Bryce Canyon, one of the great Utah destinations

5 Utah Destinations to Visit Before Summer Ends

Posted by Salt Lake Express on August 29, 2018 with 0 Comment

In the 1966 cult classic surfing documentary Endless Summer, a couple of surfers travel both sides of the equator for one year searching for the perfect wave, enjoying an “endless summer”. Salt Lake Express does not have a travel route that expansive, so by necessity, summer must end for us. But that doesn’t mean that there isn’t time to check out the many great Utah destinations at your fingertips.

The Beehive State is famous for its national parks, opportunities for hiking, and breathtaking scenery. From the majesty of the Wasatch Range to the red-hued geology of southern Utah, the landscape provides plenty of diversions. If this gorgeous part of the country doesn’t provide an endless summer, it certainly encourages endless summer fun. And now in the month of August, the pressure is on to take advantage of what remains of the season.

Here are a five Utah destinations you’ll want to make sure you visit this month.

Zion National Park

Zion, one of the great Utah destinations — Photo courtesy of Wolfgang Staudt, via Flickr

Zion National Park is not only one of the most beautiful Utah destinations, it is also extremely inviting. Scores of hiking trails weave through this national park, including the popular Narrows, a hike down and in the Virgin River through the narrowest gorges of Zion Canyon.

Fascinating wild and plant life also swarm the lovely sandstone cliffs and wilderness, adding to the camping and hiking allure. Learn more about park fees, permits, and other things to do at Zion’s by visiting their official website.

Salt Lake City

Some of the best that Utah has to offer can be found in the sights, sounds, and culture of its capital. Salt Lake City keeps the summer party going even going into September. The ongoing Red Butte Garden Outdoor Concert Festival entertains with events through mid-September, the Real Madrid schedule begins this month, and City Creek is all the more enjoyable in warm weather.

From concerts to festivals to dining, Salt Lake attracts thousands upon thousands of visitors each year. And as our namesake, Salt Lake Express is proud to help sustain that exodus. Join us in Salt Lake City this summer before the cool weather moves in.

Bonneville Salt Flats

Home to the Bonneville Speedway and numerous land speed records, the Bonneville Salt Flats are a mere two hours west of Salt Lake City. The dense salt pan is a natural phenomenon and definitely worth checking out for its own sake. Not to mention there are several places to camp nearby — though not on the flats!

And when we say flats, we mean flat. You can practically see the curvature of the earth, and there is no vegetation to decorate the landscape. This truly otherworldy part of the state is one of the most impressive Utah destinations.

Bryce Canyon

Just 72 miles from Zion is yet another national park — Bryce Canyon National Park, which includes more sandstone features, huge, breathtaking amphitheaters, and a dazzling array of color. Summer is a great time to visit Bryce Canyon, but late August and September are especially timely; at this point, the summer rains have subsided and temperatures are still pleasant. In fact, while other popular outdoor areas in southern Utah experience fairly scorching heat, Bryce Canyon remains more temperate.

If you are looking to visit Utah destinations off the beaten path, Bryce is several hours from any major airport and over 100 miles from the I-15. We’re happy to take you as close as we can!

Bear Lake

On the other end of the state, straddling the Utah-Idaho border, Bear Lake boasts just about all the summer fun you can imagine. Swimming, boating, camping, and fishing are all available from both states’ sides.

You can also enjoy summer events at Bear Lake, such as the Bear Lake County Fair and coinciding Rodeo Days.

Our summer days may be numbered, but in Utah, there are plenty of attractions to fill them up. From the diverse cultural experience of the city to the beauty and wonder of the parks, these Utah destinations are ideal during this time of year.

Book your trip to your next destination with Salt Lake Express and we will take you there or to the nearest drop-off point. This state is vast and open for adventure, so make good use of the summer and explore its endless majesty.

Travel Tips for the Ultimate Road Warrior

Posted by Salt Lake Express on August 7, 2018 with 1 Comment

We’ve all seen the movie. A group of close friends piles into a car together for an iconic carpool across the country filled with sightseeing and memories that will last a lifetime. But unless you’ve done your homework, you might be looking down the turnpike at a Planes, Trains & Automobiles sequel.

If you’re thinking of planning your first road trip, or if you’re an experienced cross-country traveler, these tips will help elevate your experience and hopefully help prevent some unnecessary headaches.

Put together a travel playlist

Whether you’ve got the entire Harry Potter audio-book discography to listen to or a perfect playlist of your favorite songs, you’ll occasionally need something to fill the silence on long drives. If you don’t have time to plan your trip’s soundtrack, Spotify has curated playlists like Classic Road Trip Songs and Songs to Sing in the Car that will keep you entertained on your drive.

Keep cash on hand for tolls

Check ahead of time if the route you’re taking includes toll roads and plan accordingly if you want to avoid them. Google Maps has a feature that will tell you if the route you’re taking includes tolls and lets you select alternate routes. Depending on where you’re driving and what state lines you might be crossing over, it can start to cost a pretty penny. In states like New York, some toll stations don’t accept cards. Make sure you’ve got enough cash on hand to get where you need to go, or you might be taking an alternate route that will set you back a few hours.

Get comfortable

Dealing with several different people who all want the temperature set differently can be frustrating. Layers are a major key anytime you’re traveling anywhere. When the AC starts to feel a little chilly, just throw on a sweatshirt. Bring a travel pillow and blankets. Wear slip-on shoes or sandals. Do what you can to get yourself comfortable and let your travel companions do the same.

Be prepared for “sticky and stinky”

There will be unexpected spills and messes. Bring hand sanitizer and napkins to clean up. Bring deodorant and air fresheners. If you’re planning to camp, bring a dry shampoo and wet-wipes to keep yourself clean. No one wants to travel with someone who can’t clean up after themselves, so do what you can to keep yourself and your space free of “sticky and stinky.”

Take the scenic route

The ultimate trip tip for any road warrior: take the scenic route. Plan your stops around landmarks and soak in the sights of the states that you’re driving through. If you’re going to be on the road, you might as well do it with someone you love and see the sights you’re driving through.

A road trip can be an interesting conversation starter or story you tell for the rest of your life. The right amount of preparation can make all the difference in how you remember your trip ten years from now. If you’re making memories, might as well make some good ones.

Salt Lake Express offers great deals from Idaho Falls to Salt Lake City

3 Reasons to Travel from Idaho Falls to Salt Lake City

Posted by Salt Lake Express on June 19, 2018

One of Salt Lake Express’ most popular routes is the Idaho Falls to Salt Lake City corridor. This stretch of I-15 takes passengers through fascinating and underrated parts of Idaho, like the hills of Inkom and Devil Creek Reservoir. It also brings you within close proximity to a number of state parks, ghost towns, and trails. And, of course, it connects two great cities of the west with plenty to do and people to see in each.

So why choose Salt Lake Express? There are, of course, other options: a different shuttle company, carpooling with friends, or even driving yourself down. While there are many ways for you to get from Idaho Falls to Salt Lake City, there are a few ways that Salt Lake Express makes it completely worth your while.

Here are just three of them to give you a small taste.

A low $29 fare

In recognition of how many people take this route, Salt Lake Express offers a one-way fare for Idaho Falls to Salt Lake City starting at $29. That’s $29 you wouldn’t need to spend on gas or parking downtown (which we’ll get to in a sec).

Plus, Salt Lake Express always offering discount codes via email or social media that could knock another $5 or even 20% (about $6) off your ticket price! So you’re looking at under $25 to make the trip if you play your cards right.

Door-to-door pickup and dropoff

In addition to paying less for comfortable and quality travel, Idaho Falls and Salt Lake City each have plenty of stops for pickup and dropoff. And if you are traveling from Idaho Falls to Salt Lake City, did you know that the shuttle can pick you up right from your front door? In addition to the airport and Shaka’s Oasis, Salt Lake Express offers door-to-door pickup service in Idaho Falls. Less than $30 fare and you can get picked up at home? This deal just keeps getting better and better all the time.

Don’t pay for parking

Whether you’re heading to the airport or downtown, parking can get tricky — and expensive. By traveling with Salt Lake Express, we eliminate that problem. That means you can enjoy your trip without worrying about how much money your parked car is racking up. You can wander City Creek or go to a Real Salt Lake without fretting over street meters or your car’s safety.

Between the low fare and the convenience of both pickup and dropoff, Salt Lake Express has strived diligently to serve passengers according to their needs. The logistics of the ride aside, they also make an effort to make sure the ride is comfortable and safe. To book your trip from Idaho Falls to Salt Lake City, visit the Salt Lake Express homepage and let’s get you down there.

Photo by aqua.mech, via Flickr.

Globe Theater at the Shakespeare Festival

Visit the 2018 Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City

Posted by Salt Lake Express on June 13, 2018

To go or not to go — is that even really a question?

The world-renowned Utah Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City is ready to kick off another fantastic season this summer with a great lineup of plays and events, including Henry VI, Othello, The Merchant of Venice, and more. Whether you are a Shakespeare buff or not, these performances will have you swooning in your chair at the sweet sound of declarations of love, laughing out loud as Shakespeare’s wordplay tests your wit and awe and humble you as you witness the tragic downfalls of heroes pitted with human foibles. Stunning reproductions and performances are sure to leave you inspired, uplifted, and of course, entertained.

A Festival Rich with History

The Utah Shakespeare Festival was founded with the mission of presenting life-affirming classic and contemporary plays, with Shakespeare’s work as the cornerstone. They hope these performances will entertain, enrich, and educate. And they have done just that, for over fifty years. Today, the festival attracts attention all around the country every year, as people come from far and wide to act in or watch the plays. Since its formation, the Festival has received multiple awards including the 2000 Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre, the 2001 National Governors Association Award, a 2011 Emmy award, and many others, including Best of State in arts and entertainment.

When the Festival first began in 1962, it attracted a little over 3,000 visitors. Today, it brings in over 120,000 each season. They now have four different theaters, including the famous Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre, a beautiful reconstruction based on Elizabethan-era theaters, similar to The Globe, the theater in London Shakespeare worked in and then part-owned. Of course, some adjustments have been made to make the Engelstad Shakespearean Theatre comfortable and accessible to modern audiences. Overall, however, it is still a unique opportunity to see Shakespeare’s work in a near-authentic setting.

To learn the whole story of the festival’s formation and growth, check out this article on their website.

Your Quick Guide to this Season’s Lineup

Not sure which play you should attend? That’s okay — we have got you covered. Here is a quick and easy guide to each play that will be performed this season.

The Greenshow – Ashton Family Greenshow Commons

June 28 – September 8, 2018

The Greenshow is Utah Shakespeare Festival’s free nightly entertainment. Lighthearted song and dance serve as the festival’s nightly welcome to help guests get in the spirit of theater before they enter the play. There are three different shows, which are presented on alternating nights. The show often includes singing, magic, dance, and lots of fun.

Henry VI Part One

June 29 – September 6, 2018 – Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre

Henry V has died, leaving his son to be crowned king. With war raging in France, various factions vying for power in England, and approaching civil war, Shakespeare weaves together this seldom-told piece of history into a stunning tale of political intrigue.

Othello

June 28 – October 13, 2018 – Eileen and Allen Anes Studio Theatre

Shakespeare’s Othello is a powerfully tragic story of passion and anguish. It is a fast-paced, devastating tale of how jealousy and fear can unravel the most intelligent minds and purest loves. It’s the story of a Venetian general who secretly marries the beautiful Desdemona. Iago, spiteful and jealous of Othello, is led to believe that Othello has had an affair with his wife. Iago’s anger transforms into a nefarious plot to get revenge on Othello.

The Merry Wives of Windsor

June 28 – September 8, 2018 – Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre

The Merry Wives of Windsor is one of Shakespeare’s most well-known comedies. It is the story of a quirky old man, Falstaff, who has his lusty eyes on a couple of middle-class housewives. These women, however, will not easily let Falstaff get the better of them, and their wit ultimately gets the better of him. This play is lighthearted and fun.

The Foreigner

June 29 – October 13, 2018 – Randall L. Jones Theatre

Written by Larry Shue, the Foreigner is a comedy about Charlie, a vacationer seeking solitude at a Georgia hunting lodge. To avoid having to interact with the other guests, he pretends to be a foreigner who doesn’t understand English. However, he soon witnesses bizarre schemes by people who think he can’t understand a word they say, leading to confusion and non-stop hilarity that set up one of the funniest endings in all of theater.

Big River

June 30 – September 1, 2018 – Randall L. Jones Theatre

From a book by William Hauptman, adapted from a novel by Mark Twain, gives us another look into the adventures of the beloved classic-American character Huck Finn as he tries to help his friend Jim escape slavery. Featuring original lyrics and music by Roger Miller, audience members describe this play as hilarious, suspenseful, and heartwarming.

The Merchant of Venice

June 30 – September 7, 2018 – Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre

This play is often described as a comedy, and yet, throughout the years, we have begun to call attention to many of the deep-rooted themes Shakespeare wove throughout this play. When Antonio, a wealthy Venetian merchant, borrows money to help his dear friend Bassanio pursue love, things turn south when the moneylender learns that Antonio may not be able to make good on his bond. The Merchant of Venice is as much a suspenseful tragedy as it is a heartwarming romance-comedy. It is a story of racism, revenge, love, humor, greed, justice and mercy.

An Iliad

July 12 – October 9, 2018 – Randall L. Jones Theatre

This play is a modern retelling of the ancient classic, written by By Lisa Peterson and Denis O’Hare. An Iliad is the tale of the events following the Trojan war, sung by the Poet, who witnessed it all.

Pearl’s in the House

August 23 – October 13, 2018 – Eileen and Allen Anes Studio Theatre

Workshopped at the Festival in 2017, this musical play focuses on Pearl Bailey, performer and special delegate to the United Nations in a racially-charged mid-twentieth century America. Bailey was a trailblazer for African-American women, yet a talk-show host in 1987 questions many of her motives. So Bailey responds the only way she knows how—through her music.

The Liar

September 14 – October 13, 2018 – Randall L. Jones Theatre

In this play by David Ives, the charming Dorante cannot tell the truth, and his manservant Cliton cannot tell a lie. From this simple premise springs one of the Western world’s greatest comedies, a spirited seventeenth-century French farce brilliantly adapted for today, complete with mistaken lovers, suspicious fathers, sparkling romance, frothy comedy, and an abundance of breathtakingly intricate “alternative facts.”

Plan your trip to Cedar City

With so many different plays to choose from, from a variety of Shakespearean classics to modern comedies and dramas, the Utah Shakespeare Festival has something for anyone to enjoy. Tickets fill up fast, so now is the time to plan your trip to Cedar City!

5 Trips to Make With Salt Lake Express

Posted by Salt Lake Express on July 21, 2017

From Great Falls, Montana to Las Vegas, Nevada, Salt Lake Express keeps you connected. To family, friends, events, recreation, and everything in between.

We wish to replicate your road trip experience as much as possible, plus every convenience and accommodation we can. That’s why we offer individual outlets and incomparable leg room.

So, we provide the shuttle and the experience. But where to go?

We love to keep you connected to the things and people we love. Usually, you won’t need advice on where to go or reasons to travel. But here are a few trips you can take that Salt Lake Express can offer you.

Visit relatives

Along our route are various college towns and places with growing industry. If you have flocked to one of these towns for your education or work, you have a lot going on in your life! But be sure to make time to visit relatives along our route. Keep those connections alive and vibrant. They, even more so than school or work, can make your life all the more fulfilling.

See a concert

Performers love Salt Lake City. As one of the larger Intermountain metropolis’, it naturally attracts a variety of culture, art, and entertainment. This is the bread and butter for many musicians. Artists or bands often comment on not only the enthusiastic crowds and great reception, but the beautiful scenery and awesome venues. With such a draw toward famous and underground performers alike, there are always stellar concerts coming to Salt Lake.

And of course, Vegas is no stranger to performance and performers. To catch big ticket concerts and other Vegas shows, schedule your trip through Salt Lake Express and we’ll get you there and back again.

The big events

The Festival of Colors in Spanish Fork. Comic-Con in Salt Lake. The Great American Eclipse in Rexburg. Burning Man in the Black Rock Desert. We have the privilege in this part of the country to be privy to all sorts of iconic and exciting events. Some of these are once in a lifetime spectacles, others you may go back to year after year. But don’t waste gas and miles going down yourself. We’ve got you covered! We’re happy to be your vessel to adventure and lifelong memories!

Hiking, fishing, and recreation

Sometimes we aren’t lucky enough to have sweeping vistas and thrilling landscape in our backyards. But Salt Lake Express is glad to take you to those enchanting places. From world famous hiking, to unparalleled fishing, to historic landmarks, to national parks, we take you there.

There is no number or limit to the opportunities waiting for you out there. But there is an easy and efficient way to get you there. Salt Lake Express shuttles have six wheels and many amenities designed to serve you and take you to your destination.

Regardless of what adventure you have in mind, Salt Lake Express has your back.

Top 5 Water Parks To Cool Down at This Summer – Salt Lake Express

Posted by Salt Lake Express on July 14, 2017

The temperatures are really starting to heat up lately into the high 90’s and 100’s. If you have not already pulled out your swimming wear from the bottom of your dresser draws, it’s time to do it and hit those water parks. There are plenty of amazing waterpark locations from Rexburg, Idaho to Provo, Utah to get wet in and enjoy.

There are so many great waterparks to enjoy in Idaho and Utah so below you’ll find a list of our best attempt to identify five locations with great options. Most locations have really fun water slides, diving boards, lap pools, hot tubs, and so much more.

Lava Hot Springs

Lava Hot Springs is a city in Bannock County, Idaho. It is referred to as, “The World Famous Hot Springs” and that reference definitely lives up to the hype. One of the best features of this park is the relaxing geothermal hot springs that range from 102 degrees to 112 degrees. They’re perfect for cold winter days or during the summer when the sun goes down.

Besides the hot springs, it also has an outdoor olympic pool, diving platforms, water slides, and a aquatic center. The diving platforms are 5 m (16.4 ft.), 7 m (22.9 ft.), and 10 m (32.8 ft.) high. There are two speed and two curly water slides as well. The two speed slides have a “60 foot vertical drop and terminal velocity of 38 mph!” It is really a great water park.

Rexburg Rapids

Rexburg Rapids opened its doors in the summer of 2011. Some of the water park features include a outdoor pool, two water slides, a rock climbing wall, kids section, and a mini river to ride your tube on. The park is also very kid friendly and has a slide and other water toys for kids to use.

Some other great options that make the visit worthwhile are a grass volleyball area, plenty of places to sit, and the option of parties and rentals.

Ross Park Aquatic Complex

Ross Park Aquatic Complex (RPAC) is located in Pocatello, Idaho. The water park was built to provide a positive summer recreational experience for the local community, and it definitely does that. Park features include a main pool with two lanes as a lap pool, a pool with a cargo net and lily pads, concession stands, lazy tube river, and large waterslide. The park is also kid friendly with a zero depth pool and playground.

Seven Peaks Resort Water Park

Seven Peaks Resort has locations beyond Provo, Utah but here we’ll be talking about the location in Provo. The water park has been redone with upgrades across the park. Some of those upgrades include healthier food options, rentable cabanas and free park seating. They’re also extending their hours to include late night weekend and a Friday night concert series.

Seven Peaks features include wave pools, lazy rivers, water slides, and more. The lazy river is just under a quarter mile long and is a great way to relax as you ride on a rube. The slides are great for kids as well as adults who want to have the ride of their life. The Sky Breaker slide can descend more than six stories in less than 4.5 seconds.

Cherry Hill Water Park

Cherry Hill Water Park is located in Kaysville, Utah and has some amazing features as well. One of the new additions to the park is a racing slide called The Little Dipper. It’s basically four slides for kids to race down and have some fun. There’s also a 40 foot pirate ship and a 18″ splash pool with mermaids and pirates.

For adults, there is a lazy river, water slides with fog and lighting, and a guest pool free to camping guests. The lazy river loops around a themed mining town and every 45 minutes, “explosive” water blasts shoot out.

Top 5 Restaurants To Eat At In Jackson Hole Wyoming

Posted by Salt Lake Express on July 7, 2017

When you think of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, you probably think of winter skiing, elk antlers at the Town Square, Grand Teton National Park, and whitewater river rafting. The last thing that probably came to mind are places to dine and eat at. While it is true that Jackson Hole is more famous for these other activities, the town does have some great restaurants to eat at.

Below is a list of five of the best restaurants in Jackson Hole. Some of them are new and not as well known while others are more familiar. Each one offers a variety of different dishes so be adventurous and enjoy.

Gather

Gather is an American restaurant a block from Town Square and offers a casual, low key dining experience. The diner is family-friendly, has weekly happy hour specials, and a bar. It is also late on the weekends, which is always a plus.

Bin22

Bin22 came to Jackson as a result of owner Sommelier Gavin Fine visiting Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich’s EATALY in New York City. After visiting this restaurant and trying to bring a bit of Europe to Jackson Hole, Sommelier decided to start Bin22. The restaurant offers visitors with a small wine shop and grocer experience besides the restaurant. The restaurant features small European plates, wines, and craft beers. serves European style plates, wines, and draft craft beers.

Read 5 Restaurants in Logan Utah you Should try!

Trio An American Bistro

Trio An American Bistro was voted as one of Jackson Hole’s hottest restaurants in 2008. It is located just off of Town Square and is owned and operated by two local chefs. The restaurant serves both seasonal and nightly specials. You can also order a specialty cocktail and watch the chefs perform in an open kitchen.

Read Top 5 Fun Things To Do In Jackson Hole Wyoming

Liberty Burger

Liberty Burger is a new restaurant just off Town Square as well. The restaurant is all about chuck, brisket, and tenderloin. Their menu offers burgers served with ham and hash browns to tuna and lamb. Liberty Burger also offers amazing milkshakes and beer.

Bubba’s Bar-B-Que Restaurant

Bubba’s Bar-B0Que has been a Jackson Hole favorite for decades. It has hearty country style breakfasts, and satisfying lunches. Dinner is also amazing and offers BBQ platters, steaks, burgers, large salad bar, and delectable desserts. Plus they’re always adding new items to their menu, and offering daily specials.

Best Fireworks Shows in East Idaho – July 2017

Posted by Salt Lake Express on June 30, 2017

If you’re going to be up in Idaho this weekend, you’re in luck. While it might not normally seem like the best place to be, it definitely is for the Fourth of July weekend. Check out these places to watch the best fireworks shows in East Idaho.

Rexburg

If you’re a true fireworks junkie, stop by Rexburg first. On Saturday, July 1^st, after the Whoopee Days Rodeo (which starts at 7:00 pm), the fireworks will light up the Rexburg sky. It’s planned for 9:45. Because it’s on Saturday, you can watch both this one and other fireworks shows on the Fourth.

Idaho Falls

As for fireworks shows on the Fourth, here’s the big one – The Melaleuca Freedom Celebration. Thousands of people attend this event every year. The celebration has even got so big, in fact, that it had to be moved this year. Instead of being at the John’s Hole Boat Dock, the fireworks will be launched from the Snake River Landing. This is one celebration that you don’t want to miss.

Pocatello

This whole week, Pocatello is celebrating The Biggest Show in Idaho. With events like a Fishing Derby, Mud Volleyball, and Bull Ball, it should be a party even before Tuesday’s events. On Tuesday, the fun starts at 9:00 am with a parade, continues throughout the day with a beach party, and the fireworks show at 10:00 pm caps it all off. If you’re looking for a week of fun, this is the show to go to.

Driggs

Driggs is another city celebrating all week. Starting on Saturday and Sunday, the Teton Mountains won’t be the only thing on the horizon – hot air balloons will fill the sky. For the 36^th year in a row, Driggs will celebrate the Teton Valley Balloon Rally by shooting hot air balloons into the early morning sky. On the Fourth, the city will celebrate with a Mud Lake Challenge 5k Run, a parade, and live music. Finally, to cap it all off, the city will feature a giant, 20+ minute fireworks show at 10:20 pm.

Jackson Hole

Finally, for those of you who want to be more touristy this weekend, Jackson Hole features events all day long. The day starts at 7 am with an all-you-can-eat breakfast and continues with a parade at 10:30 am. As the day goes on, Jackson Hole hosts a live reenactment of a shootout at 6:00 pm and a rodeo at 8:00 pm. Finally, at 10:00 pm, two places will let fireworks fly: the base of Snow King Mountain in the town of Jackson and at the base of the Tetons in Teton Village.

Whichever fireworks show you choose, you’re sure to be happy. With most cities celebrating with events throughout the day and fireworks at night, there won’t be any excuses for being bored this weekend. Stay safe and have fun!

Top 5 Fun Things To Do In Jackson Hole Wyoming

Posted by Salt Lake Express on June 26, 2017

Jackson Hole is a town in the valley of Wyoming with an estimated population of 10,500. The town gained a significant amount of fame in 2016 when a livestream of Town Square went viral on YouTube. This lead to much fascination with the town’s elk antler arches, ski resorts, and nearby national parks.

Jackson Hole is also known as a part-time home to famous actor Harrison Ford. He lives on an 800-acre ranch in Jackson with approximately half of which he has donated as a nature reserve.

Read 10 Hikes to Go On While At Yellowstone National Park

So with all of this recent hype, is Jackson really as great as people say it it is? And what is there to do in this small valley town? The answer to this question is yes! Every year hundreds of thousands of people visit Jackson, Wyoming to see the elk refuge, raft the snake river, visit Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, and so much more.

As a former local to the Jackson Hole area, here is a guide to the top five things you’ll want to do while in Jackson (the elk refuge would have been in the top five if it weren’t summertime):

Town Square – Antler Arches of Jackson

Town Square is the centerpiece of Jackson. It is framed by four elk antler arches (made from hundred of elk antlers) and is surrounded by great dining, bars, gift shops, and art photo galleries. It is located across from the famous Million Dollar Cowboy bar which was featured in a number of western Hollywood movies. Town Square is also close to the recreation center that features a gymnasium, lap pool, water slide, and kid pool.

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is located in northwestern Wyoming, about five miles from Jackson Hole. From the south side of the park, the park is only 10 miles from Yellowstone National Park. Grand Teton National Park encompasses about 310,000 acres and includes a 40 mile long stretch of the Teton mountains.

The mountains are definitely the main feature of the park, but there are plenty of other great things to do as well. Activities range from fly fishing to wildlife tours to boat excursions on Jenny Lake.

River Rafting & Tubing

Jackson Hole is also in the perfect location to offer amazing whitewater rafting and float trips. There are many different rafting companies near Jackson that have professionally trained guides to make your experience unforgettable. The river offers calm waters for relaxation as well as large rapids to give you a wild thrilling ride.

Read Five Creative Ways To Save Money For Traveling This Year

Snow King Mountain Resort

Snow King Mountain Resort is a ski hill located in the southeast corner of Jackson Hole. It was originally founded in 1939 and was the first ski area in Wyoming. Besides being used as a winter ski hill, it is also used for summertime activities. Summertime activities include the newly installed cowboy coaster, mini golf, zip lines, climbing walls, and a scenic chair lift ride. There’s also great biking and hiking trails that go all over the mountain.

Jackson Hole Museums

Just like any town or city, there is a museum. Jackson is unique in the fact that it has four traditional museums and 10 additional galleries or goldsmiths museums. All of the museums are great to see, but if you have limited time you’ll definitely want to visit the Jackson Hole Museum and National Museum of Wildlife.

Jackson Hole has so much more to offer, but this is a great start to some of the main things to do.

10 Hikes to Go On While At Yellowstone National Park

Posted by Salt Lake Express on June 20, 2017

Are you going to Yellowstone National Park this summer and looking for a guide on great hikes to go on while you’re there? Then you’re reading the right article. Yellowstone possesses over 40 different hikes and more than 900 miles of trails that will accommodate everyone’s hiking needs. Some hikes are longer and more challenging, while others are less than a mile long and easy enough for a family to tackle.

With so many hikes available it’s hard to say what hikes are the best, but here is a list of 10 hikes to go on regardless:

1. Fairy Falls

First on the list is Fairy Falls. This hike is pretty easy and leads you to a spectacular waterfall. Once you get to the trailhead from the parking lot, you’ll walk through a lodgepole pine forest. Once you reach the falls, you can walk an extra half mile to see some geysers. Round trip is about six miles long.

2. Clear Lake/Ribbon Lake Loop

Next is Clear Lake/Ribbon Lake Loop and it’s also a pretty easy hike. It winds through meadows and forest, and passes by three backcountry lakes. You can hike to Clear Lake (3.0 miles), Lily Pad Lake (4.0 miles), or do the full loop (6.0 miles). Clear Lake is a hydrothermal area so be sure to stay on the trail.

Read 5 Best Things to do in Yellowstone

3. Mystic Falls

Mystic falls is cool because it starts just north of Old Faithful. The trail basically climbs pretty steeply to an overlook of the falls. If you want to make a loop hike, you can go a quarter of a mile farther and continue on the trail until it meets Little Firehole Meadows Trail. The trail is about 2.0 miles long.

4. Storm Point

After Mystic Falls is Storm Point. This hike starts at Indian Pond and then crosses a meadow and forest before reaching the tip of Storm Point. Once you reach Storm Point you’ll find great views of Yellowstone Lake and the surrounding mountains. The hike is about 2.3 miles round trip and a pretty easy hike.

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5. Lone Star Geyser

Lone Star Geyser also starts near Old Faithful and features a geyser. The trailhead starts at Kepler Casacades pullout and follows the Firehole River until you reach the geyser. Lone Star Geyser erupts every three hours at a height of 30-45 feet. The hike is about 4.8 miles round trip.

6. Elephant Back Mountain

Elephant Back Mountain is also a great hiking trail. It’s moderately difficult and total distance is about 3.5 miles. This trail climbs for a mile or so and takes you through a lodgepole pine forest before reaching a junction. If you continue another half mile you’ll be able to see Yellowstone Lake.

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7. Riddle Lake

Riddle Lake is another easy hike and the total distance is about 5 miles round trip. It crosses the continental divide and runs through the forest and marshy meadows to a little lake. This trail is usually open until July so check with park rangers before trying to hike it.

8. Shoshone Lake

Shoeshone Lake hiking trail is about 5.8 miles round trip. The trail runs along the edge of the forest and through open meads to the lake. You might see a moose while you’re there so keep an eye out.

9. Mount Washburn

For you hikers who like a more strenuous hike, this is a great one for you. The climb for this trail is about 1,400 feet as you ascend up the mountain. The crowning feature of this hike is reaching the top of the mountain and seeing a panoramic view of about 20-50 miles in all directions. Additionally, you’ll see wildflowers and possibly some bighorn sheep. You can expect the hike to be about 6 miles long round trip.

10. Pelican Creek

Pelican Creek is also a great trail. You’ll start at Pelican Creek bridge near the Fishing Bridge Visitor Center, and make your way through the forest and follow the creek. This trail is about half a mile long.

Category: Destinations