Vacation Spots in Utah

With five national parks and easy access to several more in neighboring states, Utah is a destination for travelers who wish to get acquainted with some of the most spectacular natural wonders of the American West. Though it is known primarily as a winter getaway for skiers and snowboarders, Utah also offers a plethora of opportunities for warm weather recreation.

Salt Lake City

·         Utah's capital, Salt Lake City, is famous for its proximity to four world-class ski resorts--Alta, Brighton, Solitude and Snowbird--and for having hosted the 2002 International Winter Olympic Games. Ten national parks are within a day's drive of the city, also known as the epicenter of the Mormon community and often referred to as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or LDS.

In the city's Temple Square, you'll find 20 attractions related to the Mormon faith, including the Salt Lake Temple and the Family History Library. These make Temple Square one of the most popular tourist attractions in Utah. All major attractions in downtown Salt Lake City are accessible via its light-rail system.

St. George

·         St. George in southwest Utah is also of great importance to the Mormons, as it was founded by prophet and colonizer Brigham Young. Tourists visit St. George for its scenery and its historical significance. There are several ghost towns within driving distance of the city.

Along the Virgin River on its outskirts, you can see dinosaur footprints in the rocks. St. George is also the gateway to Utah's oldest and most popular National Park, Zion, which draws close to three million visitors every year, according to the Utah Travel Council.

Bear Lake

·         One of the northernmost vacation spots in Utah is Bear Lake, which is known as the "Caribbean of the Rockies" due to its inviting turquoise water and white beaches. The Bear Lake Valley extends into neighboring Idaho.

On the Utah side, you can enjoy downhill skiing at Beaver Mountain Ski Resort in the winter, as well as snowmobiling. Fishing is a year-round activity at Bear Lake.

Heber Valley

·         Fifty miles southeast of Salt Lake City lies Heber Valley, which encompasses the rural communities of Heber City and Midway. The valley is known as "Little Switzerland" due to its snow-capped mountains and fertile agricultural land.

Touted as a relaxing getaway spot, the Heber Valley offers a number of recreational activities, such as snowmobiling and fly fishing. Deer Creek State Park, the Strawberry Reservoir and Daniel's Canyon are all in close proximity to Heber.

Ogden

·         In the Ogden/Weber area located 50 miles north of Salt Lake City, you will find the only whitewater park in Utah, as well as more than 230 miles of mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding trails along with 38 recreational parks.

Powder Mountain in Eden, which is approximately 30 minutes away from Ogden, boasts the most adequate terrain for skiing in Utah, according to the Ogden Convention and Visitor's Bureau.