^{THINGS TO DO FOR FREE IN UTAH}

1.  Squeeze through slot canyons in the San Rafael Swell

There are millions of acres of public lands in Utah that are just as scenic as the official state and national parks– and, unlike them, totally free to visit. The San Rafael Swell, a huge uplift in the earth’s surface between Arches and Capitol Reef National Parks, is one of the most impressive of these free areas to visit. The “Swell,” as it’s often referred to, is home to dozens of narrow slot canyons, from easily accessible, family-friendly hikes like Little Wild Horse Canyon to full-day adventures requiring ropes and a good deal of technical skill. There are also plenty of free camp spots in the San Rafael Swell, particularly around the Temple Mountain Area.

2.  Visit the Orphaned Animals at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

Just 30 minutes from Zion National Park in Kanab, Utah, is America’s largest animal sanctuary for homeless pets. Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is in beautiful red-rock Angel Canyon and is home to roughly 1600 rescue animals, from cats and dogs to parrots, pigs, goats, horses and more. The sanctuary offers free daily tours, including animal-specific visits where you can walk among the pot-bellied pigs, take atrip to Horse Haven or visit the wild animals being rehabilitated for release at Wild Friends. Better yet, plan to volunteer and spend the day walking dogs, serving pet food or grooming mules.

3. Marvel at the art in the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art

Searching for free museums or cultural centers in Utah? The Utah Museum of Contemporary Art fits both bills. This stunning museum has been showcasing a growing collection of art since 1931. A mix of permanent and rotating exhibits featuring painting, photographs and sculptures by local, national and international artists ensures there’s always something new to see when you visit. The museum also hosts public art exhibitions throughout the city.

4. Wander the beaches near the once-great Salt air Resort

Just 15 miles west of Salt Lake City, you’ll see a strange pavilion with turrets near the shores of Great Salt Lake. This is the third iteration of the Salt air Resort, a once-bustling lakeside resort and amusement park whose previous versions burned to the ground. Just beyond the Salt air, you’ll find easy beach access to the briny Great Salt Lake– a fun place to explore, especially with kids.

5. Visit the Grafton ghost town

Grafton isa well-preserved ghost town just outside Zion National Park where several classic western movies were shot (including several scenes from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid). The settlement dates back more than 150years, when early Mormon pioneer families settled along the fertile lands of the Virgin River, building small villages and hoping to grow cotton. The river had other ideas – and frequent flooding drove the last hearty residents out by the late 1940s, leaving a picturesque if forlorn site for visitors to explore today. Don’t miss a visit to the cemetery, which offers a sobering reminder of how difficult it was for early pioneers to make a life here.

6. Catch a free performance by the Tabernacle Choir

The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, formerly known as the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, is one of the most famous chorales in the world, and visitors can enjoy free performances at community events each week. On Sunday mornings, the choir performs its Music& the Spoken Word broadcast in the Conference Center, with no tickets required (though guests must be eight years or older). Guests are also welcome to attend daily free organ concerts and Thursday-night choir rehearsals in the Tabernacle at Temple Square.

7. See the Sun Tunnels land-art installation

Known best for her public sculptures and land art, American artist Nancy Holt has created a massive installation in the middle of the Great Basin Desert. Located by the Utah–Nevada border near the abandoned railroad town of Luc in, her Sun Tunnels are four huge concrete cylinders arranged to capture the sun’s rays during the summer and winter solstices. Each cylinder has small holes drilled through the concrete which allow sunlight or moonlight through, casting enchanting projections of constellations.

8. Hike and bike along the Jordan River Parkway

Paralleling the Salt Lake Valley’s Jordan River and weaving in and out of urban areas and parks, the Jordan River Parkway is a 40-mile pathway for foot and bike travel. The spot where three Salt Lake City creeks come together and flow into the Jordan River before it empties into Great Salt Lake, the Three Creeks Confluence is one of the best spots to visit along the parkway. A series of bridges span the creeks in the park, offering a lovely place to relax or fish.

9. Learn the state’s history at the Utah State Capitol

Marvel at the impressive white dome of the Utah State Capitol as you step inside for a free guided tour. During the tour, you’ll learn about Utah’s history, its government and the building’s architecture. Tours are available most of the year, except for a few weeks around the November and December holidays. You can also enjoy a free self-guided tour during your visit. This is a great place to escape the heat or warm up during a winter visit to the state.

10. Take a dip at Fifth Water Hot Springs

Fifth Water Hot Springs is a gorgeous collection of hot spring pools built along a creek about an hour south of Salt Lake City. The springs are totally free to visit but require a 2-milehike from the trailhead in Diamond Fork Canyon to reach. Just south of the town of Fillmore, Meadow Hot Springs is also free to visit. These springs are only a short walk from the parking area and consist of three clear pools with temperatures hovering around 100°F. 

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Facts About Utah:

Utah is a US state known for its stunning natural scenery, including red rock canyons, mountains, and the Great Salt Lake. It is home to five national parks and is a major destination for outdoor recreation like skiing and hiking. The state's capital is Salt Lake City, and it has a significant economy in areas like mining, tech, and tourism. 

• Utah is nicknamed the "Beehive State" and its state symbol is the beehive. 
• It was admitted to the Union on January 4, 1896, becoming the 45th state. 
• Utah is a hub for outdoor recreation, offering a wide range of activities year-round. 
• It is famous for its world-class skiing and snowboarding, with 15 ski resorts. 
• Great Salt Lake: The Great Salt Lake is the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere, though its size is shrinking due to conservation efforts. 
• 2002 Winter Olympics: Salt Lake City hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics. 
• First Kentucky Fried Chicken: The world's first Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise opened in Salt Lake City in 1952. 

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