Utah has got to be on top of your list if you want to experience the real American west. Dry, hot desert landscapes are divided by snowcapped mountain ranges that have helped make Utah the sking and snowboarding capital of the earth - 'Greatest Snow on Earth' some have called it! Diversity is the key to Utahs attractions, a diversity fuelled by the enormous number of national parks and monuments. Its the perfect state for a driving holiday- one on which you will encounter different landscapes, terrain and activities. So hire a car and explore Utah - but remember to check the weather channel first. Utah has four distinct seasons and large climate variations between its different regions, so you need to know what to pack! Some of the places you should consider visiting include:

1. Monument Valley

This is quite possibly the ultimate example of the 'American West' landscape. You kind of expect to bump into John Wayne at any second! A Navajo Tribal Park, expect to pay a small fee to enter. There is a loop road through the park that you can drive on, that will take you past all the sight seeing spots. A great option is to take a hot air balloon ride, an hour long trp that will let you truly appreciate the dramatic terrain below.

2. Salt Lake City

The state capital, this great city is the gateway to the ski and snowboarding resorts of Utah. Host to the 2002 Winter Olympics, it is a world class destination with a wealth of attractions to explore in your rental car. Check out the Bonneville Salt Flats nearby, the flattest, most alien looking place in the world and home to the Bonneville Speedway. Another tourist attraction is Mormon Temple Square, which consists of three blocks of the city with nearly 20 attractions relating to the history and genealogy of Mormons.

3. Visit a Snow Resort!

There are thirteen in the state to choose from, but the one we would recommend is Canyons Resort, one of North Americas largest ski and snowboard resorts. Choose to stay in one of the three world class lodges and enjoy exploring the 155 trails around the resort. 17 lifts will take you to the top of the slopes! Its just a 32 mile drive down the highway from Salt Lake City Airport.

4. Lake Powell

Located in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, this is one of the biggest houseboat strongholds in America! 186 miles long, the lake has white sandy beaches, clear blue water and red rock surrounds. Its perfect for aquatic pursuits such as skiing, boating and fishing, and the more adventurous can explore the far flung and remote valleys of the lake. Hire a houseboat and see what all the fuss is about!

5. Skyline Drive

This is a must in your rental car. One of the highest roads in the US (ranging from 9000 to 11000 feet above sea level) it follows the peak of the Wasatch Plateau, going past mountains draped in forest, lush alpine meadows and plenty of lakes and rivers. Perfect for campers and adventurers, this will be the best 100 miles of your life.

Gavin Wyatt