24 Must-visit Destinations in Utah-Otherworldly Salt Flats, Bright Turquoise Lakes, and National Parks Included

"Utah doesn't get as much attention as some of its neighbors (ahem, Colorado), but the terrain is so stunning and varied that much of the natural landscape is designated national park, national monument, or national forest land. It's impossible to check out every site the state has to offer in one visit, but certain places stand out. From desert marked with red sandstone arches to giant, snow-covered ski mountains and bright-white salt flats, there are ample spots to explore beyond the five phenomenal national parks."

"Wander among hoodoos, columns of rock jutting out of the ground, at Goblin Valley State Park. You can spend the day exploring Little Wild Horse slot canyon, which includes a stretch where the walls are so tight that you have to turn sideways to get through. Make your way to the Third Valley to set up camp among the tallest rock formations. As a certified Dark Sky Park, this is an excellent place to spend the night to stargaze."

Utah receives less attention than some neighboring states but contains stunning, varied terrain designated as national parks, national monuments, and national forests. The landscape ranges from deserts with red sandstone arches to snow-covered ski mountains and bright-white salt flats. Zion National Park, the state's first and most-visited park, features steep red cliffs, slot canyons, emerald-colored pools, waterfalls, and hanging gardens. Park City offers a mountain-town atmosphere with extensive biking and hiking trails in summer and major ski areas in winter. Goblin Valley State Park contains hoodoos, tight slot canyons, campsites in the Third Valley, certified Dark Sky stargazing, and options for canyoneering and biking. Powder Mountain provides the most skiable acreage in North America with over 160 trails.

Read at Travel + Leisure