The Salt Lake Valley
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The Salt Lake Valley
Wednesday · The Great Outdoors Issue #4 · June 17, 2026
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Midweek escape: the Wasatch, trails, and fresh air

Concerts under the stars, farmers markets, and mountain adventures. Your guide to getting outside this Wednesday.

Good morning, Salt Lake Valley.

This Wednesday, we're all about getting outside and embracing the natural beauty surrounding us.

From high mountain trails to serene river pathways, and a few unique events in between, here's what's worth your time in the great outdoors this week.

📍 30 seconds in the valley⏱️ 3 min read

🎶 What's On

An Evening with Greensky Bluegrass, Red Butte Garden Worth it

An Evening with Greensky Bluegrass, Red Butte Garden

Bluegrass under the stars at the Garden's outdoor amphitheater, part of their summer concert series.
🕐Hours: Wednesday, June 17, 2026, gates at 6:30 PM, show at 7:30 PM
📍Address: Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre, 2188 Red Butte Canyon Road, Salt Lake City · About 15 minutes from downtown
💵Cost: Members $50, Public $55 (plus fees)
⏰Timing: Arrive early for parking and to find a good spot on the lawn. Bring a blanket or low chair.
Our take
A classic Salt Lake summer night out. Enjoy live music in a beautiful outdoor setting as the sun sets over the valley.
⚠️ Heads up: Tickets sell out quickly. Check the Red Butte Garden website for availability and specific gate times.
$$$ date nightmusicoutdoors
Worth it

New Roots Wednesday Farmers Market

A community market featuring fresh, local produce and goods from refugee and immigrant farmers, along with community resources.
🕐Hours: Wednesday, June 17, 2026, 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
📍Address: New Roots Redwood Farm, 3005 Lester St, West Valley City · About 15-20 minutes from downtown
💵Cost: Free to browse, items for purchase
⏰Timing: Go later in the afternoon for a relaxed shopping experience and to avoid early crowds.
Our take
Support local farmers and discover unique, culturally appropriate vegetables and goods. SNAP/EBT and Double Up Food Bucks are accepted.
⚠️ Heads up: Market hours and vendor availability can vary. Confirm on the New Roots SLC website before visiting.
Free familyfoodlocaloutdoors

🌿 Get Outside

Worth it

Tracy Aviary: Bird Shows and Shoshone Plant Experience

Enjoy daily outdoor bird shows and a special educational program exploring the plant traditions of the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation.
🕐Hours: Outdoor Bird Show: Wednesday, June 17, 2026, 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM. The Shoshone Plant Experience: Wednesday, June 17, 2026, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM.
📍Address: Tracy Aviary, 589 E 1300 S, Salt Lake City · Located in Liberty Park, easily accessible from downtown
💵Cost: General admission applies
⏰Timing: Plan your visit to catch both the bird show and the plant experience for a full morning of learning and entertainment.
Our take
A family-friendly outdoor educational experience where you can connect with nature and learn about local indigenous culture.
⚠️ Heads up: Check the Aviary's daily schedule for show times and any last-minute changes.
$$ familyeducationoutdoors
Worth it

Rattlesnake Gulch to Pipeline Overlook Hike, Millcreek Canyon

A moderate 3.5-mile roundtrip hike offering rewarding views of Millcreek Canyon and the Salt Lake Valley.
🕐Hours: Open daily, best in summer
📍Address: Millcreek Canyon, trailhead near 1.5 miles up Millcreek Canyon Road, Salt Lake City · About 20 minutes from downtown
💵Cost: A $5 fee per vehicle is payable on exit, or an annual pass can be purchased.
⏰Timing: Go on an odd-numbered day if you want your dog off-leash on trails. Arrive early to beat the summer heat and secure parking.
Our take
A quick and accessible escape into the mountains with rewarding views, perfect for an after-work jaunt or a morning stroll.
⚠️ Heads up: Millcreek Canyon Road has ongoing construction from March 15, 2026, through Fall 2026, which may affect access. Check canyon conditions and road closures before you go. Dogs are allowed off-leash on odd-numbered days and must be on-leash on even-numbered days.
$ hikingdogsoutdoorsviews
Worth it

Biking the Jordan River Parkway Trail

Explore the longest paved urban trail in the United States, a 45-mile multi-use pathway through Salt Lake County perfect for road biking.
🕐Hours: Open daily, best in summer and fall
📍Address: Numerous access points throughout Salt Lake County along the Jordan River, including the Redwood Nature Area and Murray Nature Center. · Varies by access point, easily accessible from many valley neighborhoods
💵Cost: Free
⏰Timing: Early mornings or late afternoons offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds for a more relaxed ride.
Our take
Enjoy a long, flat ride connecting numerous parks and natural areas, suitable for all skill levels and a great way to see the valley's green spaces.
⚠️ Heads up: The trail can be crowded, especially on weekends. Be aware of other trail users, including walkers, runners, and horseback riders. Check for any temporary closures for maintenance.
Free bikingfamilyfreeoutdoors
Worth it

Big Cottonwood Canyon Scenic Byway

A breathtaking 16-mile scenic drive through the Wasatch Mountains, offering cooler temperatures, hiking opportunities, and access to Guardsman Pass.
🕐Hours: Open daily, Guardsman Pass typically open late May through October
📍Address: Starts at the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon on SR-190, Salt Lake City · About 20-30 minutes from downtown to the canyon mouth
💵Cost: Free
⏰Timing: Weekday mornings or evenings are best to avoid peak weekend traffic and enjoy a more peaceful drive.
Our take
A refreshing escape with stunning mountain scenery, numerous pull-offs for exploration, and access to higher elevation trails and views.
⚠️ Heads up: Dogs are prohibited in Big Cottonwood Canyon due to watershed protection. The roads have steep grades and sharp bends, so drive carefully.
Free scenic driveoutdoorsviewshiking

💙 Good Neighbor

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Every issue we want to spotlight one neighbor, teacher, coach, or cause quietly making the Salt Lake Valley a better place to live. Know someone who deserves it? Send them our way.

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That's your midweek guide to embracing the great outdoors in the Salt Lake Valley.

We're always looking for more ways to highlight what makes our community special. Reply and tell us what you want to see: the news, the food, the trails, the deals, all of it.

Forward this to the neighbor who's always planning the next mountain adventure. That's exactly who we're for.

— The Salt Lake Valley crew
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