Utah is a state like no other. With its stunning canyons, beautiful rock formations and alpine mountains, the dramatic and varied landscape is perhaps the main reason people travel here all year-round.
In addition to its unparalleled natural beauty, however, Utah also calls to outdoor adventurists. With its world-class Hiking Trails, river rafting, kayaking, mountain biking and skiing facilities, the landscape has something for everyone.
Sufficed to say, it’s easy to see why thrill-seekers and history enthusiasts alike all flock to the flats and canyons of Utah; here are eight reasons why you should visit this year.
Affordability
Many of the cities in Utah have a small town feel, despite providing big city amenities. Utahns may have expensive taste, but luckily affordability is a virtue here. So, if you want to have an unforgettable vacation without breaking the bank, Utah is the place to visit.
National Parks
Utah is home to no less than five stunning national parks – Arches, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park. Each park boasts its own magnificent, yet entirely different landscape.
Hiking Trails
Utah also offers some of the world’s most comprehensive trails. Some of Utah's most famous hiking trails are located in the state's major cities, such as Mount Timpanogos, Escalante and Dixie National Forest. From the Buckskin Gulch that leads to Paria Canyon, to the Big Cottonwood Canyon in Salt Lake City, Utah is a hiker’s paradise.
The City of St. George
St. George is often hailed Utah’s answer to Florida – just with fewer hurricanes. With its temperate climate, year-round outdoor adventures and a plethora of exquisite dining options, the city named after 19th century Mormon apostle George A. Smith is a place to discover. You can find out everything you need to know about St. George Tourism on the Visit St. George website.
Skiing at Park City Mountain
Located just 45 minutes from Salt Lake City, Park City Mountain is the largest ski resort in the country. The resort has 7,300 skiable acres and hosts some incredible festivals throughout the year. You can also mountain bike here during the summer months, before enjoying local farm-to-table fare for dinner.
Ancient Dinosaur Fossils
There are dinosaur fossils all over Utah. Some can be seen on hiking trails; others are displayed in museums, while some of the state’s oldest prehistoric remnants can be viewed in real dinosaur quarries. Whether you’re a dinosaur enthusiast or merely interested in ancient history, these 185-million-year-old footprints and fossils are genuinely breathtaking.
Culture and History
Wherever you go in Utah, there’s something to learn about Native American history and culture. By visiting, you can learn first hand about the first people ever to inhabit this land, and how their ancestors continue their traditions in the modern era.
Snowy Winters
Utah gets 12-plus inches of snow on winter days. What’s more, it’s the kind of dry snow that locals call "champagne powder." The snowy state also has some of the tallest peaks in the country, creating spectacular backdrops for skiers.
