Utah, located in the western United States, is a state of striking contrasts and natural wonders, known for its stunning red rock landscapes, snow-capped mountains, and vast desert expanses. From world-renowned national parks to vibrant cities, Utah offers outdoor enthusiasts endless opportunities for adventure, including hiking, skiing, rock climbing, and exploring unique geological formations. Beyond its natural beauty, Utah boasts a rich cultural heritage rooted in Native American traditions, pioneer history, and its central role in the development of the American West. Whether you’re drawn to rugged canyons, serene alpine valleys, or bustling urban centers, Utah’s diverse regions provide something for everyone.

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Regions

• Northern Utah: Home to the state’s largest city, Salt Lake City, Northern Utah combines urban amenities with outdoor recreation. The Wasatch Mountains provide world-class skiing and snowboarding, while nearby Great Salt Lake offers a unique natural experience.
• Central Utah: Characterized by vast mountain ranges and quiet rural towns, Central Utah is perfect for those seeking scenic drives, fishing, and off-the-beaten-path exploration. Rich in mining history, this area also features striking geological formations.
• Southern Utah: Known for its iconic red rock landscapes, Southern Utah is home to several national parks—including Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef—making it a paradise for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers.
• Eastern Utah: This region consists of rugged plateaus, canyons, and prehistoric sites. Outdoor activities such as river rafting along the Green and Colorado Rivers and exploring dinosaur fossils in places like Dinosaur National Monument are popular here.
• Western Utah: Dominated by the vast Great Basin Desert, Western Utah offers dramatic salt flats, remote mountain ranges, and historic mining towns. The Bonneville Salt Flats attract speed enthusiasts from around the world.

The Same

Mighty 5 National Parks:

Southern Utah’s iconic red rock landscapes captivated both the DINKs and the Family, who each explored the region’s famed “Mighty 5” national parks in their own style. From the towering cliffs of Zion to the hoodoo-filled amphitheater of Bryce Canyon, the region delivered breathtaking beauty, dramatic geology, and unforgettable trails. While the Family embraced scenic viewpoints after a full itinerary across all five parks, the DINKs immersed themselves in hiking adventures at Bryce and Zion, with an extra splash of adrenaline at Glen Canyon. Whether you’re seeking a physically active getaway or a more relaxed scenic journey, Southern Utah offers experiences as vast and varied as its canyons.

Two Takes on Utah’s National Parks: Exploring the Mighty Five

Utah offers a surprising variety of culinary delights, going beyond what some might expect.

• Fry Sauce: This condiment, a mix of ketchup, mayonnaise, and spices, is a beloved Utah creation. It’s enjoyed on french fries, burgers, and even as a dip for other savory snacks.
• Pastrami Burgers: Salt Lake City elevates the classic burger with the addition of pastrami, creating a unique and flavorful combination. Crown Burgers is a local favorite known for their pastrami burgers.
• Funeral Potatoes: A comforting casserole made with hash browns, cheese, sour cream, and a crunchy topping—popular at family gatherings and potlucks.
• Jello (especially green Jello): A quirky Utah favorite, often served with fruit or whipped topping; so iconic it’s part of local lore.
• Bear Lake Raspberries: Grown near the Utah-Idaho border, these sweet berries are a summer staple in shakes, pies, and jams.
• Dutch Oven Dinners: A nod to Utah’s pioneer roots, these hearty one-pot meals are slow-cooked over coals and often include meat, potatoes, and veggies.
• Homemade Root Beer: A popular drink at Utah family gatherings and fairs, often brewed with a hint of wintergreen.

The DINKs

We spent nearly two weeks in Utah, blending remote work with exploration, and came away amazed by everything the state has to offer. From its striking red rock landscapes and towering mountain ranges to its charming small towns and vibrant cities, Utah proved to be the perfect place to balance productivity with adventure. Whether hiking in national parks, soaking in hot springs, or sampling local food, our time here was both inspiring and energizing.r.

Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City, the vibrant capital of Utah, is a dynamic blend of outdoor adventure, rich history, and modern urban culture. Nestled between the Great Salt Lake and the towering Wasatch Mountains, the city offers visitors everything from scenic hikes and world-class skiing to historic landmarks, lively neighborhoods, and a thriving food and arts scene.

Great Salt Lake: Just northwest of the city lies the Great Salt Lake, the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere. Visitors can explore Antelope Island State Park, home to a variety of wildlife, including bison and pronghorn antelope, and enjoy activities like hiking, birdwatching, and swimming (although the lake’s high salinity makes it easy to float). But apparently no one really swims in it because it smells from all the shrimp that live in it. We had to check it out and our dog loved all the smells. Us, not so much.

Temple Square: The city is the headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), and Temple Square is its most prominent landmark. This 10-acre complex includes the Salt Lake Temple, Tabernacle, Assembly Hall, and other historic buildings. It’s a significant religious and cultural site visited by millions of tourists each year.

• Salt Lake Temple: A stunning granite structure, the centerpiece of Temple Square. Tours are available for visitors who aren’t participating in religious services.
• Salt Lake Tabernacle: Renowned for its acoustics, this iconic domed building is a popular venue for concerts and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir performances. Free tours are offered.
• This is the Place Heritage State Park: Step back in time and explore the replica settlement established by Mormon pioneers in 1847. Living history demonstrations, historic buildings, and a museum depict the early days of Salt Lake City.
• The Temple Annex: This building houses administrative offices for the LDS Church.
• Assembly Hall: Originally used for religious gatherings and community events, the Assembly Hall is now a venue for performances and conferences.

Local Hike: Parrish Creek Trail is a great hiking option close to Salt Lake City. It’s located in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains, east of Centerville. The trail offers stunning views of the Salt Lake Valley and the Great Salt Lake, especially from the higher vantage points. We wanted to hike one of the mountains we keep driving by. We picked a dog friendly one but some how we end up on a different one that is 8.7 mi out & back with Elevation gain of 3,727 ft.

Hot Springs

Utah’s diverse landscape isn’t just home to red rock canyons and snowy peaks—it’s also rich with natural hot springs that offer a unique way to relax and unwind. Scattered throughout the state, these geothermal gems range from remote backcountry pools to family-friendly resorts. One of the most popular is Crystal Hot Springs, located in northern Utah, which boasts one of the highest mineral content springs in the world.

Crystal Hot Springs is a family destination located in northern Utah in Box Elder County. It boasts seven hot spring pools, three hot spring waterfalls, and two hot spring waterslides. Crystal Hot Springs offers a variety of hot spring pools, ranging in temperature from 85 degrees Fahrenheit to 115 degrees Fahrenheit. So you can find the perfect pool to soak in and relax, regardless of your preference. The three hot spring waterfalls add a fun and refreshing element to your soak. You can stand under a cold spring waterfall to cool off or enjoy the warm cascade of a hotter spring waterfall. Crystal Hot Springs is a great place to relax, have fun, and enjoy the natural beauty of Utah. With beautiful views of the surrounding snow capped mountains it was the relaxation we needed on our road trip. Note there were two hot tubs that were actually too hot for us to even get it. Maybe we are more sensitive than others. Be sure to drink plenty of water during your time there.

Cedar Breaks National Monument:

Cedar Breaks National Monument is a U.S. National Monument located in the U.S. state of Utah near Cedar City. It’s a natural amphitheater, stretching across 3 miles (4.8 km), with a depth of over 2,000 feet (610 m). The elevation of the rim of the amphitheater is over 10,000 feet (3,000 m) above sea level.  The monument is located about 2.5 hours east of Las Vegas and 3 hours south of Salt Lake City.  We stopped on our way from Vegas to Salt Lake City. Hiking is a popular activity at Cedar Breaks. There are several trails that offer stunning views of the amphitheater. Scenic drives and photography are other favorite pursuits for visitors. During the winter, the park becomes a winter wonderland, offering opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

The Bonneville Salt Flats

The Bonneville Salt Flats offer a unique and unforgettable experience. With its vastness, beauty, and historical significance, it’s a place worth adding to your travel bucket list! The Bonneville Salt Flats are a vast expanse of hard, white salt crust, remnant of an ancient lakebed. They are found in Tooele County, Utah, about 120 miles west of Salt Lake City and bordering the Great Salt Lake on the western edge. The extremely flat surface and the composition of the salt crust make the Bonneville Salt Flats a popular location for land speed racing and other record-breaking attempts. The most awe-inspiring thing to do is simply walk or drive out onto the seemingly endless expanse of salt. It’s a humbling experience to feel the vastness of the landscape. The unique flat and white backdrop of the salt flats creates stunning photo opportunities. Just be sure to be creative and mindful of other visitors.

Summary

In the end, both the Family and the DINKs uncovered unforgettable sides of Utah—each through a different lens. The Family dove deep into the Mighty 5, embracing the majesty of Utah’s most iconic national parks with a pace suited for shared wonder and accessible adventure. The DINKs, on the other hand, did more than jsut national parks, uncovering hidden gems like hot springs, salt flats, and charming cities that showcased Utah’s diverse and dynamic spirit beyond the parks. So, who did it better? That’s up for debate—but maybe the real win is how Utah delivers something extraordinary for every kind of traveler.