Enterprise Car Hire
Utah

After collecting your luggage at SLC, follow signs for Ground Transportation. The hire car centre is in a separate facility called The Gateway Center, a short walk from the terminal. You can access it directly from the baggage claim level by following the prominent overhead signage. For those with extra luggage or mobility needs, a courtesy shuttle is available just outside the terminal doors, providing a quick direct ride to the hire counters.

During peak winter arrival times, especially at weekends or on holidays, it’s sensible to allow an additional 30 to 60 minutes for the car hire process. This covers potential waits for the shuttle, longer queues at the counter, and the time to retrieve your vehicle from the garage. High volumes of travellers with ski equipment can also slow airport flow. Allowing this buffer helps ensure a relaxed start to your Utah ski trip.

Getting from the SLC hire car facility to I-80 East is very straightforward. As you exit the hire car garage, follow signs for I-80 Eastbound/City Center. The airport road system is designed to channel traffic directly onto the main highways. You will join Terminal Drive, which quickly leads to the on-ramp for I-80 East, the main interstate that takes you toward the Park City exit at Kimball Junction.

A convenient approach is to stop for supplies in a neighbourhood just outside the immediate downtown core. After picking up your car, consider heading to a supermarket in the Sugar House or Central City areas. These neighbourhoods are easily accessed from the freeway and have large supermarkets with ample parking. That allows you to stock up on essentials before tackling the one-way streets and denser traffic of the central business district.

The most direct and well-maintained route from SLC to Park City is Interstate 80 East, and it remains the recommended choice even in winter. This interstate is a priority for snowploughs and road crews, making it the safest and most reliable option. The climb up Parleys Canyon is gradual and the road is wide with multiple lanes. Avoid alternative routes like Guardsman Pass, which is closed and unploughed all winter, as they are not safe for winter travel.

Before heading into the canyons, always check the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) Traffic app or website for real-time road conditions and restrictions. These resources will specify requirements such as four-wheel drive or snow tyres. Hire companies can confirm the features of your specific vehicle, like all-wheel drive, but it is ultimately the driver’s responsibility to comply with posted traction laws. Booking a vehicle suited for mountain driving is the best plan for a winter trip.

The common surprise in Parleys Canyon is how rapidly weather and road conditions change with elevation. The Salt Lake Valley floor might be clear and dry while the summit near Park City has active snowfall and icy patches. Drivers should also be ready for gusty crosswinds, which can be strong in open canyon areas. Keep a safe following distance and adjust your speed to the conditions rather than relying on the speed limit alone.

For an early morning flight from SLC, plan to leave Park City at least three to four hours before your departure time, especially in winter. This buffer covers the roughly 40-minute drive in ideal conditions plus potential delays from overnight snow, morning commuter traffic and the car return process. You’ll need time to refuel, complete the return and take the shuttle to the terminal. Check road conditions on UDOT’s website before you leave.

On weekend powder days, traffic into both canyons can be very heavy, but Little Cottonwood Canyon (home to Snowbird and Alta) often sees more significant delays and closures. Its steeper, avalanche-prone terrain can lead to road closures for safety control work. Big Cottonwood Canyon (Solitude and Brighton) also gets congested, though traffic flow can sometimes be slightly better. To avoid the worst, aim to be at the mouth of either canyon before 07:30.

The best approach is to arrive very early at one resort and stay there until the afternoon. Choose either Alta or Snowbird and aim to be parked by 08:00 to secure a spot and beat the main traffic surge. Ski at one resort in the morning and then, if conditions and your pass permit, use the connecting lift system between the two resorts. This avoids the midday hassle of driving and trying to find parking at the other resort.

For drivers who prefer less challenging mountain roads, the Park City resorts (Park City Mountain and Deer Valley) are excellent choices. Access is via Interstate 80, a wide multi-lane highway with a relatively gradual incline compared with the Cottonwood Canyons. Canyons Village at Park City is right at the base near the interstate exit, requiring minimal mountain driving. These options give a top-class ski experience with a much more manageable drive.

The main point of confusion is the interchange where I-80 and I-215 split, often called the 'Spaghetti Bowl'. When heading to the Cottonwood Canyons from the airport or downtown, you need to get onto the I-215 Belt Route heading south. Pay close attention to the overhead signs for Exit 6, which leads to 6200 South and the canyon access roads. Staying in the correct lane well in advance is key, as late changes are difficult in heavy traffic.

A good strategy is to park at Deer Valley’s main Snow Park Lodge lot in the morning and ski there for the day. After you finish, leave your car and take Park City’s free bus service to the Old Town Transit Center on Main Street. This avoids the difficulty of finding parking on historic Main Street, especially in the afternoon and evening. The bus system is efficient and designed for exactly this purpose.

The simplest approach is to avoid driving onto Main Street and use the free public transport. Park at the large lots at Park City High School (weekends and holidays) or the Richardson Flat Park-and-Ride just outside town. From there, frequent free buses will take you directly to the Main Street transit hub. This saves time and the frustration of searching for limited and often expensive parking in the historic district.

For travellers with bulky ski gear, a full-size SUV or a minivan offers the most practical and safe layout. These vehicles provide ample cargo space behind the rear seats, keeping the cabin clear. Look for models with a 60/40 or 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat, which allows you to pass skis or snowboards through the middle while still seating passengers either side. This configuration is important for maintaining clear rear visibility, essential for safe driving.

The best strategy is to designate one person to manage the luggage while another focuses on installing child seats. Before loading any bags, install the seats securely in the back. Once they are in place, pack suitcases and ski bags strategically in the cargo area. Taking a few extra minutes to organise everything in the designated stalls at the hire facility will prevent a stressful and unsafe roadside rearrangement later on.

The City Creek Center car park is an excellent central location for this itinerary. It’s situated directly opposite Temple Square and offers ample, secure underground parking. From this garage you can easily walk to Temple Square, the surrounding historic sites and City Creek shops. The Utah State Capitol is a pleasant, albeit uphill, walk from this area, or a very short drive if you prefer to move the car for that stop.

Downtown Salt Lake City uses a grid with many one-way streets, which can be tricky for first-time visitors. It’s highly recommended to use a GPS navigation app, as it will route you correctly through the one-way system. Also be aware of the TRAX light-rail lines that run along some streets, such as Main Street. Never drive or park on the tracks and be mindful of designated crossings and train signals.

The drive to Antelope Island involves a scenic seven-mile causeway across the Great Salt Lake, which is paved and well maintained but can be windy. On the island the roads are paved but narrow, so adhere to the low speed limits. Expect wildlife—especially bison and antelope—that frequently cross or stand on the roads, so be prepared to stop. Parking at popular trailheads like Frary Peak can fill up at weekends, so arrive earlier in the day if you can.

The most accessible and popular spot for viewing the Great Salt Lake is the Great Salt Lake State Park marina, just off I-80 about 16 miles west of Salt Lake City. The exit is clearly signposted and the park offers ample parking with unobstructed water views, ideal for photography. Another simple option is the causeway to Antelope Island State Park, which provides a unique viewpoint looking back toward the Wasatch Mountains.

A day trip to Moab is ambitious, as it’s about a four-hour drive each way, so an early start before sunrise is essential. Share the driving where possible to combat fatigue on long stretches. The towns of Price and Green River make good midway stops for fuel, food and restrooms. For the return trip, be prepared for long stretches in the dark on unlit highways and watch carefully for wildlife, especially deer.

After dark, canyon roads can be significantly more challenging due to a lack of street lighting and the potential for black ice. Temperatures drop quickly after sunset, causing moisture to freeze, especially in shaded corners. Use your high beams when no other cars are present to spot wildlife on the roadside. Drive slower than you would during the day and be extra cautious on bends and bridges, which freeze first.

The most straightforward route is to take the I-15 South to Orem and exit at 800 North (Exit 272). From there drive east into Provo Canyon on US-189. The final leg is a turn onto State Route 92, which leads directly to the resort. Main highways are well maintained, but the final two-lane canyon roads can be narrow and winding. In winter expect snow-packed and icy conditions, so a capable vehicle is recommended.

To avoid the worst traffic, plan your drive to Ogden outside peak commuter hours (typically 07:00–09:00 and 16:00–18:00). The most direct route is I-15 North for about 40 miles. For a more scenic and often less congested alternative during the day, take the Legacy Parkway (UT-67), which runs parallel to I-15 for part of the route and offers pleasant views of the wetlands.

To minimise traffic and parking stress at Lagoon, plan to arrive about 30 minutes before the park officially opens. This gets you ahead of the main rush of visitors who often arrive at opening time or shortly after. The access roads will be less congested and you’ll have a choice of parking spots closer to the main gate. Arriving early lets you get tickets and be ready as soon as the park opens.

Utah can experience powerful canyon winds and crosswinds, particularly on exposed highways like I-80 west of Salt Lake City. When driving a larger vehicle such as an SUV or van, be prepared for sudden gusts that can push the vehicle sideways. Keep both hands on the wheel and reduce your speed. High-wind warnings are common and in severe cases restrictions may apply to high-profile vehicles, so check conditions before you set off.

From the Sugar House or University areas, the simplest route is to take Foothill Drive north until it merges with I-80 West. This avoids the more complex 'Spaghetti Bowl' interchange downtown. Once on I-80 West, stay in the right lanes and follow the clear signs for Salt Lake City International Airport. This route involves fewer lane changes and is generally less congested than cutting through the city centre.

On a major powder day, add at least one to two extra hours to your travel time from Park City to SLC. The drive down Parleys Canyon on I-80 can be slow due to heavy snowfall, ploughing operations and potential accidents. Traffic within Park City will also be congested as people head to the slopes. It’s far better to arrive at the airport excessively early and relax than risk missing your flight because of unpredictable winter conditions.

A smart approach is to group ski days by geography. Dedicate consecutive days to resorts in the same area to minimise driving time. For example, ski the Cottonwood Canyon resorts (Snowbird, Alta, Solitude, Brighton) on back-to-back days, then plan separate days for the Park City resorts (Park City Mountain, Deer Valley). This prevents driving across the Wasatch Front repeatedly, saving time and fuel.

The drive from SLC to Zion National Park is about 4.5 hours, manageable in one go but more relaxing split up. Good midway overnight stops are Beaver or Cedar City, both directly off I-15. These towns offer hotels and restaurants and position you for an easy final drive to the park next morning. This lets you arrive at Zion refreshed and ready to explore without spending the whole morning in the car.

The drive to Bryce Canyon reaches elevations above 8,000 feet, so expect colder temperatures and more variable weather than in Salt Lake City, even in the same season. Bring extra layers. The route includes long stretches on scenic byways with limited services, so fill your tank in larger towns like Beaver or Panguitch before heading into the more remote areas near the park entrance.

A trip to the Bonneville Salt Flats is an easy day trip, about 90 minutes each way on I-80 West. Allow around an hour at the flats to walk and take photos. The best light for photography is during the 'golden hours' at sunrise or sunset. Check conditions beforehand; avoid driving on the salt flats if they’re wet or muddy after rain, as vehicles can get stuck easily.

During a major event the best strategy is to park further from the venue and use the city’s TRAX light rail. Park at a station in the suburbs with parking and take the train into downtown, alighting a block or two from the Delta Center or Salt Palace Convention Center. This avoids severe congestion and expensive limited parking immediately around the venues before and after the event.

In Utah it’s legal to turn right on red after coming to a complete stop unless a sign prohibits it. On freeway on-ramps during busy periods you will encounter ramp meters—traffic signals that allow one car per green to regulate flow. Generally, traffic on Utah freeways moves at or slightly above the posted limit, and it’s customary to remain in the right lanes unless actively overtaking.

The key is proactive monitoring. Before you leave for the canyon, check the UDOT Traffic app and the ski resort’s social channels for the latest updates on road status and traction laws. If the forecast looks severe, it’s often best to have a backup plan such as skiing at a Park City resort instead. Always ensure your vehicle has at least half a tank of fuel in case you are held up in slow-moving traffic during a closure.

When booking accommodation, prioritise places that offer covered or underground parking if possible, as this protects your car from overnight snowfall. Each morning start the car 5–10 minutes before you plan to leave to let the engine warm up and the demister work on the windows. Keep an ice scraper and snow brush in the vehicle, and clear all snow from the roof, bonnet and windows before you set off for safety.

If you’re new to winter driving, a great place to practise is in the large empty car parks of the International Center just west of the airport. These lots are often unploughed immediately after a storm and provide a safe open space to get a feel for how the car accelerates, turns and brakes on snow and ice. This low-risk practice can build confidence before you tackle the more demanding conditions of a mountain canyon road.

SLC Airport and its hire car facility are fully ADA-compliant and designed to be accessible. The airport provides accessible shuttle buses that run between the terminal and the Gateway Center where hire counters are located. It’s helpful to call the hire company in advance to confirm availability of an accessible vehicle if needed. Allow a little extra time for moving between locations and for loading luggage and mobility equipment into the vehicle.

Several petrol stations are conveniently located just minutes from the airport’s hire car return entrance. As you drive west on I-80 toward the airport, take the 7200 West exit or the North Temple exit. Both exits have multiple well-known petrol brands right off the ramp. Refuelling at one of these locations allows you to quickly get back on the road and follow the signs directly to the hire car return area without confusing detours.

The most common mistake is missing the dedicated 'Rental Car Return' exit from Terminal Drive. As you approach the airport the signage splits for Departures, Arrivals and Rental Car Return—be sure to stay in the correct lane early. Another point of confusion can be navigating the garage itself; pay close attention to signs for your specific hire company to avoid circling unnecessarily. Following the overhead signs carefully from the moment you exit the freeway is key to a smooth return.