EPIC UTAH ADVENTURES (THAT ARE NOT NATIONAL PARKS)
Utah is home to some of the most surreal and breathtaking landscapes in the United States. While the Mighty 5 national parks get most of the attention, there’s a whole world of lesser-known but equally stunning spots that deserve a place on your adventure itinerary. If you’re looking for off-the-beaten-path locations to explore, here are some must-see places that will take your Utah adventure to the next level.
BEST TIME TO VISIT UTAH
The best time to visit Utah really depends on what you’re looking for, but generally, spring (April to May) and fall (September to October) are ideal for most outdoor activities. With mild temperatures and fewer crowds, these seasons make exploring a breeze. My personal favorite time to visit is late February or early March—there’s something special about having the parks almost all to yourself.
Here’s a quick breakdown by season:
- Spring (March – May): Temperatures warm up, wildflowers bloom in many areas, and spots like Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Arches are quieter compared to summer. It’s the perfect time for hiking and exploring desert landscapes without the summer heat. Plus, you can capture some incredible photos of the desert bursting with color!
- Fall (September – October): Fall offers similar mild temperatures, stunning autumn foliage in mountain areas like the Wasatch Range, and fewer crowds. This season is excellent for scenic drives, hiking, and photography.
- Summer (June – August): Summer can be very hot in southern Utah’s desert areas, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F, especially in places like Moab. However, it’s a good time for higher-elevation destinations like the Uinta Mountains or Bryce Canyon, where temperatures are cooler.
- Winter (December – February): While winter brings cold and snow to Utah’s mountains, southern Utah’s desert parks also become peaceful, with fewer visitors and cooler temperatures, making winter a good time for sightseeing and shorter hikes in places like Zion or Arches.
WATCH THE SUNRISE AT ALSTROM POINT
Glenn Canyon National Recreation Area, UTAH
Located near Page, Arizona, Alstrom Point offers one of the most jaw-dropping panoramic views of Lake Powell. Reaching this overlook requires navigating rough, unpaved roads, so a high-clearance, 4WD vehicle is highly recommended. The effort is well worth it, though—especially at sunrise or sunset when the sky bursts with color.
For us it was as a true epic adventure. It tested our driving skills and nerves. Type 2 fun all the way. But once we arrived, we had a wonderful night under the stars by a warm, cozy fire, and we woke up to the most beautiful sunrise. I would return here in a heartbeat!
Bring plenty of water, and if you’re up for it, camp overnight to experience the solitude and incredible night skies.
Link to the road to get here: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/alstrom-point
HIKE THE PARIA CANYON + BUCKSKIN GULCH
Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, UTAH + Arizona
Hiking into Paria Canyon was a Mother’s Day gift on our most recent trip to Utah – it took my breath away. Most of the time, you’re in water—it’s cold, but it feels incredibly refreshing. As you approach the confluence with Buckskin Gulch, the scenery is just stunning, especially the way the light moves through the canyon. It’s just incredible. As the day progresses and the light changes, so do the shadows and rock formations. The hike feels completely different on the way out compared to the way in.
You can hike it point-to-point or as an out-and-back, so you have options. I personally have hiked both hikes as separate in and out hikes but would recommend hiking from point to point. (Buckskin Gulch to the Whitehouse campground) You need two cars or a to catch a ride somehow.
Links to Alltrails: Paria Canyon and Buckskin Gulch
PLAY IN THE DEVILS GARDEN
Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, Utah
Not to be confused with the one in Arches National Park, this Devil’s Garden is a hidden gem featuring whimsical hoodoos and rock formations. A short, easy hike takes you into a landscape that feels like nature’s playground.
We stopped here on our way home from exploring our first slot canyon as a family, (peekaboo + spooky slot canyons) and I’m so glad we did. From the moment you get out of the car, you and the kids will be climbing, running, and exploring—a fantastic place for hide and seek.
As the sun sets, it peeks through the rock formations, creating stunning photo opportunities. If you’re looking for an easy yet memorable adventure in Utah, be sure to stop here on your way out of or into Escalante.
WALK ALONG THE MOONSCAPE OVERLOOK
San Rafael Swell region, Utah
Just outside of Hanksville Utah, is a place to look out at another world. And be there at sunrise and its extra special. We spent the night in a tent and woke up to catch the sunrise, and it was epic. Worth the early wake up call.
To be honest, I almost didn’t include it on this list. We spent the night there, arriving in the dark, and woke up to a magical sunrise that was absolutely beautiful. However, we were surrounded by about 100 other people, which kind of killed the vibe. It wasn’t just that we weren’t alone; everyone has the right to be there. But the over-the-top photo shoots and view blockers were overwhelming. It might have just been an off day, but it felt like too much for me. Still, it’s genuinely stunning and definitely worth the hype!
Moonscape Overlook GPS coordinates on Google Maps, approximately 38°27’05.8″N latitude and 110°50’16.6″W longitude
WATCH THE SUNRISE AT GOBLIN VALLEY
Goblin Valley State Park, Utah
Although I cant speak for everyday, the sunrise I experienced here was one of the best I’ve ever seen. If you cant make the sunrise, there is still so much space hike and explore the COUNTLESS hoodoos scattered across the park.
The amazing thing about this place is the freedom to wander around, through, over, and under the hoodoos. The park is divided into several areas, called Valleys 1 through 4, and you can explore one valley, then move on to the next, and so on. There’s no shortage of places to play, run around, and capture endless photography opportunities. Add this to your list of epic Utah adventures!
Recommended Hikes while in the Park:
- Golblin Valley Trail – Valley 1, 2 + 3 : 5.2 miles | 177 ft of elevation gain | Link to Alltrails
- Goblins Lair: 2.3 miles | 203 ft of elevation gain | Link to Alltrails
HIKE THE LITTLE WILD HORSE CANYON
Muddy Creek Wilderness
A great introduction to Utah’s slot canyons, Little Wild Horse Canyon is an accessible and fun hike suitable for most ages. The narrow canyon walls create a winding, adventurous path that’s perfect for those who want a taste of slot canyon exploration without a strenuous trek. Little Wild Horse Canyon is nestled near Goblin Valley State Park in Utah.
This easy-to-moderate hike weaves through smooth, colorful rock walls, creating a natural playground of turns and occasional narrow squeezes that offer next level adventure. It’s a great introduction to slot canyons, with sections that range from open walking areas to narrow pathways only a few feet wide. The canyon is often combined with Bell Canyon for a longer loop hike, but Little Wild Horse on its own is a perfect taste of Utah’s famed slot canyons, especially for beginners.
Little Wild Horse Canyon + Bell Canyon Loop: 8.1 miles | 810 ft of elevation gain |Link to Alltrails
VISIT SNOW CANYON STATE PARK
St. George, Utah
Located near St. George in southern Utah, Snow Canyon State Park is a hidden gem. Well, maybe not so hidden anymore but definitely a GEM! Its a diverse landscape as it combines vibrant red Navajo sandstone, ancient lava flows, and sweeping sand dunes. This park offers a range of trails leading through narrow slot canyons, open desert vistas, and unique lava tubes.
It’s a year-round destination with mild winter temperatures, where the colors shift dramatically with the changing light, creating a truly magical experience. Camping here adds a special touch, with compact, cozy sites that make for unforgettable sunrises and sunsets in one of the most beautiful places in Utah.
Recommended Hikes while in the Park:
- Petrified Dunes Trail – if you have time for only one hike, make it this one!
- Jenny’s Canyon – short sweet and VERY easy.
- Sand Dunes – not really a hike but you can run all over them!
CHECK OUT FACTORY BUTTE
Upper Blue Hills, Utah
Factory Butte, located near Hanksville in Utah’s desert landscape, is an otherworldly rock formation that rises dramatically from the surrounding flatlands. Known for its striking barren ridges and lunar-like terrain, Factory Butte’s rugged slopes are a playground. Its even more impressive in person.
The butte itself towers over the surrounding area, its layered, grayish-blue shale contrasting with the vibrant red and orange hues of Utah’s deserts. This unique badlands landscape offers a glimpse into Utah’s more remote, untouched scenery and is especially captivating at sunrise and sunset when the light casts dramatic shadows across the desert floor.
Coordinates for Factory Butte : 38.4369° N, 110.9135° W
CAMP IN THE “BENTONITE HILLS”
The Bentonite Hills are one of those marvels you see all over social media. I’ll admit that in person, they aren’t quite as colorful as many photos suggest, but they are still SO beautiful. We had a very memorable overnight of dispersed camping there. It was one of the windiest nights I’ve ever experienced! Our tent was blowing sideways, and we thought it might snap.
Despite the wind, we enjoyed a cozy fire before bed and had a blast climbing over the mounds. In the morning, we hiked a bit more, and those mounds seemed to stretch on for miles. It’s pretty incredible—being there feels like being on another planet, just like much of Utah!
The Bentonite Hills aren’t just one area, there are these kind of land formations ALL OVER Utah. It took me some time to figure this one out.
VISIT THE RED CANYON + HIKE IN THE GOLDEN WALL
Dixie National Forest, Utah
Red Canyon, located along Scenic Byway 12 just outside Bryce Canyon National Park, is a hidden gem. And a quiet one. It boasts striking red rock formations, hoodoos, and rugged pine-covered landscapes. Known for its vibrant colors and unique geological features, Red Canyon offers a quieter alternative to the more crowded Bryce, yet offers equally stunning views.
The short Arches Trail leads you to beautiful natural arches, while the Pink Ledges Trail offers close-up views of towering red spires. But if you only have time for one trail, make it the Golden Wall. I had it all to myself and it was incredible. With its brilliant red cliffs up close and personal Hoodoos, Red Canyon is a perfect stop for anyone exploring southern Utah’s unique landscapes.
Golden Wall Trail : 4.2 miles | 1,040 ft of elevation gain | Link to Alltrails
WATCH THE SUNSET AT YANT FLATS
Dixie National Forest, Utah
Yant Flats, also known as the “Candy Cliffs,” is a hidden gem near St. George, Utah. It offers a breathtaking, lesser-known hike with stunning views and swirling sandstone patterns. This local favorite is especially magical at sunset, when the golden light casts warm hues over the rolling rock formations, creating an almost surreal landscape. Known for its peace and solitude, Yant Flats is often overlooked by tourists, making it the perfect spot to have the views all to yourself. As the sun dips below the horizon, the colors intensify, offering a truly unforgettable experience in one of Utah’s most unique landscapes. A must do!
Yant Flats : 3.4 miles |337 ft of elevation gain | Link to Alltrails
Tips for Visiting These Locations:
Check the weather, especially for slot canyon hikes where flash floods can be a danger.
Many of these places require a high-clearance, 4WD vehicle. Check road conditions in advance.
Always carry plenty of water, food, and emergency supplies. Cell service is often nonexistent.
Be mindful of Leave No Trace principles—stay on designated paths and avoid disturbing fragile landscapes.
Have a great trip!
These destinations offer some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in Utah, without the crowds of the national parks. Whether you’re seeking solitude, adventure, or stunning photography spots, these hidden gems should be on your bucket list! hope you add these to your list of epic Adventures in Utah! You cant go wrong with any of these!
Looking for more adventures? You might be interested in this: Amazing Winter Adventures In Washington.
