Salt Lake City is world renowned as the headquarters of the Mormon Church. So, aside from touring the neo-classical grandeur of the buildings at Capitol Hill, expect to see all the churches and landmarks to do with the history of this religion. What you’ll also find is a relaxed and chilled feeling to the city that makes it similar to Austin in Texas, or Oregon’s Portland. Great coffee shops, people packing for winter sports, quirky museums and superb food markets. And beyond that, the rugged beauty of Utah awaits.
A peek at the past
While Salt Lake City has all the modern trappings you’d expect – great shopping, cutting-edge museums, independent cafes and coffee roasters – it also does a great job of preserving the history of when it was a new settlement. Head for Wheeler Historic Farm, here since 1886 and a great place to take children. They can feed the animals and try their hands at milking cows, while there are displays and even hay rides. Go even further back in time at the Museum of Ancient Life, with its dinosaur exhibits. However, the very best fossils are to be found at the fabulous Natural History Museum, home to one of the best dinosaur collections in the world.
Head for the hills
The fresh, clear views and snowy peaks – depending on the season – draw people from across the world to Salt Lake City. Pack your skis if you come in winter, but there are lovely walks to be had all year round. Park up and explore Ensign Peak, a steep but short distance from the city. It’s the place where the city and Mormon church’s founder, Brigham Young, planned the layout of the town. Other hikes will reward you with views you’ll never forget – such as to Grandeur Peak, Mount Timpanogos and to Lake Blanche in Big Cottonwood Canyon.
Peaks and points
One of the joys of car hire from Salt Lake City Airport is that you can venture out to see more of Utah. You’ll be greeted by an unforgettable landscape of red rocks, peaks tipped with the whitest snow and plunging canyons.
In the south of the state, after a drive that will show off Utah’s nature at its very best, you’ll find the haunting, eerie Bryce Canyon National Park. Its famed for its ‘Hoodoos’, the towering, teetering pillars of stone left after erosion. They’re made up rocks of remarkable hues, while the swathes of evergreen forest provide a verdant contrast. There are four viewpoints which afford the best vistas – Inspiration Point, Bryce Point, Sunset Point and Sunrise Point. Time your visit at the latter two and have your camera ready to capture the blissful rise or fall of the sun.
