RateItAll: The Opinion Network

Utah is amazing! Zion National Park is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been. There are so many stunning national parks, you can't fit them all in in a single visit to Utah. Some of the greatest scenic drives I've ever done, as well. The only thing I didn't like about Utah is that the alcohol content in beer is restricted.

Beautiful state. Wacky people!

Beautiful state, wonderful people!

I did not get to spend much time there to form a strong opinion,but there is some breathtaking views of wilderness to be seen at the "scenic overlooks".Prices for meals and rooms were reasonable,and the quality of service was good.

The scenary and physical environment is inspiring. The air is invigorating-great skiing- But Alas 'Paradise found' as what Brigham Young called it- is anything but this culturally. Repressive and severely regressive. Like living in a cement box- Paradise? Hardly.

I'm sick of seeing racious comments that relate Utah to Mormons. Yes there's Mormons here; but where isn't there? You generalize by saying we are crude and barbaric. Don't blame the religion for the peoples actions. Thats like blaming a 23 year old mans mother for his peturbing behavior. Utah has some of the greatest scenery there is, and I loved visiting it.

It may come as a surprise to people that only 10% of Mormons actually live in Utah. Therefore, it is the society IN GENERAL that causes me to give this state 4 stars instead of 5. People have been "mean" to me there because I was from California, and they weren't necessarily Mormon. The scenery is gorgeous, and people actually take time to smile at you when you walk down the street, but they can be a little close-minded although I don't think it has anything to do with the promiment religion there. There are plenty of overly-conservative states in the US and it doesn't translate to religion. Plus, I never got down on a people for expressing something they believe as long as it was good and worthwhile. I think all those who rate Utah with negatively based on the LDS religion for being too "close-minded" have a narrow mind themselves.

It has some nice sights, but where do you get a drink?

I've only been there once, but I'm never going back. Yes, it is beautiful. No doubt about that. But the people are not friendly and they are very close-minded. I wouldn't call them racist, or anything like that, But they definitely stereotype anyone who isn't a native. You get a sense that they don't want you there. I didn't like that. OH! And by the way, Kar54...What makes you think that a diverse town is one that has to have crime ridden pockets of filth and is unsafe(as you said). You are exactly the kind of Utah resident I was talking about! You are completely ignorant,intolerant, and paranoid like half the other residents of this state! Do us all a favor and never move out of it!

OK people lets set aside conservative politics and the mormons and take into consideration that Utah is one of the most beautiful and scenic states in the country. There is so much varied terrain here from Rocky mountain peaks, world class ski resorts, desert valleys and mesa's. This state is just packed with spectacular scenery all over including some of this country's finest national parks. I realize that Salt Lake City sucks and that there are some backwards people here, but don't dismiss the state of Utah for those reasons.

Whwn I lived in CA- I used to go through this state on a semi regular basis. The scenary is stunning- the SLC area is very beautiful, while the southern part of the state is bleak but colorful- there is no doubt that the natural wonders of this state are great. The big negative is the social culture- and its very conservative, intolerant and very repressive orientation. The people for the most part are paranoid and fearful and very judgemental of outsiders and diversity. Not my idea of a fun life.

Setting aside the culture, (because I just want to rate the state) Utah is a gorgeous state. Southern Utah is filled with many National Parks including Zions, Bryce, Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef, and that doesn't even include the National Monuments. Southern Utah has a very unique geography that is hard to match. The state is in the midst of the Rocky Mountains which are beautiful and exciting to ski, snowboard, and hike. This is a naturally beautiful state.

I have flown over Utah and spent time in the SLC airport it looks nice and there appears to be a culture clash between the established mormon population and the heretic masses moving in from everywhere. Based on my research you can have fun in Utah if you seek it out. There are plenty of repressed frustrated Utah Women ready to rebel against their silly Mormon faith and upbringing.

Amazing how people still rant about Mormons. Suppose someone commented about Jews in New York. That would be considered insensitive and mean spirited. Because Mormons are mostly white Europeans, they are considered fair game. Say what you will, I lived is SLC for 15 years (Im Catholic) and have never lived in a more beautiful, vibrant and serine setting. I guess to have culture, first you must be diverse (code word for anything non-white), have crime ridden pockets of filth, support sodomy, be anti-Christian and hate America. Its amazing to see how open minded tolerant people view others who dont subscribe to their lifestyles. Bottom line If you are a family person, looking for a good place to rear your children, this is the place! And thank you lion, you make the point for me. You're a clear example of what tolerance means in liberal-speak. You only have tolerance for those whose opinions are in lock-step with yours. What an ass.

The State of Utah has some wonderful natural geologic beauty that has been spoke of here- the human culture and over all society do not make out as well. The mormons as a group sorry to say live a closed cultural envirionment that seems to be exclusionary and not trustful of outsiders.

to kar54 your concepts on diversity are rather 'Utah' to say the least. I would suggest you look at northern New England which is mostly white and rural but also very liberal and tolerant of 'different' cultures and lifestyles- or in Connecticut-which is 75% white- but still has incredible diversity- and has passed civil rights for gay couples to unite in civil unions- are all 'tolerant and diverse' places dirty crime infested rat holes? Hardly- your narrow and bigoted and fear driven essay speaks for itself OF what Utah truly is- a fearful paranoid driven culture with incredible intolerance and backwardness to progressive ideas. If you want to live in a 'safe' place, that is basically intolerant and very regressive-plus lead a life of uniform blandness perhaps Utah is your kind of place.

In terms of scenery, this state is gorgeous, with two absolutely beautiful national parks in the southern section (Bryce and Zion.) Salt Lake City is a pretty city as well. The biggest problem, as so many people have pointed out, is the politics. There's a certain sense of feeling unwelcome, as a visitor - especially in Salt Lake City - that is very disturbing.

Southern Utah is beautiful with breathtaking views in a rural setting, however, Salt Lake City is a cultural wasteland, a religously oppressed city with nothing going on. The Great Salt Lake is one of the most repulsive bodies of water I have experience, plus it has a lingering stench.

Utah should leave the union- as should many other of the RED STATES- it remains 100 years or more in the past socially.

Dear AEenzRU What in your opinion gives Mormons the right to judge other peoples 'values'? What gives any 'red state'-like Utah to judge anyones morals- Just curious. I would agree with you on the states interesting physical geography- I however find your concepts on 'family' and 'moral values' to be rather subjective and narrow. Therefore the opinions expressed here thus far on the 'Mormon Culture' have some objective validity- the state sadly to say deserves this low rating- not based on its physical prowess- but its strangling closeted fearful culture.