It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Zion Human History Museum in Springdale, UT gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Springdale, UT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Working for Always Best Care has been a wonderful experience. They genuinely care about”
“I've been a caregiver for ABC clients for just over 6 months. I absolutely love”
“Lea, Brent and the staff are great. Because I live in a different city, the”
“My experience with Always Best Care was hands down amazing! Their staff is super attentive”
“I cannot express enough how grateful I am for the exceptional care Siale provided for”
“Working for Always Best Care has been a wonderful experience. They genuinely care about their clients and go above and beyond to make sure that the employees and the clients are valued and important. They are so great to focus on compassion, quality care, and teamwork.”
“I've been a caregiver for ABC clients for just over 6 months. I absolutely love what I do, I love all of the clients, I love the feedback I get from my team! I love my manager shelly!! she is so amazing with communication and so focused on how to help me succeed and grow with this company, and so attentive to our clients! I am so happy to be able to help our clients each day and have such an amazing team!”
“Lea, Brent and the staff are great. Because I live in a different city, the staff takes care of my father’s needs where he lives. Maria is wonderful with my dad. I’ve not personally met the staff, except Maria, but I’m very grateful for all they do for my dad and me. Appreciate them.”
“My experience with Always Best Care was hands down amazing! Their staff is super attentive and kind. I always felt like I was their first priority and that they really cared about me. 10/10 would recommend!!”
“I cannot express enough how grateful I am for the exceptional care Siale provided for my dad. He was committed to delivering the highest quality of care and truly valued my dad as a patient. Siale, he goes over and beyond to make a positive impact on the lives of his patients.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting George Barker River Park in Springdale, UT with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Bienvenue Restaurant or visit Zion Lodge Historic District, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Springdale, UT, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Springdale, UT understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Springdale, UT 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
With a government shutdown looming, national parks have been the center of attention as the political battlefield unfolds. If Federal funding expires on October 1st, national parks will lose their funds. Workers, except for a skeleton crew, will be furloughed, and former superintendents are urging the national parks to close their doors to all visitors.One state, however, is already signaling its intent to stay open in the face of a government shutdown. With five national parks in its state, Utah is promising to keep the gates open fo...
With a government shutdown looming, national parks have been the center of attention as the political battlefield unfolds. If Federal funding expires on October 1st, national parks will lose their funds. Workers, except for a skeleton crew, will be furloughed, and former superintendents are urging the national parks to close their doors to all visitors.
One state, however, is already signaling its intent to stay open in the face of a government shutdown. With five national parks in its state, Utah is promising to keep the gates open for visitors in the face of funding loss. That means that visitors will still be able to enjoy the views of Zion, Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef National Parks throughout the potential shutdown.
Despite the bravado, the question remains, how will Utah's national parks function with limited staff and no funding? Like most national parks across the country, Utah's "Mighty Five" are already working with reduced staff as a result of Trump's executive orders in February and March. So why risk the fragile ecosystems by keeping the parks open during a shutdown?
In order to understand the significance of Utah's proclamation, one must first understand what exactly happens to National Parks when a government shutdown occurs.
As federally funded entities, national parks lose their funding when the government shuts down. The most noticeable change is in staff numbers. When a shutdown occurs, all but the most essential staff are furloughed, meaning they go on unemployment and do not go to work until funding is restored. This is particularly concerning in the face of the impending government shutdown, as staffing at national parks is already at an all-time low after seasonal hiring was frozen and hundreds of probationary staff were laid off in February and March 2025.
Without government funds, technically, national parks are supposed to close their doors as they cannot collect entrance fees or staff other necessary facilities. However, during previous shutdowns, through the sheer willpower of the staff, national parks have kept their gates open and continued to allow visitors each day.
Unfortunately, those closures have also revealed why a full staff is necessary for parks to function safely. During prior shutdowns, trash has not been collected, safety notices have not been put out, and ranger presence near trailheads has been missing. This is proven damaging to wildlife and the trails, leading to major cleanup and restoration efforts in the aftermath.
In a joint letter, 35 former superintendents of national parks urged current staff to completely shut down national parks this time around. With most parks already working on a skeletal staff, the idea of furloughing any percentage of the current workforce would be disastrous for the parks themselves, the superintendents argue.
Despite the call from the former superintendents, Utah's national parks have no intention of closing in the face of a government shutdown. In multiple statements, state and park officials confirmed their commitment to keeping the national parks open in the face of a shutdown.
...Bryce Canyon National Park will be open and will basically be operating just like any other day even if there is a "shut down." This is possible due to the superior leadership of our friends at the Bryce Canyon Association. - Bryce Canyon National Park Statement via Instagram
Their reasoning is simple; the national parks are just too important to Utah's economy to risk shutting them down, even for a short period of time. Data from the National Park Service states that Utah's five national parks generate a combined $3.1 billion for Utah's economy. This total revenue also includes over 26,000 jobs created by the park and its surrounding communities. Given that a reduction in international tourism has already put a dent in revenue, the thought of completely closing national parks is out of the question for Utah's state leaders.
This is far from the first time Utah has faced the threat of a government shutdown ending its tourism revenue. After the threat of a government shutdown in 2023, state leaders earmarked $5 million with the cooperation of the State Department of the Interior for the express purpose of funding its national parks in the event of a government shutdown. Should Wednesday's shutdown occur, those funds will be activated and Utah's parks will be able to continue to operate.
This is particularly significant for the staff at the national parks, who will be able to continue to work on site instead of being furloughed as is customary. However, Utah's plan to keep its National Park open isn't without its drawbacks. There is a reason these sites are federally funded instead of state-funded. A state-led National Park is likely to see significant cutbacks in services available within the park.
Even with the state and non-profits stepping in (as was seen in 2023 when the non-profit Zion Forever Project contributed funds to keep Zion open), previous closures have led to the temporary closure of certain visitors centers and the cancellation of ranger-led programs. Some staff may still be furloughed in the event of a shutdown depending on the length of the shutdown and how far the state's allotment of funds has to go.
Across Utah's five national parks, there are numerous gateway cities that depend on tourism for their livelihoods, including Springdale outside Zion National Park and Moab near Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Unlike gateway towns like Estes Park, Colorado and Jackson Hole, Wyoming, the gateway towns in Utah have not turned themselves into tourist attractions independent of the national parks.
The services they offer, items they sell, and the atmosphere that they provide all feed into the national parks that they support. Without access to the national parks, traffic to these destinations would all but stop, putting livelihoods at risk at a faster rate than some other gateway towns across the US.
| 2024 Total Revenue Generated | $3.1 billion |
| Daily Revenue | ~$500,000 |
| Jobs Created | 26,507 |
| Potential Funds Lost In Shutdown | ~$52 million per week |
In 2013, a 12-day shutdown cost Utah an estimated $17 million, according to a report by Brigham Young University. Based on current projections about economic revenue in Utah's national parks, the state could lose upwards of $50 million in just a week if the parks were to close completely. As some of the most popular parks in the U.S., it is estimated that Utah would lose upwards of $500,000 per day directly from loss of park revenue.
With so many livelihoods on the line and so much money for the state at risk, Utah simply cannot afford to close its national parks. Thankfully, with such circumstances built into the budget, it seems Utah will be able to once again withstand the political storm and keep its national parks open if a government shutdown happens.
In the Rocky Mountains region of the western US lies the state of Utah, a beautiful state known for its stunning red rock formations, towering mountains framing enormous gorges and canyons, and vast deserts. The four seasons are incredibly distinct here, with heavily snowy winters and long, hot, desert summers. In addition to all these unique traits, Utah is also home to the "Mighty Five" National Parks, meaning there are many breathtaking sights to see throughout this awesome state.Springdale In the southwestern pa...
In the Rocky Mountains region of the western US lies the state of Utah, a beautiful state known for its stunning red rock formations, towering mountains framing enormous gorges and canyons, and vast deserts. The four seasons are incredibly distinct here, with heavily snowy winters and long, hot, desert summers. In addition to all these unique traits, Utah is also home to the "Mighty Five" National Parks, meaning there are many breathtaking sights to see throughout this awesome state.
In the southwestern part of Utah, the town of Springdale, situated along the Virgin River, is often known for being the gateway to Zion National Park. A unique feature of the town is that it is designated as a "dark sky community," meaning it has government regulations in place to prevent light pollution, creating genuinely breathtaking nighttime starscapes, including regular planetary views. Springdale is small but charming, and it is surrounded by beautiful nature, tucked in between rows of gorgeous red rock cliffs. The town is also working on a trail network leading through and around downtown.
The Virgin River is a hotspot for recreational adventures like float trips, kayaking, or taking a scenic drive along the shores. Many people also enjoy hiking through The Narrows, a slot canyon that runs through the national park. The hike is moderately strenuous and lengthy at over five miles, regardless of where you park. Still, it is an awesome path with many beautiful rock formations in great viewing positions along it, as well as water views galore. National Park Service authorities do not recommend drinking, swimming in, or dipping your head in the water due to the presence of cyanobacteria, which can be harmful. It sure is wonderful to look at, though!
Also in Zion National Park is the Angels Landing Trail, famous for being so difficult that it requires a permit. It is said to have steep cliffs on its borders with very steep drop-offs, narrow sections, and lots of sun exposure. At the end, though, panoramic Zion Canyon views are so rewarding that many people risk their safety on this hike to reach them. A set of much easier and safer trails, the Emerald Pools Trail, leads to iconic waterfalls and sandstone amphitheaters.
Along Utah Scenic Byway 12 is the tiny town of Cannonville, home of fewer than 200 residents at the last census. While this town may seem like a dot on the map from the outside looking in, it is a perfect stop if your goal is to participate in unique excursions. Cannonville is noted as a gateway to Bryce Canyon National Park, a place that definitely takes your breath away as soon as you see it. This national park is specifically unique for its insane geological formations, called "hoodoos," which are jagged red rock spires that look like something from another planet. Bryce Canyon National Park is a great place to hike for this reason, with many trails that lead visitors into the awe-inspiring landscapes. The most popular hike is the combination of the Navajo Loop and Queen's Garden Trail, which zigzags around hoodoos and down into the Bryce Amphitheater, a massive bowl-shaped canyon that simply cannot be missed.
Also, only a few minutes' drive from Cannonville is the Grand Staircase Escalante Monument, a conservation area that has become a major tourist attraction due to its namesake Grand Staircase cliffs. The area is also a significant location for fossil-finding and has been the source of many ancient discoveries. Within the vast land of the monument park are many attractions, including Willis Creek Slot Canyon, a popular hiking destination.The beautiful 3-4 mile trail that winds through the narrow canyon, with steep sandstone walls on either side, makes visitors feel like they are in a tunnel.
Just four miles south of the entrance of Arches National Park is Moab, a charming small town with substantial tourist traffic due to its gorgeous red rock surrounding scenery and proximity to multiple outdoor attractions. The town has an old western feeling, but its diverse array of restaurants, including the exciting Moab Food Truck Park, and vibrant outdoor art along Main Street, make for a unique experience.
Arches National Park is a huge destination in itself as well, packed with thousands of breathtaking natural sandstone arches, red rock geological features, scenic drives and hiking trails, and even parts of the La Sal Mountains. Within the park, popular attractions include visiting the iconic Delicate Arch, or hiking along the highly-rated Park Avenue Trail, which leads you through sandstone formations reminiscent of a cityscape.
Moab is also near Dead Horse Point State Park, an official International Dark Sky Park known for its glorious nighttime views. The park also boasts incredible scenes during the day, namely badlands, huge canyons, and desert vistas. When visitors hike to the Dead Horse Point Overlook, they are treated to panoramic views of sunset-colored cliffs and the Colorado River.
The small town of Torrey is noteworthy for its unique location in the heart of Capitol Reef Country, a unique region of Utah that surrounds Capitol Reef National Park, Torrey's main attraction. This area of the state cannot be missed, as it is an eclectic mix of landscapes that simply do not exist elsewhere. The Waterpocket Fold, a geological feature described as a sort of wrinkle in the Earth's crust, is called a monocline, and is a shocking one hundred miles long!
Other interesting features of Capitol Reef National Park are the white, dome-shaped sandstone cliffs that inspire the first part of the name and the dramatic cliffs dotted with orchards of rare fruit trees that provide the "reef" part. Fruit trees are quite uncommon in the red rock deserts of Utah, and it is rumored that Mormon settlers planted them over a hundred years ago.
You can learn more about the area's history at the Gifford House and Museum, a former homestead turned educational exhibit and store. Another great spot to learn about area history is the Ripple Rock Nature Center, a family-friendly museum and visitor center offering many interactive activities for children and adults alike.
A historic town in southeastern Utah near the Abajo Mountains, Monticello was founded in the late 1800s by Mormon pioneers. It serves as a gateway to nationally significant locations, and the town itself is a fun and interesting location based on its past alone. The Frontier Museum, inside a hundred-year-old barn, is a historic site that displays exhibits on pioneer history and regional culture, and makes for a fun family experience.
Monticello is also the gateway to Canyonlands National Park, a park at the confluence of the Colorado and Green Rivers, which divide it naturally into unique sections made up of diverse landscapes. The park includes many canyons, as well as breathtaking water views, brightly colored rock spires referred to as "the needles," and flat-topped sedimentary rock formations called mesas. Hiking through all of these interesting scenic areas of the park is very popular, as well as backpacking and driving off-road vehicles through some of the more difficult trails, such as The Maze, a rugged path requiring ATVs.
Settled along its namesake river, the small city of Green River, located in central Utah, is in a great area that is within driving distance of several national parks. In addition to those, the town is in close proximity to two noteworthy state parks, Green River State Park and Goblin Valley State Park. Within city limits, you can learn about local and regional topics at the John Wesley Powell River History Museum, which is a popular tourist attraction in the area.
Green River State Park is definitely the main draw of the city, located on the western shore of the river and known for its lovely water views, great fishing opportunities, golf course, and for being a great starting point if you want to paddle through the Labyrinth or Stillwater Canyons. These are both popular scenic destinations on the Green River, with the former being noteworthy for its maze-like pathway, which provides calm waters and opportunities to explore new, smaller canyons off to the side.
Goblin Valley State Park, within a short drive from Green River, got its name from the thousands of oddly shaped sandstone hoodoos, which almost look like little humanoid figures. Many of these are concentrated in what is called the park's "Main Valley," which has several hiking trails that lead you through it, including the Goblin's Lair Trail, ending in a creepy hidden cave, and the Wild Horse Window Trail, where you can also encounter Indigenous rock art.
One of the most unique landscapes arguably in the world, the Bonneville Salt Flats, are located near the town of Wendover. The flats, a seemingly endless, impenetrable crust of white salt stretching over thirty thousand acres of what was once a lake in ancient times, are a hugely popular tourist attraction. The flats have been dated back to the last ice age, and visitors from all over the world come to see the once-in-a-lifetime sight of the vast, icy-looking surface area, imagining what the freshwater Lake Bonneville may have once looked like.
The salt flats, while certainly breathtaking, are not the only thing to see in Wendover. It is also a very artistic town, with multiple public art installations, including the giant cowboy statue affectionately named Wendover Will, as well as the Sun Tunnels. There are four tunnels arranged in a cross pattern, and this land art installation is a popular spot for photography, and is designed to be great for viewing the summer and winter solstices. Another piece of public art near Wendover is the Metaphor Tree of Utah, an 87-foot piece that incorporates local rock and mineral samples.
The state of Utah is packed with scenes that will take your breath away, and many are specific only to this state, like the venerable salt flats of Bonneville, the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon and Goblin Valley, and the Waterpocket Fold of Capitol Reef. The state is packed with quaint mining towns with Old Western charm, and artsy, historic attractions, surrounded by views that can make you feel like you are on another planet. Utah will undoubtedly blow your mind!
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