While the phrase “road trip” generally brings with it the idea of an epic cross-country drive, shorter treks offer the opportunity to deeply explore each stop and take in the unique views of both states. A simple 400-mile drive down I-15, a trip from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Las Vegas, Nevada, could easily be written off as an afternoon drive from point to point. With so many activities to enjoy in Vegas itself, it can be tempting to push through the journey as quickly as possible.

For those with a little more time on their hands, however, the 6-hour drive between major cities can easily turn into a week-long road trip adventure. Here are 11 road trip stops that show off the journey's stunning scenery from Salt Lake City to Las Vegas.

Sundance, Utah

A bit of a detour off the main highway on the way to Las Vegas, Sundance, Utah is a unique year-round destination. Home of the world-famous Sundance Film Festival, Sundance is famous for its powdery snow, ideal for skiing and snowboarding. The town is less visited in the summer months, but there is still plenty to enjoy, including Utah’s longest zipline and numerous outdoor summer concerts.

Sundance, Utah:

• Where to Stay: Park City Peaks Hotel
• Highlights: Sundance ZipTour, Eccles Outdoor Stage, Hiking Trails, Biking Trails, Sundance Film Festival, Skiing, Snowboarding

Timpanogos Caves National Monument, American Fork, Utah

Nestled on the side of a mountain in American Fork Canyon, Timpanogos Caves is a scenic switchback mountain hike with a unique final destination. The Timpanogos Caves are open to visitors during the summer months and can be explored via guided tours that offer a one-of-a-kind look at the geological and historical background of the Caves and Mount Timpanogos itself.

The caves are filled with unusual limestone features and are also home to several Bat colonies. The hike to the Caves also offers unique views of the mountains and canyons, and those visiting at the right time may catch a glimpse of the local deer, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep populations.

Timpanogos Caves:

• Hike Length: 1.5 miles
• Hike Difficulty: Moderate
• Where to Stay: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lehi - Thanksgiving Point
• Highlights: Alpine Loop Scenic Drive, Cave Tours, Wildlife Viewing, Geological Formations

Advanced tickets to the Cave tours are highly recommended and available up to 30 days in advance. Reservations can be made here.

Related: 14 Largest Caves In The World, Ranked By Size

Utah Lake State Park, Provo, Utah

Utah has several scenic recreational lakes throughout its state boundaries, but Utah Lake in Central Utah is perhaps a lesser-known stop for those looking for water activities in the state. At 148 square miles, Utah Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Utah and offers the perfect surface for boating, fishing, swimming, and paddleboarding. The park is also the perfect place to set up camp for visitors hoping to take time to explore Provo Canyon, whose river feeds into the lake.

Utah Lake:

• Entrance Fee: $20/vehicle
• Where to Stay: Hyatt Place Provo
• Highlights: Boating, Paddleboarding, Fishing, Camping, Swimming

Algae blooms are common on Utah Lake and can affect permitted activities. Always check the Utah State Park website for up-to-date information on algal blooms and other lake restrictions.

Santaquin, Utah

A small but ever-growing town off the side of I-15, Santaquin is a fun afternoon stop before a large stretch of road on the way to Vegas. Santaquin offers many of the conveniences of larger cities, including big-name stores and food stops.

The best reason to stop in Santaquin, however, is to enjoy Rowley’s Big Red Barn. Exactly as it sounds, the venue is a large, bright red barn surrounded by farmland, impossible to miss from the freeway. Inside, farm-fresh seasonal produce, farm-raised meats, hand-churned butter, and other locally-produced goods are available for purchase. During the fall, the farm opens up its “Back 40”, a stretch of the farm converted into a family-friendly fall festival, complete with pumpkin patches, ziplines, and apple cannons.

Santaquin:

• Where to Stay: Quality Inn Payson
• Highlights: Hiking Trails, Biking Trails, Rowley’s Big Red Barn

Yuba State Park, Levan, Utah

Back to the water, Yuba State Park sits against Yuba Lake, a relatively small but beautifully scenic lake just off the highway. Yuba Lake is relatively warm during the summer months, making it perfect for swimming or simply relaxing on the beach. The lake is also popular for fishing and camping, with four different campground areas to choose from. Those who explore the area around the lake might even happen upon remnants of the Native Americans who passed through the area.

Yuba State Park:

• Entrance Fee: $20/vehicle
• Where to Stay: Best Western Paradise Inn of Nephi
• Highlights: Hiking, Swimming, Boating, Fishing, Paddleboarding, Camping

Dixie National Forest, Cedar City, Utah

At nearly two million acres, Dixie National Forest is an ideal stop for anyone looking to explore the outdoor beauty of Utah without the crowds of the famous national parks. The huge range of the forest includes a variety of landscapes, including mountainous forest terrain and classic Southern Utah rock formations.

Dixie National Forest is a fun outdoor Utah stop any time of year, with fishing, hiking, and horseback riding during the warmer months and cross-country and skiing in the winter snow. It is also a beautiful choice for those looking for views of Bryce Canyon National Park without the millions of visitors blocking the views.

Dixie National Forest:

• Entrance Fee: FREE
• Where to Stay: Abbey Inn
• Highlights: Red Canyon, Hiking Trails, Horseback Riding, Fishing, Camping, Cross-Country, Skiing

Related: Why Red Canyon In Utah's Dixie National Forest Is Worth Visiting (& Hiking)

Parowan Gap, Iron County, Utah

Utah's dry climate and low humidity has made it perfect for preserving natural, historical features, including the petroglyph found at Parowan Gap. A reminder of the Native American groups that once called the region home, archeologists still debate the meaning of the drawings found in the Gap. The Parowan Gap itself is a unique natural feature, running 600 feet deep between the Red Hills, evidence of an ancient river.

Parowan Gap:

• Where to Stay: Mountain View Lodge
• Highlights: Petroglyphs, Hiking Trails, Mountain Biking, Geological Features

Cedar City, Utah

One of the best small towns in the US, Cedar City is more than just the gateway to Zion (although it is the perfect place to stay for those exploring the national parks). The town itself has several unique museums, including the Frontier Homestead State Park Museum and Southern Utah Museum of Art, and host’s the Utah Shakespeare Festival each year.

Visitors making a road trip stop can explore the shops in the town or get right back into nature at the Cedar Breaks National Monument, which offers even more beautiful views of Southern Utah’s landscape.

Cedar City:

• Where to Stay: Big Yellow Inn
• Highlights: Frontier Homestead State Park Museum, Southern Utah Museum of Art, Utah Shakespeare Festival, Cedar Breaks National Monument, Cedar City Aquatic Center

Zion National Park, Utah

Zion National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the country, and a simple drive-by makes it clear why. Beautiful rock formations and desert landscapes create one of the most visually unique areas in the region. Zion is particularly popular among visitors thanks to challenging hikes, including the dangerous permit-only Angel's Landing hike and the watery Narrows slot canyon hike.

For those looking for a more relaxing adventure, numerous other hiking options are available for those hoping to enjoy the natural Arches, slot canyons, and red rock features of Zion.

Zion National Park:

• Entrance Fee: $35/vehicle
• Where to Stay: Cliffrose Springdale, Curio Collection by Hilton
• Highlights: Angel's Landing, The Narrows, Scenic Loop, Zion Human History, Museum Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, Wildlife Viewing

Related: March Adventure In Zion National Park: Hiking, Canyoneering, & 8 More Things To Do

Saint George, Utah

Another town better known for the national parks it leads to, Saint George is a must-visit for those traveling through Utah. One of the larger cities in Southern Utah, Saint George, has plenty of activities for every type of visitor. The city capitalizes on the natural beauty through the Red Hills Botanical Garden, Snow Canyon State Park, and Pioneer Park.

Outside the red rock-based attractions, visitors to Saint George can also enjoy historical buildings like Brigham Young Winter Home and the St. George Tabernacle.

St. George:

• Where to Stay: Inn on the Cliff
• Highlights: Red Hills Botanical Garden, Snow Canyon State Park, Pioneer Park, Brigham Young Winter Home, St. George Tabernacle, Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, Rosenbruch World Wildlife Museum, Tuacahn Center for the Arts

Valley Of Fire State Park, Moapa Valley, Nevada

One of the best day trips from Las Vegas, the Valley of Fire State Park is a perfect final stop on the way to Sin City. The picture-perfect Valley of Fire is full of colorful stripes of red sandstone and ancient petroglyphs left behind by the Native Americans that once filled the southwest. Guests can learn more about the history of the area at the Valley of Fire Visitor's Center before exploring the trails or setting up their tent on one of the 72 campgrounds in the park. Alternatively, Valley of Fire State Park is only 46 miles from Las Vegas itself, making it easy to spend the day at the park before setting up at one of Las Vegas' best hotels.

Valley of Fire National Park:

• Entrance Fee: $15/vehicle
• Where to Stay: Hyatt Place Las Vegas at Silverton Village
• Highlights: Hiking Trails, Sandstone Rock Formations, Petrified Trees, Petroglyphs, Camping, Red Wave, Atlatl Rock, Fire Wave