When you think of Utah, what’s the first thing that comes to mind?
Mormons? A really salty lake? Lots of empty space?
Those are the sorts of things that used to come to mind when I thought of Utah, a state in the American Southwest. These days, however, I think of Utah a lot differently.
Just as New Mexico surprised me with its colorful and varied landscapes, Utah, too, blew me away with its beauty on my summer road trip across America.
Yes, I will say it — Utah is beautiful. One of the prettiest states I’ve been to, I think (and I’ve been to over half of them!). It’s not beautiful in the way that Hawaii is, or stunning in the way that Alaska is. But it’s pretty in its own way — and I think I love it.
I love the sunrises that paint the sky not only orange and pink, but also shades of blue and purple.
I love the way the rising sun sets the rock formations in Monument Valley on fire.
I love Monument Valley in general, and its ties to the Navajo people.
I love how quiet it is.
I love the red soil and how it contrasts with the big blue sky.
I love how the touristy spots still feel like they’re all your own.
I love the rock formations in Arches National Park.
I love that rest areas along major highways look like this:
And I love that there are mountains, too.
Yes, Utah is full of beauty — and I have not even seen half of it yet. But what I have seen leads me to believe that Utah could very well be one of the best-kept secrets in the U.S., and one of America’s most beautiful states.
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What do you think? Is Utah America’s most beautiful state?
If I ever go to the US this is exactly the sort of place that I want to see. Beautiful photos Amanda.
Dean recently posted..Temples of Laos: Wat Inpeng, Vientiane
Thanks for the compliment on the photos, Dean! This part of America certainly is photogenic. And yeah, if this is the sort of scenery you’d want to see in the U.S., the Southwest (especially Utah and Arizona) is the place to go!
I’ve only been to Utah once, and only for one evening, but what I saw was definitely gorgeous! I hope I get a chance to go back and see more. Love these pictures!
Ali recently posted..Little Lodge of Horrors
I can’t wait to go back and see more someday. Utah has some many great national parks and other pretty areas. I just had a friend move out to Salt Lake City, so I think I’m definitely going to have to try and visit!
Indeed Utah is gorgeous. And these are some incredible photos. Is Monument Valley in Utah or Arizona, though? Or in both?
Phil recently posted..Sunburns in Sensitive Areas in Costa Rica
Thanks, Phil! And Monument Valley is technically in both Utah and Arizona. It spans the border of the two states. Utah.com has it listed in Utah, though, so I figured I’d just go with that for this post!
Fantastic photos, Amanda! Wow. You’re right about Utah, it’s beautiful. It reminds me of an alien, perhaps lunar, landscape, which I think makes it even more appealing. It’s just so…different. Utah wasn’t really on my list before, but I think it’s going on there now.
Gray recently posted..Going Solo at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Awesome! I love inspiring people to add places to their lists! Utah is definitely a worthy one. And yes, the landscapes are very alien and desert-like, but still manage to be breathtaking.
I love the photos from your summer road trip!
Abhijit recently posted..Monday Morning Spice: Ferris Wheel
Thanks! I took so many photos on that trip!
I’m officially in love with the first photo.
ehalvey recently posted..Saturday Snapshot-Sunlit Clouds in Nashville, TN
The one of the Utah sign? I love that one, too! And I love that Utah’s state motto is “Life Elevated.” It’s so perfect!
Beautiful photos, Amanda. Utah is very photogenic too, isn’t it? When we fly from CA to TX on our way to Brazil, we see Monument Valley from the plane (at least I think that’s what it is!). The nature there is so weird and wonderful.
Thanks, Jenna! Utah is indeed very photogenic — in a very different way than some other states, but certainly not in a bad way!
These are so stunning. Thanks for sharing.
Neha recently posted..Keeping Warm in Stockholm
Thank YOU!
Adding Utah to my list of need to gos~ Fantastic pictures!
Awesome! It’s definitely worth a visit, just for the scenery alone!
Utah is gorgeous, but it makes me think of one thing: Polygamy. Guess I’ve watched too much Sister Wives! Gorgeous pics!
Kelly recently posted..Tips for Learning Languages
Oh, Sister Wives. I secretly love that show! But yes, Mormons/polygamy are very common things to be associated with Utah. But there’s SO much more to the state than all that!
Utah is gorgeous. It is simple and colorful and not what you would first expect. I hope to go there one day!
Maria D. recently posted..Tips for keeping it cheap in a small town
I couldn’t have said it any better, Maria! Utah certainly was a pleasant surprise out West.
Completely agree! Utah completely surprised me – I had absolutely no idea how beautiful it was. We only had a few days in the state and only spent one at Monument Valley…so a return trip is a must!
Ashley recently posted..ArtSmart Roundtable: Why Abstract Expressionism Matters
I had no idea, either! And yeah, I was only there for a few days, too. I definitely want to go back and spend some more time in the Southwest in general! It was so awesome.
Reminds me of Australia
Brooke Vs. The World recently posted..Let’s Talk About Sex… With Your Taxi Driver
I can totally understand that!
Wow, it looks beautiful! I love the photos of the sunrise, and the one of the black tree framing the rocks behind it. Thanks for sharing
Thanks, Tom! Glad you enjoyed these.
I always associated Utah with mormons but this has changed my mind. I can not believe that these scenes are not more well known. They are beautiful
Natalie recently posted..The Lonely Owl – Photo Post
Yes, Utah really does have a lot up its sleeve that many people don’t know about. But I think, in a way, that makes discovering it for yourself even better!
My aunt lives near SLC, so we definitely have a reason to visit. I have certainly seen such pictures in the movies and such, but I guess I never associated them with Utah. I think of Arizona or maybe Wyoming when I see those sorts of rocks. I also think Willie E Coyote and Roadrunner, but that is just where my mind goes.
Andrew recently posted..Seattle Oddities
Arizona’s landscape is really similar in parts (especially since most of these photos were taken in southern Utah, which shares a border with Arizona), so I can understand how people may not associate these places with Utah. Both Arizona and Utah are great, though (as far as scenery goes). Perhaps you and Ali should plan a visit to SLC next time you’re stateside!
Breathtaking scenery! You know, we’re seeing so many beautiful landscapes in other countries this year but I almost always compare them to something I’ve seen in pictures in my home country, the USA =) I haven’t travelled nearly enough around these more remote places in the States, only lots of cities. We really need to hire a campervan and go for a drive for a year (or two, haha) =) So incredible and in our own backyard.
Andrea recently posted..Beers of the World: A Round-Up from Bungas
Do it!! This year for me was all about trying to see more of my own country. I visited the West Coast, Hawaii, Chicago, and then did this big road trip across the South. It was amazing to realize (really realize) just how huge and varied America is.
Those are some really fantastic photos!
Jade Johnston – OurOyster.com recently posted..Guinness and Jameson – The Flavours of Dublin
Thanks, Jade! Glad you liked them.
Your photos certainly make it seem like it might be the most beautiful state.
The Travel Chica recently posted..Foto of the Week from … Buenos Aires
I just went to Utah for the first time last month… It is so, so beautiful! I’m planning to go back soon. Looks like you had a great trip!
Emily S. recently posted..Becoming a Travel Writer: Get Paid to Travel
Definitely had a great trip. I’d love to go back and see more of it soon.
It’s possible! New Mexico is also pretty high up there for us (and Vermont, randomly), but we were stunned by Utah. It’s Ah-mazing!
Christy @ Technosyncratic recently posted..Photo of the Week: Artist at Chiang Mai’s Night Market
I agree! Ah-mazing! New Mexico was also very pretty, as were parts of Arizona. But Utah really blew me away, and has definitely made a lasting impression on me.
These pictures are fantastic. *drool*
Lol, thanks Erica! Try not to drool too much on your keyboard.
Wow, beautiful! Well done with the photos, Amanda. Agree that the red against the blue of the sky is amazing. Excellent!
Katrina recently posted..Best CouchSurfing Request EVER
Thanks, Katrina! The scenery out West really is something else…
Gorgeous photos- I’ve only ever driven through Utah, so I really need to spend more time there. I love the deep red rocks and how there are no other people in any of your photographs- wide open spaces are so appealing.
jade recently posted..The New “It” Dessert in Los Angeles
Thanks, Jade! I think Utah is definitely worth further exploration if you’ve only ever driven through before.
And I agree — I love wide open spaces!
The images are stunning, they remind me of westerns movies, I don’t know much about Utah overall, especially when it comes to the cities.
Cristian Balau recently posted..Free Article Writing
A lot of Western movies have indeed been filmed at many of these Utah sites, so that’s not strange that you would associate these sorts of landscapes with those sorts of movies!
Just wait until you see how beautiful the mountains are in the Northern part of Utah. The Salt Lake is beautiful in it’s sparseness (if that’s a word)
Erik recently posted..Photo of the Day- Saguaro National Park, Arizona
I’ve heard great things about northern Utah, too. And I have friends in SLC, now, so I definitely hope to visit soon!
I love the red rocks of Utah as well. Just drove through Canyonlands and Arches National Parks about a month ago when they received their first snowfall! I think it was cool seeing the white snow against the red soil as opposed to the blue sky on the horizon that I was use to.
SuzyQ recently posted..The Dreams of our Fathers
I’ve seen photos of those parks with snow… I’m jealous! I’m sure that was beautiful.
Utah is amazing. My favourite US state by far during my recent road trip across the country with my girlfriend.
Sam recently posted..Northgate Peaks Trail – Kolob Terrace – Zion National Park
Good to hear I’m not alone in my love of Utah!
I loved Utah… our stay in SLC was incredible, and we were lucky enough to see some great sights in the city itself! A lot of my friends from Utah were in disbelief that I absolutely ADORED the salt flats, but the day we were there it made for some of the coolest photos and views, and there was lightning over the horizon while the sky reflected clear on the water… Utah is definitely more awesome than most people give it credit for!
That sounds awesome, Dayna! And I agree that Utah is often extremely underrated. But I know the truth about it now, and you’d better believe I’ll be spreading the word!
Great photos! You make me want to travel my home state and see some things that are just waiting to be explored!
David Grover recently posted..Skiing in Utah
Thanks, David! You sure are living in a beautiful place!
I have lived in southwestern Utah for 16 years. I know that there are many beautiful places everywhere, and I love to travel and blog about my experiences, but I do believe that Utah is the most exquisitely stunning place of anywhere on the planet! I can swing a cat from my home and it would land in Zion NP, Grand Canyon NP, Great Basin NP, Bryce Canyon NP, Grand Staircase of the Escalante, plus some amazing places that have no designation except their awesome geology. I never get tired of living here. So glad you got to visit!
Nina F recently posted..Plain Of The Six Glaciers
How lucky that you get to call such a beautiful place home!
WOW – brought back so many memories – forgot this was in Utah – I love those rock formations – love that you posted so many pictures to enjoy this place
Eileen Ludwig recently posted..Human blog spam is a waste of time
Thanks, Eileen! Glad you enjoyed the photos. It certainly is a beautiful place!