Day Trips from Park City. Excursions, Nearby Cities, Tours

Heber Valley Adventures

Heber Valley, a scenic drive from Park City, offers diverse activities.

A rental car makes travel simple, public transport has limitations.

Local Highlights

Homestead Crater: A geothermal spring within limestone, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.
Midway Ice Castles (Winter Only): Elaborate ice formations, a popular family spot.
Heber Valley Railroad: Scenic historic train rides through the valley.
Wasatch Mountain State Park: Activities include golf, hiking, and cross-country skiing.

Natural Escapes

Discover stunning natural landscapes just a short journey from Park City.

Uinta Mountains Wilderness

A vast mountain range with numerous hiking trails, alpine lakes, and opportunities for camping and fishing.

Features

Mirror Lake Highway (SR-150): A scenic byway, accessing many trailheads, with seasonal winter closure.
Wildflowers bloom in early summer.
Fall foliage appears in late September or early October.

Cottonwood Canyons Beauty

Scenic drives, hiking, rock climbing, and access to additional ski resorts like Brighton, Solitude, Alta, and Snowbird.

Travel Notes

Rental car needed for independent travel.
Free UTA ski buses operate in winter from Salt Lake Valley.
A half-day to full-day excursion.

Considerations for Outdoor Adventures

What to Bring

Layered clothing suitable for weather changes.
Plenty of water for hydration.
Sunscreen and a hat.
Insect repellent, especially in summer.

Safety Reminders

Carry a map or GPS device.
First-aid kit.
Inform someone of your itinerary.
Check weather and trail conditions.

Average Driving Times & Costs

Salt Lake City35-45 mins
Heber Valley20-30 mins
Uinta Mountains (trailheads)1-2 hours
Cottonwood Canyons45-60 mins

Southern Utah Parks4-6 hours
Gas for full-day trip$20-50
Rental car per day$40-100+
Park entry feesVary by park

Tip for Day Trips

Always check seasonal road closures, especially for higher elevation routes and canyon roads in winter. Confirm operating hours for attractions before your visit.

Cultural Excursions

Expand your cultural understanding with visits to nearby sites.

Thanksgiving Point Attractions

A large non-profit complex with botanical gardens, museums, and a working farm.

Springville Museum of Art

Utah's first art museum, known for its collection of Utah art and Soviet Bloc art.

Salt Lake City

Temple Square, City Creek Center, and The Natural History Museum are popular spots.

Salt Lake City Cultural Focus

Salt Lake City provides additional cultural experiences a short drive away.

Attractions

Temple Square: Mormon Tabernacle Choir rehearsals and Visitor Centers.
City Creek Center: An outdoor shopping mall.
Utah State Capitol Building: Impressive architecture and history.

Logistics for Cultural Trips

Travel Insights

Rental car for independent travel, shuttles to SLC then TRAX/bus possible.
Organized tours from Park City are available.
A half-day to full-day for Salt Lake City, depending on interests.

Additional Cultural Venues

Eccles Theater (SLC)Performing Arts

Hale Centre Theatre (Sandy)Broadway Shows

Utah Museum of Fine Arts (SLC)Global Art

BYU Museum of Paleontology (Provo)Dinosaurs

This Is The Place Heritage Park (SLC)Pioneer History

Tracy Aviary (SLC)Bird Sanctuary

Local Interaction Note

Engage with locals at markets or community events.
Be open to different perspectives.
Observe local customs and practices.
Support local artisans and performers.

Multi-Day Extensions

Consider adding extra days to your trip to explore more of Utah.

Southern Utah National Parks

Plan for at least 3-7 days to visit 2-3 of these parks.

Travel Details

Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef.
Combine mountain experience with desert landscapes.
Rental car needed for independent exploration.

Park Gateway Cities

Each park has a nearby gateway town with lodging, dining, and services.

Nearby Towns

Springdale for Zion.
Bryce Canyon City for Bryce Canyon.
Moab for Arches and Canyonlands.

Transportation Connections

Connecting to Southern Utah from Park City is straightforward.

Travel Options

A rental car for independent exploration.
Guided tours from Salt Lake City are also available.
Suggested Routes: Drive south on I-15 for Zion and Bryce.

Optimal Visit Times

Seasonal Guidance

Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November) for comfortable temperatures.
Summer (June-August) brings heat but full accessibility to all areas.
Winter (December-February) means fewer crowds and unique snowy landscapes, but some roads may close.

Tips for National Park Visits

Booking & Entry

Reserve timed entry if required, especially for Arches and Zion during peak season.

Weather

Prepare for extreme heat in summer; check flash flood warnings.

Leave No Trace

Stay on marked trails and pack out all trash.

Travel Logistics

Driving from Park City4-6 hours south
Guided toursAvailable from Salt Lake City
Best time to visitSpring or Fall
Park PassesAmerica the Beautiful pass offers value

Zion shuttleMandatory in peak season
Bryce Canyon rim trailOffers stunning views
Arches Delicate ArchIconic hike
Capitol Reef scenic driveHidden gem

Planning Your Route

Drive south on I-15 for Zion and Bryce. Drive east on I-70 for Arches and Canyonlands. Consider booking accommodations in advance, notably during peak seasons.

Day Trips from Park City