USA TRAVEL GUIDE, “SOUTHWEST” UTAH

UTAH: THE BEEHIVE STATE

BY CLAY LARROY

Leisure travel is a wonderful experience that everyone should have in their lifetime. Even business travel can be made enjoyable. There are some aspects of travel that can detract from your enjoyment.  When planning to fly for a trip, don't forget any frequent flier miles you might have racked up. It does you no good to hang onto those once you've already gone on your big vacation. Even if you don't have enough miles to cover the whole trip, many airlines will allow you to discount your rate using your miles. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

 

SALT LAKE CITY, “CROSSROADS OF THE WEST”

 

Salt Lake City History

Until Brigham Young and his band of Mormon settlers arrived here in the summer of 1847, this vast and visually stunning region had lain empty apart from the roaming buffalo and the wandering tribes of Ute Indian, from which the state derives its name. 

Before them the Pueblo People, travelling north, built communities through the south of the state during the first 100 years AD, and until a treaty ceded it in 1848, this land was still part of Mexico. 

Many of the first Mormon pioneers here were European converts who brought their varying languages, skills and cultures to build a cosmopolitan community in this beautiful wilderness. Their peace was swiftly shattered as hordes of hopeful prospectors swept through early Salt Lake on their way to California during the 1850s gold rush. In fact, Salt Lake soon had its own share of silver, copper and lead mines, some of which remain open to this day. 

Salt Lake City continued to thrive and expand during the early 1900s, which saw most of its grand state buildings erected, permanently changing Salt Lake from a pioneer town to a modern, functioning city. The city has continued to expand and strengthen economically ever since, with the last surge of major development occurring in the 1980's and 90s with the arrival of many of the high-rise buildings that now sculpt its skyline. 

By the time Salt Lake City hosted the Winter Olympics in 2002, it was the largest city ever to do so, and to date much of the city's tourist economy is thanks to its proximity to the spectacular Wasatch Mountains. 

Salt Lake City is also culturally rich. Robert Redford made this region his home and since the early 1980s, his Sundance Film Festival held here each January has become a fixture of the global film festival calendar. 

Did you know? 
- Salt Lake City occupies an area once covered by a prehistoric lake, with the original shoreline still visible in sections. 
- It took over 40 years for the city's iconic Salt Lake Temple to be built. 
- The Great Salt Lake is as much as five times saltier than the ocean.

 

Things to do in Salt Lake City

Activities

Winter sports

This is a winter paradise for skiers and boarders alike, with the four main resorts surrounding Salt Lake offering acres of entertainment for all abilities. The white stuff that falls here is light, dry and fluffy, and has been described as 'the greatest snow on earth'. Snowbird is one of Salt Lake's highest and most conveniently located ski resorts; great slopes, deluxe amenities, and the fastest lift in North America are only some of the perks. Slightly further out, the aptly named Solitude Mountain Resort is a beautiful haven of tranquility. Alta Ski Area, the local favorite, is a skier's mountain, full of challenging terrain set amongst granite peaks, while Brighton Resort boasts 1,875ft (571 meters) of vertical skiing that's entirely accessed by high-speed quad lifts.

Website: www.snowbird.com
Website: www.skisolitude.com
Website: www.alta.com
Website: www.brightonresort.com

White water rafting

Enjoy the beauty and excitement of rafting down the white waters of the Weber River through dramatic Weber Canyon, just a 45-minute drive from Salt Lake. Park City Rafting's experienced and friendly guides, also certified in first-aid and CPR, steer rafters through a tumultuous aquatic adventure on either a two-hour tour or a full-day's rafting with a stop for lunch. 

Tel: (435) 655 3800.
Website: www.parkcityrafting.net

Horseback riding

For that authentic pioneering experience, this stunning landscape should only be viewed from the saddle, which is exactly what you'll do when you take up the trail with Wind In Your Hair Riding. For experienced riders only, parties of up to four can mount-up on beautiful and smooth traveling Paso Fino horses, and enjoy the areas spectacular scenery and wildlife all year round, at a trot or a gallop. Lessons for beginners are also available here.

46 East Cherry Canyon Drive, Wanship
Tel. (435) 336 4795.
Website: www.windinyourhair.com

Mountain biking

Even when the snow melts, outdoor enthusiasts continue to traverse these mountainsides - this time on wheels. For mountain-hardy bikes, try Wild Rose Sports. Head up the mountainsides, or go for a more relaxed route around Salt Lake.

Wild Rose Sports
Tel.: (801) 533 8671
Website: www.wildrosesports.com

Golf

Utah is a haven for golfers of all standards, with no lass than 34 public golf courses in and around Salt Lake City. It's strong testament to Utah's amazing natural diversity that you can happily play 18 holes on beautiful courses in warm sunshine, with the mountains providing a stunning backdrop, while others are simultaneously hurtling down those power-capped peaks.

Website: www.utah.com/golf

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

I came back to Utah to get away from Hollywood. 

Mike Lookinland    

 
Live life and travel often, the more you travel, the more memories you create!