Utah, to any true Outsyda, is an adventure waiting to happen.
The whole of Utah offers a treasure trove of outdoor adventures, in some of the most stunning and diverse landscapes in the United States.
From towering red rock formations to vast desert expanses, alpine lakes, and canyons, Utah is a paradise for nature lovers, adrenaline junkies, and explorers. Scroll down for hiking, MTB, canyoneering, kayaking, backpacking, rafting and more ...
Hiking in the Mighty 5 National Parks
Utah is home to five iconic national parks, collectively known as the Mighty 5. Each park offers its own unique landscape and set of adventure opportunities:
Zion National Park: Zion is known for its towering sandstone cliffs and deep canyons. One of the park's most thrilling hikes is Angels Landing, a steep, narrow trail that offers jaw-dropping views but be prepared for some vertigo-inducing sections. The Narrows is another must-do hike, where you wade through the Virgin River, flanked by towering canyon walls.
Arches National Park: Famous for its natural rock arches, this park offers countless opportunities for hiking and photography. The Delicate Arch trail is one of the most iconic, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding desert. For an adventure with fewer crowds, try the Devil’s Garden loop, which passes several spectacular arches.
Bryce Canyon National Park: Bryce is famous for its unique ‘hoodoos’ - tall, thin spires of rock. The Navajo Loop and Queens Garden trails offer close-up views of these surreal formations. The park is also known for its starry skies, making it a great spot for night hiking and stargazing.
Canyonlands National Park: Known for its expansive, multi-layered canyons, Canyonlands offers adventures from whitewater rafting on the Colorado River, mountain biking along the White Rim Trail, or hiking to the dramatic Island in the Sky overlooks.
Capitol Reef National Park: A hidden gem, Capitol Reef offers fewer crowds and the chance to explore remote canyons, rock formations, and petroglyphs. The Hickman Bridge and Grand Wash trails are particularly scenic and provide an introduction to the park’s landscape.
Mountain Biking in Moab
Considered by many - our founder Ant is one of them - as the moutain biking capital of the world, the town of Moab is surrounded by some of the best trails on the planet, offering everything from beginner-level paths to heart-pounding descents. The Slickrock Trail is perhaps the most famous, offering riders a challenging loop through the stunning red rock terrain. If you're looking for a more relaxed ride, there are plenty of desert singletrack and scenic routes near Arches and Canyonlands, including the Amasa Back and Klondike Bluffs trails.
Rock Climbing in Indian Creek
Indian Creek, located in the heart of Utah’s canyon country, is considered one of the best crack climbing destinations in the world. The park is famous for its vertical sandstone walls and crack systems, providing challenges for climbers of all levels from seasoned pro or just starting out.
Whitewater Rafting on the Colorado River
The Colorado River winds through Utah, offering some of the best whitewater rafting in the country. A popular section is Westwater Canyon, where you’ll experience Class III and IV rapids amid dramatic canyon walls. For a more scenic rafting experience, the Desolation Canyon section offers a mix of gentle and mild rapids, with the added bonus of historical significance and jaw dropping wilderness.
Let’s talk hiking
The Pyhä-Luosto Trail - Total Distance: 55 km
If you’re seeking a more extensive hiking experience, the Pyhä-Luosto Trail is the main route that spans the length of the park. This long-distance trail is divided into sections, each with its own set of challenges and rewards. The trail winds its way through breathtaking landscapes, offering panoramic views of the surrounding fells, forests, and lakes. You will traverse diverse terrain, including rocky paths, forested areas, and wetlands. Decent kit is absolutely essential. Along the way, there are several campsites and rest areas where you can relax and enjoy the serenity of the wilderness.
The Lampivaara Amethyst Mine Trail - Distance: 3 km
For a shorter, family-friendly hike, the Lampivaara Amethyst Mine Trail is an excellent choice. This 3-kilometer loop leads visitors to the Lampivaara Amethyst Mine, a popular attraction where you can dig for your own amethysts. The trail is relatively easy, making it suitable for children and beginners, and it also offers stunning views of the surrounding forest and hills. The mine itself is a fascinating historical site, with its origins dating back to the 20th century. Use this as a warm up before the main event ; )
The Kuertunturi Peak Trail - Distance: 6 km
For more experienced hikers, the Kuertunturi Peak Trail offers a climb to the summit of the Kuertunturi fell. This moderately difficult trail takes you through thick forests and up steep, rocky slopes before reaching the top, where you are rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The vistas from the peak are a photographer’s dream, with a sweeping view of the surrounding valleys, lakes, and mountains.
A less obvious but equally intriguing feature of the park is the Old Forest Sauna, a historically significant site that reflects the traditional Finnish way of life. This rustic sauna, once used by forest workers, offers a glimpse into Finland’s past and can be visited as part of the park’s cultural trail.
Exploring the Bonneville Salt Flats
For a surreal, otherworldly experience, head to the Bonneville Salt Flats, famous for its speed trials, the vast, white expanse is all that remains of an ancient lake. The flats are especially captivating at sunrise or sunset, when the light creates a dreamy, reflective surface. You can also drive out onto the salt for a unique off-road experience but get advice before you do this to ensure the safety of your tyres and equipment.
Off-Roading in the Sand Dunes
Utah’s vast sand dunes are a playground for off-roading. The Little Sahara Recreation Area, located in central Utah, has more than 60,000 acres of dunes, where you can ride dirt bikes, ATVs, or dune buggies. The Coral Pink Sand Dunes near Zion is another favorite spot, known for its striking pink sand.
Horse riding in Fishlake National Forest
Fishlake National Forest offers visitors the chance to explore Utah’s rugged mountains, valleys, and alpine lakes on horseback. There are various guided horseback riding tours that take you through breathtaking landscapes, including both the Fishlake and Pine Valley areas.
Caving in Timpanogos Cave National Monument
If you’re looking for an underground adventure, head to Timpanogos Cave National Monument, located in the Wasatch Mountains near Provo. Here, you can explore a series of limestone caves that feature impressive formations of stalactites and stalagmites. The cave tour takes you through narrow passageways and steep climbs.
Backpacking in the Uinta Mountains
The Uinta Mountains, Utah's highest range, offers pristine wilderness and some of the best backpacking opportunities in the state. The Highline Trail, a 75-mile trek through alpine lakes and rugged terrain, is one of the most famous routes, offering a true wilderness experience. The Uinta Mountains are home to several remote lakes and trails where you can experience solitude and epic views of peaks and meadows.
Canyoneering in the Escalante Wilderness Not for the faint hearted, canyoneering is an adventurous sport that involves exploring narrow, rock-walled canyons, often requiring rappelling, scrambling, and navigating tricky terrain. The Escalante Wilderness in southern Utah is known for its deep slot canyons, including Spooky Gulch, Peek-a-Boo Canyon, and Coyote Gulch.
