Where did all that salt come from?

 Great Salt Lake State Park

Photo Credit: Westernresourceadvocates.org

How wild is it to think that the Great Salt Lake has so much salt concentrated within its body of water, sea creatures wouldn't be able to survive in it, in fact it is 7 times saltier than the ocean. Let alone the deepest part of this shrinking lake is but a mere 33', last we checked anyway. The Great Salt Lake is the largest body of saltwater in the western hemisphere. Utah is in a 40 year drought, and every year we witness all of our lake shrink more and more. In 1963, the Great Salt Lake reached a historic low water level, that only covered around 950 square miles. Then in 1988, the Lake reached a historic high water level and covered around 3500 square miles. So let's cross our fingers we will once again see these water highs, so we can continue to watch our majestic state thrive. 

Photo Credit: Saltair Pavillion by Marriott Library, UofU

Once a thriving resort, the Saltair was a place of rest, relaxation, entertainment and fun. Being the first amusement park west of New York, people took great enjoyment of the sundries Saltair had to offer. However, the Saltair experienced horrible tragedy in 1925, when a fire broke out and destroyed much of the beloved resort. A couple months later the resort reopened, however this was also the time of the grand opening of Utah's renowned amusement park Lagoon, which offered a larger scale of amusement to the community and ultimately the Saltair did not see the patronage it was hoping for with reopening. The once world-famed beach resort would never again see popularity as it enjoyed its first 30 years. The Saltair would later experience two other fires, ultimately destroying the once unique architecture that was once enjoyed by so many.

                    Photo Credit: Atlas Obscura

Rebuilt in 1980, the Saltair has is purpose today, not only is it used as a concert venue today, but there are also tales of the paranormal surrounding this once popular resort. The ghost of a young woman murdered and found decomposing on the grounds of the Saltair, it is also said that the surrounding land is cursed and amplifies hostile paranormal activity. Famed ghost hunting team, The Ghost Adventures visited this great location and claimed to have experienced intense physical afflictions, disembodied voices, unexplained figures and anomalies. 

            Photo Credit: Wikipedia

While you're visiting the Great Salt Lake State Park, be sure to see the splendor of the Spiral Jetty, located at Rozel Point peninsula on the NorthEastern shore of the lake. Designed and constructed by Robert Smithson in 1970, the Spiral Jetty is 1500 feet long, 15 feet wide, and built using over 6,000 tons of black basalt rocks, the spiral winds counterclockwise off of the shore and into the water. It is important that visitors do not disturb the rocks placed in this earthwork art piece, also be sure to pack out what you pack in. Keeping our parks clean ensures visitors will be able to enjoy these sites for years to come. 

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

                                        

Let's take a trip to Bonneville Salt Flats, what an interesting name. Bonneville Lake and the Bonneville Salt Flats was named by geologist Grove Karl Gilbert, after French born U.S. Army Officer Benjamin Bonneville who explored the Intermountain West in the 1830s. They say you can see the curve of the earth at the Salt Flats. It is a hotspot for breath taking photography. If you're the racing type, visit Bonneville Speedway to satisfy your need for speed. Here lay the remnants of Lake Bonneville which covered a vast part of Utah, it included lakes we know today such as the Great Salt Lake, Sevier Lake and Utah Lake. Could you imagine seeing body of water so large? 

Photo Credit: Wikipedia 

Today, we see water levels dropping exponentially, it's hard to believe that there was once that much water that covered our beautiful desert. Below we see the change in the water levels just over 33 years. It is quite shocking.       

                                

                                                              Photo Credit: Wikipedia

                               

We will take a trip through prehistoric Utah in future posts!  

The Heart of Utah

 Welcome to Salt Lake City

Photo Credit: visitutah.com

Now that you're here, I'm sure you're asking, "What is there to do here?" 

First up, let's explore the beauty of the Salt Lake Valley. 

Established in 1847 by Mormon settlers, there are many Native American tribes who inhabited the Utah territories between 500 AD and even cohabitating here today. We will explore more history about the Native American's in later posts.

Utah is known for its desert landscape and large body of salt water, home to several different species of wildlife and foliage. 

In the heart of Salt Lake City, you will find the magnificent Salt Lake LDS Temple. The temple was dedicated in 1893 and took 40 years to complete. It sits on 10 acres of land showcasing the gorgeous architecture Utah is known for. The Salt Lake Temple has undergone several renovations, ensuring the beauty it contains stands the test of time. Make sure you take time to explore Temple Square and appreciate Utah's unique history. 

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                            Next up, let's explore the Capitol. Built in 1915 it is located only a short distance to the North of the Salt Lake Temple, the Salt Lake Capitol once again showcases Utah's ability to strike shock and awe at its incredible architecture. Inside and out, you will find many places to view while visiting and take note of the view the capitol has to offer of the valley in its wake. 

Photo Credit: visitutah.com

To the East of the Capitol, take a leisurely stroll through Memory Grove, and see the dedications to all those who have lost their lives in many of America's great wars. The Landscape of Memory Grove is a sight to see. The locals love to take their morning and evening walks through this beautiful site and enjoy a little piece of wilderness, tucked so closely to the heart of Salt Lake City. 

Photo Credit: Kyle Jenkins 

To the West of Downtown, we will find the ever famous Great Salt Lake, known for its high salt content, the Great Salt Lake is a pillar of what makes Utah, well Utah. When Brigham Young and his followers made their trek to their Deseret Oasis, the Great Salt Lake was glistening in the distance and they looked at each other and said, "This is the place." Exploring the Great Salt Lake deserves a post all its own, so stay tuned for that!

There is still far more to do just within the city itself... Next up, we will venture to our not so distant past and see where the Mormon Pioneers first settled and experience their way of life. Here we have This is the Place Heritage Park. Located 15 minutes East of Downtown Salt Lake, This is the Place Heritage Park showcases 50 historical homes brought back to life by historical interpreters. This is where the Latter-day Saint Pioneers ended their 1300 mile long trek and founded their home right here in beautiful Utah. 

Photo Credit: thisistheplace.org

Last, but not least, we will finish our tour with the wonderful Hogle Zoo, which is located right across the street from This is the Place Heritage Park. You will find a vast array of wildlife exhibited in well managed habitats. Take a train ride through the park and walk the beautifully designed landscapes dedicated to this beautifully kept Zoo. Play areas for kids are a great way to stop and relax while enjoying all the wildlife. As well as several delicious eatery options available right at your fingertips. It will certainly not disappoint. 

Photo Credit: Marcus Smauldon