Salt Lake City, also known as Salt Lake or the acronym SLC, is the capital of the state of Utah and the seat of Salt Lake County. The city was founded by the second president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Brigham Young back in 1847, and the city initially was a refuge from religious prosecution. The city is home to natural wonders such as the Bonneville Salt Flats and Grandeur Peak. It also opens its over 40 galleries to the public every 3rd Friday of each month, which gives art lovers the opportunity to browse through a great collection of artworks for free. Visit and book an Airbnb or hotel for accommodation. Then you have the nearby areas for more adventure. Planning your next weekend road trip from Salt Lake City? Continue reading about the best day trips from Salt Lake City, Utah.
1. Provo (from USD 72.0)
Provo is Utah’s third-largest city. It is famous for being home to Brigham Young University (BYU), and a great place for a day trip near Salt Lake City because it is just a 45-minute drive away. Brigham Young University isn’t the only place of interest here, because it is also home to the Utah Lake, Crandall Historical Printing Museum, Brigham Young University Museum of Art (MOA), and South Fork Park. Some of the best activities that you’ll enjoy here are horseback riding, cruising, mountain biking, rafting, and water sports, to list a few.
Provo: Private River Rafting Tour
Duration: 90 to 120 minutes
2. Eden
Eden is a census-designated place located in Weber County and is near some of the famous tourist attractions in Utah, such as the Powder Mountain ski resort, and Club Rec Tours And Rentals. If you’re looking for a place where you can buy souvenirs, head on to Simply Eden, a family-owned gift shop where you can buy local merchandise, soap, and other beauty products. If you want to relax, have a go at Free Spirit Holistic Mountain Spa where you can calm your tired soul with spa services such as massage, facials, and meditation class. Eden is 50 miles (81 kilometers) away from Salt Lake City, so it will take less than an hour to head there.
3. Cedar City
Of the many great places to visit near Salt Lake City, Cedar City makes for an exciting one. It is the biggest city in Iron County. It is about 250 miles (402.3 kilometers) from Salt Lake City and can be reached in about 3 hours and 30 minutes via car. It hosts some of Utah’s most famous events, such as the Utah Shakespeare Festival, Groovefest Music & Art Festival, as well as Cedar City Livestock & Heritage Festival. Some of the places you should hang around at are Frontier Homestead State Park Museum, Cascade Falls, and the Cedar Breaks National Monument to complete your trip to this glorious city.
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4. Fishlake National Forest
Named after the biggest freshwater lake in Utah, Fishlake National Forest is a great place to be if you’re fond of nature. It is situated in the Southern parts of Central Utah and is a great destination for people who love wildlife encounters because the chance of seeing animals such as coyotes, skunks, badgers, shrews and many more is high. So it’s best to have your binoculars, smartphones, or digicams in hand while exploring the space. Some of the activities you might want to do while you’re here are fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, and horseback riding. The forest is 115 miles (185 kilometers) away from Salt Lake City.
5. Mount Timpanogos (from USD 345.0)
Also known for its nickname, ‘Timp’, it is one of the highest mountains of the Wasatch Mountain Range. Its elevation gain reaches up to 11,752 feet (3,582 meters) and stands 7000-feet (2100 meters) high. If you decide to take on the most famous mountain in Utah, expect to see wildlife roaming out and about; wild mountain goats typically graze the area, so have your camera ready to snap anytime a mountain goat appears! The beauty of Mount Timpanogos is definitely worth the 72-mile (116 kilometers) drive from Utah.
Salt Lake City: Cottonwood Canyons Backcountry Ski Tour
Duration: 8.0 hour
6. Bonneville Salt Flats
Are you a couple visiting Salt Lake City for a romantic getaway? You must certainly consider exploring the Bonneville Salt Flats, which is a unique day trip option from Salt Lake City and is ideal for those looking to be mesmerized by nature. Located in western Utah, this vast expanse of white salt crust stretches for miles, providing a perfect setting for photography, as the endless white horizon creates stunning visual illusions.
The area is also known for its land-speed racing events, where high-performance vehicles attempt to break speed records on a perfectly flat surface. Visitors can witness these exhilarating races or even participate in them.
7. Brigham City
Brigham City offers a mix of history, outdoor beauty, and cultural attractions. Located in northern Utah, the city is surrounded by picturesque mountains and fertile valleys, creating a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities.
Visitors can explore the breathtaking beauty of the nearby Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, known for its diverse bird species and serene nature trails. The city itself is rich in history, with notable sites like the Brigham City Museum and the Box Elder Tabernacle, offering insights into the area’s pioneer heritage. Brigham City is renowned for its peaches, and during the summer months, visitors can indulge in the annual Peach Days festival, celebrating the region’s delicious fruit.
8. Ogden (from USD 26.0)
Ogden is the county seat of Weber County, 10 miles (16 kilometers) away from the Great Salt Lake. It is a great weekend destination especially if you’re fascinated by historic buildings. Some of the old buildings you can take a selfie at are Andrew J. Warner House, Egyptian Theater, Brigham Building, and Smyth Mansion. Some of the adventure activities that make Ogden a great weekend destination are rock climbing and zip-lining. If you love ice cream, pay a visit to the Farr Better Ice Cream shop. The travel time takes about 40 minutes via car, as the distance of Ogden from Salt Lake City is just 38.2 miles (61 kilometers).
Ogden Untamed
Duration: 1 hour
9. Antelope Island (from USD 95.0)
Antelope Island is one of the largest islands of the Great Salt Lake. It is located in the southeastern part of the famed lake. If you love to adore scenic views, then this Island is one of the best spots in Utah to be. Its northwest parts are home to Buffalo Point and White Rock Bay where you can satisfy your soul’s desire for peace. Besides its stunning sceneries, you can also enjoy hiking, swimming, and buffalo-watching. In a car, you can reach Antelope Island in less than two hours. It is 59 miles (95 kilometers) from Salt Lake City.
Private Day Tour: Antelope Island
Duration: 4 hours
10. Midway (from USD 22.0)
Once hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics, Midway is a city in the northwestern part of Wasatch County and is located near Heber City and Salt Lake City, which makes it very accessible if you would like to explore multiple nearing cities. Horseback riding is a popular tourist activity here, just as golfing, skiing, and snowmobiling are. Some of the most famous highlights of the city are the Wasatch Mountain State Park, Ice Castles, and Soldier Hollow Nordic Center. Midway is 46 miles (74 kilometers) from Salt Lake City, which is only less than an hour’s drive away.
Meet the Cows - Dairy Barn Tour
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
11. Grand Canyon (from USD 154.0)
Now, if you’re looking for a place far enough to be considered a long drive, then head to Grand Canyon which is by the Colorado River, Arizona. It’s a good 520 miles (836 kilometers) from Salt Lake City, and will make for an excellent road trip endgame destination! Now, why would you visit Grand Canyon? Aside from its stunning shape, experts say that it is more than 70 million years old and many pre-historic marine creature fossils have been found here. Some of the trails that you should visit here are North Rim Trail, Bright Angel Trail, North Kaibab Trail, and Havasu Falls.
Grand Canyon and Historic Homestead Tour from St George Utah
Duration: 10 hours
12. Heber City (from USD 105.0)
Heber City is located at the heart of Wasatch County, founded by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints back in the 1850s. It is famous for dairy farming and ranching. Some of the activities that tourists can enjoy in this city are fishing, hunting, and other outdoor sports. Some of the places of interest in Heber City are the Heber Valley Railroad, Deer Creek State Park, CAF Utah Wing Museum, Snake Creek Grill, and its most famous restaurant, Dairy Keen. The city is an ideal destination for a road trip because it is just less than an hour away from Salt Lake City, at just 45.2 miles (72.7 kilometers).
Park City, Artesian Cheese & Dairy Farm, Heber Valley & Crater Swim Half Day
Duration: 4 hours
13. Honeyville
While staying in a short-term rental in Salt Lake City, you can keep Honeyville in your itinerary of day tours around it. Honeyville is a city located in the eastern parts of Box Elder County. It is a great destination if you feel like soaking your body in a nice and warm hot spring because it is the home of Crystal Hot Springs. It is one of the most notable tourist attractions in Honeyville, which, according to experts, was once home to 450 or more generations of Native Americans. From Salt Lake City, you can reach the famed hot spring in about an hour, as it is just 67 miles (108 kilometers) away.
Explore Salt Lake City's neighbors
Don’t let the many things to do and the tourist attractions in Salt Lake City keep you from visiting its neighboring areas and cities. There are a ton of things to see beyond its borders! If you agree, then definitely pack up for the adventure of a lifetime. Explore Salt Lake City’s hiking and trekking spots, and then take a road trip to some of the abovementioned destinations.
Frequently asked questions about day trips from Salt Lake City
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