Notable for its friendly settlers and breathtaking natural sights in equal measure, the state of Utah is the keystone of America’s fascinating Intermountain West. We’ve singled out a few of the most interesting tourist destinations in Utah for your consideration.
Off-Road Opportunities
Outdoor enthusiasts of all sorts can appreciate something about what Utah has to offer. Winter sports fanatics are thrilled with the champagne snow of the Park City slopes. Avid cyclists enjoy the highly varied terrain of the state. Hikers revel in the splendor of sites like Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon. Then there are the off-roaders. With forests, mountains, deserts, and everything in between, the Beehive State is buzzing with unique off-road opportunities. One deserves particular mention.
Bonneville Salt Flats
No matter where in North America you live, you’re not likely to see any sight quite like this. Evaporation left behind these remnants of Lake Bonneville, an even greater salt lake than the Great Salt Lake we know today. The compressed salt of that body of water has since formed a hard bed where the lead-footed among us can indulge our speed-demon impulses. The vast plain allows for no sharp turns, no lane lines, and best of all, no speed limits. The Bonneville Salt Flats are open to the public, weather permitting. Once you’ve conquered the twists and turns of Utah’s off-road opportunities, head to the flats, where you may not break the land speed record, but you’ll sure have fun trying.
Temple Square
Towering over the Salt Lake City skyline is this gleaming neo-Gothic edifice—the famous Salt Lake Temple. Particularly conspicuous about this house of worship is the scaffolding surrounding its spires—it’s currently in the midst of a multiyear renovation. If you’re not a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints—and a member in good standing, at that—you won’t be permitted to enter the temple itself. However, if your curiosity is insatiable, mark your calendar for 2024—that’s when renovations on the Salt Lake Temple will conclude, and an open house to members of all faiths will allow everyone to tour this Utah monument before its rededication. Adjacent to the temple and open to the public is the Family History Library, the world’s largest genealogical resource center, and a great place to uncover your family tree.
Fantasy Canyon
You’ve surely gone cloudgazing and interpreted animals, faces, and shapes in the sky. In Fantasy Canyon, you can do that with rock formations. Erosion has turned these rocks into natural impressionistic sculptures. Located east of Salt Lake City, this is certainly among the most interesting tourist destinations in Utah and is highly worthy of a day trip.
