The famous Bonneville Speedway is located in the western portion of the flats, near Wendover. It is perfectly flat and has a thick crust of salty soil. It looks like a frozen lake bed covered with snow. No vegetation grows in that area. Perhaps the most impressive spot to view the Salt Flats is along along I-80, about 10 miles east of Wendover. A rest stop has been established there (offering restrooms and water). The rest area is surrounded by perfectly flat land that looks like it is covered by snow. To the north and west, low mountains break the view. To the east and south, it looks like flat land extends virtually forever. At the rest stop you can walk out onto the salty soil. When you return, a water spray station has been set up so you can wash the salt from your shoes. About an hour and a half from downtown SLC.
About 50 minutes from downtown SLC. Hiking, can swim in the Great Salt Lake. Sight seeing & wildlife viewing. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen. $15/car
If you are staying at the Black Rock Hotel there is a free shuttle that will take you here. Park City is a luxury ski town between SLC and Kamas (our wedding venue). There are tons of shops, restaurants, art galleries, etc along this historic main street. Park City Main Street is 15 minutes from the Black Rock Hotel & 40 minutes from downtown SLC.
This is one of Utah's more popular state parks, in part because it is located close to Salt Lake City and the Wasatch Front and also because it offers an array of recreation opportunities including camping, boating, swimming, fishing and hiking. Anglers fish for trout, bass and perch. The Jordanelle Reservoir is about 40 mins from SLC & 15mins from Back Rock Hotel. Pricing is $10-20 per car depending on beach. There is a restaurant & marina at the main entrance.
If I (Hannah) could recommend anything to do while in town this would be it! The Crater is a geothermal spring, hidden within a 55-foot tall, beehive-shaped limestone rock located on the Homestead property. The hole at the top of the dome lets in sunlight and fresh air while the interior stays heated by the mineral water at a constant range of 90 – 96 degrees Fahrenheit. You can swim, scuba dive, or do stand up paddle boarding! Swimming is $15-$18 for 40 minutes. You must reserve a spot and I would recommend doing so sooner than later as it fills up quick! The Homestead is located in Midway, UT 20 minutes from the Black Rock Hotel & 35 minutes from downtown SLC. Midway is also a fun town to explore with small shops & restaurants. On your way into Midway stop in Heber City at Heber Valley Brewing. Say hello to Greg (the owner) and tell him you will see him at our wedding :)
Snowbird is one of our favorite Ski Resorts. It is located up Little Cottonwood Canyon about 30 minutes from downtown SLC & 50 minutes from the Black Rock Hotel. Oktoberfest celebrations are held Friday - Sunday August til October. There are $20-30 tram rides to the top of hidden peak (10,992ft). In addition to this there are shops, restaurants, & a spa at the resort. From Snowbird there is also accessibility to hiking, mountain biking, & wildlife/wildflower viewing.
Donut Falls Trailhead is 35 mins from SLC & 50 mins from the Black Rock Hotel. It is a 1.5 mile easy hike from trailhead (Limited Parking) & 3.2 mile moderate from road (Ample parking). This is a nice hike that's fun for (almost) everyone (sadly, no dogs allowed), the Donut Falls trail takes you along a river to a very aptly named waterfall. There is a shallow river crossing involved, but the water doesn't run too quickly by the time summer hits. If you feel up for an adventure, climb up the falls and explore from above. The view is great from up there as well.
25 mins from SLC & 40 mins from Black Rock Hotel. Very short hike. 0.1 Miles but nice view of a waterfall. From the parking area, the trail leaves on the north side off the lot. There is a sign here with a trail map. The trail quickly crosses the Big Cottonwood Canyon road. This is a busy road, and the crossing is on a curve. Use great caution when crossing! Once across, the main trail goes right and begins climbing switchbacks up Mill B Fork. Stay left, on a well used social path in (or very near) the stream bed. The trail reaches the base of the falls less than 5 minutes from the trailhead.
20 mins from wedding venue, 30 mins from Black Rock Hotel & 55 mins from SLC. This is a camping, hiking, hunting, swimming, fishing, etc area that Kevin and I love to visit. There is 2.2 Million acres of national forest. One of the most popular stops along Mirror Lake Highway (the roady that takes you through the Uintas) is Upper Provo River Falls. This falls is viewable from parking lot. There are miles of dirt roads to explore but a high clearance vehicle is suggested. Please note that there is no cell phone service. Bring map or download one.
Come visit Hannah's business! Try a kombucha cocktail and see behind the scenes on how Han's Kombucha is made. This establishment is 21+!