Are you making plans to enjoy 1- week in the beautiful state of Utah? Then you have come to the right place! In this blog, you will read about the BEST things to do in 1- week while you are in Utah. So buckle up and get ready, because we have a lot of ground to cover in 1- week!
This post may contain affiliate links of products I use and love. You can read my full disclosure here.
My husband and I are travel therapists. Utah was our first assignment placement. For 11 weeks, we jammed as much adventure, site seeing, and fun in Utah as we could. Unfortunately, we did not get to cross everything off of our bucket list. Fortunately, we plan to go back and visit to complete those items 🙂
What to Expect in Utah:
Utah is breathtaking no matter where you are in the state. Seriously, you will see amazing views in the parking lot of a grocery store! But one of my favorite things about this state is the diversity of the land. In one area of Utah you will have the gigantic, beautiful Rocky Mountains. Drive a few hours and you are in the red dirt arches. Another area may be luscious green fields and trees. And if you go in to the mountains enough, you might find snow. So no matter where you go, you will be amazed at God’s creation.
You can also expect to find beautiful architecture while visiting the state. The design and layout of the streets, buildings, and landmarks are unmatched. Everything is neat, orderly, and has a system. You might also be surprised to find some of your most liked and well known companies headquarters are in Utah. We were surprised at how many businesses started in this state. So, don’t miss the ‘city life’ while visiting the state so you can see many beautiful buildings, too!
One thing that really surprised me about Utah was the traffic. WOW! I have never seen so many people on a 6 lane interstate in my life! While we were completing our assignment in Utah, we lived about 15 minutes south of Salt Lake. I worked in Provo which is about 35 minutes south of where we were living. If I did not get on the interstate by or before 3:00 pm, I would have an hour commute home due to the traffic. So, just make sure you are aware of this when planning outings!
Lastly, the weather is ever changing in this state. One person told me “If you don’t like the weather in Utah, wait 15 minutes” and that is so true! One minute you could be in a rain storm, but wait it out because the clouds will part and turn into a nice sunny day. With that being said, plan accordingly! Make sure to check the weather before you go to know what to pack. In the southern end of Utah, it is known to be more warm compared to the other regions of the state. But according to the season you are going, it might be different.
When to Go:
We got to Utah in August and left in November. So we were able to see the state in summer and fall. Summer was so beautiful and fun in Utah! We were able to take advantage of the warm days to go paddleboarding and swimming in the lakes/ reservoirs.
I am a summer gal through and through BUT I have NEVER experienced a fall like we did in Utah! The views are already breathtaking there, but mix them with the beautiful fall colors and you will not believe your eyes. I always explain fall in Utah to people like this: the colors of fall lasted weeks (when normally we are used to TN fall where the peak colors only last a couple weeks) because it happened in sections.
The trees at the top of the mountain peaks peaked first. It was so beautiful to look up and see the pretty fall colors. Then, the next layer peaked- trees in the mountains but the ones you can drive to. This stage was my favorite because you could drive the Alpine Loop and see the vibrant fall colors against the snow in the mountains. The yellow leaves from the alpine trees with the white background of snow is a sight I hope everyone can see. Finally, the trees on the ground began to peak allowing you to enjoy the orange, red, and yellow leaves all around you.
We were not there during winter, but I have heard and seen pictures that prove Utah is also just as beautiful in the winter time!
So, with all this being said, there is never a wrong time to visit Utah. Buuuutttt, if you have the choice of when to go, I would highly recommend fall!
Planning For Your Trip
One of my absolute favorite trips we did while living in Utah was adventuring to the south of the state. Southern Utah is known to be warmer and a vacation area for the northern residents. I can easily see why because of the endless beauty and adventures!
Let’s get some basics down first before we dive into the 7- days of fun. Make sure you are prepared and have a good plan going into the trip. I will do my best on this blog to help you make sure you have everything you need for the most successful trip to Southern Utah!
Packing:
I don’t know about you, but packing for a week-long trip can be so intimidating for me! Here are some of the basics you want to make sure you have packed for a fun, successful trip:
- Water bottles– make sure you have a way of having plenty of water. There are some hikes planned so make sure you have a way of storing water.
- Camera– you will see landmarks and beautiful scenery like no other. Make sure you pack a camera to take pictures!
- Hiking shoes– there are a lot of options in Utah for hiking so make sure to pack accordingly!
- Hiking socks– you will want to make sure you are comfortable in your hiking boots as there is a lot of walking!
- Sweater– if you are visiting in cooler months, I would highly recommend bringing a good quality layer. The nights especially get chilly here!
- Hydration pack– above I mentioned packing water bottles. I would also highly recommend purchasing a waterpack to carry your water and other items. This will come in handy so many times.
- Tent/ sleeping bags/ flashlights- depending on how you choose to lodge for your trip, you will need to make sure you have your camping necessities.
- This is the exact tent we have and LOVE! So easy to use, set up, and pack. It truly takes 2 seconds- hence the name 🙂
Arriving:
There are many ways to arrive in Utah whether by plane or car. Unless you already live close to Utah OR you are roadtripping in, chances are you will be traveling via plane.
If you are flying in, rent a car to drive to your first destination. The closest airports are:
- Salt Lake City, Utah ~4 hour drive (give and take some according to where you want to start on the trip!)
- Las Vegas, Nevada ~2.5 hour drive (give and take some according to where you want to start on the trip!)
Where to Stay:
There are many options for staying in the southern end of Utah! We opted to camp while in the area, but there are other options if you are interested in camping.
There are 4 options for lodging in southern Utah:
- Camping
- Lodge
- Hotel
- Vacation Rentals
Camping:
Let’s start with my favorite way, camping! Depending on where you are in the area, there are many different options. Here are a few:
- Snow Canyon State Park
This is where we opted to camp at and we loved it! The night was beautiful while sleeping under the stars.
When we visited, the campgrounds were first come, first served. We arrived later in the afternoon and easily found a camping site.
Tent and RV (no hookups) are welcome with a centrally located clean shower house and bathrooms.
Compared to other first come, first served campsites at other state/ national parks, this one is more expensive. However, for what you get to experience with it, it is worth it!
You can reserve a campsite here!
- Zion National Park
This is the most popular option so plan accordingly! All the campgrounds in the park require reservations. The reservations are booked quickly so if you know you are going to be visiting the area in advance, make sure to make your reservations early!
You can reserve a campsite here!
Lodging
A city that is on our itinerary is Kanab, Utah. There are many different options for lodging in this town. This includes ranches, lodges, bungalows, etc. One of these options might meet your specific needs!
You can choose from many different options following this link!
Hotel
There are lots of different options for hotels in the southern area.
Click here for the Google Maps search for hotels in the area!
Airbnb/ VRBO
There are many different, fun, and unique options on Airbnb and VRBO to choose from to make your experience unique!
Follow this link for Airbnb.
Follow this link for VRBO.
Itinerary
Okay, now that we have the details figured out, let’s get to planning out the days!
Day 1: Get Unpacked and Oriented!
Depending on what time your flight lands, you probably will want to relax and get oriented to your surroundings! Take a walk, drive around, and go to the grocery to get your necessities for the week.
When we arrive to a place that we know we will spending multiple days at, I find it so beneficial to start the trip off by getting my bearings straight and organized. I like to do that by:
- Unpacking
- Going to the grocery store
- Driving around the town
- Solidifying the agenda for the week
- Exploring the choice of lodging
By taking these small steps on the first day, we are always able to enjoy the remainder of the trip so much more! Staying organized and having a system is the best way to make a quick trip successful!
Day 2: Kanab, Utah
Kanab, Utah is the first location on our 7- day itinerary. Kanab, Utah, is a beautiful and enchanting destination nestled between some of the most iconic national parks in the American Southwest. Known as “Little Hollywood” for its history as a filming location for classic Westerns, Kanab offers stunning red rock landscapes, picturesque canyons, and unique natural formations.
Visitors can explore the nearby Wave, a mesmerizing sandstone formation, or hike through the striking scenery of Buckskin Gulch, one of the longest slot canyons in the world. Beyond its natural beauty, Kanab is a gateway to adventure, offering access to Zion, Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Canyon, making it a perfect base for exploring the region. With its charming small-town atmosphere, rich history, and proximity to breathtaking outdoor activities, Kanab is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Some of the highlights from Kanab include:
- Belly of the Dragon
- Coral Pink Sand Dunes
- Sand Caves
Want a step- by- step on what to do while in Kanab? Or just pick and choose what you want to do? Click the link below for more details about Kanab!
Read this blog post to learn more about what to do in Kanab!
Day 3: Snow Canyon and St. George, Utah
Snow Canyon State Park is a beautiful state park in the southern end of Utah. It is a stunning natural gem located near St. George, offering a breathtaking blend of red and white Navajo sandstone cliffs, ancient lava flows, and sweeping desert landscapes. The park provides opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and wildlife watching. Snow Canyon boasts a variety of trails that wind through vibrant canyons, past petrified dunes, and across fields of black lava rock, creating a striking contrast against the colorful surroundings. The park’s unique geological features and serene environment make it a perfect destination for those seeking adventure and tranquility in the heart of the desert
After visiting Snow Canyon, check out St. George! St. George, Utah, is a vibrant city nestled in the southwestern corner of the state, known for its stunning red rock landscapes and mild climate. As the gateway to some of the region’s most spectacular natural attractions, including Zion National Park and Snow Canyon State Park, St. George is a popular destination for many. St. George offers a unique blend of small-town charm and modern amenities.
Some of the highlights from Snow Canyons and St. George include:
- Jenny’s Canyon
- Petrified Sand Dunes
- Santa Clara Volcano
- St. George Downtown
Want to know what to do while in Snow Canyon and St. George? Click the link below for more details!
Read this blog to learn what to do while there!
Day 4: Zion National Park
Zion National Park is the most well known national park in Utah. Unfortunately, the weekend we were supposed to go to Zion, we had to go home to TN for a family emergency. We have it on our bucket list to visit though!
This is a large national park, so it is probably wise to spend 2- days here. We are planning on visiting the park in a couple months. Here is what we plan to do on our first day there!
- Hike Angels Landing
- This is one of Zion’s most famous and challenging hikes, offering breathtaking views of the canyon. The hike is about 5 miles round trip and includes steep switchbacks and a thrilling final ascent along a narrow ridge.
- Everyone who wants to hike from Scout Lookout to Angels Landing along the half-mile section of trail with chains needs to have a permit
- A permit is required for the section that gets you to the summit so plan accordingly .
- If you miss the permit, you can attempt to do the lottery system. However, I will warn you, we attempted the lottery system three times, and never got in.
- Click here to learn more about the permit system for Angel’s Landing!
- Riverside Walk and The Narrows:
- Take the shuttle to the last stop, Temple of Sinawava, and stroll the easy Riverside Walk (2 miles round trip) along the Virgin River. If you’re up for more adventure, you can start The Narrows hike by wading up the river (make sure to check water levels and rent appropriate gear if needed).
- You do not need a permit to hike the Narrows from the Temple of Sinawava going upstream in the Virgin River.
Day 5: Zion National Park
After a good night’s sleep, we are ready for the next day in Zion!
- Hike to Observation Point:
- Start early for the 8-mile round trip hike to Observation Point, which offers one of the best panoramic views of Zion Canyon, even higher than Angel’s Landing. The trail is challenging but less crowded than Angel’s Landing, making it a perfect morning adventure.
- (Note: If Observation Point is closed due to rockfall, consider the East Rim Trail or Hidden Canyon as alternatives.)
- Kolob Canyons:
- Drive to the Kolob Canyons section of Zion (about 45 minutes from the main canyon) to explore this quieter, stunning part of the park. The 5-mile scenic drive offers excellent overlooks, or you can hike the 5-mile Taylor Creek Trail to Double Arch Alcove.
Day 6: Bryce Canyons
Bryce Canyon is one of our favorite national parks. The beautiful orange rocks are so vibrant and amazing! We really enjoyed the many different hoodoos. These towering spires, sculpted by years of erosion, create a labyrinthine terrain that is both mesmerizing and unique. The park’s high elevation provides stunning panoramic views of the hoodoo-filled amphitheaters, especially at sunrise and sunset when the colors of the rocks are most vivid.
In addition to its daytime beauty, Bryce Canyon is also recognized as one of the best places in the world for stargazing, thanks to its dark skies and clear, crisp air. This combination of natural beauty and serene wilderness makes Bryce Canyon National Park a must-visit destination for your week in southern Utah!
Some of the highlights from Bryce Canyon National Park include:
- Scenic drives and overlooks
- Queen’s Garden/ Navajo Combination Loop
- Old Bryce Town
Read this blog for more details of your time in Bryce Canyon National Park!
Day 7: Pack up
Unfortunately, the fun and adventurous week has come to an end. Spend your last day packing and getting in your last minute sightseeing before leaving. Check to make sure you have everything you brought before making the trip back home.
I hope you enjoy your week in Utah and love it as much as we do! It is hard to fit so much in only one week, so you will have to plan another time to visit again. Surely you took lots of pictures and videos to look back on the many adventures that will turn into memories!
Leave a comment below of your favorite activities in southern Utah!
Looking for more ways to GROW in your travels?
Click here for more resources!
