Literary Utah

Utah, Literary Inspiration of the Great Outdoors

The state of Utah is known for its stunning vistas, striking skies, and ancient rock formations. Its literary history, however, is also worth exploration. Examples of where to look are below. The Utah Author Adventures Trail includes a naturalist, a classic fantasy writer, a Stanford professor deemed the “dean of Western writers,” and a significant Black writer who carved new paths during his short life.

Various contemporary writers have lived in Utah, though their homes are not open to the public. They include Orson Scott Card, Stephen Covey, James Dashner, Jessica Day George, Shannon Hale, and Brandon Mull.

A. Edward Abbey, Arches National Park, Moab
B. Lloyd Alexander, Brigham Young University Harold B. Lee Library, Provo
C. Wallace Thurman, Calvary Baptist Church, Salt Lake City
D. Wallace Stegner, Salt Lake City

Our purpose is to attract interest in the diverse literary history of the US. We are not-for-profit and have no official relationship with any entity or organization included anywhere on the site except for the John Corcoran Foundation. We receive no compensation for any entities or products and do not endorse, nor receive endorsements, from businesses. We are not responsible for any problems travelers may experience on the way to, during, or leaving any of the locations. As information changes over time and human error is always a possibility, we do not accept legal responsibility for the information on this website, nor any websites to which it links. Inclusion in this site is solely informational and does not signify endorsement of viewpoints. The word "landmark" is intended generically, as several identified places do not have official landmark status with any entity. This website is designed to be an ad-free public service.