Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is the capital and largest city of Utah. It is one of the largest cities in the Southwest region of the United States, although its climate is more similar to the Rocky Mountain region. It lies in the Salt Lake Valley along the Wasatch Front urban corridor, located between the Wasatch Range to the east and the Oquirrh Mountains to the west, located on the border between the Rocky Mountain and Great Basin geographic regions. Salt Lake City is well-known as the center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, although less than half of the city's residents are members. The city proper has a population of approximately 180,000, but the Salt Lake Metro Area in its entirety has over 1 million people.

Salt Lake City is well-known for the many ski resorts located in the Wasatch Mountains just to the east and southeast of the city, which were thrust into the world spotlight by the 2002 Winter Olympics. They are famous for the light, fluffy snowfalls caused by the low humidity and the dreaded lake-effect. In addition, some of the heaviest snowfall in the nation occurs in the Wasatch Mountains. However, summer activities, such as camping, hiking, mountain biking, rock-climbing, fishing, boating, etc are also popular, as the mountains around Salt Lake City provide outdoor opportunities of all kinds. In addition to the nearby mountain terrain and LDS culture and architecture, Salt Lake City is a 5-hour drive away from the major national parks and unique, striking desert sandstone terrain of southern Utah. Salt Lake City is, understandably, a major hub for recreational activities of startling variety.

Temple Square - Located in the heart of downtown, Temple Square is the most visited location in Utah. There are numerous missionaries speaking many languages to help to show you around the temple grounds, tabernacle, assembly hall, and two visitor centers. Inside the visitor center are numerous exhibits and video presentations explaining the Mormon faith. Note that non-Mormons are not permitted inside the Temple itself, and even Mormons are not permitted inside the Temple unless they hold a church-issued permit known as a "Temple recommend". There is a free tour from the airport for connecting passengers, weather permitting.