Beat the heat: How to have fun in Utah’s hot summertime
Stifling heat has blanketed Utah with record-breaking temperatures — the U.S. National Weather Service reports an average high of 102 degrees in St. George and 97 in Salt Lake City, several degrees higher than previous averages.
With this year’s summer heat consistently reaching triple digits, it may feel impossible to function anywhere not inside and air-conditioned. However, there is still a way to enjoy summer for those willing to look.
One of the best ways to combat these relentlessly hot days is by being in the water. Luckily, Utah is home to a variety of lakes and swimming holes,.
Just 30 minutes north of Park City lies Echo Reservoir, an oasis of glass-like water tucked within the Wasatch Range. Echo State Park is a popular spot for all kinds of water sports. Visitors can spend time on the park’s sand beaches, take a dip in the lake or kayak through the reservoir with the mountain range as the backdrop.
For those up for a hike, Bloods Lake Trail is located near Park City. This 2.8-mile shaded trail through the sprawling pines of the Bonanza Flat Conservation leads to an alpine lake. According to AllTrails, this is an easy to moderate hike with only one significant incline.
Temperatures at the lake and through the trail stay around 70-75 degrees, making for suitable hiking, picnicking and swimming weather. Make sure to pack the bug spray, as this is also a popular spot for flies and mosquitoes.
For seasoned and determined hikers, Lake Blanche Trail is a must-do. Nestled in Big Cottonwood Canyon within the Twin Peaks wilderness is a crystal-clear lake, backdropped by towering, snow-capped mountains and swaying pines.
The hike to Lake Blanche is a challenging seven mile, five hour long journey which begins four miles into Big Cottonwood Canyon, at Mill B trailhead. While swimming is not permitted at this lake because Little Cottonwood Canyon is a watershed area, temperatures typically remain in the low 70s throughout the summer.
Camping and backpacking are welcomed activities on the trail. Before heading out, it is recommended to pack adequate food and water and to ensure an emergency plan is in place. Part of the trail does not receive cellular service. If planning to camp overnight, consider purchasing a satellite radio in case of an emergency.
Lake Blanche is the perfect destination for those looking to escape the heat and hustle of the bustling Salt Lake City.
For those who want to stay in the city, Salt Lake City’s Saturday Farmers Market is a go-to for many locals looking to kill a few hours and do some shopping.
Every Saturday from June 1 to Oct. 19, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., local businesses gather at Pioneer Park to sell their goods. Visitors can find local art, artisan goods and even a mason jar smoothie for those extra hot days.
After working up an appetite browsing through these local vendors, be sure to stop by Base Camp Kitchen for a breakfast burrito or any of the several food trucks located in the middle of the market.
Thanksgiving Point is 25 minutes from Salt Lake City, featuring a variety of activities for every type of guest, from museums to seasonal festivals.
A standout attraction of Thanksgiving Point is the Butterfly Biosphere, where guests can walk among over 1,000 live butterflies of all different species. The biosphere is the only insect conservatory in Utah and the only place where butterflies can land directly on participants’ fingers.
To avoid insects, nights out with friends at Salt Lake City’s concert venue, The Depot, is one way to spend a summer night.
The venue hosts events throughout the week for all kinds of people and all kinds of music. Dance the night away at Taylor Swift night or relive the nostalgia of 2000’s classics like High School Musical and Hannah Montana at the Bop to the Top tour.
The majority of nights hosted at the Depot are 18 and older. It’s the perfect place to find new friends and listen to favorite songs.
Whether spending the summer floating around one of Utah’s hidden lakes, roasting s’mores in the mountains or dancing the night away at the Depot, there are still ways to have fun and stay cool this summer.