its towering spires of pink and orange rock, known as “hoodoos”, that give the park a fairyland-vibe.
• Zion National Park | Zion is Utah’s most popular National Park, but experiencing its famous landmarks, like the Narrows and Angel’s Landing, is well worth battling the crowds.
• Capitol Reef National Park | Utah’s least visited and most remote national park, Capitol Reef is full of sandstone arches, colorful badlands, canyons, natural bridges, domes, and the 100-mile long Waterpocket Fold.
• Canyonlands National Park | Made up of four distinct districts, Canyonlands is home to a unique assortment of orange sandstone canyons.
• Arches National Park | Home to over 2000 sandstone arches of every shape and size, the park rightfully earns its name!

If you have at least one week in Utah, you can see all 5 national parks. You can’t possibly see everything in the 5 Utah National Parks, but you can get a little taste of each park.

If you have more time, we’d recommend planning for 10 days or even 2 weeks to really experience the parks.

2. Explore a slot canyon

Utah has the highest concentration of slot canyons in the United States, if not the entire world, boasting more than 1,000 narrow passageways of every shape and size!

To be more specific, slot canyons are tall, narrow channels carved by rushing water over millions of years, typically through sandstone or limestone, which are softer rocks are therefore more easily shaped.

While a “normal” canyon is typically very wide, what makes slot canyons so unique is that they are very narrow at the base, sometimes down to less than 12 inches!

Some slot canyons in Utah require technical skills and canyoneering equipment to access, while others can be reached with hiking and mild rock scrambling. Either way, exploring at least one slot canyon should be at the top of your bucket list of things to do in southern Utah!

Want to know more about slot canyons in Utah? We’ve rounded up a complete list of the best slot canyons in Utah here:

3. Tackle Utah’s most thrilling hike: Angel’s Landing

• Location | Zion National Park
• Hiking distance | 4.4 miles
• Elevation gain | 1,600 feet
• Total time | 2 – 3 hours
• Epic-ness rating | 9
• Difficulty | hard

Find this hike on AllTrails: Angel’s Landing Trail

Sometimes referred to as the “most dangerous hike in America”, Angel’s Landing is an (in)famous hike in Zion National Park.

The hike is known for a series of 21 winding switchbacks, appropriately called Walter’s Wiggles, and the steep climb up a very narrow, exposed ridge to reach the summit that leaves many hikers clinging to the rock.

Sure, the final stretch is exposed and can be a bit scary but the views from Angel’s Landing looking down Zion Canyon are worth the challenge! If you have a serious fear of heights, you can always turn back at Scout Lookout, just before the narrow section.

Angel’s Landing is one of the best things to do in southern Utah and a very popular way to spend a day in Zion National Park. Permits are required to climb up the final ridge starting in April of 2022.

Although you aren’t likely to have this trail to yourself, hiking Angel’s Landing is an adventure you’ll never forget and definitely worthy of a spot as one of the best things to do in southern Utah.

You can find more information about how to get permits on the Zion NPS website. 

4. Go rock climbing in Moab

• Cost | $220 per person for full day of climbing
• Book your Moab rockclimbing adventure here!

Moab may be best known as the central hub for exploring Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, but it’s also one of the most popular rock climbing destinations in the United States.

With massive sandstone towers and red cliffs that stretch as far as the eye can see, we can’t think of a more beautiful location to rock climb! Popular climbing areas include Fisher’s Tower, Castle Valley, and Indian Creek.

There are many local guide companies that offer full or half-day guided climbs. Red River Adventures offers a variety of guided tours and rock climbing classes for climbers of all skill levels.

5. Take a backpacking trip through Coyote Gulch

Hike Stats (via Hurricane Wash Trailhead)

• Location | Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
• Distance | 14 miles
• Elevation gain | 550 feet
• Time | 6 – 9 hours
• Epic-ness rating | 9
• Difficulty | Hard

Find this hike on AllTrails: Hurricane Wash to Coyote Gulch

An entire world hidden below the otherwise barren crust of the desert, Coyote Gulch is an oasis of lush green trees, otherworldly rock formations, and a variety of wildlife located in Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument.

If you want to get into the backcountry, backpacking through Coyote Gulch is one of the best things to do in southern Utah!

There are several different trailheads and routes you could take into Coyote Gulch for a total trip distance between 6 and 27 miles.

The most notable landmark inside Coyote Gulch is ​​Jacob Hamblin Arch, a stunning 150-foot wide and 100-foot tall arch that towers over the gulch. If you aren’t up for backpacking, you can also visit Jacob Hamblin via a 14-mile round trip day hike from the Hurricane Wash trailhead.

We’ve compiled all the information you need to plan an epic Coyote Gulch backpacking trip in this article:

6. Hike the Figure 8 Loop in Bryce Canyon

Hike Stats

• Location | Bryce Canyon National Park
• Hiking distance | 6.3 miles
• Elevation gain | 1,600 feet
• Total time | 3 – 4 hours
• Epic-ness rating | 9
• Difficulty | moderate

Find this hike on AllTrails: Wall Street and Queen’s Garden Loop to Peekaboo Loop (Figure 8 Trail)

The Figure 8 Loop is the most comprehensive hike in Bryce Canyon, giving you a nearly full tour of the park over the course of 6 breathtaking miles. Of all the national parks in Utah, Bryce Canyon is the smallest and you can see most of the park’s highlights on this loop.

The Figure 8 Loop combines several popular shorter trails, including the Navajo Loop and the famous “Wall Street” area, Queen’s Garden and Queen Victoria, and the Peekaboo Loop. 

Each section of the trail offers views that are a little different. With everything from massive hoodoos to natural arches and window views, you can’t possibly get bored on this trail! We think it’s the best hike in Bryce Canyon and certainly one of the best things to do in southern Utah. 

7. Try a fresh baked apple pie at the Gifford Homestead in Fruita

Nestled below the Waterpocket Fold in the heart of Capitol Reef National Park lies a little desert oasis known as the Fruita Valley. Since the early 1900’s the Fruita Valley has been used as farmland, producing a range of fruits including apples, peaches, and cherries.

Today the Gifford Homestead continues to bake fresh pies, homemade ice cream, jellies, and jams. The pies are particularly delicious, and the Gifford Homestead’s convenient location in the heart Capitol Reef makes it easy to stop by for a tasty bite.

We picked up an apple pie from Giffords after backpacking the Lower Spring Canyon, and we have to say, it was the perfect treat after spending a night in the backcountry.

8. Take a guided canyoneering trip

• Cost | $180 to $350 per person for a half to full day trip
• Book your Canyonlands canyoneering trip here!

Looking to take your slot canyon adventure to the next level and explore even deeper into southern Utah’s canyon country? Canyoneering will get your adrenaline pumping while exploring some of the more beautiful and rarely visited areas of the state.

Guided canyoneering trips are available in many places around southern Utah, including Moab, Zion, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef. It’s one of the best things to do in southern Utah if you’re up for a real adventure!

9. Watch a sunrise at Sunrise Point and a Sunset at Sunset Point

Seeing the sun light up the hoodoos in Bryce Canyon is a can’t miss experience in southern Utah! The park is home to two famous viewpoints, aptly named Sunrise Point and Sunset Point.

While in Bryce Canyon, we spent a very frigid 15-degree morning at Sunrise Point, but it was well worth the chattering teeth and frozen fingers to watch the sun slowly illuminate the hoodoos. There may be no more iconic viewpoint in southern Utah than Bryce Canyon’s Sunrise and Sunset points!

10. Camp in one of the most remote protected areas of the United States

Dispersed camping is one of our favorite things to do in southern Utah. You can often find free spots to camp with amazing views!

While there is an abundance of free dispersed camping areas in southern Utah, these spots can be a bit difficult to find and are often located down rough dirt roads. You can use apps like the Dyrt and Campendium to find dispersed camping areas in southern Utah.

Perhaps our favorite spot to dispersed camp in southern Utah is Hole in the Rock Road. Unlike many dispersed camping areas, awesome spots are not hard to come by here.

Although there are no amenities along Hole in the Rock Road (ie. no bathrooms, running water, RV hookups), you’ll have a front row view to the beautiful sunsets and star-filled night skies and likely won’t have any neighbors (besides cows) for several miles. 

Read more about dispersed camping on Hole in the Rock Road here:

11. Go glamping at Yonder Escalante

If you want to get the southern Utah camping experience without having to sleep on the ground, look no further than Yonder Escalante!

Yonder Escalante is a luxury RV park and campground located in Escalante, Utah, offering small modern cabins and beautifully renovated Airstreams in addition to RV hookups and tent campsites. Cabins sleep 2 for $260 per night and Airstreams sleep 3 for $330 per night. 

One of the coolest things about staying Yonder Escalante is the drive-in movie theater. Grab a seat in an antique automobile and prepare to be transported back in time! Yonder’s drive-in theater gives you a little taste of the classic American West.

Movies are played every night just after dark and free popcorn is available at the concession stand.

If the outdoor showers, resort-style restrooms, onsite food truck, stunning modern cabins, and renovated Airstreams don’t entice you, the drive-in movie at Yonder may be reason enough to stay for a night (especially if you have kids!). 

12. Drive the Scenic Highway 12

Designated as an “All-American Road”, Scenic Highway 12 stretches nearly 123 miles starting in Panguitch, UT and ending in Torrey, Utah, with stunning hoodoos, red rock vistas, swirling petrified dunes, and mountain views.

Scenic Highway 12 passes directly past many of Utah’s treasures, including Bryce Canyon, the Dixie National Forest, Kodachrome Basin State Park, Grand Staircase Escalante, Capitol Reef, and more! Driving Scenic Highway 12 offers many opportunities to tick off some of the best things to do in southern Utah.

One of the most beautiful sections of Scenic Highway 12 is the 29 mile stretch from Escalante to Boulder, which features incredible views overlooking Grand Staircase Escalante. A particularly nail-biting stretch of road runs atop a narrow ridge, surrounded on all sides by stunning views.

13. Hike the Zion Narrows

Hike Stats

• Location | Zion National Park
• Hiking distance | 9 miles
• Elevation gain | 700 feet
• Total time | 4 – 6 hours
• Epic-ness rating | 9
• Difficulty | hard

Find this hike on AllTrails: Zion Narrows Bottom Up to Big Spring

We have a love-hate relationship with this hike, but there is no way we could have a list of the best things to do in southern Utah without the Narrows!

Here’s what we love: 

• It’s different! Hiking the Narrows is an entirely different experience from your typical hike. Hiking through the Virgin River adds an extra challenge and makes for a fun way to spend the day in Zion!
• It’s absolutely beautiful! You may see photos of the teal Virgin River and think there’s no way it’s actually that color. But it is. The picturesque waters flowing through the towering orange canyon walls is one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever seen!

And here’s what we hate:

• It takes a lot of advance planning. You will need to rent a dry bib, water shoes, neoprene socks and hiking stick to hike the Narrows, especially if attempting earlier in the spring season.
• Crowds, crowds, crowds! The full Narrows hike is about 9 miles roundtrip, but you’re unlikely to find a spot where you can’t see another group of humans, even if you start early. 
• It can be very cold! If you’re hiking in the spring or fall, the water is freezing and the canyon is so narrow that it doesn’t get much sun. It’s all too easy to slip on a slick rock in the riverbed and fall in (speaking from personal experience), which makes for a frigid rest of the hike…

14. Go horseback riding at Kodachrome Basin State Park

• Cost | 1 hour rides for $54 per person or 2 hour rides for $75 per person.
• Book your Kodachrome Basin trail ride here!

If your feet are aching from too much time spent hiking in southern Utah, give them a rest and explore the area by horseback! Kodachrome Basin State Park offers guided horseback rides along the Panorama Trail, one of the best hikes in the park with awesome views of the backside of Bryce Canyon.

Horseback riding is also available in and near Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park. Canyon Trail Rides is the only company that offers rides inside Bryce Canyon, so we’d recommend booking with them for the best experience.

15. Take a guided fly-fishing trip

Although it might seem counterintuitive due to the hot desert climate, there are actually many great fly fishing spots throughout Southern Utah.

This guided fly fishing trip in East Zion is an awesome option if you’re looking for an experienced guide to show you the waters in a picturesque part of Zion away from the crowds!

16. Explore the Toadstool Hoodoos

Hike Stats

• Location | Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
• Hiking distance | 1.8 miles
• Elevation gain | 150 feet
• Epic-ness rating | 6
• Difficulty | Easy

Find this hike on AllTrails: Toadstool Hoodoos Trail

Located in the southern section of Grand Staircase Escalante, about 40 minutes east of Kanab, visiting the Toadstool Hoodoos is a surreal experience.

Many places in Utah are described as “otherworldly,” but these odd rock formations truly deserve that title! Thin needles of sandstone in every shape, size, and color are topped with a layer of dark rock, perfectly balanced to withstand the test of time.

At just two miles roundtrip, the Toadstool Hoodoos hike is family-friendly, and accessible for hikers of all skill levels. There is a well-defined trail to the first set of hoodoos, and then you can choose your own adventure and wander around the area until you find all the coolest spots.

From serious photographers to small children, the Toadstool Hoodoos are sure to please any crowd! The short hike to the Toadstool Hoodoos makes for a great quick thing to do in southern Utah if you have just a few hours to kill.

Read more about the Toadstool Hoodoos hike here:

17. Hike through a slot canyon to Kanarra Falls

Hike Stats

• Hiking distance | 4 miles
• Elevation gain | 800 feet
• Total time | 3 – 4 hours
• Epic-ness rating | 7
• Difficulty | Moderate
• Fees | $12 permit required, permits often sell out in advance

Find this hike on AllTrails: Kanarra Creek Canyon Trail
Note that AllTrails says the hike is 6 miles, but it is actually 4.

In many ways, Kanarra Falls reminds us a bit of the Zion Narrows, on a smaller scale. The hike to Kanarra Falls is located just an hour from Zion National Park and under two hours from Bryce Canyon, and is a great chance to escape the crowds and explore a lesser-known gem in Utah.

This 4 mile round trip hike follows Kanarra Creek upstream into a beautiful slot canyon with two waterfalls, and includes some moderate rock scrambling, a climb up a ladder and hiking through ankle-deep water. 

For more information about hiking to Kanarra Falls, we’ve put together a trail guide with all the details:

18. Explore Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument

Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument is one of the largest areas of protected land in the United States, filled with many of the best things to do in southern Utah.

We’ll be honest, Grand Staircase is our absolute favorite area of southern Utah. It’s remote, rugged, and absolutely mind-blowing.

You won’t find long entry lines or throngs of tourists here. Instead, you are likely to come across unsuspecting cows, who are only slightly more timid than they are curious, and large tracts of land covered with some of the most unique and diverse geological formations in the country.

From afar, the landscape may look like an endless expanse of barren red hills. But take a peek below the surface, and there are countless hidden gems to explore.

Slot canyons, beautiful gulches, waterfalls, arches and unique rock formations await those who come to hike in Grand Staircase Escalante.

19. Backpack the Boulder Mail Trail

Hike Stats

• Hiking distance | 15.4 miles (one way)
• Elevation gain | 2,800 feet
• Total time | 2 days/1 night or 10 – 12 hour day hike
• Epic-ness rating | 8
• Difficulty | Hard
• Permits/fees | Free permit required for overnight backpacking (available at trailhead)

Find this hike on AllTrails: Boulder Mail Trail

Traversing over 15 miles through Grand Staircase Escalante, the Boulder Mail Trail connects the town of Boulder to Escalante and makes an epic 1-night backpacking trip, or very ambitious day hike.

Before Highway 12 was paved back in the 1970s, the route was used to deliver mail via mule between Escalante and Boulder, hence where the trail gets its name!

Tackling the Boulder Mail Trail isn’t easy, with about 2,700 feet of total elevation gain including an extremely steep drop into and climb out of Death Hollow, a stunning canyon with crystal clear blue water flowing through. It’s hard to imagine trusting a mule’s footing to carry you safely across this rugged terrain!

Backpacking the Boulder Mail Trail is one of the best things to do in southern Utah if you’re an experienced backpacker looking to get off the beaten path!

20. Hike through the world’s largest slot canyon

Hike Stats

• Location | Paria Canyon – Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness Area
• Hiking distance | 5.6 miles (plus option to continue farther into Buckskin Gulch)
• Elevation gain | 600 feet
• Epic-ness rating | 9
• Difficulty | Moderate
• Cost | Day use permit required, $6 per person

Find this hike on AllTrails: Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch

Often considered the longest slot canyon in the world, Buckskin Gulch stretches for nearly 16 miles with walls that reach a height of over 400 feet. Many people skip right over Buckskin Gulch but we think that hiking through the stunning orange walls is one of the top things to do in southern Utah.

The most popular way to access Buckskin Gulch is via a smaller slot canyon called Wire Pass. Hiking through Wire Pass is a great way to see two awesome Utah slot canyons in one hike, and provides the most direct access to Buckskin Gulch.

In addition to being the longest slot canyon in the world, Buckskin Gulch is also known as one of the most dangerous hikes due to extreme flash flood risk. Do not attempt this hike if there is any precipitation in the forecast!

Read more about how to hike to Buckskin Gulch from Wire Pass here:

21. Go on a backpacking trip through Paria Canyon

Hike Stats (Whitehouse to Lee’s Ferry)

• Location | Paria Canyon – Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness Area
• Hiking distance | 40 miles
• Elevation gain | 900 feet
• Total time | 3 – 5 days
• Epic-ness rating | 9
• Difficulty | Hard (involves hiking in sand and many river crossings)

Find this hike on AllTrails: White House Trail to Lee’s Ferry

Paria Canyon stretches for 40 miles from Utah into northern Arizona. For a shorter taste of the canyon, you can hike roughly 14 miles out and back from the White House Trailhead to the Paria Canyon-Buckskin Gulch confluence.

However, to see the canyon in all its glory, start from White House Trailhead and hike the full 40 miles down to the Lee’s Ferry trailhead, typically done as a 3-night, 4-day backpacking trip.

Of course, water levels can change rapidly, depending on the time of year and recent weather conditions, so always be sure to check the weather before you go. Do not hike if there is rain in the forecast, as this is a prime flash flood location.

The entire hike is incredibly beautiful and backpacking the full 40 miles is absolutely one of the best things to do in southern Utah.

22. Watch the sunset from Coral Pink Sand Dunes

Hike Stats

• Location | Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
• Hiking distance | 1 mile
• Elevation gain | 100 feet
• Epic-ness rating | 5
• Difficulty | Easy

You can find this hike on AllTrails: Coral Pink Sands Trail

While Utah’s “Mighty 5” National Parks draw the biggest crowds, we think its state parks deserve a little attention too. Like the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, located in southern Utah between Hurricane and Kanab.

This little state park is home to bright pink rolling sand dunes that truly live up to the name, nestled at the base of a red sandstone ridge.

There is no defined trail through the sand dunes – simply head out and wander as far as you’d like. That being said, be sure to remember where you entered, as it’s easy to get turned around once you’re further into the dunes.

The sand dunes are also used for driving ATVs, so you’ll need to walk a little way to find the undisturbed dunes. Pack a snack and cold drink and head out to Coral Pink Sands at sunset for one of the best things to do in southern Utah during the evening!

23. Climb through Peekaboo and Spooky Slot Canyons

Hike Stats

• Location | Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
• Hiking distance | 4.2 miles (+0.8 miles including Dry Fork Narrows)
• Elevation gain | About 600 feet
• Total time | 3 – 4 hours
• Epic-ness rating | 8
• Difficulty | hard (requires some challenging rock scrambling)

Find this hike on Dry Fork Narrows, Peek-a-boo and Spooky Slot Canyons

With some minor rock scrambling, a remote location on the iconic Hole-in-the-Rock road, and extremely narrow passages – sometimes down to 10 inches – the Peekaboo and Spooky Slot Canyons hike is one of the top things to do in southern Utah for those seeking an adventure!

This one-of-a-kind experience will take you through two incredible slot canyons as part of an epic 4.2-mile hike. While the hike is relatively short with minimal elevation gain, the rock scrambling and tight squeezes required to navigate the canyon certainly make for a challenging adventure!

The unique striped walls and beautiful colors of Peekaboo and Spooky slot canyons make the hike 100% worth the effort.

For more details about hiking Peekaboo and Spooky Slot Canyons, check out our detailed guide:

24. Eat at a James Beard semifinalist restaurant

You certainly don’t visit southern Utah for its culinary prowess, but if you’re interested in a taste of luxury to break up your week of adventuring, hear us out.

Located just 30 minutes from Escalante, in the tiny town of Boulder, lies Hell’s Backbone Grill and Farm, a James Beard-nominated restaurant known for taking farm-to-table quite literally (they operate a farm that provides the ingredients for the restaurant).

A James Beard award-winning restaurant in a remote town of 200 in southern Utah? It sounds as unbelievable as the delicious melt-in-your-mouth biscuits this family-owned restaurant serves.

At Hell’s Backbone, you’ll find a selection of wines, craft cocktails and delicious dishes with farm-fresh ingredients – a luxury that’s tough to find in southern Utah!

• Read more: Hell’s Backbone Grill & Farm

25. Visit the Moqui Caverns off Highway 89

Hike Stats

• Hiking distance | 0.5 miles
• Elevation gain | 100 feet
• Epic-ness rating | 4
• Difficulty | Easy

Find this hike on AllTrails: Moqui Caverns
Please note that the trailhead for the Moqui Caverns on the AllTrails link above is NOT correct. While the destination is accurate, the parking lot is actually just across the road from the caves.

The Moqui Caverns, a.k.a. Kanab Sand Caves, are conveniently located just 7 minutes outside of Kanab, right off Highway 89. Originally, the Moqui Caverns were created as a sand mine, but today they offer a fun, short adventure with nice views looking through the “windows” to the rocky, orange cliffs in the distance.

The name “Moqui” refers to the Hopi tribe of Native Americans (previously known as the Moqui Native Americans) who inhabited the area centuries ago.

The hike to the Moqui Caverns is one of the most popular quick things to do in southern Utah between Zion and Kanab, requiring just a short half-mile round trip hike. That being said, the hike is fairly steep and requires a short scramble to reach the caves.

26. Try to score permits for the famous Wave

• Location | Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness Area
• Hiking distance | 6.7 miles
• Elevation gain | 1250 feet
• Epic-ness rating | 10
• Difficulty | Moderate

Find this hike on AllTrails: The Wave Trail

The elusive “Wave” is one of southern Utah’s most picturesque landscapes, a view you’re likely to have seen on a computer background or screen saver.

Visiting the unique wave-like formation is a bucket list worthy experience, but will require some patience to check off. Permits to visit the “Wave” are given out via a lottery system and are notoriously difficult to obtain!

To get permits for the Wave, you have two chances: an advance lottery that opens 4 months in advance of your hike, or a day-of lottery. We have personally entered the lottery at least 6 times, to no avail!

Nonetheless, we feel a spot on this list of the best things to do in southern Utah is well-deserved, and we wish you better luck than we’ve had in snagging a coveted permit!

If you are lucky enough to win the lottery, you’ll need to drive 9 miles down a bumpy dirt road and then hike 6.7 miles roundtrip along a trail that traverses over slick rock and requires some route-finding skills. However, when you finally catch a glimpse of the stunning “Wave”, all the effort will finally have been worth it!

• Enter the lottery for the Wave permits on recreation.gov.

27. Explore the otherworldly landscape of Coyote Buttes South

Hike Stats

• Location | Vermillion Cliffs National Monument
• Hiking distance | 4 – 14 miles (depending on which entrance & section(s) you visit)
• Elevation gain | 1500 feet
• Epic-ness rating | 8
• Difficulty | Moderate to hard

If you weren’t able to get permits for the Wave, don’t fret! Because there’s an epic alternative right next door at Coyote Buttes South.

There are only 20 daily permits to this incredibly remote area, located deep in the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, so you’re likely to find solitude in one of the few truly untouched areas in the Southwest.

Located just south of the Coyote Buttes North, home to the Instagram-popular “Wave”, Coyote Buttes South gets much less attention. Coyote Buttes South is home to the same swirling rock formations and breath-taking color spectrum. And yet, permits are way easier to get!

And because there isn’t a single formation that everyone tries to see (aka the Wave), hikers are more dispersed and it’s unlikely you’ll see another soul while you’re visiting.

Coyote Buttes South just may be one of Utah’s last few hidden gems, and is an awesome way to spend a day in southern Utah. However, be aware that getting to this very remote area requires a 4WD vehicle and preparation to ensure a safe visit.

28. Hike to Druid Arch in Canyonlands Needles District

Hike Stats

• Location | Canyonlands National Park
• Hiking distance | 10.5 miles
• Elevation gain | 1,600 feet
• Total time | 5 – 7 hours
• Epic-ness rating | 9
• Difficulty | moderate-hard

Find this hike on AllTrails: Druid Arch Trail

Even in southern Utah, where the landscapes are incredibly diverse, the hike to Druid Arch in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park is unlike anything you’ve seen before.

We were completely blown away by the sheer size of Druid Arch, and perhaps more so, the stunning view looking down Elephant Canyon from the base of the massive stone monolith.  

If you are up for it, you can take an optional detour from Druid Arch to hike through some of Chesler Park, which will add 3.1 miles round trip.

For more information about hiking to Druid Arch, we’ve put together a detailed trail guide:

29. Climb a narrow slot canyon to see the striped walls of Zebra Slot Canyon

Hike Stats

• Location | Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
• Hiking distance | 5.2 miles (+1.4 miles for Tunnel Canyon)
• Elevation gain | 400 feet
• Total time | 3 – 4 hours
• Epic-ness rating | 8
• Difficulty | moderate (requires some challenging rock scrambling)

Find this hike on AllTrails: Zebra Canyon

Southern Utah is home to some of the most amazing slot canyons in the entire world and Zebra Slot Canyon is probably our all-time favorite. 

Named after the stripes that line its walls, visiting Zebra Slot Canyon involves a 5 mile hike that can be tricky to follow and a challenging climb through a very narrow canyon, which is often filled with ankle to waist deep, freezing cold water.

While the entrance to the canyon doesn’t look like anything special, deep in the canyon you will reach the “zebra” section that makes this canyon so beautiful! 

When we visited Zebra Slot Canyon, we started the hike at the crack of dawn on a Sunday morning and made it to the canyon before anyone else.

We had the place entirely to ourselves for a solid 30 minutes, and exploring this narrow slot canyon alone was one of the coolest (and also most terrifyingly claustrophobic) experiences of my life! 

Be sure to add exploring Zebra Slot Canyon to your southern Utah bucket list! You can read more about the hike here:

30. Backpack the West Rim Trail in Zion

Hike Stats

• Location | Zion National Park
• Hiking distance | 15.5 miles
• Elevation gain | 4,400 feet
• Total time | 9 – 12 hours
• Epic-ness rating | 8
• Difficulty | Hard

Find this hike on AllTrails: Angel’s Landing, West Rim, Telephone Loop

While most hikers who climb to Angel’s Landing turn back after completing the iconic narrow ridge, the trail actually continues towards the West Rim of Zion Canyon. Of course, nothing compares to Angel’s Landing but the reminder of the West Rim Trail isn’t too far behind!

To complete the West Rim trail, you will continue on after passing Angel’s Landing, where you will leave the crowds behind as the trail continues to climb for another 2,000 feet up. From the West Rim, you’ll be treated to expansive views of jagged ridges, swirling honeycomb rock formations, and striped canyon walls. 

The full West Rim Trail is 15 miles one way, but the best sections of the trail can be hiked as a 15.5 mile loop via the Grotto Trailhead. If this sounds like too much to squeeze into one day, the West Rim Trail is also a great one night backpacking trip. 

For more information about backpacking the West Rim Trail, check out our trail guide:

31. Catch a sunrise at Delicate Arch

Hike Stats

• Location | Arches National Park
• Hiking distance | 3.2 miles
• Elevation gain | 630 feet
• Total time | 2 hours
• Epic-ness rating | 8
• Difficulty | moderate

Find this hike on AllTrails: Delicate Arch Trail

The most popular hike in Arches National Park, if not all of Utah, Delicate Arch is an icon of the American Southwest and is featured on the Utah license plate and several of the “Welcome to Utah” signs on the highway!

You’ve almost surely seen photos of the massive arch, standing ever so precariously on an orange rock that a strong wind gust would seemingly knock it over.

Visiting Delicate Arch up close requires a 3.2 mile round trip hike. As you can imagine, this is a very popular hike so come prepared to circle the parking lot looking for a spot and to wait in line for a photo up close with the arch.

We thought we would beat the crowds by getting up early and hiking to Delicate Arch for sunrise but that was not the case! There must have been 50 other hikers there even at 6am.

But don’t let the crowds deter you! Seeing this magnificent arch with your own eyes is an incredible experience and definitely one of the best things to do in southern Utah, as long as you go into the hike with the right expectations. 

32. Visit Snow Canyon State Park: a mini-Zion

Interested in getting away from the crowds of southern Utah’s National Parks to explore a lesser-known spot? Snow Canyon State Park near St. George in southern Utah is full of unique gems and reminds us of a “mini” Zion in many ways!

What makes Snow Canyon so cool is the contrast of orange Navajo sandstone canyons with black basalt lava rocks, leftover from volcanoes that erupted between 1.4 million and 27,000 years ago.

The best trail in the park is the Snow Canyon Loop, a 3.5-mile hike that gives you a taste of the several unique landscapes found in the park, including lava tubes and swirly petrified sand dunes.

Another great option is Scout Cave, a unique teardrop-shaped cave carved out of the red rock cliffs, that is accessible via a moderate 3.6-mile round trip hike.

33. Embark on a epic adventure to Golden Cathedral

Hike Stats

• Location | Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
• Hiking distance | 10.5 miles
• Elevation gain | 1500 feet
• Total time | 6 – 8 hours
• Epic-ness rating | 7
• Difficulty | Hard

Find this hike on AllTrails: Golden Cathedral Trail

Golden Cathedral is one of those iconic spots in southern Utah, but getting there is no easy feat!

First, the hike begins from Egypt Trailhead (yes, the name feels fitting) which is located 17 miles down Hole in the Rock road, plus 9 miles down Egypt Road. Egypt Road starts out in fairly good condition but deteriorates the further you drive.

Furthermore, the trail to Golden Cathedral is not well marked, requires hiking through sections of deep sand and 5 river crossings, which are frequently knee to hip deep.

If this sounds like the type of adventure you’re up for, the payoff upon reaching Golden Cathedral is well worth the effort! If you are looking for off-the-beaten-path things to do in Southern Utah, add this hike to your bucket list.

34. Find as many arches as you can in Arches National Park

Did you know that there are over 2000 natural arches in Arches National Park?! Home to sandstone arches of every shape and size, the park rightfully earns its name. And while you won’t be able to see all 2000 arches, you can see quite a few even with just one day in the park.

Many arches are easily accessible via short hikes, such as the Window Arch, Double Arch, Sand Dune Arch, and Broken Arch. For a longer hike that feels sort of like a treasure hunt for arches, check out the Devil’s Garden/Primitive Trail loop.

In 2021, Arches National Park broke all-time visitation records, often drawing long lines of cars waiting to get in and having to turn away visitors due to exceeded capacity.

Starting in 2022, Arches will implement a timed entrance ticket system in hopes to alleviate overcrowding, protect the park’s precious resources and give visitors a better experience.

35. Explore the Waterpocket Fold in Capitol Reef

While Capitol Reef is the least visited of Utah’s national parks, that does not mean that it’s not worth visiting. In fact, most people skip over Capitol Reef because it is more remote than the other parks, meaning it’s a good chance to leave some of the crowds behind.

Below are a few great hikes in the park:

• Cassidy Arch: 3.1 mile round trip hike that gains 700 feet of elevation and leads to a massive sandstone arch with stunning views of the Waterpocket Fold.
• Hickman Bridge: 1.5 mile round trip hike to a natural bridge with 400 feet of elevation gain This is one of the most popular hikes in Capitol Reef, although personally we think it’s overrated. We’d choose the Rim Overlook, Chimney Rock or Cassidy Arch over Hickman Bridge.
• Rim Overlook: 4 mile round trip hike with 1,000 feet of elevation gain, which includes an overlook with views of Hickman Bridge and ends at a beautiful viewpoint overlooking Fruita.
• Navajo Knobs: A challenging 9.1 mile round trip hike with 2,250 feet of elevation gain, featuring the best views in Capitol Reef (includes Rim Overlook and shares a trailhead with Hickman Bridge).
• Chimney Rock Loop: 3.3 mile round trip hike with 300 feet of elevation gain that gets you up close to the unique Chimney Rock and features stunning views.

36. Visit Zion’s Kolob Canyons

Speaking of leaving the crowds behind, there is an entire section of Zion National Park that most visitors never see: Kolob Canyons!

The Kolob Canyons are located northwest of the main section of Zion towards Cedar City. It’s about a 45-minute drive from Springdale.

The Kolob Canyons feature beautiful red rock walls similar to those you’ll see in Zion Canyon and has several shorter hike options, including Timbercreek Overlook (1 mile), Taylor Creek Trail (5 miles), and La Verkin Creek Trail (14 miles).

Although these trails are not quite as stunning as Zion’s more famous trails like Angel’s Landing, Observation Point, and the Narrows, if you’re interested in leaving the crowds behind, definitely check out this hidden gem.

37. Watch the sunrise at Zion Canyon Overlook

Hike Stats

• Location | Zion National Park
• Hiking distance | 1 mile
• Elevation gain | 200 feet
• Total time | 1 hour
• Epic-ness rating | 7
• Difficulty | Moderate

Find this hike on AllTrails: Zion Canyon Overlook Trail

Of all the hikes in Zion National Park, Zion Canyon Overlook offers the biggest bang for your buck! This 1-mile roundtrip hike leads to a stunning viewpoint looking over Zion Canyon and is only about 45 minutes from Kanab.

In addition to Observation Point, it’s one of the few trails in Zion that can be accessed with your personal vehicle, rather than the Zion Park Shuttle.

The hike to Canyon Overlook starts out with a steep climb up the canyon wall and then leads along the edge of a cliff, through a cave, and over a short footbridge until reaching the stunning viewpoint.

Due to its short length, Zion Canyon Overlook is one of the best things to do in southern Utah for sunrise or sunset. You can’t beat watching the sun light up the vibrant canyon walls!

38. (Respectfully) admire ancient petroglyphs

Long before the area was settled by Europeans, native tribes first called the southern Utah area home. Ancient petroglyphs and pictographs created by these Native American tribes may be found all across southern Utah.

A few famous locations include Newspaper Rock in Canyonlands, Dinosour Rock National Monument, and Capitol Reef. Read more about petroglyphs in Utah here.

In addition to these more famous spots, petroglyphs may be found on many hikes throughout southern Utah. In order to respect these ancient symbols, we won’t share specific locations here, but always keep an eye out as your hiking. If you’re interested in learning more, be sure to talk to the park rangers.

Remember that petroglyphs and pictographs are rare archeological treasures that give us unique insight into cultures of the past. Be respectful and look, appreciate, but NEVER touch or deface these treasures.

Fun Fact | Petroglyphs are images carved into a rock face, while pictographs are painted.

39. Go on a backpacking trip in the Needles District

Canyonlands National Park is composed of 4 distinct districts: Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze and the Rivers.

While Island in the Sky is the most popular (located within 30 minutes of Arches and Moab), we think the often overlooked and more remote Needles district is the best spot to go backpacking.

Within the Needles District, the Chesler Park area offers the best views of the pointy spires, or “needles” for which the district is named. You can also choose to tack on the out-and-back hike to Druid Arch to your Needles backpacking adventure.

Backpacking the Needles District is one of the best things to do in southern Utah for the adventurous souls!

40. Drive the Cathedral Valley Loop

The Cathedral Valley Loop is a 57.6 mile drive showing off some of the most unique landscapes of Capitol Reef National Park, including the Temple of the Moon, the Bentonite Hills, Glass Mountain and more! The scenic drive includes several stunning viewpoints, short hikes, and awesome dispersed camping.

The Cathedral Valley Loop is located in a very remote part of southern Utah, requiring a high clearance 4WD vehicle. Depending on the time of year, a river ford may be necessary. Make sure that you have an appropriate vehicle and are properly prepared before setting off on this epic adventure.

41. Go off roading in the Maze

The Maze is the most remote section of Canyonlands National Park, accessible only via rough dirt roads requiring 4WD. If you want to explore one of the most remote areas of the park and get away from the crowds, going off-roading in the Maze is one of the best things to do in southern Utah!

You will need a 4WD vehicle, proper preparation, and experience off-roading to safely venture into the Maze. As the area is so remote and not regularly patrolled, you’ll need to be fully self-sufficient and prepared to self-rescue.

Because the area is so remote, you’ll want a few days to explore the Maze. Backcountry campsites are available for both hikers and 4WD vehicles. Permits are required.

42. See a sunrise at Mesa Arch

Mesa Arch in Canyonlands Island in the Sky is one of those Instagram famous photo spots that we have to include on this list but frankly find to be a bit overrated.

Let us start by saying, the view from Mesa Arch really is stunning, there’s no denying that. When the sun hits just right, the entire arch is briefly illuminated in a vibrant shade of orange. It’s spectacular!

But. The problem with Mesa Arch is that it’s easy to get to, requiring less than one mile of hiking, which means it gets incredibly overcrowded!

If you visit at sunrise (especially during the busy season), there will be a line of photographers with their tripods in position spanning the entire length of the arch. You’ll have to put elbows and stand on tippy-toes to even catch a glimpse of that beautiful sunrise.

Our recommendation would be to at sunrise but keep your expectations in check. If at all possible, visit during the week or off-season (December through February)

43. Cool off in a desert oasis

Through the seemingly barren, rocky landscape of Grand Staircase flows Calf Creek, a small oasis from the desert heat. Over thousands of years, the creek has carved a beautiful canyon, and flows from north to south, cascading over two waterfalls before joining the Escalante River.

The two falls, Upper Calf Creek Falls and Lower Calf Creek Falls, are located just a few miles from each other and can be accessed via 2 separate hikes. 

Of the two waterfalls along Calf Creek, the Lower Falls are certainly more popular and definitely a bit more impressive. However, the Upper Falls come pretty close in terms of beauty, are significantly less crowded, and the trail features more stunning views of Grand Staircase along the way.

44. Go snowshoeing in Cedar Breaks National Monument

An amphitheater of tall orange hoodoos speckled with pine trees, Cedar Breaks National Monument looks just like a mini Bryce Canyon!

Because the park sits at an elevation of 10,000 feet, it gets a ton of snow and remains snow-covered much longer than nearby areas in southern Utah. Snow typically begins accumulating in October and sticks around through May.

As such, going snowshoeing in Cedar Breaks is one of the best things to do in southern Utah if you’re visiting in the late fall, early spring, or winter months. Of course, in the summer the snow clears and several trails are available to explore the park on foot.

45. See petrified wood at the Escalante Petrified Forest State Park

Escalante Petrified Forest State Park is located just a few minutes from Escalante, Utah and is worth a quick stop.

There is only one trail in the park: the Escalante Petrified Forest Nature Trail, a 2-mile roundtrip loop that gains nearly 500 feet of elevation with nice views over the Wide Hollow Reservoir and the chance to see petrified wood.

The “Sleeping Rainbows” section of the trail features the most concentrated and beautiful petrified wood along the hike, as well as a cool view looking over the town of Escalante.

The Wide Hollow Reservoir in Escalante Petrified Forest State Park is also a great spot to hang out and cool off from the desert heat. During the summer, you can rent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards from the park visitor center.

46. Feel like a kid again exploring nature’s playground: Devil’s Garden

Hike Stats

• Hiking distance | 1 miles
• Elevation gain | 90 feet
• Total time |1 hours
• Epic-ness rating | 4
• Difficulty | easy

You can find this hike on AllTrails: Devil’s Garden

With countless hoodoos, arches, and other odd rock formations, Devil’s Garden makes for a quick but unforgettable experience. Located about 12 miles down Hole in the Rock Road, just a few miles from the Zebra Slot Canyon trailhead, Devil’s Garden is a great pit stop before or after tackling other Grand Staircase hikes.

The entire trail is only 1 mile, but you will want to spend time climbing around the various rock formations. In fact, we didn’t even bother with the trail. The entire place felt more like a playground so we spent our time climbing and scrambling over the many formations.

Even if you just stop for 30 minutes, you will not regret visiting Devil’s Garden!

47. Explore the Red Cliffs

Hike Stats

• Hiking distance | 2.2 miles
• Elevation gain | 223 feet
• Total time | 1.5-2 hours
• Epic-ness rating | 6
• Difficulty | Easy

Find this hike on AllTrails: Red Reef Trail

If you’re looking for a unique stop near St. George, check out the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area.

The Red Reef Trail is a great adventure for families and those looking for a short hike that comes with plenty of cool sites! This 2.2 mile hike follows along a babbling creek, snaking its way through narrow canyons, past a set of pictographs drawn onto the walls of a cave, and culminating with a picturesque waterfall.

To continue beyond the waterfall, there is a set of Moki Steps (alternating hand and footholds) carved into the canyon wall beside the waterfall, along with a rope to help you climb. If you are feeling adventurous, you can scramble up the Moki Steps and continue a bit farther into the canyon.

48. Drive through Monument Valley

Straddling the Arizona border in the far eastern corner of Utah, Monument Valley is one of the most photographed spots in southern Utah, if not the entire United States. The area is located within the Navajo Nation and features towering red sandstone buttes that reach up to 1000 feet above the desert floor.

You may recognize the iconic landscape as the backdrop for many famous Western movies, including Stagecoach, She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, Once Upon a Time in the West, and the Lone Ranger.

The best way to explore Monument Valley is by driving the 17-mile scenic loop. It’s also possible to hike or backpack in Monument Valley, but a backcountry permit is required.

49. Catch a sunset from Dead Horse Point

Dead Horse Point State Park neighbors Canyonlands National Park near Moab in southwestern Utah. The park gets its name from a narrow peninsula that sits atop a sheer cliff known as Dead Horse Point.

While the origin of the name is not known with certainty, it is believed that cowboys herded wild horses onto this narrow peninsula, as the sheer drop-off created a natural corral. Legend has it that the horses were left corralled on the point for some unknown reason, and died from thirst within sight of the Colorado River below.

We’d recommend visiting Dead Horse Point at sunset for an incredible show as the sun dips behind the deep red sandstone canyon. There is also a trail that leads along the rim of Dead Horse Point.

50. Explore the Dixie National Forest

The Dixie National Forest spans nearly 2 million acres over 4 distinct districts across southern Utah! Because of its vast size, the Dixie National Forest includes a wide variety of landscapes, from red sandstone spires and canyons to high alpine forests.

One of the most popular sections of Dixie National Forest is the Red Cliffs, located just outside of Bryce Canyon National Park. It offers a nice reprieve from the crowds at Bryce Canyon, with similar landscapes. A few great hikes in Red Canyon include the Pink Ledges, the Arches Trail, and the Golden Wall Trail.

51. Go skiing in Brian Head

When you think of southern Utah, you probably picture red rock cliffs and canyon country (and rightfully so). But did you know that southern Utah is home to the highest-elevation town in the state: Brian Head?

This little ski town is perched high above Zion National Park and adjacent to the Dixie National Forest. Although it’s only about 1.5 hours from Springdale, Utah, temperatures tend to stay about 20 to 30 degrees cooler, making it a haven for skiers and a great spot to escape the intense desert heat.

Skiing or snow tubing at Brian Head Resort is one of the best things to do in southern Utah during the late fall through early spring!

And that’s a wrap! With over 50 incredible things to do in southern Utah, we hope you’ve found something to spark your wanderlust! Be sure to check out the rest of our Utah resources to help you plan your trip.

What amazing things to do in southern Utah would you add to this list? Have questions about planning your trip? Drop us a comment below!

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