SALT LAKE CITY (
ABC4
) — What’s on your bucket list this summer? If you’re still putting one together, here are some ideas from the Beehive State. These opportunities can’t be found everywhere, so if you’re from Utah or just dropping in for a visit, make sure to try out some of these experiences.
Drift along a river using a raft or a flotation device.
Secure your life vest and choose between a calm float or an exciting journey. Both the Provo and Weber Rivers offer excellent opportunities to either lounge in a tube and drift along with the flow or climb aboard a raft and tackle some whitewater action. Remember that river speeds can be deceptive, so ensure you’re wearing protective gear and have an emergency strategy at hand.
If you lack your own gear or feel uncertain about navigating the rapids without experienced help, consider contacting a nearby river excursion service.
High Country Adventure
has options for Provo and Weber Rivers, and you can choose between tubing, kayaking and rafting.
Stargaze with an expert
Spending a night looking up at the stars is a great way to spend a summer evening. If you’re having trouble spotting constellations, there are a few places you can meet with an expert and use telescopes to get a more in-depth understanding.
The South Physics Observatory at the University of Utah has free public star parties on clear Wednesday nights. You can
check their website
every week to see if the weather is permitting stargazing. During the star party, you can ask questions to the astronomers, and you might even get to hear a lecture. They’re also open for many astronomical events.
A number of Utah’s state parks organize dark sky events during the summertime. Stop by for a visit.
Their site offers a complete listing.
Some events provide telescopes equipped with filters for viewing the nighttime sky, whereas others involve guided tours led by a park ranger to observe constellations amidst the quiet of the evening. At Fremont Indian State Park and Museum, you could also have the opportunity to witness a scorpion glowing under ultraviolet illumination.
See an outdoor concert
Once the sun makes its appearance, live music follows suit. If you haven’t experienced a summer concert beneath the sun or stars yet, fear not—there are numerous chances available. The Red Butte Gardens in Salt Lake City hosts an outdoor concert series that spans from June through September.
check out their website
To find out which performers will be taking the stage this year.
Ogden Twilight
The concerts commence at the close of June and continue through September each year, featuring notable artists for exclusive shows at the Ogden Amphitheater. Likewise,
Twilight Concert Series in Salt Lake City
begins in July, with shows taking place at the Gallivan Center and Library Square. Additional concerts occur throughout Utah, so be sure to look into nearby venues for more performances.
Hike among wildflowers
Each year, from late June through early September, snow retreats from Utah’s mountain ranges, making way for vibrant wildflowers to blossom in the valleys below. Should you desire some physical activity combined with natural beauty appreciation, think about taking a hike amidst this colorful floral display.
ABC4 has
compiled a list
Here are some prominent hiking routes in Utah where you can enjoy wildflowers during their prime season. The most frequented paths include those around Mount Timpanogos in Utah County and the Albion Basin within the Cottonwood Canyons region.
Learn about Utah’s dinosaurs
It’s undeniable that dinosaurs play a crucial role in Utah’s heritage. Fossilized remains such as footprints, bones, and teeth can be found throughout the region. To honor both the official state dinosaur and the area’s prehistoric past, Utahraptor State Park, which recently became the latest addition to the state parks system, was inaugurated earlier this year.
Several locations in Utah allow you to view actual fossils in situ and gain knowledge about dinosaurs. Listed below are some options. Remember to bring sunscreen as many of these spots involve hikes or spending considerable time outdoors under the sun.
- Dinosaur National Monument — Located near Vernal, Utah
- Utahraptor State Park — Moab, Utah
- St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site — St. George, Utah
- Red Cliffs Dinosaur Footprint Location — Red Cliffs Recreation Area, Utah
- Jurassic National Monument — Cleveland, Utah
Visit the “Mighty Five”
If you’re compiling a must-see list for Utah, these iconic destinations would surely top your itinerary as they represent the very essence of what makes this area special. Nestled within the borders of the Beehive State lie five renowned national parks—Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion—that attract visitors from all over the world with their breathtaking landscapes.
Each park offers numerous activities suitable for every age group, catering to those who love hiking, enjoying picturesque vistas, seeking thrills, or exploring distinctive eateries. For the more adventurous souls, read through this piece to discover ways you could potentially get involved.
explore all five national parks during a single journey
A small amount of planning can make a significant difference!
Catch a summer festival
When summer arrives, Utah bursts into life with numerous festivals and fairs. Whether it’s Peach Days up north or the St. George Summer Festival down south, you’ll find yourself indulging in cotton candy and spinning around on Ferris wheels all across the state. For a comprehensive listing of summertime happenings, check out this guide.
on NowPlayingUtah’s website
.
Several unmissable annual events include the Orem Summerfest, South Jordan Summerfest, WestFest in West Valley City, and Taylorsville Dayzzz. Be sure to review your local city and county event schedules for your upcoming chance to experience an exciting summer festival.
Enhance your understanding at a museum.
Even though you may desire otherwise, you cannot dedicate your whole summer to soaking up the sun. When you seek respite from the warmth, consider cooling off in an air-conditioned museum to gain insights into Utah’s past. The Natural History Museum located at the University of Utah features numerous displays ranging from ancient creatures like dinosaurs to early human inhabitants and the distinctive geography of Utah.
Various museums of different sizes are spread throughout the state. Listed below are only a handful of these museums where you can explore the history that shaped Utah into the state it is today.
- The Mountain America Museum of Ancient Life at Thanksgiving Point — located in Lehi, Utah
- The Natural History Museum of Utah located in Salt Lake City
- The Church History Museum (free) — Salt Lake City
- The Hill Aerospace Museum (admission free) — located in Layton, Utah
- The Bean Life Science Museum (admission free) — Provo, Utah
- Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum (no cost) — Vernal, Utah
Search for unique wildlife
Should you be fortunate enough, you may catch sight of some renowned creatures native to Utah, including bison or American pronghorns at Antelope Island. For those keen on observing mountain goats, consider visiting theUinta or Tushar Mountains, which serve as their habitat. Throughout the Wasatch Front, deer sightings are common; however, exploring the foothills in springtime increases your chances. Cougars and foxes tend to be more elusive, making them less frequently seen.
No matter where you travel, ensure you keep a safe distance from wild animals for both their protection and your own. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources provides a useful list of spots to observe wildlife along with safety recommendations.
on their website
.
Take a look at a ghost town.
Even though the inhabited regions of Utah no longer resemble the Wild West, traces of buildings from those times can still be found. Many did not withstand the harsh desert conditions, while some shut down alongside their associated mines.
one even flooded
If you’re intrigued by the long-forgotten buildings, several of them are open for visits.
Utah Visit has an inventory
When exploring the abandoned settlements stretching from Box Elder County to Washington County, make sure to be ready for emergencies and pack all essential items since these locations tend to be isolated with limited facilities. Utah’s official tourism site suggests focusing your visits on the ghost towns of Southern Utah, as some can be quite challenging to access elsewhere.
- Grafton — Located outside Zion National Park in Springdale, Utah
- Silver Reef — On the northeastern part of Leeds, Utah
- Frisco and Newhouse — Located west of Milford, Utah
- LatUDA and Standardville — To the east of Helper, Utah in Spring Canyon
- Thistle — In Spanish Fork Canyon alongside US-89
- Iosepa — Located north of Dugway, Utah
- Terrace — Located in Box Elder County, this area offers a secluded drive along the Transcontinental Railroad Backcountry Byway.
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