Central Idaho Archives - Salt Lake Express

The Salt Lake Express is not simply a shuttle. Yes, it is a convenient way to get to from point A to point B. Yes, they offer you WiFi, water, and comfortable seats. However, the Salt Lake Express also allows you to experience places that you never knew existed or never dreamed of visiting. With nearly 100 stops across six different states, there are a lot of trips you can take and a lot of memories you can make. So let’s check out just a few of the many places you can visit.

A Few Places We Stop

Sun Valley

In the middle of the Sawtooth National Forest and Challis National Forests is a town called Sun Valley which is the first stop on our tour. Sun Valley, Idaho is known for its famous Sun Valley Resort. In the winters the mountain and lodge is filled with snowboarders and skiers. With 18 lifts on bald mountain and 4 more on dollar mountain, people are left with several options for runs both easy and challenging.

In the summers, however, the mountain changes completely. The wildflowers color the mountain and line the trails for hikers and horseback riders. There are people camping and fishing and enjoying the warm weather. But the Resort is not all that makes Sun Valley such a great destination. In the city of Ketchum there are museums and shops for people to visit as well as events throughout the year. There is an art festival July 10-12 that includes art booths, live music, and food. The Tour de Force is July 23-25 where up to 200 cars gather for admiring and then a high speed race to finish off the week. You can also go visit the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve for some star gazing and astronomy. After you visit Sun Valley take a trip farther south and see what else Idaho has to offer.

Jerome

An hour and a half south of Sun Valley and just north of Twin Falls is a little town called Jerome. The area, although small in population, is exploding with activities and memories just waiting to be made. Country scenery with plenty of different hikes and adventures. The most famous activity in Jerome is the County Fair. It will be held on August 10-15 this year (2020) and will include a rodeo, live concert, fair food, and fun. Outside of the events and small town experiences are beautiful hikes and wildlife. The following is just a small list of hikes in and near Jerome County.

Perrine Bridge
Wilson Butte Cave
Devils Coral
Minidoka National Historic Site
Cauldron Linn
Pillar Falls
Shoshone Falls
Snake River Canyons Park
Miracle and Banbury Hot Springs – Buhl ID
Shoshone Ice Caves – Shoshone ID
Shoshone Falls – Kimberly ID
Thousand Springs – Hagerman ID
Balanced Rock – Glenns Ferry

Cedar City

If you keep traveling south you will come to beautiful Cedar City, Utah. Cedar City is famous for their tony-award winning, Shakespear festival in the summers. During the summer months there are numerous fun events. On Wednesdays from July through October the city of cedar hosts an open-air farmers market with locally grown produce, art, and handmade crafts. In July they host the Midsummer Renaissance Faire as well as the Jamboree car show. The Championship Rodeo is one month later in June. And in October there is the Cedar Live and Heritage Festival.

They also have attractions that are available year round. In the mid 1800s, the pioneers settled Utah. They found iron in Cedar City and sent volunteers to settle the area. Hundreds of years later we have the Frontier Homestead State Park to commemorate those settlers. The park offers several activities and displays for people and families to enjoy. Cedar Breaks National Monument is another beautiful site to see. It includes a dense forest of trees against the bright red and orange colored rock. The Coal Creek Parkway Trail is perfect for hiking. It features coal creek, underpass trail, gold medal mile walk, and more

Las Vegas

Even further down south we have arrived in Las Vegas, Nevada, the city that never sleeps. Las Vegas is full of life and a place where you will never be bored. The Las Vegas Strip is the perfect place to party. Vegas has several amazing places to stay, but the Bellagio Hotel and Casino is one of the highest recommended places to stay. While you enjoy the hype of the city do not miss out of the live music and comedy shows. They have new people every night to keep you entertained. The Adventuredome Theme Park is right in the heart of the city and is a perfect place for kids and adults to enjoy the thrill of the rides. It is also a great place to experience different foods from a variety of cultures.

Many, however, miss the beauty just outside of the city. If you travel just beyond the city, you will find mountains and canyons that will blow your mind away. If this is more your scene, carve out some time for Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, the Historic Railroad Hiking Trail, Gypsum Cave, and Ice Box Canyon. You can enjoy hikes or rock climbing or even ziplining over Flightlinez Bootleg Canyon. If you want to see all of this beauty from farther above, take a hot air balloon tour.

Locations Farther Out

The Salt Lake Express transports you to locations all over Idaho, Utah, Nevada, and Montana, as well as additional locations in Arizona and Wyoming. If these locations are not enough for your adventurous lifestyle then we suggest catching the Salt Lake Express to the nearest airport and traveling from there. The shuttle makes stops at the Boise, Idaho Falls, Twin Falls, Las Vegas and Salt Lake City airports.

From these airports there are endless places to visit. Take a trip to New York to see the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, to go shopping, and eat some delicious pizza and street hot dogs. Or you could fly to California to visit Disneyland or learn to surf. Chicago, Pittsburgh, and New Orleans all have tons of history, culture, music, and food. We could make this list a mile long!

No matter where you go, remember that The Salt Lake Express can take you there. We ride in style and offer comfort, safety, and kindness your whole way there.

Book now at www.saltlakeexpress.com.

The A-Z of Traveling Up & Down the I-15 Corridor

Travel like a pro with our A-Z guide for trekking west with the Salt Lake Express. As we share our A-Z of traveling list, think of your own and what you might do differently and feel free to let us know!

A: All-Inclusive

Gone are the days without extra legroom and drop-offs right at your door. The Salt Lake Express has countless perks – check out some of the best right here! It’s the perfect way to kick off our A-Z of traveling with us!

B: Beaver Dam, AZ

Beaver Dam, one of our stops in Arizona, may not seem like party central at first. However, if casinos are your thing, Beaver Dam is just 17 minutes away from the Nevada border! It’s also only a 37 minute drive away from St. George, Utah. Check out inexpensive things to do in St. George here.

C: Cedar City, UT

Next on the list, we’re headed to southwest Utah! Cedar City has plenty to offer – not only is it close to Zion National Park (only 34 miles away!), but it also boasts other fabulous outdoor opportunities, such as Cedar Breaks National Monument and Dixie National Forest.

D: Darby Canyon, WY

Darby Canyon sits on the border of Idaho and Wyoming, and is only approximately 1 – 1.5 hours away from our stops in Rexburg, ID and Jackson, WY, respectively. Whether you’re headed out to hike the trailhead or explore the wind caves, stopping at Darby Canyon if you’re staying in either state is a must.

E: Emigration Canyon, UT

If you ever wonder where exactly Brigham Young famously declared, “This is the place,” then Emigration Canyon is the spot for you. If you’re stopping in Salt Lake City, Emigration Canyon houses the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, perfect for hiking or biking, as well as a couple of local places to eat, such as Ruth’s Diner.

F: Falls, as in Great Falls, MT

Great Falls, our northernmost stop here at the Salt Lake Express, has much to offer with multiple heritage museums, hundreds of local restaurants, and over 57 parks. It’s the perfect blend of big city excitement and small town charm.

G: Grand Teton National Park, WY

Hop off at our stop in Jackson, Wyoming, and head over to Grand Teton National Park! Teeming with alpine views, crystal lakes, and adventurous animals, it’s definitely a sight to see.

H: Helena, MT

Next stop on our list is Helena, Montana! Did you know there’s a gorgeous European-style cathedral right in the city? You’ve also GOT to check out the Gates of the Mountains wildlife area. It showcases some of the most beautiful views Montana has to offer.

I: Island Park, ID

You haven’t really been to Idaho until you’ve been to Island Park. If you love the outdoors, Island Park is the Salt Lake Express stop for you, with access to so many mountains, lakes, springs, and more.

J: Jerome, AZ

Say hello to the nation’s largest ghost town, just half a day’s trip from our stop in Page, AZ. Once known as “America’s Wickedest City,” Jerome once boomed as a mining camp in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Once the mines closed in the 1950’s, Jerome’s population became virtually nonexistent – however, it’s now a thriving tourist hub with plenty to see.

K: Kodachrome Basin State Park, UT

Kodachrome Basin State Park, named after one of the first color films developed in the 1930s. And rightfully so – the park is bursting with color! Seeing those red rock formations contrast against a brilliant blue sky will leave you speechless.

L: Las Vegas, NV

Las Vegas is one of our most popular stops here at the Salt Lake Express. It’s most popular tourist spots seem to span the entire city, with plenty of nightlife, gambling, and faux world attractions covering the entire surrounding areas.

We have also added a direct stop at the Las Vegas LDS Temple to accommodate patrons while the LDS temple in St. George is closed until 2022.

M: Montana

We love Montana! From stops in Dillon, Butte, Helena, Great Falls, and more, we have I-15 covered. The state is home to seven state forests and 53 state parks – talk about adventure!

N: National Parks

What’s better than a shuttle service that takes you straight to the great outdoors? Here at Salt Lake Express, we stop at three national parks, of which are Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and Zion National Park.

O: Ogden, UT

If we had to pick one word to describe Ogden, it would be eclectic. Ogden’s got rock climbing, a dinosaur park, indoor water sports, axe-throwing, a trampoline park, and so much more. Check out all the entertainment that Ogden has to offer right here.

P: Lake Powell, UT

Did you know that Lake Powell is not technically a lake? It’s a reservoir located in southern Utah! While it’s a little further out from our stops than some of the other locations on this list, we definitely recommend visiting at least once – there’s tons to do, like boating, hiking, fishing, and camping.

Q: Quail Creek State Park, UT

Quail Creek State Park, located in southern Utah, is a short 20-minute drive from St. George and boasts some of the state’s warmest waters. Learn more about it here.

R: Rainbow Rocks, Nevada

Okay, we had to get a little creative with this one. We’re actually talking about the Seven Magic Mountains, a desert art installation that features rock towers painted in a myriad of beautiful colors! It’s only 10 miles south of Las Vegas, and is scheduled to be available on view through the end of 2021.

S: St. George Express

Did you know we also operate another shuttle service? The St. George Express has fares as low as $19, and travels to Nevada and southern Utah! Currently, we have stops in Beaver, Cedar City, St. George, and Hurricane for Utah. We also have stops in Mesquite and Las Vegas for Nevada.

T: Twin Falls, ID

Twin Falls hosts Shoshone Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in the United States! It’s taller than Niagara Falls, which is probably why it’s called the “Niagara of the west.” While you’re at it, check out these awesome attractions and trails in the area!

U: Utah State University

At the heart of our stop in Logan is Utah State University, the “fifth best public university in the nation,” according to their website. Know someone who’s applying for college? Stop in Logan and take a tour of USU!

V: Virgin River, Utah

Much of the Virgin River runs through Zion National Park, so if you’re headed that way, make sure to hike through the Narrows and feel the water splash your feet!

W: Wasatch Mountains

The Wasatch Mountain Range is one of Utah’s defining characteristics. Cities in the Wasatch area are sprawling with beautiful canyons, exclusive ski resorts, world-class golf, and more. Start planning your trip right here, right now.

X: Cross something off your bucket list!

See what we did there? With the Salt Lake Express, you have easy access to hundreds of beautiful destinations across the west. Plan a trip. Make it happen. We’ll take you there!

Y: Yellowstone National Park

Did you know that Yellowstone is the world’s first national park? Amazing! National Geographic has much to praise about it. Yellowstone’s most popular (and most accessible!) months are between April and September. Plan your trip today!

Z: Zion National Park

There’s a reason that “Z” on our list of A-Z of traveling is Zion. Get ready for the most spectacular views of your life at Utah’s first national park. Check out our blog post about six things you HAVE to do when visiting Zion.

There you have it, the A-Z of traveling with Salt Lake Express! We hope that many of you will treat this like a bucket list of sorts as you continue to travel with us in the future!

Category: Central Idaho

Salt Lake Express Travel Bucket List