Salt Lake City, state capital of Utah and a landlocked region of the US southwest, is a city of surprises. As well as being the world headquarters for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – 66 per cent of Utah’s population are LDS followers – it’s also home to a sizeable LGBTQ+ community; it’s was dubbed the gayest city in the US in 2012, and between 2016 and 2020 was presided over by a lesbian mayor. While these respective communities may not seem like obvious bedfellows, a 2019 poll by Public Religion Research Institute revealed that over three-quarters of Utahns supported laws that protect LGBTQ+ people from discrimination, evidence of the special culture that has developed in the West Desert region.
Surrounded by the dramatic snow-topped Wasatch and Oquirrh mountains, Salt Lake City is also a major destination for outdoor pursuits, with plentiful hiking and biking opportunities year round and some of the best ski resorts in the world come winter. Around 40 miles outside of Salt Lake is also the birthplace of the country’s biggest independent film festival, Sundance.
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In a country full of exceptional destinations for city breaks, Salt Lake City might not seem the obvious choice for a holiday, but it’s a city with some incredible experiences to discover and a unique charm. And with the state’s only international airport situated in Salt Lake, you’re likely to land here first ahead of any onward journeys within Utah and beyond, so it’s worth extending your stay for a few days to explore what this fascinating city has to offer.
Best things to do in Salt Lake City
Views to savour from Ensign Peak
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Take a hike
Salt Lake City’s proximity to nature is a primary reason why people are so attracted to this valley; you can be surrounded by peaceful, verdant mountains within 15 minutes of leaving the Downtown area. Arriving in the city by air offers a hint of the majestic landscape ahead, with planes descending over the snow-capped Wasatch Mountains. Hiking trails abound, with city strolls including City Creek Canyon, the Ensign Peak, and the Bonneville Shoreline Trail (great views, flat and good for beginners). More ambitious hikers should opt for The Living Room Trail, Neff’s Canyon, or Mount Olympus, a great spot for watching the sun set.
Listen to the music
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