The state of Utah, located in the western United States, takes its name from the name of one of the Native American tribes that once dominated the region: the Utes. The word in their language means "people of the mountains," an apt description since so much of Utah remains a natural wonderland that rivals far more famous destinations in the West such as Arizona's Grand Canyon.
Utah holiday homes across the state provide visitors with a gateway to no fewer than five national parks including Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion. Only Alaska and California have more national parks than Utah, but Utah stands alone in terms of the percentage of its land area that remains pristine and unspoiled. Whether incorporated into federally protected lands or not, much of Utah is almost completely uninhabited; almost 80% of the state's residents live in the Salt Lake City region.
Salt Lake City serves as the state's capital and provides visitors with a unique glimpse into the religion that dominates the state: the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, also known as the Mormons. The worldwide headquarters of this church are in Salt Lake City. Visitors can learn about Mormonism in the extensive visitor's center next door to the Salt Lake City Temple, and although they cannot enter the temple in most cases, they can view the beautiful exterior as they learn how a search for religious freedom drove the Mormons west until they reached Utah.