Utah is a western US state that lies between Nevada and Colorado. Utah has some typical features that you don’t find in other states. For example, it is part of the only four-state point in the United States known as “Four Corners.” Here the regions of Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona meet. And Utah has a large community of denominational followers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint. Utah has no fewer than five impressive natural parks to visit, namely Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands National Park, Arches National Park and Zion National Park. In the regions of the Rocky Mountains, the Great Basin and the Colorado Plateau you can find deserts, snowy mountains, vast lakes, green valleys and rugged rock formations. This variety annually attracts a huge number of tourists to this part of America. Most adventurous tourists often combine their holidays with intensive trips where they can practice all kinds of sports such as climbing, hiking, horseback riding and rafting. In addition to nature and violence, you can of course also choose to comb the area with a car or camper. You can then visit interesting towns and cities such as Salt Lake City, Moab, St. Georg, Provo and Springville. There are more than enough opportunities to camp or rent a stay in a lodge or hotel. See 800zipcodes for American cities that start with letter X.
Utah ‘s Top 10 Things to Do
Bryce Canyon National Park
This photogenic park is known for the jagged rock formations called hoodoos, the beautiful sunsets and the almost magical color shades that accompany them. The constant freezing and thawing of water between the rocks of Bryce Canyon has created a lot of debris and cracks over the years. In a natural way, an impressive landscape has arisen in which almost absurd shapes have been created that bear nicknames such as ‘the naked woman’. Your imagination can run wild. Bryce Canyon National Park has a number of beautiful hiking trails. These ‘trails’ take you along the most beautiful viewpoints such as Fairyland Point, the Amphitheater and the Natural Bridge. It is also possible to drive through the park by car. The nearly thirty kilometers long road through Bryce Canyon National Park takes you past several sights. You can also choose to go with the available buses. This way you will have no problem parking during busy periods. However, the most memorable way to explore this park is by horse. This way you will have no problem parking during busy periods. However, the most memorable way to explore this park is by horse. This way you will have no problem parking during busy periods. However, the most memorable way to explore this park is by horse.
Zion National Park
You will not soon forget the natural color palette in Zion National Park. Between the mountains, rivers and rock formations you can discover beautiful places in which the most diverse colors are visible. Springdale is located on the edge of Zion National Park near Zion Canyon. Surrounded by mountains and forests, this is a paradise for tourists who enjoy beautiful walks, a challenging bike ride or simply enjoy the splendor of nature. Emerald Pools Trail, Hidden Canyon Trail, and Angels Landing Trail are names of the most popular trails to be hiked. People who are looking for a little less challenge in a holiday, can also simply explore the park by shuttle bus. Zion National Park is also ideal for climbing mountains. However, different routes and grades are only suitable for experienced climbers.
Temple Square in Salt Lake City
Between the years 1898 and 1905, the spacious Temple Square in Salt Lake City was created. Many followers of the “Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” came to Utah about 1869 from Illinois and elsewhere to settle in Salt Lake City. These believers are called Mormons. A few years later, the headquarters in Salt Lake City that we now know as Temple Square was established. The most eye-catching is the Salt Lake City Temple. This multi-turreted granite church was built between 1853 and 1893. Unfortunately, no guided tours are offered here. Other impressive structures on Temple Square include the Gothic Assembly Hall.
Canyonlands National Park
Around 1964, the area near Moab was declared Canyonlands National Park. Thanks to the currents of the Colorado River and Green River, many gorges and rock formations have formed over the years. Erosion, rain and wind have been able to exert their force on the colorful mountains for centuries, creating a particularly beautiful and colorful landscape. Canyonlands National Park is so rough that it is better to go well prepared. The area is therefore immensely popular with backpackers, mountain bikers and rafters. The most beautiful parts of the park are in the vicinity of Horseshoe Canyon, The Needles and The Maze.
Arches National Park
In eastern Utah is the park of the arches, Arches National Park. The naturally formed bridges and arches are an attraction in themselves. It is clear to see what the power of nature is capable of. Where once a sea flowed, there are now fantastic hiking trails to follow that show you all the beautiful places of this park. It is even possible to go out with a guide. The walks are clearly displayed and are possible from 0.5 kilometres. The longest walks are about twelve kilometers. When the sun slowly sets, Arches National Park really comes to life. The rock formations turn deep red and contrast beautifully against the blue sky. The famous sixteen meter high Delicate Arch is considered by many to be the most beautiful arch in Arches National Park. Unfortunately, this cannot be reached by car, but via a footpath. Other famous arches in Arches Park include Landscape Arch, Double Arch, and Skyline Arch.
Capitol Reef National Park
The Fremont River flows through the southern Capitol Reef National Park. This river gently slopes down to Muddy Creek and eventually ends up in Dirty Devil River. Capitol Reef National Park is a park that is frequently visited between the months of March and September. All kinds of activities are offered such as horseback riding, climbing and car trips. By car it is very doable to drive along all kinds of sights of the Waterpocket Fold. The visitor center is located near Fruita Historic District.
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
Since 1996, the three areas of Grand Staircase, Kaiparowits Plateau and Canyons Escalante form the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. More than seven hundred and fifty hectares of land has since been protected territory. There are also striking natural attractions to discover, such as Devil’s Garden, Willis Creek, Spooky Gulch, Peek-a-Boo Gulch and Harris Wash. Erosion and various weather influences have also left their mark in this Utah park. And that results in spectacular photos.
Lake Powell
The man-made lake Lake Powell near the Glen Canyon Dam, attracts many tourists every year. The vast lake is therefore ideally suited for fun boat trips, various water sports or simply to relax on the waterfront. Various tours and excursions are also organized where you can learn to fish, for example. The location in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is a bonus of course. This park has many camping options, attractions such as the Rainbow Bridge National Monument, Orange Cliffs and much more.
Natural History Museum of Utah Utah
‘s capital, Salt Lake City, has been home to the region’s natural history museum since 1969. The Natural History Museum of Utah is located in the Rio Tinto Center which was built in 2011. This unique piece of modern architecture fits in beautifully with the mountainous landscape. The museum seeks to promote Utah’s wildlife, culture, and natural heritage in many ways. But above all, the importance of keeping it intact. The Natural History Museum of Utah collection includes various fossils, handcrafted artifacts from history, shells, minerals, plant and insect collections.
Big Cottonwood Canyon
This area of Utah is characterized by high snow-capped peaks, green wooded hills, vast meadows and water streams. Every season produces special pictures. Big Cottonwood Canyon is located in the Wasatch Range area, not far from Salt Lake City. The high snow-capped mountains provide much of the drinking water in the region. Big Cottonwood Canyon is much loved by hikers, mountaineers and fishermen. During the winter months you can also go skiing and there are many winter sports enthusiasts to be found in the resorts at Brighton and Solitude.
