With more than 20 million acres of public lands and 14 national parks — Utah is where the rest of the country comes to stretch its legs. The Western state boasts a who’s who of natural features, from the craggy mountain peaks and sparkling salt flats in the north to the vast red rock canyons and sandstone deserts to the south. Ashley National Forest spreads over a million acres in the east, while in the middle of the state Fishlake National Forest is home to one of the largest organisms on earth, Trembling Giant, a stand of 47,000 aspen trees that share a single root system.

Away from the state’s wealth of national parks, which draw hikers, rock climbers, and skiers in winter, the capital city of Salt Lake City combines the fragrant roses of Red Butte Garden with the Utah Museum of Fine Arts and the famous melodies of the Tabernacle Choir, all against the backdrop of the snow-capped Wasatch Mountains. Neighboring Park City attracts Hollywood’s biggest stars to its independent film festival each year, while motoring enthusiasts from all over the world head to Bonneville Salt Flats near the Nevada border to watch speed records and even join in races.

Utah sports a diverse array of climates and landscapes. The preferred time of year to visit will vary drastically depending on what region you visit and what activities you plan to participate in. During the summer, expect dry conditions with climates that range from temperate in the mountain regions to blisteringly hot in the Moab area, with its windswept red rock formations and desert canyonlands. May through September can be a perfect time to try and find cabins for rent in Utah, as the summers in the mountains tend to offer the broadest range of recreational activities. The shoulder seasons see milder temperatures and spattering of rain in most regions of the state. During the winter, you will generally find snow and a host of exciting events like the famous annual film festival in Park City.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park is one of the most recognizable geological sites in all of North America. Historically the area’s dramatic limestone bluffs and slot canyons served as a throughway for Native Americans and pioneers in their travels west. Today, people come to the park to hike the Narrows — a deep gorge where the water can reach waist height — climb the red sandstone cliffs, and spot rock squirrels and bald eagles soaring overhead.

Scenic Byway 12

Take in the scenery along this historic route that connects Bryce Canyon and the Capitol Reef National Park by way of a roughly 120-mile picturesque drive through Utah’s dramatic landscapes. Mountain roads wind through pine forests and aspen groves before descending into canyonlands and the region’s iconic red rock formations.

Dinosaur National Monument

Home to one of the largest collections of prehistoric fossils in the world, Dinosaur National Monument offers an unrivaled insight into 150 million years of history. Check out the Wall of Bones, with more than 1,500 fossils embedded in the face of the rock. Or head into the museum, where you can take in the impressive collection of fully reconstructed diplodocus skeletons, bones from ancient crocodiles, footprints, and cultural artifacts found in the area.