7 Ways To Skip The Games In Utah

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Utah, known for its breathtaking natural beauty and unique landscapes, offers endless opportunities for adventure and exploration. However, when visiting the state, it's essential to know how to navigate the crowds and tourist traps to truly experience the best of what Utah has to offer. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to skip the games in Utah and discover the real gems of the state.

Understanding Utah's Tourist Traps

Before we dive into the ways to skip the games in Utah, it's crucial to understand what the tourist traps are and why they're not worth your time. Some of the most common tourist traps in Utah include:

• Overcrowded national parks with long wait times and high fees
• Overpriced restaurants and souvenir shops catering to tourists
• Guided tours that promise the world but deliver little substance

Ways to Skip the Games in Utah

1. Off-the-Beaten-Path National Parks

Utah is home to some of the most stunning national parks in the country, but they can get crowded quickly. To skip the games, consider visiting some of the lesser-known national parks and monuments, such as:

• Capitol Reef National Park: A hidden gem with breathtaking scenery and fewer crowds
• Dead Horse Point State Park: A scenic park with stunning views of the Colorado River
• Hovenweep National Monument: A collection of six ancient Ancestral Puebloan villages

2. Local Guides and Insider Tips

Instead of relying on commercial guided tours, consider hiring local guides who can provide insider tips and take you to off-the-beaten-path destinations. Some popular local guide services include:

• Utah Guides: Offers guided hiking and backpacking trips to remote areas of the state
• Redrock Guides: Provides guided rock climbing and canyoneering trips in Moab
• Canyon Country Guides: Offers guided tours of the San Rafael Swell and other remote areas

3. Avoiding Peak Season

Utah's peak tourist season typically runs from June to August, with July being the busiest month. To skip the games, consider visiting during the shoulder season (April to May or September to October), when the weather is still pleasant and the crowds are smaller.

4. Utah's Best-Kept Secrets

Utah is home to many hidden gems that are often overlooked by tourists. Some of the state's best-kept secrets include:

• The Wave: A unique rock formation in Coyote Buttes that requires a permit to visit
• Toadstool Hoodoos: A collection of unique rock formations in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
• Kodachrome Basin State Park: A scenic park with stunning rock formations and few visitors

5. Supporting Local Businesses

Instead of patronizing overpriced tourist traps, consider supporting local businesses and restaurants that offer authentic Utah cuisine and experiences. Some popular local eateries include:

• The Loveless Cafe: A Moab institution serving up delicious burgers and milkshakes
• The Pie Pizzeria: A Salt Lake City favorite serving up gourmet pizza
• Hell's Backbone Grill: A Boulder restaurant serving up farm-to-table cuisine

6. Utah's Backcountry

Utah's backcountry offers endless opportunities for adventure and exploration. Consider skipping the games and heading into the backcountry for a truly immersive experience. Some popular backcountry destinations include:

• The San Rafael Swell: A vast wilderness area with stunning scenery and few visitors
• The Uinta Mountains: A scenic mountain range with plenty of hiking and backpacking opportunities
• The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument: A vast wilderness area with stunning rock formations and few visitors

7. Getting Off the Beaten Path

Finally, to truly skip the games in Utah, consider getting off the beaten path and exploring some of the state's more remote areas. Some popular off-the-beaten-path destinations include:

• The town of Hanksville: A small town with a rich history and stunning scenery
• The Burr Trail: A scenic road that winds its way through the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
• The Skyline Drive: A scenic road that runs along the top of the Manti-La Sal National Forest

By following these tips and skipping the games in Utah, you'll be able to experience the real beauty and charm of the state. From off-the-beaten-path national parks to local guides and insider tips, there's no shortage of ways to discover the authentic Utah.