I’ve spent time planning trips to Southern Utah, and trust me, the options can feel overwhelming, so I put together this guide to make it easier for you.
In this blog, I’ll walk you through 41 things to do in Southern Utah, from slot canyons to national parks to hidden local gems.
I’ve researched every spot carefully so you don’t have to. You’ll find top hikes and parks, scenic drives, local food stops, and off-the-beaten-path spots all in one place.
Let’s get into it.
Why Southern Utah Is a Must-Visit Destination
Southern Utah is one of those places that stays with you long after you leave. The red rock landscapes, the open skies, and the sheer number of things to see make it hard to match.
From Zion to Monument Valley, the region packs five national parks, dozens of state parks, and countless hidden spots into one driveable stretch.
If you love the outdoors, road trips, or just want to see something that feels truly out of this world, Southern Utah delivers.
41 Epic Things to Do in Southern Utah
Southern Utah has more to offer than most people expect. Here’s a full list to help you plan.
1. Camp at Lone Rock Beach
Lone Rock Beach sits right on the edge of Lake Powell. You can drive your car straight onto the sand and camp under the stars. It’s one of the most laid-back spots in the region.
2. Explore Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
This place looks like it belongs on another planet. The pink-hued sand dunes stretch wide and are perfect for sandboarding or just walking around. Kids and adults both love it here.
3. Hike in Snow Canyon State Park
Snow Canyon is a lesser-known gem near St. George. The trails are manageable, the lava fields are wild to walk through, and the red rock views make every step worth it.
4. Visit Sand Hollow State Park
Sand Hollow has a reservoir surrounded by red rock, making it a great spot for swimming, boating, or just relaxing by the water. It’s also a popular OHV area if that’s your thing.
5. Hike The Narrows in Zion National Park
The Narrows is one of the most iconic hikes in the country. You walk through the Virgin River as towering canyon walls close in around you. Waterproof shoes or rental boots are a must.
6. Challenge Yourself on Angels Landing
Angels Landing is not for the faint of heart. The chains section near the top is steep and exposed. But the views from the summit are some of the best in Zion.
7. Watch Sunrise from Canyon Overlook Trail
This is a shorter, easier hike with a massive payoff. The Canyon Overlook Trail in Zion gives you sweeping canyon views, especially at sunrise when the light hits the red rock perfectly.
8. Explore the Kolob Canyons Section of Zion
Most people skip Kolob Canyons, but that’s a mistake. This quieter section of Zion has dramatic red rock formations and far fewer crowds. The Taylor Creek Trail here is a solid pick.
9. Hike to Kanarra Falls
Kanarra Falls is a slot canyon hike with a waterfall reward at the end. You’ll wade through a stream, climb a ladder, and squeeze through narrow walls. It’s worth every second.
10. See Ancient Petroglyphs at Parowan Gap
Parowan Gap is an outdoor gallery carved into the rock by ancient people thousands of years ago. It’s free to visit, easy to access, and genuinely interesting to walk through and study.
11. Visit Cedar Breaks National Monument
Cedar Breaks sits at over 10,000 feet and has a massive natural amphitheater filled with hoodoos and color. Summer is the best time to visit since the road closes in winter due to snow.
12. Explore Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon is famous for its hoodoos, spire-shaped rock formations that glow orange and red in the morning light. The Rim Trail and Sunset Point are two of the best spots to start.
13. Hike the Navajo Loop Trail
The Navajo Loop is one of the best short hikes in Bryce Canyon. It drops you down among the hoodoos and gives you an up-close look at the formations you see from the rim.
14. Explore Red Canyon Scenic Area
Red Canyon is right off Highway 12 and often gets passed by on the way to Bryce. Don’t skip it. The red rock arches and trails here are worth a stop, and it’s far less crowded.
15. Visit Kodachrome Basin State Park
Named by National Geographic for its colorful rock spires, Kodachrome Basin is a great option if you want scenic beauty without the crowds. The Angel’s Palace Trail is a solid easy hike here.
16. Explore Peekaboo and Spooky Slot Canyons
These two slot canyons near Escalante are connected by a short trail and offer a raw, unguided slot canyon experience. Spooky gets very narrow, so leave big bags behind.
17. Visit Buckskin Gulch Slot Canyon
Buckskin Gulch is one of the longest slot canyons in the world. It’s a serious hike that requires planning, but if you love slot canyons, this one is hard to beat.
18. Stop at Kiva Koffeehouse for Scenic Views
Kiva Koffeehouse is a café perched on a cliff along Highway 12. The views are incredible, the coffee is good, and it’s a perfect midday stop on a scenic road trip through the area.
19. Drive the Burr Trail Scenic Route
The Burr Trail winds through some of the most remote and dramatic scenery in Southern Utah. It connects Boulder to Capitol Reef and passes through Long Canyon, which is breathtaking.
20. Hike to Lower Calf Creek Falls
This hike is 6 miles round trip and ends at a 126-foot waterfall tucked into a red rock canyon. It’s one of the most rewarding hikes in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
21. Visit Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef is one of the most underrated national parks in the country. The Waterpocket Fold, historic Fruita orchards, and canyon hikes make it a full day of exploring on its own.
22. Hike to Cassidy Arch
Cassidy Arch is named after Butch Cassidy, who reportedly hid out in Capitol Reef. The hike is about 3.5 miles and rewards you with a view of a massive freestanding arch.
23. Eat Pie at the Gifford Homestead
The Gifford Homestead is a historic farmhouse inside Capitol Reef that now sells fresh-baked pies. It’s a beloved tradition for park visitors. The fruit pies sell out fast, so go early.
24. Drive Through Cathedral Valley
Cathedral Valley is the remote northern section of Capitol Reef. It’s a dirt road drive past towering sandstone monoliths. A high-clearance vehicle is needed, but the views are worth the effort.
25. Explore the Bentonite Hills
The Bentonite Hills near Capitol Reef look like a painted desert. The banded layers of blue, purple, and grey soil are like nothing else in the region. Best visited after dry weather.
26. Visit Goblin Valley State Park
Goblin Valley is full of mushroom-shaped rock formations called goblins. You can wander freely among them, which makes it a playground for kids and a fascinating stop for adults.
27. Stop in Green River for Local Food
Green River is a small town known for its melons. Stop at one of the local spots for a slice of watermelon or cantaloupe in season. It’s a simple but memorable mid-trip break.
28. Watch Sunrise at Mesa Arch
Mesa Arch in Canyonlands frames the canyon below it perfectly, especially at sunrise when the light glows orange through the arch. Get there early because it gets crowded fast.
29. Explore Arches National Park
Arches has over 2,000 natural stone arches within its borders. Delicate Arch is the most famous, but Landscape Arch, Balanced Rock, and the Windows Section are all worth your time.
30. Hike the Devils Garden Trail
Devils Garden is in Arches and covers eight named arches in one trail. The full loop is about 7.9 miles, but even a short walk out to Landscape Arch is worth the trip.
31. Visit the Fiery Furnace
The Fiery Furnace is a maze of narrow sandstone fins inside Arches. You need a permit or guided tour to enter. It’s one of the most interesting and unusual areas in the park.
32. Take a Hell’s Revenge 4×4 Adventure
Hell’s Revenge is a famous off-road trail near Moab that runs over slickrock above the Colorado River. You need a capable vehicle or can book a guided Jeep tour through one of Moab’s outfitters.
33. Watch Sunset at Dead Horse Point State Park
Dead Horse Point overlooks a dramatic bend in the Colorado River and canyon below. It’s one of the best sunset spots in all of Southern Utah. The colors at golden hour are something else.
34. Explore Moab’s Downtown Area
Moab is the gateway town to Arches and Canyonlands. The downtown area has good food, local shops, gear rentals, and a lively vibe that makes it a fun base for a few nights.
35. Hike in Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands is divided into districts and covers a massive area. The Island in the Sky district is most accessible and has jaw-dropping overlooks of canyon country stretching out in every direction.
36. Visit the Needles District of Canyonlands
The Needles District is less visited but packs in great hiking and colorful rock spires. The Chesler Park Loop is one of the best hikes in the area if you’re up for a longer day out.
37. Drive the Scenic Moki Dugway
The Moki Dugway is a steep, unpaved switchback road carved into the cliff face near Mexican Hat. The views from the top are wild, and the drive itself is an experience you won’t forget.
38. Explore Valley of the Gods
Valley of the Gods is a free, less-visited alternative to Monument Valley. The unpaved loop road takes you past sandstone buttes and wide open desert.
It’s best with a high-clearance vehicle.
39. Recreate the Famous Forrest Gump Road Scene
The stretch of Highway 163 near Monument Valley is where Forrest Gump ran across the screen.
Pull over, stand in the middle of the road (safely), and get that iconic photo with the buttes behind you.
40. Visit Goosenecks State Park
Goosenecks State Park sits on the edge of a canyon where the San Juan River makes tight S-curve bends below.
It’s a quick stop, free to visit, and the overlook is genuinely impressive.
41. Explore Monument Valley
Monument Valley is one of the most recognized landscapes in the world. The Navajo-run park has a scenic drive that passes the iconic buttes up close.
Guided tours are available for a deeper look.
Travel Tips for Visiting Southern Utah
A few things to know before you go, so the trip goes smoothly.
- Book permits early. Hikes like Angels Landing and the Fiery Furnace require advance permits that sell out fast, especially in spring and fall.
- Carry plenty of water. The desert heat is no joke. Bring more water than you think you’ll need on every hike, even short ones.
- Fill your gas tank when you can. Some areas between parks have very few gas stations. Don’t assume the next town will have one.
- Check road conditions before driving dirt roads. Rain can make unpaved roads impassable quickly. Always check conditions before heading out on routes like Cathedral Valley or Moki Dugway.
- Visit popular spots early in the morning. Mesa Arch, Delicate Arch, and Zion’s main trailheads get packed by mid-morning. Starting early gets you better parking and far fewer people.
Conclusion
Southern Utah surprised me the first time I visited. I thought I had a solid plan, but I ended up adding stops on the fly because there was just so much to see.
That’s the thing about this place, it gives more than you expect.
I hope this list helps you plan a trip that actually fits what you’re looking for. Whether it’s one park or all five, go at your own pace and enjoy every part of it.
If you’ve been to Southern Utah, I’d love to hear your favorite spot. Drop it in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to visit Southern Utah?
Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are the best times to visit. The weather is mild, trails are open, and the crowds are more manageable than peak summer.
Do I need permits for hikes in Southern Utah?
Yes, some popular hikes require permits. Angels Landing, the Fiery Furnace, and The Narrows with overnight camping all need advance reservations. Book as early as possible through the official park websites.
How many days do I need to see Southern Utah?
At least 7 to 10 days gives you a good feel for the region. You could spend a few days in Zion, a day or two in Bryce, and then work your way through Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands.
Is Southern Utah good for families with kids?
Yes, many areas are very family-friendly. Goblin Valley, Coral Pink Sand Dunes, and Sand Hollow are especially good for kids. Just plan hikes based on your children’s ages and fitness levels.
Can I visit Southern Utah on a budget?
Absolutely. Many state parks and overlooks are free or low-cost. Camping saves money on accommodation, and cooking your own food helps too. An America the Beautiful pass pays for itself if you’re hitting multiple national parks.
