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The Best Things to Do Outdoors in Southern Utah

The Best Things to Do Outdoors in Southern Utah

Fishing, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and camping. Those are just a few things to do outdoors in southern Utah.

With so many outdoor activities, it’s no wonder Utah’s national and state parks reported record visitation numbers in 2018, with nearly 10 million people visiting the region.

Are you planning a trip to Utah? If so, we’ve got what you’re looking for. Let’s explore some of the top outdoor adventures to embark on in southern Utah.

Venture Around Bryce Canyon National Park

If you’re looking for a place for outdoor recreation, Bryce Canyon National Park has over 35,000 acres of it.

Located near the city of Bryce, the park is home to a variety of hiking trails, campsites, and horseback tours. The park is known for its geology and calcium-rich mudstone. If camping isn’t your forté, there is plenty of on-site lodging to choose from.

Hike Through Zion National Park

Are you wondering what there is to do in Utah? Head over to the state’s first and oldest national park.

Surrounded by pink, cream, and red sandstone cliffs, Zion National Park is nothing short of enchanting. Zion was once home to pioneer families who utilized the region’s natural land and water sources.

Today, it’s a top choice for hiking, rafting, biking, and camping. Scale the cliffs of Angels Landing or trek the eight-mile trail for a breathtaking view at Observation Point.

Splash Around in Toquerville Falls

Toquerville Falls is a desert surrounded by spectacular waterfalls.

Toquerville Falls is family-friendly. While the park’s hiking trail only takes less than an hour to complete, it leads to gorgeous waterfalls and streams to splash around in.

The park is free to enter, making it one of the most affordable outdoor things to do in Utah.

Check Out Rainbow Bridge National Monument

Rainbow Bridge is the largest natural bridge in the world. It was declared a National Monument in 1910 and attracts 85,000 visitors a year.

Rainbow Bridge is next to Glen Canyon National Recreation area. To reach the bridge, you must follow a winding trail around the park’s lakes.

If you’re looking for a longer hike, consider backpacking to the bridge from Navajo Nation, which takes about two days. There are also boat tours out of Lake Powell that take visitors to see the magnificent Rainbow Bridge.

Bike Gooseberry Mesa

Over 20 years ago, the Harris brothers created Gooseberry Mesa, one of southern Utah’s best spots for mountain biking. In 2006, the area was dubbed a National Recreation Trail.

The trail has white paint markers over its rocks for easy navigation. It’s a challenging trail and best suited for experienced riders. The terrain is twisty, but it offers incredible views of the southern Utah landscape.

Dive Into Sand Hollow State Park

Sand Hollow State Park is becoming a southern Utah hotspot thanks to its variety of outdoor activities.

Visitors can head to the 20,000-acre park to enjoy an afternoon of fishing, boating, ATVing, and camping. If the heat is getting to you, head to the beach, or dive to the depths of the Sand Hollow Reservoir.

Experience Kodachrome Basin State Park

Incredible sandstone rock formations create the backdrop of Kodachrome Basin State Park. There are 67 monolithic stone spires throughout the region.

The park is an excellent place for hiking, camping, and horseback riding. It’s also located near Grosvenor Arch. The sandstone arches tower 150 feet off the ground to create a mesmerizing sight.

Things to Do Outdoors and Indoors in Utah

There are plenty of Utah outdoor activities to engage in as long as you can find them. From swimming around Sand Hollow Park to biking Gooseberry Mesa, there’s no reason not to be outdoors.

Now that you know about all the things to do outdoors in southern Utah, are you ready to make it your home? If so, our team is here to help. Start your search for the perfect Utah home now.

The Best Salt Lake City Bike Trails

Salt Lake City is a beautiful city surrounded by incredible nature. While there are plenty of ways to explore all that the area has to offer, one of the best ways to do it is by bicycle. 

If you’re looking for some of the best Salt Lake City bike trails, look no further. Read on, and we’ll have you biking around the city in no time.

Bonneville Shoreline Trail

If you’re new to cycling or just a little bit rusty, Bonneville Shoreline is a good intro to biking in Salt Lake City. It’s also a great ride if you just moved to the city.

The trail has plenty of entry points around the city, which means you can make it as easy or as difficult as you want. We recommend starting at the zoo or at the capital and taking in the sweeping views of the city as you ride the entire loop.

City Creek Canyon

City Creek Canyon is a great ride for those who are looking to add a little challenge to the Bonneville Shoreline trail. 

This trail connected to the Bonneville Shoreline and heads up at a relatively consistent elevation gain. The trail goes through the forest so you’ll have plenty of shade and some amazing wildlife sightings.

Be sure to note that the trail is closed to bikes on even days, and closed to cars on odd days.  

Jordan River Parkway

If you’re looking for a family-friendly biking adventure that can be as short or as long as you want, Jordan River Parkway is perfect.

The trail is 45 miles long as spans from Utah Lake on the south end up to the Great Salt Lake on the north, following the Jordan River. The trail connects with other trails as well as neighborhood paths, making it easy to hop in and out wherever you want. 

9 Line Bike Park

For a completely different biking experience, hop on your mountain bike and head to 9 Line Bike Park. 

This urban bike park is located under a highway in Salt Lake City, transforming the unused land into a bike jumping paradise.

Cycle The City

While Salt Lake City offers plenty of bike escapes out of the city, it also offers a rich urban biking experience. 

Cycle The City is a 13.5-mile self-guided tour of the city utilizing bike lanes and multi-use paths. There are tons of fun city stops along the way, and you can do the whole loop or quit whenever you want.

This bike path is easily done with a GREENbike, the Salt Lake City bike share system, so you don’t even need your own bike to explore the city.

Beyond Salt Lake City Bike Trails

Now that you’re ready to explore Salt Lake City bike trails, you might want to know more about this beautiful city. 

Whether you live in Salt Lake City and need tips for your home, or simply looking for more places to explore, keep reading our blog, and make Salt Lake City your home.