When snow still caps the Uinta and Oquirrh mountaintops, pink buds pop and frame the sidewalks. On Capitol Hill, a visual story takes shape about the history and symbolism of cherry trees and the beginning of spring.
If you’ve ever been to Salt Lake in April, you may have experienced the floral show that surrounds the Utah State Capitol. For a very limited time, 433 Yoshino cherry trees bloom brightly, covering the Memorial Walkway and painting the Utah State Capitol in a sea of white and pink.
If you plan your trip just right, you might be able to see this phenomenon occur as cherry trees only bloom once a year and their delicate petals fall quickly.
A Brief History of Cherry Blossoms in Utah
In 1931, the first collection of flowering cherry trees were purchased in Seattle, Washington, and planted at the Utah State Capitol on Arbor Day of that year in an effort to beautify the Capitol grounds.
Following World War II, in 1945, Japan gifted Kwanzan cherry trees to Utah. The gift from Japan was meant to symbolize the transience of life, hope and diplomatic ties, creating a lasting friendship between the two nations. This was the second gift to the U.S. from Japan, the first being the gift of 3,000 cherry trees to Washington D.C. in 1912.
In 1999, almost 55 years after the arrival of the Kwanzan cherry trees, a tornado destroyed many of the trees which, at the time, were reaching the end of their life.
During the Capitol Restoration period that started in 2004, the Kwanzan cherry trees were in such bad condition following the tornado in 1999 that 433 Yoshino cherry trees were purchased from Portland Oregon to replace the gifted Kwanzan cherry trees. During the restoration period, the cherry trees were grafted so that the branches of the trees would create a desirable tunnel over the Memorial Walkway path encircling Capitol Hill. This intentional design now creates the arching canopy visitors walk through each spring, framing the blossoms into one of the Capitol’s most photographed seasonal moments.
Visiting the Cherry Blossoms
The Yoshino cherry trees typically bloom at the end of March and can last into the first two weeks of April. The start of the bloom is temperature dependent, shifting the starting period over the course of a few weeks. To stay on top of the cherry blossom period, follow the official Utah State Capitol Instagram for timely updates.
If you are planning on viewing the cherry blossom trees this year, there are plenty of ways to enjoy them!
- Picnic: Many locals will picnic on the Capitol lawn. Grab lunch at one of Salt Lake’s many restaurants and head to Capitol hill to enjoy cherry blossom season like the locals do.
- Walk: If you are looking for a history lesson, you can walk the .7 miles of the Memorial Walkway and take in the memorials and statues along the way.
- Tour: Don’t forget to check out the inside of Utah State Capitol for a guided or self-guided tour.
- Parking: Cherry blossom season draws in a crowd for good reason. If parking at the Capitol is full, consider visiting earlier or later in the day, or park downtown and enjoy a short stroll up Capitol Hill. The walk itself comes with some pretty great views too.
Frequently Asked Questions: Utah State Capitol
When’s the best time to visit the Utah State Capitol?
Cherry Blossom season is a great time to visit. If you head to Salt Lake in the last week of March or the first few weeks of April (weather dependent), make sure to stop by the Utah State Capitol. Stay updated with bloom projections on the USC Instagram before arrival.
What can I do at the Utah State Capitol?
When visiting the Utah State Capitol building, you can enjoy a self-guided or guided tour. It’s free to enter and there’s plenty to explore. There is art displayed throughout, statues, and plaques showcasing the rich history of Utah.
What is there to do in Salt Lake in April?
There’s plenty to do in Salt Lake in April. Spring skiing is a popular pastime, offering blue-bird days, warmer weather and less crowded resorts. There’s plenty of attractions in Salt Lake including museums, shows, shopping and outdoor experiences in the spring, including hiking, biking and spring festivals.
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