Choose from 18 Fun Things to Do in Utah
Monument Valley
With red rock formations soaring up to 1,000 feet (305 meters) into the desert sky, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is home to a unique landscape recognizable from classic Western films starring John Wayne. But beyond its fame on the big screen, there are nearly 92,000 acres of reservation cacti, arches, and Navajo traditions to explore and experience.
Since Monument Valley is located in a remote desert and much of it is only open to visitors who have a permit or are traveling with a Navajo guide, most travelers choose to explore the valley on a guided tour.
The Basics
Monument Valley belongs to the Navajo Nation and lies on the border between Utah and Arizona. The entrance fee is $10 per person (or $20 per vehicle). Many tour options are available, some starting in Monument Valley and others departing from nearby cities. Tours range from three-hour safaris to full-day and multi-day adventures deep into the valley.
Some of the most popular sites in the vast park include John Ford’s Point, the Mittens, and the Four Corners Monument, where it’s possible to stand in four states at once: Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona.
Best Ways to Experience Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park features plenty of trails for hiking and horseback riding, including the secluded Mystery Valley and Tear Drop Arch, which are best reached on a hiking excursion or Jeep tour with a tour guide. Sunrise and sunset are popular times to visit, and many travelers say that visiting these untouched areas of the desert feels like a spiritual experience.
The park also offers opportunities to learn about the Navajo people (or Dineh, as they call themselves). Take a Navajo spirit and culture tour to visit a hogan (a native home) and take in a traditional music performance at Big Hogan, a large natural amphitheater.
How to Get There
The closest commercial airport is in Page, Arizona, just over a two-hour drive from Monument Valley, while bus service to the valley is also available from larger cities including Salt Lake City and Las Vegas. In addition, visitors have the option of traveling by private or semi-private helicopter or high-wing airplane. Note that most guided Monument Valley tours include roundtrip transportation from nearby cities such as Phoenix, Flagstaff, and Sedona.
Hell's Revenge Trail
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Great Salt Lake
- The Great Salt Lake is a must-see for outdoors enthusiasts and first-time visitors.
- Bring insect repellent plus sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water; the climate here can be hot and dry.
- The lake is quite shallow; the maximum depth is 35 feet (11 meters). Swimming is allowed but be prepared for flies, lots of brine shrimp, and an odor caused by the high salinity of the water.
Cataract Canyon
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Antelope Island State Park
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Utah State Capitol
- A visitor services office is open on weekdays.
- A limited number of wheelchairs are available to use at the Visitor Services office.
- An access ramp is located between the Capitol and the Senate buildings.
- Brochures are available inside the east entrance for those taking a self-guided tour.
Temple Square
- Temple Square is a must-see for all first-time visitors.
- Explore the grounds on your own or opt for a guided tour with an organ recital or Mormon Tabernacle Choir performance.
- The Salt Lake Temple itself isn’t open for tours, but the grounds are.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes; attractions are spread out across 35 acres.
- All facilities in Temple Square are wheelchair accessible.
Monument Valley Tribal Park
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Dead Horse Point State Park
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Westwater Canyon
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Canyonlands National Park
- Canyonlands National Park is a must-visit for adventure travelers and families.
- Don’t forget to bring water and sun protection; the desert heat can be intense.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
- Dress in layers; the temperature can fluctuate wildly in a single day.
- Wheelchair users can access the Island in the Sky and Needles visitor centers and several overlooks.
The Tabernacle
- Tickets to the live Sunday morning broadcast performance of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir are free.
- Sunday best or business-style dress is recommended for Sunday choir performances.
- The Mormon Tabernacle Choir rehearses on Thursday evenings from 7:30pm to 9:30pm, and rehearsals are free and open to the public.
- Thirty-minute organ recitals are given daily in the tabernacle and conference center at Temple Square.