Ideas for Things to Do Outside in the Summer in Utah

Spending the summer in Utah is a nature lover's paradise. The state offers a diverse range of outdoor activities, from hiking through breathtaking national parks like Zion and Bryce Canyon to exploring the stunning landscapes of the Great Salt Lake. Adventure enthusiasts can enjoy mountain biking, rock climbing, and river rafting, while those seeking tranquility can find it in the serene beauty of alpine lakes and lush forests. Utah's summer climate is perfect for camping under starry skies and enjoying picturesque sunsets, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds.

Here are some fun ideas to get outside in Utah and the surrounding areas this summer:

Car Camping

Visit Monte Cristo, Utah and get away from the heat and into the high elevation. Visit the meadows full of wildflowers and hike the trails just off of highway 30 miles outside of Huntsville, Utah in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache Mountains. You can reserve drive up campsites at the Monte Cristo campground here.

 

Kodachrome Basin is a landscape so iconic that it was named after the photographic film that helped popularize it. This incredible state park is full of chimney rocks, sand pipes, and many colorful layers of sediment. The most popular attraction, Chimney Rock, stands at 170 feet tall. The park has drive-up camping spots, and numerous hiking trails and mountain biking trails, and it is an extraordinary destination for photography - both day and night. As a state park, dogs are allowed. Kodachrome Basin can make for a great day-long excursion if you prefer to setup basecamp in a nearby town such as Boulder, Escalante, or Panguitch. Learn more and reserve a camping spot here:

Glamping

Want to get away and enjoy the outdoors but not sacrifice comfort? Utah is host to many

glamping campgrounds and locations, such as Under Canvas® Zion. Experience the dark sky in a cozy campsite situated in the southwest desert near Zion National Park. Bring your family or keep it small and spend time relaxing and enjoying the beautiful landscape of southern Utah.

 

Conveniently located on the eastern shore of Bear Lake in Northern Utah, Conestoga Ranch is a good choice for those who don’t want to choose between the beach or the mountains. The resort can accommodate up to a hundred guests at a time and the entire resort has WiFi. In addition to having classic grand canvas tents, they also offer the option to glamp in a 4-person or 6-person prairie-style wagon. You’ll forget you’re in the wild with all of the resort amenities including a general store, restaurant, game tent, laundry and bathhouse. Yoga classes and massages are available as well as complimentary cruiser bikes, cooking classes and wine seminars. The Campfire Grill serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and offers take-out and picnic lunch options.

 

Just eight miles east of Kanab near the Arizona border, Basecamp 37 is a good spot for glampers planning to visit Kanab, Zion National Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, The Wave and Antelope Canyon. At this glamping resort, you’ll find five luxuriously appointed safari-style tents with king-size beds with fancy linens and other thoughtful details, like a small cooler and headlamps. No need to buy or bring single-use plastic water bottles, the glamping tents have insulated reusable drinkware. Solar-powered charging banks are provided so you can keep your cameras and phones charged.

There’s WiFi available at the glampground as well as washrooms with hot showers near the tents. You can book multiple tents so it’s great for groups of up to 10 people.

Backcountry Camping

Looking for something more challenging? Disconnect from technology, cars, and get moving on the backcountry trails. A local favorite is Amethyst Lake by way of Stillwater and Amethyst Lake Trail . It might be more challenging than other options, but whether hiking solo, with a partner, or even with an adventurous dog, the breathtaking landscape of Utah makes it all worthwhile.

 

For an even bigger challenge, you can hike to the highest point in Utah at Kings Peak (13,528 FT). Generally done over two or three days, the hike is about 25 miles out and back and definitely not for the uninitiated. If you’re seeking something more formidable and rewarding this is an excellent hike to do with friends and family. Ideally, hike with others who are experienced in hiking long miles. Starting at Henry’s Fork trailhead, you will gain about 4,000 feet of elevation. There are a few small lakes to camp at and enjoy some rest time but be sure to take in the incredible views and walk around a bit. Pack-in and pack-out and stay in the designated camping areas and give yourself time! It’s an incredible hike.

 

 

Night Sky Photography

Did you know Utah is a haven for stargazers and night sky photography? The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) has certified 23 locations in Utah alone as some of the best dark sky viewing spots in the world. Whether or not you’re looking to photograph the Milky Way or simply see the untouched sky with your own eyes, Utah provides amazing opportunities to get away, camp and spend time under the stars.

 

Close to Salt Lake City: Antelope Island State Park

 

Local Favorite: Capitol Reef National Park

 

 

Fishing

Whether you've been fishing for decades or are interested in trying it for the first time, Utah's has over a 1,000 fishable lakes and rivers, offering an incredible variety in fishing options. The Provo River, Green River, and the Duchesne River in the Uinta Mountains are local favorite summertime choices. In addition to the central Duchesne River, The West Fork and North Fork provide 80 miles of fishing allowing you plenty of space. In addition to fishing, you can spend time camping, hiking, and ATV riding.

 

To find the ideal spot near you via an interactive map, visit FishUtah.

Rafting

The Green River in Moab is ideal for a day trip or as the beginning of a multi-day rafting adventure. The Gates of Lodore along the Green River meander through stunning towering canyons in the desert. Paddling along the San Juan River in Bears Ears National Monument provides opportunities for historical side hikes to Ancestral Puebloan dwellings over 2,000 years old. For those who prefer rushing whitewater, Cataract Canyon along the Colorado River in Canyonlands National Park offers an exhilarating ride through the heart of the desert.

 

Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Lake Powell in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is a top paddleboarding destination in Southern Utah. The warm waters of Sand Hollow State Park Reservoir in St. George offer a chance to paddle around stunning red rocks. For a blend of beautiful scenery and calm waters, try Jordanelle Reservoir in Jordanelle State Park. Finally, the iconic Great Salt Lake in Northern Utah provides incredible views for paddleboarders, especially during sunrise and sunset.

River Tubing

In addition to whitewater, the Green River offers a leisurely float through Gray Canyon, surrounded by Utah’s stunning desert and canyon landscape. The Provo River, flowing through both Utah and Wasatch counties, provides a mellow float through Class I and II rapids, perfect for families. For more adventure, the Weber River, originating in Northern Utah’s Uinta Mountains, flows a bit more swiftly, making it ideal for teenagers and older groups. Finally, a two-mile float down the Virgin River in Zion National Park will keep you cool on a hot summer day.