Top 10 Day Trips From Park City, Utah - Updated 2024

day trips from park city utah
Louise
Louise 
Updated
| 5 min read

There is more to Park City than just being a popular venue for the Sundance Film Festival. This beautiful city in Utah has diverse attractions, catering to almost all types of travelers, not just film enthusiasts. Vacationers visiting during the winter season will have plenty of fun at Deer Valley Resort and Park City Mountain. For history buffs, Park City Museum is a destination that cannot be missed. On the other hand, art lovers will admire the contemporary exhibits at Julie Nester Gallery. If you are into city walks and food trips, the bustling and vibrant Main Street is the perfect place for you. After fun-filled days in Park City, you might be interested in embarking on exciting day trips to surrounding areas to maximize your holiday in Utah. If you need help planning an itinerary, browse through this list of top day trips from Park City, Utah.

1. Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Pasteur used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Located 22 mi (35 km) away from Park City, about 40 minutes away by car, Salt Lake City is definitely an ideal day trip destination for globe trotters visiting the stunning mountain city. The city is not only famed for hosting the Winter Olympic Games but also has other attractions for all types of visitors. Museum-goers can check out the fascinating exhibits at the Natural History Museum of Utah, while families with kids can discover the diverse animal species at Hogle Zoo.

If you are into art, University of Utah’s Utah Museum of Fine Arts should be on your itinerary. Additionally, nature lovers will enjoy breathing in some fresh air at Red Butte Garden.

Salt Lake City

Address: Salt Lake County, Utah, United States

Website: Visit Salt Lake City

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2. Sundance Mountain Resort

Sundance Mountain Resort
Source: Photo by Flickr user Ken Lund used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Less than an hour’s drive from Park City can take you to Sundance Mountain Resort, set on the foothills of Mount Timpanogos. This hotel, once owned by a renowned actor, spoils guests with 4-star amenities, giving them a feel of the celebrity lifestyle. Rooms here feature charming rustic-chic design, and world-class dining options await discerning diners.

Guests can also indulge in wellness packages, as well as Alpine adventures. You can sign up for zip tours, horseback riding, scenic lift rides, and more.

Sundance Mountain Resort

Address: 8841 Alpine Loop Scenic Byway, Sundance, UT 84604, United States

Star Rating: 4 Star

Travelers Review: Excellent 4.6(from 4969 reviews)

Book Now

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3. Provo

Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah
Source: Photo by Flickr user Ken Lund used under CC BY-SA 2.0

From stunning natural wonders to must-visit man-made attractions, the beautiful city of Provo has plenty of exciting things in store for its visitors. You can hike the scenic trails of Provo Canyon and check out the majestic Bridal Veil Falls on the southern end of the canyon. These attractions are outside city limits. If you wish to stay within the city, you can dive into Provo’s rich history at BYU’s Museum of Peoples and Cultures and breeze through Brigham Young University Museum of Art’s exhibits. Apart from shopping and dining, downtown Provo is home to Covey Center for the Arts, as well.

If you’re visiting during the warm seasons, you can beat the summer heat with your loved ones at the family-friendly Splash Summit Waterpark.

Provo

Address: Utah County, Utah, United States

Website: Visit Provo

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4. Thanksgiving Point

Thanksgiving Point
Source: Photo by Flickr user Jim Moore used under CC BY 2.0

Situated in Lehi, Thanksgiving Point is a family-friendly destination, offering an outdoor farm, museums, entertainment, and a lot of exciting activities. It is home to Museum of Ancient Life and Museum of Natural Curiosity. The 50-ac (20.2-ha) Ashton Gardens offers not only dreamy vegetation but fascinating life-size dinosaur exhibits, as well. During the summer season, the fun Outdoor Movie Series takes place in the garden. Don’t forget to check out the Butterfly Biosphere on your visit.

If you’re coming over in September, you may be just in time for the annual Timpanogos Storytelling Festival.

Thanksgiving Point

Address: 3003 N Thanksgiving Way, Lehi, UT 84043, United States

Website: Thanksgiving Point

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 8pm (closed on Sun)

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5. Fly fishing in Midway (from USD 260.0)

For outdoor enthusiasts, this exciting fly-fishing adventure by Viator might pique your interest. It takes place in Midway, within an hour’s drive from Park City and Salt Lake City. Catch-and-release fishing lessons and all fishing equipment will be included in the tour package. This private tour experience only lasts five hours, and clients can level it up into a whole-day event with lunch.

The best part about this experience is that it is suited for both beginners and expert anglers. Since it is a private activity, you get to interact and have fun with only your travel buddies.

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Salt Lake City Private Guided Fly Fishing Tour

Duration: 5 hours

20 reviews

6. Big Cottonwood Canyon

Big Cottonwood Canyon
Source: Photo by Flickr user Ken Lund used under CC BY-SA 2.0

If you’re vacationing during the winter season, you can not miss a chance to check out Big Cottonwood Canyon, set in the majestic Wasatch Range. Home to Solitude Mountain Resort and Brighton Resort, it is a mecca for winter sports enthusiasts. If your visit falls during the warmer seasons, you can plan memorable picnics at Ledgemere Picnic Area, Birches Picnic Area, or Storm Mountain Picnic Area, which also comes with rock climbing activities.

Mineral Fork, Donut Falls, and Silver Lakes offer scenic hiking trails for nature lovers, while Wasatch Crest Trail is the perfect place for mountain biking.

Big Cottonwood Canyon

Address: Utah, United States

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7. Mirror Lake

Mirror Lake
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Miguel del Fuego used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Nestled in the picturesque Uinta Mountains, Mirror Lake is a gorgeous natural wonder acknowledged for its crystal-clear waters. It is also a popular fishing destination where you can put your angling skills to the test. It boasts an abundance of tiger, brook, and rainbow trouts.

You can post up at Forest Service campground, which offers lake access, picnic facilities, and restrooms, or Mirror Lake Campground - which features a large number of campsites. You may also indulge in hiking by the picturesque lake or enjoying non-motorized water activities.

Mirror Lake

Address: Uinta Mountains, Utah

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8. Antelope Island State Park

Antelope Island State Park
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user m01229 used under CC BY-SA 2.0

A playground for nature lovers and outdoorsy travelers, Antelope Island State Park offers incomparable natural beauty with rich wildlife and spectacular views of Great Salt Lake. From camping areas to a marina, it has great facilities waiting for visitors. Sun-seekers will enjoy plenty of sunshine and watersports at Bridger Bay Beach. Hiking and horseback-riding opportunities are in store for you, as well.

For tourists who are into camping, you can consider staying at Bridger Bay Campground, White Rock Bay Campground, or Lakeside Group Campsite.

Antelope Island State Park

Address: Davis County, Utah, United States

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9. Fifth Water Hot Springs

Spring is right around the corner, but we'll stick to hot springs until then. #Utah #hotsprings : @morganconolly http://bit.ly/fifthwater

Posted by Utah.com on Saturday, March 7, 2020

An adventure for thrill-seekers, Fifth Water Hot Springs is nestled along Fifth Water Creek, benefitting from the waters of Diamond Fork River. To reach these enchanting waters, you can tread the Three Forks Trailhead or the Rays Valley Road, which follows a stream that leads to the main attractions.

Three scenic waterfalls await at the end of the trails, as well as some hot springs. Despite the presence of sulfur, the waters here are clear and pleasant to soak in.

Fifth Water Hot Springs

Address: Diamond Fork Rd, Springville, UT 84663, United States

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10. Ogden

Ogden
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Scott Catron used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Proximate to Nordic Valley Ski Resort, Powder Mountain, and Snowbasin Resort, the scenic city of Ogden is worth a visit. It is packed with family-friendly attractions, and one of the most popular among them is Ogden’s George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park. Offering interactive exhibits, a museum, and formidable massive dinosaur replicas, this destination will surely excite the kids.

You can also swing by the scenic Ogden Nature Center, which offers scenic nature walks and community programs.

Ogden

Address: Utah, United States

Website: Ogden

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Enjoy your getaway to Utah

Park City is a gorgeous tourist destination one must explore. If you have more time on your hands, be sure to check out nearby attractions, as well, for a more memorable getaway in Utah. Use this list of the top day trips from Park City as your guide in curating a fantastic itinerary.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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She is a lover of life and a very optimistic person. She thinks of herself as a vessel of a billion possibilities, which can harness limitless potential. Trying new experiences, going places she's...Read more

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