Road Trips from Salt Lake City: Exploring the Best of Utah and Beyond

Salt Lake City, Utah, is a great starting point for exploring some of the most scenic road trips in the United States. With its central location, Salt Lake City provides easy access to a variety of destinations, including national parks, mountain towns, and other attractions. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, there's something for everyone to enjoy on a road trip from Salt Lake City.

One of the most popular road trips from Salt Lake City is to the nearby national parks, including Arches, Canyonlands, and Bryce Canyon. These parks offer breathtaking views of red rock formations, canyons, and unique geological features. Another great option is to explore the surrounding mountain towns, such as Park City and Sundance, which offer world-class skiing, hiking, and other outdoor activities. No matter what your interests are, there's a road trip from Salt Lake City that's perfect for you.

Preparation

Before embarking on a road trip from Salt Lake City, it's important to make some preparations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. In this section, we'll cover some key aspects of preparation, including getting there and choosing your vehicle.

Getting There

Salt Lake City is a hub for flights, making it easy to get there from almost anywhere in the world. Salt Lake City International Airport is the main airport serving the city, and it's located just a few miles west of downtown. From the airport, you can rent a car, take a taxi, or use a ride-sharing service to get to your destination.

If you're driving to Salt Lake City, be sure to plan your route carefully. The city is located at the crossroads of several major highways, including I-15, I-80, and I-84. Depending on where you're coming from, you may need to take multiple highways to get there.

Choosing Your Vehicle

When it comes to choosing a vehicle for your road trip, there are several factors to consider. If you're traveling with a group of people, you'll need a vehicle that can accommodate everyone comfortably. If you're traveling with children, you'll want a vehicle that has plenty of space for car seats and strollers.

If you're planning to do some off-road driving or explore some of the more remote areas of Utah, you may want to consider renting a four-wheel-drive vehicle or an SUV. On the other hand, if you're planning to stick to the highways and explore the cities and towns along the way, a sedan or a compact car may be more suitable.

Regardless of the type of vehicle you choose, be sure to check it thoroughly before you hit the road. Check the oil, tires, brakes, and other important components to make sure everything is in good working order. And don't forget to pack a spare tire and a jack, just in case you have a flat tire along the way.

In summary, getting to Salt Lake City and choosing the right vehicle are important aspects of preparing for a road trip from the city. By taking the time to plan ahead and make the necessary preparations, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.

National Parks

Salt Lake City is the perfect starting point for an epic road trip to explore the stunning national parks of Utah. Utah is home to five of the country's most impressive national parks, known as the Mighty 5. Each park is unique in its own way, offering breathtaking views, hiking trails, and outdoor activities.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park is a must-visit destination on any Utah road trip. The park boasts towering sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and lush forests. Visitors can hike the famous Angels Landing Trail or take a scenic drive through the park. The park also offers camping, rock climbing, and canyoneering.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its stunning hoodoos, which are tall, thin spires of rock. Visitors can hike the Navajo Loop Trail or take a scenic drive along the park's rim. The park also offers camping, stargazing, and ranger-led programs.

Arches National Park

Arches National Park is home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, making it a unique and popular destination. Visitors can hike to Delicate Arch or take a scenic drive through the park. The park also offers camping, rock climbing, and stargazing.

Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park is a vast and rugged landscape with towering canyons, mesas, and buttes. Visitors can hike to Mesa Arch or take a scenic drive through the park. The park also offers camping, mountain biking, and whitewater rafting.

Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park is a hidden gem with stunning rock formations, canyons, and orchards. Visitors can hike the Hickman Bridge Trail or take a scenic drive through the park. The park also offers camping, stargazing, and ranger-led programs.

In addition to the Mighty 5, Utah is home to many other state parks and public lands that are worth exploring on a road trip from Salt Lake City.

Other Outdoor Activities

Salt Lake City is surrounded by a plethora of outdoor activities that cater to every type of adventurer. Here are some of the most popular activities to try out during your road trip:

Hiking

Utah is known for its stunning landscapes and hiking trails, and Salt Lake City is no exception. Hikers can explore scenic trails in Goblin Valley State Park, which boasts unique rock formations and sandstone spires. Alternatively, Dead Horse Point State Park offers breathtaking views of the Colorado River and the surrounding canyons. For a more challenging hike, the San Rafael Swell is a rugged wilderness area with steep canyons and towering rock formations.

Mountain Biking

Mountain bikers can explore the trails in the Wasatch Mountains, which offer a variety of terrain for all skill levels. The Park City area is particularly popular, with over 400 miles of trails ranging from easy to advanced. The San Rafael Swell is also a great spot for mountain biking, with trails that wind through the rugged terrain.

Climbing

Salt Lake City is a popular destination for rock climbers, with world-class climbing areas such as Little Cottonwood Canyon and Big Cottonwood Canyon. These areas offer a variety of routes for all skill levels, from beginner to advanced. The San Rafael Swell is also a popular spot for climbing, with towering sandstone cliffs and challenging routes.

Rafting

The Colorado River is a popular destination for rafting, with several tour companies offering guided rafting trips through the canyons. The Green River is also a great spot for rafting, with calm waters and stunning scenery. For a more challenging experience, the San Rafael Swell offers several canyons with rapids and waterfalls.

Canyoneering

Canyoneering is a unique way to explore the canyons and gorges of Utah. The San Rafael Swell is a popular spot for canyoneering, with narrow slot canyons and towering cliffs. Goblin Valley State Park also offers canyoneering opportunities, with unique rock formations and slot canyons to explore.

Stargazing

Utah is known for its dark skies, making it a great spot for stargazing. The Wasatch Mountains offer several spots for stargazing, with clear views of the night sky. Dead Horse Point State Park is also a popular spot for stargazing, with stunning views of the Milky Way and other celestial bodies.

In conclusion, Salt Lake City and its surrounding areas offer a wide range of outdoor activities for adventurers of all types. Whether you're looking to hike, bike, climb, raft, canyoneer, or stargaze, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Scenic Drives

Salt Lake City is the perfect starting point for some of the most scenic drives in the country. Whether you want to explore national parks, mountains, or just enjoy the stunning views, there is a drive for everyone.

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is a must-visit destination for any road trip enthusiast. The park is home to some of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world, including the famous Old Faithful geyser and the Grand Prismatic Spring. The drive from Salt Lake City to Yellowstone takes around 5 hours and is well worth the trip.

Grand Teton National Park

Just south of Yellowstone is Grand Teton National Park, another stunning destination for a scenic drive. The park is known for its towering peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and abundant wildlife. The drive from Salt Lake City to Grand Teton takes around 4 hours and is a great addition to any road trip itinerary.

Wasatch Mountains

If you're looking for a scenic drive closer to Salt Lake City, the Wasatch Mountains offer some of the best views in the area. The Alpine Loop Scenic Byway is a popular route that takes you through stunning mountain scenery, including forests, meadows, and alpine lakes. The drive is just 20 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City and takes around 2-3 hours depending on how many stops you make.

I-15

If you're short on time but still want to experience some stunning views, the drive along I-15 from Salt Lake City to St. George is a great option. The route takes you through the beautiful red rock landscapes of southern Utah, including the famous Zion National Park. The drive takes around 4 hours and is perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway.

No matter which scenic drive you choose, be sure to take your time and enjoy the stunning views along the way. And don't forget to pack your camera!

Unique Experiences

Utah is known for its unique and breathtaking landscapes, and Salt Lake City is the perfect starting point for an unforgettable road trip. Here are some of the most unique experiences you can have on a road trip from Salt Lake City.

The Narrows

One of the most popular hikes in Zion National Park is The Narrows. This hike takes you through a slot canyon with towering walls that reach up to 1,000 feet high. The hike itself is through the Virgin River, which means you'll be walking through water for most of the hike. It's a challenging hike, but the views are well worth it.

Angels Landing

Another popular hike in Zion National Park is Angels Landing. This hike takes you up to a 1,488-foot peak with incredible views of the park. The hike is challenging, with steep switchbacks and narrow ledges, but the views from the top are breathtaking.

Slot Canyons

Utah is home to some of the most beautiful slot canyons in the world. These narrow canyons are carved by water and wind, and they offer a unique and otherworldly experience. Some of the best slot canyons to visit on a road trip from Salt Lake City include Antelope Canyon and Buckskin Gulch.

Gondola Rides

Park City is a popular ski destination, but it's also a great place to visit in the summer. One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Park City is by taking a gondola ride. The gondola takes you up to the top of the mountain, where you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

In conclusion, a road trip from Salt Lake City offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you're hiking through slot canyons or taking a gondola ride in Park City, there's something for everyone on a road trip through Utah's stunning landscapes.

Nearby Destinations

If you're looking for a quick getaway from Salt Lake City, there are plenty of nearby destinations that are perfect for a road trip. Here are a few options to consider:

Moab

Moab is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, and it's only a few hours' drive from Salt Lake City. The town is surrounded by stunning red rock formations, and there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing. One of the most popular attractions in Moab is Arches National Park, which is home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches.

Page

Page, Arizona is located just a few hours' drive from Salt Lake City, and it's home to some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the country. One of the most popular attractions in Page is Lake Powell, which is a massive reservoir that offers plenty of opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. Another must-see attraction in Page is Antelope Canyon, which is a stunning slot canyon that's famous for its colorful sandstone walls.

North Rim

The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is located in northern Arizona, and it's a great destination for anyone who wants to experience the natural beauty of the Grand Canyon without the crowds. The North Rim is less developed than the South Rim, and it's home to some of the best hiking trails in the park. The North Rim is also home to the Kaibab Plateau, which is a beautiful forested area that's perfect for camping and hiking.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is located just a few hours' drive from Salt Lake City, and it's a great destination for anyone who wants to experience the excitement of the city. Las Vegas is home to some of the best hotels, restaurants, and entertainment in the world, and there's always something to do. Some of the top attractions in Las Vegas include the Bellagio Fountains, the High Roller Observation Wheel, and the Neon Museum.

Overall, there are plenty of nearby destinations that are perfect for a road trip from Salt Lake City. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventure or city excitement, there's something for everyone within a few hours' drive.

Winter Activities

Salt Lake City is a popular winter destination for outdoor enthusiasts. With multiple world-class ski resorts only 45-minutes from downtown, Salt Lake City is a popular winter basecamp. Even non-skiers will have plenty of restaurants, museums, attractions, and fun activities to discover.

Downhill Skiing

Salt Lake City boasts ten ski resorts within an hour's drive from Salt Lake City International Airport. The resorts offer a wide range of terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Whether you're looking for groomed runs, steep chutes, or powder bowls, you'll find it all in Salt Lake City.

Here are some of the most popular ski resorts in the area:

Alta and Snowbird are known for their steep and deep terrain, while Brighton and Solitude offer more intermediate runs. All four resorts offer a variety of dining options, ski schools, and rentals.

If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider visiting the resorts during non-peak times or purchasing multi-day lift tickets. Additionally, many of the resorts offer night skiing, which is a great way to experience the slopes after the sun goes down.

Overall, Salt Lake City is a winter wonderland for skiers and snowboarders alike. With so many ski resorts to choose from, there's something for everyone.

Salt Lake City is the perfect starting point for a road trip, with plenty of scenic routes and national parks to explore. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, there's something for everyone.

For families, Bryce Canyon National Park is a must-visit destination. The crimson-colored hoodoos and spire-shaped rock formations are sure to capture the imagination of children and adults alike. For those seeking more adventure, Moab offers mountain biking, hiking, climbing, OHV opportunities, and rafting.

When planning your trip, be aware of traffic patterns to avoid getting stuck in congestion. Keep in mind that some destinations may be more family-friendly than others, and that some parks may have restrictions on OHV usage.

If you're looking for a unique experience, consider visiting Kodachrome Basin State Park or Monument Valley. These parks offer stunning landscapes and a chance to explore the natural beauty of the American West.

Finally, don't forget about Craters of the Moon National Monument. This unique destination offers a chance to explore a volcanic landscape and learn about the geologic history of the area.

Overall, Salt Lake City and the surrounding area offer a wealth of opportunities for road trippers of all ages and interests.