Tag Archive: salt lake city

S-curve at Night Big Cottonwood Canyon – Wasatch Mountains – Utah

S-curve at Night Big Cottonwood Canyon - Wasatch Mountains - Utah

A view of the S-Curve at Dusk in Big Cottonwood Canyon. Big Cottonwood Canyon rises above Salt Lake City, Utah.

Big Cottonwood Canyon, nestled in the stunning Wasatch Mountains of Utah, is a breathtaking natural retreat just a short drive from Salt Lake City. Known for its rugged beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities, the canyon offers year-round activities for nature enthusiasts. In the warmer months, visitors can enjoy hiking, rock climbing, and scenic drives along the winding canyon road, with popular trails like Lake Blanche and Donut Falls showcasing alpine lakes and waterfalls. During winter, the canyon transforms into a haven for skiers and snowboarders, with Solitude Mountain Resort and Brighton Ski Resort providing world-class slopes.

Big Cottonwood Canyon is also a designated watershed, meaning its pristine environment helps supply clean drinking water to the surrounding communities. This makes it an ideal spot for picnics and peaceful retreats while respecting regulations that protect the area’s natural resources. Whether you’re seeking adventure, solitude, or stunning vistas, Big Cottonwood Canyon captures the essence of Utah’s mountainous charm.

Sound Wall on Major Road – Salt Lake City, Utah

Sound Wall on Major Road - Salt Lake City, Utah

A sound wall located along a major road and housing development in the Salt Lake Valley in northern Utah, part of the urban corridor known as the Wasatch Front.

Walls along highways, commonly referred to as noise barriers or sound walls, are constructed to mitigate the impact of traffic noise on nearby residential, commercial, and recreational areas. As vehicles generate significant noise from engines, tires, and horns, these barriers serve to absorb, deflect, or block the sound waves, creating quieter environments for communities adjacent to busy roadways. By reducing noise pollution, these walls not only improve the quality of life for residents but also help protect public health, as prolonged exposure to high noise levels has been linked to stress, sleep disturbances, and other health issues. Their primary goal is to ensure that noise levels comply with established standards set by environmental and transportation authorities.

In addition to their functional purpose, modern highway sound walls are often designed with aesthetic and environmental considerations in mind. Many are built with materials that blend with the surrounding landscape or incorporate art, murals, or greenery to enhance the visual appeal of the area. Some sound walls also utilize innovative designs, such as vegetated barriers or eco-friendly materials, to promote sustainability and improve air quality. By balancing practical noise reduction with thoughtful design, these barriers not only protect communities from traffic noise but also contribute to safer and more attractive urban and suburban environments.

George S. Eccles Student Life Center – University of Utah, Salt Lake City

George S. Eccles Student Life Center - University of Utah, Salt Lake City

The University of Utah Student Life Center, officially known as the George S. Eccles Student Life Center, is a state-of-the-art facility designed to promote health, wellness, and recreation for students, faculty, and staff. Opened in 2015, the center spans over 180,000 square feet and offers a wide range of amenities, including a cutting-edge fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, a climbing wall, and multiple basketball, volleyball, and racquetball courts.

The center also features dedicated spaces for group fitness classes, strength training, and cardio workouts, catering to a variety of fitness levels and interests. Beyond physical wellness, the Student Life Center serves as a hub for student engagement, housing lounge areas, study spaces, and access to outdoor recreation programs like equipment rentals and adventure trips. Located in the heart of campus, the facility fosters a vibrant and active campus community, encouraging students to balance academics with physical and mental well-being.