So you're going to visit Utah for the first time, or you are planning a trip to Utah and it's been a while since your last visit.

As a native of this great state, I am going to offer you some tips about how to take advantage of your trip and make sure that you have a lot of fun while creating memorable experiences.

To begin with here are a few things to consider when planning your trip. When are you going? Although our spring weather normally starts to kick in around mid-March it is not uncommon for us to have cold days and maybe even a little bit of snow as late as mid-May. It is also very hot in August and our winter snow can start falling as early as October. The ski resorts are generally open from November-March so if you are planning on skiing then you will have to plan your trip during these months. If you are not a skier or snowboarder and you would like to come and visit Utah during the summer months, June is the best time as it is the coolest during June. Hotels are also generally cheaper during the months of May-September as this is off season and not skier season.

So what can you do in Utah? Here are a few ideas-

Hiking-is very popular in Utah and with our many mountains and canyons we have hikes for all levels of difficulty from athlete marathon runner type hikes to those that even little children can enjoy. Some of the popular ones include: hiking to the top of the snowbird ski resort, which stays open year round and has great views and hotels during the summer months as well as a wide selection of summer activities. Mount Olympus which is beautiful with its peaks as well as rivers and hills. Mount Timpanogos which has a beautiful cave at the top which you can tour and visit the inside. This hike is a bit difficult for children but if you plan for more time it is possible. I first hiked this mountain to the cave when I was only twelve. You can also climb the face of the mountain which is much more difficult and not a good idea for children.

Rock Climbing-this can be done in many of the same places where you can also go hiking. If you are interested more in this activity then I would check with the Utah bureau of tourism for more information.

Water Skiing-is very popular and there are all kinds of lakes where you can go. Some of the more popular ones include Echo reservoir near Ogden and Lake Powell. You can rent a boat and equipment if you do not already have your own.

River Rafting-Utah has some great rivers where you can go rafting. This is pretty much permitted in just about any of the rivers however, you should of course, use common sense and ask for advice if you are uncertain about if it is a good idea in any particular river.

Fishing-you will need a license to do this but there are many great places to fish in Utah as well.

Camping-Along with the hiking comes camping. Many Utahans cannot even imagine going hiking without camping, or camping without hiking. That is because many of our beautiful campgrounds require you to hike at least a little ways in order to get there. In any case, combining a hike with a camping trip at the top of a mountain is a great way to get out and enjoy nature.

National Parks-if you are a bit less sporty or even if you are our national parks in Southern Utah are gorgeous and they are even on the list of the seven natural wonders of the world. You can hike in them, take a tour bus around them, drive through them, ride a horse or donkey through them, and more. You can even stay in a hotel in them as well instead of camping if you feel some inclined.

Last but not least, Utah is full of other national parks and monuments that you can visit. We also have a famous ballet and symphony along with many other arts organizations in our capital city of Salt Lake City. There is never a dull moment in Utah.