21 Amazing Utah Facts That Will Ignite Your Wanderlust

Utah is the 30^th most populous of the 50 states of the United States. It is also the 13^th most extensive state in the country.

The state of Utah’s six bordering states is Colorado, Arizona, Idaho, New Mexico, Wyoming, and Nevada.

Utah has 29 counties, and its capital is Salt Lake City. However, other than these facts, there are many other interesting facts about the state of Utah, which might surprise. 

So, in this article, we will now discuss some interesting facts about Utah.

1. Utah’s name came from the Native American tribe, Ute

The Native American tribe, Ute, has lived here for several centuries, even before the arrival of the first Europeans in America.

While traditionally, the Ute tribe hunted, fished, and collected food, they traded with other Native American tribes and even with the Spanish.

Actually, after they bought horses from the Spanish, how the tribe functioned completely changed. Now, the state has three tribal reservations.

2. Ancient people resided in Zion National Park

Zion National Park is one of the most historically important places in the country. It was the ancestral home of an ancient population known as the Anasazi.

The park is vital because it displays how the country’s geography has changed. It is home to ancient riverbeds that have dried up long ago. One can even find remnants of the ocean that covered the territory once.

3. Utah was the 45^th state

Another interesting fact about Utah is that it was the 45^th state. Though Utah had been a territory of the United States since 1850, it didn’t turn out to be an official part of the Union until 1896. 

The delay in the Statehood of Utah was because of disputes between the Mormon Church, which was headquartered in the region, and the government. In fact, Statehood was allowed when Utah State outlawed polygamy.

4. Salt Lake City is the host of the Sundance Film Festival

One of the world’s most important independent film festivals is the Sundance Film Festival. From horror to comedy films, modern classics from every genre have premiered at this vital Film Festival.

The first festival took place in 1978 and has been a staple in the world of film-making ever since. The film festival is held in Salt Lake City, Sundance Resort, and Park city,

5. The state of Utah has some natural arches at Arches National Park

Arches National Park got its name from the 2000 natural sandstone arches spread around the park. The most famous one among them is affectionately called “Delicate Arch.”

Millions of people visit the park yearly to enjoy hiking around these natural landmarks. 

6. Utah is known as the “Beehive State”

Every state has a nickname. While some of them are fairly obvious, such as Florida being known as the “Sunshine State,” others can be more symbolic.

Utah is famous as the “Beehive State”; however, the reason is not because there are a lot of honey or beekeepers there. Working together to create a community like bees in a beehive is one of the values of this state.

7. Utah is the hub of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

In the 1800s, those who practiced the Mormon religion were persecuted to a great extent. As they weren’t welcome in most states, they actually settled outside of the official Union.

At the time, Utah actually wasn’t a state, which made it a great place to live. Over time, the government and the Mormon church agreed that Utah must become a state.

To separate themselves from the older traditions that the church did not approve, the religion changed its name. Now, it is known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

8. The geography of the State of Utah

Utah State has an interesting geography because it features three distinct landforms. These include the Colorado Plateau, the Rocky Mountains, and the Basin and Ridge Region.

Also, it has some distinguished geographical features, like huge saltwater lakes and salt flats.

This unique geography of Utah makes it of great interest to documentaries and filmmakers. Many famous movies, including The Planet of the Apes, were shot here.

9. In 1847, Mormon settlers arrived

In the 1800s, Mormon settlers first came to the state of Utah. An interesting fact about Utah State is that 1847 saw the largest number of new residents of Utah come to the state.

So many Mormons moved to Salt Lake City then, which has since been known as the “Mormon Migration.” However, many Mormons even traveled further west to today’s Pacific Northwest and Mexico.

10. The state animal of Utah is the elk

Since 1971, the Rocky Mountain Elk has symbolized the state of Utah. It was selected due to the abundance of elk seen in the region. Utah State is the only state in the United States to have the elk as a symbol.

11. The Bonneville Salt Flats are enormous

The Bonneville Salt Flats is mainly a field of densely packed salt, also known as a pan. The salt flats span more than 46 square miles, making them the country’s largest salt flats.

Not only do the flats cover a large area, but they are also very deep, reaching almost five feet below surface level in several areas.

12. Utah has the desert bighorn sheep

The desert bighorn sheep is undoubtedly one of the many interesting and unique land mammals in the American West. These animals are experts in scaling steep mountains that would leave other animals stuck on the ground. 

The population of this bighorn sheep has dipped over the years; however, conservation efforts have shown promising results.

13. It was a part of Laramidia

Laramidia was the name given to the island landmass that was once a vital part of the region when dinosaurs roamed the territory.

Laramidia comprised modern-day Montana, New Mexico, West Texas, Wyoming, and Utah in the United States. Some parts of Mexico, Saskatchewan and Alberta in Canada, were also part of this mass. 

14. The California gull is a state symbol of Utah

Though California might be the common name of this bird, the California gull is one of the state symbols of Utah. In 1955, the gull voted the state bird of Utah.

The settlers’ decimated crops and continued existence in Utah were saved by this bird in 1848. The reason is it ate the crickets that threatened their livelihood.

Due to this historical significance, it was an easy option for a state bird.

15. The sego lily: The state flower of Utah

The sego lily is known as the state flower of Utah. Before the arrival of settlers in the state of Utah, it was a plant sacred to the Native Americans who were the residents of that area. Utah State has seven strains of this specific flower.

However, the white one is the most common. It is so beloved it is even featured on the flag of the state.

16. The highest point in Kings Peak

Though Utah has many flat areas, the entire state’s elevation level is still well above sea level. The lowest point of this region is still over 2000 feet at the Beaver Dam Wash.

The highest elevation point in this state is Kings Peak, which summits 13,528 feet. The mountain is quite a popular destination for tourists, especially hikers, since the easiest route is only 29 miles.

17. Utah State has many national parks

You must plan a trip to Utah if you are a nature lover. Utah has five national parks that have been collectively known as the “Mighty Five.”

Canyonlands, Arches, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, and Zion are all main attractions that are able to draw millions of tourists to the state of Utah every year. There are also more than 40 state parks in Utah. 

18. There are eight Native American tribes

Utah State has been home to indigenous populations for several thousands of years. Many of these tribes are descendants of the very first people to cross the Bering Strait. 

Because of relocation, conflicts, and tribal alliances, the actual number of tribes has decreased over the years.

Recently, Utah had eight distinct populations of Native Americans residing within its territory.

19. Utah has the highest literacy rate in the United States

According to research conducted by the National Assessment of Adult Literacy, Utah State has the highest literacy rate in the United States.

Self-reports show that 91% adults of in the state know how to read above a 4^th-grade level.

The national average for adult literacy is a little over 85%. The residents of Utah love to read, and the Salt Lake Library located here is one of the largest libraries in the world.

20. The Capitol is more than 100 years old

The current state Capitol of Utah has been used for over 100 years. It took around four years, from 1912 to 1916, to construct, and it is primarily made of copper and granite.

The building was designed by Richard K. A. Kletting, who became a prolific architect in the state afterward. His design was selected from 40 designs that were submitted to the government of the state.

21. Utah has strict alcohol laws

In every part of the United States, people have to be at least 21 years old to purchase or consume alcohol. However, the law in Utah State has some stricter laws regarding serving alcoholic beverages. For instance, alcohol can’t be served after 1 a.m. or before 10 a.m. 

So, Utah State is a vital part of the United States that has a unique history, interesting culture, beautiful landscape, interesting laws, people, and many more.

At the end of this article, we learned 21 amazing facts that offer us a clear picture of this state, Utah. You can see our website if you want to know some additional facts.