5 Weekend Road Trips Out West

There’s nothing like a weekend road trip to the mountains or the desert to clear your mind and get away from it all. The open road, an endless sky, and your favorite soundtrack—is there anything better? Check out five of our favorite destinations in the Mountain West, from Lake Tahoe to Jackson Hole, that are perfect for a quick trip with your best gal pals or your main squeeze. Pack your bag, gas up the car, and hit the road!

1. LAKE TAHOE

Head to this sapphire-blue lake in the Sierra Nevada Mountains for a relaxing and unforgettable weekend. Lake Tahoe offers the best of both worlds: mountains where you can ski, hike, and mountain bike, and a refreshing body of water where you can swim, paddle board, and jet ski. Tahoe straddles the border of Nevada and California, and both the north and south shores offer a variety of areas to play, stay, and eat. In North Lake Tahoe (our personal favorite), check out Sand Harbor, Incline Village, King's Beach, and Northstar Resort. For North Lake Tahoe lodging, check out the Hyatt Regency, Firelite Lodge, or a variety of vacation homes in Incline Village. Be sure to stop by the Old Post Office Cafe, The Log Cabin, and Rosie’s Cafe for breakfast or brunch. Take an afternoon drive to Truckee and stay for dinner at Moody’s Bistro or Cottonwood Restaurant (get a table on the deck overlooking downtown and cozy up with a blanket while you eat). In South Lake Tahoe, check out Emerald Bay, Pope Beach, and a plethora of resorts and casinos.

2. MOAB

We're always in awe of the beauty that awaits us in this red-rock playground. Whether you choose to hike, camp, or mountain bike, Moab offers family fun for all ages and all levels of activity. We love to bunk up at Moab Under Canvas, which offers beautiful vistas and a unique glamping experience: stay in a large canvas tent outfitted with a comfy bed, seating area, heater, and a functional bathroom. Enjoy coffee on your private front porch before heading out for the day. Our favorite hike is to Utah’s iconic Delicate Arch , a 52-foot freestanding natural arch, located in Arches National Park. Tip: Wake up early and start hiking before sunrise to beat the crowds and get the best photos of the arch. After a day of exploring, refuel and recharge at The Broken Oar, The River Grill, or Moab Brewery.

3. SUN VALLEY

This quiet mountain town nestled next door to Ketchum, Idaho, is the perfect place to spend a few days skiing, ice skating, hiking, riding horses, mountain biking, or just wandering around the quaint downtown area. We love to stay at the classic Sun Valley Lodge, the nation’s first ski lodge. The resort offers a large spa, cozy lounges, and a glass-enclosed outdoor pool, and the surrounding Sun Valley village features charming local shops and cafes. In town, there's no shortage of stylish boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and lively bars where you can unwind after a day of playing in the mountains. A few of our favorite Sun Valley eateries and watering holes include Pioneer Saloon, The Kneadery, Cristina's, and The Ram.

4. JACKSON HOLE

If you've never visited this small but swanky Wyoming resort town, prepare to have your wool socks knocked off. The town is surrounded by breathtaking views of the Teton Mountains and wide open spaces (cue the Dixie Chicks on your radio). Book a room at the boutique Anvil Hotel or the luxe Caldera House. We also love the rustic-chic mini cabins at Fireside Resort. Be sure to visit the Town Square and take a photo in front of the iconic arch made of antlers, and spend an afternoon at the National Museum of Wildlife Art, home to works by Georgia O’Keeffe and Andy Warhol. Have a proper breakfast at the popular Persephone Bakery, grab a beer at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar where bar stools are outfitted with saddles, and reserve a table at Snake River Grill for dinner. While you’re in town, make time to visit Grand Teton National Park. Jackson is also the perfect gateway for a visit to Yellowstone.

5. PARK CITY

Just a quick drive up Parley's Canyon from downtown Salt Lake, Park City offers a change of scenery and a breath of fresh air—literally (especially when the valley gets congested with heavy gray smog in the winter months). Depending when you visit, enjoy a weekend of skiing, hiking, mountain biking, or golfing. Spend the weekend at the Hotel Park City or Washington School House, both close to Main Street. Or for a true resort experience, splurge on a stay at the Montage Deer Valley, St. Regis Deer Valley, or Stein Eriksen Lodge. For breakfast or brunch, fuel up for the day at Harvest (try the toasted Paleo Banana Bread and the house-made Muesli) or Five5eeds (don’t miss the beautiful berry-topped Hot Cake and the savory Waffle & Chook). Spend the afternoon shopping on historic Main Street; we love Cake Boutique, Flight Boutique, and Panache for a fashion fix, and Park City Mercantile for locally made housewares. After, refuel at Firewood Restaurant, Handle (order the General Tso Cauliflower—trust us), or Cafe Terigo (reserve a table on the patio in the warmer months). And of course, no trip to Park City is complete with a ride down the classic Alpine Slide at Park City Mountain Resort.