The ultimate road trip from Chicago to Salt Lake City, Utah, takes you from the Great Lakes to the Rocky Mountains.
A 1,400-mile road trip from Chicago to Salt Lake City takes you from Illinois, through Iowa, Nebraska, and Colorado, to “The Mormon State”, Utah. You will see historic locations, famous cities, overlooked towns, unique attractions, legendary ski resorts, rich cultures, stunning national parks and forests, and breathtaking landscapes, as you travel between “The Windy City”, Chicago, Illinois, and “The Crossroads of the West”, SLC, Utah.
For help planning a perfect Chicago, IL, to Salt Lake City, UT, road trip itinerary, read on.
A Road Trip From Chicago To Salt Lake City, Utah: How Far Is It, What Is The Best Route, & How Long Will It Take?
The shortest distance from Chicago to Salt Lake City, Utah, is 1,400 miles (2,253km), which takes 20 hours to drive. However, the best route is slightly longer. Our Chicago to Salt Lake City drive time is 22 hours, and we cover 1,530 miles (2,462km).
Start by joining I-55 at its origin near McCormick Place and follow it 44 miles (71km) to Exit 250B. Now join I-80 and follow it west 780 miles (1,255km) to Exit 102 in Big Springs, Nebraska. Join I-76 at its origin and drive its 187.3-mile (301-km) length to Denver, Colorado. Merge onto I-70 and follow it 345 miles west to Exit 157 in Green River, Utah, then head north on US Highway 191/Grand Army of the Republic Highway.
When Route 191 bears right near Castle Gate, Utah, keep left to continue north on Grand Army of the Republic Highway/US Route 6. Then, in Thistle, Utah, merge onto US Route 89/National Park Highway and follow it north to your destination in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Best Time For A Road Trip From Chicago To Salt Lake City, Utah
The best time for a road trip from Chicago to Salt Lake City, Utah, is either late May to the end of July or early December to mid-April.
The first window is when both the route and Salt Lake City experience warm, dry, pleasant weather, and all attractions will be open. It also avoids the huge crowds and blistering temperatures SLC gets at the height of Summer and the worst of the region’s wildfire season, which peaks between early August and late September.
The second window is ideal for skiing enthusiasts travelling from Chicago, IL, to Salt Lake City, UT, as many of the nation’s best ski resorts are either near Salt Lake City or on our route. All the resorts should be fully operational by December, with the best skiing months being January and February. The slopes will still be active through March and into mid-April. While there will be less snow and some slopes will begin to close, the brighter days and smaller crowds will appeal to many.
Best Places To Stop On A Road Trip From Chicago To Salt Lake City, Utah
A road trip from Chicago to Salt Lake City, Utah, takes at least 22 hours, so you’ll need to break the drive into smaller chunks. There are plenty of great places to stop along our route, but the following three destinations are easily the best places to stay on a journey from Chicago, IL, to Salt Lake City, UT.
Des Moines, Iowa
Iowa's capital and largest city, Des Moines, offers diverse attractions for all interests. History enthusiasts can visit the unique Iowa State Capitol and the Kruidenier Trail Bridge for scenic views. Nature lovers will appreciate the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, featuring over 1,200 plant species. Additional highlights include the Des Moines Art Center, the State Historical Museum, the John & Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, and more. The city's vibrant bars, shops, and restaurants make it an ideal stop for travellers heading from Chicago, IL, to Salt Lake City, UT.
Best Hotel To Stay At In Des Moines, Iowa – Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection By Hilton
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton, is a historic 4-star hotel in downtown Des Moines opened in 1919. Its 290 upscale guestrooms blend modern amenities and classic charm, including Wi-Fi, smart TVs, and mini-fridges. The hotel offers a fitness centre, valet parking, and dining options, including Proudfoot & Bird and Hobnob Coffee and Wine Bar. Its central location provides easy access to local attractions, making it a convenient choice for visitors.
Denver, Colorado
Colorado’s capital and most populous city, Denver is often referred to as the Mile High City. Set 5,280 feet above sea level, at the base of the Rocky Mountains, its vibrant downtown is filled with top-notch museums, galleries, dining options, breweries, and recreational spaces. Key attractions include the Denver Art Museum, the Colorado State Capitol, the Denver Botanic Gardens, the historic Union Station, and the Lower Downtown (LoDo) district.
Denver is also an ideal launching point for exploring the Rockies, offering easy access to scenic drives, hiking trails, and mountain towns. A visit to Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre is essential, and several ski resorts, such as Breckenridge, Keystone, Winter Park, and Vail, are just a drive away.
Best Hotel To Stay At In Denver, Colorado – Hyatt Centric Downtown Denver
Hyatt Centric Downtown Denver is a modern, stylish hotel in downtown Denver. An ideal hub for visiting popular sites like Larimer Square, Union Station, Coors Field, and the Denver Performing Arts Complex, the hotel boasts a rooftop terrace with stunning city views, a restaurant, and a well-equipped fitness centre.
The 264 guest rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, contemporary design, and the comfortable Hyatt Grand Beds. Each is equipped with standard amenities such as a 55-inch HDTV with Chromecast, individual climate control, blackout curtains, a Keurig coffee maker, BeeKind toiletries, a hairdryer, bathrobes, a garment steamer, and an in-room safe. Rooms on higher floors provide particularly remarkable views of the city.
Moab, Utah
Moab, Utah, is known as an adventure hub in the American Southwest, surrounded by two of Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks, Canyonlands and Arches, plus the Colorado River and countless stunning red-rock landscapes. The town offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, rafting, off-roading, and stargazing, and features local bars, restaurants, shops for gear and souvenirs, and guided tours.
Best Hotel To Stay At In Moab, Utah – Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Moab
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Moab, located 2.3 miles from Arches National Park, offers stunning views and upscale amenities in central Moab. Each room features a private bathroom, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a microwave, a refrigerator, and modern furnishings. The hotel provides business and fitness centres, a swimming pool, a hot tub, laundry services, free Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast, and free parking.
The Best Things To See On A Road Trip From Chicago To Salt Lake City, Utah
Joliet, Illinois
Joliet, Illinois’ 3rd-largest city and a key stop on Historic Route 66, is known for its motor industry and attractions such as the Route 66 Visitors Centre, Route 66 Raceway, and Chicagoland Speedway, appealing to car enthusiasts. Additionally, it offers cultural sites and historic links to Al Capone, such as the Joliet Area Historical Museum, the Old Joliet Prison, and Rialto Square Theatre, along with various casinos, catering to a wide range of interests.
Starved Rock State Park
Starved Rock State Park spans 2,600 acres along the Illinois River and is celebrated for its waterfalls, sandstone canyons, and forested trails, making it ideal for hiking, photography, and wildlife observation. It holds great historical significance; it’s named after a Native American legend involving the Illiniwek tribe from the 1760s. Notable sites include Starved Rock Lodge, constructed in the 1930s, which provides lodging, dining, and scenic views.
Ronald Reagan’s Birthplace
The Ronald Reagan Birthplace and Museum in Tampico, Illinois, is a historically preserved site where America's 40th president was born on February 6, 1911. The second-floor apartment above a store has been restored to its original early 20th-century appearance. Guided tours provide insights into Reagan's childhood and family life, while the visitor centre and exhibits highlight his early years. The surrounding town features vintage shops that reflect the era of Reagan's upbringing.
Davenport, Iowa
Davenport, located on the Mississippi River, is the 3rd most populous city in Iowa and part of the Quad Cities. It features riverfront scenery, cultural attractions, and activities like walking the riverwalk, biking the Mississippi River Trail, and taking riverboat cruises. Notable sites include the Figge Art Museum, which showcases American and Colonial art, and the Putnam Museum & Science Center. The city also hosts events, including the Bix 7 Road Race, honouring local jazz legend Bix Beiderbecke.
Iowa 80 - World’s Largest Truck Stop
The Iowa 80 Truck Stop, located near Walcott, Iowa, is the world’s largest truck stop, covering over 75 acres and serving more than 5,000 visitors daily. It features a convenience store, food court, movie theatre, laundry facilities, showers, gift shops, and a trucking museum showcasing vintage trucks and the history of America's trucking industry.
Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
The Herbert Hoover National Historic Site in West Branch, Iowa, showcases the early life and legacy of President Herbert Hoover. Key features include his birthplace cottage, a replica of his father's blacksmith shop, the schoolhouse he attended, and the Friends Meetinghouse. The site also contains the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, which features exhibits on his life and achievements, as well as the graves of Henry Hoover and his wife, Lou Henry Hoover. There are also over two miles of walking trails through restored tallgrass prairies.
Iowa City, Iowa
Iowa City, the 5th most populous city in Iowa, is known for its literary heritage and college-town atmosphere, bolstered by the University of Iowa. It is the only UNESCO City of Literature in the U.S., featuring a vibrant downtown with independent shops, cafes, and galleries. The Pedestrian Mall hosts outdoor seating and live performances, while historic sites like the Old Capitol Building showcase the city's past.
Amana Colonies
The Amana Colonies in eastern Iowa, established by German Pietists in the mid-1800s, consist of seven historic villages recognised as a National Historic Landmark. They feature well-preserved architecture that showcases heritage and craftsmanship. Visitors can experience traditional German cuisine, local beverages, and handmade crafts, and enjoy seasonal festivals like Maifest and Oktoberfest that celebrate the colonies' German heritage.
Winterset, Iowa
Winterset, Iowa, located south of Des Moines, attracts tourists for two main reasons: its association with the novel "The Bridges of Madison County" and the John Wayne Birthplace Museum. The museum features the restored house where John Wayne was born, along with artefacts, exhibits, a statue, a documentary you can watch on seats from Hollywood’s legendary Chinese Theater, and a gift shop, making it a significant destination for fans of the actor.
Council Bluffs, Iowa
Council Bluffs, located along the Missouri River in Iowa, is noted for its historical landmarks, including the Union Pacific Railroad Museum, Grenville M. Dodge House, and the Squirrel Cage Jail. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy Lake Manawa State Park for boating and hiking, the Wabash Trace Nature Trail for biking, and Tom Hanafan River's Edge Park for scenic views. The city features a vibrant arts scene with public installations and cultural events. It is also recognised for its casino, Harrah’s Council Bluffs, which boasts a popular poker room and a diversity of gaming options.
Omaha, Nebraska
Nebraska’s largest city and the second-largest in the Great Plains region, after Oklahoma City, Omaha was established in 1854. The city boasts a significant historical legacy, featuring numerous historic districts and over 100 individual structures recognised on the National Register of Historic Places or designated as National Historic Landmarks. It is a fantastic place to learn about the central United States; perhaps the nation’s most overlooked region.
Lincoln, Nebraska
Lincoln, Nebraska’s capital and second-most populous city, combines a charming small-town atmosphere with a youthful energy, largely influenced by the presence of the University of Nebraska. It features notable historical sites, like the Nebraska State Capitol and museums that reflect the region's heritage. The Haymarket District showcases a lively arts scene with galleries, boutiques, and restaurants, complemented by community events. Outdoor activities abound with over 130 miles of bike trails and beautiful parks, making Lincoln a city with diverse offerings for all.
The Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave
The Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave on Lookout Mountain highlights the life of frontiersman Buffalo Bill Cody through a variety of artefacts and exhibits from the Wild West. His gravesite offers scenic views towards Denver, fulfilling his wish for its location. This site is significant for its historical context and beautiful scenery, making it a worthwhile stop for travellers heading from Chicago, IL, to Salt Lake City, UT.
Vail, Colorado
Vail, Colorado, is a premier mountain resort known for the Vail Ski Resort, one of North America's largest skiing destinations, attracting visitors in winter for skiing and snowboarding. In summer, it offers hiking, mountain biking, festivals, and scenic gondola rides. Vail Village is designed to resemble a European alpine town, featuring upscale shops, cosy lodges, and fine dining, ensuring a vibrant atmosphere year-round.
White River National Forest
Colorado’s White River National Forest is a diverse outdoor area known for the Rocky Mountains and sites like Maroon Bells. It attracts visitors for skiing and snowboarding in winter, and diverse summer activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and fishing. The forest features rich wildlife, stunning mountain views, and convenient access from resort towns, making it an appealing destination to break up the drive.
Carbondale, Colorado
Carbondale, Colorado, located in the Roaring Fork Valley, just off our route, is known for its relaxed atmosphere, vibrant arts scene, and stunning Rocky Mountain views. It serves as a peaceful base for exploring the area, with scenic drives and vistas of Mount Sopris. The historic downtown features independent shops, art galleries, cafés, and restaurants. Outdoor activities are plentiful year-round, including hiking, biking, fishing, and skiing, making it appealing for nature lovers.
Aspen, Colorado
Aspen, Colorado, is a premier mountain resort just past Carbondale known for its exceptional outdoor activities and beautiful scenery, featuring four ski areas that attract winter sports enthusiasts. In summer, activities include hiking, mountain biking, and scenic gondola rides. The town hosts various festivals, concerts, and art events, with a downtown area full of boutiques, galleries, and historic buildings. The Maroon Bells are nearby, providing stunning photography opportunities.
Grand Junction, Colorado
Grand Junction, a vibrant gateway to Colorado's Western Slope, is renowned for its outdoor experiences and stunning red rock landscapes. It offers access to the Colorado National Monument and features a lively downtown filled with art galleries, restaurants, and wineries. With activities like hiking, biking, and rafting, as well as nearby orchards and vineyards, it caters to both relaxation and adventure seekers.
Arches National Park
Arches National Park, part of "Utah's Mighty 5", attracts about 1.8 million visitors annually, making it the 16th-most-visited national park in the US. Covering 76,679 acres, it is the 20th smallest and was established on November 12, 1971. The park is renowned for over 2,000 natural rock arches, the largest collection of its kind globally, formed through erosion. It also features unique geological formations and is a prime stargazing location. The park is home to diverse wildlife, including bighorn sheep, cougars, squirrels, coyotes, lizards, rats, deer, foxes, toads, rattlesnakes, 190 bird species, and more.
Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park, the largest of Utah's Mighty 5 at 337,598 acres, is the 15th-largest national park in the Lower 48 states and the 23rd largest in the US. Established on September 12, 1964, it is the 31st-oldest national park, attracting about 911,600 visitors annually, making it the 28th most-visited park overall but the least visited in Utah. The park’s three regions are divided by the Colorado and Green rivers. Known for canyons, geological formations, and seasonal colour changes, it also offers ancient rock art and historical ties to Butch Cassidy, while hosting a diverse array of wildlife.
Uintah & Ouray Reservation
The Uintah & Ouray Reservation in northeast Utah’s picturesque Uinta Basin is home to the Northern Ute Tribe, which includes the Uintah, White River, and Uncompahgre bands. Spanning over 4.5 million acres, the reservation’s varied landscape includes sagebrush plains, rivers, mountains, and forests. Tourists can engage with Ute history and culture while partaking in outdoor activities such as fishing, camping, and exploring the surrounding natural environment. Fort Duchesne serves as the tribal headquarters and is a significant hub of Ute community life.
Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest
Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest spans 2.2 million acres in northern Utah and southwestern Wyoming. This expansive area showcases stunning mountains, forests, alpine lakes, and deep canyons, providing a variety of recreational activities such as hiking, mountain biking, fishing, camping, and scenic driving, with winter transforming it into a hub for some of the best skiing in Utah. Most of Utah’s most prominent ski resorts are within or near the forest, including Alta, Snowbird, Brighton, Solitude, and Sundance.
In American Fork Canyon, Timpanogos Cave National Monument offers guided tours of three exquisitely adorned caves, boasting helictites, stalactites, stalagmites, cave bacon, cave popcorn, cave columns, cave drapery, and flowstone.
Provo, Utah
Utah’s 4th most populous city and the largest outside the Salt Lake City metropolitan area, Provo is known as a significant centre for Mormons and the LDS Church, housing the largest missionary training centre and Brigham Young University. It features numerous cultural attractions, including the Covey Center For The Arts, the Provo City Library, and the Provo City Center Temple, among others. The city hosts various cultural events year-round, making it a unique location to explore the local culture.
Final Thoughts On The Ultimate Road Trip From Chicago to Salt Lake City, Utah
That concludes our guide to planning the ultimate road trip from Chicago to Salt Lake City, Utah. You should now have all the necessary information to complete the drive, including when to go, which route to follow, how long it will take, where to stay, and what to see along the way. All that’s left is deciding what to take with you; then you can start budgeting and booking everything, and look forward to enjoying it all yourself as soon as possible.
Anyone seeking to continue driving beyond SLC may also enjoy our selection of guides on road trips from Salt Lake City. These include:
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