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Things to do in Utah in summer are as vast as its red-rock horizons. Nestled between the Rocky Mountains and the Great Basin, Utah is a land of contrasts, where alpine forests meet desert arches and turquoise lakes sparkle under endless skies. Salt Lake City, the state’s capital and cultural hub, anchors a region renowned for its proximity to the “Mighty Five” national parks, the Great Salt Lake, and rich pioneer heritage. Summer here brings sunny, dry days (75–100°F), perfect for hiking the cliffs of Zion, rafting the rivers of Moab, or camping beneath the starry skies of Bryce Canyon.
Top 10 Things To Do In Utah In Summer
Here is a list of the 10 best things to do in Utah in summer for thrill-seekers, families, and nature lovers.
1. Trek Through Zion National Park
Photo: Wolfgang Staudt / Wikimedia Commons
Zion National Park transforms into a hiker’s paradise each summer, where emerald pools and 2,000-foot cliffs create a Jurassic-like wonderland. Angel’s Landing’s knife-edge ridge offers heart-pounding views for thrill-seekers, while the Narrows’ waist-deep river hikes provide refreshing relief from the heat. Treasure such as the Subway reveals swirling sandstone pools. Sunset at Canyon Overlook Trail paints the cliffs in flaming orange hues.
Location: Southwestern Utah, near Springdale
Best Time To Visit: May to September
2. Paddle Down The Colorado River In Moab
Photo: DXR / Wikimedia Commons
The Colorado River near Moab serves up adrenaline and awe in equal measure. Tackle Class III rapids such as Satan’s Gut with experienced guides, or float past ancient petroglyphs on calm sections perfect for stand-up paddleboarding. New this season: full-moon rafting tours include stargazing stops with telescopes. Post-adventure, cool off with Moab’s famous prickly pear margaritas at sunset. Full-moon rafting tours include UV-paint glow parties under the stars.
Location: Moab, Southeastern Utah
Best Time To Visit: June to September
3. Gaze At The Stars In Bryce Canyon
Photo: Jon Zander / Wikimedia Commons
Bryce Canyon’s otherworldly hoodoos glow crimson by day but become a celestial stage at night. Join astronomy programs using high-powered telescopes to spot Jupiter’s moons or photograph the Milky Way arching over Thor’s Hammer. New: Full Moon Hikes with illuminated trail markers. By day, horseback riding tours reveal amphitheatres. Few visitors love summer festivals that often feature music and local food trucks for a full day and night of fun.
Location: Southwestern Utah, near Bryce
Best Time To Visit: June to August
4. Pitch A Tent In Arches National Park
Camping beneath Arches’ starry skies offers front-row seats to nature’s most spectacular show. Experience the new ranger-led Night Sky Programs, which include laser-guided constellation tours. For a touch of luxury, book nearby glamping domes with skylights for meteor shower viewing. Don’t miss a sunset hike to Delicate Arch, and take time to explore Moab’s charming shops and restaurants for a fun break from the wilderness.
Location: Near Moab, Eastern Utah
Best Time To Visit: May to September
5. Conquer Mountain Trails In Park City
Photo: claralieu / Wikimedia Commons
Park City’s 450+ trails feature gravity-defying features such as Deer Valley’s Tsunami jump line. New e-bike tours let you conquer alpine single tracks with ease. Post-ride, soak in the Silver Lake Adventure Yurt’s wood-fired hot tubs. Don’t miss the weekly Mountain Town Music series at Canyons Village. While golfers enjoy scenic mountain courses, families can try the alpine slide or zip line.
Location: Park City, Northern Utah
Best Time To Visit: June to September
6. Scale Granite Walls In Little Cottonwood Canyon
Photo: Derrellwilliams / Wikimedia Commons
Little Cottonwoods with crack systems such as The Coffin. New via Ferrata routes at Snowbird Resort offer harnessed climbs with Himalayan views. Evening rock-climbing film festivals at The Cliff Lodge pair ascents with craft brews. After climbing, relax at Snowbird Resort’s summer events, from outdoor movies to food festivals. The canyon is also a gateway to beautiful alpine lakes and meadows, making it perfect for picnics, wildlife photography, and family hikes.
Location: Near Salt Lake City
Best Time To Visit: June to September
7. Splash In The Turquoise Waters Of Bear Lake
Photo: kla4067 / Wikimedia Commons
Bear Lake’s Caribbean-hued waters feature floating obstacle courses and pirate ship rentals. New: transparent kayak tours reveal underwater rock formations. Time your visit for August’s Raspberry Days festival, featuring air shows and pie-eating contests. Fishing is excellent, and nearby trails offer scenic hikes and wildlife spotting. Evening bonfires on the shore create lasting summer memories for all ages
Location: Utah-Idaho border
Best Time To Visit: June to August
8. Rev Up An ATV In The Sand Hollow Dunes
Photo: photophat / Wikimedia Commons
Sand Hollow’s orange playground offers guided dune buggy tours reaching 50+ mph. New sunset packages include champagne toasts atop Sand Mountain. For water lovers, the reservoir’s aqua park features climbing icebergs and slides. The park also offers camping, picnicking, and sunset photography. Families enjoy the aqua park and sandy beaches, making it a full-day adventure for all age groups.
Location: Near Hurricane, Southwestern Utah
Best Time To Visit: May to September, early morning or evening
9. Cruise The Scenic Byway 12
Photo: Wolfgang Staudt / Wikimedia Commons
This All-American Road features audio tours via the GyPSy Guide app, revealing pioneer history. Stop at Kiva Koffeehouse’s cliffside patio for prickly pear lemonade. Stop for short hikes to waterfalls, browse local art galleries, or enjoy a meal at a roadside diner. The route features viewpoints, picnic spots, historic sites, outdoor concerts, and stargazing events in the dark sky parks.
Location: Central/Southern Utah
Best Time To Visit: May to October
10. Roam With Bison On Antelope Island
Photo: m01229 / Wikimedia Commons
Antelope Island State Park offers a unique blend of wildlife watching and lakeside fun. Visitors often spot herds of bison, antelope, and even coyotes. Hike or bike the island’s scenic trails, or relax on sandy beaches with a picnic. The Great Salt Lake’s unusual buoyancy makes swimming a must-try experience. Don’t miss the historic Fielding Garr Ranch and stay for sunset to watch the sky blaze with colour over the water.
Location: Great Salt Lake, Northern Utah
Best Time To Visit: May to September
Things to do in Utah in summer blend adrenaline, culture, and awe-inspiring landscapes. From rafting the wild rapids of Moab to capturing golden-hour shots at Delicate Arch or stargazing beneath the dark skies of Bryce Canyon, every corner of Utah promises unforgettable memories. Whether it’s national park passes or adventure tours, TripXL is the best place to get it all sorted.
Cover Photo: Igor Passchier / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
