Utah

Value Times are April, May, September through December.
Excludes Holidays and Special Events

There are many places in Utah that can seem as much like another world as another state. From massive rock arches to oddly shaped pillars to sheer river gorges, it's a land that has been bent by weather and time into strange, fantastic shapes.

Accordingly, many visitors to Utah will do anything—hike, bicycle, paddle, rock climb, ski or snowboard—to experience the natural wildness the state has to offer. If these kinds of adventurous activities are for you, you'll find Utah one of the premier destinations in the U.S. It simply is a place where the most significant sights are made of sky and stone, built by wind and water rather than humans.

Your Destination:

Park City

Park City was originally an old mining town, and the area still maintains a frontier feel. Shops, restaurants, lodges, art galleries and lively nightspots are housed in Victorian-style buildings. But the area, with three resorts, is best-known for skiing, and it hosted skiing competitions during the 2002 Olympic Games.

Daredevils might want to try ski jumping (lessons available) at the Utah Winter Sports Park near Park City. Visitors also can enjoy snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, hot-air ballooning, sleigh rides and ice skating. The area is popular with both singles and families, and is a good spot for visitors who don't ski or who don't want to ski every day. The most famous non-skiing event in town is the Sundance Film Festival, held in January. (Despite the festival's name, it's not actually held in Sundance, the resort area south of Park City.)

DINING

Park City's many award-winning restaurants are among the finest in the Intermountain West, reflecting many different culinary styles and influences. With 100+ restaurants and bars, there's something for every taste, all within walking distance or a short, free bus ride away.

SHOPPING

Utah offers a fair variety of shopping. In particular, look for western-influenced and Native American arts and crafts, pottery, winter clothing and outdoor gear, antiques and furs.

TRAVEL TIPS

Don't forget to take water—and remember to drink it! Carry about a gallon (two-four liters) per person for an all-day hike. Even if you're not participating in strenuous activity, remember that most of Utah—including Salt Lake City—is high desert. That means you need to drink more water than usual to avoid the discomforts of dehydration and altitude.

Do purchase a National Parks Pass if you plan to visit several of the national parks and monuments in Utah: You'll save quite a bit. But don't try to use the pass to get into the Monument Valley Tribal Park or other Native American sites: It's not accepted there.

Do watch out when hiking over rocky areas in the desert parks: Rattlesnakes and scorpions live there.

Don't forget your sunscreen when outdoors in summer and winter. The sun's rays are especially intense at high altitudes.

WEATHER

Utah is a year-round destination, but that doesn't mean it's always temperate. The northern part of the state is snowy in winter, which is why it's a skier's paradise. The southern part of the state is milder, but snow is quite possible in cold-weather months. Variations in altitude play a big part in the weather: Snow and cold are at their most extreme in the mountains, especially in the north. Frigid cold is rare in Utah, however, most parts seldom have temperatures below 0 F/-18 C. Though the snow starts to melt in April, it can last into May or longer in some locales. April temperatures range 26-70 F/-2-21 C around the state.

Though summer temperatures of 100 F/37 C can occur in most parts of Utah, low humidity makes the heat bearable. In general, expect highs of 83-93 F/27-33 C. Utah cools off quickly at night, so take a sweater or jacket even in summer. Nighttime lows range 49-61 F/9-16 C, depending on where you are.

GETTING THERE

Major carriers serve Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), the state's largest airport, which is 3 mi/5 km west of the city center. Major car-rental agencies maintain branches at the airport.

Amtrak provides rail service to Utah on the line that runs from Chicago to Sacramento, California, with stops in Green River, Helper, Provo and Salt Lake City. Greyhound provides bus service between cities in Utah and to points outside the state.

GETTING AROUND THE AREA

For most travelers, an automobile is the best way to tour Utah. We recommend renting a four-wheel-drive vehicle or a truck with high ground clearance to allow you to get around on some of the state's rougher roads. Once in Park City, many attractions, restaurants and shops are within-walking distance or you can take the free Park City Transit or the Main Street Trolley Service.

The information contained here and within the Time Out Vacations website is believed to be correct. Every effort has been made to assure accuracy. Time Out Vacations and Global Connections, Inc. assumes no responsibility for errors, inaccuracies or omissions.

The destinations listed are subject to change without notice or may no longer be available under this vacation certificate.