SALT LAKE CITY — The United States is often considered among the best countries to go road tripping, each state offering its own unique experience. With beauties dotting the country, such as Glacier, Yosemite, Zion and Great Smoky Mountains national parks, the 50 states each offer something different to attract visitors.

And according to a new WalletHub study, Utah is the second-best state in the nation in which to pack up the car and drive.

“Taking a summer road trip can be a very exciting way to experience a new place, but with the prices of gas, food and accommodations still impacted by inflation, you’ll want to be in a state that makes this type of vacation affordable,” according to WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo.

“Safe roads are also key, and so is having plenty of worthwhile attractions to stop at along the road. The best states for summer road trips, therefore, are those that keep costs low while providing the best driving experience and most fun activities.”

Why Utah is ranked so high

Coming in as the top road-tripping state is Minnesota due to its relatively cheap cost and its high spending on parks and recreation. But Utah comes in second for its “breathtaking scenery, outdoor recreation and safe driving conditions,” according to WalletHub.

While Utah ranks 34th in the country in terms of costs, the state makes up for it in road safety. Utah ranks in the top 10 for least amount of car thefts per capita and is fourth in fewest fatalities per 100 million miles driven.

Cumulatively, Utah is the sixth safest state to road-trip in.

Also boosting its rating are its amusement parks, where Utah ranks seventh.

The top five states for road trips include:

• Minnesota
• Utah
• Louisiana
• New York
• Florida

The bottom five round out to:

• Maryland
• California
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Rhode Island

The ‘Mighty Five’ and Utahraptor State Park

If you come for activities like amusement parks and zoos, Utah has you covered with Lagoon and Utah’s Hogle Zoo, accompanied by a plethora of water parks. However, Utah is perhaps best known for its stunning natural formations.

Boasting the second most national parks in the mainland U.S., only behind California’s nine, Utah’s five national parks make for a no-brainer trek. Starting at Canyonlands National Park, you can hit Arches National Park and Utah’s newest park, Utahraptor State Park, in a matter of 35 miles, give or take.

From Utahraptor State Park, another two hours will take you to Capitol Reef National Park, two more hours brings you to Bryce Canyon National Park and another two will land you in the second most visited national park in the country, Zion National Park.

In roughly seven hours of driving, travelers can cross five national parks off their bucket list while witnessing the scenic stretch from eastern Utah to the southwest part.

Utah also has the second-highest spending per capita on parks and recreation, and there are plenty of state parks to check out while in the desert state.

Utahraptor State Park

If you are a dinosaur enthusiast, Utahraptor State Park is a great place to stop. Officially opened to the public in May 2025, the park features one of the largest bone beds with over 5,500 fossils discovered, representing more than 10 different species at Dalton Wells Dinosaur Quarry.

Among the species is the Utahraptor, which spans 20 feet long and stands 5 feet tall, estimated to weigh 1,000 pounds.

The park also features various sites where you can see ancient tracks embedded in the sandstone, made by theropods, sauropods, ornithopods and even prehistoric crocodiles.

You can discover more at the park website.

Road trip tips

As the U.S. experiences brutal prices at the pump, which are also affecting the prices of other various services like food, it is even more important to plan ahead.

“If you want to make your money stretch, you have to ditch the luxury mindset and channel your inner 19-year-old on a broke, wild mission,” Lynn University associate professor Andrew Burnstine told WalletHub.

Here are some tips experts gave:

• Plan ahead.
• Look for local deals.
• Bring snacks from grocery stores.
• Download apps to track down cheap fuel.
• Bypass highway tourist traps.
• Use campsites instead of hotels.
• Check into hotels on the outskirts if a bed is a must.
• Keep tires inflated.
• Keep trunk light.

These are simple tips for making your trip financially less burdensome, but “even these small savings can make a visible difference by the end of a trip,” said Minnesota State University Moorhead professor Wooyang Kim, per WalletHub.

CASPER, Wyo. — Sunday is here, and it’s the perfect day to relax, recharge and reinvigorate so that you’re ready for the upcoming week. It’s also the perfect day for some morning yoga, or to go to the carnival! From a BBQ Cook-off event to the CWFR, this is what’s happening on Sunday in the Oil City.

The Oil City Daily Event Guide is sponsored by Central Wyoming Fair & Rodeo.

Start off your Sunday in a great way with Sunrise Yoga at David Street Station, beginning at 7:30 a.m.

“Sunrise Yoga is the perfect way to start your mornings with some care for your body!” the event page states. “Yoga will start at 7:30 a.m. and go till 8:30 a.m. Each morning will have a different instructor and we will have more details on that soon.”

Happening Sunday at 7:30 a.m.

The Central Wyoming Fair and Rodeo is hosting its annual Open Class BBQ Contest on Sunday, beginning at 4 p.m.

“Celebrate great food, friendly competition, and community pride during the Open Class BBQ Contest at the Central Wyoming Fair & PRCA Rodeo as part of the 250th Celebration of America,” the event page states. “Open to the public, participants are invited to bring their best prepared BBQ meats to the Industrial Building at the Central Wyoming Fairgrounds on Sunday, July 5, 2026, for judging at 5 p.m. Contest categories include beef, chicken, fish, lamb, pork, seafood, and wild game. Entries will be judged on appearance, tenderness/texture, and taste by the committee. While this event is not a public tasting, it’s a great opportunity for BBQ enthusiasts to showcase their skills and be part of the Fair’s ‘Celebrating America’s Spirit festivities.”

Happening Sunday at 4 p.m.

Don’t see an event on the calendar? Add it! Click here, add your details and submit to let Casper know all about it.

It’s fair week! The Central Wyoming Fair and Rodeo is back at the Central Wyoming Fairgrounds, and the entire community is invited.

“The all new Amusement Midway Providers has a combined 100+ years providing safe family fun and entertainment,” the event page states. “We provide carnival rides, games, and food to fairs, festivals and celebrations across the southern states and areas of the Midwest. With all of the fun and activities, guests of all ages can enjoy the excitement. Come one, come all to the best time of your lives. Step right up adults and let your inner child out. Enjoy your children’s pure excitement as you create magical memories that will last you a lifetime. We strive to bring you the best of the best. Safety is a top priority at Amusement Midway Providers. All our equipment is well-maintained and conforms to industry standards.”

Happening Sunday at 3 p.m.

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