9 Incredible Natural Wonders In Utah That You Can Witness For Free

If you’re looking for natural wonders, Utah is the place to be. From our stunning natural arches to our huge saltwater lake, the Beehive State is pretty amazing. Many of our natural wonders are located in state and national parks, which require small admission fees, but don’t worry – there are still plenty of jaw-dropping spots to witness without spending a dime. Here are nine of our favorites all over the state:

Michael Godek/Moment Collection via Getty Images

The Bonneville Salt Flats cover 40 square miles, and this hard pan of dense salt creates a stunning vista unlike any other. It's a popular spot for land speed record-breaking and Instagram influencer selfies, but you don't need a fast car or fancy lip gloss to appreciate this natural wonder - just hop in the car and drive west on I-80 to find it.

Breck Tuttle/Alltrails

The boardwalk trail at Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve takes you across wetlands that serve as a temporary home to more than 250 species of migratory birds. Before you visit, make sure to download the free audio tour, then stroll along the trail to see snowy plovers, black-necked stilts, and a variety of ducks, geese, and other waterfowl.

Advertisement

Hannah Bakker/Alltrails

For a pretty alpine hike without the elevation climb, head to Big Cottonwood Canyon to explore Silver Lake. The loop trail includes a boardwalk section that's wheelchair accessible, as well as some fishing piers and plenty of scenic beauty. Watch for moose - they're plentiful in the area!

Advertisement

Paul Inkenbrandt/flickr

A huge lava flow created Tabernacle Hill, located just outside the little town of Fillmore. This massive swath of lava stretches for more than a mile and includes many large "tubes" which are caves created by air pockets in the lava flow. Bring a flashlight or headlamp to explore the many passages, and wear sturdy shoes - the lava rock is sharp.

Related Stories

Discover A Pristine Paradise When You Visit Utah's Albion Basin

On A Clear Day You Can See For Miles At The Primrose Overlook In Utah

There's Nothing Quite As Magical As The Rock Formations You'll Find At Red Canyon In Utah

Troy Smith/flickr

Did you know that Utah has the largest concentration of natural bridges in the world? It's true! Many are found in our national and state parks, but you don't have to pay an entrance fee to see Escalante Natural Bridge. Located in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Escalante Natural Bridge is an impressive 130 feet tall.

Chancin Loving/Alltrails

As you drive through Provo Canyon, you can see Bridal Veil Falls right from the road, but you'll want to take the exit and explore it close-up. The double-cataract waterfall tumbles 607 feet from the cliff high above. It's a short, easy stroll from the parking lot to the base of the falls.

Sumiko Scott/Moment Collection via Getty Images

Fantasy Canyon really does look like something from a sci-fi movie. Located about 40 miles south of Vernal, the sandstone spires, arches, and strangely-shaped formations cover a few acres and are easily accessed by taking a half-mile loop trail. Use your imagination a bit, and you'll see a flying witch, dragon, a bear, and more.

By J Zapell/Public Domain/Wikimedia

The organism named "Pando" looks like a forest of trees, but it's actually one organism. In fact, it's the heaviest organism on the entire planet! This clonal colony is all part of one male aspen tree that now covers over 108 acres. Pando is thousands of years old, so it's also one of the oldest living organisms in the world.

Advertisement

Lori Uresk/Alltrails

If you can imagine Paul Bunyan and his buddy Babe the Blue Ox wandering around Utah County, then you'll love Paul Bunyan's Woodpile. This natural wonder really does look like a collection of log piles, carefully cut to size and neatly stacked. The piles were formed by a lava flow in the Eocene Period 56 million years ago.

What are some of your favorite natural wonders in the Beehive State?