Utah: This Place Rocks!
- Kaitlen Daigle
- Jun 21, 2024
- 3 min read
Most of my experiences in Utah are from a massive road trip I went on from California to Wyoming and back. We crossed over into Utah from Nevada on our way toward Salt Lake City, where we were staying for the night. After we entered into Utah, we stopped at our first Utah national park, which was Zion National Park. The parks in Utah are simply out of this world. Zion blew me away and then we continued to Bryce Canyon National Park, which was amazing as well. After visiting those parks we stopped in Salt Lake City for the night. The next morning we continued to Wyoming, with an unexpected detour through Idaho and Montana.
After visiting Wyoming, we entered back into Utah, driving along the Utah-Colorado border till we ended up at Arches National Park. We entered the park and we were looking for a way to see some arches quickly. We were in an RV, so when we got to a dead-end small parking lot, I knew my dad wouldn't be able to park. So I jumped out of the RV and ran to the arch that could be seen somewhat close to the parking lot. I got there, took a picture, and then ran back to the RV to show everyone what it looked like. After that stress, we headed to one of the three wineries in the state of Utah (two are in Moab). (Note: this was in 2017, there may be more than three now.) Due to Utah's strict alcohol laws, we were only allowed three 1oz tastes and we couldn't drink a glass or open a bottle at the winery. They had seven wines, I tasted three and my mom tasted a different three, and we'll never know what the 7th wine tasted like. We ended up buying some bottles and then heading to our campsite for the night.
The next morning we headed to Four Corners. We briefly swung into Colorado to visit Mesa Verde National Park but then after Four Corners, we continued the drive home through Arizona.
If you want to visit Utah, here's a list of possible things to see and do:
Arches National Park: Explore over 2,000 natural stone arches, towering pinnacles, and massive fins formed by erosion, perfect for hiking, photography, and stargazing.
Bryce Canyon National Park: Marvel at the unique geological formations known as hoodoos, formed by frost-wedging and erosion. The park offers scenic drives, hiking trails, and breathtaking viewpoints.
Zion National Park: Discover dramatic red cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and lush oases in this iconic park, ideal for hiking, canyoneering, and wildlife viewing.
Capitol Reef National Park: Experience a landscape of colorful sandstone cliffs, domes, arches, and historic orchards, with opportunities for hiking, scenic drives, and exploring Native American petroglyphs.
Salt Lake City: Visit the state capital, home to the historic Temple Square, Utah State Capitol building, and attractions like the Natural History Museum of Utah and Red Butte Garden.
Great Salt Lake: Explore the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere, known for its unique ecosystem and scenic views, with options for boating, birdwatching, and visiting Antelope Island State Park.
Ski Resorts: Enjoy world-class skiing and snowboarding in Utah's renowned resorts, such as Park City Mountain Resort, Deer Valley Resort, and Snowbird Ski Resort.
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park: Experience iconic sandstone formations and mesas featured in countless Western films, with guided tours offering insights into Navajo culture and traditions.
Dinosaur National Monument: Discover fossilized dinosaur bones and ancient petroglyphs along the Utah-Colorado border, with opportunities for hiking, river rafting, and exploring historic homesteads.
Utah State Parks: Explore lesser-known gems like Goblin Valley State Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, and Snow Canyon State Park, each offering unique landscapes and outdoor activities.
If you want more suggestions on what to do in Utah, I suggest you check out their tourism website.
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