Despite its negatively-leaning reputation, Utah does have a lot of beautiful country, fantastic places and remote backcountry within its 82,000 sq.² miles. The state offers arid and desolate deserts, deep and technical canyons, five National Parks (and countless monuments) and some of the best skiing to be found in the West.

The highest point, Kings Peak, is a whopping 13,531’ and involves MANY miles of overland hiking to reach. The lowest elevation is Beaver Damn Wash near the Arizona State Line at 2,180’.

I’ve been traveling to Utah for nearly 30 years to hike, explore, climb, camp, mountain bike and to learn more about the Ancient Puebloan and Ute, Navajo cultures. It’s a state rich in archaeology & paleontology. And….Utah is the only state where the majority of the population belongs to a single church (LDS). Just take heed, the alcohol laws are SUPER restrictive.