100 Free Things to Do in Utah Without Spending a Dollar

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Utah beckons adventurers with its dramatic landscapes, from towering red rock arches to snow-capped peaks and vibrant cityscapes. While exploring the Beehive State’s famous national parks and ski resorts can involve costs, discovering its unique spirit doesn’t require a large budget; there’s an incredible array of free things to do in Utah that offer unforgettable experiences. Experiencing the state’s natural beauty, rich history, and outdoor recreation opportunities is easily achievable without spending a cent on the activities themselves.

This guide reveals 100 specific ways you can enjoy Utah’s diverse attractions completely free of charge. Whether you seek breathtaking hikes, scenic drives through stunning terrain, cultural immersion in historic districts, or simply a relaxing moment in a beautiful park, prepare to fill your itinerary with amazing adventures. Let’s explore the wealth of free opportunities waiting for you across Utah.

Iconic Park Views and Visitor Centers

Zion National Park Scenic Drive (Partial): Drive the scenic Floor of the Valley Road during the off-season (typically winter) when the free shuttle isn’t mandatory. Enjoy stunning canyon views from your car, stopping at accessible pullouts.

Zion Human History Museum: Visit the museum located near the south entrance of Zion National Park. Explore exhibits detailing the park’s human history and natural features; museum entry is free.

Pa’rus Trail Walk (Zion NP): Take an easy stroll or bike ride on this paved trail starting near the Zion South Entrance Visitor Center. Enjoy views of the Virgin River and canyon walls without needing a shuttle.

Bryce Canyon National Park Viewpoints (Near Entrance/Rim Trail): Walk sections of the Rim Trail near the Visitor Center or Sunrise/Sunset Points outside peak hours. Admire the iconic hoodoo amphitheaters from accessible overlooks (park entry fee usually required for full access, but these viewpoints are close to entrances).

Bryce Canyon Visitor Center: Stop at the visitor center outside the main fee area of Bryce Canyon. Browse exhibits on geology and park history, and gather information for free.

Arches National Park Scenic Drive Viewpoints: While park entry requires a fee, admire views of iconic formations like Balanced Rock or the Windows section from designated viewpoints along the main park road if already inside for other reasons or if access policies change. Check for possible free entry days nationally.

Canyonlands National Park Overlooks (Island in the Sky): Drive to viewpoints near the Island in the Sky visitor center. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the vast canyon systems (park entry fee usually required for full access).

Capitol Reef National Park Scenic Drive: Drive the free portion of the park’s scenic drive through the historic Fruita district. Admire the orchards, historic buildings, and towering cliffs along the Fremont River.

Capitol Reef Visitor Center: Visit the center located in the Fruita district. Learn about the park’s geology, history, and unique Waterpocket Fold through free exhibits.

Grand Staircase-Escalante Visitor Centers: Stop at visitor centers located in towns bordering the monument (like Kanab, Escalante, Big Water). Explore exhibits and gather information about the vast region for free.

Cedar Breaks National Monument Viewpoints (Roadside): Drive Highway 148 (seasonal closure) adjacent to the monument. Pull over at designated overlooks outside the main fee area for stunning views into the amphitheater.

Natural Bridges National Monument Viewpoints: Drive the scenic loop road (park entry fee usually required). Stop at overlooks offering views of the massive natural bridges carved by water.

Hovenweep National Monument Visitor Center Area: Explore the area around the visitor center. Learn about the Ancestral Puebloan structures and culture through free outdoor exhibits and short trails near the center.

Dinosaur National Monument Visitor Center (Utah Side): Visit the Quarry Visitor Center near Jensen. Explore outdoor trails and exhibits detailing the area’s geology and paleontology; viewing fossils inside the Quarry Exhibit Hall requires a fee.

Scenic Drives and Byways

Highway 12 Scenic Byway Drive: Experience one of America’s most beautiful drives between Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon. Travel through diverse landscapes, including slickrock canyons, alpine forests, and dramatic ridge lines like The Hogback.

Mirror Lake Scenic Byway Drive (Seasonal): Drive Highway 150 through the Uinta Mountains (typically summer/early fall). Stop at numerous lakes, viewpoints, and trailheads offering stunning alpine scenery.

Nebo Loop Scenic Byway Drive (Seasonal): Enjoy this beautiful mountain drive south of Provo (typically summer/fall). Wind through forests and meadows, stopping at overlooks with views of Mount Nebo and Utah Valley.

Patchwork Parkway (Highway 143) Drive: Travel this scenic route connecting Parowan to Panguitch. Experience high-elevation forests, lava fields, and access points near Cedar Breaks and Brian Head.

Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway Sections: Drive portions of this route in Eastern Utah. Enjoy the rugged landscapes and stop at roadside interpretive signs related to paleontology.

Ogden River Scenic Byway Drive: Follow Highway 39 east from Ogden into the mountains. Enjoy views of the Ogden River, Pineview Reservoir, and surrounding peaks.

Logan Canyon National Scenic Byway Drive: Travel Highway 89 between Logan and Garden City. Admire the dramatic limestone cliffs, Logan River, and access numerous hiking trails and viewpoints.

Monument Valley Drive (View from Highway 163): Admire the iconic sandstone buttes of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park from designated pull-offs along US Highway 163 north of the park entrance. The classic view is free.

Potash Road Scenic Drive (Moab Area): Drive this road alongside the Colorado River near Moab. See ancient petroglyphs, dinosaur tracks, and enjoy views of the river canyon walls.

La Sal Mountain Loop Road Drive (Moab Area): Experience stunning mountain scenery and views back towards Arches National Park on this loop drive (partially unpaved, seasonal). Enjoy the cooler alpine environment above Moab.

Zion-Mount Carmel Highway Drive: Travel this historic highway connecting the south and east entrances of Zion National Park (park entry fee required). Experience the engineering marvel of the long tunnel and dramatic canyon scenery.

Hiking Biking and Urban Trails

Bonneville Shoreline Trail Sections (Statewide): Hike or bike portions of this extensive trail system following the ancient Lake Bonneville shoreline. Access points near Salt Lake City, Ogden, and Provo offer varied terrain and views.

Jordan River Parkway Trail (Salt Lake Valley): Walk or bike this paved urban trail stretching for miles along the Jordan River. Enjoy parks, nature areas, and connectivity throughout the valley.

Provo River Parkway Trail: Enjoy a scenic paved trail following the Provo River from Utah Lake through Provo Canyon. It’s popular for walking, biking, and enjoying the river corridor.

Weber River Parkway Trail (Ogden Area): Explore sections of the trail system lining the Weber River. Connects parks and offers pleasant waterside recreation.

Mueller Park Trail (Bountiful): Hike this popular trail leading to Elephant Rock (known as “Big Rock”). Enjoy shaded paths along Mueller Park Canyon creek.

Millcreek Canyon Trails (Free Weekdays): Hike trails in this beautiful canyon east of Salt Lake City. Vehicle access often requires a fee on weekends/holidays, but weekday entry is typically free.

Little Cottonwood Canyon Trails (Lower Canyon): Explore trails near the base of the canyon, like the Temple Quarry Trail. Enjoy granite cliffs and creek views without driving far up the canyon.

Big Cottonwood Canyon Trails (Lower Canyon): Hike accessible trails near the mouth of the canyon, such as the Hidden Falls trail. Enjoy waterfalls and forest scenery close to the city.

Corner Canyon Trails (Draper): Discover an extensive network of trails popular for mountain biking and hiking in the foothills south of Salt Lake City. Enjoy varied terrain and views.

Red Cliffs Desert Reserve Trails (St. George Area): Explore designated trails within the reserve outside fee areas of state parks like Snow Canyon. Discover unique desert landscapes and tortoise habitat.

Snow Canyon State Park Boundary Trails: Hike trails accessible from outside the main park entrance fee station. Enjoy views into the canyon and the striking red and white Navajo sandstone.

Moab Area BLM Trails: Explore numerous hiking and biking trails on Bureau of Land Management land surrounding Moab. Access trails like Corona Arch (check status) or Slickrock Practice Loop often require no fee.

Kanab Area BLM Trails: Discover trails near Kanab on public lands, such as hikes to viewpoints or through sandy washes. Research local options for free adventures.

Uinta National Forest Trails: Hike countless trails throughout the vast Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Access trailheads along scenic byways or forest roads for diverse hiking experiences.

Fishlake National Forest Trails: Explore trails around Fish Lake or within other parts of this central Utah forest. Enjoy high-altitude lakes and mountain scenery.

Dixie National Forest Trails: Hike trails near Cedar City, Bryce Canyon, or along Highway 12. Discover varied landscapes from red rock canyons to alpine forests.

Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail State Park: Walk or bike sections of this paved trail running from Park City towards Echo Reservoir. Enjoy the scenic mountain valley setting.

Silver Mountain Sports Club & Spa Trail System (Park City): Explore the privately owned but publicly accessible trail network behind the club. Enjoy mountain biking and hiking trails with great views (respect private property access rules).

Round Valley Trails (Park City): Hike or bike the extensive network of trails in this open space area popular with locals. Offers varied terrain for different skill levels.

Glenwild Trail System (Park City): Discover trails offering rolling hills and views in this area north of Kimball Junction. Popular for mountain biking and trail running.

City Parks Gardens and Plazas

Liberty Park (Salt Lake City): Explore Salt Lake City’s oldest and most prominent public park. Enjoy walking paths, the Tracy Aviary exterior view, picnic spots, and playgrounds.

Sugar House Park (Salt Lake City): Stroll around the large pond, walk the paved loop, or relax on the grassy hills of this popular park. Enjoy views of the Wasatch Mountains.

Memory Grove Park (Salt Lake City): Walk through this peaceful park dedicated to veterans, located in City Creek Canyon. Admire memorials, enjoy the creek, and access nearby trails.

International Peace Gardens (Salt Lake City): Wander through gardens representing various nations, located within Jordan Park. Enjoy the unique cultural landscaping and floral displays.

Pioneer Park (Salt Lake City): Visit the site of the original pioneer fort. Enjoy the open space and check for events like the Downtown Farmers Market (browsing is free).

This is the Place Heritage Park Grounds: Walk the grounds surrounding the main village (village entry paid). See the This is the Place Monument and enjoy views of the Salt Lake Valley.

Utah State Capitol Grounds: Explore the beautifully landscaped grounds surrounding the Capitol building. Admire the cherry trees (in spring), monuments, and panoramic city views.

Ogden Botanical Gardens: Stroll through various themed gardens located within Ogden’s Kay Berry Park. Enjoy floral displays, water features, and educational exhibits.

St. George Town Square Park: Relax in this downtown park featuring fountains, a carousel (small fee to ride), splash pad, and historic buildings nearby. It’s a central gathering spot.

Pioneer Park (St. George): Explore the unique red rock formations and trails within this city park. Climb Dixie Rock for panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape.

Red Hills Desert Garden (St. George): Wander through this impressive garden showcasing desert-adapted plants, dinosaur tracks, and a slot canyon replica. Admission is free.

Kanab City Park: Relax in the local park in Kanab, often featuring events or farmers markets. Enjoy the small-town atmosphere and surrounding red cliff views.

Price Peace Garden: Visit the park featuring sculptures and landscaping dedicated to peace near the USU Eastern campus in Price. It offers a tranquil space for reflection.

Moab Lions Park: Stop at this park near the Colorado River bridge in Moab. Enjoy river views, picnic areas, and access to pathway connections.

Thanksgiving Point Grounds (Lehi): Walk the outdoor grounds connecting various venues at Thanksgiving Point. Admire the landscaping and outdoor sculptures without paying for specific garden/museum entry.

Historic Temple Square Grounds (Salt Lake City): Wander the beautifully maintained gardens and admire the exterior architecture of the Salt Lake Temple, Tabernacle, and Assembly Hall. Visitor centers offer free exhibits. (Note: Access may vary due to ongoing renovations).

Historic Sites Architecture and Culture

Utah State Capitol Building: Take a free self-guided or guided tour of the stunning Capitol building. Admire the architecture, murals, and learn about Utah’s government.

Cathedral of the Madeleine (Salt Lake City): Step inside this magnificent Roman Catholic cathedral. Admire the intricate Gothic architecture, stained glass, and ornate interior (respectful visits outside service times).

Governor’s Mansion Exterior (Salt Lake City): View the impressive Kearns Mansion, the official residence of Utah’s governor. Admire the Chateauesque architecture from the sidewalk on South Temple.

McCune Mansion Exterior (Salt Lake City): Gaze at the stunning architecture of this historic Progressive Era mansion near downtown Salt Lake City. Appreciate its unique design from the outside.

St. George Tabernacle: Visit the historic pioneer tabernacle downtown. Free tours are often available, showcasing the beautiful architecture and history.

St. George Temple Exterior: Admire the stunning white architecture of the recently renovated temple, a prominent landmark in St. George. Walk the public grounds surrounding the temple.

Cove Fort Historic Site: Visit the well-preserved pioneer fort located just off I-15 in central Utah. Explore the fort walls, rooms, and grounds for free; operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Historic 25th Street (Ogden): Stroll down this vibrant street known for its historic buildings housing independent shops, galleries, and restaurants. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and architecture.

Park City Main Street: Walk along the charming main street of this historic mining town turned ski resort. Browse unique shop windows, art galleries, and soak up the mountain town ambiance.

Helper Historic District: Explore the main street of this historic railroad and mining town in Carbon County. Admire the preserved buildings and art galleries reflecting its unique heritage.

Spring City Historic District: Wander the streets of this remarkably preserved rural Mormon village, a National Historic District. Admire the stone architecture and peaceful atmosphere.

Fort Douglas Military Museum Exterior (Salt Lake City): View the historic buildings of Fort Douglas on the University of Utah campus. The museum grounds offer insight into military history.

Bingham Canyon Mine Overlook (Limited View/Seasonal): Check for accessible public viewpoints outside the main Kennecott Copper visitor experience (which is paid). Sometimes roads offer distant glimpses of the massive open-pit mine.

Arts Museums and Libraries (Free Access)

BYU Museum of Art (Provo): Explore diverse art collections from around the world at Brigham Young University’s art museum. Admission is always free.

Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art (Logan): Visit Utah State University’s art museum focusing on modern and contemporary art of the American West. Admission is always free.

Church History Museum (Salt Lake City): Discover the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through exhibits and artifacts. Admission is always free.

Salt Lake City Public Library (Main Branch): Explore the stunning modern architecture featuring a unique curved glass wall and rooftop garden. Browse collections or attend free events.

Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum (Check Free Status): Visit museums dedicated to preserving pioneer artifacts and history (various locations, main one near UT Capitol). Check specific museum location for free admission policies.

First Friday Art Strolls (Various Cities): Check schedules for monthly art walks in cities like Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, and Park City. Galleries often open their doors for free evening viewing.

Woodbury Art Museum (Orem): Visit Utah Valley University’s art museum featuring exhibitions by students, faculty, and contemporary artists. Admission is typically free.

Southern Utah Museum of Art (Cedar City): Explore the galleries at Southern Utah University’s art museum. Check for current free admission policies.

Lakes Rivers and Water Fun (Free Shoreline Access)

Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve: Visit the Nature Conservancy preserve west of Layton. Walk boardwalk trails over wetlands for excellent bird watching opportunities near the Great Salt Lake.

Great Salt Lake State Park Marina Area: Access public areas near the marina for views of the lake and Antelope Island without paying the main park entry fee. Enjoy the unique scenery.

Utah Lake State Park Shoreline Access: Find public access points along the shores of Utah Lake outside the main state park fee areas. Enjoy walking the shoreline and lake views.

Flaming Gorge Views (Outside Fee Areas): Drive along Highway 191 near the dam or find accessible overlooks outside designated recreation fee areas. Enjoy stunning views of the reservoir and surrounding canyons.

Fish Lake Viewpoints: Pull over at overlooks along Highway 25 circling Fish Lake. Enjoy views of Utah’s largest natural mountain lake.

Jordanelle Reservoir Views (Outside State Park): Find viewpoints along Highway 40 or local roads overlooking the reservoir near Park City. Admire the large body of water and surrounding hills.

Deer Creek Reservoir Views: Pull over at designated spots along US-189 in Provo Canyon. Enjoy views of the reservoir popular for boating and windsurfing.

Pineview Reservoir Views (Ogden Area): Find public access points or viewpoints around the reservoir in Ogden Valley. Enjoy the mountain backdrop and water scenery.

Stargazing and Unique Experiences

Bonneville Salt Flats: Drive out west towards Wendover to witness the vast, flat expanse of the Bonneville Salt Flats. Walking out onto the salt crust offers a unique, otherworldly experience (check conditions, drive carefully on edges).

Fantasy Canyon Approach Views (Near Vernal): While reaching the unique formations requires effort (and potentially a high-clearance vehicle), admire the unique geology of the Uinta Basin from accessible roads near the area.

Gilgal Sculpture Garden (Salt Lake City): Discover this quirky and thought-provoking sculpture garden tucked away in a residential neighborhood. Explore the unique artworks created by Thomas Battersby Child Jr.; entry is free.

Hole N” The Rock Exterior View (Near Moab): See the unique home carved into a massive sandstone rock from Highway 191 south of Moab. Appreciate the roadside oddity from the outside.

Farmers Markets Browsing (Statewide): Visit local farmers markets (seasonal). Enjoy the community atmosphere, browse fresh produce and crafts, and listen to local musicians.

Window Shopping (Various Cities): Explore unique boutique districts like Historic 25th Street (Ogden), Park City Main Street, or Trolley Square (Salt Lake City). Enjoy browsing without the pressure to buy.

Geocaching: Use a free app to participate in this real-world treasure hunting game. Search for hidden caches in parks, urban areas, and natural landscapes across Utah.

Designated Dark Sky Park Areas (Check Access): Visit areas near designated International Dark Sky Parks (like Capitol Reef or Canyonlands) but stay outside official fee areas. Find safe, accessible spots away from city lights for incredible stargazing.

Thistle Ghost Town View: Safely pull over near the highway viewpoint overlooking the remnants of the town flooded by a landslide in 1983. Observe the unique sight of submerged history.

Parowan Gap Petroglyphs: Visit this easily accessible site north of Cedar City featuring numerous ancient Native American rock carvings. Interpretive signs help explain the fascinating petroglyphs.