Six Road-Trip-Worthy Utah Destinations
Nothing screams summer like a good old-fashioned road trip. We’ve curated six unique, adventure-filled destinations—all one to five hours from Park City—perfect for a weekend escape. Pack up the car and hit the road!
Discovery Awaits
Torrey | Boulder | Uinta Mountains
| Huntsville & Eden | Bryce Canyon | Moab
Image: Visit Utah
TORREY
While Southern Utah’s popular national park gateway towns, like Springdale and Moab, bristle with adventure seekers year-round, the pace in Torrey, located just seven miles north of Capitol Reef National Park, is much calmer. As a point of reference, even the busiest days during Torrey’s spring, summer, and fall peak tourist seasons are quieter than Park City’s shoulder seasons. But don’t be fooled. Beneath Torrey’s sleepy persona are plenty of memorable experiences waiting to be had.
What to do
Not many outdoor pursuits check the adventure box as succinctly as canyoneering. Awe with a healthy dose of adrenaline best describes this practice, which involves using technical gear (rope, harness, belay device, etc.) to safely access a slot canyon. Mike Hinkle, founder and lead guide of Capitol Reef Adventure Company, leads trips into some of the area’s most scenic canyons, including Pete’s Dragon (a.k.a. Sunglow), an off-the-beaten-path destination suitable for multigenerational groups, and Cassidy Arch, a route that begins with two adrenaline-inducing, 200-foot-plus drops into the heart of Capitol Reef’s Waterpocket Fold.
Roping up not your jam? Keep your feet on the ground on one of the area’s many hikes. A moderate-level tour through some of Capitol Reef’s most picturesque topography begins at the Cohab Canyon Trailhead, located near the visitor center on Capitol Reef’s Scenic Drive. Follow the signs for the Frying Pan Trail past Cassidy Arch and through Grand Wash. This six-mile, one-way route ends at Highway 24, where you can meet a vehicle that shuttled you there earlier in the day.
Where to stay
Lodging is ample in the Torrey area, ranging from cozy, modern rooms at the SkyView Hotel to plush casitas at the Cougar Ridge Resort, Capitol Reef Resort’s glampy Conestoga wagons, and cozy A-frame homes offered by Cabins at Capitol Reef. The boutiquey Red Sands Hotel features an on-site restaurant, a spa, yoga classes, and a bar.
Where to eat
Drive in to Dark Sky Coffee for a quick latte, smoothie, or breakfast burrito. The burgers from the Capitol Burger truck, have been recognized far and wide as Utah’s best. For a proper sit-down meal, check out Hunt & Gather. And for drinks, try Etta Place Cidery & Taproom. —Melissa Fields
Image: Andrew Burr
BOULDER
Because of those pesky machines we all carry around with us 24/7, there are precious few places in this world to truly disconnect. There is an exception, however: Boulder, Utah, a tiny town tucked into the pinyon pines, juniper, and petrified sand dunes on the northern edge of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Despite being home to what is arguably Utah’s most famous restaurant—Hell’s Backbone Grill—Boulder has gratefully hung on to its communal, homespun persona and offers plenty of opportunities to lose yourself in the wide-open wilderness just beyond the city limits.
What to do
While hundreds flock to Grand Staircase’s popular Lower Calf Creek Falls and Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Slot Canyons hikes, the lesser-traveled Phipps Arch hike is equally impressive, minus the crowds. This 8-mile, out-and-back hike begins 14 miles west of Boulder along Highway 12 at the Escalante River trailhead. The well-marked route passes in and out of the river, with crossings short enough to not necessitate water shoes—simply take off your hiking shoes and socks. As you approach the end of the trail, keep your eyes peeled for cairns leading to the soaring, 100-foot-wide and 30-foot-high arch.
Take your sense of adventure (and a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle) to spend a day exploring the Burr Trail Scenic Backway. This former cattle trail runs 67 miles from Boulder to Lake Powell’s Bullfrog Marina. But driving even the first 30 miles along this super-scenic route provides plenty of opportunities for things to do and see, like making the easy, 1-mile hike into Singing Canyon, aptly named for its acoustics. After about 30 miles from Boulder, the pavement ends, signifying the entrance into Capitol Reef National Park. Continue 3 more miles and you’re at the Upper Muley Twist Canyon trailhead, a launchpad for a long day hike or an overnight backpacking trip.
Where to stay
Book a wonderfully artistic and homey room, cabin, or yurt at the Boulder Mountain Guest Ranch. Or stay at the Boulder Mountain Lodge, featuring clean and comfortable rooms surrounded by orchards, a sprawling lawn, a 10-acre bird refuge, and Hell’s Backbone Grill & Farm.
Where to eat
No trip to Boulder is complete, of course, without tucking into a Jenchilada or plate of Spicy Cowgal Meatloaf at Hell’s Backbone Grill. New there for 2025 is Little Bone, a food truck serving breakfast and espresso daily and dinner when the grill is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Before setting off into the Grand Staircase wilderness, stop for an espresso and homemade pastry at Kiva Koffee House. Burr Trail Outpost is a beautifully curated gift shop featuring high-quality local art and a coffee bar; the adjacent restaurant serves tasty sandwiches and cold beer. —MF
Image: Hage Photo
UINTA MOUNTAINS
The Uinta Mountains have multiple claims to fame: It’s one of the only east-west-trending mountain ranges in North America; three of Utah’s 10 high points are located there—Kings Peak, Hayden Peak, and Bald Mountain; and much of the Uintas is protected wilderness, meaning following just a 45-minute drive from Park City, you’ll find yourself in a high-alpine Shangri-la gratefully devoid of development and cell-phone service.
What to do
Experienced peak baggers will love the steep hike to Hayden Peak, elevation 12,497 feet. The 4-mile, out-and-back route features Class 3 scrambles, heady ridgeline traverses, and plenty of route finding. Begin at the Highline trailhead, located along the Mirror Lake Highway, 49 miles from Park City. Several technical climbing routes also lead to this mountaintop, meaning you may meet a rock climber as you take in outstanding 360-degree views of the neighboring peaks and lakes.
For a long, beautiful walk minus the exposure, make the hike to Jordan Lake. Begin from the Highline trailhead and follow the signs to the Naturalist Basin. Drink in views of green meadows, high-alpine firs, and craggy mountains as you enter the basin about five miles along the trail. Stop for a picnic and a swim when you reach Jordan Lake, or follow the signs for Jordan/Blue Lake Loop to venture farther.
Just past Samak along the Mirror Lake Highway is the Yellow Pine trailhead and access to the Uintas’ first mountain bike-specific trail system, Slate Creek. This superb trail system currently has three directional, intermediate-level loops, each around five miles long. The riding here features gradual climbs, comfortably wide corners, and the buttery-smooth singletrack the Wasatch Back is known for.
Where to stay
Camping is de rigueur in the Uintas, and just east of the Slate Creek Trails along the Mirror Lake Highway you’ll come to Yellow Pine Campground, offering 33 first-come, first-served campsites from May 16 to September 6.
Where to eat
Recreation passes, to-go lunches, fishing and camping supplies, and canoe rentals can all be had at the Samak Smoke House & Country Store. After a day of Uintas adventuring, indulge in a handmade burger and icy beer at The Notch Pub. —MF
Image: Visit Utah
HUNTSVILLE & EDEN
When the snow melts, it’s all about water activities in the Huntsville and Eden area—only an hour’s drive north of Park City. From beaches, boating, and cliff jumping in crystal-clear reservoirs to biking in the mountains, there’s plenty to do in the uncrowded, serene Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. At the end of the day, pitch your tent under the stars or stay in one of the quaint bed-and-breakfasts nearby.
What to do
The locals’ favorite Causey Reservoir is a 142-acre paradise that restricts motorized boats, making it idyllic for kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards, as well as cliff jumping at heights ranging from just a few feet to more than 25 feet. Located at 5,700 feet, it’s a beautiful spot with sparkling clear water surrounded by mountains.
Close to Huntsville, Perception Park is a popular recreation area with swimming, fishing, and tubing down the South Fork Ogden River—life jackets are required for tubing.
Another popular destination is the large Pineview Reservoir, boasting lots of sandy beaches, water sports, and fishing on its 28 miles of shoreland. Several hidden beaches are just a short walk from Huntsville, where there’s also a marina with jet skis, boats, and paddleboards for rent from Club Rec.
Where to stay
At Compass Rose Lodge, the on-site Huntsville Astronomic and Lunar Observatory provides unforgettable views of the night sky. During daylight hours, the boutique hotel’s sports rental shop provides kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. The Atomic Chalet is a bed-and-breakfast featuring three well-appointed rooms. The newly restored Valley House Inn offers four rooms with luxury bedding and tasteful decor.
A few miles away in Eden, nestled in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, is the recently remodeled Edelweiss Bed & Breakfast. Full of mountain charm, it offers private suites with separate entrances. Eden’s Wolf Creek Resort has a variety of condos and houses to accommodate large families or groups.
Where to eat
Huntsville’s classic Shooting Star Saloon is the oldest bar in Utah and the oldest continuously operating saloon west of the Mississippi. In Eden, check out creative Tex-Mex cuisine at Carlos and Harley’s, and Snowbasin’s award-winning mountaintop brunch at Needles Lodge features spectacular views.
—Iseult Devlin
Image: Visit Utah
BRYCE CANYON
There are endless hiking, biking, and horseback riding excursions possible through the red-rock beauty of Bryce Canyon National Park. With elevations over 9,000 feet, it’s a high-altitude park, which means it can be surprisingly cool during the hot summer months—a welcome retreat. “Bryce is a great place to unplug and have solitude,” says Falyn Owens, executive director for Bryce Canyon Country. “It’s perfect in July and August when it cools off, and there’s a dip in visitation.”
What to do
Along the eastern edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau, check out the famous Bryce Amphitheater for close-up looks at hoodoos and other geological formations caused by millions of years of erosion. And visit the park’s most famous Thor’s Hammer while hiking on the popular Navajo Loop Trail. Top the trip off with a visit to Dark Ranger Telescope Tours.
Explore the park on horseback with Canyon Trail Rides, the only company with treks into Bryce Canyon National Park. Expert cowboy guides lead the way and relay Bryce Canyon history and geology with a blend of humor and knowledge. Ruby’s Inn is more than just a place to sleep; it’s also an outfitter offering memorable daytime and overnight horseback rides.
Where to stay & eat
The closest lodging to the park’s entrance, Ruby’s Inn provides everything from comfortable hotel rooms to RV parks and campgrounds. It also has several restaurants, a general store with authentic Southwestern Indian crafts, and trip necessities like groceries, camping gear, clothing, and more.
About 20 minutes away, Tropic is a small community nestled in the valley with phenomenal views of Bryce. The Stone Canyon Inn has secluded cabins, bungalows, treehouses, and deluxe hotel rooms. From its large deck, you can enjoy dinner during the sunset, watching as the sky lights up the Powell Point plateau. Its restaurant, Stone Canyon Grill, has housemade bread, seasonal specials, and house specialties.
Glamp in style under the stars at Under Canvas Bryce Canyon or stay in a cozy stargazing dome at Clear Sky Resorts for a complete dark-sky experience. —ID
MOAB
Just four hours from Park City, discover wild red rock and Martian-like landscapes in Moab. This outdoor recreation mecca serves as the gateway to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, which protect its otherworldly hoodoos, buttes, and spires. Moab is also a thrill seeker’s playground; whether you have a week or just a weekend to explore, you won’t run out of adventures.
What to do
Moab’s unique rock formations are a must-visit, but you don’t have to go to Arches National Park to experience them. See one of the area’s largest, most spectacular arches on a three-mile hike to Corona Arch, just outside town. Cross railroad tracks, climb cables, and ascend a small metal ladder to reach this 105-foot-tall, 140-foot-wide Navajo sandstone beauty.
Book a river rafting trip on the free-flowing Colorado and let expert guides take you on a wild whitewater ride. Cataract Canyon is legendary, but if you’re looking for something easier than Utah’s biggest rapids, try Westwater Canyon, a narrow black shist and red-rock river gorge. Some outfitters, like Sheri Griffith River Expeditions, offer a one-day taste of paddling its legendary Class III–IV whitewater. Others, like OARS and Holiday River Expeditions, lead two-to-three-day trips that include gourmet cuisine, tent camping, and rafting renowned rapids like Funnel Falls, Last Chance, and Skull.
Where to stay
Moab lodging runs the gamut, from locally run inns to big-name brands. If casual is your vibe, stay at Field Station Moab. Its bunk rooms fit up to six guests, and there’s an outdoor swimming pool and hot tub, an on-site gear shop, in-room bike storage, and all-day food and drink at Little Station Coffee + Kitchen. Choose Hoodoo Moab, a vibrant Hilton property just off Main Street, for a more upscale option. Enjoy its modern design, outdoor heated pool, hot tub, spa, and fitness center.
Where to eat
Start the day with a Main Street breakfast at Cactus Jack’s, a sit-down joint that serves hearty dishes like steak and eggs, chicken and waffles, and burritos. For a casual midday meal, pop by Moab Garage Co for all-day breakfast or street tacos paired with Utah-roasted coffee. Find Western vibes and inventive American fare at Josie Wyatt’s, a steakhouse inside Hoodoo Moab. When dinner calls, make a reservation at Birdy’s Finer Diner. Originally a Denny’s, this trendy space is now a dazzling, midcentury modern dream, serving seasonal cuisine and cocktails. —Jenny Willden
