Snowbird Summer Excursion

Experience the Snowbird Summer Excursion: A Mountain Adventure Near Salt Lake City

If you’re looking to escape the city and find yourself somewhere breathtaking, the Snowbird Summer Excursion offers a well-rounded taste of Utah’s mountainous beauty. For $145 per person, this roughly six-hour journey takes you from Salt Lake City into Little Cottonwood Canyon, where you’ll enjoy a scenic drive, a thrilling gondola ride, and a guided hike along the Cirque Trail. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, this trip is designed for those craving a mix of relaxation and adventure amid stunning alpine scenery.

What we love most about this tour are the spectacular mountain vistas and the personalized guidance from friendly, expert guides—like Blake, who impressed visitors with his wildlife knowledge and storytelling. The second highlight is the lunch at Utah’s highest restaurant, offering not only delicious food but also a chance to soak in awe-inspiring views.

One thing to keep in mind is that this tour involves a moderate physical activity level, especially during the guided hike—so it’s best suited for those comfortable walking at higher altitudes. Also, since the tour operates in good weather, poor weather could lead to cancellations or rescheduling, so it’s wise to book with flexible expectations.

This experience suits nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone wanting to enjoy the mountain air away from city noise, especially if you value guided insights and a relaxed pace amid stunning scenery.

Key Points

• Stunning Mountain Views: Expect breathtaking vistas from Snowbird’s peak, accessible via scenic gondola rides.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides like Blake and Sonsori enhance your understanding of the area’s wildlife and landscape.
• Balanced Activity: Combines relaxing drives, a scenic tram ride, and a guided hike for a varied experience.
• All-Inclusive Price: Includes transportation, lunch, bottled water, and all fees, offering excellent value.
• Small Group Feel: Tours are limited to a maximum of 14 travelers, ensuring personalized attention.
• Weather-Dependent: Good weather is essential; cancellations due to poor conditions are possible but fully refundable.

A Deep Dive into the Snowbird Summer Excursion

Starting Off: Comfortable Transportation and a Scenic Drive

The adventure begins in Salt Lake City, with pickup from a central location—Visit Salt Lake at 90 S W Temple St. The modern, air-conditioned minibus makes the journey to Little Cottonwood Canyon pleasant, with plenty of space and water available. The drive itself is a treat, as the road winds through lush canyon walls, gradually revealing the grandeur of the snow-capped peaks ahead.

Travelers often mention how relaxing and smooth the ride is, setting the tone for the day. The limited group size—up to 14 people—means you won’t be lost in a crowd, and the guides are keen to tailor the experience when possible.

Snowbird Resort: A Glimpse of Mountain Luxury

The first stop is the Snowbird Resort, a ski haven in summer, transforming into a lush playground. The setting is jaw-dropping, with towering mountains on all sides. You can explore the area at your own pace, taking in the crisp mountain air and panoramic views.

While there’s no charge for admission, what makes this stop truly special is the chance to see Utah’s alpine environment up close. Many reviews highlight the stunning scenery, describing the mountains as “beautiful” and the terrain as perfect for photography and quiet contemplation.

The Gondola Ride: A Highlight for All

Next comes the gondola ride to the mountain’s peak, a must-do for visitors. The modern gondola transports you smoothly upward, providing spectacular views of the canyon below and the surrounding peaks. Several travelers, including Elizabeth, praised the ride as “beautiful,” noting the peaceful serenity and the chance to appreciate nature from above.

The ride also serves as a photo opportunity—don’t forget your camera or smartphone. The altitude at the top offers sweeping vistas, perfect for a quick picnic or simply soaking in the scenery.

Lunch at Utah’s Highest Restaurant

Descending from the gondola, you’ll settle into the highest restaurant in Utah. Here, a hearty lunch awaits, included in the tour. The meal isn’t just fuel but an experience—imagine dining while overlooking some of the most stunning mountain vistas in the state.

Reviews emphasize how relaxing the lunch was, with Elizabeth mentioning it as “relaxing and enjoyable.” The combination of good food and spectacular views makes this a memorable part of the day.

Guided Hike Along the Cirque Trail

After lunch, the tour shifts gears into moderate physical activity. Your guide, like Blake or Sonsori, will lead you along the Cirque Trail, a scenic route that offers close-up views of the rugged mountain terrain and abundant wildlife.

Ashley, who has a fear of heights, was pleasantly surprised at how the guides tailored her experience, making her feel comfortable despite her concerns. Guides are generous with tips on navigating high-altitude hiking and making the experience accessible for different fitness levels.

The hike isn’t overly strenuous but does require some walking and a moderate physical fitness level. You’ll enjoy the fresh air, panoramic views, and perhaps spot a few mountain animals along the way.

Returning to Salt Lake City

The tour wraps up with a pleasant drive back into Salt Lake, arriving around 3:30 or 4 p.m. This allows enough time to reflect on the day’s adventures or plan your evening in the city.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

Many travelers find the price of $145 quite reasonable given the inclusions: transportation, all fees, lunch, bottled water, and a knowledgeable guide. It’s a comprehensive package that takes the guesswork out of exploring on your own.

You’ll appreciate the small group sizes, which foster a more personalized experience, and the guides’ expertise—not just in pointing out scenic highlights, but also sharing insights about local wildlife and geology.

The tour’s flexibility, with options to tailor parts of the trip, makes it accommodating for a variety of travelers, from casual sightseers to outdoor enthusiasts.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This excursion is perfect for outdoor lovers who want to enjoy Utah’s mountains without the hassle of planning. It’s especially well-suited for those who value guided insights and do not mind a bit of walking at altitude.

If you’re looking for a day that balances scenic beauty with light adventure, this is a solid pick. It’s also ideal for travelers who appreciate small, intimate groups and want to avoid the crowds often found on larger tours.

FAQ

• How long is the tour?
  It lasts approximately 6 hours, including transportation, sightseeing, and the hike.

• What is included in the price?
  Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, all fees, lunch, bottled water, and the services of a licensed guide.

• Do I need to be in good shape?
  Yes, a moderate physical fitness level is recommended since the tour involves walking and hiking at high altitude.

• Is the tour suitable for children or older travelers?
  It’s best for those comfortable with moderate activity and high elevations, but it can be suitable for a range of ages with proper precautions.

• What happens if the weather is bad?
  The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

• Are tips included?
  No, gratuities for guides are not included and are at your discretion.

To sum it up, the Snowbird Summer Excursion offers a well-balanced day of mountain scenery, gentle adventure, and expert guidance—all at a reasonable price. It’s a fantastic way to see Utah’s stunning high-altitude landscape without the hassle of planning every detail. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or just looking for a memorable day out, this tour delivers breathtaking views and friendly, informative service—making it a worthwhile addition to your Salt Lake City visit.