5 Ways to Escape the Heat in Salt Lake City

The 95+ degree-days have begun and we won’t get a break from the 90-100s or see much rain until at least the end of August.  I moved to Salt Lake City for the winters and these hot summer days are something I’ve had to learn to deal with.

The mountains that surround the Salt Lake valley are a haven during the scalding summer months.  Endless hiking trails, gorgeous recreation areas, scads of fun summer activities at the ski resorts, and best of all cooler temps make the mountains – oh glorious mountains – the best way to escape the summer heat.

Here are some of my favorite summer time mountain activities:

(1) Zip, Slide, and Bike at Park City Mountain Resort

Park City Mountain Resort has a host of summer activities for the entire family including miniature golf, climbing walls, scenic chairlift rides, plus a zipline, alpine coaster, and bungee style trampoline for the thrill seekers in the family.  An All-In-One Parks Pass lets you spend the entire day on your favorite rides at Park City Mountain Resort.

(2) Enjoy Live Music at Snowbird Ski Resort

Snowbird Ski Resort sponsors free concerts on Saturday evenings all summer long.  Concerts begin at 6pm on the plaza deck at the Snowbird center.  If you really want to cool off, enjoy a scenic tram ride up to Hidden Peak at 11,000 feet before or after the concert.  The Canyons in Park City also sponsors a free summer concert series as well.

(3) Hike to a High Alpine Lake

The Salt Lake Valley has no shortage of gorgeous day hikes to splendid high alpine hikes.  My all time favorite hike is to Red Pine Lake in Little Cottonwood Canyon. The trail to Red Pine Lake follows a nicely maintained trail through a narrow canyon to a gorgeous alpine lake set in a cirque just below tree line.  Want other trail recommendations?  Check out my other favorite hikes in Salt Lake City.

(4) Picnic in Mill Creek Canyon

Mill Creek Canyon is a popular recreation area on the east side of the Salt Lake Valley.  The canyon is simply lovely and there are plenty of streamside and well-shaded picnic areas in the canyon.  Grab a boxed lunch from Cucina and seek a secluded picnic spot for a romantic respite from those hot summer temps.

(5) Raft Amazing Utah Rivers

How about ditching Salt Lake City for a few days and checking out the indescribable beauty of the surrounding Colorado River plateau with a guided luxury river trip?  Sounds great!  You will have plenty of opportunity to cool off when you are sailing through rapids and exploring waterfalls.  Holiday Expeditions offers tours from 1-9 days on the Green and Colorado Rivers.

[Photos courtesy of Philms, summitcheese, and Holiday Expeditions]