Day Trip Scenic Drive from Salt Lake City, The Forgotten State Park of Utah, Lost Creek

Salt Lake City has become an increasingly popular destination for summer tourism from around the world. With a lot of the traffic headed south to the desert or to the popular mountain destinations it is easy to forget that the beauty of Utah is all over. Just 1 and a half hours from Salt Lake City is a forgotten state park that is worth the drive any day of the year.

Lost Creek State Park is a beautiful reservoir an hour and a half from Salt Lake City beaming with beautiful wildlife, very little foot traffic, and a breathtaking scenic drive. The secluded mountains are full of ranches, red rock cliffs, all of Utah’s wildlife, clean crisp air, and wide-open blue skies.

There are many beautiful ways to get to Lost Creek State Park, but starting in Salt Lake and going East is my personal favorite.

1) Start heading east up I-80 Lincoln Hwy headed towards Park City

2) Take Exit 134 towards East Canyon – off this exit a couple miles is Little Dell Recreation Area. I would highly recommend this as your first stop on your drive. If you are not the type to stop and get out, then try to keep your eyes on the road as the views will be amazing. (Click here for a detailed review of Little Dell)

3) Continue on Hwy 65 on the switchbacks and beautiful views until you reach East Canyon State Park. East Canyon has a wonderful area to get out and take a picnic, go for a swim, rent some kayaks, paddle boards, jet skis, or just take in the views (Click here to reserve your rentals!) You could make a whole vacation out of East Canyon, but it is a great stop on your drive either way.

4) Stay right on the road after East Canyon to stay on Hwy 65 towards Henefer. When the 65 comes to a T intersection with N Main St, turn right on N Main St over I-84.

5) Take the first left after I-84 on E Henefer Rd. This road is a little bumpy and keep an eye out for farm traffic. This last few miles is my favorite part of the drive as you wind though mountainous open ranches and red rock cliffs. Keep it slow as some turns are blind, and you don’t know what is around the corners.

6) Two last turns in Croydon will put you on the final road to the state park.

7) You have arrived. You can park in any of the parking areas and enjoy some fantastic fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, or just enjoy the pelicans, hawks, and other rampant wildlife.

I hope you enjoy this state park as much as we do. This drive will give you a side of Utah normally reserved for locals and those willing to tread off the beaten path. Enjoy your stay and be sure to come back! I promise pictures do not do this drive justice.

Click here for the Google Maps of the route!