Salt Lake City, United States-day-trips

Best Day Trips from Salt Lake City, Utah

Salt Lake City, the capital of Utah, is a great base for exploring the surrounding natural beauty and attractions. Here are some of the best day trips from Salt Lake City:

1. Park City and the Uinta Mountains

  • Distance: 30 miles (48 km), 45-minute drive
  • Activities: Skiing, hiking, mountain biking, historic main street exploration
  • Park City is a former mining town turned resort destination, offering year-round outdoor recreation opportunities. Visit the Utah Olympic Park, explore the shops and restaurants on Main Street, or take a scenic hike in the Uinta Mountains.

2. Great Salt Lake and Antelope Island

  • Distance: 25 miles (40 km), 30-minute drive
  • Activities: Birdwatching, swimming, hiking, picnicking
  • Take a day trip to Great Salt Lake, the largest natural lake west of the Mississippi River. Visit Antelope Island State Park, where you can hike, bike, or take a leisurely stroll while enjoying the lake’s scenic views.

3. Snowbird Ski Resort and Little Cottonwood Canyon

  • Distance: 25 miles (40 km), 30-minute drive
  • Activities: Skiing, snowboarding, hiking, scenic driving
  • Head to Snowbird Ski Resort in Little Cottonwood Canyon for a day of skiing or snowboarding in the winter, or hike to the top of Hidden Peak for breathtaking views. Take in the stunning scenery and enjoy a picnic lunch.

4. Sundance Mountain Resort

  • Distance: 45 miles (72 km), 1-hour drive
  • Activities: Skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, fine dining
  • Visit Sundance Mountain Resort, founded by Robert Redford, for a day of skiing or snowshoeing in the winter. In the summer, hike to the top of Mount Timpanogos or explore the resort’s scenic trails.

5. Dinosaur National Monument

  • Distance: 180 miles (290 km), 3-hour drive
  • Activities: Hiking, rafting, fossil hunting, scenic driving
  • Take a longer day trip to Dinosaur National Monument, located on the Utah-Colorado border. Explore the Quarry Exhibit Hall, hike to the top of Harpers Corner, or take a guided rafting tour down the Green River.

6. Snow Canyon State Park

  • Distance: 60 miles (97 km), 1-hour drive
  • Activities: Hiking, biking, horseback riding, picnicking
  • Visit Snow Canyon State Park, featuring stunning red rock formations and scenic vistas. Hike to the top of the canyon, bike along the trails, or enjoy a picnic lunch with breathtaking views.

7. Heber Valley and Midway

  • Distance: 40 miles (64 km), 45-minute drive
  • Activities: Horseback riding, hot air balloon rides, Swiss-themed village exploration
  • Head to Heber Valley and explore the charming town of Midway, featuring a Swiss-themed village with shops and restaurants. Take a horseback ride or hot air balloon ride for panoramic views.

These day trips offer a range of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and scenic drives within easy reach of Salt Lake City.