In Two Weeks

Even 2 weeks is not enough time to see all that Utah has to offer, but we can say that in 14 days you'll be able to see a little bit of everything. This tour assumes you're flying in and out of Salt Lake City and renting a car. If, on the other hand, you don't need to return to the state capital, you'll have extra time to explore the national parks.

Days 1-2 Salt Lake City

Your first stop after arriving in Salt Lake City -- after you've caught your breath -- should be Temple Square, world headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). In addition to the majestic church buildings, the square houses lovely gardens and statuary, and visitor centers with exhibits on the church's history and beliefs. If possible, attend a performance of the renowned Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Before leaving the city, drop in at the Beehive House, built in 1854 as church leader Brigham Young's family home, and the Museum of Church History and Art.

Day 3: Park City

Drive to the Old West mining town of Park City, where in winter you can hit the slopes at one of three fine ski resorts. In summer, stop at the Utah Olympic Park, built for the 2002 Olympics. It's open year-round for tours. Next, go downtown to the Park City Museum of History & Territorial Jail and pick up a copy of the Park City Main Street Historic Walking Tour brochure, which leads you to 45 buildings and historic sites that have managed to survive fires, hard times, and "progress" through the decades.

Day 4: Heber Valley Historic Railroad

A short, pretty drive from Park City, the 100-year-old excursion train in Heber City is your ticket to Utah's past. Rides ranging from 1 1/2 to 3 hours are offered on both steam and vintage diesel trains.

Day 5: Price

Discover a different sort of history in Price, which began as a railroad and coal-mining town but is now best known for its dinosaurs. The CEU Prehistoric Museum, operated by the College of Eastern Utah, showcases huge skeletons of an allosaurus, a Utah raptor, and an odd-looking duck-billed prosaurolophus. Then, if time permits, drive about 35 miles out of town to the Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry, where you'll see excavations and bones left by more than 70 dinosaurs.

Days 6-8: Arches National Park & Moab

Famous for its massive sandstone formations, this area boasts two national parks and the lively town of Moab. Canyonlands National Park is a wonderful adventure, but Arches National Park is far more accessible. The countless natural stone arches, towers, and walls look as if they were sculpted by an artist's hand. Stop at the visitor center, enjoy the scenic drive, and walk a few trails. If time remains, head to nearby Scott M. Matheson Wetlands Preserve, a lush river oasis that attracts more than 200 species of birds plus river otters, beavers, and muskrats.

Days 9-10: Capitol Reef National Park

This well-kept secret offers brilliantly colored and unexpectedly shaped rock formations, along with a variety of historic sites and even an orchard. The Fremont River feeds a lush oasis in this otherwise barren land; in fact, 19th-century pioneers found the soil so fertile that they established the town of Fruita, named for the orchards they planted. Today you can explore the buildings and even pick fruit in season. Hikers should look for the rock wall where pioneers "signed in," and explore canyons that were a favorite hide-out of famed outlaw Butch Cassidy.

Days 11-13: Bryce Canyon National Park

It's an amazingly scenic drive down Utah 12 to Bryce Canyon, our favorite national park, where you'll see thousands of intricately shaped hoodoos, those mysterious rock formations. Drive along the scenic route, stopping at the aptly named Inspiration Point. Then hit the colorful Queen's Garden Trail, named for a formation that resembles Britain's Queen Victoria, or take a leisurely stroll along the Rim Trail for some spectacular views.

Day 14: Back to Salt Lake City

It's a long drive back to Salt Lake City, but, if time permits, plan a stop in Provo to explore some fine museums, especially the excellent Museum of Art on the campus of Brigham Young University.