Whether you love hazy IPAs, dark ales, or fruity hard ciders, Utah’s Ale Trail has it all. From the brewery epicenter of Salt Lake City to the orchards of Torrey, you’ll find everything from taprooms and brewpubs to behind-the-scenes tours and tastings!
Check out these top spots (especially #6)!
1. Epic Brewing Company
Located in downtown Salt Lake City, Epic Brewing Company made history in 2009 as Utah’s first brewery to craft high-alcohol content beer since Prohibition. Featuring a modern vibe with floor-to-ceiling windows that show off the massive beer kettles, Epic Brewing offers a behind-the-scenes tour of the facility along with a flight of four beers of your choice. Try the Big Bad Baptist, a barrel-aged stout with notes of coconut and ginger. Or, enjoy an evening in the taproom and sample flavors like the Citralush, a hazy IPA with a mix of melon, guava and cantaloupe.
2. Etta Place Cider
Wild West-inspired hard cider is what you’ll find at Etta Place Cider in Torrey, Utah. Named after the mysterious outlaw Etta Place, who ran with the likes of the Sundance Kid, this cidery produces handcrafted hard ciders straight from its orchard. In the fall, stop by for apple tastings with views of the rugged buttes and plateaus as a backdrop. For a sneak peek at cider-making magic, tour the facilities and enjoy samples in the bottle shop. Savor the Newtown Pippin, an off-dry cider with hints of citrus. Exotic best describes the Gingered, a semi-dry hard cider with an intoxicating aroma and notes of ginger.
3. Avenues Proper
Avenues Proper is Proper Brewing Co.’s original small-batch brewery and restaurant on 8th Avenue in Salt Lake City. Enjoy a meal in the sleek and chic dining room with views of the brewery kettles, or take in the mountain sights on the connected patio. Dine on truffle fries, fish and chips, and flame-grilled burgers. And don’t skip out on the handcrafted beer. Try the Paper Ankles cold brew coffee Kolsch or the more versatile Wizard’s Duel, a dry-hopped, hazy pale ale with orange and pineapple notes.
4. Bohemian Brewery
South of Downtown Salt Lake City in Midvale, Bohemian Brewery is an eclectic brewpub dedicated to preserving European heritage through its brewing techniques and menu. Located in a quirky mountain lodge-style building (the light fixtures are made from deer antlers), this popular spot serves old-world dishes like Bavarian Brats with sauerkraut and homemade pierogies stuffed with cheese and dill-seasoned potatoes. Of course, beer is the star of the show. Sample the Cherny Bock Schwarzbier if you prefer a darker, roasted flavor. Otherwise, the 1842 Czech Pilsener Lager is the go-to for a light, refreshing, classic pilsner-style lager.
5. Red Rock Brewery
Amidst Park City’s lively Main Street, you’ll find Red Rock Brewery – a popular joint known for its hefty lineup of delicious grub, wine, spirits and craft beer. Sip and savor award-winning brews like Junior IPA, a classic West Coast-style IPA with hints of pine and floral hops balanced by notes of caramel and malt. For something fruity, try the Shabop – this fruited sour ale is brewed with blueberries and coconut with hints of cinnamon and vanilla. Don’t skip out on the pub grub. Chow down on beer-battered pickle chips, spicy buffalo wings and wood-fired pizzas.
6. Zion Brewery’s Station II
If you’re looking for great beer and delicious food trucks, stop by Zion Brewery’s Station II. Located in a transformed fire station in downtown Saint George, this brewery features a taproom, lounge, patio and billiards hall with a vintage meets steampunk vibe. Throw back a Station II Lager – it’s malty, smooth and has a low-hop aroma. Or, try the Engel Landen Pilsner with mild earthy notes and a light finish. Feeling hungry? Beyond typical bar bites like pretzels and popcorn, Station II partners with local food trucks like Los Carnales, serving tacos with a kick!
7. Chappell Brewing
It’s all about authentic American-style ales at Chappell Brewing in South Salt Lake. Featuring a cozy communal-style space and taproom, this brewery is dedicated to crafting high-quality ales. Spend an evening with friends at one of the wooden picnic tables surrounded by beer kettles, or sip and savor a draft brew on the farmhouse patio. Seeking something playful? Try the Playground, a hazy pale ale with fruity notes of tangerine and lemon. For bolder flavors, sample the War Pig. This dark ale is a sumptuous dry stout with bitter hints of blackberries and pine.
8. TF Brewing
You’ll find TF Brewing in the Granary District outside of downtown Salt Lake City, where it pumps out classic German beer styles and hosts food trucks throughout the week. The taproom houses an impressive beer list featuring traditional techniques like the Munich Helles with bready malt notes alongside contemporary and innovative brews like Wicked Sea Party, a hazy New England-style IPA with aromatic hop notes and minimal bitterness. The food truck lineup doesn’t miss either, from District Thai’s Asian fusion menu to Cutthroat Burgers’ American fare.
9. Hive Winery
Hive Winery in Layton, Utah, is a small-batch winery and micro-distillery crafting seasonally rotating libations, specializing in “non-grape” wines—try the semi-sweet Zion Curtain Raspberry wine or the drier Pioneer Red Black Currant aged in oak barrels—alongside artisanal ciders, meads, liqueurs, and brandies. With so many choices to try year-round, no visit to the taproom is the same. Relax in the rustic and cozy space with a glass of Raspberry Peach wine while listening to a live performance from local artists. The winery also hosts tours and tastings, where you’ll visit the production facility and enjoy a flight of five wines of choice.
10. Heber Valley Brewing Company
Southeast of Salt Lake City is Heber City, home to Heber Valley Brewing Company. Surrounded by an expansive mountainous landscape, this space is part brewery and part taproom with a high-energy, sports bar vibe. Even better, the rotating beer list of tasty craft brews adds to the experience. Relax at the bar and sip a Heber’s Hazy IPA with citrus notes and a mild bitter finish. Or sample the W.OW. Wit, a frothy Belgian beer with hints of spice and fruit. In the mood for ale? The Lone Pine is a blend of hops and spruce tips that can be compared to a fresh pine forest in a glass.
