I love Utah! It is so beautiful up here. But keep an eye on the weather forecasts and monitor the radar because it can change from a hot sunny day to lightning, hail and flash flood quickly. Yesterday a storm system blew around and through the mesa where we are camping outside of Moab, Utah.
If you’ve never been to southern Utah, you’re missing out on a very unique environment and historical area. The terrain is very different from the most populated part of Utah which runs along the Wasatch Mountains and is where you’ll find Salt Lake City, Provo, Ogden, and ski resorts.
Visit
In the Southern Utah area you’ll find many National Parks and tourist attractions and small towns which makes it a popular destination for mountain bikers, hikers , photographers, off-roaders and camping. There are plenty of places to stay, eat, and shop.
If you plan to visit during peak spring and fall seasons be sure to reserve your lodging or campsite early. You can camp for free in some open natural areas. The state park use fees have increased since 2020 brought so many visitors.
Moab is home to the famous and often photographed Delicate Arch located inside Arches National Park. Canyonlands National Park is nearby. A National Parks pass is a good investment if you plan to visit the many beautiful parks in Utah.
Trails
There are hundreds of miles of trails of all types. Maps and planning are essential for a safe and fun experience in this rugged environment. Always bring plenty of water, know your physical limits, and don’t count on any cell service. Download trail maps before you leave civilization. Keep in mind that the nearest store may be many miles away from some trails. Be prepared to be self-sufficient.
If you are new to hiking, know the following information before you set off on the trails and study the map well. :
- Distance
- Difficulty level
- Any special equipment or skills needed
- Type of terrain
- Expected time to complete
- How much water and food you need for the maximum expected time, plus extra.
- The weather conditions
- Any possible dangers
- A list of special things to see along the trail
- You should wear a hat , sunscreen , and good shoes.
This is just a glimpse of the beauty and fun that Utah has to offer. I recommend getting a travel guide or two and watching videos before you come so you can fully enjoy the experience. I will also be posting more information when I get back to WiFi.
I hope you have a great trip!
Blue Skies and Green Pastures 
Anita and I traveled the southern Utah and northern AZ parks a few years back, but her idea of roughing it is reserving a hotel without a hottub‼️😅
And I’m dead meat if she reads this. 😂
❤️&🙏, c.a.
I will always remember the year my Arizona sister and I set out on our annual “sisterly adventure” with no itinerary. We began each day with an open map and the weather app, which every day predicted rain in every direction but one, and we’d go that way. This method took us into Utah, to Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, and other amazing places. I had never thought much about Utah, except that it had the Great Salt Lake. But there was so much more! The day we were going to go soak in some hot springs inside a volcano (definitely a “bucket list” item!), the rain made us turn toward Colorado.
I love Bryce and Zion
My daughter went to U of Utah and we fell in love with the state. This year we drove to Park City from Arizona and stayed overnight in Kanab. The drive was beautiful and I want to spend time in the National Parks in the future.