WASATCH FAULTS
THE BEST AT GETTING OUTSIDE There is a lot that makes Utah’s outdoors remarkable, and having the highest concentration in the world of International Dark Sky Association-certified Dark Sky Parks is certainly one of them. At 24 parks, there is no shortage of places to go outside at night and look up: Leonard Thomas’s radio show, Skywatcher Leo T, is broadcast across the state and reveals the wonders of the night sky. Leo grew up sleeping under the stars in Wyoming and became a passionate observer of astronomical wonders. He also works with the Stansbury Park Observatory Complex (SPOC) for regular star watching events. “SPOC has four incredible telescopes that are so close to the city,” he says. “It’s an amazing facility.” stansburypark.org/observatory, KRCL.org, UPR.org, KZMU.org
Some things maybe we wish we weren’t the best at. The dubious distinctions:
For the whole family, throughout the spring and summer, Red Fleet, Rockport and Steinaker State Parks host regular Star Parties that will make any overnight camping trip one to remember. stateparks.utah.gov
THE BEST AT DRIVING THE WORST
Bryce Canyon National Park has terrific stargazing opportunities, hosting the Bryce Canyon Astronomy Festival every June, featuring familyfriendly daytime activities and special evening programs, telescope viewings and constellation tours. nps.gov/brca
THE BEST AT MENTAL HEALTH CRISES
Listen to Skywatcher Leo T’s show on KRCL, UPR, KZMU and on Spotify.
Utah is no. 1…on QuoteWizard’s ranking of the worst drivers in the U.S. Utah drivers rank high in every dangerous driving category—first in speeding, second in citations, fifth in accidents and eighth in DUIs.
Utah reports higher rates of mental illness than any other state in the country. Researchers have found that, while the air and altitude likely contribute to the comparatively high prevalence of suicidality and depression in Utah, genetics play a role as well as culture.
THE BEST AT THE LOWEST PER-STUDENT SPENDING Despite being so good at having all those dang kids, Utah ranked 50th in the U.S. for student spending—just above Idaho who ranked dead last, according to The National Education Association. (Have we considered “Utah: At least we’re better than Idaho” as a state slogan?)
THE BEST AT THE GENDER-INCOME GAP
PHOTO ADAM FINKLE
Utah typically ranks low on analyses of how states treat women. This year, WalletHub had Utah listed dead last for women’s equality (which is the norm at this point). Why? A chasm of a gender-wage gap factors huge here. Utah men working full-time make 37% more than Utah’s full-time working women. Utah has among the lowest percentage of women in elected leadership or management positions, and survey analysis has found Utahns hold some of the most sexist and rigid views when it comes to gender roles.
THE BEST AT BEING DRY Utah is among the driest states in the nation, in case the 1,200-year drought and active desiccation of Great Salt Lake failed to tip you off.
BEST BOUTIQUE Amy Boutique
BEST FARM-TO-TABLE PROGRAM Arlo
BEST BREWERY TF Brewing
BEST DISTILLERY Holystone Distilling
BEST ‘STAYCATION’ Hilton Salt Lake City Center
J ULY /AUGUS T 2023 | SALTLAKEMAGAZINE.COM
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