Local Tours Available Before General Assembly
Local Tours 2010
Information about local tours in and around Minneapolis will be available in February.
Local Tours 2009
Three different local tours showcased some of the fabulous scenery and rich cultural and natural history that Salt Lake City has to offer. All tours will began and ended at the Salt Palace Convention Center. Transportation was provided by professional bus/van services. All of the tour vehicles were wheelchair accessible.
Salt Lake City—The Story Behind the Scenery
Tuesday, June 23, 1 to 6 p.m.
Come see and learn about the rich cultural and natural history of Salt Lake City and surrounding areas. Bill Hackett and Rulon Eames, professional geologist and historian, respectively, will lead a tour of the Salt Lake City area. We will visit sites related to early Mormon history and settlement, as well as sites illustrating the geologic story of ancient Lake Bonneville, its remnant Great Salt Lake, the uplift of the Wasatch Mountains, and earthquake hazards. Refreshing beverages and a light snack will be provided.
Cost: $44
Great Salt Lake and Antelope Island—Birds, Bison and More
Wednesday, June 24, 7:30 a.m. to noon
Antelope Island State Park, accessed via a causeway, is a birders' paradise as well as an expansive natural laboratory for understanding the ecology and natural history of Great Salt Lake. Ancient metamorphic rocks have been uplifted to form the island, and benches carved by wave action mark the shorelines of ancient freshwater lakes that once occupied the valley. Antelope Island is home to many species of resident and migratory birds, and its grasslands sustain a herd of bison as well as antelope, deer, coyote, jackrabbit, and more. A local birding expert from Great Salt Lake Audubon will be joining us. Bird species include burrowing owl, American white pelican, snowy plover, long billed curlew, and more. (Check out Utah Birds for the 250+ species of birds seen on Antelope Island.) Cost includes state park admission, beverages, and a light snack. Bring your binoculars.
Cost: $54
Little Cottonwood Canyon and Snowbird Tram Ride
Wednesday, June 24, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Venture with us up Little Cottonwood Canyon in the heart of the Wasatch Mountain Range. Within 30 minutes we will be deep inside this U-shaped canyon which is famous for world-class skiing, rock climbing, and beautiful wildflowers. It is also one of the most interesting and varied geologic locations in the western U.S. At Snowbird Resort, we will ride the aerial tramway to the top of 11,000-foot Hidden Peak to enjoy an amazing panoramic view of the Wasatch. A local professional geologist, Joe Gates, will tell us the story of this steep and beautiful canyon whose finishing touches were applied by ancient glaciers. Box lunches will be provided at Snowbird (vegetarian option available). Cost includes tram ride and lunch.
Cost: $68
For more information contact generalassembly @ uua.org.
Last updated on Wednesday, August 5, 2009.
