Things To Do
Things to Do in the Salt Lake City Area:
Hiking: Explore the stunning natural beauty of the surrounding mountains. Popular trails include Big Cottonwood Canyon, Little Cottonwood Canyon, & Millcreek Canyon Temple Square: Explore the historic square in downtown Salt Lake City, which features beautiful gardens, historic buildings, & the iconic Salt Lake Temple Mountain Biking: There are numerous trails around Salt Lake City catering to all skill levels. Places like Park City & Deer Valley offer world-class biking trails Utah Olympic Park: Learn about the 2002 Winter Olympics & try out some of the activities at Olympic Park, including ziplining, alpine slides, & bobsledding Scenic Drive: Through the picturesque landscapes including the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway, Mirror Lake Scenic Byway, & Guardsman Pass Scenic Backway Day Trips: Park City, Sundance Resort, Snowboard Mountain Resort, or the Bonneville Salt Flats
Things to do in the Park City Area
Outdoor Activities: Take advantage of Park City's natural surroundings with outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding. Visit Park City Resort: Enjoy summer activities, such as scenic chairlift rides, alpine slides, zip lines, & the alpine coaster. The resort also offers hiking & mountain biking trails. Explore Historic Main Street: lined with charming shops, galleries, boutiques, & restaurants housed in historic buildings. Utah Olympic Park: Learn about the 2002 Olympics & enjoy activities such as ziplining, alpine slides, & bobsledding at Utah Olympic Park. You can also visit the Alf Engen Ski Museum & watch athletes training on the ski jumps & aerials. Visit Deer Valley Resort: where you can enjoy outdoor concerts, scenic chairlift rides, hiking trails, & mountain biking. The resort also offers dining options with stunning views. Take the free Funicular from the base of Deer valley resort to get a cocktail & a view on the Patio of the St. Regis Hotel.
Summer in Park City
Your options for things to do in Park City are limitless, no matter your age. Try your hand at fly-fishing, soar above the mountains in a hot air balloon, explore the mountain on foot, a bike, or horseback, test your balance with stand up paddle board yoga, or tackle one of our golf courses. However you choose to explore Park City, it all makes for an unforgettable summer vacation. Let the fun begin.
Kimball Arts Festival - Park City
The 55th Kimball Arts Festival is an open-air three-day celebration and appreciation of the artistic process and creation. The anticipated annual event is one of the top-ranked art festivals in the country and a favorite summer activity of Summit County residents and visitors. The festival connects artists and collectors and promotes opportunities for local and emerging artists. A jury selection of nearly 200 artists representing 13 mediums, interactive education programs, and live music culminate August 2-4 for an unforgettable weekend. There are diverse opportunities to enjoy the happenings, like free admittance on Local's Night and enhanced VIP and Weekender Pass perks.
Park City Dining Recommendations:
High West Distillery & Saloon: a cool spot in Park City that serves up Western-inspired dishes and craft cocktails made with their own spirits. If Whiskey is your thing, check out their Distillery Tours in Wanship. Offset Bier: If you're into craft beer, you've gotta check out this brewery. They've always got a cool selection of small-batch beers to try. The No Name Saloon: a historic and lively spot known for its rustic charm, wide drink selection, and vibrant atmosphere. With its western-style decor, casual setting, and rooftop patio offering scenic views. Special Note: No Name Saloon is the spot where Jenny & Wade really hit it off.
Park City Dining Recommendations Continued:
Five Seeds: This cozy café is a local favorite for breakfast and lunch. They've got delicious sandwiches, salads, and pastries made with fresh ingredients. Our favorite brunch spot in Park City – call ahead or walk in only – no reservations. Versante Hearth + Bar: Located at the Park City Peaks Hotel, this place offers tasty Italian food like wood-fired pizzas and homemade pasta. Plus, you get great views of the mountains. Great patio Windy Ridge Café: With a spacious outdoor patio, this café is perfect for enjoying classic American dishes with fresh, local ingredients. Riverhorse on Main: An upscale spot on Historic Main Street, Riverhorse offers tasty American cuisine in a fancy setting. Great for a special night out. Reservations are booked far in advance. Blind Dog Restaurant: This restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere and a diverse menu featuring creative dishes and fresh seafood. It's a great spot to unwind and enjoy a meal with friends or family.
Salt Lake City Dining Recommendations:
Ruth's Diner: Famous for brunch & particularly the legendary biscuits, Ruth's Diner is a Salt Lake City staple for a hearty and satisfying morning meal. Amazing patio Emigration Brewery: Ideal for dinner with a large group, offers a diverse menu & ample space, making it perfect for accommodating your party while enjoying craft beer & delicious food. Settebello Pizza: Authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas, prepared with premium ingredients & baked in a wood-fired oven. Slackwater Pizza: If you're seeking a fantastic beer selection alongside mouthwatering pizza, this is the place to go. Takashi: A favorite among sushi aficionados in Salt Lake City, offers impeccably crafted sushi & other Japanese delicacies in a stylish and contemporary setting. No reservations so call in & prepare to have apps and drinks at the cute bar next door. Finca: Spanish-inspired cuisine, Finca is an excellent option. Their menu features a variety of small plates and larger dishes. Reservations recommended.
Salt Lake City Dining Recommendations Continued:
Red Iguana: a local spot for Mexican fare, featuring flavorful mole sauces, along with classic dishes like enchiladas, tacos, & tamales. Templin Family Brewing: a newer addition to Salt Lake City's brewery scene, offers a welcoming atmosphere & a selection of handcrafted beers brewed onsite. Bartolo's: Located in the vibrant 9th and 9th neighborhood with a second location in Park City. Known for their great brunch. Mumbai House: Our favorite Indian food in Salt Lake City Oh Mai: casual Vietnamese cuisine, offering delicious and authentic Vietnamese dishes in a relaxed atmosphere. Eva's Bakery: A charming bakery known for its delectable pastries and brunch items, a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth. Wasatch Brewery: a long history in Salt Lake City, Wasatch Brewery offers a range of craft beers & pub fare in a laid-back brewery setting. Feldman's Deli: traditional Jewish deli fare, Feldman's Deli is a local favorite for sandwiches, soups, & other classic deli dishes.
Scenic Drives from Salt Lake City/Park City
Big Cottonwood Canyon Scenic Byway: Enjoy the towering granite peaks, lush forests, & sparkling waters of Big Cottonwood Creek. Little Cottonwood Canyon Scenic Byway: Experience rugged cliffs, alpine meadows, & the iconic granite walls of the canyon, along with world-class rock climbing routes & the Snowbird Ski Resort. Alpine Loop Scenic Byway: Traverse the stunning landscapes of the Wasatch Mountains, passing through forests, meadows, & alpine lakes with breathtaking views of Mount Timpanogos. Mirror Lake Scenic Byway (Highway 150): Journey through the Uinta Mountains, passing by Mirror Lake, Trial Lake, & numerous other alpine lakes, surrounded by dense forests & meadows. Check out Ruth Lake trail & lofty lake loop, stop for donuts at the Kamas Chevron (locally made) & Mirror Lake Diner for lunch.
Scenic Drives from Salt Lake City/Park City Continued
Guardsman Pass Scenic Byway: Wind through groves of aspen & pine forests, enjoying panoramic views of the Wasatch Mountains, Park City, and surrounding valleys from the summit of Guardsman Pass. To stretch your legs with a hike to Blood Lake or Clayton Peak. Stop for lunch in Park City! Emigration Canyon Scenic Byway: Explore Utah's pioneer history while enjoying breathtaking natural beauty, rugged cliffs, dense forests, & occasional glimpses of the Salt Lake Valley below. Start in Salt Lake & have Brunch at Ruths Diner. Drive up Emigration Canyon to Park City. Antelope Island State Park Experience: the causeway views of the Great Salt Lake & explore scenic drives & hiking trails while observing the island's abundant wildlife. It will be hot!
Day Trip Suggestions:
Antelope Island State Park: Located in the Great Salt Lake, Antelope Island is about an hour's drive from SLC. It's known for its stunning landscapes, wildlife viewing opportunities (including bison herds), hiking trails, & sandy beaches. Check out the Spiral Jetty Sundance Mountain Resort: Approximately an hour's drive from SLC, Sundance Mountain Resort offers scenic beauty, hiking trails, mountain biking, zip-lining, & the chance to explore the artsy Sundance Village. Suggestions: Hike Stewart falls. Check out the Tree Room Restaurant for a fancy dinner or the Owl Bar for casual food. Timpanogos Cave National Monument: Situated about an hour south of SLC, Timpanogos Cave National Monument features a series of stunning caves formed by water erosion. Visitors can take guided tours through the caves and enjoy the surrounding scenery. Pair this with Sundance!
Day Trip Suggestions Continued:
Uinta Mountains: A bit further out, but worth the drive, the Uinta Mountains offer pristine wilderness, alpine lakes, & numerous hiking trails. Mirror Lake Scenic Byway provides access to some of the area's most beautiful spots & is about a 1.5-2-hour drive from Salt Lake City. Check out Mirror Lake Diner! Bonnieville Salt Flats: About a 2-hour drive west of Salt Lake City, the Bonneville Salt Flats are a unique natural feature. The vast expanse of white salt flats offers stunning views & a surreal experience. It's particularly beautiful during sunrise or sunset. Bear Lake: Located about 2 hours north of Salt Lake City, Bear Lake is known as the "Caribbean of the Rockies" due to its turquoise-blue waters. It's a popular spot for swimming, boating, & other water sports, as well as picnicking on its sandy beaches.
Silver Lake - Big Cottonwood Canyon Hike
- Mileage: Approximately 0.75 miles round trip. - Elevation Gain: Minimal. - Description: Take a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk at Silver Lake, an accessible trail offering opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting. The trail is flat and suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Extend the Silver Lake Boardwalk hike to do the Twin Lake Loop trail – Easy- - Mileage: Approximately 3 mile round trip. - Elevation Gain: Approximately 600 feet.
Pfeifferhorn Trail Hike
Very Hard (Jenn & Wade's favorite Hike) – Little Cottonwood Canyon - Mileage: Approximately 10 miles round trip. - Elevation Gain: Approximately 3,700 feet. - Description: This challenging hike takes you through rugged terrain, offering stunning views of alpine lakes
Donut Falls Summer Trailhead Hike
Easy – Big Cottonwood Canyon - Mileage: Approximately 3 miles round trip. - Elevation Gain: Approximately 400 feet. - Description: Trek through aspen groves and rocky terrain to reach Donut Falls, where water cascades through a natural rock formation, creating a unique spectacle. The trail is relatively short with gentle elevation gain, suitable for families.
Ensign Peak Trailhead Hike
Easy to moderate. Near downtown SLC - Mileage: Approximately 1 mile round trip. - Elevation Gain: Approximately 360 feet. - Description: This short but rewarding hike takes you to the summit of Ensign Peak, offering panoramic views of Salt Lake City and the surrounding mountains. The trail is relatively easy, making it accessible to hikers of all skill levels.
Cecret Lake Hike
Easy – Little Cottonwood Canyon - Mileage: Approximately 1.5 miles round trip. - Elevation Gain: Approximately 300 feet. - Description: A family-friendly hike leading to a picturesque alpine lake surrounded by wildflowers. The trail is relatively short with gentle elevation gain, making it suitable for all skill levels.
Gloria Falls Trailhead Hike
Easy – Little Cottonwood Canyon - Mileage: Approximately 2 miles round trip. - Elevation Gain: Approximately 500 feet. - Description: Discover the hidden gem of Gloria Falls, a cascading waterfall tucked away in the mountains. The trail features moderate elevation gain and offers opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Ruth Lake Trail Hike
Easy (1.5 hr drive from SLC – Uinta Mountains off Mirror Lake Highway) - Mileage: Approximately 3 miles round trip. - Elevation Gain: Approximately 400 feet. - Description: Explore this scenic trail winding through meadows and aspen groves, culminating in the peaceful shores of Ruth Lake. The trail is relatively easy with minimal elevation gain, suitable for families and casual hikers.
Desolation Trail to Salt Lake Overlook Hike
Moderate – Millcreek Canyon - Mileage: Approximately 4 miles round trip. - Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,200 feet. - Description: Embark on a challenging hike to the Salt Lake Overlook, where you'll be rewarded with sweeping views of the Salt Lake Valley and surrounding mountains. The trail features moderate to steep elevation gain and offers a great workout for hikers.
Stewart Falls Trailhead Hike
easy (1 hr from SLC – near Sundance) - Mileage: Approximately 4.5 miles round trip. - Elevation Gain: Approximately 400 feet. - Description: Enjoy a moderate hike through pine forests to reach the impressive Stewart Falls, a stunning 200-foot waterfall cascading into a lush canyon. The trail offers beautiful scenery and is suitable for hikers of all skill levels.
Clayton Peak Hike
Moderate to hard – Guardsman Pass - Mileage: Approximately 4.5 miles round trip. - Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,500 feet. - Description: Ascend to the summit of Clayton Peak for panoramic vistas of the surrounding Wasatch Mountains and nearby lakes. The trail features moderate elevation gain and rocky terrain.
Lake Catherine Hike
Lake Catherine – moderate – Big Cottonwood Canyon - Mileage: Approximately 5 miles round trip. - Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,400 feet. - Description: Journey to this tranquil mountain lake nestled amidst towering peaks. The trail features moderate elevation gain and offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
Bell Canyon to Lower and Upper Bells Reservoir Hike
Moderate – South East of SLC - Mileage: Approximately 5 miles round trip. - Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,200 feet. - Description: Follow this scenic trail along Bell Canyon Creek to reach the Lower and Upper Bells Reservoirs. The trail offers moderate elevation gain and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.