Utah is called the “Beehive state” as a symbol of its virtues of thrift and perseverance. The name “Utah” is derived from the Ute Native American language meaning “people of the mountains”. Over 60% of the population are members of the Mormon Church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). Salt Lake City is the capital and the largest city in Utah. Visitors come to this state via the Salt Lake International Airport.
Utah has a varied geography which includes the Rocky Mountains, Great Basin and the Colorado Plateau. Visitors can gaze at the beautiful sand dunes, delicate arches, pine forests and mountain valleys. It has a mostly dry, desert climate with the Pacific Ocean as the primary source of rainfall. In the summer, moisture from the Gulf of California also brings in monsoon moisture. Salt Lake City receives about 60 inches of snow boosted by the lake-effect snow from the Great Lakes. With this amount of dry, fluffy snow, the ski industry in Utah is booming in winter and early spring. Utah may be visited year round.
Visitors can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, hiking or even golf. Powder Mountain is ranked as a skit spot with the best snow in the country. Park city is known for its excellent restaurants and nightlife. For outdoors enthusiasts, Utah also offers boating, rafting, fishing and several national Parks decorated by Mother Nature.
Alta Ski Area (Little Cottonwood Canyon Road – UT 84092) has been operating since the 1930’s and is the second oldest ski resort in the country. Known for its exciting downhill ski runs and its steep powder fields, Alta is well known around the world. Tourists love the mile-long Crooked Mile and the high speed Greeley Bowl. Alta’s ski season runs from November through May. Additionally, it has a few trails for summer hikes.
Brighton Ski Resort (12601 E Big Cottonwood Canyon Road – UT 84121) includes over sixty world-class runs and it is also known for its reasonable prices. What used to be a mining town was converted into this ski resort in 1936. Brighton gets almost five hundred inches of snow which helps to make Brighton a winter vacation wonderland.
Ever heard of fly fishing? Western Rivers Flyfisher (1071 E 900 South – UT 84105) offers guided fishing excursions which include group trips to the Green River, the Provo River and many other rivers and streams that flow through the state of Utah.
Antelope Island State Park (4528 W 1700 South – UT 84075) is Great Salt Lake’s largest island. In the 1800’s a herd of bison was introduced to the area which have multiplied to about 600 or more. This island also has elk, pronghorn, coyotes, water fowls and birds of prey. There are many hiking trails in the park. Disabled or elderly visitors may tour it on horseback or horse-drawn wagon.
Check out the International Peace Gardens (1000 S 900 West – UT 84104) which honors the twenty five ethnic groups which have settled in Utah, specifically the Salt Lake area. This park lies along the banks of the Jordan River. There are many statues, picturesque gardens and even a few windmills to add to the ambience.
