Utah may be only the 13th largest U.S. state by area, but within its borders we found diversity enough for an entire continent. Now that we’re leaving this remarkable place, we thought it fitting to spend a moment reflecting on what we saw here.
Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Without question Utah’s national parks, of which only Alaska and California have more, are its crown jewels. Their canyons, arches, and formations cover much of the bottom third of the state. What’s somewhat unique is that the area’s beauty isn’t confined to its parks. Almost any given road takes you past landscapes that would qualify for national park status if they were found anywhere else.
Artists Point, Monument Valley, UT
So iconic are its landscapes that it’s common to think these dusty red rocks represent the whole of Utah. A several hour drive northward reveals something else entirely. Head west and you’ll find a barren wasteland of a completely different variety, the Bonneville Salt Flats.
Elsewhere the desert and salt give way to grassy plains suitable for antelope and bison.
Lone bison chilling in the tall grass of Antelope Island, Utah
Not far from aptly named Antelope Island rises the Wasatch Mountain Range. Surrounded by lush greenery in summer, its nearly 12,000 foot craggy peaks could be mistaken for the Colorado Rockies. And just like Colorado’s Vail, these slopes also become a winter wonderland when a change of season brings the dry, powdery snow that locals claim is the best on earth.
Wasatch Mountain Range, UT
If ever one gets fatigued from all of Utah’s outdoor adventures, the state also offers an abundance of culture. From Tony Award winning Shakespeare in quaint Cedar City to world-renowned choir in bustling Salt Lake, we found no shortage of things to keep us occupied.
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Salt Lake City, UT
Just walking around and taking in the architecture can be an all-day affair.
Murals inside the Salt Lake City Capitol building rotunda
Cathedral of the Madeleine, Salt Lake City, Utah
And after a busy day exploring we were delighted and a bit surprised to find quality brew-pubs just around the corner where we could relax while we laid plans for our next Utah adventure.
Wasatch Brewery, Park City, Utah
Everywhere Once 
Great post, interesting photos of amazing scenery. Thanks for posting and sharing.
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It’s magnificent I have to add this state to the where-to-go list in USA. Thank you.
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Certainly a beautiful place to visit! Great photos and post
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Two family members who formerly lived in Utah would agree with you about its beauty. Thanks for sharing the lovely photos!
Just an FYI, the ski area in Colorado is Vail, not Vale!
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I love this post on Utah – it really is an amazing state (well, it’s next to Colorado, what do you expect??) — and the Bonneville Salt Flats are one my favorite weird sites ever! Keep up the great travel log!!! (incredible photos, btw) Merry Christmas, you two!
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A beautiful state! Love the way you format your posts, nice and clean.
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Lovely! I hope to go one day!
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Wow, loved those pictures!!! 🙂 My husband and I went on a road trip from Florida to the Grand Canyon last June. It was amazing! 🙂
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Great Captures – thanks for sharing! Happy Holidays!
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Gorgeous photos and nice commentary! I really enjoy your blog.
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Great post – excellent photos! They capture the expanse and beauty of Utahhhhhhh!
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Gorgeous!
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I love the state of Utah! My favorites include Mesa Arch and Delicate Arch. What an amazing state!
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Beautiful photos – especially the first one in the mirror!
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I love the first shot. Very creative!
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Love it!! Utah , Georgia and Nevada are my favorite States ❤ I miss them sooo much
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Brought back so many memories of our road trip to Utah in 2011. Antelope Island is a fantastic place… and the landscape of the national parks is awesome.
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We took many “rear view mirror” scenery shots on our RV trip in Norther Arizaon & Utah last year… but from the passenger side 🙂
Oscar
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Heh-heh-heh-heh.
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Utah is one of our all-time favorite destinations. Love the deserts and mountains!
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