Say goodbye to bright city lights and hello to the rugged landscapes and iconic national parks of the wild, wild west. 

Experience the laidback Southwestern lifestyle and travel through the very heart of this breathtaking state on our tours and holidays in Utah. From cycling or hiking past endless vistas of red rock in Bryce Canyon to wandering among staggering sandstone cliffs in Zion National Park, you could easily spend your whole life exploring this state’s vast desert scenery and never get bored. Embark on a remarkable adventure alongside your group and listen as your tour guide not only teaches you about the pioneering spirit of the Mormons in Salt Lake City but also points you in the direction of some incredible hikes with photogenic views you simply won’t get anywhere else. Whether you need to reconnect with nature by relaxing in a natural hot spring or two or just want an excuse to lace up your hiking boots, unearth the magic of this magnificent state and cross Utah off your bucket list. 

Our Utah tours & holidays

5 Days From 1493

Set off on a five-day adventure through some of the USA’s most epic scenery, including...

8 Days From 1940

Explore rugged Utah on this eight-day adventure. Hit Zion National Park, Monument...

10 Days From 3372

From the famed LA streets to the glitz of the Vegas strip, travel through the hush of...

4 Days From 2090

Explore Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon and Antelope Canyon on this glamping adventure...

5 Days From 3640

Explore Canyonlands National Park, Arches National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park,...

Tailor-Made trips

Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary

9 Days From 3630

Explore Las Vegas, Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef, Arches National Park, Zion...

14 Days From 2930

Beginning in Las Vegas, see Zion, Moab and Bryce Canyon, Monument Valley, Yosemite, the...

5 Days From 2915

Discover the best of the USA’s Wild West on a six-day family Zion ranch stay in Utah....

18 Days From 4075

Travel for 18 days from Los Angeles to San Francisco, passing through Las Vegas, the...

4 Days From 1600

Take a hiking trip through Utah’s Coyote Gulch in the United States and trek past...

17 Days From 6268

From Los Angeles to San Francisco, take a trip through the USA’s best National Parks....

Things to do in Utah 

Temple Square Church at sunset in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Marvel at Temple Square in Salt Lake City

Standing tall and proud in downtown Salt Lake City lies Temple Square, an impressive and beautiful structure steeped in religious history. Spanning a whopping 10 acres, this iconic landmark not only features a commanding structure and outstanding architecture but is also set among perfectly manicured and landscaped gardens that are ideal for picnicking and other outdoor activities. Not simply just for show, Temple Square acts as the headquarters for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and promises to give visitors an in-depth view into Mormon history and its role in the settlement of Utah, as well as facts on the religion itself.

A group of people hiking through Zion National Park, Utah.

Trek through Zion National Park

Described as an adventurer’s ultimate oasis, Zion National Park promises soaring views of giant rock domes, staggering red rock cliffs, plunging slot canyons, and refreshing swimming holes. Delivering on natural beauty, this national park has a little something for everyone from several breathtaking hiking trails to wandering around prehistoric stone formations such as Mount Majestic, the Mountain of the Sun, and The Great White Throne. With more desert scenery and epic viewing spots than you’ll know what to do with, Zion National Park offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get up close and personal with one of the best landscapes in the United States.

Monument Valley on a clear, sunny day in Utah.

Admire Monument Valley

Providing the backdrop for many western films, Monument Valley is one of those natural landscapes that must be seen to be believed. Scattered throughout the Utah desert are several towering sandstone formations, carved and uniquely shaped over the centuries for a view that’s guaranteed to take your breath away. As if it’s even possible, these giant beauties get more spectacular when seen against the shifting colors of the setting sun, allowing you the chance to take incredible photos and make unforgettable memories. Listen to your tour guide as they teach you about the traditional owners of the land, the Navajo Indians, and immerse yourself in the stories of their culture and the land’s rich history.

A sign at Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah.

Wander through Bryce Canyon National Park

It’s easy to get lost in the beauty of Bryce Canyon National Park with its unique scenery, ‘hoodoo’ rock spires, and various hiking trails for all levels. Hit the desert gravel and walk up the Rim Trail, or opt for the more challenging Peek-a-boo Loop, taking out your camera along the way for photos your friends and family will be jealous of. However, the main event is Bryce Canyon, a collection of natural amphitheaters just waiting to be marveled at. But, if you think the vast array of vibrant reds and oranges of this landscape can’t get any brighter then think again. Bryce National Park comes to life at sunset with the kaleidoscope of colors shifting against the setting sun to reveal a magical view you won’t ever forget.

The Delicate Arch at sunset in Arches National Park, Utah.

Hike your way to Delicate Arch at sunset

Continue your journey to see the most impressive natural rock formations in the whole of the United States with a stop at Arches National Park. Packed with spectacularly eroded sandstone cliffs, this national park has the world’s largest concentration of natural stone arches for magnificent views your camera simply won’t do justice. One of the most famous arches to visit in the park is the Delicate Arch, a 54-foot freestanding naturally shaped rock formation that’s as beautiful as it is impressive. For the ultimate epic view, why not visit the arch at sunset and watch the purples, pinks, and oranges dance across the sky as the sun slips into the horizon? 

A group of people floating in the Great Salt Lake, Utah.

Visit the Great Salt Lake

While the Great Salt Lake may not seem like much, trust us when we tell you that getting the chance to float on its salty waters is a bucket list activity you’ll want to check off. Thanks to its extremely high salt concentration, you’ll more than likely be able to smell the Great Salt Lake before you see it but don’t let that deter you from having a dip. Classified as a ‘dead lake’ due to its stagnation (no water flows in or out), this large body of salty water is the perfect place to try out paddleboarding or kayaking under the hot Utah sun. If you’d rather be on top of the water than in it, you can always travel the lake on a dinner cruise for a front-row seat to the best sunset you’ve ever seen.

Utah tour reviews 

Utah FAQs

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Learn more about Intrepid’s COVID-19 policy

Utah is situated in the Western region of the United States. Utah is surrounded by a number of states including Wyoming, New Mexico, Idaho, Arizona, and Colorado to the east, and Nevada to the west. 

Getting to Utah is relatively easy with a number of different transportation options available. These include flying into one of their seven commercial airports such as Salt Lake City International Airport and Provo Municipal Airport, embarking on a road trip from one of the neighboring states, or catching public transport in the form of a bus or a train with several routes taking you to various destinations within the state. 

How far Utah is from California largely depends on the way you're traveling, whether that's by plane, car, or via public transport. If you were to drive from California to Utah it would take you roughly 12 hours (that's one hell of a road trip) as it's approximately 487 miles. If flying is more your thing, then the flight time between LAX and SLC will take you just under 2 hours and is a relatively cheap option. 

Click to read more about how far Utah is from California

Getting around Utah is also relatively easy due to the number of different transportation options available. If you're driving into the state then it remains easy to drive around the state with all major highways easy to navigate and maintained regularly. You can also fly between popular destinations within the state as there are seven different commercial airports that offer services to take you from Salt Lake City to Cedar City, and from St. George Regional Airport near Zion National Park to Provo. Utah also has an excellent and reliable public transportation system in the form of bus and train networks that offer routes to popular destinations and regions within the state. 

Utah's climate is very similar to that of neighboring states such as Nevada in that it has a very dry, semi-arid, and desert climate. This means that summers can get very hot although there is little chance of humidity as Utah is considered one of the driest states in America. Despite the dry, desert-like climate, Utah still experiences four very distinct seasons with temperatures in Winter averaging between 32°F and 59°F. 

What to pack for Utah depends on what time of the year you're traveling in but regardless of the season, there are some items you should always pack. Some of these items include sensible and comfortable walking shoes (most likely you'll be doing a lot of hiking during your time in Utah), a sun hat or cap, and some sunscreen (especially in summer). If you're traveling in winter, be sure to pack trousers, sweaters, waterproof jackets, and thick coats to keep yourself warm. 

The best time to visit Utah largely depends on what you want to get out of your vacation and what kind of activities you want to participate in while you're there. When it comes to the weather, the best time to visit Utah is between April and mid-June (before temperatures get too high) or from August to mid-October as the state is filled with the beautiful fall colors of orange, red, and brown. If you're planning on trekking through some of the state's national parks, then traveling during summer is advised against (unless you undertake extra planning) as temperatures can exceed 100°F. 

Click to read more about the best time to visit Utah

If you stick to the popular cities of Utah such as Salt Lake City, then your internet coverage shouldn't be affected. However, if you're planning on spending time in one of the state's many national parks then you could experience some disruptions. Most national parks have reception areas or tourist hubs where wifi access is available but if you're hiking through the park or you've stopped at a high-altitude viewpoint then your service is likely to be weak and unreliable. 

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. In fact, we make a donation on behalf of every traveller. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. 

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe.

Find out more or make a donation

Read more about the United States