Located on the Utah-Idaho border, Bear Lake is Utah’s second largest natural freshwater lake. The lake’s rich turquoise-blue water has the nickname the ‘Caribbean of the Rockies’. Deeply wooded forests and protruding mountains imbue this area with a sense of isolated serenity. This popular summer destination also has a reputation for high-quality raspberries.
The undulating landscape of Bryce Canyon punctuates Utah’s southwestern desert. Commonly referred to as a ‘forest of stone’ or ‘cave without a roof,’ the red, orange, and white hoodoos of Bryce Canyon enchant visitors year round. The amphitheater can be traversed on horseback or on foot while the rim provides scenic stopping points for cars.
Bryce Canyon National Park, Hwy 63, Bryce Canyon, UT, USA, +1 435-834-5322
Another iconic Utah attraction near Moab is Canyonlands National Park. Formed by the Colorado River and its tributaries, this massive area is composed of four distinct districts. Despite being under one umbrella, each region is vast and multiple trips are necessary to fully experience the natural wonder of Canyonlands.
Canyonlands, UT, USA, +1 435-719-2100
Dominating southern Utah, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is a geographical formation divided into three sections: the Grand Staircase, the Kaiparowits Plateau, and the Canyons of the Escalante. Tilted terraces form the staircase, vast cliffs compose the plateau and towering faces line the canyons. While each of these multicolored geological formations is unique, they all exist in remote areas that are further punctuated by running streams and steep waterfalls.
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, UT, USA
Lake Powell, a reservoir on the Colorado River, is the second largest man-made reservoir in America. Created by flooding Glen Canyon, Lake Powell now serves as a popular vacation destination. The world’s largest natural stone bridge, Rainbow Bridge, sits within Lake Powell’s magnificent landscape. Surrounded by sandstone walls numerous geological layers are visible reminding visitors of the land’s rich natural history.
Mount Timpanogos anchors the vistas of Utah Valley as the second highest mountain in Utah’s Wasatch Range, with peaks rising above 11,000 feet. The jagged beauty of these peaks, punctuates the sky, attracting advanced hikers and daring skiers. In addition to recreational activities, this iconic Utah mountain is home of the Timpanogos Cave National Monument; a series of three connected caves.
