Things To Do
Hiking
Hiking in the Wasatch Mountains: September offers pleasant temperatures for hiking. Popular trails include: o Ensign Peak Trail: A short, relatively easy hike with panoramic views of the city and the Great Salt Lake. o City Creek Canyon: A paved or dirt path following a stream, perfect for walking, running, or biking. It's especially scenic in early fall. Note that it is closed to vehicular traffic on odd-numbered days. o Big Cottonwood Canyon or Little Cottonwood Canyon: These canyons offer more challenging hikes with stunning mountain scenery and emerging fall foliage. Consider trails like Donut Falls (Big Cottonwood) or Lisa Falls (Little Cottonwood).
The Great Salt Lake
Visit the Great Salt Lake: Experience the unique landscape and high salinity. You can: o Float in the Great Salt Lake: Head to Antelope Island State Park or a designated beach area to experience the buoyancy of the salty water. o Observe Wildlife at Antelope Island State Park: This island offers opportunities to see bison, pronghorn antelope, and various bird species. There are also hiking and biking trails with lake views. Note there is an entrance fee to the park. o Take a Boat Tour: Several companies offer boat tours on the Great Salt Lake, providing a different perspective of the lake and its surroundings.
Red Butte Garden
Explore Red Butte Garden: Located at the University of Utah, this botanical garden features diverse plant collections, walking paths, and beautiful fall colors starting to emerge in September. They often have events and guided tours.
Scenic Drives
Scenic Drives: Enjoy the beauty of the surrounding landscapes with a drive through: o Big Cottonwood Canyon or Little Cottonwood Canyon: The fall foliage can be spectacular. o Guardsman Pass Scenic Backway: This high-mountain road (usually open until snow falls) offers stunning views of the Wasatch Mountains. Check road conditions before going in September.
Arts & Culture
• Natural History Museum of Utah: Discover Utah's geology, paleontology, and anthropology at the Rio Tinto Center. • Utah Museum of Fine Arts (UMFA): Diverse art spanning cultures and time periods at the University of Utah. • Discovery Gateway Children's Museum: Interactive, educational exhibits perfect for kids. • Clark Planetarium: Explore space and science with exhibits and dome theater shows. • Hellenic Cultural Museum: Delve into the rich history and culture of Greece in Utah. • Live Performances: Check Eccles Theater and Capitol Theatre schedules for Broadway/concerts in September 2025. • Art Galleries: Explore Salt Lake City's vibrant local and regional art scene. • Utah State Capitol Building: Tour this impressive landmark for history and panoramic city views.
Other Activities
• Hogle Zoo: Visit Utah's largest zoo, home to a wide variety of animals from around the world. • Stroll Through Liberty Park: This large urban park offers walking paths, a pond, Tracy Aviary (separate admission), and the Chase Home Museum of Utah Folk Arts. • Explore The Gateway: This outdoor shopping and entertainment district features shops, restaurants, a planetarium, and often hosts events. • Visit Gardner Village: Located a short drive south of Salt Lake City, this historic village features unique shops, restaurants, and often seasonal decorations. • Attend a Sporting Event: Check if the Utah Utes (University of Utah) have any home football games in September 2025. The Salt Lake Bees (minor league baseball) may also have games scheduled. • Explore Local Breweries and Distilleries: Salt Lake City has a growing craft beer and spirits scene. Consider suggesting a visit to a local brewery or distillery for a tasting.