The great outdoors

Most Brits have next to no knowledge of the Beehive state in the USA, which is a great pity, as there is so much to see and do.

For those who love the great outdoors and adventure, this is paradise, no matter what the season.

Up in the mountains, there's skiing in the winter, while in the valleys below there's golf in the more clement weather.

There's superb fly fishing facilities, horse riding, swimming and trekking through the excellent countryside.

My trip took me to the north of the state - and was dubbed the gateway to Yellowstone Park.

My first day was spent climbing a mountainous region in Ogden known as Snowbasin, home to the downhill events for the 2002 Winter Olympics.

Once we got to the top of our peak - up 9,500 feet - we were met with a simply stunning view of the valleys either side. On one side we could see Antelope Island and Nevada in the distance.

A short drive to Logan also proved a highlight of the stay. The university town is surrounded by the Rocky Mountains and is well worth a visit.

Take in the historic courthouse and local theatre, among other attractions. And don't forget to have a scoop of famous aggie ice cream - it seems they have every conceivable flavour and some you haven't thought of and they are all equally delicious.

For more excellent views drive on the Logan Canyon National Scenic Byway which takes you to Beaver Creek Lodge. Here enjoy a spot of horse riding among the aspens, wildflowers and exquisite views of the Wasatch Cache National Forest.

If you arrive in winter, try snowmobiling through the superb countryside instead.

Just a short distance away is a true marvel - Bear Lake. The Caribbean-blue waters are ideal for swimming, waterskiing, scuba diving and sailing.

In fact, you can swim across the borders to Idaho from here.

On a clear summer's day, you'll want to spend as long as you possibly can in this scenic, unspoilt idyll.

And just down the road they serve the thickest milkshakes I've ever had- in fact, they give you a spoon to eat them!

For the real thrill-seekers among you, Logan also boasts the brilliant Celebration Centre.

For sheer adrenalin-pumping rides, the few that I tried take some beating.

How about Sonic Boom - the tallest drop ride in the world at 365 feet?

You drop at 100mph and stop without the help of brakes. The air compressed chamber is the only process that slows the capsule down.

The capsule is small - it seats just two people with lean, seat straps to hold you secure and earmuffs to deafen the sonic boom at the end.

You ease up to the 365ft peak - look out at the amazing view - and then wait for the moment when the capsule zooms back down to earth.

For those who don't want to wait or feel just a little way up is enough, there's an emergency button to press.

(I couldn't reach it!) Or how about the Sky Sling?

You are launched 230 feet into the air while your seat tips forward and backward. Participants are flung into the air at 2.5G.

It feels like a never-ending bungee jump.

But if your nerves still haven't been jangled, try the ultimate- Screamin' Swing.

It's a massive swing, which takes you beyond the 90 degree mark - which basically means you see the ground back behind your head!

On a more gentle note, I also tried my hand at fly fishing in Heber Valley, nestled in Utah's Wasatch Mountains.

For those who haven't tried it, it's not as easy as it looks. However, with a little bit of luck, I actually caught a few brown trout.

But it doesn't matter whether you catch anything, it's still great fun and a fantastic place to while away the time.

The Rocky Mountain Outfitters were worthy and entertaining hosts on the Provo River.

Other excellent attractions to fit in your itinerary include the Ogden Eccles Dinosaur Park, for train buffs there's Ogden's Union Station, Brigham City's Historic Railroad Station and the Golden Spike National Historic Site.

Try the ski diving tower or surf simulator at the Salomon Center in Ogden, the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge and ATK/Thiokol Rocket Park, near Brigham City.

And in Cache County, there's the superb American Western Heritage Center.

Finally, you'll want to spend some time at Salt Lake City. Visit Beehive House - the historic home of Brigham Young, tour Temple Square and conference center - the headquarters of The Church of Jesus Chist of Latter Day Saints and see a multitude of other splendid attractions in this bustling, metropolitan area.

For me, the lasting impression was seeing the Rocky Mountains in the background - even while in the cities.

But don't take my word for it, discover it for yourself.

Factfile

Andy Nicholls travelled with Virgin Atlantic from Heathrow to Los Angeles and with Delta Airlines from Los Angeles to Salt Lake City.

The return was Continental Airlines from Salt Lake City to Newark, New York and Virgin Atlantic from Newark to Heathrow.

Virgin Atlantic flies from London to Los Angeles twice daily and to Newark twice daily.

Fares for travel into Los Angeles and back from Newark, New York start from £335 inclusive of taxes and charges and can be booked either online at www.virginatlantic.com or by calling reservations on 08705 747 747.

Delta Airlines flights from Los Angeles to Salt Lake City ranging from £165, can be booked online at www.delta.com or call reservations on 0208 867 8832.

Continental Airlines flights from Salt Lake City to Newark, New York, ranging from £258.20, can be booked online at www.continental.com or call reservations on 0870 942 1010.

I stayed at the Moose Hallow, Eden - moosehallowcondos.com - the University Inn USU, Logan - usu.edu/univinn/, Harbor Village Resort, Bear Lake - bearlake.org, and The Grand America, Salt Lake City - grandamerica.com.

For further information on Utah log on to utah.travel or call our brochure line on 08456 020 574