10 Easy Road Trips From Ogden, Utah (That Take You Beyond Weber County)
If you live in
Ogden, Utah, or you’re just visiting, you don’t have to go far to find fresh adventures. In fact, some of the best things to do near Ogden are just a short drive away in the
surrounding counties.
In this guide, we’ll skip Weber County completely and hit the road to explore nearby
Box Elder, Cache, Davis, Morgan, Rich, and Tooele counties. Think of these as easy day trips or quick weekend escapes from Ogden.
1. Spiral Jetty & Golden Spike National Historical Park (Box Elder County)
If you’ve ever seen photos of a strange stone swirl jutting into a pinkish lake, that’s the famous
Spiral Jetty on the Great Salt Lake.
From Ogden, it’s about a 1.5–2 hour drive northwest into
Box Elder County, mostly on quiet country roads. The last stretch is dirt, but usually passable in a regular car if it’s dry.
What to do:
- Walk out onto the Spiral Jetty and look back at the shore – it feels like standing in the middle of another planet.
- Check out the sometimes pink water of the Great Salt Lake, depending on salinity and sunlight.
- Combine your visit with Golden Spike National Historical Park nearby, where the Transcontinental Railroad was completed.
If you’re into photography, go near sunset. The light, the rocks, the water – it’s like the whole scene was built for your camera.
2. Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge (Box Elder County)
Just outside Brigham City in Box Elder County, the
Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge is a peaceful escape and an easy day trip from Ogden (about 45 minutes).
Why go:
- Take the 12-mile auto tour loop right through the wetlands.
- Spot pelicans, ducks, herons, hawks, and sometimes bald eagles.
- Enjoy a quiet drive with big-sky views and mountain backdrops.
Bring binoculars if you have them. Even if you’re not a “bird person,” the wide-open feel of this place has a way of clearing your head after a busy week in the city.
3. Logan Canyon Scenic Byway (Cache County)
For mountain scenery without a long drive, head to
Logan Canyon in
Cache County, about an hour north of Ogden. The canyon road twists along the
Logan River and climbs through tall cliffs and forests.
Things to do along the canyon:
- Take a short hike on Wind Caves Trail (steep in spots, but the views are worth it).
- Have a riverside picnic at one of the many pull-offs.
- Drive slowly and enjoy the lookout points, especially in the fall.
If you like scenic drives, Logan Canyon is one of the best near Ogden. It feels far away, but you can easily do it as a half-day trip.
4. Downtown Logan & Utah State University (Cache County)
After the canyon, or on a separate trip, spend time in
Logan itself. It’s a charming college town with a relaxed vibe and mountain views in every direction.
Highlights in Logan:
If you’re traveling with kids or teens, Logan works well – plenty of food options, safe streets, and parks to burn off energy.
5. Antelope Island State Park (Davis County)
One of the most iconic day trips near Ogden sits just south in
Davis County:
Antelope Island State Park. From Ogden, it’s roughly a 40–50 minute drive.
You reach the island by driving across a long causeway with water on both sides. It’s an experience all on its own.
What Antelope Island is known for:
- Large herds of bison you can often see right from your car.
- Pronghorn antelope, coyotes, and tons of birds.
- Big, wide views of the Great Salt Lake and the Wasatch Mountains.
There are hiking trails of all lengths, from short strolls to longer climbs with sweeping views. Just remember: in summer it can be hot and buggy, so bring water, a hat, and maybe visit mornings or evenings.
6. Farmington Station Park & Lagoon Amusement Park Area (Davis County)
Looking for something more upbeat than a nature walk? Head to
Farmington in Davis County, about 25–30 minutes from Ogden.
Two main draws:
- Station Park – an outdoor shopping and dining center with fountains, a small park, and a mix of local and national brands.
- Lagoon Amusement Park – Utah’s classic theme park with roller coasters, family rides, and a water park area.
Even if you’re not riding coasters, the Farmington area is nice for:
- Date nights
- Rainy-day shopping when outdoor plans fall through
Parking is straightforward, and everything is close together, which makes it an easy, low-stress trip from Ogden.
7. East Canyon State Park (Morgan County)
To the southeast of Ogden,
Morgan County feels like a hidden valley.
East Canyon State Park is one of the best spots there, about an hour’s drive from town.
Why it’s worth the drive:
- A pretty mountain reservoir perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing.
- Open shorelines and picnic spots that are less crowded than some better-known lakes.
- Serene views that make you feel much farther from the city than you really are.
If you have a small boat or just a couple of camp chairs and a cooler, you can easily turn this into a full day of relaxing by the water.
8. Scenic Drive Through Morgan & Porterville (Morgan County)
Sometimes you don’t need a full “destination” – just a pretty drive. The
Morgan area offers rolling hills, ranch land, and winding roads that are perfect for an afternoon outing.
Try this idea:
- Head toward Morgan from Ogden and explore side roads near Porterville and surrounding valleys.
- Stop at small-town cafes or mom-and-pop shops when you see them.
- Pull over (where it’s safe) for quick photos of old barns, pastures, and mountain ridges.
This is a laid-back road trip – think windows down, music on low, and no strict schedule.
9. Bear Lake “Caribbean of the Rockies” (Rich County)
If you don’t mind a longer day trip,
Bear Lake in
Rich County is famous for its bright turquoise water. From Ogden, plan on about 2–2.5 hours by car.
What to expect:
- Beautiful blue water that almost looks tropical on sunny days.
- Public beaches where you can swim, play in the sand, or launch small watercraft.
- Local stands selling the area’s classic treat: raspberry shakes.
A lot of locals make this a full summer tradition. If you go just for the day, leave early so you have plenty of time to enjoy the lake before heading back to Ogden.
10. Bonneville Salt Flats (Tooele County)
For a truly unique road trip near Ogden, drive southwest to the
Bonneville Salt Flats in
Tooele County. It’s around 2.5 hours each way, so this is best as a long day or overnight trip.
Think of the salt flats as a giant, white, natural mirror stretching out for miles. On some days, it looks like you’re walking on ice or another planet.
What people do there:
- Take dramatic photos with the endless white backdrop.
- Watch speed events during racing season (check schedules ahead of time).
- Enjoy a one-of-a-kind sunset over the salt and surrounding mountains.
Be careful about driving on the flats when they’re wet – you can get stuck in the soft salt. Stay on established areas unless you’re sure it’s safe.
Tips for Planning Road Trips From Ogden
To make these
Ogden day trips and weekend getaways smoother:
- Check the weather – mountain roads, dirt access, and lake conditions can change quickly.
- Pack water and snacks – some areas are remote with limited services.
- Fill your gas tank before leaving the Ogden area, especially for Box Elder, Rich, and Tooele trips.
- Bring layers – Utah temperatures can swing 20+ degrees between day and night.
If you’re traveling with kids, keep a “car kit” with games, chargers, and a small blanket. It makes even longer drives feel easier.
What’s Your Favorite Road Trip From Ogden?
Living in or near Ogden means you’re surrounded by
incredible road trip options in every direction – from the wide-open salt flats of Tooele County to the blue waters of Bear Lake in Rich County.
Have you tried any of these out-of-county adventures yet?
- Which spot would you visit first – Antelope Island, Logan Canyon, or the Bonneville Salt Flats?
- Do you have a hidden gem in Box Elder, Cache, Davis, Morgan, Rich, or Tooele County that should be on this list?
Share your favorite road trips from Ogden in the comments and let others in on your best finds.
If you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family who are looking for fun things to do near Ogden, Utah. Your shares and comments help more travelers discover these amazing spots just beyond Weber County.
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