Waterfront day trips
10L Beach Bag
Keep day-trip items together near the shore; do not assume submersion protection.
Fly & Drive guide
Fly into SLC, drive to Salt Lake City
17 min drive8 milesNo entry permit
Trip snapshot
Arrival airport- SLC
Airport drive- 17 min · estimate
Suggested stay- 2–4 days
Reservation demand- Lower · check current rules
Vehicle notes- AWD is strongly recommended for canyon travel from November to May; check rental agency tire ratings.
Your route
SLC
Salt Lake City International Airport
Salt Lake City
About 17 min · 8 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.
Your arrival plan
Step 1Flights to SLC
Compare fares into Salt Lake City International Airport.
Find flights
Step 2Standard car at SLC
Pick up at the airport and drive straight to Salt Lake City. Compare rental companies in one search. Est. from $45/day · typical rate.
Compare rentals
Step 2SUV at SLC
Select an SUV, pickup location and dates on Airport Rentals. Est. from $55/day · typical rate.
Compare SUVs
Before you goStore extra bags
Early arrival or late flight home? Drop luggage nearby and keep the car light for the park.
Find storage
03 · First night near Salt Lake City
Sleep close after the drive so day one starts in the park.
Before you land
Reservations
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.
Official reservation infoBest time to fly in
June – September, December – March
Your route
Day 1 · High Altitude Alpine Lakes
Big Cottonwood Canyon → Red Butte Garden
Day 2 · Island Vistas and Saline Shores
Antelope Island State Park → Ensign Peak
Day 3 · Temple Grounds and Olympic History
Temple Square → Utah Olympic Park
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 separatelyCurated Trip Essentials
Five picks for Salt Lake City
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.
Quick answers
What is the closest airport to Salt Lake City?
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is the nearest commercial airport we route from.
How long is the drive from SLC to Salt Lake City?
Roughly 17 min (about 8 miles) by car, without stops. Times are estimates.
Do I need a reservation to visit Salt Lake City?
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.
Keep planning
Full guideStays, 3-day plan and route map for Salt Lake City
