Vast, open space trimmed with jagged, snow-tipped mountains and domed by an impossibly blue sky make the Utah Valley a uniquely beautiful location. Things tend to be quiet here, and residents like it that way. Utah Valley is the heart of Utah County. On the western edge of the valley, the vast Utah Lake is a popular destination for boating, water skiing, fishing, picnicking, and camping. Utah Lake State Park is a beautiful location to camp and fish. Visitors can catch bass, catfish, and walleye – or they can spend the day sailing or canoeing. A campground is also available.

The county seat of Utah County is Provo. Brigham Young University is located here, a school operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The BYU Cougar ice hockey team plays at the Peaks Ice Arena, along with the Utah County Blizzard. Provo has been named a great place to retire, a cultural hub, and one of the best locations to raise a family.

Orem is another popular city because it is home to Utah Valley University. Founded in 1936, UVU has become a powerhouse in athletics and the performing and visual arts. They also offer over 50 degree programs. Orem was incorporated in 1919 and has been recognized as a top location for families.

The beautiful landscape of Utah County is captured in the Timpanogos Cave National Monument, a cave system that can be reached by a 1.5 mile trail. The other-worldly beauty of the Hansen, Middle, and Timpanogos Caves can be seen on tours given during the warmer months, when snow isn’t an issue. The cave system is located in the Wasatch Mountains.

For even more outdoor adventure that includes hiking trails, snow mobile and ATV trails, mountain climbing, skiing, snowshoeing, horseback riding, and more, parts of several national forests are also located in the county: Ashley National Forest, Uinta National Forest, Manti-La Sal National Forest, and Wasatch-Cache National Forest.