Page 2 of 11

Vibe Check
Utah's religious shifts and political winds will (slowly) change the face of Utah.
By Benjamin Wood

Utah is a small state, filled with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (they're not called Mormons these days), that's dominated by conservative politics and is known for its rural landscapes.

At the same time, Utah is a rapidly growing state whose predominant faith is hemorrhaging congregants, whose generally apathetic and centrist electorate is often at odds with the far-right idealogues who hold power and whose population is tightly concentrated in urban and suburban areas along the Wasatch Front.

If those contradictions seem irreconcilable, you might be new here. Allow me to (attempt to) explain:

A Mile Wide and an Inch Deep
Today, Utah Republicans hold every statewide political office, supermajorities in both the state House and Senate and the entirety of Utah's federal delegation. But the GOP's red wall may not be quite as sturdy as it appears—having been erected in the late '80s/early '90s and propped up over four decades through increasingly flagrant gerrymandering.

If Utah's government reflected the raw math of how Utahns vote, the state's woefully disorganized Democrats could expect to hold at least one of four congressional seats and enough state legislative seats to threaten the Republicans' veto-proof chambers. But since the government is determined through voting districts, Utah's left-leaning and city-based voters are "cracked" between all four congresspersons and "packed" into as few state-level seats as possible.

This dynamic was perhaps most visible in 2018, when three separate ballot initiatives won a statewide majority but were subsequently rejected by lawmakers, most of whom pointed to the initiatives' failure among their constituents as justification.

Without meaningful competition, Utah Republicans have taken to fighting among themselves. A longtime civil war over the party's method for nominating candidates has only intensified in the era of Donald Trump, whose MAGA brand of recklessness and hostile isolationism grates against the Reagan-era "city on a hill" nostalgia that built the state's conservative apparatus.

Trump won Utah in 2016 and 2020, but with the worst voter shares of any Republican nominee in modern memory. And while 2024 could see another win for Trump in the Beehive State, his controversial candidacy does little to reverse the regional trends that have turned Colorado and New Mexico blue and turned Arizona purple. What's more, the 2030 census will see Utah knocking on the door of earning a fifth congressional seat, which could stretch local Republican gerrymandering to the breaking point.

When the Saints Go Marching
Settlers affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints arrived in the Salt Lake Valley in 1847, headquartered their faith around what is now Temple Square and, for more than a century, enjoyed virtually unchallenged dominance of the state of Utah's economy, culture and politics.

But the 21st century has seen a shift in trajectory. The 2002 Olympic Winter Games generated a tidal wave of outside attention, interest and scrutiny (as the 2034 Olympics are likely to do again) and younger generations of Utahns—like their counterparts elsewhere—are abandoning organized religion in droves. LDS leaders keep their cards close to the vest, but independent research released in December suggested that practicing Mormons now make up less than half of the statewide population, with even lower numbers in Salt Lake County and Salt Lake City.

None of this is to imply that Utah isn't still a Latter-day Saint stronghold. But the old divide between Mormons and "non-Mormons" is increasingly being disrupted by a middle cohort that is distinctly "ex-Mormon." If that trend continues, we should expect to see a greater emphasis on the things that all Utahns agree on (good schools, outdoor recreation and access to nature, saving the Great Salt Lake, sports and entertainment, etc.) and less effort by the political majority to choke diversity out of existence (i.e, burdensome liquor and hospitality regulation, anti-abortion absolutism, book banning, LGBTQ discrimination, guns, etc.)

The rightward elements of the state sense this shift coming and have compensated by doubling down on their worst impulses, fast-tracking anti-transgender and anti-diversity laws in the opening days of the 2024 legislative session while otherwise looking to raise the hurdles for citizen initiatives, roll back mail-in and ranked-choice voting and divert public education dollars to families enrolled in private schools. That crowd will do everything it can to cling to power, but there's reason to believe a tectonic shift in Utah's socio-political demographics is on the horizon.

The Call of the Wild
No matter your personal politics or religion, there's one thing everyone in Utah can agree on: the greatest snow on earth and the incredible geology beneath it. With world-class ski resorts, the "Mighty 5" national parks, state and regional parks and countless miles of trails through the center of town or deep into the backcountry, anyone looking for adventure, adrenaline or just a peaceful break under clear blue skies can find what they're looking for.

Go for a bike ride on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, carve through a wake at Jordanelle Reservoir or paddle your way across Causey Reservoir. If you're feeling ambitious, you can do all three in one day!

And remember to refuel at one of our great local eateries. If you need help finding a delicious meal or a frosty beer, read on—or check out the dining listings at cityweekly.net.

Why Ya Gotta Be So Salty?
In a fight for its life, Utah's inland sea inspires a new generation of lake protectors.
By Christa Zaro

As namesake to Utah's capital city, the Great Salt Lake lies west of communities from Salt Lake north to Ogden, all the way to Tremonton. Whether you're seeing the lake from a hilltop home, office building or rooftop bar, it often shows up as a shimmering patch of blue on the western horizon. And no matter your vantage point, you just can't help but admire its austere beauty.

As the last remnant of Lake Bonneville (which, back in the Ice Age, covered most of Utah), the Great Salt Lake is the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere. Fed with freshwater from the Jordan, Weber and Bear rivers, GSL is a terminal lake (meaning it has no outlet to the ocean). As such, GSL accumulates tons of minerals each year, which give the lake its high salinity (2 to 9 times saltier—depending on location—than seawater) and density. This density accounts for why swimmers often feel buoyant in the water.

The Lake Giveth
For more than a century, humans have divided the lake with railroad trestles, dikes and a causeway. Each lake fragment has its own salinity and color. Measuring 75 miles long and 35 miles wide, GSL is a vast, shallow basin, known for its "lake stink." You'll find no fish in this extra salty lake environment, but it's the perfect home for brine shrimp, brine fly larvae and algae. The commercial harvest of brine shrimp represents an $80 million dollar-per-year industry, with the lake's shrimp sold worldwide as fish and prawn food.

The shrimp and the lake's billions of brine flies serve as tasty snacks for the more than 10 million migratory birds (more than 250 species) that touch down on the shores of the lake annually. Millions of native birds, shorebirds and waterfowl including ducks, geese, gulls, pelicans and eagles call the marshes and surrounding wetlands home.

The GSL also is a rich source of salt, magnesium, lithium and other minerals for companies ranging from Morton Salt to U.S. Magnesium. GSL mineral extractions contribute $1.3 billion a year to Utah's economy, according to a 2019 report prepared for the Great Salt Lake Advisory Council, but the industries are also criticized for high water usage and pollution.

Those who come to Utah for winter recreation can also thank the GSL for enhancing the abundant snowfall they so enjoy. Skiers and boarders rejoice when the "lake effect" phenomenon kicks in as a cold storm front crosses over the warmer shallow GSL waters to produce unparalleled amounts of light fluffy powder in our mountains, dubbed "The Greatest Snow on Earth."

Where'd All the Water Go?
Lately, however, the GSL has made national and international news out of concern for its receding waters.

Water that normally fills the lake has been increasingly diverted for agricultural, industrial and residential usage. Combine that with the effects of drought and climate change, and we've seen the lake recede by two thirds (73%). In the fall of 2022, the GSL hit a record low water level, and scientists warned of the lake's extinction within five years. Not only that, but as shorelines recede, the GSL's lakebed (where all the lake's toxins have settled) is now exposed. Winds blow toxic dust from the lakebed into the air, creating a public health concern for residents living along the Wasatch Front.

Simply put, the lake needs more water. While Mother Nature helped out with a bountiful snowpack the past two winters, it isn't near enough to replenish the basin.

Be the Change
What's next: Prayers alone won't save the Great Salt Lake. Utah environmental author Terry Tempest Williams and others have advocated giving the GSL legal "personhood" to recognize its inherent right to exist and flourish and to potentially allocate water rights to the lake. The Utah Legislature and governor nipped that idea in the bud but insist they are still dedicated to saving the GSL. To that end, they've appointed a GSL commissioner, Brian Steed, to oversee statewide preservation efforts.

Since 1994, the nonprofit Friends of the Great Salt Lake has kept watch over the Great Salt Lake ecosystem and helped increase public awareness through education, research, advocacy and the arts. Artists and activists from Save Our Great Salt Lake and the River Writing Collective heard the call and began holding vigil at the Capitol during the legislative session dressed in colorful bird and brine shrimp costumes. The groups also host consciousness-raising events throughout the year. Grow the Flow is also part of the effort, focused on restoring the lake through policy, innovation and citizen involvement.

A cohort of 19 local news, education and civic organizations calling themselves the Great Salt Lake Collaborative have banded together to inform and engage the public about working toward solutions to rescue the lake before it's too late.

Get Your Feet Wet
Yes, the lake may be struggling, but it is far from dead. See it now, spend time at Great Salt Lake state parks and see why the lake inspires so much love and devotion. Enjoy wildlife viewing, birdwatching, hiking, full moon bike rides, camping, picnicking, kayaking, swimming and more at:

Antelope Island State Park and Visitor Center: 33 miles north of Salt Lake City. Access the park via a 7.2-mile causeway located 7 miles west of Interstate 15, exit 332, near Layton

Great Salt Lake State Park and Marina: 17 miles west of Salt Lake City on I-80, exit 104 (Saltair Drive). Open year round.

Willard Bay State Park marinas: Willard Bay is a freshwater reservoir 12 miles northwest of Ogden, on the flood plains of the Great Salt Lake. The north marina and campgrounds are located west of I-15, exit 357. The south marina and campgrounds are a little farther west of I-15, exit 351.

Bonneville Salt Flats
From Salt Lake City, drive 1½ hours west on Interstate 80 to discover a vast expanse of flat salt-encrusted earth used for land speed racing (Speedweek is usually held in early August). Since 1914, this unique landscape has brought land speed racers from around the world to test themselves and their vehicles on "fastest speedway on earth." The salt flats are also the place for archery competitions, running races, photography, videography and research projects.

At 12 miles long and 5 miles wide, the flats appear to be covered in snow, but it's actually a crust of salt that's 5 feet thick in some places. Originally 96,000 acres, the salt flats themselves have been reduced by climate change and mineral extraction to 30,000 acres and a quarter-inch thickness in some spots.

Environmental Art
Spiral Jetty: This spectacular earth art sculpture on the northeastern shore of the GSL is a two-hour drive from downtown Salt Lake. In 1970, artist Robert Smithson trucked in more than 6,000 tons of black basalt rock to form a counterclockwise coil jetty that extends from the shore into the water. The jetty was submerged for decades but now the rocks are fully visible and walkable.

Sun Tunnels: This example of environmental art is from Robert Smithson's widow, artist Nancy Holt. Located three hours northwest of Salt Lake in a ghost town called Lucin, here you'll see four concrete tunnels 18 feet long and 9 feet in diameter arranged in an X-pattern and aligned to view the sunrise and sunset on the summer and winter solstices.

Metaphor: The Tree of Utah: This sculpture stands at the edge of Interstate 80 about 25 miles east of Wendover on the Bonneville Salt Flats. Constructed in the mid-1980s by Swedish artist Karl Momen, the work consists of a large concrete trunk with six orbs at the top meant to mimic branches, covered in more than 2,000 glossy ceramic tiles and minerals. On the ground next to the trunk are purposely broken pieces of an orb that appears to have fallen and cracked open, seeming to impart that nature is resilient even in the harsh conditions of the barren salt flats.

When It Rains, It Pours
Table salt is ubiquitous, but you might think twice when you know that the world’s best-known flavor enhancer comes from the Great Salt Lake, specifically the Grantsville area.
Since 1918, Morton Salt Co. has been mining and harvesting table salt, water softening and deicing salt.
Salt production starts in March and harvests in November. Through solar evaporation during the warmer months, the sun evaporates water from precipitation in salt ponds leaving behind the ”white gold” that we can’t live without.

High Roads to Adventure
When the heat is on in Salt Lake City, nearby mountains offer a cool reprieve.
By Aimee L. Cook

Utah's ski resorts aren't only about their legendary powder snow. In the summer, they become havens for hikers, bikers and picnickers. Nature lovers can amble through fields of gorgeous wildflowers, while concertgoers can sip a stein of beer and relax on a mountain slope listening to a great band. Or just play with gravity as it carries you through the forest on an alpine coaster or zipline. Mountain resorts were made for summer escapades.

Snowbird: An Adrenaline Playground
Take in the 360-degree views across valleys and peaks from Snowbird's newly constructed tram rooftop balconies, the only ones of their kind in the United States. Thrill-seekers can test their courage on the Mountain Coaster, zipping through twists and turns amid the alpine splendor. "Sled" down the slopes on the Alpine Slide, or glide among the treetops on the ZipWhipper. Two iconic activities not to be missed are the scenic tram rides and Oktoberfest. For those with littles, check out the Forever Young Boundless Playground; it is free and accessible to kids of all abilities. 9385 S. Snowbird Center Drive, Snowbird, snowbird.com/summer-activities

Snowbasin: Where Trails Meet Tunes
A scenic ride on Needles Gondola opens to meandering trails and panoramic views of the Wasatch Range for lift-served hiking and biking. You'll have a scenic 26-mile network of more than 20 trails to explore on foot or by bike. Spend some time mastering the 18-hole mini golf course and plan ahead for the SnowWiesen Oktoberfest. The resort is also a hotspot (er, cool spot?) for music lovers, with the Snowbasin Blues, Brews & BBQ concert series that fills the valley with soulful tunes. 3925 E. Snowbasin Road, Huntsville, 801-620-1100, snowbasin.com

Solitude: A Local Favorite
Shred epic trails in the mountain bike park, designed by Gravity Logic, with options for every skill level from beginner cruisers to gravity-defying pros. Lace-up your boots to hike alpine meadows and forests.

Put your aim to the test on the challenging disc golf course; starting at 9,000 feet, the 18-basket course is perfect for a friendly-family competition or a solo Zen session. Bring the kiddos to Adventure Park, featuring zip lines, climbing walls and a bungee trampoline. Unwind after a day of adventure with weekly live music, free at Solitude Village. 12000 Big Cottonwood Canyon, Solitude, 801-536-5786, solitudemountain.com/discover-solitude/summer

Deer Valley: Elegance in the Wild
Deer Valley retains its elegant charm in the summer, with lift-served mountain biking and guided historical hikes that reveal the area's mining past. Stand-up paddleboard yoga is offered on the serene Snow Park pond, and the renowned Deer Valley Music Festival (deervalleymusicfestival.org) and Deer Valley Concert Series provide both classical and pop performances at the Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater. Enjoy a pre-concert entrée from the seasonal menus at the Brass Tag and the Royal Street Café. For a more laid-back meal, visit the Deer Valley Grocery Café.

The Deer Valley Mountain Beer Festival is a must for beer enthusiasts, as is the Hops on the Hill series (7700 Stein Way, Park City, 435-645-6455, steinlodge.com/hops-on-the-hill) on the deck of the Stein Eriksen Lodge. 2250 Deer Valley Drive South, Park City, 435-649-1000, deervalley.com/discover-deer-valley/summer

Park City Mountain: Events for Every Passion
In summer, cyclists love coming to Park City Mountain for its more than 150 miles of winding paths, some of which are lift-served. Bike rentals are also available. Discover the thrill of the 3,000-foot downhill ride on the Alpine slide or take a seat on the two-person Flying Eagle zip line and enjoy views of the town below. Scenic lift rides and disc golf are also family favorites in the summer, as are the farmers' markets on Wednesdays. Thursday and Saturday nights bring musical acts for the free summer concert series in Canyons Village. Two locations: Park City Village and Canyons Village, 435-649-8111, parkcitymountain.com/explore-the-resort/activities/summer-activities

Sundance: Easy Rider
In summer, trade your skis for fly rods and cast a line in the Provo River, teeming with trout and rustic scenery. Explore the Wasatch Range on foot, choosing from 20 miles of diverse hiking trails. Bike riders enjoy more than 25 miles of lift-serviced, single-track mountain biking trails that offer an exhilarating descent. Sundance's ZipTour, with more than 2,100 feet of vertical drop, is among the nation's highest. Saddle up for a horseback ride led by experienced guides. Beyond outdoor adventure, Sundance transforms into a cultural hub in the summer. Enjoy theater performances in the intimate setting of the Sundance Summer Theatre or tap your foot to live outdoor concerts, ranging from jazz and bluegrass to folk and indie rock. 8841 N. Alpine Loop Road, Sundance, 801-225-4107, sundanceresort.com

Heber Valley: Adventure for Days
All aboard! Take a ride on the family-friendly Heber Valley Historic Railroad (450 S. 600 West, 435-654-5601, Heber City, hebertrain.com). The train departs several times a day, meandering 16 miles through farmlands, along the bucolic Provo River, and along mountain foothills to the west bank of Deer Creek Reservoir. Unleash your wild side and tackle the Provo River with your raft, kayak, tube and stand-up paddleboard. Or else join the ranks of elite anglers in the pursuit of Utah trout in any number of creeks in the area. Book a guide at a company like Fish Heads Fly Shop (32 S. Main, Heber City, 435-657-2010, fishheadsflyshop.com) to get you to the most bountiful fishing holes. Venture into Midway (aka "Little Switzerland") to discover the geothermal hot springs of the Utah Crater at Homestead Farm (700 N. Homestead Drive, Midway, 435-657-3840, utahcrater.com). There, you can swim, snorkel, take a paddle board yoga class or just enjoy a nice soak. Cheese lovers should be sure to stop in at Heber Valley Artisan Cheese (920 River Road, Midway, 435-654-0291, hebervalleyartisancheese.com), home of farm-made cheese. It is as good as it sounds. gohebervalley.com

Mystic Hot Springs: Soak Off the Dust
Just 150 miles south of Salt Lake City, in Monroe, you'll find a nostalgic escape radiating with hippie spirit. At Mystic Hot Springs, vintage cast iron bathtubs and a concrete pool offer relaxation and rural views from the hillside overlooking the valley. With water rich in calcium carbonate, you'll enjoy an odorless and rejuvenating soak. Summer evenings, you might catch a concert under the stars or a meteor shower. Afterward, indulge in a trance-inducing massage. If you decide to stay overnight, you can cozy up in one of their pioneer cabins or a converted school bus. 475 E. 100 North, Monroe, mystichotsprings.com

Blue Skies!
Go ahead and jump! Why? I don’t know why—but those who do say things like, “I wish I’d done this sooner” and want to do it again. The skilled instructors at Skydive Utah (4647 N. Airport Road, Erda, 435-833-9999, skydiveutah.com) and Skydive the Wasatch (2001 N. Airport Road, Nephi, 385-321-0284, skydivethewasatch.com) will make it happen—safely! If that’s too much air, try iFly (2261 Kiesel Ave., Ogden, 801-528-5348, iflyutah.com), an indoor flying experience simulating a skydive free fall using a wind-tunnel technology. Thrilling!
—By Kass Wood

Peak Experiences
There's no shortage of adventure in this pretty great state.
By Kass Wood & Jerre Wroble

Parks? Utah has the Mighty 5 national parks along with 46 state parks. So, all the camping, hiking, bouldering, cycling, off-roading and star-gazing come naturally to those who call Utah home. But parks are only the start of Utah's thrills and chills. Here's a short list of big and small quests in and around Salt Lake Valley.

Outdoor Adventure
Climb Every Mountain
Go above, and beyond! For the active appreciators of nature, mountain trails in Utah are unsurpassed. Those with strong lungs and legs should add these ascents to their bucket list: Pheifferhorn (aka "Little Matterhorn" in Little Cottonwood Canyon), Lone Peak (above Draper, access via the Peak View Trailhead then on to Jacob's Ladder Trail), Kings Peak (Utah's highest point at 13,528 feet, located north of Duchesne, accessed via Henry's Fork Trailhead near Evanston, Wyoming), the American Fork Twin Peaks (the highest peak in Salt Lake County accessed by two trails out of Snowbird resort in Little Cottonwood Canyon) or Mount Timpanogos (accessed via Timpooneke Trail in American Fork Canyon, at the Timpooneke Campground, along the Alpine Loop Road)—just to name a few.

Steep terrain and rugged trails will reward you with exquisite vistas. Read up on each trail before you go (bring a map!), come prepared and keep some ibuprofen on hand.

Moderate hikers may choose lake hikes such as Lake Catherine (via Brighton Lakes Trail in Big Cottonwood Canyon), Dog Lake (on the ridge between Big Cottonwood Canyon via Mill D North Fork Trail and Millcreek Canyon via the Big Water Trailhead), Willow Lake (trailhead at milepost 13.5 up Big Cottonwood Canyon), Bloods Lake (trailhead on Guardsman Pass Road via Big Cottonwood Canyon), Lake Solitude (access via Silver Lake trail near Brighton Resort in Big Cottonwood Canyon) and yes, even the Great Salt Lake (accessible via interstates 15 or 80). Pack some cheese, crackers, fruit and wine. There are few better meals than those shared lakeside after a strenuous hike where the tableside chatter is a mountain bluebird, chipmunks and the snap of a twig announcing a moose getting a drink.

North Salt Lake surprises with a plethora of paths to be explored. Dense alpine forests are exchanged for scrub oak and aspens, without sacrificing beauty. Big Rock in Bountiful's Mueller Park is an easy, well-marked trail with only 1,000 elevation gain, Adams Canyon near Layton takes you through a mountain forest to a waterfall and Deuel Creek Trail near Centerville is a magical, maybe even enchanted, hike with some rock scrambling. It pays off with a rope swing that turns you into a 12-year-old.

Golfing
Fore! Or more! Actually, Salt Lake County can claim 32 golf courses (29 public, 3 private), all within a 15-mile radius. Many are highly rated, well-maintained and affordable. To loosen up your swing, try these:

Mountain Dell (Interstate 80 Exit 134, Parleys Canyon, 801-582-3812, slc-golf.com) is known for scenic lakes, mountains and frequent sighting of moose, deer and varmints. Golf carts are recommended due to the elevation. 

Murray Parkway (6345 Murray Parkway Ave., Murray, 801-262-4653, parkwaygolf.org) is a relatively flat, easy-to-walk course with little water (appreciated by non-pros) yet still challenging. Long par 5s and 3s make it a fun course. 

Old Mill Golf Course (6080 S. Wasatch Blvd., SLC, 385-468-1440, slco.org), is one of the newest courses in Salt Lake. Golfers say it provides a challenge along with stunning views, fun risk-reward holes and elevated tee boxes. 

Golfers know Bonneville Golf Course (954 Connor St., SLC, 801-583-9513, slc-golf.com.) as one of the most beloved courses in Utah. Bonneville's original nine holes opened 100 years ago. This mature course on SLC's East Bench is renowned for its classic layout. Seasoned golfers enjoy its difficult tight and long holes.

Stonebridge Golf Club (4415 Links Drive, West Valley City, 801-957-9000, golfstonebridgeutah.com) is a unique 27-hole course, divided into three nines. As one of the most water-laden and longest courses in the state, it offers teeing areas for all abilities. This gem's lovely landscaping of native plants and grasses add to the experience. 

Indoor Adult Fun
Axe Therapy
Got an axe to grind? Just throw one instead. Get a group together and compete. In the Salt Lake Valley, try Social Axe Throwing (1154 S. 300 West, SLC, 801-486-2937, socialaxethrowing.com), Rocky Mountain Axe Throwing (8496 S. Harrison St., No. 115, Midvale, 801-890-7855, rockymountainaxethrowing.com) and Axe and Smash (10344 S. Redwood Road, South Jordan, 801-878-4780, axensmash.com), provide food and fun, and not a bad way to relieve any stress you may be feeling in an election year.

Be Distilled, My Heart
Fun fact: There are around 20 distillers of craft spirits in Utah (with half of them in the Salt Lake Valley). More surprising is that they've all arrived on the scene since 2006, when Park City's High West Distillery (highwest.com) became the first small-batch operation in Utah since 1870!

If you love distilled spirits, a distillery tour should be on your "good times" itinerary. See how spirits are made and taste the results (these educational tours let you sample 2.5 combined ounces on-site for a small fee). Visit abs.utah.gov/licenses-permits/license-information for a complete list of current distillers. But to get you started, here are a few to try:

Sugar House Distillery (2212 S. West Temple, Ste. 4, SLC, 801-726-0403, sugarhousedistillery.net) rightfully boasts its culture of small-batch, handcrafted spirits. Your tastings can include bourbon, rye, rum, and vodka distilled there.

Holystone Distillery (207 W. 4860 South, SLC 385-300-9881, holystonedistilling.com) is veteran-owned serving up Absinthe Verte, Navy Strength Gin, and Cerulea Gin/Vodka—bottled by hand in gorgeous bottles.

Spirits of the Wasatch Distillery (3697 W. 1987 South, Bldg. 5, SLC, 855-927-2824, wasatch.co), formerly Hammer Spring Distillers, know how to innovate and blend local flavors to create spirits such as High Desert Gin, Summit Bourbon, Perky Cowgirl Coffee Liqueur and Hidden Vodka.

Waterpocket Distillery (2084 W. 2200 South, SLC, 801-382-9921, waterpocket.co) where their motto is "Open Wild," a hat tip to the wild and outrageous adventures of the creators. With spirits named Toadstool Box-Death Hollow Amaro, Temple of the Moon Gin, Snow Angel Kümmel and their Long Lost collection, this distillery proves to be a liquid adventure.

Happy tourists often rave about Utah distillery tours, because they'd thought of the state as "dry." It's satisfying to "unmanage" their expectations—and in a good way.