Salt Lake City, nestled between the Wasatch Mountains and the Great Salt Lake, offers some of the most breathtaking landscapes and outdoor activities in the United States. Exploring Salt Lake City’s diverse natural environment felt like stepping into a dream. From scenic hikes to thrilling water activities, this city provides a range of experiences for anyone looking to reconnect with nature. Let me take you through three of my own favorite activities in Salt Lake City, as well as four other must-try experiences that you simply can’t miss.
My Top 3 Outdoor Adventures in Salt Lake City
1. Hiking the Enchanting Trails of Big Cottonwood Canyon
Location: Big Cottonwood Canyon, approximately 12 miles from downtown Salt Lake City
Getting There:
Big Cottonwood Canyon is easily accessible by car. From downtown Salt Lake City, take I-215 S to the 6200 S exit, then follow UT-190 into the canyon. The drive takes about 30 minutes, and there are several parking lots along the canyon for trailheads.
What Makes It Special:
Big Cottonwood Canyon is a hiker’s paradise, with trails that cater to all skill levels. The towering cliffs, alpine lakes, and lush forests create a mesmerizing backdrop. Two of my favorite trails here are Lake Blanche and Donut Falls. Lake Blanche is a more challenging trail that rewards you with a stunning view of the lake surrounded by rugged peaks, while Donut Falls is a family-friendly trail that ends at a waterfall that looks like it’s flowing through a giant “donut” hole in the rock.
My Personal Experience:
Starting my hike early in the morning, I found myself enveloped in the tranquility of the canyon. I chose the Lake Blanche trail and immediately felt the thrill of the challenge. The trail is steep, but every step was worth it. When I finally reached the lake, I was speechless. The reflection of the mountains on the water’s surface was absolutely mesmerizing. I spent hours by the lake, taking photos, and simply enjoying the serenity.
Services and Amenities:
The canyon has well-maintained trails, and maps are available at trailheads. There are also restrooms in certain areas. However, no food or drink services are available within the canyon, so it’s essential to bring enough water and snacks.
Pros:
- Stunning natural beauty with diverse landscapes
- Trails for all skill levels
- Free entry
Cons:
- Limited parking on weekends and holidays
- No on-site food services
Booking Platform:
While entry is free, I recommend checking AllTrails or the Salt Lake County Parks & Recreation website for trail maps and updated information on conditions.
2. Kayaking on the Great Salt Lake
Location: Great Salt Lake State Park, approximately 16 miles from Salt Lake City
Getting There:
Drive west on I-80 from Salt Lake City and take exit 104 to follow signs to the Great Salt Lake Marina. The drive takes around 25 minutes.
What Makes It Special:
The Great Salt Lake, one of the largest saltwater lakes in the Western Hemisphere, is a surreal place to explore by kayak. The lake’s high salt content makes it easy to float, and kayaking offers a peaceful way to experience the vast, quiet waters. The views of Antelope Island and the surrounding mountains add to the lake’s ethereal beauty.
My Personal Experience:
I rented a kayak from the marina and set off for a quiet paddle. The first thing I noticed was the feeling of weightlessness—the lake’s salinity makes the water incredibly buoyant, and I felt like I was gliding effortlessly. The silence was almost haunting, broken only by the gentle lapping of the water and occasional bird calls. Watching the sun dip below the horizon from my kayak was magical. The water seemed to turn to gold, reflecting the colors of the sunset.
Services and Amenities:
The marina has kayak rentals, restrooms, and picnic areas. Guided tours are also available for those who want to learn more about the lake’s unique ecosystem and history.
Pros:
- Unique experience on a saltwater lake
- Gorgeous sunset views
- Quiet, peaceful environment
Cons:
- Strong smell from the lake in some areas
- Limited services beyond kayak rentals
Booking Platform:
Kayak rentals and tours can be booked through Great Salt Lake State Park Marina or Antelope Island State Park if you’re starting from the island.
3. Birdwatching at Antelope Island State Park
Location: Antelope Island State Park, 4528 W 1700 S, Syracuse, UT 84075
Getting There:
Drive north from Salt Lake City on I-15, take exit 332, and follow Antelope Drive west to the park entrance. The journey takes about 45 minutes by car.
What Makes It Special:
Antelope Island is a haven for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. The island is home to a variety of bird species, including pelicans, ospreys, and hawks, along with a herd of bison. The island’s isolation and salt flats create a unique habitat that attracts migratory birds.
My Personal Experience:
Arriving just after sunrise, I was immediately greeted by the sight of bison grazing in the distance. As I walked along the trails near the lake, I spotted an osprey swooping down to catch a fish, which was incredible to witness. The island is incredibly quiet, with only the sounds of birds and the gentle breeze over the plains. I spent hours exploring, using my binoculars to catch glimpses of the birds in their natural habitat. It’s a photographer’s paradise as well, with the contrasting colors of the salt flats and mountains.
Services and Amenities:
The park has several trails, a visitor center with information on local wildlife, and designated picnic areas. There’s also a small cafe with snacks and drinks near the visitor center.
Pros:
- Excellent birdwatching and wildlife viewing
- Stunning landscapes for photography
- Informative visitor center
Cons:
- Limited shade, so it gets hot in summer
- Entrance fee of $15 per vehicle
Booking Platform:
Reservations aren’t needed, but you can find more information and purchase annual passes on the Utah State Parks website.
Four Other Must-Try Outdoor Activities in Salt Lake City
4. Mountain Biking in Corner Canyon
Location: Corner Canyon Regional Park, Draper, UT
Corner Canyon, located just outside of Salt Lake City in Draper, is one of the region’s premier destinations for mountain biking. With over 50 miles of singletrack trails, it caters to a wide range of skill levels—from beginners to advanced bikers. The well-maintained tracks wind through beautiful forests, with stunning views of Salt Lake Valley and the Wasatch Mountains. The canyon’s diverse terrain includes everything from gentle slopes to technical descents, making it an ideal location for bikers seeking a mix of adrenaline and scenic beauty.
- Trail Variety: Corner Canyon boasts a network of trails that vary in difficulty. For beginners, the “Bonnie and Clyde” trail offers a smooth ride, while experienced bikers can enjoy the challenging “Ghost Town” or “Rush” trails, which feature steep inclines and fast descents. The “Ann’s Trail” provides an excellent intermediate-level ride, offering a good balance of flow and technical features.
- Family-Friendly: Some of the trails are relatively gentle, making Corner Canyon a great place for families or those looking for a relaxed mountain biking experience. Plus, the wide variety of trails means that everyone in your group can find something that suits their skill level.
- Parking and Access: Corner Canyon has multiple access points, with ample parking space near the trailheads. It’s easy to get to from Salt Lake City, taking just about 30 minutes by car.
Pros:
- Diverse range of trails for all skill levels, including scenic views and challenging descents.
- Free entry, making it accessible for all budget types.
- Trail conditions are regularly updated on platforms like Trailforks, allowing you to plan your ride.
Cons:
- Popularity: It can get crowded, especially on weekends or during peak summer months. Arriving early or visiting during off-peak hours is advised to avoid the crowds.
- Parking can be limited during busy times, and some trailheads require a short walk to get to the trail entrances.
Booking Platform:
For trail conditions and maps, check out Trailforks. It’s helpful for finding up-to-date information on trail status and difficulty levels.
5. Scenic Drive through Guardsman Pass
Location: Guardsman Pass, connecting Big Cottonwood Canyon to Park City, UT
Guardsman Pass is a breathtaking mountain pass that connects Big Cottonwood Canyon to Park City. This scenic byway offers panoramic views of the surrounding Wasatch Mountains, Salt Lake Valley, and the Heber Valley. It’s particularly stunning in the fall, when the foliage transforms into brilliant shades of orange, red, and yellow. The drive takes you from the base of the canyons up into the mountains, providing a peaceful and scenic escape from the city.
- Best Time to Visit: While Guardsman Pass is open year-round, the best time to take this scenic drive is during the fall months (late September to October) when the aspen trees turn vibrant gold. It’s a popular time for photography enthusiasts to capture the dramatic colors of the changing leaves.
- Easy Access: The drive is easily accessible by car from Salt Lake City, taking about 40 minutes. The route offers multiple pull-out areas where you can stop and take in the views, or even do a quick hike if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Proximity to Attractions: Guardsman Pass is not far from other notable destinations, including Park City’s ski resorts, making it a perfect stop on your way to or from the slopes.
Pros:
- Stunning, panoramic views throughout the drive, especially in the fall.
- Free to access, making it an affordable and simple activity for travelers.
- Easy to incorporate into a day trip to Park City or nearby Big Cottonwood Canyon.
Cons:
- The pass is closed during winter months (typically November to May), due to snow and road conditions.
- The winding road can be challenging for drivers unaccustomed to mountain roads, so caution is needed.
Booking Platform:
There is no need for reservations or bookings for this scenic drive. Just hop in your car and enjoy the views!
6. Exploring the Bonneville Salt Flats
Location: West of Salt Lake City, near Wendover, UT
The Bonneville Salt Flats, located about 1.5 hours west of Salt Lake City near Wendover, are a vast and unique natural wonder. Stretching across more than 30,000 acres, this flat, salt-crusted landscape is an otherworldly place that has become a popular location for photographers, filmmakers, and motorsport enthusiasts. The Bonneville Salt Flats are known for hosting the famous Bonneville Speed Week, where land-speed records are set. It’s a surreal location where the horizon seems endless, offering perfect opportunities for photography, especially during sunrise or sunset when the lighting creates dramatic reflections on the salt surface.
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall is the best time to visit, as the weather is warmer and the salt flats are most accessible. During the winter months, the flats can be wet, making the terrain difficult to traverse.
- Activities: While the Bonneville Salt Flats are most famous for motorsport events, visitors can also enjoy walking, driving, or taking a leisurely stroll across the salt. It’s one of the few places in the world where you can drive at full speed without worrying about road traffic, though be aware that the surface is extremely rough in places.
- Landscape for Photography: The reflective, white expanse creates a fantastic backdrop for unique and surreal photos. The area’s lack of light pollution also makes it an excellent spot for stargazing.
Pros:
- A surreal, otherworldly landscape that’s perfect for photography.
- Free entry with no restrictions on walking or driving.
- Great for those interested in motorsports or speed record enthusiasts.
Cons:
- No amenities or services, so come prepared with water, food, and basic necessities.
- It’s a remote location with no cell service or facilities, so be sure to have a fully charged phone and a reliable GPS.
Booking Platform:
The Bonneville Salt Flats are free to access and don’t require any reservations. You can simply drive to the location. However, there are no established tour companies offering guided experiences here, so plan on exploring independently.
7. Skiing at Snowbird Resort
Location: Snowbird Resort, Little Cottonwood Canyon, UT
Snowbird Resort is one of the premier ski destinations near Salt Lake City. Located in Little Cottonwood Canyon, Snowbird offers some of the best skiing in North America, with deep powder and steep slopes that attract advanced skiers and snowboarders from around the world. It also offers a variety of beginner and intermediate runs, making it accessible to all skill levels.
- Skiing Conditions: Snowbird is known for its deep powder snow and varied terrain, with over 2,500 acres of skiable terrain. The resort receives an average of 500 inches of snow each winter, making it one of the best places for powder skiing in the United States. The resort also has excellent snowmaking capabilities, ensuring good conditions even if there’s a lull in natural snowfall.
- Après-Ski Activities: After a day on the slopes, there are plenty of options for après-ski activities. The resort offers several restaurants, bars, and even a spa for relaxation. The “Snowbird Perks” program allows visitors to earn discounts on food, rentals, and lessons if they book packages in advance.
- Accessibility: Snowbird is only about 30 minutes from Salt Lake City, making it an ideal day trip for visitors staying in the city. The resort also offers a free shuttle service from the city to the base of the mountain.
Pros:
- Deep powder snow and top-tier skiing conditions.
- Great for all skill levels, from beginner to expert.
- On-site lodging and dining options make it a great place for multi-day stays.
Cons:
- Lift passes can be expensive, with prices around $150 for a single-day pass.
- The resort can get crowded during peak season (December to March), so booking in advance for rentals and lessons is highly recommended.
Booking Platform:
You can book lift tickets, ski rentals, and lodging directly on the Snowbird Resort website. Special discounts may be available if booked early or during promotional periods.
Salt Lake City offers an incredible mix of outdoor experiences, from serene lakes to dramatic mountain trails. Whether you’re hiking the stunning landscapes of Big Cottonwood Canyon, paddling across the surreal Great Salt Lake, or spotting wildlife on Antelope Island, there’s an adventure for everyone here. These seven activities offer something unique for each type of outdoor enthusiast, showcasing Salt Lake City’s incredible natural beauty. Each time I venture out into this breathtaking region, I’m reminded why Utah is such a beloved destination for outdoor lovers.