Salt Lake City is your ultimate launchpad for adventure—where snowy peaks, red rock wonders, and shimmering salt flats are all just a short drive away. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls in Provo Canyon, stargazing in the West Desert, or hiking to alpine lakes, these easy day trips from Salt Lake City deliver epic memories without the long haul.
Pro Tip: Book a cozy stay on CuddlyNest to recharge after your explorations—because every adventurer deserves a comfy home base!
P.S. Want to extend your Utah adventure? [Read our Salt Lake City to Arches National Park: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide!]
Compare Utah’s best adventures at a glance
| Destination | Drive Time | Best Season | Highlights | Unique Feature | Stay Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mirror Lake Scenic Byway | 2 hours | June-Oct | • 20+ alpine lakes • Fishing & kayaking • Fall foliage |
Highest paved road in UT (10,687 ft) | Holiday Inn Express Kamas |
| Park City | 45 mins | Year-round | • Ski resorts • Historic Main St • Olympic Park |
Largest US ski resort + Sundance Film Festival | Montage Deer Valley |
| Bear Lake | 2.5 hours | June-Sept | • Turquoise waters • Raspberry shakes • Water sports |
“Caribbean of the Rockies” blue hue | Conestoga Ranch |
| Bonneville Salt Flats | 1.5 hours | May-Oct | • Land speed racing • Photography • Stargazing |
Flattest place on Earth (30,000 acres) | Super 8 Wendover |
| Antelope Island | 1 hour | Spring/Fall | • Bison herds • Saltwater floating • Hiking trails |
Best wildlife viewing near SLC | DoubleTree Suites |
Pro Tip: All recommended stays are available on CuddlyNest – book your perfect adventure basecamp today!
Drive Time: 2 hours | Cost: $6 vehicle fee | Best Season: June-October
How to Get There: Take I-80 East to Exit 146 (Kamas/Park City), then follow UT-248 north through Kamas. Continue on Mirror Lake Highway (UT-150) – the scenic byway begins here and winds 42 miles through the Uinta Mountains to Mirror Lake.
The Mirror Lake Scenic Byway is hands-down one of Utah’s most breathtaking drives, winding through the stunning Uinta Mountains to reach pristine alpine lakes. This 42-mile scenic route takes you past:
What Makes It Special: The highest paved road in Utah, reaching 10,687 feet elevation with panoramic views of the Wasatch Range and endless mountain vistas.
Stay Nearby: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kamas offers comfortable accommodations with mountain views. Don’t wait – secure your mountain getaway on CuddlyNest for the best rates and availability!
Drive Time: 45 minutes | Cost: Free to explore downtown | Best Time: Year-round
How to Get There: Take I-80 East for 28 miles to Exit 145 (Park City). Follow UT-224 south for 4 miles directly into downtown Park City. Alternative scenic route: Take UT-65 through Parleys Canyon for mountain views.
In the summer, Park City is a hiking and mountain biking haven, and in the winter, it is a world-class ski destination. This quaint mountain town provides:
What Makes It Special: Home to the largest ski resort in the US and host city for numerous international events, maintaining its small-town charm while offering world-class amenities.
Stay Nearby: Montage Deer Valley provides luxury accommodations with ski-in/ski-out access. Book your Park City escape on CuddlyNest and experience mountain luxury at its finest!
Drive Time: 2.5 hours | Cost: $10 day-use fee | Best Season: June-September
How to Get There: Take I-15 North to I-84 East toward Idaho. Continue on I-84 for 55 miles to Exit 42 (UT-30 toward Randolph). Follow UT-30 north for 45 miles through Logan Canyon – one of Utah’s most scenic drives – then continue to Bear Lake.
Bear Lake’s brilliant turquoise waters create a stunning contrast against the surrounding mountains, earning its nickname as the “Caribbean of the Rockies.” This natural wonder offers:
What Makes It Special: The lake’s unique limestone-suspended sediments create its distinctive Caribbean-blue color, making it one of the most photographed destinations in the region and a great place for summer activities.
Stay Nearby: Conestoga Ranch offers rustic charm with lake views.
Drive Time: 1.5 hours west | Cost: Free | Best Time: May-October
How to Get There: Take I-80 West for 110 miles to Exit 4 (Bonneville Speedway). The salt flats are immediately visible from the interstate. Park at the rest area and walk onto the flats, or continue to the Bonneville Speedway for organised events.
The Bonneville Salt Flats offer a surreal landscape that feels like stepping onto another planet. This unique destination features:
What Makes It Special: This remnant of ancient Lake Bonneville creates one of the flattest surfaces on Earth, where you can see the curvature of the planet and experience the ultimate in natural beauty and solitude.
Stay Nearby: Super 8 by Wyndham Wendover provides comfortable accommodations on the Nevada border.
Drive Time: 1 hour | Cost: $10 per vehicle | Best Time: Year-round (avoid summer heat)
How to Get There: Take I-15 North to Exit 332 (Antelope Drive). Follow Antelope Drive west for 7 miles to the park entrance. Cross the 7-mile causeway to reach the island – enjoy stunning views of the Great Salt Lake and Wasatch Mountains during the drive.
Antelope Island provides the perfect introduction to the Great Salt Lake while offering diverse wildlife viewing and outdoor activities:
What Makes It Special: This 42-square-mile island offers the best wildlife viewing in northern Utah while providing stunning panoramic views across the Great Salt Lake, making it a great option for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Stay Nearby: DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel provides comfortable accommodations with easy island access.
Pro Tip: Avoid July-August midday heat at Antelope Island—visit at sunrise/sunset for wildlife and cooler temps!
Critical Note: The Salt Flats can disorient you—bring a compass and mark your car’s location!
You’ve got the ultimate day trip game plan—now all that’s left is to hit the road and make memories! Whether you’re kayaking on Mirror Lake, snapping pics on the Salt Flats, or hunting for bison on Antelope Island, Utah’s adventures are calling your name.
But let’s be real—every explorer needs a cozy nest to crash in after a day of epic sights. Skip the boring hotel chains and book a unique stay on CuddlyNest instead! Think:
Your perfect home base is just a click away! 
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