Highland, Utah: 10 Short Day Trips You'll Love
10 Short Road Trips from Highland, Utah for Fun Day Trips and Nearby Getaways
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| From soaring above mountain canyons to soaking in a crater and wandering historic main streets, these short day trips from Highland, Utah make every quick escape feel special. |
Need a quick escape from Highland, Utah? You’re in a great spot for easy road trips and relaxed day trips that don’t take all day to reach. One of the best things about living in or visiting Highland in Utah County is that you can head out in almost any direction and find mountain views, old mining towns, scenic lakes, family fun, and small-town charm.
For this list, I stayed out of Utah County and focused only on nearby options in surrounding counties like Salt Lake County, Wasatch County, Tooele County, Juab County, Carbon County, Duchesne County, and Sanpete County. These are the kinds of quick escapes that work well for a spontaneous Saturday, a laid-back Sunday drive, or even a simple weekend trip.
So, where should you go first? Here are 10 iconic things to do near Highland that are perfect for a short getaway.
1. Ride the Snowbird Aerial Tram in Salt Lake County
If you want a classic mountain day trip near Highland, Utah, Snowbird is a strong pick. The Aerial Tram lifts you high above Little Cottonwood Canyon, and the views are the kind that make everyone reach for their phone at the same time.
It’s about an hour or so from Highland, depending on traffic, which makes it very doable for a same-day outing. In summer, you’ll find hiking, mountain air, and a nice break from the valley heat. In winter, the whole canyon feels like a snow globe.
I’ve always thought tram rides are a little like pressing pause on normal life. You step in, glide upward, and suddenly everything below seems far away in the best possible way.
- Best for: Mountain views and cool weather
- Drive time: Around 1 hour
- Tip: Bring a light jacket even in summer
2. Wander Historic Main Street in Park City, Salt Lake County
Park City is one of the easiest nearby getaways from Highland, and yes, it’s worth the hype. Historic Main Street is packed with shops, galleries, casual restaurants, and that polished mountain-town feel people love.
This is a great choice if your ideal road trip includes coffee, window shopping, and a little strolling instead of a full hiking day. During warmer months, outdoor patios fill up fast. In colder months, the town feels cozy and festive.
If you’re traveling with friends or family, Park City works because everyone can do their own thing for a bit and still have a fun shared day.
- Best for: Shopping, dining, and easy walking
- Drive time: About 1 hour
- Tip: Go early on weekends for easier parking
3. Explore the Homestead Crater in Wasatch County
Looking for something different? The Homestead Crater in Midway is one of the most unusual day trips from Highland, UT. This natural geothermal spring sits inside a large limestone dome, and you can swim, soak, or even snorkel in the warm water.
It’s not every day you get to tell people you floated inside a crater. That alone makes this spot memorable. Midway itself is also lovely, with a calm, scenic feel that makes the whole trip even better.
If you’ve done the usual mountain drives and want something fresh, this is a fun pick.
- Best for: Unique experiences and relaxing soaks
- Drive time: About 1 hour
- Tip: Reserve ahead if you want a swim session
4. Take in the Views at Deer Creek State Park in Wasatch County
Deer Creek State Park is perfect when you want water views without a super long drive. Just outside Heber Valley, this scenic spot is great for boating, paddleboarding, fishing, or simply sitting by the shore and enjoying the mountain backdrop.
Sometimes the best weekend trip ideas are the simplest ones. Pack snacks, bring folding chairs, and make an easy day out of it. If you’ve got kids, they’ll usually be happy just being near the water.
The whole area feels open and peaceful, which can be a nice change if your week has been packed.
- Best for: Lake time and scenic drives
- Drive time: Around 1 hour
- Tip: Sunscreen is a must, especially in summer
5. Step Back in Time at the Eureka Tintic Mining District in Juab County
If you like old towns with real history, head to Eureka in Juab County. The Tintic Mining District is one of those places that feels like a page out of the Old West. You’ll find historic buildings, mining stories, and a rugged setting that gives the town a lot of character.
This is a solid road trip from Highland, Utah if you want something a little less polished and a little more fascinating. It’s quiet, photogenic, and different from the mountain resort vibe you get in other directions.
Think of it like a history book with better scenery.
- Best for: History lovers and small-town exploring
- Drive time: About 1 to 1.5 hours
- Tip: Pair it with a relaxed scenic drive through the area
6. Visit the Bonneville Salt Flats in Tooele County
The Bonneville Salt Flats are one of the most iconic sights in Utah, and they make for an unforgettable day trip near Highland. The bright white landscape looks almost unreal, like snow, a desert, and the moon all met in one place.
It’s a longer day, but still very doable if you start early. The drive itself has that wide-open Utah feel, and once you arrive, the scenery is unlike anywhere else on this list.
If you enjoy photography, this is a dream stop. Even simple snapshots look dramatic here.
- Best for: Epic scenery and unique photos
- Drive time: Around 2 hours each way
- Tip: Check weather and conditions before you go
7. Tour the Utah State University Eastern Prehistoric Museum in Carbon County
For a family-friendly outing, the USU Eastern Prehistoric Museum in Price is a fun surprise. You’ll find dinosaur fossils, ancient artifacts, and exhibits that help tell the story of eastern Utah long before modern roads and towns showed up.
This is a nice pick when you want a road trip that mixes entertainment with learning. It works especially well on very hot days, rainy days, or when you want an indoor stop that still feels memorable.
And honestly, dinosaurs have a way of making almost any trip better.
- Best for: Families, kids, and history fans
- Drive time: Around 2 hours
- Tip: Combine it with lunch in Price for a full day out
8. Drive Through Nine Mile Canyon in Carbon County
Nine Mile Canyon is often called the world’s longest art gallery, and once you see the rock art, it’s easy to understand why. The canyon is filled with incredible petroglyphs and pictographs left by earlier cultures, along with dramatic canyon scenery.
This is one of the most rewarding nearby getaways for travelers who like scenic backroads and meaningful stops. It’s quiet, beautiful, and full of history. You don’t rush through a place like this. You take your time.
If your favorite trips are the ones that leave you saying, “Why didn’t I do this sooner?” this one fits.
- Best for: Rock art, desert scenery, and history
- Drive time: Roughly 2 to 2.5 hours to the area
- Tip: Bring water, snacks, and a full tank of gas
9. See the Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum in Duchesne County
Over in Vernal, the Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum is another excellent pick for a short weekend trip or a long but fun day trip from Highland. This museum is known for dinosaur exhibits, fossils, and outdoor prehistoric displays.
Now, this one is a bit farther than some others on the list, but if you’ve got travelers in your group who love science, nature, or dinosaurs, it’s worth the miles. Sometimes the best road trips are the ones where the drive becomes part of the adventure.
Vernal has a very different feel from the Wasatch Front, which makes this getaway feel like a true change of scenery.
- Best for: Dino fans and curious travelers
- Drive time: About 2.5 to 3 hours
- Tip: Turn it into an early-start full-day outing
10. Explore the Manti Temple Area and Main Street Charm in Sanpete County
Manti is one of those towns that feels calm the moment you arrive. The standout landmark is the beautiful Manti Utah Temple area, which sits above town and gives the whole place a postcard-like look. Even if you’re just visiting the grounds and soaking in the setting, it’s a lovely stop.
After that, spend some time exploring the town itself. Manti has classic small-town Utah charm, local history, and an easy pace that makes for a pleasant day trip. It’s not flashy, but that’s part of the appeal.
Some trips are about big thrills. Others are about slowing down and enjoying a place that feels grounded and welcoming. Manti is definitely the second kind.
- Best for: Scenic small-town charm and peaceful exploring
- Drive time: Around 2 hours
- Tip: Great in spring and fall for mild weather and pretty views
Quick Tips for Planning Day Trips from Highland, Utah
Before you hit the road, here are a few easy tips to make your trip smoother:
- Start early if you’re heading to popular spots on a weekend.
- Bring layers. Utah weather can change fast, especially in the mountains.
- Pack water and snacks, even for shorter drives.
- Check seasonal hours for museums, parks, and attractions.
- Use your camera. These quick escapes can turn into some of your favorite memories.
Final Thoughts on Nearby Getaways from Highland
One of the best parts of being near Highland, Utah is how many fun and scenic road trips are within easy reach. You can soak in a crater, stroll a mountain town, stand on the salt flats, explore dinosaur museums, or dive into Utah history, all without planning a huge vacation.
That’s what makes these day trips from Highland, Utah so appealing. They’re simple, flexible, and full of variety. Whether you want a low-key scenic drive or a more memorable weekend trip, there’s something here for almost every kind of traveler.
Have you visited any of these spots already? Which one would you add to your list? Share this post with a travel buddy, and drop a comment with your favorite nearby getaway from Highland.
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