Exploring Salt Lake City in a Whole New Way: An Honest Look at the Outdoor Escape Room
If you’re hunting for a unique way to see Salt Lake City that’s more than just a typical sightseeing tour, this outdoor escape room experience might just be what you need. Designed as an urban adventure, it combines puzzle-solving, real-world clues, and a bit of exploration—all set against the backdrop of Salt Lake’s downtown. While I haven’t tried it myself, reviews paint a pretty compelling picture of an engaging activity for groups who love a challenge and enjoy discovering new places.
One thing that immediately stands out is how highly rated this experience is. A perfect 5 out of 5 from eight reviews suggests it’s a crowd-pleaser. Travelers seem particularly taken with how well-balanced the puzzles are—challenging enough to keep you engaged without feeling impossible. Also, several reviews highlight the opportunity to enjoy stunning views and local landmarks while hunting for clues, which adds a scenic touch to the puzzle-solving fun.
On the flip side, it’s worth noting that the activity requires some planning, especially around kit pickup or mailing. If you’re booking last minute, you’ll need to pick up your game kit at the start point, which might be less convenient than having it mailed beforehand. Plus, since it’s a city-based scavenger hunt, it’s best suited for those comfortable walking around downtown, which might be a consideration if mobility is an issue.
This tour seems perfect for families, couples, friends, or teams looking for a memorable way to explore Salt Lake City’s core, especially if they enjoy puzzles and interactive experiences. If you’re after something more traditional, this might feel a bit different—yet that’s exactly what makes it stand out.
Key Points
- Unique blend of escape room, scavenger hunt, and urban exploration
- Suitable for groups of up to 6, with flexible difficulty levels
- Two-hour duration makes it ideal for a focused city activity
- Booking in advance allows you to receive the kit by mail, adding convenience
- Real-world clues include murals, statues, landmarks, and more
- Great reviews highlight the challenge and fun of puzzle-solving in a city setting
What to Expect from the Outdoor Escape Room in Salt Lake City
This activity isn’t your average city tour. Instead, think of it as a guided game that takes you through downtown Salt Lake with a purpose: solving a mystery involving a murder with six suspects. You’ll follow a story—searching for clues, deciphering puzzles, and eliminating suspects—while walking around real-world locations. It’s a clever way to combine mental challenge with urban sightseeing.
You only need to buy one ticket for your group, which can be up to six people. The game is designed to be flexible, allowing you to choose how many hints you want to use, making it accessible for all levels of puzzle-solvers. The core of the activity is a physical box that contains clues, which you’ll find in the environment, and an app to input your solutions. This mix ensures a tactile experience paired with modern tech, keeping it fresh and interactive.
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The Start and Finish Points
The adventure begins in downtown Salt Lake City, with the exact starting location shared after booking. The activity is designed to wrap up back where you started, meaning you can comfortably plan a meal or coffee afterward without rushing. The open hours are generous, running from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., giving plenty of flexibility for scheduling your day.
How It Works
- Pre-book online: Book at least 7 days in advance for the mail-in kit, or pick up the kit on Saturday if you’re booking last minute.
- Duration: Expect to spend about two hours, but this can vary depending on how much exploring your group chooses to do along the way.
- Clue Search: Clues can be hidden anywhere—murals, statues, landmarks—so your eyes need to be sharp.
- Storyline: Involves solving puzzles related to suspects, alibis, and evidence, making it a brain teaser that’s fun and engaging.
The Puzzle Challenge
Many reviews mention that the puzzles strike a good balance—challenging enough to make you think and work together, but not so hard that you get frustrated. One reviewer called it “a brain teaser,” emphasizing how satisfying it was to crack the case. The difficulty level is adjustable, so if you’re short on time or not big puzzle fans, you can opt for hints or easier clues.
The Experience Itself: Real-World Clues and Scenic Views
What makes this activity particularly appealing is its use of real-world clues. You’ll be hunting for murals, statues, and landmarks, which means you’ll get to see Salt Lake City through a different lens. Several reviews highlight how fun it was to explore the neighborhood, discovering local murals and spots they might not have visited otherwise.
One reviewer mentioned, “The puzzles were just the right level of difficulty… and we got to see cool things along the way.” Another noted that it was “way fun,” perfect for a family day or a date—especially since most clues are solvable by everyone in a group.
The route through downtown is walkable and doesn’t involve excessive walking. This balance makes it accessible and enjoyable without feeling like a hike. Plus, since the game ends back at the starting point, you can seamlessly transition into lunch or coffee, making it a convenient half-day activity.
The Cost and Its Value
The activity is priced at $75 per group, regardless of group size up to six people. When you think about the experience—an immersive, puzzle-based city tour with a story, a physical box, and the opportunity to explore downtown—it seems quite reasonable. Especially considering the reviews suggest it’s better than many other scavenger hunts or mobile games people have tried in different cities.
It’s worth considering that the price includes the kit, which could be mailed if you plan ahead, adding to the convenience. For smaller groups, the price per person is pretty good, considering the two-hour adventure plus the fun of solving a city-wide mystery.
Who Is This Tour Best For?
This activity suits those who enjoy interactive, puzzle-based outings. It’s perfect for groups of friends, couples, or even families with older children who can handle walking and solving clues. It’s also great for visitors who want a more personalized experience of downtown Salt Lake City, outside traditional sightseeing tours.
If you’re someone who loves a challenge coupled with city views, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here. But if you prefer guided tours with a lot of narration or less physical movement, this might feel a bit more self-directed.
Final Thoughts
This outdoor escape room in Salt Lake City offers a fresh way to explore the city’s downtown area. The combination of puzzles, real-world clues, and a compelling story makes for an engaging two-hour activity that’s both fun and interactive. Its high ratings reflect the positive experiences of previous participants who appreciated the challenge and scenic routes.
For travelers who are curious, enjoy solving riddles, or just want to see Salt Lake through a different lens, this experience delivers. The flexibility—mailing the kit or picking it up beforehand—adds a layer of convenience that makes it easier to fit into your plans. The activity’s focus on local murals, landmarks, and statues also means you’ll get a little sightseeing along with the brain work.
While it’s not a traditional tour, if you’re open to a more playful, puzzle-driven adventure, this outdoor escape room is likely to be a highlight of your Salt Lake City visit.
Outdoor Escape Room in Salt Lake City – Downtown
“We loved this. We have done mobile scavenger hunts and other similar activities in many cities, but this one was the best so far. The puzzles were …”
FAQ
Is there an age limit for this activity?
Most travelers can participate, but since it involves walking and solving puzzles, it’s best suited for those comfortable with both. Children of older ages should be able to handle clues and walking around downtown.
Can I play on Sunday?
Yes, you can play on Sunday, but note that there is no Sunday pickup. You’ll need to have your kit mailed in advance or pick it up on Saturday.
How do I receive the kit?
Bookings made 7+ days in advance will have the kit mailed to your address. Last-minute bookings require you to pick up the kit at the start point on the day of.
How long does the activity take?
Plan for about two hours, though it can vary based on your group’s puzzle-solving speed and how much you explore along the way.
What’s included in the price?
The fee covers the physical game kit and access to the app for entering solutions. If you book early, the kit will be mailed; otherwise, you’ll pick it up in person.
Where does the tour start and end?
It starts and ends in downtown Salt Lake City, with the exact location provided after booking.
Is this activity suitable for families?
Many reviews mention families and group outings, so it’s a good choice for families with older children or teens comfortable with walking and puzzles.
What kind of clues will I find?
Clues are in physical locations like murals, statues, and landmarks, making the experience visually engaging as well as mentally stimulating.
Are public transportation options nearby?
Yes, the meeting point is near public transportation, simplifying your arrival and departure.
What if I want to change my booking?
The tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked, so plan accordingly.
If you’re looking for a fun, interactive way to enjoy Salt Lake City’s downtown, this outdoor escape room is definitely worth considering. It’s a smart mix of sightseeing and brainteasing, and judging by the happy reviews, it promises a memorable time for everyone involved.