Where is Utah Located in the United States?
Where is Utah?
Utah is a state located in the western United States, known for its stunning national parks, desert landscapes, and towering mountain ranges. It is part of the Four Corners region, where it meets three other states, and features a diverse geography ranging from the Great Basin to the Rocky Mountains. Utah (UT) has a population of approximately 3.3 million and covers an area of 84,899 square miles. The capital and largest city is Salt Lake City. Utah was admitted to the Union as the 45th state in 1896. The state spans two time zones: the Mountain Time Zone (MT) and a small portion of the Pacific Time Zone (PT).
Bordering States
Colorado
To the east, Utah shares a long boundary with Colorado, stretching for 276 miles. The two states meet at the Four Corners, where Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico converge, making it a unique geographic point in the U.S. The Utah-Colorado border is defined by the high desert and rugged mountains, and both states share many geographical features such as plateaus and canyons. Colorado’s influence is felt in Utah’s southeastern corner, which is part of the Colorado Plateau, home to stunning landscapes like Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
Arizona
Arizona lies directly south of Utah, with the border running for about 389 miles. This region of Utah is known for its dramatic red rock formations, slot canyons, and national parks like Zion and Bryce Canyon. The Colorado River flows along the border, carving the Grand Canyon just beyond Utah’s edge in Arizona. The two states share cultural ties through Native American history, particularly with the Navajo Nation, which spans both states.
Nevada
To the west, Utah shares a 396-mile border with Nevada. The two states are linked by the vast, arid Great Basin. While much of this region is desert, both states also feature towering mountain ranges. Utah’s Bonneville Salt Flats lie near this border, offering an otherworldly landscape of flat, salt-covered earth, while Nevada’s influence can be seen in the shared mining history between the states.
Idaho
Utah’s northern boundary is shared with Idaho, with a border of 89 miles. The landscape here is characterized by high deserts and mountain ranges, blending Utah’s rugged terrain with Idaho’s fertile agricultural plains. The Bear River flows through this region, linking the two states economically and ecologically.
Wyoming
Northeast of Utah, Wyoming shares a border of 276 miles. This region is dominated by the Rocky Mountains and the high desert of the Green River Basin. The two states share a strong outdoor culture, with abundant opportunities for hiking, skiing, and camping in the mountains and canyons that connect them.
New Mexico
Utah and New Mexico meet at a single point known as the Four Corners, where the two states touch at their southern and eastern edges, along with Colorado and Arizona. This intersection is a popular tourist destination, where visitors can stand in four states simultaneously. The area around the Four Corners is a mix of desert, plateaus, and Native American reservations.
GPS Coordinates
Utah’s geographic coordinates span from 36.9°N to 42°N latitude and from 109°W to 114°W longitude, giving it a significant north-south and east-west range that covers a variety of climates and landscapes.
The northernmost point of Utah is located along the Utah-Idaho border near the town of Laketown, at approximately 42°N. This area features rolling hills, part of the Bear Lake Valley, which is known for its lush agricultural lands and proximity to Bear Lake, a large natural freshwater lake shared by Utah and Idaho.
The southernmost point of Utah is near the town of Hildale, at 36.9°N, on the Arizona border. This region is famous for its dramatic desert scenery, characterized by red rock formations and slot canyons, as well as its proximity to Zion National Park and the Colorado River.
The easternmost point of Utah is located near the town of Bluff, along the Utah-Colorado border, at 109°W. This area lies within the Four Corners region and is part of the Colorado Plateau, known for its vast desert landscapes, mesas, and ancient Native American cliff dwellings.
The westernmost point is near Wendover, along the Utah-Nevada border, at 114°W. Wendover is famous for its proximity to the Bonneville Salt Flats, where land speed records have been set, and it marks the transition from the Great Basin desert of Utah to Nevada’s rugged terrain.
Utah’s GPS coordinates highlight the state’s dramatic range of landscapes, from lush mountain valleys to arid deserts, with elevation playing a significant role in shaping its climate and geography.
Levels of Elevation
Utah’s elevation varies dramatically across the state, creating a wide range of ecosystems and landscapes, from low desert basins to towering mountain peaks.
The lowest point in Utah is found at 2,000 feet above sea level at Beaver Dam Wash in the southwestern corner of the state, near the Arizona border. This area is part of the arid Mojave Desert, known for its hot, dry climate and unique desert vegetation like Joshua trees and creosote bushes.
The highest point in Utah is Kings Peak, located in the Uinta Mountains in the northeastern part of the state. Kings Peak rises to 13,528 feet, making it the tallest mountain in Utah and a popular destination for experienced hikers and climbers. The Uinta Mountains are unique in that they run east to west, unlike most North American mountain ranges, which generally run north to south.
Between these two extremes, much of Utah’s elevation lies between 4,000 and 7,000 feet, particularly across the Colorado Plateau in the southeastern part of the state. This elevated region features dramatic cliffs, canyons, and mesas, including famous formations in Arches, Canyonlands, and Bryce Canyon National Parks.
Most Extreme Points of the State
Utah’s most extreme points highlight the state’s diverse geography, from desert landscapes to high mountain ranges.
The easternmost point of Utah is located near the town of Bluff, close to the Colorado border at 109°W. This area is part of the Colorado Plateau, a region known for its striking red rock formations, deep canyons, and ancient Native American ruins such as those found in Monument Valley and Canyonlands National Park.
The westernmost point of Utah is situated near the town of Wendover, along the Utah-Nevada border at 114°W. This region is famous for the Bonneville Salt Flats, a vast, flat expanse of salt crust that stretches for miles. The salt flats are a unique geological feature and are used for land speed record attempts due to their incredibly flat, hard surface.
The northernmost point of Utah is located near Laketown, along the Idaho border at 42°N. This region features the Bear Lake Valley, a fertile agricultural area with Bear Lake, a popular destination for boating, fishing, and swimming. The area is also known for its scenic beauty, with rolling hills and green meadows surrounded by mountains.
The southernmost point of Utah is near the town of Hildale, along the Arizona border at 36.9°N. This region is famous for its dramatic desert landscapes, including the towering cliffs and canyons of Zion National Park and the Vermilion Cliffs, offering some of the most breathtaking desert scenery in the U.S.
Major Mountains
Utah is known for its impressive mountain ranges, which provide both dramatic landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities throughout the state.
The Wasatch Range is one of Utah’s most significant mountain ranges, running north to south through the central part of the state and defining the eastern edge of the Great Salt Lake Valley. Peaks in the Wasatch Range, such as Mount Timpanogos and Mount Olympus, are popular for hiking, skiing, and mountaineering. The range is home to world-renowned ski resorts, including Alta, Snowbird, and Park City, attracting tourists from around the world.
The Uinta Mountains in northeastern Utah are unique because they run east to west, unlike most mountain ranges in North America. The highest peak in Utah, Kings Peak (13,528 feet), is located here. The Uintas are popular for backpacking, with several long trails, alpine lakes, and rugged wilderness areas. The range also serves as an important water source for the surrounding regions, with numerous rivers and streams originating from its snow-capped peaks.
The Henry Mountains, located in the southern part of the state, are more isolated but equally impressive. Known as one of the last mountain ranges in the continental U.S. to be explored and mapped, the Henry Mountains rise dramatically from the surrounding desert. The range is known for its rugged terrain and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking for solitude and adventure.
The La Sal Mountains, near Moab, are another notable range in southeastern Utah. These snow-capped peaks provide a stark contrast to the surrounding red rock desert and are visible from many of the area’s national parks, including Arches and Canyonlands. The La Sal Mountains offer hiking, camping, and stunning views of the surrounding desert landscapes.
Major Rivers and Lakes
Utah’s rivers and lakes play a critical role in shaping the state’s geography, supporting agriculture, wildlife, and recreational activities.
The Colorado River is the most significant river in Utah, flowing through the southeastern part of the state and carving out iconic landscapes like Cataract Canyon and Lake Powell. The river provides vital water resources for Utah and surrounding states and is a major hub for whitewater rafting, boating, and fishing. Lake Powell, a large reservoir on the Colorado River, is a popular destination for houseboating and water recreation, with its dramatic red rock cliffs and crystal-clear waters.
The Green River is another major river in Utah, flowing from Wyoming through eastern Utah before joining the Colorado River. The Green River passes through several national parks and monuments, including Dinosaur National Monument and Canyonlands National Park. The river is renowned for its scenic canyons, including Desolation Canyon, and offers excellent opportunities for rafting, kayaking, and fishing.
The Great Salt Lake, located in northern Utah, is the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere. It is a remnant of the ancient Lake Bonneville and is known for its high salinity, which allows for only limited wildlife, such as brine shrimp and migratory birds. The lake’s vast expanse and surreal landscapes make it a popular destination for tourists and photographers, as well as for sailing and birdwatching.
In addition to these major waterways, Utah has several large reservoirs that provide essential water storage for the state’s growing population and agricultural needs. Strawberry Reservoir, located in the Uinta National Forest, is a popular spot for fishing, camping, and boating, while Flaming Gorge Reservoir on the Green River offers scenic canyon views and world-class fishing.
