Looking for the best parks in Salt Lake City or searching for parks near Salt Lake City for your next outdoor adventure? In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to enjoy the top state parks in the region, as well as the three closest national parks to Salt Lake City - all within a half-day drive. Whether you’re a local or planning your perfect Utah getaway, explore where nature, wildlife, and outdoor fun are waiting right at your doorstep.
Salt Lake City Parks - Urban Oases for Everyone
Salt Lake City boasts an impressive selection of public parks, some perfect for families, others for sports or quiet strolls. Among the most popular city parks are:
Liberty Park - This historic park covers 80 acres and features a serene pond, playgrounds, a swimming pool, an aviary, and plenty of green space for picnics or jogging. Its central location and diverse amenities make it a local favorite for all ages.
Sugar House Park - Spanning over 110 acres, Sugar House Park is known for its open fields, walking paths, a large pond, and wintertime sledding hills. It’s the Central Park of Salt Lake City where locals gather for recreation or relaxation.
Jordan Park - Home to the International Peace Gardens, this park features sports fields, playgrounds, and shaded spaces, making it ideal for group activities and events.
Tanner Park & Parley’s Historic Nature Park - A blend of natural trails, creeks, and off-leash dog areas, these connected parks offer a peaceful escape with mountain views and urban accessibility.
Top State Parks Near Salt Lake City - Nature Just Minutes Away
When you're looking for parks near Salt Lake City that offer wild landscapes, outdoor activities, and wildlife sightings, head to one of these must-visit state parks:
Antelope Island State Park - Only 25 miles north, Antelope Island sits within the Great Salt Lake and is famous for its roaming herds of bison and antelope. Enjoy hiking, biking, birdwatching, clean beaches, and breathtaking sunset views. The causeway provides vehicle access, making it both remote and accessible.
Great Salt Lake State Park - Located about 16 miles west of downtown, this park offers sweeping views of the salt flats and marina access for boating and birdwatching. It’s a perfect spot for catching unforgettable sunsets in Utah’s most iconic landscape.
This Is The Place Heritage Park - While most come for the living history museum and pioneer village, this state park on Salt Lake’s east bench also features scenic trails, family-friendly activities, and a taste of Utah’s settlement heritage.
National Parks Close to Salt Lake City - Epic Landscapes Within Reach
Utah is world-famous for its national parks, and three of the most stunning are surprisingly close to Salt Lake City. Here are the top three national parks near Salt Lake City, with approximate drive times:
- Capitol Reef National Park - The closest national park to Salt Lake City, Capitol Reef is about 220 miles (approximately 3.5 to 4 hours’ drive) south. Discover colorful cliffs, domes, canyons, and the historic orchards of Fruita. Hiking, scenic drives, and picture-perfect viewpoints await.
- Arches National Park - Just 230 miles east (a 3.5 to 4-hour drive), Arches boasts over 2,000 natural stone arches and some of the most unique red rock formations on the planet. Moab, the gateway town, also makes it easy to combine Arches and Canyonlands in one trip.
- Canyonlands National Park - About 240 miles and 4 hours from Salt Lake City, Canyonlands is Utah’s largest national park. Its dramatic mesas, deep canyons, and winding rivers make this a paradise for hikers, photographers, and adventure seekers.
Feeling adventurous? Each of these national parks close to Salt Lake City can be explored in a day, but they deserve as much time as you can give. Whether you’re drawn to arches of stone, wild bison, or salt flats glimmering at sunset, the parks in and around Salt Lake City promise legendary outdoor experiences.
Your Basecamp for Utah Adventure - Why Salt Lake City?
Salt Lake City stands as a gateway to the best parks Utah has to offer. With quick access to both state parks and national parks near Salt Lake City, it’s the ideal launching point for your next adventure, no matter the season. Pack your hiking boots, grab your camera, and explore Salt Lake City parks and beyond!