How to Travel Sustainably in Utah
Utah’s breathtaking national parks, scenic byways, and outdoor recreation areas attract millions of visitors each year. However, preserving these natural wonders requires responsible travel practices. Whether you’re exploring Zion, Bryce Canyon, the Wasatch Mountains, or the Great Salt Lake, adopting eco-friendly habits helps minimize your impact while maximizing your experience.
Eco-Friendly Accommodations in Utah
1. Zion Eco-Cabins – Off-Grid Luxury Near Zion National Park
These solar-powered cabins offer a comfortable stay while using renewable energy. Located just outside Zion National Park, they provide easy access to hiking trails without contributing to overcrowding inside the park.
Why Stay Here? The cabins are designed with minimal environmental impact and use sustainable building materials.
2. Red Mountain Resort – Sustainable Wellness Retreat
Located in St. George, this eco-conscious resort blends luxury, adventure, and sustainability. The resort implements water conservation efforts, sources local ingredients for dining, and offers outdoor wellness experiences in Utah’s stunning red rock landscape.
Why Stay Here? A focus on mindful travel, nature immersion, and conservation.
3. Boulder Mountain Lodge – Sustainable Stays in Grand Staircase-Escalante
This eco-lodge in Boulder, Utah, provides guests with energy-efficient accommodations while supporting local farms and conservation projects. The on-site restaurant, Hell’s Backbone Grill, is a James Beard-nominated eatery that prioritizes organic, locally sourced food.
Why Stay Here? A commitment to community-driven sustainability and farm-to-table dining.
Eco-Friendly Destinations in Utah
Arches and Canyonlands National Parks – Leave No Trace Adventures
Moab’s famous Arches and Canyonlands National Parks are fragile desert ecosystems that require extra care from visitors. Following Leave No Trace (LNT) principles—like staying on designated trails and packing out all waste—helps preserve these iconic landscapes.
Eco-Tip: Use the park shuttle system in Arches to reduce carbon emissions and traffic congestion.
Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge – Responsible Wildlife Watching
Located near Great Salt Lake, this refuge is home to millions of migratory birds. Birdwatching here supports conservation efforts while promoting low-impact, non-invasive tourism.
Eco-Tip: Bring binoculars instead of getting too close to wildlife and support the refuge’s education programs.
Fishlake National Forest – Sustainable Outdoor Recreation
This high-altitude forest features Utah’s largest natural mountain lake and the ancient Pando Aspen Grove, one of the oldest living organisms on Earth. Visitors can hike, fish, and camp responsibly while enjoying one of Utah’s most pristine environments.
Eco-Tip: Camp only in designated sites and use biodegradable soaps to protect water sources.
Sustainable Travel Tips for Utah Visitors
✔ Opt for Public Transit or Carpooling – Use park shuttles, e-bikes, or group tours to reduce emissions.
✔ Pack Reusable Essentials – Bring reusable water bottles, utensils, and tote bags to limit single-use plastics.
✔ Support Local Businesses – Choose locally owned accommodations, restaurants, and tour operators that prioritize sustainability.
✔ Stay on Marked Trails – Avoid damaging fragile desert soil and vegetation by sticking to designated paths.
✔ Reduce Water Waste – Utah is a dry state, so take shorter showers and avoid unnecessary water use.
Protecting Utah’s Natural Beauty
Sustainable travel in Utah is about respecting the land, supporting local communities, and making conscious choices that protect the environment. By choosing eco-friendly accommodations, reducing waste, and following Leave No Trace principles, you help preserve Utah’s landscapes for future generations.
Plan your trip responsibly, and experience Utah’s stunning scenery the sustainable way!
