Summer Fun in Southern Utah: Your Guide to Beating the Heat (and the Crowds)

Summer is coming—and with it, your next great adventure. Whether you're planning a family escape, a solo reset, or a getaway with your favorite crew, we’ve got one mission this season: help you beat the heat without missing the magic.

At BaseCamp 37°, we get asked all the time: “What’s the best thing to do in summer?” And we get it. Not every spot in Southern Utah is made for midday hikes in July. (We’re looking at you, White Pocket.)

So we’ve pulled together our top summer adventures—local-tested and heat-approved—to help you stay cool while exploring the very best of our high-desert home.

Day 1: Explore the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park

We all know and love the Grand Canyon—but the North Rim? That’s the real secret. It’s wild, quiet, and wildly underrated.

At over 8,000 feet in elevation, it’s a natural escape from the summer heat. And since only 10% of visitors make it to this side of the canyon, you’ll have plenty of space to soak in the views.

Our go-to North Rim itinerary:

• Bright Angel Point: Short walk, huge views.

• Transept Trail: Quiet rim-side meandering.

• Grand Canyon Lodge: Settle into canyon time in those iconic Adirondack chairs.

• Cape Royal Road: Take the scenic drive to solitude.

• Cape Final Trail: A proper hike with a jaw-dropping payoff.

• Angel’s Window + Cape Royal: Sunset stunners.

Bonus tip: Stop at Jacob Lake Inn for cookies. Yes, both ways.

Day 2: Kayak Glen Canyon or Cool Off at Lake Powell

A water-based adventure is a must. And Glen Canyon National Recreation Area delivers in a big way.

Whether you’re paddling beneath the sandstone walls of Horseshoe Bend or splashing around Lake Powell, this place is the ultimate summer cure.

Our favorite ways to explore Glen Canyon:

• Kayak through Horseshoe Bend with the help of Kayak Horseshoe Bend (p.s. glampers get a discount using the discount code here)

• Rent a jet ski from Antelope Point Marina and explore Navajo Canyon

• Book a party boat from Antelope Point Marina and cruise Lake Powell in style

• Bottom-up Antelope Canyon kayak tour (yes, the one with the swirling walls) with Lake Powell Adventure CO.

• Swim spots: Lone Rock or the Chains are local legends

However you do it—by paddle, propeller, or plunge—this is the place to cool off and dive into summer.

Day 3: Head for the High Country at Cedar Breaks National Monument

At 10,000 feet in elevation, Cedar Breaks National Monument is a summer sanctuary. This lesser-known gem sits atop the Grand Staircase and showcases the same glowing cliffs you’ll find at Bryce, just with fewer people.

When you step out here, it’s hard not to stop in your tracks. A half-mile-deep amphitheater unfolds beneath you, dotted with bristlecone pines and wildflowers that practically glow.

Things we love at Cedar Breaks:

• Hike to Ramparts Overlook + Spectra Point

• Take a ranger-led dark sky tour

• Meet a 1,000-year-old bristlecone pine

• Cold plunge at Navajo Lake on your way home

• Trek through Ashdown Gorge Wilderness

Bonus: Come Home to BaseCamp 37°

After a day of canyon views, cold water, or crisp alpine air, there’s nothing better than coming home to your tent at BaseCamp 37°.

And yes—the cowboy pool is OPEN. Take a sunset dip with a cold drink in hand, then watch the stars rise over the Chocolate Cliffs. It’s everything summer should be.

Ready to Plan?

We’re a 10-acre glampground tucked into the high desert, with just five safari-style tents—each with a king bed, private porch, and all the space you need to breathe deep and do summer right.

Click the link in our bio to book your glamping getaway, and we’ll see you under the stars.