Quintessentially Utah

Life, Absolutely Elevated

Utah. Home to five National Parks, with almost half the land belonging to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), it’s a boon for adventure tourism. The rugged and charming landscapes call to those of us with a longing for discovery. The pull is irresistible.

I wasn’t born in Utah. Originally Battle-Born, I grew up in the aridest state in the US: Nevada. I didn’t always love it here, either; I didn’t know what the state truly had to offer. So, over the years, I wandered from my comfort zone more often, finding surprises around every bend. Now, I’m addicted.

A small recreation area hosts a sea of sagebrush and ancient stone formations near my home. They’re not the crimson you might be expecting; instead, they’re sandy in both texture and color. My shoes grip the grains easily as I navigate the Jurassic terrain.

I find crisp air, sprawling meadows, and lush forests of aspen, fir, and pine in the mountains. If I climb high enough, I can see the carved canyons of white stone leading to the valley below.

In the meadows, shaggy, white dogs guard flocks of sheep from black bears, cougars, and coyotes. Raised with the herd, they’re comfortable here—a family.

Tucked away in the secret corners of Southern Utah are formations as vibrant and red as any seen in more famous National Parks. The stone’s surface is smooth and pocketed, looking almost melted after eons of water erosion. The sunsets in striking gold.

Outlaws once hid among the chiseled sandstone of San Rafael Swell, taking advantage of the maze of canyons within. Dark clouds roll in, increasing the risk of wandering down below. A rainstorm could bring with it flash floods, like those in which many a hiker, miner, and pioneer have died.

The mountainous Southwest boasts many locations for high-elevation adventure. Climbing a winding trail through manzanita and cacti, I seek the viewpoint. Below me, hillsides, basins, and mesas stretch back to the horizon, where Zion National Park peaks back at me.

I can’t help but feel grateful for the home I chose, a place of space and varied environments. Looking out at the desert below me, begging to be explored, my only problem seems to be finding time to see it all. My life here, in this beautiful state, is absolutely elevated.

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