7 days, about 900 miles
48 hours in Salt Lake City
History, food and mountains in one compact city. The canyons start 20 minutes from downtown.
Day 1: Downtown
- MorningTemple Square and the Capitol
Walk the city's founding blocks, then climb to the State Capitol for the view down State Street.
- MiddayEnsign Peak
A short, steep hike to the overlook where Brigham Young's party surveyed the valley in 1847.
- AfternoonNatural History Museum of Utah
Dinosaurs and the story of the Great Basin, in a building set into the foothills.
- EveningDinner in the Ninth and Ninth or Sugar House neighborhoods
Independent restaurants, bars and shops.
Day 2: Up the canyons
- MorningBig or Little Cottonwood Canyon
Hike to Lake Blanche or Cecret Lake in summer, or ski in winter.
- AfternoonGreat Salt Lake
Drive out to Antelope Island for bison and the lake at sunset.
File photograph. Photo: Austen Diamond Photography · Used with permission for destination coverage · Visit Salt Lake
A seasonal market morning
If your downtown day falls on a market day, consider the Downtown Farmers Market. Its summer and winter markets have different locations and hours; check the official schedule before fitting it into your plan.
File photograph. Photo: S. Buckley · Used with permission for destination coverage · Visit Salt Lake
An optional concert evening
When a performance fits your dates, Red Butte Garden can be an alternative evening plan. Concert admission is separate from a daytime garden visit; check the current listing first.