Utah is one of the most beautiful states in the nation, and there’s so much to see and do here that it often feels impossible to see it all! This year, plan to take a day trip every month to make some memories and experience the majesty of the Beehive State. Here are 12 that we recommend – but don’t think you have to limit yourself to just one day trip adventure per month!
Of course, depending on where in Utah you reside, these might be overnight trips instead of day trips. We’ve offered suggestions in all parts of the state.
January - Hardware Ranch
Naveen Verma/Google Every winter, around 500 elk migrate down from the mountains to Hardware Ranch, where they hang out and munch of hay. From the end of November to the first part of March, you can take a sleigh ride out to the pasture to see the elk up close!
February - Bryce Canyon National Park
Mike Reyfman/500px/via Getty Images Bryce is beautiful year-round, but during winter months, it’s particularly beautiful, and the crowds are much, much smaller. Bring some snow shoes and your camera, and wake up early to catch the sunrise.
March - Snow Canyon State Park
RandomTraveler76/Tripadvisor Southern Utah is gorgeous in late winter/early spring, and the weather starts warming up. Zion National Park is pretty, but crowded, so head to nearby Snow Canyon State Park instead.
April - Thanksgiving Point
Karen H/Tripadvisor The tulips at Thanksgiving Point are one of the first signs of spring. Bring your camera and wander through the gardens to see these brilliant blooms.
May - Golden Spike National Historic Park and Spiral Jetty
Sean O’Neill/flickr Visit Golden Spike National Historic Park on or near its completion anniversary (May 10th) for special activities, then make your way to Spiral Jetty, just 16 miles to the south. Created by artist Robert Smithson in 1970, this piece of landscape art is a must-see.
June - Sun Tunnels
Calvin Chu/flickr The Sun Tunnels were created by Nancy Holt in 1976, and together, they’re an incredible outdoor art installation. Go during the summer solstice to see the sun line up perfectly with them.
July - Mirror Lake Scenic Byway
tristanbnz/iStock/via Getty Images Snow often lingers along the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway until July or August, but the road is open, and the fish are biting! Visit several of the little lakes along the way, and spend the day fishing and hiking.
August - Utah Shakespeare Festival
McWett/Tripadvisor They say that “The plays, the thing” and we agree! The Utah Shakespeare Festival is an award-winning festival, and the plays offered here are top-quality productions. Don’t miss the Green Show!
September - Arches National Park
Mark Brodkin Photography/Moment Collection/Getty Images By the end of Labor Day weekend, many of the tourists have left Moab to the locals. The park is always fairly crowded, but it’s particularly beautiful in the fall. Hike to Delicate Arch.
October - Alpine Loop
Dan Pearce/flickr The best fall foliage spot in the Beehive State can be seen along the 20-mile-long Alpine Loop. Drive up American Fork Canyon, and loop around and down Provo Canyon to see the brilliant hues of yellow, orange, and red.
November - Crystal Hot Springs
Crystal Hot Springs/Facebook Before the frenzy of the holidays sets in, head up to Crystal Hot Springs to soak in the warm waters. It’s even better when it snows!
December - Park City
Historic Park City Utah/Facebook Your calendar is probably pretty full in December, but take the time to head up to Park City at some point during the month. It’s one of Utah’s most charming Main Streets this time of year, and you can also ski and take a ride on the bobsled track!
What other day trips do you think our readers should take? Tell us in the comments!
Naveen Verma/Google
Every winter, around 500 elk migrate down from the mountains to Hardware Ranch, where they hang out and munch of hay. From the end of November to the first part of March, you can take a sleigh ride out to the pasture to see the elk up close!
Mike Reyfman/500px/via Getty Images
Bryce is beautiful year-round, but during winter months, it’s particularly beautiful, and the crowds are much, much smaller. Bring some snow shoes and your camera, and wake up early to catch the sunrise.
RandomTraveler76/Tripadvisor
Southern Utah is gorgeous in late winter/early spring, and the weather starts warming up. Zion National Park is pretty, but crowded, so head to nearby Snow Canyon State Park instead.
Karen H/Tripadvisor
The tulips at Thanksgiving Point are one of the first signs of spring. Bring your camera and wander through the gardens to see these brilliant blooms.
Sean O’Neill/flickr
Visit Golden Spike National Historic Park on or near its completion anniversary (May 10th) for special activities, then make your way to Spiral Jetty, just 16 miles to the south. Created by artist Robert Smithson in 1970, this piece of landscape art is a must-see.
Calvin Chu/flickr
The Sun Tunnels were created by Nancy Holt in 1976, and together, they’re an incredible outdoor art installation. Go during the summer solstice to see the sun line up perfectly with them.
tristanbnz/iStock/via Getty Images
Snow often lingers along the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway until July or August, but the road is open, and the fish are biting! Visit several of the little lakes along the way, and spend the day fishing and hiking.
McWett/Tripadvisor
They say that “The plays, the thing” and we agree! The Utah Shakespeare Festival is an award-winning festival, and the plays offered here are top-quality productions. Don’t miss the Green Show!
Mark Brodkin Photography/Moment Collection/Getty Images
By the end of Labor Day weekend, many of the tourists have left Moab to the locals. The park is always fairly crowded, but it’s particularly beautiful in the fall. Hike to Delicate Arch.
Dan Pearce/flickr
The best fall foliage spot in the Beehive State can be seen along the 20-mile-long Alpine Loop. Drive up American Fork Canyon, and loop around and down Provo Canyon to see the brilliant hues of yellow, orange, and red.
Crystal Hot Springs/Facebook
Before the frenzy of the holidays sets in, head up to Crystal Hot Springs to soak in the warm waters. It’s even better when it snows!
Historic Park City Utah/Facebook
Your calendar is probably pretty full in December, but take the time to head up to Park City at some point during the month. It’s one of Utah’s most charming Main Streets this time of year, and you can also ski and take a ride on the bobsled track!
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Address: Hyrum, UT 84319, USAAddress: Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, USAAddress: Snow Canyon State Park, 1002 Snow Canyon Dr, Ivins, UT 84738, USAAddress: Thanksgiving Point, 3003 N Thanksgiving Way, Lehi, UT 84043, USAAddress: 6200 N 22300 W, Promontory, UT 84307, USAAddress: Great Salt Lake, UT, USAAddress: Sun Tunnels, Wendover, UT 84083, USAAddress: Utah 150, UT-150, Kamas, UT, USAAddress: 195 W Center St, Cedar City, UT 84720, USAAddress: Arches National Park, Utah, USAAddress: Alpine Loop Scenic Byway, Provo, UT, USAAddress: Crystal Hot Springs, 8215 UT-38, Honeyville, UT 84314, USAAddress: Main St, Park City, UT 84060, USA
