Scenic canyon in Utah
Located in north central Utah, the city of Lehi is situated between the capital of Salt Lake City to the north and Provo to the South, close enough to take advantage of the amenities and conveniences of both cities but without the traffic and hustle-bustle of either. Lehi is a small town community with plenty of attractions of its own, such as Thanksgiving Point with its championship golf course, animal park and acres of beautiful gardens. Lehi is ideally suited to use as a homebase for day trips and weekend excursions to the surrounding cities, majestic mountains, lakes and national and state parks.
Scenic Drive and Spelunking
Go for a scenic drive along the Alpine Scenic Byway and stop for some cave exploring along the way. The Alpine Scenic Byway provides gorgeous views all year but especially in the Fall when the colorful foliage is breathtaking. From Lehi, head north on Interstate 15 and then east on State Road 92, into the Uinta National Forest. Here you'll see stunning views of American Fork Canyon and Mount Timpanogos. Stop for a bit of cave exploration at Timpanogos Cave National Monument. The caves are open from the beginning of May to Labor Day. A round trip guided tour, including a moderately strenuous hike to and from the cave entrance, takes about three hours. Back in the car and driving south on State Road 92, stop for dinner at one of the many fine dining restaurants at Robert Redford's Sundance Resort. Finally, head west on State Road 189 (Provo Canyon Road). You may want to stop again for one more stunning photo opportunity: the Bridal Veil Falls. State Road 189 joins with Route 52 in Provo. Continue west on Route 52 back to I-15 and then north to Lehi.
Water Activities
Sunset, Antelope Island and Great Salt Lake
Enjoy swimming and boating on Utah's Great Salt Lake. According to Utah's Department of State Parks, the Great Salt Lake is 2,000 square miles and more than twice as salty as the ocean. Take Interstate 15 north to Exit 332 west (West Antelope Drive). Take the causeway to Antelope Island, where you'll find pristine beaches, picnic areas, a marina and kayak and bike rentals. If you're lucky, you may see more than seagulls: the island is home to more than 600 free-ranging bison.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Utah is a snow enthusiast's paradise, and Lehi is a stone's throw from some of the finest skiing and snow boarding resorts. Snowbird, Sundance, Deer Valley and Park City are all within an hour's drive or less. Snowbird and Park City especially cater to families with lots of things to do to keep children occupied. Most resorts are open year-round, offering hiking, biking and golfing in the summer months.
Shopping
Park City is a not only a skier's mecca but a shopper's one as well. Here you'll find over 60 factory outlet stores, an open air market and street festival and many "unique boutiques" along Park City's quaint and historic Main Street. To get to Park City from Lehi, take Interstate 15 north to Interstate 215 east. Exit onto Interstate 80 east; then take State Route 224 south to Park City.
Family Adventure: Dinosaurland
Explore dinosaur fossils in Dinosaur National Monument.
Dinosaurland is about a three-hour drive from Lehi, so you'll want to plan an overnight visit. Your gateway to a great prehistoric adventure is in Vernal, Utah. Stop first at the Utah Field House of Natural History for an orientation and exhibits on geology and paleontology. Then proceed on to the Dinosaur Quarry in Dinosaur National Monument. Hike along the Fossil Discovery Trail to explore real dinosaur bones and footprints. To get there, take I-15 south towards Provo. Exit at State Route 52 east to US-189. Exit onto US-40 towards Vernal.
Tags: Park City, Salt Lake, State Road, Great Salt, Great Salt Lake, more than, National Monument
