Things to do / Travel Guide
The southern Utah region has one major population that distinguishes the culture: a majority of its inhabitants are of the Mormon religious faith. This makes for a strong cultural heritage that is visible both through the region's sites and its inhabitants. Another distinguishing characteristic of the region is that much of the land is administered by Federal or state governments in the form of National Parks and State Parks, and recreation and wilderness areas. An active outdoor recreation community has flourished as a result. In many areas of the southern Utah region, the culture is more so influenced by Mother Nature than it is by man.
Mormonism in Southern Utah
The first Mormon pioneers led by Brigham Young entered the region in the 1850s, establishing a rich heritage and faith-driven culture. Today, more than 60% of Utah's inhabitants are of the Mormon faith, and Utah is generally considered the headquarters of the religion, significantly influencing culture and daily life in the southern area of the state, as well as the Arizona Strip. Historically, Mormonism has also been closely associated with discussions of polygamy, also referred to as plural marriage, which was promoted by leader Brigham Young once the Church moved to Utah. The practice was renounced by the Church in 1890, however, and is today officially strongly rejected by the Church. As part of Mormon culture, many members of the faith abstain from alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and tea, and prefer modest dress.
Mormon roots of settlement are visible throughout the region in its inhabitants, historical sites, churches and community centers. St. George was one of the first Mormon settlements in the region, and Moab was settled early in the pioneer era as a mission. The name “Moab” is itself a reference to the Bible, given to the settlement by Mormon pioneers because of its geography and location (in the Bible the name Moab appears frequently in reference to a dry, mountainous area east of the Dead Sea and southeast of Jerusalem).
The strong regional influence of the Mormon faith has also contributed to resident's industrious, hard-working mentality, more conservative approach and preference to avoid alcohol and gambling, as well as the high birth rate in the region (Utah has the highest rate in the U.S). Most of the region's residents, more than 90%, are of Northern European decent and are Caucasian. The minority population is much lower than the national average, but the ethnic mix is becoming more diverse. Minorities include Latin American, American Indian, Asian American, and African American groups, but in very small percentages.
Outdoor Recreation and Lifestyle in Southern Utah
The extensive outdoor activities available in the region's National Parks and recreation areas encourage an active lifestyle in its residents and visitors, whether hiking and biking the scenic trails of Utah's five National Parks (Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capital Reef, and Zion), or experiencing the Grand Canyon's Northern rim in the Arizona Strip.
Over the last few years, thousands of people have been flocking to St. George, often called the retirement capital of Utah, to benefit from the nearby National Parks and other outdoor attractions.. Locals make full use of the area's excellent topography and often engage in outdoor recreational activities. St. George was the fastest-growing metropolitan area in the U.S. from 2000-2005, and in 2007 it was ranked the second-fastest growing city in the country behind Las Vegas.
The Arizona Strip is populated primarily by cacti, pine trees and open space; with human settlement being rather sparse, centering largely in the towns of Fredonia and Colorado City. Colorado City has faced some trying times historically and in recent years, as the practices of local religious leaders, focused largely on the practice of polygamy in the community, have come in conflict with the law. Communities offer services to the tourists that make their way from southern Utah's parks to the Grand Canyon. Since it is so isolated from the rest of Arizona, separated by the Grand Canyon and connected by two highway links (one at Navajo Bridge and one at the Glen Canyon Dam bridge, both at the eastern portion of the area crossing the Colorado River), the Arizona Strip has strong historic, cultural, and economic ties to Utah. Most of the land is managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management or U.S. Forest Service, hosting several wilderness areas and national monuments.
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