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Day Trips & Excursions

Day Trips & Excursions

Utah, USA

Nearby Destinations

Several interesting destinations sit within easy reach of Park City, creating excellent day trips.

Explore cultural sites, natural wonders, and family-friendly activities just a short drive away.

Salt Lake City Highlights

  • Utah's capital city has a blend of historical sites, museums, and urban amenities.
  • Temple Square: Headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
  • Utah State Capitol: A beautiful architectural landmark.
  • Natural History Museum of Utah: Showcases Utah's natural history.

Natural Escapes

Utah's diverse natural landscapes create stunning opportunities for outdoor exploration beyond Park City.

Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

Park City borders this vast national forest, presenting extensive opportunities for hiking, camping, and scenic drives.

Highlights

  • Mirror Lake Highway (UT-150): Seasonal byway to high Uintas.
  • Antelope Island State Park: Home to free-roaming bison on the Great Salt Lake.
  • Timpanogos Cave National Monument: Guided tours through impressive limestone caves (seasonal).

Midway/Heber Valley

This scenic valley has a different pace, with rural charm and unique attractions.

Attractions

  • Homestead Crater: Geothermal hot spring for swimming or scuba diving.
  • Wasatch Mountain State Park: Golf courses, hiking, cross-country skiing.
  • Heber Valley Railroad ("Heber Creeper"): Historic scenic train rides.

Provo/Sundance Resort

Attractions

  • Robert Redford's Sundance Mountain Resort: Skiing, hiking, artistic workshops.
  • Features a quieter, more rustic ambiance than Park City resorts.
  • Bridal Veil Falls: A beautiful, accessible waterfall near Provo Canyon.
  • Scenic views of Provo Canyon.

Practicalities

  • Transportation: A car is recommended for this trip.
  • Time: Allocate a half to full day, activity-dependent.
  • Limited public transit options.
  • Seasonal considerations for resort activities.

Travel Distances

  • Salt Lake City:45 minutes
  • Midway/Heber Valley:20-30 minutes
  • Provo/Sundance:1 hour
  • Antelope Island State Park:1.5 hours
  • Timpanogos Cave National Monument:1 hour
  • Zion National Park:4-5 hours
  • Bryce Canyon National Park:4-5 hours
  • Jackson Hole, WY:4.5-5 hours

Planning Note

  • When planning day trips, especially in winter, check road conditions.
  • Verify weather forecasts for your destination and the route.
  • Mountain passes may close due to storms.
  • Specific vehicle equipment may be required during storms.

Cultural Excursions

Cultural opportunities exist beyond Park City's immediate vicinity.

Heber Valley Railroad

This historic scenic train presents unique rides through the Heber Valley with themed experiences like Western adventures and holiday excursions.

Historic Mormon Trail Sites

Various historical markers related to the Mormon pioneer migration exist. This Is The Place Heritage Park in Salt Lake City recreates pioneer life.

Regional Art Scene

Beyond local galleries, Salt Lake City has a arts scene, including the Utah Museum of Fine Arts and performance venues.

Southern Utah National Parks

A multi-day road trip to explore Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Capitol Reef, and Canyonlands National Parks presents unparalleled desert landscapes.

Features

  • The 'Mighty 5': Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands.
  • Requires 3-7 days; ideal with a rental car.
  • World-class hiking and unique rock formations.

Jackson Hole & Yellowstone

A longer road trip north into Wyoming's iconic national parks. This journey features mountain scenery, abundant wildlife, and geothermal wonders.

Aspects

  • Stunning mountain scenery and abundant wildlife.
  • Geothermal wonders and unique landscapes.
  • Best in summer when all park roads are open.

Logical Next Destinations

Mighty 5 Parks:3-7 Days South
Yellowstone/Grand Teton:5-7 Days North
Colorado Ski Resorts:Nearby for enthusiasts
Western Cities:Las Vegas, Grand Canyon
Mountain Parks:Rocky Mountain NP
Denver:Gateway City

Important Advice

  • Check road conditions when planning day trips.
  • Verify weather forecasts for your destination.
  • Mountain passes may close.
  • Specific vehicle equipment may be required.
  • Be prepared for storms, especially in winter.

Multi-Day Extensions

For those with more time, consider extending your trip to Utah's famous national parks or other Western destinations.

Southern Utah National Parks

A multi-day road trip to explore Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Capitol Reef, and Canyonlands National Parks presents unparalleled desert landscapes.

Features

  • The "Mighty 5" parks await exploration.
  • Typically requires 3-7 days.
  • World-class hiking and unique rock formations.

Jackson Hole & Yellowstone

A longer road trip north into Wyoming's iconic national parks. This journey features mountain scenery, abundant wildlife, and geothermal wonders.

Aspects

  • Stunning mountain scenery and abundant wildlife.
  • Geothermal wonders and unique landscapes.
  • Best in summer when all park roads are open.

Suggested Routes South

Heading south from Park City for National Parks.

Southbound Journey

  • Drive south from Park City to Springdale (Zion's gateway town).
  • Then proceed to Bryce Canyon National Park.
  • Continue to Capitol Reef National Park.
  • Finally to Moab (gateway to Arches and Canyonlands).

Suggested Routes North

Heading north from Park City for Wyoming's parks.

Northbound Journey

  • Drive north from Park City to Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
  • Explore Grand Teton National Park.
  • Continue north into Yellowstone National Park.
  • Utah's central location presents a good starting point for wider American West travel.

Beyond National Parks

Consider combining your Park City visit with other regional destinations.

Colorado Ski Resorts

Combine with a trip to Aspen or Vail for ski enthusiasts.

Nevada

Destinations like Las Vegas are within reach.

Arizona & Colorado

Explore the Grand Canyon or Rocky Mountain National Park.

Longer Regional Travel

Utah's central location presents a good starting point for exploring the wider American West.
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