The Best Weekend Trips from Salt Lake City, Utah
Chances are if you are reading this, you are one of Salt Lake City’s new residents! The Watasch front is exploding in population, and for good reason! It’s absolutely stunning here. But with the influx of people, you might want to take the opportunity to get away and explore what the Mountain West has to offer (that’s why we all moved here, right?). I’ve compiled a list of the best weekend trips from Salt Lake City, sorted by driving distance and then direct flights at the bottom.
This post will be updated frequently, so make sure to bookmark it for your future travel planning.
Weekend Trips from Salt Lake City, UT approx 1 hour drive
These weekend destinations don’t necessarily require an overnight stay, which is great for your wallet!
Park City
shot ski in Park City
We love heading up to Park City. It has such a fun vibe, and main street has so many cute shops. Last year, we went with friends to break the record for longest shot ski, an event held every October. We’ll probably make a day of it again this year! Outside of the downtown area, you’ll find world-class skiing in the winter, amazing hikes in the summer, and epic views everywhere you turn.
Bonneville Salt Flats
The absolute best time to visit the Bonneville Salt Flats is at sunrise and sunset where you’ll get the best lightning. In the spring or after a rain, you can get the glassy/mirror effect on your photos too!
Weekend Trips from Salt Lake City, UT approx 3-4 hours drive
There are so many great weekend trips from Salt Lake City within a three to four hour drive. One of the best parts about living in Salt Lake City is its close proximity to national parks! Though they are popular destinations, and growing, which. means you might have to make multiple weekend trips (especially in the summer) to see all you want of each park. Below are some of the ones we’ve already been to, and a few more we have yet to visit.
Arches National Park
The iconic Arches National Park is one of the most popular destinations in Utah, and for good reason! In recent years to combat overcrowding, a timed entry system has been implemented and then removed, but I think it will come back. A friend of mine went in March, first thing in the morning, and had to sit in her car for hours before being allowed into the park. March! Which is why I recommend going in the winter months. Especially because southern Utah can get HOT HOT HOT and there is no shade to be found in the park here. You can use your National Parks Pass to gain entry, and always check to see if you need a reservation as there is only one entrance into the park.
You can read my full guide on How to See Arches National Park in One Day.
Zion National Park
Up there with Arches and Yellowstone in terms of popularity, Zion National Park only allows driving within its bounds certain months of the year. We went in January and still struggled to find a place to park. During the peak seasons, you have to take a bus into and around the park. The popular Angel’s Landing and The Narrows trails both require reservations/lotteries for entry, so plan these well in advance if you want to see them!
You can read my full guide on how to spend 2 days in Zion National Park!
Weekend Trips from Salt Lake City, UT approx 5-6 hours drive
Grand Teton National Park
Jackson, WY and Grand Teton National Park are a scenic 5 ish hour drive from Salt Lake City. Whether you’re into snowsports or summer hikes, Jackson Hole is your destination for luxury outdoor recreation.
Read my full Jackson Hole Long Weekend Guide for more information!
Yellowstone National Park
The most American National Park, Yellowstone is massive, with geothermal pools, abundant wildlife, and epic landscapes to keep you entertained at every turn. Of course, no trip is complete without seeing Old Faithful! In about 6 hours you can reach the South and West Entrances when they are open during the summer months.
Read my Yellowstone Travel Guide so you know all the tips & tricks and best spots for wildlife!
Weekend Trips from Salt Lake City, UT by plane
Check out SLC’s airport website for the latest on direct and nonstop flights!
Bozeman, MT (+ Livingston)
Also a gateway to Yellowstone National Park, Bozeman is just a short one hour flight from SLC! You’ll definitely need to rent a car to get around here. Bozeman’s downtown is filled with restaurants and breweries to slake your thirst, while Livingston’s historic downtown will woo you with its undeniable charm. Hikes are abundant around both cities, leaving you with options for small town wandering or escaping the hustle and bustle into nature.
Full guide coming soon!
Denver, CO
Whether you want to scale the Rockies with a backpack in the summer, or you want to hit the ski slopes in the winter, Denver is a great base to get outdoors. This destination is best as a long weekend trip from Raleigh to give you plenty of time to get out to the mountains and back. But if you’d like to stay in Denver, you will find countless breweries and art galleries to browse, as well as a vibrant and growing downtown area filled with museums. Check to see who is playing at the Red Rocks Amphitheater for an epic concert you won’t forget!
Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas. Need I say more? This destination also deserves a long weekend to be fully enjoyed. Drink in the colorful lights on the strip, find a thrilling show for the evening, and bring plenty of cash for when you try your hand at blackjack! Not only does Las Vegas capitalize on the party scene, but also the food scene. Share an enormous plate of nachos at Nacho Daddy, or if you’re looking for a romantic date night, make a reservation at Beauty & Essex and dine in the dark speakeasy named one of the top 100 restaurants in the US. Don’t forget to watch the fountains at the Bellagio Hotel while you’re on the Strip!
Final Thoughts on Best Weekend Trips from Salt Lake City, UT
Which weekend adventure are you going to plan first? There are so many amazing places to explore on a weekend trip from Salt Lake City. I’m so excited to call Utah my home now!