Utah: Beyond The ‘Mighty 5’

The state of Utah is deservedly famed for its iconic red rocks and The Mighty 5® National Parks, drawing millions of visitors each year travelers in droves to its majestic landscapes.

But for those seeking a quieter, more intimate experience with nature, Utah offers a wealth of lesser-known opportunities. From tranquil spots.

These include scenic fishing spots, rock-climbing adventures and fascinating dinosaur history away from the crowds.

The remote landscape at Bluff River Trail

The new, non-motorized trail, in the south-east of Utah, covers nearly 10 miles from Sand Island Recreation Area down to the river basin and then up-river through country that has been used by Indigenous Peoples, descendants of the LDS Church, and present-day settlers. Walk, jog, cycle, or horseback ride along the banks, admiring the views, rounded cliffs, remnants of ranches and the calming San Juan River. The Bluff River Trail provides the only public access to the San Juan River in Bluff and is the result of a partnership with the Grand Canyon Trust and the Bureau of Land Management. Experience the winding river and surrounding area with the 100% Navajo-owned and operated, Ancient Wayves River & Hiking Adventures. The company has added a new Monument Valley Redlands Tour that begins and ends in Bluff and visits Valley of the Gods, Forrest Gump Hill, and Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.

Discover a new dinosaur at Utahraptor State Park

A trip to Utah wouldn’t be complete without exploring the intriguing prehistoric past that shaped the region. This excitement is amplified with the opening of the newly established Utahraptor State Park. Named after the Utahraptor dinosaur predominately found in the area, evidence of an additional 10 new dinosaur species have also been discovered in recent decades. This is especially timely as the BBC’s Walking With Dinosaurs and the upcoming Jurassic World Re-Birth film are set to bring dinosaurs to the forefront of pop culture again. The new State Park covers 6,500 acres of land and includes existing hiking, mountain biking and ATV trails. Construction of new campgrounds, visitor centers, and parking lots is being finalised, ready for its opening in April.

Fishing at Flaming Gorge

While Utah’s parks are incredible for adventure seekers, the tranquil waters of Flaming Gorge offer a peaceful alternative for anglers. Nestled along the northern border of Utah, this plunging reservoir is renowned for its world-class fishing opportunities, with abundant populations of trout, smallmouth bass, and more. Whether casting a line in solitude or kayaking. Flaming Gorge is a not to be missed experience to explore Utah’s natural beauty in peace. Team up with a local expert fly fisher for a day on the water.

Rock climbing in Ogden

For avid rock climbers, Ogden, in north Utah, is the place to be. While the state’s most famous climbing destinations, like Zion and Arches, attract large crowds, Ogden’s rugged mountains provide a quieter alternative. From the renowned Wasatch Mountains to the surrounding canyons, climbers will find everything from technical routes to beginner-friendly crags. With the bonus of Ogden’s vibrant downtown and nearby restaurants, this is a destination that delivers both adventure and culture. Warm up at the indoor iRock, before tackling 26th Street Bouldering Field and the difficult Willard Spires. The Front Climbing Club

Traquility at Snow Canyon State Park

Zion National Park may be a bucket-list destination, but Snow Canyon State Park provides an overlooked alternative nearby. Contrary to its name, Snow Canyon State Park features vibrant orange rock formations, petrified dunes, and unexpected pockets of water. The park gets its name from Erastus Snow, a key LDS pioneer, and only receives dustings of Utah’s legendary snow on occasion. The park’s relative tranquility compared to Zion allows visitors to immerse themselves in its beauty without the crowds. Whether hiking the iconic Hidden Pinyon Trail, biking the Snow Canyon Loop, or looking out for coyote, quail, road runners and the rare peregrine falcon, Snow Canyon promises an unforgettable experience.

Landscape like no other at Bonneville Salt Flats

Guests looking for a truly otherworldly experience should visit the Bonneville Salt, just 90 minutes west of Salt Lake City (by car).  The flats are formed from a salt crust ranging from a few inches to five feet thick, which forms a uniform, blindingly white plateau as far as the eye can see. Without realizing, many people have seen the flats on screen; either during the movie The World’s Fastest Indian or from iconic scenes in Independence Day. Wander across the flat, shimmering surface and marvel at the expansive horizon or capture a photograph of the surreal setting. The Bonneville Salt Flats are also a renowned location for land speed racing, where the world’s fastest vehicles compete to break records. Discover its vast 30,000-acre expanse and learn about its intriguing history with Southwest Adventure Tours.

Gaze at Utah’s Dark Skies

Utah is not only known for its dramatic landscapes, but it also as a haven for stargazers. Home to 26 designated Dark Sky Parks, the state offers some of the clearest, most breathtaking views of the night sky. Whether camping in the remote wilderness or visiting one of the designated parks, the Milky Way, meteor showers, and star clusters provide a stellar experience. With less light pollution than most places in the US, Utah is the perfect destination to explore the night sky. Sign up to a Campfire S’mores & Stargazing Tour in Kanab with Adventure Tour Company. Taking place in a private canyon and destination of the old movie fort, guests can sit back, stare at the stars, and tuck into s’mores. Alternatively, the Business Owners of Bluff are planning their first Annual Bluff Dark Sky Festival on 14-15 November 2025. The festival will feature Native American Astronomy interpretation and winter storytelling.

For more on Utah: www.visitutah.com

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