Utah

Overview

Utah, in the central west of the USA, is a largely mountainous or high desert state. It is a land of contrasts, where a wealth of geological features makes it a photographer's delight. The western third of the state, bounding on Nevada, is dominated by desert and salt flats, with the Great Salt Lake in the north. The Wasatch and Uinta mountain ranges, in central and north Utah have many peaks over 3000 metres and are a major attraction to winter sports enthusiasts.

Recreational opportunities abound with five national parks, five national monuments, two national recreation areas and large areas of national forest. It may be worth considering buying a national parks pass, as tourists are sure to take in several of the parks in a single trip. Visitors to the north rim of the Grand Canyon (in Arizona), will also be amazed at the beauty of Bryce and Zion National Parks, in southern Utah. Bryce Canyon with stunning colourful rock formations is at elevations up to nearly 3000 metres. A walk into the canyon is well worth the effort, but do not forget your camera. Cedar Breaks has similar rock formations round a vast amphitheatre.

Slightly further north, and towards the eastern border with Colorado, Moab is a big tourist centre, with proximity to Arches and Canyonlands National parks. Arches National Park has more than 2000 natural rock arches. These and other dramatic weathering features can draw large crowds as the sun rises or sets, casting a wonderful light on the...more

History

In 1776 two Franciscan fathers were trying to find a route west to Monterey in California, when they crossed into what is now Utah and discovered the Green River. But it was not until 1824 that the Great Salt Lake was found by fur trappers who mistakenly thought that they had reached an arm of the Pacific Ocean! It was in this rather inhospitable place, in 1847, that Brigham Young and his party of Mormons decided to stay, having escaped persecution in the east. Three years later Utah was created a territory, with Brigham Young as governor, in his newly founded Salt Lake City.

In 1869 the Union Pacific and the Central Pacific railways met just to the north of Great Salt Lake and the historic Golden Spike was driven in to make the first trans-continental railway. After this there were ongoing problems between Mormons and other settlers, with large numbers of pioneers entering the state, as mining interests grew. Utah eventually became a state in 1896.

Today there is a diversified economy with coal and metal mining, oil and natural gas production, together with agricultural activities. Another important and ever expanding contribution to the economy comes from tourism, helped on by the popular Sundance film festival in Park City in January and all the glorious scenery.

When to Go

Essentials