Adventure

Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area Boat, scuba dive, windsurf, sail, and fish the reservoir's waters; raft down the gentle rapids of the Green River from Flaming Gorge Dam through colorful canyons; hike, camp, or simply bask in the spectacular red rock landscape. U.S. Hwy. 191 between Dutch John and Vernal, UT; + 1 435 784 3445. Fee.

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Lace up your hiking boots to explore multicolored sandstone cliffs, buttes, mesas, and plateaus; then play peek-a-boo in this scenic terrain's winding maze of side canyons and slots. 745 Hwy. 89 E., Kanab, UT; + 1 435 644 4680.

Hardware Ranch Observe grazing elk and other big game in the ranch's wildlife-preserve landscape, glide by elk herds on a horse-drawn sleigh December-March (fee), or fish for trout in Blacksmith Fork River. State Hwy. 101, 15 miles east of Hyrum, UT; + 1 435 753 6206.

Natural Bridges National Monument Imagine the natural forces that sculpt landscapes as you admire this national monument's three highlights—Sipapu, Kachina, and Owachomo natural bridges; stay alert for glimpses of native wildlife; join a ranger-led campfire talk; at night, gaze up at a black sky teeming with bright stars. State Rte. 275, Blanding, UT; + 1 435 692 1234. Fee.

San Juan River Raft mild rapids on a family-geared excursion or careen through bigger waves in an inflatable kayak; after you float through multi-hued canyons, relax with a picnic on the river's shores. Off U.S. Hwy. 191, Moab, UT; 800 574 4386. Fee.

Utah Olympic Park Hit 70 miles per hour as you speed down a bobsled run with an experienced driver (age 14 and older); glide along one of the world's steepest ziplines; shoot down the alpine slide pretending you're a luge, skeleton, or bobsled competitor. 3419 Olympic Pkwy., Park City; + 1 435 658 4200. Fee.