Utah Scenic Byways

Utah Byways

The Beehive State

Utah is located in the Mountain West region of the United States. While Utah is the 13th largest state by area, it is the 30th most populous, with a population of just over 3 million people. What is now Utah is when inhabited by various indigenous people for thousands of years, including the Puebloans, Navajo, and Ute. Despite the proximity of the name “Ute” to the state name of “Utah,” the actual origin of the state name is somewhat disputed. The name “Utes” means “mountain people,” and was a Puebloan word that became “Yuta” when pronounced by Spanish explorers. Eventually, this morphed into “Utah” as we know it today. Utah’s original American settlements were particularly dense in Mormons fleeing persecution from the United States. Even today, over half of all Utah residents identify as Mormon, making this the only state that is primarily made up of a single religious group. Even more interesting, Utah only became a state in 1896 once several federal disputes were settled, including the outlawing of polygamy. Interestingly enough, Utah has the least income inequality of any U.S. state, and in 2012 a Gallup national survey found Utah the “best state to live in the future.”

Those looking to visit Utah will be please to know that there are plenty of natural and urban areas to explore. Those looking to explore the natural world can take to one of the many national parks that make their home within the state, some of which are home to incredible geographical formations that can’t be seen anywhere else in the world. They are great places to visit with an RV.

Those who are fans of hiking can explore Zion National Park, while those just looking to take in the sights can be entered their way through any number of scenic byways that make up this gorgeous state. Just because Utah is an arid state in many areas, doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of opportunities for outdoor exploration, whether it be through rivers, historic trails, or other outdoor activities. Of course, anyone looking to experience the historical factors that make up this incredible state will find plenty of historic monuments and museums, as well as an early replica of what settlements looked like when American settlers first made their way to this area.

Whether you find yourself looking to stay in Utah for any length of time, or it just passing through, you’re sure to find yourself enraptured with the otherworldly landscapes found within this state. Whether you make your way through the natural world or explore some of the various urban areas that make up this state, you’re sure to find yourself planning your next vacation long before you leave.