Utah draws international attention for its stunning national parks and incredible ski resorts. In fact, Zion National Park welcomes more than 4.5 million visitors every year!
Utahns know that we’ll have to fight the crowds of tourists when we enjoy some of our natural wonders, but there are many spots around the state that are under-appreciated. Here are 11 of the coolest spots in the Beehive State that just don’t get enough love.
1. Flaming Gorge Reservoir, Dutch John
Flaming Gorge has a surface area of 42,020 acres, so there's plenty of room for boating, fishing, windsurfing, waterskiing, and more. In the winter, snowmobile riding and cross-country skiing are popular here.
2. Yant Flats, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
Yant Flats has similar, surreal rock formations to The Wave, but you don't need a permit to visit. Bring plenty of water, and don't forget your camera!
3. Beaver Mountain Ski Area
The Salt Lake area and Park City ski resorts seem to get all the press, but Beaver Mountain Ski Area is a lot less expensive, and the lift lines are nearly non-existent. Give it a try!
4. Spiral Jetty, Great Salt Lake
Created in April, 1970, this outdoor art is located on the northeast shores of the Great Salt Lake. It's considered the most compelling of sculptor Robert Smithson's work.
5. West Desert
Utah's West Desert is vast and remote, but it's home to some pretty cool features. The pony express trail ran through this area, and there are several herds of wild horses out there.
6. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, Kane County
Each time you visit Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, it's a totally different place. That's because the dunes are always shifting and moving. In fact, some of the dunes can move as much as 50 feet in a year! Take a stroll along the dunes, ride an ATV here, or just sit and play in the sand.
7. Sun Tunnels
Sun Tunnels is a unique art installation near Wendover. Artist Nancy Holt created this special place back in 1976. During winter and summer solstices, the sun lines up perfectly along the tunnels.
8. Cedar Breaks National Monument, Brian Head
If you love the colorful hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park, but you don't love the crowds, then Cedar Breaks National Monument is the place to go. The rock formations are similar, and it's a lot more quiet.
9. Fantasy Canyon, Near Vernal
Some of the strangest rock formations you'll ever see are found at Fantasy Canyon. The area is only about 10 acres, but the formations are some of the most unique in the entire world.
10. Hardware Ranch, Near Hyrum
See Rocky Mountain Elk up close when you visit Hardware Ranch. Every year, as many as 600 elk migrate to this wildlife management area for the winter, and you can see them for free.
11. Wahweap Hoodoos, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
The Wahweap Hoodoos look like something from a sci-fi movie, and you're going to want to see them up close. Take the Wahweap Hoodoo Trail to immerse yourself in this weird landscape - it's about nine miles, out and back.
The next time you head off on a Utah adventure, visit one of these 11 places for fewer crowds!
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Featured Addresses
Spiral Jetty, Corinne, UT 84307, USA
Flaming Gorge Reservoir, United States
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, 12500 Sand Dune Rd, Kanab, UT 84741, USA
Cedar Breaks National Monument, UT-143, Brian Head, UT 84719, USA
Yant Flat, Utah 84780, USA
Hardware Ranch, Hyrum, UT 84319, USA
Sun Tunnels, Little Pigeon Rd, Wendover, UT 84083, USA
Fantasy Canyon, Vernal, UT 84078, USA
40000 East Highway 89, Garden City, UT 84028, USA