Temple Square: A Salt Lake City Day Trip from Rush Valley
Temple Square is Salt Lake City's single most-visited attraction, drawing millions of visitors a year to its 35-acre block downtown — and it's an easy, entirely free day trip from Rush Valley.
What to See
- The grounds themselves — manicured gardens, fountains, the new Temple Square Visitor's Center, all free to walk through daily.
- Guided tours, offered in more than 40 languages, cover the grounds, the Conference Center, and nearby historic residences.
- The new Temple Square Visitors' Center, open daily 9 a.m.–9 p.m. with free admission; the "Inside a Temple" experience requires a reservation.
- The Tabernacle, home to the Tabernacle Choir, with regular rehearsals and performances open to the public.
Tips for Visiting
- Everything on Temple Square is free — the only thing that requires a reservation is the temple-interior experience.
- Parking: the Conference Center offers free parking with validation, and City Creek Center parking gives you two free hours nearby.
- Go early or in the evening in summer to avoid both crowds and heat.
- Pair it with a walk through City Creek Center next door for shopping and food.
How Far Is It From Clover Creek Guest House
About 55 miles — roughly an hour's drive, mostly along UT-36 and I-80 over the Oquirrh Mountains. Close enough for an easy day trip, far enough that you'll come home to real quiet.
Why Stay at Clover Creek
Salt Lake City hotels put you in the middle of the noise; Clover Creek Guest House puts you an hour outside of it, in a farmhouse cottage in Rush Valley with dark skies and none of the downtown traffic. See the city during the day, then drive back to something genuinely peaceful at night.
Want to plan a bigger day in the city? Read our full Salt Lake City day trip guide, or check availability for your dates.