Chill out in Brighton, where Salt Lakers learn to ski
With all the top-notch ski resorts in the area it's hard to stand out, but Brighton does just that, thanks to its unpretentious and laid-back vibe. Full of friendly local establishments, the town is particularly popular with young snowboarders. If you're thinking of taking to the slopes for the first time, a Brighton vacation rental is perfect -- many locals first learned to ski and board here. Perched atop Big Cottonwood Canyon, the chilled-out hamlet lays claim to some of the best snow around, seeing hundreds and hundreds of inches of dry, fluffy powder each year.
Stay ahead of the curve in beautiful Brighton
Many of Brighton's best attractions are of the natural variety. The stunning S-Curve Area offers some of the best rock climbing for miles around, while there's lots of sunshine for picnicking at Storm Mountain. There are plenty of manmade wonders on tap at a Brighton vacation rental, too. No trip to the Salt Lake City area would be complete without a visit to Temple Square, the site of the city's famous Mormon temple. While you're downtown, pay a visit to the Hogle Zoo and the state capitol building. Art lovers won't want to miss the Utah Museum of Fine Arts.
The skiing doesn't stop just because the sun goes down
In addition to some of the best downhill under the sun, Brighton is renowned as a top night skiing destination (and some seriously laid-back apres ski to boot). If you're not a skier, fear not -- there's still plenty to do. Silver Lake offers hiking trails, a scenic boardwalk, and picnic areas, and it's stocked with tons of trout for fishing. Ranger tours bring you up close and personal with the local wildlife. Big Cottonwood Canyon features 15 miles of hiking, biking, and rock climbing terrain, where you can discover hidden mountain lakes and breathtaking fields of wildflowers.
Way up here where the air is crystal clear
Soaring nearly 9,000 feet above sea level, Brighton is the epitome of invigorating mountain living. Overlooking the jagged cliffs, bowls, and chutes that make up scenic Big Cottonwood Canyon, the town sits in the heart of the stunning Wasatch Range. Big Cottonwood Creek is stocked with loads of trout, and it's not uncommon to see a moose or two wandering by. The beauty of the glittering mountain lakes is rivaled only by the lush fields of rainbow-colored wildflowers that blanket the hills when the snows melt.
How to get to and around Brighton
The nearest airport is in Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), located 24.5 mi (39.4 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that works for your travel itinerary, you can also fly into Provo, UT (PVU), which is 27.4 mi (44.1 km) away.