Red Sands’s guidebook

Red Sands
Red Sands’s guidebook

Red Sands Guide to the best of Southern Utah

These are recommendations from our staffs local favorites, as well as information on the best landscapes Utah has to offer! Hope you enjoy!
Zion National Park, less than a three-hour drive from Las Vegas, features some of Utah's most outstanding scenery, with red rock cliffs, waterfalls, and beautiful vistas. Many of the park's most impressive sites are found in Zion Canyon, along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, which follows the valley floor. From spring until fall, a sightseeing bus takes visitors through the park along this route, stopping at all the major sites and trailheads, making touring the park very simple. In winter, you can drive this route in your own vehicle. The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway runs east-west through the park and is also a must-do drive. This self-drive route takes you high above the valley and offers incredible vistas from the lookouts. Sometimes referred to as a vertical park due to its sheer vertical walls, Zion is a hiker's paradise. The most popular hikes in Zion are accessed off the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. Here, you'll find everything from simple walks along the valley floor to cliff-side trails, like the famous Angel's Landing trail, which is not for the faint of heart or anyone with a fear of heights. If you are here to truly experience the outdoors, you'll find quality campgrounds and RV parks in and near Zion National Park.
811 residents recomanen
Parc Nacional de Zion
811 residents recomanen
Zion National Park, less than a three-hour drive from Las Vegas, features some of Utah's most outstanding scenery, with red rock cliffs, waterfalls, and beautiful vistas. Many of the park's most impressive sites are found in Zion Canyon, along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, which follows the valley floor. From spring until fall, a sightseeing bus takes visitors through the park along this route, stopping at all the major sites and trailheads, making touring the park very simple. In winter, you can drive this route in your own vehicle. The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway runs east-west through the park and is also a must-do drive. This self-drive route takes you high above the valley and offers incredible vistas from the lookouts. Sometimes referred to as a vertical park due to its sheer vertical walls, Zion is a hiker's paradise. The most popular hikes in Zion are accessed off the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. Here, you'll find everything from simple walks along the valley floor to cliff-side trails, like the famous Angel's Landing trail, which is not for the faint of heart or anyone with a fear of heights. If you are here to truly experience the outdoors, you'll find quality campgrounds and RV parks in and near Zion National Park.
Like a scene from an old western film, red rock buttes rise up from the orange desert floor, and occasionally a horse and rider even wanders by. This is Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, located on the Navajo Indian Reservation in southeastern Utah, near the Arizona border. Numerous films and commercials have been shot in this scenic area, which is famous for its spectacular red mesas and stone pinnacles. Within the park is Valley Drive, a one-way, 17-mile, self-drive dirt road running between the buttes and through the dramatic landscape. Pullouts all along the route offer great opportunities for photography and soaking up the scenery. If you want to go beyond this one road to explore the park more fully, you must use a guide, which can be arranged at the visitor center. If you don't have time for the drive, which is usually done at a snail's pace due to the curves and sightseeing stops, the view from the Monument Valley Visitor Center is spectacular, and one of the best viewpoints in Monument Valley.
35 residents recomanen
Oljato-Monument Valley
35 residents recomanen
Like a scene from an old western film, red rock buttes rise up from the orange desert floor, and occasionally a horse and rider even wanders by. This is Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, located on the Navajo Indian Reservation in southeastern Utah, near the Arizona border. Numerous films and commercials have been shot in this scenic area, which is famous for its spectacular red mesas and stone pinnacles. Within the park is Valley Drive, a one-way, 17-mile, self-drive dirt road running between the buttes and through the dramatic landscape. Pullouts all along the route offer great opportunities for photography and soaking up the scenery. If you want to go beyond this one road to explore the park more fully, you must use a guide, which can be arranged at the visitor center. If you don't have time for the drive, which is usually done at a snail's pace due to the curves and sightseeing stops, the view from the Monument Valley Visitor Center is spectacular, and one of the best viewpoints in Monument Valley.
The brightly colored and tightly packed hoodoos that dominate the landscape at Bryce Canyon are what set this national park apart from the rest of the spectacular sites in Utah. These stone pillars, glowing in shades of orange, pink, cream, and cinnamon, jut up from the floor of a huge natural amphitheater, creating a magical landscape that almost begs to be explored. A scenic drive runs through the park and provides numerous lookouts all along the canyon. However, it's worth venturing down into the forest of hoodoos on one of the numerous hiking trails in the park to fully appreciate the size and unique shapes of these formations. Bristlecone pine trees are another surprise attraction found in Bryce. Bryce Canyon National Park is located at an elevation of 8,000 to over 9,000 feet and receives snowfall during the winter months and into spring. Temperatures up here, even in summer, can be cool to very cold. The best time to visit is from April to October, particularly if you are planning on staying at one of the campgrounds in the area.
465 residents recomanen
Parc Nacional de Bryce Canyon
465 residents recomanen
The brightly colored and tightly packed hoodoos that dominate the landscape at Bryce Canyon are what set this national park apart from the rest of the spectacular sites in Utah. These stone pillars, glowing in shades of orange, pink, cream, and cinnamon, jut up from the floor of a huge natural amphitheater, creating a magical landscape that almost begs to be explored. A scenic drive runs through the park and provides numerous lookouts all along the canyon. However, it's worth venturing down into the forest of hoodoos on one of the numerous hiking trails in the park to fully appreciate the size and unique shapes of these formations. Bristlecone pine trees are another surprise attraction found in Bryce. Bryce Canyon National Park is located at an elevation of 8,000 to over 9,000 feet and receives snowfall during the winter months and into spring. Temperatures up here, even in summer, can be cool to very cold. The best time to visit is from April to October, particularly if you are planning on staying at one of the campgrounds in the area.
Salt Lake City is often associated with skiing and winter activities, and certainly many of Utah's best ski hills can be reached within an hour's drive of here. But this is a city worth visiting, regardless of the season, and offers numerous attractions and things to do. Standing on Temple Square is the late 19th-century Mormon Temple, the largest Latter-day Saints temple and one of Salt Lake City's principal sites. The temple may only be entered by Mormons but it is definitely worth walking by to have a look. Other sites in the city include the Mormon Tabernacle and the State Capitol.
621 residents recomanen
Plaça del Temple
50 N West Temple
621 residents recomanen
Salt Lake City is often associated with skiing and winter activities, and certainly many of Utah's best ski hills can be reached within an hour's drive of here. But this is a city worth visiting, regardless of the season, and offers numerous attractions and things to do. Standing on Temple Square is the late 19th-century Mormon Temple, the largest Latter-day Saints temple and one of Salt Lake City's principal sites. The temple may only be entered by Mormons but it is definitely worth walking by to have a look. Other sites in the city include the Mormon Tabernacle and the State Capitol.
Park City is a fun mountain town, about 45 minutes southeast of Salt Lake City, and home to two awesome ski resorts. On the town's doorstep is Park City Mountain Resort, with lifts operating right from town, and just down the road is Deer Valley Resort, one of Utah's poshest ski resorts. Both of these offer outstanding terrain for all levels of skiers. Utah Olympic Park, also located in the vicinity, was used as a venue for the 2002 Winter Olympics. Today, it offers year-round activities for kids and adults, from ziplining and hiking in summer to bobsledding in winter. Also of note is one of Park City's most famous events, the annual Sundance Film Festival, held in late January.
67 residents recomanen
Estació de Park City Mountain
1345 Lowell Ave
67 residents recomanen
Park City is a fun mountain town, about 45 minutes southeast of Salt Lake City, and home to two awesome ski resorts. On the town's doorstep is Park City Mountain Resort, with lifts operating right from town, and just down the road is Deer Valley Resort, one of Utah's poshest ski resorts. Both of these offer outstanding terrain for all levels of skiers. Utah Olympic Park, also located in the vicinity, was used as a venue for the 2002 Winter Olympics. Today, it offers year-round activities for kids and adults, from ziplining and hiking in summer to bobsledding in winter. Also of note is one of Park City's most famous events, the annual Sundance Film Festival, held in late January.
For outdoor adventures in the Southwest, it's hard to beat the town of Moab. As the closest town to Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Dead Horse Point State Park, this area offers endless opportunities for hiking, biking, rafting, off-road adventures, and more. The rolling petrified dunes and surrounding mountains provide breathtaking scenery and offer a playground for all kinds of outdoor pursuits. Mountain bikers come here in droves in the spring and fall for the outstanding riding. Although the town is known among mountain bikers for being the home of the famous and challenging Slickrock Trail, you can find trails here for all levels of bikers. When it comes to hiking, the trails in the nearby parks offer amazing scenery, including Utah's famous Delicate Arch. You'll also find some incredible campgrounds near Moab. In winter, this area receives snow, and the adventure opportunities diminish. The best time to visit is in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to October). You can still enjoy yourself here in summer, but daytime temperatures get very hot.
67 residents recomanen
Moab
67 residents recomanen
For outdoor adventures in the Southwest, it's hard to beat the town of Moab. As the closest town to Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Dead Horse Point State Park, this area offers endless opportunities for hiking, biking, rafting, off-road adventures, and more. The rolling petrified dunes and surrounding mountains provide breathtaking scenery and offer a playground for all kinds of outdoor pursuits. Mountain bikers come here in droves in the spring and fall for the outstanding riding. Although the town is known among mountain bikers for being the home of the famous and challenging Slickrock Trail, you can find trails here for all levels of bikers. When it comes to hiking, the trails in the nearby parks offer amazing scenery, including Utah's famous Delicate Arch. You'll also find some incredible campgrounds near Moab. In winter, this area receives snow, and the adventure opportunities diminish. The best time to visit is in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to October). You can still enjoy yourself here in summer, but daytime temperatures get very hot.
Dead Horse Point State Park, just outside of Moab, delivers one of the best lookouts of any state park in Utah. The main viewpoint looks over a gooseneck in the Colorado River carving through the colorful landscape. Cliff walls rising 2,000 feet and plateaus at various levels stretch out into the distance. On a shelf of land below the viewpoint, the Potash Road runs along a ledge. Looking to the left along this road, you can see Thelma and Louise Point, where the final scene of the motion picture Thelma and Louise was filmed. The best way to see the sights at Dead Horse Point State Park is to take a stroll on the walking trail along the rim.
76 residents recomanen
Parc Estatal Dead Horse Point
Utah 313
76 residents recomanen
Dead Horse Point State Park, just outside of Moab, delivers one of the best lookouts of any state park in Utah. The main viewpoint looks over a gooseneck in the Colorado River carving through the colorful landscape. Cliff walls rising 2,000 feet and plateaus at various levels stretch out into the distance. On a shelf of land below the viewpoint, the Potash Road runs along a ledge. Looking to the left along this road, you can see Thelma and Louise Point, where the final scene of the motion picture Thelma and Louise was filmed. The best way to see the sights at Dead Horse Point State Park is to take a stroll on the walking trail along the rim.
Capitol Reef National Park is another great place to explore Utah's interesting landscapes. Located directly west of Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef reveals a huge wall of banded sandstone rising above the Fremont River. Canyons, rock spires, cliff walls, arches, and gorges dominate the scenery and are an inspiration for anyone with an interest in photography. In the distance, the wall dominates the landscape and glows an almost purple color in the late day sun. Most people come here for sightseeing, but you'll also find a variety of hiking trails in the area. This park sees far fewer visitors than most of the other big parks in Utah, which can be a refreshing treat. The nearest town to Capitol Reef is Torrey, to the west of the park, where you can find accommodation and camping options. The park's visitor center is 15 minutes from town and is located at the start of the beautiful Capitol Reef Scenic Drive, one of the main highlights of a visit to the park.
77 residents recomanen
Parc Nacional Capitol Reef
77 residents recomanen
Capitol Reef National Park is another great place to explore Utah's interesting landscapes. Located directly west of Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef reveals a huge wall of banded sandstone rising above the Fremont River. Canyons, rock spires, cliff walls, arches, and gorges dominate the scenery and are an inspiration for anyone with an interest in photography. In the distance, the wall dominates the landscape and glows an almost purple color in the late day sun. Most people come here for sightseeing, but you'll also find a variety of hiking trails in the area. This park sees far fewer visitors than most of the other big parks in Utah, which can be a refreshing treat. The nearest town to Capitol Reef is Torrey, to the west of the park, where you can find accommodation and camping options. The park's visitor center is 15 minutes from town and is located at the start of the beautiful Capitol Reef Scenic Drive, one of the main highlights of a visit to the park.
The same forces of nature that shaped Bryce Canyon were at work in Cedar Breaks, creating a smaller but equally dynamic-looking amphitheater. Dominated by colorful hoodoos, the amphitheater is more than 2,000 feet deep and three miles in diameter. Located at an elevation of 10,000 feet, the park sees full on winter conditions, with snow covering the monument from fall until spring. Cedar Breaks is open year-round, but the scenic drive through the park (Highway 148) is closed from approximately mid-November to late May or June. The best views can be seen from the Rim Drive. A number of short hikes along the rim and through alpine meadows and forest offer good views of the canyon and access to a few bristlecone pines. The Spectra Point and Ramparts Overlook Trail is a popular four-mile route along the edge of the plateau that leads to a viewpoint of the spectacular Cedar Breaks Amphitheater. Less spectacular, but interesting nonetheless, is the Alpine Pond Trail, a circular, two-mile hike to a subalpine forest glade and a pond at the end of the trail.
210 residents recomanen
Cedar Breaks National Monument
4730 UT-148
210 residents recomanen
The same forces of nature that shaped Bryce Canyon were at work in Cedar Breaks, creating a smaller but equally dynamic-looking amphitheater. Dominated by colorful hoodoos, the amphitheater is more than 2,000 feet deep and three miles in diameter. Located at an elevation of 10,000 feet, the park sees full on winter conditions, with snow covering the monument from fall until spring. Cedar Breaks is open year-round, but the scenic drive through the park (Highway 148) is closed from approximately mid-November to late May or June. The best views can be seen from the Rim Drive. A number of short hikes along the rim and through alpine meadows and forest offer good views of the canyon and access to a few bristlecone pines. The Spectra Point and Ramparts Overlook Trail is a popular four-mile route along the edge of the plateau that leads to a viewpoint of the spectacular Cedar Breaks Amphitheater. Less spectacular, but interesting nonetheless, is the Alpine Pond Trail, a circular, two-mile hike to a subalpine forest glade and a pond at the end of the trail.
South of Canyonlands National Park, but somewhat out of the way, is Natural Bridges National Monument, protecting some outstanding formations. If you are in the vicinity, or if you haven't had an opportunity to view a natural bridge before, this park is definitely worth a stop. The main tourist attractions are three natural bridges; Kachina, Owachomo, and Sipapu, all of which are accessible by short hikes. If you are only going to visit one, make it Sipapu, the largest and most impressive of the three. The walk in is a moderately strenuous, 1.2-mile round-trip hike, and it involves navigating steep sections and climbing a few stairs and ladders. Kachina Bridge is reached by a 1.5-mile round-trip hike, but the trail is easier, although it still has some steep sections. Owachomo Bridge is the easiest to reach, requiring less than a half-mile round-trip walk. It is the smallest of the three but still worth seeing. Also of interest in the park are the Horsecollar Ruins, revealing the remains of ancient Native American buildings inhabited more than 700 years ago.
23 residents recomanen
Monument Nacional dels Ponts Naturals
23 residents recomanen
South of Canyonlands National Park, but somewhat out of the way, is Natural Bridges National Monument, protecting some outstanding formations. If you are in the vicinity, or if you haven't had an opportunity to view a natural bridge before, this park is definitely worth a stop. The main tourist attractions are three natural bridges; Kachina, Owachomo, and Sipapu, all of which are accessible by short hikes. If you are only going to visit one, make it Sipapu, the largest and most impressive of the three. The walk in is a moderately strenuous, 1.2-mile round-trip hike, and it involves navigating steep sections and climbing a few stairs and ladders. Kachina Bridge is reached by a 1.5-mile round-trip hike, but the trail is easier, although it still has some steep sections. Owachomo Bridge is the easiest to reach, requiring less than a half-mile round-trip walk. It is the smallest of the three but still worth seeing. Also of interest in the park are the Horsecollar Ruins, revealing the remains of ancient Native American buildings inhabited more than 700 years ago.
Dinosaur National Monument is known not only for the large number of Jurassic period fossils that have been discovered here but also for the surrounding terrain. The main highlight is the collection of more than 1,500 dinosaur fossils, which can be seen embedded in the cliff wall of Carnegie Quarry. The new Quarry Hall has been built right over top of a section of the rock, allowing for close up access and comfortable conditions for visitors. Hiking, rafting, and camping are also popular activities at Dinosaur National Monument.
Dinosaur National Monument
Dinosaur National Monument is known not only for the large number of Jurassic period fossils that have been discovered here but also for the surrounding terrain. The main highlight is the collection of more than 1,500 dinosaur fossils, which can be seen embedded in the cliff wall of Carnegie Quarry. The new Quarry Hall has been built right over top of a section of the rock, allowing for close up access and comfortable conditions for visitors. Hiking, rafting, and camping are also popular activities at Dinosaur National Monument.
The Great Salt Lake, a half-hour drive northwest of Salt Lake City, is the largest inland lake west of the Mississippi, measuring 72 miles long, 34 miles wide, and up to 50 feet deep. It is a remnant of a much larger freshwater lake, Lake Bonneville. Following a fall in the water table, this lake was left with no outlet and shrank as a result of evaporation, leaving the Great Salt Lake Desert. The combination of evaporation with the inflow of surface waters rich in minerals led the salt content of the lake to rise steadily, and at one stage it reached 27 percent (eight times as high as the world's oceans). At the south end of the lake are bathing beaches and a recreation park. Like the Dead Sea in Israel, Great Salt Lake is salty enough to allow bathers to float without sinking.
53 residents recomanen
Great Salt Lake
53 residents recomanen
The Great Salt Lake, a half-hour drive northwest of Salt Lake City, is the largest inland lake west of the Mississippi, measuring 72 miles long, 34 miles wide, and up to 50 feet deep. It is a remnant of a much larger freshwater lake, Lake Bonneville. Following a fall in the water table, this lake was left with no outlet and shrank as a result of evaporation, leaving the Great Salt Lake Desert. The combination of evaporation with the inflow of surface waters rich in minerals led the salt content of the lake to rise steadily, and at one stage it reached 27 percent (eight times as high as the world's oceans). At the south end of the lake are bathing beaches and a recreation park. Like the Dead Sea in Israel, Great Salt Lake is salty enough to allow bathers to float without sinking.
About 90 minutes west of Salt Lake City along I-80, near Wendover, is an unassuming area of flat land, extending off into the distance as far as the eye can see. But during certain times of the year, this area becomes the world's fastest race course. This natural salt flat is perfectly flat, devoid of all vegetation, and most of the time has a hard surface, making it perfect for high speeds. Speed Week is held here each year in August and World of Speed is held in September. These races have produced world land-speed record runs. Most of the time it's completely empty, and you can try it out for yourself. If you venture out here when no event is taking place, you'll find little more than a sign on the side of the road and endless miles of salt flats. Take exit 4 off I-80, turn right, and drive past the truck stop. There is nothing else out here. Eventually, you'll come to a sign and an area where you can drive onto the flats at your own risk. In winter, some areas of the salt flats are covered in a thin layer of water.
80 residents recomanen
Bonneville Salt Flats
80 residents recomanen
About 90 minutes west of Salt Lake City along I-80, near Wendover, is an unassuming area of flat land, extending off into the distance as far as the eye can see. But during certain times of the year, this area becomes the world's fastest race course. This natural salt flat is perfectly flat, devoid of all vegetation, and most of the time has a hard surface, making it perfect for high speeds. Speed Week is held here each year in August and World of Speed is held in September. These races have produced world land-speed record runs. Most of the time it's completely empty, and you can try it out for yourself. If you venture out here when no event is taking place, you'll find little more than a sign on the side of the road and endless miles of salt flats. Take exit 4 off I-80, turn right, and drive past the truck stop. There is nothing else out here. Eventually, you'll come to a sign and an area where you can drive onto the flats at your own risk. In winter, some areas of the salt flats are covered in a thin layer of water.
Elephant Arch is a small natural sandstone arch in the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area and Red Cliffs Desert Reserve in northern Washington, Utah, United States. The arch, which resembles the trunk and eye of an elephant, is part way up a hillside at the end of a dirt hiking trail.
10 residents recomanen
Elephant Arch
10 residents recomanen
Elephant Arch is a small natural sandstone arch in the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area and Red Cliffs Desert Reserve in northern Washington, Utah, United States. The arch, which resembles the trunk and eye of an elephant, is part way up a hillside at the end of a dirt hiking trail.
5-acre preserve with more than 5,000 desert plants, a stream, replica slot canyon & dinosaur tracks.
49 residents recomanen
Jardí del Desert de les Muntanyes Vermelles
375 Red Hills Pkwy
49 residents recomanen
5-acre preserve with more than 5,000 desert plants, a stream, replica slot canyon & dinosaur tracks.
There are always fun events going on here, though if it happens to be free just sit back. Enjoy the statues, fields of grass, and splash pad!
28 residents recomanen
Parc de la plaça del poble
50 S Main St
28 residents recomanen
There are always fun events going on here, though if it happens to be free just sit back. Enjoy the statues, fields of grass, and splash pad!
Fun small, and fairly easy hike. Great for the whole family!
8 residents recomanen
St George Narrows
8 residents recomanen
Fun small, and fairly easy hike. Great for the whole family!
St. George Children's Museum is a nonprofit children's museum in St. George, Utah. The mission statement of the museum is to provide vibrant and engaging interactive activities that invite children and families to discover, imagine and create. The Museum's green dragon mascot, “Rufus”, frequently shows up in logos.
57 residents recomanen
Museu Infantil de St. George
86 S Main St
57 residents recomanen
St. George Children's Museum is a nonprofit children's museum in St. George, Utah. The mission statement of the museum is to provide vibrant and engaging interactive activities that invite children and families to discover, imagine and create. The Museum's green dragon mascot, “Rufus”, frequently shows up in logos.
Great place for drinks and food!
11 residents recomanen
Koral Kafe & Entertainment
2400 N Town Center Dr
11 residents recomanen
Great place for drinks and food!
Unassuming, old-school American restaurant & sports bar featuring a pool table & a patio.
17 residents recomanen
St Helen's Restaurant and Sports Bar
395 E Telegraph St
17 residents recomanen
Unassuming, old-school American restaurant & sports bar featuring a pool table & a patio.
Spicy curries, noodles & other familiar Thai fare whipped up in a comfortable environment.
15 residents recomanen
Royal Thai Cuisine
568 W Telegraph St
15 residents recomanen
Spicy curries, noodles & other familiar Thai fare whipped up in a comfortable environment.
Riggatti's Wood Fired Pizza Washington
28 North 300 West
41 residents recomanen
Comfy, storied hangout with a lofty feel serving burgers & other pub grub along with regional beers.
84 residents recomanen
George's Corner Restaurant
2 W St George Blvd
84 residents recomanen
Comfy, storied hangout with a lofty feel serving burgers & other pub grub along with regional beers.
Upscale-casual option offering New American fare, large windows & a terrace with picturesque views.
71 residents recomanen
Cliffside Restaurant
511 S Tech Ridge Dr
71 residents recomanen
Upscale-casual option offering New American fare, large windows & a terrace with picturesque views.
Indoor Trampoline, Dodge Ball, Slam Ball, Family Fun for All. Family Owned And Operated. View Pricing. Highlights: High Energy Entertainment, Clean And Safe Facility.
20 residents recomanen
House of Jump Trampoline Park
415 S Dixie Dr
20 residents recomanen
Indoor Trampoline, Dodge Ball, Slam Ball, Family Fun for All. Family Owned And Operated. View Pricing. Highlights: High Energy Entertainment, Clean And Safe Facility.