I took a 700-mile road trip across Utah and these were the 9 coolest places I visited, plus 5 spots I'd skip next time

Monica HumphriesAug 13, 2022, 16:44 IST

On my next trip to Utah, I'll stop at a soda shop again, but I'll skip Arches Nation Park and opt for a less crowded park.Monica Humphries/Insider

In May, I went to Moab, Utah. I rented a car for five days and traveled 700 miles across the state.
From Moab to Salt Lake City, I made more than a dozen pit stops on my road trip.

Utah is sprinkled with ghost towns, national parks, cool eateries, and unusual roadside attractions. On my five-day trip driving across the state, I tried to cram in as many stops as possible.

Exploring Utah by car was a great way to explore the state.Monica Humphries/Insider

Utah is sprinkled with ghost towns, national parks, cool eateries, and unusual roadside attractions. On my five-day trip driving across the state, I tried to cram in as many stops as possible.

While I thought most of my road trip stops were worth the mileage, there were a few places I wouldn't stop at again.

The author made many pit stops on a recent road trip.Monica Humphries/Insider

I thought Canyonlands National Park felt like a hidden gem, especially after spending two days in the more crowded Arches National Park.

A view of the south section of Canyonlands National Park.Monica Humphries/Insider

In Moab, I thought the Jailhouse Cafe lived up to its reputation as a popular road trip pit stop.

The Jailhouse Cafe in Moab, Utah.Monica Humphries/Insider

I thought an overnight stop in Utah's little Switzerland was a worthwhile drive.

A sign at the entrance of Midway, Utah.Monica Humphries/Insider

In Utah's little Switzerland, I also discovered a swimming hole that was a much-needed escape from the hot desert.

People swim, snorkel, and dive in the Homestead Crater in Midway, Utah.Monica Humphries/Insider

No matter what part of Utah you visit, I think that stopping at a pop shop is a must.

Lop's Pop Stop in Moab, Utah.Monica Humphries/Insider

A Krishna temple was one of my favorite lunch stops on my way to Midway.

The exterior of the Krishna temple.Monica Humphries/Insider

If you're looking for a picnic stop or place to stretch your legs, I think the Castle Amphitheater in Provo is the place to go.

The sunset over the amphitheater.Monica Humphries/Insider

I stumbled into a choir practice by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake and would suggest anyone — no matter their religion — visit.

A group rehearses in the Tabernacle on Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah.Monica Humphries/Insider

I stumbled into a choir practice by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake and would suggest anyone — no matter their religion — visit.

I thought the Iosepa ghost town was well worth a stop.

A sign for Iosepa.Monica Humphries/Insider

On a return trip to Moab, I'll skip visiting Arches National Park due to large crowds.

People climb rocks at the windows section of Arches National Park.Monica Humphries/Insider

I thought seeing thousand-year-old art in Thompson Springs would be incredible, but wished more information was available.

Newspaper Rock in Monticello, Utah.Monica Humphries/Insider

I'd also skip visiting the ghost town, Home of the Truth, unless I was near the southern entrance to Canyonlands.

Home of Truth ghost town outside of Moab, Utah.Monica Humphries/Insider

I stopped at an abandoned mine in Spanish Fork but I could only see it from a distance.

An arrow points to Dream Mine in Spanish Fork, Utah.Monica Humphries/Insider

While I enjoyed my breakfast in Moab, I'd skip the town's famous fine-dining Sunset Grill next time.

People wait outside the popular Sunset Grill in Moab, Utah.Monica Humphries/Insider

I thought a road trip through Utah was one of the best ways to explore the state — even if I wouldn't return to a few places.

Exploring Utah by car was a great way to explore the state.Monica Humphries/Insider

I hardly see my kids when we take a Disney Cruise. They love it, and my husband and I get a couples vacation.

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I took a 700-mile road trip across Utah and these were the 9 coolest places I visited, plus 5 spots I'd skip next time

Utah is sprinkled with ghost towns, national parks, cool eateries, and unusual roadside attractions. On my five-day trip driving across the state, I tried to cram in as many stops as possible.

While I thought most of my road trip stops were worth the mileage, there were a few places I wouldn't stop at again.

I thought Canyonlands National Park felt like a hidden gem, especially after spending two days in the more crowded Arches National Park.

In Moab, I thought the Jailhouse Cafe lived up to its reputation as a popular road trip pit stop.

I thought an overnight stop in Utah's little Switzerland was a worthwhile drive.

In Utah's little Switzerland, I also discovered a swimming hole that was a much-needed escape from the hot desert.

No matter what part of Utah you visit, I think that stopping at a pop shop is a must.

A Krishna temple was one of my favorite lunch stops on my way to Midway.

If you're looking for a picnic stop or place to stretch your legs, I think the Castle Amphitheater in Provo is the place to go.

I stumbled into a choir practice by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake and would suggest anyone — no matter their religion — visit.

I thought the Iosepa ghost town was well worth a stop.

On a return trip to Moab, I'll skip visiting Arches National Park due to large crowds.

I thought seeing thousand-year-old art in Thompson Springs would be incredible, but wished more information was available.

I'd also skip visiting the ghost town, Home of the Truth, unless I was near the southern entrance to Canyonlands.

I stopped at an abandoned mine in Spanish Fork but I could only see it from a distance.

While I enjoyed my breakfast in Moab, I'd skip the town's famous fine-dining Sunset Grill next time.

I thought a road trip through Utah was one of the best ways to explore the state — even if I wouldn't return to a few places.