Top 10 Best Outdoor Activities in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. It is home to some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the U.S., including the Wasatch Mountains, the Great Salt Lake, and a variety of national parks and monuments. With so many outdoor activities available, it can be hard to decide which ones to try. Here are the top 10 best outdoor activities in Salt Lake City.

1. Skiing and Snowboarding

Salt Lake City is well-known for its world-class skiing and snowboarding, and the city has some of the best resorts and ski areas in the world. The city is home to the famous Alta Ski Resort, which is known for its powder snow and challenging terrain. Other popular ski areas in the city include Brighton Resort, Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort, and Solitude Mountain Resort. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert skier or snowboarder, Salt Lake City has something for everyone.

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, there are plenty of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails in the area that are free to access. These trails offer stunning views of the Wasatch Mountains and the Great Salt Lake, and are perfect for beginner and intermediate skiers and snowshoers.

2. Mountain Biking

Mountain biking is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Salt Lake City, and the city has some of the best trails in the country. From easy cruises through the foothills to more technical downhill trails, there are plenty of trails to choose from for beginners and experts alike. The Bonneville Shoreline Trail is one of the most popular trails in the city, and it offers breathtaking views of the Wasatch Mountains and the Great Salt Lake.

If you’re looking for a more challenging ride, the Wasatch Crest Trail is a must-do. This trail is a 30-mile loop with over 6,000 feet of total elevation gain, and it is one of the most scenic rides in the state. For a more technical ride, check out Little Cottonwood Canyon, which has plenty of rocky trails and technical features.

3. Hiking

Hiking is another popular outdoor activity in Salt Lake City, and there are plenty of trails for all levels. If you’re looking for a short and easy hike, check out the trail to Ensign Peak. This 1.5-mile loop offers stunning views of the city and the Wasatch Mountains. For a longer hike, the trail to Grandeur Peak is a must-do. This 8-mile out-and-back trail has over 3,000 feet of elevation gain, and it offers breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding mountains.

For a more challenging hike, check out the trail to Mount Olympus. This 8-mile out-and-back trail has over 4,000 feet of elevation gain, and it is one of the most popular hikes in the state. The trail offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains, and it is a great way to get a workout and take in the beauty of Salt Lake City.

4. Rock Climbing

Salt Lake City is home to some of the best rock climbing in the country, and there are plenty of routes for all levels. Little Cottonwood Canyon is one of the most popular climbing spots in the city, and it has a variety of sport and trad routes. The Big Cottonwood Canyon is another popular spot, and it has some of the best ice climbing in the state. If you’re looking for a more challenging climb, check out the limestone routes at the Wasatch Range.

If you’re looking for an indoor climbing option, the Salt Lake Climbing Center is a great option. This facility has over 30,000 square feet of climbing terrain, and it is the largest indoor climbing gym in the state.

5. Kayaking and Canoeing

Kayaking and canoeing are great ways to explore the Great Salt Lake and the surrounding area. The lake is home to a variety of bird species, and it is the perfect place to relax and take in the scenery. If you’re looking for a more adventurous trip, check out the Jordan River. This river has some of the best whitewater rapids in the state, and it is a great way to get your adrenaline pumping.

If you’re looking for a more relaxing trip, check out the Provo River. This river is home to a variety of fish species, and it is the perfect place to spend a day fishing and exploring. There are plenty of rental companies in the city that offer kayaks and canoes, so you can easily find the perfect vessel for your adventure.

6. Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Stand-up paddleboarding is one of the fastest growing water sports in the country, and it is a great way to explore the Great Salt Lake. The lake is home to a variety of bird species, and it is the perfect place to relax and take in the scenery. There are plenty of rental companies in the city that offer stand-up paddleboards, so you can easily find the perfect vessel for your adventure.

If you’re looking for a more adventurous trip, check out the Jordan River. This river has some of the best whitewater rapids in the state, and it is a great way to get your adrenaline pumping. Stand-up paddleboarding is a great way to explore the river and take in the scenic views.

7. Camping

Camping is one of the best ways to explore the natural beauty of Salt Lake City, and there are plenty of camping spots in the area. The city is home to several national parks and monuments, and these parks offer a variety of camping options. If you’re looking for a more primitive camping experience, check out the Uinta National Forest. This forest is home to a variety of wildlife, and it is the perfect place to experience the beauty of nature.

If you’re looking for a more luxurious camping experience, check out the Wasatch Mountain State Park. This park offers RV sites and cabins, and it is the perfect place to relax and take in the stunning views of the Wasatch Mountains.

8. Biking

Biking is a great way to explore the city, and there are plenty of trails for all levels. The Bonneville Shoreline Trail is one of the most popular trails in the city, and it offers stunning views of the Wasatch Mountains and the Great Salt Lake. For a more challenging ride, check out the Wasatch Crest Trail, which is a 30-mile loop with over 6,000 feet of total elevation gain. The city also has plenty of mountain bike trails, so you can get your adrenaline pumping.

If you’re looking for a more leisurely ride, check out the Legacy Parkway Trail. This 20-mile trail follows the banks of the Great Salt Lake, and it is the perfect place to relax and take in the scenery.

9. Boating

Boating is one of the best ways to explore the Great Salt Lake, and there are plenty of boat rental companies in the city. Whether you’re looking for a speedboat, a pontoon boat, or a kayak, you can easily find the perfect vessel for your adventure. The lake is home to a variety of bird species, and it is the perfect place to relax and take in the scenery. The lake is also home to a variety of fish species, so you can spend the day fishing and exploring the lake.

10. Golfing

Golf is a great way to enjoy the outdoors in Salt Lake City, and there are plenty of golf courses in the area. The city is home to some of the best courses in the country, including the Wasatch Mountain Golf Course, the Rose Park Golf Course, and the Bonneville Golf Course. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert golfer, you can easily find a course that suits your skill level.

If you’re looking for a more challenging course, check out the Mountain Dell Golf Course. This course has some of the most spectacular views in the city, and it is one of the toughest courses in the state.

Summary

Salt Lake City is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, and it offers a variety of activities for all levels. From skiing and snowboarding to mountain biking and hiking, there are plenty of activities to choose from. The city is also home to some of the best rock climbing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, camping, biking, boating, and golfing in the country. Whether you’re looking for an adventure or a relaxing day in the outdoors, Salt Lake City has something for everyone.