Utah's Hogle Zoo
Zoo Large Utah zoo focusing on conservation and education
In Salt Lake City, Utah’s Hogle Zoo houses regional and exotic species across hillside exhibits. Families visit for the African Savanna, Asian exhibits, education programs, and seasonal events, with city and valley views from the zoo’s higher paths.
Utah’s Hogle Zoo is a zoological park in Salt Lake City, Utah, established in 1931. The campus covers roughly 40 to 45 acres and houses several hundred animals representing many species.
Founded in 1931, the zoo has expanded across the decades with new enclosures and visitor facilities to meet modern standards for animal care and public education. It operates as a regional zoo offering conservation and outreach programs.
The zoo sits on the east bench foothills of Salt Lake City, a short drive from the city centre, with paths and viewpoints that overlook the Salt Lake Valley.
- Best times to visit: Best visited early morning or late afternoon when animal activity is highest and temperatures are cooler, and special events often run on weekends and holidays.
- Location and views: Located on the eastern foothills of Salt Lake City, the zoo is roughly 3 to 5 kilometres from downtown and offers views over the Salt Lake Valley.
How to Get to Utah's Hogle Zoo #
Hogle Zoo is about a 10-minute drive from downtown Salt Lake City. Public transit options include UTA bus routes that stop near the zoo; parking is available on-site. From I-80 or I-15, follow signs to Sunnyside Avenue and the zoo entrance.
Tips for Visiting Utah's Hogle Zoo #
- Arrive shortly after opening to see carnivores and big cats active before mid-day heat.
- Use the tram service to save time on steeper parts of the hill; the zoo is built on a ridge and includes some sustained climbs.
- Check the keeper talks schedule - feedings and educational talks are the easiest way to see animals up close and learn about conservation efforts.
Best Time to Visit Utah's Hogle Zoo #
Spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather and active animals; summer brings longer hours but heat can affect animal visibility.
Weather & Climate near Utah's Hogle Zoo #
Utah's Hogle Zoo's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Continental (Dry Summer) - Hot-Summer Continental (Dry Summer) climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -7°C to 32°C. Moderate rainfall (553 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 3°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with 67 mm of rain.
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May
May is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 11°C. Light rainfall.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 16°C. The driest month with just 22 mm.
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August
August is mild with highs of 32°C and lows of 15°C. Light rainfall.
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September
September is cool with highs of 26°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm).