25 Experiences for the Ultimate Utah Bucket List
From exploring Zion Park to eating the kitchen sink at Angie’s, here are 25 of the best experiences for your Utah bucket list.
Written by Andrea Barrett
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Whether you want to get adventurous and enjoy the beauty of Zion National Park and the heck of a hike at Angels Landing or sit down and snack on the best Sloppy Joe’s from Feldman’s Deli and the Puntas de Filete a la Norteña at Red Iguana, these 25 experiences are a must on your
Utah
bucket list. If you thought Utah was all skiing, think again. This incredible state is home to five national parks and millions of acres of wilderness waiting for you to explore. It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States—and is it any wonder why? The toughest part about exploring the Beehive State is deciding where to begin.
You can’t go wrong heading to Utah and if you’re not sure where to get started,
Jerry
, the car insurance
comparison super app
, is giving you a rundown of the must-visit places for your Utah bucket list. We’ll give you the best outdoor activities, local eats, and things you can only experience in Utah!RECOMMENDED
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Outdoor activities for your California bucket list
1. Explore Zion National Park
Where: Near Springdale, Utah
When: Spring, summer, or fall
Why:
Zion National Park
is a Utah staple and a must on your bucket list. Hiking the Narrows is one of the most unique experiences in any National Park across the country. You can trek for miles in a river at the bottom of deep slot canyons surrounded by trees, natural springs, waterfalls, trees, beaches, loads of wildlife, and the beauty of the natural sandstone walls. How much? $20 per person (7-day pass) or $35 per vehicle (7-day pass)
2. Hike Angels Landing
Where: Zion National Park
When: Spring, summer, or fall
Why: Angels Landing is one of the most renowned hiking trails, with hikers from all over the globe making the pilgrimage to Zion National Park just to check it off their bucket list. The hike to the top of Angels Landing is just 2.5 miles with an elevation gain of 1,500 feet—but it’s not for the faint of heart. The last push to the top is full of narrow paths and steep drop-offs, so it's probably not your trail if you’re scared of heights. But if you make it, you’ll be rewarded with jaw-dropping views of Zion’s valley floor.
Pro Tip If you want even more stunning views, trek the trail when the sun goes down.
3. Head to Park City in the winter
When: Winter
Why: If you’re a fan of outdoor winter activities, head to Park City. It’s one of the most popular destinations in the country and is known for its world-class ski resorts. While the resorts are pretty spectacular, the city itself is rather charming. There’s a vibrant nightlife, history, and some of the best outdoor activities—skiing, snowboarding, sleigh rides, snowmobiling, tobogganing, and more.
How much? Free (besides the cost of lodging and activities)
4. Relax in the Saratoga Hot Springs
Where: 6800 N Saratoga Rd, Saratoga Springs, UT 84045
When: Year-round, but great in the winter
Why: Located on the northwest side of Utah Lake, you’ll find this completely natural soaking pool. It may not be hot tub hot, but it’s warm enough to relax and escape from the cold. Once you’re done soaking, look for the narrow path through the reeds that takes you to the edge of Utah Lake. You can check out the birds and take panoramic photos of the mountains.
How much? Free!
5. Hike Coyote Buttes North to the Wave
Where: Coyote Buttes North
When: December to February
Why: Located in the Coyote Buttes North area of the Utah Arizona border,
The Wave
is one of the most picturesque places in the southwest United States. The 6-mile roundtrip hike doesn’t have a huge elevation gain, but you’ll need some master navigational skills to find the Wave, as there is no trail. Once you get there, you’ll be rewarded with the Wave's natural Jurassic Navajo sandstone boasting striations of red, orange, pink, yellow, and beige. How much? $9.00 to enter the permit lottery + $7.00 per person for the permit
Pro Tip Mid-morning to early afternoon is the best time to hike if you want photographs! This is when you’ll get the least shadows.
6. Camp at Willow Lake
Where:
Salt Lake City
When: Spring, summer, and fall
Why: With a gorgeous lake and beautiful reflections of the willow trees, Willow Lake is a picturesque camping destination. It provides stunning photos, a short hike in Big Cottonwood Canyon, and beautiful foliage and flowers year-round. Choose an area and pitch your tent—but make sure you’re at least 200 feet from the lake. And keep your eyes peeled for moose; they love to hand around the lake.
7. Paddle on Lake Powell
Where: Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
When: May to August
Why:
Lake Powell
may not be a lake (it’s actually a large reservoir), but it’s an excellent spot for all the classic lake activities—hop on a paddleboard, jump in a kayak, or swim. The tranquil blue waters fill more than 2,000 miles of shoreline, and the endless sun makes it the ultimate outdoor playground. There are also several hiking trails in the area if you get water-logged. How much? Free (unless renting equipment)
8. See the Hoodoos in Bryce Canyon National Park
Where: Bryce Canyon National Park
When: May through September
Why:
Bryce Canyon National Park
is known for the largest concentrations of hoodoos globally. They’re tall, thin spires of rock protruding from the bottom of an arid drainage basin or badland. No trip to Utah is complete without checking these out. You’ll find one of the most incredible natural displays on earth, whether from various lookout points in the park or up close on the hiking trail that winds through the valley floor. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, explore the area by horse!How much? $20 per person (7-day pass) or $35 per vehicle (7-day pass)
9. Glamp at Under Canvas
Where: Arches National Park
When: Year-round
Why: If you’ve always wanted to camp but aren’t down for the real deal, glamping is for you—and there’s no better place to do it than
Under Canvas
. Awarded one of the Top 15 Resort Hotels in the West by Travel + Leisure and Top 20 Resorts in the US – Pacific Northwest & West by Condé Nast Traveler, Under Canvas provides visitors with a unique opportunity to camp in one of the most luxurious settings in the American south-west. The luxury tents are tucked away between sandstone cliffs, towering plateaus, and naturally occurring geologic wonders of Utah’s Canyon Country. But don’t stress about squatting—they’re equipped with showers, a sink, flushing toilets, and a private deck. And the wood stove inside the tents will keep you toasting if you visit during the winter.How much? Starting from $204 per night
10. Visit The Hive Winery & Spirits
Where: 1220 W Jack D Drive #2 Layton, Utah 84041
When: Year-round
Why: With some of the most restrictive drinking laws in the country, you might not think about a wine tasting in Utah—but
The Hive Winery & Spirits
will change your mind. Offering a selection of wine, hard cider, mead, and distilled spirits created from small-batch seasonal items, there’s an endless variety of products available year-round. Make sure you book a reservation if you want to stop by for a tasting! How much? $21.45
MORE: How bad is Salt Lake City traffic?
The meals that should be on your Utah bucket list
11. Fried Chicken at Pretty Bird Chicken in Salt Lake City
Where: 146 Regent St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
When: 11am-3pm Mon-Tues, 11am-9pm Thurs-Sat
Why: Amazing chicken and waffles aren’t relegated just to the south—especially if it’s from Pretty Bird Chicken. Fried chicken has taken SLC by storm over the past few years, but the best above the rest is still Pretty Bird Chicken, no contest. Opened by Iron Chef winner Chef Viet Pham, this vibrant, fast-casual restaurant features one thing and one thing only: hot chicken. Ensure you order a side of crinkle-cut fries and a soda to wash it down!
How much? $13.50
12. Puntas de Filete a la Norteña at Red Iguana in Salt Lake City
Where: 736 W North Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah 84116; 866 W South Temple Salt Lake City, Utah 84116; or 28 South State Street, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111
When: 11am-9pm Sun-Thurs, 11am-10pm Fri-Sat
Why: If you’re craving Mexican in SLC, you can’t go wrong with Red Iguana. It has a massive menu and serves some of the best Mexican in Utah. Check out Puntas de Filete a la Norteña—sauteed sirloin tips loaded with bacon, jalapenos, onions, and tomatoes. It’s the top seller on their menu and a must at Red Iguana. Be sure to also give the Tacos La Iguana and Chile Verde a try, but you won’t be disappointed with anything on the menu.
How much? $18.99
13. Ricotta Dumplings at The Copper Onion in Salt Lake City
Where: 111 E Broadway #170, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
When: 5pm-10pm Mon-Thurs; 5pm-11pm Fri; 10:30-3pm, 5pm-10pm Sat-Sun
Why: Over the last 12 years,
The Copper Onion
has exploded in popularity. It’s a local favorite that serves up some of the best contemporary American fare using seasonal ingredients to create expertly-crafted dishes. The menu offers small plates of vegetables, meats, and cheeses tapas-style. But if you’re heading there, make sure you check out the Ricotta Dumplings—they’re dense and moist yet still light and airy. How much? $12
14. Sage-smoked Quail at Painted Pony in St. George
Where: 2 West Saint George Boulevard #22 Tower Building, St. George, UT
When: 11:30am-9pm Mon-Thurs, 11:30am-10pm Fri-Sat, 4pm-9pm Sun
Why: With roots in the southwest, the
Painted Pony
embraces local flavors and styles. Nested amid red sandstone canyons, the food focuses on showcasing unique flavors native to the region. The sage-smoked quail is a must-try. Rich in flavor, it’s paired with a tamarind glaze, mushroom risotto cake, and creamed spinach. How much? $16
15. Any dish at Hell’s Backbone Grill in Boulder
Where: 20 UT-12, Boulder, UT 84716
When: 4pm-9pm Mon-Sun
Why: You’ll need to travel off the beaten path to reach
Hell’s Backbone Grill
, but it’s 100% worth the trip. It’s located in the middle of sprawling national parks and rustic wilderness and serves up some seriously delicious organic food sourced from local farms. They have an extensive menu of mouthwatering foods. Whether you opt for the pappardelle with creamy cilantro and pecan pesto or the Moky Mac baked mac & cheese with green chiles, roasted tomatoes, and corn, you can’t go wrong.How much? $4.50-$36
16. Anything at Tree Room
Where:8841 N Alpine Lp Rd, Sundance, UT 84604
When: 5pm-9pm Tues-Thurs, 5pm-10pm Fri-Sat
Why: Located in the majestic mountains at the base of Sundance ski resort, the
Tree Room
is the epitome of rustic comfort and beauty. With cozy fireplaces, live trees, an upscale log cabin feel, and adorned with Native American blankets and art, the restaurant prides itself on cooking sustainable, organic, and local dishes. You’ll find an array of updated American favorites with a western vibe.How much? $14-$55
17. Angie’s Kitchen Sink at Angie’s in Logan
Where:690 Main St, Logan, UT 84321
When: 6am-10pm Mon-Thurs, 6am-11pm Fri-Sat, 6am-9pm Sun
Why: If you’re looking for fancy, you won’t find it at
Angie's
—but you will find a ton of delicious food. Angie’s is a no-frills cafe in Logan serving up some of the best diner food you can find, including their famous Angie's Kitchen Sink. It’s one of the biggest (and best) desserts you’ll find with 2/3 of a gallon of vanilla ice cream topped with two whole bananas, three toppings of your choice, whipped cream, and cherries. You’ll get a bumper sticker and serious bragging rights if you can finish the entire thing!How much? $19.99
18. Chicken & waffles at Pig & A Jelly Jar
Where: 401 E 900 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
When: 8am-3:30pm Mon-Sun
Why: If you’re looking for a brunch staple, check out
Pig & A Jelly Jar
. It’s the place to get some of the best chicken & waffles in the state—house-brined chicken breast, double-battered and fried to golden perfection on top of a Belgian waffle, topped with powdered sugar and premium maple syrup, and an over-medium egg. Are you drooling yet? How much? $13.49
19. Sloppy Joe at Feldman’s Deli in Salt Lake City
Where:2005 E 2700 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84109
When: 8am-3pm Tues-Wed, 8am-8pm Thurs-Sat
Why: If you’re craving a sandwich,
Feldman’s Deli
is the place to be. They offer some of the best and most unique bites in Salt Lake City. Feldman’s Deli is a New York-style deli offering an array of traditional Jewish deli sandwiches and classic favorites. But if you’re heading to Feldman’s, you have to try the Sloppy Joe. If you hated them as a kid, it’s time to give them another try—they’re Feldman’s best seller. And make sure you get a side of their hand-cut fries.How much? $16
Only-in-Utah experiences for your bucket list
20. Visit the Salt Lake Temple
Where: 50 N W Temple St, Salt Lake City, UT 84150
When: Year-round, but most beautiful in the spring
Why: Located in downtown Salt Lake City, you’ll find the
Salt Lake Temple
at the center of Temple Square. It’s an icon of the Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints and a great site to visit if you’re in the area. The stunning granite six-spire building was built in neo-gothic style between 1853 and 1893 and still stands in pristine condition. While you can’t enter the building, you can check out the 10-acre grounds, which are especially beautiful in the spring when the gardens are in full bloom!How much? Free!
21. Step back in time at The Pioneer Memorial Museum
Where: 300 N Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84103
When: 9am-4:30pm Mon-Fri
Why: If you’re looking for a piece of history, the
Pioneer Memorial Museum
is definitely the place to check out. This museum contains the largest collection of artifacts on one specific subject in the world, some of which include portraits, quilts, guns, furniture, jewelry, and more. You can explore the exhibits displaying the belongings of pioneers who traveled more than 2,000 miles west from Illinois to seek religious freedom. How much? Free!
22. Hit the Sundance Film Festival
Where:
Park City
When: January
Why: Held every January in Park City,
The Sundance Film Festival
is the largest festival in the country dedicated to showcasing American-made independent films. The two-week event hosts competitive sections for American and international dramas and documentaries with feature films and short films. Whether you’re a movie fanatic or looking to experience Utah’s film culture, come check out one of the nightly films at Sundance.How much? $20 for individual tickets
23. Take a dip in the Homestead Crater
Where: Homestead Resort, 700 North Homestead Drive, Midway, UT 84049
When: Year-round
Why: If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind experience in Utah, check out
Homestead Crater
—a geothermal spring hidden inside a 55-foot limestone rock formed more than 10,000 years ago from melting snow from the Wasatch Mountains that seeped deep within the earth. Although it’s located in Homestead Resort
, anyone can visit the hot spring. If you aren’t keen on getting wet, you can also rappel into the cave!24. Stop by Hole N’ The Rock in Moab
Where: 11037 South Highway 191, Moab, Utah 84532
When: Year-round, 7-days a week
Why: If you’ve never seen a home carved into a rock, you can now check it off your bucket list.
Hole N” The Rock
is a 5,000-square-foot home carved into a massive rock on Highway 91 on the trek out of Moab and Arches National Park. The home features a gift shop, an exotic zoo, and a trading post with unique locally made Native American jewelry and pottery.How much? $6
25. Experience Great Salt Lake
Where: 4528 W 1700 S, Syracuse, UT 84075
When: April and May
Why: Lying in the northern part of Utah, the 75-mile
Great Salt Lake
is the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere and the eighth-largest terminal lake in the world. It’s a remnant of Lake Bonneville, a massive ice-age lake that once covered Utah, Nevada, and Idaho. While it’s too salty to support sea life, it is an essential habitat for millions of migratory birds. If you’re interested in floating on the surface of Great Salt Lake, the best place to experience it is Antelope Island
, where you can also enjoy the white sandy beaches, take a dip in the turquoise waters, and breathe in the beautiful scenery.How much? $15.00 per vehicle
MORE: Best road trips in Utah
Live your best life with affordable Utah car insurance
Creating your ultimate Utah bucket list is exciting, but don’t forget to take care of the not-so-exciting things before heading out on your adventures—like upgrading your
car insurance
policy. Whether you’re taking a road trip around the state or driving locally, you’ll want to make sure you have a solid insurance policy to keep you protected. And when you shop with Jerry
, you’ll find the best coverage at the most affordable rates.As the #1-rated car insurance app in the App Store, Jerry connects you with the most competitive rates from 50+ top insurance providers across the country. Just download the app, answer a few questions about your driving history, and browse through a selection of customized quotes.
It’s the easiest way to save time and money on car insurance. And the best part? The average Jerry user saves more than $800 a year on car insurance!
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