Utah's Hogle Zoo
4.5(14K)google
3.8(311)yelp
Wildlife WatchingWildlifeFamilyKidsEducationalOutdoor
Overview
Nestled at the historic mouth of Emigration Canyon in Salt Lake City since 1931, this beloved 42-acre zoological park is dedicated to international wildlife conservation and interactive education. Home to hundreds of animals from diverse global biomes, the zoo features award-winning exhibits like Rocky Shores showcasing playful polar bears and seals, African Savanna train safaris, and a multi-tiered primate forest pavilion.
Practical Info
Mon9:00 AM 6:00 PM
Tue9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wed9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thu9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Fri9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sat9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sun9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Suggested Duration2.5-4 hours
Best TimeRecommended during late spring (April to June), strictly starting at 9:00 AM opening. Built directly at the mouth of Emigration Canyon, morning mountain winds ensure mild outdoor temps; early hours capture the Siberian tigers, African lions, and polar bears at their highest energy levels before desert midday heat peaks. Head straight to the underwater viewing tunnels at Rocky Shores to watch polar bears dive without lines.
Getting ThereSituated right at the mouth of Emigration Canyon at 2600 Sunnyside Avenue, Salt Lake City. Driving is highly recommended: follow Sunnyside Avenue due east from downtown for 4 miles climbing straight into the benches. The historic zoo gates are highly visible on the south side of the road, fronted by an immense, beautifully shaded and completely complimentary flat surface paved asphalt parking plaza.
Travel Tips
- 100% Cashless Gate Operations & Timed Entry: The zoo ticket counters no longer accept paper currency or cash. Weekend and seasonal holiday entries enforce strict capacity caps; buying timed-entry tickets online beforehand is mandatory.
- Midday Summer Wildlife Silhouettes Warning: When summer heat breaks 100°F, core large predators retreat to deep indoor air-conditioned dens or shaded caves between 11 AM and 3 PM. Arrive at the 9 AM opening gate for maximum animal activity.
- Zoofari Express Train Ride Upcharges: General zoo admission excludes the popular Zoofari Express Train and Conservation Carousels. These require separate ticket card swipes inside; booking a bundled pass online initially cuts total costs.
Reviews
Positive
- Nestled at the mountain base, the African Savanna and Rocky Shores exhibits pack a powerful visual impact, offering clear close-up views of polar bears and lion cubs.
- The park features newly built, flat, non-slip accessible wheelchair ramps throughout, with plenty of modern family restrooms and shaded pavilions.
- Abundant passionate, professional volunteers and keepers maintain orderly queues while delivering highly engaging and fun live animal talks.
- The admission price bundles high-quality wildlife presentations, making it highly wallet-friendly and cost-effective for families.
Heads up
- During hot midsummer afternoons, many large animals retreat indoors or into the shade to sleep, leaving outdoor enclosures empty like a photo trap.
- On pleasant weekends or holidays, visitor density gets overwhelmingly high with heavy crowds, making food court waits outlast 30 minutes.
- The main official parking spaces near the entrance fill up very quickly, forcing late-arriving drivers into distant private high-fee lots.
- The indoor snack counters price drinks, burgers, and fries at high tourist-trap markups, and outside large food items are strictly prohibited.