5 Unforgettable Utah Road Trips to Squeeze in Before School Starts

As summer winds down and the school year looms, there’s still time to hit the road for a quick weekend adventure. Utah’s diverse landscapes—think red rock deserts, alpine forests, and serene lakes—make it a road-tripper’s paradise. Here are five incredible weekend road trips in Utah that’ll leave you refreshed and ready for the back-to-school hustle. 

1. Ogden & Snowbasin Resort: Northern Utah Gem

Distance from Salt Lake City: ~45 minutes
Why Go? Just north of Salt Lake, Ogden blends urban charm with easy access to outdoor adventures, and Snowbasin Resort offers stunning mountain scenery without the crowds.
What to Do: Hike or mountain bike the trails at Snowbasin (try the Needles Trail for epic views), explore Ogden’s Historic 25th Street for local shops and eats, or visit the Hill Aerospace Museum for a dose of history.
Pro Tip: Grab a meal at Roosters Brewing Co. and book lift tickets at Snowbasin if you want to skip hiking.
Weekend Plan: Drive up Friday evening, hit Snowbasin Saturday, explore Ogden Sunday, and head home by evening.

2. Moab: Adventure Central

Distance from Salt Lake City: ~3.5 hours
Why Go? Moab is the gateway to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, offering iconic desert landscapes and adrenaline-pumping activities.
What to Do: Watch sunrise at Delicate Arch in Arches, explore Island in the Sky in Canyonlands, or rent a UTV for off-road thrills. Stargazing here is unreal—Moab’s a Dark Sky community.
Pro Tip: Book campsites or hotels early; Moab fills up fast. Try Moab Brewery for a post-adventure meal.
Weekend Plan: Drive down Friday, explore Arches Saturday, hit Canyonlands Sunday morning, and return by afternoon.

3. Park City & Heber Valley: Mountain Charm

Distance from Salt Lake City: ~45 minutes
Why Go? Close to the city but packed with alpine vibes, Park City offers a quick getaway with a side of history and luxury.
What to Do: Stroll Main Street for boutique shopping and dining, ride the alpine slide at Park City Mountain, or take a hot air balloon ride in Heber Valley. Mirror Lake in the Uinta Mountains is a scenic hour away.
Pro Tip: Grab breakfast at The Eating Establishment and save room for ice cream at Heber Valley Creamery.
Weekend Plan: Head up Friday evening, explore Park City Saturday, visit Heber or Mirror Lake Sunday, and you’re back before dinner.

4. St. George & Snow Canyon: Desert Oasis

Distance from Salt Lake City: ~4 hours
Why Go? St. George’s warm weather and Snow Canyon’s red-and-white rock formations make it a perfect late-summer escape.
What to Do: Hike in Snow Canyon State Park (try the Petrified Dunes trail), visit the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site, or relax at Sand Hollow State Park’s reservoir.
Pro Tip: Stay at a local Airbnb for a homey vibe and dine at Painted Pony for upscale Southwestern flavors.
Weekend Plan: Drive Friday, explore Snow Canyon Saturday, hit Sand Hollow or local sites Sunday, and head back.

5. Bear Lake: The Caribbean of the Rockies

Distance from Salt Lake City: ~2 hours
Why Go? Bear Lake’s turquoise waters and sandy beaches scream vacation without the long drive.
What to Do: Rent a kayak or paddleboard, lounge on North Beach, or hike the Limber Pine Trail for panoramic views. Don’t miss a famous raspberry shake from LaBeau’s.
Pro Tip: Camp at Bear Lake State Park or book a cabin for a cozy stay. Arrive early to snag a beach spot.
Weekend Plan: Leave Friday afternoon, spend Saturday on the lake, hike or relax Sunday, and return by evening.

Final Tips for Your Utah Road Trip

Pack Smart: Bring water, sunscreen, and layers—Utah’s weather can shift fast.

Check Conditions: Some parks require reservations or have seasonal road closures.

Fuel Up: Gas stations can be sparse in remote areas, so fill up before heading out.

Capture the Moment: Utah’s landscapes are Instagram gold, but don’t forget to soak it in offline, too.

With school just around the corner, these quick Utah road trips are the perfect way to make last-minute summer memories. Pick a destination, pack your bags, and hit the road!