Utah is a pretty outdoorsy state; we have so many beautiful spots for recreation here. Some of our popular things to do outside in Utah are pretty hardcore, though. Who are these people who dangle from cliffs 1,000 from the ground? Who gets out there every weekend to heli-ski and mountain bike down steep trails and navigate insane whitewater rapids? While we can marvel and admire those hardcore folks, many of us aren’t those people. Every Utahn can be outdoorsy — you don’t have to be into extreme sports to enjoy all that Utah has to offer. Here are 15 epic things to do outdoors in Utah that almost Utahn can do:

1. Explore the Riverside Walk at Zion National Park.
Zion National Park, Utah, USA
Gary Windust/flickr
This paved walkway in Zion National Park is a two-mile round trip. You’ll see those incredible towering cliffs that Zion’s famous for, and end up at the Virgin River. You can continue on to the Narrows hike if you want to walk through the river to cool off.
2. Try paddleboarding at Utah Lake.
Utah Lake, Utah, USA
Jim Mullhaupt/flickr
Anyone can paddleboard (or so I’m told). You can even bring your dog. And if you don't want to try paddleboarding, just spend some time admiring the views and basking in the sunshine at Utah Lake.
3. Go for a bike ride on the Legacy Parkway.
Legacy Parkway Trail, Legacy Parkway Trl, North Salt Lake, UT, USA
Shaun Fisher/flickr
It’s paved, it’s flat, it’s a safe place to ride ... and it’s a beautiful trail. Keep your eyes out for birds and other wildlife!
4. Ride the tram at Snowbird this summer.
Snowbird, 9385 Snowbird Center Dr, Snowbird, UT 84092, USA
Snowbird/Facebook
Take the tram at Snowbird Resort and witness the incredible views at the summit. You can either hike back down or ride the tram back.
5. Explore the Silver Lake Loop Trail.
Silver Lake - Big Cottonwood Canyon, 8073 S Big Cottonwood Canyon Rd, Brighton, UT 84121, USA
Catherine Rees
This easy hike in Utah is perfect for just about everyone. It loops around the lake for about 1 mile, and most of it is wheelchair accessible. You’ll find the trail at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon.
6. Photograph wildlife at Antelope Island.
Antelope Island State Park, Utah, USA
Pionites melanocephalus/flickr
Antelope Island is one of the best spots in Utah for wildlife photography. In addition to the bison, you’ll find pronghorn, mule deer, rabbits, lizards, and tons of birds.
7. Camp in the high Uintas.
Mirror Lake, Utah 84031, USA
Brandon Rasmussen/Flickr
Visit Mirror Lake or any of the other little lakes along the Mirror Lake Highway. This is tent camping at its best — or bring your RV for all the comforts of home.

Related Stories

This Speakeasy Hidden In An Unassuming Tavern In Utah Is Perfect For A Date Night

This Speakeasy Hidden In An Unassuming Tavern In Utah Is Perfect For A Date Night

 7 Waterfront Retreats In Utah That Are Perfect For Warm Weather Adventures

7 Waterfront Retreats In Utah That Are Perfect For Warm Weather Adventures

 The 2.3-Mile Trail In Utah That Leads To An Extraordinary Lake

The 2.3-Mile Trail In Utah That Leads To An Extraordinary Lake
8. Birdwatch at the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge.
Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, 2155 W Forest St, Brigham City, UT 84302, USA
USFWS Mountain-Prairie/Flickr
The Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge is home to millions of birds throughout the year. Depending on the season, you might see pelicans, swans, ducks, hawks, and more.
9. Jump off a cliff at Lake Powell.
Utah 95, UT-95, Utah, USA
philms/flickr
Jumping off a cliff at Lake Powell doesn’t require any skill or muscle. You can do it ... if you’re brave enough that is. Of course, some cliffs aren’t as high as others.
10. Canoe on Bear Lake.
Bear Lake, Utah 82930, USA
Kevin/flickr
The water at Bear Lake is an amazing blue and just about anyone can paddle a canoe. Just make sure you keep an eye out for the Bear Lake Monster!
11. Float the Provo River.
Provo River, Utah, USA
philms/flickr
It’s a lazy day, floating down the Provo River.
12. Picnic at Bryce Canyon National Park.
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, USA
kris krüg/Flickr
With a view like that, lunch tastes a LOT better! You can even make an entire weekend (or week-long trip) at Bryce Canyon National Park — it's a trip you won't forget!
13. Take a Wildflower Hike.
Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah 84092, USA
Flickr/SpencerHanson
See the gorgeous wildflowers on this fairly easy hike.
14. Go fishing at Fairview Lake.
Fairview Lakes, Utah 84629, USA
makelessnoise/flickr
Even the littlest outdoorsy Utahn can fish! Don't forget to check out some of our other beautiful lakes in Utah for more adventure!
15. Relax in a hammock.
Dave Cawley/Flickr
Because sometimes being outdoors isn’t all about expending energy.

What are your favorite things to do outside in Utah? Do you enjoy camping? Hiking? Exploring? Let us and your fellow travelers know in the comments. And, if you have a favorite outdoor activity in Utah, we’d love to check it out. Fill out this form and share it with us.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Things to do outdoors in Utah

Courtnie Erickson | June 06, 2023

What are some hikes in Utah I should add to my bucket list?

One of our favorite ways to spend time outdoors is on a hike. There are hundreds of hiking trails in Utah, providing options for every skill level and distance desired. While we could list dozens of hikes to check out, below are some of our favorites:

 

Are there waterfalls in Utah I should visit?

Yes! There is nothing quite like spending time outdoors while chasing waterfalls. While there are a few waterfalls in Utah that are easily accessible and require no hiking, there are many others that require you to put in a bit more effort to enjoy. If you are searching for a few waterfalls in Utah to visit, consider the following:

 

What are some campgrounds in Utah I should visit?

We love camping in Utah. With dozens of campgrounds all around the state, there are plenty of places to sleep under the stars. From state parks to lakefront campgrounds, it is easy to feel a little overwhelmed as you choose where to stay. Fortunately, we are here to help. Below are just a handful of campgrounds in Utah to consider:

Related Articles