This guide highlights a blend of iconic locations and hidden spots that showcase the variety and beauty of Southern Utah’s landscapes.
Key Takeaways
- There are countless things to do in Southern Utah, from iconic hikes in Zion and Bryce Canyon to scenic drives through Capitol Reef.
- Beyond the national parks, destinations like Monument Valley, Arches, and Coral Pink Sand Dunes offer unique landscapes that belong on any Southern Utah itinerary.
- Hidden gems such as Peekaboo Gulch, Kodachrome Basin State Park, and Cedar Breaks National Monument provide incredible scenery with fewer crowds.
Southern Utah feels almost unreal the first time you see it. Towering red cliffs, winding slot canyons, and surreal rock formations stretch across the landscape like a scene from another planet. From world-famous national parks to lesser-known trails tucked into remote desert corners, there’s no shortage of things to do in Southern Utah if you love scenic drives, hiking, and wide-open spaces. It’s the kind of place where every turn in the road reveals another view worth pulling over for.
Top 3 Things To Do in Southern Utah
Southern Utah is home to several of Utah’s “Mighty 5” national parks, which are known for their dramatic rock formations and expansive desert views. If you only have time for a few experiences, these three adventures showcase the region at its best.
1. Hike The Narrows in Zion National Park
If you want an unforgettable hike, The Narrows in Zion National Park should be high on your list. Instead of walking beside a canyon, you hike directly through it, following the Virgin River as sandstone walls rise thousands of feet above you.
The experience changes constantly as you move upstream. Some sections open into wider corridors filled with sunlight, while other passages narrow so much that the canyon walls almost seem to touch. The deeper you go, the quieter it gets, making it feel like a true wilderness adventure.
Many visitors combine this hike with overnight stays or multi-day trips, which makes it a great addition to a trip focused on camping in Southern Utah. Spending the night under some of the clearest skies in the country is a perfect way to end a long day exploring Zion.
2. Walk the Rim Trail at Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon National Park looks almost otherworldly. Thousands of orange and red rock spires—called “hoodoos”—rise from the canyon floor in a maze of stone towers and winding trails.
One of the best ways to take it all in is the Rim Trail. This scenic path follows the edge of the canyon, connecting several viewpoints like Sunrise Point and Sunset Point. The perspective constantly shifts as you walk, revealing new layers of hoodoos, forests, and distant plateaus.
Bryce Canyon is also designated as an International Dark Sky Park, which means the experience doesn’t end when the sun goes down. The high elevation and minimal light pollution in the area make it one of the best places in the country for stargazing. On a clear night, you’ll see thousands of stars stretching across the sky.
3. Take the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive
Capitol Reef National Park often gets less attention than Zion or Bryce, but that’s part of its appeal. The park feels quieter and more remote, with wide desert valleys, towering cliffs, and colorful rock layers that seem to glow in the afternoon sun.
The Capitol Reef Scenic Drive is one of the easiest ways to experience the park. The route winds through dramatic landscapes and passes several fascinating historic sites along the way.
One highlight is the Fruita Historic District, a small settlement established by Mormon pioneers in the late 1800s. Today, you can walk among historic buildings, explore orchards, and imagine what life was like for early settlers carving out a life in this rugged desert environment.
3 Must-See Places in Southern Utah
Beyond visiting the national parks and trails, there are some things to do in Southern Utah that deserve a spot on every traveler’s bucket list
1. Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
Monument Valley is one of the most recognizable landscapes in the American West. Massive sandstone buttes rise dramatically from the desert floor, forming the iconic skyline that has appeared in countless movies and photographs.
Located on Navajo Nation land along the Utah–Arizona border, the park offers scenic drives, guided tours, and cultural experiences led by Navajo guides who share stories about the land and its significance.
Sunrise and sunset are particularly stunning here. As the sun moves across the horizon, the rock formations glow deep red and orange against the desert sky.
2. Arches National Park
Arches National Park lives up to its name. The park contains more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, the largest concentration anywhere in the world.
Some arches require short hikes to reach, while others are visible from scenic viewpoints along the park road. The most famous, Delicate Arch, stands alone on a slickrock ridge and has become a symbol of Utah itself.
Even if you only spend a few hours at Arches National Park, you’ll still find endless photo opportunities and striking desert scenery.
3. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
Just outside the town of Kanab, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park offers a completely different landscape. Instead of rocky cliffs and canyons, you’ll find rolling dunes of soft pink sand stretching across the desert.
The sand gets its color from eroded Navajo sandstone, which is blown into the area by shifting winds. The dunes are constantly changing shape, making every visit feel slightly different.
Visitors can hike across the dunes, try sandboarding, or explore the area on off-highway vehicles. At sunset, the dunes glow a brilliant pink against the surrounding red cliffs.
3 Southern Utah Hidden Gems
Some of the most memorable things to do in Southern Utah happen off the beaten path. These lesser-known destinations offer incredible scenery without the crowds.
1. Peekaboo Gulch
If you want to experience a classic Southern Utah slot canyon, Peekaboo Gulch is a fantastic option. Located in Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument, this narrow canyon twists through colorful sandstone walls carved by centuries of flash floods.
The hike often combines Peekaboo Gulch with nearby Spooky Gulch, creating an adventurous loop through tight passages and winding rock corridors. Some sections require scrambling and squeezing through narrow spaces, which makes the hike feel like a natural obstacle course.
2. Kodachrome Basin State Park
Kodachrome Basin State Park is one of Southern Utah’s most underrated destinations. The park features towering sandstone chimneys—called “sedimentary pipes”—that rise straight from the desert floor.
Because it’s less crowded than nearby parks, Kodachrome Basin is a peaceful place to hike, bike, or simply enjoy the scenery. It’s also a great stop if you’re exploring more state parks across Utah, many of which offer equally stunning landscapes with smaller crowds.
The park also sits along scenic Highway 12, which is considered one of the most beautiful drives in the state.
3. Cedar Breaks National Monument
Perched at over 10,000 feet in elevation, Cedar Breaks National Monument offers sweeping views of a massive natural amphitheater filled with colorful rock formations.
The viewpoint overlooks thousands of red and orange spires that resemble a miniature Bryce Canyon, but with far fewer visitors. In summer, alpine wildflowers blanket the meadows surrounding the monument, while fall brings vibrant colors to the high mountain forests.
After exploring Cedar Breaks, you can continue your adventure in nearby national forests. For example, Dixie National Forest stretches across a huge portion of Southern Utah, offering hiking trails, scenic drives, and cool mountain air that contrasts beautifully with the desert landscapes below.
Where To Stay While Exploring the Best Things To Do in Southern Utah
If you’re looking for things to do in Southern Utah that bring you close to scenic trails and remarkable desert landscapes, visit Settler’s Junction RV Resort. We’ve built a convenient home base right next to more than 100 acres of open BLM land, just a short drive from Zion National Park.
Our resort features spacious full-hookup sites, pet-friendly lodging, and amenities that make it easy to settle in. Whether you’re passing through for a quick overnight stay or planning a longer trip to explore more of the region, Settler’s Junction is designed with travelers in mind.
Ready to start exploring? Book now and make Settler’s Junction your Southern Utah RV park basecamp.