Summer Road Trips in Utah
Routes
30
Avg Distance
331 mi
Avg Drive
5h 50m
Destinations
22
Utah in the summer means open roads through dramatic landscapes. With 30 routes averaging 331 miles and taking about 5.8 hours, you can explore diverse terrains from mountain passes reaching over 9,000 feet to high-altitude climbs. Many routes offer excellent EV coverage with dozens of DC fast chargers, perfect for covering long distances between parks.
Fuel snapshot for this state
Regular
$4.47/gal
Diesel: $5.35/gal
Typical trip cost
$52–$72
One-way, ~331 mi avg @ 25.4 MPG
CO₂ per trip
~116 kg
ICE vehicle, one-way average
Source: US Energy Information Administration • week of 2026-06-01
Climate through the year: Utah
Utah peaks at around 94°F in Jul and cools to 39°F / 24°F in Jan. Wettest month is Apr at ~2.2 in of rain. Table highlights Summer months.
| Month | High °F | Low °F | Rain in | Snow in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 39 | 24 | 1.4 | 12.7 |
| Feb | 45 | 29 | 1.3 | 10.7 |
| Mar | 55 | 36 | 1.8 | 5.9 |
| Apr | 62 | 42 | 2.2 | 2.9 |
| May | 73 | 50 | 1.8 | 0.1 |
| Jun peak | 84 | 59 | 1 | — |
| Jul peak | 94 | 68 | 0.5 | — |
| Aug peak | 92 | 67 | 0.6 | — |
| Sep | 81 | 56 | 1.1 | — |
| Oct | 66 | 44 | 1.3 | 0.5 |
| Nov | 51 | 33 | 1.3 | 7 |
| Dec | 39 | 25 | 1.4 | 12.1 |
Source: NOAA NCEI Monthly Climate Normals, 1991–2020 reference period. Sampled at the major-airport station for UT — microclimates along specific routes can vary significantly.
Summer hazards: what the data says
Recent seismic activity (last 7 days)
1 earthquakes M3.0+ — strongest M3.1 in Utah.
Source: USGS Earthquake Hazards Program
Historical context — not a real-time advisory. Always check local road conditions before departing.
Planning Tips
- Carry extra water — summer heat in the car and at rest stops dehydrates faster than you think.
- Start drives early or late to avoid peak afternoon heat, especially through desert or plains stretches.
- Check your tire pressure before long summer drives — hot pavement increases blowout risk with underinflated tires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Summer Routes
Editor's pick
Saint George, UT → Vernal, UT
Through: Price
This route scores an 8, offering mountain driving with significant elevation changes up to 9,077 feet and access to parks. It's a solid choice for experiencing Utah's varied high-altitude terrain.
Editor's pick
Logan, UT → Ivins, UT
Another drive score of 8, this trip features high-altitude sections and notable climbs reaching 5,876 feet, plus excellent EV coverage with 49 DC fast chargers. It's ideal for those prioritizing charging infrastructure alongside mountain scenery.
Editor's pick
Santa Clara, UT → Logan, UT
This pick also earns an 8 for its drive score, with high-altitude stretches and climbs topping 5,886 feet. It boasts excellent EV coverage, supported by 34 DC fast chargers, making it convenient for electric vehicle travel.
Saint George, UT → Providence, UT
Logan, UT → Washington, UT
Saint George, UT → Garland, UT
Logan, UT → Hurricane, UT
Ogden, UT → Ivins, UT
Blanding, UT → Ogden, UT
Through: Salt Lake City
Layton, UT → Kanab, UT
Saint George, UT → Wendover, UT
Layton, UT → Ivins, UT
Logan, UT → Cedar City, UT
Saint George, UT → Syracuse, UT
Logan, UT → Enoch, UT
Layton, UT → Washington, UT
Salt Lake City, UT → Hildale, UT
Through: Hurricane
Layton, UT → Enterprise, UT
Hildale, UT → West Valley City, UT
Layton, UT → Hurricane, UT
Kanab, UT → West Valley City, UT
Kanab, UT → Millcreek, UT
Layton, UT → Toquerville, UT
Blanding, UT → Millcreek, UT
Through: Salt Lake City
Saint George, UT → Mount Olympus, UT
Kanab, UT → Sandy Hills, UT
Hildale, UT → South Jordan, UT
Ivins, UT → Sandy Hills, UT
Saint George, UT → Stansbury park, UT
Salt Lake City, UT → Enterprise, UT