7 Perfect Destinations for a Long Weekend in Utah
Still thinking about the best way to make use of your long weekends? Starting with the "where," Utah—also known as the Beehive State—offers more than just desert landscapes. It boasts quite a diverse climate where visitors can ski and snowboard in Park City, visit Arches National Park, and explore Zion National Park! This state has been home to a diverse range of inhabitants, from the Ancestral Puebloans to the arrival of the Europeans, and today, it is an excellent choice for well-deserved mini-vacations. The search is over! Now, explore some of the best activities and destinations that make Utah a perfect destination for a long weekend getaway.
Moab
A great place to start, your accommodations range from budget motels to luxury desert resorts, and the choice that stands out first has to be Sorrel River Ranch. Once you are all settled, it is good to know that both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks are a short drive away. Moab also hosts the annual Moab Jeep Safari, bringing in 4x4 enthusiasts every spring. The town is also home to the Moab Museum for those interested in cultural and natural history, as well as its large geology, paleontology , and archeology collections. Also, there are many scenic spots around Dead Horse Point State Park to check out, such as Marlboro Point and Long Canyon Road.
Springdale
Springdale is the main gateway to Zion National Park, an iconic spot in Utah, with the park entrance just one mile from the town center. You can find lodging at Zion Canyon Campground; it has affordable tents and RVs near the Virgin River. There is also a free shuttle system during peak seasons to get you to those key sites! The LaFave Gallery, for instance, has works from Utah-based artists and photographers on display, and a climb up Johnson Mountain is certainly not something you will want to miss if you are planning to stay in this beautiful river town for a few days.
Helper
Once a busy mining town, it is now a serene retreat, best explored starting from the Castle Gate RV Park. From there, you can visit the Helper Museum and gain insight into the town’s coal mining history—four floors' worth. You continue to make your way north, and you will find The Helper Labyrinth near Price River, a fun walkway in the middle of nature. Also, if you are interested in seeing petroglyphs, you can drive through Nine Mile Canyon nearby, and you will find a lot! You could end your visit with a trip to Historic Helper Main Street Park. By then, you will probably be well-acquainted with Balance Rock Eatery & Pub, the local hotspot.
Kanab
This small town was dubbed "Little Hollywood" thanks to its history as a filming location for so many Westerns. Also, north of town, near the Port of Entry on 89, you can find Kanab Dinosaur Tracks! There are a lot of hotspots in and around Kanab, including Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, just 20 minutes away and renowned for its ATV-friendly terrain. The town’s museum sheds light on its 19th-century origins and cowboy era, so make sure to check out Kanab Heritage House Museum! You can stay at Canyons Boutique Hotel if you are into luxury and rustic accommodations.
Torrey
If you prefer the great outdoors, then Torrey is more your speed. Just outside of town, you can climb Boulder Mountain, a gorgeous spot that offers hiking and fishing opportunities at over 8,000 feet elevation. The town also hosts seasonal farmers' markets, bringing in fresh produce and handmade goods from nearby communities! You can also check out why Torrey is a gateway for many travelers: Capitol Reef National Park, with its historic orchards and incredible geological formations, is well worth a visit—especially if you are staying overnight. Capitol Reef Resort has its own Conestoga wagons and luxury teepees for those overnight stays.
Escalante
Just south of Escalante lies the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, known for its slot canyons like Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Gulch. If you venture that way, you will be sure to see the Hole in the Rock Wayside as well, a famous historical landmark. You can stay at Escalante Outfitters and enjoy the convenience of lodging, guided tours, and a pizza restaurant all under one roof! The Escalante Petrified Forest State Park is also a place for hiking trails lined with ancient fossilized trees and is conveniently near the Wide Hollow Reservoir. If you are willing to drive a bit more south, be sure to check out Hole-in-the-Rock Road, also called Upper Dry Fork Trailhead.
Bluff
A fairly small town along the San Juan River, Bluff is popular for rafting and kayaking trips. Bluff Fort Historic Pioneer Site is also where you can go to do some exploration, but also hear a story; you can see the Mormon pioneers challenging settlement efforts that took place while enjoying the scenery. If you head north of that, you might stumble across the Bluff Great House, a Chacoan great house of the Chaco culture. You can stay at the Desert Rose Resort and Cabins if you are looking to combine comfort with desert views!
Utah is a pretty big place, and it is troubling to think that the state as a whole is tragically underrated. There are plenty of hidden gems that are perfect for a long weekend away. There is something for everyone in these towns, and this southwestern state is one of the few that can offer such a wide range of options, such as skiing and snowboarding. At the same time, it is famous for unique attractions like the beaches of the Great Salt Lake and reservoirs such as Lake Powell. That sort of beauty and diversity is tough to match.
