Topping out at Emigration (randomduck image; www.flickr.com)

Salt Lake City has a nearly perfect climate for road biking: warm, dry, and sunny… during spring, summer, and fall, anyway! It is also surrounded by some of the best canyon roads anywhere. These serve as a perfect training ground for any cyclist. And while even the “easiest” of these will hurt at the beginning of a season, it is not uncommon for serious cyclists to complete circuits that include several of the area’s most difficult canyons. If you’re interested in riding these Wasatch Mountain canyons, grab a rental bike, a banana, and some water – and go. The canyons below are listed in order of increasing difficulty.

Emigration Canyon climbs at a pleasant 5% grade for just 7.8 miles through trees, past homes, and by a few popular restaurants. Stop at Ruth’s Diner on your way down.

City Creek Canyon ascends northwardly from town, starting at Memory Grove (in the Capitol Hill/ Avenues district). The paved portion of this road stretches just 5.7 miles, but averages 7.3% (for a total of 1,500 feet elevation gain). The bottom portion serves as a warmup; the top half is where most of the climbing takes place.

Millcreek Canyon is an intro-to-big-canyons ride that ascends at a pitch of 6.7% for 9.2 miles, for a total of 2,700 feet of climbing.

Little Cottonwood Canyon is a punishing ride, with a steady incline (and average grade of 9.2%!) and long, open, straight sections: showing you just how far you must climb. This road is busy in all seasons, and the added traffic (and gas/ break fumes) can be unpleasant. It is therefore best to ride this at a very early hour in summer to avoid the traffic, and still enjoy some warmth.

Big Cottonwood Canyon is the ultimate test. A steady climb, this canyon averages an incline of 7.8% as it stretches a whopping 14.75 miles. The scenery is beautiful along the way, but as with Little Cottonwood Canyon: it’s best to ride this outside of peak traffic hours.

HerryLawford image; www.flickr.com

Salt Lake City was founded by Mormons. And though this religion often falls prey to urban legends and spooky rumors, the fact is that the Church of Jesus Christ-of Latter-day Saints offers innumerable benefits to Salt Lake city’s visitors and residents – regardless of faith. In fact, it is because of the Mormons that the city even exists at all. Beyond that, the religion is attributed with the city’s peaceful nature and its many cultural resources – shared by Mormons and non-Mormons alike.

One such institution is the Family History Library, the largest collection of genealogical information in the world. Family is of the utmost importance in the Mormon faith, and this enormous library reflects that. Here the records of more than one billion persons have been collected in by way of marriage, birth, death, land, probate, and military records. You can search them in books, on microfiche, and even online. Research by location – whether it be Africa or Utah – or even in preexisting trees. If you successfully compile your own family’s tree, you can submit it to the Family History Library for the future use of others.

The Family History Library offers 10-minute orientation sessions, research assistants, free library tours (for groups), and classes. There is no admission, and the library is open Monday through Saturday (excepting major holidays).

Salt Lake Art Center becomes Utah Museum of Contemporary Art (pasa47 image; www.flickr.com)

Natural History Museum of Utah keeps its name, changes locations

Located on the highest, northernmost reaches of the University of Utah campus, the all-new Rio Tinto Center is now the home of the relocated Natural History Museum of Utah. Completed in November 2011 after several seasons of construction work, this magnificent, modern building is worth a visit in its own right. In fact, the museum offers tours specifically designed to showcase the architecture of this state-of-the-art structure. However, the main purpose of the museum remains the same: to showcase the state’s history: from its geology, to its dinosaurs and prehistoric peoples. Check out the cultural and biological wonders of this state, all compiled in a spectacular viewing space.

Salt Lake Art Center becomes Utah Museum of Contemporary Art

Since 1931, this community hub has been known to all as the Salt Lake Art Center. However – also at the close of 2011 – this organization’s name changed to be the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art, or UMOCA. Pronounced “you-mocha” (according to the museum itself), this center displays the works of artists hailing from Utah and around the world. In addition to the name change, this museum has recently added two permanent galleries, and has a new a cafe on the way.

Synergy by Jasmine image; www.flickr.com

People love Utah for its great outdoors. But in an area whose mountains receive 500 inches of snow each winter, warmer spring temperatures can’t help but create an awkward “in-between” season – when the snow is melting, and when mud covers the trails. But it is during this time that you have the chance to check out Salt Lake City‘s other, off-the-beaten-path, recreational opportunities. Whether you’re coming during mud season – or during any time of year, for that matter – check out these activities for a way to stimulate your body and mind when the mountains are inaccessible.

Yoga at the Shiva Center

The Shiva Center is Salt Lake City‘s most well-rounded, most talked about yoga center. Offering an extensive class schedule, a talks and lectures calendar, and an impressive roster of instructors, the Shiva Center has a breadth and depth unmatched by any other yoga studio in the valley. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or expert practitioner – and whether you prefer Ashtanga, Hatha, or Vinyasa – this studio offers a class to optimize your needs. Specialized sessions and non-yoga offerings are available, including kids-specific classes, relaxation courses, Kalari, and Kundalini. Check out “Yoga for Athletes,” “Yoga for the Neck and Shoulders,” or “Yoga for the Back and Spine” if you have specific ailments needing attention.

Indoor Rock Climbing

Look up at the Wasatch Mountains, and you won’t be surprised to learn that this spectacular region is home to one of the nation’s most active and populous rock climbing communities. But even rock climbers have to work, and in a city where year-round climbing isn’t always immediately available, these climbers need a place to train. In Salt Lake City, you’ll find three major facilities. The Front Climbing Club stands the closest of all to downtown, and is a bouldering-only gym – meaning you need neither rope, nor partner, to enjoy the world-class, indoor climbing there. Just a pair of shoes… and if you don’t have those, you can rent them at the front desk.

If you prefer roped climbing, head a bit farther south to Momentum Climbing, the area’s newest gym and best indoor roped climbing facility. Momentum also offers bouldering, so if you’re located in the southern end of Salt Lake Valley and don’t have a partner, you needn’t commute north to The Front.

Rockreation is Salt Lake City‘s oldest gym, and stands toward the center of the valley. If you’re based in South Salt Lake, and are looking for bouldering or roped climbing, come check out this gym.

Sky Diving and Surfing in the Salomon Center

No, you won’t actually be skydiving or surfing in this building, but you’ll be doing something darn close. Make reservations if you want to try height-less skydiving in the iFly wind tunnel, or the Flowrider wave simulator. Both are popular and totally out-of-the-ordinary ways to get active while the mountains are inaccessible.

ligs image; www.flickr.com

joevare image; www.flickr.com

When planning a visit to Salt Lake City, most people imagine themselves floating down slopes of champagne powder, playing 18 holes of golf, or trail running. But if you have an interest in geology – or simply want to witness the one of the world’s largest open pit mines – then consider taking a short road trip to the Oquirrh Mountains to visit the Bingham Canyon Copper Mine.

Having a 2.75 mile diameter and a 0.75-mile depth, this enormous man-made crater has yielded over 19 million tons (17.2 billion kilograms) of copper – more than any other mine on the planet. Here, enormous shovels dig up the earth up in 98-ton scoops. The roads criss-crossing the mine stretch an aggregate 500 miles. And the smokestack, at 1,215 feet in height, is the tallest structure in Utah; if it were 35 feet taller, it would stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Empire State Building. The pit itself stretches from 4,390 feet to 8,040 feet above sea level, and the vehicles used in it would dwarf many houses.

Bingham Canyon Copper Mine operates its own on-location visitor center. Open seven days a week, April 1 – October 31 each year, this center stands at about mid-height in the mine, at 6,440 feet above sea level. Inside, you’ll learn about various aspects of this mine itself, as well as the big picture of world mineral consumption. Whether you’re interested in the “old days” of the Bingham Canyon Mine, the enormous and modern equipment used at the mine today, or the geology of the world, you’ll find photographs, illustrations, maps, artifacts, and 3-D models to educate you.

ZacharyTirrell image; www.flickr.com

Salt Lake 1954; davecito image; www.flickr.com

Notice the shorthand street names: in 1954, 2nd East was 200 East, so on.

Salt Lake City has one of the most notorious and seemingly mysterious street numbering systems in the nation. However, anyone who lives in Salt Lake City – or who is mathematically minded – agrees that this system is incredibly useful and straightforward once learned.

When thinking about Salt Lake‘s streets, imagine a graph – like one from sophomore geometry class. The center of this grid is (0,0); here this is Temple Square (or, more precisely, the intersection of Main Street and South Temple Street). Think of South Temple Street as the graph’s X-axis, and Main Street as the Y-axis. In Salt Lake City, almost all streets run north-south or east west – and perpendicular to each other. Counting away from the Temple, parallel streets are named in order of increasing distance from this center point.

North-South Running Streets:

Main Street is the Y-axis, and has a value of “0.” The street running parallel to, but east of, Main Street is 100 East, followed by 200 East and 300 East. To the west of the Temple, the same rule applies. The first street to the west is called 100 West Street, and the 12^th is 1200 West Street.

East-West Running Streets:

The streets parallel to the X-axis, South Temple, are named in the same order. The first street north of the temple is 100 North, and the 10^th street south of it is 1000 South.

Putting it Together:

Once you’ve learned this, you’ll recognize immediately that the intersection of 900 East and 700 South is nine blocks east and seven blocks south of the Temple.

Specific building addresses are given as a more precise location along a certain street. Cafe Trio has the address 680 South 900 East. It is located on 900 East Street, quite near – just north of – the intersection of 900 East and 700 South.

One final word of advise: many streets carry a proper name in addition to their numerical names. Don’t worry; both should be printed on road signs.

Looking south on Salt Lake City; Edgar Zuniga Jr. image; www.flickr.com

Looking south from Capitol Hill; State Street (100 East Street) stretches the entire length of the valley.

LenDog64 image; www.flickr.com

Salt Lake City is known for Mormons, and it’s known for skiing. These days, it even has a reputation for great sushi. But Irish food? And Irish pubs? Yep. Salt Lake has ‘em. And while some of these are rather divey bars with little Irish ambiance beyond their name, a couple warrant a visit – whether you have Irish affinity, or simply want to enjoy a nice meal (or beer) on the town.

MacCool’s Public House (1400 South Foothill Boulevard #166, inside Foothill Village Shopping Center; 801-582-3111) is a great all-around gathering place with Irish flair. Whether you want to enjoy a meal with your family, play shuffleboard with a Guiness, or grab a quick sandwich, you will be well satisfied at this restaurant. MacCool’s menu includes a variety of traditional Irish fare, as well as some American items, and creative, contemporary variations on the two. MacCool’s occasionally hosts live Irish music; chances are, if you stop by on a weekend, you may get to enjoy musical accompaniment with your meal.

Piper Down (1492 South State Street; 801-468-1492) underwent a radical remodel in 2009. Formerly a tough-looking, dark bar, this was completely redone and significantly expanded to be spacious and welcoming. Through its physical changes, Piper Down retained its hardcore Irish theme. Stop by for a fine whiskey, a delicious beer, a game of pool, a live show, a burger and basket of reuben potato skins, a full, Irish dinner, or even a salad.

Bob B. Brown image; www.flickr.com

Happy hour serves many functions. It can be a way to refuel after a day of skiing, or a time to catch a beer with your coworkers at the day’s end. Or it can be a good chance to check out a new-to-you restaurant. Whatever the case, happy hour always involves discounted prices on food and/or drinks, and therefore allows you to enjoy yourself for about half the price of what the same outing would cost just an hour later. If you’re in Salt Lake Valley and are looking to get out for happy hour, consider stopping by these restaurants.

Porcupine Pub & Grille (3698 East Fort Union Boulevard; 801-942-5555) stands precisely in the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon, perfectly positioned and ready to accept après-ski skiers. Those spending a full day on the slopes will be forced off the hill around 4pm by closing lifts – just in time for happy hour. Whether you’re at Big Cottonwood Canyon’s resorts, Brighton or Solitude, or at Little Cottonwood Canyon’s Snowbird or Alta, if you’re heading back toward Salt Lake City for the evening, Porcupine is precisely on the way. Though specials change daily, you can count on enjoying the likes of enormous chicken, bean, salsa, tomato, pepper, and cheese-covered nachos. . . half-priced and accompanied by one of 20 varieties of draught beer.

Ahh Sushi (22 East 100 South; 801-359-6770) stands in the center of downtown. This basement restaurant-slash-beer-bar offers “Sushi Happy Hour” 5-6pm (and 10-11pm), as well as $3 and $4 rolls and $3 schooners of beer all night on Wednesday. Given the incredible popularity of this establishment, the fish is guaranteed to be fresh. If you aren’t able to make happy hour itself, consider stopping by for discounted lunch rolls. (Ahh Sushi is a 21+ establishment only.)

Eva (317 South Main Street; 1-888-314-8536) is a “small plates restaurant” and cocktail lounge, serving pasta, pizza, and tapas. Serving their meals in an historic, classically decorated dining room, Eva’s has coupled historic charm with contemporary cuisine to create an all-around elegant experience for its guests. Offering happy hour prices on their food Monday-Friday 4-5pm and Monday-Thursday 10-11pm, Eva’s gives you multiple options for sampling their inventive and fresh Mediterranean dishes at bargain prices. If you can’t make it in during the weekday, try stopping by Friday or Saturday 11pm-12am for weekend happy hour prices.

Christopher’s Prime Steakhouse and Grill (134 West Pierpont Avenue; 801-519-8515) offers a different kind of happy hour. Serving an early evening, three course dinner from 4:30-6:30pm nightly, Christopher’s allows you to choose among entrees of prime & wagyu meatloaf, grilled chicken marsala, and Parmesan-crusted snapper – all served with sides of your liking and a fixed dessert, for a total of $22. If you happen to dine at this fine steakhouse any later, you’ll find yourself paying double this amount.

Lava Hot Springs in Summer (Edgar Zuniga Jr. image; www.flickr.com)

As winter sets firmly into Utah, it can prove quite refreshing to experience a change of scenery. Despite the excellent skiing and winter recreation surrounding Salt Lake City, the valley smog and weekly routine can become oppressive in the wake of the holiday rush. If you’re feeling flat, it could greatly lift your spirits to get out of town next weekend and see something new. Especially if that trip were to an inexpensive destination rich with natural hot springs.

Lava Hot Springs, Idaho, stands about 2.5 hours north and slightly east of Salt Lake City. This small, mountain town has a newly renovated, 20,000-gallon outdoor pool with more than 2.5 million gallons of naturally hot mineral water coursing through it every day. The water is constantly refreshed and contains no chemicals, sulfur, or odors.

In terms of lodging, you’ll find a plethora of affordable options ranging from vacation rentals, to bed & breakfasts, and budget motels. For a town of its size, Lava Hot Springs also has a surprising amount of dining and night life. And while some options are down-home, country style, others are rather high brow.

The town of Lava Hot Springs is a charming and petite community, with cowboy bars and all amenities within walking distance of each other –perfect if you plan to drink. The pool itself is open 363 days a year (closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas); check online for specific hours. If you’re interested in even more relaxation, look into getting a massage at the Aura Soma Lava Hot Springs Rejuvenation Center.

With I-15 leading more than 90% of the way from Salt Lake City to Lava Hots Springs, the town requires only about 10 miles of off-interstate driving (on US 30) to reach –so should be doable in almost any road conditions.

Leaving I-15 for Lava Hot Springs (Edgar Zuniga Jr. image; www.flickr.com)