Famous Landmarks in Utah
The state of Utah has many famous landmarks, both natural and man-made. The variety of terrain in Utah provides desert regions and high mountains. The capital, Salt Lake City, was founded by Mormon pioneers, who have also built several landmarks throughout the years.
Delicate Arch is featured on the Utah State license plate and is perhaps one of the most beautiful natural landmarks in Utah. Hikers can get close to the arch, which is located in Arches National Park in Moab, Utah, but are not allowed to climb on it. Delicate Arch and the many other arches in the park were formed from red sandstone over centuries by wind and water. The entrance to Arches is located 5 miles north of Moab, Utah, along Highway 191.
Arches National Park
P.O. Box 907
Moab, UT 84532-0907
Golden Spike National Monument
The Union Pacific and Central Pacific Railroads met on May 10,1869, connecting the rail system from one side of the United States to the other. There is a reenactment of the event every year on May 10. The visitor's center is open year-round to provide historical information. Golden Spike National Historic Site is 32 miles west of Brigham City, Utah, via Utah Hwy. 83.
Golden Spike National Historic Site
P.O. Box 897
Brigham City, UT 84302-0897
(435) 471-2209 ext. 29
This amazing cave is full of stalactites, stalagmites and helictites. Don't know the difference? The tour guide who leads you through the cave will be able to answer all of your questions. To get to the cave, you'll need to hike up the side of the mountain, more than 1,000 feet from the bottom. The trailhead begins at the visitor's center in American Fork Canyon.
Timpanogos Cave National Monument
R.R. 3 Box 200
American Fork, Utah 84003
This is the Place Monument and State Park
On July 24, 1847, Mormon leader Brigham Young stopped at the mouth of Emigration Canyon, looked over the Salt Lake Valley and declared, "This is the place." The Mormon pioneers ended their journey of more than 1,300 miles and settled at what would become Salt Lake City. Today, a monument and visitor's center reside at that spot, offering tours, a replica farmhouse and other buildings with actors dressed in period clothing, and historical exhibits.
This Is The Place Heritage Park
2601 East Sunnyside Ave.
Salt Lake City, UT 84108
LDS Salt Lake Temple
The building most identified with Utah and Salt Lake City is the LDS Temple. The Latter Day Saints, or Mormons, built their temple over 40 years. It was completed in 1893 and was built of quartz monzonite, a stone found nearby in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Salt Lake City was built around Temple Square, and visitors today may walk the grounds around the temple and learn more about it and the LDS religion at the Visitors Center on site. Visitors are not allowed inside the temple unless they are members of the church with a special "recommend" or pass allowing entrance.
Salt Lake LDS Temple
50 N. West Temple St.
Salt Lake City, UT 84103
Cate Rushton has been a freelance writer since 1999, specializing in wildlife and outdoor activities. Her published works also cover relationships, gardening and travel on various websites. Rushton holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Utah.