Traveling through Salt Lake City doesn’t have to mean just ticking off the usual sights. For those looking to add a dash of fun, interaction, and a bit of friendly competition to their visit, the Operation City Quest scavenger hunt offers a unique way to explore. This activity is designed for small groups, friends, families, or even bachelor and bachelorette parties who want a memorable experience without breaking the bank.
What immediately catches our eye about this tour? First, the cost—at just $10 per person, it’s a wallet-friendly way to see the city from a different perspective. Second, the private setup means your group won’t be competing against strangers, ensuring a more relaxed and tailored adventure. But, as with any activity, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. The reliance on a smartphone app and the need for good internet connection might be something to prepare for, especially if you’re not used to playing interactive games on the go.
This scavenger hunt suits a broad range of travelers—whether you’re visiting Salt Lake City for a weekend, celebrating a special occasion, or just want a fun way to break from typical sightseeing. It works well for those who enjoy a mix of walking, exploring, and lighthearted challenges that make sightseeing less about rushing and more about discovery.
Key Points

- Affordable fun: Just $10 per person makes this a great budget activity.
- Flexibility: Play whenever you prefer during the hours of 9 am to 5 pm, Tuesday through Sunday.
- Private experience: Only your group participates, making it more relaxed and personalized.
- Guide support: A remote guide is available via chat if you get stuck or need hints.
- City highlights: You’ll visit some of Salt Lake City’s most impressive sights while completing challenges.
- Easy booking: Confirmations arrive immediately, and the activity can be booked up to 62 days in advance.
What to Expect from the Salt Lake City Scavenger Hunt

Playing this game is straightforward. You’ll download an app that provides a list of objects, each described in a riddle. Your mission? Find the objects around downtown Salt Lake City at your own pace, then snap photos to earn points. It’s designed to be flexible—there’s no set route, so you can choose what order to explore each stop, making for a personalized adventure.
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How the Game Works
Once you start at the Gallivan Center—located conveniently near public transportation—you’ll receive your clues and challenges. As you hunt, you’ll encounter fun tasks like taking crazy photos or performing challenges, adding a playful element to your exploration. The app keeps track of your progress, and once you’ve found an item, you simply send a photo to score points.
Guided Support
Even though it’s a self-guided activity, the remote guide is a handy feature. If you hit a snag or get stumped on a riddle, a chat function is available to help point you in the right direction—no need to worry about missing out due to confusion.
Duration and Group Size
Designed as a roughly 2-hour experience, it’s perfect for a quick, energetic outing. The private aspect means your group can enjoy the game without the pressure of strangers, making it ideal for family groups or those celebrating a special event.
Highlights of the Experience

- Exploring Salt Lake City on your own terms, with the thrill of solving riddles and completing challenges.
- Seeing local sights like the Gallivan Center and surrounding landmarks while hunting for objects.
- Engaging challenges that include taking creative photos and performing amusing tasks.
- Getting instant feedback from the app and remote guide, keeping the game lively and interactive.
- Affordable entertainment that adds a fun twist to any day in Salt Lake City.
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The Itinerary Breakdown
While this activity is more about flexible exploration than a fixed schedule, here’s a typical flow based on the provided info:
Start at Gallivan Center: This central location is easy to reach and a perfect starting point. From here, you’ll receive your first clues and set out into the city.
Object hunts around downtown: Expect to find a variety of items, likely tied to Salt Lake City’s local sights or quirky landmarks. The riddles add an interesting layer, prompting you to think and look carefully.
Photo challenges: Each stop often involves snapping a picture—sometimes silly or creative—which makes for memorable photos and fun stories to tell afterward.
Time management: With approximately 2 hours to play, you’ll have enough time to see a handful of sights, complete challenges, and enjoy some friendly competition or teamwork.
End back at Gallivan Center: Once time is up, your points are tallied, and you can compare your scores with friends, or simply enjoy the shared experience.
The Value Proposition

Considering the price and what you get, this activity offers excellent value. For just $10, you’re not only getting to explore Salt Lake City in an interactive way but also engaging in a private, flexible activity that suits a range of interests. The inclusion of a remote guide enhances the experience, especially for those new to city scavenger hunts.
Travelers often find that such activities are a refreshing departure from typical sightseeing. Instead of just looking at sights through a camera lens, you’re actively involved—solving riddles, performing challenges, and capturing goofy photos. Plus, because it’s booked in advance and has a flexible schedule, it fits well into a busy travel itinerary.
The main consideration? This activity requires a smartphone with internet access, so travelers should ensure their device is ready for the game. Also, since it’s self-guided, those preferring guided tours with a live guide might find this less structured.
Who Is This Tour Best For?

This scavenger hunt is perfect for groups that enjoy interactive, self-paced fun. It’s well-suited for families, friends, bachelor/bachelorette parties, or anyone wanting a lighthearted way to see Salt Lake City. It’s especially appealing to travelers on a budget, as it offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional tours.
If you’re looking for a low-stress activity that combines sightseeing with some playful challenges, this is a solid choice. It’s less about detailed history and more about active exploration, making it a good fit for those who prefer to discover a city through experience rather than passive observation.
The Sum Up

The Operation City Quest scavenger hunt in Salt Lake City packs a lot of fun into a small package. At just $10 per person, you get a private, flexible, and interactive way to see the city’s sights, engage with your friends or family, and enjoy a bit of friendly competition. The support from a remote guide adds reassurance for first-timers or those unfamiliar with city scavenging.
This activity is particularly valuable for travelers who want something more engaging than simply walking around and looking at landmarks. It breaks the mold of standard sightseeing and turns it into a playful adventure that your group will talk about long after the game ends.
While it’s not suited for those expecting a guided tour with historical narration, it offers a lively, active, and memorable experience that combines discovery, humor, and challenge—all in a budget-friendly package. If you’re up for a fun, unconventional way to explore Salt Lake City, this scavenger hunt will serve you well.
FAQ

Is this activity private?
Yes, the scavenger hunt is private for your group, ensuring a relaxed and personalized experience.
How long does the activity take?
The approximate duration is 2 hours, giving you enough time to enjoy the challenges and sights without feeling rushed.
What is included in the price?
The price includes all activities, GST (Goods and Services Tax), and 2 hours of remote guide assistance via chat.
Do I need my own smartphone?
Yes, you’ll need to use your activity-owned smartphone to access the app and complete challenges.
Can I book this activity in advance?
Absolutely. It’s easy to confirm online, and bookings can be made up to 62 days ahead.
Are there any restrictions?
Most travelers can participate. Service animals are allowed, and the activity is near public transportation.
What if I get stuck during the game?
A remote guide is available to chat with you and help if you encounter difficulties or get stumped.
What are the operating hours?
The activity runs Tuesday through Sunday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and can be played at any time during these hours.
This scavenger hunt combines the joy of discovery with the thrill of a game, making your time in Salt Lake City a little more lively and memorable. Whether you’re visiting with friends, family, or celebrating a special occasion, it’s a playful way to see the city through a different lens.
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