Utah the Beehive State

[hr]
[expand title=”Click here for Utah Image Gallery”]

[/expand]
[hr]
Utah is located in the Rocky Mountain region of the western U.S. Bordered on the North by Idaho; on the NE by Wyoming; on the East by Colorado; on the West by Nevada and on the South by Arizona (with the two borders joined at Four Corners).

Upon arriving in the Salt Lake Valley in the 1800, the members of the Church of Christ of latter days considered this region as “The Promise Land” and literally had to make a place to live. They work hard to created irrigation systems, laid out farms, built houses, churches and schools. Today about 65 percent of the population of Utah belongs to the church.

Only few places on Earth combine such spectacular terrain and unusual history. With Salt Lake City in the north and five National parks (Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion), Utah rank at the top of most visitor’s list and is the state with the third most national parks after Alaska and California.

Utah Climate

The climate of Utah is generally semi-arid to arid. The annual snowfall is about 59 in (150 cm) and remains on the higher mountains until late summer. Spring tend to be unpredictable wet and windy one day or sunny and calm the next. Autumn brings pleasant weather to all elevations until the snow begins to fall down the mountain slopes. Winter snowfalls provide excellent skiing and add beauty to the landscape. Temperatures are favorable along the Wasatch Front, where there are relatively mild winters.

Utah Facts

• The Church of Jesus Christ of Later day Saint is by far the dominant region in Utah and at least half of the population was born into the faith.
• Utah’s highest point is Kings Peak located in Uinta Mountains, NE part of state and is 13,528 feet (4,123 m) above sea level.
• The Beaver Dam Wash is the lowest point in Utah located Near St. George, Washington Co. on the SW part of state and is 2, 350 ft above sea level.
• Salt Lake city is the Capital and the largest city in Utah.
• Utah is 84,900 square miles and ranked the 11th largest state (in terms of square miles) in the U.S.
• Utah is home of 5 major national parks, seven national monuments, two national recreation areas and one national historic site.
• The name “Utah” comes from the Native American “Ute” tribe and means people of the mountains.
• 76{8a1a8b9af4d9e48dc38f0e89893856f9c6ddc6d04076589384b68eee52e757a2} percent (2000) of the population lives along the Wasatch front (Salt Lake City, Provo and Ogden), where resources are most plentiful.
• Utah was the 45th state to enter the union (January 4, 1896).

Utah Major Cities

• Salt Lake City
• St. George
• Alta
• Moab
• Sandy
• Park City
• Provo
• Springdale
• Green River
• Panquitch

Utah Natural Areas and Historic Sites

Some of the most spectacular and memorable hiking and camping areas are located in Utah. Most designated areas are located within the national forest and many are free to visit without permit, although, the National parks and monuments require backcountry permit for overnight stays.

Bryce Canyon National Park, one of the most accessible and among Utah’s most scenic parks.
The Golden Spike National Historic Site, located 32 miles west of Brigham City.
You could find one of the best views at The Narrows, Zion National Park. The view is inspiring and almost frightening as you feel enclose in 20 foot wide world of hanging gardens, waterfall and sculpted sandstone arches with an spectacular view of the river underneath your feet.
One of the best hiking trails is considered to be Indian Trail (Ogden); Emerald Pool Trail (at Zion National Park), The Navajo Loop/ Queen’s Garden Trail (at Bryce Canyon National Park) and the Hidden Piñon Trail (at snow Canyon State Park, St George).
One of the best scenic drives could be done at the National Parks, by taking the Golden Spike tour heading out of Ogden and from Moab to the Monument valley.
If you love skiing you will like Park City, Deer Valley; Snowbasin (Ogden Valley); Beaver Mountain and Alta (Little Cottonwood Canyon).

Things to do in Utah

Utah is considered a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts offering a surprisingly range of outdoor activities from desert hiking and four wheeling to fishing, camping and skiing. From National Parks to ski resorts and golf courses, from the beautiful Park City to historic Temple Square, and front the bustling Salt Lake City to a tranquil Lake Powell. Listed below you will find some of the main attractions to visit.

• Temple Square and Mormon historic sites, Salt Lake City
• State Capitol, Salt Lake City
• Liberty Park, Salt Lake City
• City Creek Canyon, Outside Salt Lake City
• Alta and Snowbird Ski Areas
• Deer Valley Resort
• Canyon Resort
• Utah Olympic Park
• The Great Salt Lake
• The Bonneville Salt Flats
• Bryce Canyon National Park, Southwestern Utah
• Arches and Canyonland National Park, Southeast of Salt Lake City
• Capitol Reef National Park, 120 miles Northeast of Bryce Canyon
• Zion National Park, Northwest Utah
• The four Corners Area

Getting around Utah

If you decided to travel by air, regional airlines connects Salt Lake City with other communities in the state. If you travel by train Amtrak can get you to Price, Helper, Provo and Salt Lake

Travel by car is the best way of getting around the state, public transportation serves cities and some towns but very few of the scenic, historic and recreational areas. Cars are easily rented in any large towns and the airport offers a variety of national car-rental chains.

If you are traveling by bus the Greyhound service up and down I-15 and along US. 40 but these routes really don’t get you close to the major attractions. The Wasatch Front Area from Provo to Ogden and from Salt Lake City out to Tooele if served by Utah transit Authority. Park City and other Salt Lake City ski areas are accessible by a great number of ski-bus operations.

Although there are few areas where road biking is popular; touring on a cycle could be another way to enjoy the landscape and explore Nature. Mountain bikers are welcome almost everywhere in the National Parks and areas that are administered by the US forest services. You will find excellent trail system just outside of Zion and Bryce Canyon National Park. Moab Slickrock bike trail is also an excellent place to visit. During Summer time, Mountain bike is also a favorite activity in Park City area.

Restaurants and Food in Utah

There is a wide variety of places to eat. Depending on your preference and budget, you could enjoy a great meal starting from local family dining to the finest restaurants in the state.

Shopping in Utah

Utah has every kind of shopping you can think of malls, outlets, antiques, craft, and much more.

Salt Lake is known as the Crossroads of the West, and has long been a commerce center for the region. As in most large U.S. cities, shoppers in Salt Lake take much of their business to suburban malls.

Park City primary shopping venue is historic Main Street which is lined with upscale boutiques, gift shops, galleries and sporting goods stores.