Utah

Utah, known as a desert state, has a variety of water attractions. Lake Powell at Glen Canyon National Recreation area is so huge that its shoreline is longer than the entire west coast of the USA. Of Utah’s 43 state parks, 28 are based around mountain lakes, major rivers or reservoirs for boating and fishing. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy whitewater rafting and fly fishing.

Enjoy sensational vistas in Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef and Zion National Parks, and Dead Horse Point State Park, or down gravel roads to Muley Point in southeastern Utah and the San Rafael Swell in the central part of the state.

The Natural History Museum of Utah is located in the foothills of the Wasatch Range at the University of Utah. Exhibitions cover topics such as native voices, gems and minerals, Great Salt Lake and past worlds.

Stargazers will enjoy the night-sky programmes in Bryce Canyon National Park and at Natural Bridges National Monument.

• His or her first skiing lesson at one of Utah's 14 resorts. Ski schools offer group and private lessons for all skill levels
• Dinosaur-related attractions around the state include the Natural History Museum of Utah in Salt Lake City, North American Museum of Ancient Life at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, the Quarry Visitors Center at Dinosaur National Monument near Vernal and the College of Eastern Utah Prehistoric Museum in Price.

Of Utah's 26 state and national scenic roads, one of the most notable is Highway 12, Utah's All-American Scenic Byway, which takes you into the heart of the American West.

• Room rates at Utah’s ski resorts are generally lower when the snow melts, and many organise summer activities such as concerts, lift-served mountain biking, hiking and ziplining
• The Salt Lake City Connect Pass offers access to the city’s top attractions for an amazing price.

Salt Lake City, the state capital, is one of the great cultural cities of the American West, yet small enough to remain friendly and accessible. With mountain backdrops to the east and west, it is bustling and vibrant, with a dynamic nightlife, warm hospitality, award-winning breweries and unparalleled access to natural recreation. Utah's largest tourist attraction, Historic Temple Square, is across the street from great shopping at the City Creek Center.

On May 10, 1869, the Union and Central Pacific Railroads joined their rails at Promontory Summit. Golden Spike National Historic Site allows you to explore the history surrounding the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad and view locomotives maintained and operated on site.

Luxury hotels to open in Utah in recent years include Montage, St. Regis and the Waldorf Astoria in Park City; Amangiri, an Aman property near Lake Powell; and, in the St. George area, spas such as Red Mountain Resort, Green Valley Spa & Resort and Fitness Ridge Resort & Spa.