Utah's Pando aspen is considered the largest and oldest organism in the world
ALSO: A mega-list of fun things to do in Utah, best camping spots, and 75 years of Utah's original fry sauce.
Good morning Utah! ☀️
🔥 Cool facts about Utah
Utah is home to the "Trembling Giant" – a massive organism in Fishlake National Forest made up of 47,000 genetically identical aspen trees sharing one root system that's over 80,000 years old, making it one of the oldest and heaviest living organisms on Earth!
📌 The ultimate Utah bucket list
I just published the most comprehensive guide to Utah adventures you'll find anywhere – 160+ fun things to do in Utah this year! These are activities broken down by season that locals actually do (not just tourist traps).
From secret spring wildflower hikes to the best après-ski spots, epic summer mountain biking trails to haunted houses that'll actually scare you, this guide covers everything Utah has to offer.
Whether you're looking for family-friendly adventures or adrenaline-pumping thrills, I've spent 10+ years exploring this state to bring you the real insider recommendations.
📰 Utah news
Driver Killed at Bonneville Salt Flats Speed Week
Veteran land speed racer Chris Raschke, 60, was killed Sunday afternoon during a Speed Week record attempt at the Bonneville Salt Flats when his Speed Demon III streamliner went out of control around the 2.5-mile mark while traveling at approximately 300 mph.
Utahns Rally for Change at Downtown Protest
About 350 Utahns gathered at the Salt Lake City-County Building Saturday evening as part of the national "Rage Against the Regime" day of protest.
Harmful Algal Blooms Spread Across Utah Waters
State officials have issued warnings for Utah Lake, portions of the Jordan River, and several reservoirs as harmful algal blooms appear across the state during the hot summer weather.
📅 This week in Utah
🎡 Weber County Fair (August 6-9)
Get ready for four days of classic county fair fun with carnival rides, live entertainment, delicious fair food, and agricultural competitions that showcase the best of northern Utah! The fair runs daily at the Golden Spike Event Center in Ogden with affordable admission and free parking. Insider tip: Don't miss the famous mutton bustin' competition and arrive early on Saturday for the best selection of local vendors and craftspeople before the crowds hit.
Learn more at webercountyfair.org
🌻 Rowley's Red Barn Sunflower Festival (August 2-24)
Utah Valley transforms into a golden paradise at this Instagram-worthy sunflower festival featuring over 26 acres of blooming sunflowers perfect for photos, family fun, and pure summer magic. Located in Santaquin, the festival offers hayrides, a corn maze, and farm-fresh produce with admission of $10. Pro tip: Visit during the "golden hour" just before sunset for the most stunning photos, and bring a basket to take home fresh sunflowers and sweet corn!
🎈 Sandy's Hot Air Balloon Festival (August 8-10)
Watch the sky come alive with colorful hot air balloons at one of Utah's most spectacular aerial shows, featuring mass balloon launches at sunrise, tethered balloon rides, and family activities at Dimple Dell Regional Park. The festival is free to attend with paid parking available, making it perfect for families looking for weekend adventure. Insider scoop: Arrive by 6:30 AM for the best viewing spots during the mass ascension, and stick around for the evening "balloon glow" where illuminated balloons create a magical light show against the mountain backdrop!
🍴 Utah eats
Arctic Circle isn't just a burger joint – it's a 75-year-old Utah legacy that's been serving up nostalgia and incredible burgers since 1950, making it older than most of the national chains you know and love.
Their signature Black Angus burger with that distinctive tangy fry sauce is what dreams are made of, paired with their famous thick-cut onion rings that have locals coming back for decades. What makes Arctic Circle uniquely Utah? This homegrown brand started right here in Salt Lake City and has remained fiercely local, with over 70 locations across the state serving communities from Ogden to St. George. The retro atmosphere and commitment to fresh, never-frozen beef keeps the authentic drive-in spirit alive.
Insider tip: Order the "Utah combo" – burger, fries, and a signature lime rickey that perfectly captures that classic American drive-in experience.
With locations throughout Utah (find yours at acburger.com/locations), you're never far from this homegrown treasure that's celebrating three-quarters of a century of serving Utah families.
🌤 Utah Weather
Monday: ⛅ Partly Cloudy - 94°/68°
Tuesday: ☀️ Sunny - 91°/70°
Wednesday: ☀️ Sunny - 95°/77°
Thursday: ⛅ Partly Cloudy - 93°/69°
Friday: ⛅ Partly Cloudy - 86°/65°
Saturday: ⛅ Partly Cloudy - 86°/65°
Sunday: ⛅ Partly Cloudy - 89°/68°
🏕️ Utah’s ultimate camping destinations: 6 spots that’ll make you fall in love with the outdoors
Utah has some of the most spectacular camping experiences in the country, and The Outbound Collective has curated the perfect list to fuel your wanderlust. From the red rock amphitheater surrounding Zion's Watchman campground to the otherworldly hoodoos at Goblin Valley State Park, each destination offers its own unique magic. Beach camping at Lake Powell lets you wake up to crystal-clear waters, while the alpine beauty of Cecret Lake near Alta provides a cool mountain escape from summer heat.
For the more adventurous, Valley of the Gods delivers epic stargazing opportunities with zero light pollution, and Hamburger Rock offers incredible sunrise views over the desert landscape. Each spot requires different preparation – from boat access at Powell to high-clearance vehicles for some backcountry sites.
Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles: pack out all trash, camp only in designated areas, and respect wildlife by storing food properly. These pristine locations depend on all of us being responsible stewards.
Check out the full list at theoutbound.com for detailed directions and camping tips to make your Utah adventure unforgettable!