Find the Best Things to Do in Emigration Canyon
By Christine Balaz
Salt Lake City Local Expert
About Emigration Canyon
Emigration Canyon stands quietly to the east of Salt Lake City. Covered in trees and lined with quiet, older homes, this canyon is beloved by Salt Lake City road bikers and scenic drivers. However, amidst the vegetation, this canyon has a few gems of its own - including two of the city's most unique and fun cafes, a zoo, a trail system, and a Mormon heritage park.
See & Do
For being an overwhelmingly residential neighborhood, Emigration Canyon has a generous portions of Salt Lake City's major attractions. Salt Lake's only zoo, Hogle Zoo, stands right at the mouth of this canyon. Directly across the street, This Is The Place Heritage Park marks the spot where Mormon pioneer, Brigham Young, declared Salt Lake Valley the religion's new home. And above that, the Bonneville Shoreline Trail forms a nearly infinite network of crisscrossing trail perfect for hiking, running, and biking.
Eat
Emigration Canyon has just two restaurants - but what it lacks in number, it makes up for in quality. Ruth's Diner, open since 1930, is easily one of the city's best breakfast joints. (It's open for lunch and dinner, too!) The Sun & Moon Cafe, a bit farther up canyon, is almost always much less croweded than Ruth's, and offers fine dining in a casual environment.
Party
If you're looking for nightlife in this canyon, then you'll find a fun and sophisticated answer at the Sun & Moon Cafe. Featuring a busy live music schedule, as well as many special events throughout each month, this cafe is Emigration Canyon's go-to spot for evening entertainment. Think live blues, beer tastings, wine tastings, and special wine-paring dinners.