Utah in November

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Advisor - Stephanie Maloney
Curated By

Stephanie Maloney

  • Utah

  • Active Travel

  • Adventure Travel

  • Nature Escapes

  • Wellness Travel

  • Sightseeing

  • Local Culture

  • Mountains

A road leading towards red rock formations.
Curator’s statement

Utah is a sensory overload in the best way possible. From the crimson embrace of its canyons to the piercing majesty of its snow-capped peaks, the landscapes here are nothing short of magical. But Utah's charm extends far beyond its iconic parks. Peaceful small towns, a rich cultural tapestry and world-class skiing in Park City weave a spell that lingers long after your visit.

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Where to stay in Utah

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Things to do in Utah

A view of a rocky canyon covered in trees beneath a cloudy blue sky.

Hiking & Outdoor Adventures:

Hike the Peek-a-Boo Loop Trail in Bryce Canyon: Witness the iconic hoodoos transformed with a dusting of snow, creating a winter wonderland along this scenic route.

Stargaze at Goblin Valley State Park: Witness a dazzling display of stars unobstructed by light pollution, with the park's unique hoodoos adding an otherworldly touch.

Explore Monument Valley by Jeep: Embark on an off-road adventure through iconic John Ford filming locations, feeling the thrill of traversing this dramatic desert landscape.

Discover Moab's Off-Roading Trails: Navigate through red rock canyons and hidden gems in Moab, exploring the beauty of the Colorado River from a unique perspective on a guided jeep tour.

Go Snowmobiling near Bear Lake: Experience the thrill of snowmobiling across the pristine white blanket covering the forests near Bear Lake, a winter wonderland escape.

Ski the Slopes of Park City: Indulge in world-class skiing or snowboarding on pristine slopes, with breathtaking mountain scenery as your backdrop.

Holiday Activities:

Unwind at Thanksgiving Point Luminaria: Immerse yourself in a winter wonderland as thousands of luminaries illuminate the gardens, creating a magical atmosphere with live music and festive treats.

Heber Valley Historic Railroad North Pole Express (Heber City): All aboard the North Pole Express! This festive train ride, located in Heber City, takes you on a magical journey to the North Pole. Sing carols, enjoy hot chocolate and meet Santa Claus himself on this enchanting holiday experience. Tickets tend to sell out quickly, so be sure to book in advance!

Gardner Village Holiday Festival (West Jordan): Gardner Village transforms into a winter wonderland during their annual Holiday Festival. Explore the charming shops decorated for the holidays, enjoy live music and entertainment and meet Santa Claus. This festive event is a great way to get into the holiday spirit and do some unique holiday shopping.

Cultural Exploration:

Discover Salt Lake City's Culture: Delve into Utah's rich history at the Utah State Capitol or explore the vibrant art scene at the galleries of Salt Lake City.

Relaxation & Rejuvenation:

Soak in Natural Hot Springs: Rejuvenate in the naturally heated waters of geothermal springs like Mystic Hot Springs or Monroe Hot Springs, a perfect way to relax after a day of adventure.

Day Trips

Park City: This world-famous ski resort town is just a 30-minute drive away from Salt Lake City. In November, Park City transforms into a winter wonderland, but even if you're not a skier or snowboarder, there's plenty to do here. Explore the charming historic Main Street, visit the Park City Mountain Resort for stunning views or enjoy a winter Olympic bobsled experience at the Utah Olympic Park.

Bonneville Salt Flats: Experience the surreal landscape of the Bonneville Salt Flats, about a one and a half-hour drive west of Salt Lake City. This vast expanse of flat, white salt flats is a popular spot for speed trials and land-art installations.

Places to eat & drink in Utah

A white plate consisting of meat and veggies.

Forget the fancy restaurants – Utah's hidden gems are where you'll find the real flavor! Here are some off-the-beaten-path the foodie in you will love:

Moab Diner (Moab): This iconic diner in Moab serves up classic American comfort food in a fun and vibrant atmosphere. Their portions are legendary, and the friendly staff makes you feel right at home. Don't miss their signature green chile cheeseburger – it's guaranteed to satisfy your cravings after a day of exploring the surrounding parks.

Hell's Backbone Grill (Boulder): Nestled in the heart of red rock country near Escalante, Hell's Backbone Grill offers a unique dining experience that combines fresh, seasonal ingredients with stunning views. Their menu features creative dishes inspired by Southwest cuisine, with a focus on locally sourced meats and vegetables. This spot might get a "Flavortown" shout-out for its commitment to sustainability and innovative take on comfort food.

Papi's Food Truck (Salt Lake City): This popular food truck, often found around Salt Lake City, serves up authentic Puerto Rican cuisine with a Utah twist. Their menu features delicious dishes like mofongo (mashed plantains), pasteles (savory turnovers) and pernil (slow-roasted pork). The vibrant atmosphere and friendly service make Papi's a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

Red Iguana (Multiple Locations): A Utah favorite, Red Iguana isn't exactly "off the beaten path," but it deserves a mention for its authentic and delicious Mexican food. Their extensive menu features fresh ingredients and bold flavors, sure to tantalize your taste buds. While not a hidden gem, the sheer popularity and long history could make it a contender for an episode focused on Utah classics.

Eclectic Cafe (Park City): Don't be fooled by the name – Eclectic Cafe is a haven for comfort food lovers. This cozy cafe, located in Park City, offers a variety of breakfast and lunch options made with fresh, local ingredients. Their homemade cinnamon rolls and hearty breakfast burritos are legendary, and the friendly service makes you feel right at home. This charming spot could be featured for its focus on fresh ingredients and classic dishes with a homemade twist.

These are just a few suggestions to get your taste buds tingling. With its diverse culinary scene and hidden gems waiting to be discovered, Utah offers a delicious adventure for any traveler seeking an authentic and flavorful dining experience.

Need to know

Pleasant Weather: Escape the summer heat! November brings comfortable temperatures ideal for outdoor activities. Hike or bike without scorching sun, and evenings turn crisp, perfect for cozy campfires or enjoying a hot drink outdoors.

Fewer Crowds: Beat the peak season rush! Popular national parks like Zion and Bryce Canyon are less crowded in November, allowing you to experience the iconic landscapes with more peace and serenity.

Shoulder Season Savings: Score deals on lodging and activities! November often falls within the shoulder season, offering better rates on accommodation and tours compared to peak summer months.

Fall Foliage: Witness a blaze of color (in certain areas)! While Utah isn't known for widespread fall foliage, pockets like Aspen groves in Zion and Bryce Canyon transform into vibrant displays of yellow, orange and red.

Holiday Cheer: Embrace the festive spirit! Towns across Utah light up for the holidays, offering charming Christmas markets, special events like Thanksgiving Point Luminaria, and a delightful atmosphere to kick off the season.

Winter Wonderland Preview: Get a taste of winter! Higher elevations may receive a dusting of snow, offering a glimpse of Utah's winter wonderland without the deep snows that hinder some activities.

Unique Activities: Explore beyond the scenery! November offers a variety of unique activities like stargazing due to minimal light pollution, soaking in natural hot springs for relaxation or embarking on a thrilling off-road adventure.

Delicious Food Scene: Savor local flavors! Explore Utah's diverse culinary scene, from classic comfort food at diners to innovative takes on Southwestern cuisine, with some hidden gems offering authentic flavors.

Peaceful Escape: Unwind and reconnect with nature! Utah's vast landscapes and natural beauty provide the perfect backdrop for relaxation and rejuvenation, whether through yoga retreats, soaking in hot springs or simply enjoying the serenity of the outdoors.

So, whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a culture buff, a holiday enthusiast or simply seeking a peaceful escape, Utah offers a unique and unforgettable experience in November.

Advisor - Stephanie Maloney

Travel Advisor

Stephanie Maloney

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Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Unveiling the Wonders of Japan. This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Utah.