7 Outdoor Adventures to Plan in Utah for your Next Trip
When you think Utah, you’re most likely imagining the well-known Mighty 5 national parks. From the mountainous canyons of Zion National Park to the impressive natural architecture that makes up Arches National Park, the scenery of Utah’s backyard is mind blowing.
While we have a deep appreciation for these parks, we’ll admit that sometimes the crowds can be overbearing. Especially if you’re visiting in the summer during peak season. These parks get PACKED. So intense, sometimes you can barely find parking or you’re forced to share the trail with just too many people.
Undoubtedly, this can take away from that breathe of fresh air you were craving.
If you’re not in the mood to combat crowds during your outdoor adventures in Utah, then that’s okay! Amazingly, the state is loaded with countless scenic and breathtaking nature destinations in other less-trafficked areas. Many of which are free or charge a nominal fee.
Here’s our adventure guide to the outdoors in southern Utah. A guide that will help you escape the crowds and still get you out into incredible nature.
7 EPIC DESTINATIONS IN UTAH OUTSIDE THE MIGHTY 5
Below are some of our favorite outdoor adventures in Utah that exist outside the popular Mighty 5 national parks. More specifically, we are focusing on the southern region of Utah, closer to the Arizona border.
The majority of the destinations on this list are near the popular city of St. George. This would be your best place to find accommodations such as lodging, food, gas, and any other supplies you need. We chose St. George to be our home base, as it was easily accessible and a short drive after each location.
The list below is in no particular order.
🌻 Our content may contain affiliate links. If clicked through to make a purchase, the price remains the same for you and we will earn a small commission. This helps us to continue creating useful and valuable content for you and other visitors. 💜1. Dixie National Forest
Situated right in between 2 of the Mighty 5 National Parks, Bryce Canyon and Zion, is an incredible forest that is often missed by many travelers. Dixie National Forest is the largest forest in the entire state of Utah, coming in at almost 2 million acres wide and 170 miles long!
For such a massive park, it’s surprising how many people skip the chance to stop at this amazing place. Being nestled right in between Bryce and Zion, I guess we can see why Dixie would be overlooked. But don’t let the Mighty 5 deter you from visiting this beautiful spot!
Dixie National Forest is full of some of the most stunning forested scenery we’ve seen in the US. Dense pine trees, pristine lakes, aspen forests, underground lava tubes, and even red rock cliffs. A very diverse range of landscapes spread across this incredibly wide park.
Hiking, camping, backpacking, off-roading, boating, fishing, horseback riding, and mountain biking are the main activities to enjoy in the forest. Easily plan a weekend getaway or longer as you can see there is tons to do at Dixie.
We camped in Te-Ah campground in the southern section of Dixie National Forest. Our campsite was situated in a beautiful aspen forest with shimmering green leaves and white/gray speckled tree trunks.
From here you can do a quick hike up to the Pink Cliffs or take a 3 minute drive to the picturesque Navajo Lake. We picnicked it up at the shore line of Navajo Lake and the environment out here is absolutely surreal. (To date, one of my favorite outdoor spots!)
For more info, check out our blog post on 5 Top Things to Do at Dixie National Forest.
2. Spring Creek Canyon
Spring Creek Canyon trail is located just 20 minutes south of Cedar City UT, right outside the northern section of Zion National Park.
For those looking to indulge in the beautiful red rock landscape of Utah, you can do so along this easy to moderate 4.75 mile trail. Parking is also free making this an awesome and affordable outing.
With about 900 ft in elevation gain, this trail is considered easy to moderate. Enjoy walking alongside the trickling Spring Creek as you navigate your way through desert fauna, scenic cliffs, and eventually into the encompassing red rock canyon.
Weave your way through bright orange & black slick walls on either side as you venture deep into the canyon. As you get further in, the ground becomes more rocky and some bouldering is required if you want to hike to the very end.
This is a fun trail that’s full of stunning scenery. And the best part? No crowds.
For more info, check out this post on Spring Creek Trail from Tim LeBaron on HikeStGeorge.com
3. Monument Valley
One of the most popular outdoor adventures in Utah outside the Mighty 5 is the famous Monument Valley. Seen in numerous films, television shows, and portrayed as the countries image of “The American West,” this place is not one to miss.
Monument Valley is the furthest destination from St. George on this list. Located in southeast Utah, literally on the border of both Utah and Arizona. Monument Valley is a Navajo Tribal Park at 30,000 acres wide within the 16 million-acre Navajo Reservation.
Experience Monument Valley by driving along highway 163 through an incredible landscape of desert flatlands paired with the iconic red rock buttes.
You can also visit the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park Visitor Center to learn more about the geology of the park. They also offer paid Scenic Drives where you can drive much closer to the buttes for a much grander experience.
Don’t miss the view from further up the highway 163 at “Forest Gump Hill.” Yes, this is that renowned scene from the film when Forest decides to return home after his long run across the country.
Not just for movie buffs, this elevated stretch of highway offers some of the best views of the monuments from a higher vantage point.
4. Yant Flat
Looking for a quick hike into the wilderness that takes you to one of Utah’s best kept secrets? Yant Flat is a hidden natural treasure made up of a wonderful geological landscape of swirling colors and rolling hills. Those who know it, consider it the infamous Candy Cliffs of Utah.
Yant Flat is about 1 hour away from the city of St. George in the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area. To reach Yant Flat, it does require some off-roading on a slightly rugged dirt road. While 4-wheel drive is preferred, it’s still possible to make the drive in a 2-wheel drive sedan.
While we didn’t have too much trouble with our Toyota Corolla, there were still 2 streams we had to cross. If water levels are high, you may not be able to cross with a low clearance vehicle with no 4wd.
To reach the Candy Cliffs, hike 1 mile along a semi-flat trail through the desert. Climb 1 small sandy hill and BOOM, you’re at Yant Flat. Freely explore up and down the rolling hills of rock as the rock is rather easy to scramble on.
Overall the texture of the rock is fairly smooth, yet grippy making it a load of fun to traverse.
Make sure you climb to the highest point on the hill to see an epic view of a sprawling valley.
For more info, check out our specific blog post on the trail – Yant Flat: A Guide to Hiking The Candy Cliffs of Utah.
5. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
How could we not include this legendary destination? Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is a massive park full of incredible hikes, epic landscapes, and gorgeous red rock formations.
It’s surprising that this monument isn’t considered a “National Park” provided it’s size and impressive scenery. However, this is completely fine with us as national parks tend to be way more crowded.
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument contains three distinct units: Grand Staircase, Kaiparowits, and Escalante Canyon. From the spectacular Grand Staircase of cliffs and terraces, to the captivating Escalante River Canyons, this Monument is a diverse geologic treasure scattered with natural bridges, slot canyons, arches, and monoliths.
This place is popular for all kinds of activities, with day hiking and backpacking being the most prominent.
6. Lava Flow Trail – Snow Canyon State Park
Snow Canyon State Park is a prize we never knew existed and it’s right outside of St. George. It’s fair to say that this park would be considered a national park in any other state. Upon first arrival, it’s hard to not be in complete awe at the incredible red rock scenery in almost every direction.
Snow Canyon State Park has many different areas to explore and offers a great selection of hiking trails. Although, out of all them we highly recommend the Lava Flow Trail (or aka the Lava Tube Trail).
This short and sweet 2.5 mile out and back route offers so much along its path, it’s easy to spend a few hours or more just taking it all in.
EXPLORE DEEP INTO THE LAVA TUBES
As the name suggests, you can expect to see a few different underground lava tubes along the trail. Better yet, you can actually venture deep inside the lava tubes!
What we loved about these lava tubes compared to others is just how far and deep inside you can go! From just the first few minutes into the tube, you’re quickly swallowed by pitch black darkness.
It’s basically impossible (and very unsafe) to enter into these caves without a source of light, so please exercise caution and come prepared if you plan to climb inside.
It’s plainly stated at each entrance that a minimum of 3 people per group is recommended. Wearing proper hiking shoes, bringing multiple sources of light with spare batteries, and even a helmet will ensure the safest descent.
We were shocked to explore a lava tube where we didn’t reach an end. Climbing pretty far down into the cave, we expected to hit a dead end, but the tube just kept on going! Honestly, we wished we could have explored further. However being just the 2 of us with little light, we made the wiser decision to call it.
DON’T PASS UP ON THE OVERLOOK
Outside of the lava tubes, Lava Flow Trail had the added bonus of having a breathtaking overlook later down the trail. Overall, it’s just a quick 5 minute climb up a decently sized rock hill to get incredible views from the top!
From above, you have a complete 360° view of Snow Canyon State Park. Red rock mountains on one side, more red rolling hills on the other, and endless, sprawling desert views.
Not many people were taking the time to climb to the overlook so we basically had this little patch of paradise all to ourselves!
You could even see the multiple veins of lava tubes running over the land. An amazing experience above and below ground.
7. Middle Fork Taylor Creek Trail – Kolob Canyons
Okay, so technically Kolob Canyons is part of Zion National Park which technically means it’s part of The Mighty 5.
Although, Kolob Canyons is located on the very northwest side of the park with its own entrance. Completely separate from the other 2 main entrances in the southern area of the park.
Since the Kolob Canyon entrance is about 45 minutes away from the Springdale (main) entrance, it makes it a much less trafficked section of Zion and almost as if it is it’s own park.
SKIP THE CROWDS
We visited Kolob Canyons during the busy Memorial Day weekend and we can say that this place was basically empty compared to its southern and much more popular region.
Rangers informed us that the southern section of Zion was so crowded over Memorial Day weekend that there was a 3+ hour wait to hike Angel’s Landing. CRAZY!
So happy to say that we were on the other side of the park experiencing little traffic and grand views.
BREATHTAKING SCENERY
Besides the lack of crowds, Kolob Canyons is absolutely stunning. We couldn’t believe it took us this long to finally see the other side of the park.
To see the best of these canyons, we highly recommend Middle Fork Taylor Creek Trail. This 5-mile round trip hike takes you along the gorgeous Taylor Creek, through lush green desert foliage, and up close and personal to the towering red rock canyon walls.
I can honestly say this became my new favorite trail in Zion National Park.
Icing on the cake – you end at the spectacular Double Arch Alcove.
This geologic formation is a unique cave-like sandstone formation with layers of color streaked across the con-caved walls. Now that’s an epic ending to say the least!
For more info on this trail, check out our post Kolob Canyons: Zion’s Hidden Gem on Taylor Creek Trail
Indulge Yourself With A Different Side of Utah Outside The Mighty 5 National Parks
If you love nature, then Utah is your go to place for many of the best outdoor adventures. While we love all the national parks throughout the state, we sometimes crave nature from a more intimate & personal perspective. Fewer crowds, less expenses, and the gratitude felt from discovering all the wonderful hidden treasures Utah has to offer.
All these outdoor adventures in Utah are just as extraordinary as many of the national parks we’ve seen. Some experiences have proven to be even better!
We hope that next time you journey to this marvelous state you get a chance to explore some of the many other hidden gems sprinkled across the land.
On the other hand, if you are interested in visiting the Mighty 5, check out our post on Why You Should Experience The Mighty 5 Utah National Parks!
Have you found any one of a kind nature destinations in Utah? Or have you been to any of the ones listed above? Tell us in the comments below!
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