Salt Lake City is a land of dramatic contrast, where snow-capped mountains give way to some of the most otherworldly red rock landscapes on the planet. This vacation travel video guide takes you through the very best the Beehive State has to offer, from bustling Salt Lake City to the awe-inspiring arches and canyons around Moab.
Start in Salt Lake City
Begin in Salt Lake City, the state's capital, where you can explore Temple Square, world-class museums, and a thriving food scene set against the backdrop of the Wasatch Range. The Natural History Museum of Utah offers excellent exhibits on the geology and indigenous cultures of the region. Salt Lake City also serves as a practical base for day trips; Big Cottonwood Canyon and Little Cottonwood Canyon are within thirty minutes of downtown, offering hiking in summer and skiing in winter.
Head south to Moab
The drive from Salt Lake City to Moab takes about four hours through some of the most scenic highway in the country. Once there, Moab becomes the gateway to Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, where millions of years of erosion have carved delicate stone arches, towering mesas, and vast canyon mazes perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and scenic drives. In Arches, the Delicate Arch hike is the most iconic, a three-mile round trip that rewards with a view of the freestanding arch framed against the La Sal Mountains.
Explore Utah's Mighty 5 and practical tips
Beyond the headline destinations, Utah is home to five national parks collectively known as the Mighty 5: Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion. Each has a distinct character, from Bryce Canyon's hoodoos to Zion's towering sandstone cliffs. Pack layers; desert temperatures can swing thirty degrees between morning and afternoon. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and more water than you think you will need. Gas up in towns before entering the parks, as services inside are limited. Whether you travel in winter for legendary powder snow or in summer for sun-soaked desert adventures, Utah delivers unforgettable experiences for every kind of traveler.
Where to stay
In Salt Lake City, hotels near Temple Square put you within walking distance of restaurants, museums, and public transit. For access to the ski resorts, consider Park City or the Cottonwood Canyons. In Moab, camping and RV parks fill early in spring and fall; book a hotel or motel in town if you prefer a bed and a shower after a day on the trails. Near Sedona, resorts with red-rock views offer a splurge-worthy stay, while budget-friendly options cluster along Route 89A.
