Utah : Safety by City
United States - safety as a country Utah is a destination tourism spot that’s under the radar but full of hidden gems.
While it’s known for its snow for sports like skiing or snowboarding, it also has plenty of natural beauty for tourism any time of the year.
Utah is coined as having “the best snow in the world.”
There are also plenty of beautiful natural features throughout the state, such as the characteristic hoodoos.
This is why it’s called the “beehive state.”
Utah is home to five national parks, including Zion National Park.
As well as stunning scenery, there’s also bustling city life and festivals any time of year.
It has a big reputation as a ski destination, with a lot of ski resorts that welcome guests from all over the world.
It’s also growing in popularity for the warmer months, as more and more people discover the gorgeous and unique natural features that make up Utah.
For people who love the outdoors, few other states can compare for the novelty and quality of experience that Utah has to offer.
Also, the people who live in Utah are very friendly, with a family-centered culture found in many parts of the state.
Read on to see why Utah is a fantastic place to visit.
Warnings & Dangers in Utah
OVERALL RISK: LOW
The risk of visiting Utah overall is low. It is well regarded as a safe state. While there are plenty of extreme sports and similar things in Utah, there are many low-key and safe activities also to participate in. So, overall, the risk of visiting Utah is low.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
Utah has a taxi system where people who participate need to have both state and federal licensure. There are many regulations involved in owning a taxi business, so any taxi would be proud to show you its certification as they work hard to get it and maintain it. Plus, the state of Utah has its transport system. Visitors have access to transportation by train, car, bus, or plane. So, the risk of transport and taxi in Utah is low. Airports are accessible and there are a lot of them in the state.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
In the United States, and especially Utah, the risk from pickpockets is low. Violent crimes and property crimes are lower in Utah than the national average. However, taking necessary precautions is helpful.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
The most prevalent natural disasters in Utah are wildfires and floods. Also, landslides and avalanches are possible, given the natural formation of the area in Utah. Finally, Utah could potentially be a place where earthquakes happen. So, the risk of natural disasters in Utah is medium.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
The risks for violent crimes in Utah are low. It is much lower than other places in the world, and even other states in the country. So, the mugging risk in Utah is low. Of course, more urban areas could be suspect, but even these areas are notoriously safe and low key especially when compared with other areas in the country.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
The overall terrorism risk in Utah is low. However, there is an increase in shooting incidents all across the United States, and the government of Utah noted that it could potentially be a concern.
SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
The scams risk in Utah is medium. All travelers need to be aware of potential scams that are going around. There are many opportunities for scam artists to take advantage of travelers, and you should be aware of any potential dangers.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Women Travelers risk in Utah is low. It is a safe state in a free country, and women are free to do as they please.
TAP WATER RISK: LOW
The tap water risk in Utah is low. Nearly all of the water comes from an approved source and all 900+ water sources are treated.
Safest Places to Visit in Utah
Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon has amazing hoodoo formations that are massive in size and spectacular.
You can hike the trails, appreciate the views from the scenic overlook, or even ride horses through the park.
Zion National Park
Zion National Park is 232 square miles of protected land.
The amazing rainbow-colored rock formations and beautiful river scenery create an incredible oasis.
With abundant hiking trails and wildlife, it’s a peaceful and scenic destination.
The desert waterfalls are not to be missed!
Also, biking is very popular in the park.
Arches National Park
The one-of-a-kind scenery at Arches National Park is unlike anything anywhere else in the world.
There are 2000 beautiful stone arches in the park that are naturally formed from sandstone.
It spans an incredible 76,000 acres.
You can choose to hike or to take a 19-mile scenic drive throughout the park.
Moab
Moab is the city that is nearest to Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park.
While it is a small town of only 9,000 residents, it saw nearly 1 million tourists last year, with more than 30% international.
Monument Valley
A tribal park owned by the Navajo Nation, Monument Valley is another breathtaking spot in Utah.
The park spans 92,000 acres and it’s located at the border between Utah and Arizona.
It’s also famous and was used as a background in many Western movies.
Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park is divided into four districts for visitors to explore.
There are many scenic canyons and buttes that visitors can freely explore.
These were made by the Colorado River.
In total, it is more than 300,000 acres.
Places to Avoid in Utah
Salt Lake City
Any area in the world that is more populated will have higher crime levels.
Salt Lake City is the capital of Utah.
But, even as the most dangerous place in Utah, it’s still in the 44th percentile for all places in the country, which makes it pretty safe, considering.
The south part of Salt Lake City is considered to be more dangerous.
Murray
Murray, Utah is another place in Utah that is considered dangerous.
The most frequent types of criminal activity were property crimes, with 1 in 17 rates.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Utah
- Be aware of your surroundings. Come prepared for the season and the weather that is to be expected for whatever time of year you are visiting. Always keep your eyes on your belongings and be vigilant to have good directions and not get lost.
- Make copies of all travel information. Have detailed information on your flights, hotels, and any other pertinent information. Even have a copy of your itinerary to give to someone so they know where you are at all times.
- Dress for the weather. Have weather-appropriate shoes and other gear to make your visit as comfortable as possible. Be sure to do research and find the best for your budget to make it count.
- Talk to the locals. Locals will be able to point you in the right direction and give you guidance as to how to best spend your visit. Making local connections is a valuable resource when you are spending time traveling in Utah.
- Drive safely. Utah’s speed limits are higher than in other parts of the country. Be sure to drive safely and put safety first. Limit driving if it is snowing. Driving in snowy or icy conditions is dangerous even at slower speeds, and if you have no experience with it then be sure to have a backup plan.
- Be aware of avalanches. If it’s snowy, be aware of areas that are prone to avalanches and take all of the necessary precautions to protect yourself. While spending time in the backcountry is a popular pastime, certain risks are connected with it. Be sure to have all of the required knowledge of avalanches to minimize the danger.
- Play it safe. Limit exposure to risk and don’t over-exert yourself. If you are spending time outdoors, then be safe when participating in sports or hiking. Even if you are an experienced athlete, unfamiliar territory and environments can cause a bigger risk and be more dangerous than in places you are otherwise familiar with.
- Use safety when hiking. Play it safe when you are hiking! If possible, use the buddy system. Also, know what to do with wild animals, such as bears. Finally, have a plan if you get lost, and use all precautions possible to avoid that happening.
- Buy travel insurance. Travel insurance will help you cover all of your needs just in case anything comes up. It will cover the cost of a plane ticket if you need to change your flight or something else happens. It also will help to cover medical expenses which is important. Travel insurance is a must-have when you are traveling to any new place!
- Have locks for your bags. Having a lock on your suitcase makes it that much more secure when you are traveling. Give yourself peace of mind by having a lock for your suitcase. You can also invest in special labels for your luggage that will help you identify it.
So... How Safe Is Utah Really?
Utah is safe to travel destination for people of all ages.
It’s a family-centric state with low crime rates and a great quality of life.
There are many resources available to people who visit.
How Does Utah Compare?
| State | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Utah | 86 |
| Kansas | 81 |
| Iowa | 82 |
| Idaho | 85 |
| Illinois | 77 |
| Indiana | 61 |
| Alaska | 65 |
| Colorado | 82 |
| Florida | 70 |
Useful Information
Visas
Visas are available through the US Government. They vary in cost. For Utah specifically, there is an Electronic System for Travel Authorization that costs approximately $14.
Currency
In Utah, the currency used is USD. You can exchange it beforehand or when you arrive there. There are also international credit cards that can be used.
Weather
Weather varies seasonally and according to what part of the state you are in. The weather changes very quickly. Some places get good amounts of snow. Salt Lake City can see up to 13.5 inches of snow every year. More than 12 million passengers go through the airport.
Airports
The biggest airport in Utah is Salt Lake City International. Every year, there are seven other major airports in the state and many municipal airports that make travel easier.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is a must-have for your trip to Utah. There are many different plans available and you can adjust them depending on your needs for the trip! You will be covered in case anything unexpected happens. This will give you peace of mind and help you be able to enjoy your trip. Also, you will be covered for travel expenses just in case something happens.
Utah Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 4 | 7 | 13 | 17 | 22 | 28 | 32 | 32 | 26 | 19 | 10 | 4 |
| Low °C | -3 | -1 | 3 | 7 | 11 | 16 | 20 | 20 | 14 | 8 | 2 | -3 |
| High °F | 39 | 45 | 55 | 63 | 72 | 82 | 90 | 90 | 79 | 66 | 50 | 39 |
| Low °F | 27 | 30 | 37 | 45 | 52 | 61 | 68 | 68 | 57 | 46 | 36 | 27 |
Utah - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Ogden | 72 |
| Park City | 78 |
| Provo | 94 |
| Salt Lake City | 55 |
| Sandy | 93 |
| St. George | 94 |
| West Jordan | 94 |
| West Valley City | 65 |
Utah is a 10 star state!
Utah, the place you go to for great ski resorts, the great outdoors (with some breathtaking parks) and friendly locals. I’m amazed to see how under the radar Utah actually is. This is a place that should have so many more tourists because it’s so beautiful.
If you want to get a feel for Utah just go on a road trip and you will experience the beauty of Utah. Utah has snowy areas and also regions where it will be hot so dress accordingly or you may encounter some problems.
Monument Valley is the place where you go to feel like in a western movie. Many, many films have been shot here. I highly recommend you get a guide because the experience will be that much better with one telling you all about the region and less known facts about it’s history.
Park City is just 40 minutes from Salt Lake City and offers some amazing ski resorts. This is a historical town and the Sundance Film Festival is held here. Take a close look at the Utah Olympic Park found here as it offers many opportunities for fun for both adults and kids.
The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument offers that sense of remoteness that is so hard to find in cities. Here you can find your inner self if you just sit down, close your eyes and just listen. Hiking can be done here on the Lower Calf Creek Falls Trail. Make sure to take plenty of pictures as this trail is amazing.
Dead Horse Point State Park is a wonderful place to experience on a sunny day, especially by going on the walking trail along the rim. This place offers (possibly) the best lookouts of any park found in Utah (yeah, it’s that good).
Utah offers so much more than what I’ve just described here so do your research before you come here and prioritize what you like most.
Let's clarify....
Utahn here. The article is pretty spot on. Compared to other states, it’s pretty safe. The majority of the state is rural and safe. I will disagree with the author on a couple of points: West Valley City it’s not dangerous. It is very diverse and had a lot to offer. When compared to large cities, it’s not dangerous. It’s the states’ second largest city so there is some crime but nothing compared to elsewhere.
Utah is not called the beehive state due to the hoodoo’s in southern Utah. It’s called the beehive state due to the pioneers working together when they arrived in the Salt Lake valley. Like bees working together in a beehive.
Finally, the state motto is, “Greatest Snow on Earth.” not Best snow in the world.