Outdoors

Experience the great outdoors with Choice Hotels^®. Our Utah hotels are conveniently located near a number of world-famous parks, picturesque gardens, and astounding wildlife. Take a look at the scenery and greenery that Utah offers.

Northern Utah

Hardware Ranch
Hyrum, UT  
435-753-6168

A visitor center will be your introduction to this Utah natural destination; you'll learn about the beautiful flora and fauna upon which you've fortuitously stumbled. Of course, you'll learn about the area's most well-known creatures, the Rocky Mountain elk which reside here by the thousands.

Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge
Off I-15
Brigham City, UT  
435-723-5887

This gorgeous destination in the heart of Northern Utah will provide guests with the ultimate wildlife experience: you'll find yourself up-close and personal with thousands of species of birds, including American Avocet, White-faced Ibis, Black-necked Stilt, and more fascinating winged creatures. The ducks here are some of the most beautiful in the world, and they love the gorgeous Utah landscape around the refuge as much as you will.

Naomi Peak Trail
1500 E. Highway 89
Logan, UT   84321
435-755-3620

Some of the most gorgeous and stunning scenery of Utah awaits you on a hike at Naomi Peak Trail, which extends for 3.2 miles through stunning rocky landscape and lush wooded forest, reaching a stunning ledge where you'll be overlooking a subalpine basin. Come across fascinating wildlife and gorgeous landscape ranging from forest to streams and mountains.

Central Utah

Sanpete Valley
Winter home of numerous bald eagles, this gorgeous area of flatlands is a popular destination for those who want to see the birds which have for so long symbolized the patriotic spirit of the Americas. These gorgeous creatures are likely to be perched in the tree branches overhead, and you'll witness them soaring through the blue skies and hunting in the golden fields. From noon ‘til 4 pm is the best time to catch these stunning creatures.

Capitol Reef National Park
HC-70, Box 15
Torrey, UT   84775
435-425-3930

You'll want to come to Capitol Reef National Park to witness the gorgeous landscapes that Utah has to offer, ranging from snow-capped mountain peaks to lush, undeveloped forestlands and even red-rock deserts with stunning geological formations. Find it all in Capitol Reef National Park, where you're invited to experience the beauty of Utah on-foot or on a mountain bike.

Yuba State Park
Levan, UT   84639
435-758-2611

The sprawling waters of Yuba state park provide the park with its main draw, which goes out to visitors of all walks of life as a gorgeous beachfront location. Sailing, boating, sunbathing, and swimming are popular attractions along the beachfront, and hiking is another exciting activity at the park, as the landscape surrounding the waters is enticing, desert land with a fascinating array of plant and animal life unique to the state of Utah.

Eastern Utah

San Rafael Swell
435-636-0260

If you came to Utah to observe the stunning display of wildlife which this frontier state contains, you've come to the right place in Eastern Utah, where you'll find a patch of land called the San Rafael Swell. Here, you'll watch deer graze in the flatlands, elk prance peacefully across the horizon, and antelope flock across the landscape in herds whose size and instinct will surprise and amaze you. Some of the most gorgeous geographical features, such as ancient canyon rivers, flow through the swell.

Green River State Park
Green River, UT   84525
435-564-3633

Green River State Park is one of the best examples of the diversity in landscape which graces the state of Utah with its geological wonder. Here, you'll find landscapes in stark contrast with the desert and canyon lands not too far away. Gorgeous, wooded lands and grassy fields grace the bank of the Green River, where tall cottonwood trees shade the gorgeous grassy floor.

Dead Horse State Park
Moab, UT   84532
435-259-2614

Come to Parowan front to take in one of the best displays of Utah wildlife in the entire state. You'll see such rare species as vermillion flycatcher, crissal thrashers, white winged doves, and more. Over the year, a herd of buffalo can be found roaming across the desert mountain range which makes its geographical home here. Common forest creatures such as chipmunks, cottontail rabbits, red squirrels, and more can be found here.

Southwestern Utah

The Parowan Front
Between Summit amp; Cedar City
Whatever your naturalistic needs are inclined to dictate, Eldorado Canyon State Park is inclined to provide. The park is strictly day-use, but between sunrise and sunset guests will enjoy a score of activities which pit nature in simultaneous proximity to enjoyment. From first-rate rock-climbing opportunities to picnic areas which afford tranquil streamside settings and stunning views, you'll want to devote an entire day to exploring what this canyon has to offer.

Fish Lake Basin
Southwestern Utah
Some of the most gorgeous creatures in Utah reside here, where you'll find them in their equally gorgeous habitat. Truly rare creatures and plant specimens await you, such as mice and plenty of freshwater life. As the name implies, the area is great for fishing, but guests will want to bring along a bag of trail mix just in case a path wandering off into the distance catches their imaginations.

Lytle Ranch Preserve
US Highway 91
Shivwits, UT  
801-422-5025

Utah is a state which is quite well-known for its diversity in climate, landscape, and wildlife. As such, the Mojave Desert stretches all the way west from California to the southwest corner of Utah, just hundreds of miles away from snowy peaks and dense forestlands. Some of the most unique wildlife of the entire state peacefully awaits your arrival to the state of Utah here, as do gorgeous desert landscapes and tons of recreational activities.

Southeastern Utah

The San Juan River
Float down the river and you'll enjoy one of the most blissful aquatic experiences available in the world of outdoor recreation. But you'll also be treating yourself to an exciting glimpse into the role of wildlife in the southeastern region of Utah, which provides dramatic landscapes of many varieties. The bird life along the river is astounding, and creatures as small as hummingbirds and as big as pelicans can be found.

La Sal Loop Road
Moab, UT  

Looking for a hike that will challenge the legs while rewarding the spirit with natural beauty? La Sal Loop Road is, perhaps, the perfect destination for you; pack your trail mix and head on down to this 37-mile long road and witness the gorgeous array of wildlife which graces the park with its wild presence: from Buffalo to elk and mule deer, you'll be treated to a gorgeous display of this most wild region of Utah.

Scott M. Matheson Wetlands Preserve
934 W. Kane Creek Boulevard
Moab, UT  

Head down to the Scott M. Matheson Wetlands Preserve and experience the true diversity of Utah as exhibited through the various landscapes and ecosystems which populated the park. Surrounded by deserts and plains, the park contains a vast wetlands which provides the perfect habitat for many species of plants and land animals, as well as creatures that swim and fly. View the gorgeous ponds, marshes, and wooded lands of the park.

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