10 Unforgettable Things To Do Near Tooele, Utah (Tooele County)

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10 Fun Things To Do Near Tooele, Utah: A Local-Friendly Guide

If you’ve ever driven west from Salt Lake City and seen those wide-open valleys, tall desert mountains, and streaks of white salt on the ground, you’ve probably passed near Tooele, Utah. This small city in Tooele County may look quiet at first glance, but it’s actually a great base for outdoor adventures, history, and unique Utah experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re planning a day trip from Salt Lake City, a weekend stop on a road trip, or you’ve just moved to the area, here are 10 things to do in and around Tooele, Utah that are absolutely worth your time.

1. Explore the Bonneville Salt Flats

If you’ve seen photos of cars racing across endless white ground against a big blue sky, there’s a good chance it was taken at the Bonneville Salt Flats. Located about an hour west of Tooele, this spot is one of the most unique landscapes in Utah—and honestly, in the whole country.
  • Walk out onto the hard, crunchy salt crust.
  • Take those famous “mirror effect” photos after a rainstorm.
  • Watch (or schedule around) land-speed racing events at the Bonneville Speedway.
On a clear day, it feels like you’re standing on another planet. Just be prepared: there’s not much shade, so bring water, a hat, and sunscreen. And don’t forget, the salt will get on your shoes and car—so maybe skip your favorite white sneakers.

2. Drive the Scenic Loop Around Tooele Valley

Tooele Valley is surrounded by mountains and open desert, which makes for some surprisingly pretty drives. If you enjoy rolling down the windows and taking in the view, consider a leisurely loop around the area. A simple route is:
  • Start in Tooele City
  • Head south toward Stockton
  • Continue toward Rush Valley
  • Loop back toward Tooele through the open countryside
You’ll see:
  • Expansive valley views
  • The Stansbury Mountains to the west
  • Old farms and ranches
It’s not a “tourist attraction” in the traditional sense, but it gives you a feel for real rural Utah. If you love photography, there are plenty of spots to pull over and capture the wide skies and sunsets.

3. Hike or Picnic at Settlement Canyon

Just a few minutes southeast of Tooele City, Settlement Canyon is one of the easiest outdoor escapes in the area. If you’re looking for simple things to do near Tooele that don’t require a long drive, this is a solid choice. In this canyon you can:
  • Picnic in shaded areas near the reservoir
  • Fish when the water levels are good
  • Enjoy short walks or longer hikes into the canyon
It’s especially nice in late spring and fall when the temperatures are comfortable. If you’re coming with kids or a group, this is a great “easy win” day outdoors.

4. Visit the Tooele Valley Railroad Museum

Love trains or traveling with someone who does? The Tooele Valley Railroad Museum gives you a fun peek into the area’s industrial and railroad history. The museum sits inside an old station and outside you’ll usually find:
  • Historic locomotives
  • Old railcars
  • Railroad tools and equipment
It’s small but interesting, and kids in particular often enjoy climbing up close to the trains. It’s also an easy stop if you’re already in town looking for things to do in Tooele on a Saturday morning or lazy afternoon.

5. Discover the Great Salt Lake’s West Shore

Most visitors see the Great Salt Lake from the Salt Lake City side, but the west shore near Tooele County offers a quieter, less crowded experience. Depending on the exact spot and season, you can:
  • Watch incredible sunsets over the water
  • See migratory birds, especially in spring and fall
  • Take peaceful lakeside walks with fewer people around
The Great Salt Lake is shrinking, and seeing it from a different angle helps you understand just how big and strange this body of water really is. If you enjoy photography, the mix of water, salt crust, and distant mountains makes for some dramatic shots.

6. Hike the Stansbury Mountains

Looking for a real mountain adventure near Tooele? The Stansbury Mountains, just west of town, offer real-deal hiking without the crowds you’ll find near Salt Lake City’s Wasatch Front. Popular options in the area (check current conditions and access) can include:
  • Day hikes that climb into the cooler, tree-lined upper slopes
  • Scenic viewpoints over Tooele Valley and the Great Salt Lake
The terrain can be steep, so bring:
  • Plenty of water
  • Good hiking shoes
  • Layers for changing mountain weather
If you’ve only seen Utah’s red rock country, hiking the Stansbury Mountains gives you a completely different side of the state—more pines and peaks, less sandstone and arches.

7. Enjoy Local Parks and Community Events in Tooele City

If you’re traveling with kids or just want to experience the “everyday” side of Tooele, don’t overlook the city’s local parks and events. Tooele City often has:
  • Seasonal festivals and fairs
  • Sports events and little league games
  • Outdoor concerts or community gatherings
Local parks are great for:
  • Letting kids burn off energy on the playground
  • Grabbing some takeout and having a casual picnic
  • Stretching your legs on a road trip break
Checking the city’s event calendar before you visit can turn a simple weekend into something a little more special. Small-town events often feel welcoming, even if you’re just passing through.

8. Go Off-Roading or Exploring Desert Backroads

Tooele County has a lot of open land and dirt roads, and for many locals, one of the best things to do near Tooele is simply to head into the desert. If you have a high-clearance or 4x4 vehicle and know how to travel safely, you can:
  • Explore quiet backroads
  • Find wide-open views with no one else around
  • Discover old mining areas, forgotten structures, and random desert surprises
A few important tips:
  • Never rely only on cell service—it can drop quickly.
  • Bring more water than you think you’ll need.
  • Let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be back.
The desert near Tooele feels wild and open. If you enjoy feeling like you’re far from everything, this might become your favorite part of the area.

9. Take a Day Trip to Wendover for Casinos & History

If you don’t mind a drive, heading west toward the Utah–Nevada border brings you to Wendover, another popular stop for people staying in or around Tooele. In Wendover you can:
  • Try your luck at casinos on the Nevada side
  • Check out historic World War II sites around the former Wendover Airfield
  • Combine your visit with a stop at the Bonneville Salt Flats
From Tooele, Wendover is typically under a two-hour drive, depending on traffic and exact starting point. It makes for a fun day trip if you want a change of pace from hiking and small-town wandering.

10. Stargaze Under Dark Desert Skies

One of the most underrated things to do in Tooele County is simply this: look up at night. Once you get away from town lights, the desert sky can be incredibly dark and clear. On a good night you can see:
  • The Milky Way stretching overhead
  • Meteor showers during peak times
  • Constellations you might never notice in the city
You don’t need special gear—just:
  • A blanket or camp chairs
  • Warm layers (desert nights can get cold)
  • Maybe a thermos of hot chocolate or coffee
If you’re camping or just pulling off on a safe dirt road, give your eyes 15–20 minutes to adjust to the darkness. It’s a simple, free experience that many visitors remember long after they leave.

Planning Your Trip to Tooele, Utah

Here are a few quick tips as you plan what to do near Tooele:
  • Distance from Salt Lake City: Tooele is usually about a 35–40 minute drive southwest of downtown Salt Lake, depending on traffic.
  • Best time to visit: Spring and fall are comfortable. Summers can be hot, especially on the salt flats and in the open desert.
  • What to pack: Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and plenty of water are must-haves. Layers are helpful if you’ll be in the mountains at higher elevations.
  • Driving: Many main attractions are reachable on paved roads, but desert and mountain exploring often require good tires and careful planning.
Tooele may not be the first name you think of when you picture Utah travel, but that’s part of its charm. It offers a mix of real local life, wide-open landscapes, and easy access to some of the most unusual places in the state—like the Bonneville Salt Flats and the edge of the Great Salt Lake.

What Would You Add to This Tooele Bucket List?

Have you spent time in Tooele or Tooele County?
  • Do you have a favorite hike in the Stansbury Mountains?
  • Have you watched a sunset over the salt flats or the Great Salt Lake?
  • Is there a local restaurant, park, or event you think visitors shouldn’t miss?
I’d love to hear your suggestions and stories. Drop a comment below and share your favorite things to do near Tooele, Utah. And if this guide helped you plan your trip, please share it with a friend or on social media—it might inspire someone else to explore this underrated corner of Utah, too.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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