- My Forums
- Tiger Rant
- LSU Recruiting
- SEC Rant
- Saints Talk
- Pelicans Talk
- More Sports Board
- Fantasy Sports
- Golf Board
- Soccer Board
- O-T Lounge
- Tech Board
- Home/Garden Board
- Outdoor Board
- Health/Fitness Board
- Movie/TV Board
- Book Board
- Music Board
- Political Talk
- Money Talk
- Fark Board
- Gaming Board
- Travel Board
- Food/Drink Board
- Ticket Exchange
- TD Help Board
Customize My Forums- View All Forums
- Show Left Links
- Topic Sort Options
- Trending Topics
- Recent Topics
- Active Topics
Started By
Message
Advice for first time visit to Utah, likely SLC area
Posted on 4/21/25 at 7:56 am
Posted on 4/21/25 at 7:56 am
My wife and I have gotten in the habit of taking a trip each spring ideally to somewhere we haven't been before. This year we went to New Mexico and she really dug the southwest so for next year suggested Utah. At very first glance we just assumed Salt Lake city but we truly know nothing about the area, would this be a good landing spot for first timers? As a bonus, we've never been to Wyoming either and it looks like it's only about an hour to the closest city that shows up on Google maps which is Evanston Wyoming, so we'd love to do that too to knock another state off.
-We aren't really hikers or campers, so places that are very big on that kind of stuff probably isn't going to be as high on our radar. So staying in/near cities is preferred.
-I've heard of Moab and pictures look incredible, but based on its location it looks like it'd be logistically tougher to get to so that knocks it down a tad I think.
-Trip would probably be ~4 days or so. Maybe if all works perfectly we'd fly into SLC then drive immediately to Wyoming (not necessarily Evanston?)_, spend about a day and half there, then spend the next 2 days or so in SLC.
None of the above it actually planned and the only thought given to it thus far is when I just now typed it out. We haven't even entered the "hmm let me google some stuff to do there" phase if that tells you how early we are in this process lol.
So to bring it back to the title...what are some recommendations for first timers to the area? Did you enjoy your experience there?
-We aren't really hikers or campers, so places that are very big on that kind of stuff probably isn't going to be as high on our radar. So staying in/near cities is preferred.
-I've heard of Moab and pictures look incredible, but based on its location it looks like it'd be logistically tougher to get to so that knocks it down a tad I think.
-Trip would probably be ~4 days or so. Maybe if all works perfectly we'd fly into SLC then drive immediately to Wyoming (not necessarily Evanston?)_, spend about a day and half there, then spend the next 2 days or so in SLC.
None of the above it actually planned and the only thought given to it thus far is when I just now typed it out. We haven't even entered the "hmm let me google some stuff to do there" phase if that tells you how early we are in this process lol.
So to bring it back to the title...what are some recommendations for first timers to the area? Did you enjoy your experience there?
5
Posted on 4/21/25 at 10:03 am to WG_Dawg
Fly into SLC and spend a day or two in Park City which is only a 30 min drive from the airport (SLC is not a very fun city for a home base). Then drive to Jackson, Wyoming for a couple nights and see the Tetons. Fly out of Jackson. Park City and Jackson are both great mountain towns that don't require camping or hiking if that's not your thing.
Otherwise, go south from SLC and enjoy southern Utah. You'd be better off skipping Wyoming in this case.
Otherwise, go south from SLC and enjoy southern Utah. You'd be better off skipping Wyoming in this case.
Posted on 4/21/25 at 10:03 am to WG_Dawg
quote:
We haven't even entered the "hmm let me google some stuff to do there" phase if that tells you how early we are in this process lol.
Well if you are looking for next year, I'd say that is no problem at all
Spring is a great time to visit, the mountains are turning green right now, and snow is still on the peaks. The weather is great, highs in the 60s-70s and lows in the 40s. There are millions of flowering trees all around the area, which are in bloom and beautiful. Most notably the state capitol. There is a whole ring of cherry blossoms around the building. Probably on the back end for that, so I would plan for 2nd to 3rd week of April. But the weather doesn't turn desert-y until mid-May, so there is a chance of rain/snow at that time as well.
There are plenty of beautiful mountain drives to take even if you are not big into hiking. Big Cottonwood, Little Cottonwood, American Fork, Ogden Canyon. BC and AF have passes that will take you to the Heber Valley/Park City, but are closed for winter. Still a great scenic drive to the top and back down. The rivers will be raging from snowmelt, and it's a good time to see some waterfalls. Lisa falls is a cool one that's only a 1/4 mile or so hike. (Just did it this weekend). There are probably other non-hike ones, but I don't know off the top of my head.
Salt Lake does have some great restaurants, Park City as well. It is certainly not known for its nightlife, however. We do get good musical acts and comedians, maybe you could plan around that.
Moab is only about 3.5 hours south. Easy to get to and a beautiful drive. The town has hotels and restaurants, so you don't need to rough it. There are a ton of things to do even if you don't want to walk much. Arches NP is pretty driver friendly, with lots of pullouts to take pictures of the cool stuff. And some 1/2 mile or less hikes. We went 2 weekends ago, I am going to make a review once I process my camera shots. I would definitely encourage you to make the trip if you like red rocks.
Bryce Canyon NP is another good one that doesn't require a lot of hiking to appreciate. It's about the same distance, but SW of the city instead of SE.
I wouldn't waste your time going to Evanston
If you want to go to Wyoming just to say you did... Yellowstone and Grand Tetons are much better choices, but about 5 hours away. The town of Jackson Hole is pretty similar vibes to Moab, touristy but nice. Obviously more mountain themed than desert.
Let me know if you have any more specific questions.
Posted on 4/22/25 at 7:55 am to RonFNSwanson
quote:
RonFNSwanson
This is great thank you! When we went to NM this spring we did find a cool desert-y walking trail that was neat and we enjoyed it, so we aren't completely anti-outdoor stuff. We just woulnd't necessarily plan the whole trip around it. I'm going to have to start researching all those other plces you mentioned, it sounds like Utah has a lot of solid optiosn.
Although the driving would eat into our free time, would splitting a trip between Moab and Park City/SLC be worthwhile potentially?
Posted on 4/22/25 at 10:33 am to WG_Dawg
quote:
sounds like Utah has a lot of solid optiosn.
I've been here almost a year, haven't run out of things to do. I think your 3-4 will be packed to the brim
quote:
Although the driving would eat into our free time, would splitting a trip between Moab and Park City/SLC be worthwhile potentially?
In my opinion, hell yeah. Be on the lookout for my Moab review thread in a few days and you can see if it looks like something you would be interested in.
Posted on 4/22/25 at 10:41 am to WG_Dawg
Curling class at the Olympic rink. It was cool if you’ve never done that.
I also really enjoyed an organ recital in the Tabernacle. Highly recommend.
We also did a minor league baseball game.
Also toured an outdoor statue garden that was really weird. But cool: https://gilgalgarden.org/
I also really enjoyed an organ recital in the Tabernacle. Highly recommend.
We also did a minor league baseball game.
Also toured an outdoor statue garden that was really weird. But cool: https://gilgalgarden.org/
Posted on 4/22/25 at 3:36 pm to WG_Dawg
quote:
Evanston
Never thought id see Evanston make it to the travel board. This is where people go to buy liquor. Nothing more. Don't waste your time
This post was edited on 4/22/25 at 3:37 pm
Posted on 4/22/25 at 4:15 pm to Yeti_Chaser
quote:
This is where people go to buy liquor. Nothing more. Don't waste your time
Was in Evanston today…to pick up wine. Spent less than 5 mins in Evanston before heading back to Park City.
Agree with assessment.
Posted on 4/22/25 at 5:14 pm to KwoodTiger
quote:
Was in Evanston today…to pick up wine. Spent less than 5 mins in Evanston before heading back to Park City.
Agree with assessment.
Ha duly noted. Since you're boots on the ground I'd love your input!
Posted on 4/22/25 at 5:34 pm to WG_Dawg
RonFNSwanson provided some good suggestions.
For a 4 day trip, you could spend a couple of days in the SLC/PC area and then a couple of days in Moab (shorter drive than Jackson and more southwest feeling which it sounds like your wife prefers).
SLC does have some great restaurants. Only add-on I would suggest is catching an outdoor concert at Red Butte Garden, if in spring, near Univ of Utah campus. Also, Big Cottonwoods Canyon offers some spectacular scenery and hikes/walks. And, could drive over Guardmans Pass into Park City, IF in spring…otherwise still too much snow.
For a 4 day trip, you could spend a couple of days in the SLC/PC area and then a couple of days in Moab (shorter drive than Jackson and more southwest feeling which it sounds like your wife prefers).
SLC does have some great restaurants. Only add-on I would suggest is catching an outdoor concert at Red Butte Garden, if in spring, near Univ of Utah campus. Also, Big Cottonwoods Canyon offers some spectacular scenery and hikes/walks. And, could drive over Guardmans Pass into Park City, IF in spring…otherwise still too much snow.
Posted on 4/22/25 at 9:39 pm to Yeti_Chaser
quote:
Never thought id see Evanston make it to the travel board.
We ski Deer Valley every year. A few years back the powerball hit 1 billion while we were there, so drove to Evanston to buy lottery tickets. Saw some interesting sights there, and turned around and headed straight back. If you can’t tell…we didn’t win
Posted on 4/23/25 at 12:31 pm to WG_Dawg
quote:
We haven't even entered the "hmm let me google some stuff to do there" phase if that tells you how early we are in this process lol.
Search Scenic byway 12.
Several posters, including myself, have driven it.
It’s probably the most scenic drive I’ve ever been on. It’s beyond amazing.
If you search old Utah/NP threads you’ll see it mentioned.
It doesn’t sound like that area is on your radar but maybe after you do more research on where you want to go it could work out.
Page 1 of 1
Popular
Back to top
Follow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News