Reasons to Visit West Yellowstone

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Reasons to Visit West Yellowstone

Are you looking for a fun vacation or getaway over the winter or coming months? Well, look no further. Here at Salt Lake Express, we want to highlight some of the reasons to visit West Yellowstone and the world’s first national park.

West Yellowstone

In March 1872, President Grant signed a bill for the protection of Yellowstone National park. Salt Lake Express travelers can visit the park through the town of West Yellowstone. The town has been a gateway to the national park since the early 1900s. Visitors to the national park can find affordable lodging, restaurants, and tours throughout the town.

Attractions

Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center

The center opened in 1993 as a sanctuary for bears removed from their natural habitat. At the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center, researchers are able to gain a better fundamental understanding of bears and other wildlife. Visitors can view grizzly bears interacting with each other and enjoy the museum.

The Playmill Theatre

The Playmill Theatre has been a staple of West Yellowstone since 1964. The theatre is one of the largest in the area and attracts patrons from the neighboring states of Idaho and Wyoming. Visitors can take a break from the park for an evening at the theatre during the summer season.

Yogi’s Waffle & Grill

If you ever need a break from the park or walking around, stop by Yogi’s for some great food. The Waffle & Grill restaurant has a great selection of food and desserts to choose from. With 40 flavors of Ice cream, Yogi’s is a popular stop for travelers to take a break before they head back into the park.

Yellowstone National Park

Beyond the attractions of West Yellowstone, this stop has plenty to offer within the National Park. If you tour with a group you’ll be restricted, but you’ll still see some great spots. If you’re lucky enough to go in on your own, here’s the things we suggest you look at.

Geysers

Most people have heard of Old Faithful. But did you know that Yellowstone is home to 500 geysers? Some of the most popular include the Grand Geyser and the Riverside Geyser. Yellowstone’s hikes provide a way to get a good view of the eruption. Only a few of these natural wonders are predictable, but catching one as it goes off will leave you speechless! Most of the geysers only go off once or twice a day, but some of the smaller ones erupt almost every hour. Make sure to keep behind the marked path, the water from these geysers is boiling hot.

Hiking & Canoeing

There are several great lakes within Yellowstone Park to explore. Most of these have some sort of hike or access to an area. All canoes and equipment has to come from outside the park. So if you don’t have the equipment, you’re out of luck. But, in the town outside the park you can rent a canoe for a reasonable price. We’d suggest going to Shoshone or Heart Lake.

Nature Photography

Most of the wildlife in Yellowstone try to keep clear of humans, but some of the animals are more bold. During the spring months, female bears with cubs will come closer to areas with more human activity, to keep clear of the larger male bears. If you make sure to keep your distance, you might be able to get a good shot in the spring months.

Larger animals in Yellowstone hibernate for the winter, however visitors commonly see smaller wildlife like coyotes and foxes throughout November and December. Winter months become the perfect time to capture wildlife shots because most of these small animals stand out brilliantly against the harsh white background.

Planning For Your Road Trip With Salt Lake Express

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Must-Haves for Every Road Trip Warrior

I’m something of a cross country, road trip traveler! I actually grew up in the back of a seven-passenger vehicle driving across the country for most of my life. And I know that there is a lot to remember when you’re planning a trip. After spending days and even weeks at a time driving in a car, I’ve become somewhat of a professional traveler. Which might help you out with your next trip on Salt Lake Express. The principles of cross country travel remain the same regardless of what vehicle you’re in. Here are some of the things I do to make my trips more comfortable.

Nutrition

healthy snacks on a road trip

Food and water come first in any travel situation. After long hours in close conditions, we all get understandably tired and hungry. Which is why you need to pack snacks and water beforehand. Salt Lake Express stops every few hours to fuel up, but you can’t rely on these stops alone. Most people will be in a rush for the bathroom during these stops. You don’t want to hold up the bus because you were trying to buy a gas station sandwich. I suggest you take a look at how long your trip will last and then pack enough snacks for at least two-thirds of the meals you’d usually have during that time. Also bring a medium sized refillable water bottle.

In addition, try to pack light and with easily disposable packaging so you’ll have more room in your carry-on after you eat. If you’re planning on taking a flight, make sure you eat all of your food before you leave the bus. You wouldn’t want to waste anything.

Comfort

The next tip I have for you involves maximizing your comfort throughout the trip. Make sure to wear travel clothes. These should be your most comfortable pair of clothes that are appropriate for the weather you are traveling in. Many of you will want a neck pillow to help you sleep sitting up right. I’ve never been able to sleep while traveling, but I’d suggest you bring one if you plan on getting some rest. For the men out there, take your wallet and phone out of your back pockets and store them either in your carry on or coat pocket. You’ll be sitting down for a long period of time and that wallet becomes death in your pocket after two hours! That small change will make the biggest difference in your comfort level.

Pack Light

Packing light increases your chances of being comfortable. Try to only pack one suitcase with all the essential clothes and toiletries you’ll need. You should have one pair of clothes for every day of your trip. But for a longer trip, try planning on doing laundry. For a long trip pack;

  • Four shirts, two regular and two formal
  • Three pairs of pants or bottoms, 2 casual and 1 formal
  • Two pairs of shoes (formal and non-formal)
  • Four pairs of socks
  • Underwear
  • Toiletries

All you need should be able to fit into a small to medium sized suitcase. Then bring a backpack or carry-on bag with the other essentials;

  • Food and water
  • One extra pair of clothes
  • Charger
  • Laptop
  • Headphones
  • Wallet
  • Keys
  • Pocket money
  • Phone

Fit these into your backpack as best you can. I suggest rolling the clothes into a bundle at the base of your backpack. And that is how you properly plan for your upcoming road trip. And don’t forget to frequently check saltlakeexpress.com for surprise sales and other promotional deals. You can also subscribe to our email where we regularly send out stellar discounts!

Overlooking St. George from the red mountains on the edge of town.

Reasons To Visit Utah In The Fall

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Visit Utah

Fall is one of the best seasons of the year. The trees change color and people pack every month with festivals and attractions! Here at Salt Lake Express we want to keep you up to date on everything our destinations have to offer. And boy does Utah have a lot to offer during the fall! Check out Salt Lake Express to book a trip to these events! Let us show you just a few reasons to visit Utah in fall 2021.

Oktoberfest  – Snowbird

Dancers at the Shakespeare Festival

Located up at the Snowbird Mountain Resort outside of Salt Lake, the Oktoberfest celebration is one of the most anticipated things about autumn. This traveling cultural festival livens up the first month of fall! The family friendly celebration includes traditional food, games, drinks and activities. Admission is free, making this one of the best things to do in Utah on a budget.

Nature Hills Harvest Festival – Cedar City

Nature Hills annual harvest festival has arrived. It doesn’t get much better than picking a fresh pumpkin and sipping apple cider in Autumn. And Nature Hills sure takes the metaphorical pumpkin cake this time of year. Admission is at a low 5 dollars and the farm has enough activities to fill a whole day. Stop by on your next trip to Cedar City and take a hayride, pick a pumpkin, or stop by the harvest store for their original pumpkin spice hot cocoa!

Field Of Screams – St. George

Try testing your courage this fall at the field of screams! This haunted attraction takes it above and beyond. The Field of Screams has been voted Utah’s number one haunted attraction. With realistic props, special effects and costumes, the Field of Screams is a walking nightmare. This corn maze is a must go for any Halloween enthusiast! But we suggest not taking any small children. Stop by next time you travel to St. George. If you Dare!

Comedy Performances – Salt Lake

Fall shows provide a way out of the cold and an escape for a few hours, and Salt Lake packs these shows in at the end of the year. Most local comedians have been itching to perform and several clubs have reopened. The comedy scene in Salt Lake is livelier than ever with contests and performances! They don’t limit themselves to local performers either. Clubs in Salt lake plan to host national comedians such as Cameron Esposito, David Spade, Jeff Allen, and Kristina Kuzmic, through the end of the year. Swing on by on your next trip to Salt Lake!

Temple Lights – Salt Lake City

Residents of Utah know that the last day of November marks the start of Christmas lights in Salt Lake City. The LDS temple in Salt Lake is famous for its Christmas lights at this time of year. The light display can be seen throughout the whole city and are lit every night till Christmas 2021. Cross country travelers often go out of their way to make sure they catch a glimpse of the beautiful displays and feel the Christmas spirit. It has to be a stop on your winter trip to Salt Lake. Make sure to bring a cup of cocoa, it does get cold.

Skiing – Various locations

People around the country know Utah for it’s amazing powder snow and ski resorts! People travel far and wide for their ski trips and to drift down that fresh powder. These early months of mid November through December provide some of the best skiing weather! But, most locations get booked incredibly early. So don’t wait, Salt Lake Express can provide you transportation to your destination in Utah. Plan your ski vacation on your next visit to Utah!

Snow Canyon State Park

What To Do In Snow Canyon State Park

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Home to some of the most breathtaking vistas and diverse life in the west, Snow Canyon State Park has much to offer its visitors. The appeal of this state park is reflected in its average attendance of a quarter million visitors annually. Why do so many people visit Snow Canyon? What is there to do in all 7,400 acres of this state park? You’re about to learn.

Hiking

There are over thirty-eight miles of hiking trails in Snow Canyon State Park. These many trails range from easy to moderate, making it a very family-friendly hiking destination. There is also a three-mile paved trail for walking and biking as well as fifteen miles of equestrian trails. Nevertheless, hikers of all skill levels will enjoy the beautiful canyons and dunes of Snow Canyon.

Some of our top picks are White Rocks Trail/Lava Overlook, Whiptail Trail, Petrified Sand Dunes Trail, and Johnson Canyon. Find a more comprehensive list here.

Snow Canyon State Park

Camping

One of the good things about Snow Canyon’s location — besides the amazing landscape for which people visit — is the fact that it rarely receives snow. Low precipitation and mild climate allow for their campground to be open year-round.

The campsites feature a large number of amenities and accommodate motorhomes, RVs, and tents. Water hookups, bathrooms, electricity, and more are available to campers, and pets are allowed. Anything you need for your basic camping or extravagant glamping is available.

Reserve your campsite at Snow Canyon State Park here.

Wildlife Viewing

Snow Canyon’s location not only creates a welcoming climate for camping, but its geography lends to fascinating wildlife. Situated at the crossroads of the Mojave Desert, Great Basin, and Colorado Plateau, its dryness attracts a unique fauna. In fact, wildlife enthusiasts can discover thirteen state or federally-protected sensitive species, such as the peregrine falcon, desert tortoise, and Gila monster.

You can, of course, see many, many other types of wildlife in the park. The Utah Department of Natural Resources has identified coyotes, kit foxes, quail, roadrunners, and more. If you have an eye for wildlife you’re sure to see much more!

Always remember to exercise caution around wildlife; look, do not touch.

Snow Canyon State Park

Photography

Whether you’re into wildlife, beautiful views, or different species of plants, Snow Canyon State Park is a haven for photographers. The red Navajo sandstone and black lava rock make for colorful, stark, and striking backdrops. Wildflowers are beautiful in the spring and fall, and everything from narrow leaf yucca to blackbrush dot the landscape. Time and climate have carefully carved out this beautiful state park for us, and a picture is worth more than a thousand words — its beauty is inspiring.

Taking photographs is highly recommended; removal of plants, rocks, or wildlife is not.

Junior Ranger

Snow Canyon State Park is also a proud participant in the Junior Ranger Program, which is a national program to educate children on state parks. Their mission is best expressed in their motto: “Explore, Learn, Protect!”

Kids between the ages of 5-13 can participate in this program by following a few simple steps. You don’t have to go to Snow Canyon to earn some of the badges, but it sure makes it a lot more fun! As you and your child explore Snow Canyon State Park, you’ll both love what you see and learn.

Snow Canyon State Park

At over 7,000 acres, Snow Canyon State Park has everything to offer: gorgeous vistas, hiking, camping, wildlife, and activities for visitors of all ages. Plan your trip, remember to take pictures, and take in the wonder of one of Utah’s amazing state parks.

St George Express is helping you elevate your bus travel experience

How to Elevate Your Bus Travel Experience

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Unfortunately, trying to survive the ride to school and back is the only sort of bus travel many people are familiar with. Fortunately, 1985 is long behind us, and whether or not you have a lunchbox no longer determines how many times you’ll get hit in the back of the head by a bully who just discovered spitballs.

Even though we’ve all grown up a little, there are still some quick to-dos to ensure you avoid any unnecessary discomfort when riding the bus. Check out our list of ways to elevate your bus travel experience.

Hand sanitizer

Let’s be honest, other people can be disgusting. Most long-distance bus travel companies provide travelers with multiple opportunities to use the restroom, but may you want to clean up sooner than later.  If you accidentally touch some “ABC” bubblegum under the seat, a travel size bottle of hand sanitizer can be a lifesaver in an otherwise sticky situation.

Snacks

We all get the munchies from time to time. Remembering to bring a bag of chips or a chocolate bar can help soothe that sweet tooth or put off the tummy-grumbles until you reach your final destination.

Tablet (Laptop)

Sometimes looking out the window is all the entertainment you need, but it helps to have other options on long bus rides. Prepping a tablet or laptop with your favorite eBooks, podcasts, TV shows or movies can help you pass the time when you grow tired of looking at corn fields.

Neck pillow

Despite the efforts of everyone at St. George Express, bus travel isn’t always the most comfortable experience. Bringing a travel size pillow can give you just enough cushion to sleep through the entire trip or take a quick power nap.

Battery charger

Most bus travel companies like St. George Express have individual charging outlets on each bus, but bringing a personal battery charger is a smart backup plan. If you’re expecting an important phone call or need to make sure you’re fully charged for your entire trip, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Sweatshirt (blanket)

You never really know if the temperature on the bus will be too hot or too cold. Speaking to the driver of the bus can be a solution but packing a lightweight blanket or a sweatshirt you can quickly throw on will help keep you comfortable if it’s a little chilly on board.

Travel Bag

Last but certainly not least, the one thing that will let you bring all the other things with you. A backpack or travel bag is the perfect way to pack your snacks, tablet, blanket and hand sanitizer, while still keeping your hands free.

You want your trip to go smoothly, and so do we. St. George Express does everything we can to make your experience as positive as possible, but remembering some small personal items can make all the difference.

Hiker on a weekend getaway in St. George

How to Pull Off a Weekend Getaway to St. George

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Hiker on a weekend getaway in St. George

If you are looking for a weekend getaway, then St. George should be at the top of your list. Trust us, St. George has you covered, from great weather to delicious food and amazing sights. Not convinced? Check out 5 things to do in St. George Utah.

Whether it’s a romantic getaway with your special someone or just a relaxing weekend adventure with friends, whatever the reason, don’t let fear, uncertainty, or your wallet stop you. So, for all those spur-of-the-moment trips and weekend getaways you always wanted to take but never knew how to pull off, this one is for you.

How to get there

Traveling to St. George has never been easier. St. George Express offers stops from Las Vegas to Helena, Montana, and just about everything in between. Don’t let gas prices, plane tickets, car rentals, or other worries hold you back. Riding with St. George Express has never been easier, more affordable, and more comfortable. Taking a shuttle to St. George is the perfect stress-free way to make your dreams of a weekend getaway a reality. Plug in your device, hook up to the complimentary Wi-Fi, and kick bag and enjoy the extra legroom in all of St. George Express’ shuttles. Catch an early ride so you can maximize your weekend getaway and even make it home in time for work or school when Monday rolls back around.

Where to stay

St. George offers a wide variety of places to stay. From well-known franchises like Best Western and La Quinta Inn and Suites to trendier stays like Inn on the Cliff, which offers a great view of St. George, the options are endless and surprisingly affordable. As you pick a place to stay, remember that even if your chosen hotel advertises a check-in time later in the day, don’t let that stop you from coming into town as early as you can. Most hotels will provide early check-in if you ask. Worst case scenario, they will provide a place to store your bags before your room becomes available. Getting into town sooner than later will be crucial to making the best of your quick weekend getaway.

Feeling extra daring? Skip the hotel and check out nearby camping spots or even just stay for the day and catch a ride home that night. Just remember, deciding where to stay may prove to be the most important decision you make for your weekend getaway. Great views, stunning pools, and delicious restaurants can make all the difference during your quick weekend stay.

What to eat

For the extra-budget trip, pack some basic nonperishable items ahead of time, or plan to pick something up when you arrive in town that you could prepare at your hotel. If you are looking to treat yourself a little, check out our earlier post for some great dining options you won’t want to miss.

Make St. George your next weekend getaway destination.

There you have it. Now that you know how to do it, what else is stopping you? Make St. George your weekend getaway destination. We can help get you here!

Take a Trip From Cedar City to Vegas

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If you live in Cedar City you need to take a trip to Vegas! This place has so much to offer and with ticket prices so low you can’t afford to miss out. Of course, we wouldn’t recommend this trip unless we had some good reasons, and we do. Check out why you need to take a trip from Cedar City to Vegas.

It is just a short trip from Cedar City to Vegas.

It’s close

It’s only a 2 1/2 hour drive from Cedar City to Vegas! Vegas is somewhere people from all over the country, and sometimes the world, come for entertainment. You are so close and you don’t want to miss out while it’s so accessible to you. It’s an easy Saturday trip, or grab a hotel and make it a weekend getaway.

The trip from Cedar City to Vegas is affordable.

It’s affordable

We know that college and life, in general, is expensive. We also know that you still want travel down to Vegas and enjoy your weekend which is why we offer tickets for just $19! Seriously, $19! Hotels in Vegas can also be cheap if you want to stay for a few nights. Go with a group and split up the room cost. Or check out Groupon to see hotels deals in Vegas. Some are as low as $15 a night on there. In fact with prices this low for travel you could go multiple times so you don’t have to worry about fitting everything in at once.

Endless entertainment is just a trip from Cedar City to Vegas away.

There is tons of entertainment

Vegas is known for its entertainment. These include shows, gambling, drinking, clubs, food (so much good food…), museums and more! If you want to learn more about Vegas check out our recent blog post about what Vegas has to offer.

After a short drive from Cedar City to Vegas, there is lots of shopping available.

All the shopping

Are you in the mood for some good shopping? Vegas has lots of it! Grab your friends and hit the town. No matter what you are looking for they will have a store for it. If you want a more standard shopping experience try the malls or outlets located in Vegas. The best part about shopping in Vegas is the variety of price ranges in stores.

Warm weather is just a short drive from Cedar City to Vegas away.

It is warmer

Let’s be honest. One of the biggest incentives for your trip from Cedar City to Vegas is to go is for the warm weather, especially in winter! You can enjoy the pools, hot tubes and if you enjoy the outdoors there are some great hikes nearby. Be sure to also go on a little trip outside of the city to see the seven magic mountains. This place is Instagram worthy, promise.

There are tons of other reasons to go to Vegas! If you are looking to have some fun or just escape from your typical routine, Vegas is the place to go. Check online and see if there are tickets for upcoming concerts or shows. Plan out your weekend and make it a relaxing getaway. With our shuttle prices so low you won’t regret your trip!

Things to do in Provo

5 Fun Things To Do in Provo this Weekend

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Looking for some fun things to do in Provo this weekend? There are plenty of activities you can do even in this cold weather! Here is a list of 5 things to do in Provo!

Bridal Veil Falls

Bridal Veil Falls has quite the reputation! Located up Provo Canyon, it is a 600 feet tall waterfall and during the winter it has some of the best ice climbing in the US. This waterfall can be visited easily any time of the year. The hike to Bridal Veil Falls is very pleasant, and children love it!

The Shop at Riverwoods

The Shops at Riverwoods is Utah’s premier gathering locations for the best shopping and dining! See a movie, have dinner, and go on a shopping spree! The Shops at Riverwoods are located in a unique riverfront environment. This place will provide you with hours of entertainment!

Peaks Ice Arena

The Peaks Ice Arena is a year-round family recreation facility at the foot of the Wasatch Mountains! The Peaks is home to many different sports, as well as Public Skating. It also houses 2 indoor turf fields utilized for soccer, lacrosse, rugby and ultimate frisbee.

Provo Beach

Provo Beach is a one-of-a-kind facility, with more than 50,000 square-feet of attractions and entertainment.  If you are looking for a place to have a good time indoors look no further! Provo Beach works every day to bring high-quality attractions, food, and fun to Utah!

Swig

Whether you need a bit of caffeine or a small treat, Swig has you covered. One of the new fun things to do in Provo is Swig n Sweets! The location is right in downtown Provo and their prices are low! Also, their sugar cookies and Dirty Diet Coke are out of this world!

Things to do in Boise this weekend

5 Fun Things To Do in Boise this President’s Day Weekend

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Did you know that Salt Lake Express offers several daily trips to and from Boise? Although Salt Lake Express is known for its popular routes to and through Utah, Idahoans can enjoy the beautiful western half of the state. Plus, there are plenty of entertaining things to do in Boise.

Here is our list of 5 fun things to do in Boise this President’s Day Weekend!

The Village at Meridian

The Village at Meridian offers a lot for those who want a festive and bustling environment. Intricate buildings, music, lights and fountain water shows are a few things that you can expect when you visit The Village. Visitors can dine in fancy restaurants, ice skate, shop, go to a movie, or just hang out! This Boise hot spot is a fun place for friends and family.

Guru Donuts

Guru Donuts has quickly become one of the most popular bakery spots in Boise. This delicious Boise favorite makes homemade doughnuts using local flour from scratch daily. They create fancy flavors such as pumpkin, root beer, and “hipsterberry”!

Bogus Basin

Skiing, Fat Biking, Snowshoeing, Tubing, the list goes on and on! Bogus Basin offers every kind of mountain activity you could ever want! Located 16 miles north of Boise, this association provides you with mountain recreation you will remember. This is the perfect place to embrace winter and enjoy the great outdoors.

Jump Time Idaho

If winter weather isn’t your thing come to Idaho’s premier indoor trampoline park! With over 14,000 square feet of trampolines and games Jump Time Idaho is the place to be. From young kids to adults, everyone can have a good time!

Aquarium of Boise

The Aquarium of Boise is the only place of its kind in Idaho. It is an interactive aquarium where children and adults can touch, feed, and learn about each individual animal. Come and be a part of the Idaho Aquarium family, explore the ocean with your own hands, and leave with the greatest memories!