Five places to explore in Utah
Among the reasons I decided to study in Utah was a call to adventure. Utah is blessed to have some of the most unique natural landscapes on the face of the earth. From its red rocks to its salt flats to its beautiful ski slopes, Utah really has something for everyone.
As students at Utah State University, it would be a shame for us to neglect the beauty surrounding us. With so many options, planning a trip in Utah can be overwhelming. This is my third year in Utah, and I have tried to be active and explore as many places as I can. While I haven’t been everywhere, of course, I feel comfortable sharing five places I have visited in Utah to help readers plan their own Utah-based excursion.
Kristian Fors The Great Salt Lake & Bonneville Flats
I am always shocked by how many Utahns have not been to the namesake of our capital, Salt Lake City. The Great Salt Lake is admittedly a little gross. The water smells, it is not the type of lake you swim in, and it’s incredibly shallow. All of this, however, is because it’s an incredibly unique natural formation. The lake goes no deeper than 33 feet. Plus, it is rumored to house all sorts of weird oddities. It is even rumored two whales were released into the lake at some point in time. The Great Salt Lake is something every Utahn should see at least once, even if the only thing to do there is take photos standing in the five-inch deep water. After the Great Salt Lake, however, visitors can keep heading west towards Wendover and visit the Bonneville Salt Flats. These flats have been featured in many movies, even in a scene from one of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. The vast expanse of white salt is really incredible. It becomes even more incredible if you go there after it rains because the water becomes a mirror.
Distance from Logan: 95 miles and 188 miles
Cost of Entry: Free
Kristian Fors Goblin Valley
Goblin Valley does not look like it’s of this world; it seems like another planet. There is something surreal about walking through Goblin Valley’s obscure rock formations. The great part about Goblin Valley, compared to other places in Utah, is the density of Goblin Valley’s rock formations. While many of Utah’s other big attractions like Moab offer a spectacular expansive backdrop, many of the iconic and truly unique geographical formations of these parks are often very far apart from each other. Goblin Valley is exactly the opposite. It is an entirely self-contained little pocket near Hanksville. If readers decide to visit, they’ll find more than enough to see there to at least explore for a few hours.
Distance from Logan: 300 miles
Cost of Entry: $15 per vehicle
Kristian Fors Frisco, Utah
You’re probably surprised to see a place you’ve likely never heard of on this list. Frisco, a now-abandoned ghost town, was once one of Utah’s prominent mining cities during the 19th century. I was hesitant to drive 300 miles to see a ghost town, but I am happy to say my apprehensions were ill-founded. Frisco has a lot to offer, especially if you like Utah history. Abandoned houses, impressive mineshafts and scattered debris are the remains of a once booming mining town. While it might seem like a place for those with more nuanced interests, I can affirm once in Frisco, most people will likely find the experience enjoyable. But do proceed with caution. It goes without saying proximity to mine shafts can be dangerous if not deadly. The structures are also incredibly old and will possibly collapse if climbed on. Most of the mines are sealed off and for good reason.
Distance from Logan: 302 miles
Cost of Entry: Free
Kristian Fors Moab
Considering the formation displayed above, Delicate Arch, is essentially one of the Utah state symbols, Moab had to make an appearance on this list. Moab is grand. The scale of the park is magnificent. There is so much to see, and nearly every area of the park has a vast expansive background of beautiful desert. The main issue with Moab is transportation; everything in the park is so far apart. You really have to be strategic about how you get around. Waking up to go see the sunrise at Mesa arch is a phenomenal experience everyone should see.
Distance from Logan: 300 miles
Cost of Entry: $30 per vehicle for Canyonlands and $30 per vehicle for Arches, unless in possession of a National Park pass
Meadow Hot Springs
Meadow Hot Springs is another hidden gem on this list. Located near Fillmore, Utah, Meadow Hot Springs is an amazing clear-water hot spring. The temperature is great, the location is beautiful and the hot spring plunged to depths of 20 feet. It seems like something you would discover in the Caribbean or South America, not Utah. While the hot springs are accessible by car, the dirt road there is very bumpy and it might be best to take something more suited for off-roading. It’s a wonderful place to plan a weekend getaway with friends and to soak away your stresses.
Distance from Logan: 230 miles
Cost of Entry: Free