10 Easy Road Trips From Sandy, Utah (All Outside Salt Lake County)
If you live in or around
Sandy, Utah, you already know you’re spoiled with mountain views and quick access to the outdoors. But what if you’ve hit your usual spots a few too many times and want something new—without driving all day?
Good news: within about an hour or so of Sandy, there are tons of fun things to do in nearby counties like
Davis,
Morgan,
Summit,
Tooele,
Utah, and
Wasatch. All of the ideas below are
outside Salt Lake County, so you’re truly getting out of town.
These are short
out-of-county road trips that are perfect for a Saturday, a free afternoon, or a relaxed weekend.
1. Kayak and Picnic at Jordanelle State Park (Wasatch County)
Want that “lake life” feeling without driving to another state? Head to
Jordanelle State Park, just past
Park City in Wasatch County.
It’s an easy drive from Sandy: hop on I‑215 and I‑80, then head toward Heber. In under an hour, you’re there.
- Rent a kayak, paddleboard, or small boat.
- Swim in the designated areas.
- Spread out a picnic blanket and enjoy the views of the Wasatch Mountains.
On a hot summer day, the water feels amazing. I once went on a random Tuesday afternoon, and it felt like we had our own private cove. If you’ve got kids, they’ll love skipping rocks and playing on the shoreline.
2. Wander Historic Main Street in Park City (Summit County)
Yes, Park City gets famous for skiing, but it’s worth a trip any time of year. About a 35–45 minute drive from Sandy, Park City sits in
Summit County and has a totally different vibe from the valley.
Stroll
Historic Main Street and you’ll find:
- Art galleries and local shops.
- Cozy coffee spots and bakeries.
- Old mining town charm mixed with ski-town style.
If you’re into history, stop by the local museum. If you’re more about food, grab a burger or a nice sit‑down dinner and enjoy the cooler mountain air.
Visiting in winter? Even if you don’t ski, it’s fun just to watch the lifts, walk around bundled up, and grab hot chocolate.
3. Ride the Alpine Coaster and Slide at Park City Mountain (Summit County)
While you’re in Summit County, stick around for some mountain thrills at
Park City Mountain Resort (outside sledding, inside joy).
In the warmer months, you can:
- Ride the Alpine Coaster through the trees.
- Slide down the Alpine Slide on a sled-like cart.
- Take scenic chairlift rides for big views.
Think of it like a roller coaster mixed with a mountain hike—but your legs don’t get tired. It’s a good option if you want something more exciting than a walk but less intense than rock climbing.
If you’re planning a family day out of Sandy, pairing Main Street and the Alpine Coaster in one trip makes for a full, fun day in Summit County.
4. Explore Antelope Island State Park (Davis County)
For something totally different, point your car north toward
Davis County and visit
Antelope Island State Park. It’s part of the Great Salt Lake and feels like another world.
Here you can:
- Spot real bison roaming across the island.
- Hike easy to moderate trails with wide‑open views.
- Watch sunsets that turn the lake pink and gold.
The driving route from Sandy usually takes about an hour, depending on traffic. If you go in the afternoon and stay for sunset, bring a light jacket—breezes across the water can get chilly, even in summer.
Want a simple plan? Drive out, walk a short trail, eat a car picnic, and see if you can spot bison from the road. It’s one of the most unique quick road trips near Sandy.
5. Lagoon Amusement Park Fun Day (Davis County)
If you grew up along the Wasatch Front, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of
Lagoon in Farmington, Davis County. It’s roughly a one‑hour drive from Sandy and makes a classic day trip.
At Lagoon you’ll find:
- Roller coasters and thrill rides.
- Gentler rides for kids and families.
- A waterpark area in the summer.
It can be a full‑day adventure, so plan to leave Sandy in the morning and come back after dark. Wear comfy shoes, bring sunscreen, and keep a light hoodie in the car for the ride home.
If you’re looking for things to do near Sandy that feel totally different from your normal weekend, Lagoon is an easy win.
6. Drive the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway (Summit County)
If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’re in a postcard without leaving Utah, take a drive in Summit County along the
Mirror Lake Scenic Byway (Highway 150).
From Sandy, head up through Park City and Kamas, then into the
Uinta Mountains. The road climbs into alpine country with:
- Pine forests and wildflower meadows.
- High mountain lakes perfect for short walks and photos.
- Picnic spots where the air feels 10 degrees cooler than the valley.
Mirror Lake itself is beautiful and has an easy loop trail. Even if you don’t hike, simply driving the byway and pulling off at overlooks makes for a refreshing escape.
This is a great choice for a hot summer day when you want to get out of Sandy and into the trees.
7. Hike Bridal Veil Falls in Provo Canyon (Utah County)
South of Sandy, in
Utah County, lies one of the most beloved waterfalls in the state:
Bridal Veil Falls in Provo Canyon.
From Sandy, take I‑15 south toward Orem or Provo—usually about 40–50 minutes depending on where you start. Then drive into the canyon to the falls.
Why it’s a great short road trip:
- There’s a paved path along the river, easy for strollers and bikes.
- You can walk close to the base of the falls.
- Picnic tables and grassy areas make it perfect for lunch.
On my last visit, we ended up just sitting on a rock listening to the water for half an hour. It’s simple, but it resets your brain in the best way.
If you want a longer day, combine this with a stop in downtown Provo or Orem for dinner before you drive back to Sandy.
8. Boat, Camp, or Stargaze at Deer Creek Reservoir (Wasatch County)
Another Wasatch County gem just outside Heber is
Deer Creek Reservoir. From Sandy, you can reach it in under an hour, depending on route and traffic.
At Deer Creek, you can:
- Boat, water‑ski, or wakeboard.
- Try windsurfing or kiteboarding if the wind is up.
- Have a lakeside picnic with mountain views.
In the evening, when the sky is clear, the stars over Deer Creek are bright. It’s close enough for a quick trip after work in summer—drive down, watch the sunset, breathe some fresh air, and be back in Sandy before it’s too late.
9. Ghost Town Vibes and Desert Views in Tooele County
Looking for a quieter, more off‑the‑beaten‑path road trip from Sandy? Head west into
Tooele County. The landscape changes pretty fast—more desert, more wide‑open spaces.
Depending on where you go, you can:
- Visit old mining areas and small towns.
- Explore ATV or dirt roads (if you have the right vehicle).
- Take photos of big skies and unique rock formations.
One of the best parts? The drive itself. You’ll notice how different it feels from the canyons east of Sandy. It’s a good reminder of how varied Utah really is.
Pack water, snacks, and a full gas tank—services can be more spread out than you’re used to in the valley.
10. Scenic Train Ride on the Heber Valley Railroad (Wasatch County)
For a relaxed, old‑fashioned adventure, head to
Heber City in Wasatch County and ride the
Heber Valley Railroad, sometimes called the “Heber Creeper.”
From Sandy, it’s usually about a 50–60 minute drive, depending on traffic and route.
Why it’s a fun road trip:
- You can sit back and enjoy mountain and farmland views.
- They offer themed rides throughout the year (seasonal events, family rides, etc.).
- It’s great for kids, grandparents, and anyone who likes a slower pace.
This is one of those experiences that feels like a mini‑vacation, even though you’re not far from home in Sandy.
Tips for Short Road Trips From Sandy, Utah
Before you head out of Salt Lake County, a little planning goes a long way:
- Check conditions: Some mountain roads (like Mirror Lake Byway) are seasonal.
- Pack layers: Even in summer, higher elevations in Summit, Wasatch, and Morgan counties can get cool.
- Bring water and snacks: Especially for Antelope Island, Tooele backroads, or longer drives.
- Gas up in the valley: It’s usually cheaper and more convenient.
If you’re not sure where to start, pick one county and explore a couple of ideas there. For example, you could do Park City Main Street one weekend and Jordanelle the next.
What’s Your Favorite Road Trip From Sandy?
Living in Sandy, Utah, puts you in the middle of so many amazing places. Within an hour or so, you can hit lakes, waterfalls, amusement parks, desert views, and mountain forests—all in different counties with their own personality.
- Have you tried any of these out‑of‑county road trips?
- Do you have a favorite hidden spot in Davis, Morgan, Summit, Tooele, Utah, or Wasatch County?
Share your go‑to day trips from Sandy in the comments—and if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family who are always asking, “What should we do this weekend?”
The more ideas we trade, the more adventures we all get to enjoy.
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