The USA can seem like a big place, but many observers based outside the country are only presented with images of New York, California, and the deep South.
There are massive swathes of Middle America that are often neglected despite the huge number of cultural and historical delights that they offer to locals and tourists alike.
Utah, the 13th largest state in the US, has a population of around 3 million and is probably best known as the worldwide headquarters of Mormonism. As well as this important aspect of religious history, the state has many other things to offer the intrepid explorer and you can find out more about them below.
Hit the slopes
Although Canada usually takes the plaudits when it comes to skiing in North America, the US can certainly hold its own, thanks to fantastic resorts like those found in Utah.
Deer Valley is one of the most popular resorts in the state, with a ski season lasting from December to April.
The Wasatch Mountains provide breath-taking views and slopes that are suitable for all abilities.
What’s more, the Deer Valley resort will go down in sporting history as the venue for the 2002 Winter Olympics. If you want to challenge yourself on the same slopes as many sporting greats, this provides the ideal opportunity.
The resort is also perfect for families, with plenty to keep the kids occupied.
The ski school lets young ones learn from engaging and patient instructors and each lesson is tailored for a specific ability level. For younger children, or those that want some time away from the slopes, the children’s centre provides a wide range of supervised activities.
Lodging at Deer Valley resort is available and travel is straightforward via shuttle or car from Salt Lake City International Airport.
If you love skiing and want to visit a part of the US that you’ve never been to before, why not give Utah a try?
Culinary delights in the capital
Travel and food are inextricably connected. Whenever visiting a new part of the world, trying the local food can give you an insight into the people that live there – and Utah is no different.
The state has its fair share of unusual food items, including an obsession with fry sauce – a mixture of ketchup and mayonnaise.
Utah locals also love Jell-O, particularly when colored green – and once consumed more of the stuff than any other state in the US.
Utah’s capital, Salt Lake City, also has a vibrant restaurant scene and is a must-visit for foodies. Cuisine from all over the world is available, but be sure to visit a few of the diners selling traditional, local fare.
Utah scones are a delicacy not to be missed, but don’t order too many. These treats are big and deep-fried and not to be confused with the dainty English scones that you serve with tea. Funeral potatoes are also worth hunting around for.
So called because they were traditionally served by grieving Mormon women, they consist of a baked casserole containing potatoes, canned soup and a crushed corn-flake topping.
Religious history
No trip to Utah would be complete without exploring some of the state’s religious history.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often referred to as Mormonism, is headquartered in Salt Lake City and is a powerful cultural landmark.
There are approximately 15 million Mormons worldwide today and although many of them are based outside the US, state of Utah still holds great spiritual significance for the movement.
Visitors are able to visit the historic Temple Square, with tours available in 40 languages.
While exploring the grounds they are able to see a majestic 11-foot tall statue of Jesus Christ, visit the Church History Library and enjoy the historic Lion House, built in 1856.
Temple Square is also conveniently located nearby to many of Salt Lake City’s other main attractions. When visitors have finished wandering around the 35-acre site, they may want to visit the Great Salt Lake that gives the city its name, Hogle Zoo, or the Utah Museum of Fine Arts.
Beautiful countryside
Utah’s five national parks (Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion) offer visitors the chance to see thousands of years of geological activity close up. Each park has its own distinct highlights with Arches National Park boasting fault lines, rock bridges, sand dunes and balancing rocks, while Capitol Reef offers fruit orchards and mind-blowing canyons.
All five national parks provide opportunities for guided tours or solo hiking, and there is so much to see that you’ll probably need more than one visit to take it all in. If there is one natural formation to look out for it would probably be the Hoodoos, tall spires of skinny rock that are particularly abundant in Bryce Canyon. These geological formations erode at rapid rates, however, so make sure you visit Utah’s national parks soon before they’re gone.
Travel into the ancient past
If you have a passion for ancient history then Utah has you covered. In the centre of the state, one hour west of the city of Delta, there is a 40-acre limestone quarry that is home to countless fossils.
The site lays claim to one of the world’s richest deposits of trilobites, a now-extinct group of marine animals that lived until approximately 250 million years ago.
Fossil enthusiasts can look for their own specimens and such is the abundance here that you’re unlikely to go home empty-handed.
In an average four hour dig, visitors generally find between 10 and 20 trilobites, which they can then take home.
Excavations take place between April and October and tools can be rented on site, so there’s nothing stopping you from owning your own little piece of ancient history.
It may not get the same media attention as California or New York, but Utah has plenty to offer. It’s a state that is home to a worldwide religion and one that boasts some of the best natural beauty on offer in the whole of the US.
With plenty to keep food fans and history buffs occupied too, why not make Utah next on your list of US travel destinations?
