8 great spring break destinations in Utah

8 great spring break destinations in Utah

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THE GREAT OUTDOORS — Spring is in the air and most students are counting down the days until spring break.

If you are a last-minute adventurer on a budget, there is still plenty of fun to be had right here in our great state. If you are into outdoor recreation, breathtaking landscapes and creating long-lasting memories, check out this list for spring break destination ideas.

Boulder

Boulder embodies the small-town feel that Utah is known for while hitting it big with recreational opportunities. Accessible through Utah’s All-American Road, Scenic Byway 12 is just 27 miles northeast of Escalante in Garfield County. Be sure to explore the rugged Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

When you get hungry, be sure to hit up Hell’s Backbone Grill, winner of Salt Lake Magazine’s 2017 Best Dining Award. Beautiful lodging and camping can be found on public lands on The Burr Trail Backway.

Escalante Petrified Forest State Park

Photo courtesy of Utah State Parks
Photo courtesy of Utah State Parks

While Utah is home to five world-renowned national parks, the state parks are equally as breathtaking. If you are headed to southern Utah, check out the Escalante Petrified Forest State Park in Garfield County. Walk through petrified trees that have been around for thousands of years, but be careful— the forest is storied to be haunted.

The state park is located approximately 257 miles south of Salt Lake City at Reservoir Road, Escalante. Escalante is optimal for activities such as riding ATVs, hiking, fishing, camping and horseback riding.

Flaming Gorge- Uintas National Scenic Byway

Consider a road trip this spring break. These two highways make for a perfect road trip. Highways 191 and 44 are designated scenic routes in northeastern Utah. The drive will journey you through dinosaur country and two state parks. Also known as The Sheep Creek Loop, your drive will wind you through majestic mountains and around the outskirts of Flaming Gorge Reservoir.

Heber Valley

Nicknamed Utah’s little Switzerland, Heber is a charming mountain valley town just a short drive from Salt Lake City. Heber presents a mecca of outdoor recreation such as golfing, fly fishing, mountain biking, hiking and water sports in the warmer months. In the colder months, it offers skiing and snowmobiling.

The valley is sprinkled with quaint bed-and-breakfast type lodging. Popular attractions include the Heber Valley Railroad, Heber Valley Zipline and The Homestead Crater.

Kanab

Straddling the southern border halfway between St. George and Lake Powell, Kanab is one of Utah’s greatest conductors of outdoor fun and adventure. With easy access to Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park, Kanab is the perfect destination for a bucket list kind of trip. Red rock views and warm weather will make hiking, rafting and ATV tours an experience to remember.

Kodachrome Basin State Park

Featuring 67 monolithic towering sand pipes along with colorful rock formations, this park has the well-deserved reputation of being a photographer's paradise. It is also an ideal venue to camp, hike, bike and ride horses. Must-try hiking trails include The Grand Parade Trail, Shakespeare Arch, Angel’s Palace, and if you are up for a challenge, try Eagle’s View Overlook.

This park is located near the town of Cannonville, about 300 miles south of Salt Lake City and 20 miles southeast of Bryce Canyon National Park.

Moab

Known for its mountain biking, jeeping, hiking and river rafting Moab is the hub for epic sandstone adventures. Moab is a good central place to stay if you plan to journey through Arches National Park or Canyonlands National Park. Whatever kind of outdoor enthusiast you consider yourself, whether you’re a thrill seeker or a viewfinder, Moab will mesmerize you.

Moab is located on the southern edge of Grand County in eastern Utah. Enjoy the warm weather and dramatic geological formations.

Snow Canyon State Park

Snow Canyon is another visit-worthy state park in southern Utah, hosting approximately 16 miles of hiking trails, technical rock climbing, biking and horseback riding. Snow Canyon also offers a campground that is open year-round. The 7,400 acres is full of ancient lava flows, sandstone cliffs and a popular sand dune play spot.

This park is located near St. George in southwestern Utah, 312 miles south of Salt Lake City, at 1002 Snow Canyon Drive, Ivins.

Tell us some of your favorite Utah spring break hot spots in the comments!

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