FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - 30 day National Park Road Trip

Nov 25, 2024 | 7:41 pm

#3

bitterproffit

Join Date: Apr 2016

Location: BNA (Nashville)

Programs: HH Diamond

Posts: 7,157

Day 3: Sydney NE to Salt Lake City UT
Distance: 537 miles
Lodging: Homewood Suites Salt Lake City Airport

This is when I learned that Wyoming is an absolutely massive state, but also gorgeous. I think the surprising part is that I 80 goes over the great divide but it doesn’t look like anything like the front range 100 miles south in Colorado. I 80 climbs from about 5000 feet to about 8000 feet gradually as you leave and go west of Cheyenne and then you start going into valleys and basins across the entire state.

It is the least populated state in the nation, and that becomes very apparent driving across I 80. But the scenery was breathtaking.

As soon as I entered into Utah, I entered into the Wasatch range and the drive from the Wyoming border through the Wasatch Range, and down into the valley of Salt Lake City was stunning.

I decided to stay two nights at the Homewood suite and then head west on Sunday morning. This left Saturday to relax and explore downtown Salt Lake City.

Day 4: Salt Lake City
Lodging: Homewood Suite SLC Airport

The Homewood Suites brand does not give upgrades to diamonds. So you get what you reserve. Since I unpacked my vehicle every night to avoid break-ins, I wanted rooms close to a door leading out to parking and on the first floor.

This property has a small kitchen and a large refrigerator and it was useful for cooking meals. I basically bought meals at the grocery store and would just warm them up in the microwave, but it was still convenient to have a kitchen and a full-size fridge and freezer.

this property was very clean and well run although I had the squeakiest door I think I’ve ever heard in a hotel room. Being out west the complimentary continental breakfast in the mornings usually consisted of build your own breakfast burritos with different sauces and it was actually delicious.

There is a shuttle that operates to take you to the airport, which is about a mile away and parking at this property is free.

On Saturday, I took the shuttle to the airport and the driver very helpfully dropped me off where the tram goes into downtown Salt Lake City. It was very convenient.

I have been to Salt Lake City before and I really enjoyed roaming around the city and Temple Square. The temple is still under construction, but I enjoyed the exhibit at the Brigham Young Park and some of the other areas in downtown.

I ended up in a brewpub called the Beerhive, and it had a refrigerated ice strip down the middle of the bar to keep your beer cold. My plan was to have a few beers there and then head across the street to a bourbon bar called Ruin that I had been to before.

Those plans were dashed when I ended up talking to a bunch of locals who insisted that we should do shots. After a few shots, I realized that I needed to go back to the hotel. I couldn’t figure out how to use the tram so I went to the Hilton downtown and ordered an Uber from the lobby and ended up back out by the airport.

I never really thought of Salt Lake City as a party town, but I always end up having a great time in Salt Lake City.