The Best Salt Lake City Photography Spots In 2026 (With Map)

Looking for the best Salt Lake City photography spots? Look no further! This comprehensive guide will tell you all the best photo spots for everything from engagement photos, to nature photography, Instagram spots, photo tours and more!

As a solo traveler and professional photographer, I’m always on the lookout for the best photography spots and places for photoshoots. I also have research skills from my work as a freelance writer, academic degrees and more – so read on for the best information all in one place!

Salt Lake City is known for amazing architecture and outdoor areas with a wide variety of incredibly unique landscapes and wildlife to photograph – you really can’t find anything like some of these spots anywhere in the US or nearby!

Beyond photo spots, this post also has the best places to stay, how to get around and photography gear, plus hiking gear you’ll need for many of these places!

Map of the Best Salt Lake City Photography Spots

Best Salt Lake City Photography Spots: Photo Tours

In a rush and want the easiest way to get amazing photos of yourself, your family or group at all the top spots in Salt Lake City? Here are the top tours to book for a stress-free photoshoot!

1. Vacation Photographer in Salt Lake City

If you want to hire a professional photographer that is affordable, so you can get amazing professional photos of yourself, with your family or for couple photoshoots without having to figure out logistics, this Vacation Photographer in Salt Lake City is the best option!

You’ll get:

• Solo traveler photoshoots for perfect Instagram photos
• Photoshoots for couple proposals/engagements, honeymoon photos and more
• Family and reunion photoshoots
• Group photoshoots for weddings, bachelorette parties and more
• Recommendations for best locations and outfits
• Edited HD photos within 4 business days
• 100% money back satisfaction guarantee

📸 Learn More About This Vacation Photographer in Salt Lake City Here

2. Great Salt Lake Wildlife and Sunset Experience

This top-rated Great Salt Lake Wildlife and Sunset Experience is an amazing way to get to the Great Salt Lake and Antelope Island and know where to take photos – especially at sunset, and of wildlife – without having to search for, and get to, all the best spots on your own and in time!

Photo ops include:

• Wildlife, including herd of 600 American Bison, coyote, bobcat, antelope, porcupine, big-horn sheep, mule deer and birds
• Amazing nature photography
• Hike to Buffalo Point on Antelope Island (0.9 mile roundtrip hike, moderate difficulty) for the best sunset views
• Tour vehicle with bathroom, high roof and large viewing windows in the back

🌟 Check out this 5-star review from Esperanza_C:
“What an amazing tour. It completely surpassed my expectations… the views are breathtaking, the tour guide Chad a pleasure and super attentive. The length of the tour was just perfect. Wildlife are freely seen in their habitat and the park is kept clean and safe. Highly recommended!!!”

📸 Learn More About This Great Salt Lake Wildlife and Sunset Experience Here

3. Trolley Adventure Show-Tour of Salt Lake City With Photo Stops

This 1.5-hour Trolley Adventure Show-Tour of Salt Lake City is the perfect way to get fun photos of the city, as well as photos of yourself and for Instagram! You’ll travel on a replica streetcar to see SLC’s historic districts and make photo stops at significant places. The trolley conductor is also your guide, and you can choose a morning or afternoon tour.

Photo ops:

• Professional Entertainers
• Trolley Treats (old-fashioned bottled sodas & Cracker Jacks)
• Temple Square
• Governor’s Mansion
• Utah State Capitol
• The Gateway
• Photo Stop at the historic Union Pacific Train Depot
• Council Hall
• Cathedral of the Madeleine
• Beehive House
• Family History Library
• Salt Lake Temple
• Salt Lake City Public Library
• City Creek Center

📸 Learn More About This Trolley Adventure Show-Tour of Salt Lake City With Photo Stops Here

Best Salt Lake City Photography Spots: Downtown SLC

4. Capitol Hill

Capitol Hill is a neighborhood in Salt Lake City, and there’s a lot more here to photograph than just the Capitol Building!

Photo ops:

• Viewpoint of the entire Salt Lake City metro area + the Great Salt Lake
• The Capitol Building, which has self-guided tours
• Cherry blossoms in Spring
• Capitol Hill Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
• Marmalade Hill – the western slope, where streets are named after fruits and has lots of historic and the most diverse architecture in SLC
• Picnicking
• Memory Grove Park
• Council Hall Historic Building (now home to the Utah Office of Tourism & Utah Film Commission)
• Pioneer Memorial Museum, which has the largest collection of Pioneer artifacts and replica of the Old Salt Lake City Theater
• White Memorial Chapel
• And more historic mansions
• Events: “Movie Under the Stars” (June-Aug) and Discovery Day

5. The Utah State Capitol Building

The State Capitol Building has amazing outdoor and indoor architecture for photos, especially the golden dome! It was designed by architect Richard K.A. Kletting and first opened in 1916.

Photo ops:

• Classical Architecture resembling the Parthenon
• Rotunda and dome interior with seagull mural on the dome, plus the atrium with columns, skylights and more amazing design elements
• Other interior ornate decor, historic artwork and more
• Outdoor grounds and steps
• Amazing mountain views and views of Salt Lake City
• Indoor & Outdoor photoshoots

6. The Avenues

The Avenue is a historic and affluent neighborhood near the Capitol building with streets organized in a grid and named in alphabetical order. It was actually the first neighborhood in Salt Lake City! It’s a fantastic place for outdoor photoshoots and more!

Photo ops:

• Colorful houses
• Historic B&Bs
• Artisan coffee, craft beer & charming restaurants
• Cathedrals
• Green spaces
• The narrow streets make for great perspective photos!

7. The Gateway Mall

The Gateway Mall is really more of a neighborhood than a mall, and is over a million square feet filled with shopping, dining, entertainment, residential spaces, offices, and even events for the community! It’s considered the “emerging arts & culture district” of Salt Lake City.

Photo ops:

• Indoor & Outdoor Photoshoots
• Murals and outdoor art installations
• Instagrammable Rainbow Steps
• Immersive pop-up events
• Clark Planetarium
• Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum
• Wiseguys Comedy Club
• Megaplex Theatres
• Dave & Busters
• Cafes with outdoor seating
• Courtyard with fountain and green space
• Flea Markets
• Goga – Goat Yoga!
• Performing arts festivals, art stroll & more
• The Asher Adams Hotel, which is located inside the historic 1908 Union Pacific railroad station

8. Temple Square Area

Temple Square is a multi-acre area owned by the LDS Church. It includes temples and more structures, and the square is a National Historic Landmark District. It’s also the most popular attraction in the state, and 2-5 million people visit every year – more than the Grand Canyon or Yellowstone!

There are all kinds of photo ops here, including:

• Indoor & Outdoor photoshoots
• The Gardens at Temple Square and surrounding grounds
• Events and concerts
• Christmas lighting, which has 100,000 lights each evening until 10pm
• Street musicians (especially in holiday season)
• Church critics and picketers
• The Salt Lake Temple, with neo-gothic architecture
• Assembly Hall, with ornate architecture
• Salt Lake Tabernacle
• Deuel Pioneer Log Home
• Libraries and Museum
• Restaurants & cafes, including The Roof Restaurant with views and The Garden Restaurant which is in an open-air garden setting that has fountains and a retractable glass roof
• Shopping

9. Salt Lake City & County Building

The Salt Lake City & County Building is located across from the public library, and is an amazing spot for outdoor photoshoots! The building was constructed by free masons between 1891-1894, and was controversial at the time because it was a symbol of non-Mormon opposition to the LDS Church.

Photo ops:

• Architecture, with large gold double doors and steps
• Features on the building facade like the faces of historic figures
• Clock tower with statue of Columbia
• Ornate interior of the building
• Park with trees surrounding the building

10. Exchange Place Historic District

Exchange Place is a historic street area in Salt Lake City with a lot of photo ops like historic buildings (all built between 1903-1917) and more! The area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The district is, specifically, one block that goes along South Main Street between 300400 S Streets and along 400 S Street between Cactus Place and State Street.

Photo ops:

• Parking garage roof views of Salt Lake City’s skyline
• Murals & more urban photoshoot places, including the popular book mural
• Events like concerts & more
• Nightclub
• Frank E. Moss United States Courthouse
• Newhouse Realty Building
• Felt Building
• Identical Boston & Newhouse Buildings
• Salt Lake Stock & Mining Exchange Building
• Judge Building
• Hotel Plandome
• New York Hotel

11. Cathedral of the Madeleine 

The Cathedral of the Madeleine is a gorgeous building that’s amazing for photos! It was built in 1909 by Architects Carl Neuhausen & Bernard Mecklenburg in a mix of Romanesque (exterior) and Gothic (interior) architecture. It was renovated in 1993, and it’s on the state and National Register of Historic Places.

Photo ops:

• Stone turrets and towers
• Vaulted interior
• Gold-leaf ceilings
• Stained glass
• Weddings

12. Thomas S. Monson Center at the University of Utah

The Monson Center is a historic building that has been restored. It was formerly known as the Wall Mansion.

Photo ops:

• Conferences & Events
• Weddings
• Indoor photoshoots
• Rental spaces include the Ivory Ballroom, Eccles Room, Sorenson Parlor and Dining Rooms, Boyer Carriage House, Outdoor Monson Center Plaza and more.

13. Broadway District

The Broadway District is a popular area for photos in downtown Salt Lake City for many reasons, for photoshoots, influencers and bloggers and Instagram photos!

Photo ops:

• Indoor and outdoor photoshoots
• Locally owned, eclectic shops & restaurants
• Murals and brighly-colored walls
• Colorful buildings
• Alleyways
• Events, including “Fashion Stroll” & “Holidays on Broadway”

14. The Gallivan Center

The Gallivan Center (The John W. Gallivan Utah Center) is an open space in Downtown Salt Lake City that hosts year-round public events, concerts and more! Here is what you can find to photograph:

• Grassy amphitheater
• Public plazas & Art Installations
• Banquet & Meeting Center
• Public Ice Skating Rink
• Holiday Celebrations, concerts & more events (most are free!)
• Private and public event rentals for weddings and more
• Food Truck Thursdays

15. City Creek Center

City Creek Center is a beautiful outdoor space located across from Temple Square. It’s way more than a mall – it’s actually a tourist attraction! You can find tons of creative spaces for photos in “America’s first department store”, which today is a $1.5 billion shopping center.

Photo ops:

• Retractable glass ceiling for indoor/outdoor areas
• Hourly water shows with fire elements added after dusk and feature shows at 7pm & 9pm
• Creek that goes along the middle of the center
• Fish pond & waterfalls
• Shopping, upscale restaurants, food court & more
• Pedestrian sky bridge that’s 2 city blocks long

Best Salt Lake City Photography Spots: Lakes

Salt Lake City and the surrounding area is known by its namesake, the Great Salt Lake, plus many more lakes that make for fabulous photo spots! Read on for all the nearby lakes and if you want to improve your lake photography game even more, check out this guide with photo tips, ideas and more!

🏞️ As with any outdoor area, remember to take pictures, but leave no footprints! Carry out your trash, stay on the trails and follow the rules for each site.

16. Great Salt Lake

The Great Salt Lake is known as “America’s Dead Sea“! You can get a similar experience to the famous sea in Israel and Jordan here – yes, including effortless floating caused by the extremely high levels of salt!

The Great Salt Lake is the largest saltwater lake in the entire Western Hemisphere, and the 8th-largest on Earth! It’s also historic, as a remnant of the much larger, prehistoric Lake Bonneville.

Photo ops:

• Pink and Aqua colors, usually in summer and fall seasons
• Aerial photos
• Spiral Jetty, a land artwork created by Robert Smithson (only visible when the level of the lake drops below 4,197.8 ft above sea level)
• Oolitic sand, which looks similar to pearls
• Stansbury Island
• Floating while reading a newspaper or other things
• Lake photography
• Birding
• Nature photography
• The “North Shore Monster”

17. Sugar House Park

Sugar House Park has a lake that is amazing for photos with the mountains in the background! It’s also a great spot for bird photos.

The surrounding area is one of Salt Lake City’s oldest neighborhoods, and you can find more park amenities including a walking track, plus nearby shopping and restaurants.

18. Lake Blanche Trail & The Three Sisters Lakes

Lake Blanche Trail is located in the Twin Peaks Wilderness, in Big Cottonwood Canyon. The trailhead is a 25-minute drive from SLC, and it has some of the most iconic views of Salt Lake City and more

There’s a 3-mile trail (each way), and you can see Lake Blanche (the tallest, at 8888 ft), Lake Florence and Lake Lillian (the Three Sisters Lakes). You’ll reach Lake Blanche first, then hike a bit more to the other two.

📸 Tip: Go early in the morning to avoid the heat and to get the best lighting for photos – also, bring 2-3 liters of water, snacks, a hat & sunscreen for all hikes!

Photo ops include:

• Three lakes at various locations
• Views of the opposing quartzite mountains
• Views of the Great Salt Lake
• Views of the Salt Lake Valley
• Scrub Oak & Aspen trees
• Orange and red-colored rocks
• Profile of Sundial Peak
• Lake photography with fish and surrounding nature
• Primitive Camping (no camp fires allowed) & Night Sky Photography
• Mill B South Fork Bridge, on the hike to the lake

19. Willow Lake Trail

Willow Lake Trail is located in Big Cottonwood Canyon, a 35-minute drive from SLC, and then a 2-mile hike to the alpine lake.

Photo ops:

• Wildlife photography including moose, deer & more
• Lake photography
• Willow Heights Conservation Area
• Spruce, Fir & Aspen trees
• A stream and beaver ponds with bridges
• Cottonwood mountain views
• Willow Lake Campground
• Lake activities including canoeing, mountain biking, fishing & more
• Snowmobiling in the winter
• Wildflowers in Summer, colorful leaves in Autumn

20. Utah Lake State Park

Utah Lake State Park is the largest freshwater lake in the US west of the Mississippi River. It has an area of 150 sq miles, and is an excellent photo spot! It’s in Provo, UT and is a 45-minute drive from SLC.

Photo ops:

• Recreation, including swimming, boating, sailing, SUP and fishing
• Camping, including an RV campground, & picknicking
• Ice fishing in Winter
• Views of the mountains & more

📸 Tip: You’ll need a photography permit for professional photoshoots at Utah Lake.

21. Lower & Upper Red Pine Lakes

Lower & Upper Red Pine Lakes is a popular 7-mile hike up to the lakes in the Wasatch Front, in Little Cottonwood Canyon. The trailhead is a 32-minute drive from SLC.

Photo ops:

• Amazing views during the hike and at these high alpine lakes
• Winter snowshoeing and skiing (check the avalanche forecast first)
• Family-friendly hiking trails
• Camping

Best Salt Lake City Photography Spots: Outdoor Photoshoot Locations

22. The Great Saltair

The Great Saltair is a historic building-turned-entertainment complex near the Great Salt Lake. The pavilion dates back to 1870, and is known as the “Coney Island of the West.”

Besides the concerts inside the center, you can do all kinds of photoshoots here – it’s popular for engagement photos and more!

Photo ops:

• Fantasy-like architecture
• Mini Salt Flats and the Great Salt Lake
• Wildlife & birding photography
• Amazing views

23. Canyons Village at Park City

Canyons Village at Park City is a ski village that’s the second base area around Park City Mountain – and the largest resort in the US! There are hotels, places to eat, ski rentals and more right at your fingertips for an amazing ski vacation (and photo ops).

Utah is well-known for its powdery snow that’s perfect for skiing. If you’re a beginner, this is a top choice of places to go for:

• The powdery snow and mountain for skiing, snowboarding and photography
• Easy access to ski lessons, experts who will help fit your gear, & more
• Photo ops in the resort area, because everything is close together
• Family-friendly
• Free public transport in the area
• Orange Bubble Express, the first bubble heated chairlift in the US!
• Restaurants, outlets and more right where you are, including The Farm, which is one of the top restaurants in the state
• Hotels with amazing views and photo ops – here are a couple to check out:

🌟Grand Summit Lodge Park City is one of the top places to stay in Canyons Village, right in the midst of all the amenities the village has to offer! The Grand Summit Lodge also has even more amenities & photo ops, including:

• Outdoor swimming pool & hot tub
• On-site Bar
• Fitness Center
• Playground
• On-site Ski equipment rental service, ski pass sales point & ski-to-door access
• Instagrammable ski lodge decor, including lobby with fireplace and more

🛌 Check Availability at Grand Summit Lodge Park City – Canyons Village Here

🌟Hyatt Centric Park City is another top-rated resort in Park City’s Resort Village. Here’s what it has to offer in terms of photo ops and amenities:

• Ski in/ski-out access
• Year-round outdoor pool
• Hot tub
• On-site restaurant & bar
• Breakfast
• Luxury rooms with full kitchen/kitchenettes available
• All rooms have gorgeous mountain views
• Fitness Center & Sauna
• Market with snacks

🛌 Check Availability at Hyatt Centric Park City Here

24. La Caille

La Caille is an upscale French restaurant and event venue in Sandy, Utah at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon. It’s a perfect place for outdoor photoshoots as well as Instagram opportunities!

📸 Tip: Visit this page for information on photoshoots and booking.

Photo ops:

• Stunning exterior & archway with sign that will make you believe you’ve been transported to the French countryside
• Winery with tastings
• Mountain backdrop
• 20 acres of gardens, fountains & ponds
• Absolutely gorgeous Grand Pavilion
• Patio
• Weddings & Private Event Venue
• Lodging at the Cottage, which has a private hot tub and patio, fireplace & covered porch with secluded forest area

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25. Bingham Canyon Copper Mine

The Bingham Canyon Open Pit Copper Mine is the largest manmade hole on earth, and the richest copper mine in history! It’s a 42-minute drive from SLC.

This Guided Tour of World’s Largest Copper Mine from Salt Lake City is a 3-hour group tour to the Bingham Canyon Open Pit Copper Mine. It’s an excellent way to get round-trip transfer with live commentary, plus admission is included, so all you have to do is bring your camera and take amazing photos!

🌟 Check out this 5-star review from Kaitlin_M:
“Definitely worth the trip. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable. Definitely can take some beautiful Instagram pictures here.”

📸 Learn More About Guided Tour of World’s Largest Copper Mine from Salt Lake City Here

26. Antelope Island State Park

Antelope Island State Park is the largest island on Great Salt Lake, in the Basin & Range which stretches from the Wasatch to Sierra Nevada Mountain Ranges. The island is a little over 28,000 acres in size, and is 15 miles long and 5 miles wide, with tons of amazing photo opportunities and outdoor adventures you won’t want to miss!

Photo ops:

• Amazing Lake & Island views
• Wildlife photography, including: bison, bighorn sheep, antelope, mule deer and more
• Bird photography of millions of birds
• Hiking, Mountain Biking & E-bike rentals
• Horseback riding
• Primitive Camping
• Milky Way & Star photography – Antelope Island is a designated International Dark Sky Park (Bronze Tier) by the International Dark Sky Association
• Sandy beaches and swimming in the salty lake
• Historic Fielding Garr Ranch
• Rocks that are millions & billions of years old, including Gneiss, Tintic Quartzite, and more
• More than 40 freshwater springs
• Restaurants like the Island Buffalo Grill

👉 Want to learn more about the amazing Antelope Island? Listen to their podcast here!

27. South Jordan Skatepark

There are many skateparks in and around Salt Lake City that make for amazing outdoor photoshoot locations, where you can really harness your creativity and let the sky be your limit with all the angles provided!

South Jordan Skatepark is one of the best skateparks for photoshoots and photography in general in Salt Lake City! Photo ops include:

• Snow-capped mountain views
• Plenty of concrete skate area with tons of fun angles to play with
• Virtually no graffiti, so your photo subject can be the focus (amazing for fashion photography)!

📸 🛹 Tip: You have to go as early in the morning as possible – preferably blue hour to sunrise – to do photoshoots at skateparks in order to miss the skateboarders, but also because early in the morning you don’t have the bad shadows that will happen later in the day in the concrete skate area that will make editing photos much more of a chore!

28. Neff’s Canyon

Neff’s Canyon is a hiking trail in the Mount Olympus Wilderness in Wasatch National Forest. The hiking trail is strenuous – it’s vertical the whole way, and takes an hour or more to reach the top – but you’ll be rewarded at the top with cooler temps and amazing views for photos!

The trail is entirely shaded with trees, and there are a number of viewpoints for photos along the way, too.

Photo ops:

• Amazing mountain views
• Nature & Wildlife photography
• Streams & Waterfalls
• Cross-country skiing & hiking

📸 🏔️ Tips: You may lose cell reception on this trail, and it’s not well-marked. If there’s snow on the trail, bring Yaktrax and trekking poles (including this 4-in-1 travel tripod that doubles as trekking poles)!

29. Liberty Park

Liberty Park is a the oldest & second-largest park in Downtown Salt Lake City. It’s a free public park with all the outdoor photoshoot opportunities!

Liberty Park is literally picture-perfect for getting amazing photoshoots right in the center of town, from engagement and wedding photoshoots to prom and graduation photos!

Photo ops:

• Tracy Aviary, the largest & oldest of 2 free-standing aviaries in the US
• Gazebo & Pavilion that are reservable for Weddings
• Picturesque Bridge
• Greenhouse (you can only take photos outside, but it’s a great spot!)
• Large pond with paddle boats
• Areas with tall grass and lots of flowers
• Buildings with ivy on the outside
• Isaac Chase Mill, the oldest commercial building still standing in Utah
• Walking & running paths
• Amusement Park for children & playground
• Swimming pool
• Hammocks
• Wintertime sledding & tubing
• Tennis Courts, Volleyball, Gocce Ball, Horseshoes & more
• Picnic facilities
• Community Events

30. Memory Grove Park

Memory Grove Park is a beautiful park in Downtown SLC that’s amazing for outdoor photoshoots, right near the Capitol Building on Capitol Hill – so you can get outdoor photos, scenic views and indoor photos all in the same area!

Photo ops include:

• Cherry blossoms in the Spring
• Views over Salt Lake City & of the mountains make a perfect backdrop for photoshoots
• Exterior grand architecture of the Capitol building, including columns and staircase
• Gazebos
• River with bridge
• Greenery + flowers
• Memorials including a Pagoda with circular columns & a replica of the Liberty Bell
• Walkways

31. Conservation Garden Park

Conservation Garden Park is a park with free general admission. The park has a lot of beautiful landscaping (they even teach classes on it), so there multiple photo spots for outdoor photoshoots!

📸 Tip: There is a small fee for portrait & professional photography, and reservations are required – go to this page for more information and to get your photography pass online.

Photo ops:

• Landscaped areas
• Indoor rental spaces for events
• Mountain views
• Flowers & Pathways

32. Tunnel Springs Park

Tunnel Springs Park is a popular outdoor photoshoot spot for couples photoshoots, bridal portraits, family photoshoots and more. There aren’t a lot of trees here, but there are plenty of open field areas with amazing mountain views for fabulous photos!

📸 Tip: Tunnel Springs is completely free for photographers!

• Rolling hills
• Grassy areas, fields of tall wheat & tall cattails
• Panoramic mountain backdrop
• Sunset & Sunrise photos
•  Walking path
• Thatched wood fence

33. Garden Ward Park

Garden Ward Park is a hidden photo spot in Salt Lake City that is one of the best versatile outdoor photoshoot locations you can find!

📸 Tip: Photography at Garden Ward Park is permitted only on these days and times: Mon-Wed & Sat: 7am to the earlier of dusk or 7pm, as long as it’s not in use by the LDS Church or neighborhood events. No photos allowed on Mon evenings & Wed after 7pm.

Photo ops:

• Red Butte Creek with photo-worthy bridge
• Courtyards
• Waterfalls
• Gorgeous architecture with columns & a carriagehouse with arched doorway
• Amazing nature, including 100-year-old trees, flowers and more English garden features
• Sunrise & Sunset photoshoots
• Wedding receptions & photoshoots
• Engagement & family photoshoots
• Fall photoshoots

34. Red Butte State Garden & Arboretum

Red Butte Garden is a botanical garden, and is Utah’s official state arboretum. It’s known for its amazing number of plants, display gardens, and more than 560,000 spring blooms like daffodils.

It’s located in the foothills near the University of Utah and has more than 21 acres of gardens, plus 5 miles of hiking trails.

There’s a small entry fee for most non-members, and it’s open 7 days a week. Check online for other opportunities for free admission, plus hours & event schedules. There is half-price admission Dec-Feb.

📸 Tip: Check the photo policy page for fees and rules around professional photoshoots.

Photo ops:

• Outdoor & Indoor photoshoots
• Beautiful rental spaces for Private Events & Weddings
• Horticulture programs, tours & community events
• Hiking trails with lots of nature photo opportunities
• Amphitheater with outdoor concert series

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35. International Peace Gardens

The International Peace Gardens is a hidden photo spot in Salt Lake City, and one of only 2 peace gardens in the entire US! It was started in 1939 by Mrs. Otto Wiesley as a lesson in global peace & understanding. So far, 28 countries are represented in the garden

It’s a large park area with gardens with free admission and a plethora of photo opportunities, including:

• The Peace Garden, with sections devoted to various countries around the world – it has statues, native architecture & more, like:
• Little Mermaid Statue resembling the famous Copenhagen sculpture
• Japanese pagoda, and more – Learn about them all here!
• Trellis areas
• Proust Garden Tea event in the French section of the gardens (purchase tickets here)
• Private Events, including Weddings (learn more here)
• Connects with the Jordan River Parkway Trail for hiking & nature photography
• Pavilion
• Open green spaces
• Playgrounds

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36. This Is The Place Heritage Park

This Is The Place Heritage Park is an Old West-themed park, complete with western town, train rides, ponies and more!

Photo ops:

• Family photoshoots
• Panning for gold, gemstone digging & Geode Cracker (my favorite childhood activities!)
• Interactive blacksmith, tinsmith, saddle-maker & more shops
• Pony & Train Rides
• Horseback trail riding & camp
• Splash Park open in the Summer
• Native American Village
• Pioneer Center
• Donut Shop & more restaurants, ice creamery + picnic areas
• Weddings, reunions & more private events in your choice of 11 unique venues

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37. Little Cottonwood Canyon

Little Cottonwood Canyon is a glacial trough, U-shaped canyon in the Wasatch-Cache National Forest about 15 miles to the the east of Salt Lake City. The canyon was carved by alpine glacier and has many rare and endemic plant species, mountain goats and more amazing outdoor photo opportunities!

Little Cottonwood Canyon is completely free to visit, and it’s named for the fact that the length and width are smaller. It’s considered to be a mountain playground, and there are various ski resorts, a scenic drive and many more attractions here.

📸 Tip: Albion Basin is one of the most photographed areas in northern Utah for its famous wildflowers! The Utah Native Plant Society offers wildflower walks at Albion Basin and in other locations in the canyon you can go on to take photos.

Photo ops:

• 1-hour scenic drive
• Albion Basin famous wildflowers + views
• Camping, rock climbing, fishing, bouldering, skiing, snowboarding, road cycling & picnicking
• Amazing fall foliage for outdoor photoshoots
• Nature & Wildlife photography
• Hiking & Biking
• Snowbird & Alta Ski and Summer Resorts, known for the amount of snow each year, backcountry access and Mount Superior

38. Big Cottonwood Canyon

Big Cottonwood Canyon is a 15-mile-long, V-shaped canyon located in the Wasatch Mountain Range, 12 miles southeast of Salt Lake City. The area is popular with hikers and bikers, rock climbers, campers and much more, and there are amazing photo opportunities everywhere you look!

📸 🏔️ Tip: Guardsman Pass is closed during Winter, and locals snowshoe there during that time!

Photo ops:

• Lake Blanche, plus Lakes Florence & Lillian are the most popular
• Mary, Martha & Katherine Lakes
• Silver Lake
• Photo-worthy Rock Formations
• Utah Native Plant Society Wildflower Walks
• Rare & Endemic plant species including the completely unique Wasatch Shooting Star
• Amazing fall leaves for photoshoots
• Donut Falls and more waterfalls
• Jordan Pines Campground
• 15-mile scenic drive
• Ski Resorts

39. Wheeler Historic Farm Park

Wheeler Historic Farm Park is a public park in Murray, UT (a 15-minute drive from Salt Lake City) that is on the National Historic Register.

📸 Tips: As this is an irreplaceable historic site, there are photography rules you must read before taking photos! Commercial photoshoots must be requested in writing in advance.

Photo ops:

• Outdoor & Indoor photoshoots
• Family Photos
• Barn with event rental space for Weddings & more
• Farm with animals you can visit
• Family-friendly harvest events in October
• Around 6,000 historic artifacts from Utah’s agricultural history on display
• Trails

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40. Bell Canyon Trail & Reservoir

Bell Canyon Trail is a popular trail because it leads to multiple spots that make for amazing outdoor photoshoots! The trail begins at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon. The trail is easy and family-friendly up to the first reservoir.

📸 🏔️ Tip: This hike gets more strenuous as you continue on up to the waterfalls. Wear good hiking boots and bring a hat, snacks, water & sunscreen!

Photo ops:

• Waterfalls, a stream & 2 reservoir areas for gorgeous nature photography
• Wildlife photography & birding
• Views of Lone Peak Wilderness & Wasatch Mountains
• Viewpoints over Salt Lake City
• Large granite boulders that make for great posing spots
• Fall foliage photos
• Mountain biking & hiking
• Horseback Riding
• Catch-&-Release Fishing
• Golfing

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Best Salt Lake City Photography Spots: Indoor Photoshoot Locations

Indoor photography locations Utah, Indoor places to take pictures in Salt Lake City

41. Gardner Village

Gardner Village is a unique shopping district located in the historic Gardner Mill, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There’s more than just shopping – there are event venues, a farm, restaurants, a spa and much more! It’s a great spot for indoor photoshoots, family fun photos and more.

📸 Tips: Read the photography guidelines and fees for professional photography here.

📸 Gardner Village has an on-site indoor photography studio called Camera Shy Photography! You can book a session here.

Photo ops:

• Historic, quaint village setting
• Indoor & Outdoor photoshoots
• Brick-lined pathways
• Events throughout the year including the highly popular WitchFest, Elf Scavenger Hunt, Fairy Hunt & more
• Private Event spaces for Weddings, Parties & more
• Mini Farm
• Solstice Day Spa & Salon
• Escape Room
• Shops including furniture, bridal gowns, antiques & more

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42. Cactus & Tropicals

Cactus & Tropicals is not your typical garden store – it’s so much more, with event spaces that are perfect for weddings and more private events. They’re independent & locally owned, with a location in Salt Lake City and one in Draper.

They curate your perfect decor, and you’ll be surrounded by dreamy exotic plants. It’s perfect for events, but also for photoshoots for everything from engagements to prom!

More photo ops include:

• Bubbling Fountains
• Koi pond
• Outdoor gazebos
• Greenhouse

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43. Wild Willow Studio

Wild Willow Studio is a natural light photo studio space right in the middle of Downtown Salt Lake City! It’s located in a historic building from the 1900s and is located along the historic arts district.

The studio features large widows, colored backdrops, furniture and more props for all kinds of photoshoots from families, to newborns, to commercial shoots and more.

📸 Tip: See their booking page here.

Most Instagrammable Salt Lake City Photography Spots

44. The Real UP House

Love the movie UP? Well, you can see the real-life UP house in Herriman, Utah! It’s owned by a family who actually lives there, and it’s one of the best Instagram spots in Utah!

📸 Be respectful and be brief! Please read the photography rules here before your visit.
📸 The house isn’t open for tours, but you can book indoor photoshoots here!

45. Trolley Square

Trolley Square is a National Historic Site located in Downtown Salt Lake City, and is a historic area originally built in 1908 by railroad tycoon E.H. Harriman as the spot for the Utah Light and Rail Company Trolley Car Barns, and today has shops and restaurants in the trolley cars!

📸 Note: Many of the shops are currently empty, so it’s not a super popular area, but can make for some great photoshoots!

• Christmas decor
• Indoor & outdoor photoshoots
• Free Trolley Museum
• Decorated Water Tower with “Trolley Square” that lights up at night

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46. The City Library & Library Square

The City Library (Salt Lake City Public Library) is a beautiful location for classic library photoshoots and Instagram opportunities!

Library Square is the surrounding public plaza that hosts many community events and festivals.

Photo ops:

• Open windows with lots of natural light
• Six stories tall
• Architecture including pillars & arches
• Staircase
• The Leonardo
• Outdoor modern architecture
• Art exhibitions & concerts
• Rooftop terrace & gardens, with 360-degree views

47. Gilgal Sculpture Garden

The Gilgal Sculpture Garden is a hidden photo spot in Downtown Salt Lake City! It’s here in the Instagrammable section because it’s super eclectic, so it might not be for everyone, but it’s a fabulous spot for a really fun photoshoot!

The garden was designed in the mid-20th century by Thomas Battersby Child, Jr. and is hidden behind a block of houses and businesses, so many locals are unaware it exists! Admission is free and it’s open 7 days a week.

Photo ops:

• 12 original sculptures
• Many stones engraved with poems and texts
• Flower gardens with paths

48. Dreamscapes

Dreamscapes is an immersive art experience in Sandy, Utah at the Shops at South Town. It’s a polychromatic labyrinth with a storyline inspired by a dream, created and brought to life by more than 100 artists and volunteers!

This is also Utah’s first environmentally sustainable tourist attraction – it’s all crafted using up-cycled and reclaimed materials. If you live nearby, you can get an annual membership to this ever-changing ethereal experience!

You need to purchase tickets during mall hours for Dreamscapes, and you can also book birthday parties and more special events here!

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Most Instagrammable Street Art

49. Rainbow Steps & Murals at The Gateway

The Gateway Mall was mentioned earlier, and it’s located in Downtown SLC. You can find the famous rainbow steps and many murals, plus more spots to take fabulous photos for your Instagram here!

50. Book Mural at Exchange Place

Remember The Exchange Place, mentioned earlier in this list? Go to the building at 222 Main Street, and go to the south end where you’ll see an alley-like area. Follow that to a courtyard, and you’ll find the most Instagrammable book mural with larger-than life books like they’re on a shelf!

51. Randy’s Records

Randy’s Records is located in Downtown SLC and has lots of Instagram opportunities, from the alley walls with colorful murals, to the exterior of the shop which is covered with posters and signs!

52. Copperhive Vintage

Copperhive Vintage is located on South State Street in SLC, and the exterior of the building has many murals around it! Inside is a great spot to find vintage clothing and backdrops for fun photos, too!

Most Instagrammable Restaurants, Cafes & Bars

53. Finca

Finca is a Spanish tapas restaurant in Salt Lake City that’s full of Instagram photo ops! They include:

• Flowery decor
• Moody atmosphere
• Leather chairs with a photo-worthy bar
• Curtained booths that have a historic feel
• Food, craft cocktails & Spanish wines
• Outdoor seating area with the exterior of the building covered in vines and overhead terrace

54. Eva’s Bakery

Eva’s Bakery has an amazing blue facade that is clearly inspired by Paris, as is the bakery itself! You can go here for a photo that will make your friends think you’re in France – then, go inside and try their Instagrammable baked goods and coffee, too!

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55. Blue Copper Coffee Room

Blue Copper Coffee is a great spot for the quintessential cafe Instagram photo, plus a wide selection of coffee that people love (and pastries)!

Photo ops:

• Exterior facade
• Mural on the side of the building
• Indoor space with a photogenic coffee bar and atmosphere

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56. Mrs. Backers Bakery

Mrs. Backers Bakery & Pastry Shop has been a SLC staple for 75 years. The owners came from Germany, and the store has kept its original design and colors, which makes for a unique and cute Instagram photo session!

The cakes and pastries are artistic and photo-worthy, as well.

Best Salt Lake City Photography Spots: Museums

57. UMOCA (Utah Museum of Contemporary Art)

UMOCA SLC is an award-winning contemporary art museum in Salt Lake City, with lots of places and events for photos! They accept donations for admission.

Photo ops:

• Contemporary Art exhibitions
• Events
• Art Truck & Family Art Saturdays
• Private Event Rentals in the Main Gallery, Auditorium, Courtyard, Education Studio, or Boardroom. (Email kathryn.boyle@utahmoca.org to rent the museum)

58. Land Cruiser Heritage Museum

The Land Cruiser Heritage Museum is a great place for auto lovers and people who appreciate car history. They have one of the largest Land Cruiser collections in the world. Their mission is “to preserve and celebrate the history of the Toyota Land Cruiser, and to inspire adventure.”

59. Thanksgiving Point

Thanksgiving Point is located in Lehi, UT and has more than just museums, making it a great spot for all kinds of photoshoots! It’s a non-profit indoor and outdoor farm, garden and museum complex with all kinds of attractions, event spaces and more.

📸 Tip: Read Thanksgiving Point’s Photography Policy & Fees Here

Photo ops:

• Mountain America Museum of Ancient Life
• Museum of Natural Curiosity
• Ashton Gardens, which includes a replica of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s The Secret Garden, a Monet pond, Rocky Mountain landscapes, & rose garden
• Butterfly Biosphere
• Farm Country
• Fairy Tale Festival (Summer)
• Baby Animal Days (Spring)
• Tulip Festival (Spring)
• On-Site Dining
• Weddings, Birthday Parties & more Private Event Venues

60. Loveland Living Planet Aquarium

The Loveland Living Planet Aquarium is located in Draper, Utah, about 20 minutes from SLC. It’s a great spot for all kinds of photography, including:

• Engagement & couples photoshoots
• Graduation & prom photoshoots
• Birthday Parties
• Wedding & Private Event Venue
• Proposals
• Gazebo
• Education, Conservation & Programming
• Events like SEArenity Yoga with sharks

Best Salt Lake City Photography Spots: Viewpoints

61. Snowbird Aerial Tramway

The Snowbird Aerial Tramway offers scenic tram rides where you can get panoramic views from the 11,000 foot Hidden Peak over the Rockies!

The tram ride is 1.6 miles long and takes you up 2,900 feet on the 10-minute ride. You’ll get off at The Summit, a mountaintop restaurant where you can get more amazing views of the snow-capped mountains, ski slopes and the Salt Lake Valley.

62. Ensign Peak

Ensign Peak is a popular hike that begins in Downtown SLC near the Capitol building. It takes you to a viewpoint where you can look out over most of Salt Lake City, the Salt Flats and more!

The trail is a short hike with fairly steep elevation to get to the amazing view.

Photo ops include:

• Sunset photography
• Wildlife photography
• Picnicking

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63. The Living Room Lookout Trail

The Living Room Lookout Trail is a popular hike up to a panoramic view of the Salt Lake Valley, located near the University of Utah, and above the Natural History Museum of Utah.

There are rocks set up where you can do a fun photoshoot. The hike is 2 miles each way.

64. The Roof Restaurant

The Roof Restaurant is located in Downtown SLC, on the 10th floor of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. You can get amazing panoramic views of Salt Lake City from this upscale restaurant!

🍽️ Note: There is a dress code (not enforced), and they don’t serve coffee or alcohol here.

65. Bonneville Shoreline Trail

The Bonneville Shoreline Trail is over 100 miles of photo-worthy nature and more, in a dried-out ancient lake! It will eventually stretch all the way from the Idaho border to Nephi. It’s being made by citizens, and just beware of the private properties it crosses paths with along the way!

Best Photography Spots Near Salt Lake City: Most Popular

66. Bonneville Salt Flats

Distance from SLC: 1.5 hr drive

The Bonneville Salt Flats is an amazingly unique natural landscape that only exists in 2-3 places on Earth! It covers over 30,000 acres (46 miles), and there are all kinds of ways you can be creative with photography and photoshoots at this ancient lakebed.

Note: The Bonneville Salt Flats is a designated Area of Critical Environmental Concern. Please do your part to help preserve this amazing landscape by:
– Keep your vehicle on existing roads or areas designated for vehicles
– Keep off the salt surface when it is covered by water (it can damage your vehicle, too)
– Camping is prohibited

Photo ops:

• Mirages
• Heat visibly rising off the flats
• Reflections
• Seemingly never-ending white landscape
• Sunrise and sunset photos
• Some areas with vegetation breaking up the landscape

📸 Tip: Summer temperatures can be above 100 degrees Fahrenheit and below 0 Fahrenheit in Winter, & there are no facilities on the Salt Flats. Come prepared!

👉This Bonneville Salt Flats Tour is possibly the best way to travel to the Salt Flats for photos without having to worry about the details – you’ll get round-trip transport (2 hours each way, from downtown SLC) in a group van that is air conditioned, while learning information about the lake and its history (plus, you can take photos out of the van windows)!

Photo ops:

• Mirror reflections as far as the eye can see, with mountains in the background
• Walking out onto the flats (with boots if it’s wet) – 1 mile each way
• 1.5 hours at the Salt Flats to take photos and experience this amazing landscape!

🌟 Check out this 5-star review from Jennine_J:
“It was a great and unique experience! The flats were flooded but Blake had boots for us. He was very knowledgeable about the area and the sites we passed. He was also helpful and gracious with taking photos of our memorable experience.”

📸 Learn More About The Bonneville Salt Flats Tour Here

67. Ninemile Canyon

Distance from SLC: 3 hr 45 min drive

Ninemile Canon is called “the world’s largest art gallery”, so there are definitely tons of amazing photo ops here – especially if you’re into archaeology, like me! The 40-mile-long canyon is famous for its breathtaking rock art, which was mostly made by the Fremont Native American Culture and the Ute people.

Photo ops:

• Around 1,000 rock art sites in the canyon with over 10,000 images – the most concentrated of anywhere in North America
• Structures on cliff ledges, mesas and more that were built between 950-1250 AD by the Fremont people.

👉This Private Day Tour Native American Rock Art from Salt Lake City is a fabulous customizable group tour to Ninemile Canyon plus more places, so you can focus on photography without the logistics! You ride in an air-conditioned vehicle, and snacks and bottled water are included.

Photo ops included in this tour:

• Arches National Park visit with optional hikes to famously photographable Arches, Petroglyphs and more areas
• Local culinary experience at the “Moab Cafe” (optional)
• Ninemile Canyon with several photo stops, including the Great Hunt Rock Panel
• Myton
• Pit stop in Wellington

📸 Learn More About this Private Day Tour Native American Rock Art from Salt Lake City Here

68. Little Sahara Sand Dunes

Distance from SLC: 1 hr 45 min drive

Little Sahara Recreation Area (LSRA) has 60,000 acres of free moving sand dunes, plus areas with sagebrush flats and hills covered in juniper!

Photo ops include:

• Sand dune photoshoots
• low-lying dunes and White Sand Dune Bowls
• Climbing the 700-ft tall Sand Mountain
• Camping
• Dirt biking and ATV-riding
• Hiking
• Sandboarding & Skiing on Sand Mountain
• Wildlife photography

69. Timpanogos Cave National Monument (American Fork, UT)

Distance from SLC: 37 min drive

Timpanogos Cave National Monument is a world full of underground caves to explore and photograph! You can choose various tours with the National Parks System (don’t forget to get your NPS Passport to be stamped!) including:

• Caving tour
• Lantern tour
• Underground tour

Photo ops include:

• Cave photography with stalactites, stalagmites & more
• Nature & Wildlife photography
• Timpanogos Cave Trail
• Fall foliage & more seasonal photography
• Amazing mountain views

70. Goblin Valley State Park

Distance from SLC: 4 hr drive

Goblin Valley State Park will make you feel like you’re on Mars (Galaxy Quest was filmed here)! There are amazing rock formations and more for the most amazing outdoor photoshoots, nature photography & more.

Photo ops:

• Rock formations resembling goblins
• Night Sky & Star photography – it’s certified as an International Dark Sky Park
• Other-worldly photoshoots
• Engagement & Wedding photoshoots
• Hiking & biking the 7-mile Wild Horse Trail System
• The Goblin’s Lair (Chamber of the Basilisk) hike to a huge cavern formation
• Three Sisters – the most iconic goblin formation in the park
• Camping (reservations are recommended)
• 2 Yurts are available
• Viewpoint at the park’s overlook
• Nearby slot canyons
• Rappelling in Goblin’s Lair (you must have canyoneering skills, plus obtain a backcountry permit & bring your own technical gear)

71. Mystic Hot Springs (Monroe, UT)

Distance from SLC: 3 hr drive

Mystic Hot Springs is an eclectic and funky photoshoot location, full of hot springs with bathtubs that look out on amazing views.

Photo ops:

• Eclectic hippie vibe, complete with bathtubs
• Hotel made out of old buses & trucks
• Cool rock formations, including an archway
• Sunset mountain views
• Swimsuit photoshoots for Instagram & more
• Spa

72. Utah Ice Castles (Midway, UT)

Distance from SLC: 1 hr drive

The Utah Ice Castles are open seasonally and make for one of the most fun Winter photoshoots you can imagine, perfect for Instagram, couples photos & more!

Icy photo ops include:

• Ice Slides
• Caverns & Archways
• Crawl Tunnels
• Colorful lights

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73. Bonus: More Outdoor Photo Spots Near Salt Lake City

Still looking for more unique spots for photography & photoshoots around SLC? Here’s a list of more to check out!

📸 Tibble Fork Reservoir/Silver Lake

Distance from SLC: 50 min drive

• Located in the American Fork Canyon
• Popular for engagement photoshoots
• Halfway between SLC & Provo
• Amazing Lake photography with mountain backdrop

📸 Bloods Lake

Distance from SLC: 1 hr 20 min drive

• Alpine Lake in the Uinta Mountains at 9,440 ft
• Wildflower fields & forest
• There’s a 1.2-mile trail to hike that begins at the trailhead for the Upper Big Cottonwood Canyon

📸 Wasatch Mountain State Park

Distance from SLC: 50 min drive

• 23,000-acre preserve
• Outdoor activities like camping, golfing, horseback riding, ATV & more
• Soldier Hollow: cross-country skiing, tubing, summer/winter biathlon, in-line skating & more
• Historic Tate Barn & Huber Grove Historic areas

📸 Park City

Distance from SLC: 38 min drive

• Main Street, a historic mining town that now houses art galleries, cafes & boutiques, plus colorful homes with historic Victorian architecture
• McPolin Farm, a historic farmhouse built in 1886 with amazing mountain views
• Guardsman Pass Overlook

📸 South Jordan, Utah

Distance from SLC: 30 min drive

• Daybreak Neighborhood, with colorful houses, plus charming cafes & shops
• Oquirrh Park

📸 Provo Canyon

Distance from SLC: 1 hr drive

• Bridal Veil Falls, an amazing layered waterfall
• Upper Falls, a hidden area in Provo Canyon
• Squaw Peak, Provo Canyon & Overlook

📸 Devil’s Slide (Weber Canyon)

Distance from SLC: 47 min drive

• Unique rock formation with limestone strata
• It’s a hidden stop along I-84, and there’s a view area where you can stop for photos

Best Photography Spots Near Salt Lake City: Day Trips

There are many amazing National Parks, State Parks and more places with must-see photo spots near Salt Lake City that take at least a day trip. Here are some of the best tours with multi-day group tours where you get to cover more than one famous location without having to stress about logistics – just pack and bring your camera along!

73. Yellowstone and Tetons Camping from Salt Lake City

This 4-Day Small Group Tour of Yellowstone and Tetons with Camping from Salt Lake City Tour is a trekking excursion that is great for solo travelers, couples and more people who love meeting fellow travelers and not having to stress about logistics!

The camping meals are all provided, as well as camping gear (except sleeping back, but you can rent one with advance notice), plus your guide will provide commentary on the whole trip. All park entry fees are provided as well.

🌟 Check out this 5-star review:
“This was my first Bindlestiff experience, and certainly won’t be my last! What an incredible and unique way to experience our National Parks. My group consisted of 10 wonderful people from all over the globe, most of whom were solo travelers like myself! Annie Grace was a phenomenal tour guide! While the weather wasn’t always optimal, Annie made sure we had everything we needed to stay safe and comfortable. We covered so much ground in just 4 days, and saw so much unbelievable scenery and wildlife. The trip of a lifetime. Highly recommend!”

📸 Learn More About this 4-Day Small Group Tour: Yellowstone and Tetons Camping from Salt Lake City Here

74. Zion & Bryce Canyon, Antelope Canyon

This Zion & Bryce Canyon, Antelope Canyon Adventures: Small Group Customizable 3-Day Tour includes transportation plus multiple photo sites with guided tours and free time at each destination!

The tour includes 2 days’ accommodation, unlimited snacks & bottled water, activities and excursions, private transportation, all the National & State Parks entrance fees and 2 breakfasts.

Photo ops include:

• Bryce Canyon
• Kanab
• Zion
• Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
• And More
• You can finish your tour in SLC or Las Vegas

🌟 Check out this 5-star review by Kristy_K:
Words can’t describe how great of a trip this is.
“A wonderful whirlwind of beautiful scenery. The pictures can’t capture all the beauty we say in three days. Randy was so knowledgeable and took us to some of the best places. He was prompt, communicated well, took wonderful care of my husband and I. We loved every minute of this tour and we are so glad we were able to get away for a few days to see some of these amazing parks. Amazing experience. Thank you, Leah and Randy!”

📸 Learn More About this Zion & Bryce Canyon, Antelope Canyon Adventures: Small Group 3-Day Tour Here

75. Arches, Canyonlands & Moab

This Arches, Canyonlands & Moab Adventures: Small Group 3-Day Customizable Tour is a really fabulous way to experience 2 famous Utah National Parks as well as more state parks and surrounding cities!

The tour includes private transportation, unlimited snacks & bottled water, all National and State parks entrance fees, every activity & excursion in the itinerary, hotel accommodation and two breakfasts.

Photo ops include:

• Dead Horse Point State Park
• Canyonlands National Park
• Arches National Park
• Moab
• Goblin Valley State Park
• And More

📸 Learn More About this Arches, Canyonlands & Moab Adventures: Small Group 3-Day Tour Here

Places to Stay In Sacramento On Any Budget

✅ Budget Option: Homewood Suites by Hilton Salt Lake City Downtown

The Homewood Suites by Hilton Salt Lake City Downtown is a top-rated hotel located in Downtown Salt Lake City. It has modern and chic decor that’s perfect for Instagram, including the outdoor pool area which has great views!

Photo ops & amenities:

• Outdoor swimming pool
• 24-hour convenience store & laundry facilities
• Fitness Center
• Breakfast
• 5-min walk or less from the Amtrak Station and Light Rail
• Meeting/Banquet facilities for rent

🛌 Check Availability at Homewood Suites by Hilton Salt Lake City Downtown Here

✅ Mid-Tier Option: Hyatt Place Salt Lake City Downtown / The Gateway

The Hyatt Place Salt Lake City Downtown / The Gateway is a top-rated hotel located in Downtown Salt Lake City. It’s modern, comfortable and close to many of the top SLC photo spots!

Photo ops & amenities:

• City view
• Outdoor swimming pool
• Spa
• On-Site Starbucks & Bar with craft cocktails, wine + more
• On-Site Restaurant
• Breakfast
• Fitness Center
• Hypoallergenic room available

🌟 Check out this 5-star review from Dawn:
“The location was great!! Easy to walk to lots of different places and beautiful views. The staff was friendly and accommodating. The room we had was very comfortable and spacious.”

🛌 Check Availability at Hyatt Place Salt Lake City Downtown / The Gateway Here

✅ Luxury Option: The Grand America Hotel

The Grand America Hotel is a Downtown, top-rated luxury hotel in Salt Lake City with very comfortable beds! Everything at The Grand America Hotel is photo-worthy, from the exterior, to the amazing mountain views and spa!

Photo ops & amenities include:

• Balcony
• Indoor & Outdoor swimming pools
• Full-service spa
• Hot tub
• Temporary art galleries
• iPod docking in every room
• Bathrobes, slippers and marble bathroom
• 24-hour room service
• On-Site Dining, Cafe, Lobby Lounge & Bar
• Fitness Center

🌟 Check out this 5-star review from Barbara:
“Room was beautifully appointed, excellent view, bed most comfortable, bathroom included shower and tub, and as in Europe, private toilet room, with scented air!”

🛌 Check Availability at Grand America Hotel Here

🛏️ VRBO is a great place to find vacation rental houses for yourself or a whole group to have the entire place to yourself.

Best Resorts Near Salt Lake City

⛷️ Stein Eriksen Lodge Deer Valley

Distance from SLC: 42 min

Stein Eriksen Lodge Deer Valley is a Luxury Resort in Park City with ski-to-door access that was voted the Best Ski Hotel in the US in 2022 by the World Ski Awards.

Photo ops & amenities:

• Full-service spa
• On-Site Dining & Bar
• Outdoor swimming pool
• In-room spa bathtub, plush bathrobes & slippers
• Select suites have a private balcony with private hot tub & white marble full kitchen
• Fitness Center with yoga classes & more
• Outdoor fireplace

🌟 Check out this 5-star review from James:
“I’ve traveled all over the world in the US Navy, best property on the planet.”

🛌 Check Availability at Stein Eriksen Lodge Deer Valley Here

⛷️ Sundance Mountain Resort

Distance from SLC: 1 hr drive

Sundance Mountain Resort has apartments with balconies that have panoramic mountain views, so you can get the best photos right from your doorstep!

Photo ops & amenities include:

• On-Site restaurant Tom’s Pizzeria & a Bar
• Delivery service to apartments
• Panorama cafe with views of the mountain range
• Children’s playroom
• Wellness area with heated outdoor pool, steam bath, saunas & relaxation room with waterbeds
• Ski rental & direct access to ski slopes with panoramic ski lift views

🛌 Check Availability at Sundance Mountain Resort Here

Getting to and around Salt Lake City

👉 Flights: WayAway is a flight aggregator that helps you find the cheapest flights. Use the code MUKI-TRAVELS for 10% off WayAway Plus.

👉 Rent a car in Utah: Discover Cars is a great tool to use to find the best deals.

Tip: Make sure your car is ready for winter weather if you’re driving around Salt Lake City in Winter!

You can easily get around Downtown Salt Lake City using the light rail lines, called Trax (for free if your ride begins & ends in the free fare zone)!

📸 Photography Gear for the Best Salt Lake City Photo Spots

✅ Camera

Whether you want a Mirrorless, DSLR, GoPro or just plan to use your phone, Salt Lake City has a lot of lakes and outdoor areas, so you’ll want to plan ahead to protect your gear (and choose a camera that’s best for being near water, especially salt water)!

Check out this post on surf cameras for a full list of cameras from each type for each experience level, plus protective gear for outdoor & water photography.

Canon 6D: I currently own and use this camera. It has wifi connectivity and is a full-frame professional camera:

📸 For more affordable DSLR options, check out this post on the 5 Best DSLR Cameras Under $300.

✅ Lens

If you’re looking to photograph wildlife and nature up-close, go for a telephoto lens, or if you love landscapes, a wide-angle zoom lens. You can also get a standard zoom for a bit of everything without either extreme… it’s all up to you and your style!

I love wide-angle photos but don’t want to sacrifice zoom capability, so I use this Canon EF 16-35mm Wide-Angle Zoom Lens:

✅ Dome for dual under- and over-water photos

This dome that works with a GoPro helps you capture the perfect half-under, half-over water photos in all those SLC Lakes!

✅ GoPro Action Camera

A GoPro is a smart addition to your main camera to capture water sports, hiking, biking or horseback riding, ATVing or anything that involves movement!

The GoPro HERO 11 Black is waterproof down to 10m (33ft) without housing:

For water adventures deeper than 10m (33ft), you’ll need this waterproof housing:

📷 Get Waterproof Housing for GoPro HERO 11 Black Here

✅ Drone

The DJI Mini 4 Pro is lightweight and folds to fit in a camera bag, making it one of the best travel drones out there!

✅ 4-In-One Travel Tripod

I own this tripod, and it’s perfect for travel photography because it works for DSLRs/Mirrorless cameras & smartphones. It also doubles as a selfie stick, monopod and trekking poles. It’s also lightweight and folds up small enough to fit in your suitcase (plus it’s affordable):

✅ Memory Card for DSLR/Mirrorless

SanDisk Extreme Pro memory cards are a must for cameras because they prevent issues with photography and video that happen with lower quality memory cards:

✅ Remote Shutter

You’ll need a Remote Shutter, like this one for Canon, for low-light and long-exposure photography, including sunrise or night sky/star photos:

Here’s a remote shutter (2-pack) for smartphones:

✅ Circular Polarizer

A Circular Polarizer helps capture those picture-perfect lake reflections and the bottom of lakes – just make sure to get the correct size for your lens:

✅ Waterproof camera backpack

The Peak Design Everyday V2 20L hiking backpack is designed to stay dry and to carry a camera with other gear. It comes with a lifetime guarantee and more, too!

🎒📸 Learn More About The Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2 20L Here

🛂 National Parks Passport

Don’t forget your National Park passport so you can get it stamped at every park you visit! You can get these, plus clothing & more at The America’s National Parks Store. They donate a portion of their proceeds to the National Parks System!

🥾 Get Your National Parks Passport Here

✅ Durable camera strap or clip

For hiking and outdoor adventures, there all kinds of options for keeping your camera secure! Check out this post for the best ones:

📸 Read my guide on the Best Camera Straps For Backpacking Here

✅ Headlamp

A headlamp is needed for when it’s dark at all the parks and preserves around SLC, especially if you’re going for photography at night, sunrise or sunset.

✅ Camera Insurance

For water & outdoor adventure photography, you may want to spring for insurance. Companies like Progressive and Nationwide offer insurance for cameras and photography businesses.

More Gear for Salt Lake City Photography

✅ Good Hiking Shoes

Salomon hiking shoes are top-rated and perfect for hiking in and around Salt Lake City, plus they’re waterproof for rainy and snowy conditions.

🥾 Learn More About Salomon Women’s Hiking Boots Here

🥾 Learn More About Salomon Men’s Hiking Boots Here

✅ Yaktrax Diamond Pro Traction Cleats

Yaktrax are durable cleats that fit over hiking boots and shoes to provide traction on ice, snow and more surfaces like gravel, dirt and concrete, with swivel beads that prevent snow buildup and help transition between surfaces.

✅ Compass

Your phone has a compass and Google Maps, but it’s a great idea for safety to carry an actual compass, and a paper map, in case your phone dies or gets lost while hiking.

✅ Sunglasses and Sunscreen

It gets really sunny, and even when it’s cloudy you still need protection from the sun, especially at the high altitudes when hiking and for lake reflections. I use Badger sunscreen because it only has 4 ingredients!

✅ HydraPak

HydraPak: This 3L water pouch fits in your backpack, and has a straw so you can drink as you hike without ever picking up a water bottle! It’s a favorite among hikers and comes with a more than lifetime guarantee.

💦 Purchase a HydraPak Here

Collapsible Water Bottle: This bottle is perfect for hiking and travel, plus it’s BPA-free.

✅ Pocketknife

A pocketknife is a great tool to bring when hiking and camping for multiple needs you might have. This one is top-rated:

Buy this top-rated pocketknife Here

✅ First Aid Kit

It’s definitely a good idea to bring a first aid kit when going hiking, camping and exploring outdoors. This one is small, easy to pack and waterproof.

🩹 Buy a First Aid Kit Here

✅ Altitude sickness gear

Salt Lake City and the surrounding areas are at higher altitudes and you can get altitude sickness.

The only real way to cure altitude sickness is to go back to low altitudes, but you can help prevent it by drinking electrolytes, staying properly hydrated and eating enough, and keeping the sun from directly hitting you.

Buy Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier Packets Here

✅ Waterproof Packable Daypack

This daypack packs into a small pouch for a daypack that can get dirty, or as a backup:

Buy this waterproof, lightweight daypack Here

What to Consider for Photography in Salt Lake City

👉 Bring Bug Spray. The outdoor parks and lakes around SLC all have lots of bugs, so be prepared.

👉 Weather. Salt Lake City has all 4 seasons and has an semi-arid climate, the second-driest in the US. The summers can get very hot but are mostly clear, while winters get very cold, cloudy and snowy, with averages of more than 50 inches of snow each year (up to 500 inches in surrounding mountains). Snow falls between October-April, but usually Nov-March is the coldest time in SLC.

👉 Liquor Laws. You can get alcoholic drinks in SLC (there’s a strong brewing community), but the liquor laws are influenced by the Mormons – meaning your drinks will likely have less liquor than you’re used to (and you might end up spending more on drinks).

👉 More businesses are closed on Sundays. Another result of the Mormon influence on SLC is that a lot of places are closed on Sundays. You can plan for this time to do more outdoor adventures and photography to avoid disappointment!

Best Salt Lake City Photoshoot Places: FAQs

👉 Where can I take pictures in Salt Lake City?

Salt Lake City has many downtown locations including gardens, parks, Capitol Hill, historic malls and many more photo-worthy spots. You can also head to nearby lakes and more outdoor areas for even more amazing photo opportunities!

👉 Where is the best place to take pictures at Bonneville Salt Flats?

This Bonneville Salt Flats Tour is a great option to travel to the Salt Flats for photos without having to worry about the details – you’ll get round-trip transport while learning the lake’s history, and you’ll go to the best photo spots!

👉 Where is the best place to take pictures in the Big Cottonwood Canyon?

Here are the best places for photos in the Big Cottonwood Canyon in Utah:

• Lake Blanche, plus Lakes Florence & Lillian
• Mary, Martha & Katherine Lakes
• Silver Lake
• Photo-worthy Rock Formations
• Utah Native Plant Society Wildflower Walks
• Rare & Endemic plant species
• Donut Falls and more waterfalls
• Jordan Pines Campground
• Ski Resorts

👉 Where can I take pictures in Park City, Utah?

Some of the best places to take photos in Park City, Utah are:

• Main Street, a historic mining town that now houses art galleries, cafes & boutiques, plus colorful homes with historic Victorian architecture
• McPolin Farm, a historic farmhouse built in 1886 with amazing mountain views
• Guardsman Pass Overlook
• Canyons Village

All In All: Top Photo Spots In Salt Lake City, Utah

I hope this guide helps you plan your photoshoot, vacation, or whatever your reason for taking fabulous photos (obviously, you don’t need a reason because photography is just fun)!

For more Western US places to photograph, check out:

📸 67 Best San Jose Photography Spots
📸 39 Best Lake Tahoe Photography Spots
📸 39 Best Southern California Photography Spots
📸 72 Best Sacramento Photography Spots
📸 67 Best Portland Photography Spots
📸 53 Best Denver Photography Spots
📸 18 Best Colorado Springs Photography Spots
📸 28 Best Rocky Mountain National Park Photography Spots

📸 For all my US photo spots guides, check out this page!