Utah is a western state of monumental landscapes, home to five of America's most dramatic national parks — Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef. Red rock canyons, ancient hoodoos, towering sandstone arches, and the vast Bonneville Salt Flats define a state unlike anywhere else on Earth. Salt Lake City, the capital, anchors the north with world-class skiing, a growing food scene, and a gateway to the Wasatch Range.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
32 miles from Salt Lake City
Park City
Car: 32 miles via I-80 east and UT-224. Free Park City Transit buses run the local area. Salt Lake Express shuttle from SLC Airport: $30–45/person.
35 miles from Salt Lake City
Antelope Island State Park
Car: I-15 north to exit 332, then UT-127 west across the causeway. No public transit.
110 miles from Salt Lake City
Bonneville Salt Flats
Car: I-80 west to exit 4. No public transit.
30 miles south of Salt Lake City
Timpanogos Cave National Monument
Car: I-15 south to American Fork exit 287, then UT-92 east into canyon. American Fork Canyon charges $6/vehicle entry fee.
88 miles northwest of Salt Lake City
Golden Spike National Historical Park
Car: I-15 north to Brigham City (exit 364), then UT-83 west and local roads to the park. No public transit.
5 miles north of Moab
Arches National Park (from Moab)
Car: US-191 north from Moab. Timed-entry permit required April–October at recreation.gov.
32 miles southwest of Moab
Dead Horse Point State Park (from Moab)
Car: US-191 north then UT-313 west to Dead Horse Point. No public transit.
40 miles northeast of St. George
Zion National Park (from St. George)
Car: I-15 north from St. George to UT-9 east to Springdale. Free park shuttle within Zion Canyon (mandatory spring–fall).
78 miles from Kanab; 130 miles from St. George
Bryce Canyon National Park (from Kanab or St. George)
Car: US-89 north from Kanab then UT-12 east and UT-63 south. Free shuttle from Ruby's Inn (April–October).
36 miles north of Salt Lake City
Ogden and the Wasatch Front
Car: I-15 north to I-84 west or 25th Street exit. FrontRunner commuter train from SLC: 45 minutes, $5.50 one-way.
220 miles south of Salt Lake City
Capitol Reef National Park and Scenic Byway 12
Car: I-15 south to US-50 east or US-89 south. UT-12 (Scenic Byway 12) is one of America's most scenic drives — plan full day.
47 miles southwest of Green River; 66 miles northwest of Moab
Goblin Valley State Park (from Green River or Moab)
Car: UT-24 south from Green River then Temple Mountain Rd. Paved road all the way.
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
TipStart early — most popular day-trip destinations get crowded by mid-morning.
TipCheck return transport times before you leave — missing the last train or bus can be costly.
TipCarry water, snacks, and layers — weather and food options can be limited at smaller destinations.
