There’s nothing quite like turning a key in the ignition and setting out on an adventure. From small towns to natural wonders and awe-inspiring vistas, whatever your destination, a road trip is always a memorable experience. In our fast-moving modern world, we spend more and more time behind a desk staring at a computer screen. So isn’t it about time to put the work aside and bring back the classic road trip? Salt Lake City, aptly known as the Crossroads of the West, is an excellent starting point for some seriously cool road trips.
Even if you only have a day to get out of Salt Lake City, you’re in luck with plenty of exciting options. For example, take a mini-vacation by visiting one of these destinations. Whether you want to see jaw-dropping scenery, visit a park, find wildlife, hike or cycle, or check out a new town, we have some great road trip ideas for you. So grab your car keys, gather your friends or family, pack some snacks and supplies, and hit the road!
Getting Prepared for a Road Trip
Before heading out for your adventure, be sure to follow standard safety procedures to ensure you, your friends, and your family are safe on the road. Ideally, you’ll be heading out in your brand new or certified used Mazda. Whatever car you are driving, be sure it’s up to date with all inspections, the oil has been changed, and the tank is full.
Check weather forecasts in Salt Lake City and at your destination. Weather in Utah can be variable, so it’s good to be prepared for anything and pack appropriately. Have a traffic app downloaded and ask one of the passengers to check your route if there’s an accident or other traffic you want to avoid. And it’s always a good idea to have a first aid kit accessible, just in case.
Explore the Resort Town of Park City
Head to the other side of the Wasatch Range, just 33 miles from Salt Lake City, to find Park City, Utah. Park City is home to some of the best downhill skiing in the area, so this is an excellent option for a winter trip. During the summer, you can check out the hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails that twist through aspen groves, offering incredible views of the area’s mountains and lakes. There are even more scenic drives you can do from Park City, so your road trip doesn’t have to end there!
Go Back in Time in Historic Ogden
Ogden was Utah’s first settlement, and history buffs will be awed by its cultural museums, historical sites, and diverse architecture. You could even do a guided or self-guided tour of Ogden’s Historical 25th Street if you plan your trip right (guided tours depart on the first Friday of every month at 5:30 p.m.). However, if revisiting the past isn’t your thing, there’s still much to see in this quirky little town. From the Hill Aerospace Museum, to the New World Distillery, Peery’s Egyptian Theater, and IFly Utah and IRock Utah, there’s something for everyone in Ogden.
Float Like a Feather on the Great Salt Lake
Salt Lake City’s namesake, the Great Salt Lake, is the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere. There are many legends about this enormous salty water body, including rumors of a terrible monster living in its depths. But don’t let that scare you away, as it’s also one of the most popular destinations in Utah. Because the salinity is 12% on average, you’ll float effortlessly on the surface. It’s a unique and memorable experience. Plus, it’s just 20 minutes from downtown, so you can visit the lake while also taking time to explore its island, Antelope Island.Oh! Tha
Hit the Trails on Antelope Island
Antelope Island is a state park located on the Great Salt Lake. Photographers will be in awe of the incredible landscape and unbeatable sunrise or sunset images you can capture here. In addition, there’s an astonishing array of wildlife to see on the island, including bobcats, coyotes, deer, birds, and of course, antelope. If you decide to extend your day trip by an extra day, there are camping areas on the island. And this might be necessary — with hiking trails, horseback riding, swimming, birding, historical exhibits, and more to see, you might not want to leave after one day.
Stand in Wonder of the Bonneville Salt Flats
Stretching over 30,000 acres, the Bonneville Salt Flats are one of Utah’s most unique land features. White sand stretches in all directions, as far as the eye can see. You can take some incredible photos here, and during hot days heat waves rise from the sand, creating beautiful mirages. However, make sure to check the weather before you plan this specific road trip — temperatures at the flats can exceed 100 degrees during the summer, and in the winter can drop below freezing.
Soak Your Worries Away in Crystal Hot Springs
An hour away from Salt Lake City, you can slip into this natural soaking pool and melt your cares away. This is a top-rated destination for families, and there are multiple pools at Crystal Hot Springs for everyone to enjoy. You can visit these springs any time of year, but we recommend making this a winter road trip. What’s better than going from cold and snow straight into a hot pool? Probably not much!
Let Your Car Take You on an Epic Adventure
Salt Lake City is a starting point for some incredible road trips. From salt flats to a salt lake, going downtown to going down a trail, hearing about history or listening to the birds, there’s a destination for everyone from the City of Saints. We’ve listed our top day trips from Salt Lake City, but we know there are endless possibilities. We’d love to hear about your favorite adventure if we missed it here. Let us know!
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