There’s just something about the American Southwest. The colors are louder, the stars are brighter, and time seems to slow down. Utah is one of those places that has a presence. You feel it the second you step into its rust-colored canyons or stand under its Martian-looking arches.
Since starting my solo travel journey in 2012, I’ve come back to Utah to solo explore and camp off the grid four times. It’s wild, it’s weird, it’s peaceful—and for solo female travelers, it’s one of the most rewarding states to explore on your own.
Whether you want a spiritual recharge, an epic hiking trip, or a cozy soak in a funky hot spring, here are 10 of the best places in Utah for solo female travelers—all based on firsthand experience:
1. Mystic Hot Springs
Monroe, UT
This place is like stepping into a Wes Anderson desert dream. Picture vintage bathtubs carved into the hillside with steaming hot water flowing in, surrounded by orange rock and open sky. I stayed in one of the funky converted buses on-site and loved how low-key and artsy it all felt. It’s rustic, it’s magical, and the sunsets are next-level.
→ What It’s Like to Visit Mystic Hot Springs
2. Zion National Park
I solo hiked to Angel’s Landing in 2007 and believe it or not, I was the only person at the vista and only passed a couple of people on the trail. Since then, Zion has EXPLODED in popularity, but even during high season, there are ways to find your own quiet moments. My advice? Start hikes early (sunrise in Zion is chef’s kiss), and consider trails like the Watchman or Observation Point instead of the more famous—and hairier—Angels Landing.
→ The best things to do in Zion National Park
3. Bonneville Salt Flats
Western Utah
It’s wild how silent the salt flats are—like standing on another planet with nothing but the crunch of salt underfoot. I camped here solo and woke up to a pastel sunrise stretching endlessly in every direction. It’s flat, it’s otherworldly, and the reflections after a rain? Unreal.
→ 75 Awesome things to do in Utah
4. Capitol Reef National Park
This is the Utah park that people skip—and that’s exactly why I love it. The landscape is dramatic, the hiking is amazing, and it’s way less crowded than the others. I wandered through narrow canyons and Temple of the Sun and Moon, and had the whole place to myself in February.
→ The Ultimate Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary
5. Moab
Moab is more than just a base for Arches and Canyonlands—it’s a solo traveler’s playground. I loved the energy here: casual coffee shops, outdoor gear stores, and lots of other solo adventurers around. It’s the perfect place to stock up, swap stories, or just relax after a few nights of camping.
→ The perfect guide to Moab, Utah
6. Dead Horse Point State Park
I know, rough name—but this park offers some of the most cinematic views in Utah. I camped near here on public lands solo and had coffee overlooking a canyon that looked like it belonged on Mars. Bonus: fewer people than Canyonlands or Arches, but just as stunning.
→ Solo Travel in the American Southwest – My Exact Itinerary
7. Bryce Canyon National Park
Those hoodoos! They look like something out of a fairytale. Bryce is super doable solo—you can hike the Navajo Loop or Queens Garden Trail and still have time for stargazing at night. And as a dark sky park, it’s a stargazer’s dream. Though it’s lovely at any time of year, I’m partial to the winter months when the snow creates a stark contrast with the oranges of the hoodoos.
→ My Favorite Stops on a Utah Road Trip
8. Escalante + Coyote Gulch
Grand Staircase-Escalante feels like the final frontier. I backpacked into Coyote Gulch, and it remains one of the most awe-inspiring hikes I’ve ever done. Natural arches, towering canyon walls, and even a waterfall or two—all without the crowds of the national parks. This is one of those places that rewards effort with absolute magic.
9. Boulder and Scenic Highway 12
Highway 12 is a solo road trip dream. Rolling green forests, red rock canyons, and one of the most beautiful stretches of road in the U.S. I stayed in Boulder and had one of the best meals of my life at Hell’s Backbone Grill—a woman-owned, sustainable restaurant that feels like a hug in food form.
→ My Favorite off the beaten path Stops on a Utah Road Trip
10. Arches National Park
There’s something empowering about watching the sun rise through Delicate Arch with no one else around. I recommend staying in Moab and waking up early to hit the trails. Even better? Moab has solo-friendly cafes and hostels where it’s easy to meet other travelers if you feel like being social.
→ My perfect Arches National Park guide
Safety Tips for Solo Travel in Off-Grid Utah
Much of Utah’s magic lies in its remote corners—places where you might go hours without seeing another human, which is part of the appeal. But that also means being prepared and self-sufficient. Here’s how I do it:
- Let someone know your plans. Especially if you’re going into the backcountry. Drop a pin, leave a paper itinerary, or use a Garmin InReach or satellite phone.
- Carry more water than you think you need. Utah is dry and hot—even in spring or fall. I usually bring a hydration bladder and extra bottles.
- Download offline maps (like Gaia GPS or Maps.me offline) before leaving any town.
- Pack a first aid kit and know how to use it. Even minor injuries can become a big deal out there.
- Start early and plan for sudden weather changes. Monsoon season can bring flash floods, and temps swing wildly from day to night.
- Trust your instincts. I’ve solo camped all over Utah and felt completely safe—but I also move on if a place doesn’t feel right.
- Leave NO TRACE: Much of Utah camping is completely off the grid, meaning there are no bathrooms or trash cans. Leave it better than you found it, and pack out what you pack in, including human waste.
→ What It’s Like to Solo Backcountry Camp
Honestly? Backcountry camping in Utah is one of the most empowering things I’ve ever done. It’s quiet. It’s real. And it reconnects you to something deep.
Whether it’s your first solo trip or your fiftieth, Utah is a place that meets you where you are—with wide open spaces, otherworldly landscapes, and the kind of silence that helps you hear yourself again.
Here’s to hot springs, hoodoos, and solo adventures that stay with you long after you leave the canyon.
—Kristin
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