The Best Utah Travel Destination For Retirees
The state of Utah is overflowing with natural wonders, picturesque towns, and top-rated resorts. Seniors looking for the perfect vacation spot will have no trouble discovering their new favorite destination, whether they're hoping to relax on a beach, go on a wellness retreat, or witness history. Surrounded by Idaho, Colorado, Wyoming, Arizona, and Nevada, Utah is home to Salt Lake City, the Rocky Mountains, and magnificent national parks such as Zion, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef. Retirees can choose from secluded getaways to spots that are accessible while enjoying Utah's cultural richness, warm weather, and outdoor activities.
Moab
For retirees hoping to keep a full itinerary their entire trip and never stop being blown away, Moab is one of the best destinations in Utah. Surrounded by natural wonders that rival even Zion National Park, Moab can be explored by foot, car, or tour bus. Located alongside the Colorado River and a short drive from the Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, seniors can stay in cozy ranch-themed hotels, campgrounds with all the amenities, and Wild West motels.
Travelers can spend the first day taking in famous sights like Corona Arch. Corona and the neighboring arches of Bowtie and Pinto are accessible by a short thirty-minute walk up the Corona trail. The Potash Road Dinosaur Tracks and Petroglyphs are just down the way, as is the Longbow Arch.
In Arches National Park, retirees can observe the petrified dunes, Willow Springs dinosaur tracks, plus dozens of arches and viewpoints. Just outside Moab is the Mill Creek Waterfall, Sand Flats, and an assortment of trails varying in difficulty. Some of the best trails around Moab include Hidden Valley and Funnel Arch. For seniors who prefer to take it all in via the comfort of a vehicle, options include Long Canyon Road, located in Dead Horse Point State Park.
Seniors staying at Grandstaff Campground are right next to Grandstaff Canyon, just off the river. Moonflower Canyon is on the other side of Moab, not far from Pritchett Canyon and Kane Springs Canyon.
Getting around Moab and its surrounding areas is a breeze with in-town transit, car and RV rentals, and shuttle tours. Canyonlands Regional Airport is also just outside Moab, with flights to and from Salt Lake City and Phoenix.
Sand Hollow State Park
Seniors desiring a waterside getaway will adore Sand Hollow State Park, home to the Sand Hollow Reservoir. Surrounded by sand dunes, red sand beaches, and rocky terrains, Sandy Hollow is a fantastic place for retirees who love to swim, fish, float, and sightsee.
Next to the town of Hurricane, Sand Hollow State Park is 20,000 acres of hot, dry afternoons great for sunbathing. The park has a handful of campgrounds to choose from, including the Westside and Lakeview Campgrounds, with showers and restrooms. You'll also find several vault toilets near beaches and trails. Public boat ramps are accessible to all, with the main one being in the Westside Campground.
Retirees can hope to catch bluegill, crappie, bass, and catfish if they plan to fish. Warm waters are perfect for taking a dip, or you can join a leisurely snorkeling or scuba class. There are also boat rentals and equipment rentals. A disc golf course is right nearby as well, and beach cottages are available for overnight stays.
Grafton
Steeped in history, the town of Grafton stays true to its heritage, and for retirees who love Westerns, cowboys, and ghost towns, it's a great stop while in Utah.
Located just outside Rockville, Grafton was once a flourishing agricultural village occupied by Mormon pioneers. It features a schoolhouse constructed in 1886, a cemetery, and family homes such as the Russel Home and Wood Home, built in 1888 and 1877. Accessible by road, seniors can tour the small town that couldn't withstand floods brought on by the Virgin River and other challenges.
The Grafton Heritage Partnership Project keeps the area pristine, and many films have been shot right in town. This includes In Old Arizona, Ramrod, The Red Fury, and even Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
Retirees can choose to stay in Rockville and stop by the Old Bridge or journey on into nearby Zion National Park.
Park City
Park City, while known for its popular ski hills, is also a resort-centric paradise with endless opportunities for wellness, relaxation, and shopping. Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley Resort feature top-notch restaurants, accommodations, and spas, and the town is home to dozens of boutiques, cafes, and so much more.
Seniors can choose from dine-out options like the Umbrella Bar, Legacy Cafe, Red Tail Grill, The Farm, and Cloud Nine for freshly made donuts. Cooking classes are also available at Deer Valley for those who want a hands-on experience.
Rock Resorts Spa offers retirees therapeutic hydration rituals, hot stone treatments, and massages, including couples massages, hand and foot treatments, scalp treatments, and facials. Montage at Deer Valley offers meditation, lymphatic drainage, and body polishes and has an on-site boutique and salon.
Outdoor activities include sleigh rides and a winter scenic gondola during the cooler months. In the summer, seniors can play a round at Canyons Golf Course. Getting around is easy, with accessible transit to and from the major resorts, attractions, and the main town.
Bear Lake State Park
When thinking of relaxing on a beach, Utah may not come to mind, but the state is home to some beautiful stretches of sand, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and relaxing.
Bear Lake State Park is along the Utah/Idaho border and is split between the two states. Rendezvous Beach is the main tourist area, with sandy beaches, prime access to the water, bathrooms, and campgrounds. Big Creek Campground, Cottonwood Campground, and Willow Campground cater to retirees wanting to stay in their RV, tents, or vans, with full-service washrooms and firepits.
Cisco Beach is a quieter option along the eastern shore, although the beaches are more rocky. But it's a fantastic option for travelers who want to sit by their fires, enjoy the peace and quiet, and enjoy the magnificent views.
Garden City is along the western shore, with a public marina and options for fishing, sailing, and boat rentals. It is also home to Legacy Beach Resort and Sunrise Resort for those who don't care for camping, as well as the Bear Lake Golf Course.
Zion National Park
One of the most stunning national parks in the United States, Zion is a sight to behold. With massive canyons, twisting roads, arches, and endless trails, Zion is for retirees who crave adventure. It is a part of the Colorado Plateau, Mojave Desert, and Great Basin. Springdale is considered the gateway town into Zion, with accommodation and restaurant options for tired and hungry explorers.
The Virgin River runs along Springdale and into Zion, offering riverside walking opportunities as well as fishing. In the park, seniors can stroll the popular trails such as the Archeology Trail, Pa'rus Trail, and the Grotto Trail. Hotspots to check out include Canyon Overlook, the Emerald Pools, and the Temple of Sinawava. Retirees can also take part in leisurely horseback rides, ranger talks, and stargazing. Birdwatching is another option, with over 200 species of birds to be spotted, including the California condor and peregrine falcon.
For those who want the full experience, campgrounds like Zion Crest and Lava Point offer tourists the chance to sleep within the park. The Zion Canyon Shuttle System is an impressive transit option that will take you from town into the park and along scenic byways, including Zion Canyon National Scenic Drive. For seniors who have their own vehicle, the park can be seen from the comfort of their car, with roads such as Zion Park National Scenic Byway and Kolab Fingers Road Scenic Byway.
Silver Lake Flat
Seniors desiring an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, surrounded by mountains and babbling creeks, will adore Silver Lake Flat. Just outside Salt Lake City, this slice of paradise is hidden up a gravel road and is on the Silver Lake Flat Reservoir. Two campgrounds, including Kimble and Noble Creek, have limited amenities but stunning sites. Retirees can stroll along Silver Creek and Silver Lake Trailhead or explore the nearby Tibble Fork Reservoir. Tibble Fork offers another camping option, with the Granite Flat Campground open in the summer.
Retirees can walk or drive to many outdoor sights like Timpanogos Cave National Monument, Lower Mill Canyon, and the Mile Rock and Martin picnic areas. Those who love to fish can find the perfect spot to pass the day, or seniors can hope to spot the abundant wildlife that calls the area home.
If mobility or isolation is an issue, Timpooneka Campground is another spot for seniors wanting to venture into the mountains. It's just off the main road and features magnificent views.
Cedar City
Artists, actors, singers, and all other creative walks of life will love Cedar City, a town full of galleries, studios, festivals, and shops. Retirees visiting between June and October can witness the Utah Shakespeare Festival and the historic downtown farmers market. Southern Utah University and the Museum of Art offer a sculpture stroll. Johnson Arts Center features classes and workshops, and the InterMountain Performing Arts Conservatory will soon be putting on its holiday season show 'White Christmas.'
Seniors can walk around Festival Hall and Heritage Theater, take in the many murals, visit the Beverley Center for the Arts, and browse the storefronts. Record stores, galleries, cafes, and boutiques are around every corner, as are Policy Kings Brewery and I/G Winery and Tasting Room.
Whether retirees are hoping to relax along the sandy beaches of Bear Lake, ride the gondolas in Park City, or stand under the massive arches in the national parks, Utah has something for even the pickiest traveler. Catering to those wanting to travel alone, with their life partner, or with family and grandchildren, Utah offers fantastic accommodations, airports and shuttles, and roads that will make one feel like they've been transported back to the Wild West.
