Welcome to Utah

Giant red rock arches and massive rock formations rise out of sparse red desert terrains. High, craggy mountains create deep gorges with green valleys below, and snowy peaks rise above evergreen forests. Utah is home to some of the most splendid landscapes in America, with five national parks and eight national monuments. While much of the state is sparsely populated, the Salt Lake metropolitan area, located in the Beehive State’s northern half, is home to more than one million residents. The Wasatch Mountains run through central Utah, providing a scenic backdrop of snowy peaks for many of the state’s most populated areas. Southern Utah is known as Canyon Country and home to iconic landscapes.

Amazing Parks and Monuments

Some of the nation’s most magnificent landscapes are found in Utah’s national parks and monuments. A network of scenic byways connect these gems, making for an epic road trip. With deep, multi-colored canyon walls and some unbelievable trails, Zion National Park near the state’s southwest corner is a must-see. Hike through a slot canyon with red walls rising thousands of feet above. The most famous of these trails is the Narrows, which involves wading through miles of the flowing waters of the Virgin River.

If you’d rather be on top of a canyon than down below, head up to Angels Landing for sweeping vistas. Only those with the surest feet and least fear will make it up the rocky trail to the top. Many less adventurous, though no less beautiful, hikes can be found throughout the park. In nearby Bryce Canyon National Park, bizarre red pinnacles seem to jut into the blue skies above. These spires glow with reflected light at sunrise and sunset.

In Utah’s southeast corner, the massive Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile-long “wrinkle” in the earth, is Capital Reef National Park’s most defining feature. It’s just one of several spectacular geological formations found throughout the park. Further east, visitors will find Canyonlands National Park. Known for its Mars-like landscape as well as the flowing waters of the Colorado River, this park is a haven for adventurers. Equally astounding is Arches National Park, just 25 miles north of Canyonlands. The state’s iconic image of a red rock arch comes from this park’s 65-foot-tall Delicate Arch. A paradise for photographers, hikers and rock climbers, a trip to Arches is unforgettable.

Scenic Cities

Located along the Wasatch Range in the north, Salt Lake City is the state’s capital and most populated city. Renowned for its supreme beauty, visitors flock to Salt Lake City to explore the great outdoors, as well as the region’s historical and cultural offerings. The beautiful Temple Square and surrounding facilities are a major draw, especially for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The organization’s Family History Library is a preeminent site for genealogy research, and those with a passion for music enjoy a stop to hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir perform. Main Street and City Creek Center provide prime shopping and eating locales. Outside of the city, a visit to the Great Salt Lake is a must. Head west to Park City to learn about the town’s role in the Olympic Games and the Sundance Film Festival.

With its location in southeastern Utah, the town of Moab is a perfect gateway to Canyon Country. Arches and Canyonlands National Parks are close. The Colorado River winds through town, making whitewater rafting a must do. Splashing along the galloping waters is a cool way to explore the region’s scenery. Throughout the area, public lands offer prime locations for outdoor activities, including mountain biking, four-wheeling, hiking and climbing, making Moab a mecca for outdoor adventurers.

Wide-Open Spaces

Racing fans will want to make a visit to the Bonneville Salt Flats. The endless, stunningly flat salt pans are home to virtually no vegetation, making them a prime spot for fast vehicles. Several land speed records have been set here.

With a tagline like “the Greatest Snow on Earth,” it’s no wonder Utah’s mountains attract alpine sports enthusiasts with an appetite for powdery snow.

Some of Utah’s most iconic images come from Monument Valley. Stretching across the state’s border with Arizona, this land of giant rock mesas and spires has starred in many a Western film.