The 9 Best National Monuments to Visit in Utah

If you’re hoping to take a vacation this year that is both entertaining and relaxing, Utah is the ideal destination for you. Not only will you explore new scenery and beautiful sites, but you can also learn about Utah’s various National Monuments and what makes them so unique.

Check out the 9 best monuments you have to stop and see the next time you’re visiting Utah:

1. Cedar Breaks National Monument

This monument isn’t as popular as most, so it’s often overlooked. Many people will speed right on by to Las Vegas without giving it a second glance but this is a very beautiful destination.

The rocks at this monument are known to be more colorful than most. This is because many of the other parks and monuments in this state contain more of a desert look and feel.

You’ll notice several bright and vivacious colors reflecting off the limestone rock formations. A unique fact about the colors is that they can change depending on the season, so it’ll feel like you’re seeing a whole new monument every time you come back. The sunset is also known to be an incredibly gorgeous mixture of colors.

2. Hovenweep National Monument

Since this monument is located farther away than most, you may have a secluded feeling when you step foot here. This monument is over 10,000 years old and is known to be a fairly underrated tourist destination spot. You’ll feel the history throughout this area. It used to be the home of over 2,000 different residents at one point in time.

You’ll find different structures formed as far back as 1200 AD that overlook several majestic canyons. Gaze down at the wondrous canyons beneath you as you venture through the various older structures. If you’re searching for a place to hike and explore, this is the location to do it. There are several hiking trails available to you for exploring.

As you journey down the hiking paths, you’ll find many popular or rare birds sitting along the tree branches ready to tweet a friendly “hello”. If you’re enjoying your time there and would like to stay a little longer, you can pay $15 a night to camp on the grounds. If you’d just like daily access to the park, it is free for everyone.

3. Timpanogos Cave National Monument

Are you a brave and adventurous mountain climber? Then this is the monument made for you. This park features Mount Timpanogos. It’s a mountain you can climb that isn’t too extremely challenging, so even beginner climbers can make the journey up.

This is when you can start to explore the insides of the mountain you just climbed as you enter the Timpanogos Cave. This cave also provides a guided tour for only $8.

4. Golden Spike National Historic Site

This site has some major history behind it. In 1869, the Transcontinental Railroad had finished its construction. This brought together the East and West areas located at Promontory Summit. To learn more about this site, you can head over to the headquarters to see different replica steam trains and different exhibits explaining the history here.

5. Dinosaur National Monument

This monument combines the best of both worlds that you and your kids are searching for: fun and learning. Unleash the dinosaur-lover inside you by visiting this monument with over 1,500 unique Jurassic fossils. You’ll also uncover all kinds of skeletons that are still preserved and available for viewing.

After you’ve learned all there is to know about dinosaurs, hop on over to the trampoline section of the monument. You and your family can jump on the different trampolines they have available in the park.

6. Rainbow Bridge National Monument

The adventure immediately begins as soon as you arrive at this park. When you first show up, you’ll notice a giant arch that stretches over a large majority of the land. Once you get to the park, you’ll need to park your car immediately. Then you’ll hop on a boat or begin your hike up to the arch to get the full view and experience.

Boating or hiking are both acceptable options to pursue. The hike is a little under two miles to reach the top, but others would still prefer to take the boat. This is because the view on your way to the bridge is breathtaking.

7. Natural Bridges National Monument

This park is known to be a special one. It was proclaimed Utah’s very first national monument in the year of 1908. This area was once inhabited by Native Americans. The current bridges found at this monument now are named Owachomo, Kachina, and Sipapu. Whichever bridge you choose to explore and stand on will give you a pretty view as you look out at the various canyons and deserts.

This is the ideal place to get active and experience beautiful sites along the way. There are approximately seven trails available for hiking in the park. You’ll find several hiking trails and bird species sitting along the trail as you stroll.

8. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

This area consists of a fairly small town. The surrounding land is fairly more rugged than the others. It’s one of the latest monuments in Utah to be discovered. Once you explore more of what this area has to offer, you’ll see different thin canyons along the way and two rivers. Though it isn’t super populated, you’ll see this area is still beautiful and contains a lot of heart.

9. Bears Ears National Monument

If you’re searching for a monument destination that will include different artifacts and gorgeous canyons, check out Bears Ears National Monument. You’ll get the chance to discover various canyons made of sandstone. You can also explore and view the different forests in the park.
Discover art made from rocks, ancient images and other wondrous souvenirs and artifacts from the monument.




While Utah contains several different types of National Parks and places to explore, the National Monuments may be the most wondrous. If gorgeous views and adventures are what you’re looking for, pack your family and friends up in your car and head on out for a road trip to the majestic state of Utah. Engage in a tour of these National Monuments to learn, see and do a lot of incredible things throughout this adventure.

9 Amazing Dinosaur Destinations in Utah

Did you grow up loving dinosaurs and wanting to learn more about them? Or maybe you have kids at home hoping to discover and explore prehistoric adventures as they learn more about dinosaurs. If so, a road trip to Utah may be the next vacation for you and your family to take.

Utah is filled with several different dinosaur parks to help your family discover more about our prehistoric friends. We’ve narrowed down the numerous dino parks in Utah to show you our favorites. Here are 9 amazing dinosaur destinations in Utah:

1. Natural History Museum of Utah - Salt Lake City

Want to be one of the first people in Utah to discover a new dinosaur fossil? If you take a trip to visit the Natural History Museum of Utah, you just might be. When a new species of dinosaur has been discovered in Utah, this is sometimes one of the first places it ends up.

You’ll find all different kinds of fossils found from newly discovered species inside of a beautiful building. It’s filled with lots of educational activities and games for your children - and maybe you’ll learn a new thing or two about dinosaurs and their fossils as well.

2. Museum of Ancient Life at Thanksgiving Point - Lehi

Looking at different dinosaur bones is of course incredibly fun, but getting hands-on experience is also a unique adventure as well. You can get that at the Museum of Ancient Life. This is one of the largest dinosaur museums in the world that includes over 60 complete skeletons and lots of hands-on exhibits.

You’ll find a lot of opportunities to “dig” in and learn more about prehistoric times. Kids can play in and explore the paleontology lab as well as see different shark and dino skeletons around the exhibits. There is also a sand and water table for the kids to enjoy.

3. Eccles Dinosaur Park - Ogden

You’ll find tons of interactive touch screens and educational opportunities at this park. Something that sets this museum apart from the others is the different dinosaur statues located all around the venue.

These statues look very life-like and majestic when they’re standing in their natural visually-appealing setting. This park includes real-life fossils, dinosaur footprints, and a dino-themed playground for the little ones.

4. Dinosaur National Monument - Jensen

This exhibit gives off a brand new vibe as it has recently been renovated to showcase more than 1,500 dinosaur bones located on its famous “Wall of Bones”. Some of these bones even allow interaction and the ability to touch them as you learn more about these ancient fossils.

The site contains more exploring and adventure than most as you and your family will have the opportunity to whitewater raft, drive down the different exploration routes offered, go camping, take hikes and more.

5. Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry at Jurassic National Monument - Emery County

Many Utah dinosaur bones and fossils have been found in this specific site, so this could be one of your favorite destinations to visit. Upon arrival at the museum, you and your family get the chance to enter a building holding several bones buried there as you walk around and admire each fossil.

Not only will you get to look at all of these bones yourself, but you’re also able to watch paleontologists work and dig as they conduct research to study the different dinosaur bones and fossils. You’ll also get a chance to head outside and walk down three different hiking trails.

6. BYU Museum of Paleontology - Provo

If you’re looking for a museum filled with giant and valuable artifacts, this is a great site to visit. Located close to the football stadium at Brigham Young University is an abundance of prehistoric collections. This free and compact museum is a quick and exciting stop on the rest of your dino Utah tour.

7. Utah Field House of Natural History - Vernal

This dinosaur attraction contains a dinosaur garden that can be found outside. In this garden, you’ll see several full-sized replicas of all different kinds of dinosaur species like the famous Triceratops, T-Rex, and many more.

Once you head inside, you’ll see a giant skeleton of a Diplodocus as well as opportunities to learn about dinosaurs with the different activities offered in the interactive building.

8. St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm - St. George

This museum was created in 2000, so it’s still newer than the others on this list. A slab of rock was found by Dr. Sheldon Johnson that contained preserved dinosaur footprints. He decided to go forward with this discovery by turning the rest of his land into a dinosaur museum. 

Though it may be little and smaller than most, it is fierce. This museum is known to be one of the most essential museums in the world for anyone who is currently researching or studying work centered around early Jurassic footprints. This museum helps people learn more about how different behavior patterns of dinosaurs including how they traveled and survived in the prehistoric era.

9. Mill Canyon Dinosaur Trail - Moab

If you’re looking to explore for a little bit one day, this brief trail is a great adventure for you and the family. You’ll see several dinosaur bones and fossils found on the different rocks along the trail you’re venturing down.

Not sure what different dinosaur fossils look like? There are several signs along the trail to inform people of what kind of bones are located where and lets you know what kind of prehistoric creature they came from.

Whether you’re looking for a day of dinosaur digging or want to pack a whole week’s worth of dino exploring, these destinations could be perfect for you. They’re filled with different interactive adventures to help you and your family learn more about prehistoric times and engage in fun, family-bonding activities together.

The 9 Most Beautiful Small Towns in Utah

Utah’s beauty is often understated. With sprawling National Forests, breathtaking deserts colored red, and glistening lakes, a trip across the state will take your breath away. Big cities may attract large crowds of tourists, pouring over monuments and capitals, but in between these metropolises, there can be hidden gems with unique shops and lovely sights.

With the grand landscape in Utah, many of the small towns are brimming with beautiful natural structures, and that wonderful ‘home sweet home’ feeling waiting to welcome tourists:

1. Springdale
Springdale is a tucked-away town that helps welcome hikers to one of Utah’s most popular National Parks. The town is at the foot of Zion’s National Park, among red rock cliffs carved by the Virgin River.

Shops and restaurants make up a large portion of the small town, hoping to appeal to the backpackers and adventures traveling through. Most of the city’s revenue is brought in through tourism, which only creates a more welcoming atmosphere.

2. Mona
Mona is a small town in Utah with a population around 1,500. Nestled at the very base of Mount Nebo, it is a great place for small climbing excursions. Their downtown has many locally-owned businesses to support and the entire town is pristine with bouquets lining street corners.

This town is rather famous for lavender-covered hills that make up violet paths up to Mount Nebo. There are multiple farms that all visitors can enter (most for free) for a relaxing day among beautiful, fragrant lavender.

3. Torrey
The scenery of Torrey is truly amazing, framed by many natural and individual rock formations lining its silhouette. Most visitors come for the extended trails and sights of Capitol Reef National Park, or when participating in the Tour of Utah bike race. Between these two activities, thousands of visitors are warmly welcomed yearly.

Torrey houses less than 200 people, but their intricate pioneer past is obvious due to the various historic structures still standing throughout the small town.




4. Green River
The name of this small village says it all - a great river runs through the city’s majestic surroundings. Less than 1000 people call this Green River home, so it is truly a place that can take you away from the hustle of regular life. The fruit in abundance is melon, and some say you’ll never taste one as sweet than in Green Rivers rolling hills.

Featured in town is the John Wesley Powell Museum which is filled with boats that voyaged along the river. These river paths can lead through the Gray and Desolation Canyons, and planning an excursion is possible at most times of the year because storms are irregular in the area.




5. Midway
Midway is rich with Swiss immigrant heritage, and it's Midway’s Swiss Days which fills the streets with thousands of guests each year. This August festival showcases local food vendors and live performances.

Scuba diving is also a popular activity for the town, one of the few places this is possible so far from the coast. Standing towards the center of town is the Homestead Caldera, a geothermal hot pool. From the beautiful mountain views to the range of fun activities, Midway is a must see along your way.

6. Moab
Moab is one of the most visited small towns in Utah. The most notable sight is the rock formations found in Arches National Park. This small town is a great place to rest for those visiting the nearby Canyonlands National Park.

This is a true southwestern city. Though Moab has an old-timey welcoming feel, the downtown area is renowned for its modern dining and shopping. There are crowds of young people running homemade clothing shops and even specialty coffee shops.




7. Heber City
Right in the heart of Utah’s mountains is the town of Heber City. This is an area of Utah where all activities are centered on the outdoors. From boat tours and paddle boarding on the water to hiking and horseback riding through the surrounding wilderness, lovers of the outdoors will love Heber City.

Heber Valley Historic Railroad Line is a great option for a day excursion; at the top is a clear view of what people call the "Utah Alps." These beautiful views that surround Heber City are easily the splendor those experienced when first settling the Wild West.




8. Garden City
You can find Garden City along the edges of Bear Lake. The winters can be harsh and make the town a little less exciting, but in the warmer months many festivals and events spring up to take advantage of the huge lake. Known as the Caribbean of the Rockies, for the beautiful color of the water, the summer is all about spending time on and around the water, but the surrounding wilderness is something to see.

In August, there is a festival for the raspberry harvest, featuring more raspberry recipes than you’ll know what to do with. The Pickleville Playhouse is known all over Utah for its outstanding community theatre productions. The combination of an exciting day on the water, followed by dinner and a show, leaves nothing to be desired.

9. Brigham City
Brigham City can give visitors enough activities to comfortably stay in town for weeks. The Wellsville Mountains are great for those looking for a nature escape, but in case the city life is missed, this town lies only 60 miles from the capital of Utah.

There is the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge with many different species and learning information on the local habitat surrounding the river. If time allows, several monuments exist with the center of town, including the Golden Spike National Monument. Peach Days festival is a highlight of the city’s events, a multi-day appreciation of the town's famous peach harvest.




Leave the city life behind by becoming entwined with nature at one of the many beautiful small towns Utah has to offer. Small places like these offer stunning secluded scenery and a secluded comfort the big cities will never be able to compete with.

A Brief History of Daughters of Utah Pioneers

Utah has become a renowned tourist destination not only because of its scenic terrain but also because of its rich cultural history. It is no surprise that the state is dotted with numerous museums spread throughout the state – all in an attempt to preserve this important heritage.

One such example is the International Society Daughters of Utah Pioneers (ISDUP, DUP), a women’s organization that has been dedicated to preserving the history of Utah’s original settlers. Here’s everything you need to know about Daughters of Utah Pioneers.

Pioneer Memorial Museum

It may be the world’s largest collection of artifacts in this particular subject, featuring displays and collections of mementos dating back to the earliest settlers of the Great Salt Lake Valley. To be more precise, we are talking of historical culture dating as early as 10th May 1969 during the time of joining of the railroads at a location known as Promontory in Utah.

Pioneer Memorial Museum takes you back in history and gives you an insight of the pioneers who migrated over 200 miles seeking religious freedom. The same pioneers would later give rise to Salt Lake City and the surrounding areas.

The artifacts on display at the Pioneer Memorial are quite fascinating. The interesting part about these artifacts is that they are made of resources now scarce in Utah. You will be surprised as to how the pioneers had a skill in making remarkably ornate decorative arts.

To get an overview of the pioneer memorabilia collection at the museum, it is made up of paintings by noted Utah artists, pioneer portraits, quills, guns, clothing, books, furniture, a Conestoga wagon, samplers, medical and dental tools, a 1902 fire engine, a sewing machine, and much more fascinating artifacts.

You will be captivated by the sense of style and taste native Utah residents had. For instance, the display reveals of carefully tended luxury items ranging from small delicate items such as crystal salters to big bulky items such as the cumbersome pianos. Another interesting point to note is the fact that they owned some of the finest goods available at the time which were later brought in by railroad or by road using ox team.

A Brief History of Daughters of Utah Pioneers

Its history dates way back to 11th April 1901 when it was first organized in Salt Lake City. As the story goes, Annie Taylor Hyde, daughter to the president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ John Taylor, invited a group comprising of 50 women to her home.

The aim of the meeting was simple: ‘To perpetuate the names and achievements of the men, women and children who were pioneers in founding this commonwealth.’

However, it was not until 1925 when it was legally incorporated. Over the years, the organization has slowly transitioned to become one of the most reliable sources of historical data related to natives of the state.

Perhaps, this has to do with the good leadership the organization has enjoyed since its early years. Among its past leaders is Kate B. Carter who served as Daughter of Utah Pioneers president from April 1941 until her passing in September 1976. Reportedly, she was the longest-serving of all its past presidents. Interestingly, she had also served as president of the Days of 47 parade from its launch in 1947 until her passing.

Currently, the ISDUP headquarters are based in the Pioneer Memorial Museum in Salt Lake City, Utah. The organization is administered by a board and has its membership organized into ‘companies’. The presiding officers of these companies oversee the activities of ‘camps’ which are made of ten or more members within a specific geographical area.

ISDUP Membership

Since the International Society Daughters of Utah was organized for historical and educational purposes, a membership plan is one of the ways for the management to coordinate its operations. It is, however, important to note that the organization is by no chance political or sectarian.

For women to be eligible for ISDUP membership, they should:

• Be over the age of seventeen
• Be of good character
• Be a direct-line descendant or of legal adoption by a direct-line descendant with a pioneer ancestor

The organization defines a pioneer ancestor as someone who traveled through or to a geographical area covered by the State of Utah territory between the periods ranging from July 1847 to 10th May 1869. Some of these persons included were;

• Wagon Company members (both Mormon and non-Mormon)
• Mormon Battalion members who traveled within the specified geographical coverage before the completion of the railroad, 10th May 1869.
• Johnston’s Army members who traveled to or through the geographical area under Utah territory between years 1857-1858 (Utah War).
• Passengers from Ship Brooklyn who settled in San Bernardino, San Diego, or traveled through or to the geographical area covered by Utah territory.
• Trappers and hunters
• Freighters
• Railroad workers within the Geographical area covered by Utah territory before 10th May 1869

Member Expectations

If you fit the criteria and become a member of the organization, you will also have your role to play. For instance, you are expected to play your part in ensuring that all your ancestors are well represented in their historic collection. Being a member also means that you can be elected or appointed to camp offices.

Women who are willing to join the organization but do not have ancestors who came into the state before 10th May 1869 are still welcomed aboard. However, they become identified as an ‘Associate of Daughters of Utah Pioneers’ and can participate in all the organization’s activities. The main notable difference of this group is that they cannot hold an elected office.

Aside from that, they seem to share almost equal privileges with main members.

Pioneer Memorial Museum Accessibility and Admission

Located on 300 N in Salt Lake City, Utah, the Museum acts as the base headquarters of ISDUP and is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission to the museum is absolutely free of charge!

It is, however, important to keep in mind that even while access is free, visitors are restricted from entering with cameras, video cameras, or personal scanners.

Utah Culture & History: Native American Tribes

Utah is home to some of the Americas' original Native American tribes and cultures. There are five major tribes that have all maintained their strong legacies. They include the; Dine (Navajo), Goshute, Paiute, Ute, and Shoshone. Since the ancient days, Utah was well known for its sacred places, dwelling sites, and fascinating rock art messages.

Utah’s tribes still actively live bound by their ancient cultures. They usually invite visitors from other cultures to view them as they come together during the tribal and other gatherings.

If you are looking forward to viewing some free exhibits of their traditional crafts displays such as beadwork, baskets, and carvings, you can get them on display at the Chase Home Museum of Utah Folk Arts.

Preserved remains of Ancient cultures – Rock Art & Remains

Utah is well known by American culture lovers as a home of intriguing Native American rock art. It comprises two types; the pictographs – painted on stone, and which even after thousands of years still remain colorful, and the petroglyphs – which were incised into stone walls and boulders.

Because the exact meanings of the rock arts are still unknown, they have often been assigned to different time frames and cultures based on elements of artistic style. The Native American rock art varies widely, from themes depicting successful hunts, to mythic figures which are considered to represent deities and ceremonial practices.

The rock art is also seen to represent other scenes such as domestic life, common and fantastic animals, among other things.

The place where the ancient cultures made their homes and resided, often referred to as habitation sites can be quite obvious. For instance, there are granaries which are well preserved – mainly because of their weatherproof positions below the cliffs.

In southern Utah, you will find many sites where stone dwellings and places of worship have been well preserved, stabilized, and are interpreted to modern-day visitors.

But that is just a mere section of all of it. When you check the Utah Museums page, you will find several other collections and interpretive opportunities scattered in museums statewide. If you are looking forward to spending some quality time in Utah exploring the ancient culture, the local visitor information centers should give you the required head start on getting information related to any specific area of the state.

However, keep in mind that all the Native American relics are protected by the federal law, and touching or taking any of them is strictly prohibited.

Southeast Utah

You will find Wolf Ranch in Arches National park which has some of the finest rock art in the region. The Newspaper Rock is filled with a panel consisting of hundreds of figures and designs crafted onto the southwest-facing cliff.

The ‘bulletin’ stone board has over 350 distinct ancient petroglyphs dating to more than 800 years ago. A perfect example is the figures riding horses and shooting arrows – which are considered a portrayal of Ute Indians who obtained horses in the 1600s. There are also other more recent images attributed to the Ute culture which date from the 19th Century.

The BLM administered site is on State Route 211, and you can easily access it from US 191.

Another place of interest is the Edge Of The Cedars State Park and Museum in Blanding. It interprets the remnants of the ancient Puebloan village with its ceremonial kivas dating between 700 and 1220 A.D. The park strongly showcases the Indian civilization, its transition, and how it flourished in southeastern Utah. The museum houses a collection consisting of various ancient artifacts and pottery – which makes it the regional archaeological repository for southeast Utah.

More remnants of Pueblo culture dating between 300 A.D and 1300 A.D. may be seen on the Trail of the Ancients, which is a 100-mile loop route in the southwest of Blanding.

Grand Gulch Primitive area, accessible via south of the junction of state routes 261 and 95 is another sighting containing hundreds of cliff dwellings. The BLM, however, requires visitors to obtain a permit before being allowed into the rugged area. The area is only accessible on horseback and through hiking trails.

The Hovenweep National Monument near the Colorado border offers visitors solitude as they get to enjoy the sightings consisting of ancient fortress and tower ruins. There are five prehistoric rock art panels near the town of Bluff which are shown on the Bluff walking tour map.

Monument Valley was set aside as a Navajo Tribal Park in 1959. The park is a repository for Navajo archeology, Navajo arts, and crafts. A simple self-guided scenic drive will give you an overview of the park’s most famous formations. If you are looking forward to an in-depth exploration into the Tribal Park, you will require to hire a Navajo Guide at the visitor center.

Southwest Utah

A trip toward the southwestern side of Utah will lead you to Ansazi State Park and Museum – where you will get to see a preserved ancient village of one of the largest Ansazi communities.

Although the village remains largely unexcavated, there are many artifacts that have been uncovered and are on display in the museum.

There’s even a life-size, six room replica of an Answanzi dwelling which gives the visitors a perfect idea of how life was almost a thousand years back.

Also in southwest Utah, there are more petroglyph sites in BLM-administered Parowan Gap, 10 miles northwest of Parowan and Johnson Canyon, 9 miles east of Kanab. You can also find pictographs at Sand Springs, 20 miles northwest of Kanab.

Eastern Utah

There’s the Range Creek Canyon that shelters pristine Fremont Indian rock art and ruins in the rugged Book Cliffs. The federal government purchased the area in the year 2004, and it is now open to limited public visitation. Little is known about the Fremont people and archeologists are still actively studying the place in order to piece together the mystery of their culture.

At Dinosaur National Monument, there are more rock sites. Although some are quite obvious, there are others that require both maps and a willingness to hike.

Dry Fork Canyon is on the lower portion of the Red Cloud Loop north of Vernal and has some of America’s most impressive petroglyph panels.

If you decide to tour these sides, Nine Mile Canyon, a BLM national Scenic Backway is a place you should not miss. The Canyon walls are covered with petroglyphs and pictographs, and will no doubt leave you with one of the best experiences. You should, however, take time to pick up a copy of a detailed self-guide brochure before you embark on this trip.

Central Utah

There’s the Fremont Indian State Park and museum located at the Hw 89/I-70 junction which is 24 miles southwest of Richfield. It has a wide collection of Fremont Indian artifacts from nearby Five Fingers Hill. Follow the short, maintained trails and they will lead you past several impressive panels of rock art figures.

The interpretive center focuses on the evolution of Fremont Indian Cultures between 500 A.D and 1300 A.D.

Northern Utah

It's not much of a tour, but you will be impressed by the rock art created by members of Fremont Culture which was found on the Islands of the Great Salt Lake, and other areas of northwestern Utah’s Deserts.