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Spring officially arrives this week and if you are ready to celebrate by going on an adventure, you don't have to drive all the way to a West Coast beach to have a great time. There are plenty of nearby destinations to consider.
If spring fever is giving you itchy feet, here are five road-trip options that will take you just outside the Beehive State:
West Wendover
Drive two hours west on I-80 from Salt Lake and you'll see the neon-lighted waving cowboy welcoming you to West Wendover, Nevada. Most people locally know the town for its casinos, but there is more to do here than just playing slots.
The casinos offer great entertainment options throughout the year. Some of the artists scheduled for this season include Tower of Power, Collin Raye, Grand Funk Railroad, The Jets, Bachman Turner Overdrive and more. You can also enjoy a casino buffet without driving all the way to Vegas.
If you want to experience the famous Salt Flats, Wendover is a great jumping off spot. Just be aware that in the spring, the actual salt crust is coving soft mud, so if you leave the paved or graveled roadway you are likely to get stuck.
The surrounding area is great for stargazing away from the bright lights of the Wasatch Front. Other activities include rockhounding, four-wheeling and even scuba diving or snorkeling at Blue Lake, a small water body fed by warm springs (be advised that there are no services and the area is primitive at best).
Evanston
If you've driven through Evanston on your way to or from Salt Lake, you might have the mistaken impression that the only available activity is buying fireworks that could be illegal in Utah. In reality, Evanston offers nice hotels, great restaurants and a variety of other activities.
Bear River State Park on the eastern edge of town is a great option for walking, running, biking, picnicking, camping, fishing and kayaking. There is also a herd of fenced bison and elk that are often willing to pose for tourist photos.
If you're willing to drive an hour north of town, you can visit Fossil Butte National Monument. Some of the world's best preserved fossils of fishes, plants, reptiles, birds, and mammals are on display. There are also a couple nearby locations that allow you to collect and keep fossils for a fee.
Lava hot springs
Two hours north of Salt Lake City, Lava Hot Springs makes for an easy one-day getaway. It's a straight shot up I-15 until you get to the turnoff in McCammon, Idaho.
Sometimes uncertain spring weather can disrupt plans for outdoor excursions like picnics or hikes. That's not something you need to worry about at Lava Hot Springs. Rain, shine or even snow the springs are open and welcoming.
The geothermal hot springs range from 102 degrees to 112 and they are open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas. The facilities are clean and well maintained and spending a couple hours soaking in the mineralized water is relaxing and therapeutic.
Valley of Fire
If you've ever driven to Las Vegas, chances are you noticed the sign between Mesquite and Vegas that marks the turnoff to Valley of Fire State Park. If you've never stopped to visit, you're missing out on some amazing scenery.
Early spring is the perfect time to visit the Valley of Fire, because during the summer months it lives up to its name. The park has red rock, arches and petroglyphs along with some great hiking trails.
If you're visiting St. George, Mesquite or Las Vegas, consider taking the time to check out the Valley of Fire.
Colorado National Monument
Just across the southeastern Utah border off I-70, the Colorado National Monument is adjacent to Grand Junction. Its 23,000 acres features some impressive redrock monoliths, canyons and a variety of recreational opportunities.
Mountain biking and hiking are popular activities.
In Grand Junction you can find hotels, restaurants and shopping. The Museum of the West is family friendly and has four stars on Trip Advisor. Catherin H. writes: "This place was pretty cool! There's a tower where you can see a 360 view of the surrounding area. They have some old western stuff and Indian memorabilia, some great ancient pottery and a fabulous gun collection."
If you go
Even though the calendar says spring, Utah weather can be fickle. Plus, it will still be weeks or even months before warmer weather makes it to higher elevations, so exercise proper precautions if you are traveling through Utah's mountains to reach your destination.
Always be a safe driver on Utah roadways, but if you are injured in an accident that wasn't your fault, reach out to the legal experts at Parker & McConkie for advice and support.
