and you’re itching to explore a little farther, you’re in luck. Within just a couple of hours, you can be standing by high-mountain lakes, wandering historic main streets, or watching
.
No stops in Uinta County itself—these are all about what’s beyond your backyard.
1. Park City, Utah – Mountain Town Vibes & Easy Adventure (Summit County)
Park City is about a 1.5–2 hour drive from Evanston, and it feels like stepping into a mountain vacation postcard.
Why go:
- Charming historic Main Street with shops, art galleries, and cafes
- Scenic chairlift rides in summer and fall
- Miles of hiking and biking trails
- Famous ski resorts in winter (Park City Mountain & Deer Valley)
Stroll down Main Street, grab a coffee, and wander in and out of the little boutiques. If you have kids along, they’ll love the
alpine slide or
mountain coaster in the warm months.
Road trip tip: If you’re heading back to Evanston in the evening, give yourself time for the mountain roads and possible wildlife on the way—deer love to surprise you after dark.
2. Mirror Lake Scenic Byway – One of Utah’s Prettiest Drives (Summit County)
Drive south from Evanston and cross into Utah’s Uinta Mountains to find the
Mirror Lake Scenic Byway (Highway 150). It’s an easy, classic mountain drive.
What you’ll find:
- Dozens of lakes and ponds right off the road
- Short, family-friendly hikes
- Plenty of picnic spots
- Cooler temperatures on hot summer days
Pull over at
Mirror Lake itself, spread out a blanket, and enjoy lunch with views of
Bald Mountain. Even if you’re not a serious hiker, you can still take short walks around the shoreline.
Season note: Snow can keep this road closed well into late spring. Check road conditions before you go.
3. Kamas & the Gateway to the Uintas (Summit County)
If you follow the Mirror Lake Highway all the way down, you’ll land in the small town of
Kamas, Utah. It calls itself the “Gateway to the Uintas,” and that’s exactly what it is.
Things to do in and around Kamas:
- Grab a hearty burger or steak at one of the local grills
- Stop at outdoor shops for fishing or camping gear
- Explore side roads leading to trailheads and campgrounds
- Enjoy a slow, small-town stroll after your mountain drive
I like to think of Kamas as my last “civilization stop” before heading deeper into the mountains. It’s the perfect place for fuel—both for the car and for your stomach—before driving back to Evanston.
4. Star Valley & Afton – Cowboy Country With a Mountain Backdrop (Lincoln County)
Head north from Evanston into
Lincoln County, Wyoming, and you’ll find
Star Valley, a long, green valley framed by mountains. Afton is the main town and makes an easy day-trip goal.
Highlights in Afton and Star Valley:
- The famous World’s Largest Elkhorn Arch over Main Street
- Star Valley’s scenic backroads and ranch views
- Fishing in local rivers and creeks
- Small cafes and bakeries with homemade pies and pastries
If you’re into photography, the mix of barns, cattle, and mountains looks like classic Western art. On a clear day, just pulling off on a side road and watching the clouds roll over the hills is worth the drive alone.
5. Star Valley Ranch & Alpine – Relaxed Mountain Communities (Lincoln County)
A little farther along Star Valley you’ll hit places like
Star Valley Ranch and the town of
Alpine, where the Snake and Greys Rivers come together.
What to do:
- Enjoy peaceful golf-course and neighborhood walks at Star Valley Ranch
- Stop in Alpine for river views and casual dining
- Watch boaters and anglers at the Palisades Reservoir area just beyond Alpine (Idaho side is close too)
This is a great road trip if you like a slower pace. Think porch sitting, long lunches, and lazy drives rather than packed itineraries.
Road trip idea: Make a loop: Evanston → Star Valley → Alpine → back through different backroads to see as much countryside as possible.
6. Kemmerer – “Where the Moon and Earth Meet” (Lincoln County)
Kemmerer, Wyoming sits in Lincoln County and is packed with surprising history for such a small town. It’s around 1.5–2 hours from Evanston, depending on your route.
Why it’s worth the drive:
- Historic downtown with old stone buildings
- Fossil-rich hills nearby (great for rock and dinosaur fans)
- Classic Wyoming small-town feel
The area around Kemmerer is known for fossil beds, especially fish fossils. Even if you don’t go on a full fossil dig, you’ll see references to this everywhere—on signs, in local shops, and in stories from long-time residents.
Personal tip: Pack snacks and water. Distances in this part of Wyoming feel longer, and services can be spread out.
7. Green River – River Town With High Desert Scenery (Sweetwater County)
Drive east from Evanston and you’ll cross into
Sweetwater County, home to the town of
Green River. The drive itself feels like a crash course in the High Desert: wide open spaces, rock formations, and big skies.
In Green River, you can:
- Walk along the Green River and watch the water roll by
- Check out local parks for picnics and quick hikes
- Use the town as a base to explore nearby wild desert landscapes
If you’re used to pine trees and mountains, the change in scenery is refreshing. The layered cliffs around town glow at sunset and make for great photos.
8. Rock Springs – Hub of Sweetwater County (Sweetwater County)
A little farther east from Green River sits
Rock Springs, Wyoming, a busy energy and railroad town with more services and things to do.
Road trip reasons to go:
- More dining options if you’re craving something different from small-town menus
- Shopping stops to restock road trip supplies
- Historical downtown with hints of the town’s mining and railroad past
Use Rock Springs as a jumping-off point to explore the wilder parts of Sweetwater County, especially if you want a reliable place to gas up and grab a hot meal at the start or end of the day.
9. Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge – Quiet Wild Beauty (Sweetwater County)
Looking for a peaceful, less crowded place near Evanston?
Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge stretches along the Green River in Sweetwater County and feels wonderfully remote.
What you might see:
- Waterfowl and shorebirds along the river
- Pronghorn, deer, and other wildlife in the sagebrush
- Wide, open landscapes that make you feel tiny in the best way
The roads can be gravel or dirt in spots, so check conditions before you drive in very wet weather. Bring binoculars if you have them; this area is a quiet goldmine for bird lovers.
Engagement tip: If you’re traveling with kids, make it a wildlife “scavenger hunt”—how many different animals or birds can they spot?
10. White Mountain & The Wild Horses (Sweetwater County)
One of the most unique road trips from Evanston is heading toward
White Mountain and the surrounding public lands in Sweetwater County, where you can sometimes see
wild horses roaming.
Why this trip is special:
- Chance to see wild horse herds in their natural habitat
- Views over the high desert from the top of White Mountain
- Petroglyph sites in the broader area (ancient rock carvings)
Driving these gravel roads feels like stepping into an old Western movie. It’s just you, the wind, the sagebrush, and hopefully a band of horses in the distance.
Always keep a respectful distance from wildlife and stay on established roads. Bring plenty of fuel and water—this is big, open country.
Planning Your Evanston Road Trips: Quick Tips
- Check weather and roads: Mountain passes and backroads can change fast.
- Fill your tank in town: Gas stations get sparse once you leave the bigger towns.
- Pack layers: It can be 80°F in the valley and sweater weather by a high lake.
- Bring a paper map: Cell service drops in many of these areas.
If you love scenic drives, small towns, and wide-open spaces, these
road trips from Evanston, Wyoming into Summit, Lincoln, and Sweetwater Counties will keep you busy for many weekends.
Share Your Favorite Evanston-Area Road Trip
Have you taken any of these drives from Evanston?
Did I miss a hidden gem in Summit, Lincoln, or Sweetwater County?
I’d love to hear from you.
Share your favorite stops, diners, overlooks, or hiking spots in the comments, and tell us what made the trip memorable.
If you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are planning a Wyoming or Utah getaway. Your shares and comments help more travelers discover just how many adventures are waiting just outside Evanston’s city limits.
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