My Own Day Trips from Salt Lake City
- Big Cottonwood Canyon – A Mountain Escape Just 30 Minutes Away
Location: Big Cottonwood Canyon, Wasatch Mountains, about 15 miles southeast of Salt Lake City
Driving Time: ~30–40 minutes from downtown SLC via I-215 and Wasatch Blvd
Parking & Access: Free, but limited; fills up quickly
How I Got There
I rented a small SUV at Salt Lake City International Airport (around $65/day through Hertz) and drove myself. The drive only took about half an hour, but it felt like entering a whole new world. The closer I got, the more the city noises faded, replaced by rushing rivers and the rustle of aspen trees.
What I Did
• Hiked Lake Blanche Trail – This was my main activity. The 6.8-mile roundtrip hike took me just under 5 hours (with long photo breaks). The climb was strenuous, especially the last mile, but the payoff—Sundial Peak reflected in a mirror-like alpine lake—was incredible.
• Picnic by the creek – I packed a sandwich from a local deli and found a quiet spot near Mill B South Fork. The sound of water was so relaxing I almost forgot to keep hiking.
• Wildlife spotting – I saw a moose near the trailhead. It was a little intimidating, but keeping a safe distance and just watching it graze was magical.
Facilities
• Trailheads: Restrooms at the main parking areas (but no water fountains—bring plenty).
• Picnic sites: Free and well-maintained, with tables and shade.
• No restaurants inside – I recommend grabbing food in the city before you go.
Pros
• Very close to Salt Lake City.
• Trails for all levels: from family-friendly (Donut Falls) to challenging (Lake Blanche).
• Year-round access: hiking in summer, skiing at Brighton and Solitude in winter.
Cons
• Limited parking—arrive before 8 a.m. on weekends.
• Cell service is patchy or nonexistent.
• Can get crowded in summer.
My Personal Reflection
When I reached Lake Blanche, I just sat on a rock for half an hour, staring at the still water. The reflection of Sundial Peak looked like a painting—so sharp it was hard to tell where the mountain ended and the lake began. It’s moments like this that remind me why I travel: to feel small in front of something so grand and timeless.
Booking & Planning
• No entry fee or reservation required for the canyon.
• Guided hiking tours are available on GetYourGuide and Viator ($85–$120/person), which is useful for first-timers.
• Ski passes for Brighton and Solitude can be booked online for discounts (average $125/day if booked early).
- Antelope Island State Park – Wildlife, Salt Flats, and Sunset Magic
Location: 4528 W 1700 S, Syracuse, UT 84075
Driving Time: ~50 minutes from Salt Lake City via I-15 north and Antelope Drive
Entry Fee: $15 per vehicle (day use)
How I Got There
I drove north from downtown Salt Lake City, and after about 40 minutes, I reached the long causeway that stretches over the Great Salt Lake. Driving across it felt surreal—the horizon shimmered like glass, and for a moment it looked as if I was floating on water.
What I Did
• Wildlife Viewing: I saw over 30 bison grazing near the road. At one point, I even had to stop the car because a bison casually crossed in front of me—huge, calm, and majestic.
• Hiked Buffalo Point Trail: A short but steep 1-mile hike. The reward: panoramic views of the entire island and the lake’s shimmering salt flats.
• Floating in the Great Salt Lake: I couldn’t resist the experience. The water was warm, thick with salt, and it kept me buoyant without effort. It was strange but fun!
Facilities
• Visitor center with maps, exhibits, and bathrooms.
• Picnic shelters with tables and grills.
• Small beach areas for floating/swimming.
Pros
• Best place to see wildlife close to Salt Lake City (bison, antelope, coyotes, and hundreds of bird species).
• Stunning sunsets—one of the most photogenic places in Utah.
• Great mix of hiking, biking, and relaxing.
Cons
• Mosquitoes in summer (bring bug spray!).
• Very few food options—pack your own snacks.
• Can feel hot and exposed; little shade.
My Personal Reflection
The sunset here was unlike anything I’ve seen. The sky turned from gold to pink to deep purple, and the salt flats reflected every color. I sat on a rock at Buffalo Point with a handful of other travelers, and we all went silent, just watching. It felt like we were witnessing something sacred.
Booking & Planning
• Tickets can be purchased at the gate (cash/card accepted).
• Utah State Parks annual pass ($100/family) is worth it if you plan to visit multiple parks.
• Guided tours (wildlife viewing or photography) available on Airbnb Experiences and Viator (~$60–$100/person).
- Park City – Ski Slopes, Main Street Charm, and Alpine Adventure
Location: Park City, about 32 miles east of Salt Lake City
Driving Time: ~40 minutes via I-80
Activities: Skiing, hiking, biking, shopping, dining
How I Got There
From Salt Lake City, I took I-80 east. The road climbs quickly, and within 30 minutes I was in the mountains. I could already feel the temperature drop as I rolled down the windows—crisp alpine air filled the car.
What I Did
• Skiing at Park City Mountain Resort: I bought an Epic Day Pass online for $189 (cheaper than walk-up price). The runs were long, wide, and perfect for an intermediate skier like me.
• Historic Main Street Walk: After skiing, I wandered Main Street, stopping at boutiques and galleries. I found a small shop selling handmade jewelry, which made a perfect souvenir.
• Lunch at High West Distillery: Their bison chili paired with a whiskey flight was unforgettable—rich, smoky, and warming after the cold slopes.
Facilities
• Public parking garages near Main Street ($5–$10/day).
• Free shuttle buses between resorts and Main Street.
• Dozens of restaurants, cafés, and gear rental shops.
Pros
• Close to Salt Lake City but feels like a separate mountain town.
• Perfect mix of outdoor adventure and culture.
• Good infrastructure: shuttles, parking, rentals, and food options.
Cons
• Expensive compared to other day trips.
• Crowded during Sundance and peak ski season.
• Traffic can be heavy on weekends.
My Personal Reflection
I went during Sundance once, and it felt like the whole world was in Park City—filmmakers, actors, and travelers from all over. But my favorite visit was in the summer when the town was quieter. I hiked up a trail, then took a gondola down, watching the whole valley glow under the late afternoon sun. It was peaceful, charming, and made me want to stay longer.
Booking & Planning
• Ski passes best booked early through Epic Pass website.
• Sundance tickets via the official Sundance Film Festival website (book months in advance).
• Tours and activities can also be reserved on Viator or GetYourGuide.
Recommended Day Trips from Salt Lake City
- Bonneville Salt Flats – A Landscape from Another Planet
Location: About 120 miles west of Salt Lake City near Wendover, Utah
Driving Time: ~1 hour 45 minutes via I-80 west
Entry Fee: Free, open to the public year-round
Why Go
The Bonneville Salt Flats are one of the most surreal landscapes I’ve ever seen—like stepping onto a frozen ocean that stretches forever. The salt crust glitters in the sunlight, and the horizon blends sky and ground into one endless canvas.
Things to Do
• Photography: This is the main attraction. Sunrise and sunset create magical lighting conditions. I’ve seen couples taking wedding photos here, as well as car enthusiasts posing with their vehicles.
• Speed Week: Each August, car racers gather to break land speed records. Even if you’re not a motorsport fan, the energy is thrilling.
• Walking Across the Flats: Bring sunglasses and water—it’s dazzling and dry. Walking across the salty surface feels crunchy underfoot, like walking on thick ice.
Facilities
• No visitor center—only a small rest area with bathrooms near the I-80 exit.
• No food, no gas stations once you leave Wendover.
Pros
• Absolutely unique landscape—nothing else like it in the U.S.
• Free to visit.
• Great for amateur photographers.
Cons
• No shade, no services—come prepared.
• Salt can damage your car if you drive on it (wash your car afterward).
• Very hot in summer, very cold in winter.
Booking & Planning
• No tickets required—just drive and explore.
• Tours available on Viator (~$150–$250 per person, including transportation).
• Bring sunscreen, hats, and lots of water.
- Mirror Lake Scenic Byway – Alpine Beauty in the Uintas
Location: Highway 150, running from Kamas, Utah, into Wyoming
Driving Time: ~1.5 hours from Salt Lake City to the start in Kamas
Entry Fee: $6 for a 3-day pass (cash or card at self-pay stations)
Why Go
If you want a peaceful mountain escape with lakes, streams, and endless pine forests, this byway is perfect. It’s less crowded than Big Cottonwood and has a wild, untamed beauty.
Things to Do
• Scenic Drive: The byway climbs to Bald Mountain Pass (10,700 ft), offering sweeping views of the Uintas.
• Hiking: I recommend the short Bald Mountain Trail (2.8 miles round trip) for breathtaking alpine views.
• Picnicking at Mirror Lake: A stunning alpine lake surrounded by mountains—perfect for fishing, kayaking, or just laying out a blanket.
Facilities
• Campgrounds and picnic areas with fire pits.
• Vault toilets but no flush restrooms.
• No gas stations after Kamas—fill up before driving in.
Pros
• Cooler temperatures in summer.
• Great for fishing, camping, and hiking.
• Less crowded than other mountain destinations.
Cons
• Road is closed in winter due to heavy snow.
• Limited facilities and no cell service.
• Mosquitoes in summer evenings—bring repellent.
Booking & Planning
• Self-pay fee stations at main trailheads ($6 for 3 days).
• Campsites can be reserved through Recreation.gov ($23–$35 per night).
• Best visited June–September.
- Timpanogos Cave National Monument – Underground Adventure
Location: American Fork Canyon, about 45 miles south of Salt Lake City
Driving Time: ~1 hour via I-15 south
Entry Fee: $12 per person (cave tour)
Why Go
This is one of the most unique natural wonders near Salt Lake City—three interconnected limestone caves filled with colorful formations.
Things to Do
• Guided Cave Tour: Only accessible by a guided ranger tour (tickets must be reserved). The caves feature stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone in shades of green, orange, and white.
• Hike to the Entrance: A steep 1.5-mile trail climbs 1,000 feet to the cave entrance. It’s paved but strenuous.
• Visitor Center Exhibits: Displays on geology, wildlife, and local history.
Facilities
• Visitor center with bathrooms, water fountains, and a gift shop.
• Shaded picnic areas near the parking lot.
Pros
• Stunning underground formations—feels like exploring a fantasy world.
• Educational guided tours.
• Family-friendly, though the hike is challenging.
Cons
• Requires advance reservations (often sell out in summer).
• Not wheelchair accessible.
• Hike can be hot—bring water and start early.
Booking & Planning
• Tickets must be purchased through Recreation.gov ($12 adults, $7 kids 6–15).
• Open late May through mid-October only.
• Arrive at least 30 minutes early for your tour.
After experiencing some of these day trips personally (Big Cottonwood, Antelope Island, Park City) and researching/previewing others, I can confidently say that Salt Lake City is one of the best bases in the U.S. for diverse adventures. Within a short drive, you can stand on alpine peaks, float in a salty inland sea, wander through underground caves, or marvel at red rock arches that look like they belong on Mars.
For families, solo travelers, and couples alike, the options are endless. My advice? Mix close trips with a long adventure—do a mountain canyon one day, and plan a big national park day the next. And always check reservations early, especially for national monuments and popular parks.
