From Salt to Sandstone – Utah’s Iconic Itinerary
Visit Utah has teamed up with American Tours International to create an entry level itinerary to discover Utah. Aptly named, “From Salt to Sandstone”, visitors will begin in Salt Lake City and journey south to the state’s desert monoliths, sweeping rivers and towering canyons. This itinerary is a perfect introduction to Utah, showcasing some of the state’s finest offerings in an 11-day road trip.
Utah’s iconic views aren’t new, in fact, the most iconic features are millions of years old. Utah has the Wasatch Mountains and Salt Lake City to the north, the Salt Flats and Great Basin Desert to the west, red rock country and national parks to the south — and mountains, rivers, forests and state parks everywhere in between. Wherever visitors headed, there’s a local community and basecamp town to provide important amenities and insider knowledge along the way.
The “From Salt to Sandstone” itinerary begins in Salt Lake City, where visitors can visit the famous Temple Square and learn about the history and heritage of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.. And not far from the city lies the Great Salt Lake, where visitors can recreate on the picturesque Antelope Island, observing a variety of wildlife, including majestic bison. Salt Lake City and its nearby lake are nestled amidst mountains creating a picturesque location for towering trees, stunning sunsets and meandering rivers.
Next, drive through canyons and across Western film deserts to the outdoor mecca, Moab. Moab is the basecamp for two national parks, Arches and Canyonlands, which each have their own unique draw and charm. Arches National Park has over 2,000 natural arches that can be seen along the scenic drive or along the park’s various hiking trails. Canyonlands has a quiet charm with stunning viewpoints and one of the most photographed landforms in the western U.S., Mesa Arch.
Utah is home to so many national parks that visitors drive through one to get to the next. From Arches and Canyonlands, it’s on to the expansive Capitol Reef National Park, where the extraordinary red rock canyons leave visitors breathless. And from Capitol Reef, travel on to Bryce Canyon National Park, home to an amphitheater of red rock hoodoos and some of the darkest night skies, perfect for spotting the Milky Way.
As visitors continue on, explore Utah’s very own “Little Hollywood” where countless western films have used Kanab as their backdrop. Here, dive deep into a slot canyon or wander across the Coral Pink Sand Dunes. And just a bit further west, descend into the otherworldly Zion Canyon National Park. Here, visitors can hike, e-bike or drive, to enjoy the majesty of this land.
Utah is known for its recreation opportunities, from hiking in five national parks to skiing The Greatest Snow on Earth® to white-water rafting down the mighty Colorado River. But did you know all of these attractions and activities are accessible to people of all ability levels? Having fun in Utah is no problem, no matter your ability level. And with new lodging properties and innovative restaurants cropping up across the state, there are dining and overnight accommodations to cater to all interests. Whether it’s farm-to-table fine dining, an old-fashioned burger and shake, a cozy lodge or a glamorous tent, Utah’s got you covered.
Visitors can find the “From Salt to Sandstone” itinerary on the ATI website. For additional inspiration go to visitutah.com. Become a Utah Specialist and understand the depth of Utah’s icons virtually on Visit Utah’s Specialist Academy website.
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