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History & Heritage
The history of the land now known as Utah is millions of years old and is a major source of the world’s knowledge of dinosaurs and other ancient plants and animals through its many discovery sites.
The Ancestral Puebloan and Fremont cultures lived in this area about a thousand years ago and Utah’s lands are rich with evidence of their lives found in pictographs and petroglyphs panels — left behind on rock walls, as well as in the dwelling sites of their homes and villages. Native American nations continue to contribute to Utah's rich cultural heritage.
At the time of the American Revolution, Europeans started exploring the area. Spanish priests Atanasio Dominguez and Silvestre Escalante traveled through in 1776. Trappers, mountain men and traders followed close behind. Then, in 1847, Mormon pioneers (members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) arrived in the Salt Lake Valley and established settlements throughout the Intermountain West.
Twenty-two years later, the first transcontinental railroad was completed in Utah at Golden Spike National Historical Park, and immigration to the region grew tremendously. Industrial development like the Bingham Copper Pit and agricultural growth with crops such as sugar beets brought many more people to Utah and statehood by 1896.
All of these early cultures wove, and many continue to weave, the tapestry that is Utah.
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Dinosaurs & Paleontology
Explore Utah’s rich dinosaur history through its many museums and archeological dig sites dedicated to the prehistoric creatures.
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Filmed in Utah
Add a touch of film history to your Utah itinerary, or plan your trip around these iconic cinema locations. You'll soon discover why we say Utah. America's Film Set.®
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Ghost Towns in Utah
From the southern reaches of Grafton and up north to Thistle, these abandoned towns have left behind crumbling relics, memories and stories of another era.
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Mormon Heritage
In 1847, Brigham Young and the first party of Latter-day Saint (known as Mormon) emigrants reached the desolate Salt Lake Valley. Since that day, Mormon cultural and heritage has made Utah a unique place to visit.
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National Historic Trails
Four National Historic Trails pass through Utah, recognizing routes of travel that are of national historic significance.
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Native Nations
Learn about the Native Nations influenced and shaped Utah. Find information about ancient habitation sites, art panels and museums.
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Historical Sites in Utah
4 minute read
Explore Utah's fascinating past with our guide to historical sites and hidden gems. Uncover pioneer and indigenous stories at these Utah heritage hot spots.
History
"We simply need that wild country available to us... For it can be a means of reassuring ourselves of our sanity as creatures, a part of the geography of hope."
– Wallace Stegner, “Crossing to Safety”
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15 Must-Do Adventures in Kanab
Written By Matcha
6 minute read
Looking for fun things to do in Kanab? Check out our list of the 15 must-do adventures in Kanab and start planning your visit today.
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15 Non-Technical Slot Canyons
Written By Whitney Childers
7 minute read
You don’t have to be Spider-Man to explore some of the best slot canyons Utah has to offer. You just need to be ready for an adventure in tight spaces with huge photographic rewards
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5 Expert Tips to Prepare for Your Utah National Parks Adventure
Written By Visit Utah
3 minute read
If you’re planning to visit Utah national parks for a hike, learn important tips to maximize your experience and keep you and your family safe.
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A Visitor's Guide to Zion's Kolob Canyons
Written By Matcha
In the Kolob Canyons section of Zion National Park, you’ll find a scenic wonderland with an adventure for everyone. Learn more about this unforgettable attraction and plan a visit.
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Ancient Pictographs, Petroglyphs and Timeless Mysteries
Written By Matcha
5 minute read
Exploring Horseshoe Canyon isn’t for everyone. First of all, the effort to get there is an adventure in itself, but those efforts make the reward — namely, the chance to see up close some of the most significant pictograph panels in North America — even more noteworthy.
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Best Hikes in St. George During Winter
Written By Matcha
5 minute read
While Utah's Greater Zion offers a few hundred trails, we’ve highlighted seven of the best hikes in the state's southwestern corner, from deep canyons to high peaks.
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Dog-Friendly Utah: The Road to Mighty
Written By Visit Utah
7 minute read
Want to bring your furry friend on your next vacation? Utah is home to several great dog-friendly national parks and other fun destinations. Check it out and plan your trip!
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Elevate Your Hiking with Mindfulness
Written By Annie Hartvigsen
Incorporating simple mindfulness techniques into your next hike can take the edge off anxiety and enhance your overall well being.
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Escalante River Canyon Trail
Written By Matcha
4 minute read
Located in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, the Escalante River Canyon river trail winds and knots its way east and south.
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Exploring Mule Canyon: House on Fire and Cave Tower
Written By Matcha
4 minute read
Driving the up the dusty, terracotta-colored road toward Mule Canyon in Cedar Mesa, you get a sense that this is a special place, though you might not be able to put a finger on why.
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Find a Winter Refresh in a Utah State Park
Written By Rosie Serago
4 minute read
The best Utah state parks will entice you with ice fishing, white sand and snow-dusted scenery. Take a winter break to refresh with a visit to a few of these places.
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Finding Strength and Inspiration Deep in the Utah Desert
Written By Elisabeth Brentano
How a series of hiking and camping trips in Utah’s parks and wilderness put Elisabeth Brentano on a transformative journey from urbanite to nature lover.
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Hiking the Desert in Capitol Reef National Park
Written By Visit Utah
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Insider's Guide to Hiking Rainbow Bridge National Monument
Written By Matcha
From choosing the best season and trail, to understanding logistics and history, here's what you need to know to hike Utah's Rainbow Bridge National Monument located off the south coast of Lake Powell.
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It’s About Time We All Unplugged
Written By Megan Michelson
4 minute read
In Utah, you can find far-flung places to reset, wellness resorts that promote digital detox, and destinations where you can swap screen time for much-needed adventure time.
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Llama Trekking Through Canyon Country
Written By Ryan Salm
6 minute read
Reconnect with yourself, history and Utah's landscape on a guided llama trek through canyon country.
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Make Your Next Trip A Volunteer Vacation
Written By Megan Michelson
5 minute read
At the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, you can enjoy a getaway to stunning southern Utah while also making a difference in the lives of rescued animals.
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See the Fall Leaves Near Utah's National Parks
Written By Visit Utah
Sure, any of Utah’s Mighty 5 national parks are spectacular year round — covered in snow, peppered with spring wildflowers, and baked in sunshine. But find them exponentially special when the changing fall leaves are in juxtaposition to the immaculate red rock cliffs.
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Slot Canyons: A Guided Hike Through Nature's Masterworks
Written By Visit Utah
4 minute read
It's said that southwestern Utah offers the highest concentration of slot canyons in the world. Well-prepared visitors can hike right into some of them, but the best experience is with a guide.
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The History of River House (and How to Experience It Today)
Written By Matcha
4 minute read
Looking for items to add to your Bears Ears Monument itinerary? Explore the history of the River House Ruin site here and see it for yourself. Visit Utah.
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The Petroglyphs of Comb Ridge
Written By Matcha
5 minute read
Comb Ridge in Southeastern Utah offers dramatic galleries of ancient petroglyphs engraved on sandstone cliffs by Ancestral Puebloan artists over 1,000 years ago. Learn more about Comb Ridge and its unique rock art sites, including the famed Procession Panel.
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The Return to Robbers Roost
Written By Lindy Blanchette
10 minute read
Are you intrigued by the old American West legend involving Robbers Roost? Want to find an alleged hideout of the infamous Butch Cassidy and Gang? Explore Utah.
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Utah’s Unexpected Pit Stops
Written By Melissa McGibbon
5 minute read
You’re doing it wrong if you think road trip pit stops are boring layovers on your way to more exciting destinations. How many of these hidden gems have you been to? Here are 11 mini-adventures to check off your list next time you’re road-tripping through Utah.
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Weaving Through Granite Mazes in the Mineral Mountains of Beaver County
Written By Matcha
6 minute read
The Mineral Mountains, one of Utah’s most magnificent but least known natural wonders, offer superb hikes through a rugged granite wonderland of cliffs, domes and valleys. Backcountry trails beckon with the chance to discover precious gemstones, climbing routes and airy summits with expansive views across southwestern Utah.
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Women in the Wild: Transformation and the Outdoors
Written By Paula Colman
11 minute read
Paula Colman joins a weekend retreat for women in Moab, Utah, that has an eye-catching mission: Build your tribe. Connect with your inner spirit. Transform body, mind and spirit around the theme: “Ignite the Flame Within.” Follow along as she seeks her authentic self and learn how to find your own Tribe.

01
5 Days
Attagirl! Women’s History & Highlights
This five-day itinerary pairs Utah women's history and time for reflection with active adventure, beautiful scenery and instagrammable locations.
Hiking, History and Heritage, Wellness, Community, Arts, Mountain Biking, Guided Experiences, Support local, Glamping, Women's Travel, Urban Experiences
Highlights
- Suffrage Walking Tour
- Thelma & Louise Filming Locations
- Capitol Reef Glamping
- Women's History in Utah
- Capitol Reef Red Rocks

02
7 Days
History & Hoodoos
Just the national parks, ma'am. We get it. You're a bucket-lister with a checklist and a pen. We hope it has a lot of ink.
Hiking, History and Heritage, Stargazing, Camping & Backpacking
Highlights
- The Mighty 5® national parks
- All-American Road Scenic Byway 12
- Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument
- Dead Horse Point State Park

03
4 Days
Golden Spike Empire
Participate in railroad history, bird migration and iconic earth art in the quiet stretches of Northern Utah's rural Box Elder County.
Kid-Friendly, History and Heritage, Community, Arts, Wildlife
Highlights
- Historic Union Station
- Golden Spike National Historic Site
- Spiral Jetty
- Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge

04
6 Days
Classic Westerns of the Silver Screen
From the alpine backwoods of Jeremiah Johnson to the sweeping vistas of Westworld and all the John Ford's in between, Utah is the place to travel for movie magic.
Film Tourism, History and Heritage, Photography, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Arts
Highlights
- Westworld to Thelma and Louise
- John Ford Classics
- Gunsmoke to the Outlaw Josey Wales
- Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid

05
6 Days
Native Spirit
Countless generations of Native Americans have called the landscapes of Utah home, from the hunter-gatherers of the prehistoric era to the more than 50 Native Nations currently in Utah.
Hiking, History and Heritage, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Arts, Native American
Highlights
- Nine Mile Canyon
- Indian Creek Corridor Scenic Byway
- Hovenweep National Monument
- Navajo Fry Bread

06
7 Days
Trekking Along the Dinosaur Diamond Highway
Utah’s Dinosaur Diamond Highway is the perfect guide to experience ancient history, millions of years in the making.
Hiking, Dinosaurs, Kid-Friendly, Scenic Drives/Road Trips
Highlights
- Dinosaur National Monument
- Jurassic National Monument
- San Rafael Swell
- Dead Horse Point State Park

07
5 Days
Grand Adventure in the Great Basin
In this five-day itinerary you won’t find many crowds. But take your time and you’ll find this desert geography isn’t so empty after all.
Hiking, Cycling, Adventure, Dinosaurs, Photography, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Solitude, Stargazing, Wildlife, Mountain Biking, ATV and off-road, Guided Experiences, Camping & Backpacking, Climbing & Canyoneering, Agritourism
Highlights
- Territorial Statehouse State Park Museum
- Pahvant Valley Heritage Trail
- Topaz Incarceration Camp and Museum
- Sinbad Road / Hermit Cabin
- Great Basin National Park
- Cove Fort