National Parks, Monuments, & Recreation Areas
Did you know there are over 20 national parks and monuments just a few hours' drive from Salt Lake? That’s right—whether you're headed to the red-rock wonders of Arches and Canyonlands, the alpine beauty of Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons, or the historic charm of Golden Spike where the Union and Central Pacific Railroads famously united to form the Transcontinental Railroad, Salt Lake is the perfect gateway for exploring some of the world's most acclaimed, spectacular, and scenic outdoor places.
With a vibrant mix of culture, cuisine, and comfort, Salt Lake makes an ideal base camp before you head into the wild—or a refreshing place to recharge after days on dusty trails. Take time to explore our walkable downtown, sample crave-worthy local eats, soak in a spa, or just sleep in a real bed before your next campsite calls. Trust us, your legs (and taste buds) will thank you.
Add a day—or a few—in Salt Lake to turn your national parks trip into the ultimate Utah adventure.
National Parks as Far as The Eye Can See
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Salt Lake: the Base Camp to Utah State & National Parks
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Plan a Dark Sky Trip to Salt Lake
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Utah's National Parks & Monuments
Wasatch-Cache National Forest - 30 minutes
Timpanogos Cave National Monument - 45 minutes
Golden Spike National Historic Site - 1.5 hours
Dinosaur National Monument - 3 hours
Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area - 3.5 hours
Arches National Park - 4 hours
Canyonlands National Park - 4 hours
Capitol Reef National Park - 4 hours
Cedar Breaks National Monument - 4 hours
Bryce Canyon National Park - 4 hours
Zion National Park - 4.5 hours
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument - 5 hours
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area - 5.5 hours
Rainbow Bridge National Monument - Accessible only by water
Natural Bridges National Monument - 5.5 hours
Hovenweep National Monument - 5.5 hours
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park - 6.5 hours
Western Region National Parks
Great Basin National Park, Nevada - 4 hours
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming - 5 hours
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming & Montana - 5 hours
Sawtooth National Forest, Idaho - 5.5 hours
Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado - 6 hours
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona - 6.3 hours

10 National Parks within 6 Hours
Discover the beauty of these national treasures that are an easy side trip to add to your time in Salt Lake.