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.
Capitol Reef National Park, Torrey, UT 84775, USA
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.
2. Explore Big Cottonwood Canyon.
Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah 84121, 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.
3. Play all day at Jordanelle State Park.
West Jordanelle State Park, W Jordanelle State Pk, Utah 84032, 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!
4. Discover Snow Canyon State Park.
Snow Canyon State Park, 1002 Snow Canyon Dr, Ivins, UT 84738, 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
5. Cool off in Deer Creek Reservoir.
Deer Creek Reservoir, Utah 84032, 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.

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6. Take a surreal hike across a field of goblins.
Goblin Valley, Utah 84525, 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!
7. Get acquainted with Utah's very first residents.
Thanksgiving Point, 3003 Thanksgiving Wy, Lehi, UT 84043, 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.
8. Hop aboard the Heber Valley Railroad.
Heber Valley Railroad, 450 S 6th W, Heber City, UT 84032, 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.
9. 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.
10. Drive the Hell's Backbone Road and cross one of Utah's scariest bridges.
Hell's Backbone Grill & Farm, 20 UT-12, Boulder, UT 84716, USA
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.
11. Drive to Bear Lake and indulge in a tasty treat.
Bear Lake, Utah 82930, 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.

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?

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More to Explore

Best Day Trips In Utah

Libby Monson | March 13, 2022

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.

 

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