Day Trips from Salt Lake City
← All Salt Lake City day tripsDay Trips from Salt Lake City: Scenic Drives & Road Trips
The most beautiful scenic drives and road trip routes within reach of Salt Lake City, UT. Winding back roads, dramatic overlooks, and picture-perfect byways that make the drive itself the destination. Drive times and route info included.
12 scenic drives near Salt Lake City
Scenic Overlook
UT 84086, USA
Just 1 hr 52 min from Salt Lake City, rated 5.0 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Salt Creek Overlook
Nephi, UT
Just 1 hr 33 min from Salt Lake City, rated 5.0 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Flaming Gorge Scenic Byway
WY 82935, USA
Just 2 hrs 44 min from Salt Lake City, rated 4.9 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Flaming Gorge-Uintas National Scenic Byway
between, US Hwy 191 and
Just 2 hrs 45 min from Salt Lake City, rated 4.9 stars by 136 visitors, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Mount Nebo Overlook
Nephi, UT 84648
Just 1 hr 43 min from Salt Lake City, rated 4.9 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Monte Cristo Scenic Overlook
Huntsville, UT 84317
Just 1 hr 45 min from Salt Lake City, rated 4.9 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Deer Creek Overlook
9 3rd W, Salt Lake City
Just 1 hr 11 min from Salt Lake City, rated 4.9 stars by 111 visitors, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Kyhv Mountain Road Look-out Point
Provo, UT 84604
Just 56 min from Salt Lake City, rated 4.8 stars by 1,036 visitors, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Alpine Scenic Loop In American Fork Canyon
Provo, UT 84604
Just 1 hr 9 min from Salt Lake City, rated 4.8 stars by 229 visitors, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Nebo Loop National Scenic Byway
Nephi, UT 84648
Just 1 hr 19 min from Salt Lake City, rated 4.8 stars by 177 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Willard Basin Overlook
UT 84310, USA
Just 1 hr 41 min from Salt Lake City, rated 4.8 stars by 119 visitors, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Beaver Dam Overlook
Nebo Loop Rd, Payson
Just 1 hr 26 min from Salt Lake City, rated 4.8 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scenic Drives Day Trips from Salt Lake City
What are the best scenic drives near Salt Lake City, UT?
The best scenic drives near Salt Lake City include national scenic byways, state route back roads, and lakefront highways with dramatic views. Check the destinations above for top-rated scenic stops along these routes.
How long are the scenic drives from Salt Lake City?
Most scenic drives near Salt Lake City range from 1-4 hours one way. Many can be done as a loop or combined with stops for hiking, dining, or small-town exploring to fill a full day.
What is the best time of year for scenic drives near Salt Lake City?
Fall (mid-September through October) is peak season for scenic drives near Salt Lake City, with spectacular foliage. Spring wildflower season and summer green are also beautiful. Winter drives can be dramatic but check road conditions first.
What should I bring on a scenic drive from Salt Lake City?
Bring a full tank of gas, snacks, water, and a camera. Cell service is unreliable on many scenic routes, so download maps beforehand. Pack layers since temperatures at overlooks can be cooler than in the city.
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