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National Historic Trails
Four National Historic Trails pass through Utah, recognizing routes of travel that are of national historic significance. Utah's trails touch on past routes of exploration, migration and military action. Explore three of these trails with free NPS audio tour. Additional backcountry routes follow routes lost to time, such as the Transcontinental Railroad Backcountry Byway. When traveling in the backcountry, always travel prepared and stay on designated routes.
National Historic Trails in Utah
Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail
1,300 miles
Experience the final stretch of the route 70,000 Mormons traveled from 1846 to 1869 to escape religious persecution. It's about 75 miles from the Wyoming border to Salt Lake City, but there are dozens of historical sites along the last leg of the famous route. Get a taste of the journey on a 4.5-mile hike in Little Emigration Canyon near East Canyon State Park (Read: A Family Bike Tour of Salt Lake’s East Canyon) from Mormon Flat to Big Mountain then learn more at This Is the Place Heritage Park and The Museum of Church History and Art in Salt Lake City. Learn more
California National Historic Trail
5,600 miles
Follow in the footsteps of over 250,000 emigrants who traveled to the gold fields and rich farmlands of California during the 1840s and 1850s — the greatest mass migration in American history. Learn more
Old Spanish National Historic Trail
2,700 miles
Follow the routes of mule pack trains across the Southwest on the Old Spanish National Historic Trail. Explore areas where the routes passed near Moab and its neighboring national parks (Arches and Canyonlands), through the central part of Utah, the oasis of the Fishlake Cutoff and southwest Utah near Cedar City, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, St. George and Zion National Park. Visitor centers throughout the region may have NPS passport stamps for trail enthusiasts. Learn more
Pony Express National Historic Trail
2,000 miles
Young men once rode horses to carry mail from Missouri to California in the unprecedented time of only 10 days. The toughest and most dangerous stretch passed through Utah's West Desert. Today, it makes an unforgettable road trip. See: West Desert Ramble & The Pony Express itinerary
Discover More
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11 More Utah Winter Experiences Outside the Ski Resorts
Written By Matador
6 minute read
No matter your level of adventure, you will find good reason to save some time for a day away from the resort.
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A Utah Ski Vacation (or Two) for Less
Written By Paula Colman
6 minute read
Shop for ski gear like a local. Get discounts on lift tickets. Learn everything you need to know for a cheap luxury ski trip.
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Best Après Ski Bars in Park City and Beyond
Written By Austen Diamond
4 minute read
Want to master the art of après? Here’s your guide to the best après-ski bars in Park City and the Wasatch Front.
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Hiring a Backcountry Ski Guide
Written By Megan Michelson
6 minute read
Thinking of exploring backcountry terrain this winter? We can see why. With empty slopes and fresh powder, it’s an alluring idea. But there are things you should know before you venture out of bounds.
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How to Prepare for a Utah Ski Trip
Written By Evan Thayer
4 minute read
Follow these five simple tips to take full advantage of The Greatest Snow on Earth®.
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Must-See Panoramic Views at Utah Ski Resorts
Written By Jill Robinson
4 minute read
Utah forecaster Evan Thayer has seen it all on Utah’s slopes. Here are some of the breathtaking places he keeps going back to again and again that combine incredible scenery on top of the mountain with Utah’s renowned downhill.
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Robert Redford Sets the Sundance Scene
Written By Rosie Serago
6 minute read
Watch the story behind Robert Redford's founding of Sundance Mountain Resort in Utah, and learn what makes this Provo ski resort stand out.
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Snowfield and Stream
Written By Brett Prettyman
7 minute read
The ski lift may be closer, but the Provo River, one of the best fisheries in Utah and the country, is mere minutes down the road from Sundance Mountain Resort.
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Snowshoeing the Wasatch
Written By Lori J. Lee
4 minute read
Wondering where to go snowshoeing? Utah’s Wasatch Mountains are a popular destination. Learn more and plan your visit!
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Soaring, Utah Style
Written By Ben White
4 minute read
Utah offers the Greatest Snow On Earth® — and also some of the most soarable skies. In-between powder days, give your ski legs a break and explore flight at the state’s historic and unique Point of the Mountain Flight Park.
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The Best Skiing in Utah
5 minute read
Out of 15 ski resorts, here's where families, friends groups, experts, luxury seekers and even night owls find their groove in Utah.
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Uniquely Utah Après Ski Spa Experiences
4 minute read
Relax with these seven ski resort spa experiences only in Utah.
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Utah Resort Roundup: What Kind of Vacation do I Want?
Written By Paula Colman
4 minute read
Wondering where to ski in Utah? The real question is, “What kind of experience do you want?” Get helpful information on ski areas, resorts, activities and more.
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Utah’s Factory-to-Slope Culture
Utah’s gear scene benefits from being able to use its backyard as a testing ground, making the complete ski and snowboard cycle uniquely Utah
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3 Days
West Desert Ramble & The Pony Express
This itinerary is a three-day adventure along the Pony Express National Historic Trail in Utah's West Desert. Visit Simpson Springs, Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge, Gold Hill and more.
Adventure, Film Tourism, History and Heritage, Solitude, Wildlife, Ghost Towns
Highlights
- Camp Floyd State Park Museum
- Fish Springs Wildlife Refuge
- Pony Express National Historic Trail
- Historic Wendover Airfield