Utah
If you made us pick our favourite state in the USA, it would likely be Utah. This small state has so many “pinch yourself” places and is the home to five incredible national parks. If we’re visiting the Southwest, we always try to sneak a trip to Utah in.
Utah’s best known for Zion and Bryce National Parks, but when you find out about, Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef and Escalante, you wonder why this isn’t number one on any traveller's list.
We warn you: Utah’s an addiction that’s hard to give up.
Quick Summary
Top Tip: Look at all the small towns near the national parks if you are travelling on a budget. You can often find that the cost of accommodation drops dramatically if you stay 30 minutes to one hour away from a major attraction.
Safety: Utah is generally safe overall, but you should be careful in big cities as with anywhere else in the world.
When to go: Utah changes drastically between peak and off season. In the summer the temperatures and crowds soar, but in the winter the snow comes and the crowds disappear. The sweet spot is in spring or autumn when you get beautiful weather and fewer people. Having said that we also adored our winter visit if you don’t mind some fairly cool temperatures and some attractions liable to close due to snow.
Peak Season: July - September (summer school holidays)
Off Season: December - March (excluding Christmas).
Walk My World Cost Index: $$$$ - In the off season, Utah can be an incredible bargain (we got a motel next to Bryce Canyon for $35 per night including breakfast!). Things change dramatically in peak season when the prices can go up 10 fold. However, even in the peak season you can find value by looking for accommodation in the smaller towns.
