From family-friendly hiking trails to grueling rock climbs, Utah is made for these activities. Countless hiking trails lead through the unique red rock landscape. Outside of the Mighty 5, southern Utah has many National Monuments, National Recreation Areas, National Forests, and State Parks that dot southern Utah with just as diverse hiking opportunities. For alpine vistas, walk for miles through the lush wilderness of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest and climb to the top of Mount Raymond for 360-degree views of Big Cottonwood Canyon, home to Brighton and Solitude ski resorts lie.

Mountain Biking
Mountain bikers find plenty to do in Utah: Moab’s slickrock trails are famous for their challenging ascents and descents that helped make this region famous among mountain bikers. Mountain bike enthusiasts traveling to Bryce Canyon and Zion should plan to visit nearby Thunder Mountain and Gooseberry Mesa. For a mountaintop biking adventure, head to Park City—America’s only IMBA-certified Gold Level mountain biking town—or ride the single-track stretch of the Wasatch Crest Trail near Salt Lake City. Some sections of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail in Salt Lake City and Ogden are also very suitable.

Water Sports
Although Utah is known for its unique desert landscapes, it is also one of the ten states in the USA with the largest area of ​​navigable waters. The rivers, lakes and reservoirs offer first class water recreation. Well known is the majestic Lake Powell, where you can rent a houseboat and cruise along the lake. Fly fishermen will find their territory on the Green River. Swim, sail or water ski in the turquoise waters of Bear Lake. The Colorado River is ideal for a white water rafting tour – especially through the rapids of the Cataract Canyon.

Canyoning
According to allcitycodes, Utah has one of the highest densities of slot canyons in the world. Canyoning enthusiasts will get their money’s worth: from the deep canyons of “The Mighty 5” to the desert canyons of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, there is everything your heart desires. Experienced guides are available for beginners. Many hikers also love to simply descend into the Narrows of Zion National Park with good hiking shoes.

Winter sports in Utah
Highlights include a snowshoe hike or a cross-country ski tour through Bryce Canyon National Park. If you want, you can toboggan down the longest tubing runs in the world in Soldier Hollow on an inner tube. There are over a hundred miles of groomed snowmobile trails in Logan Canyon.

Skiing: Salt Lake City
The “Ski City” of the USA offers easy access to numerous world-renowned winter sports areas. From Snowbird and Alta in Little Cottonwood Canyon to Brighton and Solitude in Big Cottonwood Canyon, the Salt Lake region’s winter sports areas score with excellent slopes and a wide range. www.visitsaltlake.com/skicity

Park City
With its picturesque Historic Main Street and Olympic venues, this internationally renowned ski resort combines small-town America with cosmopolitan amenities. Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley ski resorts provide more than 3,700 acres of skiable terrain. There are numerous accommodation options – from luxury hotels to apartments right on the ski slope. There are numerous hotels in Park City and neighboring Heber Valley, all of which also offer easy access to Utah Olympic Park and the Nordic disciplines facilities at Soldier Hollow.

Ogden
The historic town of Ogden provides access to Utah’s best slopes. The scenic Valley is home to world-class Powder Mountain, Nordic Valley and Snowbasin ski resorts, home of the men’s and women’s downhill events at the 2002 Olympic Games.

Sundance
Nestled at the foot of majestic Mount Timpanogos, Robert Redford’s Sundance Resort offers 400 acres of groomed trails and 42 runs for both advanced and novice skiers.

Culinary Utah
Among the top addresses in Salt Lake City : The Copper Onion with creative, hearty dishes as well as innovative dishes. These include roasted Wagyu bone marrow with walnut and kale pesto over fettuccine. Those who prefer a more intimate setting should sit by the fireplace at the Fresco Italian Cafe (1513 S 1500 E, Salt Lake City). Here you can enjoy signature dishes such as spicy pear salad, mushrooms, crescenza cake and veal bolognese.

In Park City, Riverhorse on Main offers premium specialties such as hand-chopped buffalo tartare, pork belly pirogues and slow-roasted pork knuckle from Snake River Farms. Visitors to the St. George region of southern Utah enjoy panoramic views of the St. George Valley while dining at Cliffside Restaurant. Flatiron Asado and Chili Glazed Salmon earned the restaurant the title of “Best New Restaurant” in southern Utah.

Anyone viewing the breathtaking scenery of Grand Staircase – Escalante National Monument in southern Utah should stop at Hell’s Backbone Grill in Boulder. The eatery has been highly acclaimed for its fresh, local cuisine, with ingredients mostly grown directly on the owner’s adjacent organic farm.

Shopping in Utah

Salt Lake City’s newest shopping destination is City Creek Center. With more than 100 branded shops and restaurants, a glass sunroof and a creek, City Creek combines city and nature.

Sandy is home to Utah’s largest shopping mall: South Town Center covers more than 93,000 square meters of shopping, dining and indoor carousel. Park City’s picturesque Main Street offers a different shopping experience. Here you can stroll along, enjoy shopping in more than 100 shops and boutiques and dine in one of 50 unique restaurants.

Those looking for bargains on branded items can find them on the Wasatch Front at Traverse Mountain in Lehi, Tanger Outlets in Park City, or near Zion National Park in St. George.

Utah on film
If Utah’s scenic landscapes sound familiar, chances are you’ve actually seen them before: many of the stunning natural settings have been used in Hollywood movies. Monument Valley’s rocky mountains are iconic and have starred in numerous classic westerns. For example in “Ringo”, “The Black Hawk” and “Two Bandits”. Movies featuring Utah’s scenery include Planet of the Apes, Thelma and Louise, Forrest Gump, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, and many others.