“This trip through Utah and beyond was a perfect blend of adventure, natural beauty, and cultural exploration, from hiking breathtaking landscapes to experiencing unique accommodations and charming towns.”

Hayley Watkins

Our journey began with a Virgin Atlantic flight from Heathrow to Las Vegas, departing at 15:45. The 10-hour flight was comfortable, with exceptional service from the cabin crew, who provided an array of meals, snacks, drinks, and even ice lollies and toasties. We landed in Las Vegas around 18:20 local time and, after clearing customs, left the airport around 20:00. For anyone planning to travel directly to Utah from this flight, I would recommend an overnight stay in Las Vegas, as the total travel time, including connections, was roughly 14.5 hours. By midnight, we reached the Hilton DeNovo, where the darkness masked the stunning views we would wake up to the next morning.

After a hearty breakfast at Mimi’s Café in Springfield, just a short drive from our hotel, we geared up to hike The Narrows in Zion National Park. This challenging hike through the Virgin River rewarded us with breathtaking scenery but required physical fitness and balance to navigate the water, which at times reached mid-stomach. Later, we enjoyed a more relaxed walk along the Pa’rus Trail, a paved path offering stunning views of the Watchman and Sun Dial mountains, and even spotted deer and chipmunks along the way. The warm, humid weather, peaking at 32°C, added to the adventure.

The next morning, we explored the Canyon Overlook Trail in Zion National Park, accessed via the Carmel Tunnel. The hike concluded with spectacular views from atop the Great Arch. Along the way, we stopped briefly at the Red Canyon Arch for photos before continuing to Bryce Canyon. Hidden from view until reaching the rim, Bryce Canyon revealed a striking expanse of red rock towers. We hiked the Navajo Loop, a steep but rewarding trail, and enjoyed the accessible boardwalk between Sunrise and Sunset Points for equally stunning vistas. Our day concluded at Kodachrome Basin State Park, where we took a gentle hike along Angel’s Palace Trail before settling into Clear Sky Resorts – Bryce Canyon. Staying in a unique pod accommodation, we enjoyed excellent dining and stargazing, with plans for a pool and spa to be added next year.

Driving along Scenic Byway 12 the following day was a visual treat. We stopped at Singing Canyon in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, a short, flat trail with incredible acoustics. Later, we tackled the Burr Trail to Hickman Bridge, a challenging hike that rewarded us with the sight of a magnificent natural bridge. That evening, we stayed at the Broken Spur in Torrey, a charming hotel near Capitol Reef National Park. Dinner at the Rim Rock was a highlight of the day.

“Driving along Scenic Byway 12 was a visual treat, with breathtaking landscapes and hidden gems like Singing Canyon and the majestic Hickman Bridge.”

Hayley Watkins

Capitol Reef National Park offered two easy hikes, Sunset Point and the Goosenecks, with stunning views of ancient rock formations. A visit to the Gifford Homestead in Fruita provided insight into the area’s history and the chance to enjoy delicious fresh fruit pies. We also explored the nearby pick-your-own fruit farms. The highlight of the day was a 6.5-hour jeep tour of Capitol Reef’s Cathedral Valley, a remote area visited by only 5% of park guests. Despite the bumpy ride and limited facilities, the towering formations and natural wonders like the Temple of the Sun and Moon and Glass Mountain made it unforgettable.

The strange and colourful landscape of Goblin Valley State Park was our next destination, with its sandstone goblins and rock formations easily accessible via a short walk. From there, we drove to Park City and checked into the Best Western Plus Landmark Inn, ready for a day of adventure.

Park City offered an action-packed itinerary, beginning with an e-bike tour that provided a fun way to explore the town. We then headed to Park City Mountain for exhilarating rides on the Alpine Slide and Alpine Rollercoaster, followed by a scenic chairlift ride at Deer Valley. The Utah Olympic Park Museum was a fascinating stop, where we watched athletes train for winter sports and explored the legacy of the 2002 Winter Olympics.

Our final day began with ziplining in Heber Valley, including a thrilling line that crossed Rainbow Bay. After lunch, we took a scenic drive through Midway, a picturesque town with a Swiss-Alpine charm often featured in Hallmark movies. The Zermatt Utah Resort & Spa was a standout sight. We concluded our trip with a Delta flight from Salt Lake City, enjoying a comfortable journey home with great food and entertainment.

This trip through Utah and beyond was a perfect blend of adventure, natural beauty, and cultural exploration. From hiking through breathtaking landscapes to experiencing unique accommodations and charming towns, it’s a journey I would recommend to anyone seeking an unforgettable escape.