Mostly empty of humanity, Utah nevertheless thrives as a unique center of tourism and culture in the Mountain West. Beautiful peaks, national parks and the inescapable Mormon influence make the Beehive State a unique destination.
History
Utah’s majestic mountains, lakes, and deserts were first seen by Native Americans around 12,000 years ago. Through the millennia that followed, these early big-game hunters were followed by other early culture groups including the Ancestral Puebloans and the Fremont. Later on, tribes like the Shoshone and Utes began to move into the state, feeding off the mountain streams or carving out a living in the southern desert.
Cedar Breaks is a natural amphitheater 3 miles wide. Hoodoos and tree covered mountains. I absolutely love this area of Utah.
Europeans came along much later in the story, but their impact was undeniably significant. In 1776 a party of Spanish explorers traveled much of the length of present-day Utah, led by the monk Escalante (who even then noted Utah’s pristine beauty). Nearly fifty years later, more whites came to Utah seeking beaver pelts; this small trickle became a flood in 1847. A religious group that found only persecution and trouble back east came to Utah, establishing a Mormon colony that remains strongly loyal to that faith even today. Throughout the latter days of the 19th century, more converts came from around the world to Utah; by the time of statehood in 1896, the total population was near a quarter of a million people.
Development of coal mines, railroads, and other industries brought new waves of immigration into the area. Like most of the America, Utah’s economy plummeted during the 1930s Great Depression, yet rebounded after World War II. Defense, mining, steel and tourism make up the Beehive State’s diversified economy today.
Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park.
Today, Utah is known for beautiful scenery and large families. Since the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics, tourism and in-migration has increased as more new Utah’s discover the state’s rich legacy and beauty.
Attractions
Check out where I have been in Utah and other places I haven’t been to but look awesome (maroon color). Click on the links for posts for the places I’ve been!
Travel Tips
Snow can be a major problem here, so be aware of alerts during the winter months.
With so many national parks in Utah alone, you may consider a national park pass to save some money, but wait until you get to your first park to buy one.
Gas stations can be far apart. Fill up regularly.
Cell phone service can be spotty in rural areas.
Physical state maps are very useful for when GPS fails.
