Utah

With its towering arches, gaping canyons and giant stone monoliths, the scenery in Utah is nothing short of stupendous. Its scenic byways are among America’s dream drives and its promise of adventure is virtually unmatched, from hiking, rafting and mountain biking to skiing, stargazing and horse riding.

It’s hard to pick a favourite among Utah’s five national parks. Zion, the oldest, is a striking mix of red rock canyons, pine-covered peaks and the winding Virgin River – ideal for hiking, climbing and canyoning. Nearby, Bryce Canyon enchants with thousands of colourful hoodoos rising from its natural amphitheatres.

In the heart of the state lies Capitol Reef National Park, a quieter gem of domes, cliffs and canyons. Further east, Canyonlands impresses with vast mesas and dramatic sandstone formations; the drive to the Needles is among Utah’s most scenic. Close by is Arches National Park, home to over 2,000 natural rock arches, including the iconic Delicate Arch and the astonishing Landscape Arch.

Utah’s parks are remarkably easy to combine on a self-drive journey. Zion and Bryce Canyon are under 90 miles apart, while Arches and Canyonlands lie minutes from Moab, the region’s adventure capital.

Beyond the parks, Salt Lake City offers cultural contrast, with Temple Square at its centre. Within an hour’s drive east you’ll find world-class skiing at Park City and Deer Valley, while the Bonneville Salt Flats reveal yet another side to this breathtaking state.