Outdoor adventuring in northern Utah

America isn’t known for doing things by halves, and Utah’s landscapes are no exception. Driving through the north of the state, the Technicolor hues of the Wasatch Mountains dominate – grass so eye-poppingly green it feels artificial; hills sprinkled with wildflowers; and snow-dusted peaks twinkling in the sunshine.

Every now and then, the backdrop changes from “supersized Alpine scene” to “classic Utah”: an expanse of open road surrounded by undulating, reddish-brown rock, filling my head with stories of stetson-toting cowboys from Western films.

A morning spent in Wasatch Mountain State Park affords more crowd-free, blockbuster views – combined with a hearty hit of adrenaline-fuelled, mud- splashed adventure.

During the two-hour ATV-ride around the Heber Valley with Uinta Recreation (uintarecreation.com), we zig-zag along rusty dirt tracks, plunging into pine forests while the mountains loom large in the distance.

Every puddle my fellow passengers and I see en route becomes a challenge, and it’s one we accept wholeheartedly.

We accelerate towards them at full speed, skidding, slipping and sending mud sloshing in all directions, leaving us completely soaked and shrieking with laughter. It’s good, not-so-clean fun – and carefree clients will love it.

More outdoor antics ensue at the Olympic Park, nestled in the pretty, upscale ski resort of Park City. The park hosted the 2002 Winter Olympic Games and continues to train aspiring professionals and host national competitions.

It’s also open to the public, who can watch freestyle skiers and ski jumpers hurtling through the air before landing in a bubble-filled pool, or bobsledders shooting along a track at speeds of around 80mph.

In summer, visitors can channel their inner bobsledder with a face-flapping ride in a bobsled alongside a professional pilot.

Other white-knuckle experiences at the park include extreme tubing, zip lining, leaping from a 20-metre-high drop tower, and swinging above the trees on an exhilarating ropes course.

The park also offers guided tours where clients can hear tales of Olympic glory, visit the museum and enjoy some hands-on activities, including a ski-jumping simulator that proves just how death-defying the sport really is.

After a morning of thrills, it’s well worth clients spending a few hours strolling through the cutesy streets of Park City, whose brightly painted houses contain hip restaurants, dive bars, boutiques and art galleries. In January each year, it plays host to the Sundance Film Festival, though the artsy, hipster feel of this village-like city endures year round.

Lesser-known Ogden is just as quaint – a historic, outdoorsy city and a gateway to nearby ski resorts.

Ogden was the first settlement in Utah, and comes with a notorious reputation – in its heydey, 25th Street was a hotbed of illegal activity, home to brothels, opium dens and bootlegging joints.

While the town has been cleaned up, its youthful, independent spirit remains, and restored buildings now house cool bars, excellent saloon- style restaurants and nightclubs.

The city also runs a variety of year-round events, from live music concerts to culinary festivals and summer marathons.

Locals I meet tell me that both Park City and Ogden are experiencing a resurgence, with plenty of young creatives and active types settling down here from across the US.

For me, it adds another layer to northern Utah – there’s wholesome, active fun at every turn, but there are also plenty of cool, cultural towns and individuals to add an extra dash of sparkle to this corner of America.

Book it: Hayes & Jarvis offers a seven-night holiday to Utah from £1,259pp including two nights at the Monaco Salt Lake City room-only, three nights at Homestead Resort on a B&B basis and two nights at Hyatt Place Park City room-only. Offer includes car hire for the duration and flights from Heathrow, based on November 20, 2018 departure. hayesandjarvis.co.uk; visitutah.com/uk

How are you working with agents to increase northern Utah's visitor numbers?

As Salt Lake City is the nearest international airport to Yellowstone National Park, many visitors travel via northern Utah on their summer road trip. We’re developing trips with operators that encourage clients to slow down and explore. Antelope Island State Park, Ogden and Bear Lake are perfect attractions en route.
How can visitors explore Utah's Mormon culture?

Heritage is a big draw for the state. Historic Temple Square in Salt Lake City is a must-see – in addition to tours of the historic buildings, visitors can enjoy performances by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir here. Another interesting location is the Camp Floyd State Park, which tells the story of the Mormon pioneers.

What's your must-visit tip for clients visiting northern Utah?
Timpanogos Cave, located south of Salt Lake City. It’s a national monument which is home to three caves: Timpanogos Cave, Middle Cave and Hansen Cave. During the tour, they turn out the lights and it’s so dark you can’t see your hand in front of your face.