Quick Getaways From Salt Lake City: Long Weekend Road Trips

Whether you’re a full-time resident of Utah or just planning a trip there, you should know that Salt Lake City is just a road trip away from a bunch of quick getaway destinations (perfect for a long weekend).

Park City, UT - 40 Minutes Away

Though it used to be a former silver mining area, Park City is now a resort town. Tucked away in the Wasatch Mountains, it’s cool in the summer and snowy in the winter: in other words, a perfect place to hike, bike, or enjoy winter sports. (In fact, conditions for skiing are so ideal, Park City hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics at the Utah Olympic Park).

While your legs are recovering from your outdoor adventures, take a historic mining tour or swing by the Park City Museum. You can also relax even more with a Mines and Wines tour (brought to you by Fox School of Wine) to learn about Park City’s history and discover new favorite vintages at the same time.

Whether you’re escaping the summer heat or hitting the slopes, check out our partner Abode Luxury Rentals for cozy Park City Vacation Rentals that sleep 8 - 28 people. Wood and stone give each house rustic warmth, while the interiors allow plenty of natural light in. Amenities differ by location but include fireplaces, private trout ponds, hot tubs, entertainment rooms, and more.

St. George, UT - 4 Hours

If you keep seeing gorgeous images of Utah’s state parks on your social media feeds, chances are many of them were taken around St. George. It’s a perfect base to explore two otherworldly locations– Snow Canyon State Park and Sand Hollow State Park.

Snow Canyon State Park is famous for its red and white sandstone structures, plus sand dunes and lava formations. You can hike, bike, and ride horses on different trails varying in difficulty. Since it’s so visually striking, it would be a great place for a photo shoot (think: engagement photos, creative family pics, or landscape photography).

You can boat, fish, and dive at the Sand Hollow Reservoir at Sand Hollow State Park. Or, explore the land on foot or ATV. The contrast between the red sandstone and the blue reservoir waters is stunning, so make sure to take pictures here as well.

Once you’re back in town, bring the kids to the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson’s farm to see fossils and learn about what the world was like 200 million years ago.

To stay close to nature while avoiding the discomfort of camping, we recommend booking your stay with Red Rock Vacation Rentals. These beautiful homes range from 6 to 8 bedrooms, with the largest one comfortably housing 44 people. This collection is well-equipped with pools, hot tubs, patios, private balconies, and gourmet kitchens– plus, easy access to golf and other activities.

To get the most out of so much space, invite your extended family to a reunion, or plan an event (like a destination wedding, bachelor/ette weekend, group retreat, or special birthday party).

Jackson Hole, WY- 4.5 Hours

Jackson Hole, Wyoming is located between the Teton and Gros Ventre mountain ranges. From hot springs… to easy Yellowstone access… to all the outdoor sports and Western-themed activities you can imagine… It is a dream destination for anyone who would rather be outside exploring than cooped up indoors.

You’ll be close to Grand Teton National Park, the National Elk Refuge, and Yellowstone.
So in the summer, plan for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. And in the winter, get ready for long days of skiing and snowboarding, along with sledding and sleigh tours.

Jackson Hole is also known for its rodeo, along with several music festivals and its Old West Days Festival. It’s a great town for food as well, with options ranging from sophisticated contemporary American dining to chuckwagon dinners.

Make sure you book your trip with Outpost so that you can come home to a hot shower and comfy bed after your fun-yet-challenging days outside. These gorgeous properties are cool in the summer and warm in the winter, with amenities that include games rooms, heated garages, top-of-the-line kitchens, and more. They accommodate between 8 and 24 people– perfect for medium to large groups.

West Yellowstone, MT - 4.5 Hours

West Yellowstone, Montana, is one of Yellowstone National Park’s most popular gateways due to the variety of things to do year round. Outdoor activity options include fishing, rafting, biking, ziplining and hiking during the summer or skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling in the winter.

In town, you can explore the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center, which is a non-profit park and wildlife preserve. You can observe wolf packs and bears, along with adorable river otters and various species of fish.

Earthquake Lake (sometimes known as “Quake Lake”) is an intriguing site to visit because it was formed by a landslide after an earthquake in 1959. It’s six miles long and about 125 feet at its deepest. There is a visitor center where you can learn more about the lake’s history.

After your adventuring is over, plan for a chuckwagon dinner with Parade Rest Ranch– you’ll hop in a wagon (or on a horse) and journey to a Western-style cookout close to nature.

We recommend Roam Property Management as a convenient home base for your Yellowstone getaway. Whether you’re looking for an adorable studio ideal for a romantic anniversary trip or a larger, multi-bedroom house for a family reunion, you’ll find the right fit for your group.

Amenities vary by property, but include Western details like antler chandeliers, pine ceilings, and wildlife-inspired interior design, along with high-speed internet and large flat-screen TVs. Plus, there’s plenty of parking.

Big Sky, MT- 5.5 Hours

Big Sky, MT is a community in the Rocky Mountains known for its ski slopes and mountain biking trails.

It’s just northwest of Yellowstone, making it another great “base camp” for exploring the park– a day trip through the Yellowstone Lower Loop will include iconic sights like Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.

Big Sky is also close to Gallatin National Forest, home to the Gallatin River and Gallatin Canyon– worth a visit during both the summer and winter months. When the weather is warm, enjoy meadows full of wildflowers and glimpses of threatened species like grizzly bears, bald eagles, and gray wolves. During the winter, you can enjoy skiing, snowmobiling, and other activities in the snow.

Ousel Falls Park offers an approachable chance to hike for beginners (or experienced adventurers who need a gentle recovery day). The trail is less than two miles and leads you to the Falls, which freeze over in winter. It’s a gorgeous way to get outside and enjoy nature without pushing yourself too hard, and you can choose various forks on the main route to see different parts of the park.

Enjoy Big Sky in style by reserving a property with Ascend Properties. You’ll be able to choose between cozy condos in town within walking distance of everything to 6 bedroom houses in the mountains perfect for ski trips. Amenities include fireplaces, top-of-the-line appliances, and high-quality sound systems.

Sun Valley, ID - 4.5 Hours

Sun Valley is a resort town located in the Wood River Valley. In addition to the skiing, hiking, and biking options common out West, you can visit over a dozen art galleries, buy tickets for an evening at the Sun Valley Opera House, check out the Hemingway Memorial, or browse a museum.

For a moderately challenging hike, opt for the Proctor Mountain Loop Hiking Trail– it’s a little over 4 miles long and overlooks lush green hills.

Sun Valley is also a great base for exploring the Sawtooth Wilderness Area (less than an hour away), which is an expansive region of federally-protected land in Idaho. While you can hike, ride horses, and climb on designated trails in the Area, motorized or mechanical equipment is not allowed, and even non-motorized bikes are prohibited.

Book your stay with Michael's Vacation Rentals and choose from a variety of hotel-like homes. These sophisticated-yet-cozy rentals accommodate up to 11 people and include luxe amenities like hot tubs, chef-ready kitchens, wood-burning fireplaces, and fitness areas. Plus, you’ll be within walking distance from plenty of activities such as golf, swimming, and shopping.

Whether you’re new to Salt Lake City or know the area well, it’s worth exploring the surrounding areas!

The 100 Collection’s local partners make it easy to plan a trip that combines rugged outdoor adventuring with an elevated lifestyle.