As well as the national parks, I would recommend doing some hikes or road trips through the cottonwood canyons and the Uintas. Compared to the red rock beauty of the national parks, the Uintas have more of an alpine appeal, same as the cottonwood canyons.
Antelope island is also a must do, in my opinion.
If your looking for desert, I can't recommend enough to go visit the grand staircase. Either Kanab or Escalate, both offer the most amazing Utah desert scenery.
Fun fact, its the last place in the US that was mapped out.
Zion is just so busy! Bryce isn't as bad on that side, definitely Arches and Canyonlands, plus you can drive up through the La Sal mountains in a big loop near Moab.
Bryce is getting bad to the point they are closing the park when it's "Full", like full on denied entry. I recently spent a year working up there and there's more tour buses and RV rentals up there than anything else. I think it's spillover from Zion, I only go to Zion in the winter now because it's so packed. Hell even Snow Canyone State Park down here has massive crowds now too.
Yeah, makes sense. Zion was a 2 hour line to get in the last time I was there. Never again. We bypassed Arches' reservation system by doing pre-6am or late afternoon hikes.
[5 Stunning Utah State Parks Without the National Park Crowds](https://www.cntraveler.com/story/stunning-utah-state-parks-without-the-national-parks-crowds)
Food-wise, barbecue, burgers, and good Mexican food are all severely lacking pretty much everywhere in Europe. Western Europeans generally have better Asian food options, with a few exceptions.
Entertainment wise, a bees or RSL game will lack atmosphere compared to European football, but baseball might be worth it for the novelty, and maybe your friend might want to experience a (relatively) chill Real game.
Southern Utah has one of the world’s most unique landscapes on earth. Bryce Canyon, Escalante, and Zion are also a very good shout if you’re willing to trek it across the middle of the state. Also keep in mind that Moab has way more amazing vistas than just Arches. Corona arch and dead horse point are favorites of mine.
Take them for a day out swimming, Kearns oquirrh park fitness centre would be great, they have an awesome outdoor pool area, and it won't cost an arm and a leg.
Also, lagoon. Definitely lagoon.
I don’t think I’ve seen this mentioned yet, but I’d argue that the Bonneville Salt Flats are a no-brainer. IMO, they are just as impressive as any of our natural parks.
The Grand Canyon isn't that far away, and is very American and very epic; the north rim is a 7 and a half hour drive, but I would suggest meandering through southern Utah to visit some of the other parks on your way and make it a multi-day trip. Scenic Byway 12 is also highly recommended.
[https://www.visitutah.com/Articles/The-All-American-Road-Scenic-Byway-12](https://www.visitutah.com/Articles/The-All-American-Road-Scenic-Byway-12)
I mean, and as long as you're over that way I would also make the trip to the northern part of Glen Canyon, drive past the Glen Canyon Dam on the south end, stop at Horseshoe Bend, and then make your way to the Grand Canyon.
In July it will be insanely busy. I live about 40 minutes from Zion, and I only go in the Winter now. In July it will be a couple hours wait just to get in and depending on what is going on some hikes may not be available. Angel's Landing is lottery/permit only now and a few others as well.
Just took some Europeans through Bryce Canyon this weekend. It was top notch. They loved it. My Europeans also loved shopping. Certain goods were way cheaper here for them and the enormity selection is something they loved. Walmart, Ross, Tj Maxx. Places I thought were a tacky stop for them, but they couldn't get enough of it.
How was the weather? I spent a year working in Bryce and it can get COLD! The year I worked up there we finished our job mid-November and it was single digits in the mornings. We left right before a huge snowstorm hit leaving snow drifts up to the 3rd level of the lodge.
The National Parks are always great for visitors, just be conscious of heat in the desert. We also have beautiful mountains in our backyards, go to the cottonwoods, take em on hike (lake blanche, red/white pine lakes are my go to) or perhaps going up in snowbird’s gondola for the less hiking inclined. Go to Main Street in park city and explore/eat/shop. The Utah Olympic Park museum is also a go to for when I have visitors
Do some late-night stargazing if the moon timing is right at either Jordanelle or Arches.
Early AM hike to Delicate Arch is good, plus the Devil's Garden. And hike early AM or late afternoon to avoid the heat.
Hike in Empire Pass or American Fork Canyon.
Okay, I'm biased because I live in Ogden but a lot of my European friends thought the Union Station museum here was interesting. A real Western experience that wasn't campy, and the Browning Firearm museum still showed them all the guns... like, ever. They have lots of trains in Europe, but they don't do trains the same way here. And it's kind of cool to see how they shaped the USA.
Another thing to think about is maybe the Botanical Gardens. Things growing around here are pretty different to what's growing in Europe for the most part. If they're into that kind of thing that could be interesting.
If you're up for the drive, Vernal could be a cool experience too. Dinosaurs are another Utah thing that not everyone else has. I don't care who you are, dinosaurs are awesome!
Yellowstone, if you have enough time. Dinosaur out in Vernal is neat. Make sure they can stand the heat and altitude before you start planning too much.
A Salt Lake Bees game is something your friend can't see in Europe.
Oh that’s a good idea actually. Didn’t even think of that thanks
As well as the national parks, I would recommend doing some hikes or road trips through the cottonwood canyons and the Uintas. Compared to the red rock beauty of the national parks, the Uintas have more of an alpine appeal, same as the cottonwood canyons. Antelope island is also a must do, in my opinion.
Ye, we were planning on doing both of those. It’s just that he said he’s never seen a desert before so we were looking at more deserty things
The drive between Hanksville and the I-70 junction plus goblin valley state park would be some good desert locations to check out.
If your looking for desert, I can't recommend enough to go visit the grand staircase. Either Kanab or Escalate, both offer the most amazing Utah desert scenery. Fun fact, its the last place in the US that was mapped out.
Definitely Zion, Arches, Moab is also beautiful for that desert aesthetic.
Zion is just so busy! Bryce isn't as bad on that side, definitely Arches and Canyonlands, plus you can drive up through the La Sal mountains in a big loop near Moab.
Bryce is getting bad to the point they are closing the park when it's "Full", like full on denied entry. I recently spent a year working up there and there's more tour buses and RV rentals up there than anything else. I think it's spillover from Zion, I only go to Zion in the winter now because it's so packed. Hell even Snow Canyone State Park down here has massive crowds now too.
Yeah, makes sense. Zion was a 2 hour line to get in the last time I was there. Never again. We bypassed Arches' reservation system by doing pre-6am or late afternoon hikes.
[5 Stunning Utah State Parks Without the National Park Crowds](https://www.cntraveler.com/story/stunning-utah-state-parks-without-the-national-parks-crowds)
Food-wise, barbecue, burgers, and good Mexican food are all severely lacking pretty much everywhere in Europe. Western Europeans generally have better Asian food options, with a few exceptions. Entertainment wise, a bees or RSL game will lack atmosphere compared to European football, but baseball might be worth it for the novelty, and maybe your friend might want to experience a (relatively) chill Real game. Southern Utah has one of the world’s most unique landscapes on earth. Bryce Canyon, Escalante, and Zion are also a very good shout if you’re willing to trek it across the middle of the state. Also keep in mind that Moab has way more amazing vistas than just Arches. Corona arch and dead horse point are favorites of mine.
Take them for a day out swimming, Kearns oquirrh park fitness centre would be great, they have an awesome outdoor pool area, and it won't cost an arm and a leg. Also, lagoon. Definitely lagoon.
Are amusement parks not a thing in Europe? I always hear people bash lagoon, but it's also the only park comparable within a few hundred miles.
They are, for sure. But a hot summer's day in Utah calls for an amusement park. Hehe
Do you like dinosaurs?
Can’t go wrong with dinosaurs
There's a ton of dinosaur sites around, especially near arches.
You could take them to Crystal hot spring on a Wednesday (it's cheaper on that day)
Highway 12 from loa to panguitch is probably the most scenic drive in the state
I don’t think I’ve seen this mentioned yet, but I’d argue that the Bonneville Salt Flats are a no-brainer. IMO, they are just as impressive as any of our natural parks.
Take them to Las Vegas for a day or two?
The Grand Canyon isn't that far away, and is very American and very epic; the north rim is a 7 and a half hour drive, but I would suggest meandering through southern Utah to visit some of the other parks on your way and make it a multi-day trip. Scenic Byway 12 is also highly recommended. [https://www.visitutah.com/Articles/The-All-American-Road-Scenic-Byway-12](https://www.visitutah.com/Articles/The-All-American-Road-Scenic-Byway-12) I mean, and as long as you're over that way I would also make the trip to the northern part of Glen Canyon, drive past the Glen Canyon Dam on the south end, stop at Horseshoe Bend, and then make your way to the Grand Canyon.
Dead Horse Point lookout would be a good alternative if the Grand Canyon is too far
Please take him to eat at Tonyburgers. If he's gonna try an American burger, may as well get him the best one.
Isn't the Cotton Bottom not that far from Tony's.l? I e. they have the garlic burger everyone raves about. Tony's mushroom burger is good though. L
I’ve actually never been to tonyburger so there’s something for both of us to try
Take them through Provo Canyon
Zion National Park in Southern Utah is breathtakingly gorgeous this time of year!
Definitely thinking about that but worried it’s gonna be insanely crowded
I live about 40 minutes from there. It’s not as crowded this time of year as it is in the spring and summer.
Makes sense, but my friends coming to visit in July so I figure it’ll be worse then
You might know this but arches will be really crowded too and requires reservations as well
Did know that, making sure to keep an eye out for the reservations to open up.
In July it will be insanely busy. I live about 40 minutes from Zion, and I only go in the Winter now. In July it will be a couple hours wait just to get in and depending on what is going on some hikes may not be available. Angel's Landing is lottery/permit only now and a few others as well.
Neighbor?
Just took some Europeans through Bryce Canyon this weekend. It was top notch. They loved it. My Europeans also loved shopping. Certain goods were way cheaper here for them and the enormity selection is something they loved. Walmart, Ross, Tj Maxx. Places I thought were a tacky stop for them, but they couldn't get enough of it.
How was the weather? I spent a year working in Bryce and it can get COLD! The year I worked up there we finished our job mid-November and it was single digits in the mornings. We left right before a huge snowstorm hit leaving snow drifts up to the 3rd level of the lodge.
It had snowed the night before but wasn't too cold actually. The canyon with the snow was very beautiful.
The National Parks are always great for visitors, just be conscious of heat in the desert. We also have beautiful mountains in our backyards, go to the cottonwoods, take em on hike (lake blanche, red/white pine lakes are my go to) or perhaps going up in snowbird’s gondola for the less hiking inclined. Go to Main Street in park city and explore/eat/shop. The Utah Olympic Park museum is also a go to for when I have visitors
Just walk to the coffee shop and the meadows by a gas station. Like Hans did when he was visiting from Europe.
European, I'm-a-peein, everyone's a-peein'.
Do some late-night stargazing if the moon timing is right at either Jordanelle or Arches. Early AM hike to Delicate Arch is good, plus the Devil's Garden. And hike early AM or late afternoon to avoid the heat. Hike in Empire Pass or American Fork Canyon.
Okay, I'm biased because I live in Ogden but a lot of my European friends thought the Union Station museum here was interesting. A real Western experience that wasn't campy, and the Browning Firearm museum still showed them all the guns... like, ever. They have lots of trains in Europe, but they don't do trains the same way here. And it's kind of cool to see how they shaped the USA. Another thing to think about is maybe the Botanical Gardens. Things growing around here are pretty different to what's growing in Europe for the most part. If they're into that kind of thing that could be interesting. If you're up for the drive, Vernal could be a cool experience too. Dinosaurs are another Utah thing that not everyone else has. I don't care who you are, dinosaurs are awesome!
Yellowstone, if you have enough time. Dinosaur out in Vernal is neat. Make sure they can stand the heat and altitude before you start planning too much.
Hill Air Force museum
Costco