SALT LAKE CITY

Utah is a unique state for many reasons all the way back to how Utah became a state, but its economic development stemmed from the popular mining movement and boy does Utah have rocks. Known for the popular Southern Utah red rock laden National Parks like Zion, Bryce Canyon and Arches, it’s the granite slabs along Northern Utah’s Wasatch and Oquirrh mountain ranges that made settling here so prosperous for the Church of Latter Day Saints.

The Church of Latter Day Saints, also commonly referred to as Mormon, is the dominant religion of Utah whose landscape is also splattered with majestic temples their place of worship. Where people have chosen to follow a set of guidelines for living life that’s birthed a Soda Shop culture, a war on cookies, and some of the most restrictive liquor laws in the United States.

Today, like many cities post-COVID it’s seeing a major population shift that has brought new influences to a budding food scene, professional sports teams and packed ski resorts. It’s a true outdoor adventurer’s paradise with world class rock climbing, the greatest snow on earth for skiing and snowboarding, incredible hiking and mountain biking trails, several places to stand up paddle board, and some of the most beautiful canyons for road cycling.

Wildlife is always in your backyard (especially the deer) with frequent moose sightings, adorable porcupines in the trees, the occasional friendly bear and some great trout streams for fly fishing.

A common stop for many artists Salt Lake County has everything you could want for a concert venue like the bring your own picnic Red Butte Amphitheatre, the historic State Room, or the intimate (and sometimes pretty chilly) Kilby Court. The arts scene is blossoming from the granary district where you can find city graffiti to the Eccles theatre which hosts the best off Broadway shows.

Over the next several years Salt Lake City will prepare to host the 2034 Winter Olympic Games where we’ll see the Big Air competition take place in a parking lot in downtown. Last time around the Olympic Oval was dubbed “the fastest ice on earth.” What till Salt Lake City be known for this time around?

With several running events each year Salt Lake City shoes off it’s speed with several net downhill marathons making for great Boston qualifiers (until Utah runners get to heartbreak hill). The trail running scene flourishes with great options for vert which you can experience by participating in UTMBS Speedgoat Mountain Races. Other amazing local trail races include Twisted Fork Running Festival and the Wasatch 100

Whether you choose to run on trail or road Salt Lake City has so many great views to offer you along the way!