East of Interstate 15, off state Route 9, in southwestern Utah
This is the fourth year for Zion to be the choice escape for Las Vegans. We won't say you go there to beat the heat, since temperatures in this 229-square-mile park are about the same as they are here. But you can wade into the Virgin River in the summer, and the stark walls of the canyon shade the early afternoons. The skiing and mountain bike-friendly slopes of nearby Brian Head made it your second choice.
Our Pick: SALT LAKE CITY
Interstate 15, northern Utah
When we get out of town, we really get out of town. Las Vegas and Salt Lake City seem like odd sister cities -- perhaps more like polar opposites -- but their shared Mormon ties bring familiarity along with the contrasts. Beyond the Great Salt Lake and Mormon Tabernacle, natural attractions on the outskirts of town can be mixed in with big-city diversions as museums, opera, a planetarium and NBA games.
