Welcome to Utah, the land of red rock landscapes, the Great Salt Lake, and a whole lot of people who might just be wearing a beanie in the middle of summer. If you’re trying to figure out who’s truly from here, look no further than these 10 signs that will have you spotting a Utah local faster than you can say “Wasatch.”
They’ll Tell You Which National Park is Their Favorite (And They’ll Have a Very Strong Opinion About It).
Utah is home to five national parks, and a local will absolutely tell you which one is the best. Whether it’s Zion, Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, or Capitol Reef, you can bet they’ll have an opinion about which one has the best views, trails, and camping spots. Don’t ask unless you’re ready for a passionate discussion.
They Can Name Every Ski Resort—And Have a Favorite (You Probably Haven’t Heard Of).
Utah locals are serious about their skiing, and they know all the best resorts. If you ask for a recommendation, they won’t just name Park City or Snowbird (though they’ll probably throw those in too). They’ll tell you about the hidden gems—places like Brighton, Powder Mountain, or Deer Valley, where the locals go for that fresh powder.
They Use the Word “Ute” Like It’s Their Middle Name.
Whether they’re talking about the University of Utah Utes or their native Ute heritage, the word “Ute” is a part of their vocabulary. A true local will seamlessly use it in conversation, and if you’re not familiar with the term, don’t worry—they’ll fill you in with pride.
They’ve Got Strong Opinions About the Great Salt Lake (And They’ve Probably Swum In It).
The Great Salt Lake is iconic, but the locals will tell you that the water is too salty to be good for anything other than floating. You might even hear a local say something like, “If you haven’t floated in the lake, did you really even visit Utah?” Expect some mixed reviews—some love it, some find it, uh, a little overwhelming. Either way, they’ll tell you all about it.
They’re Always Talking About “The Wasatch.”
If you hear someone mention “The Wasatch,” they’re almost certainly from Utah. It’s not just the mountain range that runs along the eastern side of the state; it’s practically a state of mind. Whether they’re hiking, skiing, or simply admiring the view, the Wasatch is a key part of their daily life.
They Will Gently Correct Your Pronunciation of “Moab.”
If you mispronounce Moab (it’s “Mow-ab,” not “Mo-ab”), a local will politely correct you with a smile. After all, Moab is their desert playground, and they take the name seriously. Expect to hear about the stunning landscapes and the adventures they’ve had exploring the canyons, trails, and rock formations.
They’re Probably Wearing Something Outdoorsy (Even If They’re Just Running Errands).
Utah locals are always prepared for an impromptu outdoor adventure. Even if they’re just running to the store, you’ll find them wearing hiking boots, a fleece jacket, and maybe even a hydration pack, just in case. They’re ready for a quick hike or a mountain bike ride at any moment.
They’ll Tell You About Their Family’s Roots—And They’ll Probably Have Pioneer Ancestors.
Utah has deep roots in pioneer history, and a true local will proudly tell you about their family’s connection to the Mormon pioneers or early settlers. If they’re not directly related, you can bet they’ll have some historical tidbit about how their great-great-grandparents made their way west.
They’re Experts in “Sundays Off.”
Sundays are sacred in Utah, and a local will likely explain that Sundays are reserved for family time, relaxation, or quiet reflection. Many businesses, especially in smaller towns, might even close down for the day. If you try to go out for a burger or shop on a Sunday afternoon, you’ll quickly realize it’s a much slower-paced day in Utah.
They’ll Know the Best Route to the Best Scenery—And They’ll Take You There.
Utah’s roads are a scenic wonderland, and a local will know exactly where to go for the best view. Whether it’s the scenic drive to Park City, the hidden gems off Highway 89, or a secret viewpoint near the Bonneville Salt Flats, they’ll take you to spots that tourists will never find. Bonus points if they’ve got a good playlist ready for the drive.
And there you have it! With these 10 signs, you’ll be spotting a true Utah local faster than you can plan a hike in the Wasatch. Whether it’s skiing, hiking, or just soaking in the stunning natural beauty, locals in Utah live for the outdoors—and they’ll be more than happy to share it with you. Just be ready to talk about the mountains, the parks, and the undeniable pride of living in the Beehive State!
