Memorial Day weekend is basically Utah’s unofficial “summer starts NOW” announcement — and 2026 is delivering in a big way. Here’s everything opening up so you can plan every last drop of fun.
Splash Pads
Good news for families across Utah County — splash pads are firing up all across the valley just in time for the heat. With locations from Eagle Mountain to Alpine, there’s a good chance one is within a few miles of your front door. Best of all? Most are free.
LOCATIONS OPENING THIS WEEKEND
- Adventure Heights — Spanish Fork
- Spanish Fork Splash Pad — Spanish Fork
- Springville Splash Pad — Springville
- Cole Park Splash Pad — Salem
- Provo Splash Pad — Provo
- Vineyard Grove — Orem
- Palisade Park — Orem
- Hillcrest Park Splash Pad — Orem
- Cook Family Park — Pleasant Grove
- Creekside Splash Pad — Alpine
- Harvey Park — Cedar Hills
- Highland Towne Center Splash Pad — Highland
- Ivory Ridge Splash Pad — Lehi
- Lehi Family Park — Lehi
- Cory Wride Memorial Park — Eagle Mountain
Pro tip: Go early on Memorial Day itself — these get packed by noon. Weekday mornings during the week after are the sweet spot.
See the full list here.
Community Pools
Community and rec pools are staggering their openings across the holiday weekend. Here’s the full schedule so you can plan your first cannonball of the season:
May 20: Nephi Pool
May 22: Spanish Fork Pool · Springville Pool
May 23: Splash Summit · Provo Rec · Scera Park · Lehi Legacy
June 1: Veterans Memorial Pool — Pleasant Grove
Pro tip: Opening day crowds are real — if you can wait until the week after Memorial Day, you’ll practically have the lap lanes to yourself.
Canyon Roads
Alpine Loop Scenic Byway — Opens May 23
The Alpine Loop — one of Utah’s most beloved canyon drives — opens on May 23rd. The winding road through American Fork Canyon connects Alpine and Provo Canyon with some of the most stunning mountain scenery in the state.
Pro tip: Opening weekend traffic can be heavy. Head up before 9 AM or after 5 PM for a calmer experience — plus better photography light.
Nebo Loop Scenic Byway — Opening TBD
The Nebo Loop — circling Mt. Nebo, the highest peak in the Wasatch Range — has a TBD opening date depending on snowpack and road conditions. When it does open, it’s worth every mile: sweeping views, alpine meadows, and some of the most dramatic road scenery in Utah. Follow UDOT’s road condition site (udottraffic.utah.gov) for updates.
Outdoor Activities
Sundance Lift Rides — Opens May 22
No snow required. Sundance Mountain Resort fires up its scenic ski lift for summer on May 22nd, offering jaw-dropping views of Mt. Timpanogos without the uphill hike. Ride up, hike back down, or simply soak it all in at the top.
High Country Rafting — Opens May 21
Kick off rafting season a few days early with High Country Rafting, launching May 21st. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned paddler, it’s one of the best ways to celebrate the start of summer on the water.
Pro Rafting Tours — Opens June 1
If you’re looking for a more guided experience, Pro Rafting Tours launches its season on June 1st. A great option for groups or families who want a little more expertise on board before hitting the rapids.
Flower Fields
Alpine Poppies — Accessible May 21
One of Utah County’s most magical seasonal moments, the Alpine Poppies are accessible starting May 21st — a couple days before the Alpine Loop itself opens. These wildflower fields typically peak in late May and early June, blanketing the hillsides in a burst of color that’s absolutely worth the trip on its own.
Pro tip: Go on a weekday morning for the best light and the fewest crowds. Bring a wide-angle lens if you have one — the landscape views are stunning.
Campgrounds Across the County
Most campgrounds in Utah County are already open and ready for Memorial Day weekend. Here’s a quick rundown of popular spots:
Timpooneke Campground (Alpine Loop) — Opens June
Granite Flat (American Fork Canyon) — Opens Late May
Hope Campground (Provo Canyon) — Open Now
Cherry Campground (Hobble Creek Canyon) — Open Now
Balsam Campground (Hobble Creek Canyon) — Open Now
Utah Lake State Park (Provo) — Open Now
Payson Lakes — Open Now
Little Mill Campground — Open Now
Spanish Fork River Park (Spanish Fork) — Open Now
Pro tip: Reservations fill fast for Memorial Day weekend — book on Recreation.gov as soon as possible if you haven’t already.
See the full list here.
Memorial Day weekend 2026 is shaping up to be one of the best ones yet. Whether you’re chasing water spray with the kids, driving down the Alpine Loop with the windows down, or floating in the first swim of the season, mark your calendars, pack the sunscreen, and get out there.