Trip Motivation
In March 2025, we took a Spring break trip to Salt Lake City, Utah. We visited some friends in the city, took a drive down to the Moab area for a few days of adventuring at Arches National Park and Canyonland Island in the Sky, and enjoyed several days of skiing in the Cottonwood area. For more on our national park itinerary, see this post here
Flying: BNA to SLC: 4 hrs
We purchased tickets from Southwest Airlines. There are weekend options for nonstop flights to and from SLC but due to our dates and prices, we did quick stop-overs in Texas to and from. You can fly using Southwest points from Southwest credit cards or by transferring Chase points using the Chase portal. Read more about tips for airline trips here.
When traveling with layovers or to new cities, we always check the local airport website and the Priority Pass Lounge website prior to the trip. The Chase Sapphire Reserve card (in addition to others) comes with Priority Pass access. This card gets you access to various airport lounges. It is much more common internationally. In Nashville, there is a Minute Suites lounge in terminal D.
Another perk you can get from several credit cards we have used is Global Entry/Pre-Check. This is always helpful for avoiding long lines and spending as little time as possible with others. After you activate your credit card, you’ll use it to pay for the Global Entry fee and get reimbursed immediately. If you want more on this particular benefit and how to use a credit card to receive it for free, check out our tips here.
Hyatt Hotels in Salt Lake City
On our first night in town, after our late arrival, we stayed 5 minutes away at an airport Hyatt Place. This is one of our favorite hotel brands. When sleeping with kids, extra space to spread is always a great perk.
For our other nights in Salt Lake City, we stayed at the Hyatt Place near Cottonwood. This location was semi-convenient to our ski adventures at the Brighton Resort area. 30 minutes without traffic and 45 min to an 1 hour with traffic. The prices were very cheap and worth the drive to us.
You can earn Hyatt points from Hyatt stays, the Hyatt credit card and Chase points, which can be transferred to Hyatt. Learn more about points here.
Hyatt Place Moab
The Hyatt Place Moab is a perfect base for exploring Arches and Canyonlands. After a day of hiking, unwind in the heated outdoor pool or soak in the spacious jacuzzi, both surrounded by stunning red rock views. Don’t forget to pack goggles and dive sticks. With comfortable spacious rooms, free breakfast, and easy access to Moab attractions, it’s a win for us.
Activities in Salt Lake City: Road Trip to National Parks
The road trip from Salt Lake City to Moab is a scenic drive that takes about four hours, making it an easy getaway. We grabbed a quick bite at a Maverick gas station halfway before rolling into Moab early afternoon. After some awesome hikes and scenery (see more details here), we ate at Moab Brewery, picked up some snacks at a nearby grocery store for our adventures, and enjoyed the pool. After a brief morning visiting canyonlands , we drove back to Salt Lake City. We made sure to stop for delicious Navajo fry bread at a Tamarisk in Price, a perfect way to wrap up the trip. The combination of stunning desert landscapes, good food, and easy stops along the route made the journey just as enjoyable as the destination.
Skiing at Brighton Resort
Taking our kids skiing at Brighton Resort was an amazing experience, especially as beginners. With plenty of green and blue trails, it was the perfect place to build confidence on the slopes. Both kids and adults took lessons, which made a huge difference, and the fresh snow made everything even more beautiful. Skiers love powder days because the soft snow makes for a smoother, more enjoyable ride. It was definitely pricey to do lessons but worth it, I think.
To save money, we rented gear from Cottonwood Ski and See and limited our ski days to two packed full days. While staying on the town side of the mountain helped with costs, it did add some travel time—so be sure to have traction tires for the snowy, mountainous drive. Brighton is definitely focused more on great skiing than on resort-style amenities, but that was exactly what we wanted. Lunch at the inn was pricey on the first day, so we packed our own meals the next. If you’re planning a trip, look out for deals on season passes and multi-day tickets to make it more affordable!
Utah Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum of Utah is a fantastic stop for families, especially with kids who love hands-on learning. It features numerous interactive exhibits and fascinating artifacts, making science and history come alive. One highlight is the impressive collection of dinosaur fossils, including species unique to the region, offering a glimpse into Utah’s prehistoric past. The museum frequently hosts special exhibits, like a well-executed orcas exhibit with engaging digital features. If you have an ASTC reciprocal membership, you can take advantage of free or discounted admission, making it an even better value.
Final Thoughts
This was such a fun trip! Salt Lake City offers a little bit of everything, making it a fantastic destination. It combines the convenience and amenities of big-city life with easy access to stunning natural landscapes. Whether you’re exploring nearby national parks, hitting the slopes for world-class skiing, or enjoying vibrant city attractions, there’s always something to do. Plus, with easy flight access and a mix of outdoor adventure and urban experiences, we’ll definitely be back to visit again!
