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May 27
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June Events in Utah

Your Week Ahead: May 27 – June 2

By Community

Looking for a way to liven up your week ahead? Luckily, Utah has no shortage of exciting events to fill out your calendar. To help you make a selection, we’ve gathered a list of our favorite happenings around-town, from Memorial day tributes to farmer’s markets and garden parties. And don’t forget, June 1st marks the beginning of Pride month here in Salt Lake City. Celebrate with the annual Pride Rally and Festival, more on that below!  

For even more events this week and throughout the month, visit our community events calendar! 

Monday 05/27

What: Memorial Day Car Show + Tribute
Where: Veterans Memorial Park (1985 W 7800 S)
When: 05/27 at 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 
Celebrate veterans with a free ceremony and car show in West Jordan. The day of remembrance will also feature food trucks, a special guest speaker and community fun. 

What: Draper Memorial Day Ceremony 
Where: Draper City Park 
When: 05/27 at 3 p.m. 
Honor Americans in the military service with a free ceremony at the Gold Star Families Monument in Draper Park. The simple free service will begin with brief remarks followed by the playing of taps and a moment of silence. 

What: 2024 Soldier Hollow Classic Sheepdog Championship and Festival
Where: Soldier Hollow Legacy Park, Midway
When: 05/27 at 8 a.m. to 5 p.m 
Enjoy the last day of this four-day dog-lovin’ festival. One of the foremost annual events of its kind in the world, the Sheepdog festival draws competitors from all over the world along with 13,000 spectators. Purchase tickets here. 

Tuesday 05/28

What: Big Band Tuesday 
Where: Gallivan Center 
When: 05/28 at 7 p.m. 
Big Band Tuesdays returns this summer at the Gallivan center. Bring your dancing shoes to participate in free ballroom dance lessons before music starts at 7:30 p.m. 

Wednesday 05/29

What: Park City Farmer’s Market Opening Day 
Where: First Time Lift Parking Lot
When: 05/29 at 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
Shop an assortment of fresh and organic produce at the annual Park City Farmer’s Market. 

What: A History of Drag in Utah
Where: Marmalade Branch, Salt Lake City Public Library
When: 05/29 at 6:30 p.m 
QSaltLake Magazine presents a free show that highlights the history of Drag in Utah, from a drag show that traveled to small Utah towns in 1928 to Brigham Young’s 17th son singing live opera in full drag at ward houses and for the last birthday celebration of LDS Church president Lorenzo Snow.

Thursday 05/30

What: Ready to Hatch: A Garden Party for a Cause 
Where: Tracy Aviary 
When: 05/30 at 6 p.m to 9 p.m. 
Tracy Aviary presents and adults-only garden party with artisan food and drink, live music, live action and close-up bird encounters. The event supports the Aviary’s Conservation Program, which uses research, outreach and conservation efforts to protect birds and their habitats. 

What: Leo Libations—Spring Sippin’
Where: The Leonardo
When: 05/30 at 6:30 p.m to 8 p.m. 
Guided by Wine Academy of Utah Sommelier Jim Santangelo, welcome the warm days of spring by pairing a lively selection of wines with a menu of strawberry and spinach salad, followed by pasta carbonara topped with fresh peas and pancetta, and finishing with delicious rhubarb sticky buns and clotted cream. Get your tickets here. 

Friday 05/31

What: 16th Ogden Music Festival
Where: Fort Buenaventura 
When: 05/31 to 06/02
Dig out the camping gear—it’s time for a musical staycation. The 16th annual Ogden Music Festival is back at Fort Buenaventura on May 31-June 2 with a stellar all-star lineup. The festival includes 27 musical acts over the three day event. It’s not all string bands (though there will be world-class bluegrass acts). @ofoam balances the lineup with other genres of the American roots canon like soul, blues, R&B, Afro-Mexican rhythms, folk, mariachi, funk, and disco. ⁠

Saturday 06/01

What: Drag Bingo with Matrons of Mayhem
Where: Bambara Restaurant inside Hotel Monaco
When: 06/01 at 12:30 p.m. 
A family-friendly drag event put together to support the Trevor Project, the leading suicide prevention organization for LGBTQ people in Utah.

What: Farmer’s Market Ogden
Where: Historic 25th Street
When: 06/01 at 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
The beloved 25th street farmer’s market is back for the 2024 summer season. The 17-week market is packed with local produce, artisan, grocery and prepared food vendors. Shoppers can also enjoy live performances and interactive activities as they peruse the historic lane. 

What: Pride March and Rally
Where: The Utah State Capitol
When: 06/02 at 10 a.m. 
In partnership with Equality Utah, this free community activation will feature live music, entertainment, speeches and more. After the rally, participants march down to Washington Square Park to kick off day one of the Utah Pride Festival. Find a map of the rally here. 

What: Utah Pride Festival 2024
Where: Washington Square Park
When: 06/01 at 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. 
The annual Pride Festival begins June 1st with a full day of festivities including live drag performers, queer vendors, food trucks, activities and community engagement. Find the full festival lineup here. 

Sunday 06/02

What: 10th Annual Green Pig Pride Block Party 
Where: Green Pig
When: 06/02 at 11 a.m. 
Green Pig has partnered with nonprofit IncludED United to offer a day of festivities, drag performances, live DJs and more. 

What: Park Silly Sunday Market
Where: Main Street, Park City
When: 06/02 at 10 a.m. 
The 18th season of Park Silly Sunday Market kicks off on June 2nd with an array of local vendors, artisans, produce, craft stations, live music and interactive performances. 

What: Utah Pride Parade
Where: Downtown Salt Lake City 
When: 06/02 at 10 a.m. 
The biggest celebration of Pride happens in the streets of Salt Lake City. Experience the excitement and energy of our colorful city as parade participants march through the streets to promote visibility, acceptance and unity for all. 

May 24
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garden

Eight Summer Camps To Ditch Your Kids

By Community

Summer is a time for kids to follow their bliss, and Utah has no shortage of summer camps to help them do exactly that, whether it’s rocking out with a band or going on an outer-space mission. And even though spring has just sprung, it’s time to figure out what that bliss is going to be. Utah’s summer camps are registering campers now, and they fill up fast. Here are eight of our favorite 2024 summer camps accepting applications right now:

Solitude Summer Camps

For one week, children will have the opportunity to learn and play amidst the scenic mountains of Big Cottonwood Canyon. This day camp spans over a week, with activities scheduled from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm every day. During this time, kids can indulge in swimming, hiking, trampoline bungee jumping, climbing, chairlift rides, and arts and crafts. While parents are required to pack their child’s lunch, the campers will be provided with snacks. This camp is perfect for children who enjoy the outdoors and the picturesque landscapes of Utah.

  • Dates: June-August, 2024
    Cost: $237-$3795
    Ages: 6-12
    Location: Solitude Mountain Resort Solitude Summer Camps

Wasatch Kids Camp

With multiple different types of camps to choose from Wasatch Kids Camp has it all! A field trip based program that allows kids to be out and about in the outdoors. With multiple different locations to pick up from this camp makes sure to make it easy and convenient for yours kids to have a blast. Find what camp suits your kid best: North Camp, South Camp, or Travel Camp!

  • Dates: June-August, 2024
    Cost: Ranges from what type of camp you choose from $350-$800
    Ages: 6-16
    Location: Multiple locations to drop off, pick up, and explore based on your area of residence Wasatch Kids Camp

Luna Lobos Dog Sledding Summer Camp

If you’ve seen White Fang, you know dog sledding isn’t quite the same as taking a tube down a hill at Sugar House Park, but kids can learn the basics of the sport while bonding with adorable canines at Luna Lobos Dog Sledding Camp. Campers also learn archery and basic outdoor survival skills (they might need them while racing in the Iditarod one day).

  • Dates: June 12–July 29, 2024
    Cost: $285 (full week), $90 (single day)
    Location: Rancho Luna Lobos, Peoa
    Luna Lobos Camp

YMCA Camp Roger

This is what you think when you think “camp” — archery, horseback riding, etc. Camp Roger started as a place for boys to swim and build campfires. It became co-ed in the ‘60s, and in the 2000s, buildings were renovated for a new generation. Camp themes range from Wacky Scientist to Wild Wild West. Camp Rogers also offers Little Rogers (one night and two days) for first-timers, horsemanship camps and leadership camps.

  • Dates: June–August, 2024
    Cost: Traditional Camp for ages 8-14 is $715, Mini Camp for ages 7-9 is $440, Little Rogers for ages 5-7 is $215
    Location: Uinta Mountains
    YMCA Camp Roger

Youth Education at U of U

Enroll your children in an engaging summer camp that enhances their educational skills and prepares them for college and beyond. This camp offers various specialized programs to match your child’s interests, including Science, Arts, Math, Engineering, and Sports. Moreover, they provide opportunities to earn extra high school credits, prepare for the ACT, and explore potential career paths and majors. Registration for the summer program is currently open. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!

  • Dates: June-August, 2024
    Cost: About $200 depending on what camp
    Location: University of Utah Continue Education

Game On! Sports 4 Girls

Are you on the hunt for an exceptional summer experience for your daughter? Search no more! Game On! Sports 4 Girls presents an extensive seven-week summer day camp that covers the fundamentals of multiple sports such as soccer, basketball, volleyball, softball, lacrosse, field hockey, tennis, mountain biking, and many more. Each day, your daughter will leave feeling invigorated, empowered and strengthened physically, mentally, and as part of a team. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to elevate your daughter’s athleticism and overall growth

  • Dates: Heber City: June 3-7, June 10-14. Park City: June 17-21, July 8-12, July 15-19, July 29-August 2. Kaysville: June 3-7, June 10-14 Age: 4-14
    Cost: Vary from $50-$300 depending on what type of camp
    Location: Heber City at Southfield Park and Park City at Willow Creek Park, Kaysville at Barnes Park.

Bouldering Project Summer Training Camp

Attention older kids! Here’s an exclusive summer training camp for competitive youths, designed to take your climbing skills to the next level. This camp caters to all levels of climbers, working towards the common goal of enhancing your climbing abilities.

  • Dates: Youth Training Camps: 7/19-7/21, 8/5-8/7. Youth Summer Adventure Camps: Various dates in June, 2024
    Cost: $350-399 depending on program
    Location: Boulder Project, 660 S 400 W Suite 600, Salt Lake City, UT Bouldering Project

Code Ninjas Camp

This summer camp program is perfect for kids who are into all types of technology and STEM. It will turn your kids’ obsession with technology into fun activities that will prepare them for future professions but also allow them to make friends and have fun in a healthy environment. Their summer camps include Minecraft, Youtube, Coding, 3D Printing, Animation, Legos, Robotics, and more!

  • Dates: June–July, 2024
    Cost: $250 –$300
    Location: 1957 E. Murray Holladay Road, Holladay UT Coding Ninjas

May 23
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Valter's Utah

James Beard Spotlight: Valter’s Osteria

By Eat & Drink

This year, Utah had six semi-finalists on the 2024 James Beard Foundation List. Ahead of the June finalist announcement, we are spotlighting each of the nominees.

Valter’s Osteria—Outstanding Hospitality

We were all collectively heartbroken when Valter Nassi passed away in the fall of 2022. A hospitality giant in Salt Lake City, his legacy of spontaneous service in fine dining lives on in Valter’s Osteria. You will never feel more personally known or cared for than at Valter’s.

The team at Valter’s Osteria has swooped in and lovingly taken up the mantle of thoughtful service. Talk about transcending mere sustenance; they have set a benchmark for gracious hosting that is unmatched in the valley.

Why Go: Visit Valter’s Osteria to feel gathered around your Italian Nona’s table if your Italian Nona used white tablecloths and had a decadent wine cellar.

Insider’s Tip: Be prepared to spend several hours here for dinner.
This is not a quick meal type of restaurant. You’ve been informed.

What to Get: Journey through all the courses when you dine; insalate, zuppe, paste, and secondo. Or gravitate straight to the risotto of the day. 

If You Go: 173 W. Broadway, SLC, valtersosteria.com

May 22
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WT0C5717

East Meets West at Thai-American Diner Uncle Jeffi’s

By Eat & Drink

Sharing a parking lot with their signature restaurant, FAV Bistro, is Uncle Jeffi’s, the latest concept by Anny Sooksri and Jeff Kelsch. Walking in, you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled into a classic small-town breakfast joint, with colorful booths, a dash of kitsch, and the smell of pancakes. But look at the menu, and you’ll quickly realize that Uncle Jeffi’s is 100% unique. 

Jeff and Anny, the owners of FAV Bistro, Tea Rose Diner, Chabarr Beyond Thai, and now, Uncle Jeffi’s literally met over breakfast. “When I met Anny at Tea Rose, she was doing breakfast there,” says Jeff. “And that’s what I was there for. Breakfast at Tea Rose.” It was love at first sight for Jeff, combined with a love they both share for food. So when the lease came up at the restaurant pad across the parking lot from FAV Bistro, they decided to open a Thai-inspired restaurant that is only open for breakfast and lunch.

Pancakes, fried chicken, Thai-fried egg and Jok (hot rice porridge). Photo by Adam Finkle

Photo by Adam Finkle

Named after Jeff, he explains, “A lot of our employees in their culture, mostly Thai and Laos, would call someone like me, ‘uncle,’ as part of their family. Most of them call me Pa, or ‘Kumpaw’, which is Dad, but their kids will call me Uncle. That’s actually ‘Lung’ Jeff. So, Anny liked the idea of calling it Uncle Jeffi’s. Because I like breakfast so much, she wanted to name it after me.”

As a fan of breakfast, there is plenty here to love. “I think the best way to describe the uniqueness of Uncle Jeffi’s is we make it so that you can upgrade. You could do a slab of corned beef, you could do a soft shell crab, you could do shrimp, you could do salmon with your hashbrowns and eggs. Things like that, that I don’t think I’ve seen anybody else do.”

Even classic diner fare like an omelet gets a culinary upgrade. The Thai Omelet has coconut milk mixed in with the eggs for extra creaminess. For the ultimate bowl of comfort food, get the Thai Jok (pronounced joke), which is a savory rice porridge made with broth, that comes with chicken, or pork and an egg that gets mixed in. Scallions, ginger, cilantro and carrots make it the most comforting breakfast bowl. Start with Anny’s famous steamed dumplings, or get the Kow Munn Gai Tord with Sweet Chili Sauce. The garlic rice that comes with it is the best-kept secret. While you’re there, get one of Jeff’s house-brewed kombuchas or some Thai coffee or Thai iced tea.  

  • Why Go: The only place in town we know to get a Thai-style breakfast

  • Featuring: Both a classic diner breakfast and Kow Munn Gai

  • What to Expect: Retro colors, breakfast and lunch, sweet and savory with an international bent

  • What to Get: Jok (a hot rice porridge) | Thai Fried Egg | Loaded Tater Tots

  • Hours: Daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

When you Go:

Uncle Jeffi’s
1968 E. Murray Holladay Rd., Holladay
bestthaifoodinutah.com/uncle-jeffis

May 21
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3786-1_-_Anders__stom-1

Home Design Trends from the 2024 St. George Parade of Homes

By Lifestyle

Every year, the St. George Area Parade of Homes presents a spectacular show, where talented builders, designers and architects present dozens of must-see homes loaded with design inspiration and ideas. If you’re pondering your next decorating move, take your lead from these pros. Here are four trends we spotted and savored during the 2024 event.

Home Design Trends

Fabulous Fluting

Fluted and ribbed elements continue to make waves in the design world. Designer Becki Owens and Split Rock Custom Homes created a full-scale wall treatment to deliver a rhythmic and sculptural element to a Desert Color Resort home.

Curves & Swerves

Curved lines and rounded forms continue to thrive. In a home created by Adams & Company Construction and CopperHaus Design, a remarkably curved glass wall encloses a hallway, fostering fluidity and a sense of wonder, indoors and out.  

Home Design Trends

Book Smarts

Curated books were frequently displayed in inventive and plentiful ways. In Hurricane, House West Design cleverly displayed open books and stacked volumes like intellectual sculptures in a residence built by American Heritage Homes.   

Home Design Trends

Plaster Finishes

Decorative plaster is back! Juniper Design Collective used Venetian plaster to accentuate the soaring range hood in a custom home built by Jensen + Sons Construction to deliver warmth
and interest to this kitchen.  

 

Find more design-driven content on our sister publication Utah Style & Design magazine.

May 20
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May Events Utah

Your Week Ahead: May 20—May 26

By Community

Spring has sprung and we have compiled a list of local events happening this week for you to enjoy. From farmer’s markets to cultural celebrations and musicals, the city is as lively as ever. For even more events this week and throughout the month, visit our community events calendar! 

Monday 05/20 

What: Yoga in the Mountains
Where: Alta Peruvian Lodge Back Lawn
When: 05/20 at 5:30 p.m 
Connect with your inner peace surrounded by Alta’s serene mountain landscape during one hour of free yoga. In partnership with Alta Community, yoga is hosted every Monday on the Our Lady of the Snows lawn. Bring your own mat and arrive early to secure a space. 

What: Legally Blonde the Musical
Where: Draper Theatre
When: 05/20
The Draper Historic Theatre presents Legally Blonde the Musical, a fabulous award-winning show based on the cult classic film. The action-packed production is packed with memorable songs, dynamic dances and the fantastical journey of Elle Woods. Reserve your tickets here. 

Tuesday 05/21

What: Crafts & Carafes
Where: Second Summit Hard Cider Co. 
When: 05/21 at 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. 
The Millcreek cidery hosts weekly craft workshops every Tuesday featuring a new project every time. Visit their website for the latest workshop schedule. 

Wednesday 05/22

What: Harvey Milk Day
Where: Scion Cider
When: 05/22 at 7:30 p.m. 
Equality Utah has partnered with Scion Cider to host its 1st annual celebration of Harvey Milk Day. The event will offer entertainment, cheese and charcuterie from Beehive Charcuterie, and an opportunity to celebrate the life and work of Harvey Milk’s dedication to LGBTQ+ rights. 

What: Zoo Brew
Where: Hogle Zoo
When: 05/22 
Leave the kids at home and experience the zoo in an entirely new adults-only perspective. The zoo’s beloved event features sip and bites from local vendors, along with unique animal encounters and live music. The May 22nd installment is themed Wild For Utah! Get your tickets here. 

What: Orem’s Farmers Market and Food Fest
Where: 293 E Center St., Orem 
When: 05/22 at 5 p.m.
A gathering of 150 small businesses, local musicians and food trucks. Shop locally grown vegetables, fruit, eggs, honey, meat, flowers, baked goods, handcrafted goods and art. 

Thursday 05/23

What: Masima: Pacific Island Film Tour 2024
Where: Broadway Centre Cinemas
When: Times Vary Between 5/17-5/23
A film series curated and presented by Salt Lake Film Society, Utah Pacific Islands Knowledge 2 Action Resource and Utah Pacific Island Film Series. The week-long event features dozens of films, short films, panel discussions and more. Find the full schedule on their website. 

What: Market Street’s Chef Table Summer Dinner Series
Where: Market Street Grill—Cottonwood
When: 05/23 at 6:30 p.m.
Market Street presents an exclusive culinary event featuring curated seasonal menus celebrating the flavors of summer. Chef Tyson Bohling has created a delectable four-course menu highlighting farm-fresh produce, succulent seafood and more. Drink pairing is optional. Reserve your table on their website. 

Friday 05/24

What: Scandinavian Festival 2024
Where: Various venues in Ephraim
When: 05/54-05/25
The biggest Scandinavian gathering in the Mountain West returns Memorial weekend. The multi-venue event takes place across Ephraim, and features food and craft booths, heritage activities and more. Find more info on the event on their site. 

What: CRAFT at the Leonardo
Where: The Leonardo
When: 05/24 at 7 p.m 
The Leonardo hosts another artist-led craft night, this installment focuses on Roy Lichtenstein’ Crying Girl. Tickets to the paint-along include all supplies. Register for $30. 

What: Two Door Cinema Club
Where: The Union Event Center
When: 05/24 at 7 p.m. 
The Union hosts Northern Ireland’s Two Door Cinema Club along with opener Daywave. Find tickets at ticketmaster.com.

What: Busker Fest
Where: Block 70 surrounding the Eccles Theatre
When: 05/24-05/25 at 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. 
The annual Busker Fest returns to Salt Lake City to showcase local and traveling street performers. The free event invites onlookers to enjoy musicians, dancers, hula-hoopers, jugglers, comedians and more. The fest headquarters is located on Regent Street between 100 and 200 Sout, performers can be found in the surrounding areas. Find more information and the full festival map here. 

Saturday 05/25

What: Asian American and Pacific Islander Month Celebration
Where: Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum
When: 05/25 at 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 
The Gateway Children’s Museum is celebrating Asian  American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month with martial arts lessons, lei making and performances by Halau Ku Pono. 

What: Moab Arts Festival 2024
Where: Swanny City Park in Moab
When: 05/25-05/26 at 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. 
A free arts festival featuring vendor’s tents, live music, food and more.

May 17
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WT0C7304

Frankie & Essl’s Has the Best Breakfast Sandwich in Town

By Eat & Drink

Macy and Clint McClellan, co-founders and owners of Frankie and Essl’s were inspired by the breakfast sandwich shops of the Pacific Northwest and decided that our fair city needed a spot to call our own. They also wanted the name to feel personal. “Our dog’s name is Frankie. And Essl’s stands for Egg Sandwiches Salt Lake,” says Clint. “I wanted it to feel a little bit more cozy and small town,” adds Macy. “It’s why we went with that name.”What sets Frankie and Essl’s apart? Hands down. It is the darn good food. The menu is small. On purpose. With just five sandwiches on the menu, every ingredient has to be just so. “We knew we wanted to be in a really small space to make sure that we could perfect every little thing,” says Clint. “We spent a lot of time with sourcing every ingredient that we use, including the bread, which is very important to us, and then trying to make sure that the ratios of the meat fillings and the textures and everything go together.” 

Clint and Macy McClellan are the founders of Frankie and Essl’s. Photo by Adam Finkle.

Canadian bacon, egg and cheese sandwich on a beautiful brioche bun at Frankie and Essl’s. Photo by Adam Finkle.

From the local brioche bun, high-quality butter, spiced honey sausage (that is made just for their shop), house aioli, and even a cured pork loin for the Canadian bacon sandwich building block is carefully selected. “Our sausage sandwich is our most popular,” says Macy. “We’re proud of that, too. We came up with a bunch of different ideas to develop our sausage recipe. We’re really happy with that landed. It’s sweet, it’s spicy. I think it’s a nice balance.”

The Frankie and Essl’s team is dedicated to  service and quick ticket times. After all, when you want breakfast, you want it now. “We focus on our customer service with the cashiers and our managers who talk to everybody as much as possible, trying to be more integrated in the local community,” says Clint. “I think the three things that we get the most feedback on are: One is people love our food. Two, they love how fast we are. And three, they love the people that are on our team.”

What’s next at Frankie & Essl’s? Biscuit sandwiches. And we can’t wait.  

  • Why Go: You’ll have delicious food in hand quickly with no fuss

  • What to Expect: Warm hospitality, white space, quality food, good value, and fast service

  • What to Get: Sausage, Egg & Cheese Sandwich | Canadian Bacon, Egg, & Cheese Sandwich

  • Hours: Wednesday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

When You Go:

Frankie and Essl’s 
490 E. 1300 South, SLC
Instagram: @frankieandessls

May 16
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Easy Hikes in Utah

Nine Easy Hikes in Utah Perfect for After Work

By Adventures, Outdoors

Nine low-mileage hikes offer great views, interesting destinations and, most importantly, post-work decompression

Though you may be unfamiliar with the term “wildland-urban interface,” if you live anywhere along the Wasatch Front, you bear daily witness to the unique shoulder-to-shoulder closeness of Utah’s biggest metro area and millions of acres of undeveloped forests, canyons, mountainsides and alpine meadows. What this means, of course, is that rather than having to relegate spending time in nature to the weekends, Utah urbanites can get from desk to walking on dirt in under an hour. As such, we encourage you to take advantage of this unheard-of proximity and spring’s balmy, longer days by ending your workday in a way that undoes the damage done by our technology-driven daily lives like almost nothing else: going for a hike.  



1. Adams Canyon, Layton—3.5 miles, out-and-back

This super-scenic and very popular trail runs along the North Fork of Holmes Creek to the impressive 40-foot-tall Adams Waterfall. The trailhead, with bathrooms and ample parking, is located just east of Layton off Highway 89 on East Side Drive. The route begins with steep switchbacks and plateaus as you work your way into the canyon past the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. Leashed dogs are allowed in Adams Canyon. Climbing or attempting to slide down the waterfall is prohibited. 

2. Jack’s Peak, Salt Lake City Foothills Natural Area—2.8-mile loop

This loop trail begins at the end of Lakeline Drive, just north of Parleys Canyon. Short but steep, and with sweeping valley views throughout (i.e. lots of west-facing exposure), this excellent trail is best hiked in the spring or fall. Mailboxes at the summit memorialize Jack Edwards, a toddler who passed away from leukemia in 1995. On-leash dogs are allowed. 

3. Grandeur Peak (Face) Trailhead, Salt Lake City to Rattlesnake Gulch Trailhead, Millcreek Canyon

This newly completed section of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail runs just under five miles (one way) through the foothills from the Grandeur Peak (Face) Trailhead at the very north end of Wasatch Boulevard to the Rattlesnake Gulch Trailhead in Millcreek Canyon—with a valley viewpoint located conveniently at the halfway point. Options for hiking this trail include walking to and from either trailhead to the overlook platform; hiking the entire section as longer out-and-back; or leaving a second vehicle (or a bike) at one trailhead to shuttle to the other. Note: mountain bikes are allowed on this trial and off-leash dogs are allowed in Millcreek Canyon on odd calendar days only.

4. Neffs Canyon, Olympus Cove, Millcreek—3 miles, out-and-back

This route is popular, especially with dog walkers, for good reason. Ample parking and multiple route length options—all shady—make Neff’s a convenient choice for both a quick, leafy jaunt or an all-day objective. Get there by turning off Wasatch Boulevard at Churchill Junior High onto E. Oakview Drive. Turn left onto Parkview Dr and follow the signs to the Neff’s Canyon Trailhead. Walk past the water tank up the dirt road. Bear left at the top to continue along the canyon trail (the right-side option makes a quick, mile-long loop back to the parking lot) that climbs steadily through the forest. You’re a mile-and-a-half in when you encounter the Mount Olympus Wilderness sign. If time allows, continue another mile along the continually steeper trail until arriving at a gorgeous high meadow flanked with aspen trees and craggy peaks. 

5. Mt. Olympus Trail, Holladay—3 miles, out and back to the stream

Looming large over the eastern Salt Lake Valley is the impressive Mount Olympus. While hiking to its peak is a popular bucket list item for both new and longtime valley residents, knocking out the first third of this route is easily done in two hours, and offers a heart-pumping workout along the way. The trail travels south along switchbacks from the Wasatch Boulevard trailhead and then heads directly up as it approaches an intersection with the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. Keep right until the trail meets the BST again, where you’ll again keep right. The route continues to climb as it turns a corner into Tolcats Canyon. You’ll soon reach the stream, which runs year-round except in the driest years. Leashed dogs are allowed.

6. Heughs Canyon, Holladay—2.5 miles, out-and-back

In the spring and early summer, this steep but lovely hike ends at a gorgeous moss-flocked waterfall. Park in the marked stalls on Wasatch Boulevard just east of the Old Mill Golf Course. Walk half a mile along Oak Canyon Drive and to the end of the private Berghalde Lane to the trail’s start. (Please respect area homeowners by keeping your dog leashed until you’re at least .3 miles up the trail.) Once off the pavement, the 2-mile round trip route climbs steadily along the shaded Heughs Creek. After crossing a second bridge, the trail steepens until arriving at a boulder field. Make the short scramble over the boulders to the base of the waterfall.

7. Ferguson Canyon to Big Cottonwood Canyon, Cottonwood Heights—3 miles, out-and-back

A more rolling route along one of the newest sections of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail is the out-and-back route from Ferguson Canyon to the Dogwood Campground in Big Cottonwood Canyon. Begin at the new Ferguson Park, located just south of Big Cottonwood Canyon on Prospector Drive. Follow signage for a quarter mile up to the trailhead on Quicksilver Drive. Walk up the hill past the water tank onto the well-marked trail that alternatively runs through shady groves and sage-covered hillsides. Bear left at the first fork you encounter (right continues up Ferguson Canyon), crossing a seasonal stream. The trail continues through meadows, along an open hillside overlooking the valley and ends at the Dogwood Campground restrooms. Note: Though dogs are allowed in Ferguson Canyon, they are prohibited on this trail’s Big Cottonwood Canyon section.

8. Bell Canyon Upper Bridge, Sandy—3 miles, out-and-back

Though the full route to Upper Bell Canyon Reservoir is more of a full-day endeavor, hiking from the amenity-heavy Bell Canyon Preservation Trailhead (on the south side of the intersection of Wasatch Boulevard and Little Cottonwood Canyon Road) to the bridge offers a route more appropriate for an evening outing. From the trailhead, keep bearing left at each trail junction you come upon until reaching the bridge. Hungry for more? The canyon’s lower falls are 1 mile farther up the trail, but the route gets significantly steeper and rockier along the way. Before you go: pack a dinner to enjoy at one of the trailhead’s picnic tables with views of the Salt Lake Valley. Dogs are not allowed in Bell Canyon.

9. Rock Canyon Cave, Provo—3 miles, out-and-back

This popular Utah County hiking and rock climbing destination is located directly east of the cupcake-shaped Provo Utah Temple. The route begins as a paved road at the Rock Canyon Trailhead but quickly changes to a shady trail that meanders over five numbered bridges. About a mile and a half up the trail, between bridges #3 and #4 on the north side of the trail, is an old mining cave and an apt turnaround point for an after-work hike. If you have more time, continue on the main trail to a fork right after bridge #5: stay left to continue to Khyv Peak (formerly known as Squaw Peak); the lesser traveled right fork is a very steep route leading to Y Mountain. The 7-mile round trip route to Khyv Peak passes through evergreen stands, a meadow and a campground before becoming steep for the last half mile or so to the summit.

A Trail Tome for Ever Hiker

Ashley Brown wrote Urban Trails: Salt Lake City as a homage to her late grandmother. “My intent behind this book was creating something for every hiker, from the hardcore trail runner to people like my granny, who knew and loved the restorative benefits of getting out into nature,” Brown says. As such, Urban Trails is an apt tool for hikers of all abilities to explore more than 40 routes both within and adjacent to cities lining the Wasatch Front. Pick up your copy at REI, Kings English Book Shop or from mountaineers.org/books.  

May 16
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James Beard Spotlight: Chef David Chon

By Eat & Drink

This year, Utah had six semi-finalists on the 2024 James Beard Foundation List. Ahead of the June finalist announcement, we are spotlighting each of the nominees.

David Chon at Bar Nohm—Best Chef Mountain Region

Bar Nohm is a second-generation version reborn in 2023 after closing due to the pandemic. And nothing is as delightful as a comeback kid. Just call Chef David Chon Rocky Balboa. His food, after all, packs a punch. 

An intellectual dining experience of “Anju,” or Korean-style bar bites, the atmosphere is dark academia meets swanky cocktail bar. This makes sense, given Chef Chon’s new partnership with the crew from Water Witch next door (or a pass-through portal). 

What sets Bar Nohm apart is the fully visible binchotan grill. Binchotan charcoal burns hotter, cleaner and way better than your run-of-the-mill BBQ briquettes. It cooks with a borderline infrared light. A true novelty in Utah, the grill creates a rich smoke and a rapid cook to the food you will want to take advantage of. The food is made for sharing. And for sipping alongside it. Go with a group of three or four and order one of everything. 

In Korea, meals out might happen in stages. 橾離 (ilcha) is the first meal with some drinks. The second stage, 檜離 (icha), is the “second round.” The Bar Nohm website advises, and we agree, “Don’t order too much on the first round because there might be many more.”  

Why Go: Go for unique food, great cocktails and a slow shared meal.

Ordering Tip: Talk to your server and ask what is new and exciting. They will guide you through and suggest a cocktail to go with it.

What to Get: Chef Chon’s menu changes all the time. So we can’t point to a regular stand-out dish you won’t want to miss. Be sure to get every single skewered grilled item on the menu.

If You Go: Bar Nohm, 165 W. 900 South, SLC, barnohm.com