There’s no better time to visit southern Utah than spring. The hardest part? Choosing between so many amazing places to explore and activities to try.

Every spring, folks from across Utah, Colorado, and the whole US flock to southern Utah, eager to soak up everything the area has to offer (5 National Parks! World-class hiking and biking! Comfortable accommodations and delicious restaurants!). Read on for the inside scoop on all things southern Utah.

When you’re ready, reach out to Set Forth Adventures to start planning your own dream trip — to Utah or anywhere else!

Utah’s National Parks
Utah boasts 5 National Parks (only Alaska and California have more), and they’re all popular (4 of the 5 were among the 25 most-visited Parks in 2023). With so much to see, and the occasional crowded hiking trail to avoid, working with Set Forth Adventures is the ideal way to make sure your trip to Utah’s National Parks is perfect.

Here are a few of our favorite hikes, views, and experiences in these amazing Parks!

Arches: Arches is famous for it’s arches, of course! The park is home to over 2,000 stone arches, and visitors flock to photograph the most-famous examples. For a quieter option, accessed by a stunning hike, try Tower Arch.

Canyonlands: Like Arches, Canyonlands’ proximity to Moab means the park can be crowded in the spring. Beat the crowds with a sunrise hike to Mesa Arch. Don’t forget your camera!

Capitol Reef: Capitol Reef is a geologic marvel — the park protects sandstone cliffs, gleaming white stone domes, and endless contrasting layers of rock and earth. Visit the remote Waterpocket District for an in-person view of millennia of geologic and archeologic history.

Bryce: Bryce is defined by the Rim Trail, a long trail along the canyon’s rim, with sweeping views of the famous Hoodoo rock features. For a mix of hiking on the rim and in the canyon, try the 8-mile Fairyland Loop.

Zion: Sometimes, you come across an incredibly popular tourist attraction that truly deserves the hype. Zion’s Angel’s Landing hike is a perfect example. To manage crowding, the Parks Service implemented a permitting system for the trail — reserve your spot in advance!

Moab, UT — The Perfect Basecamp
The Moab Valley is part of the Ute Native American ancestral homeland; the town of Moab was established by 41 Mormon missionaries in 1855. It goes without saying that Moab has seen jaw-dropping transformation since then. Now, Moab is a thriving town and the perfect base for countless adventurers who visit southern Utah each year.

Though the town has just over 5,000 year-round residents, it welcomes 3 to 5 million visitors annually! With so many tourists, and a smorgasbord of activities to choose from, planning your time in Moab can be overwhelming. Set Forth Adventures can help — here are just a few of our favorite things in Moab!

Ride: Moab’s most famous mountain bike route is the Whole Enchilada — a 34 mile descent from the La Sal Mountains to the Colorado River. For a more manageable, and just as exciting, option check out the Raptor Route — a sweet linkup of the Eagle Eye, Hawk’s Glide, and Falcon Flow trails.

Walk: There are countless great hikes in nearby Arches and Canyonlands National Park, including plenty of challenging options for a half or full day. Regardless of how you choose to fill your day, a quick walk up the Mill Creek Trail is a great addition to any day in Moab. Bring a towel so you can dip in the natural pools and falls at the top!

Eat: With so many activities to choose from, you’ll be hard-pressed to find time for sit-down dining! Quesadilla Mobilla is a beloved on-the-go option for hungry adventurers — their gourmet quesadillas will power you up for whatever the day has in store!

Drink: Traditionally, Utah is not known for its alcohol options! Still, a number of breweries in Moab are doing their best to change that, offering delicious beer in great settings. Try Proper Brewing for the perfect cap to any day of adventuring!