Utah

Utah is a state in the western United States. It has amazing red rock deserts and tall snowy mountains. Its capital is Salt Lake City. Utah has five national parks that are full of beautiful nature. The state became part of the United States in 1896.

National Parks

Utah's five national parks are called the Mighty Five. They have rocks shaped like arches, hoodoos, and cliffs. Arches National Park has over 2,000 stone arches made by wind and water. Bryce Canyon has tall, pointy rock towers called hoodoos. People love to hike and take pictures in these parks.

Salt Lake and Mountains

The Great Salt Lake is the largest saltwater lake in the western part of North America. Its water is so salty that people float easily in it. The Wasatch Mountains are great for skiing in winter. Utah hosted the Winter Olympics in 2002. Much of Utah is dry, but the mountains get lots of snow.

Fun Facts

• The state bird of Utah is the California gull.
• Utah has the largest dinosaur fossil bed in the country at Dinosaur National Monument.
• The state flower is the sego lily.

Did You Know?

The Great Salt Lake is so salty that fish cannot live in it, but tiny brine shrimp can!