How To Plan The Perfect Road Trip In Utah

Utah is a state that offers many different types of scenery, from the rugged canyons of southern Utah to the red rock deserts and mountains in central Utah. With so much variety, there are many scenic routes you could take while exploring this beautiful state. Let’s look at some things you should keep in mind when planning your next vacation to Utah! 

1. The first thing you should do is decide what kind of trip you want to take

If you’re visiting the state for the first time, it’s difficult to know where to start. The best way to explore Utah’s many wonders is by exploring each of its regions, so the first thing you should do is decide what kind of trip you want to take. If you are going with a group of friends, or with your family, take a closer look at renting an RV, as it might be the most interesting choice out of all the options. If you’re looking for an action-packed vacation filled with hiking or rafting, try southern Utah or eastern Utah. If you want a more relaxing vacation filled with scenic drives and outdoor activities, try central Utah or northern Utah. If you want to explore the deserts and mountains of Utah, you’ll want to head for one of the many national parks and campgrounds located in this region. Many of these areas offer backcountry driving accessible only by 4×4 vehicle or ATV, and there are plenty of hiking trails available to explore. If you feel more at home in the forests, head up north to fit between two great mountain ranges or take a drive through Cache Valley – an area known for its sugar beets, dairy cows, fields of corn, and miles upon miles of wheat fields. Stop by Bear Lake on your way – it’s one of the most popular destinations in the state, with plenty to do all year round! 

2. Avoid the Traffic

Utah’s most well-known scenic route is The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, also called Utah State Route 9. According to TIME Magazine, this scenic route is “one of America’s most breathtaking mountain roads.” For 6 miles, you’ll be driving through a narrow gorge with tall sandstone cliffs towering above you on either side. Unfortunately, this highway is also known for its traffic congestion, especially on weekends. To avoid the high volume of traffic that can be experienced there at any time of day, you may want to take advantage of the many other scenic routes throughout Utah.

3. Explore all Four Seasons

As with most places in the United States, the best times to go on a road trip in Utah are during the warmer months, which are usually May through September. During this time of year, you’ll be able to experience all four seasons, with spring bringing flowers and green pastures, summer producing lush vegetation and spectacular wildflower blooms (and also extremely hot weather), fall having the most comfortable temperatures and spectacular foliage, and winter bringing snow and picturesque scenes.

4. Check the Weather Forecast Prior to Traveling

Another factor you must take into consideration is the weather. Utah has a variety of different climates and microclimates throughout the state, which will make it difficult for you to know what to pack for your trip based solely on the location you’re going to. If you plan on visiting a specific area, check out what the weather is like there before planning your trip to ensure that you have all of the appropriate clothing and gear with you.

5. Explore Utah’s National Parks

Utah has five national parks, which are Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, and Zion National Park. All of these parks are extremely popular among visitors to Utah, but they are also very different from one another. According to the website for Zion National Park, you could spend a lifetime exploring all of the park’s trails, canyons, rivers, monoliths, and mazes, and you’d still not be able to see everything the park has to offer. With so many different trails and features to see, you’ll want to make sure that you get a chance to visit each one.

6. Visit the Parks Early in the Day for Best Visibility

Although summer is generally considered to be the best time of year to visit Zion and Bryce Canyon National Park (due to comfortable temperatures and lack of snow), if you’re looking for beautiful views, try to visit either location early in the day before the sun rises too high and starts to obscure your views. If you happen to be visiting Bryce Canyon National Park during sunset, make sure to stop along the edge of the canyon so that you can watch as darkness slowly rolls in from across the horizon and covers everything in shadows.

7. Bring a Camera and Binoculars

Although it goes without saying that you should always bring some sort of camera with you on your road trips if this is going to be part of a larger trip through Utah or simply somewhere that you’ve been wanting to visit for a long time, make sure to bring not only your trusty camera but also binoculars so that you can get a better view of the landscape.

8. Enjoy Your Trip to Utah!

Although this state is home to many different natural wonders, it’s also known for its great cities like Salt Lake City (the capital), Park City (home of several skiing resorts and other attractions), Provo (known for Brigham Young University), Moab (a popular destination for four-wheelers and other off-road vehicles), and others. Be sure to make time during your trip to go shopping, eat at some of the great restaurants in the area, and enjoy the local culture wherever you end up!

Utah is a state that offers so much to see and do for those who are adventurous enough to explore. From the ruggedly beautiful canyons of southern Utah to the red rock deserts and mountains in central Utah, there’s something here for everyone with different tastes. The best times of year to visit vary depending on what you’re looking for, but we recommend planning ahead if you want your experience at any one location or national park to be perfect!  Be sure to check the weather for each area you’re thinking of visiting, pack appropriate clothing, bring a camera and binoculars, and have an amazing time wherever you go!