SALT LAKE CITY & UTAH

Salt Lake City is a beautiful and vibrant metropolis surrounded by the Wasatch Mountains on the east and the Oquirrh Mountains on the west. Students who come to the University of Utah find themselves in an area noted for its safety, warm hospitality, rich history, bustling economy, and majestic natural beauty. The foothills of the Wasatch Mountains form a stunning backdrop to the University of Utah offering students unparalleled access to natural recreation activities, and excellent public transportation keeps the University in close touch with Salt Lake's vibrant arts, entertainment, and sports venues.

Frequently Asked Questions about Salt Lake City and Utah:

     Q: What is there to do in Salt Lake City?

A: Salt Lake's activities and resources cater to a wide range of interests. The outdoors are just a part of what the area has to offer. For those who desire the cultural scene, Salt Lake is home to professional and nationally recognized symphony, opera, theater, ballet, and film. Sports fans can enjoy professional hockey, soccer, baseball, and Utah Jazz basketball. Other activities include community festivals and art markets, excellent shopping, dining, and museums - not to mention all that the University of Utah contributes as well. Salt Lake City is an exceptionally vibrant and livable city!

     Q: How safe is Salt Lake City?

A: Salt Lake has an excellent safety record. According to a recent FBI report "Crime in the United States, 2002" Salt Lake is one of the safest large cities in America, with significantly fewer crimes being committed in Salt Lake than the national average. According to FBI statistics, Salt Lake is safer than other western cities of comparable size including San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, Denver, Phoenix, Reno, Las Vegas, Albuquerque, and Sacramento.

     Q: What's the population of Salt Lake City?

A: Salt Lake City is the largest city in the state of Utah, and has a population of 180,000. Salt Lake City itself covers only 111.1 square miles, while the Salt Lake Metro Area covers approximately 737 square miles (Salt Lake County). Salt Lake County's population is 914,000, making it the most populous region in Utah. The population along the whole Wasatch Front (Ogden to Provo) totals about 1.5 million people. Utah's total population is about 2.3 million.

     Q: What's the weather like?

A: July is Salt Lake's hottest month with an average maximum in the low 90s. January is the coldest month with an average minimum around 20ºF. Salt Lake City has a semi-arid continental climate, with four distinct seasons--from green springs, to beautiful summers, to an explosion of brilliant foliage in fall, and the famous Utah snow blanketing the mountains and valley in the winters. The low humidity and year-round sunshine provide a favorable climate whatever the season. Each season brings its own beauty (and recreational activities) to Utah. For more information, visit: http://www.slcgov.com/info/area_info/weather.htm

     Q: What's the elevation of Salt Lake City?

A: Salt Lake City sits at about 4,300 feet above sea level, with the highest point within city limits being 9,410 feet at Grandview Peak. The Wasatch Mountains to the east have peaks of 10,000 to 12,000 feet high. The Oquirrh Mountains to the west are about 9,500 feet high.

     Q: What's up with the Great Salt Lake?

A: Salt Lake City sits on an area once covered by giant prehistoric Lake Bonneville that stretched over parts of Utah, Idaho, and Nevada. Portions of the ancient lake's shoreline are still recognizable along the foothills; in fact, the Shoreline hiking trail passes just behind the University. When Lake Bonneville diminished, it left what is now the Great Salt Lake--the second-largest saltwater lake in the world. The Great Salt Lake is eight times saltier than the ocean, making its waters comfortable to very few organisms other than the resident population of brine shrimp. Although the lake never freezes, it's not generally the most tempting place to take a swim (although some do just for the adventure of it). The lake is an important part of Salt Lake's weather patterns by moderating cold northwest winds, and causing what is known as the "lake effect" which causes increased precipitation.

     Q: What about the predominant religion?

A: As the world headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons), Salt Lake has a large population who belong to that faith. It also has very strong communities from all major faiths and denominations. In the Salt Lake Valley, active congregations of over 30 different denominations meet weekly. All major world religions are represented in Utah as well as many non-denominational houses of worship.

     Q: What are the demographics of Salt Lake?

A: Utah has the youngest population in the nation, with the median age being 26.7 years compared to the national average of 35.2 years. Utah also holds one of the highest birth rates in the nation, the second lowest death rate, the highest literacy rate, and the healthiest population. (see http://www.slcgov.com/info/area_info/ )

     Q: What time zone is Utah in?

A: Utah is in the Mountain Time Zone, and observes Daylight Savings Time. It is two hours behind New York, and one hour ahead of California.

     Q: How do I find out more about Utah's recreational opportunities?

A: Many people have heard about the nine major ski resorts within an hour's drive of downtown Salt Lake City. But there are other limitless outdoor activities that Utah has to offer, including cross-country skiing, snowboarding, biking, camping, hiking, watersports, rock climbing, canyoneering, fishing, whitewater rafting, backpacking, and much more. For the outdoor enthusiast there is no better place for quick access to everything from serene alpine peaks to Utah's unparalleled red rock country.   The best way to find Utah's sweet spots is to ask the locals, and then just get out and explore for yourself (making sure you're well prepared). The University's Outdoor Recreation Program is a great source of information, and they can point you in the direction of the best guidebooks. Additionally, they rent gear, host seminars, and plan group adventures. Other good resources are the local outdoor gear shops; a smaller or more technical store usually has more knowledgeable staff than a general sports equipment store.

     Q: Where are some places to stay in Salt Lake?

A: The University Guest House is a convenient location for campus activities, but hundreds of accommodations are available throughout the Salt Lake valley. Click here to find out more about where to stay when you're checking out the University or just visiting Salt Lake City.

     Q: How do I get around in Salt Lake?

A: Whether you're a student at the U or just visiting, you're encouraged to take advantage of Utah Transit Authority's extensive light rail and bus system throughout the valley. Cars are convenient (especially if you want to drive up the canyons), but public transportation is easy around the valley, and so economical and environmentally friendly!

     Q: Do I need a car to get to the ski resorts?