The fascinating tourist attractions in Utah are abundant, between the state’s scenic landscapes and historical sites. And you don’t just have to be a tourist of the state to enjoy it! If you’re up for some unconventional, one-of-a-kind sightseeing, you’ve got it made in the Beehive State. The following tours give you a taste of the state’s history, geographical beauty, and diversity.
Located in the state’s capital, the Beehive House is Utah sightseeing staple, and especially so when it comes to Mormon history. So if you’re interested in learning more about early Mormon Church founders, this is right up your alley. Famously home to the religion’s second president Brigham Young, the house offers free guided tours every day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
If you’ve ever taken a look at the back of a Utah state quarter, you’ll see an unexpected image: two trains coming together with a large spike at their meeting point. Unbeknownst to many, there is a reason for this. In 1869, the first transcontinental railroad was joined in northern Utah as the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railroads were connected. And although the original “golden spike” is now housed at Stanford University’s Cantor Arts Museum, a tour of the Golden Spike National Historic Site is still available. Typically offered Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from mid-October to the first week of May, the tour features an impressive collection of steam locomotives replicas.
Much of Utah’s more recent history is based in the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints—otherwise known as the Mormon Church. The religion is headquartered in Salt Lake City, and the Salt Lake City Mormon Temple is one of the prettiest buildings in the state. If you’re interested in learning more about the history of the religion and seeing some beautiful architecture, free guided tours are available of the historic Temple Square from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day.
One of Utah’s most famous historical attractions, Dinosaur National Monument (located on the Utah-Colorado border) is a little boy’s dream. With over 1,500 dinosaur fossils on display, the monument is one of the world’s best documentations of the late-Jurassic period. Ranger-led tours and activities are offered at the Dinosaur National Monument from late May through mid-September.
Utah’s beloved Zion National Park can feel daunting. With such an expanse of stunning views, geology, and wildlife, it can be difficult to know where to start. Luckily, you can schedule a number of ranger-led tours inside the park depending on your interests.
Long before pioneers found their way to Utah, various Native American tribes were Utah’s main inhabitants. Today, traces of ancient tribes give tourists and residents a fascinating look into what it could’ve been like to live in Utah’s dry, red rock desert thousands of years ago. Many of these traces come in the form of petroglyphs. Luckily for you, this three-hour petroglyph tour will take you exactly where you need to go to learn about Utah’s past.
Easily one of Utah’s most popular tours, the Fiery Furnace tour is a ranger-guided tour (or hike) of a natural maze of narrow, sandstone slot canyons in Arches National Park. You can’t enter the “Fiery Furnace” without a qualified guide, and because this tour is so popular, you’ll need to make sure you schedule this one way in advance.
Millions of people visit Utah to see its famed red-rock landscape. If you want a thorough tour of the area from experts but are far from an expert yourself, consider Dreamland Safari Tours. You’ll be able to hike, take pictures, and enjoy the sun with periodic bouts of air conditioning.
