Here at Utah’s Adventure Family, it makes sense that we are big Utah explorers. We love exploring this state and finding all of the amazing spots for families. Sometimes we cross outside the state because there are also awesome things to see in our neighboring states. This post highlights 10 spots that are just over the Utah border into one of Utah’s neighbors. All of them are close to home, but they may be new to you, since they are outside the state. Here are 10 Must See places to visit near Utah.
Great Basin National Park: Nevada
We often refer to Great Basin National Park as the 6th National Park of Utah because it is so close to us on the Nevada border. This national park is smaller, but has some really great cave tours. We love to camp here in summer or early fall. Wheeler Peak is 10,000 feet, so it gets snow for a good portion of the year. You reach Great Basin by heading west through Delta. Here are our recommendations for Great Basin:
Cathedral Gorge State Park : Nevada
Just outside of Cedar City or St. George, you will find this amazing Nevada State Park. Cathedral Gorge is such a unique place to explore with a ton of little slot canyons. The rock formations are beautiful, and there are some short easy hikes for all ages. This is also a fun place to camp. We made a day trip out of it from St. George. Read more here:
Valley of Fire: Nevada
Another great day trip from St. George, Utah, is Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada. This park really looks like it is on fire with streaked bright red rocks. The lines in the rocks make for some great photos and really cool hikes. We did lots of short hikes, so it was just right for families to explore. Valley of Fire is a definite must see!
Monument Valley: Arizona
Monument Valley contains some of the most famous rock formations in the world. This park located in Arizona is run by the Navajo Nation, and has certain hours, so make sure to plan ahead for your trip. This is a 17 mile scenic drive through beautiful country. There are also pull outs to get out and enjoy the scenery, but no hiking. Lots of movies were filmed in Monument Valley, and you will certainly recognize some spots. It is iconic and worth a trip. Located south of Bluff, Utah, in the southeast corner of the state.
Horseshoe Bend: Arizona
This spot is located just outside of Page, Arizona, near Lake Powell. Horseshoe Bend is actually part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (Lake Powell), and is part of the Colorado River. It is a 1.5 mile hike roundtrip. There is no shade and this part of the country can get blistering hot in the summer, so be prepared when visiting. The river makes a 270 degree turn that looks just like a horseshoe. And it is beautiful with the red rocks and the river. There is a fee for parking, but it is worth it.
Mesa Verde National Park: Colorado
This national park in Colorado is home to some of the best kept native dwellings in the world. These cliffside homes are impressively built into the cliffs and many require ladders to visit. Every time we visit, we are amazed at what the ancient people could create. There are tours that require fees and timed tickets to go, as well as other places for self exploration and hiking. Check out our family guide for more information:
Colorado National Monument: Colorado
Just outside of Grand Junction, Colorado, there is a beautiful national monument. Colorado National Monument is a beautiful drive through towering rocks and amazing tunnels. It reminds us a little bit of Zion National Park or Monument Valley. There are quite a few short easy trails, too. We spent half a day exploring, but can’t wait to go back and do more. Here’s what we did on our visit:
City of Rocks: Idaho
This is the one spot on our list that we haven’t visited yet, but it has been on our list for years. Everyone raves about how fun it is to camp and explore in City of Rocks. This national reserve is great for hiking and rock climbing and star gazing. City of Rocks is definitely on the top of our list to visit soon. Have you been?
Bear Lake: Idaho
Technically Bear Lake is half in Utah and half in Idaho, but this is a spot we visit the Idaho side every single year. It is such a fun spot in summer. The beaches are shallow and beautiful, and the turquoise water is gorgeous. It is a great place for family reunions, camping, and relaxing. Best of all, there are dozens of unique activities like caves, historical places, and more. More information here:
Evanston, WY (Fossil Butte NM)
Evanston is so close to Utah, so we spent a week exploring this area last summer. We were impressed with the fun historical sites, and all of the fossils. There is a beautiful state park right in the city that we went to every single day to look for moose and birds. They even have white bison here. Make sure to plan a day to go to Fossil Butte National Monument and check out Fossil Lake Safari where you can dig for your own fossils and keep what you find. So if you’re looking for a spot to spend a day or two, don’t skip over Evanston.
All of these places to visit near Utah are within an hour or so from the border. We are so lucky to have so much to do in Utah, and just beyond. Did we miss one of your favorite sites near the edge of Utah? Send us an email info@utahsadventurefamily.com and let us know.
