Salt Lake City At a Glance

Best Time to Go
The home of the 2002 Olympics has a lot to offer before the games. (But, if you are planning to go during the games, it isn't too soon to start seeking lodging --- hotel rooms are best booked far in advance for the event.) While there is a lot to see and do throughout the year, winter is the time Salt Lake City shines, it's in reach of many renounced ski spots. If you are interested in other attractions, you might want to avoid the snow seekers.

Average Weather
Salt Lake City has four picture-book perfect seasons. In spring, it's possible to ski in the morning and golf in the afternoon. July is the hottest month with daytime highs in the high 80s and low 90s. The humidity is low so these extremes still feel quite comfortable. Fall is mild with incredible views across the mountains; the foliage display is the best in the west. The surrounding ski resorts are excellent during the winter months with wonderful powder snow and roads free of ice and slush.

Transportation
The Utah Transit Authority serves more than 100 routes by bus. The TRAX light rail service runs north to south every day except Sunday with 16 stops and 11 free park-and-ride lots. Both TRAX and UTA provide fare-free service in the downtown area. UTA also provides service from the airport and to ski resorts. Call 1-888-743-3882 for further information. Taxis from the airport cost around $13 to Center City; many hotels provide a free shuttle service.

In-Season Costs
Salt Lake City is slightly higher in cost than the Southeast and the Midwest and far less expensive than the West Coast. Expect to pay around $20 for dinner in a moderate restaurant. During the ski season, hotel costs are slightly higher than the rest of the year --- figure on at least $100 a night. Transportation and attraction admission prices are low in comparison to other urban areas.

Day Trips
Fifteen different National Parks are within a one-day drive from Salt Lake City. Oquirrh Mountain Mining Museum, located between Tooele and Grantsville off Hwy 112, is an excellent introduction to the region's history.

Dinosaur National Monument, 185 miles from Salt Lake City, has the world's largest collection of Jurassic Period dinosaur bones ever discovered. The entire area abounds in whitewater rafting, ski, and hiking opportunities.