Utah Valley Travel Guide

Explore the magnificent and culturally rich tourist spots in Utah Valley with our comprehensive tour guide. Plan and organize your trip with the best places to visit, activities to do, and cultural and safety tips to keep in mind.


Introduction to Utah Valley

Utah Valley is a beautiful place located in Wasatch Range in Utah, United States of America. With spectacular natural attractions and rich culture, it’s becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations for outdoor enthusiast nature lovers and adventure seekers.

List of Places to Visit in Utah Valley

Here are some of the best places to visit in Utah Valley:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

BYU Museum of Art

BYU Museum of Art is located on Brigham Young University Campus and showcases over 10,000 art pieces. The artwork is from different parts of the country and consists of contemporary art pieces and sculptures.

Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum

Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum consists of various animal exhibits with live and taxidermy animals. With more than 2 million visitors annually, this museum is one of the top attractions of Utah Valley.

Timpanogos Cave National Monument

Timpanogos Cave National Monument, located in American Fork Canyon, is a favorite destination for nature lovers and historians. This cave is made up of multiple rooms showcasing various natural rock formations including stalactites and stalagmites.

Natural Attractions of Utah Valley: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Provo River Parkway Trail

The Provo River Parkway Trail is a biking, hiking, and jogging trail that stretches over 15 miles of the Provo river. Trailheads are scattered throughout the valley, and visitors can enjoy fishing, picnicking, and birdwatching along the trail.

Bridal Veil Falls

Located in the heart of Provo Canyon, Bridal Veil Falls is a must-visit place for anyone exploring Utah Valley. With a 607ft cascading waterfall, it is a sight to behold and is easily accessible by hiking or driving to the falls.

Sundance Mountain Resort

Sundance Mountain Resort is the perfect spot for skiing and snowboarding with the scenic views of Mount Timpanogos. This resort is an ideal destination for all adventure enthusiasts and is well-equipped with skis, snowboards, and other gear rentals.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Utah Valley

There are countless hiking and biking routes throughout Utah Valley. Here are some of the notable ones:

Y Mountain Trail

Y Mountain trail is a moderate hike that takes you to the famous Y on the mountain. It’s six miles roundtrip and offers fantastic scenic views of Utah Valley.

Provo River Parkway Trail

Provo River Parkway Trail is one of the most scenic trails in Utah Valley with beautiful views of the Provo River. Biking and hiking along the trail is an enjoyable activity for tourists and locals alike.

Best Things to Do in Utah Valley: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the best things to do in Utah Valley:

Visit the Alpine Loop

The Alpine Loop is a scenic drive with breathtaking views of the mountains and canyons. It’s a popular destination for photographers and nature lovers.

Attend a Festival

Utah Valley is known for its festivals. The most famous ones are the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival, Springville Art City Days, and the Fall Festival of Colors.

Week-Long Itinerary for Utah Valley

Day Activities
1 Visit Timpanogos Cave National Monument and Sundance Mountain Resort
2 Explore Provo River Parkway Trail and Cascade Springs
3 Discover Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum and BYU Museum of Art
4 Enjoy Bridal Veil Falls and Silver Lake Flat Reservoir
5 Try skiing or snowboarding at Sundance Mountain Resort
6 Take a scenic drive at Alpine Loop or explore the city of Provo
7 Attend a festival or enjoy a relaxing day at a local park

Food and Drink Scene of Utah Valley

Must-Try Dishes

Fry Sauce

Fry Sauce is a condiment made from tomato sauce and mayonnaise, which is a popular dipping sauce for French fries.

Jell-O

Jell-O is a popular dessert in Utah that comes in various flavors and is available everywhere in the valley.

Local Beverages

Utah’s Own Wine

Utah produces some of the most excellent wines in the United States. Ranging from sweet to dry, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

High West Whiskey

High West Distillery, located in Park City, produces some of the finest whiskeys in the world, including “Campfire” whiskey, which is a unique blend of scotch, bourbon, and rye.

Where to Stay in Utah Valley: Hotels, Hostels, and Guest Houses

Various accommodations, both luxury and economical, are available throughout Utah Valley. Some of the most notable ones are:

Sundance Mountain Resort

Sundance Mountain Resort is one of the top destinations for luxury seekers.

Hines Mansion Bed and Breakfast

Hines Mansion Bed and Breakfast is a 19th-century mansion with unique architecture and luxurious rooms.

What to Buy in Utah Valley: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some of the best souvenirs to buy from Utah Valley:

Pioneer Taffy

Pioneer Taffy is a classic souvenir to bring back from Utah Valley, specifically from the Provo area.

Artwork and Crafts

Utah Valley is home to numerous art galleries and craft stores with unique and exclusive pieces that make perfect souvenirs.

Local Culture and Customs of Utah Valley

Utah Valley is a conservative state with strong religious roots, with the majority of the population belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Visitors should respect local customs, which include avoiding alcohol and dressing modestly.

Best Time to Visit Utah Valley

The best time to visit Utah Valley is during spring and fall when the weather is pleasant, and the crowd is less.

Do’s and Don’ts of Utah Valley

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.
  • Try local cuisine and beverages.
  • Enjoy scenic drives and nature trails.

Don’t:

  • Drink and drive.
  • Engage in any activity that harms the natural environment.
  • Disrespect local customs and traditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Utah Valley

Utah Valley is generally a safe place to visit. However, visitors should take necessary precautions and avoid dangerous areas.

Health in Utah Valley

Visitors should carry adequate sun protection and drinking water while exploring the outdoors to prevent dehydration and sunburn.

Getting to Utah Valley: Transportation Options and Logistics

Various transportation options are available to reach Utah Valley, including:

Airports Near Utah Valley

  • Provo Municipal Airport
  • Salt Lake City International Airport

Bus Stations Near Utah Valley

  • Greyhound Bus Lines
  • Utah Transit Authority (UTA)

Other Options

  • Car rentals
  • Private cabs

How to Get Around Utah Valley

Hiring a car, taxi, or rideshare is the best option for getting around Utah Valley. Visitors can also rent bicycles or use public transportation options like UTA and Provo City buses.

Where to Go Next from Utah Valley: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some of the nearby destinations and excursions that visitors can explore:

  • Salt Lake City
  • Park City
  • Moab
  • Zion National Park

Conclusion

Utah Valley is an extraordinary destination for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and culture seekers. It’s a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and exciting adventure activities. Visitors can explore the valley’s various attractions, try local cuisine and beverages, and enjoy a relaxing stay. We hope this comprehensive tour guide helps you plan and organize your trip to Utah Valley efficiently.

Valley at Timpanogos Cave Valley at Timpanogos Cave