What to do in Utah while house and pet sitting

Regarded for some of the best national parks in the nation, the Sundance Festival and pastrami burgers, the Beehive State is a hive of activity for tourists. 

As if five national parks wasn’t enough, the state is home to seven national monuments as well as miles of natural diversity ranging from arid deserts and sand dunes to thriving pine forests and mountain valleys. Still not convinced you’ll know what to do in Utah? To kick-start your journey to the American West, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best things to do in Utah during your pet sit.

Utah attractions

If it’s a magnificent natural playground you’re after, Utah has it all. Here’s the lowdown on our top three national parks: 

1. Bryce Canyon National Park: With some of the most beautiful terrain in the world, Bryce Canyon National Park in Southwestern Utah is famous for its distinctive rock formations, known as hoodoos. Go for a scenic drive or opt for horseback riding, hiking or even ATV riding while you’re there. 

2. Arches National Park: Located north of Moab, Arches National Park is home to more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the gigantic Delicate Arch – a breathtaking red hued structure. Other geological formations include Balanced Rock, towering over the desert landscape in the middle of the park.

3. Zion National Park: Zion National Park is a huge, 2,000 feet deep canyon with plenty of hiking opportunities located in the part known as ‘The Narrows’.  If you’re a more experienced hiker, there’s a more challenging route called ‘The Subway’. Regardless of your abilities, the park's spectacular rock arches will blow you away. 

Free things to do in Utah 

Looking for things to do in Utah on a budget? There’s plenty to do and it doesn’t have to break the bank. 

1. Hill Aerospace Museum: Located on approximately 30 acres in the northwest corner of Hill Air Force Base, the Hill Aerospace Museum is part of the US Air Force Heritage Program. The museum has more than seventy aircraft on display in its two indoor galleries and outside air park with thousands of aviation artefacts to view.

2. Joseph Smith Memorial Building: Originally called the Hotel Utah, the Joseph Smith Memorial Building is an opulent Beaux-Arts hotel designed by architectural firm Parkinson and Bergstrom. The building operated as a hotel for 75 years and hosted prominent international leaders and presidents as well as celebrities in the world of music and entertainment. Today you’ll find artistic columns, stained-glass windows and volunteer musicians playing on the grand piano in the lobby. 

3. Salt Lake Temple Square: Owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Salt Lake Temple Square is a five-block complex that includes historic buildings, gardens, administrative and office buildings, museums, monuments, libraries, pavilions and restaurants. 

Fun things to do in Utah 

Other than pink desert sand and windswept beauty of the state, there are actually some fun things to do in Utah. Read on to discover our top picks: 

1. Salt Lake City: With incredible restaurants, double-feature drive-ins and hidden speakeasies, one of the top places to visit in Utah has got to be Salt Lake City. From the Utah Olympic Park to the city’s galleries that open late at night, there’s something for everyone in the great Salt Lake City.

2. Monument Valley: If you get deja vu when you visit Monument Valley, know it's probably because you’ve seen the landscape in a classic Western movie. The red-sand desert region of the Arizona-Utah border is known for the towering sandstone rocks of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. Get there by the 17-mile Valley Drive and prepare to be amazed at the staggering formations. 

3. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument: Known as the Staircase-Escalante because of a series of plateaus that descend from Bryce Canyon South towards the Grand Canyon, the Grand National Monument is marked by several vertical drops at the Pink, Grey, White, Vermillion and Chocolate Cliffs. The sandstone labyrinths and unusually shaped rocks provide some of the best hiking around the state including the Calf Creek Falls and Coyote Gulch. 

What to do in Utah with pets?

No matter where you’re headed in the state, we can help you get out and about with your pup. From great off-leash parks and beaches to fantastic hiking trails, there are lots of places to visit in Utah with your dog. 

1. Tanner Park: Tanner Park isn’t technically an official dog park, but you can take your pup on one of the many trails and wile away a few hours hiking in the wilderness.

2. Parley’s Nature Reserve: A great place to visit with your new pal, Parleys Nature Reserve has a river running through the length of the reserve. Pups can jump in at various locations of the reserve and at the end of the dirt road there’s a large swimming hole where your dog can cool off.

3. Cafe on 1st: This Salt Lake City gem has a great selection of breakfast and lunch options from burritos to bagels and all the hot drinks your heart could desire. Pups are allowed inside, too! 

Best restaurants in Utah: Food and drink

Time to relax and catch a bite to eat. What are the best restaurants in Utah? Truth is, there’s so many unique restaurants in Utah that it’s impossible to share them all so here’s a few of our favorites: 

1. Log Haven: If terrific food and incredible atmosphere is your thing, Log Haven is the perfect spot. The restaurant offers innovative New American cuisine, all located in a picturesque log mansion with scenic views. 

2. Red Iguana: For killer Mexican fare, this busy family-run cafe won’t disappoint. Red Iguana serves signature mole plus traditional burritos and their famous fish tacos as well as a host of gluten-free options. Don’t miss the house-made Guac! 

3. Greenhouse Effect Coffee and Crepes: Located in Millcreek, this funky coffee shop has a laid-back atmosphere and offers sweet and savory crepes as well as all your coffee favorites. An extra point from us for dog-friendly outdoor seating. 

Now you’ve perused our ‘what to do in Utah’ guide, you can truly enjoy everything the State has to offer. Utah’s mountains, high plateaus and desert landscapes are just a few of the many draws to the scenic State – as are their pet owners who are just waiting to meet their next pet sitter (that’s you!).

House and pet sitting in Utah

Now that you’re all ready to explore Utah, all you need to do is look for your next pet sit. Just head over here to connect with amazing pet owners and their fur babies.