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Salt Lake City

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Salt Lake City makes a great gateway for travelers making a trip to Utah's ski resorts or southward to Utah’s renowned red rock country. Frequently referred to as the "Crossroads of the West," its location is also ideal for longer roadtrips northward to Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. Though as those who attempt to pass through often find, you'll frequently talk yourself into staying longer than you expected.

Things to Do in Salt Lake City

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Salt lake city stories.

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Family and Budget Guide to the One and Only Ski City: Salt Lake

Written By Kristen Pope

6 minute read

With 11 family-friendly resorts nearby, Salt Lake City skiing, dining and entertainment options make Utah one of the best ski destinations in the western U.S.

Utah's Rum Underdogs

Written By Darby Doyle

Utah distilleries are becoming very popular. Distillery 36 is rising to the top of the list. Drink in their story and then let’s toast with Brigham agricole rum!

V Is for Variety

Written By Austen Diamond

4 minute read

Gary Vlasic, Salt Lake City’s premier event designer, creates spellbinding experiential design in a city that offers unparalleled freedom and space.

Meet the Women Leading Utah's Food and Beverage Renaissance

When it comes to food and beverage in Utah, there are key influencers who have been the proponents of change, growth, and the role of women in Utah’s food scene.

Salt Lake City’s Rainbow Colors Fly Year Round

Written By Matcha

5 minute read

Take a trip to Salt Lake City, an LGBTQIA+ friendly city, which over the past two decades has become a destination for those who enjoy both a hip urban atmosphere and easy access to the great outdoors.

Where to See Women's Art in Utah

Written By Ashley Mae Hoiland

There’s no shortage of art galleries in Salt Lake City and across Utah's Wasatch Front. Beyond the major metropolitan areas, there are also small artist communities across the state where artists seeking a slower pace have flocked for decades. Here are a few recommendations for where you can experience art in Utah.

Salt Lake City’s Must-See Street Art

Written By Sara Hobbs

Salt Lake City, Utah has more than 80 murals and art installations to discover. Come and see how these urban street artists showcase their own flavor and perspective.

Short List: Local Salt Lake City Nightlife Picks

Make the most of winter's shortened daylight by extending your Utah ski trip into the night. Sure, some resorts offer incredible night skiing — so, okay, after that — but then the night really gets going in downtown Ski City.

The Spice of (a New) Life

Some of the best food in Salt Lake City is served in the Spice Incubator Kitchen. Come visit this international culinary kitchen for a treat to your taste buds.

11 Family-Friendly Activities Near SLC

From roller coasters to ski slopes, discover 11 fun family activities in and around Salt Lake City.

Where’s the Meat?

Taking the blue highways, finding a local diner or picking up fresh fruit from a family-run farm store gets us that much more in touch with the flow of seasons and feeling grounded in our sense of place as we travel. And shrinking the circle of our food sourcing has become a priority for many people even, and especially, while on the road.

More Than Coffee: The Caffeinators of Salt Lake City

Written By Austin Wright

8 minute read

The unique Salt Lake City coffee community is ready to embrace you. When you visit Utah, try all the capital city's coffee shops and styles to find your favorite cup.

You Are Where You Eat: Salt Lake Latino’s Perfected Flavors

Written By Willy Palomo

Here is a guide for a day — or weekend — packed with some of the Salt Lake City's best Latino cuisine, brought to you by the hands who have cared and perfected their flavors for centuries.

The Hands That Shape Temple Square

Written By Temple Square Hospitality

3 minute read

If you visit Salt Lake City, you should visit Temple Square. Breathtaking architecture and landscaping will awe and inspire you. Learn more!

The Salt of Sound: Live Music in Salt Lake City

Written By Visit Utah

Check out the live music scene while visiting Utah. Salt Lake City’s numerous music venues offer something for every music lover. Watch Salt of Sound for a taste.

Fervor on Foot: Tracking Salt Lake's Food and Spirits

Written By Stephanie Doktor

Salt Lake City, Utah is a walkable town with a flourishing and ever-evolving food and spirits culture. Find a neighborhood district to stroll, taste, touch and see!

Destination Ski City: Culture Élevé

After a day of skiing, soak up Salt Lake City’s culture and nightlife: Enjoy a live performance and explore delicious dining options and great bars. Check it out!

'Bad' Brad: A Story of Blues, Blood and Legendary Jazz

Written By Andrew Dash Gillman

Meet Utah’s legendary DJ and blues musician, “Bad” Brad Wheeler. Take a peek into the history of Salt Lake City’s music scene through the memories of Bad Brad.

From Big Air to Big Ales: Utah’s Best Local Craft Brew Picks

Here's the thing about the craft brewing scene in Utah: it's thriving.

How-to Guide for Salt Lake City Conference Attendees: Food, Drink and Fun

Here’s everything you need to know to get the most out of your time before, during, and after your conference in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Required Listening

Written By Mitchell Reber

Crucialfest weaves metal and indie rock into the fabric of Salt Lake City

Utah’s Women Make History

Walk in the footsteps of Utah’s earliest women’s suffrage leaders at sites throughout downtown Salt Lake City. Along the way, view public art installations commemorating voting rights and stop at trail-adjacent local women-owned businesses.

Discover the Shape of Utah's Coffee Community

7 minute read

See coffee shops in Salt Lake City on this short video tour of some of the best coffee shops in Utah.

Step Into an Artistic Vision

Written By Katya Wagstaff

The columns of Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre slowly appear as you climb to its perch above downtown Salt Lake City. The theatre sits on the campus of the state’s flagship university with metropolitan lights below and mountains behind that rise several thousand feet off the valley floor to provide a backdrop to the east and south.

Discover the Breweries of the Wasatch Front

Over the past two decades, Salt Lake’s breweries have grown into a culture all their own. Here’s what you need to start planning a pub crawl with this collection of Salt Lake’s most popular breweries.

Let's Talk Utah: Accessibility to the Outdoors in Utah

"Salt Lake City — and the valley — is very lush. We’re really, really close to outdoor recreation from our urban environment."

- Ashley Cleveland, City Planner and Salt Lake Local

Best of Salt Lake

City creek center.

Satisfy your shopping fix with a stroll through City Creek Center and browse Apple, Anthropologie, Coach, Nordstrom and more. This is a one-of-a-kind mall with a retractable roof and a running creek stocked with local brown trout.

Great Salt Lake

The remains of Lake Bonneville have become a thriving ecosystem. This is a perfect place for wildlife watchers, and less than half an hour from downtown Salt Lake City.

Library Square

Utah’s largest library, The City Library is a place to focus, to explore the art gallery, to marvel at the architecture and to grab a quick bite to eat.

Salt Lake City Ski Resorts

10 ski resorts within an hour of Salt Lake City International Airport. That’s unmatched access to The Greatest Snow on Earth®.

• Temple Square

Planning a visit Salt Lake City? Add Temple Square to your itinerary to learn about LDS history, heritage, art and culture of one of the oldest Utah attractions. Explore Salt Lake.

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Great Salt Lake Needs Your Visit

Written By Larisa Bowen

While you visit this mysterious natural wonder, you can also help save it.

Things to Do

Arts and culture.

From performing arts to museums and heritage sites, check out Salt Lake City's art offerings and festivals.

This is the beating heart of SLC, where historic architecture and historic sites frame a bustling shopping, restaurant and nightlife scene. Downtown is the place for art gallery hops and festivals, live music, chocolate tasting, Jazz games, and the downtown Farmers Market. See it all on TRAX or the GREENbike SLC bike-sharing program. Learn more at visitsaltlake.com

Unlike most other metropolitan areas, lush and beautiful mountains and canyons (which include four world-class ski resorts for winter visitors) sit on the very borders of the city and offer hiking opportunities within minutes of its hustle and bustle. Find out where to hike in Salt Lake City.

Little Cottonwood Canyon and Big Cottonwood Canyon

Around 20 miles from Salt Lake City, Little Cottonwood and Big Cottonwood are home to four incredible Utah ski resorts. The Cottonwoods in summer are safe havens for incredible climbing, bouldering, hiking, trail running, cycling and mountain biking, both on and off the resorts. Both canyons are designated scenic byways.

Plan Your Trip

Hotels & lodging.

Explore a variety of hotels and lodging in the Salt Lake City area. Stay at a luxury resort in the heart of downtown or at one of the many nearby ski resorts. Or, find an affordable room with immediate access to nearby recreation. Whatever brought you to Salt Lake City, there are plenty of places to stay.

Find a Hotel

Restaurants & Bars

Excellent international fare and local specialties are never far away from downtown Salt Lake, where the culinary and brewing scenes have grown steadily over the past years.

The Best Restaurants in Salt Lake City

Support Local

Supporting local communities during your travels can have a profound impact. Stock up with groceries locally, stop in an artisan shop or eat at a restaurant in addition to campfire meals.

Discover more ways to support local

Play The Hits: Exploring Salt Lake City's Iconic Sights

Utah’s capital city boasts a unique history. It is rich in frontier history for sure but its story didn’t end (or begin) there. Experience the many layers of history, prehistory and contemporary culture.

Arts, History and Heritage, Urban Experiences

• Utah Museum of Contemporary Art
• Natural History Museum of Utah
• Red Butte Gardens

See Itinerary

Salt Lake City to Moab

Moab is Utah’s adventure epicenter — a place where world-renowned natural destinations are scattered around a town that’s brimming with local charm. Be sure to bring a vivid imagination and taste for exploration along with your hiking shoes, sunscreen and water bottle, because this is not your typical retreat.

Adventure, Arts, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Scenic Drives/Road Trips

• Arches National Park
• Guided 4x4 Wheeling
• Canyonlands Stargazing
• Floating the Colorado River

Neighborhoods

9th and 9th district.

Just off downtown, tree-lined streets on SLC's famous grid system lead to hip neighborhoods like the 9th and 9th district, home to bustling espresso bars and bakeries like Coffee Garden and Tulie as well as a burgeoning food scene exemplified by Pago, famous for artfully crafted American cuisine showcasing locally-sourced ingredients. The district (in partnership with its close-by, sister neighborhood, the Maven District) is also brimming with 40-plus women-owned businesses that are helping to boost the local economy, as well as each other.

Campus district

A quick trip on TRAX, SLC’s light rail system, takes you from city center past The Leonardo science museum to the University of Utah campus district, home to Red Butte Garden and Arboretum and the Natural History Museum of Utah. The campus area is also adjacent to multiple access points to the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, a sprawling network of trails lacing the foothills behind the city with nearly 100 miles of hiking, running and biking trails, an after-work favorite for locals. Explore Salt Lake's backyard adventure hikes and Learn more at visitsaltlake.com

Sugar House

Sugar House is the place for local shops with an eclectic fair. One of Salt Lake's oldest neighborhoods, the area features a diverse lineup of art galleries, bookstores and boutiques in its now-booming business district, which surrounds the beautiful Sugar House park. Learn more at visitsaltlake.com

The Avenues and Capitol Hill

If you're in for an uphill drive through some of Salt Lake's oldest and most unique neighborhoods, drive through The Avenues and Capitol Hill, perhaps the quirkiest and artsiest neighborhoods in SLC. Capitol Hill offers an unforgettable high-elevation view of the entire Salt Lake metropolitan area from Ensign Peak. Learn more at visitsaltlake.com

What's Nearby

Antelope Island State Park

Syracuse, UT

Antelope Island State Park is 25 miles north of Salt Lake City. Accessed by a causeway, the island sits in Great Salt Lake and features free-roaming bison and antelope herds.

Ogden is an outdoor recreation mecca. It has also worked to restore its historic art deco architecture and buildings and blend in new development toward a charming and vibrant downtown.

Park City, UT

Park City is the perfect mountain town. The winter slopes were once featured in the Olympics, and in summer the mountains and nearby state parks and reservoirs transform into a hiking, mountain biking, fishing and camping mecca.

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Do your part by planning ahead

Day Trips From Salt Lake City

Top Things to Do

Things to Do With Kids

Museums to Visit

Top Restaurants

Best Breweries

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Salt Lake City Airport Guide

Neighborhoods to Know

Public Transportation

48-Hour Itinerary

48 Hours in Salt Lake City: The Ultimate Itinerary

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Salt Lake City is filled with things to do and places to get outdoors—so many, in fact, that you might not know where to start if you don’t have very long to spend exploring. Have 48 hours to spend in town? This itinerary will help you get familiar with the city and its history, its tasty food scene, give you a few ideas of things to do, as well as get you out into the beautiful natural surrounds that are just a short drive from the heart of town.

Day 1: Morning

9 a.m.: Start your day at Temple Square located in the heart of downtown. The complex opens to visitors at 9 a.m. and is the perfect place to orient yourself to the history of this unique city. Whether you’re a Latter-day Saint or have no idea about the area's Mormon history, you’ll find something to delve into here. If you need a bite to eat to start your day, stop by the Nauvoo Café in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building.

First and foremost, stroll the grounds as they are absolutely gorgeous at any time of year. Admire the towering Temple, which most people cannot enter, and the surrounding gardens. Visitors can go into most of the buildings in Temple Square, including the Tabernacle where the Tabernacle Choir originally performed. Nowadays the group performs at the Tabernacle Choir building when they’re in town. You can also stop by the North and South Visitors Centers to see a scale model of the Temple as well as the well-known giant statue of Jesus. Also don’t miss the Family History Library, which could easily take up the entire weekend if you really want to dig into your ancestry. If you don’t want to wander on your own, you can join one of the free Temple Square tours  lead by missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The tours will fill you in on the history of the Temple, Tabernacle, and more. You can join tours near the Conference Center or book online in advance.

11:30 a.m.: While you’re still at Temple Square, enjoy an indulgent lunch at The Roof Restaurant at the top of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. If you'd rather dine elsewhere, there are lots of restaurants in downtown SLC, but The Roof is a treat with its stellar Temple views, upscale dining room, and delicious food served buffet-style. Start with some charcuterie and cheese, or enjoy a variety of appetizers from chilled shrimp to lemon-garlic lavash bread. Entree selections include carved prime rib, pan-seared salmon, smoked gouda mac and cheese, and more. But the best part is the decadent and varied dessert selection.

Day 1: Afternoon

1 p.m.: Explore downtown beyond Temple Square. You’ve got plenty of places to choose from. If you want to fit in some shopping, head to the Gateway  or City Creek Center , both of which are within walking or very short driving distance of Temple Square. Gateway is an open-air shopping center so if it’s July or August and it’s air conditioning you’re after, head to City Creek Center. If you want to keep the history train going, head to the nearby state Capitol  where you can wander the hallowed halls on your own or join a tour. As long as your group is 10 people or fewer, you can join the walk-in tours, which begin on the hour Monday through Friday. If you’re in the mood for something artsy, visit the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art , which is also within an easy walk of Temple Square and has many exhibitions to explore.

3 p.m.: Take some time to visit a museum or cultural site. Again, you have a few choices to choose from. If you have kids in tow, Discovery Gateway is a great children’s museum located inside the Gateway. It’s well-suited for younger kids, but if you have older kids, the Natural History Museum of Utah on the University of Utah campus or the Clark Planetarium are excellent choices. Yet another choice for all age groups is This Is The Place Heritage Park , which serves up everything from gold panning and gem digs for kids, to horseback rides, to more than 50 historic structures to explore, to shops and water features that kids can play in.

Day 1: Evening

4kodiak / Getty Images

6 p.m.: Take yourself to dinner and then out on the town. There are restaurants aplenty in downtown Salt Lake City, including places where you can enjoy dinner and a drink such as Squatters , O’Shucks Bar & Grill, and Red Rock Brewing Co. SLC is not known for its nightlife, but the truth is there are lots of fun ways to get out in the evening. Downtown Salt Lake City is home to several venues if you want to head out to catch a show. Look for concerts at the Urban Lounge or performances at Capitol Theatre .

Day 2: Morning

Joe_Guetzloff / Getty Images

9 a.m.: Now that you’ve learned all about the history and heart of Salt Lake City, check out the city’s more modern and outdoorsy sides. Start with breakfast at Blue Plate Diner , a quintessential diner with options for vegans, vegetarians, and gluten-free diners as well as traditional breakfast favorites. The food is plentiful and delicious and will fuel you up for the rest of the day.

10:30 a.m.: Sugar House is one of Salt Lake City’s most enjoyable neighborhoods to wander. It's filled with shops, restaurants, bars, attractive streets, and the excellent Sugar House Park . With the Wasatch Mountains as a backdrop, the park has a paved trail looping around the pond at the center of the park that makes a great walk. Explore the streets and pop into some shops, which include plenty of big box stores, but also local spots and smaller chains like Himalayan Artswear, Downeast , Local Colors of Utah Gallery , and Raunch Records. After you’ve seen all there is to see, stop in at one of the area’s grocery stores (Smith’s and Whole Foods are both in Sugar House) and load up on snacks and drinks for the afternoon's hike.

Day 2: Afternoon

(c) Salil Bhatt / Getty Images

1 p.m.: You really shouldn’t visit Salt Lake City without going on a hike in one of the canyons in or just outside of the city. There are just so many and most of them contain moderate trails suitable for most hikers. Mill Creek Canyon is a solid choice. It has just about unlimited trail options and pets are allowed (they are not allowed in Big or Little Cottonwood Canyons, which are also popular hiking spots). If you want incredible views, hike your way up to Desolation Overlook (4.4 miles, 1,437-foot elevation gain) or Rattlesnake Gulch (3.3 miles, 816-foot elevation gain), which will score you views over the Salt Lake Valley. If you’re not much for hiking, still don’t miss a chance to get out into the canyons as they are beautiful year-round. Big Cottonwood Canyon or Little Cottonwood Canyon are both great for scenic drives.

Day 2: Evening

6 p.m.: After a half-day of hiking, you’ll be ready to refuel. Of course, there’s a whole city’s worth of restaurants to choose from, but if you aren’t sure where to start, Bombay House on Foothill Drive is amazing and close to the mouth of Millcreek Canyon. Since 1993, Bombay House has served up Indian cuisine in a comfy and lush interior. You’ll find everything from samosas to tandoori to a wide range of curries on the menu, but if you love chicken tikka masala, this restaurant has some of the best.

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64 Things to Do in Salt Lake City (An Epic Guide!)

You can set aside a full month and still not get through all of the fun things to do in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Trust me. We did exactly that. 

We spent a long weekend in Salt Lake City to start but always knew we’d return. We were lucky enough to make a full month happen as part of our nomadic adventures and were still left wanting more. Apart from everything to see in the capital city, it’s an excellent base for day trips.

I’ll get into all of that and more in this guide to all of my favorite Salt Lake City attractions.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links, including links through the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I won’t recommend something I have not used/would not use myself, and any income earned supports the upkeep of this site.

Is Salt Lake City worth a visit?

Salt Lake City is worth a visit no matter when you can make it happen. It’s a great base for ski trips in the winter and alpine lake hikes in the summer. That said, you don’t even need to leave the city limits to enjoy all of the cultural offerings and delicious restaurants in Salt Lake City proper.

Best Things to Do in Salt Lake City, Utah

We spent a full month in Salt Lake City on top of weekend trips to the Utah city before that lengthy stay. That means we saw a lot of what the city has to offer. Interested in a map of all of my favorite SLC activities? Follow the link below:

GIMME MY SALT LAKE CITY ATTRACTIONS MAP!

1. pop by the salt lake city council hall..

Salt Lake City Council Hall is home to the Utah Office of Tourism, so it’s a great place to start Salt Lake City adventures. Admire the architecture and the history of the site while you’re there. The National Historic Landmark was completed back in 1866 as the Old Salt Lake City Hall. 

2. See the Utah State Capitol building up close.

Head over to Salt Lake City’s version of Capitol Hill to see the Utah State Capitol’s impressive dome. Choose between a self-guided or docent-led tour if you’d like to see the interior.

The complex grounds are a great place to linger , too. On my last visit, I saw some youths playing frisbee with that big ol’ dome as their backdrop. Don’t miss The Mormon Battalion Monument out front while you’re here.

The looming sculpture recognizes the sacrifices made by Mormon pioneers who served in the U.S. Army during the Mexican-American War.

3. See views of the Utah State Capitol.

The former site of the Anderson Tower Monument offers some of the best views of the city, including a look at the Utah State Capitol from above. This spot also comes with a wacky history.

The Anderson Tower was meant to be a tourist attraction modeled after the medieval towers of Scotland. Entrepreneur Robert R. Anderson thought he could charge for views of the city from the tower he ended up building in 1884, but he failed to think about the tower’s location.

No, it wasn’t leaning . The hilltop views here are awesome with or without a medieval tower on the site. Nobody cared. The tower fell into disrepair and was eventually demolished in 1932. You can see a plaque where it used to stand today.

4. Wander Memory Grove Park.

If you’re here for those steps, you can continue walking from the Anderson Tower Monument until you hit a path that takes you down to the creek below. There’s a great off-leash area at the bottom where you can let your well-behaved pooches explore along the water.

If you go left at the fork at the bottom, you’ll hit several war memorials and monuments with a manmade lake on the other side. The Pagoda is the most scenic, but there were two dudes shooting some kind of shoe ad during our visit and getting in the way of my own photography.

This is definitely one of the most scenic spots in the city, so even if you’re photo plans are stymied, hang back for a bit and enjoy the views from here. You’ll likely need to climb all the way back up from where you came from once you’re done.

5. Tour the McCune Mansion.

The McCune Mansion looks more like a castle than a historic home, but the original owners, Alfred and Elizabeth McCune, didn’t always think so. They wanted a “simple” bungalow when they started work on the home on Capitol Hill.

Rich people are so extra.

Limited guided tours of the mansion are available on select days throughout the month. As they can vary depending on what’s going on with Preservation Utah, visit their website to see whether your trip overlaps with available tour times.

6. Learn about Mormon pioneers at the Pioneer Memorial Museum.

The Pioneer Memorial Museum , also known as the Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum, is a quirky collection of early pioneer history. Take a wander to see the largest collection of artifacts from the early settlers of the Salt Lake Valley, all free of charge.

There’s a lot going on here, but there’s not really an organizational thread as you move your way through. Volunteers offer scavenger hunts for kids (or adults!) who want to keep their eyes peeled for some of the more intriguing objects inside. Try not to miss the Victorian hair art. 

7. Take a self-guided tour of the Marmalade District.

This historic district is named after the fruit trees that were planted here in the earlier part of the 20th century. While the orchards are gone, you’ll notice that many of the streets that run through the neighborhood retained their fruity names.

This is an easy area of the city to explore if you’re already checking out Capitol Hill. My favorite home sits at 355 Quince Street. The stories I’m sure this Gothic beauty could tell!

8. Climb Ensign Peak.

A short but steep trail of about a mile each way offers up one of the best payoffs in the city. It’s dog-friendly as long as the weather is good, but windy at the top no matter when you go. To add to your hike, there are several spur trails that connect and surround Ensign Peak.

There’s some signage along the way that describes why this place is important to the local Mormon population. This is the hill Brigham Young and several of his followers climbed a few days after arriving in the Salt Lake Valley. It basically sold them on the idea of settling here.

Once you see the views, you’ll get it, too.

9. Explore the canyons of the City Creek Natural Area.

Ambitious travelers can connect to the City Creek Natural Area from Memory Grove Park, but that’s a lot if you’ve already been on your feet for a bit. 

We visited on a separate trip out this way to wander the canyon-hugging trails and rocky paths. The main trail is the City Creek Canyon Trail, but if you don’t have time for 6.5 miles roundtrip, choose your own adventure and go as far as you’d like before turning back.

This is one of the city’s more popular hiking areas, so start early or prepare to share the trails with other enthusiastic hikers . Leashed pets are welcome.

10. Hike the Bonneville Shoreline Trail.

The Bonneville Shoreline Trail is over 100 miles of trails that follow what was once an ancient lake. The segments in Salt Lake City climb to mountain vistas and views of the city below. This is a mixed-use trail, so watch for signage as you trek. Some of the trails are for cyclists only. 

The only bummer about this one was all of the unleashed dogs. There was one dog roaming around the thicket without a discernible owner, likely doing his business in said thicket.

We were on a hike with Kimmy, and several of the dogs approached her off-leash. Don’t do this, people, especially when a trail is marked as leashed dogs only. You’ll ruin it for all of the other dog owners following the rules.

11. Find nature’s recliners on the Living Room Lookout Trail.

This short but steep hike rewards hikers with panoramic views of Salt Lake City from stone slabs set up like living room furniture. (I just assume they were set up this way because there’s one that looks like a literal couch.)

It’s just 2.3 miles roundtrip, but you’ll feel the burn on this one as you tackle nearly 1,000 feet of elevation gain over that short distance. This is a very popular trail, so expect to share the trail on sunny days.

Dogs are welcome, but they should be on a leash. That said, 9/10 dogs we ran into were off-leash. While they were friendly, they did approach our own leashed pup every time. If you’re with a dog that doesn’t like that sort of thing, you’ve been warned! People do what they want.

Love Utah hikes and want more of ‘em? Here are a few more popular trails in the area:

• Donut Falls: We didn’t make it out to this one because the trail was covered in several feet of snow during our stay. Once the summer hits, this 3.3-mile hike is packed with people. Start early to get a good view of the unique waterfall.
• Grandeur Peak: See the splendor from the top of Grandeur Peak, a difficult six-mile hike that was just too snow-packed during most of our stay. You’ll get impressive views of the Salt Lake Valley from the top.
• Limekiln Gulch: Hike to a pioneer-era limekiln, a structure used to prep limestone for use, on this one-mile trail. There’s been quite a bit of vandalism to the limekiln over the years, so be kind to this historic structure if you trek that way.

12. Visit Temple Square during the day.

Temple Square is a must on Salt Lake City visits if only to appreciate the lasting influence of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) on this city. Visits are free and tours are self-guided unless you’d like a docent. 

If you’d like a guided tour, you’ll be led around by a missionary from the church. From our interactions with volunteers inside the temple, I did get some vibes that they wanted to give me just a little more info than I was receptive to, so we opted for a self-guided visit.

This is also where you’ll find the Family History Library, a genealogical research facility run by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It’s free and open to the public if you’d like to trace some roots. 

This is the largest genealogical library in the world with literally millions of records on hand.

If you’d like to listen in on the Tabernacle Choir rehearsals , you can do so here on Temple Square, at least in the off-season. They’re moved to the Conference Center just north of Temple Square during the summer and winter holidays to accommodate more visitors.)

We didn’t make this happen on any of our trips, but they’re open to the public if you’d like to check out their pipes.

13. Visit Temple Square at night.

Temple Square at night is worth a quick stop. I’ve read that it’s particularly done up at Christmastime, but you’ll get to see it all lit up no matter when you’re here. 

We’ve never felt unsafe in and around Salt Lake City’s downtown, by the way. 

Yes, there appears to be more homelessness in parts of the city since our initial visit, but that’s the norm in bigger cities all over the United States . Just be mindful of your valuables and don’t look perpetually lost and you should be fine.

14. Take a wander in downtown Salt Lake City.

You’ve already seen some of the best Salt Lake City attractions down here if you’ve spent some time in Temple Square. Downtown Salt Lake City is also home to Vivint Arena and the Utah Jazz and the City Creek Center.

Yes, it’s a mall. It’s also a mall with one of the strangest layouts I’ve ever seen. It’s outside. Then it’s inside. Then you cross the tracks. Then you’re inside again. I was just trying to get to an Apple store, folks.

Note: City Creek Center is closed on Sundays, so you’ll need to find a different diversion that day!

15. Admire the architecture at the Salt Lake City Public Library.

You can find your next beach (or mountain) read while you’re here, but the real draw of the Salt Lake City Public Library is the impressive architecture. The five-story library has a curved glass wall along its exterior.

Admire it all on a quick stop or linger at the on-site Hemingway Cafe. They have a menu of light lunch options and snacks if you’d like a nosh.

16. Go on a self-guided mural walk.

Salt Lake City has a great public art scene. A fan favorite is the Legends of Rock near the Clark Planetarium. It’s too big to capture without a panoramic view, but all of the expected rockers are there, including Mick Jagger, Freddie Mercury, Jimi Hendrix, and Janis Joplin.

Calling Our Ancestors by Pioneer Park is another popular one. It depicts a trio of sad-looking kids meant to represent our ancestors. 

I loved the fun one on the other side of the same building, as it was painted to incorporate the surrounding fire escape.

About a quarter mile north of these two above is the SLC Pepper mural. It was apparently painted by the same guy who did the original album cover.

17. See the Beehive House.

This is where Brigham Young lived with one of his 55 wives. No, we did not go in.

It also served as the home of two other presidents of the church,  Lorenzo Snow and Joseph F. Smith.

Fun fact: Joseph F. Smith was the nephew of the Joseph Smith, the founder of the LDS movement.

I’m not against visits inside if you’re curious. Guided tours are free and last about 30 minutes when the home isn’t under renovation. The Lion House next door is also a site of importance to the Mormon church.

This was the family home of Brigham Young, dating back to 1856. You’ll know how it got its name once you see the big cat outside.

Don’t miss the Eagle Gate monument that signals the entrance to the properties and nearby Temple Square. It’s an iconic pioneer monument in these parts.

18. Stroll South Temple Historic District.

This historic district that runs up and down South Temple Street was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. There are over 100 properties included within the district’s boundaries, but a few buildings are standouts as you go for a self-guided tour:

• Utah Governor’s Mansion/Kearns Mansion: Utah governors have lived in this palace of a mansion for two stretches of time: 1937 to 1957 and 1978 until the present day. Tours are offered throughout the year through Preservation Utah .

• Salt Lake Masonic Temple: This imposing building has been on this spot since 1927. Unfortunately, they no longer offer tours of the inside, but you can host your next wedding here if you’d like. 
• Walker-McCarthey Mansion: This impressive property was converted into office space for a while, then converted back into a historic mansion after years of painstaking renovation work. The grand entryway remains.
• Ladies Literary Club Clubhouse: This 1913 property has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1978. There was a burrito truck outside this one when we took our walk, which certainly feels important to mention. 
• Cathedral of the Madeleine: This spectacular church on the National Register of Historic Places serves as the hub for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City. It isn’t as large as the Salt Lake Temple, but it’s still grand. It’s been here since 1909.

19. Catch a cosmic light show at the Clark Planetarium.

Exhibits inside the Clark Planetarium are free and one of the more family-friendly things to do in Salt Lake City. If you’re looking for things to do in Salt Lake City for couples, check out the events calendar for the Hansen Dome Theatre, especially on Friday and Saturday nights.

We caught a laser light show set to the musical styling of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon . Yes, there were many jokes made by the host about tripping out. We were slightly toasty thanks to a trip to Epic Brewing’s tapless taproom before our date but still had a great time.

I wouldn’t recommend the laser light shows for kids or obviously anyone with an aversion to flashing lights. Avoid if you have vertigo, too.

20. Pay your respects to Lilly E. Gray: Victim of the Beast.

If you’re interested in dark tourism, you may want to visit Salt Lake City Cemetery/Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery. (You’ll see on your maps that the two are connected.) There are a few big names here related to the LDS church, but the more intriguing draw is Lilly E. Gray.

The reason behind that is what you’ll read on her gravestone. Underneath her name, you’ll find “Victim of the Beast 666.” Yes, it’s creepy at first, but it’s quite sad when you learn what the real story is.

Lilly died of natural causes, but she had to live with her eccentric husband Elmer for much of her life. That husband was apparently a bit of a conspiracy theorist who claimed that his wife was a victim of the U.S. government. It’s all very strange. 

To find the grave, follow your map app to the marked location. This applies if you’re following the map I created for you, too. Once you’re at the right set of plots, here’s a more precise location: Lilly’s grave is 10 plots in from 355 N and about 14 rows in from 1200 E. 

It’s a bit raised from the ground, not flat with the earth as you may read elsewhere. I’m only giving you more detail here as it took me two attempts to find this one.

21. Bring your pooch to Lindsey Gardens Park.

This was Kimmy’s favorite place in Salt Lake City, so I had to give it a shout-out. The lines are a little blurry here as far as the off-leash area vs. the public park for human activity, but we didn’t see anyone paying attention to all of that.

If you want to get technical, the off-leash section is where the steps are to ascend the hill. You’ll have fantastic city and mountain views from the top, so it’s worth a visit even if you’re not traveling with your pup.

22. Enjoy the fauna in the Red Butte Garden.

This is a lovely space to walk around, especially if the day is not too hot. If you climb all the way to the top of Prospect Point Terrace, you get a great view of the city below. 

It’s all more impressive when things are blooming, but worth a trip nonetheless. Don’t miss the waterfall and the platform walks past the Rose Garden.

There are all kinds of trails that start here into the Red Butte Canyon Research Natural Area if you’d like to do some hiking. Grab a map or scan the QR code at the ticket desk to see whether there are any trail connections closed for construction.

Note: You may also find yourself on these paths by accident. If your walk is unpaved, then you’re probably in the natural area.

23. Visit somber Donner Hill.

The drive into Emigration Canyon today is a scenic one, but if you were the Donner-Reed Party in 1846, it’d be much more perilous. Visit the marker that shows the ill-fated voyage of these pioneers that served as inspiration for Yellowjackets .

You’ll also learn that Brigham Young’s pioneer party followed the same path a year later with more success. This is a quick stop as it’s just a marker, but the deep dive you’ll take into what happened here later will take up the better part of your evening.

24. Meet the Sphinx at the Gilgal Sculpture Garden.

Looking for weird things to do in Salt Lake City?

It’s a sphinx with Joseph Smith’s face on it. What’s not to love? This free public sculpture garden tucked away from the rest of the city is a quick visit, but it’s a quirky one. Pop in to admire years of work from self-taught stonemason Thomas Child.

Child wanted to provoke questions and curiosity with his passion project, and I’ll go ahead and say he’s achieved that.

25. Stroll around Liberty Park.

This park is gorgeous. We had it tagged for a visit thanks to the Tracy Aviary at the southern end. I’ll get into that in a minute, as the park itself deserves your attention.

If you’re traveling with your pup, this is a great place to take them for a leashed stroll. It’s also home to the Chase Home Museum of Utah Folk Arts. This is the only museum in the United States dedicated to displaying state-owned contemporary folk art.

26. Meet the resident birds at the Tracy Aviary. 

Brian doesn’t love all the birds, but I must say he really liked this one. It’s not every day you get to see so many owls in one place. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever seen one out in the wild as that one who hooted around my window in my 20s never showed himself.

Don’t miss out on the indoor exhibits, especially if you’re visiting on a cooler day. Many of the birds don’t like chilly weather, so they escape indoors to hop around in there.

27. Bring the kids to the This Is the Place Heritage Park.

I’m going to break up all of the different things to do in the larger park, but if you’re traveling with kids, you’ll want tickets to the paid section of the park. It’s a historic village with costumed docents and demos from life during pioneer times.

During my visit, there was a blacksmith demonstration and a petting zoo full of baby animals, including baby goats. They also had kids doing some hard labor and pulling push carts. 

It’s all a little bit cheesy for adults, but very kid-friendly. Know that if you’re here on a weekday, expect a field trip or two. 

If you want to walk the park, you’ll get plenty of steps in. There’s also a train that rides around to various attractions within the park and plays some narration.

I’m a sucker for dramatic sculptures, so the best part for me was the series of sculptures depicting what the pioneers went through in settling this land. Catch this section starting at the Pioneer Children Memorial. 

There is a Native American village on the outskirts of the park, but it felt quite generic. The focus of the park is definitely on the Mormon pioneers. I’ll just leave that there.

28. See the views from the This is the Place Monument.

This historic monument is at the front entrance of the aptly named This is the Place Heritage Park that I described to you above. I’m separating this one out because you don’t need to visit the historic village if you only want to see the monument. 

The monument marks the spot where Mormon pioneers decided that naturally, this was the place. The phrase itself comes from Brigham Young. When he arrived in the Salt Lake Valley, he was apparently feeling it so hard that he declared, “This is the place.”

There’s a second, new monument nearby before you get to the historic village that tells the story of three Black pioneers. One of those includes Green Flake, a man who joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a slave on the promise of freedom from Brigham Young.

It’s unknown whether it was nationwide emancipation or the church that earned him free man status, but he’s honored here for his contributions as one of the first Mormon pioneers. 

It’s important to note here that Mormons have a very complicated relationship with race. Shortly after newly converted Mormons of color began arriving in Utah, the state began excluding Black men from the priesthood and restricting their access to temple services.

This would go on until 1978.

You won’t read about that here, so it all feels quite whitewashed. 

29. Walk the Pony Express National Historic Trail.

This monument and easy trail is also part of the This is the Place Heritage Park, but you don’t need to pay admission to see this, either.

The Pony Express monument is below the large Mormon Battalion Monument you’ll likely see first. Walk down the gravel trail to see a replica of a Pony Express station that was made for the 2002 Winter Olympics.

You’ll likely see horses across the street for a trail rides company. It all felt very on the nose.

30. Feel old on the University of Utah campus.

You can wander through the well-manicured grounds on your way to the next spot below, but the University of Utah has a lovely campus even if you’re not using it as a thoroughfare. This is a dry campus, so don’t expect things to get too wild. 

Those coeds have access to a great food scene, too. If you’re feeling romantic, Osteria Amore is just north of the stadium I’ll get into next.

31. Go down memory lane at the Olympic and Paralympic Cauldron Plaza.

Technically, you’re still on the University of Utah campus here. The plaza is just outside ​​of Rice–Eccles Stadium, the college football stadium. 

The cauldron that held the Olympic torch of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games is the main event here, but you should check out the informational plaques that surround the spot before you go. Don’t miss the cute photo op where you get to decide how you’d medal in your chosen event.

32. Check out the art at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts.

This is your last stop on the University of Utah campus. The Utah Museum of Fine Arts (UFMA) has a little of everything, from rotating exhibits depicting hot dog bridges and the American West to permanent collections of Chinese ceramics and ancient funerary objects.

I liked their large hall best, as it was covered in colorful murals inspired by the pandemic. These are messages of hope and community, not despair, something we could all use a little more of these days.

33. Work on your swing at Bad Caddy Golf.

If it’s too chilly to hit the links, you can imagine yourself in Pebble Beach at Bad Caddy Golf . Play all of your favorite courses (or watch your partner do so in my case) on their golf simulators.

You can play other sports, too, like soccer and whatever soccer golf is. Book in blocks of time with an online reservation. They have a full food and drink menu, too, but we can’t vouch for that beyond our soft drinks.

34. Hit the links at a real golf course.

If the weather’s right, you may just want to spend an afternoon at a real golf course. Brian can vouch for the Bonneville Golf Course , a well-run course with scenic views all the way. He was particularly impressed by the 18th hole. 

Glendale Golf Course was another course he tested out for the good of this blog and the strength of our marriage. (It’s pretty much the only time we’re apart these days!) It’s a decent backup, just not as good as Bonneville.

If you’re here in the summer months, the Mountain Dell Golf Course seems to be most impressive. We just missed the window on that one.

35. Find your favorite roundabout.

OK, there’s really only one roundabout you need to bother with thanks to the giant blue whale in the middle. That’s Out of the Blue , a full-size sculpture of a humpback whale by sculptor Stephen Kessler.

Per the artist, it’s meant as a symbol of the 9th and 9th neighborhood as being “out of the blue” in terms of the unexpected sense of belonging people feel here. That’s adorable, right? 

You can circle the roundabout for a view of this one or take a walk around 9th and 9th for a view from your feet. This is one of my favorite neighborhoods in the city for that peak walkability. 

36. See a pyramid without leaving the city.

The Summum Pyramid is zoned as a winery, but it actually operates as a church. You’ll know you’re there when you see the golden pyramid.

I didn’t go inside as it was closed that day, and frankly, I was a little bit squeamish. While they welcome visitors with open arms, their practices lean Egyptian in more ways than the shape of their meditation hall. It includes modern mummification.

This is just one of those weird things to see in Salt Lake City and then keep on moving along in my opinion. I just want to share all of the things with you, friends.

37. Attend the Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving Point.

I’ll get into all of the best day trips from Salt Lake City shortly, but this very fun event is worth pointing out if you happen to be in town in the spring months. 

Thanksgiving Point is a complex that includes a farm, gardens, and several museums to fill up the better part of an afternoon. It’s just a half-hour south of Salt Lake City in Lehi, so I’ll call it more of an add-on to your Salt Lake City trip vs. a full day trip. 

If you visit in the spring as we did, you can attend the annual Tulip Festival. Buy tickets ahead of time as this is a very popular event. We timed our tickets for the very start of May, and over half of the bulbs were popping, but that was after a longer winter than usual.

Ashton Gardens is worth a trip regardless, especially if you’re traveling with the family. There were loads of kids in the gardens smelling the flowers and galavanting around. It’s a beautiful palace.

38. See the Great Salt Lake.

I’ve shared a lot of stuff to do in Salt Lake City with you, but there’s a lake nearby of some importance that you should consider adding to your itinerary if you have the time.

I’ve been a few times now from a few different approaches, and every section of the lake is a little different. It’s just a half-hour drive, by the way.

Antelope Island State Park is known as the best spot to get into the water and test the floating theory. If you’re there in the summer as we were, though, you’ll have to contend with swarms of biting gnats that don’t really vibe with fun beach times.

You’ll also likely encounter brine shrimp and brine flies. Kudos to all of ’em for surviving in these environments.

We loved the approach from the Spiral Jetty. You can walk right out to the shores from the impressive rock art on the sand. You won’t have access to a swimming beach here, but the scenery is fantastic.

There are a variety of guided tours that take you out there, too. Check out a few highly-rated options:

39. Go on more Salt Lake City day trips.

Salt Lake City is such a great base for road trips . While I won’t include every single day trip possible as a way to cheat my way to a longer list of things to do in SLC, I can point you to my guide on the top day trips from Salt Lake City .

My favorites were Park City and its Utah Olympic Park, the Bonneville Salt Flats , and our trip to Big Cottonwood Canyon, but we did a lot of exploring while we were in town!

Where to Eat in Salt Lake City

Looking for fun things to do in Salt Lake City for couples? Eating comes to mind when I’m planning date nights. Salt Lake City is a delicious place to be. You’ll find a little bit of everything here, including one of the best German food scenes in the country.

I’ll include options for beer and cocktails around Salt Lake City, too, as many of the best drinks here come with a snack. That’s by design, by the way. Some breweries operate as restaurants rather than just bars, so you have to purchase food with your drinks.

Twist my arm, why don’t you?

40. Start with Salt Lake City’s best coffee.

We were within walking distance from The Avenues location of Publik Coffee Roasters during our stay, so that was our top pick for fresh brews. They’ll grind it up fresh for you, too, if you’re here for a longer stay, and educate you about semi-washed and washed beans. 

It’s a fantastic place to linger, too, if you need a little nosh. 

Interested in a little coffee crawl? Nostalgia Cafe is another local favorite with a nice selection of pastries.

41. Eat a delicious Salt Lake City brunch.

I usually skip breakfast when I’m staying somewhere long-term, but I’ll make exceptions for a delicious, leisurely brunch. Salt Lake City has lots of options to get your weekend (or weekday) brunch fix:

• Eggs in the City : This one operates out of an old gas station, but the food is more elevated than its location suggests. I had a Reuben Eggs Benedict for the very first time at this place with zero regrets. 
• Pig and a Jelly Jar : You’re at this Southern-inspired favorite for the chicken and waffles. There’s a location in Ogden, too, if you’re day-tripping to one of the ski areas out that way. 
• Sweet Lake Biscuits & Limeade : I didn’t know I needed biscuits and limeade as a combo, but here we are. I need it and want more of it. They have a full menu of sandwiches and salads, but you’ll want something on a biscuit and that limeade.

42. Indulge in the best donuts in Salt Lake City.

I’ve told you all about brunch, but sometimes you just need a little sweet treat. We had to visit Banbury Cross Donuts twice to get our little paws on some of their famous blueberry cake donuts. The first time around, we rolled in all entitled around 12:30 expecting a taste.

Nope. We learned and returned by 8:45am on a Monday. Success.

Folks, these are some of the best blueberry donuts in the country, and I’ve probably tried dozens. They’re big, frosted, and full of blueberry flavor.

If you miss the boat on your first visit, too, put that sad face away and try something else. Their strawberry-frosted and old-fashioned maple donuts are both delights.

If you must know whether we also stopped by on our way out of town, yes we did. We grabbed a few of their delectable donut holes while we were at it.

43. Eat at a historic diner.

Ruth’s Diner has been around in some form since 1930. While the trolley car eatery’s namesake started slinging burgers for politicians and “working women” downtown, Ruth moved the joint to its current location in Emigration Canyon by 1949.

It’s been here ever since, and it’s super popular on weekend mornings for diner-style breakfasts. 

If you love yourself an early bird dinner, though, you’ll likely walk right in. We housed a pair of burgers, an enormous helping of pasta salad, and their mile-high biscuits with room for nothing else. The food is great with scenery to match, and homages to Ruth are all over the place.

44. Lunch at one of Salt Lake City’s best delis.

While it doesn’t compete with cities in the Midwest, Salt Lake City has a pretty big German immigrant population compared to other Western states. The Mormon thing was a big driver for Germans converting to that faith, but others came to find a better life.

A big chunk of that was German-born Jews who wanted to start businesses in and around Salt Lake City.

For a taste of Salt Lake City’s German scene, head on over to bustling Siegfried’s Delicatessen . This place is always busy at lunchtime and it’s for good reason. Those tasty Reuben sandwiches won’t eat themselves.

The sides lean German. That means red cabbage and spaetzle with gravy and warm potato salad. An attached deli sells all kinds of packaged snacks, too. I couldn’t leave without a sample of European wafers and hard candies because I’m a Polish old lady and proud of it.

Love a good deli? Caputo’s Market & Deli , an Italian market, and Feldman’s Deli , a classic Jewish deli, are also well-regarded around town.

45. Try all 11 herbs and spices at the first KFC.

Polish people love KFC. I grew up dipping those biscuits in my mashed potatoes and gravy. It’s a thing.

When I learned that Salt Lake City is widely considered the home of the very first KFC, you know I had to go. 

Fun fact: Colonel Sanders is buried at Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville, Kentucky. Muhammad Ali is there, too. If you visit the colonel’s grave, expect to find not flowers but packets of dipping sauce in honor of his memory.

Here’s the story: Colonel Harland Sanders was making chicken for a while before the idea of Kentucky Fried Chicken took off. He just wasn’t getting anywhere with his proprietary recipe until he franchised those 11 herbs and spices to Pete Harman, a Salt Lake City businessman. 

Harman was already the owner of the Harman Café, but a good fried chicken was his holy grail. Once he bought a chunk of the recipe rights from the colonel, he was free to start selling it out of his cafe. 

That moniker wasn’t his idea, by the way. A sign painter named Rodney Anderson who worked for Harman had the light bulb moment while they were spit-balling ideas. They agreed that “Kentucky fried” would sell better than “Southern fried,” and they were right.

The new eatery became a commercial success and the start of what would become one of the most well-known fast-food franchises on the planet. While the original cafe has since been torn down, a new KFC was built on the same spot at 3890 State Street.

There are all kinds of memorabilia inside, including one of the colonel’s suits and a briefcase. As far as the food, you know exactly what you’re going to get. The recipe hasn’t changed since the two men met to take over chicken back in 1952.

46. Eat the best lobster roll outside of New England.

Freshie’s Lobster Co. serves up award-winning lobster rolls and other lobster-focused delights that have beat out similar eats out in New England. I’m not making this up. 

New Hampshire native Lorin Smaha has won competitions with her rolls out in Portland, Maine, so you know these are legit. The lobster promise here is “from shore to door in 24.” The lobsters are caught, cooked, and shelled in Maine before getting packaged for delivery in Salt Lake City.

Yes, lobster rolls are inherently expensive. They’re not any cheaper here, and you’ll likely wonder to yourself, “I could eat 12 of these. Should I sell an organ to do so?” You can taste the quality here. If they have crab rolls on special when you visit, you should try one of those, too.

47. Go nuts at the Western Nut Company.

I can’t be trusted around gourmet nuts and other snacks, so I’m shocked that we left this place with only four bags of treats. They had lemon cream-covered almonds for Pete’s sake. 

Everything in here is reasonably priced for what you’re getting, and I would know. I’m buying nuts like, all the time.

48. Eat your way through Salt Lake City Chinatown.

Sadly, we found Salt Lake City Chinatown pretty late in our eating adventures around Salt Lake City. After a quick lunch there, we immediately agreed that we’d be here weekly to try all of the delights in this part of town. 

Our pick was Chick Queen , a casual spot that specializes in Korean fried chicken wings. There were no regrets. We also ordered a giant fried chicken sandwich, but the magic was in their honey garlic wings.

If you’re here for a while and looking to make some Asian food of your own, stop by the Chinatown Supermarket. I did a walk-through of the place just to see its seafood section, and definitely had some regrets about not getting out there sooner. 

49. Sample pours at the best breweries in Salt Lake City.

Does Salt Lake City have beer? Yes, Salt Lake City has beer. There are state requirements around both beer strength and service across Utah which may take some getting used to, but the beer scene remains a vibrant one.

Here’s the lowdown: If you’re at a brewery only, you must be 21 or over to go inside. Draft beers are only available at 5% ABV or below. If you want something stronger, you’ll have to buy a bottle or can of beer, unless you’re at Epic. (I’ll get into that one below.)

If you’re at a brewery that serves food, kids are allowed inside but you have to order food with your beer. I’m not sure any of this matters much for things like DUIs and alcohol-related deaths as those have been going down countrywide, but it is what it is.

Here are the breweries we tried while in Salt Lake City: 

• Bewilder Brewing Co. : This buzzy brewery offers readymade samplers and heavier canned pours like their highly-rated Scotch ale if that’s what you’re after. There’s a food menu, too, but they’re a brewery first. There’s no forced eating here!
• Epic Brewing Company : This is a tapless taproom, meaning they pour full-strength beers out of bottles only. We had quite a good time here sampling tasters of barrel-aged beers, sours, and stouts. The bartender’s a character, too, in the best way.

• Fisher Brewing Company : This was our last stop on our tour of Salt Lake City, and I’m glad we made it out for the history. This one first opened in the late 1800s. Their draft porter was my fave, but they also have high-ABV canned options.
• RoHa Brewing Project : This highly-rated brewery boasts a long list of draft beers and canned options. I got a draft blood orange sour that was pretty yummy. The $5 daily grilled cheese and chips special was also quite tempting as a second lunch.
• Squatters Pub Brewery : This classic option boasts a solid menu of both draft and higher-point canned options like their popular Devastator Double Bock. Pair that with their hot tots as a lil’ snack and you’ll have a pretty great afternoon. 
• Uinta Brewing : Uinta was our very first brewery in Salt Lake City ever before the beer laws changed for the better. We still had a great experience taste-testing some of their pours. Their Mango Golden Spike is a great wheat ale to kick things off.

This isn’t even the full list of every spot we wanted to try during our visit. Emigration Brewing Co. was an almost visit, but they require a food purchase with your beer. Their location in Emigration Canyon is stunning, but we had just eaten at Ruth’s next door so had no room for even a snack.

50. Take a trip out to Bohemian Brewery.

I didn’t want to include this one in the list above as it’s outside Salt Lake City proper in Midvale. It’s a short enough drive at about 25 minutes that I’ll allow it here, especially if you love German lagers, chalet ambiance, and giant sausages.

The beers here are fine. You’ll get the expected light options and a few “strong” beers if you’re feeling feisty. The food is great. We definitely ordered too much. 

There was a jumbo pretzel with beer cheese, their pierogi sampler, potato pancakes, and their bratwurst plate with mashed potatoes and creamy sauerkraut. The pierogi were just OK — as a Pole I tend to be super picky — but everything else was awesome.

51. Try out the best Salt Lake City cocktails. 

Yes, there are rules around cocktail consumption, too, but you tend not to notice them as much in the finished product. 

Any cocktails you consume in Utah can’t have more than 2.5 ounces of total spirits. That includes no more than 1.5 ounces of primary liquor — you’ll see bartenders pouring with little monitoring caps on their bottles — and any secondary liqueurs. 

Now that that’s out of the way, let’s start the party at Salt Lake City’s best spots for yummy cocktails and some of the best things to do in Salt Lake City at night:

• Bar X : This one is next door to Beer Bar, so if you’d rather have cocktails over sausages and beer, just mosey on over. The Prohibition-era bar is also co-owned by Ty Burrell of Modern Family fame, so it has that going for it.
• The Pearl : You can focus on the tasty Vietnamese street food, but their craft cocktail game is just as strong. Come for brunch if you want to experience a breakfast bahn mi.
• Post Office Place : This spot serves up some fantastic small plates, but if you’re here to drink, it’s known for its Japanese whisky cocktails. Not into whiskey? I feel you. Try their Miso Yer’Mommy, a rum-forward cocktail with grilled pineapple.

52. Go casual with these eateries.

Casual doesn’t mean your meal won’t be any less delicious. It just means come as you are, without the need for reservations.

• Beer Bar : This one is also co-owned by Ty Burrell, so it was obviously a priority stop on our return to Salt Lake City. Yes, there’s lots of beer here, but the food menu is stellar, too. Their apple sage veggie sausage is perfect topped with sweet peppers.
• Laziz Kitchen : This Lebanese eatery has three locations. The downtown Salt Lake City location may be most convenient for you, but I got my takeout in Midvale. I made two full meals out of their falafel wrap with a side of grape leaves.
• Mahidir Ethiopian Restaurant : This family-run eatery has the notable distinction of being Utah’s first Ethiopian restaurant. That’s a huge deal that should match a huge appetite. Portions are generous, budget-friendly, and delicious.

• Mumbai House : This Indian restaurant has speedy service and all of the classics at budget-friendly prices. I have to thank them for introducing me to buttered naan, too. I’ve been doing it wrong!
• R&R Barbecue : Your diet will have to start tomorrow if you want to indulge in this award-winning barbecue. We were traveling with friends for our trip here and all shared platters of multiple meats. This is the way.

53. Treat yourself at Salt Lake City’s best restaurants.

OK, so “best” is very subjective, but I’m going for beyond casual dining here. These are special occasion places known for showcasing the best of Salt Lake City’s restaurant scene: 

• The Copper Onion : You can’t have a list of Salt Lake City restaurants without The Copper Onion. Come to the brasserie for brunch, lunch, or dinner and get to know why this one has sustained the buzz. Reservations are recommended .
• Pago : There are two locations of this “wild to table” favorite. One is in downtown Salt Lake City, and the other is in one of my favorite neighborhoods at 9th & 9th. You’ll get a delicious experience either way. Reservations are recommended .
• Valter’s Osteria : I’ll get into the expected pizza spots in a minute, but if you want some high-quality Italian beyond wood-fired pies, this is it. Reservations are available by calling 801-521-4563.

54. Don’t forget about Salt Lake City’s best pizza.

Pizza usually gets its own category in my lists. That’s especially if we’re staying for a full month. You know we can’t stop at just one. Here are our favorites:

• Pizza Nono : This neighborhood pizzeria has a rotating menu of pies inspired by life in Utah . I highly recommend the Beehive with pickled jalapenos, Calabrese salami, and honey for some sweet and spice.
• Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana : This Western chain has a few locations in California and Nevada, but that doesn’t make it any less delicious. Enjoy a variety of Neapolitan pizzas that could very well transport you to Napoli. 
• Slackwater : If you love unique toppings, this Utah chain is for you. I had their spring special with fig and ricotta. Brian ordered the Cuban Pizza Crisis. It definitely had those Cuban vibes, but it also tasted like a hot dog somehow in the best way.

Is that not enough for you? Nomad East , Snowmobile Pizza , and Bricks Corner are all on our list for next time.

55. Go all in on pierogi pizza.

Pierogi pizza deserves a category of its pizza when we’re talking about where to eat in Salt Lake City. Rise by Good Day is a catering business, Polish bakery, and a modest eat-in spot for anyone who loves pizza but also pierogi.

If you love Polish food or are of Polish descent as I am, you’ll be happy to hear that the food here is legit. Well, pierogi pizza isn’t a thing in the Motherland , but zapiekanki are. That’s French bread pizza for the uninitiated.

Those with a hankering for pickled herring, a variety of Polish teas and condiments, and paczki will find it all here. We ate WELL at this place. They let us know they’d be moving to West Jordan the following year, but thankfully that’s just a short drive from Salt Lake City proper.

56. Leave room for dessert.

Salt Lake City has a sweet tooth, it seems. Here are a few faves if you want a little something sweet: 

• The Dodo Restaurant : You can certainly come here for dinner, but the eatery is known in these parts for its desserts. There are 12 different desserts offered daily, but expect a variety of pies to make up at least half of that list.
• Mrs. Backer’s Pastry Shop : If you’re near The Avenues during your Salt Lake City stay, you’ll likely see this one a mile away. I’m rhyming now, apparently, but the whimsy of this place inspires me. Enjoy a variety of beautiful cakes and pastries.
• RubySnap : Once you try a Judy cookie with that perfect touch of orange zest, you’ll get why Ruby’s all, “You know you want my cookies.” No, really. It says that on the door. Buy them in bulk to save a bit per cookie and have bulk cookies.

More Places to Visit in Salt Lake City

We spent a full month in Salt Lake City and we still didn’t tick everything off the list. Here are a few more Salt Lake City things to do for next time:

• Ride one of the Salt Lake Trolley Tours for more a guided experience in the city.
• If you’re looking for fun things to do in Salt Lake City for families, visit Hogle Zoo. I love a good zoo but skipped this one because of the 14 school buses in the lot. 
• Visit the dinos at the Natural History Museum of Utah . Book tickets ahead of time for this one, as it’s a popular field trip stop for the kiddos. 
• Book a private afternoon tea party at the Ellerbeck B&B Carriage House .
• Feel an adrenaline rush at the Jordan River Off-Highway Vehicle State Recreation Area . Just make sure to register your bikes if you’re game.
• See a show about Mormons at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, once the Hotel Utah.
• Treat yourself to a classy evening courtesy of the Utah Symphony .
• Love the idea of an evening of arts and culture? Take in a show at the Eccles Theater .

Salt Lake City FAQs

What is salt lake city, utah, known for.

Salt Lake City, Utah, is known for its winter sports scene and access to outdoor adventuring. You’re surrounding by the Wasatch Mountain Range here, a stretch of the Rocky Mountains , so the views are spectacular.  

This city in the Salt Lake Valley is also home to the largest population of Mormons in the United States, so you’ll see quite a bit of that influence in the city’s historical and cultural offerings.

What can you do in Salt Lake City for a couple hours?

You can do quite a bit in Salt Lake City for a couple hours. Visit downtown Salt Lake City and Temple Square, walk the hills around the Utah State Capitol, or hike to the best views in the city at Ensign Peak.

What is the Salt Lake Connect Pass?

The Salt Lake Connect Pass is an attractions pass that covers 18 different sites in and around Salt Lake City. If you’re in town for multiple days, it may make sense to pick one up to save some money on regular-priced admission.

Take a look at the list of what’s covered under the pass before picking one up, especially if you already know what you’d like to prioritize on your trip.

How many days do you need to explore Salt Lake City?

You need at least a full day to explore Salt Lake City. With two days or more, you can incorporate short drives out of the city to places like the Great Salt Lake.

Do I need a car visiting Salt Lake City?

You don’t need a car visiting Salt Lake City, but it will make your travel much more efficient. If you don’t want to drive, you’ll need to rely on the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) and their network of buses and TRAX light rail service.

With a car, you can explore adventures further afield, as Salt Lake City is a great base for day trips. Book car rentals ahead of time using a site like Hotwire or Priceline .

Where to Stay in Salt Lake City

We spent a full month in Salt Lake City at a short-term rental on our most recent trip, but I know that’s a luxury for most.

On our first quick trip there, we stayed at the Holiday Inn Express Salt Lake City Downtown . It’s a short walk from Temple Square, so the location is great if you’re here for the weekend. The evo Hotel is a more modern hotel that is basically next door to Slackwater, one of my favorite pizza places, so that’s 100 points in my book.

Use the map below for more options on Salt Lake City hotels and apartments:

Why should I visit Salt Lake City?

You should visit for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and unique food scene. If you visit in the winter months, you’re never far from world-class skiing that tops many travelers’ lists of favorite Salt Lake City tourist attractions.

The city is also a great hub for day trips and things to do around Salt Lake City, like the Great Salt Lake. We spent a full month there and I still know I’ll be back!

Ready for Salt Lake City?

Your Flight:  I use a variety of tools to find cheap airfare, but if you’re looking to book during a particular period of time, you should use   Skyscanner . It’s a great tool for when you’re more flexible, too, as it allows you to compare travel based on length of travel, departure date, etc.

Budget flights into Salt Lake City International Airport are quite common, especially if you’re able to watch flights for a bit. It’s a gateway not only for city escapes but Utah road trips to Moab and Bryce Canyon .

For adventurous folks who travel on the reg, I also subscribe to  Going , formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights. You’ll get cheap flight deals from your home base straight to your inbox.

Your Accommodations:  I usually use  Booking.com  and  Hotels.com   for our hotel needs. Both offer loyalty programs and now offer listings that are more of the home or condo rental variety, which is great.  Vrbo   is my preferred Airbnb alternative. 

Scroll up for my recommendations for where to stay while in Salt Lake City!

Seeking even more wallet-friendly accommodations? Try   Hostelworld . Their picks are heavily vetted and reviewed to offer you a safe experience on a budget.

Etc.:  For general travel goodies, visit my   Favorite Things  page. For more information on planning your travel, visit my   Travel Tools  page. It’s heavy on the text but super helpful for overall trip planning!

Love this guide to the top things to do in Salt Lake City? Pin me!

Want to stay in Utah for a while? Check out these posts:

• A Hiking Guide for Zion National Park
• Tips for Hiking The Narrows at Zion
• A Guide to Capitol Reef National Park
• Top Hikes at Arches National Park
• Visiting Canyonlands National Park

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Agnes Groonwald

How to Spend Three Days in Salt Lake City, Utah

As the gateway city to the Big Five national parks, that doesn’t mean you should begin your road trip before exploring Salt Lake City. Home to stunning scenery, a welcoming local culture and, of course, the Mormon Church, Salt Lake City has much to offer travelers.

Beyond the famous Temple Square, you will discover a city of urban parks surrounded by towering mountains. Both combine to make Salt Lake City a summer and winter playground. 

Thinking about a short and sweet trip to Salt Lake City? Our three-day itinerary will give you the lowdown on the best places to visit and the best food to try on your next visit.

Where to Stay in Salt Lake City

Without doubt, the best spot to stay in Salt Lake City is in the downtown area. A lot of downtown districts around the United States may price out budget travelers, but that’s not the case here.

Travelers will enjoy the full spectrum of budget, mid-range and luxury hotels all within a central area. From your accommodation, you will be able to visit many of the best things to do in Salt Lake City, such as Temple Square and the State Capitol.

Other options include the area around Salt Lake City Airport. Only a ten-minute drive from downtown, you will find several budget accommodations for those traveling on a shoestring.

The Best Time of Year to Visit Salt Lake City

The best time to visit Salt Lake City is in the fall. Temperatures are milder than the summer, yet warmer than the spring. Not as busy as the summer, fall comes with less tourist traffic, more time to explore and cooler temperatures for venturing into the surrounding mountains.

While it gets cold during the winter, it is worth braving the sometimes bitter conditions for the chance to experience some of the best skiing in the USA. 

Summer, like in many cities, is peak tourist season. But for good reason, as the snow has melted and the muddy paths have dried up, leaving you with epic hiking, biking and days by the lake.

Day One: Temples, Choirs, and Liberty Park

Start off your three days in Salt Lake City with a trip to the most iconic attraction in town. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Temple Square is the global headquarters for the church, otherwise known as Mormons. 

Spanning 35 acres, Temple Square transcends being a purely religious experience. The beautiful grounds, jaw dropping architecture and the renowned Tabernacle Choir are just some of the reasons this is the case. 

Located downtown, the square is easy to access and you’ll likely have gorgeous views of the buildings long before you enter the grounds. The chief attraction of Temple Square is the Salt Lake Temple. 

Following a four-decade construction process, the temple finally opened in 1893 and is one of the oldest buildings in the city. When the temple opened, it signalled the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy that the Lord’s house would be created on the top of the mountains.

The Salt Lake City Temple is sacred for the members of the church and isn’t open for tours, however the most memorable aspect is the architecture. Built from quartz monzonite found in the regions surrounding the city, the stunning temple comes with six spires stemming from the roof. Each spire features a statue of the angel Moroni.

Walk around the Salt Lake City Temple for great insight into the incredible design. To see the interior, you can view the to-scale model of the temple at the South Visitor’s Center.

One of the best ways to experience Temple Square is on a guided walking tour . Explore the history behind the square’s creation along with the manicured gardens that help make it such a special place.

Now that you have seen the temple and explore the hallowed grounds along the way, step into the Church History Museum . Featuring interactive exhibits, hundreds of artifacts and a collection of worldwide art, the museum tells the fascinating story of Mormon heritage and culture.

Art exhibits rotate throughout the year. Previous art installations have spanned back centuries, telling the pioneer stories in conjunction with the history of Mormon culture in Utah.

Some highlights that are on show year round include the historic 168-year-old log home and a spacious theater showcasing various films. The museum also presents Living History Days, giving you the chance to step back in time and envision local life in the 19 th century.

Finish up your time in Temple Square by witnessing the famed Tabernacle Choir. The choir offers one of the most awe-inspiring experiences in Salt Lake City. The stunning harmonies and voices of the 360-strong choir will follow you throughout your time in the city.

Having performed all over the world, the Tabernacle Choir performs on Sunday mornings in the historic Tabernacle building. But if you don’t catch them that day, you can watch their rehearsals on Thursday evenings. 

The Tabernacle Building is worth seeing, even if you aren’t catching the choir perform. The memorable building has 44 individual sandstone pillars holding up the domed roof. On any given Sunday, 6000 guests arrive to watch the amazing singers go to work.

Next up on your day one adventures in Salt Lake City is Liberty Park. Skip lunch if you can and pack yourself a picnic to enjoy in one of the best green spaces in the city.

Liberty Park is the second-largest in the city and offers the perfect spot for an afternoon stroll, especially after such a busy morning. Liberty Park comes with beautiful scenery, with leafy trees that are hundreds of years old and the large Liberty Park Pond. 

One of the main reasons the park is also on the National Registry of Historic Places is because of the Chase Mill. As Salt Lake City’s oldest commercial building, the mill helped the surrounding communities stave off famine during the 1850s.

Learn more about the park’s history, along with traditional art by Utah’s indigenous peoples at the Chase Museum. 

For something a little more active, you can explore the aviary botanical gardens, play some tennis or even try your hand at volleyball.

Where to Eat on Day One in Salt Lake City

For lunch head to Caputo’s Market & Deli for a simple yet delicious eats that will power your afternoon. Their specialty sandwich, the Caputo comes with fresh prosciutto, salami, mortadella, dipped in olive oil and balsamic on a toasted Italian roll. Yes, please!

On night one, enjoy some amazing Italian at Valter’s Osteria. Treat yourself with a bit of a splurge at one of the top restaurants in the city. Thankfully, the high-end dining matches the price tag. If you’re stuck on what to order, try the lasagna complete with Valter’s mother’s special meat sauce.

Day Two: Museums, Olympic Park, and a Drive-in Theater

After a scrumptious breakfast, it’s time to head to the Natural History Museum of Utah. One of the top things to do in Salt Lake City, the museum grants amazing insight into the rich history of the Beehive State, from its days as a pioneer town through to the current era.

Beyond human history, Utah has a fascinating geological past. The ten year-round exhibits allow you to interact and learn about 500 million years of geography in the region, including the formation and history of the Great Salt Lake. 

The museum also has a heavy focus on prehistoric communities and Utah’s Native American nations, showcasing art and artifacts while educating guests about the local heritage.

After a morning learning about Utah’s history, both human and natural, it’s time to venture 30 minutes out of Salt Lake City to Utah Olympic Park. Within the famed Park City, the Utah Olympic Park was home to the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. The park remains an important training site for US Winter Olympic athletes.

Whether you have arrived in the winter months or during the summer, there is always so much to do. Skiing and snowboarding are two of the most common activities to do from December until April. The long ski-season and epic powder makes Park City one of the top places to shred in the United States.

However, during the summer, the action doesn’t slow down. You will find plenty of adrenalin-stoking action all throughout the warmer months. The top attraction at Olympic Park is the Summer Comet Bobsled. The signature experience allows you the chance to bobsled down the Olympic track at breakneck speeds. Don’t worry, they switched your skates for wheels and leave the driving to an expert pilot.

The ride only lasts a minute, but with speeds of up to 60 miles p/h, it promises to be an unforgettable time.

For more opportunities to get the heart racing and test your bravery, you can try your hand at extreme tubing. Ride down the plastic surface on an enormous tube where you can reach speeds of up to 50mph. Families will also love the chance to explore the rope courses, go ziplining across the mountains or ride down the hill on the exciting self-controlled Alpine Slide.

Experience unlimited access to all these attractions and more thanks to the Summer Gold Pass .

Nothing beats free activities, however, and Olympic Park has those in abundance. The world-class hiking and biking trails come free of charge and offer some of the most inspiring views in the areas around Salt Lake City. 

One of the top mountain biking trails is the Iron Bill Trail. The trail comes with a big climb from the base of the Olympic Parkway to the peak of a ski jump. Not to worry, you are well-rewarded with scenic vistas at the top before a riveting ride down.

For hikers it doesn’t get any better than the Jennis Trail. At 5.1 miles long (one-way) the trail begins at Park City Mountain Resort and soars up to the panoramic views at the top of the Payday Lift. 

To save on energy, make all the hiking downhill by riding up the Payday Lift to the top before walking down to the base. 

You could spend all day at Olympic Park and Park City. But with the evening now here, we have one last treat, the Redwood Drive-in Movie Theatre .

In operation since 1948, through the peak drive-in cinema era to the present day of binge watching on Netflix, the Redwood is a must-visit Salt Lake City attraction. The $10 ticket grants you access to two films for the price of one. 

Kick back in your car sync up the radio and enjoy the flick among dozens of other cars. As the stars twinkle under the clear Utah sky, this classic experience is a perfect way to end an epic day. 

Where to Eat

With such a busy day ahead, it’s only right that you begin at Salt Lake City’s best breakfast spot, Sweet Lake Biscuits and Limeade. What started out as a stand at the local farmers’ market is now a citywide hit. Try the homemade biscuit with chicken, egg, bacon, gravy and more for a meal that will send you right to heaven.

When it comes to eating lunch in Park City, one of the top choices is Nosh. Serving unpretentious Mediterranean food, expect a burst of flavor, crispy felafels, without the typical resort pricing. Be in and out, ready to experience more of the mountain.

Celebrate the day’s escapades at Handle Salt Lake. Serving impressive New America cuisine, HSL uses locally sourced produce and a variety of seasonal dishes that always hit the spot. Hearty without breaking the bank, this is a top spot for dinner in Salt Lake City.

Day Three: Salt Lakes, Hikes, and the Capitol

Start your final day in Salt Lake City by exploring the lake that gave the city its name. Great Salt Lake is the largest salt lake not just in America but in the entire western hemisphere. As a remnant of the enormous Lake Bonneville, it’s hard to imagine that the lake was once much bigger.

While not as salty as the Dead Sea (it comes close), it is still easy to float in the water. The shallow depths of the lake, however, mean it can quickly stir up. Nevertheless, there are many ways to enjoy the lake. One of them is to journey to Jordanelle Rentals and choose between one of the several on-water experiences. Hire kayaks and SUPs to explore the lake peacefully, or jump on your very own jet ski and zoom around. Better yet, if you are in a group, why not hire an entire boat? Enjoy wakeboarding or simply kicking back with a rod in hand and try to catch lunch. 

After a morning of adventures on the water, put on your hiking boots and trek along some of the local trails. You will have the chance to spot local wildlife and enjoy some fantastic bird watching. One of the top trails to complete is the trek to the top of Ensign Peak.

From the summit, you will be able to see the lake in all its glory along with the Salt Lake City Skyline. If you want to experience an incredible local sunset, find time to hike to the summit on day one or two to see the colorful evening sky reflect off Great Salt Lake.

Next up, return to downtown Salt Lake City and visit the Capitol Building. The imposing structure is one of the top things to do in Salt Lake City. The beautiful building comes surrounded with lush green grounds and is a magnificent spot to enjoy an afternoon picnic. If you’re around in spring, be sure to explore the rows of blooming cherry blossoms.

The Capitol’s interior is open to visitors who can explore the Golden Room along with a series of prominent galleries. The rotating exhibits focus on local artists who help tell the tale of the city, the culture and the landscape.

To find up your time in Salt Lake City, head to the one of the top breweries in town, the Fisher Brewing Company. Founded in 1884 it what was once an old mechanical shop, the brewery has been handed down through the generations and is now employee-owned. Pouring fine ales and lagers complemented by a rotation of mouthwatering food trucks, there’s no better place to toast to your Salt Lake City adventure than right here.

If you’re sad about leaving Salt Lake City, breakfast at Roots Cafe will help soothe you greatly. The tasty and sweet mixed berry crepes will immediately put a smile on your face, but leave room for the generous buckwheat pancakes.

If you don’t picnic at the Capitol, join the line at Pretty Bird Chicken. The spicy chicken has quickly become a local favorite. Served on a butter bun, with slaw pickles and the amazing secret sauce, this is one chicken sandwich that’s worth the wait. (Don’t worry, the line goes fast!)

Final Thoughts

Providing the goods all year long, Salt Lake City is an underrated destination. Temple Square is one of the more unique attractions in the United States and is complemented by a series of wonderful museums and galleries.

For those that love the outdoors, not only will you have access to some insane winter powder, but the mountains offer family-friendly and challenging hikes in the summer. 

If you plan on exploring Utah, it pays to spend three days in Salt Lake City to appreciate all you will discover on your journey. 

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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37 Things to Do in Salt Lake City, Utah

Your guide to have a perfect trip to Salt Lake City.

In Salt Lake City, where it’s possible to hike every day of the year and never repeat the same trail twice, outdoor culture reigns supreme. Whether you’re jet skiing across Jordanelle Reservoir , or biking out to City Creek Canyon (a lush green stretch of wilderness just 10 minutes from downtown), there are so many options for adventures, you’ll never have trouble finding fun things to do in Salt Lake City. And while access to mountains is a huge draw for Salt Lake City, hip speakeasy-style bars, funky shopping neighborhoods, and a diverse restaurant scene are quickly putting Salt Lake Cityon the map.

Where is Salt Lake City?

Situated in the northern part of Utah — an hour and a half from the Wyoming border — a visit to Salt Lake City will place you at the foothills of the imposing Wasatch mountain range. Nearby are the shores of Great Salt Lake (the largest salt water lake in the western hemisphere), while close access to famed ski resorts like Snowbird, Alta, Solitude Mountain Resort, and Brighton Ski Resort make Salt Lake City a top pick for powder lovers .

Salt Lake City’s Top Attractions

Utah residents are self-proclaimed outdoors experts. With points of interest like ski mountains and hiking trails all around the city, locals are lucky enough to have world-class snow sports , hiking, and mountain biking right in their backyard. Whether you’re heading into the mountains, or exploring Salt Lake City’s public parks and museums, you’ll find plenty of inspiration as you decide what to do in this underrated city.

The Salt Lake City Connect Pass

Be sure to start your visit by booking a Connect Pass from the visitor center, which grants admission to 13 of Salt Lake City’s top attractions, including the Clark Planetarium and the fantastic Leonardo museum , which explores the intersection of science, art, and innovation.

At the Natural History Museum of Utah , the interactive exhibits focus on Utah’s natural landscape (so expect plenty of dinosaur fossils and gemstones). Adjacent to the museum are several hiking trails , as well as the delightful Red Butte Garden , which contains various themed gardens and an amphitheater for outdoor concerts in the summer.

Admission to Utah Olympic Park is also included in the pass, which showcases one of the venues used during the 2012 Winter Olympics, hosted by Salt Lake City. Adrenaline junkies will love watching athletes practice on the original bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton tracks; but there are tons of activities for nonprofessionals to do as well. Visitors, for example can try the Extreme Zipline , which starts at the edge of the K120 nordic ski jump.

Over at Snowbird , which stays open year-round, the Aerial Tram remains a popular warm-weather activity. The 1.6-mile cable ferries visitors high above the resort to an elevation of 11,000 feet. Once you get to the top, it’s a two-hour hike back down the mountain — though the colorful wildflowers and spectacular views help take your mind off all the legwork.

Major Events and Festivals

Coinciding with Utah’s Pioneer Day (held annually on July 24), Days of 47 is a citywide festival celebrating the founding of Salt Lake City in 1847, by Brigham Young, leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The main event is a parade beginning in Liberty Park, and features fireworks, a rodeo, and performances by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

Over in Pioneer Park, the Twilight concert series gets underway each summer in July. Cheap ticket prices ($7.50) as well as a location in the heart of downtown make the performances accessible to all members of the city — visitors included. In addition to bigger names like Solange, Andrew Bird, and the Roots (all of whom played in 2017), local acts are also featured as openers.

If you’re passionate about art in all its many forms, the Utah Arts Festival (late June) is entirely worth the trip out to Salt Lake City. Hundreds of artist booths set up in Library Square , along with six stages featuring dozens of bands, plus street theater, film screenings, and even workshops, so attendees can end the weekend with a new skill under their belt.

Fireworks in Salt Lake City

Every July 4, celebrations get underway inside Heritage Park , which draws families with activities like pony rides and a watermelon-eating contest. Meanwhile, the main event takes place at Smith’s Ballpark . The fireworks are some of the state’s most impressive, with food (mostly barbecue) and live musical entertainment.

Shopping in Salt Lake City

If you find yourself with a spare afternoon in downtown Salt Lake City, shopping at City Creek Center is a great way to pass the time. The open-air mall spans three blocks, and encapsulates the rugged Utah vibe with fountains, waterfalls, and an actual creek running through the middle of the shops. For high-end gifts, there’s Tiffany & Co. , Coach , and Brooks Brothers , while Utah Woolen Mills , Macy’s , and the Apple Store cater to more general retail needs.

A vibrant (albeit tiny) arts district has taken root in an area just east of downtown called 9th and 9th . The funky strip contains favorite retailers like The Stockist (contemporary, rugged men's and women's fashion), Children’s Hour — a bookstore for kids that doubles as a boutique for moms with brands like Free People, Moon River, and Eileen Fischer — and Cahoots Cards & Gifts , a repository of all things weird and festive, from birthday cards to novelty calendars and gag gifts.

Salt Lake City’s Best Restaurants

The best places to eat in Salt Lake City draw from a wide range of influences, from down-tempo Mexican joints to flashier spots like The Rest : a Southern-inspired, speakeasy-style restaurant hidden beneath a dive bar. Several coffee shops have recently opened around downtown, like The Rose Establishment , while Caputo’s Market & Deli has emerged as the city’s go-to spot for all types of specialty foods, from imported cheese to small-batch, locally-made chocolate.

Most Romantic Restaurant: HSL

Cheap eats: red iguana, best seafood restaurant: current fish & oyster, best mediterranean restaurant: laziz kitchen, best italian restaurant: valter’s osteria, best bars in salt lake city.

It’s practically a requirement these days for a major metro area to have a decent assortment of places to imbibe, and Salt Lake City is no exception. At Bodega , a festive one-room bar facing Main Street, there’s a Playboy-themed pinball machine and affordable cans of Tecate. But the real fun is downstairs, in the bar’s basement, which conceals a Victorian-inspired tavern serving hot fried chicken and hominy.

For something more laid-back, try Squatter’s , the city’s best-loved brewpub. Inside, you’ll find the brewery’s award-winning Hell’s Keep Golden Ale , along with an organic, locally sourced menu of burgers, jambalaya, and house tacos. For another deep dive into the SLC beer scene, there’s Beerhive Pub . This traditional pub has 24 beers on tap (the list of bottled beers and single malt Scotch isn’t bad, either).

Easy Day Trips from Salt Lake City

Though it’s only a half hour drive from Salt Lake City, Antelope Island State Park feels worlds away. The incredibly scenic nature preserve sits on an island in the middle of Great Salt Lake, offering 36 miles of trails for hiking and horseback riding. At night, there’s stargazing, too: the park was recently named a bronze-tier dark-sky certified site , with the Wasatch mountains helping to block out the city light. It could be the clearest Milky Way you’ve ever seen.

Where to Stay in Salt Lake City

As a medium-sized city with a strong focus on outdoor attractions , most of Salt Lake City’s top places to stay are centered around the downtown area. The range of hotels caters mostly to leisure and business travelers, and offer direct access to Salt Lake City’s main commercial areas on Main Street and around Pioneer Park .

Luxury Hotels

Though it was built for the 2002 Winter Olympics, the Grand America Hotel has a majestic, old world feel. The 24-story luxury hotel is fitted with crystal chandeliers, an elegant lobby lounge for afternoon tea, and a full spa.

Boutique Hotels

Meanwhile, the 225-room Hotel Monaco remains the city’s best boutique hotel option, with a free nightly wine tasting and bike rentals for guests.

Affordable Hotels

On the budget end of the spectrum, downtown Salt Lake City offers an abundance of affordable hotels, including Doubletree Suites by Hilton , Residence Inn Salt Lake City Downtown , and Holiday Inn Express Salt Lake Downtown .

Vacation Rentals in Salt Lake City

Travelers looking for an alternative to hotels in Salt Lake City — particularly those traveling in large groups and seeking a budget-friendly stay — will find a number of homes and apartments available on vacation rental websites. Visitors will discover great, cost-friendly options on sites like VRBO, FlipKey, Home Away, and Airbnb, where you can find everything from tiny houses to 20th-century bungalows .

From world-class skiing to spring wildflowers, these are the best times to visit Salt Lake City

Aug 27, 2021 • 8 min read

Hiking the Bonneville Shoreline Trail in the Wasatch Foothills above Salt Lake City © Getty Images / Cultura RF

Salt Lake City offers visitors the chance to explore the outdoors, visit museums, learn about the rich spiritual history of the city, or enjoy world-class downhill skiing. There are different activities to enjoy depending on the season you visit. 

Skiers and snowboarders flock to the surrounding ski resorts in the winter. Fall is a great time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds and get lower rates. Hikers and mountain bikers enjoy hitting the trails in spring to see the wildflowers bloom. The summer can be hot, so visiting the variety of museums the city has to offer is a worthwhile way to spend time. 

Here’s our guide to visiting Salt Lake City throughout the year.

High Season: December - March

Best time for skiing

There’s a reason Salt Lake City is nicknamed “Ski City.” If you love to hit the slopes, winter is a paradise for skiers and snowboarders to visit the many world-class ski resorts in the area. There are nine resorts less than an hour away from the city, Alta (for skiers only) and Snowbird are the closest, while Park City and Deer Valley are known for being family-friendly. 

Whether you want to do tricks in a terrain park, maneuver down some chutes, or just hit the bunny trail, December through March are great months to visit. Utah is known for its light, dry snow, which is why it is a popular place for winter sports. Many of the resorts also rent out snowshoes for trekking through the trees and offer cross-country skiing, which is a great way to explore the serene winter wilderness. 

Keep in mind that since winter is the high season in the Salt Lake City area, you might have to deal with crowds and higher prices for accommodations, transportation, lift tickets and equipment rentals.

Shoulder Season: April - June

Best time for outdoor activities

Springtime in Salt Lake City offers a variety of outdoor experiences like hiking, mountain biking, fishing and visiting the many gardens and parks. Within a few miles of the city, the Wasatch Range has dozens of hiking trails that range from easy to difficult. For those who prefer to use two wheels, there are plenty of mountain biking trails , from fire roads to novice riders to single track for those who are more daring and experienced. 

From April through June, it’s typically not too hot or too cold to get around the city by foot, bike or bus to take advantage of the many monuments and museums, many of which are  free . It’s also a great time to pack a picnic lunch and enjoy a pleasant afternoon in the beautiful gardens, such as the 21-acre Red Butte Garden  at the University of Utah, the 50-acre Ashton Gardens at Thanksgiving Point with the largest manmade waterfall in the Western Hemisphere, or the Tracy Aviary and Botanical Garden where guests can view and feed birds and walk through a rainforest.

Be aware that rain is more likely during this time of year, so pack an umbrella.

Low Season: September - October

Best time for budget travel

For budget travelers wanting to visit the Salt Lake City area, fall is the least crowded and least expensive time to go. During September and October, kids have returned to school and the snow hasn’t fallen yet so the city and roadways aren’t overrun with family vacationers or skiers and snowboarders. It’s also a good time to visit because the beautiful fall foliage adds its colors to the landscape. A hike in the nearby Wasatch Mountains, a trip to the great Salt Lake or some ATV off-roading are all enjoyable activities this time of year. 

As the temperatures start to drop, it’s also a nice time to take advantage of the many museums and monuments scattered throughout the city. Learn about the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints in Temple Square , examine life sciences exhibits at the Natural History Museum of Utah , explore your family tree at the Family History Library or see the stars at the Clark Planetarium . There’s plenty to do and see in the city and beyond.

Here’s our month-by-month breakdown of what to expect and what to do in Salt Lake City.

Kick off the new year with a white winter in Salt Lake City. The city is hopping with winter sports enthusiasts visiting the nearby ski and snowboard resorts. Bundle up, it’s cold outside.

Key event: Sundance Film Festival - Film buffs, creators and celebrities, can be seen at events in Salt Lake City, Park City and beyond during the annual Sundance Film Festival. It’s a great chance to see inspiring movies and an abundance of A-listers. 

Ski season is in full swing and “Ski City” is a great host. With nine resorts less than an hour away, the city will be teaming with apres ski happy hours after the lifts close. Keep warm indoors by visiting museums around the city.

Key event: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince in Concert - Be mesmerized by the talent of the Utah Symphony as it brings the Harry Potter books to life with this magical concert.

As the temperatures start to rise, it’s time for spring skiing and to start putting the heavy coats back in the closet. Defrost with friends over spring break in Salt Lake City by catching up at one of the popular watering holes .

Key event: St. Patrick’s Day Parade - Wear green so you don’t get pinched at the free St. Patrick’s Day Parade. You’ll be sure to find green beer and food at the event vendors.

Be prepared for April showers. This is a great time to visit since the ski crowds start to dwindle as the city transitions from winter to spring. 

Key event: Natural History Museum of Utah - The museum has rotating special exhibitions as varied as ancient pharaohs to the ecosystem. 

April showers bring May flowers. The city and nearby open spaces are defrosting after winter and the spring flowers are in bloom. Time to hit the hiking and mountain biking trails in the nearby Wasatch Front area.

Key event: Red Butte Garden Bulbs & Blooms - Immerse yourself in a field with more than a million spring blooms, most of which are daffodils. The perfect place for a selfie!

As summer starts, it’s time to dust off the hiking shoes and hit the trails, break out your fishing pole, or take the Snowbird tram for a scenic ride to the top. If enough snow has melted, the ski resorts will open the runs to mountain bikers. Load your bike on the ski lift and head up the mountain for a thrilling downhill ride.

Key event: Pride Week - Utah celebrates the LGBTIQ+ community with several events throughout the week including a Rainbow March & Rally.

Summer is in full swing with long, fun-filled days and hot summer nights in the city. Enjoy outdoor concerts, food festivals, and flea markets.

Key event: Wasatch Wildflower Festival - The flower festival takes place at Alta Ski Resort and includes guided hikes through Albion Basin and live music.

Spend summer vacation exploring Salt Lake City and the surrounding wilderness. August is an optimal time of year to attend art festivals, gallery strolls, outdoor movies, and athletic events. 

Key event: Tooele County Fair - Carnival rides, cotton candy, rodeo, concerts. The Tooele County Fair has lots of summer fun!

Watch the trees change along with the temperature as kids go back to school. This is the low season so take advantage of the best deals of the year.

Key event: FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention - Comic Con hits Salt Lake City Convention Center to thrill fans of cosplay, Star Trek, Marvel, comic books, and fantasy-related entertainment.

October in Salt Lake City brings books festivals, harvest festivals, haunted houses, and the kick off to the holiday season.  

Key events: Oktoberfest - Take part in a family-friendly Oktoberfest at Snowbird. Feast on German food and beer, groove to traditional German music, take a ride down the Alpine Slide, and more.

The cool fall weather, and maybe a little snowfall, make indoor activities more attractive this time of year. Cozy up with a cup of cocoa and warm up by a roaring fire at the impressive Grand America Hotel . Since this is the shoulder season, you should see a break on travel expenses, except during Thanksgiving weekend.

Key events: Gingerbread House Competition - All ages can participate in this fun and creative holiday event at the Bountiful Davis Art Center.

Temple Square is decked out for the holidays with twinkling lights, Christmas carols, nativities, and a blanket of snow. You’d think you’re at the North Pole.

Key event: Christkindlmarkt - Visit Christkindlmarkt, a German Christmas market, for authentic German food, beer and crafts.

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Fodor's Utah: with Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Capitol Reef, and Canyonlands National Parks Whether you want to hike through Zion, ski in Park City, or visit the Great Salt Lake, the...

Nestled at the foot of the rugged Wasatch Mountains and extending to the south shore of the Great Salt Lake, Salt Lake City is a relatively small, navigable, and increasingly diverse and vibrant city at the heart of a metropolitan area with more than 1.25 million residents.

Both downtown and many outlying neighborhoods have become hot beds of acclaimed dining, artisan brewing and coffee-roasting, and trendy retail. The surrounding Salt Lake Valley offers striking landscapes and accessible outdoor adventures. Canyon breezes turn hot summer afternoons into enjoyable evenings, and snowy winter days are moderated with temperatures warmer than those at most ski destinations, making Salt Lake City an ideal destination year-round.

Salt Lake City's history was built on the shoulders of its Mormon founders, but today its culture draws equally contemporary events and influences, such as hosting the 2002 Winter Olympics, and becoming a preeminent destination for technological or innovative pursuits, earning it the nickname "Silicon Slopes." The city has emerged as the economic and cultural center of the vast Great Basin, between the Rocky Mountains and California’s Sierra Nevada. And its growing population of young outdoorsy types, artists, makers, foodies, and entrepreneurs has infused it with a progressive sensibility that surprises many first-time visitors. Every mayor of Salt Lake City since 1976 has been a Democrat, and Salt Lake City County has voted Democrat more often than not in the last few presidential elections. Furthermore, the city has a sizable and visible LGBTQ community.

Tourists come here to hike and ski, and they stay for Salt Lake City's charm. As seen in other growing metropolitan areas, as the population increases, so does its pollution. Smog can be a serious problem, but Salt Lake City is working hard to shift to greener initiatives that will help alleviate these impacts. However, those susceptible to respiratory infections or allergies should avoid visiting in January and February, as this is when inversion is most likely to occur.

Despite recent demographic changes, including the percentage of Mormon-identifying residents of Salt Lake County falling below 50% as of 2018 (it's far lower than that in Salt Lake City proper), since Brigham Young led his first party of pioneers here in 1847, Salt Lake City has been synonymous with the Mormon Church, formally called the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The valley appealed to Young because, at the time, it was under the control of Mexico rather than the U.S. government, which the Mormons believed was responsible for much of their persecution. Within days of his arrival, Young drew up plans for Salt Lake City, which was to be the hub of the Mormons’ promised land, a vast empire stretching from the Rockies to the Southern California coast. Although the area that eventually became the state of Utah was smaller than Young planned, Salt Lake City quickly outstripped his original vision. Missionaries throughout Scandinavia and the British Isles converted thousands, who flocked to the city to live near their church president—a living prophet, according to Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints doctrine—and worship in the newly built temple.

The area had few permanent settlements, an adequate supply of water and building materials, and a protected location, with the Wasatch Mountains to the east and a vast desert to the west. Still, on July 24, 1847, when Young gazed across the somewhat desolate valley and reportedly announced, "This is the right place," his followers understandably had mixed feelings. They saw no familiar forests or lush pasture, just a dry valley and a salty lake.

Within hours of arriving, Young and his followers got to work, planting crops and diverting water for irrigation.

In the 1860s, income from railroads and mines created a class of industrialists who built mansions near downtown and whose businesses brought thousands of workers—mainly from Europe and few of whom were Mormon—to Utah Territory. By the time Utah became a state in 1896, Salt Lake was a thriving city. Although the majority of the city was members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it claimed a healthy mix of Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish citizens. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints's presence is still evident, as both its headquarters and the Tabernacle, home to the world-famous Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, call Temple Square home.

Several high-rise hotels, office buildings, and downtown condominiums mark the skyline; restaurants serve a world of tastes; fashionable retail enclaves are appearing all around town; and nightlife is improving.

Today the city is an important center for business, medicine, education, and technology, and it's a major worldwide hub of Delta Airlines. A growing commitment to the arts from both the public and private sector has led to a booming cultural scene, and sports fans appreciate the presence of two major-league franchises—basketball’s Utah Jazz and soccer’s Real Salt Lake.

Although the former mining town and now ritzy getaway of Park City—just a 40-minute drive up the hill—receives the lion's share of Utah's skiing acclaim, Salt Lake County is home to four world-class resorts: Alta, Brighton, Snowbird, and Solitude. And the foothills just north and east of the city teem with amazingly scenic hiking and mountain-biking trails and myriad opportunities for wildlife viewing, as does Antelope Island, at the eastern end of Great Salt Lake.

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Salt Lake City   Travel Guide

Best Times To Visit Salt Lake City

The best time to visit Salt Lake City is September to October. The kids are in school and the skiers have yet to arrive, so you'll have the city – and all of its discounted hotel rooms – to yourself. Springtime is another sweet spot for bargains, but snowmelt coupled with higher precipitation levels can lead to soggy conditions. Winter marks the peak season with skiers flooding the region's slopes, while summer draws outdoorsy travelers looking to take advantage of the hiking trails and lake activities.

Weather in Salt Lake City

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

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Popular Times to Visit Salt Lake City

Tourism volume is estimated based on in-market destination search query interest from Google and on travel.usnews.com in 2015-2016. Hotel prices are sourced from a sample of U.S. News Best Hotels rates through 2015-2016.

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Salt Lake City: Plan the Perfect Weekend Getaway

Eric Jay Toll

The writer was hosted.

Sitting next to the lofty windows in a restaurant at 11,000 feet (3,350m) up in the Wasatch Mountains, through the cleft between the towering mountains, I believe I could see the mountain where we hiked earlier in the day.

This was a getaway to Salt Lake City and Utah. Arriving, there’s the Great Salt Lake on one side and the west slope of the Rocky Mountains on the other. It meant a morning hike under a warm spring sun and an afternoon skiing down the slopes.

All that is oh so close to downtown SLC.

Why Salt Lake City in Utah for a Getaway

Salt Lake City is a year-round destination for a weekend or a couple of weeks.

Of course, he had a bit of bias, but Ryan from Visit Salt Lake City  told our group of writers, “Salt Lake City has a lot to do on its own, and it’s in the center of many other places to see. It’s a really vibrant place for a getaway.”

Time is what counts when planning a getaway to Salt Lake City. The Utah  capital delivers a nice taste of urban dining and activities, yet it’s minutes from wilderness and recreation paradise.

The city itself is a weekend destination, and with more time, you can explore Utah’s five national parks, six national monuments, four national trails, historical sites and the second largest of America’s national recreation areas.

Feeling like “I’ve got to get out of town,” the city is a perfect weekend destination. If feeling like “I’ve got to get to another planet,” Salt Lake is the ideal base camp  for exploring some of the world’s most surreal landscapes.

Read More: Best Things to Do in Salt Lake City

Why Salt Lake City for Weekend Getaways

We were doing the short personal “battery” recharge over a few days and a later trip to Red Rock country. Salt Lake is central to an amazing center for a weekend trip, a week’s road trip or an escape-the-world bucket list adventure.

One nice feature of downtown Salt Lake City is its walkability. We could walk to nearly all the major destinations from our downtown hotel.

What to Do in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City has various restaurants for all tastes and budgets. Sources like Trip Advisor  and Yelp have reasonably comprehensive listings. The best bet is to go local. Eating at a same-place-everywhere national chain can be saved for home. Ask the hotel concierge or front desk for recommended local dining spots.

Utah once had a challenging reputation for enjoying beer, wine or cocktails. Much of that changed with the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics. You can get a drink in Utah.

Like some early New England colonies, Utah was settled as a theocratic territory with the arrival of the Mormons on July 24, 1847, Pioneer Day, a significant state holiday. Utah is a state rich in history, and it’s the spiritual and geographic center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Salt Lake City retains many of its historic buildings and areas.

Temple Square is the center of the faith and city. On this 10-acre site are the original Mormon Temple and the Tabernacle, the home of the world-famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir. The Tabernacle is open to the public, as are many of the choir’s rehearsals.

The notable architecture draws thousands of people every year. We crossed the very wide streets typical of Utah towns and entered the park-like setting. The historic temple, a testament to design and faith, was shrouded in scaffolding. Damaged in a 2019 earthquake, the Mormon Church is retrofitting the pioneer-era building with earthquake mitigation. It’s to be completed in 2026.

“We’ll drive to the trailhead. We could walk there from here, but we have too much to do today,” said Ryan as our group gathered to board our SUV for the morning hike. “Other trails are just a short walk from downtown.”

We headed to the Living Room Trail, which tops off at a Great Salt Desert overlook with the Oquihir Mountains in the distance and that valley holding Salt Lake and its closest suburbs.

“The rock formation at the top gives it the name,” he told us.

After the hike under the warm sun, we headed to a nearby ski resort at the top of Cottonwood Canyon. In Salt Lake, it’s possible to have a spring hike and downhill run on the same day.

What to Do in Utah from Salt Lake City

From Salt Lake City, there’s an adventure at all points of the compass.

North – Hot Springs and Cross-Country Trails

Heading north of Salt Lake City opens adventures in the Cache-Wasatch Mountains in both Utah and Idaho. Just across the state line, Lava Springs, Idaho, is known for its natural and mineralized hot springs.

There’s more in northern Utah.

“That is the most amazing color,” said my companion when we made the curve heading down from the Cache Mountains towards Garden City on the Utah side of the state line. The panorama before us was Bear Lake. “It’s the color of the Caribbean.”

The giant freshwater lake is colorized to a deep turquoise. Boating, swimming and a state park border the lake.

Having lived in Logan on the west side of the mountains, I can personally say that some of the best Nordic skiing I’ve enjoyed is a short drive from this Cache Valley  city.

A couple of hours northwest of Salt Lake City is the Golden Spike National Historic Site, where the famous “last spike” was driven into the railroad ties connecting America’s first transcontinental railroad.

West – the Famous Bonneville Speedway

To the west is the famous Bonneville Salt Flats, a unique, otherworldly place where you can put your car on the salt flats and see how fast it goes.

“I wouldn’t recommend it,” said a ranger from the Bureau of Land Management in Salt Lake City. “The salt doesn’t dry out until mid-July. Drive on it when it’s got any moisture, and you’ll break through the crust and get stuck. It’s a $600 tow.”

He didn’t want his name used because he was not authorized to speak to the media, but he said the Salt Flats are a place to experience any time of the year.

“It’s especially an experience at sunset because of how the light plays on the salt,” he explained. “It’s an area so flat and vast that the light tricks your eyes and sometimes you can see it in photos.”

The salt flats are about 90 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City via Interstate 80. On the west side of the Bonneville Salt Flats is the legendary sculpture, “Metaphor – Tree of Utah.” There’s an unofficial pull-off for westbound traffic.

East – The Greatest Snow on Earth

Mormon leader Brigham Young was looking from a terrace on the west side of the Wasatch Mountains when he said, “This is the place,” selecting the site for the faith’s capital city. Today, most people arriving in Salt Lake City look east to the ski resorts and towns at the top of the range.

Salt Lake City is a mecca for avid skiers and snowboarding. Skiing is less than an hour from Salt Lake’s airport.

Most ski resorts operate year-round, changing from snow sports to outdoor activities, like mountain biking and hiking trails.

A trip to Park City or Deer Valley may be among the most romantic getaway destinations in the Intermountain West. Quaint Park City, home of the U.S. Olympic ski team and the famous Sundance Film Festival, has many resort hotels, dainty beds and breakfast, and plenty of vacation rental homes.

In the summer, a ski jump with thousands of Teflon bearings allows jumpers to practice flying into the air and landing in a pool. The Olympic Park feature is open to non-Olympians.

Next door, Deer Valley is designed as an elite ski-in resort that allows only skiing—no snowboards. Once the limousine is parked, it’s not needed until guests leave. The ski lodge is within walking or skiing distance from the lodging.

Snowbird Ski Resort

After the morning hike, we headed up Cottonwood Canyon to the Snowbird Ski Resort  at the top of the canyon. It was a brilliantly bright late March day. The slopes were still packed with over 100 inches (254cm) of snow. Even though the air temperature was 48F (9C), skiers were whooshing down the slopes, a few hearty souls wearing shorts.

Snowbird hosted us for lunch at its 11,000-foot peak restaurant. Stew and chili were perfect complements to the weather, and we watched skiers from the warmth of the dining room’s near floor-to-ceiling windows.

Ski trails ran in all directions from the mountaintop, classified for beginning, intermediate, advanced and “different breed” skiers. The snow was packed and fast, even with the spring sun beaming on the crowds.

Riley from Snowbird toured us through the facility’s different restaurants and shops. There are rooms at the ski lodge level for those focused on a trip hitting the slopes.

Read More: Where Kids Ski Free

South – The Real Red Rock Country

We headed to southern Utah, the land of red rock formations and slot canyons. The landscape contrasted bright orange-red rock with deep green scrubby Juniper trees and shrubs.

As we hiked up the park’s most popular trail, excitement and anticipation filled the air. It wasn’t just the altitude that left me a little breathless, but the rush to beat the crowd and stand beneath the iconic Delicate Arch, a natural wonder symbolizing America’s beauty.

Delicate Arch, in Arches National Park , Moab, Utah, is four hours south of Salt Lake City on a beautiful, easy-to-drive scenic route down to the Colorado Plateau.

Arriving before 7 a.m., we bypassed the timed entry requirement, a smart move to ensure we could find places to park near the Delicate Arch hiking trails. For those who prefer a more relaxed start, the option to reserve your entry time in advance at Recreation.gov  is a convenient way to plan your red rock road trip.

Despite the early arrival at its amphitheater, a short line of hikers waited to have pictures taken under the arch. Later in the day, the wait can be as long as a half-hour.

“Can you take our photo?” the man in front of me asked. He was with his wife and two pre-teens. “I’ve wanted to get this photo for a long time. I’ve seen it on Instagram and wanted to get us in a photo like those.”

He handed back his camera, and the four headed along the narrow trail and lined up under the arch. It’s a tradition at Delicate Arch. When it’s your turn to stand under the magnificent rock formation, the next person in line snaps the photo.

What to Explore

It’s an easy journey from Salt Lake City. Out of the urban cluster and into the desert, you’ll drive from cream colors through deep green mountains to the heart of red rock country. Oh, there are many imitators, but this is the real thing.

Spending a few nights in Moab put us in the middle of Arches  and Canyonlands  national parks and  Dead Horse Point State Park .

“It’s hard to believe those two rivers carved these canyons,” said Kendall from Chicago while we put on boots. She and her husband, Terry, were loading their gear back into their rental. “This is our first trip west, and I feel like I’m on another planet.”

Terry nodded, saying, “You see the pictures all the time, but coming here in person, it’s big. Out there, you have to turn almost completely around to take in what you’re seeing.”

He pointed to our destination, the very tip at Grand View Point. It was an under two-mile (3.2km) reasonably level hike along the canyon rim to see a multi-million-year-old view. We meandered down the Grand View Trail to the point and looked to the southwest down the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area  into the setting sun.

Below us on the rugged White Rim Trail, a couple of jeeps and a cluster of cyclists rode on the rocky dirt track. The trail is a bucket list destination for mountain biking. To drive it, a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle is needed. High clearance is especially necessary; according to the ranger, my Honda CR-V was unsuitable for the White Rim.

Canyonlands Highlights

Tomorrow was to start the next leg of our Utah Grand Circle . We didn’t have enough time to do the entire route on this trip. Our next destinations were Capitol Reef  and Bryce Canyon National Parks ,  Grand Staircase Escalante  and Cedar Breaks  National Monuments.

Sadly, we were going to miss the other parks on the Grand Circle Route: Zion National Park ,  Grand Canyon  and  Mesa Verde  national parks, Canyon of the Ancients ,  Bears Ears  and Hovenweep  national monuments, Monument Valley  and Four Corners  Navajo tribal parks, and Valley of Fire  State Park near Las Vegas, Nevada; Utah’s Kodachrome Basin  and Coral Pink Sand Dunes  state parks.

“That’s a long list of missed parks,” chuckled Ranger Jake at the Canyonlands Visitor Center when he asked if we planned to road trip the complete Grand Circle. “You know it’s probably the most scenic drive in the USA.”

He was right; seeing this iconic Western landscape requires about ten days. It delivers other planet rock formations, stirring blue desert skies and contrasting deep green trees against the brilliant red rock. All that is missing are Roadrunner and Coyote.

How to Get to Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City International Airport is about ten non-rush hour minutes west of downtown. Getting downtown is simple, too, taking the light rail trains from the airport to the city’s center. Delta and Southwest have hubs at the airport, and United, American and several discount carriers also offer service.

Salt Lake City is the junction of Interstates I-80 and I-15. Amtrak’s California Zephyr, which arrives late at night and overnight, serves the city from Chicago or the San Francisco Bay Area.

Where to Stay in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a family-friendly destination with a broad selection of national chains, locally flagged hotels, and vacation rental accommodations. Properties are spread throughout the metro area, so finding budget-fitting lodging anywhere is possible.

When traveling, I usually book a place in the downtown area. It’s more convenient to have a greater selection of activities, restaurants and places to visit.

Read More: Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City Review

What This Writer Likes Best About Utah

Red Rock Country, from Zion National Park to Arches National Park, is a personal favorite. The extraordinary landscapes, the variety of landscape viewing opportunities, and the Colorado Plateau weather bring me to southern Utah at least once a year.

Broaden your perspectives of what to see. Arches and Zion are generally packed with visitors. Escape the crowds and check out the area’s state parks and national monuments. Capitol Reef and Canyonlands are great destinations for beauty and adventure without all the crowds.

Spend some time in Salt Lake City, but move the lodging to St. George ,  Panguitch ,  Springdale  or  Moab  for a visit south.

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18 Amazing National Parks Near Salt Lake City

S alt Lake City is a great home base for exploring some of the most beautiful and historic places in the Mountain West. As a matter of fact, there are 18 national parks near Salt Lake City, and they all are worth visiting.

Each of these parks are around five hours or less from Salt Lake City , making them excellent day trip or weekend getaway destinations. They can also be combined into some great road trips. Here are details on these parks, including distance from SLC and what to do when you arrive.

18 National Parks near Salt Lake City

Timpanogos cave national monument.

Distance from Salt Lake City: 35 miles (about 40 minutes)

Timpanogos Cave National Monument is a protected area in the Wasatch Mountains just 35 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City off Highway 92. It is the closest national park unit to Salt Lake City.

The monument includes three cave systems: Timpanogos Cave, Hansen Cave, and Middle Cave. Of these, Timpanogos Cave is the most developed and visited. It is famous for its stunning limestone formations including stalactites, stalagmites, helictites, flowstone, and other delicate cave structures.

Visitors can take a guided tour of Timpanogos Cave, which includes a hike up a steep, 1.5-mile trail to the cave entrance which climbs a little over 1,000 feet. The trail is very scenic, but expect to be huffing and puffing on the way up.

Once inside, the tour follows a series of lighted and paved walkways, and includes presentations by park rangers on the cave’s geology, history, and ecosystem. Guided tours are about an hour in length and it is recommended that you reserve them in advance. Reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance.

In addition to the standard cave tour, Centennial Lantern Tours are being offered in 2023. This unique tour allows you to experience the cave as explorers did decades ago. If you are looking for a real adventure, check out the Intro to Caving Tour which explores Hansen Cave in its natural state. Spelunkers ages 14 and up will wear helmets and gloves as they scramble and crawl through the cave.

Cave tours are seasonal due to snowpack in the mountains limiting access to the caves, and typically run from late May to September. While it can be very hot outside, the caves remain cold at around 45 degrees, so be sure to bring a jacket !

Golden Spike National Historic Park

Distance from Salt Lake City: 87 miles (80 minutes)

Golden Spike National Historic Park is located in Promontory Summit north of Salt Lake City. It commemorates the completion of the first Transcontinental Railroad, which linked the eastern and western coasts of the United States on May 10, 1869. As you can imagine, this was a huge deal when it happened and one of most important accomplishments of the 19th century.

The park’s main attraction is the Golden Spike Ceremony Site, where the Union Pacific and Central Pacific railroads met and connected their tracks. Visitors can see replicas of the two locomotives that participated in the ceremony, the Jupiter from the Central Pacific and the No. 119 from the Union Pacific.

There are also several historic buildings, including a replica of a telegraph office and a section of the original wooden trestle bridge that once spanned the nearby Great Salt Lake. Costumed reinactments take place on Saturdays from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

This national historic park is best visited May through mid-October, when the visitor center is open daily and the attractions are accessible from dusk to dawn. If you visit in the winter, you will only be able to take an Engine House Tour which mainly focuses on the locamotives themselves.

In addition to the Golden Spike Ceremony Site, there are two driving tours you can take along the railroad grade, as well as a 1.5-mile hiking trail highlighting 19th century building techniques.

Fossil Butte National Monument

Distance from Salt Lake City: 144 miles (two hours and 15 minutes)

Fossil Butte National Monument is a protected area in southwestern Wyoming, only a little over two hours from Salt Lake City. It was established on a high plateau in the Green River Basin to protect the fossilized remains of ancient animals and plants that lived in the area over 50 million years ago.

Fossil Butte National Monument is famous for its fish fossils, which are some of the best preserved in the world. These fossils provide important clues about the evolution of fish and other aquatic creatures, as well as the ancient climate and ecology of the region.

Visitors to Fossil Butte National Monument can explore the park’s visitor center, which features a variety of exhibits and displays that showcase the area’s fossil history.

One of the best programs for families at this park is the Research Quarry where families can learn what paleontologists do as well as current research being conducted at the site.

This program is available Fridays and Saturdays from June 23, 2023 through August 12, 2023 from 11-3. While you may be able to help unearth fossils , be aware that anything found must stay in the park’s collection. If you are looking to hunt fossils to keep, check out the Fossil Basin website .

If you are looking to stretch your legs, the Historic Quarry Trail is a 2.5-mile loop that offers an overview of the geology and paleontology of the area.

From late spring thorugh earl fall, the park’s 5.5-mile scenic drive is open. It leads you to the top of a ridge, providing a panoramic view of the valley below. At the three mile mark this road does turn to gravel and have a steep grade, so a four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended to complete the full loop.

City of Rocks National Reserve

Distance from Salt Lake City: 160 miles (two hours, 40 minutes)

City of Rocks National Reserve is located in southern Idaho, less than three hours from Salt Lake City. It protects the unique geological formations and cultural history on the 14,000-acre reserve.

The reserve is named after the incredible rock formations which are the result of volcanic activity that occurred over 2.5 million years ago. Granite rocks rise up to heights of over 600 feet and are shaped in unusual formations that resemble a city skyline.

This reserve is primarily an outdoor recreation destination, especially for hiking, rock climbing, and camping. The reserve has over 22 miles of hiking trails that wind through the rocks and surrounding wilderness, offering incredible views of the landscape. Plus, this national park site is dog friendly , so you can bring your pup on the trails!

The Window Arch Trail is a moderate 1.5-mile trail that takes you to Window Arch, one of the most popular rock formations in the reserve. Creekside Towers Trail is two miles in length and follows a small creek through a beautiful canyon and past towering rock formations.

If you are looking for more of a challenge, City of Rocks Summit Trail is strenuous 3.8-mile trail that takes you to the summit of the reserve’s highest peak, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

In addition to the geological formations, City of Rocks National Reserve has a rich cultural history. The area has been used for thousands of years by Native American tribes, and in the 1800s, it served as a popular stopping point for emigrants traveling along the California Trail. Today, visitors can see historic wagon ruts, pioneer inscriptions, and other artifacts from the area’s past.

Jurassic National Monument

Distance from Salt Lake City: 147 miles, (two hours, 45 minutes)

Jurassic National Monument is managed by the Bureau of Land Management about three hours southeast of Salt Lake City, near the town of Price. The monument encompasses a unique landscape of colorful sandstone cliffs and rock formations which have eroded over millions of years to reveal a treasure trove of dinosaur fossils from the Late Jurassic period.

The Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry, located inside the monument, is one of the most prolific dinosaur fossil sites in the world and contains the densest collection of Jurassic-aged dinosaur bones ever discovered .

It contains over 12,000 dinosaur bones from at least 74 individual dinosaurs, including Allosaurus, Stegosaurus, and Ceratosaurus. The exact cause of the high concentration of dinosaur fossils at the site is still a mystery, but scientists believe that it may have been a trap where carnivorous dinosaurs became stuck in the mud and died, attracting scavengers that also became trapped.

Visitors to the Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry can take guided tours of the site and see the ongoing work of paleontologists as they excavate and study the fossils. The site also has a visitor center with exhibits and displays on the history of the quarry and the dinosaurs that lived there. It is open March 31st – October 30th.

Dinosaur National Monument

Distance from Salt Lake City: 188 miles (about three hours and 15 minutes)

One of my favorite national parks near Salt Lake City is Dinosaur National Monument. It is in northeast Utah and is known for its wealth of dinosaur fossils as well for being a great river rafting destination.

Dinosaur National Monument encompasses over 210,000 acres of protected land and the main attraction is the Dinosaur Quarry Exhibit Hall, which displays over 1,500 dinosaur bones from a variety of species, including Allosaurus, Stegosaurus, and Diplodocus.

The Green River runs through the heart of the monument, allowing you a perspective of the gorgeous canyons that you can’t get without rafting or kayaking.

There are three main rafting sections in Dinosaur National Monument- the Gates of Lodore, Yampa River, and Split Mountain.

The Gates of Lodore is a 44-mile stretch of river that includes a number of Class II and III rapids, which are typically part of a 3-5 day trip which is great for families with kids as young as seven.

The Yampa River has class III and IV rapids making it a bit more adventurous but still great for famileis. It is the one major tributary in the Colorado River system that runs wild and free. Trips on this stretch are 4-5 days.

My family was short on time during our visit to Dinosaur National Monument so we booked a one-day Split Mountain trip with OARS . We have rafted many places around the world and this experience ranked up with some of the best. The scenery was jaw-dropping and we saw a herd of bighorn sheep right on the shore which was such a treat! The rapids were quite tame, making this trip perfect for first timers.

There are lots of Native American ruins and petroglyphs inside the park and most rafting trips include a side trip to one of the sites. There are also petroglyph sites you can hike or drive to.

There are a couple different scenic drives that are popular inside the park. Our favorite is Tour of Tilted Rocks , a 10-mile drive has wonderful geological scenery as well as acess to historic homestead and petroglyphs. There are also interpretive signs along the way explaining the geology and natural history of the area.

Capitol Reef National Park

Distance from Salt Lake City: 213 miles (about three hours and 20 minutes)

The closest of Utah’s “Mighty 5” to Salt Lake City is Capitol Reef National Park, which is also the least visited. It is least visited because it is the most remote of the five, not because it is any less impressive then the others.

The heart of Capitol Reef National Park is the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile buckle in the earth’s surface that forms an impressive ridge that forms a barrier of sandstone filled with narrow canyons and interesting geologic features. Highway 24 is the only paved road to cross the Waterpocket Fold.

One of the most popular hiking trails in the Waterpocket Fold include the Grand Wash Trail, an easy, 4.4-mile round trip hike that follows a narrow canyon through colorful sandstone walls. The narrowing canyon eventually becomes 600 feet high and just 16 feet wide at one point. Kids love climbing in the various crevasses and alcoves in the wash’s sandstone walls.

If you are looking for more of a challenge, take the 1.7 mile trail (one way) to Cassidy Arch . The trail begins about a quarter mile from the entrance to Grand Wash and winds its way up the side of the mountain, gaining 950 feet in elevation. The arch was named after Butch Cassidy who is said to have used Grand Wash to reach Robber’s Roost. You can walk out on this arch and the views are worth the climb.

Another great trail in the Waterpocket Fold is the Capitol Gorge Trail at the end of the park’s scenic drive. This easy hike takes you through a narrow canyon past petroglyphs drawn by the Fremont people who lived in this region from 600-1200 AD.

Further in, you will come across a Pioneer Registry on the side of the slot canyon. Pioneers passing through the region in the late 1800s and early 1900s etched and burned their names into the sandstone wall high up from their seats on their wagons.

Another one of my favorite hikes inside Capitol Reef National Park is the one to Hickman Bridge . This two-mile trail gradually climbs in elevation until it reaches the 133-foot arch. The bridge is impressive and the area around the bridge offers lovely shade from the often-relentless desert heat.

Read our full guide to visiting Capitol Reef National Park with kids.

Another big attraction in Capitol Reef is the pioneer settlement of Fruita which has century-old orchards which are still in use today. Nineteen orchards planted by the pioneers are filled with interesting varieties of classics such as cherries, apricots, pears, peaches, and apples. Best of all,  you are welcome to pick fruit from any unlocked orchard and eat them inside the orchard for free!

Any fruit you do want to take outside the orchard can be bagged and weighed at the self-pay station.  Mule deer and wild turkeys are frequently seen in the orchards trying to snag a free meal.

Visit Capitol Reef and the other parks in the Mighty 5 using our Utah national parks road trip itinerary .

Arches National Park

Distance from Salt Lake City: 230 miles (about three hours and 40 minutes)

Arches National Park, located near the awesome, outdoorsy town of Moab, is renowned for it incredible density of natural arches and rock formations in an incredibly scenic desert landscapes. There are 2,000 natural sandstone arches inside this national park!

Here are our favorite things to do in Moab .

Timed-entry tickets are required for entry to Arches National Park April 1- October 31, 202 4. Visit the  park website  for full details on reservations.

The main road in Arches National Park, known as the Arches Scenic Drive, offers breathtaking views and access to many of the park’s highlights. Many of the most impressive arches on this drive are accessible via a short hike or a simple walk from the parking lot including Balanced Rock, Courthouse Towers, Double Arch and the Windows area.

If you are looking for hikes, the trail to Landscape Arch , the longest arch in the world, is a great option. The 1.6-mile round-trip hike to this arch includes views of a couple arches along the way. It is a fairly easy hike, but shade is limited so time your visit properly and bring plenty of water.

The most famous arch in the world is probably Delicate Arch. Some might know it as the “Utah license plate” arch. The hike is only three miles round trip but it does involve some uphill hiking and doesn’t have shade, so I recommend doing this hike in the early morning if you are visiting during the warm season. We have also found this hike to be far less crowded at sunrise than it is at sunset.

The Fiery Furnace is a maze-like labyrinth of narrow canyons, towering walls, and hidden arches. It’s a fantastic option for those seeking an adventurous and off-the-beaten-path experience.

It does requires a permit or a guided tour due to its challenging navigation. I recommend families take the guided tour with a ranger. Tours can be booked seven days in advance and do book up quickly.

Read our full guide on things to do in Arches National Park with kids .

Great Basin National Park

Distance from Salt Lake City: 234 miles (about three hours and 40 minutes)

Great Basin National Park is a beautiful and diverse national park located just west of the Nevada/Utah line. It encompasses a wide range of ecosystems, including high mountain peaks, ancient bristlecone pine forests, alpine lakes, and limestone caves.

Given its remote location, it is also one of the least visited national parks in the Lower 48. Still, this park is definitely worth the drive and most of the time, you can have trails nearly all to yourself.

One of the main attractions in the park is Lehman Caves , an underground labyrinth of intricate limestone formations. Visitors can explore the cave system on guided tours led by park rangers, to learn about stalactites, stalagmites, cave bacon, and other interesting geological features.

The caves are open for 60 and 90 minute tours year round and  advance reservations are highly recommended . Tours can be booked  online .

The mountains of the Snake Range, which include Wheeler Peak, are like alpine islands in a sea of sagebrush.  Wheeler Peak rises 13,063 feet above sea level, dominating the horizon with its jagged, treeless top.

Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive winds quickly up the mountain, leaving the desert floor far behind. Be sure to stop at various overlooks on your way to road’s end and enjoy expansive views that stretch for 100 miles. Once you reach the top, there are several great hikes that await.

The Bristelcone Trail is a 2.8-mile, round-trip hike that gains 600 feet in elevation and leads to a grove of Bristlecone Pines, ancient trees that can live for 5,000 years. If you continue on up the mountain one mile past the Bristlecone Grove, you will reach a rock glacier. It is the only glacier in Nevada and  one of the most southernmost glaciers in the Northern Hemisphere .

The Alpine Lakes Loop is an easy, 2.7-mile trail that winds through an alpine forest. It passes idyllic streams as well as two lovely little lakes with superb views of Wheeler Peak. Keep your eyes out for deer and wild turkeys.

Peak baggers will want to make the climb up to the top of Wheeler Peak . This is a This trail 8.2-mile hike that gains almost 3,000 feet in elevation. It should be started very early in the morning so that hikers can get down off the peak before afternoon thunderstorms roll in.

Read our full guide to the best things to do in Great Basin National Park .

Canyonlands National Park

Distance from Salt Lake City: 242 miles (about four hours)

Spanning over 337,598 acres, Canyonlands is a large national park divided into three distinct districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, and The Maze.

Island in the Sky is the most visited district due to its easy access and close proximity to Moab. It is only about 40 minutes from Moab. I suggest you start your visit by witnessing the sunrise at Mesa Arch. This iconic natural arch frames a dramatic view of the canyons and landscapes below and is especially captivating when the sunlight illuminates the rocks. It’s a short, easy hike to reach the arch.

My family also really enjoyed the Whale Rock hike. It is only 1.4 miles round trip and follows cairns across slickrock which lead the way up to the top of the rock which looks like a beached whale from afar. The trail is moderate enough that my 70-year-old mother did it without challenge. Hiking shoes grip to the rock well.

The Needles District is in the southeast corner of the park and is named for the standstone spires that dominate the area. It is about 75 miles from Moab. There is one main paved road as well as about 50 miles of unpaved roads, so as you can imagine this is a good spot for four-wheel driving.

There are allso some spectacular day hikes to enjoy. The Chesler Park Loop is an 11-mile loop trail which takes you through the heart of the Needles, offering views of the unique rock formations, hidden canyons, and expansive meadows.

Another great option is the 10-mile round trip trail to Druid Arch , a massive sandstone arch nestled deep within the Needles.

The Maze District is the most remote and inaccessible part of Canyonlands National Park. It offers a true backcountry experience, with limited services and challenging access. The area is characterized by its maze-like canyons, which can be complex to navigate. For these reasons, it is the least visited portion of the park.

Visitors to the Maze District must be self-sufficient, as there are no services available within the district. It’s essential to carry ample water, food, and necessary supplies. It’s also important to have a well-equipped, four-wheel drive vehicle, a detailed map, and a good understanding of navigation techniques.

Canyonlands National Park is also a greta place to enjoy a river rafting trip .

The Colorado River flows through Canyonlands’ Cataract Canyon, known for its exciting whitewater rapids, ranging from Class III-V. Most trips are four days in length but Moab Adventure Center does off a two-day express trip as well. Love adventure? Check out this great guide to visiting Moab .

Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve

Distance from Salt Lake City: 263 miles (about four hours)

Located in southern Idaho, the National Park Service describes Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve as a “weird and scenic landscape” and a “wonderland of lava”. We think its a really fun palce to explore!

The volcanic features in this park were formed by a series of eruptions that took place between 15,000 and 2,000 years ago. The volcanic activity resulted in the creation of vast lava fields, cinder cones, lava tubes, and spatter cones. The lava flows and volcanic remnants create an eerie and moon-like landscape, giving the monument its name.

Drive 7 Mile Loop Road to access some of the best views and trails inside the park. There are several marked trails that wind through the expansive lava fields. The Inferno Cone Trail, Devil’s Orchard, North Crater Flow Trail, and Broken Top Loop Trail are popular options. Marvel at the unique formations, lava tubes, and volcanic features as you immerse yourself in the otherworldly landscape

Craters of the Moon is renowned for its lava tubes , and visitors can explore some of these caves and tunnels, such as the Indian Tunnel and Dewdrop Cave. Free permits are required and can be picked up at the visitor center. Long sleeves, pants, sturdy shoes, and a headlamp or flashlight will help you explore comfortably.

Craters of the Moon offers excellent opportunities for stargazing due to its remote location and dark skies. On clear nights, you can witness a spectacular display of stars, planets, and celestial objects. Visit during a meteor shoer and you will be in for a treat!

Bryce Canyon National Park

Distance from Salt Lake City: 268 miles (about four hours)

Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its collection of hoodoos- tall, thin spires of rock that have been sculpted by erosion over millions of years. These rock formations come in various shapes and sizes, creating a surreal and breathtaking sight. This park boasts the largest concentration of hoodoos in the world.

Bryce Canyon is a high elevation park where 100 inches of snow falls in the park during the typical year. For this reason, most people visit in the summer when the park is fully accessible and the weather is typically pleasant- in the 70s and 80s.

Read our complete guide to visiting Bryce Canyon National Park with kids .

The park is actually quite compact, with most of the attractions and hikes within the park located off the 18-mile scenic drive. There are several nice spots to pull off along the road and enjoy views of this mesmorizing canyon filled with hoodoos.

Some of the highlights along the way including Natural Bridge, Paria View (a good spot for sunset photography), Bryce Point (excellent for sunrises), Inspiration Point, Sunset Point, and Sunrise Point. 

Our favorite hike in Bryce Canyon is the 2.9-mile loop created by combining the Navajo Trail with the Queens Garden Trail .

This loop allows you to walk down into the canyon and experience the famed sandstone walls of Wall Street. Wall Street is absolutely incredible and the hoodoo sky scrapers are dizzying. You truly have not experienced Bryce until you have made your way all the way down into the amphitheater.

The Peek-a-Boo Loop trail is a challenging 5.5-mile hike that take you down deep into the canyon and past scenic hoodoo landmarks with names like the Wall of Windows, the Cathedral, and Fairy Castle.

Back up on top of the amphitheater at the highest portion of the park (9,000 feet in elevation), you won’t want to miss the Bristlecone Loop Trail which makes its way through a forest of ancient bristlecone pine trees, some of which are almost 2,000 years old!

Zion National Park

Distance from Salt Lake City: 307 miles (about 4 1/2 hours)

Zion is one of our country’s most visited national parks thanks to its close proximity to Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, and Los Angeles. Zion is an all-season destination in Southern Utah’s red rock country known for its epic hikes in and around towering Zion Canyon.

Most visit the park between April and September. But there is still plenty to enjoy in Zion during the winter and lingering snow is rarely an isssue. Trekaroo has a full   guide to visiting in Zion in winter .

For most of the year, the park service closes off the main road into Zion Canyon to public traffic and operates a free shuttle service. The shuttle stops at all the major trailheads and points of interest inside the canyon.

The hike to Lower and Upper Emerald Pools is popular with families. It is only a little over two miles round trip. I like to Take the trail from Lower Emerald Pools to Upper Emerald Pools and then return to the shuttle via the Kayenta Trail so I am not retracing my steps and also get to enjoy downhill for sprawling views of Zion Canyon and the Virgin River.  

The Riverside Walk follows the North Fork of the Virgin River one mile into Zion Canyon. It is a flat, paved path but there are plenty of opportunities to play in or near the river along the way. This popular trail ends where the Zion Narrows Trail begins.

The Narrows is an unforgettable hike almost entirely through the cold water of the Virgin River, which can be refreshing during the heat of the summer. Some sections the water can be ankle deep while in others it is high enough to require some swimming, especially earlier in the summer.

Close-toed shoes and a walking stick are essential, so is an understanding of current weather conditions. Never enter the Narrows during a flash flood watch. It may be pouring up river and suddenly send a deluge your way!

Angels Landing  is a steep, 2.5-mile climb to a narrow view point with spectacular views. The first two miles of the trai are a series of switchbacks that can be handled by any fit person, but the last 0.5 mile is extremely narrow and requires holding on to cables with steep drops on either side. If you have a fear of heights, you probably want to avoid that portion of the hike.

This hike has become especially well-known in recent years (thank you, social media) and now there is a lottery that must be entered in order to secure a permit to complete it. You do not need a permit to do the first two miles of the trail before it narrows out and the views from this spot are just as special.

In addition to all the great hikes, people who visit Zion also can enjoy canyoneering, horseback riding, biking, and even tubing in the Virgin River. We cover it all in our complete guide to things to do in Zion with kids.

Finally, we don’t want to highlight this park without mentioning the Kolob Canyon portion of Zion National Park. It is located off Interstate 15 in between St. George and Cedar City. It is a great place to stop on a road trip to stretch your legs and visit this less visited portion of the park.

Take time to visit the Kolobs Canyon Viewpoint and then take the short but easy hike to the Timber Creek Overlook. The hike is just one mile in length and the view at trail’s end is expansive as it looks down on Timber Creek and the surrounding area.

Cedar Breaks National Monument

Distance from Salt Lake City: 290 miles (four hours and 40 minutes)

Cedar Breaks National Monument is located near ski resort town of Brian Head, in southern Utah. It is known for its breathtaking amphitheater, which spans over three miles in diameter and is more than 2,000 feet deep.

The amphitheater is characterized by its towering cliffs, deep canyons, and vibrant colors, reminiscent of Bryce Canyon. Unlike Bryce, you can not hike down into the Cedar Breaks Amphitheater. It is simply too steep and dangerous.

There are a few different scenic overlooks that provide panoramic views like Point Supreme , located at an elevation of 10,350 feet and accessible by car. Spectra Point and Ramparts Overlook are two other notable viewpoints that can be reached by short hiking trails.

The Alpine Pond Trail is an easy, 0.6-mile loop trail through a subalpine meadow and passes by Alpine Pond. While on the trail, keep your eyes out for wild flowers. The high elevation and unique climate support a diverse range of wildflowers, including columbines, lupines, and Indian paintbrush.

Bears Ears National Monument

Distance from Salt Lake City: 288 miles, (four hours, 45 minutes)

Bears Ears National Monument has been the center of controversy and debate since its designation in 2016 by then-President Barack Obama. The monument protects cultural, archaeological, and natural resources, but there was significant opposition from some local stakeholders, including elected officials, and ranchers.

Native American tribes, including the Navajo, Hopi, Ute, Zuni, and Ute Mountain Ute, advocated for the monument’s creation. They considered the land to be sacred and important to their cultural heritage, and saw the monument as a means to protect their ancestral sites, artifacts, and traditions.

In December 2017, then-President Donald Trump issued a proclamation to significantly reduce the size of Bears Ears National Monument by approximately 85%. The reduction aimed to address concerns raised by opponents of the monument designation and allow for increased access and potential resource extraction within the area.

In October of 2021, President Biden restored more than two million acres to Bears Ears National Monument, further protecting numerous sacred sites, ancient cliff dwellings, petroglyphs, and artifacts that showcase the rich Native American heritage of the region dates back thousands of years.

While this national monument is fairly undeveloped in terms of services, visitors can explore ruins such as the House on Fire Ruin, Mule Canyon Ruins, and Moon House Ruin, among others.

Indian Creek  is a scenic area that is popular with climbers in the spring and fall. It is also a great place to search for raptors like golden eagles and peregrine falcons soaring near the area’s dramatic cliffs.

Cedar Mesa is a great spot for backpacking through canyons and visiting native cultural sites. A permit is required for visiting this portion of the park whether you are backpacking or going on a day hike, but they are easy to obtain.

There are two great driving routes in this area of the park. The Trail of the Ancients follows State Route 95 from State Route 261 to Blandin and visits sites likes the Mule Canyon Interpretive site, Butler Wash

Interpretive Trail, and the Butler Wash Dinosaur Tracksite.

The Valley of the Gods sits 1,100 feet below Cedar Mesa and is the 17-mile dirt road (okay for two-wheel drive vehicles) is filled with natural sandstone sculptures.

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Distance from Salt Lake City: 278 miles, (four hours, 45 minutes)

Like Bears Ears, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument has been filled with the same back and forth controversy regarding the size of the monument and the desired usage by other parties. President Trump signed legislation to shrink the monument and President Biden signed legislation to restore it to its former, 1.7-million-acre size.

This park acts as an outdoor laboratory for scientists and several new species of dinosaur have been discovered here , as well as the oldest known marsupial fossils and 600 different types of bees.

Visitors also enjoy outdoor recreation, especially in the park’s slot canyons. Hike Peek-a-boo Gulch combined with Spooky Gulch for a 3.5-mile loop through two slot canyons that get very narrow at points.

This hike is located on Hole in the Rock Road which is best suited for SUVs or trucks. Devils Garden is another fun place to stop on Hole in the Rock Road to enjoy hoodoos and unique rock formations. Zebra Canyon is another slot canyon hike to enjoy in the area as well.

Take a scenic drive along Utah’s Highway 12 to enjoy the beauty of this national monument. The drive along Highway 12 is amazing any time of year but is especially colorful in the fall. Here are  10 Great Places to See Utah Fall Colors .

If discovering a waterfall in the desert sounds like fun, take the six-mile (round trip) hike to  Lower Calf Creek Falls , where a 130-foot waterfall tumbles into an inviting swimming hole.

Finally, the 4.4-mile trail to  Escalante Natural Bridge crosses the river multiple times but it is easy (minus during spring runoff) and great fun for families. There are petroglyphs to enjoy alog the way as well.

Grand Teton National Park

Distance from Salt Lake City: 282 miles, (about five hours)

Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming is closer than you think! Only a five-hour drive from Salt Lake City, this park ranks among our favorites in the entire national park system.

Why? The Tetons are some of the most beautiful mountains on the planet (and a photographer’s dream), the wildlife is abundant, and the hiking is spectacular. The best time to visit is from mid-May to late September when hiking trails, visitor centers, and water activities are all open.

We have a full guide to things to do in Grand Teton National Park with kids as well as the best hikes in Grand Teton National Park but here are some of the highlights.

If you take only one hike in Grand Teton, let it be the trail to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. It is a popular hike so I suggest you do it first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds. Most people reach this trailhead by taking the  Jenny Lake ferry shuttle service  from the marina near the Jenny Lake Visitor Venter.

Hidden Falls are an impressive waterfall and Inspiration Point looks out over Jenny Lake and the surrounding wilds. You can continue further into Cascade Canyon if you would like to extend your hike.

Biking is a great way to explore the park. A multi-use bike pathway extends all the way from the town of Jackson. You can also enjoy the scenery of the Tetons on horseback. Guided tours depart from  Colter Bay ,  Jackson Lake Lodge , and  Headwaters Lodge and Cabins . You can even stay at a dude ranch inside the park- Triangle X Ranch .

Wildlife viewing is a big draw in this park. You are most likely to spot animals at sunrise or sunset. You can book a guided tour or go it alone. Commonly seen animals include moos, bears, elk, bison, and pronghorn.

Yellowstone National Park

Distance from Salt Lake City: 321 miles (about five hours)

Last but certainly not least, Yellowstone National Park is another one of the national parks near Salt Lake City. The entrance to this park is only about five hours away!

Yellowstone is known for its geysers, wildlife, and incredible diversity. It should be no surprise that we have a complete guide to things to do in Yellowstone with kids , but here are some things to get you excited about taking a trip to this special place.

One of the biggest draws to Yellowstone National Park is that it is home to more geysers, springs, and other hydrothermal features than anywhere else in the world. There are several geyser basins around the park where you can experience these natural wonders.

The most popular is Upper Geyser Basin, home to Old Faithful. There are several other geysers in this area which erupt a semi-regular basis, like Riverside Geyser, Grand Geyser, and Castle Geyser. It is also home to the brilliantly colored Morning Glory Pool as well as several others. The entire boardwalk route around the area is five miles.

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is another place you won’t want to miss. The steep walls of this canyon look like they were hand painted and the upper and lower Yellowstone Falls rival waterfalls around the country in terms of beauty. Definitely take time to walk down to the brink of the Lower Falls which is very impressive.

Wildlife viewing is another on of the main attractions in Yellowstone. The best viewing tends to be in the Lamar Valley in the northeast portion of the park. Herds of bison, pronghorn, and deer live here as well as coyotes, bears, and wolves. You can also find these animals in the Hayden Valley, especially at sunrise and sunset.

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‘My best day in the NHL so far’: Salt Lake shows up for new hockey club

Fans pack the delta center to celebrate the utah hockey club’s first visit to the state.

By Dennis Romboy

If the turnout for meeting Utah’s new National Hockey League team Wednesday is any indication of local interest in hockey, Salt Lake City could become a thriving market for another big league franchise. And not only are fans wildly enthusiastic about the club, coaches and players for the former Arizona Coyotes say they are all in as well.

More than 12,400 people poured into the Delta Center — hundreds if not thousands more gathered on the concourse and outside — for a raucous celebration of the arrival of the yet-to-be-named Utah hockey club. Utah Jazz coach Will Hardy and stars Lauri Markkanen and Jordan Clarkson greeted the players before they took the stage for introductions. Many fans sported the jerseys of their favorite NHL teams and rocked the arena like it was a Jazz playoff game, a roar the players said they’re hoping to hear when the inaugural season starts in the fall.

“We are so looking forward to this being the loudest building in the NHL,” general manager Bill Armstrong told the crowd between deafening chants of “Utah, Utah, Utah” and the rhythmic “Let’s go, Utah.”

Earlier in the day, hundreds of youth hockey players and their parents met the team at Signature Aviation Airport in Salt Lake City . The young skaters donned their team sweaters and held signs sporting messages such as “I skipped school to be here,” “I play goalie too” and even “actually, Salt Lake DOESN’T suck,” referring to the infamous arena-wide chant at the Coyotes’ final game before relocating to the Beehive State.

Players and coaches said they were overwhelmed with emotion at the scene. Armstrong said he had a tear in his eye.

There’s another Bear in town

“It will be my seventh year in the NHL and I said to my wife I think it’s my best day in the NHL so far,” the Utah hockey club’s head coach André Tourigny said at a press conference before the festivities.

Tourigny, who goes by the nickname “Bear,” is 89-131-26 in three years as coach of the Coyotes. The team has improved each of those years but failed to make the playoffs this past season for the 11th time in the past 12 years. Prior to taking over the Coyotes in 2021, he was an assistant with the Ottawa Senators and Colorado Avalanche. He coached Team Canada to a gold medal in the 2023 World Championships.

“We know we have a lot of work to do during the summer to get everything set, but everybody’s hands are on deck. Everybody’s all in,” Tourigny said. “We want to write out our own story and make it a wonderful story in Utah.”

Players described Tourigny as a passionate coach and a good teacher of the game. They called him an “honest” man on and off the ice and someone the entire team respects. It was also mentioned several times during the news conference that he loves riding his motorcycle.

Building a fan base

It took the Jazz several years to find their footing after moving from New Orleans in 1979. The team wasn’t good and the old Salt Palace arena was rarely full early on. Winning and a couple of Hall of Fame players changed the trajectory. Hockey, though, appears poised to take off immediately, with 29,000 people already making a deposit for season tickets in an arena that will seat about 16,000 for hockey.

“Let’s not stop,” owner Ryan Smith told the crowd. “We want to make sure every single person in Utah gets a taste of hockey.”

Winning, of course, will ensure fans keep turning out for games. And the expectations, at least initially, aren’t sky high, though the players and coaches believe they have a playoff-caliber team.

Tourigny said in a meeting with the team last week that Ryan and Ashley Smith spent 90% of the time talking about their love for Utah and how much they care about and want to empower people. “And the last 10%, they said, ‘We will win. I don’t know when, but we will win.’”

Sporting an Anaheim Ducks jersey and Ducks tattoo on his arm, Greg Smaldino, of Syracuse, Utah, and his young son were among the crowd on the plaza.

“I’ve been a fan my whole life,” he said, adding the Ducks came into existence in 1993, the year he was born, “so it’s kind of ingrained in me. My wife and I have three children, and we want to have them experience the same things. ... I’m excited for opening day and (to) see the fans show up.”

Smaldino said he doesn’t know a lot about the former Coyotes but sees them as an up-and-coming team with one of the best prospect pools in the NHL.

“Unfortunately for Arizona, fortunately for us, I think it’s about to be manifested in the next couple of years, possibly next season to at least be competitive,” he said.

The club has stockpiled 20 picks in the first three rounds of the next three NHL drafts.

Armstrong, who was the assistant general manager and director of amateur scouting for the St. Louis Blues when they won the Stanley Cup in 2019, said Utah is a young but talented team that is in the fourth year of a rebuild. He said it’s not a perfect team and won’t be among the Stanley Cup favorites next season.

“What fans are going to get from this team is an exciting young team that can score goals,” he said, adding the Coyotes had six 20-goal scorers this year. “When you’re that young, there’s consistency where you can’t be great every night. But the fans are going to love the fact that we have talented players ... that give first and second efforts.”

Four-time NHL All-Star Clayton Keller, the Coyotes’ first-round draft pick in 2016, has led the team in scoring the past three seasons. The right winger led the team in goals (33) and assists (43), totaling 76 points in the 2023-24 season, and was named team MVP.

“We have a great group of young guys, great staff,” he said during a media availability. “I think it’s really exciting to be here and see all the support. We’re going to play hard for them every single night.”

Left winger Lawson Crouse, whose physical play earned him the nickname “The Sheriff” among teammates and fans, said the team took pride in building the right culture in Arizona.

“We now get to bring that here. We love each other in our locker room,” he told reporters. “We’re just so proud to be here. We’re really looking forward to it.”

It takes time to learn how to win in the league, Keller said. “When everyone buys in, I think that’s when you can take some steps and reach that next level,” he said.

Crouse said the team looks forward to building something special in Utah and “making history.”

Welcome to Utah moments

Crouse and Keller said they didn’t know much about Utah before arriving in the state. Keller said he came to Salt Lake City to watch a UFC fight last summer for his birthday. Crouse said it’s his first time in the state and he was “blown away” by the mountains. Seeing some snow, he said, brought him back to his childhood in Canada.

The Smiths going to Arizona immediately after the deal was done brought a great sense of purpose and calmness to the team before the “surreal” reception in Utah, Armstrong said. “It tugs at your heart. We’re grateful for that,” he said. “I don’t think there’s a player here that’s come in to visit that isn’t emotional about the feeling they get when they see the fans here and how excited they are in Utah to have us.”

Tourigny said everything has been “amazing, first class, with a lot of enthusiasm. It made us feel home already. We already want to fight for Utah. I’m blown away right now.”

Maps: See what new TRAX line from Salt Lake City airport to the U. could look like

The new trax line is expected to start service by 2030..

(Bethany Baker | The Salt Lake Tribune) A TRAX train arrives at Meadowbrook Station in South Salt Lake on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024. The Utah Transit Authority will select a route for the new orange line by late August.

A new TRAX line will connect Salt Lake City International Airport to the University of Utah campus by 2030.

The exact route the new Utah Transit Authority “orange” line will travel won’t be selected until August. But right now, there are four options drawn up.

The public can comment on the design options through May 1, though transit times and cost estimates aren’t yet available for all the proposed routes.

Orange line option No. 1

In UTA’s first proposed design, the orange line would extend from the campus to the airport via the existing Salt Lake Central Station.

This plan would require new double-tracking along 400 South, from 600 West to Main Street, according to a feasibility study conducted in 2021.

(Utah Transit Authority) UTA's first design concept for its new orange line.

The route would also include four 90-degree turns, which slow trains down and increase travel time. The turns would lie between 500 West and 400 West to connect the route with Salt Lake Central Station.

Alex Beim, UTA’s manager of long-range and strategic planning, acknowledged that the slower speed would be a “trade-off.” But the concept would provide greater connectivity, due to anticipated development in the Rio Grande District.

The scenario would also realign the existing TRAX red line from 400 West to the Ballpark Station to serve the Granary District, according to the website for UTA’s Techlink study , which will determine the final design.

And it would move the blue line’s westernmost stop to the Salt Lake City airport instead of Salt Lake Central Station. Conversely, the green line’s westernmost stop would become Salt Lake Central Station instead of the airport.

This option seems to be getting the most community support, Beim said.

“The [feedback] responses indicate excitement about a direct connection from the airport to the University of Utah and about a new connection to Research Park,” UTA spokesperson Carl Arky wrote in an email.

Option No. 2

UTA’s second proposed design would be relatively similar, but would instead elevate the TRAX red line on 400 West, between 400 South and 700 South, according to Techlink website .

(Utah Transit Authority) UTA's second proposed design concept from the Techlink transit study.

Option No. 3

The third proposed route seems to be the second-most popular concept, according to feedback so far, Beim said.

This concept would minimize the amount of turns for the orange line because the route would bypass Salt Lake Central Station, according to the Techlink study.

Otherwise, the route matches the first proposed design, including realignment for the red line to serve the Granary District, and changes to the westernmost destinations for the green and blue lines.

(Utah Transit Authority) UTA's third proposed concept for the orange line.

Option No. 4

UTA’s fourth concept proposes some of the most changes to the system.

This design would have the new orange line run along 500 South, to the south of Rice-Eccles Stadium, before reconnecting with South Campus Drive.

The concept would also change the location of the stadium’s TRAX station and add two new TRAX stations along Arapeen Drive.

(Utah Transit Authority) UTA's fourth concept for a new orange line to connect the Salt Lake City Airport to the University of Utah.

Project timeline

After the public comment period ends May 1, UTA plans to refine a preferred concept by the end of August.

In the meantime, the agency plans to compile more data on ridership projections, cost estimations and travel time for each scenario.

UTA will then open another comment period — with that data available — sometime this summer, said Patti Garver, Techlink TRAX project manager.

“All of the options have a sort of trade off — you gain something, but you lose something else,” Beim said. “And then comparing them, and working with our partners — and certainly also considering public input that we’ve received — [we will] make a selection and determine what the course forward would be.”

The Techlink study is funded through grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation. After a design concept is selected, the project will go through a federally required environmental analysis phase to determine environmental impacts.

That phase will take at least a year, during which officials will determine how frequently the future train will run, Garver said. It will likely be funded by the Department of Transportation’s congestion mitigation and air quality program.

Project development would then begin in the next year or two, because you can begin development while still in the environmental phase, Garver said.

Beim noted that the possibility of Salt Lake City hosting the 2034 Winter Olympics will “do a lot to accelerate the progress of this project,” though plans were already in the works — Olympic Games or not.

UTA executive director Jay Fox projects the orange line will start service by 2030.

“There’s quite a lot of development and new folks and new housing moving into both the west, towards where Salt Lake Central [Station] is, as well as all along 400 South and North Temple,” Beim said.

“Those areas are rapidly growing,” Beim continued, “and I think this will be great for helping access to opportunity and those areas.”

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Ex-Coyotes receive emotional welcome in Salt Lake City: ‘We already want to fight for Utah’

SALT LAKE CITY — The door to the chartered Delta Airlines plane carrying the inaugural members of Utah’s NHL team popped open at precisely 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday morning.

Immediately, the passengers inside the aircraft were hit with a warmth that had nothing to do with the sunny and 75-degree weather that greeted them on the tarmac. Instead, it was the toasty energy radiating from roughly 1,000 fans — most of them minor hockey kids from the state — who packed the airport hangar to greet the players and staff.

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After turbulent seasons that have been riddled with uncertainty and drama , the former members of the Arizona Coyotes finally had an opportunity to turn the page on Wednesday in Salt Lake City.

“Getting off that plane and for those players today, it was a clean slate for them,” said Utah general manager Bill Armstrong. “You could see the joy in their faces when they saw the kids. I don’t know if the kids will ever understand how much that meant to the players. I almost had a tear in my eye coming down.”

“Obviously a lot went on the past couple of weeks, but we’re super excited to be here,” added Utah forward Clayton Keller . “Stepping off the plane was unbelievable.”

Dozens of children held up homemade signs, welcoming the players to Utah, their enthusiastic voices echoing inside the hangar. At one point, a loud cheer of “Utah Yetis” broke out from the children, who were trying to advocate for their preferred nickname for the team.

Very cool scene here in Salt Lake City. Hundreds of hockey-playing kids have skipped school to greet roughly 15 ex-Coyotes players, coach Andre Tourigny and GM Bill Armstrong who will land shortly on a private plane. These kids chanting “Utah Yetis” — hoping that’s the nickname. pic.twitter.com/hrwKrPUcNy — Ian Mendes (@ian_mendes) April 24, 2024

As they waited for the plane to arrive, the music selection was carefully chosen inside the hangar.

They played Stompin’ Tom Connors’ “The Hockey Song,” which was sandwiched in between Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin'” and Smash Mouth’s “I’m a Believer.” It was an attempt to try and encapsulate the sentiment of Utah almost inexplicably landing an NHL team in a matter of only six weeks.

As the players and staff stepped off the plane they were wearing team-issued black hoodies that featured an NHL logo and the phrase, “Utah, Est. 2024.” The players then spent roughly 15 minutes signing autographs and taking pictures with the fans.

Utah head coach Andre Tourigny said his wife grabbed him and relayed her astonishment at the scene unfolding in front of her.

“She said to me, ‘Can you imagine all those kids missed school to come here and welcome you to town?’” said Tourigny. “That touched her.”

Tourigny later added that the show of support inside the airport hangar forged an instant connection between the team and their new city.

“It made us feel at home already,” said Tourigny. “We already want to fight for Utah. I’m blown away right now.”

From there, 17 players, staff and their significant others were shuttled off to get a firsthand look at their new home. The players were given a tour of the Utah Jazz state-of-the-art practice facility, which is located less than two miles from the Delta Center in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City.

And when the players got their first tour of the Delta Center — which will serve as their home arena next season — they were impressed by the configuration. For starters, it will allow for almost three times as many spectators as the 4,600 that could fit into their previous home at Mullett Arena in Tempe. And given the steep curvature of the seating bowl, it has a different look and feel than most NHL venues. The hockey team is planning for drastic renovations in the years ahead that will eventually result in a seating capacity in the neighbourhood of 17,000 for NHL games.

“It’s unique with the seats kind of being right on top of you,” said Keller. “And from everything we’ve heard, the building is always super loud.”

“The rink today got them excited. We want to rev it up in here. We want to become the loudest building in the NHL,” added Armstrong. “That building in here gives us a chance. The way it’s built, how steep it is, you couldn’t design a better building for us.”

The players and staff got a preview of that energy inside the Delta Center during a splashy launch event on Wednesday evening. More than 12,000 fans packed the arena — the maximum allowed with the stage and configuration for Wednesday’s event — to greet the players and staff in person.

Delta Center is absolutely jammed here for the introduction of the NHL players and staff. pic.twitter.com/ABnPWrN6Bx — Ian Mendes (@ian_mendes) April 24, 2024

Team owners Ashley and Ryan Smith were introduced to a raucous ovation and each took a few moments to express their feelings.

“We are so excited to take the energy of the Jazz and multiply it and create an even better fan experience in this area,” Ashley said while holding the wireless microphone on stage. “And we are just full of gratitude, excitement and energy to come watch these players do their thing on this ice.”

Ryan indicated that the number of fans who have placed a deposit for season tickets for the 2024-25 season has risen to 29,000.

Each of the 17 players was then given a chance to take the microphone and introduce themselves to their new fans inside the Delta Center.

Center Liam O’Brien may have stolen the show when he introduced himself and said, “My name is Liam O’Brien, but you can call me Spicy Tuna. Let’s get this place buzzing!”

That whipped the crowd into a frenzy. Then at Jack McBain ’s urging, the entire arena erupted into a “Spicy Tuna” chant.

When Alex Kerfoot was handed the microphone, he told the crowd, “This is one of the coolest experiences we’ve had as hockey players.”

The entire scene was a remarkable turn of events for a group of players and staff that were feeling abandoned and neglected only two weeks ago. As rumors of the team’s sale and potential relocation started to crop up, the players and staff were left completely in the dark about the proceedings.

“The process was complicated for everybody. We understood both ownership past and present could not talk. The league could not talk,” said Tourigny. “We were caught in the middle.”

But all of that changed last week when the Smiths flew to Arizona a few hours after the league’s board of governors approved a plan in which they would assume ownership of an NHL franchise in Utah and inherit the Coyotes hockey operations staff and roster. The Smiths had a direct conversation with players and staff, informing them that they would be coming under the Jazz umbrella, which had the personnel and infrastructure to help support their move to Utah. Any of the concerns for players and staff were alleviated during that meeting.

“The thing that we respected the most was how genuine they were. Ryan came into the room, pulled up a chair and we just had an honest conversation,” said Utah forward Lawson Crouse. “I think that went a really long ways with our group with everything that we’ve been through the past couple of weeks.”

“From the moment Ryan and Ashely came and talked to us, the way they talked to us, they got us excited,” added Tourigny. “From there, we felt like we have some stability here. We are excited.”

One of the things the Smiths promised was an opportunity for the players, their staff and significant others to get a chance to visit Salt Lake City before the start of the summer. Wednesday’s visit was hastily arranged but executed to perfection. At one point, Tourigny says he and Armstrong were standing in the hotel lobby when the wives and girlfriends returned from their own sightseeing and tour of the city.

“They were smiling and excited,” said Tourigny. “To see our families and the families of the players get excited, it shows two things: How much the people of Utah have welcomed us and how excited we are to come.”

Armstrong said Wednesday’s visit “planted a seed” of excitement in the players and their families so that when they return to Salt Lake City on a full-time basis in roughly five months, they will have a positive experience to hang their hat on. When the Thrashers relocated to Winnipeg in the spring of 2011, they were not offered an opportunity like this to tour their new city and NHL facility months in advance.

And the Utah players and staff walked away from Wednesday’s visit understanding they had just participated in something unique and memorable.

“It’s been a surreal experience,” said Armstrong. “I don’t think there is a player here that is coming to visit that isn’t emotional about the feeling they get when they see the fans here. And how excited they are in Utah to have us.”

“It will be my seventh year in the NHL and I said to my wife, ‘I think this is my best day in the NHL so far,’” added Tourigny. “That’s how I feel.”

(Photo of Liam O’Brien speaking at NHL Utah’s launch party: Chris Gardner / Getty Images)

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Ian Mendes is a senior writer covering the NHL. Prior to joining The Athletic in 2021, he spent seven years as an afternoon talk show host for TSN 1200 in Ottawa and as a contributing writer for TSN.ca. He also worked as a television reporter and host with Rogers Sportsnet for 12 years and has served as a feature columnist for both The Ottawa Citizen and Today’s Parent magazine. Follow Ian on Twitter @ ian_mendes

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Salt Lake City Bike Month 2024

May is National Bike Month, celebrated in communities across the United States, including here in Salt Lake City! Established in 1956, National Bike Month is a chance to showcase the many benefits of bicycling—and encourage more folks to giving biking a try. In 2023, we’ll be celebrating ways to #SLCBikeThere during National Bike Month and National Ride A Bike Day on May 5, 2024. There are so many ways to celebrate Bike Month and to #SLCBikeThere: riding on May 5th for #BikeDay, biking to coffee or around the block, and during Mayor Mendenhall’s Bike to Work Day on May 16th! Check out bike routes and trails in Salt Lake City . And learn more about how to celebrate Bike Month from our friends at Move Utah and Bike Utah !

Are you hosting or sponsoring a Bike Month event? Contact [email protected] to include your event on the Sweet Streets SLC Community Calendar!

Slc bike month events, mayor mendenhall’s bike to work day, may 16th, 2024 @ 7:30am – wasatch hollow preserve ( 1650 e 1700 s).

Join Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall along with many other Salt Lake City employees as we bike to work! The event will start at the Wasatch Hollow Preserve at 7:30 AM on May 11 and will end at the City and County Building (451 S State St). The ride will begin shortly after 8:00 AM. We will have coffee and breakfast refreshments on hand to fuel the ride! The route will take approximately 25 minutes to complete.

No bike? No problem!  SLC Bike Share  has locations all over the city where you can rent a bike.

You can also join us by biking to your place of work on the same day. Take a photo on your route and use the hashtag  #SLCBikeThere .

Looking for ways you can bike to your work? Visit our  Bike Map  to determine the best route.

Bike to Work Day Route

All during Bike Month!

Are you looking for a fun way to explore the city on two wheels? Then join us for a game of Bicycle Bingo! Bicycle Bingo is a scavenger hunt on bicycles, where you will ride around Salt Lake City to cross off items on your bingo card. It’s a great opportunity to discover new parts of the city while enjoying a fun and healthy activity. Tag us @slcmoves on Facebook and Twitter if you get a bingo!

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18 Attractions. One Amazing Price.

The salt lake connect attractions pass, 18 of salt lake's best attractions. one pass. one awesome price..

Experience some or all of the coolest things to see and do in and around Salt Lake, and then some! The Connect Pass gets you into 18 of Northern Utah’s most popular attractions, all at huge savings. Flexible? Absolutely! Sold in 1-day , 2-day and a 365-day option , you can design and plan your stay whether you’re here for a couple nights, a week or plan on making a few trips to Utah’s capital city this year. Click on "Learn More" to see what's included with each Salt Lake Connect Attractions Pass

See One. See them all. 

With more and more Connect Pass venues opening, now is the time to explore and experience Salt Lake’s most popular attractions. Here are the basics of the Salt Lake Connect Attractions Pass:

• 18 attractions at 14 venues in and around the Salt Lake area
• Sold in increments of 1-, 2-, and 365-day increments (adult or child) 
• Saves over 60% on regularly-priced admission of attractions 
• Good for one admission to each attraction during timeframe purchased (activated on initial use)
• Purchase, share and track your Pass usage from your smartphone
• Some attractions offer Pass holders special discounts for optional add-on experiences as well as exclusive offers for nearby restaurants and services
• Use the  map  to plan your trip to get the most out of your Pass

If you have more questions, check out our Connect Pass FAQ to see the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions

PLEASE BE ADVISED: The Connect Pass is a nonrefundable product. Please see our FAQ for additional information or email [email protected]  

How it Works

1. buy the option that works best for you..

The Connect Attractions Pass is offered in a 1-day, 2-day, 3-day, or 365-day option. It provides one visit at each of the 18 great attractions included. The 365-day pass is activated at purchase, all others are activated upon first use, within 90-days of purchase.

2. Delivered to your phone via email or text

Your pass will be instantly delivered to your phone via text and email and is ready to use immediately! There are no apps to download! Your pass can be saved to your phone's home screen for easy one-tap access.

3. Present your pass for admission

When visiting a venue simply present the pass on your phone to redeem your admission.  

The Salt Lake Connect Pass

"Mooommmmmm, I'm boooored." It's a phrase that need never be heard in Salt Lake again thanks to the Salt Lake Connect Attractions…

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Ski super pass.

The Salt Lake Ski Super Pass is your discounted lift ticket to Salt Lake’s four world-class resorts…

Salt Lake Brewery Pass

The Salt Lake Brewery Tour Pass 14 of Salt Lake’s Best Craft Breweries All in One App You might be…

Salt Lake Specialties Pass

Unleash the extraordinary as you gain exclusive entry to one-of-a-kind attractions found nowhere else on the…

Salt Lake Downtown Discovery Pass

Experience the thrill of exploring top-notch attractions in the heart of the city. From captivating museums to…

Participating Attractions

Clark planetarium.

Explore 10,000 square feet of free exhibits and experience incredible visuals in the Northrop Grumman 3D IMAX®…

Discovery Gateway Children's Museum

Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum is a contemporary discovery center offering 60,000 square feet of…

Dreamscapes

RE-imagine immersive art at Dreamscapes, now located at the Shops at South Town in Sandy. The immersive…

Natural History Museum of Utah at the Rio Tinto Center

As Utah's state museum of natural history, this top attraction provides an introduction to the science found…

Red Butte Garden - Utah's Botanical Garden

Red Butte Garden, located at the University of Utah, is one of the largest botanical gardens in the…

Aerial Tram at Snowbird

Winter hours: 9 am to 3pm Ride Snowbird's iconic tram to the top of Hidden Peak (at 11,000 feet!) for amazing…

Ashton Gardens at Thanksgiving Point

The Ashton Gardens is a botanical oasis in the Utah desert. Featuring 50 acres of stately gardens, grand…

Museum of Ancient Life at Thanksgiving Point

Travel back in time and explore what life was like over 65 million years ago in the Museum of Ancient Life!…

Butterfly Biosphere

As Utah’s only butterfly conservatory and insectarium, the Butterfly Biosphere at Thanksgiving Point is an…

Museum of Natural Curiosity

More than 400 hands-on exhibits make the Museum of Natural Curiosity one of the most interactive museums in…

The Leonardo Museum of Creativity and Innovation

We live in a rapidly-changing, highly connected world that asks each citizen to be more curious, more informed…

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Explore a Pioneer Village, pan for gold, ride trains and ponies. Visit our new Native American Village and see…

Tracy Aviary

The oldest Aviary in the nation and accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Over 400 birds…

Utah Museum of Contemporary Art

UMOCA exhibits groundbreaking contemporary artwork by local, national, and international artists. Five…

Utah Museum of Fine Arts

The Utah Museum of Fine Arts (UMFA) at the University of Utah is your destination for global visual arts. From…

Utah Olympic Park

Utah Olympic Park offers year-round adventure. From learning about the Park's unique Olympic heritage on a…

Utah's Hogle Zoo

Utah's Hogle Zoo creates champions for wildlife. Visitors of all ages and backgrounds can enjoy hundreds of…

Map of Attractions

Skiing & Snowboarding

Tours & experiences, salt lake's holiday lights & sights, nightlife & entertainment, outdoor recreation.