There are over a dozen national parks and monuments in Utah, all within a day’s drive of Salt Lake City. The farther south you drive, the more red the rocks become. the Forest Service administers most of the mountains near Salt Lake.
ARCHES NATIONAL PARK
5 miles north of Moab, U.S. Hwy 191, 435-259-8161
The collection of eroded sandstone formations here is the largest of its kind in the United States. A road winds past many of the arches and many others can be found hiking.
BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK
270 miles south of Salt Lake, off Utah Hwy 12, 435-834-5322
The landscape of Bryce Canyon ranges of fantastical to eerie. Unique geology conditions result in columns and spires that must be seen. Sunrise or sunsets over the canyon are particularly enchanting.
CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK
20 miles south of Moab, Utah Hwy 313, 435-259-7194
Chopped into three distinct sections by the Colorado and Green Rivers, Canyonlands is best experienced off-road or on the rivers. Island in the Sky offers amazing vistas. Only sturdy hikers and bikers should try The Maze.
CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK
230 miles south of Salt Lake, Utah Hwy 24, 435-425-3791
Named for the white sandstone that resembles the buildings in Washington D.C., Capital Reef is dominated by colorful formations and cliffs.
CEDAR BREAKS NATIONAL MONUMENT
25 miles east of Cedar City, Utah Hwy 14 to Utah Hwy 148, 435-586-9451
Cedar Breaks is home to Painted cliffs and colorful spires with nearby forests that are home to some of the world’s only Bristlecone pine trees, the oldest living things.
DINOSAUR NATIONAL MONUMENT
20 miles east of Vernal, Utah Hwy 149, 970-374-3000
In addition to the world’s largest quarry of Jurassic fossils anywhere, Dinosaur offers fantastic rafting on the Green and Yampa Rivers.
FLAMING GORGE NATIONAL RECREATION AREA
45 miles north of Vernal, off of Hwy 191. 435-784-3445
The park, known for some of the best trout fishing in the state, extends into Wyoming and covers over 200,000 acres.
GLEN CANYON NATIONAL RECREATION AREA
691 Scenic View Dr., Page, AZ. 520-608-6200
Situated on the Utah-Arizona border, the area surrounds Lake Powell, a favorite vacation spot for water skiers and the like.
GOLDEN SPIKE NATIONAL MONUMENT
25 miles west of Brigham City, Utah Hwy 83, 471-2209
Commemorated here is the historic occasion of May 10, 1869, when the rails met and the country was connected.
GRAND STAIRCASE-ESCALANTE NATIONAL MONUMENT
300 miles south of Salt Lake, U.S. Hwy 89, 435-865-5100
The newest addition to our trove of national monuments, Grand Staircase is 1.7 million years of fabulous desert topography and geology.
HOVENWEEP NATIONAL MONUMENT
The scenic Southeast Corner of Utah, 43 miles southwest of Cortez, CO. 435-719-2100
Visit six dwellings of pre-Columbian Pueblo Indians.
NATURAL BRIDGES NATIONAL MONUMENT
East of Lake Powell, Utah Hwy 95, 435-692-1234
Centered around three natural bridges cut by the Colorado or her tributaries, Natural Bridges offers great hiking and camping.
RAINBOW BRIDGE NATIONAL MONUMENT
Northeast of Page, Arizona, Lake Powell, 520-645-2471
Most accessible by boat from Lake Powell, Rainbow Bridge is one of the seven wonders of the natural world, the largest free-standing natural bridge.
TIMPANOGOS CAVE NATIONAL PARK
East of American Fork, American Fork Canyon, 756-5238
In close proximity to Salt Lake City, the Cave is reached via a 1.5 mile hike and includes three separate limestone caverns.
WASATCH-CACHE NATIONAL FOREST
524-5030
For information regarding fishing, camping, hiking or picnicking in the mountains surrounding Salt Lake City, contact the National Forest Service.
ZIONS NATIONAL PARK
325 miles south of Salt Lake, Springdale, 435-772-3256
From the wide-mouth canyon near Springdale to the bottleneck canyons of the Narrows, Zions impresses from start to finish, offering evidence of six distinct geological epochs.
STATE PARKS
There are a number of parks throughout the Salt Lake area and the rest of the state which are administered by the Utah Division of Parks and Recreation. For camping reservations call the Division of Parks, 322-3770 or 800-0322-3770.
ANTELOPE ISLAND STATE PARK
4528 W. 1700 South, Syracuse, 773-2941
The largest island in the Great Salt Lake can be accessed via a seven mile causeway from the town of Syracuse, about 40 miles north of Salt Lake. Home to a variety of wildlife, including buffalo at one time, the Island features sandy beaches and a boat marina.
EAST CANYON STATE PARK
5535 S. Hwy 66, Morgan, 829-6866
Just east of Salt Lake City is a 680 acre lake and forest area.
GREAT SALT LAKE STATE PARK
Exit 104 from I-80, west of Salt Lake City, 250-1898
Don’t let the smell or the bugs stop you from thinking this is a must-see salt water lake. The Great Salt Lake extends over 2,000 square miles and is saltier than the ocean. The park features a marina and picnic areas.
HISTORIC RAIL TRAIL STATE PARK
Park City, 435-649-6839
Hike, mountain bike, horseback ride or cross-country ski on this 28 mile trail that bans motor use.
JORDAN RIVER STATE PARK
1084 N. Redwood Road, Salt Lake City, 533-4496
This park follows the Jordan River north and south through Salt Lake City, offering spots to land a raft or canoe, walking and biking trails and an exercise course.
ROCKPORT STATE PARK
I-80 East to Wanship, exit 156. 435-336-2241
THIS IS THE PLACE HERITAGE PARK
2601 Sunnyside Ave., Salt Lake City, 584-8391
Site of the Mormon pioneers entry into the Salt Lake Valley, the park features Old Deseret Village, a recreation of pioneer settlements, as well as the This is the Place monument, the Brigham Young Forest Farmhouse, and picnic areas.
WILLARD BAY STATE PARK
900 W. 650 North, #A, Willard, 435-734-9494
Freshwater lake open year-round for fishing, plus campsites and marinas.
COUNTY PARKS AND FACILITIES
Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation provides more than 60 facilities ranging from small city parks to vast recreation centers. For information concerning locations, availability and reservations, contact County Parks at 483-5473 or 368-2560.
Parks (with reservation facilities):
BIG BEAR
930 E. 9695 South
BIG COTTONWOOD
4300 S. 1300 West
CANYON RIM
3100 S. 3100 East
COPPERTON
8731 W. 10305 South
COUGAR
4800 W. 6400 South
CREEKSIDE
1664 E. 4800 South
DAVID GOURLEY
4300 W. 5015 South
EVERGREEN
2230 E. 3425 South
GRANITE PARK
2700 E. 10000 South
HARMONY
3700 S. Main
HILLSDALE
3275 S. 3200 West
HUNTER
3600 S. 6000 West
JORDAN RIVER TRAILHEAD
2320 S. 1000 West
MAGNA
8941 W. 2600 South
PLEASANT GREEN
3250 S. 8400 West
RIVERVIEW
5840 S. 700 West
SOUTHRIDGE
5051 S. 4015 West
SUGAR HOUSE PARK
2100 S. 1602 East
TANNER PARK
2700 E. 2760 South
TAYLORSVILLE
4721 S. Redwood Rd.
UNION
7360 S. 700 East
VALLEY REGIONAL
5100 S. 2700 West
WHEELER HISTORIC FARM
6351 S. 900 East, 264-2241
Pools:
DRAPER OUTDOOR POOL
657 E. Vestry Road, 495-1445
GENE FULLMER CENTER and POOLS
8015 S. 2200 West, 569-5090
JORDAN PARK and
SWIMMING POOL
1000 S. 900 West, 596-0072
LIBERY PARK and SWIMMING POOL
500 E. 900 South, 538-2062
MAGNA CENTER and POOL
3270 S. 8400 West, 250-2194
NORTHWEST CENTER and POOL
1300 W. 300 North, 596-0072
SOUTH COUNTY OUTDOOR POOL
12765 S. 1125 West, 253-4404
STEINER AQUATIC CENTER
855 W. California Ave., 974-2420
STEINER EAST AQUATIC CENTER
645 S. Guardsmen Way, 583-9713
TAYLORSVILLE OUTDOOR POOL
4915 S. 2700 West, 967-5506
WEST VALLEY OUTDOOR POOL
3100 S. 5600 West, 486-2560
WEST JORDAN OUTDOOR POOL
8125 S. 2200 West, 569-5090
Sports Facilities:
CENTRAL CITY RECREATION CENTER
615 S. 300 East, 538-2062
COPPERVIEW RECREATION CENTER
8446 S. 340 West, 561-0075
COTTONWOOD SOFTBALL COMPLEX
4302 S. 1300 East, 264-2237
COUNTY ICE CENTER
5201 S. Murray Park Lane, 270-7280
DIMPLE DELL RECREATION CENTER
10400 S. 1300 East,
495-1480
EAST MILLCREEK RECREATION CENTER
2230 Evergreen Ave.
272-2243
EQUESTRIAN PARK
10800 S. 2200 West, 254-0106
GENE FULLMER RECREATION CENTER
8015 S. 2200 West, 563-8440
HOLLADAY LIONS RECREATION CENTER
1661 E. Murray Holladay Rd. 421-0621
KEARNS RECREATION CENTER
5670 S. 4800 West,
967-4404
MARV JENSON FITNESS CENTER
10300 S. Redwood Road, 253-4404
NORTHWEST RECREATION CENTER
300 N. 1300 West, 596-0072
OQUIRRH PARK FITNESS
5624 S. 4800 West, 968-3844
REDWOOD RECREATION CENTER
3060 S. 1700 West, West Valley, 974-6923
VALLEY REGIONAL SOFTBALL COMPLEX
5135 S. 2775 West
WEST VALLEY ACCORD ICE CENTER
5405 W. 3100 South
CITY PARKS AND FACILITIES
Salt Lake City Parks and Recreation offers sports and other activities at more than 60 parks, 10 swimming pools, two tennis complexes, a youth recreation center and an aquatic center. The phone number is 972-7800. A partial listing of facilities:
Parks:
CHILDREN’S GARDEN
At Liberty Park, 972-7800
EAST MILLCREEK CENTER
2230 Evergreen Ave, 272-2243
GLENDALE YOUTH RECREATION CENTER
855 W. California Ave., 974-2420
KIWANIS-FELT CENTER
440 S. 900 East, 538-2064
SUNNYSIDE PARK
1600 E. Sunnyside Ave.
TANNER PARK
2700 E. Heritage Way
TRACY AVIARY
At Liberty Park, 596-8500
Pools:
Pools:
CENTRAL CITY SWIMMING POOL
615 S. 300 East, 538-2062
CRESTWOOD SWIMMING POOL
1700 E. Siesta Dr., 272-2243
FAIRMONT PARK AND POOL
2361 S. 900 East, 272-2243
REDWOOD SWIMMING POOL
3100 S. Redwood Rd., 974-6923
Sports Facilities:
DEE SMITH TENNIS CENTER
1216 S Wasatch Drive, 583-9451
LIBERTY PARK TENNIS CENTER
500 E. 900 South, 328-4711
SALT LAKE AREA AMUSEMENT CENTERS
In the greater Salt Lake area there are many places to enjoy some free time, whether being propelled at break-neck speed through the loops of a roller coaster, or just trying to break par on a miniature golf course.
LAGOON AMUSEMENT PARK
275 Lagoon Drive (15 miles north of SLC just off 1-15), 451-8000
The state’s largest amusement park features one of the nation’s oldest wooden coasters as well as kiddie rides, games, a water park, and plenty of other hours of fun.
RAD CANYON BMX TRACK
9730 S. 5250 West, 964-6502
RAGING WATERS
1200 W. 1700 South, Salt Lake City, 972-3300
A great place to be during the summer heat, at Raging Waters you can lounge in the wave pool or get shot out of a tube.
SEVEN PEAKS
1330 E. 300 North, Provo, 801-373-8777
Utah’s largest water park features all kinds of fun, including numerous slides, pools, volleyball areas and picnic facilities.
UTAH FUN DOME
4998 S. 360 West, Murray, 265-3866
This family entertainment center offers 2 18-hole miniature golf courses, bowling, laser tag, a 3-D theater, skating, video games and more.
HOLLYWOOD CONNECTION
3217 S. Decker Lake Drive, West Valley City, 973-4386
The area’s newest amusement center features all kinds of great rides, games and food as well as a megaplex of cinema screens.
SALT LAKE AREA GOLF COURSES
Salt Lake City is known for its many fine golf courses that cover all ability levels and offer a variety of terrain. From nine-hole courses for novices to 18-hole championship-caliber links, the Salt Lake Valley has the right course for you.
BONNEVILLE GOLF COURSE
954 Connor, 583-9513
EAGLEWOOD GOLF COURSE
1110 E. Eaglewood Drive, 299-0088
FORE LAKES GOLF COURSE
1285 W. 4700 South, 266-8621
FOREST DALE GOLF COURSE
2375 S. 900 E. 483-5420
GLENDALE GOLF COURSE
1630 W. 2100 South, 974-2403
GLENMOOR GOLF COURSE
9800 S. 4800 West, 280-1742
THANKSGIVING POINT
2095 N. West Frontage Road, 768-7400
JORDAN RIVER GOLF COURSE
1200 N. Redwood Road, 533-4527
LAKESIDE GOLF COURSE
1201 N. 1100 West, 295-1019
MEADOWBROOK GOLF COURSE
4197 S. 1300 West, 266-0971
MICK RILEY GOLF COURSE
421 S. Vine, 266-8185
MOUNTAIN DELL GOLF COURSE
Parley’s Canyon, 583-3812
MOUNTAIN VIEW GOLF COURSE
2400 W. 8660 South, 255-9211
MULLIGAN’S GOLF
692 W. 10600 South, 254-3377
MURRAY PARKWAY GOLF COURSE
6345 S. Riverside Parkway, 262-4653
NIBLEY PARK GOLF COURSE
2780 S. 700 East, 483-5418
OLD MILL GOLF COURSE
6080 S. Wasatch Blvd., 424-1302
RIVERBEND GOLF COURSE
12800 S. 1040 West, 253-3673
ROSE PARK GOLF COURSE
1386 N. Redwood Road, 596-5030
SOUTH MOUNTAIN GOLF COURSE
1247 E. Rambling Road, 395-0500
UNIVERSITY GOLF COURSE
University of Utah, 581-6511
WEST RIDGE GOLF COURSE
5200 S. West Ridge Blvd., 966-4653
WINGPOINTE GOLF COURSE
3602 W. 100 North, 575-2345
