Salt Lake City is Utah’s major air gateway, although if southern Utah is your primary destination, traveling there from Las Vegas is a convenient and often less expensive alternative. Once on the ground, a car is your best bet for getting around. Outside of the urban corridor from Provo to Ogden (including Salt Lake City), much of the state’s interest lies in natural attractions, including five national parks and terrain that ranges from sun-baked desert to mountain peaks that soar above 10,000 feet. Be prepared for wide-open vistas, extreme temperature variations and long stretches of asphalt.
AIR TRAVEL
Salt Lake City has a reputation for having one of the nation’s easiest airports for travelers—with a low rate of delayed or canceled flights. Plus, it’s a western hub for Delta, so your Utah explorations should get off to a timely start. Nonstop flights are available from larger U.S. cities as well as Europe, Mexico, and Canada.
Salt Lake City is about 12 hours from London, 5 hours from New York, 4 hours from Chicago and D.C., 3 hours from Dallas, 2 hours from Los Angeles, and an hour from Las Vegas.
If you’re traveling during snow season, allow extra time to get to the airport, as weather conditions can slow you down. If you’ll be checking skis, arrive even earlier.
Airlines and Airports Airline and Airport Links.com. www.airlineandairportlinks.com.
Airline Security Issues Transportation Security Administration. www.tsa.gov.
AIRPORTS
The major gateway to Utah is Salt Lake City International Airport. If you’re staying in Salt Lake City, you’ll appreciate that it’s one of the closest airports to downtown of any American city, and security wait times are minimal. Be advised that the first phase of major airport construction, including the building of a new terminal and parking garage, is ongoing through at least 2020. The second phase is due to be completed in 2024.
Flights to smaller, regional, or resort-town airports generally connect through Salt Lake. Provo, Cedar City, Logan, Ogden, and Moab all have small airports. A convenient gateway to southern Utah, particularly Zion and Bryce Canyon national parks, is McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas. More and more visitors to southern Utah are using St. George Regional Airport, which has daily flights to Salt Lake City and Denver. There are limited services, but you can rent cars here and it’s less than an hour’s drive to Zion National Park once you’re on the road.
Airport Information McCarran International Airport (LAS). 5757 Wayne Newton Blvd., Las Vegas 702/261–5211 www.mccarran.com. Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). 776 N. Terminal Dr., Salt Lake City 801/575–2400 www.slcairport.com. St. George Regional Airport (SGU). 4550 S. Airport Pkwy., St. George 435/627–4080 www.flysgu.com.
GROUND TRANSPORTATION
You can get to and from the Salt Lake City Airport by light-rail, taxi, bus, or hotel shuttle. A light-rail line called TRAX connects you in less than 30 minutes (and for just $2.50) from Terminal 1 to downtown Salt Lake City and the rest of the rapid-transit network. It runs every 15 minutes on weekdays and every 20 minutes on weekends. Taxis, though, are faster (15 minutes); the trip to downtown costs $20–$25. If you’re in downtown Salt Lake City, your best bet is to call ahead for a taxi rather than hope to flag one down. Shared-ride shuttle services from the airport are similarly priced to taxis, but can take longer. Lyft and Uber also pick up at the Salt Lake City airport and can cost less than half the price of a taxi.
Contacts City Cab Company. 801/363–5550. Utah Transit Authority (UTA). 801/743–3882, 888/743–3882 www.rideuta.com. Ute Cab Company. 801/359–7788. Yellow Cab. 801/521–2100 yellowcabutah.com.
FLIGHTS
Salt Lake City has a large international airport, so you’ll be able to fly here from anywhere, though you may have to connect somewhere else first. The airport is a major hub for Delta Airlines. Delta and its affiliates offer almost 250 daily departures to destinations around the country. Southwest ranks second in terms of daily flights, with roughly 30 daily departures. Alaska, American, jetBlue, United, and Frontier also have flights each day.
If you’re flying in from somewhere other than the United States, you’ll likely connect in Los Angeles or San Francisco if you’re coming from Asia, or a major airport in the East, such as Detroit, Atlanta, or New York, if you’re traveling from Europe. Occasionally you may be delayed by a major snowstorm, but these generally affect the mountain areas, not the airport.
If you’re heading to southern Utah, it may be more convenient to fly into Las Vegas, which has more flights and is often cheaper. Be advised that the 120-mile drive from Las Vegas to St. George passes through extremely remote country, and the Virgin River Canyon near the Arizona/Utah border can make for treacherous driving, especially at night.
Airline Contacts Alaska Airlines. www.alaskaair.com. American Airlines. 800/433–7300 www.aa.com. Delta Airlines. 800/221–1212 for U.S. reservations, 800/241–4141 for international reservations www.delta.com. Frontier. 801/401–9000 www.flyfrontier.com. jetBlue. 800/538–2583 www.jetblue.com. Southwest Airlines. 800/435–9792 www.southwest.com. United Airlines. 800/864–8331 for U.S. reservations, 800/538–2929 for international reservations www.united.com.
CAR TRAVEL
You’ll need a car in Utah. Public transportation is available primarily along the Wasatch Front (Ogden to Salt Lake City to Provo), but caters to commuters, not tourists. Scenery ranges from snowcapped mountains to endless stretches of desert with strange rock formations and intense color. There are more national parks here than in any other state except Alaska and California, although their interiors are not always accessible by car.
Outside of the Salt Lake City and Park City areas, much of what draws most people to Utah is in the southern part of the state. I–15 is the main north–south thoroughfare, branching off to U.S. 6 toward Moab and to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks in the southeast, passing west of Capitol Reef National Park in the south–central region, and continuing all the way to the St. George area for Zion and Bryce National Parks in the southwest. Many visitors approach the southern Utah parks by way of I–70, which runs west from Denver through Moab. Highway 89 parallels I–15 for much of the state, offering a slower, back roads alternative and includes Main Street in many small towns. Highway 12 is a nationally recognized Scenic Byway in the Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument and is also worth incorporating into your itinerary.
GASOLINE
In cities throughout Utah, gas prices are similar to those in the rest of the continental United States; in rural and resort towns prices are considerably higher. In urban areas stations are plentiful, and most stay open late (some are open 24 hours). In rural areas stations are less numerous, and hours are more limited, particularly on Sunday; you can sometimes drive more than 100 miles on back roads without finding a gas station. It’s best to always keep your tank at least half full.
PARKING
Parking is generally easy to find, even in Salt Lake City. Many parking garages offer free visitor parking for one or two hours. Meters are usually free for two hours at a stretch on Saturday and all day on Sunday.
ROAD CONDITIONS
Utah has some of the most spectacular vistas in the world. Roads range from multilane divided blacktop to narrow dirt roads; from twisting switchbacks to primitive backcountry paths. Scenic routes and lookout points are clearly marked, enabling you to slow down and pull over to take in the views. You’ll find highways and the national parks crowded in summer, and almost deserted (and occasionally impassable) in winter.
In many locations, particularly in the Salt Lake Valley and St. George areas, there always seems to be road construction. Check road conditions before you set out.
Unpleasant sights along the highway are road kills. Exercise caution, not only to save an animal’s life, but also to avoid possible extensive damage to your car.
Road Conditions In Utah. 511 commuterlink.utah.gov.
RULES OF THE ROAD
Utah law requires seat belts for drivers and all passengers in vehicles so equipped. Always strap children under age 8 into approved child-safety seats. Helmets are required for motorcyclists and passengers under the age of 18.
You may turn right at a red light after stopping if there is no sign stating otherwise and no oncoming traffic. When in doubt, wait for the green.
The speed limit on U.S. interstates is 75–80 mph in rural areas and 65–70 mph in urban zones. Increased speeds are allowed only where clearly posted. Transition zones from one speed limit to the next are indicated with pavement markings and signs. Fines are doubled for speeding in work zones and school zones.
It is illegal in Utah to send, read, or write text messages while driving. Drivers under the age of 18 may not use hands-free or hand-held cell phones while driving.
Beginning on December 30, 2018, Utah will have the strictest drunk driving law in the nation, lowering the maximum blood alcohol limit for drivers from .08% (the threshold elsewhere in the U.S.) to .05%.
WINTER AND DESERT DRIVING
It is best to have a complete tune-up before setting out on the road. For emergencies, take along a spare tire, flares or reflector triangles, jumper cables, an empty gas can, a flashlight, a plastic tarp, blankets, water, and coins or a calling card for phone calls (cell phones don’t always work in high mountain areas).
Although winter driving can occasionally present some real challenges, road maintenance is good and plowing is prompt. However, severe winter storms occasionally close I–80 between Salt Lake City and Park City and I–15 near Cedar City. Tire chains and/or all-wheel drive or four-wheel-drive vehicles are often required in the canyons surrounding the Wasatch Front during storms, including Parley’s Canyon between Salt Lake City and Park City and Big and Little Cottonwood canyons. Also, Highway 6 between Provo and Green River is considered the most dangerous road in the state. Its windy stretches and dramatic elevation changes cause slide-offs and mishaps, particularly in winter. If you’re planning to drive into high elevations (and even Salt Lake City is at 4,000-plus feet above sea level), be sure to check the weather forecast and call for road conditions beforehand. Even main highways can close, and winter weather isn’t confined to winter in the high country (it’s been known to snow on July 4). If you do get stalled by deep snow, do not leave your car. Wait for help, running the engine only if needed.
Desert driving can be dangerous in winter or summer. You may encounter drifting snow, blowing sand, and flash floods, with little chance of anyone driving by to help. Never leave children or pets in a car—summer temperatures climb quickly above 100°F.
CAR RENTAL
You can rent an economy car with air-conditioning, automatic transmission, and unlimited mileage in Salt Lake City for about $30 a day and $150 a week. This does not include tax on car rentals, which is 16.35% in Salt Lake City. If you’re planning to do any skiing, biking, four-wheeling, or towing, check into renting an SUV, van, or pickup from a local company like Rugged Rentals, which specializes in outdoor vehicles and provides supplemental insurance as part of the rental charge. You can rent a relatively new SUV or van with bike rack, ski rack, or towing equipment included. Call for rates ( 801/977–9111).
Renting a car in Las Vegas can be less expensive than renting one in Salt Lake City, especially if you’re visiting southern Utah. The driving time between Las Vegas and Salt Lake City is seven to nine hours, but it’s only a three-hour trip from Las Vegas to Zion National Park.
In Utah you must be 21 or over and have a valid driver’s license to rent a car; most companies also require a major credit card. If you’re over 65, check the rental company’s policy on overage drivers. You may pay extra for child seats (but shop around; some companies don’t charge extra for them), which are compulsory for children under eight, and for additional drivers. Non-U.S. residents will need a reservation voucher, a passport, a driver’s license, and a travel policy that covers each driver to pick up a car.
Local Agencies Rugged Rental. 801/977–9111 www.ruggedrental.com.
Major Rental Agencies Advantage. 800/777–5500 www.advantage.com. Alamo. 844/354–6962 www.alamo.com. Avis. 800/633–3469 www.avis.com. Budget. 800/218–7992 www.budget.com. Hertz. 800/654–3131 www.hertz.com. National Car Rental. 877/222–9058 www.nationalcar.com.
TRAIN TRAVEL
Amtrak connects Utah to Chicago and the San Francisco Bay Area daily via the California Zephyr, which stops in Salt Lake City, Provo, Helper, and Green River. However, trains are notorious for delays.
Information Amtrak. 800/872–7245 www.amtrak.com.
SCENIC TRAIN TRIPS
On the Heber Valley Historic Railroad you can catch the Heber Creeper, a turn-of-the-20th-century steam-locomotive train that runs from Heber City across Heber Valley, alongside Deer Creek Reservoir, and down Provo Canyon to Vivian Park. Depending on the time of year, you can catch the Polar Express, the Cowboy Train, or an Adventure Train that includes a stop for rafting or zip-lining.
Information Heber Valley Historic Railroad. 450 S. 600 W, Heber 435/654–5601 www.hebervalleyrr.org.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Utah is home to the founders of the Marriott chain of hotels, and its accommodations are plentiful, varied, and reasonably priced throughout the state. Chain motels are everywhere. The ski resorts along the Wasatch Front—especially in Park City—cater to the wealthy jet set, and there are posh resorts such as Deer Valley and the Waldorf Astoria Park City, and pampering at Red Mountain Resort. Salt Lake City has hotels in every price range. National chains like Holiday Inn, Marriott, Hilton, Best Western, Super 8, and Motel 6 are dependable in Utah, and are occasionally the best beds in town. The gateway towns to the national parks usually have a large range of accommodations. There are also more bed-and-breakfasts, as international tourists often prefer to meet the locals at such places. Independent motels can also be found all over the state. Look for guest ranches if you’re trying to find an authentic Western experience. They often require a one-week stay, and the cost is all-inclusive. During the busy summer season, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, it’s a good idea to book hotels and bed-and-breakfasts in advance. Most motels and resorts have off-season rates. Take advantage of these, because hiking is best in the south in cool weather, and the mountains are beautiful even without snow.
TIP → Assume that hotels do not include any meals in their room rates, unless we specify otherwise.
General Information Utah Hotel & Lodging Association. 801/593–2213 www.uhla.org.
APARTMENT AND HOUSE RENTALS
Increasingly, condos and private homes are available for rent, with more and more options on websites such as Airbnb and Vacation Rentals By Owner. Rentals range from one-night to month-long stays. Enjoy slope-side accommodations with all the amenities of home such as multiple bathrooms and full kitchens at most ski resorts. Condo and home rentals are also available outside Zion, Bryce, Arches, and Canyonlands national parks.
Rental Information Airbnb. www.airbnb.com. Vacation Rentals By Owner. www.vrbo.com.
HOTELS
Most Salt Lake City hotels cater to business travelers with such facilities as restaurants, cocktail lounges, Internet, swimming pools, exercise equipment, and meeting rooms. Most other Utah towns and cities have less expensive hotels that are clean and comfortable but have fewer facilities.
Many properties have special weekend rates, sometimes up to 50% off regular prices. However, these deals are usually not extended during peak months (summer near the national parks and winter in the ski resorts), when hotels are normally full. Salt Lake City hotels are generally full only during major conventions.
All hotels listed have private bath unless otherwise noted.
RESORTS
Ski towns throughout Utah such as Park City, Sundance, and Brian Head, are home to resorts in all price ranges (but primarily high-end); any activities lacking in any individual property are usually available in the town itself—in summer as well as winter. Off the slopes, there are both wonderful rustic and luxurious resorts in the southern part of the state: Red Mountain Resort in St. George, Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort near Zion, Sorrel River Ranch near Arches, and Amangiri near Lake Powell and Four Corners.
DINING OUT
Dining in Utah is generally casual. Menus are becoming more varied, but you can nearly always order a hamburger or a steak. There is a growing number of fine restaurants in Salt Lake City and Park City, and good places are cropping up in various other areas. Also look for good dining in Springdale, Moab, and Torrey. Seek out colorful diners along the secondary highways like U.S. 89; they usually serve up meat and potatoes along with the local flavor of each community. Authentic ethnic food is easy to find in Salt Lake City, but generally not available elsewhere. The restaurants we list are the cream of the crop in each price category.
MEALS AND MEALTIMES
Although you can find all types of cuisine in the major cities and resort towns of Utah, be sure to try native dishes like trout, elk, and buffalo (the latter two have less fat than beef and are just as tasty); organic fruits and vegetables are also readily available, especially in finer establishments in Salt Lake City and Park City. Southwestern food is popular, and you’ll find several restaurants that specialize in it or show Southwestern influences in menu selections. Asian and Latin American cuisines are both gaining in popularity (and quality) in the Salt Lake area.
Unless otherwise noted, the restaurants listed in this guide are open daily for lunch and dinner. Dinner hours are usually from 6 to 9 pm. Outside of the large cities and resort towns in the high seasons, many restaurants close by 10 and are closed on Sunday.
RESERVATIONS AND DRESS
Reservations are relatively rare outside of the top restaurants in the urban and resort areas. It’s a good idea to call ahead if you can. We only mention them specifically when reservations are essential (there’s no other way you’ll ever get a table) or when they are not accepted. Large parties should always call ahead to check the reservations policy. We mention dress only when men are required to wear a jacket or a jacket and tie—which is almost never in casual Utah. Even at nice resorts dress is usually casual, and in summer you’re welcome nearly everywhere in your shorts, T-shirt, and hiking shoes.
WINES, BEER, AND SPIRITS
Despite what you’ve heard, it’s not hard to get a drink in Utah, though you must be 21 to purchase or consume alcohol. The state overhauled liquor laws in 2009 to bring it more in line with the rest of the United States. The state abolished the “private club” system, which required each patron have an annual or short-term membership in order to enter the premises. Many restaurants have licenses, which allow them to serve you wine and beer—and occasionally liquor—with a meal. At restaurants, you will have to order food in addition to alcohol. Some restaurants—generally those that cater to families—opt not to carry a liquor license. If you’re set on having a drink with your meal, check before you go. Some restaurants will allow you to bring your own wine, but may charge a corkage fee. Call ahead if you want to take your own wine or other liquor to a restaurant—lots of regulations cover brown bagging.
Utah has a thriving microbrewery scene, with local lagers produced in Salt Lake City, Park City, Moab, Springdale, Vernal, Ogden, and beyond. There are several brewpubs with their own beers on tap—try Latter Day Stout and Polygamy Porter to get a taste of the local drinking culture. Some brewpubs also have a liquor license that allows the sale of wine and spirits.
Most hotel restaurants carry a liquor license, and you’ll be able to get your own drinks from the minibar in your room.
Beer with 3.2% alcohol is available in grocery stores and some convenience stores. For anything else, you’ll have to go to a state liquor store. There are 17 liquor stores throughout Salt Lake City and others throughout the state. They are closed on Sunday, Election Day, and holidays.
Note that Utah recently lowered the maximum legal blood alcohol level in drivers from .08% to .05%, giving it the lowest and strictest DUI threshold in the country.
HEALTH
Salt Lake City and Logan are surrounded by mountains, which can trap pollution and create some of the worst air quality in the nation, particularly in winter. Red Alert action days happen several times a year (often for more than a week at a time) when strenuous activity, particularly by young and elderly people, is discouraged. Visit the Utah Department of Environmental Quality website to find out about air quality if you have asthma, allergies, or other breathing sensitivities.
Information Utah Department of Environmental Quality. www.airquality.utah.gov.
MONEY
Hotel prices in Salt Lake City run the gamut, but on average the prices are a bit lower than in most major cities. You can pay $100–$350 a night for a room in a major business hotel, though some “value” hotel rooms go for $50–$75, and budget motels are also readily available. Weekend packages at city hotels can cut prices in half (but may not be available in peak winter or summer seasons). As a rule, costs outside cities are lower, except in the deluxe resorts, where costs can be at least double those anywhere else in the state. Look for senior and kids’ discounts at many attractions.
Prices throughout this guide are given for adults. Substantially reduced fees are almost always available for children, students, and senior citizens.
CREDIT CARDS
Some small-town restaurants may not accept credit cards, but otherwise plastic is readily accepted at dining, lodging, shopping, and other facilities throughout the state. Minimum purchase amounts may apply.
Throughout this guide, we only mention credit cards when they are not accepted.
PACKING
Informality reigns here; jeans, sport shirts, and T-shirts fit in almost everywhere. The few restaurants and performing-arts events where dressier outfits are required, usually in resorts and larger cities, are the exception.
If you plan to spend much time outdoors, and certainly if you go in winter, choose clothing appropriate for cold and wet weather. Cotton clothing, including denim—although fine on warm, dry days—can be uncomfortable and even dangerous when it gets wet and when the weather’s cold. A better choice is clothing made of wool or any of a number of new synthetics that provide warmth without bulk and maintain their insulating properties even when wet.
In summer you’ll want shorts during the day. But because early morning and night can be cold, and high passes windy, pack a sweater and a light jacket, and perhaps also a wool cap and gloves. Try layering—a T-shirt under another shirt under a jacket—and peel off layers as you go. For walks and hikes, you’ll need sturdy footwear. To take you into the wilds, boots should have thick soles and plenty of ankle support; if your shoes are new and you plan to spend much time on the trail, break them in at home. Bring a day pack for short hikes, along with a canteen or water bottle, and don’t forget rain gear, a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
In winter, prepare for subfreezing temperatures with good boots, warm socks and liners, thermal underwear, a well-insulated jacket, and a warm hat and mittens. Dress in layers so you can add or remove clothes as the temperatures fluctuate.
If you attend dances and other events at Native American reservations, dress conservatively—skirts or long pants—or you may be asked to leave.
When traveling to mountain areas, remember that sunglasses and a sun hat are essential at high altitudes, even in winter; the thinner atmosphere requires sunscreen with a greater SPF than you might need at lower elevations. Bring moisturizer even if you don’t normally use it. Utah’s dry climate can be hard on your skin.
SAFETY
It’s always best to tell someone—the hotel desk clerk, the ski-rental person—where you’re going. Cell phones don’t always work in the backcountry, and even a general idea of where you are can help rescuers find you quickly. Know your limits.
Many trails are at high altitudes, where oxygen is thinner. They’re also frequently desolate. Hikers and bikers should carry a flashlight, a compass, waterproof matches, a first-aid kit, a knife, and a light plastic tarp for shelter. Backcountry skiers should add a repair kit, a blanket, an avalanche beacon, and a lightweight shovel to their lists. Always bring extra food and a canteen of water. Never drink from streams or lakes, unless you boil the water first or purify it with tablets. Giardia, an intestinal parasite, may be present.
Always check the condition of roads and trails, and get the latest weather reports before setting out. In summer take precautions against heat stroke or exhaustion by resting frequently in shaded areas; in winter take precautions against hypothermia by layering clothing.
You may feel dizzy and weak and find yourself breathing heavily—signs that the thin mountain air isn’t giving you your accustomed dose of oxygen. Take it easy and rest often for a few days until you’re acclimatized. Throughout your stay, drink plenty of water and watch your alcohol consumption, as dehydration is a common occurrence at high altitudes. If you experience severe headaches and nausea, see a doctor. It is easy to go too high too fast. The remedy for altitude-related discomfort is to go down quickly into heavier air.
Flash floods can strike at any time and any place with little or no warning. The danger in mountainous terrain intensifies when distant rains are channeled into gullies and ravines, turning a quiet stream-side campsite or wash into a rampaging torrent in seconds; similarly, desert terrain can become dangerous when heavy rains fall on land that is unable to absorb the water and thus floods quickly. Check weather reports before heading into the backcountry, and be prepared to head for higher ground if the weather turns severe.
One of the most wonderful features of Utah is its abundant wildlife. To avoid an unpleasant situation while hiking, make plenty of noise and keep dogs on a leash and small children between adults. While camping, be sure to store all food, utensils, and clothing with food odors far away from your tent, preferably high in a tree or in a bear box. If you do come across a bear or big cat, do not run. For bears or moose, back away while talking calmly; for mountain lions, make yourself look as big as possible. In either case, be prepared to fend off the animal with loud noises, rocks, sticks, and so on. And, as the saying goes, do not feed the bears—or any wild animals, whether they’re dangerous or not.
When in any park, give all animals their space. If you want to take a photograph, use a long lens and keep your distance. This is particularly important for winter visitors. Approaching an animal can cause stress and affect its ability to survive the sometimes-brutal climate. In all cases, remember that the animals have the right-of-way; this is their home, and you are the visitor.
SPECIAL INTEREST TOURS
BICYCLING
Utah offers a wide range of topography and scenery to satisfy cyclists of all styles. Moab has been heralded for years as a mecca for mountain bikers, but fat-tire lovers pedal all corners and all elevations of the state; bike shops in St. George, Salt Lake City, Parky City, and Ogden can also help you find an itinerary. Excellent multiday (and multisport) tours crisscross the desert including the incomparable White Rim Trail in Canyonlands National Park. Hard-core road cyclists, including pros in training, challenge themselves by climbing the grueling canyons to the east of Salt Lake City. But there are plenty of roads for the less gonzo rider to explore, and biking is an excellent way for a family to bond while getting some exercise.
TIP → Most airlines accommodate bikes as luggage for an extra fee, provided they’re dismantled and boxed.
Contacts Bicycle Adventures. 800/443–6060 www.bicycleadventures.com. Escape Adventures. 800/596–2953 www.escapeadventures.com. Rim Tours. 435/259–5223, 800/626–7335 www.rimtours.com. Western Spirit. 800/845–2453 www.westernspirit.com.
FISHING
Close to Salt Lake City, the Provo and Logan rivers are world-class trout-fishing rivers that attract anglers from around the globe. In some parts of the Provo, it is said that there are upward of 7,500 trout per square mile.
Contacts Fish Heads Fly Shop. www.fishheadsflyshop.com.
GOLF
From a dozen public courses in the Salt Lake Valley, to world-class courses in Park City, to the sunny southern Utah courses set against red-rock backdrops, Utah offers a proliferation of golf courses, many of which are highlighted on the Utah tourism website ( utah.com/golf-courses). You will find variety in terrain, scenery, and level of difficulty.
HORSEBACK RIDING
You can still throw on some jeans and boots and head out on a multiday horseback trek. Several Utah operators will match you with your steed, give you as much or as little instruction as you need, and get you out on the trail. Excursions range from day trips to week-long adventures. Find guides and rides on the Utah tourism website ( utah.com/horseback-riding).
RAFTING
For an instant respite from summer heat that ranges from toasty to torrid, book a one-to-five-day river-rafting adventure. Itineraries exist for families with adventurers as young as three years old and range from leisurely multiday floats to days that culminate in unforgettable rapids. Utah’s river guides have been at it for decades, and will gladly share river-bottom views of red rock cliffs, petroglyphs, and wildlife. The Utah tourism website ( www.utah.com/raft) is a useful resource.
SKIING
If ever an outdoor activity was synonymous with Utah tourism, skiing is it. The bulk of the state’s resorts, known for the fluffy powder that falls on average 400 to 600 inches or more a year, are within a one-hour drive from the Salt Lake City Airport. Ski the same runs that Olympians traversed in 2002: the downhill and slaloms were held at Snowbasin near Ogden, while aerials, slalom, and snowboarding took place at Park City or Deer Valley. Finally, challenge yourself on the Nordic competition trails at Heber Valley’s Soldier Hollow Olympic venue. Every ski resort and many private travel agents can assist you with your ski planning. Ski Utah is the state’s official and very useful website for ski information; it should be your starting point for any ski activity in the state.
Information SkiUtah. 800/754–8824 www.skiutah.com.
TAXES
State sales tax is 4.7% in Utah. Most areas have additional local sales and lodging taxes, which can be quite significant. For example, in Salt Lake City the combined sales tax is 6.85%, plus a 1% tax on all restaurant checks. Utah sales tax is reduced for some items, such as groceries.
TIME
Utah is in the mountain time zone. In summer Utah observes Daylight Savings Time.
TIPPING
It is customary to tip at least 15% at restaurants; 18%–20% in resort towns is increasingly the norm. For coat checks and bellhops, $1 per coat or bag is the minimum. Taxi drivers expect 15% to 20%, depending on where you are. In resort towns, ski technicians, sandwich makers, coffee baristas, and the like also appreciate tips. For ski instructors, a 10%–15% tip is standard.
TRIP INSURANCE
Comprehensive trip insurance is valuable if you’re booking a very expensive or complicated trip (particularly to an isolated region) or if you’re booking far in advance. Comprehensive policies typically cover trip cancellation and interruption, letting you cancel or cut your trip short because of illness, or, in some cases, acts of terrorism in your destination. Such policies might also cover evacuation and medical care. Some also cover you for trip delays because of bad weather or mechanical problems as well as for lost or delayed luggage.
Another type of coverage to consider is financial default—that is, when your trip is disrupted because a tour operator or airline goes out of business. Generally you must buy this when you book your trip or shortly thereafter, and it’s available to you only if your operator isn’t on a list of excluded companies.
Always read the fine print of your policy to make sure that you’re covered for the risks that most concern you. Compare several policies to be sure you’re getting the best price and range of coverage available.
Comprehensive Insurers AIG Travel Guard. 800/826–5248 www.travelguard.com. Allianz Global Assistance. 866/884–3556 www.allianztravelinsurance.com. Generali Global Assistance. 800/874–2442 www.generalitravelinsurance.com. Travelex Insurance. 800/228–9792 www.travelexinsurance.com. Travel Insured International. 800/243–3174 www.travelinsured.com.
Insurance Comparison Information Insure My Trip. 800/487–4722 www.insuremytrip.com. Square Mouth. 800/240–0369 www.squaremouth.com.
VISITOR INFORMATION
Utah Office of Tourism has an excellent website, and its office (across the street from the state capitol) is open weekdays.
Contacts Utah Office of Tourism. Council Hall, Capitol Hill, 300 N. State St., Salt Lake City 801/538–1900, 800/200–1160 www.visitutah.com.
The desert environment has been explored by a host of writers: Everett Reuss (A Vagabond for Beauty); Terry Tempest Williams (Refuge: An Unnatural History of Family and Place); Edward Abbey (Desert Solitaire); Wallace Stegner (Mormon Country); Jon Krakauer (Under the Banner of Heaven).
Utah’s famous desert landscape makes it a top destination for filmmakers as well: How the West Was Won (1963); 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968); Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969); Thelma and Louise (1991); High School Musical (2006); The Tree of Life (2008); 127 Hours (2011); and many more.