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SALT LAKE CITY — Summer has come to an end, which means goodbye long vacations and hello, daytrips. Whether you're more into taking in the sights or learning something new, there's something in Utah for everyone.
Here are seven options to consider the next time you decide you just have to get out of town for a few hours.
Spiral Jetty
The work is a little over 100 miles northwest of Salt Lake City and directions can be found here. As always, remember to leave no trace of your visit and leave all rocks and other natural material at the site.
Dinosaur National Monument ==========================
Dinosaur fossils are only visible on the Utah side of the monument, near Jensen, Uintah County, about three hours east of both Salt Lake City and Provo. The monument is open every day of the year, but if you're going in September, you should call ahead to see if they're operating under their summer or winter hours. Admission is $25 per vehicle.
Fishlake National Forest ========================
Depending on what you plan to do, there may be a permit required (potentially including activities like picking mushrooms or cutting a Christmas tree). Call ahead to check. The forest is about two hours south of Provo, near Richfield.
Cove Fort Historic Site =======================
The fort is open year-round from 9 a.m. to dusk. It’s located outside of Beaver, about an hour north of Cedar City off I-15 and I-70.
Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge ================================
The tour is open every day from sunrise to sunset, although you should call before visiting after heavy rain or snow to make sure it hasn't been temporarily closed. The education center is open Tuesday to Friday, 8 a.m.-4:00 p.m. and the second and fourth Saturdays of every month from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The refuge is located in Brigham City, about 20 minutes north of Ogden. Find information about passes and permits here.
Crystal Hot Springs ===================
Crystal Hot Springs’ natural hot spring ranges in temperature from 120-134°F and has the highest mineral content (46,000 mg/L) of any hot spring in the world, according to its website. The source spring is believed to be around 22,000 years old. The springs as a business were established in 1901 and were originally indoors before two separate fires burned down the buildings that housed them.
Admission costs between $7-$25 for single or family passes. Hours vary and can be found here. The springs are located in Honeyville, about a half hour southwest of Logan.
Museum hours vary based on the time of year, so call before you visit if you’re not sure it will be open. Eureka is about 45 minutes southwest of Provo.
Steph Grimes is a writer and editor based in New York, although she spends most of her time traveling. Follow her on Instagram: @passportsandparchment
