Van Rental
Salt Lake City

Coordinating a group with staggered arrivals is best handled by establishing a clear meeting point inside the SLC airport terminal. Designate a specific baggage claim carousel or a landside coffee shop where everyone can gather. This allows individuals to wait comfortably as others land. Once most of the group is present, one or two people can take the shuttle to the rental facility to handle the paperwork while the others collect all the luggage, streamlining the entire pickup process.

For a smooth late-night pickup, confirm your rental location's hours of operation in advance to ensure they will be open when you arrive. Before leaving the rental lot, take a few minutes under the lights to familiarize yourself with the van's controls, like headlights and climate settings. Designate roles for your group: have one person navigate while others focus on loading luggage efficiently. Knowing your hotel's address and having it pre-loaded into a GPS will make the final leg of your journey much less stressful after a long day of travel.

For easy morning departures, consider staying in areas like Midvale or Sandy, located south of the downtown core. These suburbs offer numerous hotels with ample parking suitable for a larger van and provide direct access to the I-15 and I-215 freeways. This positioning allows you to bypass potential downtown morning congestion whether you're heading to the southern national parks or east into the canyons. Another excellent option is the area around the airport itself, which is designed for travelers needing quick entry and exit from the valley.

The most direct and least complicated route to Park City is via Interstate 80 East. From the airport area or downtown, you can easily merge onto I-80, which is a major, multi-lane highway. This route avoids complex city streets and offers a gradual, scenic climb into the mountains. The signage is clear, and the drive is generally straightforward, making it ideal for drivers who are unfamiliar with the area or are getting used to the feel of a larger van.

After completing the rental paperwork, find a designated parking spot at the rental facility or a nearby, low-traffic area to get organized. This avoids the pressure of holding up a line. Use this time to properly arrange luggage for balance and accessibility, install any ski or bike racks, and have passengers sync their phones to the vehicle's Bluetooth. Taking twenty minutes to set up your van as a comfortable basecamp before hitting the main roads ensures a safer and more enjoyable start to your trip.

While Salt Lake City's wide streets and grid system are helpful, navigating a large van downtown requires extra awareness. Be mindful of the TRAX light rail lines and their dedicated lanes, as well as numerous one-way streets that can complicate navigation. Pedestrian traffic is heavy around Temple Square and the City Creek Center, so drive with caution. When turning, remember to take corners wider than you would in a car to avoid clipping curbs, especially when making right turns.

A great central meeting point is Liberty Park, which offers large, accessible parking lots and is a well-known landmark. Another excellent option is a large-format retail store, like a Target or Walmart, in a suburban area like Murray or Midvale. These locations have expansive parking lots that can easily accommodate a van and multiple other vehicles for transferring people and gear. They are also typically located just off major freeways, making them easy to find for everyone in your party.

Parking a van at major downtown shopping centers like City Creek Center or The Gateway is quite manageable, as both have large, multi-level parking garages. However, it's crucial to be aware of height clearance limitations before entering. Look for signs indicating the maximum vehicle height, as taller passenger vans may not fit in all sections. For the easiest experience, aim for surface lots adjacent to these centers or use the upper levels of the garages, which sometimes offer more clearance.

To avoid post-event gridlock at the Delta Center, park your van a few blocks away from the arena and walk the remaining distance. Consider garages or surface lots to the east or south, which allow for a quicker exit onto the freeway after the event concludes. Another strategy is to use the TRAX light rail system; you can park your van at a station farther out, like in Murray or Sandy, and take the train directly to the arena, completely bypassing the downtown traffic congestion.

The Utah State Capitol building offers ample free parking in lots located to the east and northeast of the main building. These lots are spacious and can easily accommodate larger vans. Once parked, you can explore the Capitol grounds, Memory Grove Park, and enjoy the panoramic city views on foot. This area provides a convenient and low-stress parking solution, allowing your group to enjoy the sights without worrying about street parking.

To catch a sunrise in Big Cottonwood Canyon and secure parking, plan to leave the Salt Lake Valley at least 90 minutes before sunrise, especially on weekends. This allows enough time to navigate the winding canyon road and find a spot at popular trailheads like Donut Falls or Lake Mary. Trailhead parking lots are often small and fill up extremely early with hikers and photographers. An early start not only ensures a parking spot but also provides a more peaceful drive up the canyon.

On a busy ski morning, especially after fresh snowfall, expect significant traffic delays heading up Little Cottonwood Canyon to Alta and Snowbird. The two-lane road can become a slow, stop-and-go procession, with backups often starting miles before the canyon entrance. It is critical to leave the valley exceptionally early. Also, be prepared for traction law enforcement, which may require approved tires or chains, and always maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead.

A practical plan for managing ski gear involves using large, durable plastic tubs or waterproof gear bags. At the end of the day, have everyone place their wet boots, helmets, and gloves into these containers to keep the van's interior dry. A collapsible boot tray can also be a great addition for the floor. If your van has a roof rack, use it for skis and snowboards to maximize interior space for passengers and personal bags, ensuring a more comfortable ride back down the canyon.

When traction laws are in effect, locals know to be prepared before even starting up the canyon. Designated chain-up areas are provided, but they can be crowded, so it's wise to practice installing chains beforehand. As a van driver, ensure your vehicle meets the requirements, which usually means having M+S (mud and snow) or 3-peak mountain snowflake tires. Police often set up checkpoints at the canyon mouth, so have your vehicle's compliance ready to avoid being turned around.

The most straightforward route to Sundance and Provo Canyon is to take I-15 South from Salt Lake City to Orem and exit at 800 North (Exit 272). Head east on 800 North, which will take you directly to the mouth of Provo Canyon (US-189). This route uses major freeways and wide surface streets, making it easy to navigate with a larger van. The drive through Provo Canyon itself is scenic and well-maintained, offering a pleasant journey to the resort.

Driving a van to Antelope Island is simple, but be prepared for the unique conditions of the seven-mile causeway. The road is flat and exposed, so be mindful of potential crosswinds, especially in a taller vehicle. Once on the island, parking is plentiful at key locations like the visitor center, Fielding Garr Ranch, and Buffalo Point. The lots are generally spacious and can easily accommodate vans, making it a very accessible destination for a group.

For a scenic, low-stress loop, start by driving west on I-80 from Salt Lake City to the Great Salt Lake State Park for classic lake views. From there, instead of backtracking, continue north on State Route 202 to connect with the southern end of Antelope Island. After exploring the island, exit via the causeway and take I-15 South to return to Salt Lake City. This creates a logical circle that minimizes redundant driving and showcases different perspectives of the lake.

The stretch of I-80 west of Salt Lake City is well-known for strong, persistent crosswinds, particularly as you approach the Great Salt Lake. In a tall passenger van, these winds can cause the vehicle to sway and require constant steering correction. It is essential to keep both hands on the wheel, reduce your speed, and be especially cautious when passing semi-trucks. Checking for high-wind warnings before you depart is always a prudent step for a safer journey.

When driving west on I-80 toward the Bonneville Salt Flats, the town of Wendover, right on the Utah-Nevada border, is the primary service hub with large, van-friendly gas stations and restaurants. Before you get that far, the rest area near the Salt Flats themselves offers a great place to stop, stretch, and take photos. For a shorter break, the town of Grantsville has basic services and is easily accessible from the interstate, providing a convenient spot to regroup before the long, open stretch of road.

The drive from Salt Lake City to Moab takes about four hours. A well-placed stop in Price, roughly the halfway point, is ideal for a break. Price has several large gas stations and fast-food restaurants right off Highway 6 with ample parking for a van. This allows for a quick and efficient stop for fuel, food, and restrooms without a major detour. Another good, though slightly smaller, option is the town of Green River, which is closer to Moab and serves as a final pit stop before reaching your destination.

A great strategy is to use a central location as a basecamp for a few days at a time. For instance, drive from Salt Lake City to Moab and stay there for several nights to explore both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. From there, you could relocate to a base near Torrey to visit Capitol Reef National Park. This approach minimizes the daily packing and unpacking, allowing for more time exploring the parks and less time spent in transit between accommodations.

To minimize driving, group your ski days by location. Spend consecutive days skiing at the Park City resorts (Park City Mountain, Deer Valley) while staying in or near Park City. Then, relocate your lodging to the Salt Lake Valley, perhaps in the Sandy or Cottonwood Heights area. From this new base, you can easily access Snowbird and Alta in Little Cottonwood Canyon, and Solitude and Brighton in Big Cottonwood Canyon, significantly cutting down on daily travel time across the valley.

A common mistake is not realizing that the I-215 belt route is a loop, with both an east and west side. Drivers unfamiliar with the area can easily take the wrong side of the loop, heading south when they intended to go north. It's also important to pay close attention to signage for exits leading to the canyons or I-80, as these interchanges can be complex. Using a GPS and reviewing your route before you start driving can help prevent these simple but time-consuming errors.

For a hassle-free grocery run, choose a large supermarket in a suburban area rather than one in the dense downtown core. Look for a Smith's Marketplace, Harmons, or Costco in neighborhoods like Sandy, Murray, or West Valley City. These stores are designed for suburban shoppers and feature expansive parking lots with wide spaces, making it much easier to park a van. This also provides ample room to load your groceries without blocking traffic or feeling rushed.

When making quick stops, park in a safe, low-traffic area where you can open the van's doors wide without risk. Designate one adult to be in charge of checking and securing the car seats before the vehicle starts moving again. To save time, practice using the seat buckles and latch systems when you first pick up the van so you are familiar with them. Keeping snacks and activities within the child's reach can also help make the transition in and out of the vehicle smoother for everyone.

Many of Salt Lake City's main attractions, like Temple Square and the Utah State Capitol, have designated accessible parking and drop-off zones. Plan your route to utilize these spots first. At larger venues like museums or arenas, call ahead to inquire about the best entrance and parking options for visitors with mobility challenges. A van is advantageous as it allows you to drop off the individual and their companions directly at the entrance before the driver finds parking, minimizing their walking distance.

Before arriving at your hotel, assign roles to your group members. Have two people designated as the primary luggage handlers. When you pull into the hotel's loading zone, these individuals should immediately start moving bags to the curb while another person checks in. The driver should stay with the van, ready to move it if requested by hotel staff. This coordinated effort ensures a quick and orderly unloading process that respects the flow of traffic.

To anticipate street closures, check the official Salt Lake City government website or the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) traffic site before you travel. Local news outlets also provide excellent, up-to-the-minute information on road closures for major events. Using a navigation app with real-time traffic data, like Google Maps or Waze, is also essential, as it will automatically reroute you around closures and congestion, saving you significant time and frustration.

Salt Lake City has an efficient fleet of snowplows, but driving a large van during an active storm can still be challenging, especially for those unused to winter conditions. Main roads and freeways are prioritized for plowing, but visibility can be poor and road surfaces slick. If your schedule is flexible, waiting for the storm to pass and the plows to clear the roads is often the safest choice. If you must drive, reduce your speed significantly, increase your following distance, and avoid sudden maneuvers.

A great place for a final repack is at a public park near the airport, such as Jordan River Parkway or International Peace Gardens. These locations offer large parking areas where you can sort through luggage and dispose of any trash without being rushed. Another option is the parking lot of a large gas station or convenience store on North Temple Street, the main road leading to the airport rental car return area. This allows you to refuel and reorganize in one convenient stop.

A smooth drop-first plan involves driving directly to the departures level of the airport terminal. Find your airline's designated curb area and quickly unload all passengers and their luggage. Once they are safely on the curb and heading inside, the driver can then proceed alone to the rental car return facility. The airport's layout is well-signed, making it easy to loop back around and follow the directions for rental returns after the drop-off is complete.

The best strategy is to make your van appear as empty as possible from the outside. Store all valuables, including backpacks and electronics, completely out of sight, either under seats or covered by blankets in the rear cargo area. If you have ski bags, lay them flat and cover them if possible. Always park in well-lit, high-traffic areas whenever you can. This simple practice of keeping items hidden significantly reduces the appeal for opportunistic theft.

For quick and easy breaks, target large, modern gas stations or travel centers located along the major freeways like I-15 and I-215. These establishments are designed for large vehicles and offer ample parking, clean restrooms, and a wide variety of snacks and drinks. They provide a much more efficient experience than trying to navigate a small, crowded parking lot at a fast-food restaurant or coffee shop on a busy city street. Planning your stops around these highway-adjacent locations will save considerable time.

When visiting the University of Utah, the best strategy is to use the designated visitor parking lots, such as the one located near the campus bookstore. These lots are designed to be easily accessible from main roads and can accommodate larger vehicles. Arriving outside of peak class change times (typically on the hour) can help you avoid the worst of the campus traffic. Alternatively, you can park at the Rice-Eccles Stadium TRAX station and take the light rail into the heart of campus, bypassing traffic altogether.

Drivers in Salt Lake City are generally courteous, but it's good to be aware of a few local habits. The city's wide streets often have dedicated left-turn lanes with their own signals, so pay close attention to the arrows. Merging on the freeway can be fast-paced, so signal your intentions early and be decisive. Turning right on a red light after a complete stop is permitted unless a sign indicates otherwise, which is standard practice in many states.

To balance city and mountain activities, plan your mountain excursion for the morning to avoid afternoon canyon traffic. For example, you could drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon for a short hike early in the day, then return to the valley for lunch. In the afternoon, you can explore downtown attractions like Temple Square or the Utah State Capitol when traffic is generally lighter than during the morning or evening commute. This schedule allows you to enjoy both environments while minimizing your time on congested roads.

A good driver rotation plan involves switching at planned stops rather than on the side of the road. Use meal breaks, fuel stops, or trailhead arrivals as natural opportunities to change drivers. It's wise to have your most confident driver handle challenging segments, like a snowy canyon road or navigating downtown for the first time. Communicating openly about fatigue is key; encourage anyone feeling tired to speak up so a fresh driver can take over and ensure everyone's safety.