Top 15 Things To Do in Highland, Utah
Perched on the lee of the Wasatch front and a short drive from Utah Lake, Highland stitches together high-desert light and alpine attitudes. This guide collects the best ways to lean into the outdoors here—short climbs and longer ridge hikes in the Wasatch, winter skiing and snowmobiling across nearby resorts and backcountry access, and lake-based afternoons with boat rental and water activities. For families, the local zoo and wildlife viewing opportunities mix with easy city tours and bike rental options; for people chasing speed, air activities and ATV/UTV runs scratch that appetite. Use this as a practical playbook to layer a morning climb, an afternoon paddle, and an evening drive or sightseeing tour without spending a second guessing gear or logistics.
Top 15 Things To Do in Highland
Ranked by number of available trips • Each activity type links to all experiences
Why Highland Belongs on Your Adventure Shortlist
Highland sits where the urban edges of the Salt Lake Valley meet the first real teeth of the Wasatch Range, and that meeting gives the place a practical, do-it-all personality. In a single day you can climb a short, exposed crag on the lower ridgelines, switch to a rented bike for a lakefront loop, and finish with a boat rental glide at sunset on Utah Lake. The proximity to both alpine terrain and broad water creates a rare economy of travel: short drives, more active hours. That economy matters to travelers who want to stack experiences—snowmobiling or skiing in the winter, boating and water activities in summer—without spending the whole day moving between disparate regions.
This is not remote-wilderness romance. Highland is a live-where-you-play suburb with service: outfitters for boat rental, bike rental, bus tour and sightseeing-tour operators are a quick call away, and local parks and environmental attractions are maintained and approachable. That mix is why the town works for families who want a zoo visit and a picnic between hikes, for day-trippers who want an air-activities thrill followed by a calm paddle, and for serious adventurers who prefer to use Highland as a base for harder backcountry climbs or a multi-day skiing objective. The cultural flavor is equally pragmatic—trailhead camaraderie, hop-on local tours, and seasonal events that lean into recreation rather than ceremony.
For planning, the split-season personality is key. Summer and late spring open up water-activities, boat rentals, and extended bike tours; fall funnels hikers and photographers to crisp vantage points and quieter trails; winter is when ski and snowmobile options dominate local bookings and require advance planning. Wildlife viewing punctuates shoulder seasons—dawn and dusk windows are especially generous near riparian corridors—so bring a small telephoto or binoculars if you like watching things from a respectful distance. Sightseeing and city tour options make bad-weather or rest days useful, and a short bus tour or city tour will give historical context to the land you’re using for recreation.
Finally, Highland’s versatility is its biggest asset. The top activities—Ski, Climbing, Snowmobile, ATV/UTV, Boat Rental, Water Activities, Bike Rental, Bus Tour, City Tour, Wildlife, Environmental Attraction, Air Activities, Sightseeing Tour, Zoo, and Winter Activities—aren’t stacked because one is better than the others; they’re stacked because each slot offers a different kind of morning, afternoon, or evening. You can plan a restorative weekend where every hour has intention, or use Highland as a launchpad for a longer Utah itinerary that threads national parks and the Wasatch spine. Either way, the town rewards pragmatic travelers who want to move easily between disciplines and leave with a variety of vivid memories.
Access is straightforward: short drives to trailheads and lake put-ins mean you spend more time moving and less time commuting. Outfitters for boat rental, bike rental, and guided sightseeing tours make logistics friendly for visitors who want gear without commitment.
Pair the active days with comfortable evenings—local cafes and seasonal markets supply robust post-adventure options. Book ahead for winter skiing and summer boat rentals, and plan sunrise starts for wildlife viewing or quieter hiking windows.
Best Time to Visit
Best Months
Weather Notes
Summer is warm with excellent lake conditions; afternoon thunderstorms are possible. Fall delivers crisp air and clearer visibility for hiking and sightseeing. Winter opens ski and snowmobile seasons—check snow reports and road conditions before travel.
Peak Season
Summer for lake and water activities; winter holidays for skiing and snowmobile bookings—book rentals and guided trips early.
Off-Season Opportunities
Spring and late fall are quieter and ideal for lower-elevation hikes, wildlife viewing, and discounted lodging. Shoulder months can be great for photography and fewer crowds.
Choose Your Adventure Level
Beginner
Short, clearly marked trails, gentle lake paddles, and guided sightseeing or city tours that require little prior skill.
- Leisurely bike rental loop near town
- Guided boating or calm water activities on Utah Lake
- Family visit to the local zoo and environmental attraction sites
Intermediate
Longer hikes with some elevation, basic climbing routes that require hands-on scrambling, and off-road ATV/UTV half-day trips.
- Ridge hike with exposed sections in the lower Wasatch
- Half-day ATV/UTV trail runs
- Intermediate boat-based excursions and short sightseeing tours
Advanced
Technical climbing, multi-day backcountry traverses, steep winter ascents, and full-day ski or snowmobile objectives that need route-finding and experience.
- Technical rock or alpine climbs requiring trad or sport skills
- Backcountry ski day with avalanche awareness and proper gear
- Extended off-road expeditions and guided air-activity missions
What to Bring
Essential
- Layered clothing—temperatures swing quickly between valley and ridge
- Sturdy footwear for mixed terrain (trail runners or light hiking boots)
- Sun protection (sunglasses, hat, SPF 30+)
- Hydration system or 1–2 L water bottle for day trips
- Personal flotation device for lake or any water activities
Recommended
- Light shell for wind and quick storms
- Binoculars for wildlife and birding
- Compact first-aid kit and a small multi-tool
- Headlamp for early starts or late returns
Optional
- Dry bag for phones and valuables on boats
- Action camera or lightweight camera for ridge-line views
- Trekking poles for steeper approaches or snow-season hikes
Insider Tips & Local Knowledge
Check operator requirements, local restrictions, and weather reports before heading out.
Start early to avoid midday heat in summer and to catch wildlife at dawn. For boating and water activities, reserve craft in advance for holiday weekends. In winter, book ski passes and snowmobile tours early and confirm grooming or access updates. When using ATV/UTV trails, respect private property boundaries and stay on designated routes. For quieter hiking, choose east-facing ridge lines at sunrise. If you plan an air activity or scenic flight, book for clear weather windows to get the best visibility. Finally, pack out what you bring—local parks and environmental attractions depend on visitors to keep habitats healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mix alpine activities and lake days in one trip?
Yes. Highland’s location near the Wasatch and Utah Lake makes it easy to plan half-day alpine outings and afternoon boat rental or water activities—just account for weather changes and pack layers.
Are guided trips required for snowmobile or air activities?
Many operators require a guided booking for safety and liability reasons, especially for snowmobile tours and most air activities. Check with local outfitters for experience and age requirements.
Is Highland family-friendly?
Very. The area offers family-friendly options like easy bike rental routes, a local zoo, calm lake access points, and short trail options suitable for children.