12 Utah Landmarks With Unforgettable Views

By: Elena Tralwyn  | 
Monument Valley
Monument Valley easily outshines human-made monuments. Mlenny / Getty Images

Utah is a land of towering rock formations and ancient history. From rugged canyons to spiritual sites, Utah landmarks make up some of the most jaw-dropping spots in the American West.

Destinations like Park City are more than just photo ops; they're a living narrative of American history, geology and tradition. Whether you're into hiking, learning or just sightseeing, these famous landmarks won't disappoint.

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1. Arches National Park

Arches National Park
Turret Arch in Arches National Park. benedek / Getty Images

Home to over 2,000 natural arches, this national park on the Colorado Plateau is best known for Delicate Arch (a natural wonder etched by erosion) and Elephant Butte (the highest point in the national park). Located near Moab, it has one of the highest visitor turnouts in any of Utah's national parks.

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2. Zion National Park

Zion National Park
Zion National Park. Putt Sakdhnagool / Getty Images

Zion Canyon, carved by the Virgin River, offers red cliffs, bighorn sheep and epic hikes like Angels Landing. The visitor center and surrounding facilities provide access to one of the state's most visited parks.

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3. Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park. Gary Yeowell / Getty Images

Famed for its sedimentary rock hoodoos, Bryce Canyon isn’t a canyon but a series of natural amphitheaters. It's a place where early settlers and many Native American tribes have left a mark.

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4. Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park. Peter Unger / Getty Images

A hidden gem along the Colorado Plateau, this park showcases rock art and natural bridges. Its layered cliffs and domes record shifts in the Earth's crust.

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5. Rainbow Bridge National Monument

Rainbow Bridge National Monument
Rainbow Bridge National Monument. Daniel A. Leifheit / Getty Images

Near Lake Powell and Navajo Mountain, this national monument features one of the world's largest natural bridges. Sacred to native American tribes, it’s accessible by boat or guided tours.

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6. Bears Ears National Monument

Bears Ears National Monument
Bears Ears National Monument. Federica Grassi / Getty Images

Named for its "bears' ears" rock formations, this area holds thousands of ancient petroglyphs and archaeological sites tied to many Native American tribes. It's one of Utah’s richest areas in cultural significance.

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7. Bonneville Salt Flats

Bonneville Salt Flats
Bonneville Salt Flats. Dean Conger / Getty Images

Known for land speed racing, the salt flats are a flat, reflective wonderland west of Salt Lake City. The area was once part of a prehistoric lake and is a favorite for photographers and speed enthusiasts.

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8. Salt Lake City

Salt Lake LDS Temple
Salt Lake LDS Temple in Salt Lake City, Utah. Anna Gorin / Getty Images

Downtown Salt Lake City is a mix of historic architecture and modern culture. Key sites include the Beehive House, home of Brigham Young (second president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) and Temple Square.

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9. Monument Valley

Monument Valley
Monument Valley. Francesco Riccardo Iacomino / Getty Images

Stretching into Arizona, this iconic landscape has appeared in countless films. Towering red buttes and mesas make it one of the most famous landmarks in the Southwest.

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10. Dinosaur National Monument

Dinosaur National Monument
Dinosaur National Monument. Posnov / Getty Images

Located where dinosaurs roamed, this historic site is famous for its visible fossils and rock layers. It’s a top pick for science fans and families.

11. Great Salt Lake

Great Salt Lake
Great Salt Lake. Steve Proehl / Getty Images

Just outside Salt Lake Valley, this massive lake is a remnant of Lake Bonneville. With high salinity and scenic views, it offers birdwatching and water activities.

12. Glen Canyon Dam

Glen Canyon Dam
Glen Canyon Dam. Mlenny / Getty Images

Overlooking Lake Powell, this engineering feat helps manage water for the region. Its visitor center provides views and insight into the complex Colorado River system.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.

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