The state of Utah offers some of the greatest natural landscapes in the United States. If you live around Salt Lake City, you can visit many amazing parks within a few hours by car. Here are some of the best state parks to visit around Salt Lake City, Utah.
Antelope Island State Park
About an hour outside of Salt Lake City is Antelope Island State Park. This park has a diverse range of wild animals roaming freely throughout the area. You can expect to encounter bison, mule deer, bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope, and other indigenous desert birds and animals. Located on a peninsula in the Great Salt Lake, there are plenty of activities to participate in. You can hike or ride on horseback throughout the state park. Organized hunting also takes place throughout the year.
Great Salt Lake State Park
Great Salt Lake State Park is about 20 miles west of Salt Lake City. Typically, you can access this park from sunrise to sunset, making it very accessible to the public. There are several outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy, such as hiking or camping. You can book a tour of the lake through a private service if you want to take in the beauty of your surroundings.
Jordan River OHV State Recreation Area
In the north part of the city is the Jordan River OHV State Recreation Area. From this recreation area, you can see the start of the Rocky Mountains framing the city. Since this is an off-highway vehicle park, you'll see people riding around on ATVs, motorized bicycles, and other types of bikes that aren't street legal. There are two motocross (MX) tracks available, and two other tracks for other types of vehicles. Make sure to check if you need a permit before you head to the Jordan River OHV.
Memory Grove Park
When you visit Salt Lake City, Memory Grove Park is a gorgeous place to stop by. The main attractions in this park are the memorials to veterans from Utah. You can also admire the replica of the Liberty Bell, which is in this park. Memory Grove Park also has a route that stretches all the way into the northeastern mountains. You can walk, hike, or bike along this trail at your leisure.
East Canyon State Park
If you drive about 40 minutes to the northeast of Salt Lake City, you can reach East Canyon State Park. Nestled in the mountains, this park has a reservoir that's open for fishing and boating. You can camp at the local campground while you're there. There are historic elements to this state park as well, which you can explore as you hike along the Mormon Pioneer Trail. Make sure to check the requirements for boating and fishing before you head up to this beautiful location.
Camp Floyd State Park and Museum
South of Salt Lake City is Camp Floyd State Park and Museum, which is a historic landmark in the state. Made popular by the United States Army, pioneers, and others headed west, Camp Floyd is now a popular museum that hosts a wide range of events for the public to enjoy. You can visit the park for reenactments or stroll through the well-resourced museum.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
Despite being a four-hour drive from Salt Lake City, the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is a fantastic place to visit. As the name suggests, you can explore the pink and red sand dunes that cover the park. The dunes shift regularly because of wind, so the landscape may look different each time you visit. You can drive your off-highway vehicles through the dunes or simply hike around the area. Consider bringing extra gear or equipment to shield your eyes and skin from the sand and wind.
National Parks Near Salt Lake City
These iconic national parks are close enough to Salt Lake City to include in our list. While these aren't state parks, they're also a great destination for a day trip when you're in Salt Lake City.
Zion National Park
Zion National Park has a plethora of hiking opportunities for park visitors. Located about four hours away from Salt Lake City, Zion is one of the most popular parks in the state. Angels Landing is one famous destination in the park, which is a nerve-racking, well-traversed trail that rewards hikers with gorgeous views and a burst of adrenaline. If a dangerous hike isn't for you, you can enjoy a riverside walk, squeeze through the Narrows in the old rock formations, or swim in the Emerald Pools. Zion is huge, so consider spending a few days exploring.
Arches National Park
A three-hour drive from Salt Lake City lands you at Arches National Park near Moab, Utah. This park has over 2,000 natural stone arches, which contribute to the spectacular views you'll find at Arches. You can enjoy several hikes in the park with different levels of difficulty. While most hikes are easily accessible to the public, other trails, like the Fiery Furnace trail, require hikers to get a permit before making an attempt. No matter what hikes you choose to do, you'll see amazing stone formations and iconic arches throughout the park.
Capitol Reef National Park
Three and a half hours from Salt Lake City is Capitol Reef National Park. This park displays the beauty of Utah's red rocks at every turn. The main attraction at Capitol Reef National Park is the Waterpocket Fold. This is a 100-mile geologic monocline, which is a wrinkle on the surface of the earth caused by erosion and movement underneath the earth's surface. You can explore this phenomenon on foot or via the eight-mile highway that snakes through the park. Make sure to check which hikes require permits before you arrive at Capitol Reef National Park.
Whether you're visiting Utah or making it your home, there's a national or state park for you. Is your favorite park in Utah missing from this list? Contact us today so we can add it to our list of parks to find adventure in Utah.