The Spontaneous Road Trip Through Utah That Is the Perfect Weekend of Adventure

If you have a free weekend and a sense of adventure, how about taking a spontaneous weekend road trip in Utah? While I’m not a spontaneous person, I typically plan all of my adventures far in advance and may even have my itinerary written out by the hour. However, my husband has a spontaneous streak for setting off on adventures, and the following road trip was inspired by him. Featuring seven one-of-a-kind attractions in Utah, this is a weekend road trip where you can just hop in the car and go. It’s a road trip that everyone can enjoy.

This road trip through Utah will take you on a large loop that is approximately 120 miles. You can start your adventure at any destination on this route, but for this article, we will start in Provo and travel counterclockwise. You will want to plan at least 2.5 hours of drive time, and we recommend two days for this trip so you have plenty of time at each stop along your way.

Stop 1 — Monte L. Bean Life Museum

The Monte L. Bean Life Museum, better known as the “Bean Museum” by locals, is a natural history museum on Brigham Young University’s campus in Provo, Utah. This incredible attraction has dozens of exhibits that teach you all about this lovely planet we call home. Whether you stay for hours or for just a short amount of time, you can learn about freshwater and marine ecosystems, insects, animals, and so much more. Plus, the Bean Museum is free.

Stop 2 — Bridal Veil Falls

The next stop along one of the best road trips near Provo, Utah, is Bridal Veil Falls in Provo Canyon, the tallest waterfall in the state. This 607-foot waterfall can be seen right from the highway as you continue on your drive, or you can stop and tackle the 1.4-mile trail to get a closer look. You can also stop by Bridal Veil Falls Park, where you’ll find grassy picnic spots perfect for a quick meal before you continue on your way.

Stop 3 — Zipline Utah at Deer Creek State Park

Are you ready to capture views of Utah like never before? Zipline Utah in Heber City offers a variety of zipline adventures over the beautiful Deer Creek Reservoir. As you soar through the sky, you’ll enjoy water views and can admire the Wasatch Mountains. There are several tour options available, but you may need to make reservations if you choose to go on a busy day of the week. This is one of the most exciting things to do on a weekend trip in Utah.

Stop 4 — McPolin Farm Nature Trail

McPolin Farm Nature Trail is a great place to get out of the car, stretch your legs, and enjoy the beauty of the Park City area. This trail can be accessed via HWY 224 in Park City and will teach you all about the area's plants and wildlife. As you hike, you’ll pass several interpretive signs, as well as several shady benches where you can rest. The trail is an easy 1.5 miles and will take less than an hour to complete the loop, making it a relatively quick stop along this Utah weekend road trip itinerary.

Stop 5 — Sugar House Park

The next stop on our road trip is the delightful Sugar House Park, where you can easily spend an hour or two. This is one of our favorite parks in the Salt Lake Valley, featuring 110 acres of grassy areas, rolling hills, a large pond, and more. Plus, the beautiful Parley’s Creek runs right through the park, which is where we love to relax and enjoy the flowing water. Your family can also let off some energy on one of the playgrounds, along the walking path, or next to the beautiful pond, which is home to wildlife of all sizes.

Stop 6 — Wheeler Historic Farm

You will not want to skip Wheeler Historic Farm in Salt Lake City. This late-19th-century farmstead is a working farm, a public park, home to a farmers' market, and so much more. You can stop by for farmhouse tours, have a picnic, visit the animals, play on the playgrounds, or participate in one of its many events. Depending on the time of year, there are also wagon rides and milking demonstrations. You may want to spend a minimum of two hours here.

Stop 7 — Brookers Founding Flavors

Brookers Founding Flavors may be one of the most delicious stops on our road trip and the perfect way to end this spontaneous weekend adventure. While this Utah ice cream shop has multiple locations in the Wasatch Front, for this Wasatch Front road trip itinerary, we will stop at the Vineyard location. This family-owned themed ice cream shop is where you can get a delicious treat and a history lesson in one visit. You’ll see employees dressed in authentic period clothing and ice cream flavors named after our Founding Fathers.

Where to Stay Along This Route

During this spontaneous road trip, you'll want to book accommodations for at least one night. If you plan to stay in Provo, consider the comfortable digs at Hyatt Place Provo, which offers several amenities, including a fitness center, swimming pool, and bar. There's also the Residence Inn by Marriott in Provo, which offers free bike use and a buffet breakfast for guests. In Salt Lake City, the Holiday Inn Express Salt Lake City Downtown by IHG is a wonderful option with high ratings for its amenities and centralized location. For more privacy, try the Placemakr Salt Lake City Downtown, Apartments by Hilton.

What other stops would you make on this spontaneous road trip in Utah? Where would you recommend spending the night on this adventure? Before you go, make sure you check out our ultimate road trip packing list and have plenty of good music and car-friendly snacks for the drive!

For more Utah travel inspiration, check out some of the best road trips in Utah, where we cover 11 of our favorite road trips all over the Beehive State.