Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is one of America’s premiere outdoor towns. The fact that you can finish work and get on the trail in half an hour make Salt Lake City a hit with local outdoor enthusiasts, but also the perfect destination for a vacation that combines urban exploration with natural beauty. Famous for having some of the US’ finest ski resorts a short drive away, most people don’t realize that summer is an even better time to visit, with warm weather and great hiking, backpacking and cycling.

Salt Lake City is a big city, with the western edge of the Wasatch Mountain range rising from eastern section of the metropolitan area. Choose to head up either the Big Cottonwood or the Little Cottonwood Canyon for some of the most epic hiking in the US. These canyons also lead to the major ski resorts, such as Alta, Snowbird, Park City and Deer Valley. Snowbird and Alta particularly combine spectacular scenery with some of the best snow in the US.

In summer locals and visitors alike take to the trails for hiking, backpacking, climbing, mountain biking and road biking. It sometimes feels like all of Salt Lake City has come into the Wasatch and joined you. Start early to get away from the crowds and enjoy this beautiful part of Utah.

Winter obviously has downhill skiing, but there are also some great winter hikes, snowshoe trails and cross-country skiing areas. Away from the ski areas the crowds are lower, and trips can feel remote, even if they are only minutes from the city.

Whether you are a local, in Salt Lake City on business, or here for a holiday, you’ll find that there is a lot to love about spending time in the mountains just minutes from the city’s eastern borders.