Salt Lake City Itinerary: 7-Day Utah Travel Guide

Quick answer

This 7-day Salt Lake City itinerary requires an approximate budget of $1,400–$1,800 USD (£1,100–£1,420) per person. Optimal visiting months are June to September for hiking or December to March for skiing. A rental car is necessary for excursions to Antelope Island and Park City, though the TRAX light rail serves the downtown core effectively.

Trip summary

• Duration: 7 days.
• Ideal traveller type: Active families, outdoor enthusiasts, and history buffs.
• Pace: Moderate, with mornings dedicated to travel and afternoons for exploration.
• Approximate daily budget: $200–$250 USD (£158–£197).
• Best season: Late spring (May) for wildflowers or early autumn (September) for comfortable temperatures.

Day 1: Downtown and Temple Square

• Morning: Visit Temple Square (currently under renovation, check official site for accessibility). Tour the Tabernacle and the Family Search Centre for genealogy research. Walk to the Beehive House, the historic residence of Brigham Young.
• Afternoon: Walk 5 minutes to City Creek Center for lunch. Explore the Utah State Capitol building, a 15-minute uphill walk or a 5-minute bus ride via the 200 line. The Capitol offers views of the Salt Lake Valley.
• Evening: Walk to Main Street for dinner at Current Fish & Oyster. Visit the Leonardo Museum if a night event is scheduled.
• Transport: Walking and the Free Fare Zone on TRAX light rail.
• Walking load: 6–8 kilometres.
• Rationale: This sequence focuses on the city's historical and architectural core within the walkable downtown grid.

Day 2: Foothills and Natural History

• Morning: Drive 10 minutes or take Bus 220 to the Natural History Museum of Utah. Focus on the Past Worlds and Native Voices galleries. Entry costs approximately $20 USD (£16).
• Afternoon: Walk next door to Red Butte Garden. Spend 2 hours on the floral walkways and the Zeke Dumke, Jr. Terrace. Afternoon tea or snacks are available at the gift shop.
• Evening: Drive to the 9th and 9th neighbourhood. Dine at Pago or visit the Tower Theatre.
• Transport: Car or Bus 220/4. Travel time: 15 minutes from downtown.
• Walking load: 5 kilometres.
• Rationale: These venues are clustered on the University of Utah campus, reducing transit time.

Day 3: The Great Salt Lake and Antelope Island

• Morning: Drive 65 kilometres (45 minutes) north to Antelope Island State Park. Entry is $15 USD (£12) per vehicle. Stop at the Visitor Centre to spot bison and pronghorn.
• Afternoon: Drive to Buffalo Point for a short 1.6-kilometre hike with panoramic lake views. Visit Bridger Bay Beach to experience the high salinity water.
• Evening: Return to SLC. Stop in Bountiful for dinner at a local diner like Plates & Palates.
• Transport: Rental car essential.
• Walking load: 3–5 kilometres on easy trails.
• Rationale: A full day is required to reach the island and explore its remote northern end away from city congestion.

Day 4: Park City Day Trip

• Morning: Drive 40 minutes east on I-80 to Park City. Walk Historic Main Street. Visit the Park City Museum (approx. $15 USD / £12).
• Afternoon: Take the free Main Street trolley. Visit the Utah Olympic Park to see the 2002 Winter Games bobsled track and ski jumps. Watch athletes train in the freestyle pools during summer.
• Evening: Dinner on Main Street at High West Distillery. Return to SLC.
• Transport: Rental car.
• Walking load: 4 kilometres.
• Rationale: Park City is higher in elevation; visiting mid-week avoids the heavy weekend crowds from the valley.

Day 5: Big Cottonwood Canyon

• Morning: Drive 30 minutes to the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon. Hike the Donut Falls trail (approx. 5.5 kilometres round trip, moderate difficulty).
• Afternoon: Continue driving up-canyon to Silver Lake at Brighton Resort. Walk the 1.5-kilometre boardwalk around the lake.
• Evening: Head back to the Holladay neighbourhood for dinner at Copper Kitchen.
• Transport: Rental car.
• Walking load: 7–9 kilometres.
• Rationale: This canyon provides high-altitude alpine scenery within 30 minutes of the city centre.

Day 6: Art and Gardens

• Morning: Visit the Utah Museum of Fine Arts (UMFA) on the University of Utah campus. Entry is approximately $18 USD (£14).
• Afternoon: Drive 15 minutes to Liberty Park. Visit the Tracy Aviary, which houses over 130 species of birds. Entry is $15 USD (£12). Walk the park’s inner loop.
• Evening: Visit the Gateway Mall area for a movie at The Depot or dinner at HallPass food hall.
• Transport: TRAX or car.
• Walking load: 5 kilometres.
• Rationale: This day balances indoor culture with the city’s largest public green space.

Day 7: Bear River and Departure

• Morning: Drive 1 hour north to the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge near Brigham City. Drive the 19-kilometre auto tour loop to see pelicans and herons.
• Afternoon: Return toward SLC. Visit the Hill Aerospace Museum (free entry, donations accepted) near Ogden to see vintage aircraft.
• Evening: Final dinner at Valter’s Osteria in downtown SLC. Transfer to Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), 10 minutes from downtown.
• Transport: Rental car.
• Walking load: 2 kilometres (mostly driving).
• Rationale: The northern route allows for wildlife spotting and aviation history before an evening flight.

Estimated costs

Note: All prices are estimates based on current averages. Check official sites before you go.

Reservations to book ahead

• Rental Car: Book at least 3 weeks in advance, especially during ski season.
• High West Distillery: Reservations for dinner in Park City are highly recommended 2 weeks out.
• Tabernacle Choir Rehearsals: If you plan to attend a Thursday evening rehearsal, check the schedule online for closures.
• National History Museum: Book timed entry tickets during peak summer months to ensure access.

Common mistakes

• Ignoring elevation: SLC is at 1,300 metres; Park City is over 2,100 metres. Drink double the usual amount of water to avoid altitude sickness.
• Sunday closures: Many local restaurants and shops in the downtown area are closed on Sundays due to local customs.
• Underestimating traffic: The I-15 corridor between SLC and Ogden experiences heavy congestion during rush hours (07:00–09:00 and 16:00–18:30).
• Skipping the Great Salt Lake: Many visitors avoid it due to reports of smell, but Antelope Island offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the state.
• Parking in downtown: Do not leave valuables in cars at trailhead parking lots in the canyons.

Plan your trip

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FAQ

Is Salt Lake City walkable? The downtown core is very walkable and served by a Free Fare Zone for light rail. However, reaching the canyons, Antelope Island, and Park City requires a vehicle.

What is the best month to visit Salt Lake City? September is ideal for hiking as the heat has subsided and snow hasn't yet blocked high-altitude trails. February is best for consistent deep powder if skiing is the priority.

Do I need a car in Salt Lake City? Yes, if you plan to visit the national parks or nearby canyons. The public transport system (UTA) is good within the city but limited for outdoor recreation areas.