Three goblins stand together like greeters, welcoming visitors.

Family Fun in Goblin Valley, Utah: A Rare Jewel of Nature

For a unique family travel experience, you can't beat Goblin Valley, Utah. Situated between Utah's more popular (and crowded) national parks, this unusual state park and the nearby Little Wild Horse slot canyon offer fun and adventure for young and old alike. 

We visited in October, a great time of year when the air is warm, and the sunny skies are bright blue. We were so enchanted by the area that we stayed for a week. Read more of Emily Fagan's story about her family trip to Utah.

Utah: Revitalized Salt Lake City is Vibrant, Even Hip (Really!)

Although Salt Lake City was founded by those who forsake caffeine and alcohol, downtown is undergoing a major revitalization with chic condos and cozy bistros popping left and right. 

Independent coffee houses can be found scattered across the city, including “Beans and Brew” and “Jack Mormon Coffee,” in addition to the ubiquitous Starbucks. And there are not one, but two, piano bars downtown. Read more about Jessica Powley's story about Salt Lake City.

Utah mountain vista

Skiing Utah: A Four-Day Women-Only Getaway

When people say they are going out west to ski Utah, easterners think, "Oooooh, aaahh isn’t that for serious skiers who mean it, terrain chock full of double black diamonds, narrow steep chutes (between boulders), big mountain skiing?" 

All true, but Utah is also host to oodles of intermediate and beginner runs which allow the novice or more accomplished skier to feel the rush of breezing downhill.  I’m a strong skier and I can manage most of what a resort has to offer, but I wanted a ski vacation which was relaxing –- perhaps that’s an oxymoron. Read more about Cathie Arquilla's getaway to Utah.

Biking Utah's Canyonlands: The White Rim Trail

Mountain Bikers along the White Rim Trail split their attention between topsy-turvy paths and blushed rock formations with serious backcountry karma.

My ears are ringing with silence; the only relief coming from a raven's caw, a collard lizard scampering to find shelter under a desert bush and the sound of my lungs taking in the untarnished air.

Mineral Bottom is the trip's longest and final monster climb. After 1,000 feet of elevation gain out of this canyon, we emerge from the serpentine switchbacks, breathless and sunburnt, with a sense of pride that comes from conquering one of mountain biking's crowning jewels. Read more of Matthew Kadey's story about the White Rim Trail.

Read more GoNOMAD stories about Utah:

Salt Lake City in the Summer

Snow Basin, Powder Mountain and Sundance: Three of Utah's Hidden Gems

St. George, Utah: The Red Rocks are Calling Me Back

Salt Lake City: Visiting the Mormon Temple & Museum

Digging Up The Past in Utah's Flaming Gorge

The Four Corners Region: Exploring the Mysteries of Hillerman Country

Mountain Biking in Moab Utah