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Guide:
Regions & Cities:
Directory
Overview
A land of extremes, Utah holds a special appeal for outdoor
enthusiasts, encompassing a wide variety of landscapes and
fascinating geological formations that offer unlimited
opportunities for outdoor recreation. Most of the state is situated
on a plateau above 4,000ft (1,219m), but the elevations rise and
fall spectacularly across snow-covered mountains and deep river
canyons. The most significant sights and attractions have been
formed by the dramatic forces of nature, creating ruggedly
beautiful, multicoloured canyons, eroded rock sculptures, red
desert plains, forested mountains and snow-capped peaks. Southern
Utah has five breathtaking national parks, including Zion and Bryce
Canyon, which draw the most visitors, but the lesser-known parks
are just as spectacular.
The Anglo settlement of Utah began with the arrival of the
Mormon pioneers in the Salt Lake area in 1847, led by Brigham
Young. Today more than 70 percent of the population belong to the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, congregants of which
are known as the Mormons. The Mormon heritage defines the state's
modern culture and many perceive Utah as a region stuck in a time
warp due to the strong church influence, emphasis on family values,
and a notoriously strict attitude regarding the drinking of
alcohol. But the people are friendly and unpretentious, the crime
rate is low and there are many beautiful places of interest to
visit.
Salt Lake City is a modern metropolis regarded as one of the top
business environments in the country, as well as being the
spiritual hub of the Mormon religion, home to the sacred Temple and
the famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Its proximity to the Wasatch
Mountains makes it a popular base for winter and summer outdoor
recreation, and nearby resorts like Park City, Sundance and
Snowbird offer superb powder snow and Olympic-class skiing.