Best Road Trips From Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is surrounded by amazing places, whether your idea of a perfect getaway is hitting the glistening slopes, climbing red rock landscape, bathing in crystal clear waters high in the mountains, or soaking up the laid-back urban vibes.

Top Road Trip Destinations From Salt Lake City

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Our rankings are based only on editorial opinion, not any commercial consideration.
Geyser erupting with sun setting in the background

πŸš— 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.

A group of skiers hiking up to the Aspen Highlands Bowl
2.

Aspen

πŸš— 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.

Red rock cliffs towering overhead at dusk on the scenic floor of Zion National Park near Springdale, Utah, USA.

πŸš— 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.

Paddle boarding Lake Tahoe

πŸš— 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.

Close up of the welcome sign to Las Vegas. Nevada State United States of America.

πŸš— 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.

Dusting of snow on the red rocks of the North Window Arch and Turret Arch in Arches National Park, with a clear blue sky
6.

Moab

πŸš— 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.

The botanical garden in Denver, Colorado.
7.

Denver

πŸš— 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.

Mount Rushmore National Park in the Black Hills South Dakota during a warm sunrise with clear blue sky morning.

πŸš— 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.

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming with the Grand Teton Mountains in the background and the Snake River in the foreground lined with trees above a glowing red sunrise.

πŸš— 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.

Hot air balloons in the sky with no cloud in sight

πŸš— 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.

Capitol Reef National Park, Utah, USA taken at sunset with red cliffs in the distance.

πŸš— 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.

Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA market selling traditional southwestern goods.
12.

Santa Fe

πŸš— 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.

Toroweap point at sunrise, Grand Canyon National Park.

πŸš— 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.

Antelope Canyon, near Page, Arizona, USA taken at the Navajo Reservation with stunning rock formations and beautiful colours, blue sky through the formations.
14.

Page

πŸš— 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.

Vernal's pink dinosaur statue holding up a welcome sign on a sunny day
15.

Vernal

πŸš— 170 miles ⏱️ 3 hours

Known as β€œUtah'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.

Goblin Valley State Park, Utah, USA with the striking rock formations in the foreground against a blue sky.

πŸš— 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.

Winter Wonderland in Ketchum, Idaho taken during a sunny wintry day.

πŸš— 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.

Pronghorn in the field of Antelope Island State Park, Utah

πŸš— 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.

Hanging Lake, Glenwood Springs, Colorado, USA with trees and cliffs in the distance and a waterfall with lake in the foreground.

πŸš— 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.

Boulder, Colorado, USA with a view of the Rocky Mountains with fall foliage and red leaves in the foreground.
20.

Boulder

πŸš— 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.

Bryce Canyon Panorama -Sunset Point, Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, USA.

πŸš— 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.

Provo, Utah, USA at Provo City Center Temple at twilight.
22.

Provo

πŸš— 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.

Downtown Ogden with shops and eateries lining the road with pedestrians on the sidewalk
23.

Ogden

πŸš— 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.

Autumn view of Park City nestled on the foothills of forested mountains
24.

Park City

πŸš— 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.

The exterior of the famous fast food restaurant Dairy Keen on a sunny day

πŸš— 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.

Towering ice "castle" formation during nighttime with stars visible in the sky
26.

Midway

πŸš— 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.

Longer road trips from Salt Lake City

Camelback Mountain view at night with Milky Way and a shooting star in the background

πŸš— 780 miles ⏱️ 13 hours, 40 minutes

Phoenix is a destination in and of itself but doubles as a great jumping-off point for tons of outdoor fun in the surrounding areas, including hiking, rock climbing, golf, and hot-air ballooning.

View of Portland, Oregon overlooking the willamette river on a Fall Afternoon

πŸš— 830 miles ⏱️ 13 hours, 30 minutes

This quirky city is home to bike-loving nature enthusiasts that really appreciate good coffee, wine, microbrews, and food and hosts a vibrant art and music scene.

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, USA at sunset.

πŸš— 830 miles ⏱️ 13 hours, 30 minutes

San Francisco is packed with activities, amazing food at every price point, and incredible views. Along the way, Yosemite is the perfect spot to soak in California's nature-loving vibe.

Glacier National Park, Montana, USA with canoes by Lake McDonald with the mountains in the distance on a sunny day.

πŸš— 830 miles ⏱️ 14 hours, 40 minutes

Explore the pristine wilderness of Glacier National Park in Montana, famous for its breathtaking scenery and wildlife, it's a perfect destination for hiking and adventure.

Beautiful cloudy day of Los Angeles downtown skyline and palm trees in foreground

πŸš— 910 miles ⏱️ 14 hours, 30 minutes

With a beautiful coastline, amazing weather, and palm trees for days, it's easy to see why people flock to Los Angeles; opportunities for fun in the sun are endless!

A panoramic view of downtown Seattle Skyline and the mountain at sunset on a fine day in Seattle, WA.

πŸš— 950 miles ⏱️ 14 hours, 20 minutes

Seattle is known for its coffee culture and as the birthplace of Starbucks, and the city is also a big tech hub and is home to Amazon and Microsoft.