Introduction
Utah is blessed with some of the most remarkable landscapes in the USA, from spectacular canyons to the towering monuments which characterise its national parks and cover the southern half of the state. In the north the snow-capped Wasatch Mountains are a haven for skiers that have played host to the 2002 Winter Olympics, and will welcome them again in 2034. With a thriving arts cultural and dining scene, the state capital, Salt Lake City, is best known as the world headquarters of the Mormon Church.
Monument Valley
The famous buttes and mesas of Monument Valley rise up along scenic Highway 163. These ancient rocks, famed for their starring role in countless Hollywood Westerns, are a stunning backdrop to ancient trails, horseback routes and the home of the Navajo – America's largest tribe.
Zion National Park
Reshaped over millenia by wind, rain and ice, Zion Canyon lies at the very heart of its national park namesake. A six-mile scenic road will introduce you to its red-and-white cliffs framed by wild meadows and hanging gardens, while guided hikes bring you to spectacular overlooks.
(Credit: Matt Morgan)
Moab
From twisted spires and arching rocks to mighty rivers and red-rock deserts framed by snow-capped peaks, Moab's Arches and Canyonlands national parks are Utah's adventure capital. Explore it all on activities that range from hikes and bike rides to river rafting, off-road excursions and rock climbing.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Characterised by its cavernous amphitheatres filled with blazing red-rock spires and hoodoos, Bryce Canyon is a visual treat best seen at dawn or dusk. It's rugged beauty is best explored on an 18-mile scenic road that runs along its rim, or on guided hikes that plunge to the canyon floor.
Salt Lake City
Utah's capital, Salt Lake City, is a vibrant metropolis home to a thriving cultural and artistic scene (including the annual Sundance Film Festival), major sporting institutions such as Utah Jazz (NBA) and Utah Hockey, fascinating museums (most notably the Natural History Museum of Utah) and historic landmarks such as Temple Square – the latter being the symbolic epicentre of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints. While a worthy destination in its own right, it also makes an excellent base for trips to the nearby Park City Mountain Resort and Antelope Island State Park, where bison roam freely in the wild.
