Utah is one of the most geographically diverse states in all of the continental United States, with a myriad of different landscapes throughout all 84,889 square miles of the Beehive state. As a result, Utah has become known as an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, apt for even the most picky and discriminating outdoorsmen. With so many different scenic backdrops, there are just as many outdoor adventures and activities to satisfy everyone.
Utah HikingBetween the majestic Wasatch Mountains, beautiful southern Utah desert, and the Uinta high-country, Utah has some of the most picturesque hiking found anywhere. From easy mountain strolls to physically challenging backpacking, Utah has thousands of trails to fit everyone’s hiking skills and ability. Popular hiking spots include anywhere along the Wasatch front, Zion National Park, and Moab.
Utah Water SportsTo say boating is very big in Utah would be an absolute understatement. Boating and water sports are the hottest outdoor activities going on during the warm summer months. The state is riddled with lakes, including popular ones such as the Great Salt Lake, Lake Powell, and Bear Lake. Water skiing, wakeboarding, tubing, and jet skiing are just a few of the many water sports happening in Utah.
Utah Extreme SportsFor those of us that are a little more daredevil, Utah is home to some great extreme sports. Southern Utah’s Moab is well-known for great skydiving and bungee jumping. Paragliding is popular near Draper, Utah, where the mountains have some of the best conditions known for the sport.
Utah Mountain BikingWhether you want to bike through lush alpine meadows or through a stunning desert canyon, Utah mountain biking can provide breathtaking views and great work-outs. The sport has rapidly increased in popularity as more and more of Utah’s backcountry is being explored.
Utah Snow SportsUtah’s claim to fame is “the greatest snow on Earth,” so it comes as no surprise that the state is known as a winter wonderland playground for skiers, snowboarders, and all winter enthusiasts. The state, which was home to the 2002 Winter Olympics, is home to more than 20 top ski resorts; people from all over the world come to experience the fresh powder and nearly perfect winter conditions.
Utah CanyoneeringA relatively new recognized sport, Utah canyoneering refers to traversing through a canyon by whatever means possible, whether it be hiking, swimming, climbing etc. The sport is especially popular in Southern Utah in Zion National Park’s The Narrows, a very well-known group of slot canyon where the canyon walls are often a thousand feet high and the canyon itself may be only 20 to 25 feet wide.
By: Holly Matheson About the Author:
