With sweeping mountain views and proximity to some of the world’s best ski resorts, Salt Lake City is an exciting starting point for a road trip. Renting a car in Salt Lake City will provide a convenient way to enjoy the region’s famous national parks and scenic byways. Here are the best road trips from Salt Lake City.
Fabulous Road Trips from Salt Lake City
Park City
34 miles / 42 mins.
While some may consider Park City an extension of Salt Lake City’s metropolitan area, we count it as its own mini road trip. Head east on I-80 and in under an hour you’ll arrive in a noticeably smaller town, but one that’s dotted with unique shops and a host of restaurants ranging from casual to upscale. Park City’s main claim to fame in the winter is its ski resorts, including the well-known Deer Valley Resort. However, Park City also offers many things to do during the summer, including gondola rides, mountain biking and golf. >> Recommended hotels in Park City
Moab
234 miles / 3 hr. 50 mins.
One of the most popular — and scenic — road trips from Salt Lake City is the ride to Moab, a desert city known as the gateway to Arches National Park. Home to more than 2,000 unique sandstone rock formations, Arches offers some of the country’s most scenic hikes and stargazing opportunities. Reserve campsites in advance at Devils Garden Campground and wake up to one of the park’s famous sunrises. The Moab area is also home to Dead Horse Point State Park, which features unparalleled canyon views.
Bryce Canyon National Park
268 miles / 4 hrs.
For a different national park experience, head about four hours southwest to Bryce Canyon National Park. This park is home to a stunning landscape of unique rock columns known as hoodoos and offers unmatched scenic lookouts. In addition to the rock formations, Bryce Canyon includes several hiking trails and campgrounds. For the most enthusiastic outdoor adventurers, it’s worth combining this trip with a stop in Zion National Park as well. At under a two-hour drive from Bryce Canyon, Zion is home to the popular gorge hike known as The Narrows as well as impressive scenic views of red canyons.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
287 miles / 4 hr. 50 mins.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming is the perfect combination of laid-back relaxation and outdoor activities. One of the best ways to appreciate the mountainous landscape is to head to Grand Teton National Park, which features a 42-mile scenic loop drive that is arguably one of the West’s best-kept secrets. Not only will you see snow-capped peaks, but the drive provides nice views of lakes, rivers and trees as well. >> Recommended hotels in Jackson Hole
Boise, Idaho
339 miles / 4 hr. 52 mins.
A road trip to Idaho’s laid-back capital of Boise from Salt Lake City traverses through natural wonders along the way. Head north through the city, and in about three hours you’ll have the chance to make a short detour to the 212-foot. Shoshone Falls waterfall near Twin Falls, Idaho. As you near Boise, you can head straight into town or make another pit stop at the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area. Here you may have the chance to see falcons, owls, eagles and hawks. Once you arrive in Boise, enjoy the city’s parks, restaurants, galleries and shops.
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