What to Do in Salt Lake City, PIT’s Latest Route Addition

The mountains – and more – are calling.

Pittsburgh International Airport recently announced once-daily nonstop service on Delta Air Lines to Salt Lake City (SLC), with flights beginning Nov. 23, 2024, and operating year-round.

“The flight is timed to maximize connections through SLC, which is Delta’s fourth-largest hub and a core western hub,” explained Nancy Volmer, Director of Communications and Marketing at Salt Lake City International Airport. “Pittsburgh is one of SLC’s top underserved routes and will increase the east to west flows through SLC.”

Volmer touted some of the main draws of “the Crossroads of the West”: SLC is within a half-day drive to six national parks in Utah and Wyoming, 10 ski resorts are within an hour’s drive, and Salt Lake City’s vibrant downtown is less than 10 minutes from the airport, giving easy access to a vibrant arts and culture scene, award-winning restaurants, eclectic shopping and nearby hiking trails.

In addition to PIT, Delta also recently expanded nonstop flights to SLC from Cleveland and New York-LaGuardia.

“These new routes will make it even easier for travelers to experience our effortless access to world-class outdoor recreation, vibrant cultural scene and stunning landscapes,” said Kaitlin Eskelson, President and CEO of Visit Salt Lake. “We look forward to welcoming more visitors and showcasing everything our beautiful destination has to offer.”

Located 29 miles from SLC Airport, Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort is North America’s most accessible year-round resort and conference center. (Courtesy of VisitSaltLake)

We asked Eskelson for seven of her top recommendations for visitors:

• Effortless access to the outdoors. “Most people know that we are home to ‘The Greatest Snow on Earth’ at Salt Lake’s four world-class ski resorts, but there are plenty of outdoor activities to take advantage of year-round,” including hiking, biking, climbing, fishing, and paddle boarding.
• 30-plus breweries and distilleries. “Rent a GREENbike and sample some of Salt Lake’s best suds in the Granary Neighborhood near downtown.”
• City Creek Canyon, a 10-minute walk from most downtown hotels. “Amazing views of the city and great hiking.”
• James Beard-nominated restaurants and bars – including Manoli’s, Urban Hill, Water Witch, Post Office Place and more!
• A new, yet-to-be named NHL hockey team will puck drop this fall. You can also a enjoy a Utah Jazz NBA game.
• “Every Saturday from June through October, visitors can enjoy the Downtown Farmers Market at Pioneer Park — an event that features hundreds of farmers, growers and artisans from nearly every county in Utah and attracts 10,000-plus attendees each weekend.”
• Museums and historical sites. Temple Square is currently under construction, but it will be completed in 2026. “Several of our attractions such as the Natural History Museum of Utah, Red Butte Garden, the Hogle Zoo and This is the Place Heritage Park are actually connected by a hiking trail called the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. You can take quick hikes while connecting to each of them.”

Located in downtown, Fisher Brewing Co is one of 30-plus breweries and distilleries local to Salt Lake City. (Courtesy of VisitSaltLake)

Looking for practical travel tips before you fly? If staying downtown in SLC, you can ride the light rail system (TRAX) to and from the airport for only $2.50. Volmer also recommends downloading the SLCInternational app to help navigate the airport and locate baggage claim, ground transportation and car rentals.

Eskelson adds a few words of wisdom for outdoors enthusiasts: “We have fantastic weather here, but for those venturing into the mountains, we urge them to know before you go, be prepared and practice ‘Leave No Trace’ principles.”

And whether you’re traveling to Salt Lake for business, leisure or bleisure, Eskelson believes time is the ultimate currency.

“Our proximity to the beautiful new SLC International Airport, downtown Salt Lake and our outdoor amenities will ensure you maximize your time and make the most of your trip,” she said. “Pittsburgh is an amazing American city, and we can’t wait to share a taste of the west with our east coast friends.”

City Creek Canyon Trail is the closest canyon hike to downtown Salt Lake City. Featuring a nearby river with both a natural and paved trail, City Creek Canyon Trail is easy to access by foot or by car. (Courtesy of VisitSaltLake)