Day Trips from Salt Lake City
← All Salt Lake City day tripsDay Trips from Salt Lake City: State Parks & Natural Areas
The best state parks and natural areas within driving distance of Salt Lake City, UT. Hiking, camping, swimming, and stunning scenery without the national park crowds. Real drive times, ratings, and visitor info included.
11 state parks near Salt Lake City
Millville Face Wildlife Management Area
UT 84321, USA
Just 1 hr 52 min from Salt Lake City, rated 4.8 stars, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area
Manila, UT 84046
Just 2 hrs 49 min from Salt Lake City, rated 4.8 stars by 2,038 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.
Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest
Highland, UT 84003
Just 1 hr 45 min from Salt Lake City, rated 4.8 stars by 4,987 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.
Bear River State Park
601 Bear River Dr, Evanston
Just 1 hr 21 min from Salt Lake City, rated 4.7 stars by 634 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.
Manti-La Sal National Forest
Price, UT 84501
Just 1 hr 18 min from Salt Lake City, rated 4.7 stars by 2,119 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.
Antelope Island State Park
Syracuse, UT 84075
Just 50 min from Salt Lake City, rated 4.7 stars by 6,003 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.
Denzil Stewart Nature Park
Logan, UT 84321
Just 1 hr 23 min from Salt Lake City, rated 4.7 stars by 245 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.
East Canyon State Park
Morgan, UT 84050
Just 1 hr 3 min from Salt Lake City, rated 4.5 stars by 1,126 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.
Little Dell Recreation Area
Salt Lake City, UT 84108
Just 23 min from Salt Lake City, rated 4.5 stars, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Jordanelle State Park
Heber City, UT 84032
Just 39 min from Salt Lake City, rated 4.5 stars by 2,517 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.
Great Salt Lake State Park
Magna, UT 84044
Just 21 min from Salt Lake City, rated 4.1 stars, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Frequently Asked Questions About State Parks Day Trips from Salt Lake City
What are the best state parks near Salt Lake City, UT?
The best state parks near Salt Lake City offer hiking, camping, swimming, fishing, and scenic overlooks. Check the cards above for top-rated parks with drive times, ratings, and budget estimates.
How much does it cost to visit state parks near Salt Lake City?
Most state parks near Salt Lake City charge a vehicle entry fee of $5-$15 per day. Annual passes are usually available for $25-$50 and pay for themselves in 2-3 visits. Camping fees are separate and vary by site type.
Which state parks near Salt Lake City are best for camping?
Several state parks within driving distance of Salt Lake City offer campgrounds ranging from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV sites with showers. Book early for summer weekends, as popular parks fill up months in advance.
What is the best time to visit state parks near Salt Lake City?
Spring and fall offer the best weather and smallest crowds at state parks near Salt Lake City. Summer is great for swimming and camping but parks are busiest. Winter visits are peaceful and many parks stay open year-round for hiking.
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