5 Awesome Day Trips From Salt Lake City
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Looking for awesome day trips from Salt Lake City? You’re in luck because there are so many incredible spots just a short drive away! If you have more than a weekend in Salt Lake City, I definitely recommend venturing outside of the city and seeing what else the area has to offer.
Whether you’re craving outdoor adventures, scenic drives, or a taste of local culture, these day trips have something for everyone. Here are my top picks for day trips from Salt Lake City in order from closest to furthest.
Day Trips from Salt Lake City
1. Antelope Island
Distance from SLC: 45 minutes
Antelope Island is the largest island in the Great Salt Lake! This place is bursting with wildlife, including a massive herd of bison. It’s a playground for outdoor lovers—whether you’re hiking to the top of Frary Peak for sweeping views (a 6-mile hike) or keeping it chill with a shorter 1-mile trek to Buffalo Point.
Kayak, camp, or ride horseback to make the most of this natural beauty. Just remember to bring sunscreen, bug spray, and plenty of water!
The entrance fee is $15 per vehicle for up to 8 people and the park opens daily from 6 AM – 10 PM. (It’s closed on Thanksgiving & Christmas.)
2. Park City
Distance from SLC: 45 minutes
Park City is a perfect day trip from Salt Lake City, especially in winter! Just 45 minutes away, it’s a snowy wonderland offering everything from skiing and snowboarding to the more unique experience of dog sledding!
But don’t worry, there’s fun year-round—hike, shop, and dine to your heart’s content. If you’re looking for more than just good food and drink head over to Main Street to learn about local culture or history. There are plenty of shops selling locally made crafts as well as unique antique stores.
3. Homestead Crater
Distance from SLC: 50 minutes
Get ready to dive into something totally unique—Homestead Crater in Midway, Utah! This geothermal hot spring is tucked away inside a 55-foot limestone dome, and it’s like nothing you’ve ever experienced. Imagine swimming in crystal-clear, warm mineral water (90-96°F) while being surrounded by stunning desert and mountain views. Talk about a hidden gem!
Not only is it perfect for a soothing soak, but it’s also the ONLY warm scuba diving spot in the continental U.S. Plus, if you’re looking to stretch out and zen out, they offer SUP yoga (yup, yoga on paddleboards!) for a fun twist. If you’re feeling extra curious, you can also take a self-guided tour to learn all about the fascinating geology and history of this cool spot.
Homestead Crater’s hours are perfect for an impromptu adventure: Monday-Thursday from 11:30 AM to 8 PM, Friday and Saturday from 9:30 AM to 8 PM, and Sunday from 9:30 AM to 4 PM. So, whether you’re looking to dive in, float around, or just soak up the serenity, this quirky Salt Lake City day trip has you covered!
4. Bonneville Salt Flats
Distance from SLC: 1 hour 45 minutes
If you’re looking for a stunning, one-of-a-kind day trip from Salt Lake City, the Bonneville Salt Flats should be at the top of your list! This vast, sparkling landscape is about 12 miles long and 5 miles wide. The flats are covered in white crystals that reflect light like snowflakes. It’s an impressive sight to witness firsthand!
You can explore the salt flats in two ways: either drive your vehicle right out onto the surface or go for a hike to really feel the vastness of the area. Just remember to fill your gas tank (and maybe pack some snacks) if you’re driving since it’s a bit of a trek, and be sure to venture farther out than you think.
The further you go, the more prominent the cracks in the salt become, making for some truly Instagram-worthy photos.
Fun fact: The Bonneville Salt Flats are also home to some high-speed races, with speed records like 630 MPH being set here! Talk about a need for speed!
Tips: Bring a drone if you’ve got one—this place is perfect for aerial shots. And don’t drive on the salt if it’s a dark color, as it could mean you’ll get stuck. Yikes!
5. Fifth Water Hot Spring
Distance from SLC: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Looking for the ultimate natural hot spring experience in Utah? Say hello to Fifth Water Hot Springs in the Uinta Mountains! This little gem is just west of Evanston and offers a lovely 5-mile round-trip hike through the forest, with breathtaking mountain views to keep you entertained along the way. It’s not too hard of a trek—though you’ll want to set aside about 3 ½ hours to soak in all the beauty (and the hot water)!
Once you reach the spring, you’ll find three cozy soaking pools, each with its own mini waterfall. We spent most of our time in the middle and lower pools because the upper one was a bit too toasty (like, we’re talking hot tub levels). So, make sure you visit when it’s cooler out—summer’s probably not the best time unless you’re a fan of scalding water.
The spring’s water is crystal clear, but there is a definite sulfur scent in the air. Oh, and a heads-up—if you’re shy, don’t be surprised if you see some nudists soaking in the buff (it’s kind of a thing here). We didn’t run into anyone, but the signs are all over the place, so it’s definitely something to keep in mind.
Tips: Pack water, bug spray, and sunscreen, and, for the love of all things good, visit during the cooler months so you can really enjoy the hot spring without turning into a human lobster!
Which of these day trips from Salt Lake City are you most looking forward to?
Ready to pack your bags and hit the road for a day of adventure? Whether you’re into stunning nature, quirky hot springs, or just want to soak up the beauty of Utah’s landscape, these day trips from Salt Lake City have it all. And the best part is you don’t have to choose just one—go ahead, make it a weekend of exploring! Salt Lake City is your perfect home base for all these incredible adventures.
Also, if you’re going to be doing a road trip be sure to check out my epic Utah road trip guide and a list of road trip must-haves! If you plan on doing a road trip through Arizona be sure to check out my other posts such as:
Amazing Scottsdale and Phoenix restaurants
