By Rod Besler Table of Contents

Preface 1 Albion Basin 2 Alpine Loop Scenic Byway 2 Anasazi State Park 3 Antelope Island State Park 3 Arches National Park 4 Bald Eagle Day 4 Bear Lake Raspberry Days 5 Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge 5 Bingham Canyon Copper Mine 6 Bonneville Salt Flats 6 Bryce National Park 7 Cabela's 7 Canyonlands National Park 8 Capitol Reef National Park 8 Cascade Springs Scenic Backway 9 Cathedral of the Madeleine 9 Cedar Breaks National Monument 10 Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry 10 Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park 11 Days of '47 11 Deadhorse Point State Park 12 Festival of Trees 12 First Night Salt Lake City 13 Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge 13 Flaming Gorge 14 Gardner Village 14 Gateway 15 Goblin Valley State Park 15 Golden Spike National Historic Site 16 Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument 16 Great Salt Lake 17 Green River - Fly Fish Below Flaming Gorge Dam 17 Hardware Ranch Wildlife Management Area 18 High Uintas Wilderness 18 Highway 12 Scenic Byway 19 Hill Aerospace Museum 19 Hogle Zoo 20 Hovenweep National Monument 20 Joshua Tree National Natural Landmark 21 King's Peak 21 Kodachrome Basin State Park 22 La Sal Mountains Loop Road 22 Lagoon 23 Lake Powell 23 Little Cottonwood Canyon - Mountain Goats 24 Little Sahara Recreation Area 24 Logan Canyon Scenic Byway 25 Lone Peak - Hike to the Top 25 Miller Motorsports Park 26 Mirror Lake Scenic Byway 26 Moab Easter Jeep Safari 27 Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park 27 Mount Olympus - Hike to the Top 28 Natural Bridges National Monument 28 Nebo Loop Scenic Byway 29 Nine-Mile Canyon National Back Country Byway 29 Nutcracker by Ballet West 30 Oakley Rodeo 30 Oktoberfest at Snowbird 31 Official Raptor Watch Day 31 Ouray National Wildlife Refuge 32 Park City Arts Festival 32 Park City's Historic Main Street 33 Pony Express Trail National Back Country Byway 33 Provo River - Fly Fish 34 Real Salt Lake Soccer Game 34 Red Butte Garden and Arboretum 35 Salt Lake Bees Game 35 Salt Lake City Public Library 36 San Rafael Swell 36 Sardine Canyon in Fall 37 Skiing the Powder of …. 37 Slickrock Trail - Bike it 38 Smith and Morehouse 38 Snow Canyon State Park 39 Snowbird Tram 39 Strawberry Reservoir 40 Sundance Film Festival 40 Swiss Days in Midway 41 Temple Square at Christmas 41 Thanksgiving Point 42 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Conference Center 42 The Homestead 43 This is The Place Heritage Park 43 Timpanogos Cave National Monument 44 Tushar Mountains 44 University of Utah Gymnastics Meet 45 Utah - BYU football Game at Rice-Eccles Stadium 45 Utah Arches 46 Utah Jazz Playoff Game 46 Utah Museum of Fine Arts 47 Utah Museum of Natural History 47 Utah Olympic Oval 48 Utah Olympic Park 48 Utah Shakespearean Festival in Cedar City 49 Utah Snow Goose Festival 49 Utah State Capitol Building 50 Utah State Fair 50 Utah-BYU Basketball Game 51 Wasatch Mountain State Park 51 Zion National Park 52

The 101 Best Things To See In Utah

By Rod Besler

Preface

If you’ve visited my website, www.Utah-Travel-Secrets.com , you’ll begin to see why I’m able to write so passionately about Utah. This list is my list. You may disagree with some of my choices. But if you’ve never been here or don’t know the state well, this list will give you a great place to start.

Have I been to all of them? Well no. Not all of them. But my wife and I have been to most of them. And know enough about the others to tell you about them.

Some of these things are places. Some are events. And some are events at great places. Perhaps this list will whet your appetite enough to learn a little more about some of them.

As well-known American writer Wallace Stegner said about Utah, “No region in America, and so far as I know in the world, has a comparable power to evoke from human beings such responses of surprise, delight, and, above all, awe.”

Yes, there are well-known attractions that draw millions to Utah every year. Those are listed here. But there are few places left in this country where you can get away from it all like you can here! Wondrous places which are virtually undiscovered.

Hopefully this e-book will give you some of the information you'll need in making a decision to visit. And you'll know before arriving what you want to see and do when you get here. If you need to learn more, go to my website at www.Utah-Travel-Secrets.com . Click on the many direct links to the corresponding pages on my site.

For ease of finding what you might already be interested in, this list is in alphabetical order and not necessarily in order of importance.

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1. Albion Basin Visit Albion Basin during the Wasatch Wildflower Festival in late July each year. Albion Basin is located in Little Cottonwood Canyon just above Alta Ski resort. Due to the altitude, the gate is usually closed until July. Snow drifts are common in the pines until then. Expect crowds on the weekends. The wildflower displays are stunning but not until July and August due to the elevation – 9,500 feet. Weather can change quickly up here so be prepared for thunderstorms. There’s a campground host on site. Restrooms and drinking water. Parking is limited. There’s also an excellent hiking and biking trail.

2. Alpine Loop Scenic Byway

Some people call it the Alpine Scenic Loop. It takes you up through American Fork Canyon’s alpine forests. In the fall, the leaf displays are breathtaking. Quite simply, one of the most fantastic places to experience autumn leaf displays anywhere on the planet.

The road is paved but narrow and winding. Always visible is the magnificent sight of Mt. Timpanogos. You’ll pass right by Timpanogos Cave National Monument and Sundance Resort.

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3. Anasazi State Park

One of the largest Anasazi communities west of the Colorado River was situated right in the middle of Utah’s canyon country. It is believed that it was occupied from 1050 to 1200 A.D. by as many as 200 people. Even though only a small part of the village has been excavated, thousands of artifacts have been uncovered. Many are on display in the remodeled museum. More than 100 structures have been uncovered by archeological excavations. Visitors may also investigate the Coombs Site which is located directly behind the museum. Anasazi State Park is located in the charming town of Boulder on Scenic Byway 12 – one of the most scenic roads in Utah.

4. Antelope Island State Park

Antelope Island State Park is the largest island in the Great Salt Lake . Covering 28,463 acres, the island is 15 miles (24 km) long and 7 miles (11 km) wide at its widest point. Clean beaches and a marina. Hiking and camping. Mountain biking. Horseback riding. Cross-country skiing. Modern restrooms and hot showers. And unlimited photographic opportunities. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound with a herd of 600 bison, deer, coyotes and antelope. The many backcountry trails provide fantastic opportunities for wildlife sightings. And the Great Salt Lake is right in the middle of some of the best bird watching habitat anywhere.

3 5. Arches National Park Arches National Park is simply stunning. It contains the largest concentration of natural stone spans in the world. There are great scenic hikes of varying difficulty available. You can also simply drive to overlooks for viewing and photography. Delicate Arch is actually depicted on the Utah license plate and is recognized throughout the world. Arches is located just north of the now- famous outdoor recreation town of Moab – a mountain biking and off-road vehicle mecca. “This is the most beautiful place on earth." Edward Abbey used this sentence to start his book, "Desert Solitaire," published in 1968. It was based on his employment as a seasonal park ranger at what was then Arches National Monument during a three-year period starting in 1957.

6. Bald Eagle Day

The bald eagle has done so well in recent years, it not only has been taken off the endangered list, it’s now off the threatened list entirely. Bald eagle numbers have been climbing steadily over the years. And every year, as November blows in, hundreds of bald eagles fly into Utah. They stay until the ice starts to melt in March. Latest estimates put the number of visiting eagles in Utah at around 1,000. Utah is among the top 10 winter stops for bald eagles. Some years, it’s among the top five. Utah’s annual Bald Eagle Day at Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area gives many children and adults the first, and maybe only, opportunity of their life to see a bald eagle close up in the wild. As many as 350 eagles have been spotted during a single Bald Eagle Day! This is a fantastic way to see the national symbol of the USA in its natural setting.

4 7. Bear Lake Raspberry Days

Any event that gets you to Bear Lake is likely to be a memorable one. As you get your first view of the lake, you’ll be amazed at its unique turquoise color. From the reflection of limestone deposits suspended in the lake.

At an elevation of 5,923 feet, Bear Lake is located in a stunning setting. The Bear Lake Valley. Every summer during August, the harvest of the luscious raspberry crop brings visitors from all over the country – and the world. Stop at the Bear Lake Overlook for a fantastic view of the lake.

Craft booths. A parade. A rodeo. Fireworks. A beautiful lake. Boating, water skiing and fishing World-famous raspberry shakes.

8. Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge

The Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge affords some of the most remarkable waterfowl watching in the United States. Find solitude among millions of birds on over 41,000 acres of freshwater wetlands. One of the three largest American white pelican breeding colonies in North America is found nearby on Gunnison Island. More than 50,000 of them!

The refuge has a long, rich history. With more than 74,000 acres of marsh and upland, it’s a literal oasis for waterfowl and shorebirds. And it provides many people with solitude and peace just about any time of the year.

If you drive the 12-mile (19 km) auto tour loop, you’ll experience sights and sounds found in only a very few places in this country. More than 200 species of waterfowl and shorebirds can be seen or heard in the refuge especially from March to November.

5 9. Bingham Canyon Copper Mine

Kennecott’s Bingham Canyon Copper Mine has to be seen to be believed. Imagine a gigantic hole. On top of a mountain. 2 ½ miles wide and ¾ of a mile deep. Actually visible from outer space. There are photos in the visitor’s center to prove it. The Mine is less than an hour from Salt Lake City. If it were a stadium, it would accommodate nine million people!

At 6700 feet above sea level, you can stand and look down into the largest man-made excavation on earth. Located west of Salt Lake City in the Oquirrh Mountains, the Bingham mine is the world's oldest and largest open-pit copper mine. Since it first started operation in 1863, the mine has given up more than 12 million tons of copper. And tons of gold, silver and other minerals. Always check the visiting hours ahead of time before making the drive out.

10. Bonneville Salt Flats

Picture a landscape so flat, you can actually see the curvature of the earth! So prohibitive to life, nothing lives here. Not even simple life forms. And then envision vehicles of all shapes and sizes rocketing over the surface of this vast flat wasteland of rock-hard salt. At world-record speeds. The Bonneville Salt Flats cover more than 30,000 acres. It is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The Flats are located along I-80 near the Utah-Nevada border. Wendover, Nevada is the closest city. Yes, this is still a world-famous destination. The stark landscape is the destination for tourists, movie producers and auto enthusiasts trying to drive faster than anyone ever has. The first land speed record attempts started way back in 1914. Since then, hundreds of records have been set. And continue to be broken by both automobiles and motorcycles. Speed trials are normally held throughout the summer and fall.

6 11. Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is unique and awe-inspiring. It’s a series of breaks in 14 huge amphitheaters extending down 1,000 feet through the limestone and sandstone of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. There are easy scenic drives to great lookouts and a number of hiking trails down into the amphitheaters among the "hoodoos" - the eroded rock pinnacles and spires that fill the park. Horseback trips are available and cross-country skiers enjoy the park on several ungroomed trails in winter. Even though, it's located in normally warmer red-rock country, Bryce has snow most winters and generally lower temperatures than you'd expect. The area surrounding Bryce is home to a varied wildlife population including some of the biggest mule deer in the world.

Bryce Canyon National Park is a photographer‟s paradise. High altitude. Clear air. I’ve taken some of my best photos there. You can see it while driving Highway 12.

12. Cabela‟s I know. It’s a store. But what a store. The Cabela‟s outdoor store located in Lehi is a 150,000 square foot destination in itself. Cabela’s stores are as much tourist attraction as retail store. People come from all over the Intermountain West to shop here. Some come to just walk around and see it. They bring the great outdoors inside. Museum-quality taxidermy displays. Aquariums. Indoor mountains. A gun library. And lots of stuff to spend money on. And one of the biggest parking lots I’ve ever seen.

7 13. Canyonlands National Park

The English language does have its limitations. We often try to name places of natural beauty based on how we feel about them. In searching for words to adequately describe what nature has created in Canyonlands National Park, we usually run out of suitable adjectives long before we find the word we’re looking for.

Canyonlands is a desert backpacker’s delight. It is remote and gets the least number of visitors to Utah‟s national parks due to the wild terrain. The Grand Canyon may be better known but Canyonlands has more varied geological features. The possibilities to explore them are endless. Solitude and isolation are easy to find here. The park is cut into three distinct sections by the meeting of the Colorado and Green Rivers.

14. Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park is renowned for its 100-mile (160 km) long escarpment - the Waterpocket Fold. With rugged desert canyons and shady river valleys, it tends to be less crowded as it’s more off the beaten path. Early settlers thought the mountains of the area actually resembled a coral reef. The Fremont River flows through the middle of the park providing life to the adjacent fruit orchards and cottonwoods. The rest of the park is bone- dry most of the year. Hiking and solitude. They really go together in Capitol Reef National Park. And if you want peace and quiet, you don’t have to hike very far. It’s a unique place. Unspoiled by civilization over the years. It can still be as desolate and remote an area as you’ll find anywhere in the world let alone in the continental US. And as beautiful as any.

8 15. Cascade Springs Scenic Backway

With its easy accessibility while still right in the heart of the Uinta National Forest, Cascade Springs is a delightful place to visit. It’s an enjoyable addition to driving the Alpine Scenic Backway.

As you drive through this beautiful mountain landscape, you‟re enveloped by quaking aspens. Stunning views of Mount Timpanogos, the High Uintas and the Wasatch Mountains highlight your journey. Cascade Springs is the ultimate destination on this drive. These crystal clear springs cascade down over limestone terraces forming shimmering pools.

More than 7,000,000 gallons of water flow through this green oasis each day. It‟s a fantastic spot to unwind and take a stroll. Boardwalks and paved pathways take you on a short half-mile nature trail winding through the natural springs. At the end of the Backway is Wasatch Mountain State Park, a year-round outdoor recreation area.

16. Cathedral of the Madeleine

The Cathedral of the Madeleine is a Roman Catholic Church in Salt Lake City. Completed in 1909, it is the cathedral of the Diocese of Salt Lake City. It was finished under the direction of Lawrence Scanlon, the first Catholic bishop of Utah. Predominately a Neo-Romanesque design on the exterior, it’s a fascinating contrast to the LDS architecture so predominate throughout the Salt Lake Valley. The two front towers rise up 220 feet.

Located at 331 East South Temple in Salt Lake City, the original cost of construction was $344,000. The cathedral underwent a $9.7 million renovation starting in 1991 which greatly rejuvenated and bolstered the edifice. The cathedral is included on both the Utah and national registers of historic places.

9 17. Cedar Breaks National Monument

Some people may see a similarity between Cedar Breaks National Monument and Bryce Canyon. At more than 10,000 feet above sea level and with miles of painted cliffs, sure there are similarities. But I think the colors of Cedar Breaks are much more intense than those visible in Ebenezer Bryce’s bowl. It may be the most colorful of all Utah parks and monuments.

It sits atop the Colorado Plateau. The views are stunning. It’s a giant amphitheater. An amphitheater that stretches for three miles (4.8 km) and is more than 2000 feet deep. Extreme erosion over the years has exposed the limestone formations beneath. The result? A magical array of colors. More than fifty different shades have been identified in the hoodoos of Cedar Breaks.

18. Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry

Located 30 miles south of Price, the Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry is one of the foremost dinosaur fossil beds in the world. Since the University of Utah began excavation here in 1929, more than 12,000 individual bones and several dinosaur eggs have been unearthed. At the Visitor Center, you can see a complete Allosaur skeletal reconstruction as the quarry is the world‟s best source of fossilized Allosaur bones. The Allosaur was a flesh-eating dinosaur. You can even see paleontologists working at their craft here. The bones from more than 70 different animals and 11 species have been uncovered from the quarry. In 1966, the quarry was designated a National Natural Landmark.

10 19. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

Crescent-shaped sand dunes composed of fine, rose-colored granules. 3,730 acres of breathtaking scenery in Utah’s Color Country. Red sandstone cliffs. Sapphire skies. Jade forests. Heaven for someone like me who loves photography. What causes these sand dunes to form? Eroded sandstone from the Moquith and Moccasin Mountains funnels down through a gash between them – borne by winds – and is deposited here.

A fantastic playground for hiking, OHV riding and playing. If you’re an off-road lover, there are more than 1,000 acres of play area. And hundreds of miles of trails nearby.

20. Days of „47

This statewide celebration of the anniversary of the pioneers’ first arrival in the Salt Lake Valley takes place every July. Week-long events include the Days of „47 Parade, the All Horse Parade, a Children‟s Parade and the Days of „47 Rodeo. The celebration culminates with Pioneer Day on July 24.

The parade is one of the oldest and largest in the United States. Evening fireworks are held all over the state. The All Horse Parade was a favorite of my kids when they were little. It’s exactly what it sounds like. A parade of horses of every breed, size and color. And the rodeo is one of the bigger rodeos in the country in a unique setting – indoors at the Maverick Center in West Valley City!

11 21. Deadhorse Point State Park

There are 44 state parks in Utah and Dead Horse Point State Park might just be the most impressive. Dead Horse Point looks over the Colorado River 2,000 heart-stopping feet below. Located just 32 miles (51.5 km) from Moab, it is one of the most breathtaking panoramas anywhere.

You get to Dead Horse Point by heading nine miles (14.5 km)north from Moab on US 191. Then turn west on SR 313 and drive for 33 miles (53 km). There’s a visitor center. A museum. A developed campground. And a large shelter covering the overlook itself.

The overlook at Dead Horse Point is 6,000 feet above sea level.

22. Festival of Trees

Each year prior to Christmas, more than 90,000 people attend the magical Festival of Trees at the South Towne Exposition Center in Salt Lake City. It’s become a holiday tradition. More than 600 spectacular decorated Christmas trees and other holiday items are on display. They are sold at auction with all proceeds going to help children at the Primary Children's Medical Center.

The Festival of Trees was the result of a challenge directed to 15 women 38 years ago to identify a way to raise funds for the hospital. Today, proceeds from the festival exceed $1 million each year.

12 23. Eve: Salt Lake City‟s New Year‟s Celebration

Salt Lake City’s Eve celebration is held each New Year‟s Eve … along with December 29 and 30 … downtown at the Gallivan Center, the Gateway Mall, The Leonardo, and Temple Square.

It’s a family-friendly party with lots of food, music and arts to ring in the New Year. It’s an alcohol-free community event. There are some indoor events and warming huts are available. Nonetheless, the best events are outdoors. Dress warm and prepare for crispy winter conditions.

24. Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge

Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge is located at the southern end of the Great Salt Lake Desert. Established in 1959, it provides a wonderful haven for migrating and wintering birds. It covers 17,992 acres with 10,000 acres of lush, green wetlands.

When water levels are at their highest in the spring, the overflow water disappears into the desert. The warm water never freezes even during winter. This attracts thousands of wintering waterfowl. The water in the nine shallow impoundments is crystal clear and you can always see the bottom.

Fish Springs is a virtual oasis in the middle of the desert. The springs are fed by underground water that once fell as precipitation. It is 80 miles (128.7 km) from the nearest gas station or grocery store so come prepared.

13 25. Flaming Gorge

You are in truly historic country here. The dammed waters of the Green River at Flaming Gorge have created a breathtaking lake extending upstream for 90 miles (144.8 km). The resulting playground – the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area - couldn’t be more appropriately named.

When it comes to outdoor recreation, Flaming Gorge may be unequaled. Although most of the reservoir is in Wyoming, the most dramatic scenery and the best places to visit are in the southern Utah end. Flaming Gorge gives you the opportunity to enjoy panoramas that are almost too big to fit into the lens of your camera. It offers unlimited year-round recreational activities and great facilities.

If you like to drive, the recently completed Flaming Gorge-Uintas National Scenic Byway is a gem.

26. Gardner Village

Gardner Village is a quaint shopping mall made up of 22 small shops located in West Jordan, a suburb of Salt Lake City. They’re housed in historic buildings that have been moved to the Village. This is one of the top shopping destinations in Utah.

The shops are quaint. Almost enchanting. Oozing with character. And this is an especially fun place to visit if you can make it for one of the holidays or seasonal celebrations. Christmas and Halloween are special times to visit Gardner Village.

If you like browsing, this is the place for you. Furniture. Art. Jewelry. Crafts. Toys. Clothing. A restaurant. A bakery. And many other unique shops.

14 27. The Gateway

The Gateway is the largest shopping area in Salt Lake City. An open-air contemporary destination with more than 130 stores and restaurants in a downtown location. The beautifully restored 1908 Union Pacific Depot is at the forefront of the Gateway. A museum in itself as it features early French Renaissance architecture and original artwork. The Olympic Legacy Plaza is a favorite area for many who like cooling themselves in the "dancing waters" of the Olympic Snowflake Fountain. The complex also includes condominiums and office buildings. The Gateway straddles a line which makes it a popular area for all sorts of people. Part sophistication. Part Las Vegas Strip. Utah style. A fantastic place to sit and watch people if you like to do that sort of thing. I do.

28. Goblin Valley State Park

Located in Utah’s famous Castle Country, Goblin Valley State Park is one of the more aptly named places on the planet. The elements have sculpted a magical wonderland of “goblins” out of the existing rock. An outdoor playground offering unlimited walking, exploring and hiking. It’s a fascinating and beautiful place. The nearby San Rafael Reef and Henry Mountains are spectacular in themselves. If you‟re a photographer, Goblin Valley is a paradise. Near the park, you’ll find Native American rock art and even ruins left by early prospectors and miners. If you’re an avid hiker, there are some dynamite slot canyons to explore. Although ATV’s aren’t allowed in the park, there are some fantastic routes for riders and bikers before you enter. And in the public lands west of the park, you’ll also find backpacking and horseback riding.

15 29. Golden Spike National Historic Site

The Golden Spike National Historic Site is located north of the Great Salt Lake at Promontory Summit. It commemorates a truly historic event. The completion of the first Transcontinental Railroad in 1869. The Central Pacific and the Union Pacific Railroads were joined by four symbolic spikes. Two of them gold. Every year on March 10, The Last Spike Ceremony is reenacted. And on every Saturday and Holiday from May 10th to September. And during the Winter Steam Festival the last weekend in December. On your visit, you’ll be able to see working replicas of the two 1860's steam locomotives - Jupiter' and 119. They operate from May through September.

30. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument was established in September 1996 by President Clinton. A very controversial announcement. Covering 1.7 million acres, it dominates a map of southern Utah! It’s the first monument to be administered by the Bureau of Land Management rather than the National Park Service. With a geologic footprint more varied than many national parks. Multicolored cliffs. Buttes. Mesas. Canyons. Plateaus. Pinnacles. You can see them all here. It’s an untamed and hostile land. And can be deadly if you’re not prepared. Nonetheless, it features: terrific scenic drives. challenging hiking. exciting off-road 4-wheel-drive adventure. countless photo opportunities.

16 31. Great Salt Lake The Great Salt Lake and its islands provide remarkable scenery and unique recreational opportunities less than a half hour west of Salt Lake City . Sunsets over the lake can be breathtaking. Indescribable colors blend into the evening sky seemingly dissolving before your eyes. Inland sailors enjoy relaxing days on the lake's turquoise waters. Many people spend their weekends - and even a week-day evening – sailing on the Great Salt Lake. Full-service marinas are available at Antelope Island and the Great Salt Lake Marina on the lake’s south shore. White sandy beaches are popular with swimmers and sunbathers. In many places, you can walk out hundreds of yards into the lake and barely have the water reach your knees. And even if you’re not a great swimmer, the water is so buoyant, you’ll easily float. There are even freshwater showers available to rinse off the saltwater after “swimming”.

32. Green River - Fly Fish Below Flaming Gorge Dam

The magnificent Green starts as a trickle in Wyoming’s Wind River Mountains. By the time it has joined the Colorado and ends at the Gulf of California, it will have cascaded through six National Parks or Forest Service units. Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area is the first one.

Raft and fish on the Green River below the dam. Some of the best trout fishing on the planet is right here. Even during mid-summer, the surface water is relatively cool. That means it’s a haven for trout. One of the best tailwater fisheries in the world. The ice cold water and perfect structure make for an ideal trout water. You can also boat and fish on the 91-mile-long Flaming Gorge Reservoir. Also world-famous for fishing. But for Lake Trout. Trophy Lake Trout. Many 30+ pounders are caught here every year. The Utah record – caught right here – goes over 51 pounds. There are bigger ones yet to be caught.

17 33. Hardware Ranch Wildlife Management Area

The Hardware Ranch Wildlife Management Area in Cache County was bought by the state of Utah in 1945. It’s an important elk research center with more than 700 elk being fed in the winter. Take a winter joyride on a sleigh right into the middle of the herd. It’s quite an experience being almost within reach of a six-point bull elk! The Ranch provides facilities and support for long-term research for not only elk but other wildlife as well. Hardware Ranch provides a great wildlife viewing experience as well as hunting, fishing, and other outdoor recreation. The visitor center provides an opportunity to learn more about elk through interactive exhibits and programs. And it’s a great place to get warm during the winter which is the best time to visit the Ranch.

34. High Uintas Wilderness The High Uintas Wilderness was established by Congress in 1984. It now totals 456,705 acres. It is the largest wilderness area in Utah by far. The highest mountain peak in Utah – King‟s Peak at 13,528 feet – is found in the Uintas. In fact, the Uintas are the highest range in Utah. The Uinta Mountains are a rarity. They run east to west rather than north to south. Rising up in Summit and Duchesne Counties, the High Uintas Wilderness can be treacherous and dangerous if you set out not knowing where you’re going or how to get there. There are more than 2,000 lakes in the Uintas. And almost half of them are brimming with trout. It’s one of my favorite places to go. Less than an hour’s drive east of Salt Lake City. Lakes. Meadows. Wildflowers. Wildlife. Rugged mountains. Fresh air. And solitude if you want it.

18 35. Highway 12 Scenic Byway

If I had to recommend only one thing you should experience in southern Utah, it would likely be to drive Highway 12. Stretching more than 120 miles (193 km), Car and Driver magazine rates it one of the top 10 scenic byways in America. It is more correctly named Scenic Byway 12.

Passing through some of the most spectacular scenery anywhere, it lets you experience Red Canyon, Bryce Canyon National Park and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. It takes you over Boulder Mountain in the Dixie National Forest and ends near the entrance to Capitol Reef National Park.

The 1.9 million acre Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument was the last place in the continental United States to be mapped.

36. Hill Aerospace Museum

If you love to look at planes, the Hill Aerospace Museum is the place to go. One of the best collections in the west. An easy place to spend several hours losing yourself in the history of the U.S. Air Force. Standing beside some of these planes close up makes me question the sanity of the men who flew them.

You’ll find the Hill Aerospace Museum on about 30 acres on the northwest corner of Hill Air Force Base about five miles (8 km) south of Ogden. It’s just off I-15. The museum first opened in 1986 and moved to its current facility in 1991. The museum hosts an average of 180,000 visitors each year from all over the world. Some of the classic planes you’ll be able to see include the Boeing B-52G. It’s the biggest plane here. The Boeing B52 which came into the Air Force inventory in 1955. The Globemaster. Even a reproduction of the first production aircraft ever built by the Wright Brothers. More than 70 military and historical aircraft are on display.

19 37. Hogle Zoo

Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake City has been a family favorite of ours for years. A wonderful place to spend an afternoon almost year-round. It’s home to hundreds of animals. Many of them rare and endangered. Also dozens that are native to Utah. In the last few years, many of the facilities have been impressively upgraded.

Located at the mouth of Emigration Canyon and in operation since 1931, the Zoo is one of Utah‟s top attractions. It is the number one paid tourist attraction in Salt Lake City. Spread out over 42 acres on a natural hillside terrain, pathways meander through the zoo.

We’ve spent many a weekend day here. The first visit of the spring is always a fun day.

38. Hovenweep National Monument

Hovenweep National Monument protects six prehistoric clusters of Native American ruins. Established in 1923, the villages date from the Pueblo period of the mid 13th century. They are spread over a 20-mile (32 km) area along the Utah-Colorado border. Multi-tiered towers perch on canyon rims and balance on boulders. You’ll marvel at the skill of their builders. How did they do it? And why? It’s a solitary and non-commercialized environment. A remote and peaceful area. Although this region may have been visited by nomadic hunters as long as 14,000 years ago, the Anasazi lived here from about 500 to 1300 AD. They built these masonry towers and pueblos. The Hovenweep structures were discovered in 1854 more than 30 years before the more-famous Mesa Verde.

20 39. Joshua Tree National Natural Landmark

In the extreme southwest corner of the state, along Highway 91, you’ll find yourself among strange-looking cactus trees – Joshua Trees – which some people mistakenly believe are found only in California. The 1,015 acre landmark is part of the larger Joshua Tree Forest.

The Virgin River runs through the west edge of the forest. Probably the only water you’ll find in this area. There are no facilities but camping is permitted. Despite being called a forest, the landscape is devoid of water and shade. You’ll need plenty of water, sunscreen and a hat.

There are amazing views of the Mojave Desert and the rugged Beaver Dam Mountains. There are no marked trails but there numerous dirt roads provide access through the fences. A great way to enjoy the area is to park your car at one of the entrances and hike or bike one of the roads winding through the forest.

40. Kings Peak

Hiking to the summit of the highest peak in Utah - at13,528 feet - is one of the more popular hikes in the state. It’s in the High Uintas Wilderness area. More than 5,000 people venture up the trail every year. There are several different routes to get to the summit, but the easiest and most popular is the Henrys Fork Trail.

The trails become deluged with hikers and climbers in July and August. The other two approaches - from Yellowstone Creek and from the Uinta River- are longer but much less crowded.

Prepare carefully for a hike like this. A water purifier and something to treat blisters are highly recommended as well as the usual supplies for a multi-day hike. The High Uintas will let you enjoy some of the most beautiful wilderness country in America.

21 41. Kodachrome Basin State Park

Geologists believe Kodachrome Basin was once much like Yellowstone National Park. The hot springs and geysers eventually filled up with sediment and solidified. The Entrada sandstone surrounding the solidified geysers disintegrated leaving large sand pipes. You’ll see massive sandstone chimneys in a multitude of colors depending on the time of day. The park’s ever-changing colors contrasted with the usual deep blue sky and the seasonal green vegetation are a photographer‟s nirvana. The National Geographic Society tagged Kodachrome – with the permission of Kodak – with its very appropriate name. The park is nine miles (14.5 km) south of State Route 12 near Cannonville. You’ll find: overnight camping facilities, drinking water, modern rest rooms, hot showers and a sewage disposal station. Nearby attractions include Bryce Canyon National Park, Grosvenor Arch and Paria Canyon. Enjoy hiking, biking, and off-highway vehicle riding areas.

42. La Sal Mountains Loop Road

If you’ve seen photos of Arches National Park, you may catch glimpses of a beautiful snow-capped mountain range in the background. The La Sal Mountains. Utah's second highest mountain range. The La Sal Mountains are covered with aspen and fir forests and dotted with mountain lakes. A refreshing oasis allowing relief from the dry often scorching conditions of the surrounding desert. The La Sals provide great hiking, biking and horseback riding opportunities from late spring to mid-autumn. These same trails are used by cross- country skiers and snowmobilers in the winter. The La Sal Mountains Loop Road is an easy 60-mile (96.5 km) day drive through the La Sals. All you need is an SUV. The fall is the most spectacular time to drive it when the ruddy brush contrasts with the gold quaking aspens. Fall in central Utah is about as good as it gets.

22 43. Lagoon Lagoon is one of the premier amusement parks in the West. Located less than ½ hour north of Salt Lake City in Farmington, it is Utah’s signature amusement park. With more than 45 rides. One of those places where families can spend a whole day or several days. Many Utahns wouldn’t even consider a summer without a trip to Lagoon. From roller coasters to entertainment, there's something for everyone at Lagoon. Utah’s best water park - Lagoon A Beach. And Pioneer Village will take you back to the 19th century. A visit to Lagoon is a great way spend a summer day and it’s open late on toasty summer evenings.

44. Lake Powell

The Glen Canyon National Recreation Area was established in 1972. One and a quarter million acres. A lot of area to be explored on foot or by four- wheel drive. And Lake Powell covers 161,390 acres or 13% of that area. The native Utahns I know have always referred to the area simply as “Powell”. Or Lake Powell.

It created one of the most extraordinary recreational playgrounds in the world. Delighting almost three million fun-seekers each year. A virtual buffet of water-related activities. Boating. Fishing. Waterskiing. Jet- skiing. Hiking. Swimming. Scuba diving. Snorkeling. And the opportunity for some absolutely stunning photography.

Renting a houseboat may be the best way to experience Lake Powell. Houseboats of all sizes and price ranges can be rented at the marinas. You have to book well in advance of the busy season, though.

23 45. Little Cottonwood Canyon – Mountain Goats

Each spring, at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon, you can experience a rare thrill. Within Salt Lake City‟s city limits!

Introduced to Utah in 1967, the Rocky Mountain goat is one of the most mysterious species living in Utah. Mountain goats live in only the highest and most rugged areas of our highest mountains. Even during winter, goats typically stay on ledges and cliffs well above the range of other animals.

But when the beautiful wild flowers and warmer weather signal the onset of spring, mountain goats become plainly visible at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon! A pair of binoculars, a zoom lens or a spotting scope will give you a great look at these magnificent creatures.

46. Little Sahara Recreation Area

One of the largest sand dune fields in Utah is found 115 miles (185 km) southwest of Salt Lake City. If your idea of fun is riding up, down and over free-moving sand dunes, then this is the place for you. Miles of trails. 60,000 acres of sagebrush flats. And a mountain of sand 700 feet high. What do I mean by free-moving sand dunes? Well, these dunes are moving five to nine feet to the north and east each year. And the prevailing winds keep them moving throughout the year. While ATV riding is the most popular activity at Little Sahara, there are many other things to do. In the Rockwell Natural Area, you can take it a little slower with hiking and wildlife viewing. A vehicle-free zone, this 9,000 acre unit is a mini- version of the larger surrounding desert environment. And at Little Sahara, you’re likely to see some of the most spectacular sunsets you’ll find anywhere.

24 47. Logan Canyon Scenic Byway

Logan Canyon is one of my favorite places on the planet. Why? For more than 25 years, I’ve been going there several times a year to my wife’s family cabin. And the Byway goes right past our cabin. Fantastic scenery. Uncrowded recreation areas. And less than 90 miles (145 km) northeast of Salt Lake City. Beginning at the mouth of the canyon on the east side of Logan – home of Utah State University - it gives you access to outdoor activities year- round. Hiking camping, fishing, skiing, snowmobiling, biking, or hunting. One of the best trout fisheries in the state – the Logan River – runs in tandem with the byway. Bring your fly gear and indulge yourself. If you want to treat yourself to some of the most stunning fall colors you’ll see anywhere, drive this route in the fall. And, at the summit of the route, you’ll experience the breathtaking panorama of the turquoise waters of Bear Lake.

48. Lone Peak – Hike to the Top Lone Peak is located above Draper in the south end of Salt Lake County. While not the highest peak in the state, it’s the highest in the Wasatch at 11,253 feet. This is not a beginner‟s hike by any stretch with a vertical gain of more than 5,000 feet. It’s a grueling hike but will reward you with unbelievable views of the Salt Lake valley below. Comprising 31,165 acres, the Lone Peak Wilderness Area was Utah’s first congressionally designated wilderness area. Some of the best technical rock climbers in the world come here to test themselves against the vertical granite. And there are many routes to the top. Although it can be climbed in a day, an average hiker or climber will want to spread the 12 mile (19 km) trek out over at least two days. Take plenty of water!

25 49. Miller Motorsports Park

In Tooele, just 35 miles (56 km) west of downtown Salt Lake City, you’ll find the finest state-of-the-art road racing facility of its kind in North America. Even though it only opened in 2006, Miller Motorsports Park already hosts some of the world’s most significant racing series.

The American Le Mans Series. The Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series. The NASCAR Grand National West Series. The AMA Superbike Championship. And, most recently, the FIM Superbike World Championship – one of the top three racing series in the world.

The track also hosts its own locally-based series for road racing cars and motorcycles. Between April and October, you can enjoy the thrills of racing almost every weekend. With four different configurations, the 41/2-mile, 40- 50 foot wide, 24-turn circuit, is the longest in North America.

50. Mirror Lake Scenic Byway If you want relief from the summer heat, less than an hour east of Salt Lake City is the gateway to the Uintas. Incredible scenery. Countless picnic areas. Fifteen campgrounds. A wide variety of wildlife. Much of the route parallels the Provo River. It climbs to an elevation of 10,687 feet at Bald Mountain Pass before descending right past one of the prettiest and most photogenic lakes you’ll ever see – Mirror Lake. You can continue along this route right over to Evanston, Wyoming or turn around and head back to Salt Lake City. Whether you enjoy fishing, camping, hiking, biking, riding ATV’s, photography or snowmobiling in winter, you can get away from it all here. Be prepared for cool evenings and chilly nights in mid-summer.

26 51. Moab Easter Jeep Safari

Moab's red-rock country attracts millions of outdoor enthusiasts every year. It’s become a world-renowned destination for adventurers who enjoy photography, hiking, whitewater rafting and, in the more recent future, mountain biking. But it has also become popular for off-road four- wheeling. And famous for the Moab Easter Jeep Safari.

Each year, during the week leading up to Easter, thousands of off-road four- wheel drive devotees gather in Moab’s red-rock country. My family always knows it’s that time of year as my wife has had a jeep soft-top repair business for years. Her business spikes in the weeks leading up to this event. Can’t have bad zippers and rips in your top at the Jeep Safari.

You get what you want at the Moab Jeep Safari. Families looking for laid- back desert drives. Hard-core “addicts” pushing themselves and their machines to the limit. And everything in between.

52. Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

A haunting landscape. One you’ve likely seen many times whether you know it or not. Monument Valley has set the scene for more Western movies than any other locale. Quiet, empty, overpowering space and beauty. More properly known as Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, many people’s first view of this area was in a John Wayne/John Ford movie. Monument Valley is located near the Four Corners area where four states intersect. Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico. The Navajo reservation makes up almost a quarter of the Four Corners country. More than 300,000 Navajo people live in the 16 million acre “Navajo Nation”. People seeking solitude from crowded, crime-ridden and frenetic cities come here to see the story of the earth’s past scrawled in its rocks. In their unhurried isolation, they often hope to learn something about themselves. And they very likely will if they take the time.

27 53. Mount Olympus – Hike to the Top Every day when I walk out my front door and look up and to the left, I see a glorious sight. One my wife has seen since she was born. Mount Olympus rising up on the east bench of Salt Lake City. And no matter where you happen to be in the Salt Lake Valley, you can see Mount Olympus. It’s not the tallest mountain in the Wasatch but it’s certainly one of the most prominent and most recognizable. Mount Olympus stands 9,026 feet high. If you enjoy hiking, this is a strenuous hike but a rewarding one. Why hike Mount Olympus? Unbelievable views of the valley. Alpine mountain wilderness. Literally overlooking Salt Lake City. There is easy access to the trail just above Wasatch Boulevard on the east bench of the city. The most distinguishing features of Mount Olympus are actually its twin peaks. You’ll climb the Mount Olympus Trail, a steep climb of approximately 3.1 miles (5.0 km) to the summit. Allow yourself plenty of time as you’ll want to enjoy the view for awhile.

54. Natural Bridges National Monument

Natural Bridges National Monument covers a relatively small area in southeastern Utah. In contrast to Arches National Park with over 2,000 classified arches, there are only three bridges here. But the monument contains Anasazi cliff dwellings, pictographs and white sandstone canyons. Natural Bridges preserves some of the most classic examples of natural stone architecture in the southwest. Natural bridges are formed by running water. They are much rarer than arches which result from other erosional forces. This explains why bridges tend to be found within deep canyons. Natural Bridges has one of the darkest skies in America. There is almost zero light pollution. One of the recognized great places to observe the night ski in the world.

28 55. Nebo Loop Scenic Byway One of the most spectacular drives you’ll ever go on. This truly scenic byway will take you over top of the Uinta National Forest between the cities of Nephi and Payson. It will afford you unbelievable views of the 11,928 foot Mount Nebo, the Utah County valley, and the Wasatch Mountains. The Nebo Loop Byway has many scenic overlooks and abounds with wildlife. It’s a dream location for someone like me who loves photography. The fall colors displayed along this byway are unparalleled. There are numerous campgrounds. And hiking trails. And fantastic horseback riding areas available to explore. The byway gives backcountry trail access into the Mount Nebo Wilderness Area. Plan on at least 1½ hours to complete this drive. More if you’re planning on stopping. As you can imagine, it’s closed in the winter.

56. Nine-Mile Canyon Nine-Mile Canyon is an outdoor museum. With extraordinary examples of Native American art and remains of long-abandoned buildings. Remaining almost untouched for hundreds of years. Why? The extremely arid climate. Relative isolation from large population centers. And little impact from farming or ranching. This canyon is truly one of America‟s wonders. Publications such as National Geographic have featured examples of this striking artwork. Nine-Mile Canyon is miles from any services. Be prepared. You’ll need food, plenty of water, insect repellent and even a camera. Since the road through the canyon is 50 miles (80.4 km) long, make sure your gas tank is full. Plan on taking half a day for the drive and a little exploring.

29 57. Nutcracker by Ballet West

This particular event happens to be a favorite of my wife and three daughters. They insisted I add it to my list. The original story was written by Alexander Dumas. Tchaikovsky later created the music for it. The story was originally adapted from the original classic German story written in 1816.

Ballet West was established in Salt Lake City in 1963. And Utahns who love the arts feel very lucky to have a ballet company like this in their state. The story of Clara and her Nutcracker-turned-prince captivates audiences in Salt Lake City every Holiday Season. And the Christmas Eve performance always presents subtle surprises involving the audience.

The Nutcracker plays at the Capitol Theater every year for most of the month of December.

58. Oakley Rodeo

The town of Oakley only has 1,200 residents. But it hosts a rodeo each year on the 4th of July weekend that is going on 79 years old. And it’s now held in a brand-new $3 million, outdoor arena which seats 6,000!

This rodeo, sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, was rated by Travelocity as one of Utah‟s top 10 “Local Secrets, Big Finds” in 2003. Current residents can remember when people lined up along the fence to catch a glimpse of the rodeo which has been going on since 1935.

This rodeo was one of the first in the country to be televised on a regular basis. And it’s now the second highest-paying rodeo in Utah. It’s a fun time for your whole family in the mountains of Utah. A fantastic way to spend a th July 4 .

30 59. Oktoberfest at Snowbird

The original Oktoberfest began as the celebration of a Royal Bavarian Wedding in 1810. To celebrate his upcoming autumn marriage and dedicating it to the fall harvest, King Ludwig I called for a state fair in Munich. To help make the celebration merrier? Beer. The area’s most famous product. Oktoberfest has been held annually there ever since. As you can read on the Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort website, two men dressed up in leather lederhosen 38 years ago and came here to play their accordions and sing in their native German tongue. The magnificent towering mountains of Snowbird, now so famous throughout the world, reminded them of home. This 13-day celebration, in late August and early September, has become one of Utah‟s largest festivals. A festive gathering to enjoy German food, music, dance, and beer. And 70,000 people come up the canyon every year to enjoy it.

60. Official Raptor Watch Day

Utah is a major fly zone for not only waterfowl, but big raptors as well. Watch eagles, hawks, falcons, vultures and harriers as they continue their migration south. Among the astonishing fall Utah colors.

Sponsored by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, it’s held in late September. Experts are on hand to help you watch and learn about the various migrating birds of prey.

Of course, if you can’t make it exactly on the official day, you’ll still be able to see many birds in the weeks before and after. Remember to always bring a good pair of field glasses.

31 61. Ouray National Wildlife Refuge Out in the middle of the desert, along the Green River south of Vernal, is a veritable wonderland – the Ouray National Wildlife Refuge. Vernal is 128 miles (206 km) east of Salt Lake City. More than 200 species of migratory birds make their way here especially during April and October. And many of them endangered. Bald and golden eagles. Canada geese. Whooping cranes. Ospreys. And many more. The 9-mile (14.5 km) route through the 11,480-acre refuge lets you see some of the other wildlife in the area - elk, mule deer, river otters, and prairie dogs. Amazingly, the Refuge receives less than 7 inches of precipitation each year. But the Green River carries water down from the Wyoming mountains and through the refuge. With approximately 19 square miles of bottomlands, the Refuge has one of the most impressive stands of cottonwoods you’ll see anywhere.

62. Park City Arts Festival

Each year during the middle of summer, Park City puts on its premier summer event – The Park City Kimball Arts Festival. The Festival is a community-wide celebration of the arts – visual, performing, and culinary – held on Park City’s historic Main Street. It’s a two-day summer party.

The open-air Festival invites more than 200 artists from all over North America. Painters. Potters. Photographers. Jewelry designers. Sculptors. And more.

There are performing artists. And street entertainment as well. Enjoy a fabulous array of food. Beer gardens and wine tasting. This is considered one of the top fine arts festivals in America.

32 63. Park City‟s Historic Main Street

It wasn’t that many years ago that Park City seemed destined to be just another Utah ghost town. After a devastating fire destroyed the now-famous Main Street in 1898, the residents started slowly rebuilding their town.

Park City is quite simply one of the best places to go in Utah. Park City is an amazing year-round recreation area. A vibrant and fun place. Park City’s historic Main Street is home to quaint shops, superb restaurants, numerous art galleries, and dozens of bars and clubs. And, of course, it’s only a short distance from Park City Mountain Resort.

It is rumored than no other city has more restaurants per capita than Park City. With more than 100 restaurants, visitors have a vast variety of choices. And whatever you may have heard of Utah’s lack of night life, that’s not the case in Park City. Park City’s Main Street offers a lively and varied choice of bars and wine bars to ensure a lively night life.

64. Pony Express Trail National Back Country Byway

The modern term “snail mail” is a perfect description of mail service in the mid-1800’s. Six to eight weeks from east coast to west coast. But as gold was discovered in California and tensions escalated towards the Civil War, it became very important to the Union to get news across the country quickly. Hard-as-nails young men were hired to ride the fastest horses money could buy. 80 riders in all. West out of St. Joseph, MO. Over the Rockies to Salt Lake City. Across the Utah and Nevada deserts. Over the Sierra Nevada and into California. Never stopping and as fast as man and horse could go. Even though the Pony Express lasted only 19 months, it earned itself a sizeable chapter in the history of the West. Today you can drive a good portion of this historical route. It begins near Fairfield and ends at Ibapah, Utah. The Pony Express National Back Country Byway route is about 133 miles (214 km) long.

33 65. Provo River – Fly Fish

The Provo River is a premier blue ribbon trout fishery. One of the best in the west. But yet it’s so close to Utah's major cities. Only an hour from Salt Lake City and fifteen minutes from Provo. Big browns and rainbows are caught here. A typical fish reaches 17 inches or more! Browns exceeding 30 lbs. have been caught on the Provo. How about as many as 7,500 trout per square mile in some stretches? Fantastic year-round scenery. Great fishing. Easy access. Wow! The Provo originates way up in the high Uinta Mountains and is divided into three distinct sections: the lower, the middle, and the upper. Each section is contiguous to a large body of water. The Upper Provo flows from Trial Lake down to Jordanelle Reservoir. The Middle Provo joins Jordanelle Reservoir to Deer Creek Reservoir. And the Lower Provo flows downstream from Deer Creek.

66. Real Salt Lake Soccer Game

Real Salt Lake became Salt Lake City’s second major league sports franchise in 2005. Major League Soccer’s 12th team.

The competition to gain this franchise was very intense. The experience of the ownership group and the demographics of the fan base in Salt Lake City were ultimately deciding factors in landing the team. Utah has a significant fan base in place and the nation’s highest per-capita participation in organized soccer.

And Real Salt Lake now plays in a stunning new state-of-the-art sports and entertainment stadium in Sandy, Utah. Rio Tinto Stadium opened in October 2008. The stadium has breathtaking views of both the Oquirrh and Wasatch Mountains. It’s a beautiful place to visit even if you aren’t particularly a soccer fan.

34 67. Red Butte Garden and Arboretum

Red Butte Garden and Arboretum covers more than 100 acres near the University of Utah. The largest botanical and ecological center in the Intermountain West. Open year-round to the public, Red Butte Garden contains 18 acres of gardens and several miles of hiking trails through the native vegetation. The garden dates back to 1930, when Dr. Walter P. Cottam - chairman of the Botany Department at the University of Utah - started using campus land for plant research. And in 1961, the Utah legislature designated these gardens as the State Arboretum. Red Butte Garden hosts a series of popular summer music concerts. It also accommodates a number of floral and art exhibits. Few places anywhere are as beautiful or colorful as Red Butte Garden and Arboretum in the spring.

68. Salt Lake Bees Game

Over the years, some of my most relaxing and pleasant memories are of sitting in Franklin Covey Field (and before that, old Derks Field) watching a baseball game. Now called Spring Mobile Ballpark and home of the AAA Bees, this beautiful stadium has, without a doubt, one of the best views from behind home plate in the country. With 15,500 seats, it provides a panorama of the Wasatch Mountains. The Bees are the Triple A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. And many of today’s major league stars have played here. Just a fantastic place to spend a spring afternoon or summer evening whether you like baseball or not.

35 69. Salt Lake City Public Library

The Salt Lake City Public Library, located downtown, was named 2006 Library of the Year by Library Journal. It gets more than 3 million visitors annually. The stunning structure has been recognized for excellence in architecture, interior and urban design. The grounds around the building are sometimes referred to as Library Square. It’s a combination landscaped and paved plaza. Limestone from Israel was used to pave it. One of the building’s attractive features is the five-story curved glass wall. The whole library depends on natural lighting which reduces the need for lights in the library. A huge five story glass wall is where most of the light comes from. In addition to the remarkable architecture, the library has more than 500,000 books, subscriptions to over 60 newspapers and magazines, and 163 computers with internet access.

70. San Rafael Swell

East of Castledale – 114 miles (184 km) southeast of Salt Lake City – lies one of the natural treasures of Utah. The San Rafael Swell. It was originally a massive dome of rock thrust up by forces below the earth’s surface. But as has happened countless times in this part of the world, natural erosion sculpted masterpieces in the rock. Buttes. Mesas. Canyons. Spires.

80 miles (128 km) long and 30 miles (48 km) wide. Due to its relative inaccessibility, it’s one of the last “undiscovered” places in Utah. Only one paved road leads through it – Interstate 70.

The scenery is jaw-dropping. Little Grand Canyon 1,000 feet below Wedge Overlook. A 100-foot panel of rock art in Buckhorn Draw. Great camping. Wonderful picnic areas. Awesome views.

36 71. Sardine Canyon in Fall

Sardine Canyon takes you from Brigham City to Logan on US 89/91. It’s a scenic drive any time but autumn turns the canyon’s Utah Maples into a blazing panorama of color. Reds dominate and as soon as you drive through it, you want to turn around and do it again.

Although once a narrow, winding route between the two cities, it’s now a wider, flatter road also providing access to the rugged Wellsville Mountains. This whole canyon is actually named Wellsville Canyon and always has been. There is an actual Sardine Canyon just a few miles south of Wellsville Canyon and local residents get very irritated about the inappropriate use of the name.

Nonetheless, most people now refer to this canyon as Sardine Canyon and a fall drive will be one you‟ll never forget.

72. Skiing the Powder of ….

I’ll let you fill in the blank. Why? Well, as much as 500 inches of powder snow each year. 42 feet. 14 yards. That’s how much snow falls in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah in an average year during the prime skiing months of November through May. The “Greatest Snow On Earth” according to Utahns. And we’re not the only ones saying it. SKI Magazine says it too. Utah resorts took the top four spots and six of the top 10 spots in their ranking of “Best Snow”. Half the people in the US are within a 2½ hour flight from the Salt Lake International Airport. And when that flight lands, you’re less than an hour drive from 11 world-class ski resorts. Deer Valley was just named the #1 Resort in North America! Park City Mountain Resort was ranked #5 by the same Ski Magazine survey.

37 73. Slickrock Trail – Bike it This is the trail that made Moab the hotbed of the mountain biking world. It may well be the most popular mountain bike trail in the world with over 100,000 visitors each year. Originally first developed by motorcyclists in 1969, the trail has been taken over by mountain bikers. Slickrock really isn’t an accurate term for the barren red sandstone which is magnetic for bikers throughout the world. Early settlers couldn’t take their metal-shod horses over the rock as they couldn’t get any footing on it. Hence “Slickrock”. But the traction between the sandstone and fat tires allows riders to seemingly defy gravity. With the backdrop of the beautiful La Sal Mountains and the dramatic cliffs of the Colorado River, you may find your eyes wandering towards the scenery rather than on where your front tire is going. But be careful. The Slickrock Bike Trail is only 12 miles (19 km) long. But you’ll have to allow 4 hours as it’s a challenging but exhilarating ride.

74. Smith and Morehouse If you like to camp, Smith and Morehouse Campground up the canyon from the town of Oakley is a bit of heaven. One thing about camping at a place like this, you may not want to go home. If you like the outdoors, there’s plenty to do here: Fishing. Hiking. Swimming. Whitewater paddling. Mountain biking. Summer daytime highs usually reach the 80’s F (26 C). Night-time lows will fall into the 40’s F (4-5 C). There’s a beautiful campground in the trees and a wide variety of activities nearby. I know it doesn’t seem that special from this description but you won’t forget it if you decide to visit.

38 75. Snow Canyon State Park

I’ve always wondered why it was called Snow Canyon. It certainly wasn’t because any snow fell in this 7,400 acre desert park. It was named after a couple early Mormon leaders – Lorenzo and Erasmus Snow. Located 11 miles (17.7 km) northwest of St. George in southern Utah, the park’s red sandstone topped by a blanket of black lava rock makes this a stunning backdrop for many outdoor activities. Whether you like photography, hiking, biking, or camping, this is a wonderful destination especially in early spring and later fall. Southern Utah has a very moderate winter climate and is a haven for snowbirds from the north. You’ll find a 35-unit campground. Modern rest rooms. Showers. Electric hookups. A sewage disposal station. And other facilities. Explore the trails and dunes of this beautiful park. And if you like golf, nearby St. George offers 11 of Utah's best courses! In fact, on a per capita basis, St. George offers one of the highest numbers of golf courses in the country.

76. Snowbird Tram

Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort has just about everything you could want in a mountain resort. You can fly in and be on the mountain the same day as it’s just 29 miles (46.6 km) from the Salt Lake City International Airport, One of the most enjoyable things to do at Snowbird is to ride the tram up to the top of Hidden Peak. While it’s amazing any time of year, we enjoy it when there’s no snow on the ground. In spring, summer, or fall. The Tram offers unbelievable views up the canyon towards Alta or down the canyon towards Salt Lake City. First opened in 1971, it takes you up 2900 vertical feet along a 1.6 mile (2.6 km) cable. There is no more spectacular view anywhere in America that the one from the top of Hidden Peak. And none so easily accessible.

39 77. Strawberry Reservoir

Strawberry is Utah’s best and my favorite trout water. It offers superb fishing for large rainbow and cutthroat trout. And kokanee salmon. Fish grow quickly and thrive in Strawberry’s fertile reservoir waters. Awesome in a float tube. Or in a boat. Or even just off the shore.

I am a float-tuber and the best time to fish here is when the ice first comes off in spring or late in the fall. Rainbows and cutts up to 24 inches long are caught here every day. And larger fish are quite common. The largest Utah cutthroat ever caught in Utah was taken at Strawberry in 1930. It weighed 27 pounds!

Strawberry Reservoir is located in Wasatch County. 65 miles (104.6 km) east of Salt Lake City. At an elevation of 7,602 feet, the reservoir lies almost entirely within lands managed by the Uinta National Forest. Absolutely spectacular in the fall when the quakies turn gold.

78. Sundance Film Festival

The Sundance Film Festival is one of the top five film festivals in the world! Sharing accolades with Cannes, Toronto, Venice, and Berlin, it’s the largest independent film festival in the U.S. In Utah! Held every January primarily in Park City but also in Salt Lake City, Ogden, and the Sundance Resort, it has become the most important venue for introducing new work by American and international independent filmmakers.

Sundance has grown into an extravaganza drawing Hollywood celebrities, paparazzi, and people who congregate wherever people like that do. If you like that sort of thing, come to Park City in January.

Robert Redford didn’t start this festival even though he often gets the credit. He’s been involved from the beginning in 1978 but Sundance was actually started by a BYU film graduate – Sterling Van Wagenen – and Utah’s Film Commissioner – John Earle.

40 79. Swiss Days in Midway

The Heber Valley has a definite Swiss flavor as a large number of Swiss families settled the area in the mid-1800’s. Many of their descendants obviously live here today. Midway is 24 miles (39 km) southeast of Salt Lake City. With its spectacular setting in the Wasatch Mountains – at an elevation 5,584 feet – Swiss Days is a wonderful Labor Day weekend celebration.

Swiss Days started back in the 1940’s as a way for local farmers, ranchers and residents to celebrate the harvest. Thousands of visitors converge on this small city of just over 2,000 residents to play and enjoy good food and music. A parade. A 10k run. Over 180 booths displaying and selling hand- made arts and crafts.

80. Temple Square at Christmas

Temple Square is Utah‟s most visited tourist attraction. It covers 10 acres of prime downtown Salt Lake City real estate. Salt Lake City is the home of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints – the Mormons – with more than 13 million members worldwide. And Temple Square, along with an adjacent block and several nearby buildings, comprise the church’s worldwide headquarters. What does being Utah’s most popular tourist attraction mean in terms of numbers? Well, it means that 3 to 5 million people a year walk through the gates. Utah’s five National Parks – Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef and Zion – attract just over 5 million people combined. Whether you’re a member of the Church or not, it’s a unique must-see for anyone visiting Salt Lake City. And Christmas at Temple Square is breathtaking. Hundreds of thousands of colored lights sparkle from trees and shrubs throughout the grounds. The lighting of Temple Square the day after Thanksgiving is a popular event attended by thousands. It’s the symbolic kick-off to the Christmas season in downtown Salt Lake City.

41 81. Thanksgiving Point

Although a relatively recent addition to the northern Utah landscape, Thanksgiving Point is a one-of-a-kind gem. Located in Lehi – 29 miles (47 km) south of Salt Lake City, it boasts acres of beautiful gardens. The world’s largest dinosaur museum. A beautiful golf course. An emporium. And year-round special and seasonal events.

A non-profit institute, Thanksgiving Point was created in 1996 by Alan and Karen Ashton. Their aim was to provide rare quality experiences for people that can change and improve their lives. Educational courses, day camps, and field trips provide hands-on learning experiences for people of all ages.

The Thanksgiving Point Gardens will surprise you on your first visit. Spread out over 55 acres, it is one of the most picturesque settings you’ll find anywhere. Living barriers are provided by thousands of trees, shrubs and grasses.

82. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Conference Center

In 2000, a brand new 21,000 seat Conference Center was built directly north of Temple Square. It is used primarily for the semi-annual LDS Church General Conferences. Concerts and other cultural events are also held here. The building is constructed of granite from the same quarry which provided the granite for the Salt Lake Temple. It is also used for major church gatherings, devotionals, and other events. It is the largest theater-style auditorium ever built. The rostrum behind the pulpit facing the audience provides seating at general conference for 158 general authorities and general officers of the church and the 360-voice Mormon Tabernacle Choir. You could fit two Boeing 747’s inside the auditorium. A 7,667-pipe and 130-rank Schoenstein pipe organ sits behind the podium. Guided tours are available daily.

42 83. The Homestead

I talked in number 79 about Swiss Days in Midway. In addition to its Swiss heritage, Midway is famous for its hot pots. Underground water warmed by the earth’s interior seeps up to the surface carrying minerals. Just 24 miles (39 km) southeast of Salt Lake City.

The minerals have built up into domes or hot pots. The hot pots have long been thought to have medicinal qualities. Hence the idea for a European- style resort in the Heber Valley. Started more than 100 years ago under a different name, the resort with one mineral bath has become The Homestead.

148 rooms. A golf course. Two tennis courts. Two restaurants. In-room massages. Cross-country skiing. Winter sleigh rides. Horseback riding. An indoor and an outdoor pool. And mineral baths.

84. This Is The Place Heritage Park

This Is The Place Heritage Park celebrates the spot where the Mormon Pioneers first entered the Salt Lake Valley. It ended the 1,300-mile Mormon trail. It is located at the mouth of Emigration Canyon just across the street from Hogle Zoo.

This 450-acre historical site lets you see what life was like back in 19th Century Utah. From the first arrival by Mormons in 1947 through 1896 – when Utah was named a state. There are a variety of things to see and do. And more than 40 original or replica homes and shops.

Built in 1947, This Is The Place Monument towers across the plaza from Heritage Village. It commemorates the end of the long trek across the plans by early Mormon pioneers. Native Americans, fur trappers, Mountain Men and early arriving Spanish Catholic priests are also honored at the base of the monument.

43 85. Timpanogos Cave National Monument

Timpanogos Cave National Monument sits high in the Wasatch Mountains. It’s in American Fork Canyon near the city of American Fork. Less than a half-hour drive from Salt Lake City .

The cave system consists of three spectacular naturally decorated caverns. Helictites and anthodites are just a few of the many dazzling formations to be found in the many chambers. As visitors climb to the cave entrance, on a hike gaining over 1,000 feet in elevation, the views of American Fork Canyon are fabulous.

Timpanogos Cave is usually open from May through October depending on snow conditions.

86. Tushar Mountains

The Tushars are Utah’s third-highest mountain range – behind the Uintas and La Sals. They are higher than the Wasatch Mountains east of Salt Lake City. Nonetheless, they remain relatively unknown and uncrowded. It is a strikingly scenic and picturesque range. There is a tremendous diversity of vegetation blanketing these slopes. The Tushars are bounded by I-15 to the west and Hwy 89 to the east. The easiest way to get to them is from Beaver. Beaver is 52 miles (83.6 km) north of Cedar City and 210 miles (338 km) south of Salt Lake City. This mountain range provides fantastic hiking, biking, camping, and snowmobiling. ATV riders are also welcome in these mountains although they are starting to have a negative effect on the condition of some of the roads. The Tushars are criss-crossed by roads including the highest road in Utah at 11,500 feet above sea level.

44 87. University of Utah Gymnastics Meet

The University of Utah Women’s Gymnastics Team packs the Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City for every meet. They’ve won 10 National Championships and finished in the top three 21 times.

The Jon M. Huntsman Center holds most of the NCAA gymnastics attendance record including the four largest crowds ever to watch a collegiate gymnastics meet (all four over 15,000 people). Utah has won 24 of the last 27 gymnastics attendance championships and has averaged 10,840 spectators for every meet since 1992.

A Utah gymnastics meet is a spectacle. A high-energy, electrifying, entertaining affair for all ages. A showcase of grace, athleticism and showmanship. And high-level competition at its best.

88. Utah - BYU Football Game at Rice-Eccles Stadium

The University of Utah Utes football team – my alma mater. The first BCS Buster going 12-0 in ending 4th in the nation in 2004. And then, to top it off, the Utes went 13-0 in 2008 ending up #2 in the nation in the AP Poll. They play in Rice-Eccles Stadium which hosted the opening and closing ceremonies for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City.

The BYU Cougars football team. They’ve got a long and successful history winning the 1984 National Championship. They play in Lavell Edwards Stadium in Provo. But when these two get together to rumble, look out. It’s as intense a rivalry as there is in the country. Just ask Urban Meyer … coach of the Florida Gators … who coached at Utah before going to Florida.

If you like sports and happen to be in Salt Lake City when this game is being played, you’ll probably have to pay a scalper big bucks but, believe me, you’ll be glad you did.

45 89. Utah Arches

Utah has the longest arches in the world! Utah is famous for having more natural rock arches than any other area in the world. Utah arches are so numerous and famous we even have a national park … Arches National Park … with over 2,000 of them!

But there have always been arguments about which arches really are the longest spans in the world. Well, over the past three decades, a group of professional and amateur geologists – members of the Natural Arch and Bridge society - determined that the “size” of these spans should be determined by measuring the total horizontal length of the opening.

They recently came out with their official list. And Utah arches have six of the top 10 spots in a listing of the biggest arches in the world! Landscape Arch in Arches National Park is officially the longest arch in the world. The second longest is Kolob Arch in Zion National Park .

90. Utah Jazz Playoff Game

Back when my wife and I were in college, we used to go to Utah Jazz games in the old Salt Palace. Tickets were easy to come by. We could get $5.00 student discount tickets for a couple nose-bleed seats. The Jazz were terrible and they rarely drew big crowds.

Today the Jazz play in the Energy Solutions Arena and have become one of the NBA’s most successful franchises. They reached the Western finals last year. Those tickets in the rafters cost a little more. The lower seats cost a lot more. But the place is packed just about every night. 20,000 people.

But regular season games pales in comparison to playoff games. The excitement and intensity of a Jazz playoff game in Salt Lake City has to be experienced to be believed.

46 91. Utah Museum of Fine Arts

The Utah Museum of Fine Arts is Utah's primary link to global visual arts. It serves a dual role as both a university and state art museum collecting and exhibiting an expansive collection of original art objects.

The Utah Museum of Fine Arts displays a permanent collection composed of over 17,000 works of art from the following cultures: African; Oceanic and the New World; Asian; the Ancient and Classical World; European and American. Visitors are able to experience different cultures from these unique and extensive collections.

The museum is located on the University of Utah campus near Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City. Exhibitions of works of art are displayed on a rotating basis.

92. Utah Museum of Natural History

The Utah Museum of Natural History at the University of Utah is a marvelous yet terribly overcrowded facility. More than a million artifacts from throughout Utah fill every nook and cranny of the aging building.

Good news though. On July 29 of 2008, the Museum broke ground to begin construction on the new Utah Museum of Natural History at the Rio Tinto Center. The current museum is located on the campus of the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.

It exhibits a vast variety of natural history subjects specializing in the natural history of Utah. The Utah Museum of Natural History has over 1.2 million objects – for research and education - in its collection. It’s interesting to note that most of the collections are from public lands located in the inter- mountain region of the United States.

47 93. Utah Olympic Oval

With an incredible 10 Olympic records and eight world records, the Utah Olympic Oval stood uncontested as the "Fastest Ice on Earth" following the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. The Utah Olympic Oval was built to host speed skating competitions during the 2002 Salt Lake Olympic Winter Games. It continues to host World Cup competitions each year. A community showpiece.

The Oval is the dominant part of a multi-purpose recreation complex made up of recreational gyms, weight facilities and swimming pools. The U.S. men’s and ladies’ speedskating team uses the Oval as its training base.

The entire facility takes up five acres underneath a clear span suspension roof. A 400-meter speed skating oval. Two international size ice sheets. An indoor soccer field. A four-lane, 442-meter state of the art running track. Eight 110-meter sprint lanes. A high performance weight room. Locker facilities. Team rooms. Concession stands. A gift shop. Skate rental and skate sharpening.

94. Utah Olympic Park

Utah Olympic Park is just four miles (6.4 km) from Park City . It contains The Alf Engen Ski Museum celebrating the glorious history of winter sports in the Intermountain West. It sits side-by-side with The George Eccles 2002 Olympic Winter Games Museum. And, of course, the facilities themselves. World-class ski jumping, bobsled, skeleton and luge competitions are held every winter.

Utah Olympic Park was the venue for ski jumping, nordic combined, bobsled, skeleton and luge during the 2002 winter Olympics. You can take self-guided or expert tours of the event sites. These include the world's highest altitude ski jumps and the fastest sliding track. Take a bobsled ride at 70 miles per hour! There are introductory camps for ski jumping, luge, skeleton, slopestyle skiing and snowboarding. Minutes from Park City.

48 95. Utah Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City

The 2000 Tony Award-Winning Utah Shakespearean Festival put the city of Cedar City on the map. 219 miles (353 km) south of Salt Lake City, Cedar City is close to an alluring array of places to see and things to do.

As the Festival says on their site, “Let’s Play! What is life without a little play?” The Utah Shakespearean Festival – started in 1962 – is held at Southern Utah University and has become one of the four best Shakespearean festivals in the U.S. The Festival now boasts an annual attendance of 125,000!

It has the world’s most accurate replica of the Globe Theater! So accurate, the BBC – after a worldwide search – used it to film their Shakespeare series. “We searched worldwide --- and found it in Utah!” said the BBC producer.

96. Utah Snow Goose Festival

Every year, on their way through Utah, thousands of pure white snow and Ross’ geese stop at Gunnison Bend Reservoir near Delta. The annual Utah Snow Goose Festival is held usually the last week of February or first week of March. Delta is 100 miles (161 km) southwest of Salt Lake City.

As these beautiful birds make their way north from California, it is an unforgettable spectacle for those who have witnessed it. During the festival, the Division of Wildlife Resources is on site to educate bird- watchers on the migration habits of the Snow Goose.

The birds spend most of the night on the reservoir. During the day, they fly from the reservoir to the surrounding fields to feed. They return to the reservoir after feeding so patience will pay off. The skies are engulfed by thousands of snow-white geese as they flock to the reservoir.

49 97. Utah State Capitol

Appreciate history and great architecture? Tour the recently renovated Utah State Capitol Building. Just up the hill from downtown Salt Lake City. It literally overlooks the city. For almost a century, the Utah State Capitol has been the home of all three branches of state government and numerous state agencies.

The whole site takes up more than 40 acres. The landscaping is magnificent. Weedless, well-maintained lawns. Trees. Flowerbeds. Shrubs. From the front steps of the Capitol, you can enjoy spectacular views of the Wasatch and Oquirrh Mountains as well as Salt Lake City below. Guided tours are given hourly Monday through Friday

98. Utah State Fair

Although it doesn’t compare with some of the fairs I attended when I was growing up – like the Calgary Stampede in Calgary, Alberta – it’s still an enjoyable event. Like most fairs, it has a variety of entertainment, animals, rides, concerts, food and displays. For 11 days in early September each year.

I’ve always thought they could make it a much more spectacular event by joining it together with the Days of 47 celebration. But that’s just me. Utah is much too steeped in tradition and is often slow to change.

Nonetheless, the Utah State Fair has made great strides recently to improve their grounds and provide a more family-friendly atmosphere for visitors. There’s something for just about anyone at the fair.

50 99. Utah-BYU Basketball Game

As you might expect by reading about the Utah-BYU football rivalry in 88, the rivalry in basketball is just as intense. And both programs have enough tradition and success to have almost always made this a riveting battle.

The difference from football is this matchup occurs twice a year (sometimes three times if they meet in the conference tournament). It’s a home and home series. One game in Salt Lake City. One game in Provo.

The Utes made the Final Four and played in the National Championship game in 1998. They play in the Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City on the Utah campus. BYU also has a long and successful history. They play in the Marriot Center in Provo.

If you can get to one of these games – either in Salt Lake city or in Provo - you’ll see it’s as intense and raucous an environment as you’ll find anywhere in sports.

100. Wasatch Mountain State Park

Located in Midway, 24 miles (39 km) southeast of Salt Lake City, year- round fun is waiting for you here. Located in the beautiful Heber Valley, this is Utah's most developed state park. The park is both a summer and winter wonderland. In the middle of the Wasatch Mountains.

Two of the best golf courses in Utah are found here (Wasatch Mountain & Soldier Hollow). The park offers camping, picnicking, hiking and horseback riding. And Golf. Hiking. Snowmobiling. Cross-country skiing. Snowshoing.

Nearby Soldier Hollow is at the southern end of the Park. You can ski, snowshoe, hike or bike the 16-mile (26 km) 2002 Olympic Winter Games course. Olympic-style events are held here every year.

51 101. Zion National Park

Can there be a better example of what magic nature is capable of working over time than that sculpted by the Virgin River in southern Utah? Zion National Park. Established in 1919, Zion is Utah‟s oldest national park.

Zion National Park just can’t be compared with anything else we have. And because of that, more than three million people come to see it every year. Zion is known as much for what there is to do than for just its incredible beauty. Scenic drives. Hiking. Backpacking. Photography. Climbing or canyoneering. Biking. Horseback riding. Camping. Rock climbing

The name Zion means different things to different people. Often a metaphor. The name for a homeland. Or heaven. A place one aspires to end up. Or even a sanctuary giving one peace of mind. Whatever it means to you, there’s no more aptly named place on this planet than Zion National Park.

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