While Park City is renowned for its world-class skiing, vibrant arts scene, and luxurious lifestyle, the region’s allure also extends far beyond this famous mountain town. Whether you’re a local looking for a quick getaway or a visitor eager to explore more of what Utah has to offer, these five day trips from Park City provide a perfect mix of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and cultural exploration. Each destination offers something unique, ensuring your journey is as memorable as the destination itself.
1. Solitude Mountain Resort
Located just a short drive from Park City, Solitude Mountain Resort is the perfect destination for those seeking a quieter, more relaxed mountain experience. Nestled in Big Cottonwood Canyon, Solitude is less commercialized than its more famous neighbors, making it an ideal spot for those who want to escape the crowds.
During winter, Solitude lives up to its name, offering skiers and snowboarders access to pristine powder and uncrowded slopes. With over 1,200 acres of skiable terrain, it’s a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts of all levels. If you’re visiting during the summer, the resort transforms into a haven for hikers and mountain bikers, with trails that meander through lush forests and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks.
After a day of outdoor activities, unwind in Solitude’s charming village, where you can enjoy a meal at one of the cozy restaurants or take a leisurely stroll around the scenic ponds. Whether you’re carving down the slopes or enjoying the tranquil summer landscape, Solitude Mountain Resort is a day trip that promises relaxation and rejuvenation.
During winter, Solitude lives up to its name, offering skiers and snowboarders access to pristine powder and uncrowded slopes. With over 1,200 acres of skiable terrain, it’s a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts of all levels. If you’re visiting during the summer, the resort transforms into a haven for hikers and mountain bikers, with trails that meander through lush forests and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks.
After a day of outdoor activities, unwind in Solitude’s charming village, where you can enjoy a meal at one of the cozy restaurants or take a leisurely stroll around the scenic ponds. Whether you’re carving down the slopes or enjoying the tranquil summer landscape, Solitude Mountain Resort is a day trip that promises relaxation and rejuvenation.
2. Mirror Lake
For a day trip that combines stunning scenery with a touch of adventure, head to Mirror Lake in the Uinta Mountains. Located just over an hour from Park City, this high-altitude lake is over 10,000 feet, offering a refreshing escape from the summer heat.
The drive along the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway is an experience in itself, with winding roads that pass through dense forests, open meadows, and towering mountain peaks. Once you arrive at Mirror Lake, you’ll be greeted by crystal-clear waters reflecting the rugged mountains that surround it, creating a postcard-perfect setting that’s sure to take your breath away.
Fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding are popular activities on the lake, while the surrounding area offers ample hiking opportunities. The Bald Mountain Trail is a favorite among visitors, offering panoramic views of the Uintas from its summit. If you prefer a more leisurely experience, pack a picnic and relax by the lake’s edge, soaking in the serene atmosphere.
The drive along the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway is an experience in itself, with winding roads that pass through dense forests, open meadows, and towering mountain peaks. Once you arrive at Mirror Lake, you’ll be greeted by crystal-clear waters reflecting the rugged mountains that surround it, creating a postcard-perfect setting that’s sure to take your breath away.
Fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding are popular activities on the lake, while the surrounding area offers ample hiking opportunities. The Bald Mountain Trail is a favorite among visitors, offering panoramic views of the Uintas from its summit. If you prefer a more leisurely experience, pack a picnic and relax by the lake’s edge, soaking in the serene atmosphere.
3. Salt Lake City
A short 40-minute drive from Park City, Salt Lake City offers a day trip that combines the best of urban exploration with easy access to natural beauty. As Utah’s capital and largest city, Salt Lake City is rich in history, culture, and outdoor activities.
Start your day with a visit to the Utah State Capitol, an architectural masterpiece set against the backdrop of the Wasatch Mountains. From there, explore the nearby Temple Square, the heart of the city’s rich heritage, where you can learn about the history of the Latter-day Saints and admire the striking architecture of the Salt Lake Temple.
For art enthusiasts, the Utah Museum of Fine Arts and the Salt Lake City Public Library offer inspiring collections and exhibitions. If you’re traveling with family, a visit to the Hogle Zoo or the Clark Planetarium is sure to delight both young and old.
Nature lovers will appreciate Salt Lake City’s proximity to outdoor adventures. The nearby Red Butte Garden offers beautifully manicured gardens and scenic walking paths, while Ensign Peak provides a short hike with panoramic views of the city and the Great Salt Lake.
As the day winds down, head to the downtown area for a culinary experience at one of the city’s many acclaimed restaurants. From farm-to-table eateries to international cuisine, Salt Lake City’s dining scene is as diverse as its cultural offerings, making it a perfect end to your urban day trip.
Start your day with a visit to the Utah State Capitol, an architectural masterpiece set against the backdrop of the Wasatch Mountains. From there, explore the nearby Temple Square, the heart of the city’s rich heritage, where you can learn about the history of the Latter-day Saints and admire the striking architecture of the Salt Lake Temple.
For art enthusiasts, the Utah Museum of Fine Arts and the Salt Lake City Public Library offer inspiring collections and exhibitions. If you’re traveling with family, a visit to the Hogle Zoo or the Clark Planetarium is sure to delight both young and old.
Nature lovers will appreciate Salt Lake City’s proximity to outdoor adventures. The nearby Red Butte Garden offers beautifully manicured gardens and scenic walking paths, while Ensign Peak provides a short hike with panoramic views of the city and the Great Salt Lake.
As the day winds down, head to the downtown area for a culinary experience at one of the city’s many acclaimed restaurants. From farm-to-table eateries to international cuisine, Salt Lake City’s dining scene is as diverse as its cultural offerings, making it a perfect end to your urban day trip.
4. Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest
For those who crave the call of the wild, the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest offers an expansive playground of natural beauty just half an hour from Park City. Covering millions of acres, this national forest is home to some of Utah’s most dramatic landscapes, including rugged mountains, deep canyons, and sparkling lakes.
Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the forest, with trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging backcountry routes. The Mount Timpanogos trail is a must-do for experienced hikers, offering breathtaking views from one of Utah’s most iconic peaks. For a more moderate hike, the Donut Falls trail provides a family-centric adventure with a rewarding waterfall at the end.
The forest becomes a snow-covered wonderland in the winter, perfect for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. The Mill Hollow and Lily Lake areas are particularly popular for winter sports, offering groomed trails and stunning winter scenery.
Whether you’re visiting in summer or winter, the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest is a day trip that connects you with nature in its most pristine form. The forest’s diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife make it a destination that beckons exploration and promises unforgettable memories.
Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the forest, with trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging backcountry routes. The Mount Timpanogos trail is a must-do for experienced hikers, offering breathtaking views from one of Utah’s most iconic peaks. For a more moderate hike, the Donut Falls trail provides a family-centric adventure with a rewarding waterfall at the end.
The forest becomes a snow-covered wonderland in the winter, perfect for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. The Mill Hollow and Lily Lake areas are particularly popular for winter sports, offering groomed trails and stunning winter scenery.
Whether you’re visiting in summer or winter, the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest is a day trip that connects you with nature in its most pristine form. The forest’s diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife make it a destination that beckons exploration and promises unforgettable memories.
5. Antelope Island State Park
Located in the Great Salt Lake, Antelope Island State Park offers a day trip that’s as unique as it is captivating. Just over two hours from Park City, this island park is known for its diverse wildlife, including herds of free-roaming bison, pronghorn antelope, and bighorn sheep.
The drive across the causeway to the island is an adventure in itself, with sweeping views of the Great Salt Lake’s shimmering waters and the distant mountains. Once on the island, you can explore a variety of trails that wind through the park’s diverse landscapes, from the shoreline to the island’s highest peaks.
The Buffalo Point Trail is a favorite among visitors, offering a short but rewarding hike with panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding desert. For a more challenging trek, the Frary Peak Trail takes you to the island’s highest point, where you can enjoy breathtaking vistas that stretch for miles.
In addition to hiking, Antelope Island is an excellent spot for birdwatching, with over 250 species of birds recorded in the park. The island’s beaches, though not traditional sandy shores, offer a unique experience where you can float in the buoyant waters of the Great Salt Lake — a must-do for any visitor. Antelope Island State Park is a destination that offers a glimpse into Utah’s wild side, making it one of the most memorable day trips from Park City.
The drive across the causeway to the island is an adventure in itself, with sweeping views of the Great Salt Lake’s shimmering waters and the distant mountains. Once on the island, you can explore a variety of trails that wind through the park’s diverse landscapes, from the shoreline to the island’s highest peaks.
The Buffalo Point Trail is a favorite among visitors, offering a short but rewarding hike with panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding desert. For a more challenging trek, the Frary Peak Trail takes you to the island’s highest point, where you can enjoy breathtaking vistas that stretch for miles.
In addition to hiking, Antelope Island is an excellent spot for birdwatching, with over 250 species of birds recorded in the park. The island’s beaches, though not traditional sandy shores, offer a unique experience where you can float in the buoyant waters of the Great Salt Lake — a must-do for any visitor. Antelope Island State Park is a destination that offers a glimpse into Utah’s wild side, making it one of the most memorable day trips from Park City.
Discover the Perfect Home Base for Your Utah Adventures
If you love exploring the wonders around Park City, why not make this vibrant town your permanent home? As local experts, Jensen and Company are here to help you find the ideal property that suits your lifestyle. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or invest, Jensen and Company offers personalized service and deep local knowledge to ensure you make informed real estate decisions. From luxurious mountain retreats to charming downtown residences, Jensen and Company have the expertise to help you navigate the Park City market with confidence. To learn more about Park City homes for sale, contact Jensen and Company today.
*Header image courtesy of Pexels
*Header image courtesy of Pexels
