Utah tours & holidays

The best time to visit Utah is generally in spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) when temps are mild and there are typically fewer crowds. But with four distinct seasons and lots of activities on offer, it really depends on the type of trip you want to have.  

Utah has a dry, semi-arid and desert climate, so summers can get very hot (but it's dry heat and humidity is low) and winters are cold. You can explore Utah year-round, so the best time to go depends on what weather you want to be in! 

What to pack for Utah depends on what time of year you're visiting, but regardless of the season, you should pack comfortable walking shoes, a sun hat or cap, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle and a daypack.  

If you're travelling in winter, pack pants, warm layers and a winter jacket.  

Learn more about what to pack

The best national parks to visit in Utah are the state's 'Mighty 5' – Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands and Capitol Reef. All of these are worth visiting for their own reasons, like Zion's sandstone cliffs and vast valley, Bryce Canyon's hoodoo-filled amphitheatres, Canyonlands' rugged desert views and Capitol Reef's colourful canyons.  

Utah is considered a safe destination for solo travellers, although travelling around the state can be difficult on your own or without a car. It's also a desert environment and requires good preparation, so carry water, be sun smart and always stay on marked trails.  

Travelling with an experienced leader and small group is helpful for travellers who may be unfamiliar with desert landscapes, and can make getting around and visiting multiple parks in one trip way easier and more comfortable.  

The scenic areas in Utah are super hard to reach without a car and you can't depend on public transportation, so you do need a car to visit the national parks. If you travel with Intrepid, transportation will be handled for you, so you can just focus on the adventure and not how to get there.