It is the unique goal of travel adventurers to visit all fifty states in America. To boost this objective, each week we shall explore one state. Alphabetically, the 44th to visit is none other than Utah, abbreviated UT. Regardless of the order in which you explore them, the Beehive State is full of thrills.
Visit state # 44–UT
| State Motto | Industry |
| State Flower | Sego lily |
| State Bird | California gull |
| State Gem | Topaz |
| State Capital | Salt Lake City |
| Famous Foods | Utah scones, Bear Lake raspberries, Fernwood Mint Sandwiches, Utah tomatoes, pastrami burgers, ice cream shakes, green Jell-o, Utah corn, Dutch oven dinners, Green River melons, fry sauce, Aggie blue mint ice cream, Brigham City peaches, Utah honey, funeral potatoes, and more. |
Utah, a landlocked U.S. state, is bordered by Colorado to the east, Wyoming to the northeast, Idaho to the north, Arizona to the south, and Nevada to the west. Utah also touches a corner of New Mexico in the southeast. This western U.S. state is beloved by outdoor adventurers. It is packed full of parks with amazing hiking trails. It is also ideal for skiing, with the mountains near Salt Lake City collecting an average of 300 inches of snow per year. The state features top rated ski resorts. And, for those seeking cultural experiences, it is also a premier state to visit as it is home to many great festivals throughout the year.
The earliest inhabitants were the Paleo-Indians who developed into the Fremont people and the Anasazi “Cliff Dwellers” around 500 AD. When Europeans arrived in the 1700s, the land was inhabited by various Native American tribes; the largest of them being the Ute from which Utah is named. Fur trappers in search of new hunting grounds were later attracted to the region. Explorer John C. Fremont made detailed maps of the territory which aided future settlers. The Salt Lake Valley area was later settled by Mormons who sought to escape persecution. In 1848, the number of Mormon settlers began to grow rapidly. That same year, the U.S. gained control of Utah from Mexico as a result of the Mexican-American War. The land would be a territory until 1896 when Utah was admitted as the 45th state.
A quick visit to Utah will make you want to come back time and time again. Of interest to travelers is Capitol Reef National Park, located in the south-central part of the state. This amazing park provides dramatic sweeping views of sky and desert rock. A road trip here is an unforgettable experience which many liken to visiting another planet. Slot canyons and towering red rocks stand out as amazing features and the park’s scenic drive offers photographers opportunities to capture the beauty, particularly when the red rocks are dusted in snow. What also makes the landscape so unique is the Waterpocket Fold, a 110-mile wrinkle in the landscape formed between 40 and 70 million years ago. This amazing natural phenomenon was caused by movement along the fault line which ultimately shifted up the west side relative to the east.
If you’re in Utah to ski, Park City, east of Salt Lake City, is the right place to be. The town is so beloved it earned the unofficial title of “perfect mountain town.” The wintertime slopes were once featured in the 2002 Olympics. This snow sport mecca offers over 2,000 skiable acres and 341 runs, with opportunities for all ages from beginners to advanced. Nearby ski resorts offer luxury accommodations or the comforts of home. Whether you spend time on the slopes or cozy up in a chair in front of a roaring fire, there is something special for everyone to enjoy. The mountains and nearby parks are equally fun in the summertime, becoming ideal for hiking, biking, camping, and fishing adventures.
Utah’s cities and towns offer a multitude of activities across the state, and no two are the same. The town of Ogden is beloved for its historic art deco architecture and buildings. Come explore its historic 25th street, a cornerstone of the Transcontinental Railroad. While in town, enjoy live concerts, restaurants and bars, shopping, and the arts. Provo, located in the heart of the larger Utah Valley, dramatically features Mount Timpanogos as a backdrop. “Timp,” as the mountain is called, is the second highest by elevation in the state’s Wasatch Range. The picturesque town of Provo offers a variety of exciting things to do, including hiking to the mountain’s summit and rafting on the Provo River, followed by dining in town. Also enjoy arts and culture at The Brigham Young University Museum of Art (MOA) with world class exhibits from around the world. With so much to do and see, there is no shortage of fun.
