This Is The Place Heritage Park is a public state park in Utah near Salt Lake City in Salt Lake County. Spanning 450 acres and established in 1957, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Utah |
| Nearest City | Salt Lake City |
| County | Salt Lake |
| Park Size | 450 acres |
| Established | 1957 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.5/5 (400 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
This Is The Place Heritage Park is located near Salt Lake City, Utah. The park’s coordinates are 40.7533, -111.8167.
Things to Do
Utah state parks showcase the dramatic red rock landscapes, ancient geology, and high desert beauty that define the American Southwest. Activities include hiking through slot canyons and across sandstone formations, mountain biking world-class desert singletrack, boating and water skiing on deep blue reservoirs surrounded by red cliffs, fishing for trophy trout in mountain streams, rock climbing sandstone towers, off-roading on designated trails, camping under spectacular starry skies, and exploring dinosaur track sites and ancient petroglyphs.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are the prime seasons for Utah parks, offering warm days, cool nights, and comfortable hiking conditions. Summer (June–August) brings extreme heat to desert parks (100°F+), though mountain parks and reservoirs remain pleasant. Winter is cold but beautiful, with snow-dusted red rock creating stunning photography. Many reservoir parks are popular for boating May through September. Flash flood risk peaks during summer monsoon season (July–August) — never enter slot canyons when rain threatens.
Visitor Tips
Utah state parks charge day-use fees of $10-$20 per vehicle. An annual pass ($75) covers all 44 state parks. Camping reservations through stateparks.utah.gov. Water is scarce at many desert parks — carry at least one gallon per person per day. Popular parks like Dead Horse Point and Goblin Valley require reservations for day use on weekends. Cell service is nonexistent in remote southern Utah parks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to visit Utah state parks?
Day-use fees range from $10 to $20 per vehicle depending on the park. An annual pass costs $75 and covers all 44 Utah state parks. Camping fees are separate and range from $20-$40 per night.
Do I need a reservation for Dead Horse Point?
Yes, Dead Horse Point State Park now requires day-use reservations on weekends and holidays during peak season. Reservations can be made through stateparks.utah.gov. The park frequently reaches capacity.
What are the best state parks near Moab?
Dead Horse Point (dramatic canyon overlook) and Goblin Valley (alien rock formations) are the top state parks near Moab. Both are within 1-1.5 hours of town and offer stunning red rock scenery.
Is there cell service at Utah state parks?
Cell service is nonexistent or very limited at most remote southern Utah parks including Goblin Valley, Kodachrome Basin, and Coral Pink Sand Dunes. Download offline maps and inform someone of your plans before visiting.
Explore More Utah State Parks
This Is The Place Heritage Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Utah. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Utah guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
This Is The Place Heritage Park — marks the exact spot where Brigham Young said “This is the right place” on July 24, 1847, upon arriving in the Salt Lake Valley. The park’s foothills, meadows, and streams support mule deer, red foxes, and raptors. A living history village recreates 1860s Utah.
Nearby Attractions
Salt Lake City — at the mouth of Emigration Canyon. Hogle Zoo — adjacent. University of Utah — 2 miles west.
More parks nearby: East Canyon State Park is within about an hour’s drive, while Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail State Park lies within about an hour’s drive.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at This Is The Place Heritage Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are permitted at most Utah state parks and campgrounds, on a leash and never left unattended.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- 6 ft maximum leash required at all times
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- No statewide beach ban; rules vary by park - dogs are prohibited on the beach at Antelope Island, while Jordanelle has a designated area where dogs may swim off-leash
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in cabins and yurts at most parks (confirm with the park before reserving); additional lodging pet fees may apply
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No pet fee at standard campsites; additional fees apply for pets in cabins, yurts and cottages
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Park-specific restrictions such as Antelope Island's Frary Peak Trail and Deer Creek water areas
Are dogs allowed at This Is The Place Heritage Park?
Pets are permitted at most Utah state parks and campgrounds, on a leash and never left unattended. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via stateparks.utah.gov. More: Utah state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for This Is The Place Heritage Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
