Arrival airport
Airport drive
Suggested stay
Reservation demand
Vehicle notes
Class C Motorhome — Sleeps 4
From $245/day · typical rate
Drive-and-sleep motorhome with kitchen and bathroom.
Motorhome · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
Black Friday · ends 2 Dec — Cruise America & Cruise Canada up to 35% off. Selected dates & T&Cs apply.Top tour
Most popular experience near Salt Lake City
Know before you go
Canyon Capacity
Trailheads in Little and Big Cottonwood Canyons often fill by 7:30 AM on summer weekends. Utilize the UTA ski bus during winter to mitigate parking shortages and traffic restrictions.
Canyon Dead Zones
Expect total loss of cellular signal in the upper reaches of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Always notify someone of your itinerary before entering the mountain canyons.
Gateway Supplies
Fill tanks in Sandy or Midvale before heading up the Cottonwood Canyons, as there are no fuel stations within the canyon walls. Fuel is also unavailable on Antelope Island beyond the entrance.
Snowmelt Windows
High-altitude trails above 9,000 feet often remain snow-covered until late June. Plan for lower foothill hikes during the spring months to avoid deep mud and lingering drifts.
Traction Laws
UDOT 'Traction Law' (R-984) may be enforced during snow events, requiring specific tires or AWD for canyon access. Check the UDOT Cottonwood accounts for real-time road status and avalanche closures.
Check current conditions:Utah State Parks
2RVs, campervans & cars near SLC
Sleeps 2 campervans
Est. from $95/day · typical rate
Compact van-style camper that sleeps two, easier to park.
Sleeps 2 camper · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
Flights to SLC
Check on Aviasales
- ✓ Compare suppliers at SLC
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
Standard car rentals at SLC
Est. from $45/day · typical rate
Pick your dates and vehicle class.
Compare rates at SLC
- ✓ Compare suppliers at SLC
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
SUV rentals at SLC
Est. from $55/day · typical rate
Pick your dates and vehicle class.
Compare rates at SLCA little structure. Plenty of freedom.
3 days in Salt Lake City
- 01
High Altitude Alpine Lakes
Suggested: 8 AM from Salt Lake City
Big Cottonwood Canyon
Explore the Silver Lake Loop or higher trails for mountain views and seasonal wildflowers.
Red Butte Garden
Visit this botanical garden in the foothills to see native mountain plants and regional landscapes.
Allow 60–90 minutes for canyon travel; conditions vary
Check for traction laws if visiting between November and April; 4WD or chains may be required.
Pick up your vehicle at SLC → - 02
Island Vistas and Saline Shores
Suggested: 9 AM from Downtown
Antelope Island State Park
Drive the causeway to see free-roaming bison and the unique landscape of the Great Salt Lake.
Ensign Peak
A short, steep hike above the city offering a historic overview of the valley layout.
Allow 2 hours for the round trip to the island; conditions vary
Biting gnats can be prevalent near the lake shore in late spring; check local reports.
Tours for today's stops → - 03
Temple Grounds and Olympic History
Suggested: 8:30 AM from Salt Lake City
Temple Square
Walk the historic 10-acre grounds containing the Salt Lake Temple and Tabernacle.
Utah Olympic Park
Visit the site of the Winter Olympic Games in nearby Park City for museum exhibits and athlete training views.
Allow 60–80 minutes for the drive to Park City; conditions vary
Temple Square is undergoing multi-year renovation; check for specific sidewalk closures.
Find a place to stay →
Reservations · Low
Canyon Transportation and Island Access Procedures
Entry to Antelope Island State Park requires a daily vehicle fee paid at the causeway. During winter months, parking at popular Wasatch ski resorts and trailheads in Little Cottonwood Canyon may require advanced reservations or specific carpool permits. Check the official UDOT and Utah State Parks websites for changing seasonal requirements.
Check official reservation infoFly in · nearest airport
SLCSalt Lake City
Salt Lake City International Airport · 17 min drive
Find flights to SLC
Plan your road trip
From Salt Lake City International Airport
17 min
about 8 miles by car · times vary with traffic and road closures
Airport-to-destination drive; sightseeing stops are separate markers.
Stays near the end of your drive
3Where you'll want to sleep
RV parks near Salt Lake City on RoverPass
RV Park
Best for: RV travelers
Book RV parks and campgrounds online with full hookups near the park.
Est. from $150/day · estimateSee stays
Campsites near Salt Lake City on Campspot
Campground
Best for: Tent camping
Private campgrounds, cabins and glamping just outside the park, often with availability when park sites sell out.
Est. from $35/night · estimateSee stays
Harvest Hosts stays on the way to Salt Lake City
Stay overnight free at wineries, farms & breweries
5,000+ unique RV stops. WildParkRoutes readers get 20% off the first year.
RV Park
Best for: RV travelers
Membership for overnight RV stays at farms, wineries and other unique spots along your route.
Est. from $150/day · estimateGet 20% off
Vrbo
Cabins & vacation rentals near Salt Lake City
Est. from $120/night · typical rate
- Whole-home cabins and lodges
- Kitchens and room for the crew
Expedia
Hotels & lodges near Salt Lake City
Est. from $110/night · typical rate
- Hotels in nearby gateway towns
- Inns and last-minute rooms
4The moments you came for
Viator
Tours & experiences near Salt Lake City
Explore guided activities around Salt Lake City. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.
Open tour listings separately
Curated Trip Essentials
Five picks for Salt Lake City
Waterfront day trips
10L Beach Bag
Keep day-trip items together near the shore; do not assume submersion protection.
Water on walking days
2L Hydration Pack
Carry drinking water on longer walks; refill before leaving services.
Travel documents & cards
Crossbody Card Holder
Keep cards close on sightseeing days; check dimensions for what you want to carry.
Sunny outdoor stops
Cooling Neck Gaiter
A light neck covering for sunny walks; use alongside sunscreen, not instead of it.
Wildlife & night viewing
WG9801 4K Night Vision Binoculars
3″ HD display · 48MP photo · 8X digital zoom. Check park rules before using lights at night.
$189.99 USD · store price
Shop at WILDGUARDEROptional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.
