Utah represents the best of both the Rocky Mountains and the desert with diverse colours and majestic mountains. Here you can ski at 13 world-class ski and summer resorts; explore five national parks, seven national monuments, two national recreations areas, six national forests, more than 40 state parks and drive state and nationally designated scenic byways. Impressive vistas and inspiring are around every corner, whether you choose to hike, climb, mountain bike, golf, enjoy white-water rafting or go wildlife watching. In addition, the state offers fine dining, shopping, spas and cultural and heritage sites such as historic Temple Square and the history of the five distinct local American Indian cultures.
Recommended accommodation
-
Amangiri
Amangiri, ‘peaceful mountain’, sits among deep canyons and towering plateaus in a region that has been home for centuries to the native Navajo and Hopi tribes.
Sample itinerary
Days 1-2
Fly to Page airport via Phoenix or Denver. Arrive at Amangiri and check into your suite before enjoying dinner. Explore the natural beauty of the area with a trek accompanied by a guide. For the more adventurous, customised rock climbing via ferrata (fixed climbing routes) and canyoneering await as well as recreational and advanced biking. Learn the basics of GPS navigation, map reading, rope techniques and desert travel and gain an understanding of the ecology, geology and human history of the area. Amangiri can arrange for expert scientists, geologists and naturalists from the region to be available for tours and lectures.
Days 3-4
Head over to the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, home to the pristine waters of Lake Powell, slickrock domes and sandy bays and some of the most amazing scenery and geological formations on the Colorado Plateau, as well as numerous prehistoric cliff dwelling and rock art sites. Boating day trips provide the ideal platform for the enjoyment of the turquoise waters where you may swim and kayak. For those who enjoy fishing, the lake is famous for its striped bass, walleye and largemouth bass. Experience the history and culture of the region with a natural history, palaeontology or archaeological tour which provides an insight into species diversity, prehistoric occupation, Navajo storytelling, culture and art. See the area from a different perspective, from hot air ballooning and scenic helicopter or fixed wing flights to equestrian adventures departing directly from the resort.
Days 5-6
Amangiri is the ideal launching pad to enjoy customised National Park and Monument Tours to the Grand Canyon’s North and South Rims, Bryce and Zion National Parks, Rainbow Bridge, Grand Staircase, Escalante, Vermillion Cliffs National Monuments and Monument Valley in the Navajo Nation – the largest Native American Nation in the US. Enjoy a tour before continuing your journey.
