You know… Utah sometimes gets a bad rap with the media and entertainment folk. And for a good reason. We’re weird here.
We can’t buy alcohol on Sunday in most towns. We will never have an NFL team because them Mormon-folk don’t do stuff on Sundays. We have billion dollar shopping malls that freak out if you show a tattoo. We get all excited when we see anybody with brown skin. We suck at paying our teachers a living salary. We drive liberals out of town with pitch forks and torches. And we still shoot people who get the death penalty.
But I’ll tell you this much… you can’t beat living here when it comes to the outdoors. It doesn’t matter what season it is, Utah delivers some of the most spectacular opportunity for beauty, relaxation, and recreation. Within minutes you can leave your front door and be experiencing things that most people only get to see on Pinterest.
And no, Utah didn’t pay me to say that. They don’t have to. Every serious outdoor enthusiast knows about Utah.
For those of us outdoors folk who actually live here, there’s a damn good reason for it. And I intend to show you all, one picture and one adventure at a time, why Utah really is the greatest place on earth. And with that intro, I hereby start my “Why I Live in Utah” Series.
I mean… you may be able to purchase beer that actually has alcohol in it, but I get to walk out of my front door and within a couple minutes be looking at one of my favorite sights ever.
Click to enlarge and see the actual awesome colors of this photo. Taken at the bottom of the hill that I live on, six minutes from my front door.
Click to enlarge and see the actual awesome colors of this photo. Taken from my mom 's side yard on Sunday. No joke.
Snow-capped spring mountains. You know… when the mountains are completely green and a fresh dumping of snow shows up on top during the night. There aren’t a lot of places where you’ll see that, and even here it only happens once every year or two.
And that is why I live in Utah.
Dan Pearce, Single Dad Laughing
PS. Have you ever been to Utah? Do you believe your state can compete with mine? What do you love about your state?
PPS. Please don’t tell anybody in Utah I’m a liberal. If you do, I will make you pay for the pitchfork holes in my bum.
PPPS. As part of this series, I’m also going to share the high resolution photos with you… you know, in case you wanna make ‘em your desktop background or print ‘em or something. To download the first photo, click here (2.9 MB). To download the second photo, click here (4.1 MB). Non-commercial use only, please.
We have lived in so many places bc we are a military family. We recently left Tampa, Fl. for a new experience in UT. We have lived from MD to AZ. We've had the opportunity to exeprience so many cultures and have loved every minute of it. My heart is in love with D.C. My pocket book, NY. But, I will always call these Mountains Mine! They are simply breathtaking! I jump each time I glance in the rearview mirror to change lanes and find myself in awe of these Rocky Mountains. Not to mention this is by far, HANDS DOWN, the BEST place to raise a family! I LOVE UT!!! I LOVE the change of seasons, there are 4 instead of 1 or 2. This part of the world is truly blessed! Thank You UT for such kind warm ppl & keeping your beauty beautiful. It's obvious what y'all appreciate here!
Utah looks gorgeous, but I will stick to temperate regions like Florida or Hawaii. Keep sending those pictures coming, though!
I LOVE Utah!! My family and I come out at least once a year to ski Deer Valley (and occasionally Canyons), and every year it gets harder and harder to leave! I want to move there!!
I went to Bording school in Oakley, UT and the beauty out there is amazing!!! I loved every season out there!! I went on the best hikes!!! aw man and the view from the gondolas going up The Canyons is the best!!! Do you live out east of Park City? this view looks vary similar to the one I had out in Oakley.
I lived in Utah...in SLC...twice. Enjoyed the people, the nature, the vibrancy of it all. I was the token "brown" person on my block both times in my neighborhood, but it didn't really bother me at all. I did find a lovely church family and if it weren't for the fact that I had a bad marriage and no family support there, I'd still most likely be there. I miss Utah a lot, and extol its' beauty and magnificence to folks all the time.
The view from your hill is fantastic...looks like Little Cottonwood Canyon.
I've lived in Utah since I was four, though the people ARE indeed crazy, I don't think I could live anywhere else. The air in the mountains, and since camping and hiking are two of my fave things I smell it a lot, you just can't find that anywhere else. The only place I've found that even comes close is the Scottish Highlands, but the people there are really hard to understand. You know you're speaking the same language but you really can't make out a word. As long as I can put up with judgement, and I've gotten pretty good at it; have a tattoo, yes I know I'm a HUGE failure, blah, blah, blah. P.S. I'm a liberal too, shhh, don't tell anyone. And I don't go to church, EVER, and I don't force my kids to go, and, GASP, I have a tattoo and I plan to get more. But it's beautiful here, and when you find your niche, and your circle of people, it really is an awesome state.
I want to live in Utah soooo badly, that I can taste it! I've been researching and dreaming about the possibilities for over a year now and my family is willing if I'm able. Our interests and personalities would be such a great match. There is nothing keeping us here in Philadelphia, PA; and frankly, I'm sick of this city. It works for others; but born and raised here, I've seen it all and had enough. I want to retire there (Utah) some day and die old there with my someday great grandchildren at my bedside! lol
@RhondaBey1 I'm from Santa Monica, Ca, been living in Salt Lake since 05' by myself with no support. I know this area like the back of my hand. I miss the ocean so much, but honestly I think I like the mountains more! If you ever make it down here let me know and I'll show you around
I visited Utah twice for work training. I'm from just outside Philadelphia, PA. Around here you have to drive for an hour or so just to see a mountain. Sometimes you don't even realize you have driven to the top of the mountain until your there. One of the first things I noticed when I got off the plane was the stunning mountain view. Turning in place the view was just incredible. On the first trip I went for the most amazing Skiing trip of my life. Even skiing through 4 feet of powder which was up to my chest. On the second trip, in the summer, I went hiking on the same mountain top. Just amazing.
I've travelled to many states, but I've never been to Utah. I will add it to my list of places to visit. You should come visit Canada, it is beautiful here too. And here in Ontario, there is a lot of great stuff to do!! My favourite state that I have visited is Maine. We climbed Mt Katadan. It was beautiful!!!
I'm living in Idaho, a Pennsylvanian by birth. Visited Utah recently, and I can't really say it was any prettier than any other western state I've been to, just a different flavor of pretty. I identify more and more with liberals everyday, because apparently you have to be borderline fascist to be a conservative these days. Wish I was kidding. I can identify, although the Idaho panhandle is a but more politically integrated. I feel western Washington calling my name when I finish my degree.
I like the people in Utah, and no, I'm not a Mormon. I'll admit as a teenager I wanted to get out of there, but now I think everyone there is super friendly and I miss it. I mean, nowhere else I've lived have my neighbors dropped by with brownies just cus I was moving in. Ha ha. We will be visiting Utah the next few weeks, so excited to go back!
I LOVE Utah. My husband and I are both from there, and love the outdoors. He joined the Army and they moved us to KS, not to bad, but after that... Texas, not just Texas, El Paso Texas. We don't even have grass here. Ugh. But, we will be moving to Alaska, I will be sooo happy to be able to enjoy mountains and the outdoors again! Mountains are just therapeutic to us. I miss Utah, and the people really aren't as bad as you make them out to be. I have multiple tattoos, piercings, my husband and I drink, we're liberal, ect. Everyone has always been very nice to us.
Funny!!! I was Born in S.L.C. Then my folks moved us to Idaho! GADS! Not much better! I tell people I'm a "blue" girl in a "red" state... yea for smee!
You don't have to live in Utah to appreciate the immense beauty of the mountains there. My former boyfriend lives in Pocatello, ID. My first trip out to visit him, I flew into SLC. I had a VERY difficult time keeping my emotions in check as I gorged myself on the amazing vistas the landscape between SLC and Pokey provided. I took SO many pictures of just the mountains on my various trips to the area, most folks looking at my vacation pictures laughed at me. I'd say about 80-85% of the pictures I took during each of my four trips out there were of the mountains. :D My boyfriend laughed at my enthrallment with the mountains in Utah/Southeastern Idaho). I told him (my ex-bf), the day after I arrived on that first trip, that if I lived there, I would be awestruck every single morning waking up. He just shrugged. I still miss those mountains (between the Utah mountains, the sprawling Snake River Valley in Southeastern Idaho, and the Grand Tetons, I would be one awestruck woman for life if I lived there). :)
I would give up shopping on Sunday, any day to be able to sit down to eat without someone smoking next to me. Or to be able to walk into any building and be able to breath, for that matter. I love the "No Smoking" in any public building law. Now we just have to work on any public area. Hate walking behind smokers, especially when I can't go a different route.
Beautiful! I seriously would not have ever guessed. I live smack-dab in the midwest. Lotsa flatland and grain fields. Do they allow tourists in Utah? :-)
i love Utah!! now im a Texas girl born and bred, well, i did live in DC for 7yrs as a kid, but that no longer counts at my age...but my dad worked a job detail for a govt agency when i was in HS and i got a chance to go out to Ogdon where he was several times. be-u-ti-ful!!! the snow skiing was amazing, the rafting so fun and the hiking!! id love to go back and take my kids one day...you get get mountains like that here in Texas!!
@JenieJjJohnson Which part of Texas? Guadalupe mountain?
Utah is one of the most beautiful states in the continental US. You are lucky to be there. But, just try to imagine being a liberal in the buckle of the Bible Belt....the conservative stronghold that is Alabama. Also a gorgeous state...yet not the most progressive to say the least.
I lived in Utah for a year and LOVED the outdoor adventure there. I lived in an area that looks very similar to your pics just outside Heber City. I would get 4 days off after 10 working, and it was perfect to be able to go camp at Moab, Canyonlands, Zion, Bryce, and everywhere in between. I'm from Alberta, and there are few places that can compete for my love of here, but Utah definitely has a strong place in my heart!!! So glad you enjoy it for all it's beauty and wonder!!
Leonor, love Southern Utah. Also so beautiful, albeit a totally different kind of beautiful.
Leonor, love Southern Utah. Also so beautiful, albeit a totally different kind of beautiful.
This guy apparently doesn't care what "they" think.
https://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/540538_3979448172867_470091978_n.jpg
I live in Utah and have NOT had bad experiences here. I have always had the most amazing neighbors in all the neighborhoods I've lived in here, LDS or not. I think people find what they're looking for.
I love Utah, but I'm a SoCal gal, born and raised and what I love about my state is that it's so incredibly diverse in so many aspects. The people: it truly is a big melting pot and one of the best places outside of Mexico to find authentic Mexican food that will make you worship the food. Plus, I live an hour from the beach, I live in the mountains, an hour from the ski resorts, an hour from Joshua Tree. We have Glamis Sand Dunes out past Salton Sea, amusement parks, museums, and great shopping from high scale to mom and pop goodies. Where I'm at, even in the summer when it's 115* in the Valley, it's only as high as 90* at my house. Oh, and I live in the middle of an apple growing community (Oak Glen....come check it out for fresh picked apples in the fall and the best Apple Cider Donuts EVER).
@RachelMracek Oh my goodness - I grew up in So Cal and my family and I would travel every fall up to Oak Glen to pick apples! I LOVEd that - and my hubby laughs at me every fall when I start itching for an apple orchard to go pick from! Thanks for reminding me just how awesome So Cal was to grow up in! :-)
I lived in Utah for Kindergarten and First Grade in a little place called Dugway. I remember drives in the desert. My father going to fight fires across the street when there were storms. Going over to the Blackburn's. Getting bit by fire ants. My little brother teaching me to climb trees. My first grade teachers lived across the street (I wouldn't recommend that one if you can avoid it). I remember the military driving around telling to shut our water off, because they were refilling the water towers.
The mountain of Salt in Salt Lake, and how the water always was half burying the fence along the road. The scenic drive that involved smart and dumb cows. Smart ones looked both ways before crossing the road, and dumb ones just laid down in the middle of it.
I remember the camping trips with the Stone's, and one of the kids lost the pan, and and to go for it. I remember being sick all the time (asthma).
I remember a girl named Mara Knight, she was my first best friend ever, and I caught chicken pox from her little sister. Her family wasn't military, but they lived on the base, she moved to another town, and then finally to Washington State, where I lost touch with her, when my family moved to Germany.
Sprained my ankle for the first time in Utah.
Walked over a 1/2 mile to school in Utah.
I remember learning my first swear word in Utah. Mom always said "that" word when the car wasn't behaving right.
Did a Christmas Story with a metal pole in First Grade. Not fun.
I would love to visit some time, stay awhile, visit that lovely repository of Genealogical Gold Mine Information. Camp a bit.
I remember a lot from Utah.
Currently live in Minnesota. Every state has it's ups and downs, every state has it's plus' and minus'. Some could say that 3/4 to a 2/3 of the year is awesome, and the Frozen Tundra isn't. But we chose in some way where we live, and if you don't like it, and you have the power and ability to leave, then make that choice. The United States has 50 states to choose from, and the World is larger than what you TV or Internet makes it seem.
@Kechase I lived in Dugway too, from age 3 to second grade! It was a very odd place with all the military restrictions. In addition to the fire ants and the army, I remember antelope coming into town. Maybe we had the same first grade teacher. Mrs Mestas?
We did, but I had both Mr and Mrs Mestas as my first grade teachers. Mr taught math I believe. They were sad to see us go, were hoping to teach my siblings too!
So many things I dislike about Utah, but hell yeah the mountains make up for it. I commented on Monday that one of the things I love about where I live is that I can drive for 20 minutes, park in a completely packed trail head parking lot, hike for an hour and not run into a single person. And have a great soul refreshing experience while in my special place. If it wasn't for the mountains I would be long gone. But they feed my soul. (and I'm a liberal living in utah county, it's lonely down here)
Well I live in Austrslia (aka the best country in the world).
Utah truly is amazing! I should know; being born and raised in this stunningly beautiful landscape - also known as the "rock climbing capital of the world." Utah really does have a little of everything, from my local red rock desert to the beautiful mountains. :D I love it here and yes... I am also a liberal but Sshh, can't let the word get out. :P
St. George, is pretty awesome too!! Dan, do you hike at Zion's Ntl. Park?
That truly is gorgeous! Thanks God, nature is cool. I have to say that my home state of Washigton is damn beautiful too. Complete with snow capped spring mountains. Holla, Wenatchee, WA!
Grew up in Washington and spent many summers camping near Lake Wenatchee. Best camping ever!
I don't think the place itself sounds weird... maybe just some of the people who live in it!
looks gorgeous! Don't know that i could handle the pitchforks tho lol
British Columbia, Canada!! Beautiful and amazing. I've lived/visited other places but this is this most beautiful and amazing place I've ever been!
Indiana is a beautiful place as well with all of the trees and everything is so green in the right season. In the winter, you find snow covered wooded areas as well as empty fields full of snow. I've lived here my whole life. That is what I like about my state. My mom loves her memories of living in Utah for the scenery. When she talks, sometimes I can see it too even though I've never been.
Great sell! On my list now! Thanks!
Utah... specifically Salt Lake City makes me soooo HAPPY! There's no other place on Earth that I'd rather call home!
I live around the corner from you in Draper. You shouldnt be telling everyone how awesome Utah is!
I'm from Idaho and I've been to Utah. I REFUSE to drive there! You all are crazy drivers!!!
@JennerLReynolds Haha. US?!?!? No way!!! Except for that cement truck driver today that cut me off so that he didn't get stuck behind a tractor. That was pretty awesome.
@Single Dad Laughing Pshaw! Crazy, insane, demented, have-a-death-wish drivers, I tell you! All of you. I'm seriously afraid for my life when we are in Utah. Especially on the freeways! I have to put my hands over my eyes while my husband drives!
@icecreammel Eek! Note taken, and thanks for the heads up. lol
@JennerLReynolds Then don't go to India! Utah looks like the epitome of excellent driving compared to the driving going on over there! There was more then one occasion where I just covered my eyes and prayed!
I really enjoyed my trip to SLC and the Great Salt Lake. Even the kinda creepy girls who take you on the Temple tour. And the FOOD! I was expecting a wasteland like AZ cities not an international gastronomic wonderland!