Every Utahns is familiar with the Big Five – our incredible national parks that bring visitors to our state from all over the world. While they’re certainly amazing, there are tons of other jaw-dropping natural wonders to explore. Here are nine that often get overlooked, and we think you should put them on your outdoor bucket list for 2020.
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- Owachomo Bridge
Jim T/Tripadvisor Tucked away in the midst of Utah’s famous national parks is a much lesser-known place: Natural Bridges National Monument. One of three natural bridges there, Owachomo Bridge is the smallest, but it’s still quite impressive at 106 feet high and 27 feet wide.
- Bear Lake
Ron Reiring/Moment Collection via Getty Images It’s hard to beat the beauty of Bear Lake! Located in the northern part of the state, this lake is so blue that it’s called “The Caribbean of the Rockies!”
- Bonneville Salt Flats
Cavan Images via Getty Images The vast Bonneville Salt Flats were left here by the ancient Lake Bonneville, and they span 40 square miles. Land speed records have been set on this other-worldly landscape.
- Factory Butte
Michael Hubrich/500px Prime via Getty Images Factory Butte stands 6,300 feet above sea level, and it’s absolutely stunning. You’ll find it near Hanksville, and you might want to bring your OHV along - there’s a popular trail nearby.
- Wahweap Hoodoos
John Fowler/flickr When you think of hoodoos, you probably think of Bryce Canyon National Park, but these beauties are located in a desolate spot near the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. They’re definitely worth the journey, though most Utahns have never seen them.
- Bridal Veil Falls
Drew Tarvin/flickr Perhaps one of the easiest natural wonders to lay eyes on, this 607-foot-tall waterfall is visible right from US-189. Take the time to stop and take the short stroll to hang out at its base.
- Coral Pink Sand Dunes
YayaErnst/iStock via Getty Images It took up to 15,000 years for these dunes to form from individual grains of sand, and they’re absolutely breathtaking. Go for a stroll, ride your OHV, and definitely bring your camera to capture some beautiful shots.
- Mirror Lake
Rajashree Raghavendra/flickr The drive along the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway is full of natural wonders, and its namesake lake definitely doesn’t disappoint. Get your fishing license before you head up, and try your luck at landing a rainbow trout.
- Dead Horse Point
Jungle Jim3/flickr This jaw-dropping scenery is pretty easy to access - you’ll park your car, then walk a mere 200 feet to the overlook. The Colorado River is a long way down!
This list just scratches the surface of the many wonderful places we can explore outdoors. Tell us some of your other favorites in the comments!
Jim T/Tripadvisor
Tucked away in the midst of Utah’s famous national parks is a much lesser-known place: Natural Bridges National Monument. One of three natural bridges there, Owachomo Bridge is the smallest, but it’s still quite impressive at 106 feet high and 27 feet wide.
Ron Reiring/Moment Collection via Getty Images
It’s hard to beat the beauty of Bear Lake! Located in the northern part of the state, this lake is so blue that it’s called “The Caribbean of the Rockies!”
Cavan Images via Getty Images
The vast Bonneville Salt Flats were left here by the ancient Lake Bonneville, and they span 40 square miles. Land speed records have been set on this other-worldly landscape.
Michael Hubrich/500px Prime via Getty Images
Factory Butte stands 6,300 feet above sea level, and it’s absolutely stunning. You’ll find it near Hanksville, and you might want to bring your OHV along - there’s a popular trail nearby.
John Fowler/flickr
When you think of hoodoos, you probably think of Bryce Canyon National Park, but these beauties are located in a desolate spot near the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. They’re definitely worth the journey, though most Utahns have never seen them.
Drew Tarvin/flickr
Perhaps one of the easiest natural wonders to lay eyes on, this 607-foot-tall waterfall is visible right from US-189. Take the time to stop and take the short stroll to hang out at its base.
YayaErnst/iStock via Getty Images
It took up to 15,000 years for these dunes to form from individual grains of sand, and they’re absolutely breathtaking. Go for a stroll, ride your OHV, and definitely bring your camera to capture some beautiful shots.
Rajashree Raghavendra/flickr
The drive along the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway is full of natural wonders, and its namesake lake definitely doesn’t disappoint. Get your fishing license before you head up, and try your luck at landing a rainbow trout.
Jungle Jim3/flickr
This jaw-dropping scenery is pretty easy to access - you’ll park your car, then walk a mere 200 feet to the overlook. The Colorado River is a long way down!
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