People underestimate how much beauty and adventure one can find in Utah. The state has cities surrounded by mountains, deserts filled with stone arches, and canyons full of endless rock spires.
For an action-packed vacation with friends and family, head to the Beehive State. Here are some things you shouldn't miss when you are exploring Utah.
One of the best free attractions in the Salt Lake area is Utah's Olympic Park, home to the 2002 winter games. Take on the challenge of hitting professional ski slopes or jetting down a hill at over 80 miles per hour on a bobsled.
If taking part in these adrenaline filled actives doesn't sound exciting, it is possible just to be a spectator of the professionals who are training. Watch ski jumpers defy gravity as they flip through the sky or snowboarders carve paths as they descend the snowy mountain. One of the best parts of this park is that entry is free on every day except Saturday.
Just outside Salt Lake City is Temple Square. This square is a favorite meeting place for both locals and tourists and is also the center of the Mormon faith. It has several monuments and modern arts pieces to view. The region also has some of Salt Lake's best restaurants and lush green gardens. Temple Square is the most visited area in Salt Lake City, and free tours are available.
Bryce Canyon differs from other canyons in the United States because of the majestic Hoodoos. These wonders resemble massive stalagmites in a cave but spread out filling the canyon for as far as the eye can see.
The park offers numerous activities including hiking, rock climbing, star gazing, and horseback riding. Bryce Canyon is one national park that shouldn't be missed when traveling in Utah.
The park has over 230 square miles of beauty and wilderness for sightseers to discover. There are trails for passionate hikers and scenic drives for motorists that let you take in the beauty of the park from the comfort of your air-conditioned car.
With one of the best day hikes in America through Buckskin Gulch and the memorable adventure of the Zion Narrows, it is no shock that Zion National Park charms over two million visitors each year.
Other sights in the park not to miss are the Weeping Rock, Emerald Pools, and Angels Landing. Even after a week there are still endless things to do, and many visitors return every year to experience a few more ventures.
By far one of the most interesting sights in Utah is Dinosaur Monument on the border of Utah and Colorado.
Archeologists have excavated many dinosaur bones and fossils from reptiles that lived 150 million years ago. In the museum, you can see the impressive wall display of some of their major findings. Even if you are not interested in dinosaurs, this area of Utah is a fantastic place to camp, and because of the lack of light pollution, it is beloved by stargazers.
Lake Powell has tons of fun activities for the family whether you are boating to the modern-day trading post at Dangling Rope Marina, which is only accessible from the water, or just taking in the beauty of the surrounding countryside.
Another place to venture on Lake Powell is Padre Bay. The bay is small, only nine miles long and seven miles wide, yet it is the biggest on the lake. Padre Bay's picturesque views of Cookie Kar and Boundary Buttes make the visit worthwhile. The Bay is also the perfect place for skiing, tubing, and swimming.
From Olympic Mountain to sheer canyons and big cities to gorgeous waters, this state offers something for everyone. If you are looking for some fresh air, larger-than-life wilderness adventures, and unique rock formations, Utah should be your next vacation spot.
What are you favorite things to do in Utah?
Note: Available plans and coverages may have changed since this blog was published.
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Stephen Schreck is a world traveler, nomad, and adventure backpacker. Knowing a life of aimlessly wandering the globe in search of adventures was the only life for him he set out to make his dream his reality. Currently he is trying to conquer his fears and tackle his bucket list. Follow Stephen's adventures at A Backpacker's Tale or on social media on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.
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