UTAH VACATIONS
The state of Utah is a vacation paradise and has a great deal to offer to outdoor enthusiasts. The natural landscaping of this region is unique with its amazing variety of shapes and colors. Most of the state sits on a plateau that is more than 4,000 feet above sea level with the highest elevation reaching over 13,000 feet.
The weather in Utah is as varied as the terrain and residents are fond of telling visitors that “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes”. In the winter, some of the mountain areas receive over 500 inches of snow while the summer brings temperatures of well over 100 degrees to parts of the state. In the spring and fall, be prepared for any type of weather imaginable.
Utah’s history typifies the Old West since some of the most colorful figures and outlaws of that time period came from this state. This last frontier, a wide open area between California and “the middle of nowhere” was sparsely populated and a prime location for sheltering cattle rustlers and bandits as well as well known and respected cowboys. Some of the characters of western lore who called Utah their home included Butch Cassidy (born Robert LeRoy Parker), Billy the Kid and the Rough Riders.
When planning your Utah vacation, if you enjoy house boating, you might consider Lake Powell. This 186 mile long lake is located in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and is said to be one of the world’s great places for house boating. This beautiful lake offers sandy beaches, clear blue water and unusual red rock scenery and is a perfect spot for boating, skiing, kayaking and fishing.
Utah is inhabited by a wide variety of wildlife because of the diversity in its climate and landscaping. Vacationers can view over six hundred species of birds, reptiles, fish and mammals that are native to the state. Some of the most popular spots for wildlife observation are the Ogden Nature Center, Red Butte Gardens, Canyonlands, Antelope Island State Park and the Henry Mountains.
If you enjoy scenic travel, you may want to drive on the Trail of the Ancients National Scenic Byway as part of your Utah vacation. This scenic trail is part of the federally designated ancient Anasazi Country located in Southeastern Utah. Here you will have the opportunity to view a number of archaeological, cultural and historical sites in addition to the Natural Bridges National Monument. This monument consists of three of the world’s largest natural stone bridges as well as several Anasazi ruins.
An interesting and charming Utah vacation spot is the historic community of Bluff which is located along Highway 163 northeast of Monument Valley. The Victorian homes in this area are made of sandstone block. The community was settled by pioneers who traveled the extremely difficult trail called Hole in the Rock. In this vicinity, visitors can explore several ancient ruins and rock art panels.
Another federally designated National Scenic Byway will take you through eastern Utah and western Colorado. The attractions in this location are related to dinosaurs and include active rock quarries. Here you can see paleontologists uncovering fossils embedded in stone and see sites in the back country with actual dinosaur fossils and footprints.
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