Utah Is an Adventure Lover's Paradise
Curious about what you'll do when you live in Utah? If you like the idea of hiking among red rock arches, spending time paddling on alpine lakes, and checking out stargazing over salt flats, Utah is calling you home! This list of fun things to do will take you from slot canyons to alpine bowls and give you a taste of Utah's outdoor grandeur and local heritage.
Ann, Our Local Expert Guiding Your Move
Ann has lived in Utah for nearly four decades, which is long enough to stop explaining fry sauce to visitors and start judging it quietly. She has moved more than 22 times, including a Peace Corps leap to the Tonga Islands and a truly shocking December relocation from Las Vegas to Omaha that introduced her to subzero temps. Years ago she sang Western music around the state, enjoyed over a decade working for Utah Shakes Fest, currently tap dances, ebikes red rock trails, edits books, and spoils her grandkids whenever she can. Ann once trekked a 200+ mile Utah survival course over 26 days and still treats preparation as a lifestyle choice. She runs on local theater, smooth jazz, local fresh produce, and fine brewed coffee. At Snappy Scout, Ann blends decades of local knowledge and Utah survival instincts to help prepare newcomers for what it takes to thrive in Utah, not just admire it.
Read moreWritten with local insight from Snappy Scout relocation experts
What Will You Do in Utah?
From weekend adventures to iconic road trips, here's how locals spend their time off.
Go Outside & Hike
Hiking any of the "Mighty 5" national parks, many impressive trails all over the state...trails for both the whole family and the advanced adventurers.
Underground Adventure
Tour Timpanogos Cave National Monument in American Fork Canyon
Spend Time on the Water cooling off
Paddleboard at Jordanelle State Park near Park City, rent a house boat on Lake Powell, visit any number of the Lakes and Reservoirs all over the state.
During the short days of Winter
Powder day plans? Utah is known for 'greatest snow on earth'. Try Snowbird, Park City Mountain, Deer Valley Resort, Alta, Brighton, Solitude, Brian Head and Eagle Point.
Iconic Road Trips to take
Cruise Scenic Byway 12 from Bryce Canyon to Torrey, US Route 163 Monument Valley, the Alpine Loop, or the Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway.
Stargaze in desolate dark nights
Natural Bridges is an astronomer's playground near Blanding. State has loads of places with minimal light polution, and ranger-led star parties.
For the Sports Fans
Catch the Utah Jazz at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, or Real Salt Lake, and Utah Hockey Club. Strong college sports featuring Utes, Aggies, Cougars. Pickleball is also booming.
Just when you think you've seen it all, this roadside oddity will leave you in awe and confusion
Gawk at the Tree of Utah on I-80 near Wendover, don't miss the great Great Salt Lake, stunning mountains all along I-15.
Pick your own farm to table fare
Pick peaches along Fruit Way in Brigham City, berries at McBride Briar Patch in Mapleton, Riley Orchards in Utah County, Rowley's Red Barn in Santaquin, Burgess Orchards in Alpine...and many more.
Hidden Gem Spotlight
Kanarra Falls hike in Kanarraville, Utah...be sure to go online and get a hiking permit. Spring Creek Canyon just south of Kanarraville Fall has a similar vibe, no permit required.
— Ann Broadbent
Utah Local Expert
Ready to See If Utah Fits You?
Compare cities, check the routes, or head back to the full Utah guide for the bigger picture.