Best Road Trips From Salt Lake City

🚗 320 miles ⏱️ 4 hours, 30 minutes

You will be dazzled by roaming bison, erupting geysers, and bubbling hot springs in Yellowstone. This national park has something for all kinds of visitors from wandering walkers to hardcore hikers alike.

For a bit of extra fun, you can visit Crystal Hot Springs, Idaho Falls and Harriman State Park on your way to Yellowstone.

🚗 410 miles ⏱️ 6 hours, 20 minutes

Aspen is synonymous with luxury skiing, but there's pampering and adventure to be had here year-round. The town has miles of scenic hiking trails, a lively downtown with excellent spas and dining options.

On your way to Aspen, we recommend also visiting Provo Pioneer Village, Museum of Western Colorado in Grand Junction and Glenwood Springs.

🚗 295 miles ⏱️ 4 hours, 30 minutes

Zion National Park features unparalleled scenery. Spectacular rivers cut through towering, red rock sandstone canyons make the perfect backdrop for epic outdoor adventures.

For an extended outdoor adventure, you can stop at Provo, Fishlake National Forest and Dixie National Forest en route.

🚗 550 miles ⏱️ 8 hours

The brilliant blue water of Lake Tahoe contrasts perfectly with the lush green forests surrounding it and the area has some of the best boating and hiking opportunities in the country.

To make the best of your road trip to Tahoe, spend some time at Bonneville Salt Flats, Northeastern Nevada Museum in Elko and Thunder Mountain Monument.

🚗 570 miles ⏱️ 9 hours

Known worldwide for its casinos and world-class shows, Las Vegas is sure to impress all visitors. Where else can you mingle with high rollers, play the slots, relax at the spa, party at the pool, take a selfie with Elvis?

There is plenty to see on this route such as Provo, Capitol Reef National Park and Zion National Park, so plan your time accordingly.

🚗 235 miles ⏱️ 3 hours, 40 minutes

With stunning scenery of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks nearby and some of the best hiking, biking, and rock climbing in the world, Moab is an outdoor adventure hub.

A few of the amazing places you can discover en route are Museum of Natural Curiosity in Lehi, Provo and Price Canyon Recreation Area.

🚗 610 miles ⏱️ 9 hours, 40 minutes

Relaxed urban sophistication meets outdoor adventures in Denver. This city is a superb jumping-off point for exploring Colorado's plethora of natural wonders, including world-class skiing.

Beautiful places you can visit en route include Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park near Moab. You can also hit the slopes in Vail and Breckenridge.

🚗 650 miles ⏱️ 10 hours

The larger-than-life carvings of four of America's greatest Presidents high atop the mountain are one of a kind. Here, you will see the granite faces of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt and Lincoln.

A few amazing new places to discover on the way to Mount Rushmore are Fort Bridger State Historic Site and Ayres Natural Bridge Park.

🚗 310 miles ⏱️ 5 hours

Grand Teton National Park is home to some of the country's best and most rugged wilderness. The park offers jaw-dropping vistas of dramatic snow-capped mountain peaks that jut out over the Snake River.

Get ready to make some stops en route to Grand Teton National Park to visit Ogden, Willard Bay State Park, Idaho Falls and Jackson.

🚗 600 miles ⏱️ 9 hours, 35 minutes

History and culture come to life in Albuquerque and the surrounding rugged desert landscape offers plenty of opportunities for adventure. Make sure to check out Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

On your way, you will get to visit stunning national parks such as Arches, Canyonlands and Mesa Verde National Parks, and can make a detour to Santa Fe.

🚗 229 miles ⏱️ 3 hours, 25 minutes

Located in the Heart of Utah's red rock canyon country, Capitol Reef National Park is immense and majestic. The landscape is full of cliffs, canyons, domes, and bridges.

This is perfect for an extended day or weekend road trip, and you can add Provo, Yuba State Park and Dixie National Forest to your itinerary.

🚗 660 miles ⏱️ 11 hours, 40 minutes

Santa Fe is a city steeped in art and history. Here, you can explore its Pueblo-style architecture and colorful markets. The city's top-notch cuisine sets it apart from other cities in the region.

This amazing drive has many places to discover, such as Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Telluride, Durango and Chimney Rock National Monument.

🚗 530 miles ⏱️ 9 hours

The beauty and sheer magnitude of the world-famous Grand Canyon will take your breath away. Whether it's hiking, biking, fishing, or rafting, this park offers something or everyone.

There is plenty to see en route, too! We recommend planning for stops at Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks as well as Antelope Canyon near Page on the way.

🚗 420 miles ⏱️ 6 hours, 35 minutes

Page is the perfect hub for visiting all the natural wonders that surround it. Antelope and Water Holes' Canyons' almost intertwined rock faces are positively otherworldly!

As you drive to Page, take some time to visit Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

🚗 170 miles ⏱️ 3 hours

Known as “Utah's Dinosaur Land,” Vernal is full of hands-on opportunities to see how dinosaurs once lived. But there's much more to Vernal than just dinosaurs such as amazing rock formations.

As you travel from SLC to Vernal, spend some time at the cute towns of Park City and Heber City, as well as visit Jordanelle State Park.

🚗 220 miles ⏱️ 3 hours, 30 minutes

Goblin Valley is a departure from the normal state park experience. Here it's less about rigorous hikes and more about exploring the desert floor and taking selfies with its many hoodoos.

If you have some extra time, you can also visit Provo, Price Canyon Recreation Area and John Wesley Powell River History Museum in Green River en route.

🚗 290 miles ⏱️ 4 hours, 30 minutes

If rugged exploration by day and pampering by night is your thing, look no further than Ketchum and Sun Valley. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, both towns offer a host of scenic outdoor activities for any season.

Traveling north, you will have the opportunity to visit Ogden, Crystal Hot Springs and Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve on the way.

🚗 40 miles ⏱️ 50 minutes

You'll be surprised to discover white sand beaches on the largest of the Great Salt Lake islands and be amazed by the wildlife. Where else can you roam the beach alongside bison?

On this short drive perfect for a day trip, you can also extend to visit and spend some time at Bonneville Shoreline Trail, Lagoon Amusement Park and Emerald Pools.

🚗 370 miles ⏱️ 5 hours, 20 minutes

Considered the best destination in Colorado for hot springs, a restorative stop in Glenwood Springs will have you ready to take on a myriad of outdoor adventures including hiking, biking, skiing, and fishing.

On your way to Glenwood Springs, we recommend spending some time in Provo, Grand Junction and Palisade to make the most of your adventure.

🚗 540 miles ⏱️ 8 hours, 10 minutes

Boulder is an upscale mountain town nestled in the Rocky Mountains, whose vast wilderness offers tons to do in any season. Here, you can ski, hike, and hit downtown for shopping and amazing dining.

There is plenty of fun to be had on the drive, too! You can visit Grand Junction, Glenwood Springs, Vail and can even make a detour to Denver.

🚗 340 miles ⏱️ 6 hours, 30 minutes

Visit Bryce Canyon National Park to be amazed by its incredible hoodoos and panoramic vistas. A hiker's paradise, this park offers stunning trails and breathtaking sunrises.

On your way to Bryce Canon National Park, you can also visit Provo, Salina, Capitol Reef National Park and Escalante Petrified Forest State Park.

🚗 45 miles ⏱️ 45 minutes

It's easy to see why people are flocking to Provo, which has been named one of the best cities to live in the United States. Whether you're into art, culture, cuisine, hiking, or fishing, Provo has something for everyone.

Don't forget to check out the Museum of Natural Curiosity in Lehi on this short drive from Salt Lake City to Provo.

🚗 40 miles ⏱️ 40 minutes

Ogden is a charming city with the heart of a beautiful small town and is a gateway to the great outdoors. From Historic 25th Street to ski resorts and hiking trails, you will find plenty to do here.

This relatively short drive to Ogden will take you past Lagoon Amusement Park, SeaQuest Utah and Hill Aerospace Museum.

🚗 35 miles ⏱️ 40 minutes

Park City feels a world away from the big city life of Salt Lake. It's also packed with adventure and home to Deer Valley Resort so it's a perfect place to hit the slopes.

This is a short drive, so we recommend extending your road trip by making stops at Little Dell Recreation Area and Historic Railroad Trailhead.

🚗 45 miles ⏱️ 50 minutes

Discover Heber City, a scenic town in the heart of Utah. This pretty town is known for its outdoor recreation, charming small-town atmosphere, and close proximity to Park City.

On your way, you can spend some time in Park City, hit the slopes at Deer Valley Resort, or Jordanelle State Park before arriving in Heber City.

🚗 50 miles ⏱️ 50 minutes

If you are looking for a peaceful spot, explore Midway, a quaint town known for its Swiss-themed architecture and annual Swiss Days Festival. Enjoy outdoor activities and the local hot springs.

On the drive to Midway, make sure to check out Park City, the winter wonderland of Deer Valley Resort nearby, and Jordanelle State Park.