Like Surprises? You’ll Love Wasatch Hollow
A walk through Salt Lake City’s Wasatch Hollow neighborhood feels a bit like a fairytale. Giant trees shade the walks and narrow streets in this east-side Salt Lake City neighborhood. Stunning Ivy climbs historic homes, Nature’s decorations against the bricks of varied shades of red. Victorian houses are intermingled with Craftsman-style treasures. Among them, you also will find mid-century modern homes, large apartment buildings, condos, and quaint bungalows.
The neighborhood also features a robust commercial center of coffee houses, bookstores, eclectic shops, eateries, an art gallery, and more at 15th & 15th (but that’s not even the surprise).
The surprise is a lush, 11-acre nature preserve in the heart of this upper-east side neighborhood. Wasatch Hollow Preserve features meadows, huge trees, trails, and a pond. Emigration Creek meanders through the hollow. The runs about .5 miles through the preserve beginning at about 1650 East 1700 South. The pond is fed by Hodgson’s Spring. Rest on a bench and allow yourself to be mesmerized by the sound of gently trickling water.
This property is maintained in part by the Seven Canyons Trust. Salt Lake City has a goal to preserve and restore the riparian habitat and the flow of the creek. This preservation is partially about balance. Some native plant and animal species thrive here (in a place where their habitat is shrinking daily). Birds, squirrels, and even deer can be found in the preserve.
There are different trail loops to take at this fun, refreshing place. Unfortunately, dogs are not welcome inside the sanctuary. The goal is to entice wildlife to enter the safe space. Dogs can be disruptive. Not to worry though, there is plenty of room for dogs to run in Wasatch Hollow.
Off-leash dog park caters to Wasatch Hollow canines
The delicate balance of nature can be easily disturbed by rambunctious dogs. While they are not allowed off-leash inside the inner sanctuary, there is a large off-leash area with water for pets, and benches for their owners. The area is shady with some vegetation. It features a part of the Wasatch Hollow trail and reverberates the peaceful vibe of the adjacent preserve.
This neighborhood offers a mix of historic and modern houses
Wasatch Hollow is known for its diverse architectural styles, including many historic homes with unique designs. Some of the architectural home styles you are likely to find in Wasatch Hollow include:
Bungalow: Bungalow-style homes are common in many older neighborhoods, including Wasatch Hollow. These homes typically feature a single-story or one-and-a-half-story design with a low-pitched roof, a front porch, and simple, functional details.
Cottage: Cottage-style homes are often characterized by their cozy and picturesque designs. They may have steeply pitched roofs, decorative trim, and smaller footprints, giving them a charming and quaint appearance.
Craftsman: Craftsman-style homes are known for their attention to detail and craftsmanship. They often have overhanging eaves, exposed rafters, large front porches with tapered columns, and intricate woodwork. Wasatch Hollow has its fair share of Craftsman-style homes.
Colonial Revival: Some homes in Wasatch Hollow may exhibit elements of Colonial Revival architecture, which draws inspiration from the architecture of early American colonial homes. These houses often feature symmetrical facades, gabled roofs, and classic columns
Victorian: While less common in Wasatch Hollow compared to some other neighborhoods, you may still find a few Victorian-style homes. These homes are known for their ornate detailing, steep gables, and decorative trim. They often feature multiple stories.
Mid-century modern: In some areas of Wasatch Hollow, you might find mid-century modern homes. These homes typically have clean lines, large windows, and open floor plans, reflecting the architectural trends of the mid-20th century.
Ranch-style: Ranch-style homes are characterized by their single-story, long, and low profiles. They often have a simple, open layout and may feature large windows and attached garages.
Contemporary: As the neighborhood evolves, you may come across contemporary-style homes that incorporate modern design elements such as clean lines, large windows, and innovative materials.
Tudor Revival: Tudor-style homes, inspired by medieval English architecture, can also be found in Wasatch Hollow. They often have steeply pitched roofs, half-timbering, and decorative brickwork.
Greek Revival: Some homes may exhibit elements of Greek Revival architecture, which is characterized by its use of classical Greek architectural features like columns and pediments.
Architectural styles in Wasatch Hollow can vary from one street to another, and the neighborhood’s historical character is an important aspect of its appeal. If you’re interested in a particular architectural style, it’s a good idea to work with a local real estate agent who can help you find homes that match your preferences within the neighborhood.
15th & 15: shop, dine, explore in this commercial center
Wasatch Hollow is home to the wildly popular commercial center at 1500 East and 1500 South. Here you will find coffee shops, clothing stores, restaurants, an art gallery, and more! To learn all about the specific shops and eateries in this eclectic little community, click here!
Salt Lake celebrates outdoor adventure with greenspace and parks!
The city’s east side is known for its beautiful parks and outdoor recreational spaces. Here is a list of some of the public parks located on Salt Lake City’s East side:
- Liberty Park: Liberty Park is one of Salt Lake City’s largest and most popular parks, offering a variety of amenities, including a large pond, playgrounds, tennis courts, and walking paths.
- Sugarhouse Park: Located in the Sugar House neighborhood, this park features a pond, walking and jogging trails, picnic areas, and sports fields. It’s a popular spot for both recreational activities and relaxation.
- Herman Franks Park: This park is nestled in the Bonneville Hills area and offers green spaces, playgrounds, and tennis courts.
- Tanner Park: Located in the Mill Creek neighborhood, Tanner Park offers hiking and mountain biking trails, a disc golf course, and a creek for wading and picnicking.
- Mill Creek Canyon: While not a traditional park, Mill Creek Canyon, located on the East side, provides excellent hiking, picnicking, and nature exploration opportunities. Note that there is a fee to enter the canyon.
- Parley’s Historic Nature Park: This park is situated along Parley’s Creek and offers a nature trail for hiking and birdwatching. It’s a serene spot for escaping the city’s hustle and bustle.
- Trolley Square: While not a park in the traditional sense, Trolley Square features a historic outdoor courtyard with greenery, benches, and shops, providing a pleasant urban oasis.
- Fairmont Park: Located in the Sugar House area, Fairmont Park offers a playground, picnic areas, sports courts, and a large pond for fishing and paddling.
- Hidden Hollow Natural Area: Adjacent to Sugarhouse Park, Hidden Hollow is a small natural area with walking paths, bridges, and wetlands that provide a peaceful escape within the city.
- Foothill Village Park: Situated in the Foothill area, this park features a playground, open space, and a quiet setting with views of the surrounding mountains.
The availability of amenities and park conditions may vary, so it’s a good idea to check with the city or local authorities for the latest information and any seasonal changes. These parks offer a range of outdoor activities and opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty of Salt Lake City’s East side.
