Utah Overview

• Capital: Salt Lake City.
• Visitor Info: Utah Travel Council, 300 N. State St., Salt Lake City 84114 (☎801-538-1030 or 800-200-1160; www.utah.com), located directly across from the capitol building. The Council office has the Utah Vacation Planner’s lists of motels, national parks, and campgrounds, and brochures on biking, rafting, and skiing. Open M-F 8am-5pm, Sa-Su 10am-5pm. Utah Parks and Recreation, 1594 W. North Temple, Ste. 116, Salt Lake City 84114 (☎801-538-7220). Information on camping, boating, and highways. Open M-F 8am-5pm.
• Controlled Substances: Mormons abstain from alcohol (as well as from coffee and tea). State liquor stores are sparse, and grocery stores and convenience stores only sell beer. Restaurants serve wine, but licensing laws can split a room—you may have to move to the bar if you want a mixed drink. Places that sell hard alcohol must be “members only;” tourists can find a “sponsor”—an entering patron—or get a short-term membership, usually $5 for 2 weeks.
• Postal Abbreviation: UT. Sales Tax: 5.75-7.75%.

• Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area

At sunset, the contrast between the red canyons and the Green River’s aquamarine water makes the landscape glow. The centerpiece of the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, however, is the 91 mi ...more