Things to do / Travel Guide
Up until the late-1990s, northern Utah was always a modest kind of place. Aside from being known as a world-class region for skiing, northern Utah was decidedly low-profile; a culture-savvy, classy, and cosmopolitan region. Then everything changed: Salt Lake City won the bid for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games and northern Utah was swiftly (and officially) inducted into the “must-see” traveling scene. The pomp and circumstance surrounding this world-class event brought the country's best: gourmet chefs, celebrities, dignitaries, and world-class athletes poured into northern Utah for a taste of its best offerings. Spunky and squeaky-clean, Salt Lake City deftly swept aside their stereotypes. Tourists discovered a diverse, dynamic metropolis with dance clubs, microbreweries, world-class performing arts, trendy bistros, and art galleries at every turn. And after the smashing success of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, Salt Lake City has only gotten better and wiser about making its assets accessible.
Biking the “Backbone of Utah” on the spectacular Wasatch Crest Trail that sits on the spine of the Wasatch Mountain Range, and casting a line on the Green River near Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area are just some of the popular activities northern Utah has to offer. You can also defy the winter weather with a warm, tropical-type scuba dive at one of northern Utah's hot springs or just soak your tired self in the miraculous mineral water no matter the season.
Foraging for further fun? Tour the 2002 Winter Olympic Games venues and then top off the day tearing down a mountain at 70 miles per hour at the Utah Olympic Park's bobsled ride. Bob like balsa wood on the buoyant, salt-saturated water at Bridger Bay on Great Salt Lake or, if the breeze is right, take a saline sailing sojourn as you ply its waters. Kayak or walk around Antelope Island, Great Salt Lake's biggest, to watch big-bodied buffalo graze or to catch sea gulls, pelicans, and hundreds of other species congregating around the rocky, craggy shoreline. Cruise along the Logan Canyon Scenic Drive or the Flaming Gorge-Uintas Scenic Byway for a first-class northern Utah welcome by a committee of moose, elk, and deer. And perfect for kids young and not-as-young, visit some of the world's best fossils and displays at Dinosaur National Monument in Vernal or the Eccles Dinosaur Park in Ogden.
There are also plenty of indoor intrigues to keep your interest piqued. Admire the domed Tabernacle while soaking up the sounds of the world-class Mormon Tabernacle Choir in Salt Lake City. Hip-hop and bee-bop at live headliner performances at Salt Lake City's beloved venue, The Depot. Get cultured at northern Utah's art galleries, antiques and handmade craft shops. Or, you can choose to have an artful afternoon touring Salt Lake City's ornate Mormon architecture at Historic Temple Square. Trace the roots (or branches) of your family tree for free at the world's largest archive of genealogical records at the Family History Library, also in Salt Lake City. Track the history of how the country “united” through the transcontinental railroad at Golden Spike National Historic Site, or suspend yourself above some of northern Utah's most spectacular vistas at a scenic lift ride at Robert Redford's Sundance Resort.
While Salt Lake City is a big, cosmopolitan metropolis, many describe the atmosphere as low-key and hassle-free. With top-notch entertainment, dining, and shopping coupled with a calm, friendly street culture, Salt Lake City offers the best of both worlds; big city fun and small-town simplicity. The orderly downtown, with its wide streets and easy-to-navigate grid pattern, allows newcomers to quickly orient themselves and blend right in.
Northern Utah will make you a believer in the magic of majestic mountains. The region's natural riches will convert you to the religion of outdoor recreation. Northern Utah will sanctify your soul with its world-class performing arts and contemporary and traditional art galleries. Before your northern Utah vacation is through, you, too, will be preaching the region as one of the nation's top travel destinations.
Time Zone
The northern Utah region is on Mountain Time, two hours behind Eastern Time and one hour ahead of Pacific Time.
Altitude Sickness
During your stay in northern Utah, you may find yourself climbing to above 8,000 feet in elevation (sometimes even higher than 10,000 feet) as you go sightseeing, mountain biking, or hiking around some of the region's magnificent mountain peaks and ski resorts. If you ascend to heights of more than 8,000 feet too quickly, you might experience a bit of oxygen deficiency. To prevent this from happening, ascend about 2,000-3,000 feet a day when possible.
|
|
|