Road Trips from Orem, UT
Orem is a solid starting point for a variety of day trips. You've got options ranging from quick, 1.3-hour drives to destinations that take up to 5 hours. The terrain varies, with some routes featuring high-altitude climbs and others sticking to surface roads. Several nearby parks, including Timpanogos Cave National Monument, are accessible, offering options for nature lovers, while others are primarily highway-focused if you prefer a smoother ride.
Total Routes
35
Shortest
0.5h
With Parks Nearby
21
Under 2 hours
21 total in this range
Fillmore, UT
1h 51m107.4 mi one way
This 107.4-mile trip to Fillmore is a 1.9-hour drive with a solid drive score of 8. It's a turn-heavy local drive that passes by Timpanogos Cave National Monument, offering a chance for exploration. No specific terrain is noted for this route.
Spring City, UT
1h 28m69.1 mi one way
This 69.1-mile drive to Spring City is a 1.5-hour journey with high-altitude sections and climbs, plus a drive score of 9. It's a highway-focused route, but note that Timpanogos Cave National Monument is nearby, not directly on the path.
Fairview, UT
1h 12m58.2 mi one way
At 58.2 miles and 1.2 hours, this is the shortest drive among the options. It boasts a high drive score of 9 and offers a mix of highway and surface roads. No parks are listed as nearby for this particular route.
Helper, UT
1h 32m74.8 mi one way
Aurora, UT
1h 59m111.7 mi one way
For a drive with more elevation change, Aurora is a good choice. This 111.7-mile route takes about 2 hours and includes high-altitude sections with notable climbs. It scores an 8 for its drive quality and has parks nearby, though it's not recommended for overnight stays.
Full-day getaway
9 total in this range
Enoch, UT
3h 32m208 mi one way
This 208-mile trip to Enoch is a longer haul at 3.5 hours, primarily using surface roads. It has a high drive score of 9 and provides access to both Timpanogos Cave National Monument and Cedar Breaks National Monument, making it a strong contender for park enthusiasts.
River Heights, UT
2h 15m119.1 mi one way
River Heights is 119.1 miles away, taking about 2.3 hours on mostly surface roads. This route scores an 8 and offers access to Timpanogos Cave National Monument and Golden Spike National Historical Park. It's a good option if you want park access without extreme terrain.
Moab, UT
3h 55m197.4 mi one way
If you're looking for a longer adventure with significant park access, Moab is 197.4 miles and takes 3.9 hours. This route scores an 8 and is characterized as a turn-heavy local drive, but it provides access to Arches National Park, Timpanogos Cave National Monument, and Canyonlands National Park.
Castle Dale, UT
2h 24m112.7 mi one way
Castle Dale is 112.7 miles and takes 2.4 hours. This route is flagged as turn-heavy and local, with a drive score of 8. It does offer nearby access to Timpanogos Cave National Monument, providing a park option on this drive.
Milford, UT
3h 23m193.1 mi one way
This 193.1-mile drive to Milford takes 3.4 hours and scores a 9 for its drive quality. It's categorized as a turn-heavy local drive and does not list any parks nearby. This route is best if you prioritize the driving experience itself.
Weekend trip
Hildale, UT
4h 47m277.5 mi one way
Hildale is the furthest destination at 277.5 miles, requiring 4.8 hours. This route scores an 8 and is a turn-heavy local drive. It offers access to Timpanogos Cave National Monument, Cedar Breaks National Monument, and Zion National Park, making it ideal for extensive park exploration.
Monticello, UT
5h 1m251.3 mi one way
This 251.3-mile drive to Monticello takes 5 hours, the longest option available. It's a turn-heavy local drive with a score of 8 and includes high-altitude sections with notable climbs. You'll have access to Arches National Park, Timpanogos Cave National Monument, and Canyonlands National Park.
Enterprise, UT
4h 26m255.2 mi one way
Blanding, UT
5h 27m272 mi one way
Ivins, UT
4h 38m273.1 mi one way
Browse by Mood
Enoch, UT
3h 32m208 mi one way
River Heights, UT
2h 15m119.1 mi one way
Hildale, UT
4h 47m277.5 mi one way
Moab, UT
3h 55m197.4 mi one way
Moab, UT
3h 55m197.4 mi one way
Cedar City, UT
3h 34m213.9 mi one way
Park City, UT
55m42.9 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Spring offers opportunities for drives with high-altitude sections and climbs, as seen in routes to Aurora and Spring City. Timpanogos Cave National Monument is accessible, though higher elevations may still have snow.
Summer
Summer is ideal for exploring park-heavy routes like Moab or Hildale, with all roads and attractions likely open. Longer drives are more comfortable in warmer weather.
Fall
Fall brings potential for drives with high-altitude sections like those to Aurora and Monticello, offering scenic foliage. Road conditions should be monitored, especially at higher elevations.
Winter
Winter travel may be impacted by terrain features like high-altitude sections and climbs. Shorter, highway-focused drives like the one to Mount Pleasant or Fairview are more reliable.
Starting Somewhere Else?
Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.
Ready to plan?
Pick any destination above for full turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost, rest stops, and weather. Or visit the Orem, UT city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.