10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips From Orem, Utah You’ll Love
If you live in
Orem, Utah (in Utah County) and you’re itching to get out of town for a day, you’re in luck. Within a couple of hours’ drive, you’ll find red rock canyons, hot springs, historic mining towns, and quiet mountain lakes.
These are all
short road trips from Orem that go beyond Utah County into nearby areas like
Salt Lake County, Tooele County, Wasatch County, Carbon County, Duchesne County, Juab County, and Sanpete County.
Fill up the tank, grab some snacks, and let’s go.
1. Ski, Shop, or Stroll at Snowbird & Alta (Salt Lake County)
Looking for a quick mountain escape? Head up
Little Cottonwood Canyon to
Snowbird and
Alta, just outside Salt Lake City. It’s an easy drive from Orem—usually about an hour, depending on traffic and weather.
In winter, you’ll find some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the country. But don’t skip it in summer or fall.
- Ride the Snowbird aerial tram to the top for huge mountain views.
- Try short hikes or just wander around the village with a hot chocolate.
- Visit in fall for bright yellow aspens and cooler temps.
If you only have half a day, this is a simple, high-reward road trip: drive, ride the tram, take some photos, grab a bite, and head home.
2. Explore Temple Square & Downtown Salt Lake City (Salt Lake County)
Sometimes the best road trips from Orem are the classic ones.
Temple Square and
downtown Salt Lake City are about 45–60 minutes away but feel like a different world from suburban life.
You can:
- Walk around Temple Square and its gardens.
- Check out the Church History Museum or nearby visitor centers.
- Stroll City Creek Center with its open-air shopping and stream.
- Catch a show at the Eccles Theater or grab dinner at a local spot.
If you like city vibes but don’t want to deal with big-city chaos, Salt Lake City hits that sweet spot—busy, but not overwhelming.
3. Discover the Great Salt Lake & Antelope Island (Tooele Area Access)
The
Great Salt Lake is one of those places you have to see at least once. It’s strange, beautiful, and a little otherworldly. While Antelope Island is reached mainly through Davis County, many travelers from Orem combine it with a scenic west-side loop that brushes into
Tooele County and gives you a real “wide open West” feel.
On this kind of day trip, you can:
- Drive out toward the west side of the lake for long, open roads.
- Look for wildlife like bison and antelope around the lake region.
- Catch a sunset over the shimmering water—it’s often pink and gold.
The salt smell is strong, the bugs can be annoying in summer, but the views are worth it. It’s a great reminder of how unique
northern Utah really is.
4. Step Back in Time in Eureka & the Tintic Mining District (Juab County)
About an hour southwest of Orem, the small town of
Eureka in
Juab County feels like a movie set from an old Western. It was once a booming mining town, and traces of that past are everywhere.
Things to do around Eureka:
- Walk the historic main street and check out old buildings.
- Drive the Tintic Mining District and spot abandoned structures and mine ruins.
- Stop at small roadside pullouts for photos of weathered headframes and ore bins.
I’ve done this drive on a lazy Saturday and ended up pulling over more than I planned, just to check out interesting old buildings. If you like ghost-town vibes and Utah history, this road trip from Orem is a must.
5. Starry Skies and Quiet Desert in the West Desert (Tooele & Juab Counties)
If you ever wanted to see a sky full of stars, head out into the
West Desert of
Tooele County and
Juab County. It’s a wide, empty landscape with long stretches of road, and at night it gets dark—really dark.
Possible stops and experiences:
- Drive south and west of Tooele toward the open desert areas.
- Find a safe roadside pullout (away from traffic) for stargazing.
- Pack a camping chair, blanket, and flashlight with a red filter.
This is more of an “experience” than a big attraction. But that’s what makes it special. Turn off the engine, step outside, and just listen to the quiet.
6. Heber City & Jordanelle Reservoir Getaway (Wasatch County)
Heber CityJordanelle Reservoir in
Wasatch County are perfect for a simple day out. The drive from Orem usually takes about an hour, depending on your route.
What you can do:
- Relax by the water at Jordanelle State Park with a picnic.
- Rent paddleboards or kayaks in summer.
- Wander around Heber City for small-town shops and local diners.
If you like being near water but don’t want a long drive, this is one of the easiest
day trips from Orem. It’s also a nice family-friendly choice with simple facilities and marked areas.
7. Ride the Heber Valley Railroad (Wasatch County)
While you’re in the Heber area, the
Heber Valley Railroad is a fun add-on, especially for families or anyone who loves trains. You hop on a historic train and ride through pretty mountain and valley scenery.
Expect:
- Slow, relaxing rides with views of fields, mountains, and the reservoir.
- Special themed trains during the holidays or certain seasons.
- A chance to just sit back and let someone else do the driving.
If you’re tired of screens and rushing around, a couple of hours on a slow-moving train might be exactly what you need.
8. Petroglyphs and Desert Vibes in Nine Mile Canyon (Carbon & Duchesne Counties)
Nine Mile Canyon is often called the “world’s longest art gallery,” and it stretches through parts of
Carbon County and
Duchesne County. It’s not actually nine miles long (it’s much longer), but the name stuck.
Here you’ll find:
- Ancient petroglyphs carved into rock walls.
- Old homesteads and ranch sites.
- Deep, winding canyon scenery and rock formations.
Bring:
- Plenty of water and snacks.
- A full tank of gas.
- A camera or phone with lots of storage.
It’s a bit more of an adventure than some of the other trips on this list, but if you love history and quiet, you’ll remember this drive for a long time.
9. Helper & Price: Art, History, and Small-Town Charm (Carbon County)
In
Carbon County, the towns of
Helper and
Price make a great combo for a relaxed day road trip from Orem.
In Helper, you can:
- Walk the historic main street lined with galleries and murals.
- Check out rail history and old buildings.
In Price, you can:
- Visit local museums (like dinosaur or prehistoric-themed ones).
- Grab a meal at a small cafe or diner.
The whole area has a cool, slightly gritty feel tied to mining and railroads, but it’s also turning into a creative hub with art and festivals. It’s a nice change of pace from the Wasatch Front suburbs.
10. Manti & The Quiet Valleys of Central Utah (Sanpete County)
Head south to
Sanpete County for peaceful farm country, historic buildings, and slower living. Towns like
Manti,
Ephraim, and
Spring City are perfect if you’re craving something simple and calm.
Around Manti and neighboring towns, you can:
- Drive through rolling fields and tree-lined roads.
- Walk quiet main streets with old storefronts and homes.
- Pack a picnic and enjoy it in a shady park.
This trip is less about big “attractions” and more about enjoying an easy drive, good company, and a slower pace of life.
Tips for Road Trips From Orem, Utah
To make these
short Utah road trips from Orem even better, keep a few simple tips in mind:
- Check the weather: Winter storms and summer heat can change your plans fast in Utah.
- Bring layers: You might leave Orem in a T‑shirt and need a jacket in the mountains.
- Fuel up early: Some desert and canyon areas have long stretches with no services.
- Carry water and snacks: Even on “short” drives, it’s nice not to rely on gas station food.
Where Will You Go Next From Orem?
You don’t have to drive across the country to feel like you’ve gone somewhere new. From
Orem, Utah, you can reach:
- Mountain resorts in Salt Lake County
- Quiet lakes and valleys in Wasatch and Sanpete Counties
- Wild desert and star-filled skies in Tooele and Juab Counties
- History, art, and ancient rock carvings in Carbon and Duchesne Counties
So, which trip sounds best to you—petroglyphs in Nine Mile Canyon, a sunset by Jordanelle, or a slow stroll through Helper’s art district?
Share your ideas!
Have you taken any of these road trips from Orem? Do you have a favorite hidden spot in these counties?
Drop a comment with your tips, stories, or questions—and if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with a friend or on social media to help other Utah travelers plan their next easy getaway.
Comments
Post a Comment