Salt Lake City

<map lat='40.7614' lng='-111.889' zoom='9' view='3' float='right' /> Salt Lake City To differentiate yourself from a tourist, refer to Salt Lake City as "Salt Lake" (without "City") Salt Lake City is the capital and the largest city in Utah. The city itself boasts a meager population at 186,440 but has 1.1 million in the metropolitan area which is part of the larger Wasatch Front, home to 2.2 million. It lies on the Wasatch Mountain Range, at the edge of the Rockies. Salt Lake City, "Crossroads of the West", has always been a transient city and remains transient in modern times. Home to the world's largest population of Latter Day Saints (Mormon), Salt Lake City can be conservative at times so when hitching in, out, or just through, be aware of your appearance if you want to open yourself up to rides from a broader population.

Useful Tips

Although cold in the winter, one can find a place to sleep in the mountains, all but a thirty minute walk outside of town. Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings there is a Food Not Bombs ([1]) pick up in Richmond Park at 11am for free food. It is also possible to ride in the black on Salt Lake City's commuter rail but be careful, the fine is $150, otherwise the ticket price depends on distance (up to about $9.50) for Ogden, Utah.

At the south end of the TRAX line, the last stop is called Sandy Civic. Nearby is a shopping mall. Next to the REI is a wooded creek area that is great for stealth camping. On the other side of 106th from the mall are 3 or 4 hotels that serve breakfast. Dress to impress and enjoy a free meal and internet access.

There is a really nice public library in SLC. Free internet, bathrooms, etc. 4th South and 3rd East.

Don't waste your time trying to hitch out of the city. Take public transit as far as possible before thumbing it. Pretty cheap to get north to Ogden, south to Provo. Many hotels have free airport shuttles. Play it cool and pretend you're a hotel guest. The airport is right on I-80 if you're looking to head east/west.