Utah’s Hogle Zoo sits at the mouth of Emigration Canyon in Salt Lake City, offering a distinctive mountain-backed zoo experience where you can see over 800 animals representing species from around the world. Understanding your ticket options, pricing structure, and ways to save helps you plan a visit that fits your budget and schedule.
This guide covers admission costs, membership benefits, discount opportunities, and practical ticketing details to help you prepare for a day at one of the Intermountain West’s most established zoological parks.
How Much Are Hogle Zoo Tickets?
General admission tickets provide entry to all animal exhibits, keeper talks, and public areas throughout the zoo. Prices vary by age group, and the zoo typically offers online purchasing options as well as gate sales, though rates and availability change seasonally and the zoo may adjust pricing or implement timed-entry requirements during peak periods.
General Admission Pricing Structure
Hogle Zoo uses age-based pricing tiers that reflect common zoo industry standards. Children under a certain age typically receive discounted or free admission, while adult and senior pricing falls into separate categories.
The zoo distinguishes between tickets purchased in advance online and those bought at the gate. Online purchases often cost less and may be required during busy seasons when the zoo limits daily capacity.
Verify current prices directly with Utah’s Hogle Zoo before your visit, as rates change and special events or seasonal programs may affect standard admission costs. The zoo’s official website provides the most reliable pricing information.
Where to Buy Tickets
You can purchase admission through the zoo’s official website, at the entrance gate, or through authorized third-party vendors that sometimes bundle zoo tickets with other Salt Lake City attractions. Online advance purchase typically guarantees entry on your selected date and can save time at the gate.
During peak summer months, weekends, and holidays, the zoo may sell out or implement capacity limits. Buying tickets ahead reduces the risk of being turned away and allows you to plan your schedule with certainty.
Third-Party Platforms and Package Deals
Some tourist attraction discount sites and hotel packages include Hogle Zoo admission as part of multi-attraction passes. These can offer savings if you plan to visit several Salt Lake City destinations, but compare the bundled price against individual tickets to confirm the value.
Always purchase from reputable sources and confirm that tickets are valid for your intended visit date. Expired, restricted, or fraudulent tickets purchased through unofficial channels may not be honored at the gate.
Annual Memberships and Season Passes
If you live in or near Salt Lake City or plan multiple visits within a year, an annual membership often costs less than three or four separate admissions. Membership benefits typically include unlimited visits, guest passes, discounts on food and gift shop purchases, and reciprocal admission to other accredited zoos nationwide.
Membership levels range from individual plans to family options that cover multiple adults and children. Higher-tier memberships may include additional perks such as behind-the-scenes tours, early entry, or invitations to member-only events.
Reciprocal Zoo Programs
Hogle Zoo participates in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums reciprocal admissions program. If you hold a current membership at another participating zoo, you may receive free or discounted admission at Hogle Zoo, though restrictions often apply during special events or peak periods.
Check the specific reciprocal benefits before your visit, as not all membership levels qualify and some blackout dates may apply. Bring your membership card and a photo ID to receive reciprocal privileges.
Discounts and Special Offers
Hogle Zoo periodically offers discounted admission for military families, Utah residents, students, and groups. Some promotions coincide with specific dates or conservation awareness campaigns, while others remain available year-round.
Local libraries, credit unions, and employee discount programs sometimes sell reduced-price zoo passes. Check with your employer, membership organizations, or community groups to see if they offer ticket discounts.
Group Rates
School groups, camps, scout troops, and other organized parties can request group rates that lower the per-person cost. Group admissions typically require advance reservation and may include guided experiences or educational programming at an additional fee.
Contact the zoo’s group sales department well before your planned visit to discuss availability, pricing, minimum party size, and any required deposits or cancellation policies.
What Your Ticket Includes
General admission grants access to all permanent animal exhibits, including African Savanna, Rocky Shores, Asian Highlands, Elephant Encounter, and the Small Animal Building. You can attend scheduled keeper talks, animal enrichment demonstrations, and seasonal outdoor exhibits at no extra charge.
Some experiences carry additional fees. Special presentations, behind-the-scenes tours, carousel rides, train rides, and certain interactive animal encounters typically require separate payment beyond your admission ticket.
Additional Cost Experiences
The zoo operates a carousel and a miniature train during warmer months, both requiring separate tickets sold on-site. Behind-the-scenes tours that let you meet keepers and learn about animal care also carry supplemental charges and may need advance booking.
Food and beverages are available for purchase throughout the zoo but are not included in admission. You may bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, though the zoo enforces policies to protect animals and maintain cleanliness.
Best Times to Visit for Value
Visiting during off-peak times can enhance your experience even if ticket prices remain the same year-round. Weekday mornings during the school year typically see smaller crowds, giving you more space at popular exhibits and shorter waits for any paid attractions.
Spring and fall offer comfortable temperatures for walking the zoo’s hillside terrain, and animals often display more active behavior than during the hottest summer afternoons. Winter visits can be rewarding if you dress appropriately, as many species remain viewable and indoor exhibits provide warmth.
Seasonal Considerations
The zoo’s location at roughly 4,800 feet elevation means temperatures can drop significantly in winter, and snow may affect pathways. Some outdoor exhibits or areas may close temporarily during severe weather, and certain animals may have limited viewing access when moved to indoor winter quarters.
Summer brings extended hours and special evening events, but afternoon heat can make walking the zoo’s sloped paths more strenuous. Morning visits allow you to see animals at their most active before temperatures peak.
Accessibility and Special Needs
Hogle Zoo provides wheelchair and stroller rentals for an additional fee, subject to availability. The zoo’s terrain includes hills and inclines that may challenge visitors with limited mobility, though paved pathways connect most major exhibits.
Accessible parking, restrooms, and viewing areas accommodate visitors with disabilities. Contact the zoo in advance if you have specific accessibility questions or need to arrange accommodations for your visit.
Refund and Exchange Policies
Ticket policies vary depending on how and where you purchased admission. Online tickets often carry restrictions on refunds and date changes, particularly during high-demand periods or special events.
Review the terms and conditions at the time of purchase and contact the zoo’s guest services if weather, illness, or other factors force you to change your plans. Some tickets may be exchangeable for a different date, while others may be non-refundable.
Weather-Related Closures
The zoo remains open in most weather conditions, but extreme events can prompt partial or full closures. If the zoo closes due to severe weather on your ticketed date, contact guest services about rescheduling or refund options based on the circumstances and ticket type.
Utah weather can change quickly, especially during spring and fall. Check forecasts before your visit and prepare for variable conditions even if the zoo remains open.
Parking and Transportation
On-site parking is available for a fee separate from admission. The parking lot fills quickly on busy days, particularly during summer weekends and special events.
Public transportation options include Utah Transit Authority bus routes that serve the zoo area, though schedules and stop locations should be confirmed on the UTA website. Some visitors combine a zoo trip with nearby attractions in the Avenues neighborhood or a drive up Emigration Canyon.
Planning Your Visit Duration
Most visitors spend three to five hours exploring the zoo’s exhibits and attending presentations. The zoo covers roughly 42 acres on sloped terrain, so comfortable walking shoes and realistic pacing help you enjoy the full experience without fatigue.
Families with young children may need additional time for rest breaks, meals, and playground stops. Plan your visit around key animal feeding times or keeper talks if you want to catch specific programs.
Combining with Other Salt Lake Attractions
Hogle Zoo sits near the mouth of Emigration Canyon, about three miles from downtown Salt Lake City. You can combine a morning zoo visit with afternoon exploration of Temple Square, the Natural History Museum of Utah, Red Butte Garden, or Liberty Park, depending on your interests and energy level.
Allow time for travel between locations and check hours of operation for each attraction. Some venues may require separate advance tickets or reservations.
Food and Amenities
The zoo operates multiple dining locations offering snacks, beverages, and meals at prices typical for attractions of this type. Outside food is generally permitted, giving you the option to bring a packed lunch and reduce costs.
Shaded picnic areas and rest spots are scattered throughout the grounds. Water fountains and refill stations help you stay hydrated, especially important during warm-weather visits at elevation.
What to Bring
Essential items for a comfortable zoo visit include sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and reusable water bottles. Salt Lake City’s high elevation and dry climate increase sun exposure and dehydration risk, even on partly cloudy days.
Comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes make navigating the zoo’s hills and paved paths easier. Strollers are useful for young children but must navigate some slopes and potentially crowded walkways during peak times.
- Sun protection including hats and sunscreen
- Reusable water bottles
- Comfortable walking shoes suitable for hills
- Light layers for temperature changes
- Camera or smartphone for photos
- Snacks if you prefer to supplement on-site options
- Hand sanitizer and wipes
Rules and Visitor Guidelines
Hogle Zoo enforces policies designed to protect animals, maintain safe conditions, and ensure an enjoyable experience for all guests. Prohibited items typically include alcohol, weapons, pets, drones, and items that could disturb or harm animals.
Do not tap on glass, throw objects into enclosures, or attempt to feed animals unless participating in a supervised, zoo-approved encounter. Respect barriers, stay on designated pathways, and follow staff instructions at all times.
Photography and Videography
Personal photography for non-commercial use is welcome throughout the zoo. Flash photography may be restricted in certain indoor or nocturnal animal areas to avoid stressing species sensitive to sudden light.
Commercial filming or photography requires advance permission and may involve fees or special conditions. Drones are typically prohibited over zoo grounds for safety and animal welfare reasons.
Supporting Conservation Efforts
Your admission contributes to Hogle Zoo’s role in species conservation, education programs, and animal care. The zoo participates in breeding programs for endangered species and supports field conservation projects locally and internationally.
Additional donations, membership upgrades, and symbolic animal adoptions provide further support if you want to contribute beyond your ticket price. These options are available through the zoo’s website and gift shop.
Frequently Overlooked Details
Many visitors underestimate the physical demands of walking the zoo’s hillside terrain, particularly in heat or at elevation. Take breaks, stay hydrated, and adjust your pace to your fitness level and that of any children or older adults in your group.
Arrive early if you want to see animals at their most active or secure a good spot at popular keeper talks. Later afternoon visits may find some animals resting or moved to off-exhibit areas, though this varies by species and season.
Lost Items and Guest Services
If you lose personal belongings during your visit, check with guest services before leaving or contact the zoo’s lost and found afterward. Clearly label children’s belongings and establish a meeting point in case anyone in your group gets separated.
Guest services can also answer questions about accessibility, nursing areas, first aid, and other visitor needs that arise during your visit.
Making the Most of Your Ticket
Review the daily schedule of keeper talks and animal presentations when you arrive or check the zoo’s website or app beforehand. Timing your route to catch programs at key exhibits adds educational value and lets you see animals during feeding or enrichment activities.
Don’t rush through every exhibit trying to see everything in one visit. Spending time observing animal behavior at a few exhibits often proves more rewarding than racing through the entire zoo with minimal engagement.
Start planning your Hogle Zoo visit by checking the official website for current ticket prices, operating hours, and any special events or restrictions that may affect your chosen date. Purchasing tickets in advance, particularly during summer and holidays, ensures entry and helps you avoid disappointment.
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