Shannon O'Brien Travel Itineraries

The best destinations

View from Hunts Mesa, Monument Valley, Arizona
View from Hunts Mesa, Monument Valley, Arizona

The Best of Utah

#46 best destination in the world

Map view

Antelope Island, Antelope Island State Park

Bison herd on Antelope Island with calves and distant Wasatch Range mountains across Great Salt Lake
  • Antelope Island is the largest island in the Great Salt Lake
  • It serves as a significant wildlife refuge, hosting a diverse range of species, including bison, bighorn sheep, and various bird species
  • The island is part of Antelope Island State Park, which offers numerous recreational activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding on its extensive trail network

Double O Arch Trail, Arches National Park

Double O Arch along the Devil's Garden trail in Arches National Park

Walk difficulty: moderate

Best time to visit: April-May, Sept-Oct

  • The Double O Arch Trail is a hiking route located in Arches National Park
  • The trail leads to the Double O Arch, a rock formation featuring two arches stacked one above the other

Windows Loop and Turret Arch Trail, Arches National Park

turret arch through north window arch in arches national park in utah, usa

Walk difficulty: easy

Best time to visit: April-May, Sept-Oct

  • The Windows Loop and Turret Arch Trail in Arches National Park is a hiking route that leads hikers to three significant arches: North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch
  • The hike offers views of unique sandstone formations, with opportunities to explore the arches up close

Delicate Arch Trail, Arches National Park

Sweeping sunset panoramic view of famous Delicate Arch in Arches National Park in Moab, Utah (HDR)

Walk difficulty: moderate

Best time to visit: April-May, Sept-Oct

  • The Delicate Arch Trail is a hiking route in Arches National Park, leading to the iconic Delicate Arch, which is a symbol of the state
  • Delicate Arch is one of the most photographed natural arches in the world and is often featured on Utah's license plates
  • Spring and fall are ideal seasons for hiking this trail, as temperatures are more comfortable, especially at sunrise and sunset

Bonneville Salt Flats

Landscape of the Bonneville Salt Flats at dawn with a man and suv in the distance
  • The Bonneville Salt Flats are a unique natural feature located in Tooele County
  • - The expansive salt pan is a remnant of the ancient Pleistocene Lake Bonneville, which once covered much of the region
  • The area is characterized by a hard, white salt crust that can reflect light, especially when flooded, creating a mirror-like effect
  • The Bonneville Salt Flats are also known for hosting land speed records due to their flat and hard surface

Inspiration Point, Bryce Canyon National Park

Amphitheater from Inspiration Point at sunrise, Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, USA

Best time to visit: May-Sept

  • Inspiration Point is a scenic viewpoint located within Bryce Canyon National Park
  • It offers views of the park's unique geological formations, particularly the famous hoodoos, which are tall, thin spires of rock
  • The viewpoint consists of three levels, providing visitors with varied perspectives of the landscape

Hoodoos and eroded sandstone formations along the Queen's Garden and Navajo Loop hiking trails at Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah.

Walk difficulty: moderate

Best time to visit: May-Sept

  • The Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail are two hiking trails in Bryce Canyon National Park, often combined into a single loop hike that showcases the park's geological features
  • Queens Garden Trail is known for its unique hoodoo formations, including those resembling Queen Victoria and her garden
  • Navajo Loop Trail features switchbacks and expansive views of formations like Thor’s Hammer, which offers a dramatic descent into the canyon

Wall Street and Queens Garden Loop Trail, Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park Wall street

Walk difficulty: moderate

Best time to visit: May-Sept

  • Wall Street and Queens Garden Loop Trail is a hiking route located in Bryce Canyon National Park, that combines two main sections
  • Queens Garden Trail is known for its relatively gentle descent and views of unique rock formations called hoodoos
  • Wall Street Trail features dramatic switchbacks and is notable for being the only slot canyon in Bryce Canyon
  • It is best hiked during the late spring, summer, or early fall when the weather is more favorable

Mesa Arch Trail, Canyonlands National Park

Sunrise at Mesa Arch, Utah-USA

Walk difficulty: easy

  • The Mesa Arch Trail is a hiking route located in the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park
  • The trail leads to the iconic Mesa Arch, which is a 27-foot-long (8.3 m) arch that frames views of the canyon below and the distant La Sal Mountains
  • The Mesa Arch is particularly notable for its sunrise views, where it glows with vibrant colors

The Hickman Bridge Trail, Capitol Reef National Park

Hiking to Hickman Bridge in Capitol Reef National Park, Utah

Walk difficulty: moderate

  • The Hickman Bridge Trail is a popular hiking route located in Capitol Reef National Park, near Torrey
  • The trail leads to the Hickman Natural Bridge, a natural arch that rises over 300 feet above the Fremont River and Highway 24
  • The trail goes under and around the arch providing various vantage points for photography
  • The hike is characterized by tall rock walls and diverse vegetation

Dead Horse Point State Park

Dead Horse Point State Park
  • Dead Horse Point State Park is a park located in San Juan County, near the town of Moab
  • It is renowned for its dramatic overlooks of the Colorado River and the surrounding Canyonlands National Park
  • The park sits at an elevation of approximately 2,000 feet above the river, offering panoramic views

Deer Valley

Empty ski lift March 30, 2021 Stein Eriksen Lodge resort in Deer Valley, Utah.
  • Deer Valley Resort is a premier ski destination located in the Wasatch Range, in Park City
  • Deer Valley is renowned for its upscale services, including ski valets, gourmet dining options, and elegant day lodges
  • Deer Valley offers a unique skiing experience that caters exclusively to skiers, and snowboarding is not permitted
  • The resort has hosted numerous elite skiing competitions, including events during the 2002 Winter Olympics

Corona and Bowtie Arch via Corona Arch Trail, Moab

Corona Arch in red sandstone, near Moab, Utah, United States

Walk difficulty: moderate

Best time to visit: April-May, Sept-Oct

  • Corona Arch and Bowtie Arch are two natural rock formations located near Moab, accessible via the Corona Arch Trail
  • Corona Arch is a massive sandstone arch that features smooth, curving lines descending from a large stone structure
  • Bowtie Arch is a unique pothole arch located just before reaching Corona Arch, which is characterized by its distinctive shape, formed when a pothole eroded into a cave

Monument Valley, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

View from Hunts Mesa, Monument Valley, Arizona
  • Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is a natural landscape located on the border of Arizona and Utah, within the Navajo Nation Reservation
  • Known for its sandstone formations, the park features towering mesas and buttes that rise between 400 to 1,000 feet above the valley floor
  • These formations are often framed by dramatic skies, creating views that have made the area a popular subject in photography and film
  • Visitors can explore the park through various tours, including guided tours led by Navajo guides, which provide insights into the area's history and significance

Park City Mountain Resort

Park City, Utah, USA Downtown Skyline Aerial.

Best time to visit: Jan-March, Dec

  • Park City Mountain Resort is a premier ski resort located in Park City
  • It is renowned as the largest ski resort in the United States, boasting over 7,300 acres of skiable terrain, which includes more than 300 trails and 38 lifts
  • Park City Mountain was a venue for the 2002 Winter Olympics and is set to host events for the 2034 Winter Olympics

Temple Square, Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City, Utah, USA downtown cityscape over Temple Square with autumn foliage.

Best time to visit: Sept-Oct

  • Temple Square is a significant religious site located in downtown Salt Lake City, that serves as the headquarters for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
  • It is a center for worship and history for its members and includes a variety of historic buildings, gardens, and monuments
  • The centerpiece of Temple Square is the Salt Lake Temple, a sacred place of worship that took 40 years to construct, from 1853 to 1893, whose architecture is notable for featuring granite from nearby canyons
  • Visitors can explore gardens, museums, and the famous Mormon Tabernacle, known for its exceptional acoustics

Natural History Museum of Utah, Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City, Utah USA - March 16th, 2022: Dinosaurs at Natural History Museum of Utah

Best time to visit: Sept-Oct

  • The Natural History Museum of Utah is a museum located on the University of Utah's Research Park campus
  • The museum houses nearly 2 million objects that encompass a wide range of topics related to life, earth, and culture
  • It features world-class exhibitions that highlight the natural history of Utah and the Intermountain West, including interactive displays on minerals, flora, and fauna

Snowbird Ski Resort

Snowbird, UT, USA - January 7, 2020: Aerial Tram viewed from the top of Hidden Peak at Snowbird Ski Resort in Little Cottonwood Canyon in the Wasatch Range near Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.
  • Snowbird Ski Resort is a premier ski and summer destination located in Little Cottonwood Canyon
  • It is renowned for its exceptional snowfall, averaging over 500 inches annually
  • It features Utah's only Aerial Tram, providing views of the surrounding mountains
  • In addition to winter sports, Snowbird offers summer activities such as hiking, mountain coasters, and tram rides

Lower Falls via Bells Canyon Trail, Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

Bell Canyon Waterfall in the Wasatch Mountains

Walk difficulty: moderate

  • The Lower Falls via Bells Canyon Trail is a hiking route located in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest near Sandy
  • The trail is rocky and steep as it traverses through Bells Canyon, eventually reaching the Lower Falls, which is a scenic waterfall
  • The trail follows Bells Canyon Creek, which is surrounded by pines and aspen trees

Big Cottonwood Canyon, Wasatch–Cache National Forest

Utah big cottonwood canyon fall foliage hikers
  • Big Cottonwood Canyon is a canyon located in the Wasatch Mountains, approximately 16 miles long
  • It offers a wide range of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, including hiking, rock climbing, fishing, camping, and wildlife viewing
  • The canyon is particularly known for its scenic drives, with the Big Cottonwood Canyon Scenic Byway providing access to various trails and picnic areas
  • The canyon is especially attractive in the fall when the foliage changes color, creating a vibrant display of autumn hues

The Zion Narrows Riverside Walk, Zion National Park

Virgin River from the Riverside Walk - Zion National Park

Walk difficulty: easy

Best time to visit: April-Nov

  • The Zion Narrows Riverside Walk is a scenic trail located in Zion National Park
  • The trail follows the Virgin River, offering views of the surrounding sandstone cliffs as they narrow
  • It serves as the gateway to the more challenging Narrows hike, which involves walking in the river itself
  • The Riverside Walk begins at the Temple of Sinawava, which can be found on the park's shuttle system, and leads directly to the entrance of the Narrows

Floor of the Valley Road, Zion National Park

The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.

Best time to visit: April-Nov

  • The Floor of the Valley Road, also known as the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, is a scenic road located in Zion National Park
  • Originally, a primitive wagon trail existed in the area, but the first formal road was constructed in 1916
  • During peak seasons (from March through November), private vehicles are not allowed on the road due to congestion; instead, visitors must use shuttle buses that operate
  • The drive offers scenic views and access to various hiking trails and natural landmarks within the park

Zion - Mt. Carmel Highway, Zion National Park

Looking down on the east side of the Mount Carmel Tunnel, in Zion National Park.

Best time to visit: April-Nov

  • The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway is a scenic road that runs through Zion National Park
  • The highway spans approximately 25 miles (40 km) and connects the south entrance of the park in Springdale to the town of Mount Carmel Junction
  • This highway is known for its winding roads, and significant landmarks, including the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, which is notable for its impressive construction dating back to the 1920s, and includes windows that offer scenic views of the surrounding landscape
  • The drive features switchbacks, slickrock formations, and seasonal waterfalls and provides access to various hiking trails and viewpoints

Zion Canyon Overlook Trail, Zion National Park

Panoramic View from the Canyon Overlook Trail into scenic Zion National Park on a perfect Summer Day with blue Sky

Walk difficulty: easy

Best time to visit: April-Nov

  • The Canyon Overlook Trail in Zion National Park is a hiking route that offers views of Zion Canyon
  • At the overlook point, visitors can see the expansive red and cream-colored slickrock formations within the canyon
  • The trail is especially noted for its panoramic vistas above the Great Arch

The Watchman Trail, Zion National Park

the watchman from parus trail in zion national park in the usa

Walk difficulty: moderate

Best time to visit: April-Nov

  • The Watchman Trail in Zion National Park is a hiking route that offers views of the surrounding landscape, including Watchman peak
  • The viewpoint at the end of the trail offers vistas of the Watchman, Temples and Towers, and lower Zion Canyon