Woods Cross, UT
- About the city
- Geography
- Climate and Weather
- Transport
- Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
- Museums
- Sport and Sports Legends
- Universities and Educational Institutions
- Medical Facilities and Healthcare
Woods Cross is a suburban city in Davis County, Utah, located just north of Salt Lake City along the Wasatch Front, offering scenic mountain views and a small-town atmosphere.
About the city
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
- Official Name: Woods Cross
- Country: United States
- State: Utah
- County: Davis County
- Metropolitan Area: It is part of the Ogden–Clearfield, Utah Metropolitan Statistical Area . Davis County is known for its rapid growth and as a key suburban area north of Salt Lake City, with a mix of residential communities, tech industry presence, and access to outdoor recreation.
Founding Date and Age
Woods Cross was first settled in 1865 by Mormon pioneers and was officially incorporated as a city in 1935 . As of 2026, the city is 161 years old. The city is named after Daniel C. Wood, an early Mormon pioneer and settler. He played a crucial role in the town's development by building a school and church, and later deeding land for a train station, which became known as "Woods Crossing," eventually evolving into the city's name .
Geographic Location and Coordinates
- Geographic Coordinates: 40°52′36″N 111°54′58″W
- Location: Woods Cross is situated in the southeastern part of Davis County, along the Wasatch Front. It is bordered by West Bountiful to the north, Bountiful to the east, and North Salt Lake to the south .
- Elevation: The elevation of the city center is approximately 1,295 meters (4,249 feet) above sea level .
- Geographic Type: It is a suburban city located in a valley between the Wasatch Mountain Range to the east and the Great Salt Lake to the west.
City Type and Economic Specialization
Woods Cross is primarily a residential suburb and part of the larger Salt Lake City metropolitan area. Its economy is closely tied to the region's major industries, which include healthcare, manufacturing, and aerospace . Many residents commute to jobs in Salt Lake City, Ogden, or to nearby major employers like Hill Air Force Base .
Population and Demographics
- Population: As of the 2010 census, the population was 9,761, and it was estimated to be 11,431 in 2019, reflecting significant growth .
- City Class: Based on its population, Woods Cross is a small city.
- Demographic Features: The city has a notably young population, with a median age of 26 years. A large portion of families have children, and the demographic makeup is predominantly White, with a growing Hispanic or Latino community .
"City's Business Card" (Brief)
Woods Cross is a quiet, family-oriented suburb nestled against the Wasatch Mountains, offering residents a small-town feel with the convenience of being just a short drive from the amenities and job opportunities of downtown Salt Lake City. It serves as a peaceful residential base for those looking to enjoy Utah's famous outdoor lifestyle.
Geography
Mountains and Ranges
- Wasatch Mountain Range: The city lies directly next to the Wasatch Mountain Range, which rises dramatically to the east . The mountains are a defining feature of the landscape, providing a stunning backdrop and a source of water from springs and snowmelt. The nearby Sessions Mountains, a part of the Wasatch range, feature peaks reaching up to 2,804 meters (9,199 feet) and offer numerous recreational opportunities for hiking and enjoying nature just a short drive from the city .
Water Bodies
While there are no major rivers or lakes within the city limits, Woods Cross's water supply is dependent on the mountain springs and snowpack that runs off the Wasatch Mountains . The city is also located relatively close to the Great Salt Lake, which lies to the west, influencing the local climate and providing unique recreational areas like Antelope Island State Park.
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
Woods Cross has a climate that varies greatly throughout the year, characteristic of the Wasatch Front. It features very hot summers and mildly cold winters, with pleasant and mild spring and fall seasons . The area receives most of its precipitation in the winter and spring . The climate is considered semi-arid, as the precipitation is not enough to sustain major aquifers .
Average Temperatures
- Summer: Very hot, with July being the warmest month. Average high temperatures in the region can exceed 32°C (90°F) .
- Winter: Mildly cold, with January being the coldest month. Average low temperatures can drop below -8°C (18°F) .
- Spring and Fall: These are transition seasons with generally mild and pleasant weather.
Precipitation and Humidity
- Annual Precipitation: The area receives a moderate amount of precipitation, with snowfall common in the mountains and valley during winter .
- Wettest Months: Precipitation is mainly accumulated in the winter and spring .
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Woods Cross and the surrounding area is during the spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) when temperatures are most comfortable for outdoor activities.
- Spring: Mild and pleasant, with blooming vegetation in the valley and lingering snow for high-elevation views.
- Summer: Hot and dry, ideal for hiking in the cooler mornings and evenings.
- Fall: Pleasant with cooler temperatures and beautiful autumn colors in the canyons.
- Winter: Cold with snow in the mountains, making it a prime time for skiing and snowboarding at nearby resorts, while the valley itself experiences milder conditions .
Transport
Major Highways
Woods Cross is well-connected by road, sitting alongside the busy Wasatch Front.
- Interstate 15 (I-15) : This is the primary north-south interstate highway in the region, running through the western part of Woods Cross. It provides direct access north to Ogden and south to Salt Lake City and beyond .
- Interstate 215 (I-215) : Located just south of the city, this belt route provides a connection to other parts of the Salt Lake Valley.
Public Transport
Public transportation in the region is provided by the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) .
- Bus Service: UTA operates bus routes that serve Woods Cross and connect it to neighboring cities like Bountiful, North Salt Lake, and Salt Lake City.
- FrontRunner: The UTA FrontRunner commuter rail line has a station in nearby Woods Cross? The closest stations are in North Salt Lake and Farmington, providing direct rail service to Salt Lake City and Ogden, making the city accessible for commuters without a car.
Nearest Airports
The primary airport serving Woods Cross and the entire region is:
- Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) : Located approximately 11 km? The airport is about a 15-20 minute drive south of Woods Cross via I-215 and I-80. It is a major hub for the western United States, offering numerous domestic and international flights.
Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
Woods Cross is home to a true culinary landmark, a place that has become a destination for food lovers from all over Utah.
Pace's Dairy Ann
The heart and soul of Woods Cross's food scene is Pace's Dairy Ann, a beloved drive-in restaurant that has been a community staple for generations . Located on 500 West, this unassuming blue-and-white spot is famous for serving what many consider the state's best onion rings and burgers .
The menu features classic American fare, but the standouts are:
- Onion Rings: Described as "golden halos of perfection," these rings are thick-cut to maintain the sweet integrity of the onion, with a light, crunchy batter that achieves a perfect amber color .
- Cheeseburgers: Hand-formed patties cooked on a well-seasoned grill, achieving a juicy interior with a slightly caramelized exterior. The "Huntsman" burger, topped with ham and cheese, is a local favorite .
- Hand-dipped Shakes: Thick, creamy shakes made with real ice cream. The chocolate shake is particularly noteworthy for its rich and velvety depth of flavor .
- Fries and Tater Tots: Golden, crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside, they are perfectly seasoned and often enjoyed with Pace's house fry sauce .
The experience at Pace's is as much about the atmosphere as it is about the food. The interior is filled with memorabilia that tells the story of the restaurant and the community, and the open kitchen lets you watch your meal being prepared. With no Wi-Fi, the spot encourages genuine conversation, making it a true community gathering place where locals and visitors alike are welcomed like old friends .
Museums
While Woods Cross itself has a small, dedicated historical museum, the surrounding area offers a wide array of cultural and artistic institutions.
Woods Cross Hogan Cabin DUP Museum
In Woods Cross, you can find the Woods Cross Hogan Cabin DUP Museum, a historical site managed by the Daughters of Utah Pioneers . Located at 755 West 1500 South, this museum preserves a piece of local pioneer history. The Eric G.M. Hogan log cabin is furnished with pioneer artifacts, offering a glimpse into the life of the area's early settlers .
Museums in Nearby Bountiful
Just a short drive away in Bountiful (approximately 1.5 miles), there are additional historical museums:
- Bountiful Museum and Learning Center: Housed in the historic James and Alice Smedley Manor (built in 1893) at 305 North Main, this museum showcases the rich heritage of Bountiful, the second settlement in Utah .
- Jeremiah Willey DUP Cabin: Another pioneer-era cabin, located at 305 N. Main Street, offering more insights into the region's early history .
Major Art Museums in the Salt Lake City Area
For art enthusiasts, the nearby city of Salt Lake City (approximately 7-8 miles away) is home to several major museums:
- Utah Museum of Fine Arts (UMFA) : Located at the University of Utah (410 S Campus Center Dr), the UMFA is your destination for global visual arts. Its collections range from ancient objects to contemporary works, featuring art from across the world .
- Utah Museum of Contemporary Art (UMOCA) : Situated at 20 South West Temple, UMOCA focuses on cutting-edge contemporary art and features rotating exhibitions from living artists .
- Chase Home Museum: Found in Liberty Park (S Constitution East Dr), this museum is dedicated to the art of Utah's Native American peoples, featuring contemporary work from the state's five main tribal nations .
Sport and Sports Legends
Nearby Sports in the Salt Lake City Metro Area
As a smaller city, Woods Cross does not have major professional sports franchises of its own. However, it is located just minutes from Salt Lake City, which offers a full slate of professional and college sports.
The most notable team in the area is the Utah Jazz of the National Basketball Association (NBA). They play their home games at the Delta Center in downtown Salt Lake City. The Jazz have a long and storied history in the league, particularly known for the legendary duo of Karl Malone and John Stockton in the 1990s, who led the team to two NBA Finals appearances.
In addition to the Jazz, the region is home to:
- Real Salt Lake (Major League Soccer): Playing at America First Field in Sandy.
- Utah Royals FC (National Women's Soccer League).
- Utah Warriors (Major League Rugby).
- University of Utah Utes: The local NCAA Division I team, competing in the Big 12 Conference, with a massive following in the state.
For college students and those seeking higher education opportunities, the area is well-served by numerous institutions :
- The closest college is Latter-day Saints Business College in Salt Lake City, about 7.1 miles away.
- The largest college in the area is Western Governors University, also in Salt Lake City, which enrolls over 185,000 students.
- Other major universities within a short drive include the University of Utah, Salt Lake Community College (the closest community college, 14 miles away), and Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, which is ranked #125 in the nation by CollegeSimply .
Universities and Educational Institutions
Higher Education in the Region
While Woods Cross itself does not have its own university campus, its location in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area provides residents with access to a wide range of colleges and universities. There are 25 colleges within 50 miles of Woods Cross, enrolling hundreds of thousands of students .
Some of the closest and most notable institutions include:
- Latter-day Saints Business College (Salt Lake City): Approximately 7.1 miles away .
- University of Utah (Salt Lake City): A major public research university and the flagship institution of the state, located about 8 miles away .
- Salt Lake Community College (Salt Lake City): The closest community college, offering accessible two-year degrees and certificates, about 14 miles away .
- Weber State University (Ogden): A public university located approximately 25 miles north.
- Utah Valley University (Orem): A large public university about 42 miles south .
- Brigham Young University (Provo): A prestigious private university ranked #125 nationally, located about 45 miles south .
Medical Facilities and Healthcare
Residents of Woods Cross have access to a variety of healthcare options, including local clinics within the city and several major hospitals in the neighboring city of Bountiful.
Local Clinics in Woods Cross
For primary and specialized care within Woods Cross, several clinics serve the community:
- Utah Medical Associates, Pllc: A primary care clinic located at 1455 S 500 W Ste B .
- Senior Health Llc: A primary care clinic at 598 W 900 S Ste 230, which is enrolled in Medicare .
- Rocky Mountain Care - Palliative Care Llc: Located at 598 W 900 S Ste 105, also Medicare-enrolled .
- Brett J Earl Md Pc: A medical practice at 1576 S 500 W, Suite 101 .
Major Hospitals in Nearby Bountiful
For more comprehensive services, including emergency care and specialized treatment, several full-service hospitals are located just minutes away in Bountiful (approximately 2-3 miles) :
- Lakeview Hospital: Located at 630 Medical Drive in Bountiful, this is a leading healthcare facility offering a wide range of services, including Emergency Care, Surgical Services, Maternity Care, Cardiology, and Orthopedics .
- Davis Hospital and Medical Center: Situated at 1600 West Antelope Drive in Layton (a short drive north), this hospital provides Emergency Care, Diagnostic Imaging, Women’s Services, Neurology, and Urology .
- Intermountain Bountiful Clinic: Part of the renowned Intermountain Healthcare network, this clinic at 390 North Main Street in Bountiful focuses on Primary Care, Pediatrics, Family Medicine, and Internal Medicine .
University of Utah Health
The prestigious University of Utah Health system also has a presence in the area. The University of Utah Health – Farmington Health Center, located at 165 North University Avenue in Farmington (approximately 8 miles north), offers a wide array of primary and specialty care services, imaging, and pharmacy services . This affiliation connects the local community to a major academic medical center.