This is the kind of place many travelers unknowingly drive right past on their way to bigger-name parks like Arches National Park or Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. But Bears Ears rewards the people willing to slow down.

Here, you’ll find ancient cliff dwellings, hidden canyons, petroglyph panels, scenic drives, dramatic overlooks, and some of the most important Native American cultural sites in the country. It’s remote, rugged, and far less crowded than Utah’s famous national parks; which is exactly what makes it unforgettable.

As an Amazon affiliate, when you click on some of the links on this page and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission, at no cost to you! By using our affiliate links, you’ll find our favorite picks and support us at the same time. And we really appreciate your support!

If you’re looking for archaeology, epic desert landscapes, and a road trip that feels like a real adventure, Bears Ears National Monument belongs on your bucket list.

Why Visit Bears Ears National Monument?

Bears Ears is known for its remarkably well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan sites, making it one of the best places in Utah to explore ancient ruins and Indigenous history.

Travelers looking for archaeological sites in Bears Ears will find: Cliff dwellings, Kivas, Petroglyphs, Ancient Villages, Ceremonial sites, historic routes and cultural landmarks.

The monument is named after two prominent buttes that resemble bear ears rising above the landscape, and the entire region carries deep cultural and spiritual significance for many Indigenous tribes.

This is not just a scenic stop, it’s a place that deserves time, respect, and curiosity.

Short on Time? Here Are 3 Great Bears Ears Itineraries

Even if you only have a few hours, you can still experience some of the best parts of Bears Ears. These three easy itineraries help you plan your visit depending on what kind of adventure you want.

Scenic Drive Adventure

Best for: Big views, iconic overlooks, and classic road trip vibes

Start in Bluff with a stop at Sand Island Petroglyphs, then continue to Valley of the Gods, Goosenecks State Park, the famous Moki Dugway, and finish at Muley Point for sunset.

This route is one of the best scenic drives in southern Utah.

Pro Tip: Be sure you have plenty of space on your camera SD card because you will take lots of pictures. If you’re looking for a new camera that also takes great videos, we recommend the Kodak PixPro.

Sand Island Petroglyph Panel

This roadside panel features centuries of rock art dating back more than 2,500 years.

You’ll find carvings from the Basketmaker, Pueblo III, Navajo, and Ute cultures, making this one of the most accessible and impressive petroglyphs stops in the region.

Located inside Sand Island Campground, the area also has restrooms, camping, a boat launch, and seasonal ranger services.

Valley of the Gods

Often called the “Mini Monument Valley,” Valley of the Gods is a 17-mile scenic drive through towering sandstone buttes and wide-open desert views. Located near Mexican Hat, this free drive is one of the best hidden gems in Utah.

The road is unpaved but usually manageable for passenger vehicles when dry, though 4WD is always a safer bet. Driving time is typically one to two hours.

Keep an eye out for Mexican Hat Rock, a famous roadside formation that really does look like a sombrero balancing on a rock.

Goosenecks State Park

Goosenecks State Park gives you not one, but two dramatic horseshoe bends in the San Juan River.

From the overlook, you can see the river winding 1,000 feet below through deep canyon walls. It’s one of the most impressive quick stops in Utah and only about 10 minutes from Valley of the Gods.

There are vault toilets, primitive camping, and a small entrance fee.

Muley Point

If sunset had a favorite place, it would probably be Muley Point.

From over 5,700 feet in elevation, you get sweeping views of Monument Valley, Valley of the Gods, Navajo Mountain, and the San Juan River goosenecks.

There are no facilities here, so bring water, snacks, and your camera. Primitive camping is allowed, and it’s one of the best dispersed camping spots in southern Utah.

Moki Dugway

This road to Muley Point is part of the adventure.

Moki Dugway is a steep, winding set of dirt switchbacks carved directly into the cliffs. There are no guardrails, the grade is steep, and yes, it can absolutely make your palms sweat. Caution is an absolute.

High-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended. RVs are not.

It’s beautiful. It’s terrifying. It’s worth it.

Northern Bears Ears Excursion

Best for: Scenic overlooks and combining with Moab or Canyonlands

If you’re visiting Canyonlands National Park or staying near Moab or Monticello, this northern route makes an excellent day trip.

Take Harts Draw Road through the Abajo Mountains, stop at Newspaper Rock, and finish at Needles Overlook. This route has incredible views and very few crowds. There are no facilities or campgrounds.

Harts Draw Road

This scenic dirt road offers panoramic views of Bears Ears, the La Sal Mountains, Indian Creek, and the Needles District of Canyonlands.

At Harts Draw Overlook, sitting at 8,200 feet, the views are excellent and the cooler mountain air feels like a reward. Harts Draw Road is 42 miles.

This is a winding, dirt road that is generally in good condition. There are no services here, so pack food, water, and patience for dirt roads. The gravel pullout is ADA accessible.

Newspaper Rock

Newspaper Rock State Historical Monument features more than 650 petroglyph designs spanning roughly 2,000 years of history.

Created by Ancestral Puebloans, Fremont people, Navajo people, and others, it’s one of the most significant rock art panels in the Southwest.

There’s a developed parking area, pit toilet, and easy roadside access.

Honestly, it’s the only newspaper you should stop for on vacation.

Needles Overlook

Needles Overlook sits 1,600 ft above the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park and offers nearly 360-degree views of the sandstone formations that line the view on the horizon. 

 The road is well maintained and has a parking area near the overlook. There are picnic tables, vault toilets, and plenty of reasons to stay longer than planned. So, pack a lunch and enjoy the views. It’s worth it to enjoy the view and relax.

Cultural Immersion Tour

Best for: Ancient ruins, archaeology, and Indigenous history

Take the scenic Trail of the Ancients Scenic Byway and stop at Butler Wash, Mule Canyon Kiva, Salvation Knoll, and the Kane Gulch Ranger Station.

This route offers some of the best archaeological experiences in Bears Ears.

Butler Wash Overlook

This one-mile round-trip trail leads to a stunning overlook of Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings dating back to around 1200 CE.

From the mesa-top viewpoint, you can see multiple structures used for living, storage, and ceremonies. It’s one of the best easy hikes in Bears Ears.

There is a large parking lot equipped with a toilet and plenty of parking space for larger vehicles and RVs.

Mule Canyon Kiva

This roadside stop offers a rare up-close look at an excavated kiva and nearby surface structures built by the Ancestral Puebloans over 700 years ago.

The Mule Canyon Ruin parking lot has a restroom and shaded area, but no picnic tables or other facilities. The site is handicap accessible.

It’s accessible, educational, and one of the easiest major cultural stops to visit.

Salvation Knoll

This short but steep half-mile hike leads to an interpretive site about the Mormon Hole-in-the-Rock expedition of 1879–1880. From the top, you get the same sweeping views early settlers once used to plan their route west.

The trail is rugged and climbs 170’, use care while hiking on the slippery gravel. There are no restroom facilities available at Salvation Knoll.

Cedar Mesa Rock Imagery Exhibit

Located at Kane Gulch Ranger Station, this exhibit helps explain the layers of rock art and cultural history throughout Cedar Mesa.

Hours vary seasonally, so check ahead before visiting.

It’s a great final stop to better understand everything you’ve been seeing on the trails.

Visit Bears Ears With Respect

This landscape is not just beautiful, it is sacred. It deserves respect.

Ancestral Puebloans lived here between 700 and 2,500 years ago, and many of their homes, farming areas, and ceremonial sites remain incredibly well preserved.

A few important rules:

View sites from a distance which show respect to the area.

Leave all artifacts where you find them, this includes fossils and bones. Don’t touch or try to use ancient tools. Even if something looks like it doesn’t belong, leave it where it is.

 Don’t touch pictographs or petroglyphs. Absolutely do not try to add one of your own.

Stay away from walls as structures are fragile and can be easily damaged.

Don’t bust the crust – stay on existing trails and routes to avoid damaging soil. Use rubber-tipped hiking poles and stay on designated roads and paths.

Dogs and archeology don’t mix. There are some places in Bears Ears National Monument that leashed dogs are allowed, but never near fragile archeology sites.

Camp and eat away from archeological sites. Pack out all garbage and toilet paper. Never burn in these areas.

Basically: take photos, leave absolutely everything else alone.

Bears Ears Partnership has a comprehensive etiquette guide that is helpful to understand these rules. You can read it here.

Pro Tip: Whenever you’re exploring nature and ancient sites you should always follow the Leave No Trace guidelines. 

Read More: Preserve the Wild: A Simple Guide to Leave No Trace for all Outdoor Adventures

Things to Know Before You Go

Bears Ears is remote, and planning ahead matters.

A few important things to keep in mind:

Cell service is unreliable or nonexistent. Be sure someone knows what your plans are.

Gas, groceries, and trash disposal are only available in nearby towns. Be sure to bring plenty of water with you, the desert can dehydrate you fast.

Emergency services can take hours, or longer. Consider carrying an emergency kit with you. You may be able to fix what is wrong to at least get to town. This one from Everlit even has a first aid kit with it.

Many trails are unmarked and require navigation skills. Be sure to have paper maps with you and consider a GPS Navigation system if you’re going to be hiking. We like this one from Garmin.

Road conditions vary wildly depending on weather. Check the weather before you leave.

Flash floods are a real danger in canyon areas. Flash floods are no joke, don’t take chances.

4WD and high-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended for many routes. Before taking an RV make sure the road will accommodate it.

This is not the place to “just wing it.” Planning ahead and being prepared for the unexpected will make for a less stressful trip.

Bring water. Bring extra fuel. Bring a backup plan.

Final Thoughts

Bears Ears National Monument is one of the most rewarding road trips in Utah. You can spend a few hours hitting the highlights or spend an entire week exploring hidden ruins, remote canyons, scenic drives, and some of the most culturally significant landscapes in the Southwest.

It’s quieter than the major national parks, richer in history than most people realize, and full of the kind of views that make you pull over every ten minutes.

If you want a Utah adventure that feels wild, meaningful, and a little less crowded, Bears Ears is exactly where you should go.

We love sharing tips and information we learn along the way to help you plan your next trip. We hope to inspire you to find your adventures, have lots of fun and make many memories.

The post Bears Ears National Monument: The Ultimate Guide to Utah’s Most Underrated Adventure appeared first on scenicroutetravelers.com.

If camping isn’t your thing (or you just want a hot shower and a good meal after a long day), these small towns in Utah make the perfect base camps. They offer easy access to major attractions, plus the comforts that make your trip smoother.

As an Amazon affiliate, when you click on some of the links on this page and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission, at no cost to you! By using our affiliate links, you’ll find our favorite picks and support us at the same time. And we really appreciate your support!

Here are the best Utah base camp towns for exploring the state’s most iconic landscapes.

Moab: The Ultimate Adventure Base Camp in Utah

If you want a place that blends outdoor adventure with great food and amenities, Moab is hard to beat.

With dozens of restaurants, coffee shops, gear outfitters, and lodging options, from budget motels to upscale resorts, Moab is one of the most convenient and lively base camps in Utah.

Nearby Must-See Parks & Attractions

Arches National Park

Home to over 2,000 natural stone arches, dramatic rock fins, and balanced rocks. It’s also an International Dark Sky Park, making it one of the best places in the U.S. for stargazing.

Learn More: 18 Dark Sky Parks in the United States for Unforgettable Stargazing

Canyonlands National Park

A rugged landscape carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers, filled with canyons, mesas, and sweeping overlooks. Canyonlands is divided into four districts, with the most accessible being Island in the Sky. No roads join the districts together. Check the NPS website to help plan this trip.

Dead Horse Point State Park

One of the most photographed views in Utah. The park towers 2,000 feet above the Colorado River, where the overlook provides a breathtaking panorama of Canyonlands’ sculpted pinnacles and buttes.  

Utahraptor State Park

A newer park featuring one of North America’s largest dinosaur bone beds.

While in Moab ride the rapids in the Colorado, take an off-road tour with an experienced guide at the Sand Flats Recreation Area and do an astronomy tour in Arches or Canyonlands which have some of the best dark skies in the country.

Pro Tip: Be sure to carry plenty of water with you. You’ll be in the desert where it’s very arid and dehydration can set in quickly.

Torrey: The Best Base Camp for Capitol Reef National Park

Small, quiet, and incredibly scenic, Torrey is the closest town to Capitol Reef National Park, just 15 minutes away. The downside is that hotels book quickly, so book early.

Torrey has a variety of accommodations within all budgets, so you can find something that works best for you. Despite its size, Torrey has everything you need: local restaurants, a grocery store, and a range of lodging options. And it’s a designated Dark Sky Community.  Stop by the Torrey Trading Post for some unusual finds.

Pro Tip: If you plan on visiting a few National Parks, Forests, or Monuments consider getting the America the Beautiful Pass, it will save you some money.

Learn More: Unlocking America’s Best: The Ultimate Guide to the America the Beautiful Pass

Nearby Highlights

Capitol Reef National Park

 You’ll find yourself in the heart of red rock country, where there is a hidden treasure filled with cliffs, canyons, domes, and bridges. The Fruita Historic District offers history and petroglyphs, Waterpocket district is more remote, but you can drive through it while Cathedral Valley needs high 4-wheel clearance to visit.

Goblin Valley State Park

This park is often referred to as “Mars-like” It is covered with sandstone goblins and formations that are surreal.

Pro Tip: Be sure to have a good camera with you to save your memories. You’ll want pictures of all the amazing colors and formations that you’ll find in Utah. If you need a new camera, we recommend the ProPix from Kodak. It takes great pictures and really good videos.

Bentonite Hills at Mars Desert Research Station

 The striped rocks near the Mars Desert Research Station are beautiful. They are best viewed at sunrise and sunset to get the best colors.

Henry Mountains

 The Henry Mountain Range is one of the few places in the country where a buffalo herd roams free and is also rich in geologic resources. The Henry Mountains is a well-known point of reference in southeast Utah, reaching almost 12,000 feet at the top of Mt. Ellen.

Pro Tip: Don’t get too close to the buffalo when trying to get a picture. They may be somewhat accustomed to people, but they are still wild. Best bet is to get binoculars with a camera. We like these digital binoculars because they have 8x zoom.

Read More: How to Safely View Wildlife in National and State Parks (And Still Get Amazing Photos)

Kanab: A Hidden Gem Base Camp Near Zion & Bryce Canyon

Located near the Arizona border, Kanab is one of the most underrated base camps in southern Utah. Kanab is the gateway to three national parks and much more. Surrounded by sandstone cliffs and sagebrush you’ll find this is a great place to lay your head.

Downtown has a walkable main street that runs past the Little Hollywood Museum, the Heritage House and the Kanab Visitor Center. Abandoned film sets near town have become tourist attractions. From fast food to sit down restaurants you’ll find something you love and there’s plenty of accommodation where you can unwind and get your sleep.

Nearby National Parks

Zion National Park

Utah’s first National Park. Gaze up at massive sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that soar into the sky. Experience the tall, stretching walls of a narrow slot canyon.  Stay after sunset for amazing stargazing. Zion is rated as an International Dark Sky Park.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Situated along a high plateau at the top of the Grand Staircase, you’ll find the highest concentration of hoodoos (irregular columns of rock) here. It offers epic sunrise views and is perfect for star gazing. It also is an International Dark Sky Park.

Pro Tip: One of the things we love most when gazing at stars, is our portable telescope by Gskyer. You can also use it for pictures with the Iphone adapter.

More Things to Do Around Kanab

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

 Just 30 minutes east of Zion, this state park offers rolling sand dunes tinted with a soft, warm coral color, especially striking in morning or late-afternoon light. It’s an easy, peaceful place to wander for a few minutes or walk a short distance into the dunes for wide-open desert views.  You can also rent sand sleds to ride the dunes.

Dixie National Forest

In just a short drive, you can visit this forest that covers 170 miles across southern Utah. Red Canyon, one of the most spectacular colored cliff canyons in southern Utah, is in the heart of the Dixie Forest. Visitors may also enjoy a hike in Pine Valley, see scenic Navajo Lake, fish at Panguitch Lake, and visit Tropic Reservoir.

Kodachrome Basin State Park

 67 monolithic stone spires, accentuate multi-hued sandstone layers that reveal 180 million years of geologic time here.  The color and beauty found here prompted a National Geographic Society expedition to name the area Kodachrome, after the popular color film, in 1948.

Peek-A-Boo Canyon

 Peek-A-Boo Canyon is an easy, short hike (0.7 miles round trip) into one of the most beautiful slot canyons in the area. The stunning orange, sandstone walls make an amazing backdrop for photographs. In the canyon, you will find ancient Moqui Steps climbing the canyon wall as well as logs balanced between the canyon walls above you. Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon is about nine miles north of Kanab along Highway 89.

Escalante: Remote Beauty & Access to Grand Staircase

If you’re looking to get off the beaten path, Escalante is a fantastic base camp. Located between Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef, It sits right on the edge of one of Utah’s most rugged landscapes.

A handful of down-home cafes and diners, along with several cozy inns and motels, serve the visitors who come through or use the town as a base camp for extended exploration.

Nearby Attractions

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

 This National Monument is a vast area located in southern Utah, covering nearly 1.9 million acres of diverse landscapes, including cliffs, canyons, plateaus, and badlands. It is laid out in three distinct districts, so check the NPS website to help you plan your trip.

Escalante Petrified Forest Park

While not Petrified Forest National Park, you’ll still find plenty of petrified wood here. Two short, linked loop trails wind past many of the fossilized specimens, the area is also noted for Fremont Indian relics, 1,000-year-old petroglyphs and fossilized dinosaur bones.

Anasazi State Park Museum

 The Ancestral Puebloans who inhabited this region over 1,000 years ago are often referred to as Anasazi. The highlight is the Puebloan remains of Coombs Village. Outside the museum, there’s a completely reconstructed six-room replica of the ancient dwelling.

100 Hands Pictograph

 Between Boulder and Escalante, you’ll find the Pictographs on a rock overlooking the Escalante River.

Escalante is quieter than Moab or Kanab, making it ideal for travelers who want peace, solitude, and wide-open landscapes.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Utah Base Camp

Utah’s landscapes are some of the most dramatic in the country, but where you stay can make or break your trip.

Choosing the right base camp means: less driving time, more time to explore, and easier access to food, lodging and supplies. If you’re planning a road trip and need some ideas, check roadtrippers.com. They have ideas for places to stop, stay, and eat. Use code BTR5QTP to save $5.

The truth is you really can’t go wrong. Each of these towns offers its own version of Utah magic; red rock views, star-filled skies, and easy access to unforgettable adventures. Pick your base, unpack once, and spend your days chasing some of the best scenery in the American West.

We love to share tips and information we learn along the way to help you plan your trip. We hope to inspire you to find your adventures, have lots of fun and make many memories.

The post Best Small Towns in Utah for Base Camps (Near National Parks & Scenic Adventures) appeared first on scenicroutetravelers.com.

From remote hot springs and living ghost towns to surreal rock formations and hidden arches, these uncommon desert experiences prove that the Southwest still rewards travelers willing to explore beyond the obvious.

As an Amazon affiliate, when you click on some of the links on this page and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission, at no cost to you! By using our affiliate links, you’ll find our favorite picks and support us at the same time. And we really appreciate your support!

Here are 15 unforgettable desert adventures in Nevada and Utah that will completely change how you see the desert.

Little Finland (Devil’s Fire) – Gold Butte National Monument, Nevada

Also known as Devil’s Fire or Hobgoblin’s Playground, Little Finland is one of the most fragile and surreal rock formations in the Mojave Desert. Located within Gold Butte National Monument, this remote area features intricately eroded Aztec sandstone shaped into delicate fins, knobs, and spires across a narrow plateau.

Reaching Little Finland requires a high-clearance 4WD vehicle and about two hours of rough driving from Mesquite, Nevada, but the remoteness is exactly what keeps it special. The formations appear impossibly thin, as if a strong gust of wind could topple them, yet they’ve stood for thousands of years.

Devil’s Throat – Gold Butte National Monument, Nevada

Gold Butte delivers again with one of the strangest geological features in Nevada. Devil’s Throat is a massive 110-foot-deep sinkhole that opens abruptly in the desert floor.

Located along the Gold Butte Backcountry, there is a sign directing you to the hole and fence around it. Because the hole keeps getting bigger, the fence is a bit away from the hole, so it’s hard to look in the hole, but it’s worth checking out if you’re at Gold Butte. It’s raw, unfiltered desert geology and a powerful reminder of how unpredictable this landscape can be.

Pro Tip: Be sure you have a full tank of gas before heading to Gold Butte, there aren’t any gas stations in the park.

Cathedral Gorge State Park – Panaca, Nevada

While Utah gets most of the slot canyon attention, Cathedral Gorge State Park quietly offers something completely different. Carved from ancient volcanic ash and clay, the narrow passages here feel more like walking through sculpted gray wall than sandstone.

The Moon Caves and Cathedral Caves are short, winding, and easy to explore, making it possible to wander dozens of slots in just a few hours. It’s one of Nevada’s most underrated parks and one of its most unique.

Spencer Hot Springs – Austin, Nevada

Tucked into the Toiyabe Range just outside Austin, Nevada, Spencer Hot Springs strikes the perfect balance between accessibility and solitude. The hot water flows into old livestock tanks where you can manually adjust the temperature.

At over 6,000 feet in elevation, the springs offer year-round soaking with sweeping mountain views. There are no crowds, no luxuries, and the only rule is Leave No Trace- just quiet desert soaking done right.

Learn More: A Simple Guide to Leave No Trace for Outdoor Adventures

Warm Springs Ghost Town – Warm Springs, Nevada

Along Nevada’s legendary Extraterrestrial Highway, Warm Springs Ghost Town feels frozen in time. Founded in 1866 as a stagecoach stop, the town faded away, but the hot springs never stopped flowing.

Today, a striking turquoise pool sits in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by abandoned buildings, including a bar with a torn pool table still inside. Follow the spring uphill and you’ll find its boiling source, creating one of the eeriest- and most fascinating – desert stops in Nevada.

You can’t take a dip in this pool as the water is too hot! If you’re looking for hot springs you can relax in, read this: Soak It All In: Ultimate Guide to Nevada’s Hot Springs Adventures

Austin Historic District – Austin, Nevada

Austin calls itself a “living ghost town,” and the name fits. Once home to 10,000 silver miners, the town now has a population of around 600, but its history remains remarkably intact.

Highlights include Stokes Castle, a three-story stone tower that looks more European than Nevadan, and its location along Highway 50, famously known as The Loneliest Road in America. Austin also serves as a basecamp for nearby Spencer Hot Springs and Toquima Cave. While you’re here be sure to visit Toquima Cave where you will find one of the most sacred American Indian sites in the Silver State.

Goldwell Open Air Museum – Beatty, Nevada

Just outside the ghost town of Rhyolite, the Goldwell Open Air Museum blends desert art with abandonment in the most surreal way possible. Seven massive sculptures stand against the Mojave backdrop, including a haunting plaster version of The Last Supper.

The museum is free, open 24/7, and positioned right next to Rhyolite’s crumbling buildings-creating a collision of art, history, and endless desert sky. Kind of spooky and otherworldly right out in the open.

Pro Tip: You don’t want to visit these sites without a camera. If you need a new one, we like our PixPro from Kodak. Not only is a great size, but the pictures and videos come out great.

Bonneville Salt Flats – Wendover, Utah

The Bonneville Salt Flats stretch across more than 30,000 acres, forming one of the most surreal landscapes in the United States. Known for land-speed records since 1914, the flats still host Speed Week every August.

Even without engines roaring, driving onto the vast white expanse feels like stepping onto another planet – especially at sunrise or sunset, when reflections stretch endlessly across the salt crust.

Factory Butte & Bentonite Hills – Torrey, Utah

Near Capitol Reef, Factory Butte rises from a sea of color-streaked clay hills. The surrounding Bentonite Hills ripple with blues, purples, reds, and oranges- especially vivid after rainstorms reshape the landscape.

Accessible only by dirt roads, this remote area allows dispersed camping and offers constantly changing terrain that photographers obsess over but most travelers miss entirely.

Coyote Gulch – Grand Staircase-Escalante, Utah

One of southern Utah’s most dramatic canyons, Coyote Gulch features towering red walls, natural arches, and cool river pools. Access requires a long drive down HITR Road and a steep sand dune descent.

While the hike can be done in a long day, most visitors choose to camp overnight to fully experience the canyon’s cathedral-like atmosphere.

Pro Tip: This hike is strenuous and the steep decent requires hiking experience, so make sure you can handle it before you go on this hike.

Mystic Hot Springs – Monroe, Utah

Often called one of the most unique hot springs in the West, Mystic Hot Springs features mineral-rich water cascading into old bathtubs scattered across a travertine hillside.

The property also offers renovated buses for overnight stays, blending quirky charm with natural soaking. The springs have a long history, dating back to Native American use and later developed into a wellness retreat.

Cassidy Arch – Capitol Reef National Park, Utah

Capitol Reef remains one of Utah’s least crowded national parks, and Cassidy Arch is a prime example why. The 3.1-mile round-trip hike climbs steeply but rewards hikers with the rare chance to walk directly across a massive stone arch.

Standing on top of the arch, suspended above open air, offers one of the most exhilarating perspectives in Utah’s red rock country.

Homestead Crater – Midway, Utah

Unlike most hot springs, Homestead Crater sits inside a massive limestone dome. The geothermal spring is 65 feet deep, with crystal-clear water maintained at 93°F year-round.

Visitors can swim, snorkel, or scuba dive inside the crater, but access requires booking through the Homestead Resort. The fewer crowds make this underground oasis feel like a true hidden world.

Pro Tip: Take this quick dry, microfiber towel with you so you can be dry when you get to your car. Then use it as a seat cover to keep your seat dry.

Goblin Valley State Park – Green River, Utah

Goblin Valley feels like a natural playground filled with thousands of mushroom-shaped hoodoos scattered across a sandstone basin. Unlike many parks, visitors are encouraged to wander off-trail and explore freely.

The park remains relatively uncrowded despite its otherworldly appearance, making it one of Utah’s most fun and visually striking destinations. If you like the unusual and otherworldly, then this is a must-see bucket list park!

Snow Canyon State Park – Ivins, Utah

Often overshadowed by Zion, Snow Canyon State Park delivers red rock cliffs, black lava flows, slot canyons, and petrified sand dunes – all just outside St. George.

Short trails like Petrified Dunes and Jenny’s Canyon offer big visual payoffs without long hikes, while lava tube caves add a volcanic twist to the landscape.

Final Thoughts: Why the Desert Still Rewards the Curious

These uncommon desert experiences share something deeper than remoteness- they represent a version of the Southwest that still values discovery over crowds.

Some require serious planning and the right vehicle, while others sit quietly near major highways, waiting to be noticed. The desert keeps its secrets close, but for travelers willing to look beyond the checklist, Nevada and Utah offer experiences that feel genuinely rare in an increasingly crowded world.

We love sharing tips and information that we learn along the way with you to help you plan your next adventure. We hope to inspire you to find your adventures, have lots of fun and make many memories.

The post 15 Uncommon Desert Experiences in Nevada & Utah You’ve Probably Never Heard Of appeared first on scenicroutetravelers.com.

When most people think of Utah, they picture the Mighty Five National Parks, Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion. While these iconic parks are bucket-list worthy, Utah is also home to 46 state parks, 6 national monuments, and countless underrated landscapes that many travelers overlook.

From otherworldly hoodoos and ancient petroglyphs to pink sand dunes and dinosaur fossils, Utah’s hidden parks deliver just as much adventure (without the heavy crowds). If you’re looking to find secret adventures beyond the famous spots, here are 10 road trip ideas in Utah you’ll definitely want on your bucket list.

As an Amazon affiliate, when you click on some of the links on this page and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission, at no cost to you! By using our affiliate links, you’ll find our favorite picks and support us at the same time. And we really appreciate your support!

1. Goblin Valley State Park

Ever seen rocks that look like goblins, gnomes, or giant mushrooms? Goblin Valley’s whimsical hoodoos are a playground for both kids and adults. Visitors can hike, climb, and wander freely among the formations, making it one of Utah’s most interactive landscapes. If you like other worldly destinations, this park is for you. Best seasons to visit are spring and fall. You will find this park along Utah’s Mighty Five Loop.

2. Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument

With jaw-dropping slot canyons like Peek-a-Boo Gulch and Spooky Canyon, this monument rivals even Zion in beauty. Unlike the crowds at Antelope Canyon, Escalante’s canyons are peaceful, photogenic, and perfect for a half-day hike. Don’t miss the vibrant Zebra Canyon for striped rock walls unlike anywhere else. Binoculars come in handy to see those stripes! We got these Occer binoculars on Amazon and we really like them.

3. Escalante Petrified Forest State Park

Step back in time with trails lined by millions-of-years-old petrified wood. The 2-mile Petrified Forest Trail showcases glowing red, green, and golden logs that have been turned to stone. It’s like walking through an ancient storybook of Earth’s history.

4. Fremont Indian State Park

This park blends archaeology, history, and scenic hikes. See petroglyphs carved into cliffs by the Fremont people, then explore the Five Finger Ridge Trail for sweeping canyon views. The on-site museum adds depth with artifacts and cultural exhibits.

5. Newspaper Rock State Historic Monument

Nicknamed the “rock that tells a story,” Newspaper Rock features a massive wall of ancient petroglyphs, depicting humans, animals, tools, and abstract symbols etched into sandstone. Pair this stop with a drive along the Indian Creek Scenic Byway, which eventually leads to Canyonlands’ Needles District. This is just one place to see Utah’s petroglyphs and pictographs.

6. Valley of the Gods

Often called a smaller version of Monument Valley, this area is filled with towering sandstone buttes with names like “Seven Sailors” and “Lady in the Bathtub.” Drive the 17-mile scenic loop for stunning desert views. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended after heavy rain.

Pro Tip: Whatever you do don’t forget to bring your camera! You will want to look back on these memories. Find a camera that is easy to carry in your bag, so you have it handy. I love my Kodak PixPro, it’s a great size and takes really nice pictures and videos.

7. Nine Mile Canyon

Known as the “World’s Longest Art Gallery,” this 46-mile canyon is home to thousands of petroglyphs and pictographs. Along the scenic drive, you’ll find marked stops and picnic spots perfect for a leisurely day of exploration. Don’t forget your camera!

8. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

Just an hour from Zion, this park glows with vibrant coral-colored sand dunes set against red rock cliffs. Visitors love sandboarding, hiking, and photography.

Pro Tip: If you visit in winter, the pink dunes look stunning against the snow.

9. Bonneville Salt Flats

Stretching for 46 square miles, the Bonneville Salt Flats look like another planet. The shimmering, flat white landscape is best visited in summer or fall when dry conditions allow you to drive across the salt crust.

*Pro tip: Sunset and sunrise here are unforgettable.

10. Dinosaur National Monument

Straddling Utah and Colorado, this monument is a dream for dino lovers. The Quarry Exhibit Hall displays over 1,000 dinosaur fossils still embedded in rock walls. Beyond the bones, explore scenic drives, petroglyphs, and sweeping canyon views along Harpers Corner Road.

 Final Thoughts on Utah’s Hidden Parks

Utah is a land of endless wonder, from slot canyons and sand dunes to petroglyphs and petrified forests. While the Mighty Five draw the crowds, these underrated Utah parks offer adventure, history, and natural beauty without the hustle.

Next time you’re road-tripping through the Beehive State, make room on your itinerary for these hidden gems, they just might become your favorite stops. Utah has some amazing state parks worth visiting and so do most other states. If you can’t get away for a long trip, investigate what your state has to offer. I bet you’ll be surprised. If you need help finding new places to visit or with planning a road trip, check out roadtrippers.com. They have lots of great information. Use code BTR5QTP to save $5.

We enjoy sharing information and tips we learn along the way to help you plan your next trip. We hope to inspire you to find your adventures, have fun and make lots of memories!

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