Ph is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity, in Utah the soil is alkaline, or has a Ph of above 7.0. Utah soils range from approx 7.6 to 8.2. Soil Ph is considered the single most important chemical property of soil because it affects the availabilty of essential plant nutrients. The high Ph is the result of soil development in a low rainfall environment. Large amounts of calcium carbonate (lime) gives us our high Ph soil.
Is a high ph bad ? No, it is what we have and its what we have to work with. Attemps to lower ph over the long term does not work. Its best to plant trees and plants that preferr a higher ph level. Adding organic composted mulch, 3-4 inches in depth, to our soil is the best way to help build the soil structure to a more productive state.
For a complete review of soil PH in Utah, please read the following article published by the Utah State Extension Service. (the above information is paraphrased from the site)