After a couple of weeks of smelling, tasting and breathing dirty air, Salt Lakers may be wondering if there’s a way to leave their homes without contributing to the pancake of smog that swallows the valley.
Here’s one way. Until Feb 21 the entire UTA system is free and residents can ditch their cars without facing any extra costs. That includes the bus (and the ski Bus), TRAX, FrontRunner, and the S-Line streetcar. UTA on-demand is also gratis.
While some may take advantage of the free transit to access the multitude of NBA All-Star festivities and events, there are many other sights to be seen and accessed via public transit this weekend.
We asked Curtis Haring, executive director of the Utah Transit Riders Union, and others, for some ideas on fun places to visit this weekend. Here are a few of the ideas the Tribune gathered.
Get outside
For those who enjoy a bike ride or mellow walk, the Jordan River Trail is accessible via the Green Line. The trail is over 40 miles long and is a great place to birdwatch and enjoy some winter sunshine.
The 21 and 213 bus also have stops close to Sugarhouse Park where you can enjoy a sublime view of the mountains and then grab a coffee at Sugar House Coffee or find a new book at Central Book Exchange. You can also ride the S-Line for free east and west through Sugar House.
Al Hartmann | The Salt Lake Tribune A runner takes in a workout in Sugarhouse Park Monday Feb. 6, 2017. Take a free bus ride to the park this weekend for a crisp run, walk or bike ride.
Or, check out the Wheeler Historic Farm, accessible via the 209 bus to Murray.
If your boots are made for hiking, then you can still ditch your car and take the 4 bus to the Grandeur Peak trailhead. The bus route drops you off about half a mile from the trailhead, so it will require a bit of extra walking. This is the west face of Grandeur, generally considered a strenuous hike, and winter hiking gear is recommended.
Visit a downtown SLC museum
If you’re brave enough to battle the potential crowds headed downtown for the All-Star festivities but not willing to circle the blocks endlessly looking for parking, both the Blue and Green Lines have stops close to the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art. The Leonardo is also just a few steps away from Library Station.
Travel north
For Salt Lake City residents looking to explore more of the Wasatch Front, they can take advantage of Frontrunner to the end of the line by visiting Ogden. The Ogden Botanical Gardens can be reached via the 645 bus or you can simply amble along Ogden’s 25th street and explore the many coffee shops and restaurants the city has to offer.