Utah Overview

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 red sandstone forms. Canyonlands, to the south of Moab, has deeply eroded canyons at the junction of the Colorado and Green Rivers. Downstream the canyons are flooded and the beauty of the environment can be enjoyed by a house-boating adventure on Lake Powell.

Dinosaurs once roamed the land and the Dinosaur National Monument, in Northern Utah and Colorado, has one of the world's largest concentrations of dinosaur bones, found in cliffs along the Green River gorge.

Salt Lake City, in the north, is the political and cultural capital. The city and surrounding areas have the highest density of population in an otherwise rather sparsely populated state. It is the centre of the Mormon Church and there is plenty of historical interest for Mormons and non-Mormons alike. The city is dominated by the Mormon temple, which is not open to the public, but the newly built conference centre should not be missed. There are tours of this impressive granite edifice with its unexpected roof gardens and vast auditorium with seating for 21,000 worshippers.