Utah is the best state in the USA for outdoor enthusiasts. With five national parks, eight national monuments, and a whole lot more to discover, it has everything you need for an action-packed vacation. If you want to find out more about Utah, and why it is called The Beehive State, here are a few fascinating facts and some interesting information so you can arrive ready for your vacation well-informed and prepared to entertain your travel companions.
What’s the meaning of the name, ‘Utah’?
There are two possibilities for the name ‘Utah.’ The first is that it comes from the Apache word ‘yuttahih’, which means ‘to be higher up.’ It could also come from the Native American tribe called the ‘Ute’ tribe, which means the people of the mountains. This is an indigenous group of people who lived in the region before the settlement of Europeans.
Why is Utah the Beehive State?
Utah’s nickname is the ‘Beehive State,’ but this is not because it has lots of beehives. Instead, the symbol of the beehive was chosen in 1848 because bees represent perseverance and industry.
This deeper historical meaning behind the nickname comes from the beehive symbol the Mormon settlers chose in 1848, even before Utah even became a territory. They chose it to represent the hard work and cooperation they believed would be necessary to build a successful community in the harsh environment in the area. Bees are known for working as a team in nature, which, for the Mormons’, made them the perfect symbol of the pioneer spirit.
So, while Utah Beehive State might not be the honey capital of the world, the beehive remains a significant symbol for the state, appearing on its flag, seal, and even the governor’s residence, which is nicknamed the “Beehive House”.
The natural beauty of Utah Beehive
Utah is the 11th largest state in the USA at 84,900 square miles. It is home to six national parks, six national forests, and eight national monuments. It is famous for its rock formations, one of the most well-known of which is Rainbow Bridge, a 290-foot natural stone arch that is the largest of its kind in the world.
It is also home to the Great Salt Lake, which is up to five times saltier than the sea and was discovered in 1824 by Jim Bridger.
The state has many mighty peaks, including Kings Peak in the Uinta Mountains, which is the highest at 13,528 feet. The average height of the peaks is over 11,000 feet, which is the highest average in the USA.
Things to do in this popular vacation hotspot
Partly because of its beautiful natural scenery, Utah has become a popular destination for vacations. Outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to its national parks and excellent resorts where skiing and snowboarding are popular in the winter, and hiking, biking, and other outdoor pursuits are popular in the summer months.
Utah is a state blessed with stunning natural beauty and there are plenty of vacation hotspots to add to your bucket list. From red rock canyons to towering mountains and vast deserts, they are all equally impressive as Utah Beehive once again proves it has it all. Here are some of the most popular sites:
- Zion National Park: Zion National Park is a hiker’s paradise, with towering sandstone cliffs, emerald pools, and cascading waterfalls. You can choose to hike the Narrows, a slot canyon carved by the Virgin River, or take in the views from the Canyon Overlook Trail.
- Arches National Park: Home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, Arches National Park is a photographer’s dream. Make sure you have your hiking boots so you can trek to Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, or Double Arch to see these geological wonders up close.
- Bryce Canyon National Park: Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for its hoodoos, which are tall and thin rock spires that were formed by erosion. Choose to hike the Navajo Loop or Queens Garden Trail and be greeted by stunning views of the canyon.
- Moab: Moab is a town surrounded by red rock desert, and is a great base for exploring Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Dead Horse Point State Park. Here you can go hiking, biking, rafting, or off-roading in this adventure wonderland for a camping road trip to remember.
- Monument Valley: Monument Valley is a Navajo tribal park on the border of Utah and Arizona. It’s known for its iconic buttes and mesas, which are so impressive they have been featured in many movies and TV shows. It is advisable to book a jeep tour or guided hike to get the best views on offer here.
Utah is a healthy vacation destination
The local population of Utah is made up of mainly English descent, but it also includes people of German, Danish, Mexican, and Native American descent. It has one of the longest average lifetimes in the USA at over 77 years, and it also has the highest literacy rate. There are several factors likely contributing to this:
Healthy Lifestyle:
- Strong Family Values: Utah populations put a lot of focus on family and community, which can lead to social support networks that encourage healthy habits. They know that to keep a healthy lifestyle they have to stay social.
- Outdoor Recreation: Utah’s stunning natural landscapes and abundance of outdoor activities promote physical activity in nature and fresh air. As we already know, being in nature is wonderful for wilderness therapy and your mental health.
- Diet: Many Utahns follow religious dietary guidelines that can often promote healthy eating habits, like limiting sugary drinks and processed foods. Follow their example and you could find yourself refreshed from your visit in more ways than one!
Education:
- Mormon Influence: Many Utahns attend church-affiliated universities which may contribute to a culture of educational attainment and lifelong learning.
- Public Education Funding: Utah spends slightly above the national average on public education [1], which will inevitably influence the health and wellness of the local population.
Other influencing factors:
- Low Smoking Rates: Utah has some of the lowest smoking rates in the country [2], which is a major contributor to a longer lifespan. So if you feel like you might want to give up your habit, a vacation in Utah might take you away from temptations and get you started on a healthier journey.
- Safety: Utah boasts relatively low crime rates, contributing to a sense of well-being and potentially less stress.
Famous residents of Utah
Several famous people have come from Utah over the years. These include Willard Marriott, who founded the hotel chain, the outlaw Butch Cassidy, the singers Donny & Marie Osmond, the actress Loretta Young, and the firearms designer John Moses Browning.
Discover Utah Beehive State for yourself
If that has captured your attention, there is only one thing for it: Book your trip to Utah Beehive State today! A vacation here is the perfect way to discover the best of the USA’s wild and rugged natural areas, whether you want to hike in the national parks or go glamping at Under Canvas.
Glamping America: In Cabins, Treehouses, Trailers And Under Canvas
Whether you decide to go glamping, camping or opt for a campervan or RV road trip, start planning your trip to this fascinating state and discover it all for yourself.
Footnote about Utah Beehive State:
While these factors likely play a role, more research is needed to fully understand the reasons behind Utah’s high health and education rankings, as mentioned above. Here are some sources for further reading:
[1] Public Education Funding by State: https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d16/tables/dt16_236.15.asp [2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Smoking and Tobacco Use in Utah: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/index.htmHave you considered going glamping? Have you heard about the growing trend in the USA about setting up a glamping business?
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