10 Easy Road Trips From Salt Lake City You’ll Actually Want to Take
If you live in
Salt Lake City, Utah, you already know there’s plenty to do in town. But sometimes you just need to hit the road, roll the windows down, and see what’s beyond the
Salt Lake County line.
The good news? Within about 30–90 minutes, you can reach mountain resorts, quiet lakes, hot springs, old mining towns, and some surprisingly good food. These out-of-county road trips are perfect for a Saturday escape, a low-key date, or a mini family adventure.
All of the ideas below are
outside Salt Lake County but still close enough for an easy day trip. Let’s dive in.
1. Antelope Island State Park (Davis County)
Looking for wide-open space and wildlife without driving all day?
Antelope Island State Park sits in the middle of the
Great Salt Lake, just north of Salt Lake City in
Davis County.
You’ll cross a long causeway over the water to get there. On the other side, it suddenly feels like you’re in the middle of the desert West.
- Drive time from Salt Lake City: About 45–60 minutes
- Best for: Wildlife, easy hikes, sunsets, photography
- County: Davis County, UT
Things to do:
- Look for wild bison, antelope, and coyotes along the main road.
- Hike the short trail to Buffalo Point for panoramic views.
- Walk the beach and watch the sunset over the Great Salt Lake.
- Bring a picnic and enjoy the quiet—cell service can be spotty, which is kind of the point.
Pro tip: The bugs can be intense in late spring and early summer. Pack bug spray and maybe a light long-sleeve shirt.
2. Historic Farmington & Lagoon Area (Davis County)
If you’re in the mood for a classic “small town plus fun stuff” kind of day, head to
Farmington in Davis County. Most people only think of Lagoon, but the area has more to offer.
- Drive time: Around 25–35 minutes from Salt Lake City
- Best for: Families, date night, easy food-and-fun day
Ideas for your Farmington trip:
- Spend the day at Lagoon Amusement Park (seasonal) if you want rides and roller coasters.
- Stroll around Station Park, an outdoor shopping and dining area with a fountain show and mountain views.
- Drive the backroads east toward the mountains for a quiet scenic cruise.
If you have younger kids, this is an easy win: rides, treats, and short drive home when everyone is tired.
3. Morgan Valley & East Canyon (Morgan County)
Want a drive that feels peaceful and a little bit old-fashioned? Head toward
Morgan County, northeast of Salt Lake City. It’s ranch country: green fields, rolling hills, and the
Weber River winding through.
- Drive time: 45–60 minutes
- Best for: Scenic driving, laid-back exploring, river views
- County: Morgan County, UT
What to do in Morgan Valley:
- Follow I-84 and exit toward Morgan; wander the small downtown and grab a snack.
- Continue to East Canyon Reservoir (on the Morgan/Summit side) for paddling, fishing, or a simple lakeside walk.
- Bring a camp chair and just sit by the water. Sometimes the best “activity” is doing nothing at all.
On a clear summer evening, the light over the hills here is incredible—soft, golden, and very “postcard Utah.”
4. Park City’s Old Town & Main Street (Summit County)
Yes, Park City is well-known and a bit touristy—but there’s a reason. Just over the pass from Salt Lake City in
Summit County, it’s one of the easiest mountain getaways around.
- Drive time: 30–45 minutes via I-80
- Best for: Shopping, dining, strolling, quick mountain escape
Park City highlights:
- Walk Main Street and pop into galleries, boutiques, and coffee shops.
- Ride the free trolley up and down the street if your legs need a break.
- Check out local restaurants—there’s everything from casual pizza to upscale spots.
- In summer, look for outdoor concerts and farmers markets.
If you’re coming from hot summer in Salt Lake City, Park City often feels a few degrees cooler, which makes patio dining especially tempting.
5. Guardsman Pass & Midway Loop (Summit & Wasatch Counties)
If you want a classic Utah mountain drive with views that make you say “wow” out loud, add
Guardsman Pass and the
Midway area to your list. You’ll pass from Summit County into Wasatch County, trading ski-town vibes for Swiss-style charm.
- Drive time: About 1–1.5 hours from Salt Lake City (depending on route)
- Best for: Scenic driving, fall colors, photography
- Counties: Summit County & Wasatch County, UT
How to do this loop:
- Drive to Park City, then head up Guardsman Pass (summer and early fall only; road is closed in winter).
- Stop at overlooks for sweeping views of the Wasatch mountains.
- Drop down into Midway in Wasatch County, with its farms and chalet-style buildings.
- From Midway, loop back through Heber and return to Salt Lake City via Provo Canyon or back through Parley’s.
In late September and early October, this drive explodes with yellow and orange aspen trees. If you love fall photography, this is your spot.
6. Jordanelle State Park & Heber Valley (Wasatch County)
If you like combining water, mountains, and small-town charm in a single day, head to
Wasatch County. The
Jordanelle Reservoir and nearby
Heber Valley make an easy road trip east of Salt Lake City.
- Drive time: 45–60 minutes
- Best for: Boating, paddling, lakeside relaxing, casual exploring
What to do at Jordanelle & Heber:
- Visit Jordanelle State Park for swimming, paddleboarding, or just a picnic by the water.
- Explore Heber City and Midway for local bakeries, farm stands, and country backroads.
- In winter, use this area as a quieter base for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.
If you’re not really a “hardcore hiker,” this area is perfect—beautiful scenery with minimal effort.
7. Utah Lake Scenic Drive (Utah County)
South of Salt Lake City in
Utah County, you’ll find
Utah Lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the West. It’s broad, shallow, and often overlooked, but it’s a great spot for an easy scenic drive.
- Drive time: 45–70 minutes (depending on where you go)
- Best for: Scenic driving, mellow lake views, bird watching
How to enjoy Utah Lake:
- Head toward Lehi or Saratoga Springs, then follow the roads along the north or west side of the lake.
- Stop at public access points or parks to stretch, watch birds, and take photos.
- Catch a sunset—on a calm evening, the sky reflecting on the lake can be stunning.
It’s not a flashy resort area, but sometimes the best road trips are the simple, quiet ones.
8. Provo Canyon & Bridal Veil Falls (Utah County)
If you’re craving mountain scenery but prefer a paved road and easy walks, head to
Provo Canyon in Utah County. This drive packs in cliffs, waterfalls, and river views with very little effort.
- Drive time: About 60–75 minutes from Salt Lake City
- Best for: Scenic drive, quick walks, family-friendly outing
- County: Utah County, UT
Highlights in Provo Canyon:
- Stop at Bridal Veil Falls for a short paved walk to the base of the waterfall.
- Follow the Provo River Parkway trail for a gentle walk or bike ride along the water.
- Continue up canyon toward Deer Creek Reservoir (spills into Wasatch County) for open water views.
On hot days, the canyon air usually feels cooler, and the sound of the river alone is worth the drive.
9. Tooele & the Oquirrh Mountain Backroads (Tooele County)
When you want something different from the usual mountain-and-pine scenery, drive west into
Tooele County. You’ll find open valleys, views of the Oquirrh Mountains, and a more “wide open West” kind of feel.
- Drive time: 35–60 minutes
- Best for: Open-road driving, quiet towns, big-sky views
- County: Tooele County, UT
Ideas in the Tooele area:
- Cruise into Tooele City and wander its older neighborhoods and small businesses.
- Take side roads toward the base of the Oquirrh Mountains for sunset views over the valley.
- Pack a cooler and turn it into an afternoon “drive and picnic” kind of day.
On certain evenings, the sun sets behind low hills and lights up the sky in reds and oranges. It feels far from Salt Lake City, but it really isn’t.
10. Stansbury Island & the West Desert Edges (Tooele County)
If you’re drawn to lonely roads and desert moods, consider a trip to the
Stansbury Island area in Tooele County. It’s not a true island in the typical sense, but it sits in the Great Salt Lake and feels remote.
- Drive time: About 60–75 minutes from Salt Lake City
- Best for: Quiet exploring, desert landscapes, photography
What to expect:
- Long stretches of open road with very few other cars.
- Rocky hills, salt flats, and distant mountain ranges.
- Big skies—sunrise and sunset are especially dramatic.
Bring plenty of water, snacks, and a full gas tank. This is the kind of place where you want to be prepared and self-sufficient. In return, you get space, silence, and an almost otherworldly landscape.
Tips for Planning Your Salt Lake City Road Trips
Before you head out on any of these short drives from Salt Lake City, keep a few simple tips in mind:
- Check road conditions: Mountain passes like Guardsman can close in winter or early spring.
- Pack layers: Even in summer, mountains and canyons can be cooler than the valley.
- Bring water and snacks: Once you’re out of town, options can be limited.
- Watch for wildlife: Especially at dawn and dusk near Antelope Island, Morgan Valley, and Heber.
If you plan a few of these ahead of time, you can always have a backup adventure ready for your next free Saturday.
Where Will You Go First?
Living in or visiting
Salt Lake City puts you within easy reach of lakes, canyons, small towns, and desert edges—all in neighboring counties like Davis, Morgan, Summit, Tooele, Utah, and Wasatch.
Which of these short road trips sounds most like your style?
- Wild bison and island sunsets?
- Mountain towns and cool summer air?
- Quiet backroads and big desert skies?
I’d love to hear from you.
Drop a comment with:
- Your favorite day trip from Salt Lake City, or
- Which of these 10 spots you’re planning to try next.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with a friend or family member who’s always saying, “We should get out of town more.”
You might just inspire their next road trip.
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