$1000
Four nights in La Jolla, Calif.
Day one: Fly into San Diego (flights start at $242) and check into the Travelodge in La Jolla ($61/night). After you’re settled, head a couple blocks to the beach to feel the sand between your toes, the sun on your skin and the water wash over you. Your trip already beats the snow and haze in Salt Lake City.
Day two: Early riser? Get up early to enjoy the sunrise on the beach and pick up your surf and paddle boards from Surf Diva ($25/$40 for half day) to catch some waves. When you’re successfully tuckered out, head to George’s At The Cove for rooftop patio dining (entrees $25 to $35) and watch the sunset in style.
Day three: Head north of town to Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve ($10 entrance fee) to walk along the bluffs overlooking the Pacific. The pines that grow here are native to this area of coast and only grow here. While walking along the bluffs keep your eyes out for whales and dolphins that frequent the area.
Day four: Meet up with San Diego Bike and Kayak Tours for their kayak tour of the Seven Caves ($40 for a single kayak/$65 for a double). You’ll paddle through La Jolla Ecological Reserve and see lots of marine wildlife such as sea lions, leopard sharks, fish and, occasionally, dolphins. This one’s popular, so make a reservation.
Day five: Are you tired of the beach yet? Head down to the beach one last time before packing up and heading home.
$500
Float the Grand Canyon
Day one: Pack up your car and head south to Grand Canyon National Park. It’s 522 miles ($200 gas), which means almost nine hours in the car. Head out early to get camp set up before it gets dark. Stay at Mather Campground ($18 per night) for quick access to the park in the morning.
Day two: Before hitting the river, enjoy the bounty of hiking trails Grand Canyon has to offer. Pick up Uncle Jim Trail (5 miles round trip) from the North Kaibab parking lot. Then try out Cape Final Trail (4 miles round trip) after lunch. Be sure to pack plenty of water, even in the spring.
Day three: Head to Colorado River Discovery to do a half-day river float ($89) in the canyon. Save the hassle of packing lunch for the river and pick up a Bistro bag lunch ($12.95) from River’s End Cafe.
Day four: Get to the South Rim and explore the rim trail. The trail goes from the village area to Hermit’s Nest. You can pick it up at multiple points along the way, it’s easily customizable and offers views of the inner canyon. Catch the sunset at your favorite overlook.
Day five: Pack up and head home. Take a shower when you get there!
$300
Vegas Outside
Day one: Pack up your car and head south to Grand Canyon National Park. It’s 522 miles ($200 gas), which means almost nine hours in the car. Head out early to get camp set up before it gets dark. Stay at Mather Campground ($18 per night) for quick access to the park in the morning.
Day two: Before hitting the river, enjoy the bounty of hiking trails Grand Canyon has to offer. Pick up Uncle Jim Trail (5 miles round trip) from the North Kaibab parking lot. Then try out Cape Final Trail (4 miles round trip) after lunch. Be sure to pack plenty of water, even in the spring.
Day three: Head to Colorado River Discovery to do a half-day river float ($89) in the canyon. Save the hassle of packing lunch for the river and pick up a Bistro bag lunch ($12.95) from River’s End Cafe.
Day four: Get to the South Rim and explore the rim trail. The trail goes from the village area to Hermit’s Nest. You can pick it up at multiple points along the way, it’s easily customizable and offers views of the inner canyon. Catch the sunset at your favorite overlook.
Day five: Pack up and head home. Take a shower when you get there!
$100
Hidden gem in Utah County
Pack an overnight bag and head to Diamond Fork Canyon ($25 gas), an offshoot in Spanish Fork Canyon. You’ll find Fifth Water Waterfalls and Hot Springs after a short hike (1.2 miles one way) so don’t forget your swimsuit!
When you’re done at the springs, head to the Days Inn in Provo ($44) to clean up for dinner.
Have your night out at Pizzeria 712 in Orem ($12-$16 pizza) and save room for dessert: a super sweet and scrumptious sticky bun ($7).
Less than $50
Keeping it Local
Elephant Rock, or Big Rock, is a well-known destination in Davis County. Lucky for us, it’s right on the other side of City Creek. Instead of driving around the North Salt Lake refineries to pick up the trail, head from Mueller Park Trail (3.6 miles), keep it local, give yourself a challenge and approach Elephant Rock from the back through City Creek Canyon (20 miles).
Depending on the weather, strap on snowshoes and gaiters to make the trek easier. If you suspect you’ll be heading back after sunset, be sure to bring a headlamp. You’ll start at about 5,000 feet in elevation and climb up to 7,120 feet. From there, coast down to Elephant Rock at 6,200 feet.
Starting in City Creek Canyon, head up two miles until you almost reach Rotary Park and take North Fork on the left. You’ll cross into Davis County through Rudy’s Flat. Keep going another 2.9 miles until you reach Elephant Rock. Pack a warm and hefty lunch so you can enjoy the views and walk to the fullest. When you’ve had enough relaxing, you can head back the way you came or keep heading north to finish the last 3.6 miles to Mueller Park and pick up UTA to get you back into Salt Lake City.