Utah Handbook

I'm lucky to have a good public library near me and I checked out every guidebook on Utah they had--nine or ten. The Moon guide is the best of the lot. I liked it so much I bought it and took it with me to a recent 8-day visit to the state, and was able to give it an "on the ground" trial. The Moon guides are unique in the depth of coverage. No sketchy descriptions of attractions here--each place is covered in detail and depth. The Utah guide includes the "little things" that might interest you no matter what kinds of scenery or attractions you like--or you can pass them by. The maps are good, but of course no book map can replace a good full-size folding map. Sidebars or "boxes" in the text pick out particular bits of information that make the area come alive. The guide is not as complete about hotel/motels as some, but I belong to AAA for that kind of information, which becomes out of date as soon as any guide is published anyway. The quality of any guide book, whether Moon or Lonely Planet, or whatever, depends on its authors. This one hits the mark.

This travel guide provides up-front and honest opinions of accomodation, eating, things to do (both city and backcountry). The authors have provided plenty of ideas that allow you to design your own trip that doesn't have to follow the crowds. (They don't exclude the popular destinations either, if that is your preference.) The book is layed out in a nice logical fashion broken down by the 7 regions and Salt Lake City. Included is a good background on the State and its history, without turning into a textbook. As someone from the other side of the world, I found the advice on customs (such as tipping, Utah's liqor laws) very useful.