Springtime in Utah might make you want to travel to desert locales like Moab and St. George or catch the last of the snow in mountainous spots like Salt Lake City, Cedar City, and Provo, but with COVID-19 travel restrictions in Utah in place, you might find yourself asking: Am I allowed to travel within Utah?
Seeking solace in nature can be a wonderful way to practice social distancing. If you love to RV and you love traveling in Utah, it can also scratch that itch to adventure that’s been bugging you since quarantine started. The key is balancing your desire to roam with your responsibility to follow Utah travel restrictions.
Traveling in Utah during coronavirus
Coronavirus was first reported in Utah in late February. Since then, there have been over 3,000 cases. As is the case with most states, the vast majority of the cases are in urban areas. In Utah — which is a state with lots of wilderness and small towns — this primarily means Salt Lake City. Most of the cases of coronavirus in Utah are in Salt Lake County, Utah County, Summit County, and Davis County.
Travel to Utah
So what about Utah travel during COVID-19 if you’re from out of state? Utah recently announced that out-of-state travelers are now required to fill out a digital form that asks for information including name, address, birthdate, locations visited within the previous two weeks, and whether or not the traveler has been tested for or is currently experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. This form’s link is available by visiting the website posted on electronic signs near state lines and from the postcards handed out at the airport. If you’re traveling into Utah, expect to fill out this declaration. It’ll be sent to the state, and you may be asked to quarantine, depending on your answers. In other words, traveling to Utah during COVID-19 is difficult, and in some cases, is not permitted.
Travel within Utah
If you are a local looking to travel within Utah, you might be wondering about Utah travel coronavirus restrictions that affect locals.
Eager to get some fresh air at a state park in Utah? Be sure to confirm that the one you have in mind is open and note any restrictions in place. Most Utah state parks are open, but some facilities, trails, and campgrounds may be closed to encourage social distancing. Some state parks in Utah are only open to county residents. These parks include regional areas located near Moab or near the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest.
All national parks in Utah, Zion National Park, Arches National Park, Bryce National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Capitol Reef National Park are currently closed.
BLM land and other public land areas may offer a less popular alternative to well-known spots. If there’s a seldom-visited wilderness area you’ve been curious about—the kind of place that doesn’t often appear in your Instagram feed—now might be the time to do just that. You may end up finding a new favorite spot in Utah for boondocking in an RV and stargazing with s’mores. Just make sure to verify that the BLM land is open for visits before you go.
Traveling safely in Utah during COVID-19
Do your part to flatten the curve by practicing social distancing while traveling locally within Utah. If you’re hiking and you encounter another person, stay at least six feet away (you can always offer a friendly wave from a distance). Pack everything you need for your trip so that you do not have to visit gas stations or grocery stores within any communities you pass through. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends wearing cloth face masks if possible, but you can always improvise with a bandana or scarf if you don’t have one yet. If you’re feeling sick, stay home.
Lastly, focus on shorter trips so that you don’t have to stop along the way. Doing just this is the best way to look out for your health and the health of your fellow Utahns. As an added bonus, you could end up falling back in love with your own wonderful Utah backyard in the process.
Team Outdoorsy is here to help you along your journey. If you have questions or concerns about your upcoming RV rental, give us a call at 1-877-723-7232, send us an email, or start a chat. And for a continuously updated list of frequently asked COVID-19 questions relating to RV travel, visit our FAQ page.
