- Utah offers incredible nearby road trips to diverse destinations like Crater Lake and Seattle.
- Travelers can explore California's beaches, Redwood forests, or Lake Tahoe's outdoor activities.
- Nearby wonders include Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and Banff, showcasing stunning natural beauty.
Utah boasts some of the best scenery and adventures this side of the asteroid belt, having even landed on a recent national list of top road trips.
But we can admit we aren't the only cool place to visit in the West — there are plenty of epic things to do near Utah. Drive anywhere from five to 15 hours from Salt Lake City on your next Utah road trip to see the ocean, aliens, or even stranger, the Vegas Strip.
Day trips from Utah to the Pacific Northwest
Trips here may actually take an entire day, so plan accordingly — no forgetting those road-trip snacks.
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon: 670 miles, 10.5 hours
Time to get over your thalassaphobia (a fear of large bodies of water). Crater Lake is a caldera taking a long nap between volcanic eruptions, and it's the deepest lake in the United States. Its blue waters surrounded by the Cascades' Forests sure give the alpine lakes of the Wasatch a run for their money.
Astoria, Oregon: 850 miles, 13 hours
Forget Portland. Head to the coast for some history, film lore and seaside views. Astoria is the oldest American settlement out West, home to the longest truss bridge in North America and where "The Goonies" was filmed. It's also a 45-minute drive south to Cannon Beach, one of the most iconic Oregon beaches.
Seattle: 830 miles, 12.5 hours
Seattle isn't just home to major tech companies. Rain or shine, or more rain, the Emerald City draws people from all over for whale watching in the Puget Sound, visits to the Space Needle and Pike Place Market.
Utah road trips and California dreaming
Even with all the sass Utahns give California, Beehive dwellers love to visit the Golden State.
San Diego: 750 miles, 10.5 hours
How could anyone be unhappy with all the sunshine and surf you could want? Not to mention front row seating to wildlife habitats at the famous San Diego Zoo.
Redwood National and State Parks: 830 miles, 13.5 hours
The Redwoods contain the world's tallest trees and some of the most frequent Bigfoot sightings. Who knows, you could be the person who finally gets a clear photo of the guy.
Lake Tahoe: 550 miles, 8 hours
Outdoor recreation and rustic comfort mesh well at Lake Tahoe. Take a summer sailboat tour over the crystal clear waters, or shred some powder at one of the ski resorts during winter.
Intermountain West travel wonders
Take your peak bagging ambitions to some of the wildest places near Utah.
Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, Wyoming: 300-350 miles, 4-5 hours
These two iconic parks are right next to each other. Trek through some of the wildest terrain below jagged peaks while trying to spot geysers, bison, elk, and bears — oh my!
Glacier National Park, Montana: 650 miles, 9.5 hours
Drive the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road, camp at a turquoise alpine lake and don't forget to stop for some huckleberry ice cream. And definitely don't forget the bear spray.
Banff, Canada: 930 miles, 14 hours
The Rocky Mountains across our northern border have the resort town of Banff — perhaps the most glorious destination on this list. Top destinations and activities include Emerald Lake, Lake Louise, glacier tours and skiing locations that make the entire world envious.
Southwest things to do near Utah
Red rocks and peculiar activities are the name of the game in this region.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona: 380 miles, 6 hours
The Grand Canyon is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and should definitely be on your list. The deep canyons carved by the Colorado River are mind-boggling, to say the least. And it only took 2 billion years to make!
Roswell, New Mexico: 795 miles, 12.5-13 hours
Visitors flock here for the art, alien lore and strange vibes. If things start feeling too weird, you're only about two hours from Carlsbad Caverns or White Sands National Park.
Las Vegas: 420 miles, 6 hours
Circus performances, magic shows, Broadway shows, Michelin star restaurants — need we say more? Let's get this show on the road. And don't miss Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area for the views.
Day trips from Utah heading east
Look for landscapes that remind you of Utah.
Badlands National Park, South Dakota: 670 miles, 10.5 hours
Prepare for otherworldly scenery that rivals Utah's terrain, where hoodoos, buttes, canyons, sedimentary and volcanic rock, and fossils abound.
Mt. Rushmore, South Dakota: 630 miles, 9.5 hours
Now's your chance to visit America's Shrine of Democracy. See the four faces of presidents who helped shape our nation in the form of incredible 60-foot rock carvings.
Telluride, Colorado: 360 miles, 6.5 hours
This historic mining town is quite the charmer. From gondola rides to saloons, you're in for a good time. Summer is excellent for mountain biking and winter keeps skiing tourists busy.
Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado: 530 miles, 9 hours
This is a popular destination for sandboarding or sledding. There are dunes up to 750 feet tall! Go enjoy some surreal hiking terrain with the whole family.
You're just one Utah road trip away from discovering your new favorite vacation spot. Are there places you love to visit outside of Utah that we missed? Leave a comment below and tell us your go-to road trip destinations. And make sure to check our bucket list for activities in Utah.
