Summer is the best time for adventures, and now’s the time to plan some fun summer day trips. Here are 11 of the best day trips in Utah that are perfect for just about everyone. Get out there and make some great summer memories in the Beehive State!

  1. Take Scenic Byway 12 for a real slice of Utah beauty.

J. Stephen Conn/flickr Scenic Byway 12 stretches for 124 miles from Bryce Canyon National Park to Capitol Reef National Park. You’ll drive through some adorable small towns, and see some incredible Utah scenery. Capitol Reef National Park, Torrey, UT 84775, USA

  1. Explore Big Cottonwood Canyon.

Brandon Rasmussen/Flickr If you are wondering, “Where are the day trips near me?” Big Cottonwood Canyon is easily accessible from the Salt Lake Valley, and it’s a great place to visit to escape the heat. You’ll find tons of hiking trails here, along with several lakes and two ski resorts that offer fun summer activities. Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah 84121, USA

  1. Play all day at Jordanelle State Park.

Jordanelle State Park/Facebook Jordanelle State Park has tons of fun recreational opportunities to keep you busy all day. Get out on the lake in your boat, try your hand at fishing, or simply laze on the beach. You’ll also want to check out the Aqua X Zone! West Jordanelle State Park, W Jordanelle State Pk, Utah 84032, USA

  1. Discover Snow Canyon State Park.

Total Mayhem/flickr Snow Canyon State Park is located near St. George, and it’s an often-overlooked gem. You’ll love the red-rock scenery here, and you can easily spend an entire day exploring some of the 38 miles of hiking trails. Check out the lava tubes, too Snow Canyon State Park, 1002 Snow Canyon Dr, Ivins, UT 84738, USA

  1. Cool off in Deer Creek Reservoir.

Deer Creek Island Resort/Facebook Deer Creek Reservoir is one of Utah’s most underrated lakes. Spend the day here basking on the beach, boating, fishing, and even ride a zip line right over the lake. Deer Creek Reservoir, Utah 84032, USA

  1. Take a surreal hike across a field of goblins.

Rita B./Tripadvisor The Goblin’s Lair Trail in Goblin Valley State Park is one of the unique things to do around Utah. This trail takes you across a valley of goblins to a hidden slot canyon. The trail is just 3.5 miles, round trip, but it is a little strenuous, especially near the end. It’s well worth your effort, though! Goblin Valley, Utah 84525, USA

  1. Get acquainted with Utah’s very first residents.

Management/Tripadvisor Visit the Museum of Ancient Life at Thanksgiving Point for an afternoon of fun and exploration. The museum has the largest collection of full dinosaur skeletons in the world, and you can watch paleontologists at work. Thanksgiving Point, 3003 N Thanksgiving Way, Lehi, UT 84043, USA

  1. Hop aboard the Heber Valley Railroad.

Heber Valley Railroad/Facebook This scenic train ride is perfect for just about everyone. You can choose from a few different scenic routes, and you’ll want to watch for special events. Heber Valley Railroad, 450 S 6th W, Heber City, UT 84032, USA

  1. Drive the Energy Loop Scenic Byway.

S. Clyde/Public Domain The Energy Loop Scenic Byway takes you through a less-visited part of the state. You’ll drive from Fairview to Huntington, cutting through the gorgeous Manti-La Sal National Forest along the way. Take an entire day to see this pretty area.

  1. Drive the Hell’s Backbone Road and cross one of Utah’s scariest bridges.

Georgia/flickr The 38-mile-long Hell’s Backbone Road takes you from Escalante to Boulder. Along the way, you’ll cross Hell’s Backbone Bridge - a white-knuckle bridge with thousand-foot drops on either side. Finish your day with a meal at Hell’s Backbone Grill. Hell’s Backbone Grill & Farm, 20 UT-12, Boulder, UT 84716, USA

  1. Drive to Bear Lake and indulge in a tasty treat.

Bear Lake Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau/Facebook Bear Lake is on everyone’s list of “Getaway Spots Near Me”. Utah’s most beautiful lake, with plenty to do, including swimming, fishing, boating, and relaxing on the beach. One of Bear Lake’s most popular activities? Indulging in a delicious raspberry shake, of course. Bear Lake, Utah 82930, USA

When you are looking for the best day trip in Utah it’s really hard to pick just one! Which of these summer day trips are you planning to take?

J. Stephen Conn/flickr

Scenic Byway 12 stretches for 124 miles from Bryce Canyon National Park to Capitol Reef National Park. You’ll drive through some adorable small towns, and see some incredible Utah scenery.

Capitol Reef National Park, Torrey, UT 84775, USA

Brandon Rasmussen/Flickr

If you are wondering, “Where are the day trips near me?” Big Cottonwood Canyon is easily accessible from the Salt Lake Valley, and it’s a great place to visit to escape the heat. You’ll find tons of hiking trails here, along with several lakes and two ski resorts that offer fun summer activities.

Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah 84121, USA

Jordanelle State Park/Facebook

Jordanelle State Park has tons of fun recreational opportunities to keep you busy all day. Get out on the lake in your boat, try your hand at fishing, or simply laze on the beach. You’ll also want to check out the Aqua X Zone!

West Jordanelle State Park, W Jordanelle State Pk, Utah 84032, USA

Total Mayhem/flickr

Snow Canyon State Park is located near St. George, and it’s an often-overlooked gem. You’ll love the red-rock scenery here, and you can easily spend an entire day exploring some of the 38 miles of hiking trails. Check out the lava tubes, too

Snow Canyon State Park, 1002 Snow Canyon Dr, Ivins, UT 84738, USA

Deer Creek Island Resort/Facebook

Deer Creek Reservoir is one of Utah’s most underrated lakes. Spend the day here basking on the beach, boating, fishing, and even ride a zip line right over the lake.

Deer Creek Reservoir, Utah 84032, USA

Rita B./Tripadvisor

The Goblin’s Lair Trail in Goblin Valley State Park is one of the unique things to do around Utah. This trail takes you across a valley of goblins to a hidden slot canyon. The trail is just 3.5 miles, round trip, but it is a little strenuous, especially near the end. It’s well worth your effort, though!

Goblin Valley, Utah 84525, USA

Management/Tripadvisor

Visit the Museum of Ancient Life at Thanksgiving Point for an afternoon of fun and exploration. The museum has the largest collection of full dinosaur skeletons in the world, and you can watch paleontologists at work.

Thanksgiving Point, 3003 N Thanksgiving Way, Lehi, UT 84043, USA

Heber Valley Railroad/Facebook

This scenic train ride is perfect for just about everyone. You can choose from a few different scenic routes, and you’ll want to watch for special events.

Heber Valley Railroad, 450 S 6th W, Heber City, UT 84032, USA

S. Clyde/Public Domain

The Energy Loop Scenic Byway takes you through a less-visited part of the state. You’ll drive from Fairview to Huntington, cutting through the gorgeous Manti-La Sal National Forest along the way. Take an entire day to see this pretty area.

Georgia/flickr

The 38-mile-long Hell’s Backbone Road takes you from Escalante to Boulder. Along the way, you’ll cross Hell’s Backbone Bridge - a white-knuckle bridge with thousand-foot drops on either side. Finish your day with a meal at Hell’s Backbone Grill.

Hell’s Backbone Grill & Farm, 20 UT-12, Boulder, UT 84716, USA

Bear Lake Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau/Facebook

Bear Lake is on everyone’s list of “Getaway Spots Near Me”. Utah’s most beautiful lake, with plenty to do, including swimming, fishing, boating, and relaxing on the beach. One of Bear Lake’s most popular activities? Indulging in a delicious raspberry shake, of course.

Bear Lake, Utah 82930, USA

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Day Trips In Utah March 13, 2022 Libby Monson What are the best local attractions in Utah? If there are any dinosaur lovers in your family (and there is always at least one), head to Vernal, Utah, and Dinosaur National Monument. This part of Utah has been given the nickname Dinosaurland because so many fossils have been discovered in the area. Around town, you’ll find dinosaur statues and dinosaur murals. Stop at the Dinosaur Brew Haus for lunch and stay the night at Dinosaur Inn and Suites. Next, take a 30-minute drive to Dinosaur National Monument, and get a good look at the creatures that used to roam the area. You’ll be able to see over 1,500 fossils still in their host rock in the Quarry Exhibit Hall and talk with rangers who can answer all your prehistoric questions. Which hidden gems in Utah should I visit? You’ll find Tracy Aviary hidden in Liberty Park in Salt Lake City. This bird sanctuary is home to many species. You’ll learn about indigenous birds and how we can protect them. Check out the schedule and catch a bird show, lorikeet adventure, or keeper talk. Tracy Aviary offers school break camps for little ones who want to learn more about our feathered friends. The Bird Feeder Cafe is onsite with freshly prepared food and a menu that changes with the season. Have you fallen in love with a macaw, owl, or swan during your visit? Please stop at the Nature Store and learn how to adopt a bird and provide for its support at the aviary. Where can I go for a train ride in Utah? Utah’s Heber Valley Railroad offers train rides all year long! Buy a ticket for the Deer Creek Express and enjoy the view of Deer Creek Reservoir and the Heber Valley. Heber Valley Railroad features many themed rides throughout the year, including Comic Super Hero Crazy Fan Train, Chocolate Lover Train, Easter Bunny Train, Rock-n-Roll Train, and The Cowboy Trail.  

The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Day Trips In Utah

March 13, 2022

Libby Monson

What are the best local attractions in Utah? If there are any dinosaur lovers in your family (and there is always at least one), head to Vernal, Utah, and Dinosaur National Monument. This part of Utah has been given the nickname Dinosaurland because so many fossils have been discovered in the area. Around town, you’ll find dinosaur statues and dinosaur murals. Stop at the Dinosaur Brew Haus for lunch and stay the night at Dinosaur Inn and Suites. Next, take a 30-minute drive to Dinosaur National Monument, and get a good look at the creatures that used to roam the area. You’ll be able to see over 1,500 fossils still in their host rock in the Quarry Exhibit Hall and talk with rangers who can answer all your prehistoric questions. Which hidden gems in Utah should I visit? You’ll find Tracy Aviary hidden in Liberty Park in Salt Lake City. This bird sanctuary is home to many species. You’ll learn about indigenous birds and how we can protect them. Check out the schedule and catch a bird show, lorikeet adventure, or keeper talk. Tracy Aviary offers school break camps for little ones who want to learn more about our feathered friends. The Bird Feeder Cafe is onsite with freshly prepared food and a menu that changes with the season. Have you fallen in love with a macaw, owl, or swan during your visit? Please stop at the Nature Store and learn how to adopt a bird and provide for its support at the aviary. Where can I go for a train ride in Utah? Utah’s Heber Valley Railroad offers train rides all year long! Buy a ticket for the Deer Creek Express and enjoy the view of Deer Creek Reservoir and the Heber Valley. Heber Valley Railroad features many themed rides throughout the year, including Comic Super Hero Crazy Fan Train, Chocolate Lover Train, Easter Bunny Train, Rock-n-Roll Train, and The Cowboy Trail.  

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

If there are any dinosaur lovers in your family (and there is always at least one), head to Vernal, Utah, and Dinosaur National Monument. This part of Utah has been given the nickname Dinosaurland because so many fossils have been discovered in the area. Around town, you’ll find dinosaur statues and dinosaur murals. Stop at the Dinosaur Brew Haus for lunch and stay the night at Dinosaur Inn and Suites. Next, take a 30-minute drive to Dinosaur National Monument, and get a good look at the creatures that used to roam the area. You’ll be able to see over 1,500 fossils still in their host rock in the Quarry Exhibit Hall and talk with rangers who can answer all your prehistoric questions.

Which hidden gems in Utah should I visit?

You’ll find Tracy Aviary hidden in Liberty Park in Salt Lake City. This bird sanctuary is home to many species. You’ll learn about indigenous birds and how we can protect them. Check out the schedule and catch a bird show, lorikeet adventure, or keeper talk. Tracy Aviary offers school break camps for little ones who want to learn more about our feathered friends. The Bird Feeder Cafe is onsite with freshly prepared food and a menu that changes with the season. Have you fallen in love with a macaw, owl, or swan during your visit? Please stop at the Nature Store and learn how to adopt a bird and provide for its support at the aviary.

Where can I go for a train ride in Utah?

Utah’s Heber Valley Railroad offers train rides all year long! Buy a ticket for the Deer Creek Express and enjoy the view of Deer Creek Reservoir and the Heber Valley. Heber Valley Railroad features many themed rides throughout the year, including Comic Super Hero Crazy Fan Train, Chocolate Lover Train, Easter Bunny Train, Rock-n-Roll Train, and The Cowboy Trail.