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Salt Lake Valley Local Guide

Downtown city life with the Cottonwood Canyons forty minutes up the road.

Salt Lake Valley

Downtown city life with the Cottonwood Canyons forty minutes up the road.

Snowbird

The closest big-mountain skiing to downtown, at the head of Little Cottonwood Canyon with 3,240 vertical feet and a 125-passenger aerial tram. Lifts run roughly late November to mid-May, and the tram keeps running through summer for hikers and sightseers.

  • 9385 S. Snowbird Center Dr, Snowbird, UT 84092
  • 40 min
  • 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Donut Falls Trail

Under a mile each way with only a couple hundred feet of gain, ending at a waterfall pouring through a hole worn in the rock — the best short hike in Big Cottonwood for families. No dogs at all: this is a protected municipal watershed, and trailhead parking is fee-based and fills early.

  • Big Cottonwood Canyon Rd, Salt Lake City, UT 84121
  • 40 min
  • Open 24 hours

Downtown Farmers Market

Utah's largest farmers market fills Pioneer Park on Saturday mornings through the summer and early autumn with several hundred local growers, bakers and makers. Out of season the organisers run a smaller indoor winter market instead.

  • 350 S 300 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
  • 5 min
  • Saturdays 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM (June-Oct)

Red Rock Brewing Company

An independent Salt Lake brewpub since 1994 on South 200 West, with a wall of regional and national brewing awards and a full menu. Walkable from most downtown addresses and open every day.

American Brewpub

Ready to Explore Salt Lake Valley?

Book direct with Utah Escapes for your stay near downtown Salt Lake and the Cottonwood Canyons.