12 Unusual & Unique Stays in Utah for an Epic Adventure

Utah blew my mind the first time I visited, and every trip since has been just as magical. The red rock formations, sprawling national parks, and otherworldly landscapes make it one of my favorite states to explore—and finding the right place to stay can make your adventure even more memorable.

After multiple road trips through the best places in Utah, I’ve discovered accommodations that are experiences in themselves. From a cozy cabin near Zion, where I woke up to deer outside my window, to a stargazing dome in Moab, where the Milky Way seemed close enough to touch, these stays elevate the whole experience. I’ve gathered 12 truly unique places that will transform your Utah adventure from great to absolutely unforgettable.

Top Unique Places to Stay in Utah

Looking to discover unique places to stay in Utah? Beyond the typical accommodations, the state offers plenty of distinctive options waiting to be explored. Relax at Under Canvas Moab, offering luxury glamping near stunning national parks. Experience the charm of Amangiri, a secluded resort with breathtaking desert views. Unwind at Zion Wildflower Resort, featuring adventurous stays and outdoor activities.

Whether you’re into glamping, luxury, or adventure, here are 12 of Utah’s most exceptional places to stay!

1. Under Canvas Moab

Ever dreamed of sleeping under the stars without sacrificing your morning coffee?

Nestled between Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Under Canvas Moab elevates camping to an art form. These luxury safari-style tents feature plush king beds, private bathrooms, and wood-burning stoves for chilly desert nights.

Wake up to a crimson sunrise illuminating red rock landscapes, just minutes from world-class hiking trails. The communal fire pit becomes an epicenter of adventure stories each evening, where travelers share tips over craft beers.

I’ve never seen stars shine brighter than from the private deck of these canvas retreats. For adventure-minded travelers who appreciate creature comforts, this basecamp delivers unforgettable Moab experiences without compromising on amenities.

2. Escalante Yurts

When was the last time a hotel room actually made you say “wow” out loud?

Positioned at the gateway to Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Escalante yurts blend rustic charm with unexpected luxury. Each circular dwelling features custom furniture, private bathrooms, and panoramic windows framing the rugged southern Utah landscape.

Just minutes from slot canyon hikes like Peek-a-boo and Spooky Gulch, this unique accommodation serves as the perfect basecamp for day adventures. Return from dusty trails to outdoor showers and sunset-facing patios.

The communal barbecue area encourages mingling with fellow travelers. On-site hiking guides ensure you’ll discover hidden gems that typical tourists miss. These yurts balance seclusion with accessibility to Escalante’s natural wonders.

3. Traditional Navajo Hogan in Monument Valley

This isn’t just accommodation. It’s a cultural immersion that redefines the American Southwest.

Experience indigenous hospitality in a traditional earthen hogan within the sacred landscape of Monument Valley Tribal Park. These authentic dome-shaped dwellings sit on Navajo land with views of iconic red buttes and mesas.

Each hogan combines traditional construction with thoughtful amenities while preserving cultural integrity. Magic happens at sunset when towering formations cast dramatic shadows across the desert floor.

Local Navajo guides offer exclusive access to restricted areas, sharing stories passed through generations. The night sky delivers a cosmic show unlike anywhere else. This stay transforms a Monument Valley visit from simple sightseeing to profound connection with land and people.

4. Treehouse on The Stream

Remember that childhood dream of living in a treehouse? This is that fantasy with Wi-Fi and wine glasses.

Treehouse on the Stream is hidden among pine and aspen groves near Park City, this elevated escape offers mountain tranquility just 30 minutes from world-class skiing. The handcrafted wooden structure perches above a babbling brook, with windows that immerse you in forest views.

The interiors blend rustic elements with modern design. A private hot tub on the deck provides muscle-soothing soaks after hiking the nearby Mid Mountain Trail or exploring Wasatch Mountain State Park.

The kitchenette allows for intimate meals made with local ingredients from Park City’s farmers market. Fall asleep to flowing water below, a natural lullaby that washes away urban stress.

5. Mystic Hot Springs

Where hippie nostalgia meets natural healing in a setting too quirky for Instagram filters.

Mystic Hot Springs’ offbeat oasis in Monroe centers around naturally heated mineral pools carved into travertine formations. Beyond soaking in healing waters with mountain views, the accommodations themselves deliver serious nostalgia.

Choose between renovated vintage buses or pioneer cabins, each with quirky character. Located near Fishlake National Forest and the Paiute ATV Trail, this funky retreat attracts those seeking both adventure and relaxation.

The on-site venue hosts intimate concerts with exceptional natural acoustics. The springs’ minerals leave skin feeling remarkably soft—a natural spa treatment better than fancy resort offerings. This place honors its hippie roots while providing an unforgettable Utah experience.

6. The Anniversary Inn – 5th South

Because sometimes adults need to indulge their secret desire to sleep in a castle. This themed boutique hotel in downtown Salt Lake City turns ordinary stays into theatrical experiences. Each suite transports guests to elaborate fantasy worlds with immersive décor and surprising amenities.

Located within walking distance of Temple Square and top restaurants. The Anniversary Inn – 5th South serves as both a destination and a launching point. The attention to detail includes spa tubs, fireplaces, and complimentary cheesecake.

While admittedly playful, there’s something fun about the commitment to each room’s theme. The central location provides easy access to the Utah Symphony, Natural History Museum, or quick escapes to nearby Cottonwood Canyons for outdoor adventures.

• Read Next: 13 Incredible Cabin Rentals in Utah

7. Holmstead Ranch Resort

For when your soul needs fewer conference rooms and more sunset horseback rides. Set against southwest Utah’s Pine Valley Mountains, this working ranch offers luxury cabins alongside authentic farm experiences. Each timber-framed retreat features vaulted ceilings, gourmet kitchens, and private porches overlooking the 600-acre property.

Located just 30 minutes from St. George and 45 minutes from Zion National Park, the Holmstead Ranch Resort provides a pastoral sanctuary after desert exploration. Morning meadow hikes, private pond fishing, and evening horseback rides create a rhythm connecting guests with simpler pleasures.

The star attraction might be farm-to-table dinners featuring property-grown ingredients. Here, email notification pings fade away, replaced by the satisfying rhythm of rural life.

8. Zion Wildflower Resort

Camping for people who want gorgeous photos without actually roughing it.

Bridging the gap between tents and cabins, Zion Wildflower Resort sits minutes from the east entrance of Zion National Park. Choose between canvas tents, covered wagons, or tiny cabins offering rustic luxury with shared bathrooms and communal fire pits.

The property’s vintage games and relaxed atmosphere foster connections between travelers swapping tales of Angels Landing conquests or Narrows adventures. Morning yoga sessions against vermillion cliff backdrops prepare bodies for canyon exploration.

Unobstructed night skies reveal the Milky Way in stunning clarity from strategically placed hammocks. Proximity to both Zion and Bryce Canyon makes this an ideal basecamp for exploring southern Utah’s iconic landscapes.

9. Zion Alpacas Country Casita

Where else can you sip morning coffee while alpacas serenade you? This Adobe guesthouse on a working alpaca ranch has a truly unique Utah stay. Zion Alpacas Country Casita is located in Virgin, just 15 minutes from Zion National Park‘s west entrance. The property combines easy park access with rural charm.

The modernized casita features handcrafted southwestern furnishings, a fully equipped kitchen, and a patio overlooking red rock vistas. Morning coffee becomes an event as curious alpacas gather nearby, their gentle humming creating a soothing soundtrack.

Hosts share insider knowledge about lesser-known Zion hikes like Observation Point via the eastern plateau. After adventures, cool off in the seasonal stream before grilling dinner against technicolor sunset backdrops. This stay blends southwest aesthetics with prime outdoor access.

10. Adobe Retreat by Quiet Shelters

For the design-conscious traveler who values architectural harmony as much as thread count. Adobe Retreat by Quiet Shelters blends into the crimson landscape outside Capitol Reef National Park. The rammed earth construction keeps interiors naturally cool during summer while storing solar warmth for chilly desert nights.

Floor-to-ceiling windows frame views of Waterpocket Fold‘s dramatic ridgelines from every room. The minimalist interior emphasizes natural materials and uncluttered space, allowing the landscape to take center stage.

Located near Torrey, the retreat provides access to Capitol Reef’s otherworldly hikes and scenic Highway 12. The outdoor shower offers guilt-free water enjoyment thanks to rainwater harvesting systems. Stargazing from the rooftop deck reveals why this region earned the International Dark Sky designation.

11. Sundance Mountain Resort

Robert Redford’s vision of mountain luxury proves celebrities occasionally get it right.

Redford’s sustainable luxury resort nestles in the Wasatch Mountains, just 45 minutes from Salt Lake City. Rustic-chic cabins with stone fireplaces and handcrafted furniture dot wooded hillsides beneath Mount Timpanogos.

The Sundance Mountain Resort balances outdoor adventure with artistic pursuits. Morning mountain biking trails lead to afternoon jewelry workshops or film screenings. The acclaimed Tree Room restaurant serves sophisticated mountain cuisine featuring local ingredients.

Winter brings uncrowded skiing on perfectly groomed slopes. Summer offers wildflower hikes and outdoor concerts. Despite its celebrity pedigree, Sundance maintains understated elegance that lets nature remain the true star, delivering experiences that satisfy both adventure seekers and culture lovers.

12. Amangiri

When money is no object and you need a backdrop worthy of your best life photos. Utah’s most exclusive address, Amangiri, emerges from 600 acres of protected valley near the Arizona border. The concrete structures blend into ancient sandstone formations surrounding Lake Powell and Grand Staircase-Escalante.

Each suite features private courtyards, outdoor lounges, and uninterrupted desert panoramas that shift with changing light. The spectacular main pool wraps around a massive boulder, creating an otherworldly oasis.

Expert guides lead guests to hidden slot canyons and prehistoric petroglyphs on the private plateau. The spa incorporates Navajo healing traditions into treatments. Despite stratospheric prices, the unparalleled design, impeccable service, and surreal setting deliver a desert experience that haunts the imagination.

• Read Next: 12 Amazing Places to Visit in the Southwest USA

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Most Unique Places to Stay in Utah

Are you looking for more content about where to stay in Utah? Here are some common questions (and answers) I get asked a lot about Utah’s most unique hotels.

What is the nicest part of Utah?

The nicest part of Utah really depends on what you’re looking for. If you love outdoor adventures, Southern Utah is fantastic, with its iconic red rock landscapes and national parks like Zion and Bryce Canyon. For a mix of outdoor activities and cultural experiences, Northern Utah, especially around Salt Lake City, offers both mountainous adventures and city attractions. Personally, I find the Moab area particularly striking for its natural beauty and access to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.

What is the best city to stay in to see Utah’s national parks?

Moab is an excellent base for visiting Utah’s national parks, particularly Arches and Canyonlands. It’s a small town with a range of accommodations and restaurants, making it convenient for park access. For Zion National Park, Springdale is ideal as it’s right at the park’s entrance. If you’re planning to visit Bryce Canyon, staying in Bryce Canyon City or nearby towns like Tropic can be convenient.

What is the #1 attraction in Utah?

The #1 attraction in Utah is arguably Zion National Park. It’s renowned for its stunning canyon views, hiking trails like The Narrows and Angels Landing, and its overall breathtaking scenery. It’s a must-visit for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

What area of Salt Lake City should I stay in?

In Salt Lake City, staying downtown is a great choice. It puts you close to attractions like Temple Square, the Utah State Capitol, and the Salt Lake Temple. Downtown also offers a variety of dining and shopping options. For a quieter stay, consider the Sugar House area, known for its charming boutiques and cafes.

Is Colorado or Utah prettier?

Both Colorado and Utah have their unique beauty, and it really comes down to personal preference. Colorado is known for its majestic Rocky Mountains and lush green landscapes, especially appealing to those who love mountainous terrain and outdoor activities like skiing and hiking. Utah, on the other hand, is famous for its dramatic red rock formations, desert landscapes, and stunning national parks. If you’re fascinated by desert beauty and unique geological formations, Utah might be more appealing to you.

Wrapping Up: Utah’s Unique Places to Stay

In conclusion, exploring Utah is an experience filled with diverse landscapes and unique accommodations that cater to every traveler’s taste. From my personal adventures, Under Canvas Moab stands out as a favorite. It perfectly captures the essence of Utah’s outdoor spirit, offering a comfortable yet immersive nature experience.

If you’re drawn to the red rock vistas of Southern Utah or the cultural vibrancy of the Salt Lake City area, each region has its own charm. Remember, Utah’s weather can be quite varied, so pack accordingly. And don’t miss out on local eateries wherever you stay; they often offer delightful regional flavors. Lastly, always respect the natural environment to preserve these wonders for future visitors. Happy travels in Utah!