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Best Day Trips from Salt Lake

Salt Lake City is one of the best home bases for day trips in the U.S., with mountains, deserts, lakes, and charming towns all within a couple of hours. From Antelope Island and the Bonneville Salt Flats to Ogden and Mirror Lake, these easy getaways offer outdoor adventure, scenic drives, and unique local experiences. Updated for 2026.

Quick Facts

Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts, couples, road trippers
Duration: Day trip (1 full day each)
Best time of year: Year round (fall and summer are ideal)
Getting around: Car required
Insider tip: Start early for popular spots like Antelope Island or Mirror Lake

 

Option 1: Antelope Island State Park: Wildlife and Great Salt Lake Views

Antelope Island State Park sits within the Great Salt Lake and offers wide-open landscapes, hiking trails, and free-roaming bison .It's nature with a side of surreal landscapes you can't find anywhere else.

  • Why it’s worth it: Unique scenery with a manageable trail for younger kids
  • Best for: Wildlife viewing, photography, easy hikes.
  • Drive time: 45 minute drive from downtown Salt Lake.
  • Practical info: Entrance fee to the state park required to cross the causeway to the island. Plan on 2-4 hours in the park.
  • Pro tip: Stay for sunset—the reflections across the lake are unforgettable and the park is a certified dark sky site.

Option 2: Bonneville Salt Flats: Otherworldly Landscapes

The Bonneville Salt Flats stretch across 30,000 acres of bright white salt crust, creating a surreal, mirror-like landscape.

  • Why it’s worth it: Feels like another planet and is perfect for photography. 
  • Best for: Sunrise/sunset photography, unique landscapes, motorheads (during Bonneville Speed Week)
  • Drive time: 1.5 hour drive
  • On the way: Add a stop at the Great Salt Lake Marina which is on your way to the Salt Flats
  • Practical info: Free access. Pay attention to the weather, if the Salt Flats are wet you won't be able to explore far.
  • Pro tip: Amenities on the way and near the salt flats are nearly non-existent. Plan ahead with water and a picnic.

Option 3: Trains, Hot Springs, and Alpine Charm

Experience a relaxing escape with scenic train rides and unique geothermal experiences in what feels like a heartwarming, small town movie scene (many are filmed here!). 

  • Why it’s worth it: Step into a slower pace that combines relaxation with memorable attractions
  • Best for: Scenic drives, hot springs, small-town charm
  • Drive time: 1 hour drive
  • On the way: Add a stop at the Utah Olympic Park to catch athletes in training year-round.
  • Practical info: Activity pricing varies. Options include 
    • Heber Valley Railroad (aka the "Heber Creeper")
    • Homestead Crater hot spring - deep crater for swimming and scuba diving
    • Cascade Springs - accessible May to October, easy boardwalk and trail hike
    • Guardsman Pass scenic backway - accessible May 15 to October 1, weather dependent
    • Summer experiences at Utah Olympic Park - including bobsled, ropes course, zip-line, and alpine slide.
    • Winter options include tubing or cross country skiing at Soldier Hollow, and a variety of options at the Utah Olympic Park and nearby Woodward Park City
  • Pro tip: In the summer the scenic backway makes a beautiful start or end to this day trip, with options for freeway access through Park City or Provo.

Option 4: Provo Canyon: Waterfalls and Scenic Drives

Provo Canyon delivers dramatic scenery just south of Salt Lake, including waterfalls and alpine routes.

  • Why it’s worth it: Easy access to some of the most scenic landscapes. Most are accessible by car, or on a flat paved route. 
  • Best for: Hiking, scenic drives, fall foliage
  • Drive time: 1.25 hour drive
  • On the way: a stop at Timpanogos Cave National Monument adds a scenic hike and a cool (literally) caving experience in summer months
  • Practical info: Free access, and scenic drive with pull-outs the check out the view.
  • Pro tip: If you want to see the cave, reserve tickets up to 30-days in advance. There is a fee for the cave tours. 

Option 5: Logan Canyon & Bear Lake: Lush Scenery and Blue Water

Logan Canyon features green mountain landscapes and leads to Bear Lake, the deepest natural lake in Utah, known for its vibrant turquoise color.

  • Why it’s worth it: dramatic contrast to Utah's other desert landscapes, perfect water playground in summer
  • Best for: Hiking, scenic drives, Lake Activities
  • Drive time: 2.5 hour drive
  • On the way: Check out Historic 25th Street in Ogden for the perfect historic early lunch or dinner stop.
  • Practical info: This is a full-day trip with quite a bit of driving. Plan on starting early and ending late. If you are heading north to visit Yellowstone National Park or the Grand Tetons, make this slight detour to take the scenic route. 
  • Pro tip: Don't miss getting a famous Bear Lake raspberry shake, made with local berries. 

Option 6: Mirror Lake Scenic Byway: High-Altitude Adventure

The Mirror Lake Scenic Byway winds through the Uinta Mountains with lakes, forests, trailheads, and scenic overlooks.

  • Why it’s worth it: one of Utah's most beautiful drives (it's a designated National Scenic Byway!) with easy stops along the way.
  • Best for: Scenic drives, fishing, picnicking
  • Drive time: 4.5 hour drive (roundtrip)
  • On the way: Historic Park City is right off the freeway on your way to this scenic route. Perfect for grabbing lunch on your way out or dinner on your way back. If you want to add an adventurous experience, try lift-assisted mountain biking at Park City Mountain Resort.
  • Practical info: The road is seasonal and closes for the winter. For the best views you want to wait until late June or Early July. 
  • Pro tip: Bring layers and bug spray. Temperatures can change quickly and the many lakes and rivers make a natural breeding ground.

Questions for Planning Your Visit

How far are these day trips from Salt Lake City?

Most destinations are within 45 minutes to 2 hours from Salt Lake City, leaving plenty of time for recreation at the destination or stops along the way. That makes these ideal for a full-day outing without needing overnight accommodations.

Do you need a car for day trips from Salt Lake City?

Yes—a car is required for nearly all day trips, as most destinations are not accessible via public transportation. If you don't have a car, there are a few options that are available as guided tours with the transportation included.

Check the guided tours and experiences

What are the best day trips from Salt Lake City?

There are quite a few options for day trips from Salt Lake City including Antelope Island State Park, Bonneville Salt Flats, Heber Valley, Provo Canyon, Logan Canyon, and Mirror Lake Scenic Byway. Each offers a unique mix of scenery and activities within a short drive.

What is the most scenic drive near Salt Lake City?

The Mirror Lake Scenic Byway and Alpine Loop Scenic Byway are two of the most scenic drives, offering mountain views, lakes, and seasonal color.

See all scenic drives

When is the best time to take day trips from Salt Lake City?

Summer and fall are ideal for most day trips due to road access and weather, while winter offers snowy landscapes but limited access to some areas.

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