A summer road trip that lead to the state of UTAH, USA. Focused on Salt Lake City after flying in and out of Las Vegas, Nevada.
Driving across small parts of Nevada and Arizona to gain speed and make many miles in Utah. Their speed limit sometimes sees signs posting 80 to 85 miles per hour, almost felt the German Autobahn with my usual 10+mph over the speed limit. Lovely and fast enough to cover some distances whilst still enjoying stops along the way and enjoying those impressive views switching from dessert to mountains. From freaking hot to warm and mild. From ‘fake’ environments in Las Vegas to classy buildings in Salt Lake City.
Salt Lake City, Utah. There is plenty of salt, there is (more than) that one massive lake, there is the city. Salt – Lake – City. Comes in easy now to cope with that clear name.
The city and its surroundings are so worth the visit all year round, I guess. As always, I am happy to explore during the summer months. Of course, Salt Lake City or just SLC as cool people and the signs say sometimes, has been an Olympic City back in 2002. And will host the Olympic Winter Games again in February of 2034. Which is why the infrastructure on those nearby impressive mountains is still very well intact. The manhole covers proudly remember on the 2002 Games. Many guest houses mimic Alp Resorts which I found both classy and funny, of course.
Surely, people from many destinations are attracted by this destination. Asian and European languages were featured in the tourist information around the big Salt Lake. The Salt Lake is so massive that you cannot spot the opposite side of it. You think you do, but actually one spots any of the in total eleven islands on that lake. The biggest one being Antelope Island with many Bisons roaming on it which you should never approach as the signs say. That state park is mind-blowing with plenty of wild Bisons, super-impressive views and hikes. An ideal hike is the Buffalo Point Trail that leads you to the top of a small mountain from which stunning views are available 360 degrees. To the city and especially the massive salt lake that looks like a mirror in which the clouds reflect.
The salinization of this great lake is about 40% higher than that of the Dead Sea, believe it or not. I have been told so by the captain whom we rented with his boat to get on the lake for some hour. It is a terminal lake that ends three rivers nearby and has seen highs and lows throughout history. I loved the clear water, the views and the overall vibe this scenery provided. The water from those three rivers only has one chance: to evaporate over time. Natural salts and minerals are left behind that can be “harvested” by the companies around here. Even tech companies accompany the many banks in this city making it strong and a destination worth being mentioned more often. Ore and gold mines are found even today on the outskirts of SLC.
The city of SLC is vast itself and stretches alongside the Eastern side of the lake onto the mountains. The city center features a rebuild financial and commercial to shopping area nearby the impressive old buildings like the State of Utah State Capitol and mostly Mormon church buildings. Women were allowed to vote in the state of Utah from February of as early as 1870. Speaks well for this state of the USA. The city is way older than just centennial – the big capitol building had been erected in 1914.
Great food can be found here, too. Be it one of the most luxurious Cheesecake Factories right by the remodeled creek downtown or more authentic in Tony Caputo Fish Market just a bit south of it. Both was super enjoyable; just like Dee’s Restaurant for a classic American stop. The national symbol of Utah is the Honey Comb which can be found across Salt Lake City with pride. Kinda cool. Just like the fact, that downtown SLC has Uta Trax as a solid tram system besides the many buses to allow for a reliable public transport. Also, wide bike lanes can be used in many parts of this town.
A hidden gem in the mountains East of Salt Lake City is the Utah Crater. A natural spa found in an old crater in which you can swim. The waters inside that crater are of high mineral quality and very warm with 30-35 degrees Centigrade or around 100 degrees Fahrenheit. A superb experience for which you need to book in advance to have an hour with a small group to swim in that natural highlight. Safe and still authentic and thus super enjoyable whilst good for the skin as well. First pic taken on the top of the crater where a small bridge allows you to stand atop of it and feel the heat coming out. Below the swim and snorkel experience. Even diving classes are available.
Extraneous impressions from the road trip in between SLC and LV (Las Vegas) to follow.
The Kanarra Falls and the Valley of Fire were perfect highlights along our route. The Valley of Fire is freaking hot and found in North-East of Nevada, actually a Nevada State Park. Kanarra Falls are found right next to Kanarra in Southern Utah right next to the interstate. Both of these attractions provide for an authentic element experience. Water: Hiking to the falls right through the canyon. Or feel the burning heat in the Valley of Fire thanks to the exposure to the red rocks and crazy natural formations around here – Earth and Fire. Both destinations are not known enough, I think.
The Kanarra Falls challenge you to hike right through the waters in between the wet rocks to reach all the falls. A superb experience, sporty to challenging with phantastic views along the 2-3 h hike.
The Valley of Fire warns you of excessive heat and that “you might die”. But again, also worth the views out here. Just cover your head and drink a lot of water in 45 plus degrees Centigrade or around 120 Fahrenheit.
Las Vegas as start and end of this great road trip did not disappoint and allowed for a sneak peek into The Shere with an impressive show of the Backstreet Boys. The Sphere and the sheer size of the display inside that dome is a must visit in general. Wonderful impressions from the inside of The Sphere can be found below. For a breakfast afterwards, I absolutely recommend the Blueberry Hill Café in Vegas for their massive omeletes and pancakes alongside coffee and fresh juices made with love. All other pictures are a selection of my snapshots along the route through the state of Utah, USA. Random as I like it when road trippin’.
Fully loaded on American impressions, I am surely happy about this trip in August 2025.
Best, Sirk
Glad to have you in our bee hive Mr Kuhn