Tag: utah

  • 15 Fun and Interesting Facts About Southern Utah

    15 Fun and Interesting Facts About Southern Utah

    Visiting or Moving to Southern Utah? Here are some must check out things.

    Southern Utah is one of the most photographed and visited regions in the American West, thanks to its dramatic canyons, arches, and desert landscapes. From Zion to small towns like Kanab and Mexican Hat, this area is full of surprises and local charm.

    1. Land of the “Mighty Five”

    Southern Utah is home to most of Utah’s famous “Mighty Five” national parks: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands are all located in the southern half of the state or easily accessed from Southern Utah hubs like St. George and Moab. These parks draw millions of visitors each year for world-class hiking, canyoneering, and scenic drives.

    2. Red Rock That Looks Like Mars

    Many people compare Southern Utah’s red rock deserts to the surface of Mars because of the deep canyons, towering cliffs, and strange rock formations. The region’s otherworldly landscape has been used as a testing ground for Mars-related research and film projects due to its rugged, alien look.

    3. Zion National Park’s Iconic Trails

    Zion National Park is one of the crown jewels of Southern Utah and is known for famous trails like Angels Landing and The Narrows. Visitors come from all over the world to hike through slot canyons, wade the Virgin River, and stand beneath sheer sandstone walls that glow at sunrise and sunset.

    4. Bryce Canyon’s Hoodoo Wonderland

    Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for its “hoodoos,” tall, thin rock spires that fill natural amphitheaters in shades of red, orange, and white. These formations are especially stunning at sunrise, making Bryce a favorite destination for photographers and stargazers.

    Capitol Reef’s Hidden Orchards and Cliffs

    Capitol Reef National Park combines dramatic cliffs and canyons with historic orchards planted by early settlers in the Fruita district. In season, visitors can wander among fruit trees, pick produce, and enjoy fresh pies surrounded by rugged sandstone scenery.

    Grand Staircase–Escalante’s Wild Backcountry

    Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument covers a massive area of canyons, plateaus, and slot canyons stretching across Southern Utah. This lesser-visited region is a paradise for hikers and backpackers looking for hidden arches, remote waterfalls, and true backcountry solitude.

    Lake Powell and Glen Canyon Adventures

    Southern Utah provides access to Lake Powell and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, a huge reservoir surrounded by red rock cliffs, coves, and side canyons. Boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and camping on sandy beaches make this one of the region’s premier water destinations.

    Small Towns with Big Character

    Southern Utah is dotted with memorable small towns like Kanab, Springdale, Moab, and Mexican Hat. Many of these communities are known for their proximity to national parks, local festivals, film history, and unique rock formations that inspired their names.

    A Hotspot for Slot Canyons

    Southern Utah is world-famous for its narrow slot canyons—twisting passages carved through sandstone that can be only a few feet wide. Popular areas include canyons near Zion, Escalante, and Page, where visitors can experience swirling walls, reflected light, and sculpted rock formations.

    International Dark Sky Destinations

    The remote deserts and high plateaus of Southern Utah offer some of the darkest night skies in the United States. Several parks and communities in the region have earned International Dark Sky status, making stargazing and Milky Way photography major draws for visitors.

    Dinosaur Fossils and Ancient History

    Southern Utah is rich in dinosaur fossils, trackways, and paleontology sites, with museums and dig locations scattered across the region. Fossil beds, preserved footprints, and exhibits help visitors imagine what this desert looked like millions of years ago.

    Petroglyphs and Native American Heritage

    Throughout Southern Utah, you can find petroglyphs and rock art panels left by Native American cultures that lived in the region for thousands of years. These sites, found near canyons, cliffs, and rivers, provide a powerful connection to the area’s deep human history.

    Outdoor Playground All Year Long

    Thanks to its lower elevation deserts and higher elevation plateaus, Southern Utah offers year-round outdoor activities. In a single season, you can hike in red rock canyons, mountain bike on slickrock, and escape summer heat by heading to higher, cooler forests and viewpoints.

    Scenic Byways and Road Trips

    Southern Utah is crisscrossed by scenic highways and byways that make road trips unforgettable. Routes like Scenic Byway 12, which connects Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef through dramatic canyons and high ridges, are often called some of the most beautiful drives in America.

    A Magnet for Adventure Seekers

    Whether it’s canyoneering, rock climbing, mountain biking, off-roading, or trail running, Southern Utah is a magnet for adventure enthusiasts. Towns like Moab and St. George have grown into outdoor hubs with guide services, gear shops, and events that celebrate the region’s active lifestyle.

    Moving to Southern Utah? Choose Manly Moving

    If you’re planning to relocate to Southern Utah, you’re stepping into a landscape of sunshine, red rock beauty, and endless outdoor adventure. To make your move smooth and stress-free, partner with Manly Moving—a professional moving company focused on reliable service, careful handling, and friendly support. With Manly Moving on your side, you can spend less time worrying about logistics and more time settling into your new Southern Utah home.

  • How to Find Affordable Moving Companies With Good Reviews Near You

    How to Find Affordable Moving Companies With Good Reviews Near You

    These are the 6 must have steps to find the best value moving company

    Finding an affordable moving company that also has great reviews can feel like trying to find a kid who will clean his room without being asked. Prices vary, reviews clash, and every company claims they’re “the best in town.” Meanwhile, all you want is someone who won’t drop your TV or disappear on moving day.

    Here is a detailed guide to finding a reliable moving company near you—plus why Manly Moving, serving Eastern Idaho and Southern Utah, is a strong contender for your next move if you are looking for movers in that area.

    Step 1: Know What “Affordable” Really Means

    “Affordable” doesn’t always mean “cheapest.”
    A company quoting a shockingly low price might also be the kind of team that shows up with one dolly, one moving blanket, and one guy who asks if you have snacks.

    Real affordability includes:

    • Transparent pricing without mystery fees
    • A trained crew (not cousins hired that morning)
    • Proper trucks and equipment
    • Valuation that actually covers your stuff
    • Reviews from real humans not the fake kind

    If the quote sounds too good to be true, assume it is—just like that $20 luxury sofa on Facebook Marketplace that “only needs one minor repair.”

    This shows that all movers are not the same. So you can't compare movers like apples to apples

    Step 2: Search in the Right Places

    When you type “affordable moving companies near me” into Google, you’ll get everything from legitimate pros to questionable outfits that look like they operate out of a shed.

    Stick to trustworthy review platforms:

    • Google Business Profiles – Best for honest reviews and photos
    • Yelp – Detailed reviewer rants and celebrations. Yelp does tend to attract more bad reviews than good, so keep that in mind.
    • Facebook Recommendations – Good for local recommendations
    • BBB – Confirms the business is real and not fictional.

    What you’re looking for:

    • Consistent 4.5–5 stars
    • Reviews mentioning careful handling, punctuality, hard working, and no surprises on the bill
    • Customers who say they’d hire the moving company again (the ultimate compliment)
    • Clear patterns—good or bad

    If reviews mention broken items, late crews, or disappearing movers, then be sure to not go with moving companies like these unless you are a charity that gives money to crappy movers which I doubt you are.

    Step 3: Compare Moving Quotes Like a Pro

    You should always get multiple quotes—and always in writing.
    A verbal quote over the phone is about as reliable as “I’ll be ready in 10 minutes.”

    Pay attention to:

    • Hourly vs. flat-rate pricing
    • What’s included (truck, crew size, travel fee, equipment)
    • Extra charges for stairs, long carries, or packing supplies
    • Deposit amounts
    • Cancellation policies
    • Whether they actually listened when you described your inventory

    A good mover asks questions.
    A great mover asks enough questions to understand exactly how many boxes of “miscellaneous kitchen items” you’ve been hiding.

    Photo by Alexander Suhorucov on Pexels.com

    Step 4: Verify Licensing and Insurance

    This step matters.
    A “moving company” without insurance is just a group of guys with strong opinions and access to a pickup truck.

    Legitimate companies should have:

    • A USDOT number (for interstate moves)
    • State licensing when required
    • Proof of liability insurance
    • cargo insurance (for interstate moves)
    • Employees covered by workers’ compensation

    If they dance around the licensing question, that’s your sign to not dance with them.

    Step 5: Ask About Training, Tools, and Trucks

    You want to know whether you’re getting trained movers or two guys who watched a YouTube video and called themselves professionals.

    Ask:

    • How experienced the crew is
    • Whether they use floor protection, furniture pads, movers bands and/or shrink wrap
    • What kind of truck they use
    • How they handle heavy or fragile items
    • Whether they specialize in certain types of moves
    • Ask them how they would move ______(list a bigger or fragile item that you own.

    Good equipment and trained movers prevents damage, and trustworthy movers prevent arguments about who broke the lamp.

    Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com

    Why Manly Moving Is a Strong Choice

    If you’re searching for a moving company that balances affordability, professionalism, and great reviews, Manly Moving checks all the boxes.

    What sets Manly Moving apart:

    • Honest, competitive pricing
    • Skilled crews who know how to move your belongings without scuffs, scratches, or drama
    • Clean, well-equipped trucks
    • Friendly movers who actually show up on time
    • Clear communication and no hidden fees
    • Strong reputation across multiple review platforms
    • Full service: local moves, long-distance, packing help, loading, unloading, specialty items

    Where we serve:
    Proudly moving families and businesses throughout Eastern Idaho and Southern Utah, from small apartments to full-size homes (and everything in between).

    If you want movers who are professional without being boring, strong without being sloppy, and efficient without being overly serious, Manly Moving is a reliable and personable choice.

    Step 6: Book Early and Avoid Last-Minute Surprises

    Good movers get booked fast—especially during peak seasons.
    If you call the week of your move, your only options may be:

    • Overpriced companies
    • Underqualified companies
    • Your one friend with a truck who “owes you a favor” but will complain the entire day.

    Booking early keeps costs down and ensures you get your top choice.

    Final Tips for Success

    • Read the contract carefully
    • Don’t pay large deposits
    • Pack properly if you’re doing your own packing
    • Declutter ahead of time to save money
    • Communicate special items or tricky situations

    When you follow the right steps, finding an affordable moving company with great reviews becomes much easier—and much less stressful.

    If you want, I can create a shorter version, an SEO-optimized version, or a social media caption based on this.

    To get a FREE moving quote call us at 855-997-1881 or to book online click here