The Best Resorts to Book in Utah
With some of the most spectacular natural wonders in the American West, Utah certainly delivers when it comes to al fresco activities and attractions. The only hitch: trying to squeeze it all into a single trip. Whether it’s hiking and biking amongst red rock canyons, hitting the slopes in Park City or celeb spotting at the Sundance Film Festival, we have you covered with the best resorts in Utah for an outdoorsy vacation to remember – they’re all bookable on Culture Trip.
Westgate Park City Resort & Spa, for ski-in, ski-out access in Park City
Resort
Getting the whole family into ski mode here is a breeze with equipment rentals and quick gondola access. Choose between comfortable suites with kitchenettes, or bigger villas – up to four bedrooms – with kitchens, fireplaces and soaking tubs. After your snow adventures, kick back at several pools and hot tubs, as well as a spa, fitness center and yoga studio. Two dining options include a steakhouse and a casual pub serving burgers and milkshakes, while an on-site market sells an extensive selection of craft beers. Jump on the free shuttle to downtown Park City for more dining options.
Capitol Reef Resort, for southwestern glamping in Capitol Reef National Park
Resort, Camping, Luxury
Striking views of surrounding red rock cliffs are just one of the draws at this boutique resort near Capitol Reef National Park. Take your pick between elegant, cream-colored rooms, cozy wood-paneled private cabins with moose antler chandeliers, and more unusual options like tipis and family-sized Conestoga wagons arranged around the fire pit – the last channeling strong “pilgrims on the Mormon Trail” vibes. Explore the stark desert landscape on horseback, via Jeep safari or guided llama trek, then come back to chill out in the hot tub and outdoor pool. Dine on braised short ribs and fish tacos at the Pioneer Kitchen, complemented by a Californian chardonnay or perhaps an Outlaw Red from nearby Moab.
Sundance Resort, for the film star connections in Sundance
Resort
Thanks to founder Robert Redford, this upscale mountain resort attracts a celeb-heavy crowd especially during the annual Sundance Film Festival. Good news for the rest of us: it’s open year-round, offering activities like trekking, skiing, zip-lining and even candle making. Rustic-chic rooms boast local touches like handmade apple cider soaps, and rates include daily guided hikes in the foothills of Mt Timpanogos, as well as wellness classes. After an active day out, treat yourself to a deep tissue massage, partake in some yoga stretches or elevate your facial hair with a beard facial. For an intimate night out, make a reservation at the Tree Room – the resort’s very first building – decorated with Native American art from Redford’s private collection and renowned for its creative seasonal menu, or else go for a cocktail or craft beer at the restored 1890s Owl Bar, once frequented by Butch Cassidy.
Sorrel River Ranch, for national park access in Moab
Resort, Spa Hotel
Zermatt Utah Resort & Spa, for pampering in Midway, Utah
Resort
Matterhorn meets the Wasatch Mountains at this this alpine-inspired resort with Swiss flair. Choose between the snug, carpeted standard rooms with wooden headboards and granite-trim bathrooms, or book a suite or villa if traveling with family or friends for a full kitchen, fireplace access and four-poster beds. Whether you’re here in summer or winter, there’s always something to occupy you, from snowmobiling and fly fishing to horseback riding and skiing. Sign up for an après-ski aromatherapy massage or soak your tired muscles in the hot tub afterwards – then sate your hunger with smoked meats and craft beer at the on-site Wildfire Smokehaus or chateaubriand for two at Z’s Steak & Chop House, to the accompaniment of live piano music.
Black Rock Mountain Resort, for year-round outdoor adventure in Park City
Resort
This resort near Park City incorporates plenty of natural light and contemporary interiors, with rooms decked in neutral grays and creams and dotted with abstract art and prints of local wildlife. Floor-to-ceiling windows let in views of the Wasatch range, or else Deer Valley or the Jordanelle Reservoir. If you prefer to self-cater, opt for a condo with a full kitchen and fireplace. Whether you’re here to ski, mountain bike or enjoy the craft beer breweries and film festivals in town, you can enjoy on-site perks such as an outdoor pool, gym, sauna and steam room. Rock out to local bands with craft beer in hand at the On the Rocks Bar, or make a reservation at the Overlook Restaurant for salmon BLTs on ciabatta bread or rack of lamb, accompanied by an Erath pinot noir.
Red Mountain Resort, for all-inclusive packages in St George
Resort, Spa Hotel, Hotel
Bluff Dwellings, for spectacular scenery in Bluff, Utah
Resort
Built into the hundred-million-year-old sandstone cliffs near Bluff, this family-run, Native-American-inspired resort in Utah is a family-friendly base for exploring the canyons, rivers and desert of southeast Utah. Blending in with cliffside surroundings, contemporary rooms feature large prints of the nearby remains of the ancient Puebloan culture; some have private patios with BBQ grills. Splurge on the Tower Suite for access to an oversized soaking tub. Hike around Cedar Mesa, take photos of the rock bridges in the first International Dark Sky Park in the world, or drive the Moki Dugway, then pamper yourself in the on-site HozHo Spa. Omelets, paninis and experimental fusion in the form of Navajo taco pizza are all on the menu of the all-day Cedar Shack Cafe.