As the route continues east through suburban Riverton and intersects 1300 West, it gains a center median and turns northeast.

The road straightens to the east and, moving north three blocks on the Salt Lake County grid position, turns into 12300 South.

The route passes through Sandy as a five-lane (including center turn lane) road with sidewalks along most of its length.

SR-71 enters Midvale at 7800 South and curves northeast along the south bank of the East Jordan Canal, passing Hillcrest High School before crossing over the canal and turning north again (as 900 East) to run through the western part of the Fort Union commercial district.

It intersects SR-171 (3300 South) right after crossing Mill Creek, then passes Nibley Golf Course before entering Salt Lake City.

The highway continues north on 700 East in Salt Lake City and intersects I-80 at exit 125, a diamond interchange.

Between 2100 South and Liberty Park, the road passes through mainly residential areas and includes bicycle lanes despite its formidable width and heavy traffic.

A short extension west from the south end to the new SR-154 (Bangerter Highway) was made in 2001, pending reconstruction by the state.