St George Express is helping you elevate your bus travel experience

Healthy Travel Procedures

Posted by Salt Lake Express on March 11, 2020

We know and understand that the coronavirus is at the front of most people’s minds. We want to let everyone know that we are taking the necessary steps to ensure our riders safety is put first. Our talented and professional team of drivers, mechanics, customer service representatives, and management are all working hard to deliver the proper information to our loyal customers.

St. George Express Will Provide Masks For Riders

We believe in traveling safely, both today and tomorrow. We also believe in safe travels in every way. Well-inspected and maintained buses, competent and trained drivers, and clean cabins with the addition of provided face masks.

In doing our part to continue to slow the spread of COVID-19, Salt Lake Express & St. George Express will be providing masks for all travelers. When used in accordance with CDC guidelines, face masks can be effective at helping slow the spread of the virus. Face masks should fit snugly but comfortably against the side of ones face and allow breathing without restriction.

While our drivers and riders employ these safety standards combined with common sense, we believe our buses are a safe transportation option during this time. With the addition of these provided face masks in conjunction with the daily deep cleaning of our vehicles, we are prepared for people to start traveling again.

A Message From Our Owner

Dear Rider,

As an integral member of the Salt Lake Express & St. George Express community, we value the trust you place in our team when you travel.

Considering the ongoing news about COVID-19, the coronavirus, we thought it would be a good idea to update you on the steps we are taking to ensure your health and safety in your travels.

We have recently implemented procedures to redouble our efforts to make sure the safety and well being of our passengers and our employees is uppermost in our minds.

We’ve done this with a two-step approach that we are implementing throughout our entire fleet. That approach is this:

First, all of our drivers have been instructed and trained on wiping down and disinfecting all hard surfaces at the end of each leg of a trip. This is done in accordance with best industry practices.
Then, at the completion of a trip, the buses are brought back to the yard where our expert cleaning team then wipes down and disinfects the entire bus before it goes out on its next trip the following day.

Our hope is that by implementing these steps it will ensure the continued safety and well-being of not only our passengers, but our employees as well.

Thank you for your continued trust in Salt Lake Express, we sincerely appreciate it. Now, as we all commit to traveling smarter and more consciously, we hope you all travel safely as well.

Thank you,
Jacob Price, Owner

Official Letter From Visit Salt Lake

In this time of uncertainty and concern regarding the Coronavirus, a.k.a. COVID-19, our clients and customers are asking, “Should I cancel my travel plans to Salt Lake?” According to the World Health Organization, the answer is no.

Visit Salt Lake is responding to its clients’ concerns and would like to provide our partners and members with tools to respond.

In addition to providing an informative video produced by the CDC about why travelers shouldn’t cancel plans, reiterating simple health recommendations for staying safe during the outbreak, and providing up-to-date informational links to the CDC and WHO regarding the current situation in the U.S., there are some Salt Lake facts that are important to consider:

SALT LAKE IS AN INLAND DESTINATION: Unlike Washington and California, where the majority of COVID-19 cases are located, Salt Lake is inland and away from the majority of international travelers arriving by air or sea from China and other countries experiencing the highest rate of infected individuals.
SALT LAKE CITY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT: Though a major hub for Delta Air Lines, Salt Lake City International does not currently have non-stop service to/from restricted countries.
We understand there are a number of major issues regarding coronavirus and group travel, including the legality and practicality of trying to invoke force majeure clauses. For those of you that utilize contracts within your business, it is important to remember that a true force majeure generally requires two elements:

(1) an unexpected/unanticipated event, AND
(2) the event is illegal or impossible to fulfill as a result.

*Currently, most group concerns are an attrition issue, not a force majeure.

Other facts to consider:

OUTDOOR RECREATION: Salt Lake provides many opportunities for outdoor recreation, which is a good alternative for those concerned about going to crowded tourist attractions and the associated potential risk for contracting the virus.
TRAVEL COSTS: With so many people staying home due to fear of the virus, hotel rates and other associated travel costs are lower.

To see the toolkit page Visit Salt Lake has created, including additional information, go here.

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Visit Salt Lake
90 South West Temple
Salt Lake, UT 84101
VisitSaltLake.com

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World Health Organization Q&A

4 Things To Plan Before Your Trip To St. George

Posted by Salt Lake Express on February 19, 2020

St. George Express and Salt Lake Express make visiting St. George convenient and memorable. However, trips are not fun unless you know what is in store. There are four things you need to consider before planning your trip to St. George. These things include museums/history, activities, parks, and food.

The Museums & History of St. George

St. George has loads of history and museums to display the amazing artifacts from history. Just outside of St.George is The Jacob Hamlin house. Inside there are preserved artifacts from the 1800s. These artifacts depict what life was like from Jacob Hamlin who played a huge role in serving the American Indians and settling St. George. Another key player in the history of St. George is Brigham Young.

In St. George you can find the Brigham Young Winter home. Tours of the home show what life was like for him and his growing family in the 1870s as well as his participation in the community.

Another gem found in the heart of St.George is the Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum which is packed with pictures and artifacts from the pioneers. They offer tours and have a fun scavenger hunt to participate in.

Rosenbruch Wildlife Museum is another fun place to visit. There you can find wildlife from every continent. You are free to walk around on your own or pick up an electronic wand and be taught by individual narration about the creatures that roam and have roamed our continents.

The Activities

If you are looking for an outside adventure, St. George does not disappoint. The winters in St.George are pretty mild but if you go to certain resorts the mountains are full of skiers and snowboarders.

The summers on the other hand are hot. But there is nothing better than spending a hot summer afternoon near the water. St. George is home to three perfect water locations. Whether you choose to go fishing, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding or boating you will enjoy yourself at Sand Hollow State Park, Gunlock State Park, and Quail Creek State Park.

If you like shooting come practice your aim at “The shooting experience”. Horseback riding or ATVing is a unique way to view some of the canyons and trails in St. George. All of these activities are loads of fun but nothing beats hiking through the canyons of the state and national parks.

The Parks

St.George is known for its red rocks and national and state parks. You can visit one park or go see a few. Each park has unique wildlife, vegetation and rock formations.

Chuckwalla Trail

At the head of the Chuckwalla Trail you can find people rock climbing or repelling down the rocks. As you head down the path you can see several caves in the rocks, as well as a variety of trees, flowers and wildlife.

At the end of the trail there is a mini arch. That looks over a beautiful view of the red rock land below.

Snow Canyon State Park

Snow Canyon is a State Park that offers 12 unique trails just off of one road. Throughout the park there are several parking places, picnic areas and bathrooms. In the middle of the park, surrounded by red rock are one of a kind camping sites. It is also home to a diversity of plants and wildlife that are only found in this state park.

You can check out the Snow Canyon State Park Trail Map here.

In the middle of all this red rock however, is some white rock mountains. Due to its color one of the first trails at the top of Snow Canyon is called White rocks trail. It is a 4 mile trail that passes through red, white and black rock. A Quarter mile into the hike there is a fork in the path. If you take a right at this point you will come to the White rocks Amphitheater. This trail is a total of 1 mile that leads your to an amphitheater of natural sandstone and back.

Further down the road is the Lava Flow trail. This trail 2.5 miles of uneven surfaces due to the jumbled lava rock. There are also two lava tubes that are big enough to climb into.

Petrified Dunes is another fun hike. It is 1.2 miles long. There are some steep, uneven surfaces but a pretty moderate hike. This hike walks along Navajo sandstone outcrops and sand dunes that are petrified and frozen in time.

Snow Canyon is family friendly park. The shorter length hikes make it possible to enjoy more than one hike and see a variety of different views.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park is open everyday of the year, however some facilities and services may be closed during certain parts of the year. A free shuttle is in operation March through late November. The shuttle starts at the Visitors Center and goes to the end of the park. There are 8-9 stops depending on the time of year and weather. Due to the weather and rock slides some trails may be closed as well. It is smart to have an idea of what trails you want to hike before you arrive to make the most of your time.

Here is the Zion National Park Shuttle and Trail Map.

Angels Landing

One of the most famous hikes in Zion is called Angels Landing. Although the view from this hike is breath taking, this hike is not for everyone. This hike is 5.4 miles with and elevation change of 1488 ft which means long drop offs. Since 2004, 10 people have died falling from the cliffs on this route. The path is often snowy and icy. It is not for young children of people with fear of heights.

The Upper Emerald Pools

The Upper Emerald Pools is another popular hike. It is a mile long hike across a sandy and rocky path. The hike ends at the Upper Emerald Pools at the base of a cliff. In the winter the pool is covered in snow and ice but is still beautiful. In the summer when the snow has melted the pool is an emerald green color with vegetation surrounding the pool.

The Temple of Sinawava

Temple of Sinawava is the last stop that the shuttles go to. It has a beautiful view along with bathrooms and water. This stop takes you to the trail head of Riverside Walk and The Narrows. The Riverside Walk is just what its name says. It is 2.2 miles of paved trail along side the river. It is wheelchair accessible and very easy but can get pretty cold in between the canyons. At the end of this trail is the start of The Narrows trail. This hike is one of a kind but pretty strenuous. It is an additional 7.2 miles and most of that is through water. However, there are boots and dry suits available at the visitor center for this hike.

The Food

Food is always an important part of a vacation. No matter what you are in the mood for, they have it in St.George. Some of the local favorites are as follows. The Painted Pony is a well loved fine dining restaurant that serves American Contemporary food. The Hawaiian Poke Bowl is another option. It has 5 stars on trip adviser and its seafood, Polynesian food and Hawaiian food does not disappoint. Red Fort Cuisine of India is another favorite. It is a traditional Indian food restaurant. Another cheaper, yet popular option is Irmita’s Casita which is a Mexican restaurant. They offer all types of options from authentic to Tex-Mex.

Whether you want to relax and enjoy the scenery with some good food or experience an action filled adventure, St. George is the place to visit. So when you plan your trip to St. George, remember that the Salt Lake Express and the St. George Express are here to help.

St. George Express is Providing Routes to the Las Vegas LDS Temple

Posted by Salt Lake Express on November 13, 2019

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints announced last week that the St. George temple will be closed until 2022. It will be undergoing some major renovations over the next couple of years.

Regular temple attendance is important for devout Latter-day Saints. With this change, many members in southern Utah will be searching for a new temple to attend temporarily. So, which temple should you attend while the St. George temple is closed?

That’s a great question! Let’s walk through it together.

Take a Trip to the Las Vegas LDS Temple

As many of our readers know, we have over two dozen stops along the I-15 corridor. Several of those cities house Latter-day Saint temples. Two of the closest temples to St. George are the Cedar City, Utah and Las Vegas, Nevada temples. Routes are provided on both the Salt Lake Express and St. George Express to Cedar City and Las Vegas. However, until now we have not added any stops that take patrons directly to the temple.

When the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints initially announced renovations to the St. George temple, Jacob Price immediately saw a need. As the owner here at the Salt Lake Express and St. George Express as well as a resident of St. George, Price wanted to help his community.

“We felt that many would benefit from having a simple solution to get to and from the temple,” Price said. “We believe that having a stop right in the parking lot of the Las Vegas Temple will allow many to continue to attend the temple without inconvenience.”

That’s why we have happily decided to add FOUR daily routes that will shuttle temple attendees directly to the Las Vegas temple.

Travel time between St. George and the Las Vegas temple will take less than 3 hours.

Shuttle Times Built Around Temple Schedule

We’ve also arranged for these new shuttle schedules to allow temple patrons to stay in the area for a few hours, a half day, and a full day, depending on how long they wish to extend their trip. Our shuttles will arrive at the Las Vegas temple at 6:40 a.m., 9:40 a.m., 3:55 p.m., and 8:25 p.m. Departures will be 10 minutes after each arrival, as per usual.

We love our dedicated travelers, and hope that these changes will be of great value to southern Utah communities!

For more information about the new routes, or more about us here at the Salt Lake Express, contact Kathy Pope at 208-317-8211 or at kathy.pope@saltlakeexpress.com. If you’re interested in booking a trip visit taketheexpress.com or call 208-656-8824.

The A-Z of Traveling with the Salt Lake Express

Posted by Salt Lake Express on November 8, 2019

The A-Z of Traveling Up & Down the I-15 Corridor

Travel like a pro with our A-Z guide for trekking west with the Salt Lake Express. As we share our A-Z of traveling list, think of your own and what you might do differently and feel free to let us know!

A: All-Inclusive

Gone are the days without extra legroom and drop-offs right at your door. The Salt Lake Express has countless perks – check out some of the best right here! It’s the perfect way to kick off our A-Z of traveling with us!

B: Beaver Dam, AZ

Beaver Dam, one of our stops in Arizona, may not seem like party central at first. However, if casinos are your thing, Beaver Dam is just 17 minutes away from the Nevada border! It’s also only a 37 minute drive away from St. George, Utah. Check out inexpensive things to do in St. George here.

C: Cedar City, UT

Next on the list, we’re headed to southwest Utah! Cedar City has plenty to offer – not only is it close to Zion National Park (only 34 miles away!), but it also boasts other fabulous outdoor opportunities, such as Cedar Breaks National Monument and Dixie National Forest.

D: Darby Canyon, WY

Darby Canyon sits on the border of Idaho and Wyoming, and is only approximately 1 – 1.5 hours away from our stops in Rexburg, ID and Jackson, WY, respectively. Whether you’re headed out to hike the trailhead or explore the wind caves, stopping at Darby Canyon if you’re staying in either state is a must.

E: Emigration Canyon, UT

If you ever wonder where exactly Brigham Young famously declared, “This is the place,” then Emigration Canyon is the spot for you. If you’re stopping in Salt Lake City, Emigration Canyon houses the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, perfect for hiking or biking, as well as a couple of local places to eat, such as Ruth’s Diner.

F: Falls, as in Great Falls, MT

Great Falls, our northernmost stop here at the Salt Lake Express, has much to offer with multiple heritage museums, hundreds of local restaurants, and over 57 parks. It’s the perfect blend of big city excitement and small town charm.

G: Grand Teton National Park, WY

Hop off at our stop in Jackson, Wyoming, and head over to Grand Teton National Park! Teeming with alpine views, crystal lakes, and adventurous animals, it’s definitely a sight to see.

H: Helena, MT

Next stop on our list is Helena, Montana! Did you know there’s a gorgeous European-style cathedral right in the city? You’ve also GOT to check out the Gates of the Mountains wildlife area. It showcases some of the most beautiful views Montana has to offer.

I: Island Park, ID

You haven’t really been to Idaho until you’ve been to Island Park. If you love the outdoors, Island Park is the Salt Lake Express stop for you, with access to so many mountains, lakes, springs, and more.

J: Jerome, AZ

Say hello to the nation’s largest ghost town, just half a day’s trip from our stop in Page, AZ. Once known as “America’s Wickedest City,” Jerome once boomed as a mining camp in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Once the mines closed in the 1950’s, Jerome’s population became virtually nonexistent – however, it’s now a thriving tourist hub with plenty to see.

K: Kodachrome Basin State Park, UT

Kodachrome Basin State Park, named after one of the first color films developed in the 1930s. And rightfully so – the park is bursting with color! Seeing those red rock formations contrast against a brilliant blue sky will leave you speechless.

L: Las Vegas, NV

Las Vegas is one of our most popular stops here at the Salt Lake Express. It’s most popular tourist spots seem to span the entire city, with plenty of nightlife, gambling, and faux world attractions covering the entire surrounding areas.

We have also added a direct stop at the Las Vegas LDS Temple to accommodate patrons while the LDS temple in St. George is closed until 2022.

M: Montana

We love Montana! Our three stops in Montana are Butte, Helena, and Great Falls. The state is home to seven state forests and 53 state parks – talk about adventure!

N: National Parks

What’s better than a shuttle service that takes you straight to the great outdoors? Here at Salt Lake Express, we stop at three national parks, of which are Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and Zion National Park.

O: Ogden, UT

If we had to pick word to describe Ogden, it would be eclectic. Ogden’s got rock climbing, a dinosaur park, indoor water sports, axe-throwing, a trampoline park, and so much more. Check out all the entertainment that Ogden has to offer right here.

P: Lake Powell, UT

Did you know that Lake Powell is not technically a lake? It’s a reservoir located in southern Utah! While it’s a little further out from our stops than some of the other locations on this list, we definitely recommend visiting at least once – there’s tons to do, like boating, hiking, fishing, and camping.

Q: Quail Creek State Park, UT

Quail Creek State Park, located in southern Utah, is a short 20-minute drive from St. George and boasts some of the state’s warmest waters. Learn more about it here.

R: Rainbow Rocks, Nevada

Okay, we had to get a little creative with this one. We’re actually talking about the Seven Magic Mountains, a desert art installation that features rock towers painted in a myriad of beautiful colors! It’s only 10 miles south of Las Vegas, and is scheduled to be available on view through the end of 2021.

S: St. George Express

Did you know we also operate another shuttle service? The St. George Express has fares as low as $19, and travels to Nevada and southern Utah! Currently, we have stops in Beaver, Cedar City, St. George, and Hurricane for Utah. We also have stops in Mesquite and Las Vegas for Nevada.

T: Twin Falls, ID

Twin Falls hosts Shoshone Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in the United States! It’s taller than Niagara Falls, which is probably why it’s called the “Niagara of the west.” While you’re at it, check out these awesome attractions and trails in the area!

U: Utah State University

At the heart of our stop in Logan is Utah State University, the “fifth best public university in the nation,” according to their website. Know someone who’s applying for college? Stop in Logan and take a tour of USU!

V: Virgin River, Utah

Much of the Virgin River runs through Zion National Park, so if you’re headed that way, make sure to hike through the Narrows and feel the water splash your feet!

W: Wasatch Mountains

The Wasatch Mountain Range is one of Utah’s defining characteristics. Cities in the Wasatch area are sprawling with beautiful canyons, exclusive ski resorts, world-class golf, and more. Start planning your trip right here, right now.

X: Cross something off your bucket list!

See what we did there? With the Salt Lake Express, you have easy access to hundreds of beautiful destinationsacross the west. Plan a trip. Make it happen. We’ll take you there!

Y: Yellowstone National Park

Did you know that Yellowstone is the world’s first national park? Amazing! National Geographic has much to praise about it. Yellowstone’s most popular (and most accessible!) months are between April and September. Plan your trip today!

Z: Zion National Park

There’s a reason that “Z” on our list of A-Z of traveling is Zion. Get ready for the most spectacular views of your life at Utah’s first national park. Check out our blog post about six things you HAVE to do when visiting Zion.

There you have it, the A-Z of traveling with Salt Lake Express! We hope that many of you will treat this like a bucket list of sorts as you continue to travel with us in the future!

Your Road Trip Checklist: 7 Things to Remember

Posted by Salt Lake Express on August 27, 2019

It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to. – J.R.R. Tolkien

What does freedom feel like to you? For new students, snowbirds, or fortunate victims to wanderlust, this freedom likely manifests itself in the form of a full tank of gas and an open road. Whether you are heading home, to the airport, to the coast, or simply wherever the road takes you, the commencement of any road trip is full of possibilities.

Just like any type of freedom, it comes with a cost. There is a literal cost associated — road trips tend to dip into your wallet, if just for gas alone. You also face several hours in the car alone or, for better or for worse, with a full cab. You need to consider food, lodging, and not to mention you are racing several thousand pounds of machinery through the country which denotes some obvious hazards.

Prepping for your road trip, however, can be a joy. After all, remember, with the freedom of the open road there are innumerable possibilities. How will you equip yourself for such a journey? Here are some things we believe you should absolutely consider when getting ready to hit the road.

Snacks

A robust cache of road trip snacks is invaluable when driving cross-country. Your body is still burning calories just by sitting there, and more so if your playlist is good. Plus, what else is going to keep you awake when the hour is late and the scenery is bland? (Or if your playlist is bad.) You never really need an excuse for snacks, but a road trip is a good one.

Some tips: avoid too much sugar. It tastes delightful and makes you feel great while listening to “Life is a Highway” for the fourteenth time. But you’ll crash hard. Maybe in more ways than one. Caffeine may or may not sustain you; a good alternative is orange juice or green tea. Try throwing in some healthy snacks like apples or something that will make you work, like sunflower seeds.

A Curated Soundtrack

Depending on your destination, you’re facing a lot of hours just staring straight ahead. Thinking time is criminally underrated, but it is also good to fill the silence.

Assemble a killer road trip playlist with a good mix of your favorite tunes. Get creative and try to explore beyond the hooks of the afore-mentioned “Life is a Highway” or “Surfin’ USA.” Finding songs named after your destination or places you’re traveling through can be fun — then again, your music choice doesn’t have to evoke a place at all. Songs with deeper meanings and plenty of layers engage your mind — rotate these in with more danceable tracks.

You don’t have to limit yourself to music, either. Subscribe to different podcasts that interest you, or rent an audiobook online or from the library. However you can best engage your mind and senses is worth preparing beforehand. Above all, avoid distracting yourself from attentive driving.

A Working Vehicle

There’s something thrilling about going by the seat of your pants, just hopping in and handing the reigns over to fate and adventure. But you may find that if you’re too footloose, you could end up stranded on the side of a lonely stretch of highway — you don’t want that much adventure.

Swing by your favorite service center on your way out of town for a last-minute checkup. Get an oil change, top off your fluids, replace wipers, whatever you have to do to ensure a safe journey. Your vehicle will thank you and show you a heartwarming amount of loyalty throughout your road trip.

The Buddy System

Some of the best memories you can create are shared memories of a road trip. Inside jokes, stories both intimate and exaggerated, and experiences at that one place with the guy will follow you forever. This is the principle upon which some of the best travel and buddy comedies build: Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, Thelma & Louise, Dumb and Dumber…in fact, has there been a good travel comedy recently? Shout at me.

Whether you take a friend, a family member, or a perfect stranger, this person or people will undoubtedly make your road trip memorable. That being said, Salt Lake Express generally advises against picking up hitchhikers.

An Old Fashioned Map

Yes, I know you usually get your instructions from Siri. And sure, if you’re heading home chances are you already know the way. This one is more of a fun invitation: buy a roadmap from the gas station while you’re filling up and let it be your guide. Not only does it enhance the adventure but it gives you a bigger picture of where you are. You’ll learn more about surrounding areas and maybe even be tempted to take a quick detour to see that thing over there. Plus, when dead zones may strip your phone of its authority, your map will cease to be a novelty and will save the day.

However, it is the digital age, and we recommend you also keep your phone charged and ready to save your bacon. Physical maps don’t update as quickly or often as Google Maps…you should be ready to let technology go to work when you need it.

Emergency Supplies

As they say, “[stuff] happens” and perhaps, despite all your precautionary measures, you end up stranded or worse (we certainly hope not). You don’t have to plan on it before you head out the door but absolutely plan for it. Again, this undercuts the spontaneity that can be so fun about road trips. But when it comes down to it, you’ll be very glad you thought ahead.

Keep some emergency cash on hand and pack a little extra food and water than you normally would for yourself. Also, and this is just a good rule of thumb, keep a full first aid kit and blankets in your car.

And don’t just pack safely for yourself — it’s good practice to carry extra automotive fluids, a spare tire/jack, and if you’re a super prepper maybe even a gallon of gasoline. The most important thing is that you feel secure when hitting the open road.

Games

What was your favorite road trip game to play as a kid? Pumping your arm to make semi drivers honk their horns? I Spy? M.A.S.H.? Mad Libs? Kids are amazing at coming up with fun ways to pass the time, and as an adult, you can too.

Sometimes you have to dig a little deeper if you are the driver and can’t get too distracted. You can entertain yourself (and your passengers) without the luxury of “games”, too; pretend you’re a guest on a talk show host and ask yourself questions or sing about things you pass on the road. It sounds a little crazy right now, but after enough time in the car (and perhaps enough caffeine) it can become very entertaining.

Assuming you have everything else packed, you’re all set to get going. Charge your phone and your camera battery, lock up behind you and let the road trip begin.

When To Visit Las Vegas

Posted by Salt Lake Express on July 30, 2019

Las Vegas. When is the best time to visit? Well, it’s complicated. Do you like the summer sun and heat? Do you prefer it more mild? How do you handle large crowds? Here at St. George Express we have our own opinions. However, we hope that this article provides a good blueprint for when to visit a place like Las Vegas based on what you value.

Best Time To Visit Las Vegas If You Like The Sun & Heat

June through August. This might seem like an easy and obvious answer. But hear us out. While the average temperatures in the mid-100s can be a lot to handle, Las Vegas understands how to combat this. If you’ve never walked the strip before don’t be afraid. You can actually walk a good portion (if not the majority) of the strip inside the hotels and casinos. You’ll often just have short walks outside to cross the streets between each property.

Now, if you enjoy laying out by the pool or a makeshift beach somewhere, this is perfect for you. You don’t exert too much energy getting from point A to B. This isn’t a trip to the beach in southern California where you need to battle for a parking spot and then walk a good distance just to enjoy the beach and the sun. No. In Las Vegas you can walk right out to your hotel’s pool, grab a chaise lounge, and sip your cool beverage. Is it still blazing hot? Sure. But you didn’t get all dirty and sweaty just to get to your destination. You can soak up all that vitamin D and then dip yourself into the cool pool if you find that you’re overheating.

Another great bonus for visiting Las Vegas this time of year is for the crowds. A lot of people want to visit in the more temperate or mild months, opening up the peak heat of summer just for you. But we’ll get into that later on.

Best Time To Visit If You DON’T Like The Heat

March to May and September through November. There’s a trade off here. With average temps ranging from the mid-60s to the upper-80s, this is a prime time to visit Vegas. And everyone else has the same idea. These months often hold the highest amount of work conferences and trade shows. This brings a high volume of visitors to the area. They can be corporate stiffs or families on vacation. Everyone wants to escape for a long weekend in Sin City.

This isn’t necessarily a bad time to visit. Because again, the weather is so moderate and nice that it makes dealing with bigger crowds worth it. Airfare is typically just a touch more pricey during these months but still manageable. Las Vegas continues to be one of the better destinations to fly into.

Best Time To Visit If You REALLY DON’T Like The Heat

December through February. I’m not sure that we really need to dive into this one too deeply. It can actually get moderately “cool” during December and January in Vegas. Average temps are in the upper-50s. However, if you’re looking to escape the frozen tundra of places like Idaho or Montana, this will feel like a welcome relief.

Busiest Times In Las Vegas

According to Vegas Unzipped, there are certain events that consistently bring in massive crowds to the area. These include major sporting events like the Super Bowl, March Madness, or NFR (National Finals Rodeo). There are also a few holidays that you might want to avoid if you don’t like big crowds. Check out the full list here.

Best Way To Get Around

We might be a touch biased, but we’re pretty sure there’s no better way than using St. George Express. If you don’t want to have to worry about putting the wear and tear on your own vehicle or dealing with the rental car process, then we are the solution you’re looking for.

You can book your trip at anytime and we provide a great option if you’re flying into the Las Vegas Airport. However, if you’re not flying we can drive you to Las Vegas from as far away as Boise, ID, Great Falls, MT, or even Jackson, WY.

Stop side-stepping the issue and be spontaneous. Book your trip to Las Vegas today! We’ll take care of getting you around!

Celebrating Freedom at St. George Express

Posted by Salt Lake Express on July 29, 2019

Just in time for Independence Day, we’re unveiling four brand new patriotic themed buses. Two Grech Mini Busses, and two Mercedes Sprinters. Taking on the signature red, white, and blue color scheme the buses looked poised for the 4th of July parades throughout Idaho and Utah.

We’re celebrating the freedom of the open road, and you will too when you step onto these. Each bus is packed with features to make your trip as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, including:

Leather reclining seats
USB chargers
Tinted windows
Arm rests
and more…

When you need to hit the open road this summer, celebrate freedom with Salt Lake Express.

Visit Marble Canyon: Things To See & Do

Posted by Salt Lake Express on June 20, 2019

Marble Canyon is located just southwest of Page, Arizona, and boy is it a sight to behold. Rather, there are sights to behold. Whether you’re taking a drive on the 104 mile stretch of the Vermillion Cliffs Scenic Highway or fishing the Colorado River, there’s a wealth of things to do. Let’s dive in!

Marble Canyon: SEE

We all know that southern Utah and northern Arizona contain some of the most showstopping views in the country. However, do you know where to find all of them. It can actually be quite overwhelming. But no worries, we’re here to help guide you.

If you’re flying from somewhere to see Marble Canyon you’re most likely flying into one of these cities: St. George, Utah or Las Vegas, Nevada. If you don’t want to worry about a rental car or relying on a friend to pick you up, the best solution is to book one of our St. George Shuttle buses. You could ride one from the airports in Las Vegas or St. George directly to the Marble Canyon region.

Once here, there’s an enormous amount to see. Let’s break it down for you.

Vermillion Cliffs Scenic Highway

If you happen to be riding one of our shuttles from Las Vegas or St. George you’ll be fortunate enough to ride along Highway 89A. Also known as the Vermillion Cliffs Scenic Highway. It has to be one of the most amazing drives in the country. You’ll see huge sandstone cliffs in the Vermillion canyons.

The Navajo Bridge

You’ll also get to see the Navajo Bridge, which rises over 465 feet above the Colorado River below. According to the National Park Service, the older, historic bridge was completed in 1929. The newer, modern bridge was completed in 1995, effectively retiring the historic bridge after 66 years of service.

Not only are the views breathtaking, but hearing the difference in the cost of the bridges is as well. In 1929 the historic bridge cost just $390,000 to construct, while the modern bridge cost $14,700,000 in 1995! Whoa, that’s a lot of dough. There’s also the Navajo Bridge Interpretive Center that you can visit as well. There’s a seasonal visitors center, bookstore, and an area for Native American craft vendors.

Marble Canyon

Only about two hours from Flagstaff, Marble Canyon is magnificent. Popular sites are the Glen Canyon Dam, Lee’s Ferry, and the Navajo Bridge we mentioned above. Imagine everything you love about Zion National Park but just a little less crowded. Marble Canyon is not only beautiful, providing cinematic views everywhere you look, but it’s also full of activities. Which brings us to our next section: Do.

Marble Canyon: DO

While the views are incredible, sometimes you just need to do more than look at something. You need to get out there and explore, touch, and experience. And believe us, there’s plenty of that in the Marble Canyon region.

Fishing The Colorado River

There is a wealth of guides and outfitters in the area if you’re not sure where to start. Whether you’re utilizing one of the many guides and outfitters or if you know what you’re doing, there’s hardly a more beautiful place to commune with mother nature. Fly fishing or bait fishing, you can do it all. And as the sun sets and you’re in the half-light of the canyon, you’ll have more than one pausing moment of awe.

Kayaking The Colorado River

While you can choose a variety of transportation methods down the Colorado River, we’d recommend kayaking. It’s such an intimate way to experience the river, the canyon, and all that they have to offer. There are dozens of companies that can rent you all the equipment you need to safely experience the river. And even though we’re partial to kayaking, if it’s not your thing there are options for canoes, boats, and even stand-up paddleboards.

Exploring The Historic Cliff Dwellings

Not far from the Navajo Bridge you’ll find the Old Cliff Dwellers Lodge, also known as the Blanche Russell Rock House. It has been restored and still maintains its 1920s charm. Travelers can stay there as they rest from all their activities. There are cabins onsite that offer TVs, coffee, and private bathrooms. There’s even a restaurant that serves but barbecue and sandwiches on a patio that overlooks the desert below. This unique place is actually listed as a National Historic Site in Marble Canyon.

Marble Canyon: GO

Now that we’ve pitched you on just a fraction of the fun things to see and experience in and around Marble Canyon, it’s time for you to book your trip. Just keep it simple by hopping on one of our buses that takes you out to the area where you can leave worry behind and adventure ahead.

Simply enter your travel dates where you book a trip and see what’s available. And you never know, you might get lucky and snag one of our $19 fares!

Travel Apps to Download for Your Road Trip

Posted by Salt Lake Express on August 29, 2018

After writing Travel Tips For The Ultimate Road Warrior, we realized we could do a whole separate piece just about helpful travel apps to download before hitting the road.

So if you’re planning a road trip this summer, or you know you’ll be driving your way back to Rexburg, make sure you try these travel apps and let us know your experience.

GasBuddy

If you’re driving instead of flying, you’re probably trying to save some money. So why not save on gas too? GasBuddy is a mobile app that shows users all of the available gas options nearby and their prices. The app works based on user reports, and GasBuddy rewards users for updating a station’s prices. If you earn enough points, you can enter raffles for prizes, like free gas.

iExit

Think about all the reasons you might need to make a quick pitstop — that’s exactly what iExit is for. Need a nap? Need to grab some snacks? Need to get some cash from an ATM? iExit helps you see what businesses and facilities are coming up on your route and what exit you need to take to get there. The app also lets you search for specific businesses or perks so if you’re looking for Taco Bell, it’ll help you find the closest one. If you’re looking for Wi-Fi or a campground, it can help you find those too.

Google Maps

While there are countless navigation apps that you could use for mapping your trip, Google Maps is easily one of the most functional and simplistic to use. It offers turn-by-turn directions specific to your mode of transportation, so even if you’re riding a bicycle for part of your trip, it’ll get you where you need to go. You can also add multiple destinations if your plan is to hit several locations in succession. Maps also lets you know when places with strict hours of operation close and checks to see if the route you’re taking includes tolls.

Spotify

Road trips, especially cross-country hauls, are a great reason to catch up on all the music releases you’ve missed since high school. Spotify arguably is the most practical way to control the soundtrack of your journey with on-demand music. Spotify provides curated playlists specifically designed for road trips and an enormous library of artists, bands and podcasts to listen to. The app is free, but if you want to ditch the ads, you might want to consider the $9.99-a-month premium subscription ($4.99 for students). And unless you’ve got unlimited data, make sure you download everything for offline listening.

Flush Toilet Finder

It might seem like a joke to include an app that helps you find and rate public restrooms, but Flush Toilet Finder might be what saves you and your shorts from a nasty gas station porta-potty. The app uses location sensors to check its database of more than 200,000 toilets worldwide, and even while offline will show you nearby toilets with information about fees, key requirements or handicap access. With the ability to integrate with Google Maps, you can even get specific directions to the restroom of your choice.

Travel apps to accompany you on the road

Obviously, there are countless travel apps that will help you improve your travel experience. Depending on what you’re looking to do, there might be something out there that these apps just can’t do. But these are some of the best for any road trip experience. If you decide to give them a try, or if you find something you like better, let us know. We’re always looking for cool new travel apps.

All of these apps are free to download and can be used on iOS or Android devices.

How Do I Become A Driver for St. George Express?

Posted by Salt Lake Express on August 22, 2018

One of the most commonly asked questions we get here at St. George Express is: How do I become a driver?

Short answer — just apply! We don’t require any formal commercial driving experience and our trainers are comfortable working with all skill levels. We offer free commercial driver’s license (CDL) training, which is about a $600 value, and work with you to ensure that you’re prepared to hit the road.

Our only requirements are: All drivers must be 21 years or older, must have a valid driver’s license and CDL, and have no more than two moving violations in the last year.

That’s it! We offer part-time and full-time employment opportunities and have bus routes at all times of the day, allowing you to work when your schedule permits. Drivers can sign on to make daily trips to and from Salt Lake or go into our charter program with trips to the many national parks and residential destinations in-between.

It’s a fairly simple process from there, with the only real hurdle being obtaining your CDL. If you’re already certified, you could start driving as soon as we process all your information.

For new drivers that have never driven commercial vehicles before, we’ll put you through training for free. Although it takes time, the application steps are pretty straightforward and there’s a lot you can do to be prepared.

STEP ONE: LEARN THE MATERIAL

The first step is to stop by your local DMV and pick up a copy of your state’s CDL manual. When you officially apply for your CDL, you’ll need to take a written knowledge test. Ensure that you’ve studied the manual carefully because it provides all the information you’ll be tested on.

STEP TWO: LEARN TO DRIVE

Once you’ve passed your written test, you can start driving with a learner’s permit under the supervision of one of our driving trainers.

When you feel comfortable behind the wheel, and have the required hours of practice in, you can take the CDL skills test. You will be tested on specific driving skills based on the type of vehicles you’ll be driving and regular tasks you’ll need to perform on the road.

STEP THREE: GET ON THE ROAD

After you pass the skills test, your CDL will be issued to you and you’ll be an officially certified driver. If you’re planning to drive commercial vehicles long-term, the value of a CDL will extend beyond your time driving with St. George Express.

The are several benefits of starting your driving career with us. If you’re planning on working any sort of commercial driving job from express shuttle services like ours, to school bus drivers, a CDL will be required. Getting the experience of driving for St. George Express will set you up to drive commercial vehicles anywhere. Not to mention the growth opportunities, employee health insurance and sign on bonus for qualifying applicants.

So if you happen to be wondering: How do I become a driver? Apply here, or just give us a call at (800) 356-9796. One of our customer service representatives would be happy to get you started.