West Jordan, Utah Travel Guide
City City in Utah, part of Salt Lake City
Outside Salt Lake City, West Jordan offers quick access to Wasatch trails, nearby ski resorts and the Jordan River Parkway. Expect family-friendly parks, subdivision restaurants and mountain sunsets beyond the suburbs.
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?
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.
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 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.
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.
Top Things to Do in West Jordan, Utah
All Attractions ›
.jpg?width=600)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Where to Go in West Jordan, Utah #
Downtown West Jordan
The civic heart with family-run restaurants, municipal facilities and community events. It’s practical rather than flashy and works well if you want to see everyday Utah life outside Salt Lake City. Easy access to river trails and parks.
Top Spots
-
- Historic downtown strip - Local diners, small shops and municipal buildings.
-
- Jordan River Parkway access - Trails and river greenways within reach.
-
- Community events - Farmers’ markets and local festivals in season.
Gardner Village
A restored historic complex that’s become the city’s main attraction: craft shops, bakeries and seasonal events. Touristy but charming, it’s a popular half-day outing for families and shoppers from the metro area.
Top Spots
-
- Gardner Village - Historic shopping courtyard housed in restored 19th-century buildings.
-
- Craft shops and bakeries - Gift stores and seasonal displays popular with locals.
-
- Special events - Well-known for holiday markets and craft fairs.
Westside Residential
Predominantly residential with practical shopping and chain restaurants. Not a destination neighborhood, but useful for mid-range stays and easy drives to nearby outdoor recreation in the Oquirrh foothills.
Top Spots
-
- Local shopping centres - Strip malls and familiar national chains.
-
- Neighborhood parks - Playgrounds and sports fields.
-
- Chain eateries - Convenient dining options for travelers.
Plan Your Visit to West Jordan, Utah #
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.
Best Time to Visit West Jordan, Utah #
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.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 4°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with 52 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with 52 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 13°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is the warmest month with highs of 34°C and lows of 17°C. The driest month with just 19 mm and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm).
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is freezing with highs of 5°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
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 #
Where to Eat in West Jordan, Utah #
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.
.jpg?width=600)
