• Q: How many National Park Service sites are located near Salt Lake City, Utah?
  • A: The National Park Service manages three natural and historic sites in the Salt Lake City area, among its numerous important sites across the country.
  • Q: What are the National Park Service sites in Salt Lake City?
  • A: The three sites are the Timpanogos Cave National Monument, the California National Historic Trail, and the Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail.
  • Q: Who can enjoy these national park sites?
  • A: These attractions are great for both local residents and visitors, especially those who love outdoor attractions.
  • Q: What can visitors do at these sites?
  • A: Visitors can explore the underground caves of Timpanogos or follow in the footsteps of the past along the historic trails.

Best Time to Visit National Parks Near Salt Lake City

  • April to June – Mild temperatures, blooming wildflowers, and perfect for hiking and exploring.
  • September to October – Cooler weather, fewer crowds, and ideal for scenic adventures.
  • July & August – Hot and dry, great for exploring higher elevations and mountain trails.
  • December to February – Snowy landscapes offering opportunities for skiing, snowshoeing, and solitude.
  • Late May – Prime time for comfortable hiking and enjoying lush spring scenery.

Unique National Parks Near Salt Lake City

⮕ Timpanogos Cave National Monument

Hike steep trails and explore underground formations on an exciting summer trip.

Timpanogos Cave National Monument

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  • What is the Timpanogos Cave National Monument?
    • The Timpanogos Cave National Monument consists of a visitor center, a cave trail, and a series of caves.
  • When is the monument open?
    • The caves are typically open from the middle of May until the beginning of September.
  • Can visitors enter the caves on their own?
    • No, visitors can only enter the Timpanogos Caves through a guided tour.
  • Who leads the cave tours?
    • The underground cave tours are led by park rangers during the summer months.
  • How long do the tours last?
    • Each tour lasts approximately fifty-five minutes.
  • How many people are allowed per tour?
    • Each tour is limited to sixteen people, so advance ticket purchases are recommended.
  • How can visitors purchase tickets?
    • Tickets can be purchased online or by phone before the visit.
  • What does the Underground Tour include?
    • The tour takes visitors through three caves and features:
      • Tales of exploration
      • The science behind cave formations

Timpanogos Cave National Monument, 2038 Alpine Loop Rd, American Fork, UT 84003, Phone: 877-444-6777

⮕ California National Historic Trail

Follow wagon routes and discover pioneer history on an educational trip.

California National Historic Trail

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  • What is the California National Historic Trail?
    • The California National Historic Trail follows the footsteps of more than 250,000 emigrants who traveled to California in the 1840s and 1850s.
  • Why is the California National Historic Trail significant?
    • This mass migration was the largest in American history, as people sought rich farmlands and gold fields in California.
  • How long is the California National Historic Trail?
    • The trail spans over 5,000 miles and runs through Utah and nine other states.
  • What are the Auto Tour Routes?
    • The Auto Tour Routes of today closely parallel or follow the historic route.
    • They provide driving directions and opportunities to discover historic resources and remnants of the original trail.

California National Historic Trail, Phone: 801-741-1012

For Photographers

⮕ Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail

Walk historic paths and learn westward migration stories on an unusual journey.

Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail

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  • What is the Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail?
    • The Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail follows the path taken by seventy thousand Mormons between 1846 and 1869 to escape religious persecution.
  • How many states does the trail pass through?
    • The trail stretches across five different states.
  • What was the original route of the Mormon Pioneer Trail?
    • The first route was established from Nauvoo, Illinois to Salt Lake City, Utah.
  • How long is the Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail?
    • The trail covers approximately 1,300 miles.
  • What can visitors experience at Place Heritage Park?
    • Place Heritage Park in Salt Lake City offers:
      • A reconstructed pioneer village
      • A visitor center
  • How does the park commemorate the Mormon Pioneer journey?
    • The 500-acre park honors the Mormon Pioneer Company arriving in the area with a giant memorial.
    • It also features several living history programs and extensive visitor facilities.

Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail, Phone: 801-741-1012

Map:


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