8 Must-Do Adventures In Salt Lake City Mountains
Utah is undeniably nature’s playground. It offers a wide array of things to see and do no matter what your ideal vacation may be. It has all kinds of activities for you to enjoy whether you are visiting in the winter or summer. But if you are looking for an adrenaline rush, then you should definitely hit the Salt Lake City mountain ranges. This is the perfect base for a wide range of adventures that will satisfy the thrill-seeking tourist.
Best Adventures in Salt Lake City Mountain Ranges
Add an adrenaline rush to your adventures in Salt Lake City when you include the activities below to your itinerary. There is an abundance of exciting opportunities that you can explore to make the most of Utah’s natural beauty.
Ski the Slopes
You can’t go to Utah seeking an adventure without hitting the slopes. Skiing is a popular winter activity in Utah and you can find plenty of ski resorts near Salt Lake City. Its proximity to the mountains makes it a hub for winter sports activities like skiing.
Your choices of the best ski resorts in Salt Lake City include Alta Ski Area, Deer Canyon Ski Resort, and Snowbird Ski Resort, to name a few. Most of these ski resorts cover an impressive area of mountainous terrain and well-groomed skiing trails for all skill levels. In fact, these ski resorts are popular with families and tourists who want to escape to the mountain for a winter adventure on the slopes.
Go for a Hike
Load up on your hiking gear. The Salt Lake City mountain ranges are the perfect spot for those who are into hiking, and you will get rewarded with a scenic mountain backdrop. Whether you are looking for a day hike or an overnight backpacking trip, you have a few options for this adventure.
The Wasatch National Forest is one of the best places to go hiking in Utah since it is close to Salt Lake Valley. Another recommended spot for hiking is Desolation Lake. The latter is recommended for beginner to moderate hikers. Be sure to research various mountain trails in Salt Lake City so that you can prepare your gear.
Ride the Scenic Aerial Tram
During winter, the Salt Lake City mountain ranges transform into beautiful snow-capped peaks rising over the trails to provide a scenic view for the adventure enthusiasts. One of the best activities you can do in the mountains is to ride the scenic aerial tram.
The Snowbird Resort in Little Cottonwood Canyon is the best place to go if you want to experience this scenic aerial tram ride. It is only 20 miles from the city center of Salt Lake City. This is a 10-minute ride that takes you up to 2,900 feet off the ground so you can marvel at the stunning view of the Wasatch Mountain Range.
Camp for the Night
Salt Lake City is close to a wide range of camping sites that are within easy access. It’s no surprise that camping is one of the must-do adventures in the mountains of Salt Lake City.
Jordanelle State Park is one of the best camping sites near Salt Lake City; in fact, it is 40 minutes away from downtown Salt Lake City. There are various tent sites at the park’s campground, and they vary in cost from $20 to $30. This park is surrounded by mountains and hills that make it is easy to forget the city is less than an hour away.
Go Mountain Biking
Mountain biking is another one of those adventurous activities that you can embark on in Salt Lake City’s mountain ranges. One of the best spots to go for mountain bike trails is Snowbird. This resort is well-known as a skiing destination during winter. In fact, it gets more than 500 inches of snow each year.
But once the snow melts, the beauty of the mountain reveals itself and provides a breathtaking spot for mountain biking adventure. You can explore the Big Mountain Trail that takes biking enthusiasts through 7.5 miles of downhill biking trail. This trail features wide-open straights, forested turns, and wooden bridges. Don’t forget to wear your helmet!
Go Rock Climbing
If you want to take the adventure to the next level, you can go for a rock climbing adventure in Utah. For this, you can head to Dogwood Crag, which is one of the most popular crags in Salt Lake City. It is a wall of quartzite that rises along the banks of Big Cottonwood Canyon and leans at an angle that is suited for climbing, but enough to give avid rock climbers a challenge.
The rock climbing wall itself is a 15-minute drive from Salt Lake City. Once you reach the Dogwood Picnic Area, you must take a short hike to get to the wall. You can choose from one of 12 climbing routes but since it is popular, it can get crowded quickly.
Snowmobile Adventure
Aside from skiing, snowmobiling is another popular adventure activity that you can enjoy on the slopes in Salt Lake City mountain ranges. There are plenty of ski resorts that you can choose from if you want to try your hand at a snowmobile adventure, and many of them are less than an hour’s drive away from the city center.
Most of the mountain areas in Salt Lake City are suitable for snowmobiling. The terrains range from steep to moderate, so there is something for everyone.
Learn SUP
Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) is one of the most popular water activities these days. Whether you are an avid enthusiast or those who are looking to hone their skills, then you can head to AQUA X ZONE
This floating water park on the lake is an excellent destination for those looking for adventurous activities. You can engage in a wide range of outdoor water activities such as stand up paddleboarding, kayaking, jet skiing, and riding motorized boats. The best part about this water park is that it is suitable for people of all ages, so it is a family-friendly destination. You can also enjoy the scenic view of the mountain backdrop as you engage in these activities.
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