Salt Lake City Utah

Flanked on all sides by dramatic granite cliffs, Salt Lake is a world-class alpine destination with outdoor recreation, a remarkable history, and an economy that has transformed a pioneer town into a sophisticated metropolitan city.

Big Cottonwood Canyon and the world-famous Snowbird Aerial Tram with vistas from the top of 11,000-foot Hidden Peak of over 100 miles. Also, a breathtaking backcountry as you horseback or bike ride in the Wasatch Mountains. Thrill seekers can ride down the alpine slide, a new addition to the Snowbird experience. 

The Great Salt Lake renowned for its high salinity which varies between 10 and 25%, second only to the Dead Sea, offers much in the way of recreation and relaxation. Antelope Island is ideal for a bike ride along the causeway or experience the trails as you hike, bike and animal watch: deer, bobcats, coyotes, many varieties of birds and waterfowl, and a small herd of elk call the island home. The Island's American Bison were introduced in 1893 and now number some 600 animals.

 

History and Culture on July 24, 1847, Mormon pioneer arrived seeking a religious refuge. Their leader, Brigham Young stated, this is the right place!

80,000 Pioneers Settled in the Rocky Mountains by the Great Salt Lake

The Church has played a major role in the development of the city, and many current residents trace their roots to those early settlers. This Is the Place Heritage Park is a bustling pioneer village brought to life by friendly folks in period dress who present everyday pioneer life. Visit Historic Temple Square and classic Salt Lake buildings and homes.

Anasazi State Park Museum Explore this ancient village in the heart of Utah's canyon country. One of the largest Ancestral Puebloan communities west of the Colorado River, known as the Coombs Site, is believed to have been occupied from AD 1160 to 1235 and may have housed as many as 200 people.
Archeological excavations at the site have revealed more than 100 structures and have produced thousands of artifacts, some of which are on display in the museum.

The Behive House is a National Historic Landmark and a monument to courageous people who conquered the desert. Built in 1854, it served as the official residence of Brigham Young when he was President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Governor of the Utah Territory.

Edge of the Cedars Pueblo is a village inhabited by the ancestors of contemporary Puebloan peoples from AD 825 to 1125. View the largest collection of Ancestral Puebloan (Anasazi) pottery on display in the Four Corners area. Programs include archaeology and art exhibitions, storytelling, craft workshops, and an annual Indian art market held on the first Saturday every May.

The Colorado River - American River Trails

The Colorado River flows from the Rocky Mountains through the Grand Canyon to the Gulf of California between Baja and Sonora in a southwestern direction for 1,450 miles - 2,330 km; it drains an expansive, arid watershed that encompasses parts of seven U.S. and two Mexican states. With dramatic canyons and whitewater rapids, the Colorado is a vital source of water for agricultural and urban areas.

The river and its tributaries are controlled by an extensive system of dams, reservoirs, and aqueducts, which in most years divert its entire flow to furnish irrigation and municipal water supply for almost 40 million people both inside and outside the watershed. Its large flow generates hydroelectric power.

Native Americans have inhabited the Colorado River basin for at least 8,000 years. Between 2,000 and 1,000 years ago, it fostered large agricultural civilizations which collapsed from severe drought and poor land use practices. Europeans first entered the Colorado Basin in the 16^th century. Large-scale settlement of the lower basin began latter 19^th century, with steamboat landings along the Colorado River that linked to horse drawn wagons. Gold strikes took place in the 1860s and 1870s.

Development of the river basin began in the 20^th century with guidelines established in a series of domestic and international treaties known as the Law of the River with hydraulic engineering projects. Most of the major dams were built between 1910 and 1970; Hoover Dam was completed in 1935. 

The Upper River is a swift whitewater stream ranging from 200 to 500 feet - 60 to 150 m - wide, and depths ranging from 6 to 30 feet = 2 to 9 m. The Colorado Plateau is a vast desert centered at the Four Corners of the southwestern United States.

Planning Your Trip assumes uniquely local dimensions in the places you visit, rooted in the local economy, history and traditions. TEMA develops personalized itineraries based on your preferences; we leverage an in-depth knowledge of your destinations with superior client service throughout your trip.

Your anchor locations when visiting the Colorado River include 

Las Vegas, Phoenix and Utah

In Utah the Colorado is characterized by narrow canyons and unique folds created by the tilting of sedimentary rock layers along faults. Here, the San Juan River joins the Colorado from the east. The Colorado then enters northern Arizona where Glen Canyon forms Lake Powell.

Lee’s Ferry was an important crossing for early explorers and settlers and since the early 20^th century the principal point where Colorado River flows are measured for apportionment to the seven U.S. and two Mexican states in the basin.

Lake Mead is the largest reservoir in the continental United States, formed by Hoover Dam and southeast of Las Vegas. The Lower Colorado River Valley LCRV is a desert region dependent on irrigation, agriculture and tourism and is also home to Indian Reservations. 

The Imperial Valley is the most Productive Winter Agricultural Region in the United States

Tributaries The Colorado is joined by over 25 significant tributaries, of which the Green River is the largest by both length and discharge. The Gila River is the second longest and drains a greater area than the Green. Both the Gunnison and San Juan rivers, which derive most of their water from Rocky Mountains snow melt, contribute more water.

Recreation the Colorado is one of the most desirable whitewater rivers in the United States. Grand Canyon trips typically range from one to eighteen days for commercial trips and from two to twenty-five days for private trips. Several other sections of the river and its tributaries are popular whitewater runs, and many of these are also served by commercial outfitters. Eleven U.S. national parks are in the watershed, in addition to many national forests, state parks and recreation areas. Hiking, backpacking, camping, skiing, house boating, water-skiing and fishing are among the recreation opportunities offered in these areas.

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