Discover Salt Lake County, Utah

Hey friends! If you’re thinking about moving or just curious about this stunning area, I’m here to share some exciting highlights about Salt Lake County. Nestled between the gorgeous Wasatch Mountains to the east and the Oquirrhs to the west, this lush valley has so much to offer. The Jordan River runs right through it, leading up to the Great Salt Lake. Plus, the local streams are not just pretty; they historically powered the mills back in the pioneer days!

A Little History of Salt Lake County

Did you know that long before settlers arrived, the land was home to various Native American tribes? Groups like the Northern Shoshone and Ute Indians thrived here, hunting, fishing, and gathering seasonal foods. Fast forward to 1824-25, when the first trappers, associated with William H. Ashley, laid eyes on this beautiful valley.

The first permanent settlers, a group of Mormons, arrived in 1847. Under Brigham Young’s direction, they explored and built Salt Lake City. It’s fascinating to think about how they started their lives here, planting crops and establishing schools—like the first school opened by 17-year-old Mary Jane Dilworth in her tent!

In the years that followed, Salt Lake City became a bustling hub, welcoming tens of thousands of Mormon immigrants. It became the heart of political and economic power in Utah, and even today, it remains a vital area for both residents and travelers alike.

Things to Do in Salt Lake County

Temple Square:

If you find yourself in Salt Lake City, you can't miss Temple Square. This iconic spot is the headquarters for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and home to one of the oldest temples in the area. You can enjoy free tours every day, or simply stroll the beautiful grounds at your leisure.

Museums and Cultural Experiences

• Pioneer Memorial Museum

• Located at 300 N Main Street.

• Houses the world's largest collection of artifacts on a single subject.

• Free admission; open Monday to Saturday.

• Family History Library

• The largest genealogical library in the world.

• Attracts visitors globally for genealogical research.

• Offers free guidance and collections.

• Conference Center

• Hosts twice-yearly general conferences for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

• Other events include Tabernacle Choir concerts.

• Daily tours available from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

• Music & The Spoken Word

• Tabernacle Choir dates back to 1847, shortly after the first pioneers arrived.

• Choir performs modern and traditional music every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. (schedule varies).

• Ensign Peak

• Short, steep hike with historical significance; Brigham Young plotted Salt Lake City from this site in 1847.

• The Beehive House

• Former home of Brigham Young, the second president of the Church.

• Beehive motif symbolizes community and work ethic.

• Free tours available year-round.

• Utah State Capitol

• Beautiful Corinthian-style government building built between 1912 and 1916.

• Free tours available Monday to Friday.

• This Is The Place Monument

• Commemorates the site where Brigham Young first saw the Salt Lake Valley.

• Open daily with a visitor center.

• Cathedral of the Madeleine

• Roman Catholic church completed in 1909, one of the oldest cathedrals in the valley.

• Under the patronage of St. Mary Magdalene.

Scenic Views and Outdoor Adventures

For the outdoor enthusiasts, Salt Lake County has breathtaking hiking spots! Check out Ensign Peak for a short, steep hike that offers views that Brigham Young himself admired back in 1847. Or if you're feeling adventurous, take on Mount Timpanogos for stunning scenery that’s worth every step!

The Great Outdoors

• Hike to the Living Room

• 2.2-mile moderate hike with great views; trailhead 10 minutes from downtown.

• Hike to the Summit of Grandeur Peak

• 5.5-mile moderately difficult trail with stunning views.

• Hike to Lake Blanche

• Popular 7-mile hike in Big Cottonwood Canyon; best in the fall for foliage.

• Hike to the Summit of Mount Timpanogos

• 15-mile hike via Timpooneke Trail; offers breathtaking views.

• Go Rock Climbing

• Various canyons in the Wasatch Range, catering to different climbing styles.

• Bike on the Legacy Parkway Trail

• Easy 14-mile bike ride parallel to Legacy Highway.

• Bike to Antelope Island

• Smooth roads in Antelope Island State Park; buffalo sightings possible.

• Bike and Run City Creek Canyon

• Paved 5.8-mile path for runners and cyclists; access from Bonneville Boulevard.

• Bike and Run Emigration Canyon

• 8-mile route with elevation gain; popular with cyclists and runners.

• Take Your Pup to Tanner Park

• Scenic dog park with a creek for dogs to play in.

• Memory Grove Park

• Memorial park near downtown; great for picnics and casual walks.

• Sugar House Park

• 110-acre park with paved trails for biking, running, and walking.

• Liberty Park

• Utah's oldest park with various attractions, including an aviary and historic mill.

• Red Butte Gardens

• Botanical garden and arboretum; concerts held in the summer.

• International Peace Gardens

• Collaborative project celebrating different nationalities; open from dawn to dusk.

Scenic Drives

The beauty of Salt Lake County can be appreciated from the comfort of your car on these scenic drives.

• Emigration Canyon offers stunning views and rich history just a short drive from downtown.
• Big Cottonwood Canyon is famous for its breathtaking landscapes and hiking trails, making it one of the prettiest drives in the area.

Skiing & Snowboarding

If you’re a fan of winter sports, you’re in luck! The snow-covered slopes of Salt Lake County are legendary.

• Snowbasin Resort in Ogden Valley is one of my favorite spots in Utah, where I originally learned how to ski. With its 3,000 skiable acres and 3,000 vertical feet, this pristine mountain in Weber County is often described as a well-kept secret.
• Deer Valley Resort in Park City is a local favorite, boasting six different snow-covered mountains including Little Baldy Peak, Bald Eagle, Bald, Flagstaff, Empire, and Lady Morgan. Known for unparalleled guest services and some of the best resort dining in the state, Deer Valley is a must-visit for any ski enthusiast.
• Snowbird in Little Cottonwood Canyon has been a Salt Lake City staple since 1971. With over 11 trams and lifts and various lodging options, it attracts hundreds of thousands of skiing enthusiasts every year.
• Sundance Mountain Resort in Provo Canyon, just a 15-minute drive northeast of Orem, offers breathtaking views of Mount Timpanogos. With over 42 runs and 450 acres of skiable terrain, Sundance is a gem in Utah County.
• For something different, cross-country skiing is a hidden gem for both beginners and experienced backcountry skiers. The accessibility of these trails means you can spend less time driving and more time skiing!

Dining Delights in Salt Lake City

Eating out is one of our favorite things to do! Here are a few top picksbased on Diners' Choice:

• 5 Best Places to Eat in Salt Lake City

• Antica Sicilia
• Tiburon

• Wild Rose

• Hoof & Vine
• Chopfuku Sushi Bar and Asian Cuisine

Shopping and Local Finds

While you're exploring, don’t forget to check out local shops! The Salt Lake City Farmers Market is a fun Saturday spot for fresh produce and crafts. And if you love antiques, Euro Treasures is a treasure trove waiting for you!

Shopping

• Salt Lake City Farmers Market

• Open June to October on Saturdays. Offers fresh produce and local crafts.

• Euro Treasures

• Antique shop with over 40,000 square feet of unique items.

• Emilijayne

• Chic consignment furniture and home decor in the 9th and 9th neighborhood.

• Decades

• Vintage clothing store with a great selection of jewelry and apparel.

• Deseret Industries

• Thrift store supporting job training; offers quality donated goods.

• City Creek Center

• Premium shopping destination with over 100 stores and restaurants.

• Trolley Square

• Historic shopping center with unique shops and dining options.

• Outlets at Traverse Mountains

• New outlet shopping destination with popular factory stores.

• Tanger Outlet at Park City

• Nostalgic outlet shopping with nearby skiing and dining options.

Volunteering Opportunities

Looking to give back to the community? Salt Lake County has plenty of volunteer opportunities to make a positive impact.

• The Road Home provides programs and services for individuals and families overcoming homelessness, relying on volunteers for various projects and activities.
• Ronald McDonald House offers families a home-away-from-home while their children are hospitalized, and they always welcome volunteers.
• Primary Children’s Hospital values volunteers from diverse backgrounds who contribute to delivering high-quality care for children.
• You can also volunteer at local races like the Salt Lake City Marathon and the Ogden Marathon, which are always looking for helping hands.

Entertainment & The Arts

The cultural scene in Salt Lake County is rich and varied, making it a great place for entertainment lovers.

• Eccles Theater, Salt Lake City’s newest addition, showcases Broadway shows, concerts, and comedy events in its stunning 2,500-seat Performance Hall.
• Capitol Theater has been a part of the community since 1913, hosting theater, dance, opera, and music performances throughout the year.
• For music lovers, Abravanel Hall is renowned for its acoustics and is home to the Utah Symphony.
• The Pioneer Theatre Company offers seven plays each season, featuring a mix of classics, musicals, dramas, and comedies.
• If you enjoy a good laugh, Wiseguys Comedy Club is the place to catch live comedy in a relaxed atmosphere.

Seasonal Events

No matter the time of year, Salt Lake County is buzzing with exciting events.

• Sundance Film Festival kicks off in January and attracts film enthusiasts from all over the world to celebrate independent cinema.
• The Utah Jazz play from October to April, making for thrilling basketball nights at the Vivint Smart Home Arena.
• Don’t miss the Temple Square Christmas Lights during the holiday season, where thousands of stunning lights create a magical atmosphere.

Additional Must-Do Activities

Aside from the highlights mentioned, Salt Lake County has a variety of unique attractions:

• Cooking Classes at Harmons offer hands-on culinary experiences.
• Visit the Gilgal Sculpture Garden for a unique art experience featuring original sculptures and literary engravings.
• Enjoy delicious comfort food and live music at Garage on Beck, a former auto repair shop turned restaurant.
• Don’t forget to catch the sunset from The Avenues for one of the best views over the Great Salt Lake.

Let’s Work Together!

Salt Lake County is more than just a destination; it’s a place where adventure and community come together. Whether you’re considering a move or just want to learn more, I’m here to help! At Best Nest Utah, Cody and I are dedicated to being your personal real estate experts. We’re not just about closing deals; we’re about creating a thriving community.

So, if you have questions or want to chat about your next move, give me a call! Let’s explore how we can make your dream home a reality!

Search houses in Salt Lake County HERE.

Alisha Hidalgo 
Best Nest Utah with Real Broker LLC
(801) 703-7721
Alisha@BestNestUtah.com
5866 W 3800 S, Hooper, Utah, 84315
License ID: 7060545-SA00