Utah

What happens in Las Vegas… comes with you to Utah

Published

1 year ago

August 5, 2023

What happens in Las Vegas… comes with you to Utah

Make a road trip through Utah truly unforgettable. Photo / Supplied

Explore exhilarating landscapes, ancient civilisations and boundless outdoor activities. With national and state parks, Navajo cliffs and famous monuments, this Utah roadie is definitely a joyride, writes Ivy Carruth.

An aerial view over the orange-hued landscape in Utah. Photo / Supplied

We’re in Las Vegas for one night only before we hightail it to Utah’s vermillion-hued topography. There are four of us, each ready to command our own separate and unique vehicle. “My word! Look at the size of that BEAST!” I blurt as we pass Cruise America, where a not-so-tiny army of RVs gleam in the omnipresent sun-glare of Sin City. Like soldiers, they rest in a formation that speaks of readiness. Thankfully, we booked ahead through DriveNow, because campervans are in hot demand.

Our plan is to meet at 9.30 at a petrol station by the interstate, where we can easily begin our campervan convoy up I-15N. Except it takes longer than anticipated – much, much longer – as there is all manner of [very important] minutiae to take note of while collecting our ride. We learn how to hook up to power, how to use the water pump and how long our showers should be (three minutes). We learn how to empty our sewage and use the generator. Hot tips here: Record the walk-through on video; use your phone. When you’re out in no man’s land, you don’t want to be mixing up which end of the hose connects to the sewer and which one connects to the tank. Also, you can pay in advance not to have to empty your own muckety-muck if that’s something that you might find a worthwhile expense – like me.

Utah road trip: looking at the route ahead. Photo / Supplied

A few hours behind schedule, we meet up. The first few things in the itinerary are shot, but that’s the beauty of making our own way; it really doesn’t matter. We take some more time to compare our respective rides. Maree’s is sleek and urbane; it wouldn’t be out of place ferrying around the Prime Minister. Shelley’s is more in the style of Euro-backpacker-chic; its agility and nimbleness winning out over comfort and good looks. Mine is the one I called “the beast”. At almost eight metres long, it’s as big as a sizeable New York City apartment (and fitted out as nicely as one) and sleeps six. Jocelyn’s is similar to mine if a few years older and with a smart interior layout and TV. We settle on our place in the convoy with nimble Shelley up front, the Prime Minister next, my Manhattan sublet third and bringing up the rear, Jocelyn’s comfy caboose.

Snaking our way through Utah, this has to be the best view in town. Photo / Supplied

Snaking our way into Utah is a breeze, and the scenery gives way to scrubby grey brush before turning to amber, mandarin and rust. Utah is home to five national parks and 43 state parks, so even if you’re not in one, you’re near one. We’ve only got a week, so we’ll get to far fewer than that, but not for lack of trying.

Our first stop is Snow Canyon State Park, only two hours from the Vegas strip. We’ve booked e-bikes to explore. Having never been on an e-bike, I’m secretly lacking some enthusiasm, but when we actually hop on these two-wheeled magic carpets, they practically propel themselves. We tear through the beauty of carmine escarpments, wind in our hair and smiles that won’t stop. It’s hot, around 32C, but the breeze is a liberation. We see rattlesnakes coiled, their cautioning clatter an auditory reminder when we inadvertently get too close. We also happen upon a dinner-plate-sized Mohave Desert Tortoise, which leaves even the ranger a bit open-mouthed since they’re critically endangered. The desert is thrumming with neon wildflowers and insouciant welcome; this is a must-see and will become my favourite stop on the journey. Don’t miss the trail markers that point out prehistoric petroglyph sites.

Enjoy many starry nights on a Utah road trip. Photo / Supplied

After a solid night’s sleep and a quick brekkie at “Jocelyn’s dinette”, we journey an hour further up I-15N to one of America’s most beloved National Parks, the mighty Zion. Visited by more than five million people annually, the queue for entry was still unexpected, especially after the ease of Snow Canyon’s admittance. If you want to conquer the infamous Angel’s Landing, you’ll need to apply for a coveted permit via lottery on the day prior to your aspirational trek. Last year, about 200,000 were issued. The closest you can get to Angel’s Landing without a permit is Scout’s Lookout, which is still quite arduous. We chose the supremely accessible Pa’rus Trail (5.6km return) instead and make our way down to the historic Zion Lodge for icecream.

Enjoy a two-hour guided horseriding tour in Bryce Canyon National Park. Photo / Supplied

Two hours northeast of Zion, Bryce Canyon National Park is much less slick and produced than Zion, Bryce is laid back and has a more Western Americana feel to it. We’re feeling excited because we’ve booked into a two-hour guided horse riding tour that will take us 300 metres into the canyon’s pristine alpine forest and out again. Our guide is quite obviously not a morning person, and some of the horses are mules, but we have a terrific time, and I’d recommend it as the easiest way to appreciate the majesty of the canyon. Bryce marks one end of Utah’s Scenic Byway 12, which was named second in the world’s 10 most beautiful highways. Number one? Milford Road, New Zealand, of course.

Monument Valley crosses Utah and Arizona’s state lines and is managed by the Navajo Nation on whose land it sits. Photo / Supplied

The next day we amble slowly along the Twelve and make our way up toward Capitol Reef National Park; it bookends the other end of the Byway. We stop for photos, bakeries and hikes. The panorama changes dramatically from the reds of the canyons and mushroom-esque hoodoos to fields of Pinyon Pine and patches of snow. It looks like a Christmas movie here; we rug up. When night falls, its velvet void is blacker than a raven’s feathers. Capitol Reef was designated an International Dark Sky Park in 2015.

The darkest nights shine brightest in Utah. Photo / Supplied

We have only a few more days left on our trip before we make the drive back to Vegas, so we hurry to make the most of them. At Natural Bridges National Monument (200km drive from Capitol Reef), a 15-kilometre loop is self-guided. Owachomo Bridge is the most accessible, and the oldest of the three landmarks, and the hike to the bottom takes just 20 minutes for some stunning up-close angles. Edge of the Cedars State Park, on a prehistoric Puebloan (Anasazi) architectural site, is a scant hour away and uniquely impressive. Examples of archaeoastronomy hint at a culture well aware of celestial influences, though they lived in stone huts and underground kivas – visitors are encouraged to explore the ruins.

At Natural Bridges National Monument, a 15-kilometre loop is self-guided. Photo / Supplied

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park (3 hours southwest) is like travelling to Mars, and it’s fitting that this is our last day. The setting for countless John Wayne movies, Monument Valley crosses the Utah/Arizona state lines and is managed by the Navajo Nation on whose land it sits. The (seemingly) desolate landscape of flat desert is punctuated with sudden monoliths that seem to spring from nowhere. There are 11 numbered stops, but don’t miss the Mitten buttes and John Ford’s Point. You can enter and drive yourself, but a guided tour is the better choice so you’ll know what you’re seeing and its geological and cultural significance. This is one of the most photographed and visited sites in Utah, so there may be a wait. Bring water, a hat and most definitely your patience.

And just like that, it’s finished. A six-hour drive back to Vegas is at the other end of breakfast, but I’m not even dreading it. Far from being an arduous slog, the driving was the highlight of many highlights on this trip. The cab was a front-row seat to a spectacle of scenery. Mule deer. Slot canyons. Sublime spans of stone like a ribbon curving skyward. Utah, I’ll be back, and I’m bringing a beast.

For more to do, see visitutah.com

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Utah

Golden Knights Secure 5-2 Win Against Utah | Vegas Golden Knights

Published

5 hours ago

September 28, 2024

Press Room

Golden Knights Secure 5-2 Win Against Utah | Vegas Golden Knights

The Vegas Golden Knights topped the Utah Hockey Club, 5-2, in their third game of the 2024-25 preseason on Friday night at T-Mobile Arena.

HOW IT WENT DOWNThe Golden Knights fell into a two-goal deficit early in the second period, but goals from Alex Pietrangelo and Jack Eichel brought Vegas back to even heading into the third period. In the third, Pavel Dorofeyev netted one from the slot for the eventual game-winner and Keegan Kolesar followed up with a goal of his own just 29 seconds later. Ivan Barbashev added a late goal as Vegas took the 5-2 win.

ATTENDANCE: 17,561

LOOKING AHEADVegas will face the Colorado Avalanche in a preseason contest on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. PT at Ball Arena. Watch on TNT, TruTV, and MAX or listen along on FOX Sports Las Vegas 98.9/1340.

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Utah

Utah Tourism Industry honors 2024 Hall of Fame inductees – Utah Business

Published

14 hours ago

September 27, 2024

Press Room

Utah Tourism Industry honors 2024 Hall of Fame inductees – Utah Business

Layton, UT — The Utah Office of Tourism (UOT) and the Utah Tourism Industry Association (UTIA) honored the 2024 Utah Tourism Hall of Fame inductees at the Utah Tourism Conference in Davis County.

The Utah Tourism Hall of Fame recipients are selected based on their history of contributions to the state’s tourism industry through leadership and long-standing contributions to their region or to the entire state. This year’s inductees include recently retired UOT Managing Director Vicki Varela, Visit Salt Lake CEO Kaitlin Eskelson, political consultant Des Barker and Temple Square Hospitality legend Neil Wilkinson.

“This year’s group of Hall of Fame inductees have left their mark on Utah and earned our industry’s deepest gratitude and appreciation,” said Natalie Randall, managing director of the Utah Office of Tourism. “All Utahans have benefitted from their dedication to elevating the visitor economy.”

Beginning in 1985, the Hall of Fame has recognized 131 recipients who have contributed toward improving the national/international recognition of the positive aspects of vacationing in Utah, improved the understanding of Utah residents regarding the attractions of their state and the economic development benefits of tourism for the state, and facilitated efforts of improving the business climate for tourism-related businesses in Utah.

“The Utahns who make a living in our industry can often credit a mentor for helping them get to where they are now. All four of these inductees have greatly enhanced the careers and lives of many in our state,” said UTIA Executive Director Celina Sinclair. “Vicki, Kaitlin, Des and Neil are all legendary figures in the local tourism world and an inspiration to the current and future generations of tourism leaders.”

More on the 2024 Utah Tourism Hall of Fame Recipients:

Vicki Varela, Former Managing Director, Utah Office of Tourism

When she retired from her position as Managing Director of the Utah Office of Tourism last February, Varela left as one of the office’s most recognized leaders. Her 11-year tenure at the helm of the state’s tourism efforts has been called the most prosperous in UOT’s history.

Varela’s accomplishments include:

Launching the Mighty Five® campaign, elevating Utah’s global brand presence
Establishing the Red Emerald Strategic Plan to create and protect Utah travel experiences that are distinctive, unique to Utah and highly coveted
Encouraging responsible recreation by visitors and residents with the Forever Mighty campaign
Keeping Utah’s National Parks open during multiple federal government shutdowns
Leading a faster rebound from the negative impacts of COVID-19 than competing states
In 2016, was named US Travel’s State Tourism Director of the Year
In 2022, was honored as the Salt Lake Chamber’s ATHENA Award recipient

Kaitlin Eskelson, President & CEO, Visit Salt Lake

Kaitlin Eskelson has been very busy since becoming Visit Salt Lake’s President & CEO in 2020. From involvement with expansions at the SLC International Airport, the National Hockey League’s arrival in Utah, to the 2034 Winter Olympics Announcement, Eskelson has been very much in the mix for Salt Lake’s dynamic tourism scene. Under her leadership, Salt Lake County has enjoyed a seven-fold increase in overnight room bookings, generating millions of dollars in Utah’s economy. Launching Sports Salt Lake, creating transit solutions for the Cottonwood Canyons and bringing back the Outdoor Retailer trade shows to the Salt Palace; all just a few major accomplishments Eskelson has added to her resume.

Des Barker, longtime political consultant, former Development Director, Park City Chamber

Des Barker, a longstanding and well-known political consultant, is a frequent face on Utah’s Capitol Hill. In addition to running his own consulting business, Barker spent years working in public service and education. He was formerly the Business and Economic Development Director for the Park City Chamber and also served on the University of Utah College of Social and Behavioral Science board. In the local tourism space, Barker has made his mark in ways that many do not see. The Tourism Works Political Action Committee, the Tourism Marketing Performance Fund and the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Fund are all products of Barker’s work as a political advocate for the Utahns who depend on tourism.

Neil Wilkinson, Former Director of Marketing, Hospitality, Temple Square

For over 25 years, Wilkinson was as much a part of the Temple Square experience as the dinner rolls at The Lion House. As both the Director of Marketing and later the Director of Hospitality at Temple Square, Neil served an integral role in creating memorable moments for the many visitors who made a trip to one of Utah’s most popular attractions. Wilkinson also made an impact among his peers. A long list of tourism officials and leaders credit Wilkinson as a valuable mentor, particularly during his time as the President of the Utah Tourism Industry Association’s Board of Directors.

About Utah Tourism Industry Association (UTIA): The Utah Tourism Industry Association, formally the Utah Tourism Industry Coalition, started over 12 years ago and serves as the umbrella organization and advocate for Utah’s visitor economy. As a 501c6 nonprofit organization, UTIA strives to deliver exceptional value to its members ranging from a variety of tourism sectors. Offered are various member-driven public policy initiatives, business networking opportunities, marketing programs and educational offerings all to help members and the tourism industry succeed today and in the future. UTIA has been long-recognized as the tourism industry’s home base for education, advocacy and networking. UTIA makes it so “Tourism Works.” Learn more at utahtourism.org

About the Utah Office of Tourism (UOT): The Utah Office of Tourism’s (UOT) mission is to elevate life in Utah through responsible tourism stewardship. We do this through marketing, stewardship and development. Marketing: UOT curates messaging that inspires visitation, supports local businesses and builds the Utah economy. Stewardship: UOT manages visitation statewide and supports the responsible discovery of Utah. Development: UOT partners with local communities to enhance and develop their visitor economies to benefit residents and visitors. Learn more at visitutah.com and travel.utah.gov

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Utah

No. 10 Utah vs. Arizona: How to Watch, Game Time and TV

Published

22 hours ago

September 27, 2024

Press Room

No. 10 Utah vs. Arizona: How to Watch, Game Time and TV

In a highly anticipated Week 5 college football matchup, the Arizona Wildcats will take on the No. 10 Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City.

The Utes enter the game as 12.5-point favorites, riding momentum from a narrow 22-19 win over Oklahoma State in Week 4. Utah’s mobile quarterback Isaac Wilson and their powerful running game, led by Micah Bernard, are expected to dominate against an Arizona defense that has struggled against mobile quarterbacks. The Utes are projected to surpass 200 yards on the ground, and their offensive prowess should lead to multiple touchdowns, possibly five or more, as they aim for a decisive win.

This game carries a particular sense of revenge for Utah, as Arizona not only defeated them last season, but also ran up the score with a controversial touchdown in the final seconds of the game. The Utes are a proud team, and that bitter memory will likely fuel their desire to overpower the Wildcats on their home turf.

Arizona, coming off a 31-7 loss to Kansas State in Week 3, had a bye week to recover. Freshman quarterback Noah Fifita has shown potential, while wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan has been a standout player with NFL potential. However, Arizona’s offensive line has underperformed, which could be a significant issue against Utah’s deeper and stronger roster.

Utah’s Brant Kuithe throws shade at OSU fans after big win: “It wasn’t loud at all”

With the Utes holding a 26-20-2 advantage in the all-time series, and the over/under set at 50.5 points, fans are expecting an exciting game where Utah looks poised to bounce back and assert dominance over Arizona.

Saturday, Sept 28

No. 10 Utah vs. Arizona

Kickoff: 10:15 p.m. ET

TV: ESPN (Available on FuboTV)

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