Utah & Arizona

United States

Utah and Arizona offer unparalleled natural beauty with iconic national parks like Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Grand Canyon, and Monument Valley. Outdoor enthusiasts will find endless opportunities for hiking, photography, and exploring diverse landscapes from red rock deserts to alpine forests.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay7 days
Budget$75/day
Mid-range$150/day
Luxury$600/day

Known For

SouthwestGrand CanyonZionBryce CanyonMonument ValleyArchesSedonaColorado Plateau

🇺🇸 Country Information: United States

CapitalWashington
CurrencyUnited States dollar ($)
LanguageEnglish , Spanish,Chinese,French,Tagalog,Vietnamese,Korean,German,Arabic,Russian
Phone Code+1
Electricity120V (Type A, B)
Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

  • Tipping is customary for services (restaurants, bars, taxis, hair salons, etc
  • )
  • Restaurant waitstaff: 15
  • 20% of the bill
  • Bar staff: $1
  • 2 per drink or 15
  • 20% of the bill
  • Taxi drivers: 15
  • 20% of the fare
  • Hotel housekeepers: $2
  • 5 per day

Money & Payments

  • ATMs are widely available
  • Credit cards are widely accepted
  • Bringing cash is a personal preference, but credit/debit cards are sufficient for most transactions
  • No black market for cash

Cultural Norms

  • Casual dress is common, but smart casual is appreciated in upscale settings
  • Politeness and direct communication are generally valued
  • Punctuality for appointments is expected
  • Personal space is generally respected
  • Shaking hands is a common greeting
  • Eating customs are diverse, but typically involve using forks, knives, and spoons
  • It is common to make small talk with strangers
  • "Bless you" is said when someone sneezes

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. LGBTQ+ rights vary by state, but federal protections are in place for marriage equality and some anti-discrimination laws. Public opinion is increasingly supportive.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

  • Legal drinking age is 21
  • Marijuana laws vary by state (some states allow recreational or medicinal use, others do not)
  • Federal law prohibits marijuana use
  • Drug laws are strict, particularly for illicit substances

Special Laws

  • It is illegal to jaywalk in many areas
  • Open container laws for alcohol vary by state and city
  • Driving laws vary by state

Common Phrases

NoNo (NOH)
YesYes (YES)
HelloHello (huh-LOH)
PleasePlease (PLEEZ)
Excuse meExcuse me (eks-KYOOS mee)
Thank youThank you (THANk yoo)

Climate

Classified based on distinct desert and mountain climates within the region.

Climate Zone: Arid Desert Hot

Best Time to Visit

Getting There

Getting Around

Health & Vaccinations

Staying Connected

Local Cuisine

Chimichanga regional_speciality

A deep-fried burrito, a popular dish in Arizona cuisine. It is typically filled with meat (such as shredded beef, chicken, or pork), cheese, and somet

Pastrami Burger must_try

A distinctive Utah burger variation that features a beef patty topped with thin slices of pastrami, often served with Fry Sauce. It is a hearty and ic

Fry Sauce regional_speciality

A condiment ubiquitous in Utah, typically a simple mixture of mayonnaise and ketchup. It is used as a dipping sauce for french fries and is also commo

Thick Milkshakes dessert

Milkshakes known for their towering height and extreme thickness, especially popular in Utah. These massive shakes often require a spoon or are diffic

Root Beer non_alcoholic_beverage

The signature non-alcoholic drink of Utah, often favored over soda. Local variations, like Brigham's Brew, highlight the state's love for this classic

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Antelope Canyon Tour (Upper or Lower) tour_or_activity
Book 2–6 months in advance

Access is only available via guided tour, and tours, especially those during peak times (mid-day sun), sell out months in advance.

Angels Landing Permit (Zion National Park) permit_or_pass
Apply for permit weeks/months in advance (Seasonal and Day-before Lotteries)

A permit is required to hike the chain section of Angels Landing; there are two lottery windows (Seasonal and Day-Before) to secure a slot.

Arches National Park Timed Entry Reservation permit_or_pass
Book up to 3 months in advance

A timed entry reservation is required during peak season to manage traffic congestion and ensure entry to the park during certain hours.

The Wave Permit (Coyote Buttes North) permit_or_pass
Apply 4 months in advance (main lottery)

Due to extreme demand and a strict daily limit of 64 people, permits are issued through a highly competitive lottery that must be entered months in advance.

Grand Canyon National Park Inner Canyon Reservations (Phantom Ranch/Camping) Accommodation
Book 13-15 months in advance

The limited accommodation and campsites at the bottom of the Grand Canyon are distributed via a highly competitive lottery system well over a year in advance.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Accommodation near National Parks (Spring/Summer/Fall) Accommodation
Book 3–12 months in advance

Lodging inside or immediately adjacent to popular National Parks (Zion, Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon, Moab/Arches) books up quickly, especially for peak weekends.

Fun Facts

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