Hey, If you're coming to Utah then you're probably planning on visiting one (or more) of its national parks. And I don't blame you—they're worth the trip. Problem is, that's where most people stop. And that's a shame, because there's so much to do in between. So to help liven up your trip I've come up with some must-do's that you'll want to pencil into your itinerary: 1. Take a drive on Highway 12 If there's a better scenic drive in the U.S., I haven't found it. Highway 12 takes you through Escalante, over ridge spines, past sandstone cliffs, and through pine forests. It's like five ecosystems in one afternoon. Stop often, take photos, and let it sink in. 2. Eat Navajo tacos and fry bread Forget chain restaurants—track down local vendors or stops near Monument Valley or Moab. Navajo tacos are usually built on fresh fry bread with beans, cheese, chili, lettuce, and magic. Absolute must. 3. Visit Dead Horse Point State Park You've probably seen the view since it's been in a million movies. But standing at the edge of this canyon, watching the Colorado River snake around the cliffside below you, it still hits like a punch to the chest. Go at golden hour. Trust me. 4. Ride a Sand Cruiser at OutpostX Okay, I'm biased...but this one's too good not to include. There's a cracked clay lakebed here that stretches for 100 acres. We hand-built sci-fi sand cruisers that go 35 mph across it. It feels like Mad Max meets Mario Kart, and there's even an audio-guided tour with 20+ stops that tells the wild story of Planet Namaajin. YouTuber Ryan Trahan called it "insane" and said it felt like being on another planet. It's one of the most fun things you'll do all year. 5. Ride the Sundance zipline If you're more into adrenaline than zen, head up to Sundance Mountain Resort and do the zipline tour. It's one of the longest in the country—you're literally flying over canyons with your mouth open in awe and fear (in a good way). 6. Camp under the stars Utah has some of the darkest skies in the country. You'll see the Milky Way like a streak of spilled glitter across the whole sky. Whether you're in a ten t or one of our transparent zen domes , you'll know you're doing it right when you forget what day it is. 7. Float the Provo River If you're here in summer and want to cool off, grab a tube or a paddleboard and float down the Provo River. It's peaceful, shady, and you'll glide past fishermen, cliffs, and the occasional curious deer. 8. Do absolutely nothing in the desert This might sound weird, but one of the best things you can do in Utah... is nothing. Sit on a rock. Watch the sky change. Let the silence work on you. Sometimes, the most healing moments are the ones without an itinerary. There's way more to this state than people realize. Sure, the parks are cool. But it's the in-between moments—the weird little towns, the starry nights, the post-hike conversations, the feeling of being somewhere completely different—that really stick with you. So plan the hikes and take the photos...but don't be afraid to wander and go off-map. Because that's where the good stuff usually lives. —Travis OutpostX P.S . The amount of things to do at OutpostX is enough for a new list in itself. You can meditate in a hidden cave lounge with waterfalls and hot tubs built into the rock... Take the audio-guided sand cruiser tour with 20+ stops about the lore of Namaajin... Climb boulders and try your hand at Atlatl throwing (aka prehistoric spear launching)... Talk to Amira, our AI host, who knows way more about this place than she probably should... Kick back late at night near our fire pits with cooking racks (firewood ready to go).. . Or deck yourself out in our full character wardrobe rentals so you can step into our world, not just stay in it. Either way, you'll see that it isn't one of those places where you just check in, sleep, and leave. It's a full-on experience—like a desert playground for adults who never stopped being curious. Just click here to make sure you don't miss out on any of the fun next time you stop by.

Hey, Travis from OutpostX here. If you're going to Utah...then chances are you're going to visit its national parks. And I don't blame you—they're a dream for desert lovers, hikers, spiritual seekers, and people just trying to remember what fresh air smells like. But the Mighty 5 can be a lot to manage, especially if it's your first time. So here are some tips for each park to help you get the most out of your next trip: 1. Zion National Park (Start here if coming from Vegas or SoCal) Zion is Utah's most visited park and it's absolutely mind-blowing...but also gets packed like a Costco on a Saturday. It's still worth it though thanks to towering sandstone cliffs, turquoise rivers, and hikes that feel like you're walking through an ancient temple. Must-do: The Narrows (you're literally hiking in a river between canyon walls) Angel's Landing (only if you're not terrified of heights and have a permit) Canyon Overlook (short, sweet, and incredibly scenic) Pro tips: Stay outside the park since Springdale is great but busy. Earlier in the day means fewer people. The shuttle system runs most of the year, so check in advance. And if you're looking for the perfect spot to start your trip, then head to OutpostX, which is right on the way to Zion. 2. Bryce Canyon (90 minutes from Zion, but feels like a different planet) If a fantasy novel and a geology class had a baby, it'd be Bryce. Hoodoos (these tall, twisty rock spires) rise up like frozen flames in an amphitheater that glows orange and pink at sunrise. You can hike down into the maze or just take in the view from above—either way, it feels like stepping onto another planet. Must-do: Navajo Loop & Queen's Garden trail combo Sunset Point and Sunrise Point (the names don't lie) Pro tips: Bring layers. It can snow here even in May. Also, the stars? Unreal. This place is a certified dark sky park. 3. Capitol Reef This one doesn't get as much love, which is wild to me because Capitol Reef is quiet, stunning, and weirdly peaceful. You'll drive through orchards, see massive cliffs, and probably have whole sections of trail to yourself. Must-do: Hickman Bridge Trail Scenic drive through the park (you'll feel tiny, in the best way) Grab a homemade fruit pie from the Gifford Homestead Pro tips : This is your slow-down park. Linger, skip cell service, and let your brain recalibrate. 4. Arches National Park (The classic red rock playground) This is the one with the iconic rock arches you've seen on license plates and screensavers. But there are over 2,000 arches in this park, many of which are less crowded and just as stunning. Just be aware that it's gotten very popular, so you'll need a timed entry reservation most of the year. Must-do: Delicate Arch at sunrise or sunset (yes, hike it—even if you're tired) Landscape Arch (it's barely hanging on, which is cool and also slightly terrifying) Windows Section is great for quick exploring Pro tips: Start early. Like, headlamp early. Or go late. Midday = hot, packed, and not the vibe. 5. Canyonlands National Park (Split your brain in two) Canyonlands is split into different districts that aren't connected by roads, so pick a section and commit. Most visitors hit Island in the Sky thanks to its sweeping views, deep canyons, and the famous Mesa Arch (yes, the sunrise shot you've seen a thousand times). But if you want something more remote and epic, The Needles District is where it's at. You'll feel like you're on another planet with fewer people, bigger hikes, and way more solitude. Must-do (Island in the Sky): Mesa Arch at sunrise (yes, it's worth the early wake-up) Grand View Point trail Just drive around—every stop is a screen saver Pro tips: Bring snacks, fuel up your car, and don't expect a lot of amenities. It's more remote than Arches, and that's part of the charm. Bonus Tip: Reset and recharge at OutpostX Located perfectly between Zion and Bryce, OutpostX is a 240-acre desert sanctuary where you can sleep in a stargazing dome, soak in a hot clay bath, or cruise across a cracked lake bed in your own off-road sand cruiser. Here's what makes it the perfect pitstop: Domes and villas with panoramic skylights, earth-tone interiors, and total privacy Pick your preferred way to rejuvenate with hot tubs, cold plunges, and saunas Zero light pollution for the best stargazing of your life Pure desert stillness that makes you feel like you're on a faraway planet If you're looking to anchor your national park visits with something unforgettable, this is your spot. In fact, lots of our guests even call it the highlight of their entire trip—and we'd love to have you next. Just click here to make us part of your next adventure. —Travis OutpostX