What to do and see in Utah, United States: The Best Lookouts

April 30, 2022 Vivienne Hutton

Welcome to “The Greatest Snow on Earth” – Utah’s paradise for all outdoor enthusiasts! As host of the 2002 Winter Olympics, Park City knows how to entertain winter fun seekers. Snowboarders and skiers head for miles of spectacular slopes with deep fluffy powder and breathtaking mountain views. The Olympic Park provides family-friendly ski programs, rides and shows. Alta, Sundance, Snowbird and Brighton are other popular destinations for cross country and Alpine skiers. Those alluring snowy slopes turn to rolling wildflower fields in the summer. Golfing, fishing, horseback riding and water sports replace chilly outdoor sports adventures. Corral the family, pack a picnic and catch one of the ski lifts for an afternoon of hiking or mountain biking along scenic trails. Head to Salt Lake City, where Temple Square hosts millions of visitors a year. Bryce Canyon and Arches National Park are famous for surreal landscapes from horseshoe-shaped amphitheaters to unusual rock formations and hundreds of natural sandstone arches. Closer to home, wander along the quaint main streets of mountain villages to browse, shop and enjoy lunch at an outdoor café. At the end of the day, head home for an outdoor barbecue and an evening of games. Home rentals blend privacy, space and comfort with the cost-saving advantage of eating some meals at home.
Restaurants in Utah

1. Sunset Point

Bryce Canyon National Park, UT +1 435-834-5322 http://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/sunset.htm
Excellent
85%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 794 reviews

Sunset Point

See the canyon spread out below you, and the hoodoos rise up.

Reviewed By richardsM2843GS - Maricopa, United States

Stunning views and each is different from each view point. Take the time to stop inhale the fresh mountain air, you will be at about 7,000 feet so if your not in shape you will get out of breath walking around.

2. Observation Point

Zion National Park, UT
Excellent
90%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 746 reviews

Observation Point

This overlook provides a great view of southern Zion Canyon if you're willing to climb the 2200 feet of elevation to get there.

Reviewed By ankitg445 - Vienna, United States

The main trail was closed when we visited due to landslide/rockfall but we did not want to miss this point, so we visited it though East Messa trail. The drawback of East Mesa trail is that the views are left to the last and the advantage is that the hike is pretty much flat. There is some altitude change towards the end. The canyon was overcrowded when we visited due to Memorial day weekend, however, to our delight, this place was largely empty. You can see Angel's landing down below, along with the road in the canyon. Beautiful views and photo taking opportunities.

3. Sunrise Point

Bryce Canyon National Park, UT +1 435-834-5322 http://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/sunrise.htm
Excellent
80%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 586 reviews

Sunrise Point

Scenic overlook in Bryce Canyon National Park.

Reviewed By pamgoes

Sitting at one end of the Rim Walk, and a short walk from Bryce Canyon Lodge, this is a popular spot for viewing the sunrise. It is also the trailhead for the Queen’s Garden Trail leading down into the hoodoos.

4. North Window Overlook

Monument Valley, UT
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

North Window Overlook

5. Inspiration Point

Bryce Canyon National Park, UT +1 435-834-5322 http://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/inspiration.htm
Excellent
91%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,239 reviews

Inspiration Point

Scenic overlook in Bryce Canyon National Park.

Reviewed By AeneasAtSea - Salt Lake City, United States

The aptly-named Inspiration Point offers perhaps the single best view of the Bryce amphitheater. Definitely worth a stop during any trip to the park!

6. Clear Creek Overlook

Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel East Entrance, Zion National Park, UT http://www.zionnational-park.com/zion-park-clear-creek.htm
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 4 reviews

Clear Creek Overlook

Scenic observation point with spectacular views of Zion National Park's rugged landscape.

7. Muley Point Overlook

Mexican Hat, UT http://www.americansouthwest.net/utah/mexican_hat/muley_point.html
Excellent
86%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 254 reviews

Muley Point Overlook

Reviewed By MaryEllenM27 - Kalispell, United States

Stunning, expansive views of Monument Valley and the Mexican Hat Valley area below. The short road into the Muley Point is rough but still passable when you drive slow. The road down the Moki Dugway later is also neat and graded gravel...a real treat. I'm not so sure about taking a big RV on the Dugway though. If you want a heart stopping view and great photo ops...take this short drive which is just at the very top of the Moki Dugway when you are heading south from the Natural Bridges National Park area in Utah.

8. Grand View Point Overlook

Canyonlands National Park, UT +1 435-719-2313 http://www.nps.gov/cany/index.htm
Excellent
82%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 391 reviews

Grand View Point Overlook

Reviewed By BruinDan - Fullerton, United States

The Grand View Point Overlook is a popular viewpoint at the edge of Island in the Sky mesa in Canyonlands National Park that offers wide and spectacular canyon panoramas. The trailhead is at the end of Grand View Road, the southernmost point along the Island in the Sky Scenic Drive. The trail to Grand View Point is 2.0 mi/3.2 km out and back. The trail is rated “easy” but novice hikers should NOTE that easy does not necessarily mean flat nor paved. There will be some mild ascents and descents (including stairs) as you walk on both sand and slickrock, so you should definitely wear hiking or sturdy walking shoes. The trail is also very exposed, so bringing water, a hat and sunscreen are strongly recommended. The trail itself runs close to the canyon rim, so you will get great views throughout. Once you reach the slickrock the trail sometimes becomes a little hard to follow, so look for the cairns (stacks of rocks) that will guide your way. When the trail ends you’ve arrived at the overlook. There are numerous spots at the overlook where you can sit down, sip some water, enjoy a snack and take in the magnificent view. We had several friendly chipmunks visit us while we sat there; not coincidentally, they suddenly appeared as soon as I opened the wrapper to a granola bar. If you have the time and are physically able, you should definitely take the hike to Grand View Point -- you will consider it one of the highlights of your visit to Canyonlands National Park.

9. Wedge Overlook & Buckhorn Draw Backway

Castle Dale, UT http://www.utah.com/backways/wedgeoverlook.htm
Excellent
92%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 24 reviews

Wedge Overlook & Buckhorn Draw Backway

Reviewed By J230DUwilliamw

Great view, worth the visit if you're coming from Castle Dale as the dirt road is in excellent shape - this keeps 90% of the public away. After staring down into the canyon, we continued on through Buckhorn Draw (a beautiful canyon, also highly recommended) and the pictographs were definitely worth a stop! The road out to I-70 is not as nice as the road from Castle Dale so if you have a choice and are in a 2WD passenger car, you'll prefer the Castle Dale route.

10. Brian Head Peak Observation

Brian Head Peak Road, Brian Head, UT 84719 +1 435-865-3700 http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/dixie/recarea/?recid=24916
Excellent
79%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 28 reviews

Brian Head Peak Observation

Reviewed By Lauralanglois - Hudson, United States

Came here while visiting cedar breaks national monument for the day. Gravel roads up to an amazing 360° view at 11,000+ feet. There is a shelter at the top built by the CCC back in the day. We had an amazing view at the highest elevation in Southern Utah. It’s cool up there, literally, and you can see forever. Nice stop to eat lunch!!

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