Things to Do in Southern Utah
Utah's National Park
Utah is home to the Mighty Five: Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, and Capitol Reef National Park. For guests of Elite Accommodations, Zion National Park makes for the easiest day trip.
Zion National Park features an awe-inspiring 1,000-foot red rock canyon to explore. Follow a hiking trail or join a canyoneering expedition. Two popular hikes within the park include Emerald Pools and Angels Landing, and there are many less-trafficked trails to make the experience your own.
If you are up for a longer day trip, Bryce Canyon National Park is within driving distance of our Southern Utah vacation homes. Bryce offers an 18-mile scenic drive and four stunning viewpoints. Compared to Zion’s desert scenery, Bryce is an alpine forest with legendary red rock hoodoos and natural amphitheaters.
Whatever park or activity you choose, prepare for the elements and be a respectful visitor: stay hydrated, stay safe, and leave no trace.
Historical Sites in Southern Utah
During your stay, combine outdoor exploration with a dive into the past. Visitors with sharp eyes can find petroglyphs—rock carvings dating back 2,000 years—in nearby nature parks and preserves.
Archeologists date the Land Hill Heritage Site to between 700 B.C. and A.D. 1200. During this period, Ancestral Puebloans constructed permanent structures, farmed, and created ceramics. Later, Southern Paiute peoples occupied the area. The site lies within the Santa Clara River Reserve and is protected—please respect its historical and environmental significance.
Bloomington Petroglyph Park in St. George is another easily accessed historic site where you can glimpse ancient carvings. Please do not touch the petroglyphs and remember to leave no trace.
Southern Utah Outdoor Adventures
When you aren’t relaxing in the comfort of a Southern Utah vacation rental, get out and explore the great outdoors—there are plenty of ways to connect with nature.
Even if you aren’t visiting a national park, you’ll find great hiking in Red Cliffs National Conservation Area and Sand Hollow State Park.
Red Cliffs features a stunning desert environment. The Red Cliffs Nature Trail is a mild, family-friendly path perfect for taking in the sights. Be on the lookout for desert tortoises that call the area home—they are strictly protected.
Sand Hollow State Park offers a large reservoir for boating and water sports, plus dunes perfect for off-highway vehicles such as ATVs and dirt bikes. No boat? No worries—local rental services offer boats, water sports equipment, ATVs, and UTVs.
Southern Utah is also renowned for canyoneering. Explore beautiful slot canyons with vibrant sandstone walls. Guided trips are available for every skill level, from first-timers to experts.
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