Famous Landmarks of Southern Utah

Besides being a geologist’s paradise, Southern Utah has a few man-made features worth visiting as well.  Some of the made-made landmarks have been formed using the existing geology, so are another example of nature and nurture.  Without man’s engineering and technology, they would be much less attractive and less often visited.  This article presents the most famous landmarks of Southern Utah, whether they are naturally-occurring, man-made, or a combination of both.

Lake Powell

Lake Powell has become one of the most spectacular vacation spots in the world because of its enormity, scenery, tranquility, and climate.  It meanders through gorgeous red-rock canyons and hills for 186 miles, providing serene settings for swimming, boating, water-skiing, fishing, cliff diving, or sleeping on your houseboat.  Historically just the Colorado River bed, some visionaries in the 1950s dreamed of damning the river so the water level would rise and allow greater views atop the rust-colored, desert landscape.  The Glen Canyon Dam was authorized in 1956, and became a reality in 1963.  At over 100 feet deep through much of the reservoir, it is great for striped bass fishing, boating, and cliff diving.  Lake Powell has become a playground for the well-to-do who store lavish houseboats year-round for family and friends.  Lake Powell has mild to cool winters, and warm summers so it can be enjoyed year round.

National Parks

Utah’s five national parks are indeed some of the most famous landmarks of Southern Utah.  Alphabetically, they are Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capital Reef, and Zion National Park, which stands near Springdale, Utah and is the third most visited national park in the United States.  Tourists from the world over come to enjoy the colors, strange rock formations, natural arches, canyons, hikes, and mountain biking unlike any place in the world.  The convenient, little town of Springdale offers great food, souvenirs, classy lodging, and gift buying.

The Saint George Temple

In Saint George, Utah stands the Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  Resembling the historic temple of Nauvoo, Illinois, it emerges visible from all directions as you enter the area. The early Utah Mormons of the 19th Century built their temple of local, red sandstone, which was plastered white.  The temple was finished in 1877.  Non-members of the LDS Church can walk through the Visitors’ Center, adjacent to the Temple, to get information on Church history, doctrine and the purposes of the St. George Temple.  To enter the actual Temple, one must be a practicing member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Temple’s beauty, visibility, and sacred nature to the locals makes it one of the most famous landmarks of Southern Utah.

Golf Courses

 Golf lovers claim that the courses in Saint George are some of the best landmarks of Southern Utah.  Certainly, when people are out of the green grass and take a look around at the breath-taking, colorful desert scenery, it’s hard to argue with them.

Jacob Hamblin Home

Just northwest of St. George City (Utah’s Dixie) lies a small, charming town of Santa Clara, where the Jacob Hamblin Home still stands.  It was built by Mormon stone masons for Jacob Hamblin, who was known as the “Buckskin Apostle to the Native Americans.”  Hamblin traded goods with the Indians during the mid to late 19th Century and taught them the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  The home is an interesting remnant of the history of Mormons and Native Americans of Southern Utah, Arizona, and Nevada.

St. George’s Town Square

St. George’s town square showcases historic, sandstone architecture, both in 19th Century and 21st Century buildings.  The beautiful edifices border a park of green grass, complete with a water feature for wading and getting soaked by the fountains for visitors. The town square is within walking distance of Bed and Breakfasts, restaurants, gift shops, and grocery shopping.  These are just some of the most famous landmarks of Southern Utah.

Famous Landmarks of Southern Utah

Southern Utah Landmarks

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