Minivan Hire
Utah

Most major car hire companies at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) are conveniently located in the Gateway Center, a short walk from the terminal building. This arrangement is ideal for late‑night arrivals, as you won’t need to wait for an off‑site shuttle in the cold or dark. After collecting your luggage, simply follow the signs for Ground Transportation and Rental Car to reach the desks. The close proximity lets your family get settled into your minivan and head to your hotel with minimal delay, whatever the time.

For a family travelling with children and checked luggage, it’s sensible to allow at least 90 minutes to two hours from landing to setting off. That accounts for deplaning, possible waits at baggage claim and the walk to the rental desks. Fitting child seats, loading luggage and getting familiar with the minivan’s features also takes time. Building this buffer into your schedule helps avoid stress and ensures you can begin your Utah trip in a calm, organised way.

To avoid the most complex interchanges immediately after leaving the airport, take Terminal Drive directly to I‑80 East. Rather than tackling the large I‑15 interchange straight away, consider taking an early exit onto a major surface road such as 700 East or State Street. This allows you to get your bearings in a lower‑speed environment. From there you can use your navigation app to find a simpler route to your destination, giving you time to get comfortable with the minivan before merging onto busier motorways.

When staying downtown with a minivan, look for accommodation or public parking around the Salt Palace Convention Centre. This area has several large car parks, such as the one at City Creek Centre, which are designed for higher traffic volumes and offer more spacious spaces than on‑street options. Staying slightly outside the very core of downtown, in areas like The Granary District or near Liberty Park, can also provide easier parking with more surface lots and less congestion.

Both canyons offer stunning scenery, but the driving experience differs. Big Cottonwood Canyon, which leads to Solitude and Brighton, is generally wider and more gently graded, with more pull‑offs for sightseeing. Little Cottonwood Canyon, the route to Snowbird and Alta, is narrower, steeper and has more sharp bends. In winter, both canyons frequently have traction laws in force, so it’s essential to check road conditions with the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) before you set out.

Parking directly on Park City’s historic Main Street is extremely limited and challenging with a larger vehicle. The most practical strategy is to park in the large China Bridge car park, which is a short walk from the heart of Main Street. Another excellent option is to use the free car parks at Park City Mountain Resort or Deer Valley Resort and take the complimentary town shuttle. The shuttle is efficient and drops you right in the middle of the action, saving you the stress of searching for a space.

At popular trailheads such as those in Millcreek Canyon or the Cottonwood Canyons, car parks can fill up remarkably early, especially at weekends. To secure a space without difficulty, it’s best to plan to arrive before 08:00 during summer and autumn. On peak holiday weekends, arriving even earlier, around 07:00, is wise. An early start not only guarantees parking for your minivan but also allows you to enjoy the trails with fewer people and cooler temperatures.

For a scenic loop to Antelope Island, start by driving north from Salt Lake City on I‑15 and take the Syracuse exit (Exit 332) to get on the causeway to the island. After exploring the park, exit and head south on the Legacy Parkway instead of immediately rejoining I‑15. This scenic byway offers lovely views of the wetlands and has a lower speed limit, providing a more relaxed drive back towards the city. This route creates a pleasant loop experience rather than an out‑and‑back trip.

Ensuring the safety of young passengers is a top priority for any family trip. While rental firms may offer child seats for hire, it is the driver’s responsibility to be aware of and comply with Utah’s child passenger safety laws. We recommend consulting the official Utah Department of Public Safety website for the most current regulations before your trip. This allows you to decide whether to bring your own seats or rent them on arrival.

The drive from Salt Lake City to Moab is about four hours without stops, so breaking it up is ideal for a family. A good midway point is the town of Helper, where you can stretch your legs, see the historic Main Street and grab lunch. Another option is to stop in Price to visit the USU Eastern Prehistoric Museum, which is popular with children. Planning for one or two engaging stops turns the travel day into part of the Utah adventure rather than just a long drive.

To minimise stress, plan to leave the Salt Lake City area before 07:00 on a weekday. This helps you avoid the morning commuter traffic through the city and Utah County. The drive to the Zion area takes about 4.5 hours, so an early departure puts you in the gateway town of Springdale before midday. This timing increases your chances of finding parking and allows time to check into your hotel and use the town shuttle to access the park without hassle.

The most convenient strategy for visiting Zion National Park is to park your minivan in the town of Springdale and use the free town shuttle. Many hotels offer guest parking, and there are several large paid public lots throughout the town. By parking once for the day you can easily hop on the shuttle to reach the park’s pedestrian entrance. This approach removes the significant stress of trying to find a rare open spot in the park’s main visitor centre car park, which often fills soon after sunrise.

The drive to Bryce Canyon is quite manageable in a minivan and is scenic for most of the route. The road mainly uses I‑15 before transitioning to well‑maintained state highways such as the Scenic Byway 12. As you approach the park you will gain noticeable altitude, climbing to over 8,000 feet. The roads include some moderate grades and bends, but they are not overly challenging and are suitable for any standard vehicle.

Interstate 15 is well‑equipped for family road trips, with service towns located roughly every 30 to 60 minutes. Major towns like Nephi, Fillmore, Beaver and Cedar City are perfect for planned stops. These exits feature large petrol stations with clean restrooms, convenience shops and multiple fast‑food options. Their spacious parking areas easily accommodate minivans, making it simple to get in and out for a quick break.

First‑time visitors often underestimate the vast distances between towns and services, especially off the main interstate. Another common challenge is the dramatic and rapid change in weather, where a sunny day can quickly turn into a snowstorm in the mountains. Drivers should also be prepared for significant elevation changes that can affect both people and vehicle performance. Finally, be extra vigilant for wildlife, such as deer and elk, crossing the roads, particularly at dawn and dusk.

When heading to ski resorts in the Cottonwood Canyons, it is critical to check road conditions before you leave. The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) often implements traffic controls, including road closures for avalanche mitigation, especially after heavy snowfall. On weekends and powder days, traffic can be extremely heavy, so an early start is essential. Always check the UDOT Traffic app or website for real‑time updates on closures and traction law requirements.

The drive to Park City Mountain and Deer Valley is the least intimidating option for most drivers. This route involves taking I‑80, a wide multi‑lane interstate, up Parleys Canyon, which has gradual grades. In contrast, the routes to Alta and Snowbird require driving up Little Cottonwood Canyon, a much narrower and steeper two‑lane canyon road. While beautiful, the canyon roads can be more challenging, particularly for those unfamiliar with mountain driving, especially in winter conditions.

The key to managing ski resort parking with any vehicle, including a minivan, is to arrive very early, ideally before the lifts start. This gives you the best chance of securing a spot in the main lots close to the base area. If you arrive later, be prepared to use overflow parking and take a shuttle to the lodge. Many resorts also offer preferred parking for vehicles with multiple passengers, so a full minivan can sometimes be an advantage.

To prepare for Utah’s variable weather, it’s sensible to keep a ‘go‑bag’ accessible inside the minivan. This should include layers for everyone, such as fleece jackets, rain shells, hats and gloves. Also pack extra water, non‑perishable snacks, a basic first‑aid kit, sunscreen and a portable phone charger. Having these items handy means you can comfortably adapt whether you encounter an unexpected snow flurry in the mountains or intense sun in the desert.

A day trip to the Bonneville Salt Flats is very realistic and makes for a unique excursion. The drive is about 90 minutes west of Salt Lake City on I‑80, which is a straight, flat interstate. The main things to watch for are strong crosswinds, which can affect a larger vehicle like a minivan, and intense sun glare reflecting off the salt. Be sure to stay on designated roads and pull‑offs, as driving on the salt flats can be damaging to the environment and your vehicle, especially when wet.

The best strategy for exploring downtown Salt Lake City is to park your minivan once and walk. The underground car park at the City Creek Centre is an excellent choice, as it is centrally located, secure and has ample space. From this single parking spot you can easily walk to Temple Square, the Salt Palace Convention Centre and numerous shops and restaurants. This approach saves you the time and stress of navigating city traffic and searching for new parking at each stop.

To avoid tight city car parks, consider stopping at a large suburban supermarket on your way from the airport to your accommodation. Areas just off the interstate, such as Bountiful to the north or West Valley City to the west, have major supermarkets with expansive parking. These stores are designed for local families and offer plenty of room to manoeuvre a minivan, making for a much more relaxed first shop.

Take a few minutes in the rental car lot to organise your minivan for the trip ahead. Start by folding down any unneeded seats to maximise your cargo area. Load the largest, heaviest items first, such as ski bags and large suitcases, placing them on the floor. Keep items you’ll need during the drive, like a cooler, snack bag or pushchair, near the door for easy access. This thoughtful packing prevents you having to unload everything at your first stop.

The most important step is to ensure every potential driver is officially listed on the rental agreement when you pick up the vehicle. For the trip itself, plan driver changes to coincide with planned stops for fuel, food or sightseeing. Swapping drivers at a spacious petrol station or a scenic viewpoint is much safer and more relaxing than pulling over on the hard shoulder of a busy road. Communicating the day’s plan each morning helps ensure everyone knows when they are scheduled to drive.

To comfortably visit Capitol Reef National Park, plan an overnight stay in the nearby town of Torrey. The drive from Salt Lake City to Torrey is about 3.5 hours, making it an easy travel day. This allows you to arrive, check into your hotel and perhaps do a short scenic drive in the evening. You can then dedicate the following day to exploring the park’s main sights before continuing on your journey, which breaks the trip into enjoyable, manageable segments.

For a gentle and beautiful scenic drive, the Legacy Parkway north of Salt Lake City is an excellent choice. It runs parallel to I‑15 but has lower speeds, lighter traffic and lovely views of the Great Salt Lake’s wetlands. Another great option is the drive up Provo Canyon (US‑189) to Sundance and the Heber Valley. This is a wide, well‑engineered road with sweeping bends rather than tight switchbacks, making it comfortable for all passengers.

A trip to Sundance via Provo Canyon is one of the least stressful mountain drives in the region. The route along US‑189 is a major, multi‑lane highway for much of the way, with gentle curves and clear visibility. To further minimise stress, plan your visit on a weekday to avoid the heavy weekend recreational traffic heading to Deer Creek Reservoir. The road is straightforward and well maintained year‑round, making it very suitable for a minivan.

Driving around Utah Lake is generally easy, as the surrounding terrain is flat and the roads are not challenging. For a family‑friendly stop, Utah Lake State Park in Provo is the most accessible and well equipped destination. It offers large parking areas perfect for a minivan, picnic tables, restrooms and easy access to the shoreline. While there are other access points around the lake, the state park provides the most reliable and convenient experience for a family outing.

The key to visiting these popular Moab‑area parks is to start your day as early as possible. Plan to be at the entrance gate of your first park, likely Arches, before 08:00 to avoid temporary closures due to crowding. With a minivan, drive directly to the furthest or most popular trailheads first, like Devils Garden in Arches, to secure parking. Then work your way back, visiting viewpoints and shorter trails as the day progresses and crowds begin to shift.

A good rule of thumb for planning drives in Utah is to add 25–30% to the travel time estimated by online mapping services. This buffer accounts for real‑world conditions like steep mountain grades that naturally slow you down, especially in a loaded minivan. It also allows for unexpected delays from roadworks or slow‑moving RVs on two‑lane scenic byways. Most importantly, it builds in time for the unplanned photo stops you will inevitably want to make.

Before venturing off the main interstate it’s crucial to stock up. The last major service hubs along I‑15 are your best bet. Towns like Spanish Fork, Price (if heading southeast on US‑6) or Cedar City (if heading south) have multiple large petrol stations and supermarkets. Make it a habit to fill your tank and purchase extra water and snacks in these locations, as services can be a hundred miles or more apart in Utah’s more remote areas.

The most accessible and rewarding way to experience the Great Salt Lake is by visiting Antelope Island State Park. The island is reached via a paved, two‑lane causeway that is perfectly suitable for any vehicle. Once in the park, all the main roads to viewpoints, trailheads and the visitor centre are paved and well maintained. This eliminates any risk of getting stuck on unpredictable dirt tracks or muddy flats found elsewhere around the lake.

Anticipating poor mobile signal is key to a smooth Utah road trip. Before you leave your hotel or a major town, use your preferred navigation app to download offline maps for your entire day’s route and destination area. This allows your phone’s GPS to function for turn‑by‑turn directions even without a cellular signal. As a reliable backup, it’s also wise to carry a printed state road map in your minivan’s glovebox.

If your flight lands during a significant snowstorm, the safest approach is to adjust your plans to minimise driving. Consider staying at a hotel near the airport for the first night to avoid navigating unfamiliar, snowy roads. For your first full day, plan an indoor activity within the city, such as visiting the Natural History Museum of Utah or The Leonardo museum. This gives road crews ample time to clear the main highways before you begin longer journeys.

While Utah has some of the highest interstate speed limits in the country, it’s important to drive at a speed that feels safe and comfortable for your vehicle and conditions. On two‑lane highways, if you notice a line of faster‑moving cars forming behind you, it is common courtesy to use a designated pull‑out to let them pass. This is a safe and appreciated gesture that prevents other drivers from attempting risky overtakes on short straights.

During peak season in towns like Springdale and Moab, finding parking can be a major challenge. The best strategy is to bypass hunting for a street space and head directly to a larger municipal or private paid car park. These lots are designed to handle more traffic and often have spaces better suited for a minivan. Arriving early in the morning or using the local shuttle systems are also excellent ways to avoid the midday parking crunch.

Returning a hire car at Salt Lake City Airport is straightforward. As you approach the airport, follow the overhead signs for "Rental Car Return." These signs will direct you to a dedicated roadway leading to the ground level of the car park. The entrance lanes are clearly marked for each rental agency, making it easy to find the correct one. From there, it’s just a short lift ride up to the airline check‑in counters.

A well paced one‑week loop avoids one‑night stays where possible to reduce packing and unpacking. A comfortable itinerary would be: drive from SLC to Moab for two nights to see Arches and Canyonlands; then drive to Torrey for one night to visit Capitol Reef; continue to Springdale (near Zion) for two nights. On your last full day, visit Bryce Canyon on your way to an overnight stay in a town like Beaver or Fillmore to shorten the final drive back to SLC.

Construction on I‑15 is common, especially through the populated areas of Utah County. Before you leave, check the UDOT Traffic app for any reported delays so you can manage expectations. Be prepared for sudden slow‑downs and lane shifts by having snacks, drinks and activities easily accessible for the kids. If significant delays are expected, consider taking the scenic US‑89, which runs parallel to the interstate for part of the route and can be a more pleasant alternative.

For passengers prone to motion sickness, it’s best to stick to the major interstates like I‑15, I‑80 and I‑70 as much as possible. These roads are wide, straight and have gentle curves. The drive from SLC to Moab via US‑6 is also relatively straightforward. When planning your itinerary, try to minimise time on highly winding scenic byways, such as certain sections of Scenic Byway 12, or allow for extra time and frequent breaks on those segments.