Utah State Capitol Salt Lake City

Utah State Capitol in Salt Lake City

The Utah State Capitol is the house of government for the U.S. state of Utah. The building houses the chambers and offices of the Utah State Legislature, the offices of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, the State Auditor and their staffs. The capitol is the main building of the Utah State Capitol Complex, which is located on Capitol Hill, overlooking downtown Salt Lake City.

The Utah State Capitol has been one of Utah’s most prominent landmarks. Designed by local architect Richard K. A. Kletting, the Capitol has been home to state government since its opening in 1916.

The Neoclassical revival, Corinthian style building was designed by architect Richard K.A. Kletting, and built between 1912 and 1916. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

Salt Lake Temple Uttah Fun Facts
Architectural style	Neoclassical Revival, Corinthian style
Architect	Richard K.A. Kletting
Construction started	December 26, 1912
Inaugurated	October 9, 1916
Historical significance	U.S. National Register of Historic Places (NRHP)

The capitol building is the centerpiece of a 40-acre (160,000 m2) plot which also includes a Vietnam War memorial, Utah Law Enforcement Memorial, and a monument dedicated to the Mormon Battalion. The renovations added a new plaza, a reflecting pool, and two office buildings, as well as underground parking. The grounds feature plants, shrubs, and trees native to Utah, as well as good views of Salt Lake City, the Salt Lake Valley and the Wasatch Front.

The Capitol’s interior walls and columns are made out of the famous Georgia marble. There are 24 solid marble columns 26 ft tall with each column weighing 5,000 pounds. The walls’ panels are made with distinct book cut panels, where four marble sheets have the same design and are reflections of each other.

Liberty Bell Replica  :The original Liberty Bell is located in the Independence Hall in Pennsylvania, but all the State Capitol buildings have a replica of it.

Rotunda’s Artwork : The intricate designs of the rotunda illustrate the life, work and accomplishments of the early Utah settlers such as the liberty flag, dancing, seagulls protecting the pioneers’ crops from the crickets, railroad construction, the relationship with the Native Americans and the mining industry.

Take a tour of the Capitol! The Capitol Docent team gives tours every hour on the hour between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays.

Address : Utah State Capitol Building - Salt Lake City,         

350 North State Street, 120 State Capitol, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114.

Utah Salt Lake Temple

Salt Lake Temple - Temple Square Utah

This building is a worldwide icon of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the heart of Temple Square. The massive granite edifice was constructed in a neo-gothic style over the course of an astounding 40-year period between 1853 and 1893. The pioneers who settled the valley sacrificed both time and material goods to the building of the temple, which stands as a testament to their faith and devotion. Please be aware that only members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are permitted to enter the temple, but all visitors are welcome to peruse the grounds and admire the stunning workmanship of the building and the serene beauty of its immediate surroundings.

The Salt Lake Temple is a temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) located on Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States. At 253,015 square feet (23,505.9 m2), it is the largest LDS temple by floor area. Dedicated in 1893, it is the sixth temple completed by the church, requiring 40 years to complete, and the fourth temple built since the Mormon exodus from Nauvoo, Illinois, in 1846.

Salt Lake Temple Uttah Fun Facts
Architectural style	Neo Gothic Style
Architect
Opened on	April 6, 1893
Height	223 ft (68 m)
Tours	No public tours inside the temple, only members can enter

Temple Square is a 10-acre (4.0 ha) complex, owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), in the center of Salt Lake City, Utah. In recent years, the usage of the name has gradually changed to include several other church facilities that are immediately adjacent to Temple Square. Contained within Temple Square are the Salt Lake Temple, Salt Lake Tabernacle, Salt Lake Assembly Hall, the Seagull Monument, and two visitors' centers. The square was designated a National Historic Landmark District in 1964, recognizing the Mormon achievement in the settlement of Utah.

Temple Square is much more than a religious icon. It's a collage of fascinating history, singular architecture, and gourmet dining. Temple Square in Salt Lake City is Utah's most popular tourist destination. Part of its appeal lies in its accessibility: three city blocks in downtown Salt Lake City contain nearly 20 attractions related to Mormon pioneer history and genealogy, including the Salt Lake Temple, the Tabernacle, and the Family History Library. This means that visitors can see all or most of these attractions in a relatively short period of time. Salt Lake LDS (Mormon) Temple - LDS Temples, The first permanent settlers in Utah were members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons).

Address: Salt Lake Temple 50 N West Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84150

Shoshone Falls Park Idaho

Shoshone Falls Park-  Idaho near Twin Falls

Shoshone falls is a huge waterfall sometimes called Niagara of the west. The falls are 212 feet tall and 1, feet wide. There are several different overlooks at the park to view the falls. None are more than a few hundred feet from the parking lot. The water from the Snake River is always fluctuating depending on the time of year and how much they are letting through the dam above the falls. The gorge below the falls is very beautiful.

Once you enter the park the road winds down a hill towards the overlooks. There are several small waterfalls along here. I was there in winter once which made for lots of cool ice. In spring and summer it's like a small green oasis. There is another upper parking area that you can either walk to or park at with several picnic tables. The canyon rim trail starts here. If you walk a little ways down this paved trail you get a great full view of the falls and great views of the canyon. Keep your eyes open there are several other falls that can be seen from here in the spring. If you are either go to or from Boise to Utah then this is a very worthwhile detour to stretch your legs and enjoy the scenic Shoshone waterfalls.

Things To Know

Ø  The cost for admission at Shoshone Falls Park is $3.00 per car (subject to change).

Ø  Parks and Recreation begins charging admission each year on Mar 30 and continues through Sept.

Ø  Location : Twin falls, Idaho

Ø  Sights : Huge Scenic waterfalls and Hiking trails to see Snake River Canyon

Ø  Best season : Any, but in spring is the best due to the flow of the river is higher

How To Reach : The Park is located at the edge of Twin Falls. The falls offer a unique blend of recreational facilities, including playgrounds, hiking trails, picnic areas, a boat ramp, swimming area, and a scenic overlook. A picnic in the shaded, grassy areas provides a perfect vantage point for viewing Shoshone Falls.

Address : Shoshone Falls State Park, Shoshone Falls Grade Rd, Twin Falls, ID 83341

Shoshone Falls Idaho

Shoshone Waterfalls Idaho - Niagara of the West

Shoshone Falls is a waterfall on the Snake River in southern Idaho, United States, approximately 3 miles (4.8 km) northeast of the city of Twin Falls. Sometimes called the "Niagara of the West," Shoshone Falls is 212 feet (65 m) high—45 feet (14 m) higher than Niagara Falls—and flows over a rim nearly 1,000 feet (300 m) wide.

Shoshone Falls is in the Snake River Canyon on the border of Jerome and Twin Falls Counties, 615 miles (990 km) upstream from the Snake River's confluence with the Columbia River.  The flows over the falls are seasonal runoffs from the mighty Snake River, which carves its way through deep basalt canyons and is the largest tributary to the Columbia River.

The City of Twin Falls owns and operates a park overlooking the waterfall. Shoshone Falls is best viewed in the spring, as diversion of the Snake River often can significantly diminishes water levels in the late summer and fall.

Shoshone Falls Dam, located directly above the falls, diverts water for hydropower generation and can greatly reduce the flow of the falls in the dry season.

The name Shoshone was given to the waterfall in honor of a tribe of Native Americans who inhabited the area, officially adopted by the USGS in 1905, but it is not known exactly when the falls were first given this name or who discovered them. During the early 20th century when Shoshone Falls was being developed for hydroelectric use and was gaining national notoriety for the comparisons being made to Niagara, several additional names were applied to portions of the falls. The smaller upper tiers of the falls, where the river splits around several pillar-like islands, seem to have each been individually named (left to right): The Bridal Veil, The Brides Maid, The Two Graces and The Sentinel. As there is a nearby waterfall flowing from Dierkes Lake now known as Bridal Veil Falls.

How To Reach : In downtown Twin Falls Idaho, find the junction of Route 93 and East 4000 N Road, and follow East 4000 N Road east for three miles, then turn left onto Champlin Road (watch for signs for Shoshone Falls Park). Follow Champlin to where it becomes Canyon Grade Road and proceed to its end at the park in another 1.8 miles. Several short trails lead to views of the falls along the rim of the canyon.

Address : Shoshone Falls State Park, Shoshone Falls Grade Rd, Twin Falls, ID 83341

Snake River Canyon Idaho

Snake River Canyon Southern Idaho 

Snake River Canyon is a large canyon formed by the Snake River in the Magic Valley region of southern Idaho, forming part of the boundary between Twin Falls County to the south and Jerome County to the north.

The canyon ranges up to 500 feet (150 meters) deep and 0.25 miles (0.4 kilometers) wide, and runs for just over 50 miles. Perrine Bridge crosses the canyon immediately north of the city of Twin Falls. Shoshone Falls is located approximately 5 miles (8 kilometers) east of Perrine Bridge along the canyon.

Snake River

The Snake River is a major river of the greater Pacific Northwest region in the United States. At 1,078 miles (1,735 km) long, it is the largest tributary of the Columbia River, in turn the largest North American river that empties into the Pacific Ocean. The Snake River rises in western Wyoming, then flows through the Snake River Plain of southern Idaho, the rugged Hells Canyon on the Oregon–Idaho border and the rolling Palouse Hills of Washington, emptying into the Columbia River at the Tri-Cities, Washington.

Snake River, largest tributary of the Columbia River and one of the most important streams in the Pacific Northwest section of the United States. It rises in the mountains of the Continental Divide near the south-eastern corner of Yellowstone National Park in north-western Wyoming and flows south through Jackson Lake along the eastern base of the Teton Range in Grand Teton National Park.

Swinging northwest near the mouth of Greys River, it enters Idaho through the Palisades Reservoir. Near Heise the river leaves the mountains and crosses the broad Snake River Plain of southern Idaho, an area covered by lava beds. On the western edge of the state, it is joined by the Boise River. Turning north, it forms the boundary between Idaho and Oregon for 216 miles (348 km). From the north-eastern corner of Oregon it forms the Washington-Idaho boundary to Lewiston, Idaho, and then turns west to join the Columbia just south of Pasco, Washington.

Runoff from the states of Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington combines in the Snake, which has a drainage basin of some 109,000 square miles (282,000 square km). From elevations of 10,000 feet (3,000 metres) the river descends to 300 feet (90 metres) at its outflow into the Columbia.

Interesting facts about the Snake River :

Ø  The Snake River is a major river of the greater Pacific Northwest in the United States.

Ø  The length of the Snake River is approximately 1,735 kilometers (1,078 miles). It is the 9th longest river in the United States.

Ø  The Snake River is the largest tributary of the Columbia River.

Ø  More than 11,000 years ago, prehistoric Native Americans lived along the Snake River.

Ø  Source of the Snake river is Rocky Mountains Area in, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming.

Utah's ancient Lake Bonneville :

Lake Bonneville was a prehistoric pluvial lake that covered much of the eastern part of North America's Great Basin region. Most of the territory it covered was in present-day Utah, though parts of the lake extended into present-day Idaho and Nevada. It is formed about 500 million years ago, Lake Bonneville existed until about 14,500 years ago, when a large portion of the lake was released through the Red Rock Pass in Idaho. Following the Bonneville flood, as the release is now known, the lake receded to a level called the Provo Level. Many of the unique geological characteristics of the Great Basin are due to the effects of the lake.  The change in climate, the lake began drying up, leaving Great Salt Lake, Utah Lake, Sevier Lake, Rush Lake, and Little Salt Lake as remnants.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Denver

Red Rocks Amphitheatre Denver Colorado

Red Rocks Amphitheater is a rock structure near Morrison, Colorado, 15 miles west of Denver, where concerts are given in the open-air amphitheatre. There is a large, tilted, disc-shaped rock behind the stage, a huge vertical rock angled outwards from stage right, several large outcrops angled outwards from stage left and a seating area for up to 9,525 people in between. The amphitheater is owned and operated by the City and County of Denver, Colorado and is located in Red Rocks Park, part of the Denver Mountain Parks system. 

Red Rocks is a geologically formed, open-air amphitheater that is not duplicated anywhere in the world. With Mother Nature as the architect, the design of the Amphitheatre consists of two, three hundred-foot monoliths (Ship Rock and Creation Rock) that provide acoustic perfection for any performance. The dramatic sandstone monoliths serve as a history book of animal and plant life in the area for the past 250 million years. As spectators gaze at the towering red sandstone rocks, they view the ancient tales of prehistoric times.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre Denver Colorado
Date Opened	June 15, 1941
Amphitheatre Seating Capacity	9,525
Elevation	6,450 ft
Red Rocks Mountain Park size	738 acres
National Historic Landmark	2015

 The area of Red Rocks, originally known as the Garden of Angels, has attracted the attention of musical performers since before the turn of the century. The majestic setting of the amphitheater, along with the panoramic view of Denver, makes for a breathtaking scene.

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre offers a variety of recreation options from guided tours, hiking, biking, shopping, dining and a summer concert series.

Red Rocks Park is a Denver Mountain Park and has two trails that are completely within the park, Trading Post Trail and Geologic Overlook Trail, both restricted to pedestrian only. 

The Trading Post Trail is 1.4 miles in length, and goes through spectacular rock formations, valleys and a natural meadow. Some of the terrain is rough, so hiking boots/ shoes are recommended. Also, The trail is 6,280 feet above sea level, So hikers should be prepared for adverse weather conditions as the weather can change very quickly.

The Geologic Overlook Trail is a short, moderate trail located in the Northwest corner of the park. Take Plains View Road to the Geologic Marker & Picnic Shelter for a short hike leading to beautiful views.

How To Reach: Red Rocks Amphitheater is located in Red Rocks Park near Morrison, Colorado. From Downtown, take I-70 west to exit 259, turn left at the bottom of the Morrison exit ramp, cruise on downhill 1.5 miles to the Red Rocks Park entrance. Coming from south Denver, take C-470 to the Morrison exit, turn west and follow the signs to the Park entrances. Here's a tip to avoid some traffic: you can also exit C-470 at Highway 285. Take it west to Highway 8 and then head north to the Amphitheatre!

Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre

18300 W. Alameda Parkway, Morrison, CO 80465 Phone: 720-865-2494

Red Rocks Park Hours : It is open daily from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset and is free of charge. In the event of a performance the Amphitheatre and Visitor Center will generally close to the public in the early afternoon hours.