Salt Lake City is your ultimate launchpad for adventure—where snowy peaks, red rock wonders, and shimmering salt flats are all just a short drive away. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls in Provo Canyon, stargazing in the West Desert, or hiking to alpine lakes, these easy day trips from Salt Lake City deliver epic memories without the long haul.
Pro Tip: Book a cozy stay on CuddlyNest to recharge after your explorations—because every adventurer deserves a comfy home base!
P.S. Want to extend your Utah adventure? [Read our Salt Lake City to Arches National Park: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide!]
| Destination | Drive Time | Best Season | Highlights | Unique Feature | Stay Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mirror Lake Scenic Byway | 2 hours | June-Oct | • 20+ alpine lakes • Fishing & kayaking • Fall foliage |
Highest paved road in UT (10,687 ft) | Holiday Inn Express Kamas |
| Park City | 45 mins | Year-round | • Ski resorts • Historic Main St • Olympic Park |
Largest US ski resort + Sundance Film Festival | Montage Deer Valley |
| Bear Lake | 2.5 hours | June-Sept | • Turquoise waters • Raspberry shakes • Water sports |
“Caribbean of the Rockies” blue hue | Conestoga Ranch |
| Bonneville Salt Flats | 1.5 hours | May-Oct | • Land speed racing • Photography • Stargazing |
Flattest place on Earth (30,000 acres) | Super 8 Wendover |
| Antelope Island | 1 hour | Spring/Fall | • Bison herds • Saltwater floating • Hiking trails |
Best wildlife viewing near SLC | DoubleTree Suites |
Pro Tip: All recommended stays are available on CuddlyNest – book your perfect adventure basecamp today!
Quick Comparison: Shortest Drive • Most Unique • Best for Families • Top Photography • Winter Pick • Summer Pick
1. Mirror Lake Scenic Byway – Alpine Paradise in the Uinta Mountains
Drive Time: 2 hours | Cost: $6 vehicle fee | Best Season: June-October
How to Get There: Take I-80 East to Exit 146 (Kamas/Park City), then follow UT-248 north through Kamas. Continue on Mirror Lake Highway (UT-150) – the scenic byway begins here and winds 42 miles through the Uinta Mountains to Mirror Lake.
The Mirror Lake Scenic Byway is hands-down one of Utah’s most breathtaking drives, winding through the stunning Uinta Mountains to reach pristine alpine lakes. This 42-mile scenic route takes you past:
- Mirror Lake – Perfect for fishing, kayaking, and reflection photography
- Over 20 crystal-clear mountain lakes
- Hiking trails ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry adventures
- Spectacular fall colours in September
What Makes It Special: The highest paved road in Utah, reaching 10,687 feet elevation with panoramic views of the Wasatch Range and endless mountain vistas.
Stay Nearby: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kamas offers comfortable accommodations with mountain views. Don’t wait – secure your mountain getaway on CuddlyNest for the best rates and availability!
2. Park City – Year-Round Adventure Hub
Drive Time: 45 minutes | Cost: Free to explore downtown | Best Time: Year-round
How to Get There: Take I-80 East for 28 miles to Exit 145 (Park City). Follow UT-224 south for 4 miles directly into downtown Park City. Alternative scenic route: Take UT-65 through Parleys Canyon for mountain views.
In the summer, Park City is a hiking and mountain biking haven, and in the winter, it is a world-class ski destination. This quaint mountain town provides:
- Historic Main Street with art galleries, boutique shopping, and dining
- Sundance Film Festival venue (January)
- Epic skiing at Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley
- Summer activities: hiking, mountain biking, alpine slides
- Utah Olympic Park – tour the 2002 Winter Olympics facilities
What Makes It Special: Home to the largest ski resort in the US and host city for numerous international events, maintaining its small-town charm while offering world-class amenities.
Stay Nearby: Montage Deer Valley provides luxury accommodations with ski-in/ski-out access. Book your Park City escape on CuddlyNest and experience mountain luxury at its finest!
3. Bear Lake State Park – “Caribbean of the Rockies”
Drive Time: 2.5 hours | Cost: $10 day-use fee | Best Season: June-September
How to Get There: Take I-15 North to I-84 East toward Idaho. Continue on I-84 for 55 miles to Exit 42 (UT-30 toward Randolph). Follow UT-30 north for 45 miles through Logan Canyon – one of Utah’s most scenic drives – then continue to Bear Lake.
Bear Lake’s brilliant turquoise waters create a stunning contrast against the surrounding mountains, earning its nickname as the “Caribbean of the Rockies.” This natural wonder offers:
- Swimming in surprisingly warm waters (for a mountain lake!)
- Boating and water sports on the pristine lake
- Fishing for the famous Bear Lake cutthroat trout
- Camping at multiple state park locations
- Famous raspberry shakes from local stands
- Nature walks and wildlife viewing opportunities
What Makes It Special: The lake’s unique limestone-suspended sediments create its distinctive Caribbean-blue color, making it one of the most photographed destinations in the region and a great place for summer activities.
Stay Nearby: Conestoga Ranch offers rustic charm with lake views.
4. Bonneville Salt Flats – Otherworldly Desert Experience
Drive Time: 1.5 hours west | Cost: Free | Best Time: May-October
How to Get There: Take I-80 West for 110 miles to Exit 4 (Bonneville Speedway). The salt flats are immediately visible from the interstate. Park at the rest area and walk onto the flats, or continue to the Bonneville Speedway for organised events.
The Bonneville Salt Flats offer a surreal landscape that feels like stepping onto another planet. This unique destination features:
- 30,000 acres of crystalline salt formations stretching to the horizon
- Land speed racing events throughout summer months
- Photography paradise with endless white horizons and unique landscape
- Sunset and sunrise viewing opportunities with unobstructed 360-degree views
- Racing history – home to numerous world land speed records
- Complete silence and vast open spaces unlike anywhere else
What Makes It Special: This remnant of ancient Lake Bonneville creates one of the flattest surfaces on Earth, where you can see the curvature of the planet and experience the ultimate in natural beauty and solitude.
Stay Nearby: Super 8 by Wyndham Wendover provides comfortable accommodations on the Nevada border.
5. Antelope Island State Park – Great Salt Lake’s Hidden Gem
Drive Time: 1 hour | Cost: $10 per vehicle | Best Time: Year-round (avoid summer heat)
How to Get There: Take I-15 North to Exit 332 (Antelope Drive). Follow Antelope Drive west for 7 miles to the park entrance. Cross the 7-mile causeway to reach the island – enjoy stunning views of the Great Salt Lake and Wasatch Mountains during the drive.
Antelope Island provides the perfect introduction to the Great Salt Lake while offering diverse wildlife viewing and outdoor activities:
- American bison herd – over 500 bison roam freely across the island
- Antelope, bighorn sheep, and coyotes wildlife viewing opportunities
- Hiking trails with breathtaking vistas of the lake and Wasatch Mountains
- Floating in the ultra-salty waters of Great Salt Lake (bring fresh water for rinsing!)
- Visitor center with exhibits about the lake’s ecology and island history
- Photography opportunities with dramatic landscapes and wildlife
What Makes It Special: This 42-square-mile island offers the best wildlife viewing in northern Utah while providing stunning panoramic views across the Great Salt Lake, making it a great option for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Stay Nearby: DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel provides comfortable accommodations with easy island access.
Plan Like a Pro: Essential Tips for Your Salt Lake City Day Trips
Best Time to Visit Salt Lake City for Day Trips
- Spring (April-May): Wildflowers bloom, mild temps (ideal for Antelope Island & Park City)
- Summer (June-Aug): Peak season for alpine lakes (Mirror Lake) & Bear Lake swimming
- Fall (Sept-Oct): Stunning foliage in Provo Canyon & Uintas, fewer crowds
- Winter (Nov-Mar): Ski season in Park City, surreal snowscapes at Salt Flats
Pro Tip: Avoid July-August midday heat at Antelope Island—visit at sunrise/sunset for wildlife and cooler temps!
Hidden Gems Near Each Destination
- Near Mirror Lake: Stop at Provo River Falls (15 mins off the highway)
- Near Park City: Guardsman Pass Scenic Backway (free, epic views)
- Near Bear Lake: Minnetonka Cave (1-hour detour, 9-room limestone cave)
- Near Salt Flats: Silver Island Mountains (surreal blue-hued hills)
- Near Antelope Island: Spiral Jetty (infamous land-art sculpture)
Kid-Friendly/Day Trip Hacks for Families
- Best for Kids: Bear Lake (shallow waters), Park City alpine slides, Antelope Island bison safari
- Snack Stops: Beehive Grill in Logan (en route to Bear Lake) and Swanny Park in Park City (picnic-friendly)
- Car Entertainment: Download the “GuideAlong” app for audio tours of scenic drives
Safety Tips for Utah Adventures
- Altitude Sickness: Hydrate 2x more than usual in the Uintas (10,000+ ft elevation)
- Salt Flats Warning: Don’t drive on wet salt (can trap vehicles)
- Wildlife: Stay 100+ ft from bison at Antelope Island
- Cell Service: Download offline maps (no service in Mirror Lake area)
Critical Note: The Salt Flats can disorient you—bring a compass and mark your car’s location!
Wrap Up Your Adventure & Rest Easy!
You’ve got the ultimate day trip game plan—now all that’s left is to hit the road and make memories! Whether you’re kayaking on Mirror Lake, snapping pics on the Salt Flats, or hunting for bison on Antelope Island, Utah’s adventures are calling your name.
But let’s be real—every explorer needs a cozy nest to crash in after a day of epic sights. Skip the boring hotel chains and book a unique stay on CuddlyNest instead! Think:
- Rustic cabins near Park City (hot tub included, obviously)
- Lakefront retreats steps from Bear Lake’s turquoise waters
- Desert-chic spots for stargazing after Salt Flats adventures
Your perfect home base is just a click away! [Book Now on CuddlyNest] and wake up refreshed for round two.
Pro Tip: Pack your sense of adventure—we’ll handle the comfy beds!
FAQs For Day Trips From Salt Lake City
1. Are these day trips pet-friendly?
It varies! Dogs are allowed at Bear Lake (on leash) and Mirror Lake Scenic Byway (in National Forest areas), but Antelope Island restricts pets due to wildlife. Always check park rules before bringing furry friends.
2. What’s the best day trip for seniors or limited mobility?
Park City’s Main Street is wheelchair-friendly with shops/dining, while Bonneville Salt Flats offers flat, accessible walking. Mirror Lake has some paved viewpoints but limited trails.
3. Where can I rent equipment (kayaks, bikes, etc.) near these spots?
- Bear Lake: Rent boats/jet skis at Bear Lake Fun
- Park City: Try Jans Mountain Outfitters for bikes
- Mirror Lake: Bring your own gear—no rentals nearby!
4. Are there guided tours available for these day trips?
Yes! Park City has historic walking tours, Antelope Island offers ranger-led wildlife programs, and Bonneville has speedway event tours (seasonal). DIY options are plentiful too.
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