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Salt Lake City is a great place to live, but sometimes you need to get away from the city for a weekend. There are many great weekend getaways within a few hours of Salt Lake City. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best weekend trips that you can take from Salt Lake City. Whether you are looking for a relaxing weekend in the mountains, an adventure-filled weekend in Southern Utah or something outside the state, we have you covered!

Map of the Best Weekend Getaways from Salt Lake City

Best Weekend Trips from Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a great place to start a road trip. The city is centrally located and offers easy access to some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. Utah’s mountains and national parks are just a short drive away, and there are plenty of activities and attractions to keep you busy along the way. Here are a few of our favorite weekend road trips from Salt Lake City:

The first option is to head south into Utah’s canyon country. This area is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the state, with red rock cliffs, river canyons, and sandstone arches. There are also plenty of hiking and camping trails, as well as rafting and kayaking opportunities on the area’s many rivers and lakes.

Another great option is to drive east into the Wasatch Mountains. The mountains offer amazing views, world-class skiing, and plenty of outdoor activities year-round. You can also explore some of Utah’s historic mining towns, or visit one of the many state parks in the area. If you want to get out of the state, you could head north to Twin Falls, Jackson Hole, and more.

We are going to detail each of these options are more in this post. No matter what you choose, there’s no doubt that Utah offers some incredible scenery and endless possibilities for weekend road trips. So get in your car and hit the open road – you won’t regret it!

Get Ready for your Trip

If you’re thinking about taking a weekend road trip from Salt Lake City, there are a few things you need to consider first. First, do you want to drive or fly? If you decide to fly, you’ll need to choose a destination. If you want to drive, you’ll need to decide how far you want to travel. And finally, make sure to pack everything you’ll need for the trip.

Once you’ve decided how you’re getting there, you need to decide how far you want to travel. If you’re driving, make sure your car is in good condition and packed with everything you’ll need for the trip. If you’re flying, make sure to book your flight well in advance and pack everything you’ll need in your carry-on bag. This post will focus on weekend getaways from Salt Lake City that you can drive to and they are listed by distance from Salt Lake City.

Finally, make sure to pack everything you’ll need for the trip. This includes items like clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and snacks. Many of these weekend trips from Salt Lake City are outdoors-focused. So you will want to pack hiking clothes and boots and camping gear. And don’t forget your camera! You’ll want to capture all the memories of your road trip.

Park City

Park City, Utah is a beautiful mountain destination, and it is the perfect spot if you are not looking to travel far on your weekend trip from Salt Lake City. This is a popular ski resort town, with three world-class ski resorts located in the town boundaries. Park City is also the best place to ski in Utah if you have the epic pass. Check out this post for specific Utah ski resort recommendations. If you’re not into skiing, there are plenty of other things to do in Park City as well. If it is winter, you can go snow tubing, cross country skiing, or hiking in the winter.

There are also plenty of great restaurants and bars in town, as well as a lively main street with shops and historic buildings. There are also many hiking and biking trails in the area, as well as Jordanelle State Park, which offers great fishing and boating opportunities.

Herber Valley

Located just 45 minutes away from Salt Lake City, the Herber Valley is one of the best weekend trips from Salt Lake City if you enjoy hiking, mountain biking, fishing, cross-country skiing, and a wide variety of water sports.

After all, you can go skiing at either Wasatch Mountain State Park or Soldier Hollow in the winter before heading to the Provo River to do a bit of fishing and kayaking during the warmer months.

Plus, you always go hiking through the area surrounding the Provo River before doing a bit of mountain biking among the trails at Coyote Canyon and Dutch Hollow.

Whatever you do, though, don’t leave Herber Valley without spending the night at Homestead Resort with it’s amazing geothermal swimming area.

Midway

Midway, Utah is a great place for a weekend trip from Salt Lake City. It’s located just under an hour from Salt Lake City so it’s close enough to be convenient but also far enough away that you feel like you’re getting away. One of the best things to do in Midway is visit the Ice Castles. These are a series of man-made ice structures that are absolutely beautiful. They’re definitely worth checking out if you’re in the area in the winter.

Another must-see attraction in Midway year-round is Homestead Crater. This is an extinct volcano that has been turned into a geothermal hot tub. It’s the perfect place to relax after a long day of sightseeing. Midway also has an adorable main street with some great restaurants that you should check out while you are there.

Vernal

Just under three hours away from Salt Lake City is Vernal, a highly underrated city in Utah that is brimming over with fun things for families to do.

Therefore, this spot in the Northeastern part of the state easily tops this list of the best weekend trips from Salt Lake City.

In fact, while you’re here you can hunt for dinosaur fossils in the 210,000-acre, Dinosaur National Monument before heading to Fantasy Canyon to get photos of some of the most unique sandstone rock formations in the world.

Next, hunt for well-preserved dinosaur footprints at Red Fleet State Park before relaxing on the beach and enjoying the local reservoir.

Finally, do a bit of hiking and camping in Ashley National Forest and then visit the McConkie Ranch Petroglyphs.

Because, unlike places like Moab, there are no insane crowds to contend with in Vernal, Utah.

Uinta Mountains

If you’re looking for a great outdoor adventure to take on the weekend, look no further than the Uinta Mountains. Located a little more than an hour outside of Salt Lake City, these mountains offer plenty of opportunities for camping, hiking, and backpacking. One of the best ways to enjoy the Uintas is to drive the Mirror Lake Highway. This scenic route takes you past picturesque lakes and alpine meadows by the main feature – Mirror Lake.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even hike or backpack on the many trails in this area. One of the bucket list things to do in the Uintas is to hike or backpack to the top of Kings Peak, the tallest mountain in Utah. The trail is almost 30 miles long and over 5,000 ft of elevation gain so it is quiet the undertaking.

If it is wintertime, Mirror Lake Highway will close. You can consider snowmobiling or cross country skiing in the Uinta Mountains at this time. No matter what you choose to do, you’re sure to have a great time in the Uintas!

Sun Valley

Looking for an awesome mountain getaway that is under five hours away from Salt Lake City? If so then Sun Valley is the place for you.

And that’s mainly because Sun Valley, Idaho is an awe-inspiring resort town that is home to world-class ski areas like Bald Mountain and Dollar Mountain.

Although, truth be told, Dollar Mountain is home to slightly less intense slopes that are perfect for skiers with limited experience.

However, Sun Valley is not just a winter destination for people who love skiing, ice skating, tubing, and sleigh rides.

In fact, this epic city is home to a ton of hiking trails, horseback riding areas, kayaking spots, and wildflower-filled meadows filled that are best enjoyed in the summer.

So, if you love the warmer weather then be sure to visit the Trail Creek and Fox Creek area since you can access treks that will take you to the summit of Proctor Mountain.

You can also explore the epic Sawtooth National Forest as you make the most of one of the best weekend getaways from Salt Lake City.

Bear Lake

Bear Lake is a popular summer weekend getaway spot for those living in or around Salt Lake City. Located just a little over two hours away, Bear Lake offers beautiful scenery, fun activities, and delicious food. The color of the water at Bear Lake will make you feel like you have been transported to another country.

The clear blue water, surrounded by mountains, is a perfect backdrop for a day of boating, fishing, hiking, and swimming. In addition, there are several restaurants and shops in the area that are worth checking out. And be sure to try a raspberry milkshake from the Bear Lake Raspberry Shake Shack – they’re legendary!

If you’re looking for a place to camp overnight, the Bear Lake State Park is a great option. The park has plenty of campsites as well as shower and restroom facilities. It’s also a great place to explore the natural beauty of Bear Lake.

Lake Powell

Straddling the border between Arizona and Utah, Lake Powell’s Bullfrog Marina is a long, 5-hour drive from Salt Lake City.

But, this mega drive is worth it since Lake Powell is one of the most famous bodies of water in the country.

In fact, this artificial reservoir sits on the Colorado River and covers an area of 254 square miles.

It’s also a place that is visited by two million people annually – visitors who want to enjoy the lake’s 90 different sandstone side canyons and incredible coves.

Additionally, visitors can rent a motorboat and explore the area that way. Alternatively, you can hop in a kayak or canoe and go for a bit of an adventure. Just be careful since the waves can get pretty big on windy days.

Alternatively, you can always rent a houseboat and spend the night on the lake as you take in the stunning natural beauty all around you.

Twin Falls

If you’re looking for a fun weekend trip from Salt Lake City, Twin Falls is a great option. It is just over 3 hours away from Salt Lake City. There’s plenty of things to do in Twin Falls, from exploring the Snake River Canyon to checking out the local hot springs. But if you’re looking for an adventure, Twin Falls is also home to some world-class BASE jumping and skydiving sites.

The Twin Falls Evel Knievel Jump Site commemorates the failed jump attempt of iconic daredevil, Evel Knievel. On September 8, 1974, Knievel attempted to jump the Snake River Canyon on a rocket-powered motorcycle but crashed about halfway across. Although he survived the jump, his reputation did not. Today, the Jump Site is a popular tourist attraction in Twin Falls, with a museum and gift shop on site.

Twin Falls also has a variety of restaurants and bars, as well as a theater and a few shopping options. If you’re looking for a fun and affordable weekend getaway, Twin Falls is definitely worth checking out!

Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park is a great place to visit for a weekend trip from Salt Lake City. It is just under 3.5 hours away from Salt Lake City. This park is the least popular of the Utah Mighty Five national parks, but it is full of hidden gems.

There are lots of things to see and do, including beautiful scenic drives, hiking trails and slot canyons, and the orchards at Fruita. You can also do the Cathedral Valley off-road drive and take in the incredible scenery.

Flaming Gorge

Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area is located in northeastern Utah and southwestern Wyoming. It is just under a 3.5-hour drive from Salt Lake City and one of the best places to visit in Utah that isn’t a national park. The area offers stunning scenery, including the red rocks of the canyon and the green waters of the gorge.

Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, camping, and more. One of the must-see attractions in the area is Red Canyon Overlook, which offers beautiful views of the canyon below. Boating on Flaming Gorge Reservoir is lovely. This is where visitors can enjoy fishing, swimming, and boating.

Goblin Valley State Park

One of the best state parks in Utah, Goblin Valley State Park is home to an otherworldly landscape of goblins, hoodoos, and strange rock formations. This park is 3.5 hours from Salt Lake City. The best way to explore the park is on foot, and there are plenty of hiking trails to choose from. The park is home to the Goblin’s Lair, a unique rock formation that looks like a castle.

For those looking for a more unique experience, the park also offers overnight stays in yurts. Nestled in the red rocks, the yurts offer a cozy place to rest after a long day of exploring. With its dramatic landscapes and variety of things to do, Goblin Valley State Park is a must-visit for any Utah traveler.

Moab

Just over 3.5 hours south of Salt Lake City, Moab, Utah is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway. This small desert town is surrounded by some of the most beautiful and unique landscapes in the country. Canyonlands National Park, Arches National Park, and Dead Horse Point State Park are all within a short drive of Moab, making it the perfect basecamp for exploring the area.

In addition to being home to some of the most stunning scenery in the country, Moab is also a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. With miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as opportunities for rafting, four-wheeling, ATV-ing and rock climbing, there is something for everyone in Moab. So whether you’re looking to relax in nature or explore some new terrain, Moab is the perfect place for your next weekend getaway. Check out this post for a complete Salt Lake City to Moab road trip itinerary.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is a great place to visit if you’re looking for some stunning scenery. The park is located in southern Utah, and a perfect weekend getaway from Salt Lake City as it is just under 4 hours away.

Bryce Canyon is known for its unique geology, with red rock formations and hoodoos that have been carved out by the wind and rain over millions of years. Bryce Canyon National Park is higher elevation than the surrounding area making it a cooler spot to visit on your Southwest road trip itinerary.

There are plenty of hiking trails to explore, as well as opportunities to go horseback riding, camping, and stargazing. Bryce Canyon is a beautiful place that should not be missed.

Great Basin National Park

Just about 4 hours away, Great Basin National Park is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway from Salt Lake City. The park offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, from hiking and camping to stargazing and cave exploring.

Lehman caves are a must-see – the spectacular stalactites and stalagmites are sure to impress. For those looking for a challenge, hiking to the top of Wheeler Peak is a great way to get some exercise and take in the stunning views. And at night, the dark sky above Great Basin National Park is perfect for stargazing – you might even spot a shooting star!

Whether you’re looking for adventure or just want to relax in the beauty of nature, Great Basin National Park is the perfect place to spend a few days.

Zion National Park

For outdoor enthusiasts, Zion National Park is a must-visit destination and it is arguably the best national park in Utah. Located over 4 hours from Salt Lake City, Zion offers visitors the chance to hike, bike, and climb through some of the most stunning scenery in the country.

The park is home to Angels Landing, one of the most popular hiking trails in the country, as well as the Narrows, a slot canyon that is perfect for exploring. In addition, Zion is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep who live among the cliffs and canyons. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or a leisurely stroll, Zion National Park has something to offer everyone.

Jackson Hole

If you’re looking for a quick getaway from Salt Lake City, consider heading to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Just a 4.5 hours drive away, Jackson Hole is home to Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. Grand Teton National Park is known for its majestic mountains and abundant wildlife, while Yellowstone is home to some of the world’s most iconic geothermal features.

In addition to the national parks, Jackson Hole is also home to the Jackson Hole Ski Resort, which offers world-class skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, ice climbing and snowshoeing. With so much to do, it’s no wonder that Jackson Hole is one of the most popular winter destinations in the United States. Whether you’re looking to explore the great outdoors or hit the slopes, Jackson Hole is an ideal destination for a weekend getaway.

Weekend Trips from Salt Lake City

For outdoor enthusiasts, Salt Lake City is the perfect jumping off point for weekend adventures. Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Great Basin National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and Grand Teton National Park are all within driving distance. The nearby Uinta Mountains offer endless opportunities for hiking, camping, and fishing.

Closer to home, Park City is a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders, and the Goblin Valley State Park is perfect for exploring Utah’s unique geology. And lastly if you have more time, consider a Salt Lake City to Las Vegas road trip. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend getaway or an adrenaline-fueled adventure, there’s no shortage of options for weekend trips from Salt Lake City. Are you located in Salt Lake City? Where are you taking your first weekend trip from Salt Lake City?

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