If you have never considered Utah for a vacation, you’re missing out. The 45th state into the union should be a contender in the race for your hard earned vacation dollars.
Whether you are a die-hard adventurer or a take-it-all-in-leisurely kind of vacationer, Utah has something to offer to everyone. With its vast landscapes and diversity, it will not disappoint. Get your camera ready!
The “Mighty Five”
Did you know that Utah has five national parks? F-I-V-E. The “Mighty Five” are none other than Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands. Utah is also home to eight national monuments that will vie for your attention as well.
Arches and Canyonlands are located in the Moab area along with Dead Horse Point State Park, which is a must see as well. Moab is a mecca for hiking, climbing, and biking enthusiasts alike. From the Delicate Arch to the bottom of Horseshoe Canyon where the mighty Colorado River resides, there is a raw beauty here that will surely capture your heart.
If you travel further west, you can hit Zion, Bryce, and Capitol Reef in the same trip. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and Bears Ears National Monument are also located in this area. Being able to experience “The Narrows” of Zion is definitely worth the trouble of the permit process, and you will be left speechless at the way the sunlight plays off of the red walls in the slot canyons of Escalante.
Even More to Explore
Lake Powell, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, and Rainbow Bridge National Monument are all extremely beautiful places to consider in your planning. Rent a houseboat at one of the local marinas for the week along with a couple of kayaks in tow, and explore away. Fish a little, swim or sunbathe a little, and then take the kayaks into some of the slot canyons for a bit of adventure. Rainbow Bridge boasts some of the darkest skies in the U.S., so don’t forget to look up.
Utah has mountains – gorgeous ones that beckon to the John Muir in all of us. These mountain ranges offer a plethora of adventure and leisure options. Camping, hiking, backpacking, fishing, and skiing; it’s your choice. You can make one of the mountain towns your home-base, and go from there. Park City, site of the 2002 Winter Olympics, should be a consideration for downhill skiing and offers a wide variety of city-type fun as well.
Utah has the perfect balance of beauty and fun. Don’t overlook this gem for your next vacation!
