Creative and Inexpensive Weekend Getaways in Utah

From the Delicate Arch to Bear Lake, most Utahns know about the iconic spots to take a quick break for a weekend. However, there’s no shortage of lesser-known locations that are well worth experiencing. So next time you’re looking to explore a Utah destination that’s even further off the beaten trail, here are a few suggestions.

Despite its massive span of 1.7 million acres across southern Utah, Escalante is often overlooked in favor of its neighbors Bryce Canyon National Park and Lake Powell, or one of the state’s other four national parks. But Calf Creek Falls and numerous other stunning rock formations and paleontological sites make it a memorable weekend destination. Plus, with camping sites available, “roughing it” is anything but rough on your budget.

Just because you’re interested in traveling to see shows doesn’t mean that you need to create a special vacation saving strategy to pay for a Broadway trip. Utah is a great place to experience top-notch theater for red-rock-bottom costs. The Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City runs from June all the way through October, making it a great option for a summer or fall excursion. Tickets for 2015 performances are as low as $32 a seat, with multiple ways to save even more money by booking during certain time frames, or with a group.

Much like its name suggests, Eden is a paradise of its own. The area is home to both Wolf Creek Ski Resort (Utah’s most inexpensive ski area, AND the best lighting for night skiing) and Powder Mountain Resort (which boasts the largest number of skiable acres of any resort in the country). Eden also sits a mere 15 miles from the pristine Pineview Reservoir, a warm-water favorite for anglers and water sports enthusiasts alike.

Experience the best that the beehive state has to offer without the extra expense. For more fun and informative money-saving travel advice, read the zblog post about planning a big trip, “How to Have a Rich Vacation Experience for Less Money.”