West Jordan, Utah
Neighbourhoods of West Jordan, Utah
- Downtown West Jordan: Civic heart with family restaurants and parks, good base to experience everyday Utah life.
Dining: Casual Nightlife: Low-key Shopping: Local Stays: Budget - Gardner Village: Restored historic complex of craft shops and bakeries, ideal for family half-day outings and seasonal events.
Dining: Comfort Food Nightlife: None Shopping: Boutiques Stays: Day-trip - Westside Residential: Mainly residential with practical shops and chain restaurants, suits mid-range stays and easy access to Oquirrh foothills.
Dining: Chain restaurants Nightlife: Low-key Shopping: Malls Stays: Mixed
West Jordan, Utah at a Glance
Costs: $100-160/day (suburban US) - similar to Salt Lake City; suburban hotels and dining vary in price.
Safety: Generally safe, family-friendly - low violent crime; standard US suburban precautions apply.
Best Time: May-September - warm, dry months excellent for mountain and outdoor activities.
West Jordan is a family-oriented suburb southwest of Salt Lake City, offering parks, residential neighborhoods, and easy access to the Wasatch Range. Visitors stay for outdoor recreation, suburban shopping, and convenient proximity to Salt Lake City attractions.
Getting around: Driving is easiest via I-215, Bangerter Highway and Redwood Road; UTA buses serve Jordan Landing and downtown corridors-use the UTA Go app or Waze for routing.
Infrastructure & convenience: Plenty of big-box shopping, grocery chains and clinics along 7800 South; good mobile coverage, ample parking, but sidewalks vary between neighborhoods.
Local tips: Observe local conservative norms: shops may close earlier Sundays, state alcohol laws affect purchases, and altitude requires hydration and sunscreen during outdoor activities.
Dining: Try local burgers with Utah fry sauce, family Mexican taquerias along Redwood Road, barbecue spots, and craft breweries a short drive into Salt Lake City.
Why Visit West Jordan, Utah?
Just southwest of Salt Lake City, West Jordan is a practical jumping-off point for outdoor recreation and family-friendly suburbs. The Jordan River Parkway and nearby Oquirrh Mountains offer hiking, cycling and sweeping valley views, while quick drives put you at ski resorts in winter or the shores of the Great Salt Lake in summer. Neighborhood parks, breweries and community events make for a relaxed, active stay.
Who's West Jordan, Utah For?
Families
West Jordan is family-friendly with neighborhood parks, good schools and recreational centers. The Jordan River Parkway and nearby Oquirrh foothills offer playgrounds, trails and swimming spots for kids year-round.
Adventure Seekers
The Wasatch Range is a short drive away for day trips to world-class ski areas like Snowbird and Alta, plus hiking and mountain biking in summer. Local outfitters book guided climbs, canyoneering and river activities.
Nature Buffs
Nature lovers can use West Jordan as a base for birdwatching along the Jordan River, hikes in the Oquirrhs and sunset views from local ridgelines. The area’s desert-meets-mountain scenery changes fast with the seasons.
Business
West Jordan has business parks and decent road links to Salt Lake City and the airport, suitable for regional meetings. Hotels and conference rooms are functional though major conferences are hosted downtown.
Plan Your Visit to West Jordan, Utah
Best Things to Do in West Jordan, Utah
Park
Timpanogos Cave National Monument
Limestone cave system renowned for colorful formations
Museum
Natural History Museum of Utah
University natural history museum with regional paleontology exhibits
Lake
Utah Lake
Freshwater lake in Utah, shallow and ecologically important
Religious Site
Salt Lake Temple
Major Latter-day Saints temple in Salt Lake City
Church
Temple Square
Religious and historical complex at Salt Lake City's center
Mountain
Mount Timpanogos
Wasatch Range peak popular for hiking and alpine wildflowers
Island
Antelope Island
Utah island state park home to free-roaming bison
Mountains
Oquirrh Mountains
Mountain range west of Salt Lake City, mineral-rich
West Jordan, Utah Bucket List
Don't Miss
Gardner Village - A restored 19th-century brick mill village with boutique shops, restaurants, and seasonal events.
Jordan River Parkway - Extensive riverside trail network perfect for biking, birdwatching, and peaceful riverside walks.
Oquirrh Mountains - Low mountain range west of town offering hiking access and wide valley panoramas.
Kennecott Bingham Canyon Mine (viewpoints) - Gigantic open-pit copper mine visible from nearby overlooks; impressive industrial scale.
Hidden Gems
Gardner Mill - Historic mill at Gardner Village with scenic photo opportunities and unique local shops.
Copperton neighborhood - Small historic mining town with quiet streets and views into the Bingham Canyon Mine.
Kennecott Bingham Canyon Mine (viewpoints) - Gigantic open-pit copper mine visible from nearby overlooks; impressive industrial scale.
Jordan River Parkway (lesser-used stretches) - Quieter sections of the trail provide peaceful wildlife watching and neighborhood access.
Day Trips
Temple Square (Salt Lake City) - Historic center of Salt Lake City with the LDS Temple, museums, and guided tours.
Park City Historic Main Street - Renowned ski town; Main Street lined with galleries, restaurants, and silver-mining history.
Antelope Island State Park - Island in the Great Salt Lake known for bison, hiking, and shoreline vistas.
Big Cottonwood Canyon - Granite canyon east of the valley offering hiking trails, rock climbing, and ski resorts.
Bridal Veil Falls (Provo Canyon) - Dramatic 607-foot waterfall easily viewed from the roadside with short walking access.
Nearby Cities #
Best Time to Visit West Jordan, Utah
West Jordan has hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters influenced by the Great Salt Lake; late spring through fall offers the most comfortable weather for hiking, biking, and outdoor events.
Winter
Cold and snowy with lake-effect storms and frequent winter inversions; great for quick ski trips to nearby resorts, but expect chilly days and occasional poor air quality.
Spring & Fall
Variable spring warming to pleasant hikes by May; fall brings crisp, colorful evenings - both seasons are ideal for outdoor trails and local festivals before extremes.
Summer
Hot, dry afternoons ideal for early-morning hikes or evening patios; bring sunscreen and expect several days in the 80s-90s°F, with pleasant cool nights for sleeping.
West Jordan, Utah's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -7°C to 34°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Acceptable | -7° - 4° | -4° | 33 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 2.3 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.5h |
| February | Acceptable | -4° - 7° | -1° | 34 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 2.7 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.5h |
| March | Good | 0° - 12° | 3° | 49 mm | partly cloudy | 64% | 3.5 m/s | 1.0 high | 11.8h |
| April | Very Good | 3° - 17° | 8° | 52 mm | partly cloudy | 58% | 3.7 m/s | 1.5 high | 13.1h |
| May | Very Good | 8° - 23° | 15° | 52 mm | partly cloudy | 52% | 3.5 m/s | 1.9 very high | 14.3h |
| June | Ideal | 13° - 29° | 21° | 23 mm | mostly sunny | 42% | 3.4 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 14.8h |
| July | Ideal | 17° - 34° | 25° | 19 mm | mostly sunny | 37% | 3.2 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 14.6h |
| August | Ideal | 16° - 32° | 24° | 23 mm | mostly sunny | 36% | 3.1 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 13.6h |
| September | Ideal | 10° - 26° | 18° | 38 mm | mostly sunny | 40% | 3.0 m/s | 1.5 very high | 12.3h |
| October | Very Good | 4° - 19° | 12° | 43 mm | some cloud | 50% | 2.8 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 11.0h |
| November | Good | -2° - 10° | 2° | 39 mm | partly cloudy | 62% | 2.7 m/s | 0.4 low | 9.8h |
| December | Acceptable | -6° - 5° | -4° | 34 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 2.4 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.2h |
How to Get to West Jordan, Utah
West Jordan is a Salt Lake County suburb southwest of Salt Lake City; most visitors arrive via Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) or by rail into Salt Lake Central. From those hubs you’ll typically drive, take UTA transit (TRAX/bus/FrontRunner) with a transfer, or use a rideshare to reach West Jordan.
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC): The nearest major airport is Salt Lake City International Airport, about 20-25 miles north of West Jordan. From SLC you can take the UTA TRAX Green Line into downtown Salt Lake City (about 20 minutes, fare about $2.50) and then transfer to a UTA bus or rideshare for the remaining trip to West Jordan (total transit time ~45-75 minutes depending on connections). Taxis or rideshares (Uber/Lyft) from SLC to West Jordan typically take 20-35 minutes and usually cost in the range of $35-55 depending on demand and exact drop-off; rental cars are also convenient for suburban travel and take ~25-35 minutes to drive via I-215/I-15.
Train: Amtrak’s California Zephyr stops at Salt Lake City (served at the Salt Lake City station/Salt Lake Central transit hub). From Salt Lake Central it’s a roughly 20-35 minute drive to West Jordan; taxis or rideshares from the station are commonly $25-45 depending on traffic. UTA FrontRunner commuter rail serves the Salt Lake Central hub as well; to reach West Jordan from FrontRunner you typically transfer to TRAX or a local UTA bus.
Bus: UTA operates multiple bus routes serving West Jordan and linking it to downtown Salt Lake City and other suburbs. Local one-way fares for UTA buses/TRAX are about $2.50 (single ride); travel time from downtown Salt Lake to parts of West Jordan is commonly 30-50 minutes depending on route and connections. Check UTA timetables and the UTA GoRide/Google Maps for exact routes and transfer options.
How to Get Around West Jordan, Utah
West Jordan is best navigated by car for flexibility, but UTA transit (TRAX, FrontRunner and buses) plus rideshares provide viable alternatives for visitors without a car. For outdoor recreation and short local trips, biking and walking along the Jordan River Parkway are pleasant - for getting across the valley quickly, a car or rideshare is usually fastest.
- Car (rental / personal) (25-60 USD (rental/day) or gas/parking costs) - Having a car is the most flexible way to explore West Jordan and the surrounding Salt Lake Valley - parking is plentiful and drives to attractions or the mountains are straightforward via I‑215/I‑15. Rental cars are easy to pick up at SLC; typical drive times to downtown Salt Lake City are 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. If you plan to visit multiple suburbs or mountain trailheads, a car is the most convenient option.
- UTA TRAX & FrontRunner (about 2.50 USD (single-ride TRAX); FrontRunner is zone-based (higher)) - Regional rail and light rail (FrontRunner commuter rail and UTA TRAX light rail) link Salt Lake City with the suburbs and are useful for reaching transit hubs. TRAX connects the airport to downtown in about 20 minutes and FrontRunner serves the Salt Lake Central hub; from those hubs you usually transfer to a local bus or rideshare to get into parts of West Jordan. TRAX/FrontRunner are punctual and good for avoiding highway traffic, but expect transfers for most West Jordan destinations.
- UTA Bus (about 2.50 USD (single ride)) - UTA’s bus network provides the most direct public-transit coverage inside West Jordan, with several routes linking neighborhoods to Salt Lake City and other suburbs. Buses are affordable and frequent on main corridors, but trips across the valley can take longer than driving, especially outside peak hours. Use the UTA schedules or transit apps to plan connections; buses are a practical choice if you prefer not to drive.
- Rideshare & Taxi (Uber / Lyft / local taxis) (10-60 USD per trip (short local rides ~10-25 USD; longer airport trips ~35-55 USD)) - Rideshares and taxis are widely available and often the simplest door-to-door option from the airport, train station, or for short trips inside West Jordan. Fares are competitive for one-off trips and can be faster than public transit for point-to-point travel, though surge pricing can raise costs during events or peak hours. Taxis and rideshares also fill gaps when transit connections are inconvenient.
- Biking (Varies (bike rental or personal bike costs)) - West Jordan has a growing network of bike lanes and is connected to regional paths such as the Jordan River Parkway, making cycling a pleasant option for recreation and short commutes. Expect suburban streets and some gaps in protected infrastructure; use dedicated trails where possible and be cautious on busier arterials. Bike racks are commonly available at parks and shopping areas.
- Walking - Walking is practical for short distances within neighborhood centers, parks, and shopping areas but West Jordan is largely suburban so many destinations are spread out. Use walking when exploring local parks (Jordan River Parkway) or around compact commercial strips; otherwise pair walking with transit or rideshares for longer trips.
Where to Stay in West Jordan, Utah
Budget
Jordan Landing / West Jordan - $70-130/night
Affordable chain motels and economy hotels near major roads; basic amenities and quick freeway access to Salt Lake City area.
Mid-Range
Jordan Landing / West Jordan - $110-170/night
Reliable mid-range chains with comfortable rooms, breakfast and parking; good for families and business visitors to the valley.
Luxury
Near I‑215 / Salt Lake City access - $180-300/night
No large downtown luxury hotels in West Jordan; higher-end options are in downtown Salt Lake City (20-30 minutes away) instead.
Best for First-Timers
Jordan Landing - $90-160/night
Pick lodging near Jordan Landing for shopping, restaurants, and easy freeway access - straightforward for first visits and car travelers.
Best for Families
West Jordan / South Valley - $100-180/night
Look for suites and hotels offering free breakfast, parking, and family rooms; many chain options close to big-box stores.
Digital Nomads
Near major retail hubs - $90-170/night
Choose hotels with strong Wi‑Fi and desk space; proximity to Salt Lake City expands coworking options and transit connections.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across West Jordan, Utah’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in West Jordan, Utah
West Jordan’s nightlife is suburban and family-focused: casual restaurants, a handful of pubs and nearby microbreweries. There aren’t many late-night clubs; if you want livelier scenes, Salt Lake City is a short drive away. Note Utah’s particular alcohol rules and ID checks, last-call times tend to be earlier than some other states, and rideshares or designated drivers are smart choices for moving around after dark.
Shopping in West Jordan, Utah
West Jordan’s retail scene centers on Jordan Landing - a major open-air shopping and dining complex - plus strip malls and big-box stores. If you’re buying household goods, electronics or mainstream apparel, Jordan Landing and nearby retail corridors cover it; local farmers’ markets and independent shops offer seasonal produce and regional goods. Parking is easy and prices are fixed; look for weekend sales and outlet-style promotions.
Best Bets
- Jordan Landing - Large mixed-use retail and dining complex with big-name stores.
- Nearby outlet stores - Outlet shopping within driving distance for discounted brands.
- The District / local strip malls - Neighborhood shops, restaurants and service businesses.
- West Jordan farmers’ markets - Seasonal markets selling local produce and artisan foods.
- Big-box retailers (Target, Walmart, Home Depot) - Convenient national chains for groceries and home goods.
- Local boutiques and specialty stores - Smaller shops for gifts, apparel and specialty items.