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Delicate Arch in Arches National Park
You've likely seen this image in a score of places, but never knew where it was from. It's one of the most picturesque viewpoints in Arches National Park, and while this image communicates its beauty and majesty better than a thousand words, a visit to it speaks volumes more. Take a one-mile walk from its viewpoint and you'll be able to stand under that very arch.
Photo credit: Shutterstock
Dinosaur National Monument
Hearing stories about the age of the dinosaurs is one thing; it's another to see the fossilized bones of those ancient behemoths outlined in a giant rock wall, known as the Wall of Bones. Research in the area is ongoing and as recently as 2010, a new species of plant-eating dinosaur was discovered by paleontologists.
Photo credit: Wikipedia, Rob Glover from Bradford, UK
Bryce Amphitheater in Bryce Canyon
Another easily accessible, amazing view is that of Bryce Amphitheater, the most visited portion of Bryce Canyon National Park. Take short hikes out to its numerous viewpoints or ride the shuttle. The best times for photographers to visit are sunrise and sunset when the quality of light best enhances the amphitheater's naturally stunning coloring.
Photo credit: Shutterstock
Lake Powell from a houseboat
Besides being known for its exceptional skiing and kayaking conditions, Lake Powell is also one of the best places in the world for houseboating. Get away from busy marinas and enjoy the beautiful outdoors from the quiet of your own floating hotel room.
Photo credit: Shutterstock
Horseshoe Canyon in Canyonlands National Park
Take a walk into the past when you hike Horseshoe Canyon. Native American wall art on the canyon walls dates back to a period between 2000 B.C. and A.D. 500. In more recent centuries, it was also used by such famous outlaws as Butch Cassidy, who took advantage of its confusing canyon system to hide from local authorities.
Photo credit: Shutterstock
Bonneville Salt Flats
Few places are as stark, lifeless and visually astonishing as the barren reaches of the Bonnevile Salt Flats. With an area of more than 30,000 acres, this wide, flat expanse was formed when ancient Lake Bonneville dried up, leaving behind the iconic white, salt-encrusted soil.
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Cathedral Valley in Capitol Reef National Park
You don't have to travel to Europe to see some of the most amazing cathedrals ever built. In the remote Cathedral Valley, get a view of Temple of the Sun and Temple of the Moon, sandstone monoliths crafted by nature's own hand.
Photo credit: Shutterstock
Butler Wash Ruins in Monument Valley
Take a trip to the Butler Wash Ruins and you'll have a brush with an ancient Anasazi cliff-dwelling civilization. The hike down to the dwellings is treacherous, but bring along binoculars and you'll easily be able to see the remnants of the partially-restored complex from the canyon rim.
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Goblin Valley State Park
A great destination for all ages, Goblin Valley State Park allows visitors to interact with naturally-occurring sandstone hoodoos that seem eerily reminiscent of goblin-like creatures. Explore it with your family or bring along a camera to capture images of this other-worldy environment.
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Subway Slot Canyon in Zion National Park
Best suited for seasoned hikers and canyoneers, Subway Slot Canyon offers a challenging and rewarding hike over boulders and down waterfalls through an almost subterranean stream bed. A permit is required to hike this feature.
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Wotan's Throne from the Grand Canyon's North Rim
The North Rim of the Grand Canyon offers all the benefits of the canyon's awe-inspiring views without the crowds often found at the South Rim. In fact, some believe its views are even better, as they're seen from a higher elevation. It's located at an easy distance from other canyon parks, including Zion and Bryce, making it a great choice as part of a multi-park tour.
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Cedar Breaks National Monument
Native Americans referred to this monument as the "Circle of Painted Cliffs." Shaped like a giant coliseum, it boasts an impressive height of 2,000 feet and deep inside you'll see a wide variety of geographic features, including arches, columns and stone spires.
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Antelope Island State Park
You'll feel like you've taken a step back into the wild west when you drive across Antelope Island and take in its diverse wildlife, including deer, antelope, coyotes and even American bison. The bison were introduced to the island in 1893 and now have a population of over 600 animals.
Photo credit: Shutterstock
Rainbow Bridge National Monument
According to Utah.com, Rainbow Bridge measures almost as long as a football field and is taller than the nation's capitol. It's the biggest naturally-occuring bridge in the world and is accessible by foot and horseback. Or, view it by boat from the surface of Lake Powell.
Photo credit: Shutterstock
Bear Lake
The first thing people notice on approaching Bear Lake is its deep blue color afforded by limestone deposits suspended in the lake. With well-maintained campgrounds, a visit to Bear Lake offers entertainment opportunities for the whole family.
Photo credit: Flickr, Todd Petrie
Calf Creek Falls near Escalante
If you're up for a moderately difficult hike, you can enjoy a visit to well-shaded and picturesque Calf Creek Falls. Roundtrip, the hike is 5-1/2 miles and has little elevation change, but the trail is sandy, making walking difficult at times. The name comes from the use early settlers put the canyon to. The natural pasture created by the box canyon provided the perfect place to hold and protect newly-weaned calves.
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Great Salt Lake
No list of spectacular views in Utah could be complete without a mention of the Great Salt Lake. Sunsets on the lake are especially breathtaking and it's a popular destination for sailboaters. Swimmers will be surprised by their extra buoyancy when they float in the lake. It has a salinity level of about 12 percent, which is much higher than the average 3.5 percent salinity of the world's oceans.
Photo credit: Shutterstock
Visit Utah.com to plan your vacation to one of these or other spectacular Utah destinations.