Private Half-Day Scenic Drive Through Salt Lake's Best Canyons
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Private Half-Day Scenic Drive Through Salt Lake's Best Canyons

Active
(32 reviews)
5h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with our Salt Lake City Canyons Tour, featuring the breathtaking beauty of American Fork Canyon, Big Cottonwood Canyon, and Little Cottonwood Canyon. Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring landscapes of these natural wonders, where towering mountains, lush forests, and pristine alpine environments await. Whether you're eager to explore well-maintained trails for hiking enthusiasts, or simply yearning for a scenic retreat from the city, this tour promises an unparalleled experience.

With the convenience of a short drive from downtown Salt Lake City and the guidance of our knowledgeable tour experts, discover the unique charm of each canyon, capturing the essence of Utah's natural splendor.

The tour will include a scenic drive through all three canyons with an option to do a hike. Travelers can also book an option to ride a tram to the top of a mountain for majestic views.

Available options

Half-Day tour through Salt Lake's Prettiest Canyons

Pickup included

Snowbird Tram

Ride the Snowbird Tram: Ride a tram to 11,000 ft, for an incredible view and some some snacks in the highest Alpine building in the U.S. <br/>Pickup included

What's included

Bottled water
Snacks

Detailed itinerary

1

Big Cottonwood Canyon features two of the many ski resorts that surround the Salt Lake Valley, Solitude and Brighton. Big Cottonwood has is home to waterfalls, lakes and incredible mountain views.

2

Little Cottonwood Canyon is home to two ski resorts near Salt Lake, Snowbird, and Alta. Not only is this one of the prettiest drives in the area, it also is the location that the granite used for the Salt Lake Temple, Conference Center, and exterior of the Capital Building was quarried from.

3

American Fork Canyon is a scenic canyon located in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah. The canyon is known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and rich history. It is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a wide range of activities such as hiking, camping, rock climbing, fishing, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing.

The canyon is home to the Timpanogos Cave National Monument, which features stunning cave formations and guided tours for visitors.

American Fork Canyon has a rich history dating back to the time of the Native American tribes who inhabited the area. It was later used by European settlers for mining and logging, and remnants of this history can still be seen in the form of old mining structures and ghost towns.

Overall, American Fork Canyon is a natural playground for outdoor enthusiasts and a place of serene beauty for anyone looking to escape into the wilderness.

4

The falls cascade down a rocky cliff into a serene pool below, making it a popular spot for photography and relaxation. The hike to Lisa Falls is relatively short and accessible, offering stunning views of the surrounding canyon.

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8
18 reviews
5★
17
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
1
Tripadvisor 5.0
14 reviews
5★
14
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City, nestled between the Great Salt Lake and the Wasatch Mountains, is a unique blend of urban sophistication and outdoor adventure. Known for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene, it offers a distinctive experience for travelers. The city is a gateway to world-class skiing, hiking, and cultural attractions, making it a versatile destination for all types of travelers.

Top Attractions

Temple Square

The spiritual and historical heart of Salt Lake City, home to the iconic Salt Lake Temple and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free

Great Salt Lake State Park

A unique natural wonder offering saltwater beaches, birdwatching, and recreational activities.

Nature Half day to full day Free entry, fees for camping and certain activities

Park City Mountain Resort

One of the largest ski resorts in the U.S., offering world-class skiing, snowboarding, and summer activities.

Adventure/Entertainment Full day Moderate to expensive (lift tickets, rentals, and lessons)

Natural History Museum of Utah

A premier natural history museum featuring exhibits on Utah's geology, paleontology, and cultural history.

Museum 2-3 hours Moderate ($14.95-$19.95 for adults)

Red Butte Garden and Arboretum

A beautiful botanical garden and arboretum featuring a variety of plant collections, walking trails, and seasonal events.

Nature 1-2 hours Moderate ($12-$15 for adults)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Fry Sauce

A popular condiment made from a blend of ketchup and mayonnaise, often served with fries and burgers.

Condiment Contains dairy and eggs (mayonnaise).

Pasties

A savory pastry filled with meat, potatoes, and vegetables, originally brought by Cornish miners.

Snack Can be vegetarian or vegan if made without meat.

Green Jell-O

A unique dessert made with green gelatin, often served with cream and whipped topping.

Dessert Gelatin is not vegetarian or vegan.

Popular Activities

Skiing and snowboarding at Park City Mountain Resort Hiking in the Wasatch Mountains Mountain biking at Park City or Moab Spa treatments at local resorts Picnicking at Red Butte Garden Strolling through Temple Square Visiting the Natural History Museum of Utah Attending a performance by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir

Best Time to Visit

December to February (winter) and June to August (summer)

Winter is ideal for skiing and snowboarding, while summer offers hiking, biking, and festivals. These are the busiest times with the most activities and events.

Winter: -7°C to 2°C (19°F to 36°F), Summer: 21°C to 35°C (70°F to 95°F) Winter: 19°F to 36°F, Summer: 70°F to 95°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: English
  • Widely spoken: Spanish
  • English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Mountain Time Zone (MT), UTC-7 (standard time), UTC-6 (daylight saving time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Salt Lake City is generally safe for visitors, with low crime rates in most areas. However, as with any urban destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:
  • • Be aware of your surroundings, particularly in crowded areas and at night.
  • • Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
  • • Use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps to avoid scams.

Getting there

By air
  • Salt Lake City International Airport • 6 km (4 miles) from city center
By train

Salt Lake City Intermodal Hub

By bus

Salt Lake City Intermodal Hub

Getting around

Public transport

Easy to use, clean, and efficient. Covers major attractions, downtown, and airport.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Sugar House The Avenues

Day trips

Park City
40 km (25 miles) • Half day to full day

A charming mountain town known for its world-class skiing, historic Main Street, and outdoor activities.

Antelope Island State Park
50 km (31 miles) • Full day

A scenic island in the Great Salt Lake offering hiking, wildlife viewing, and stunning views of the lake and mountains.

Moab and Arches National Park
400 km (250 miles) • Overnight or multi-day trip

A stunning desert landscape featuring iconic red rock formations, hiking trails, and outdoor adventures.

Festivals

Sundance Film Festival • January Salt Lake City Jazz Festival • June Utah Pride Festival • June

Pro tips

  • Visit Temple Square early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the beautiful gardens and fountains.
  • Take advantage of the city's extensive public transportation system, including the TRAX light rail and UTA bus system, to get around easily and affordably.
  • Explore the city's diverse culinary scene, from farm-to-table restaurants to international cuisines and craft breweries.
  • Plan your trip around major events and festivals, such as the Sundance Film Festival and the Salt Lake City Jazz Festival, to experience the city's vibrant cultural scene.
  • Be prepared for changing weather conditions, particularly in the winter months, by dressing in layers and bringing appropriate gear for outdoor activities.
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 18-100
1
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 4
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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