If you’re looking to escape the city buzz and spend a day surrounded by rugged mountain beauty, the Snowbird Summer Excursion offers an appealing mix of scenic drives, high-altitude adventures, and expert-guided hikes. This tour from Salt Lake City, operated by Southwest Adventure Tours, is designed for those eager to take in breathtaking vistas without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
What makes this tour stand out? First, the knowledgeable guides make all the difference—they bring the landscape alive with stories and wildlife insights. Second, the spectacular views from Snowbird’s gondola and mountain peak are genuinely unforgettable. That said, a potential consideration is the moderate physical activity involved in the guided hike, which requires a fair amount of stamina. This tour is best suited for nature lovers who appreciate high-altitude scenery but are also comfortable with a little physical exertion.
In this review, we’ll explore every detail—from the scenic drive to the mountain summit—so you can decide if this tour fits your travel style. Along the way, we’ll highlight real traveler impressions and provide practical tips to help you make the most of your day in the mountains.
Key Points
- Stunning Mountain Views: Expect breathtaking vistas from Snowbird’s peak and during the gondola ride.
- Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with wildlife insights and local lore.
- Comfortable Transportation: Modern, air-conditioned vehicles make the journey enjoyable.
- Balanced Itinerary: A mix of scenic drives, rides, and hikes suits active travelers.
- Inclusive Pricing: Lunch, bottled water, and all fees are included, making it straightforward to budget.
- Small Group Feel: Maximum of 14 travelers for a more personalized experience.
👉 Check out our guide to the 4 Best 3 Day Tours In Salt Lake City
Contents
- Key Points
- The Scenic Drive to Snowbird
- Snowbird Resort: A Mountain Playground
- Lunch at Utah’s Highest Restaurant
- Guided Hike on the Cirque Trail
- The Balance of Adventure and Comfort
- Authentic Experiences and Real Traveler Insights
- Practical Tips for Your Trip
- Who Will Love This Tour?
- Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
- FAQ about the Snowbird Summer Excursion
- Our Top Picks in Salt Lake City
- More Tours in Salt Lake City
- More Tour Reviews in Salt Lake City
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Salt Lake City we have recnetly reviewed
The Scenic Drive to Snowbird
The adventure begins with a ride from Salt Lake City in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle that seats up to 14 people, ensuring a relaxed atmosphere. The drive takes you up Little Cottonwood Canyon, a route renowned for its dramatic cliffs, lush forested slopes, and the promise of mountain majesty. For many travelers, this part of the journey is a highlight on its own—flying past towering pines and catching glimpses of the rugged terrain.
In reviews, travelers appreciate the modernity and cleanliness of the vehicle, with one remarking on the “plentiful water and comfortable ride,” which sets a positive tone for the day. The drive time is approximately an hour, providing plenty of time to chat with your guide and settle into the scenery.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Salt Lake City.
Snowbird Resort: A Mountain Playground
Once at Snowbird, you’ll see why this resort is so loved by locals and visitors alike. Sitting high in Salt Lake’s Little Cottonwood Canyon, Snowbird combines natural beauty with a world-class mountain resort atmosphere. Entry is free, but the real draw is the tram ride that whisks you to the summit.
The tram ride itself is a highlight, offering sweeping views of the surrounding peaks, glaciers, and rugged terrain. One traveler described the gondola ascent as “beautiful,” adding that it was a peaceful experience that allowed for plenty of time to soak in the scenery.
Lunch at Utah’s Highest Restaurant
After reaching the mountain’s peak, you’ll enjoy a hearty lunch at Utah’s highest restaurant. Expect the kind of views that make every bite taste better. Many reviewers mention that the lunch is included in the price, which adds excellent value to the tour. The culinary options are not specified, but the focus is clearly on providing a relaxing break amid the stunning backdrop.
The experience of dining at high altitude, with the mountains stretching endlessly around you, is often described as a memorable highlight. One guest commented that the lunch was relaxing and perfectly timed after the gondola ride.
Guided Hike on the Cirque Trail
The afternoon features a guided hike down the Cirque Trail, a route that offers a closer look at the natural beauty of the area. The guides are well-versed in the local flora, fauna, and geology, sharing insights that make the hike both educational and engaging.
While the walk is about six hours total—including transportation—the actual hike allows you to enjoy the landscape at a leisurely pace. The trail is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness, and guides are eager to tailor the experience to match your ability.
One of the reviewers praised their guide Sonsori for her extensive knowledge and friendly demeanor, making the hike both enjoyable and informative—even for someone with a fear of heights. This personal touch can turn what might seem like a challenging trek into a memorable part of your day.
The Balance of Adventure and Comfort
What’s remarkable about this tour is its balance—adventure without overexertion, comfort without luxury. The inclusion of lunch, bottled water, and all fees means you can focus on enjoying the scenery without worrying about extra costs. The tour length of six hours is well-judged: enough time to explore, relax, and still return comfortably to Salt Lake City.
The small group size keeps the experience intimate, and the reviews indicate that guides are both knowledgeable and flexible, providing personalized attention that adds to the overall value.
Authentic Experiences and Real Traveler Insights
Based on actual reviews, travelers consistently praise the expertise of the guides. Elizabeth mentions her guide Blake as “fantastic,” highlighting the area’s wildlife and mountain views. Stephen appreciated the thoughtfulness and humor of the guide, who tailored the trip to his preferences.
The stunning scenery is a universal highlight—reviewers mention the beautiful mountains and the gondola ride as unforgettable moments. Even travelers with specific concerns, like Ashley who has a fear of heights, found the guide’s extensive experience and friendly attitude helped make the experience enjoyable and not overwhelming.
Practical Tips for Your Trip
- Physical Fitness Level: Be prepared for some moderate activity during the hike. If you’re comfortable with walking and high-altitude environments, you’ll enjoy this more.
- Weather Considerations: The tour requires good weather—if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
- Timing: The tour starts at 9:30 am, so arrive a bit early at Visit Salt Lake to check in.
- Booking in Advance: With 5+ bookings last month and a max of 14 travelers per tour, securing your spot early is wise.
- Gratuities: Not included, so tipping guides for excellent service is customary.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This excursion is perfect for travelers who want a well-rounded day of mountain scenery, mild adventure, and professional guidance. It’s best suited for those with moderate physical fitness who appreciate the outdoors but prefer a comfortable, organized experience. Nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, and anyone eager to understand the local landscape will find this a rewarding outing.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
The Snowbird Summer Excursion offers a nice blend of scenic beauty, expert guidance, and relaxed comfort. For around $145, you get a full day of exploration, stunning vistas, and the chance to learn about the local environment—making it a solid value for the quality of experience.
While the hike involves some physical effort, many reviewers found the guides accommodating, and the views make every step worthwhile. The inclusion of lunch at Utah’s highest restaurant is a bonus, offering both delicious food and panoramic views that linger in your memory.
If you’re visiting Salt Lake City and craving an outdoor adventure that balances sightseeing with gentle exertion, this tour will likely leave you with plenty of memorable moments and stunning photos.
Snowbird Summer Excursion
“My husband and I wound up being the only 2 on the trip for the day. Blake was our guide and he was just fantastic. He had so much knowledge about…”
FAQ about the Snowbird Summer Excursion
Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transportation from Salt Lake City is included in the tour, in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle.
How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is approximately 6 hours, including the drive, gondola ride, lunch, and guided hike.
What is the meeting point?
You’ll meet at Visit Salt Lake located at 90 S W Temple St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101.
Is the tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
The tour is designed for travelers with moderate physical fitness. While suitable for many, those with mobility concerns should assess whether the hike and altitude are manageable for them.
What if the weather is poor?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to bad conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Are tips included?
No, gratuities are not included, but highly appreciated for exceptional guides.
This tour offers a wonderful way to enjoy Utah’s stunning mountain scenery with the guidance of local experts. Whether you’re looking for a scenic escape, a bit of adventure, or simply some breathtaking views, the Snowbird Summer Excursion is a trip worth considering—and it’s sure to leave you with stories to tell.
