Your Ultimate Guide to Summer Fun in Utah

There is nothing quite like the summer in Utah. While we are known for our incredible beauty and our countless outdoor recreational opportunities, our state is unique because there is such a variety of things to see and do — especially in the summer. From exploring red rocks and slot canyons to paddling in the middle of mountain lakes, there are incredible destinations to get you outside. While we could list hundreds of things to do in Utah in summer, the following are just 16 bucket-list-worthy destinations, activities, and festivals.

Best Summer Vacation Destinations in Utah

Summer vacation is the perfect time to get away. Whether you are traveling to the other side of the state or are considering a staycation, the options in the Beehive State are endless. The following are just three fabulous summer vacation destinations in Utah you need to visit at least once during the warmer months of the year.

1. Bear Lake

• Location: Northern Utah
• Popularity: Very popular
• Need To Know: You will want to make any accommodation and activity reservations early as this area becomes quite busy during the summer months.

There is no place quite as perfect for a summer day as Bear Lake. This lake is known as the “Caribbean of the Rockies” for good reason — it’s absolutely beautiful here. The lake is 20 miles long and 8 miles wide, providing plenty of space for boating, paddling, and swimming. There are also beautiful beaches for a day of playing, and the nearby town of Garden City is a delightful place to explore.

2. Heber City

• Location: Wasatch County
• Popularity: Popular
• Need To Know: Heber City is just a short drive from both Midway and Park City, small towns with even more to do and see.

Heber City is the ultimate family-friendly summer destination. It is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts as it’s near incredible mountain biking, rock climbing, and hiking. For plenty of relaxation and lots of beauty, spend an afternoon on the Heber Valley Railroad. I also recommend floating down the Provo River or trying your luck fly fishing. The local shops and restaurants are each worth your time to visit as well.

3. Torrey

• Location: Wayne County
• Popularity: Can be busy
• Need To Know: While Torrey may be small, there are excellent accommodations in the area from vacation rentals to campgrounds.

Torrey, Utah is home to approximately 300 residents but despite its smaller size, it’s an incredible getaway destination. This town is the perfect place to set up base camp as it's just a few miles east of Capitol Reef National Park and less than two hours from Bryce Canyon National Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and Goblin Valley State Park. Plus, Torrey is a certified Dark Sky Community, perfect for stargazing on those clear summer nights.

Best Remote Lakes to Visit in Utah This Summer

There are dozens of bucket-list-worthy lakes in Utah to visit. Some of these lakes are quite popular such as Lake Powell, Utah Lake, and Sand Hollow Reservoir. However, the Beehive State is also home to beautiful remote lakes that are away from the crowds, scenic, and perfect for a day trip or an overnight adventure. The following are just four remote lakes to visit in Utah this summer.

4. Posey Lake

• Location: Near Escalante
• Popularity: The campground can be quite busy on holiday weekends.
• Need To Know: No motorized boating is allowed at Posey Lake but there is easy access to the water for canoes, rafts, or kayaks.

Posey Lake is a true hidden gem. Not far from Escalante in southern Utah, this small lake sits up in the mountains, creating a picture-perfect backdrop. This lake isn’t large but it’s still an excellent size for fishing, paddling, or even floating. Spend some time at the beautiful Posey Lake Campground and don’t forget your hiking boots so you can hike the Posey Lake Overlook Trail.

5. Tony Grove Lake

• Location: Logan Canyon in northern Utah
• Popularity: Can be busy on the weekends
• Need To Know: This lake is perfect for a day trip as you'll find the Tony Grove Day Use Area, which features several picnic areas and is located next to the water.

Tony Grove Lake is located at 8,000 feet in elevation in Logan Canyon. This is another small lake but it will take your breath away, especially during the summer months. In fact, if you plan a visit between mid-July and mid-August, the wildflowers are in full bloom and create a sea of color around the water that’s mesmerizing. While here, hike or camp. The Tony Grove Campground is one of our favorites, despite being a more primitive campground with no water, hookups, or waste station.

6. Lake Mary

• Location: Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. The trailhead is located at Brighton Resort.
• Popularity: Popular
• Need To Know: This is a protected watershed so swimming and dogs are not allowed.

If you are willing to put in the effort, you will fall in love with Lake Mary. To reach this body of water, you must conquer a 2.3-mile, out-and-back trail that is considered challenging. However, once you reach the lake, it’ll feel like you just stepped into a painting — it’s absolutely beautiful. Spend some time next to the lake and enjoy the views. You won’t want to leave.

7. White Pine Lake

• Location: Little Cottonwood Canyon
• Popularity: Not very popular
• Need To Know: The trail to this lake is an excellent backpacking destination.

Located up Little Cottonwood Canyon is one of the best places to spend a summer day — the White Pine Lake Trail. This out-and-back trail is a full-day adventure, as you’ll hike up to 10 miles, but you’ll pass waterfalls, streams, and gorgeous mountain views along your way. However, nothing will prepare you for the scene surrounding White Pine Lake. Even better, because this lake is difficult to reach, don’t be surprised if you find yourself alone in this beautiful area.

Parks to Visit in Utah This Summer

Whether you are looking for romantic things to do in Utah in summer or you just want to get outside, Utah’s incredible parks are the perfect place to go. From grassy areas in the middle of the city to state parks, the following are just three parks in Utah to consider.

8. Liberty Park

• Location: Salt Lake City
• Popularity: Popular
• Need To Know: Admission is free to both the Chase Home Museum of Utah Folk Arts and the Tracy Aviary.

Liberty Park is not only one of Salt Lake City’s oldest city parks, but it is also one of the largest. This delightful destination has something for every member of the family including multiple playgrounds, volleyball and basketball courts, a walking path, and more. However, we also love the park's unique attractions like the Tracy Aviary and the Chase Home Museum, a unique museum located inside a historic pioneer home.

9. Red Hills Desert Garden

• Location: St. George
• Popularity: Not very popular
• Need To Know: The best time to visit this garden in southern Utah is in the morning and evenings. Admission is free.

The Red Hills Desert Garden is an outdoor paradise in St. George. This beautiful garden is 5,000 acres and home to all types of desert plants. As you walk around, you’ll find several themed gardens with hundreds of plants that thrive in the desert climate. I personally love the cacti garden and the flower garden.

10. East Canyon State Park

• Location: Morgan
• Popularity: Popular
• Need To Know: If you plan to camp at this state park, make reservations as soon as possible. It's quite a popular place to spend the night.

We could list numerous state parks to visit during the summer but one that deserves a spot on every bucket list is East Canyon State Park. This state park is approximately 35 miles from Salt Lake City and has many features that set it apart from other parks in the Beehive State. For example, East Canyon State Park is one of the few dark sky parks in northern Utah. It is also home to one of the only hammock campsites in Utah.

Best Free Summer Activities

You don’t have to spend a fortune for summer fun in Utah. There are countless cheap things to do in Utah in summer. From scenic drives to enchanting hiking trails, grab your family and explore. The following are just a few of the fun things to do in Utah in summer that won't cost a thing.

11. Drive the Nebo Loop National Scenic Byway

• Location: Wasatch Mountain Range
• Popularity: Popular
• Need To Know: This scenic drive will take you to Grotto Falls, a family-friendly waterfall trail, and the Devil's Kitchen, one of the most unique overlooks in Utah.

With more than two dozen byways in Utah, there are plenty of scenic drives to enjoy during the summer months. However, one of our favorites is the Nebo Loop Byway. This drive is approximately 40 miles and takes you from Payson to Nephi as it winds through the Wasatch Mountain Range. While you won’t travel many miles, plan to spend a full day along this route as you’ll come across multiple trailheads, overlooks, and picnic areas.

12. Hike to Donut Falls

• Location: Near Salt Lake City
• Popularity: Popular
• Need To Know: This trail is quite busy so expect to see other hikers along your way. Dogs are not allowed.

Utah is home to dozens of extraordinary hiking trails. While any hike will add adventure and natural beauty to your day, we love exploring the Donut Falls Trail during the summer. This waterfall trail is a 3.3-mile out-and-back hike that can be a bit challenging for beginners. However, it’s well worth the effort. The trailhead is just a short drive from Salt Lake City, and the waterfall is unique and breathtaking.

13. Explore the Willis Creek Narrows Slot Canyon

• Location: Near Cannonville and within Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
• Popularity: Not very popular
• Need To Know: There is a small creek that follows most of the trail, so be prepared to become a little wet.

Utah's slot canyons are each worth exploring but Willis Creek Narrows deserves a spot right at the top of your bucket list. The hike is easy, and you do not need any technical skills to complete the slot canyon. Even better, this is a lesser-known slot canyon in Utah, allowing you to experience a little quiet while immersed in nature. Just make sure you don’t rush through the journey — it’s absolutely gorgeous.

Best Summer Events and Festivals in Utah

One of the best ways to spend a summer day in Utah (or even an entire weekend) is at a summer festival. While there are events around Utah all summer long, the following are three of the most popular and favorites for individuals of all ages. You'll definitely want to mark your calendars for these exciting events.

14. Utah Shakespeare Festival

• Location: Cedar City
• Popularity: Popular
• Need To Know: Some activities are free but many shows and activities will require an admission fee.

The Utah Shakespeare Festival is a summer-long event with entertainment from June to October. But it isn’t just the entertaining shows that will make you excited to come, it is also the long list of activities. During this summer festival, you can take a backstage tour, attend one of the play seminars, or watch and learn as technicians change the scenery from show to show. However, my personal favorite activity is the Greenshow, where you can watch a free, 30-minute, family-friendly outdoor show with several of the performers.

15. Days of '47

• Location: Salt Lake City
• Popularity: Very popular
• Need To Know: The parade is held on July 24, but the rodeo takes place on multiple nights.

Days of '47 is one of the most highly anticipated events in Utah during the summer. This event is to celebrate Brigham Young and a company of pioneers who first entered the Great Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847. The events kick off with a Days of ’47 Parade and include the Utah Days of ’47 Rodeo.

16. Bear Lake Raspberry Days

• Location: Garden City
• Popularity: Popular
• Need To Know: It is strongly recommended to make accommodation reservations in advance, as this festival attracts people from Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, and more.

Bear Lake is a popular summer destination but it becomes even more popular in early August when people flock to Garden City for Raspberry Days. This festival is a celebration of the raspberry harvest and includes all types of activities including a parade, fair, vendors, live music, 5K run, golf scramble, and so much more. There is also a boat light parade and some of the best raspberry shakes in Utah are available in bulk. Your taste buds will be sad to miss it.

What are your favorite things to do in the summer in Utah? Is there a hiking trail you love? A small town you always visit? Let me know! Fill out this nomination form, and please share it with me. I'd love to add your suggestions to my summertime plans!