Places to Visit in Utah in August
August is a fun time of year to visit Utah’s mountain, national parks, and cities. If you’re planning a summer vacation, here’s a list of places to visit in Utah in August.
From hiking in Zion National Park to rafting on the Green River, you’ll find a variety of places to visit in Utah in August for everyone to enjoy!
Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities such as hiking or camping, or just want to relax in nature, you will find something that fits your needs when visiting Utah in August.
If you’re planning a trip this summer make sure to consider visiting Utah in August for an unforgettable experience.
Use our Utah Packing Lists to make sure you have the right clothing and gear for your summer vacation! Grab your free printable packing checklist by clicking the image below!
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A Photo Tour of Utah National Parks
Take a visual tour through all five Utah National Parks to see the stunning landscapes you’ll see when you visit!
Visiting Utah in August
There are a lot of Utah destinations for summer vacations like exploring the National and State Parks. In the summer many visitors opt to enjoy outdoor activities in the mountains where the temperatures aren’t as hot.
Utah weather in August will vary between Northern and Southern Utah. The temperatures in the higher elevations will be cooler than the lower elevations by 10 to 20 degrees.
Utah weather in August:
- Northern Utah (Salt Lake City): highs 92 / lows 67 degrees F
- Southern Utah (St. George): highs 100 / lows 70 degrees F
Visiting Utah National Parks in August is a busy time so be prepared crowds! You’ll also need to stay hydrated and use sun protection in August because it’s a very hot and dry month!
Our best tip for an August trip would be: get up early and stay out late so you can avoid the crowds and the midday heat and sun.
Places to Visit in Utah in August
We’ve asked our travel friends to help us put together a list of places to visit in Utah during the month of August.
Here’s a list of Utah August vacation ideas and Utah summer activities!
Bear Lake State Park in August
Bear Lake State Park is one of the most beautiful places in Utah located on the border between Utah and Idaho. Known for its turquoise-blue water, this Utah vacation spot is often called the Caribbean of the Rockies.
The temperatures at Bear Lake during the summer months are generally mild with average daily highs reaching up to 80 degrees F. At night, temperatures drop down into the low 50s so you can enjoy pleasant evenings outdoors without feeling too hot or cold.
There are plenty of things to do at Bear Lake State Park: boating, water sports, fishing, hiking, beaches, swimming, and scenic drives!
Wakeboard boats, jet skis, pontoon boats, ski boats, and fishing boats are all available for rent for any water excursion you want. You can also bring your own. These rental companies usually offer affordable packages.
The most famous beaches at Bear Lake are Rendezvous Beach and Ideal Beach in Utah, as well as North Beach and East Beach in Idaho. These beaches have different water levels and temperatures. Ensure the conditions are right for a fun beach day ahead of time. There is nothing like crystalline brilliant blue waters to make you feel like you are in the Caribbean!
Bryce Canyon in August
If you’re looking for one of the Mighty Five to visit in August, Bryce Canyon National Park is definitely your best bet. Because of its elevation at over 7,000 feet over sea level, it enjoys cooler weather than the other national parks in Utah, with highs in the upper 70s and lows in the 50s.
One of the best activities to do at Bryce Canyon in August is hiking! One of the most popular trails is the Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail. On this hike, you’ll drop below the rim of the canyon along Wall Street, a series of tight switchbacks leading down into a slot canyon. As you loop your way up, you’ll pass a number of fascinating hoodoos, the park’s iconic orange and pink rock spires.
Alternatively, check out the Fairyland Loop Trail, a more challenging hike where you’ll dip below the rim of the canyon and snake along a winding trail as the hoodoos tower above. It truly does feel like you’re in a fairyland!
For most of the year, the weather is too chilly at night to take advantage of its excellent stargazing but the temperatures are perfect for it in August. Bring a couple of warm layers and get ready to see the Milky Way!
Recommended by Jess, Uprooted Traveler
Kanab in August
Many people go to Utah for the national parks, but don’t miss out on a stop in Kanab, Utah. Not only are you surrounded by Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and the Grand Canyon, but you’ll find many other hidden gems to explore as well to get off the beaten path.
Kanab is a great place to set up camp for outdoor lovers. You’ll find plenty to explore in Grand Staircase-Escalante and Vermillion Cliffs National Monuments. One of the best spots in Vermillion Cliffs is White Pocket which is technically in Arizona by just a few miles. Kanab is one of two entry spots to this otherworldly landscape.
There are even more Kanab photo spots including the Great Chamber, Moqui Caves, the Toadstool Hoodoos, and Wire Pass. Don’t miss out on a meal at Rocking V Cafe and some ice cream at The Soda Fountain at Kanab Drug to refuel your body.
Recommended by Christine, Live Love Run Travel
Moab in August
Moab, Utah in August is exceptionally beautiful and extraordinarily hot! It is the perfect destination to visit for those looking for summer weather, unbelievable scenery, and endless outdoor adventures.
August is one of the more crowded months to visit Moab due to popular outdoor recreational activities including whitewater rafting, mountain biking, hiking, and camping.
In order to beat the crowds and the heat, we recommend waking up early to get a head start on your adventures. This is a great way to beat the afternoon crowds as well as the hot desert sun.
Whether you are planning a road trip to Moab to visit the gorgeous red rocks, visiting the area to participate in one of the many wilderness adventures, or you are looking to visit one of the popular national parks in the area such as Arches National Park or Canyonlands National Park, Moab has so much to offer in August.
Recommended by Abby, Trekking Prices
Park City in August
Park City, Utah is a beautiful mountain town located in the Wasatch Mountains and it’s the perfect place to visit in Utah in August.
Most popular for its winter sports scene, rest assured there are also plenty of things to do in Park City, Utah in August as well.
Enjoy a round of golf at Canyons Golf, or go mountain biking along one of the Park City Mountain Village Trails. You can also take a scenic chairlift ride, go standup paddle boarding, ride down an alpine slide and so much more.
If you’re looking for something more low-key, enjoy Park City Utah summer attractions like galleries and museums that will keep you entertained throughout your stay.
Check out the local farmers’ market that runs from mid-May to mid-October. Don’t miss the Deer Valley concert series. And on top of all this, Park City offers a great foodie scene you’ll love to explore!
Recommended by Nausheen, Globe Gazers
Salt Lake City in August
Utah is a beautiful state full of fun activities to be enjoyed year-round. Though it may be famous for the snowy winter ski slopes, summer in the Beehive State can be just as thrilling.
Maybe you’re looking for a backcountry adventure in the red rocks of Moab. The desert temperatures will be high in August, but if you take advantage of the cooler moments in the mornings and evenings, national parks like Arches and Canyonlands are brimming with fun adventures to be had.
For those more interested in exploring the city, visit the capital for some amazing things to do in Salt Lake City. From sporting events to top-tier shopping, August is a wonderful time to check out Salt Lake City.
Salt Lake City is only a short drive to some of the most pretty and interesting landscapes found at Utah State Parks. The Great Salt Lake and Bear Lake are some of Utah’s most visited lakes, and on the opposite end of the landscape spectrum, the striking white Bonneville Salt Flats are an unbelievable sight to see!
Utah is a state full of varied activities and experiences just waiting to be explored. Enjoy Utah in August!
Recommended by Candice, GS Ginger
Timpanogos Cave in August
It’s no secret that Utah weather in the summer means temperatures soar into the 90s! There’s no better way to enjoy an hour is a cave with temps around 45 F.
Timpanogos Cave National Monument is located just a 40-minute drive from Salt Lake City. You must visit the cave via a guided tour. Tours last 55 minutes and only accommodate 16 people, so book in advance online to reserve your spot.
To reach the cave from the visitor center, you’ll take a strenuous 1.5-mile hike. While the trail is paved, it’s a steep uphill climb. Strollers and wheelchairs are not allowed on the trail or in the cave.
Be sure to pack plenty of water, especially since this hike is hot in August!
Once inside the cave, you’ll enjoy cooler temps as you’re treated to a geologic wonderland as you walk past stalactites and stalagmites that have been growing in the depths of this cave for millennia.
Recommended by Dave & Jamie, Photo Jeepers
Utah Lake State Park in August
Most people have heard about Utah’s Great Salt Lake… but are you familiar with Utah Lake? It’s the largest freshwater body of water in Utah, and it’s the namesake for this this State Park in Utah.
Utah Lake State Park is easy to access. Unlike some state parks, which can be pretty remote, Utah Lake is situated in Provo about 45 minutes south of Salt Lake City.
This park is absolutely stunning, and you can enjoy the views virtually any time of the year. Watching the sunrise or sunset along the lake is a stunning sight to behold with the backdrop of the mountain range.
You don’t have to camp within the park to enjoy everything it has to offer; instead, you can grab a local hotel or vacation rental to serve as your home base while you explore the area. And if you do choose to camp, everything you could possibly need is a short drive away.
Being close to Provo brings other benefits. You can easily find rentals if you need camping gear, kayaks, paddleboards, and more. Instead of packing a picnic, you can eat lunch at a local restaurant – supporting local business and trying something new!
Zion National Park in August
Located in southwestern Utah, Zion National Park is among the prettiest US National Parks.
Zion is a paradise for hikers, with trails at every difficulty level. Experienced hikers will enjoy the adrenaline rush of Angel’s Landing, which is one of the park’s most famous (and most difficult) hikes.
The Narrows is another popular hike, which involves squeezing through a slot canyon and walking (sometimes wading) on the bed of the Virgin River.
Both of these trails are best suited for experienced hikers. There are easier trails, too, like the Riverside Walk and the Lower Emerald Pool Trail.
When visiting Zion in August, the weather will be very hot, with highs around 100 degrees F! Make sure to stay hydrated and pack plenty of water and sunscreen.
The Zion Canyon shuttle system is the best way to get around the park. The shuttle stops at various spots in the park where you can hop off to go on a hike or to take photos. Best of all, the shuttle is free!
Seeing the beauty of Zion is a surefire way to spark a love for exploring national parks and admiring their landscapes.
Recommended by Sydney, A World in Reach
More Places to Visit in Utah in August
Utah is an incredible place to explore during the summer months. Be sure to add Utah State Parks and Scenic Drives to the list to enjoy stunning scenery, wide open spaces, and endless outdoor activities!
Utah State Parks in the Summer
- Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
- Goosenecks State Park
- Kodachrome Basin State Park
- Great Salt Lake State Park
Utah Scenic Drives in the Summer
- Best Stops Along Scenic Byway 12
- Alpine Loop Scenic Drive
- Needles Overlook Scenic Drive
- Anticline Overlook Scenic Drive
- Mirror Lake Scenic Byway
Utah Bucket List
Check out even more fun Utah Bucket List ideas for your summer vacation. Be sure to download the free printable that includes ideas for things to see, do and taste all around the state! Click the image below!
