Why I Love Southern Utah

There are a lot of cool places to live. Hawaii, for one. Or Alaska. Or Texas There’s something like 20,000 incorporated cities in the United States alone. So there are a lot of good places to live. I know it’s hot and has way too many soda shops, but southern Utah is a pretty darn good place to live. One of the biggest benefits is all of the state and national parks that are nearby. 

Depending on where you live in southern Utah, the parks can be anywhere from fifteen minutes to four hours away. This gives you access to a lot more parks than in other areas. When you think of national or state parks, you might just think hiking or camping, but there’s even Sand Hollow State Park and Quail Creek State Park where you can boat, kayak, and play on the beach. There are tons of benefits to national and state parks being so close. For one, parks help the economy by attracting tourists to the area, making them spend money on other amenities while at the park. There have been studies that say areas around national parks are wealthier. There are other benefits too, like healthier ecosystems and whatnot. The biggest benefit is the improved health of those who live near the parks. Going to national and state parks certainly helps physical health because of hiking and other physical activities. Getting outside has been known to have major positive influences on mental health. Including mine. 

Like most people, I have had some mental health challenges that I have had to overcome. One of the major things that helped me was getting outside. I would often go camping with my friends at Gunlock State Park. It was nice to be able to have an outlet and a place where I could go to get away from my troubles at home. We would swim and roast s'mores over a campfire. Another place we often go is Snow Canyon State Park. We hike the Lava Tubes or play at the sand dunes in the dark. The fresh air really helps me with my anxiety. It’s almost as if when I stay inside, my anxiety builds up and can't get out because I’m in a building, but when I’m outside, it can flow with the wind and can’t be contained. 

Growing up in southern Utah, being outside just became part of my existence. The parks not only offer a beautiful escape but also a community of like-minded outdoors people, which has enriched my life and strengthened my ties to the area. Additionally, the accessibility of these parks means that there are always new places to explore and new activities to try. Whether it's discovering a new hiking trail, finding a secluded spot for a picnic, or joining a local event or cleanup effort, there is always something to do. This constant engagement with nature has fostered a deep appreciation for the environment and a commitment to preserving these natural spaces for future generations.