I grew up in Utah: this is why you should visit America’s wild outdoor playground

Nature fills my cup. As a Utah-local, whenever I feel drained, I just set out to a nearby canyon or head to the lake, and I instantly feel re-energised. Being outdoors in Utah’s diverse landscape is so peaceful. My mind moves to a different place – it’s like living in a dream. 

I work as a Senior Travel Expert for Flash Pack, so you can imagine how excited I was when we recently launched a trip in my home state. I texted my entire family saying, “Flash Pack’s coming to Utah!”

I partnered with Flash Pack’s Innovation team to help design the new adventure, which takes place in the eclectic city of Moab. For me, this location showcases everything that is cool and unique about Utah. Typically, America’s most popular tourist destinations – like LA or New York or Miami – are city-based. Utah is the opposite: it’s very outdoorsy, but at the same time, accessible.

Utah’s landscapes are incredibly diverse – you can go from snow-capped peaks and alpine forests to surreal red rock deserts in a matter of hours. And within that desert wonderland lie the Mighty Five National Parks – each filled with unique rock formations and stunning geological features you won’t find anywhere else.

Moab is the gateway to two of the state’s most iconic outdoor spaces: Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park (both feature on Flash Pack’s trip). Arches National Park is so close that you can hire a bike in town and cycle out to the entrance. 

 

Nature is written into the fabric of daily life in Utah

It’s also a climbing mecca. Go to any coffee shop in Moab and you’ll spot people in their hiking gear, covered in dust. Just outside town, there’s a breathtakingly scenic road flanked by a sheer cliff wall leading down to the Colorado River. Along that stretch – known locally as Wall Street – you’ll spot climbers scaling the cliffs just steps from the road, sometimes even belaying from their car doors. It’s wild, and completely awe-inspiring.

Moab itself is small yet vibrant. Everything is walkable, whether you’re looking for boutiques, galleries or food trucks selling everything from Hawaiian poke bowls to grilled mac ‘n’ cheese. It’s quirky and fun, but Utah’s wild alfresco beauty is still just a stone’s throw away. Even better, there’s something for everyone to get involved in; no matter your level of fitness or skill. 

Historically, you may recognize Utah as the headquarters of the Mormon Church. Culturally, while around 42% of Utahns continue to identify as part of the Latter-Day-Saint faith (LDS), there is growing diversity outside the LDS influence – especially with the growth of areas like Utah’s “Silicon Slopes”. And the love of the spectacular outdoors is something that unites us all.

Again, that’s because nature is written into the fabric of daily life in Utah. It’s perfectly normal for Utahns to blow off steam after work by driving into the mountains for an evening hike and hot dogs over a campfire. Meanwhile, families will spend weekends by Deer Creek Reservoir, or skiing on the powdery slopes of Sundance Valley. Perhaps it’s this laid-back way of life that means you’ll find locals to be friendly, open and kind.

You can camp wherever you like on public land, too. As an adult, some of my best moments have come from pitching my tent in secluded areas surrounding National and State Parks. And it’s this everyday outdoor freedom that we’re looking to show solo travellers on the Flash Pack trip. 

You’ll make forever memories shooting images of the night sky

Utah is home to some of the finest dark skies on the planet, so I’m thrilled that Flashpackers will get to stargaze on an evening hike in Arches National Park. The guided astrophotography walk includes one of my favourite landmarks – the towering Double Arch, standing 112 feet tall. 

You’ll make forever memories by learning to shoot images of the night sky here. What you can see with the naked eye alone is incredible. But with astrophotography, you’ll learn to capture the impossible—like the glowing Milky Way arching over ancient rock formations. It’s truly next-level.

Another bucket-list moment we created is the chance to go canyoning in Moab’s ancient red-rock landscape. The hike looks epic, and it’ll make a great group bonding experience. Of course, not everyone will feel confident canyoning down a cliff! But that’s where the experienced guides and Flash Pack team spirit come in. There’s a huge sense of accomplishment that comes with stretching your comfort zone in this immense, and remarkable, desert valley.

Floating down the Colorado River is a total dream. With the La Sal Mountains rising in the distance and canyon walls towering around you, it’s the kind of peaceful beauty that sticks with you long after the trip ends. 

I also like the sound of the visit to Moab’s Spanish Valley Winery – one of just a few vineyards in Utah. Having a winery in the desert is quite unusual, and this one specialises in single-vineyard wines. Everything, from grape production to bottling is done on site, so it’s all super-local.

Speaking of local, you can’t visit Utah without trying one of its famous “dirty sodas”. It’s basically fountain soda (for example, Dr Pepper or Mountain Dew) spiked with a dizzying array of cream-flavoured spirits. You can choose anything from toasted marshmallow to coconut cream, raspberry, caramel, vanilla and beyond. It’s a must-try, best paired with a quesadilla or brisket – or anything you fancy – from Moab Food Truck park.

Growing up in Utah shaped who I am and how I live my life

It takes a lot of research to find the best activities and hiking routes in Utah, but Flash Pack’s trip is designed to take away that pressure. We’ve curated some of the most memorable and lesser-travelled experiences in Moab that most visitors would never know about – made even better with your group and an expert local guide by your side. Even if you’re completely new to desert trails or rafting, you’ll find it easy to join in. And, having started with us, you’ll build confidence to continue the journey with a friend or alone if you want to. 

If anyone wants to extend their trip in Utah, I’d recommend hiring a car and visiting the other National and State Parks. In a desert State Park area called Escalante, for example, I did one of the most amazing waterfall hikes of my life. The Lower Calf Creek Falls trail takes place in the middle of the desert, ending in this jaw-dropping, 216-feet waterfall with a swim-worthy pool at the base.

Slot canyons are another one of Utah’s standout activities. These narrow sandstone crevices come in all different formations. Each one is unique, with wow-worthy rock colours and textures. When you enter it’s like you’re in a different world. Some of them are so narrow, you have to shimmy sideways, with your face pointing to one side, to get through. It’s a real adventure although not recommended for those who get claustrophobic.

Growing up in Utah shaped who I am and how I live my life today. Being surrounded by epic landscapes meant that adventure was just part of my every day. I learned early on how grounding and life-giving it is to be outside, to explore, to get lost (in a good way) and find wonder in the wild.

I’m now a full-time nomad – living life on the road in a 5th wheel with my husband and dog – but I return to Utah often. I can’t wait to introduce Flashpackers to my wonderful home state, and share the awe around.

Marissa Crumrine is Senior Travel Expert at Flash Pack. You can follow her adventures – in Utah and beyond – on Instagram @bigworld_smalladventures. Flash Pack’s new five-day escape to Utah is live now.

If you have any questions about Flash Pack’s new Utah trip, feel free to get in touch with Marissa by emailing [email protected] with the subject line “FAO Marissa”. Or you can book a call on her personal Calendly here.