Enjoy the Local Wasatch

Salt Lake City is nested at the base of the Wasatch Mountain range, where visitors can join Salt Lake locals in enjoying the vast range of outdoor activities available, including hiking, biking, skiing and mountain climbing.

Hiking in the Wasatch

In terms of hiking, there is too little space in this blog to tell you about all of the amazing trails available in the Salt Lake area. Three personal favorites will be mentioned here. If you would like an easy hike that takes you to a beautiful lake, I recommend the Bells Canyon Trail, which has the option to proceed further to the Lower Bells Canyon Waterfalls. Snow should have melted here by May, but always check the AllTrails app for current conditions and consider bringing micro-spikes in case trails might still have patches of ice.

Another very iconic hike is called The Living Room. It takes you up the Wasatch front to some stones arranged like lounge chairs and views above Salt Lake City that invite you to stop for a picnic. This hike makes a great sunset activity. For the more adventurous, the most beautiful hike is called Lake Blanche, located in Big Cottonwood Canyon. This challenging trail should be accessible after winter season in late April/early May. It will take you up through aspen forests and mountain meadows to a beautiful lake towered by a mountain peak. It is a moderately challenging hike at altitude, but the end of the trail is quite spectacular.

Mountain biking paradise

If you enjoy mountain biking, you will not be disappointed with what Salt Lake has to offer. The Bonneville Shoreline Trail is most popular, where you ride along the Wasatch front with scenic views above the city, mountain ranges and the Great Salt Lake. The trail should be snow-free and accessible in May and there is little elevation gain, making this a very enjoyable excursion for both beginners and experts.

Various other trails can be found in the canyons, specifically Millcreek Canyon, which allows biking on even-numbered days (on odd-numbered days, bikes are not allowed but instead dogs can be off-leash on all trails).

Skiing the best snow on earth

Utahns will tell you proudly they have the best snow on earth — a statement that is absolutely true. There is no better feeling than skiing through waist-deep, soft powder on a bluebird day. Some ski resorts close towards the end of April, but currently multiple ones are projected to remain open through mid-to-end May (e.g., Snowbird’s projected closing date is May 26). While this year had ‘only’ average snowfall, good years will allow for skiing up to July 4. Spring skiing is often a bit slushy and the soft powder is no guarantee, but on these warm days individuals may elect to ski in t-shirt and shorts or even swimming trunks, which is an experience of its own kind.

Mountain climbing

With the Wasatch Mountains at Salt Lake City's doorstep, mountain climbers can explore a variety of routes, from beginner-friendly to advanced rock-climbing. The Cottonwood Canyons, especially Big Cottonwood Canyon, are a bouldering and mountain climbing paradise for all skill levels. For indoor climbers, The Front Climbing Club is a beautiful indoor climbing gym that offers bouldering, sport climbing and more.

Park City and the Wasatch Back

Park City is most definitely worth a visit if you are in the area. Home to the Sundance Film Festival and many excellent ski resorts, it is well known to the fancy and famous but has the atmosphere of a sleepy mountain town. Take a stroll on Main Street and enjoy the little shops, restaurants and galleries.

If fine whiskeys or bourbons are your pleasure, Utah is home to the High West Distillery — located just to the East of Park City and beautifully nestled in the mountains. Here you can take a tour through the distillery (reservations required) and learn about the process of making whiskey as well as local challenges. A personalized whiskey tasting is included, where you can enjoy some of their fine limited editions. Conclude your tour on a delicious note with a fantastic brunch or dinner and mountain views at their High West Saloon restaurant.