Situated at the western base of the Wasatch Mountains, Salt Lake City -- along with Provo (43 miles south) and Ogden (30 miles north) -- contain more than 50 percent of Utah's residents. Its spectacular mountain peaks (approximately 11,000 feet in average height), clean air, comparatively slower lifestyle, numerous recreational opportunities, and rich religious and cultural history have contributed to the city's popularity.

Salt Lake City, which sits 4,300 feet above sea level, is often defined by its Mormon population. The long-persecuted Mormons sought refuge here beginning in 1847. Religious leader Brigham Young arrived in the city via the Great Salt Lake, and when he came ashore, he declared that he had found the perfect place to begin a new life with his fellow Mormons: The spot was so desolate isolated that Young believed his people would at last find peace here. The region's terrain was less than friendly, but the Mormons settled here nonetheless and persevered. The population would soon grow, boosted in part by the California Gold Rush. Until 1869, the population of Salt Lake City was nearly 100 percent Mormon. That year, the transcontinental railroad brought diverse groups of new settlers. Today, Mormons account for approximately 40 percent of the city's population, but the city's vibrancy is a testament to their hard work.

The Wasatch Mountains have set the tone for the city's lifestyle. The recreational opportunities these mountains provide served the city well in its successful bid for the 2002 Olympics. Residents here take full advantage of some of the best downhill skiing the county has to offer. Salt Lake has four ski resorts: Snowbird, Alta, Solitude, and Brighton, all of them less than 30 miles from downtown. If you're willing to drive a bit further, you'll find four other resorts -- including Solitude, revered for its cross-country trails -- less than one hour from the city. A bus departs the city from mid-November to early May and makes stops at all four of these resorts.

The Wasatch Mountains also boast plenty of camping and hiking opportunities, particularly in Little Cottonwood Canyon, home of the Snowbird ski resort. Hikers' favorite haunts include two canyons located north of the city, Big Cottonwood and Mill Creek; as well as two other trails, the White Pine Lake Trail and Secret Lake Trail. City Creek Canyon near downtown is another popular choice, as well as This Is The Place State Park (believe it or not, that name is correct).

Robert Redford fans and others head to Sundance Resort, located 50 miles southeast of Salt Lake City, which accommodates recreation-seekers year round with hiking and mountain biking in the summers and skiing in the winters.rustic getaway offering excellent skiing in winter and hiking and mountain biking in summer. And aspiring fishermen and women will appreciate Utah Lake State Park near Provo, the state's largest body of freshwater, which offers fishing, boating, canoeing, and swimming in the summer, as well as ice skating, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing in winter.

Park City, a mid-19th century silver mining town, is about 25 miles southeast of Salt Lake City and has a higher altitude of 6,900 feet, which has blessed the region with plenty of snow -- as well as world-class skiing. As a mining town, Park City enjoyed a boom followed by a bust, and in the 1950s, Utah's governor suggested shutting it down. Local ski lovers were determined to keep Park City alive, however, and set out to establish ski areas. Their efforts paid off. Today, time-shared and owned condominiums surround Park City, giving the city plenty of part-time and year-round residents.

Many visitors have an image of Salt Lake City as being frigid -- at least during the winter months. Surprisingly, however, the temperature remains above freezing throughout the majority of winter, and remains generally in the 80s during the summer months. The city's altitude contributes to its relatively mild climate. Nevertheless, if skiing's on your mind, any time from mid-November to early May is the best time to visit Salt Lake.

Paying tribute to the city's Mormon roots (today, this religion is more commonly referred to as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) is Temple Square, located downtown. The Temple was actually built soon after settlers first arrived in Salt Lake City. The structure was built with granite from canyons located nearby. The Temple took 40 years to complete and now sits on 10 acres in what has come to symbolize the heart of the city.

Booming tourism (which will soon increase even more as we move closer to the Olympics) is just one aspect of a diverse economy that has brought many businesses and residents to Salt Lake City in recent years. Job creation continues to increase here, and unemployment has remained low. New housing construction has stabilized after a feverish 1995 and 1996. Apartment communities and condominiums, however, continue to spring up throughout the city to accommodate a growing seasonal population. Single-family home prices have crept upward steadily in response to an increasing population but remain affordable compared with other major cities. In fact, Salt Lake City was named the 16th most affordable housing market among 75 major U.S. metropolitan areas by Ernst & Young. Utah has the 10-highest home ownership rate in the nation.

With the 2002 Winter Olympics on the horizon, more development -- both residential and industrial, as well as recreational -- is on the way. Salt Lake City shows no signs of slowing down. This city once considered to be a barren refuge is well on its way to becoming one of the United States' most sought-out destinations for tourists and prospective residents alike.

Published: August 6, 1998

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