Utah has so many worthwhile sights and attractions that you'll want to keep coming back for more. Among the highlights of a trip to Utah are its splendid national parks and outdoor attractions; the temples, tabernacles, and historic sites of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; and genuine Old West destinations, from mining towns and steam trains to saloons and shootouts.
Like most people, however, you probably have a limited amount of vacation time. In this chapter we recommend itineraries that let you enjoy the state's major attractions in the time you have allotted. We point out the most efficient routes to those must-see destinations -- in effect, plotting out the best vacation for you, whether you have just 1 week of travel time or more.
The following itineraries are all driving tours; in fact, a motor vehicle -- your own or a rental -- is almost mandatory for anyone who wants to explore Utah. If you plan to visit Salt Lake City only or head to a major resort to ski for a week, you can get by without a car; but many, if not most, of the top destinations here require a bit of a drive.
Fortunately, Utah's well-maintained highways grant you access to most of the places on your itinerary, although not always directly. Utah's a vast state, with its sights and attractions spread out, so you'll end up doing some driving to get from one to another. One consolation is that traffic congestion is practically nonexistent, even in cities. Services along rural highways are often limited, though, so motorists need to keep an eye on fuel levels during long-distance hauls. That hand-painted roadside sign that says NO GAS NEXT 50 MILES may be more accurate than you think.
