Five Reasons why Utah is an Ideal Holiday Destination.

Now my boys have moved past the baby stage, I’m starting think about places that we could travel to as a family when they are a few years older. I’ve always wanted to visit America as there’s just so many varied and exciting places to visit! One place in particular that is definitely on my bucket list is Utah. There really is something for everyone in Utah. Whether you come to ski, to shop, to hike or to simply take in the unspoilt and outstanding natural beauty, Utah Vacations certainly tick every box. So here are five reasons why Utah is an ideal holiday destination.

Skiing

Utah is one of the best ski destinations in the US. With up to 500 inches of snow falling annually, it makes some of the best ski conditions around. Park City Utah along with it’s sister mountain Deer Valley is the largest ski area in the USA. With 14 resorts to choose from, whether you’re looking for deep powdery snow or tailored slopes, you’ll find them all here.

Photo by Jake Spurlock

Scenery

Utah is home to not one but five national parks! They include Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Zion National Park, Capitol Reef National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park. With utterly breath-taking scenery, visiting these national parks would surely provide you with unforgettable memories. With a vast array of deep canyons, huge sandstone towers, snow-capped mountains, coloured cliffs, red rock pillars and beautiful waterfalls, you’ll be completely spoilt for choice! There is also a plethora of wildlife in Utah, as rich and abundant as Utah's climate and terrain. It is home to over 600 different species of birds, mammals, fish, amphibians and reptiles. Utah offers huge areas of untouched natural landscape which is ideal for wildlife to thrive in. 

Outdoor Recreation 

The number of outdoor activities you can partake in while in Utah is extensive. Here are just a few examples of the types of recreation you can enjoy:

Boating: Utah has vast stretches of desert so you might be surprised to learn that while it may be the driest state, it is also ranked sixth in the US for the amount of water per capita! There are many beautiful lakes and reservoirs in Utah, perfect for a range of different boating opportunities.
Horseback Riding: I can’t think of anything more thrilling than horseback riding across Utah’s stunning National Parks. This would truly be my dream activity. With many guided tours on offer you’ll be able to really explore the area and observe the stunning backdrop.

Fishing: With streams, rivers and even mountain-high lakes, there are many opportunities to fish in Utah. Fishing is open all year round on most waters too!

Hiking: Hiking is one of the very best ways to explore the surreal landscapes on offer, allowing you to take in the surroundings at your own pace. Whether you’re an experienced backpacker or enjoy gentler walks, there is lots on offer for you. Guided tours can help enhance your experience as they focus on the history and geology of each area and allow you to get up close and personal with the varied terrain and geological features of the area. Don’t forget to bring your dog if you have one. Even low maintenance dogs need exercise.

Extreme Sports: For the thrill seekers out there, there are many extreme sports on offer. With skydiving, hang gliding, rock climbing, river rafting, canyoneering and mountain biking opportunities aplenty, one thing is for sure, with its captivating scenery as your backdrop, you certainly won’t be bored! 
Stargazing: For a truly exhilarating experience, how does a night sleeping beneath the stars sound? Not that you'll be likely to get much sleep with the incredible sights to behold. There are even night time ranger talks and stargazing parties on offer!

Shopping

What holiday is complete without a perusal around the local shops? With large shopping malls like City Creek Centre in Salt Lake City or South Town Centre in Sandy which feature well-known shops and restaurants, there will be plenty to take your fancy! There are also many unique independent shops, antique shops and craft stores. You’ll be sure to pick up some keepsakes to take home!

Arts and Museums

Utah is home to many museums serving to educate and engage its visitors. The Utah Museum of Fine Arts at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City has over 20,000 works of art from the representational to the abstract and showcases the very diversity and depth of humans across the globe and throughout history. You can also visit The Natural History Museum of Utah where you can observe and explore the natural world and the place humans hold within it. It features over 1.6 million items and has an emphasis on the natural history of Utah. There is also a lively and exciting performing arts scene within Utah with ballets, operas and theatre performances aplenty to name but a few! You could even catch The Utah Shakespeare Festival held in Cedar City from July to August or the Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theatre which takes place in Logan during the Summer!

So there you have it! Utah really does seem to have it all. Whether you prefer a relaxing or active holiday, you can be safe in the knowledge that Utah will have something to offer you.  With its eclectic mix of arts and entertainment and with its breathtakingly beautiful landscape with many recreational activities on offer to you, this will surely be not only the holiday of a lifetime, but one you will never forget!

*This post was written in collaboration