Salt Lake City Southwest, USA Travel Guide
Explore the stunning natural landscapes around Salt Lake City with these activities.
Ensign Peak Trail: A relatively short (1 mile round trip), paved but steep hike just north of the Capitol. It offers rewarding panoramic views of the city. Donut Falls Trail (Big Cottonwood Canyon): A family-friendly, relatively flat 1.5-mile round trip hike leading to an unique waterfall. Always carry sufficient water, a trail map, and inform someone of your hiking plans.
Living Room Trail: A popular 2.5-mile round trip hike starting from the University of Utah campus. It offers a challenging ascent to an unique rock formation resembling a "living room" with rock couches, providing excellent city views. Bell Canyon Trail to Lower Falls (Little Cottonwood Canyon): A scenic 4.5-mile round trip hike leading to a beautiful waterfall. The trail includes some elevation gain.
Lake Blanche Trail (Big Cottonwood Canyon): A popular but strenuous 7-mile round trip hike with significant elevation gain, leading to a stunning alpine lake surrounded by dramatic peaks. Mount Olympus Trail: An 8+ mile round trip hike with substantial elevation gain and some technical scrambling sections near the summit. It calls for fitness and some climbing experience.
Always maintain safe distances from wildlife in natural settings. Never feed wild animals, as this disrupts their natural behavior and can create hazards.
Salt Lake City has many ways to engage with its unique culture, from performing arts to local festivals.
Attend a weekly Sunday broadcast (Music & the Spoken Word) or a Thursday evening rehearsal at Temple Square. Both are free and open to the public and provide a memorable musical experience.
Enjoy world-class performances at Abravanel Hall (Utah Symphony & Opera) or experience professional ballet performances at the historic Capitol Theatre (Ballet West). Pioneer Theatre Company has plays and musicals on the University of Utah campus.
Living Traditions Festival (May): Celebrates Utah's diverse folk and ethnic communities with traditional music, dance, food, and crafts. Utah Arts Festival (June): Demonstrates visual, performing, and literary arts. Twilight Concert Series (summer): Popular free outdoor concert series downtown.
Venues like The Depot and Vivint Arena host national touring acts. Summer brings the free Twilight Concert Series downtown.
Eccles Theater for Broadway, Capitol Theatre for Ballet West and Utah Opera, and Pioneer Theatre Company for regional plays.
Downtown features bars, brewpubs, and distilleries. Sugar House offers a lively local bar scene.
Balance your active adventures with opportunities for relaxation and wellness in Salt Lake City.
Several yoga studios in Salt Lake City offer drop-in classes for visitors. Longer, more immersive yoga and meditation retreats are often found in the serene mountain areas surrounding the city, creating a peaceful escape.
While not a main tourist offering, some holistic health practitioners in Salt Lake City may present traditional healing practices. Research and verify credentials if you seek such services.
Salt Lake City has public swimming pools, like the Steiner Aquatics Center. Many hotels, especially mid-range and luxury properties, feature outdoor or indoor swimming pools. While there are no traditional "beach clubs," you can relax by the pool at a hotel, or enjoy the unique "beach" experience by floating in the Great Salt Lake.
The Depot and Vivint Arena host national acts. The Twilight Concert Series offers free outdoor concerts in summer.
Eccles Theater for Broadway, Capitol Theatre for ballet/opera, and Pioneer Theatre Company for regional plays mark the city's thriving scene.
Nightclubs and bars concentrate downtown, with a lively scene also in Sugar House. Last call for alcohol is often around 1 AM.
Salt Lake City has a diverse shopping experience, from traditional markets to modern boutiques, alongside opportunities for unique local crafts.
Utah is known as the "Beehive State," and local honey is a delicious and fitting souvenir.
A popular Utah-made artisanal cheese, distinct and flavorful.
A classic chewy candy, often sold in various flavors, making a sweet and nostalgic souvenir.
Books, artwork, or other items from Deseret Book (the church's official bookstore) or similar shops if you are interested in the local religious culture.
If visiting in winter, local ski shops offer apparel and gear, making a practical souvenir for winter sports enthusiasts.
Support local talent by purchasing unique pieces from galleries or market stalls, reflecting Salt Lake City's creative scene.
