Utah Travel Guide

Geographical Position and Climate of Utah

Utah is located in the western part of the United States. It is bordered by Idaho to the north, Wyoming to the northeast, Colorado to the east, New Mexico at the Four Corners point to the southeast, Arizona to the south, and Nevada to the west. It also touches a corner of New Mexico in the southeast.

Approximately two-thirds of the state’s residents live in the metropolitan area known as the Wasatch Front, which is centered around Salt Lake City, the state’s capital and largest city. The Great Salt Lake, the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere, is located in the northern part of the state.

The state’s geography is characterized by its diverse regions, including the Rocky Mountains in the northeast, the Great Basin in the west, and the Colorado Plateau in the southeast. Utah is also home to numerous national parks, such as Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands.

Best time to visit Utah

The best time to visit Utah largely depends on the activities you’re interested in. Here’s a seasonal breakdown:

Spring (April to June)

  • Weather: Mild temperatures; ideal for hiking and outdoor activities.
  • Highlights: Blooming wildflowers, especially in Southern Utah.

Summer (July to August)

  • Weather: Hot, particularly in Southern Utah; cooler in the mountains.
  • Highlights: Ideal for higher elevation national parks and water-based activities in lakes and rivers.

Fall (September to October)

  • Weather: Cool and pleasant; fewer crowds.
  • Highlights: Spectacular fall foliage, particularly in the mountainous regions.

Winter (November to March)

  • Weather: Cold with snow in the mountains; milder in lower elevations.
  • Highlights: World-class skiing and winter sports in the Wasatch Range.

For national park visits, spring and fall are typically the best times due to moderate weather and smaller crowds. For winter sports enthusiasts, the ski season from late November to March is prime time.

Travel to Utah

By Air

  • Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC): The state’s largest airport, offering numerous domestic and international flights.
  • Other Airports: Regional airports in St. George, Provo, and Cedar City provide additional access, primarily for domestic flights.

With Car

  • Interstate Highways: I-15 runs north-south through the state, connecting to Nevada and Idaho. I-80 crosses east-west, linking Salt Lake City with Nevada to the west and Wyoming to the east.
  • Scenic Byways: Utah has several scenic byways perfect for road trips, including the iconic Highway 12.

By Train

  • Amtrak: The California Zephyr line stops in Salt Lake City, Green River, Helper, and Provo.

By Bus

  • Greyhound: Offers routes to various Utah destinations.
  • Local Buses: UTA provides extensive bus service in the Wasatch Front area.

Places to visit in Utah

Utah map and flag

Important Information

Capital – Salt Lake City

Largest City – Salt Lake City

Territory – 219,887 km2

Population – 3,271,616

Time Zone – UTC-7 (Mountain)

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