utah week trip

10 Best Utah Road Trips: Unique Itineraries + Maps

by Mark and Kristen Morgan

Published: July 16, 2020

Utah has many unique road trip options, including national parks, state parks and off-road adventures. Spectacular landscapes, bucket list hikes and beautiful photo spots make Utah one of the very best road trip destinations in the world.

In this guide, we’re going to show you 10 original and personally tested Utah road trips based entirely on our own experiences.

Our Utah Road Trip Experience

Why trust us with helping you to plan your Utah road trip?

Because we’ve explored far and wide throughout two separate Utah road trips, first in the fall of 2019 and again in the winter of 2021. We love the region and consider southern Utah to have some of the best road trips in the US .

During both our extended visits to Utah, we’ve hiked the iconic trails, explored the major parks and photographed the unmissable sunrise and sunset spots. Every Utah road trip itinerary in this guide is created from first hand knowledge . Read more about us .

With so many amazing US road trips available for your next adventure, why would you choose to road trip through Utah ?

Here’s what makes Utah such a popular place to visit:

• Five remarkable national parks
• Countless other special natural landscapes
• Year round accessibility
• Several of the best hikes in the US are in Utah
• Diverse and adventurous attractions
• Excellent weather for most of the year
• Easy logistics with Las Vegas and Salt Lake City airports

Other popular road trip routes in the US have the ocean, big cities, rainforests or rugged mountains. Utah offers dramatic canyons , extraordinary sandstone formations and bucket list hikes .

Choosing Where To Visit

Utah is home to a diverse range of topography including canyons, sand dunes, mountains and salt flats. The Mighty 5 national parks are the most heavily visited places in Utah, but there are so many other fun and underrated places to see.

So where should you visit on your Utah road trip?

Well, the answer depends on factors like your travel style, how much time you have and how many times you have visited Utah in the past.

• Are you a hiker? You should prioritize hikes in Zion National Park above all else.
• Are you a photographer? You should prioritize Arches, Canyonlands and Bryce Canyon.
• First time in Utah or short on time? You should start with Zion and Bryce Canyon.
• Already seen the national parks? You should head to the adventure town of Kanab.

We think Utah is a state you can return to time and time again because there’s just so much to do. Even after 2 extensive trips to Utah, our bucket list is still only half full!

Further Reading: The 20 best places to visit in Utah

About Our Itineraries

Next, we’re going to show you our 10 favorite Utah road trip routes. You’ll find route statistics , a description and a map for each itinerary.

You can click into the interactive maps associated with each itinerary listed below. Simply touch or click the map to activate, then you can move around or zoom in and out.

We’ve tried to be as inclusive as possible in order to accommodate every traveler who wants to see the very best of Utah. Please feel free to leave us a comment at the end of the guide if we haven’t quite covered exactly what you are looking for.

Let’s get into the first itinerary!

1. Utah Mighty 5 National Parks Road Trip

• Distance : 389 miles
• Time : 7 hours 20 minutes
• Days : 6-8 days
• Attractions : Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef , Canyonlands, Arches

The Mighty 5 national parks road trip is the ultimate Utah experience . This famous route consists of many of the best US national parks with stops at Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches and Canyonlands.

After driving the Mighty 5 we can confidently say that it’s the all-in-one scenic Utah ticket featuring the best hikes, photo spots and landmarks. If you’ve never been to Utah and you want to see all the major highlights , this is the road trip for you.

Utah Mighty 5 Road Trip Map

The Mighty 5 is most commonly driven as an out-and-back loop route from Las Vegas (here are the best things to do in Las Vegas ). Use the map above to see how the route begins in Zion, moves to Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef before stopping near Moab for both Arches and Canyonlands.

Returning to Las Vegas from Moab, you have several amazing options for places to stop including Monument Valley, Page AZ, Grand Canyon North Rim and the adventure attractions around Kanab.

Road Trip Tip : Drive UT-12 from Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef. The route through Escalante is slightly longer but it’s incredibly scenic and shouldn’t be missed.

2. Utah State Parks Road Trip

• Distance : 476 miles
• Time : 9 hours 40 minutes
• Days : 3-5 days
• Attractions : Gunlock, Snow Canyon, Sand Hollow, Coral Pink Sand Dunes , Kodachrome Basin, Escalante Petrified Forest, Goblin Valley, Dead Horse Point

We’ve created this original Utah road trip itinerary for return visitors to Utah or those who prefer to avoid heavy crowds . It follows the same route as the Mighty 5 but only stops at state parks and avoids national parks altogether.

We think Utah is overflowing with incredible state parks that are completely overshadowed by the national parks. There’s so much more to see, hike and photograph in Utah outside of the national parks. And the best part is that they’re always quiet .

Utah State Parks Road Trip Map

Our Utah state parks road trip is best driven in a loop from Las Vegas . Similarly to the Mighty 5 route, you can easily throw in plenty of extras stops along the way, which could even include one or two national parks if you don’t want to miss out.

Road Trip Tip : If state parks are your thing, do not miss the amazing Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada either on the way in or out of Utah from Las Vegas, which we have included in the route map above.

3. Zion To Bryce Canyon Road Trip

• Distance : 86 miles
• Time : 1 hour 55 minutes
• Days : 2-4 days
• Attractions : Zion, Bryce Canyon

Zion to Bryce Canyon is our top Utah road trips pick for visitors with just 2 or 3 days available. It’s a hugely popular and well established route which works perfectly with the nearby Las Vegas airport as a transport hub.

Both Zion and Bryce Canyon are amazing places, but they’re surprisingly different considering how close they are to one another. We love both parks and think this double header offers the perfect balance between ticking off some of the best Utah hikes and photo spots in a short trip.

Zion To Bryce Canyon Road Trip Map

The Zion to Bryce Canyon road trip route is easy to plan . You simply fly into Las Vegas, drive to Zion, then drive to Bryce Canyon and eventually return to Las Vegas the same way. Here are 5 very different ways you can spend one day in Zion National Park .

Road Trip Tip : Serious hikers should spend more time in Zion, whereas photographers and sightseers should spend more time in Bryce Canyon.

4. Arches And Canyonlands Road Trip

• Distance : 78 miles
• Time : 2 hours 5 minutes
• Days : 1-2 days
• Attractions : Canyonlands, Arches

Arches and Canyonlands is one of the best bang for your buck road trips in Utah. We loved the photo spots in these two parks and can’t wait to go back for more landscape shoots. It’s possible to see the highlights of both parks in one day by starting in Canyonlands and ending in Arches.

However, 2 full days would allow you to relax and visit more natural attractions by spending a day in each park. You can tick off the best hikes in Arches and end with sunset from Delicate Arch on the first day, before spending the next day in Canyonlands which begins with an incredible sunrise at Mesa Arch .

Arches To Canyonlands Road Trip Map

Many visitors to Moab only have time to do Arches and Canyonlands in one day . Our route map above shows you exactly how to see both parks in a day from sunrise to sunset .

With more time you can do one day in each of Arches and Canyonlands. Start the second day in Canyonlands Island in the Sky district before visiting the further away districts called The Needles, The Maze and The Rivers.

Road Trip Tip : Start with Mesa Arch at sunrise and end with Delicate Arch at sunset for one of the most amazing days in Utah.

5. Kanab HQ Road Trip

• Distance : 320 miles
• Time : 6 hours 55 minutes
• Days : 3-4 days
• Attractions : Belly of the Dragon , Coral Pink Sand Dunes, Buckskin Gulch, The Wave, Toadstool Hoodoos , Grand Canyon North Rim

Our Kanab headquarters road trip is unique because you will use one tiny town as a base and the driving aspect is essentially fanning out in all directions around Kanab to visit attractions. Don’t be put off by what sounds like a boring road trip, trust us, it really isn’t!

We spent a few days ticking off hikes , landscapes , caves and sand dunes around Kanab during our second road trip through Utah and we were blown away by the area so much that we included it in our list of the 50 best US vacation spots .

Kanab is one of the most underrated places we’ve visited in America. Not only are there countless awesome things to do in Kanab , but the town also has affordable hotels, excellent restaurants and a chilled vibe.

Kanab HQ Road Trip Map

The route map above shows driving routes from Kanab to each of the most prominent attractions and hikes nearby. Visiting Grand Canyon North Rim is totally optional but it does make for a fantastic experience.

By using Kanab as a base, you can see the likes of Coral Pink Sand Dunes , Belly of the Dragon , Toadstool Hoodoos , Buckskin Gulch and The Wave . It’s also close to slot canyons and a bunch of fun adventure tours going out into the harder to reach areas of Utah like Peek-a-boo canyon.

Road Trip Tip : For the ultimate Kanab experience you should apply for the online lottery to win a permit for The Wave .

6. Kanab To Moab Road Trip

• Distance : 423 miles
• Time : 8 hours 45 minutes
• Days : 4-6 days
• Attractions : Kanab, The Wave or Grand Canyon North Rim, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, Arches, Canyonlands

Moving into custom Utah road trips territory , we think our Kanab to Moab road trip itinerary could be among the very best in this list . It’s perfect if you want to get off the beaten path and do something a bit different.

You’ll start with the best of Kanab , which could include hiking The Wave if you win a permit, before moving to Page AZ for Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon ( book your Antelope Canyon tour in advance). Next is Monument Valley and eventually you reach Moab for Arches and Canyonlands.

Kanab To Moab Road Trip Map

This route can be driven from Las Vegas to Salt Lake City or Denver with plenty of stops available on the back end after leaving Moab. It works perfectly for anyone who plans to spend time in Colorado either before or after Utah. Remember, Rocky Mountain National Park isn’t too far from Moab.

Do you want to visit Grand Canyon South Rim during your Utah road trip? You could leave Kanab and arrive into Page, then drive down to South Rim before re-joining the itinerary to Moab.

Road Trip Tip : You can see most of Monument Valley without actually going into the paid area.

7. Utah Hiking Road Trip

• Distance : 932 miles
• Time : 18 hours 20 minutes
• Days : 6-10 days
• Attractions : Fire Wave, The Subway , Angels Landing , The Narrows , Queen’s Garden , Hickman Bridge, Mesa Arch, Devil’s Garden, Delicate Arch, Buckskin Gulch , The Wave

We’ve created this custom road trip through Utah specifically for hikers and we think it’s pretty awesome! Utah’s unique landscapes are a paradise for hikers but the iconic trails are time consuming, so this is the longest itinerary in our list.

The route effectively follows the Mighty 5 path but it only consists of the best hikes . There are no photography stops, sunrises, sunsets or stops at other attractions. It’s a case of getting your permits in advance , driving from hike to hike and enjoying the trails.

Utah Hiking Road Trip Map

The map for our hikers Utah road trip route is created as though you have acquired permits for every necessary trail. Adapt the route if you are unable to obtain any permit, otherwise sit back and soak up what is going to be an incredible hiking trip !

Are you considering the Grand Canyon? Here’s our popular guide on the best hikes in Grand Canyon South Rim .

Road Trip Tip : In Utah you need permits to hike The Subway, Angels Landing, Buckskin Gulch and The Wave.

8. Utah Photography Road Trip

• Distance : 1,019 miles
• Time : 20 hours 15 minutes
• Attractions : Fire Wave , Zion Canyon Overlook , Cedar Breaks, Bryce Canyon Amphitheater , Fruita Barn, Mesa Arch , Delicate Arch , Monument Valley, Horseshoe Bend , Grand Canyon

Our next custom Utah road trip itinerary is designed for photographers . Utah is not just for hikers, it’s also a prime location for landscape photography. Some of our favorite photo spots are in Utah. Think Mesa Arch, Delicate Arch and the Bryce Canyon amphitheater and you’ll get the idea!

The major issue with a photography itinerary is that you often need to be out for sunrise or sunset , so we’ve crafted this Utah road trip mainly around the most prominent locations at the best times of day. It’s a longer itinerary to accommodate for being in the right place at the right time .

Utah Photography Road Trip Map

Our photography route is one of our favorite Utah road trips because it leads to nothing but stunning landscapes . Use our itinerary as a starting point but be sure to include any other photo spots you know along the way (there are so many more!)

Follow the map above to see how you can drive around southern Utah and place yourself at the best photo spots every day . There are several ways you could plan this trip based on how much time you have and how important each stop is to you.

Road Trip Tip : The more time you allow for this road trip, the more sunrises and sunsets you can include. Dawn and dusk really are the most amazing times of day in Utah.

9. 4×4 Adventure Utah Road Trip

• Distance : 745 miles
• Time : 17 hours 30 minutes
• Attractions : Sand Mountain, Coral Pink Sand Dunes, Red Canyon Slot, Willis Creek Slot, Kodachrome Basin, Zebra Slot, Natural Bridges, Valley of the Gods, White Pocket

Our custom 4×4 Utah road trip would be an entirely different experience to the typical routes. You can either hire a Jeep and drive yourself or take tours into the scorched wilderness. This adventure filled itinerary leads into countless slot canyons, washes and totally off the beaten path spots.

A lot of this itinerary is based around Vermilion Cliffs National Monument and Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument but you could also include Glen Canyon National Recreation Area . These are the places nobody else goes in Utah so you really get that lost world feel.

Utah 4×4 Road Trip Map

The map above shows a basic 4×4 off-road adventure itinerary that we would follow if we were to take on this awesome road trip through Utah. Adapt, remove and include as you see fit based on any other spots you have pegged to visit.

This is the only itinerary in this list that deserves a cautionary warning up front . It’s vital that you are experienced with these types of terrains and situations, as well as being proficient in vehicle fixes and knowing what to do in emergency situations.

Road Trip Tip : With more time you can take your Jeep way off the beaten path. Study the roads in Grand Staircase Escalante in particular to plan the perfect off-road adventure.

10. Salt Lake City To Yellowstone Road Trip

• Distance : 832 miles
• Time : 16 hours 10 minutes
• Days : 7-10 days
• Attractions : SLC, Bonneville Salt Flats, Antelope Island, Park City, Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest, Bear Lake, Jackson, Grand Teton National Park , Yellowstone National Park

Our last Utah road trip is an extension of our extremely popular 7 days Salt Lake City to Yellowstone road trip itinerary . You can create a fantastic 10 day itinerary with Yellowstone and Grand Teton simply by including 3 days ticking off the top attractions around Salt Lake City.

Uinta Wasatch Cache is home to some seriously amazing hikes, Bonneville Salt Flats and Antelope Island are perfect for photographers, Park City is a famous skiing destination and downtown SLC is lovely to walk around.

SLC To Yellowstone Route Map

The map above shows an extended version of our classic 7 day SLC to Yellowstone road trip route with several spur trips near Salt Lake City creating a 10 day itinerary.

After leaving the Salt Lake City area, the route continues through Jackson to Grand Teton and Yellowstone before ending in Gardiner, MT. You can either fly home from Bozeman or return to SLC airport.

Road Trip Tip : Allow at least one full day in Grand Teton and two full days in Yellowstone at a minimum. In an ideal world you will have six full days to see both parks. Here’s our 4 days Yellowstone itinerary .

Planning Tools

So you know the routes and you’re excited to get started with planning. But what about logistics and the important things you need to know?

Here are the tools we use and the key information you should be aware of:

When searching for flights to Las Vegas or Salt Lake City, we recommend checking prices on both Skyscanner and Google Flights as the two best flight search engines.

Tips to save on flights to Las Vegas or SLC:

• Shop around and compare prices on several days of the week
• Use incognito or private browser and clear your cache
• Use several devices such as your laptop and smartphone
• Read our guide on how to book cheap flights

You should have no issues booking accommodation for any of the Utah road trips covered in this guide with the exception of Zion National Park hotels during the peak season.

We always use and recommend using Booking.com to book hotels in the US. You might want to compare prices with Hotels.com to see if you can find a better deal.

Tips for booking hotels:

• Book your hotels in advance
• Sign up for a free membership account with Booking or Expedia
• Arrive at Zion during the week to avoid expensive weekend prices
• Read our popular guide on how to book cheap hotels

Resource : Our sister site Best Hotels Anywhere can help you find the best hotels in Las Vegas, Moab, Kanab, Page, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef and Grand Canyon South Rim.

3. Hire Car

If you’re not driving your own car to Utah, you’ll need to hire a car when you land at Salt Lake City or Las Vegas airport.

Our top recommendation is to find prices with Rental Cars and compare costs against Discover Cars . Input Salt Lake City airport or Las Vegas airport and your travel dates to see your options.

They’re our go to car hire platforms and we always choose whichever has the better vehicle at the right price point.

Tips for hiring a car:

• Book in advance for a better selection of cars
• Small cars are better for parking in tight spots at the national parks
• You’ll need a 4WD high clearance vehicle to go off road in Utah

4. National Parks

It’s important to stay up to date with live conditions such as roads, weather, hiking trails and lodging when you visit any of the national parks in Utah.

One of the unsung positives to visiting Utah is that natural disasters, wildfires, flooding and other problematic conditions are rare. Just look at Yellowstone and Yosemite in 2022 and 2023.

With that said, we still recommend keeping on top of the following current status reports:

• Arches – Live conditions
• Bryce Canyon – Live conditions
• Canyonlands – Live conditions
• Capitol Reef – Live conditions
• Zion – Live conditions

What To Pack For Utah Road Trips

Packing for a road trip in Utah will depend on what you plan to do and what time of year you decide to visit.

Our two trips to Utah have been in the months of October and December. Both times we packed for cold mornings and cold evenings but warmer days, especially when hiking.

If you plan your Utah road trip for summer you can expect hot days so your packing list will look very different. Take plenty of shorts, t-shirts and socks in case you need to wear more than one per day.

Are you planning to visit the Mighty 5? The number one thing you should buy and pack is an America the Beautiful Pass to save money on national park entry costs.

Here is a basic road trip packing list to get you started:

• America the Beautiful Pass – REI
• Car emergency kit – First Secure
• In case of snow – Snow Brush
• Hiking shoes – Men | Women
• Day hiking backpack – Best day bags
• Down Jacket – Men | Women

Further Reading: The essential road trip packing list

Where To Stay On Your Utah Road Trip

Let’s take a summarized look at the top rated hotels in the most popular Utah road trip destinations to help get you organized. Don’t forget you can click the links below to read complete hotel guides on our sister site Best Hotels Anywhere .

Each hotel listed below is a hotel we have either stayed at or would stay at because they have excellent ratings.

Springdale (Zion)

• Cable Mountain Lodge
• Red Rock Inn
• Watchman Villas

Further Reading: The best hotels in Springdale UT

Bryce Canyon City and Tropic (Bryce Canyon)

• Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel
• Bryce Canyon Log Cabins
• Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn Bryce Canyon

Further Reading: Where to stay near Bryce Canyon National Park

Torrey (Capitol Reef)

• Capitol Reef Resort
• Broken Spur Inn
• Red Sands Hotel

Further Reading: Best places to stay near Capitol Reef National Park

Moab (Arches and Canyonlands)

• Aarchway Inn Moab Utah
• My Place Hotel Moab Utah
• Hoodoo Moab Utah

Further Reading: Where to stay in Moab Utah

• La Quinta Kanab Utah
• Kanab Suites In Kanab Utah
• Canyons Boutique Hotel Kanab Utah

Further Reading: Best places to stay in Kanab UT

Camping Special

Are you planning to camp during your Utah road trip?

We’ve teamed up with The Dyrt to offer our readers an exclusive no strings attached 30 day free trial with The Dyrt PRO .

This is our favorite camping app because it helps you find the best campgrounds along your specific driving route with benefits including no booking fees and free camping spots.

You can also use a fantastic new feature called Dyrt Alerts to receive notifications when sold out campgrounds have cancellations so you can snag near-impossible spots.

In Conclusion

Utah is home to some of the most scenic and exciting road trip routes in the US. Unique rock formations, dramatic canyons and adventurous hiking trails make Utah the perfect road trip destination for hikers, photographers and lovers of nature. It’s great for solo travelers, couples, groups and families alike.

After exploring most of the US, we can confidently say that Utah is one of our favorite states to visit. Hiking and landscape photography are our two favorite things to do when we travel, and Utah has both in abundance!

More Road Trips

• Las Vegas to Death Valley day trip
• Kancamagus Highway fall road trip
• Mt Rushmore to Yellowstone road trip
• New England fall road trip
• San Francisco to San Diego road trip
• Salt Lake City to Yellowstone road trip
• South Dakota road trip
• Best road trips in the USA
• Zion to Bryce Canyon road trip

Want more Utah content?  Head over to our Utah Travel Guides to explore the Mighty Five national parks and beyond.

We hope this Utah road trips guide helps with planning your visit to the Beehive State!

Please let us know if you have any questions about any of the routes in the comments below.

Happy Travels ,

Mark and Kristen

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Mark and Kristen Morgan are travel, hiking and photography experts. Over the last 6 years traveling full time, they have explored more than 40 countries and 30 US states.

Where Are Those Morgans has been featured in USA Today, Gestalten, Get Your Guide, CityPASS and Condé Nast Traveler along with various other publications. Read more about us .

13 thoughts on “10 Best Utah Road Trips: Unique Itineraries + Maps”

Dear Mark and Kristen, my boyfriend and I are thinking of having a 3-week vacation (we are coming all the way from Europe so less doesn’t really make sense for us) doing the classic national parks road trip in Utah and Arizona at the end of May. We are planning 2 days in each park (1 in Capitol Reef), and around 4 days in Kanab and Page each, trying to see and do as much as possible as most likely we will never come back to that part of the world again. We love hiking and active holidays, but we are not extreme hikers and we are not going to do the most challenging (even if they are the most famous) trails such as Angels Landing, the Narrows, or the Wave. I extensively used your website picking out the best trails and things to do and trying to estimate how much time is needed for each 🙂 The rough plan is this:

Day 1 – travel from Europe, arrive in Las Vegas the evening Day 2 – Valley of Fire, evening drive to Springdale Day 3 – Zion main canyon (Emerald pools & Kayenta trails, Watchman trail, Riverside walk, Zion Canyon overlook) Day 4 – Zion Colob canyons, evening drive to Kanab Day 5-7 – Kanab guided day tours to 1) Grand Canyon North Rim Toroweap Viewpoint, 2) White Pocket, 3) Peekaboo Slot Canyon, The White Wave, Coral Pink Sand Dunes, 4) Grand Staircase Escalante Day 8 – Kanab guided day tour (see above), evening drive to Bryce Canyon city Day 9 – Bryce canyon (Scenic drive viewpoints, Fairyland loop trail, Queen’s garden & Navajo loop trails) Day 10 – Bryce canyon (see above), afternoon/evening drive to Torrey Day 11 – Capitol reef, afternoon/evening drive to Moab Day 12-14 – Arches (Delicate Arch trail, Devil’s garden trail, Balanced Rock, Park Avenue trails, The Windows trail & Double arch) and Canyonlands (Island in the sky, Mesa Arch, Grand View point, Green river overlook, Needles/Chesler Park loop trail) Day 15 – Arches/Canyonlands (see above), afternoon/evening drive to Mexican hat/Monument valley Day 16 – Monument and Mystery valley full day Navajo guided tour OR Monument valley half-day guided tour and Natural Bridges national monument, evening drive to Page Day 17-19 – Page (Upper & Lower Antelope canyons guided tours, Secret Antelope Canyon guided tour & Horseshoe bend outlook, Antelope Canyon X guided tour, Navajo canyon boat tour, Horseshoe bend rafting tour, Paria Rimrocks Toadstool Hoodoos) Day 20 – Page (see above), afternoon/evening drive to Grand Canyon village Day 21-22 – Grand Canyon South Rim (all viewpoints, beginning of Bright Angel trail, South Rim trail, Shoshone point trail) Day 23 – morning drive to Las Vegas Day 24 – Las Vegas Day 25 – morning travel back to Europe

As you can see, the ideal plan is a bit longer than 3 weeks and we will have only 22 days (including traveling to/from Europe, which uses up 2 whole days). So we will have to cut 3 days our of our plan, and we are not sure what to sacrifice. I’m thinking the following: – 1 day in Valley of Fire → instead combine as day trip from Las Vegas on day 24 – 1 day in Kanab → which of the 4 tours do you think is the least interesting? – 1 day in Page → scrap Navajo canyon boat tour and Horseshoe bend rafting tour? Is there anything else you would suggest?

In addition, I wanted to ask if it’s worth visiting Natural Bridges national monument compared to all the other sites, and if a full day Navajo guided tour of Monument and Mystery valleys is worth it?

We will appreciate any advice that you can give us!

Hi Petia, thanks for getting in touch and we are more than happy to help. This sounds like an amazing travel plan but let’s trim it a bit so you can make it work.

To answer you final questions first:

1. Valley of Fire – If you don’t mind losing that last day in Vegas, then you can definitely do Valley of Fire as a day trip on your last day. But if you want the day in Vegas, you should still include Valley of Fire early in your itinerary because it is unique. We recommend trying to arrive at Fire Wave Trail as early as possible because sunrise here is the park’s top highlight. 2. Kanab – They all sound great, but we would skip Grand Staircase because the others have the best balance. Kanab is a nice little town. 3. Page – It sounds like you are more interested in the canyons, so yes skip the rafting and boat tour. It doesn’t take long to see Horseshoe Bend from the overlook. You will end up with a lot of spare time in Page because the canyon tours don’t take long. Maybe look around Lake Powell or hike a portion of Buckskin Gulch. 4. We haven’t been to Natural Bridges yet. It looks great but you can get a similar theme at all the national parks in Utah, so we would skip it. We have been to Monument Valley and we drove the self guided tour, which was cool but again we would skip this if we were doing your trip. You can see Monument Valley from the main road you will drive anyway. Tip – Monument Valley is best seen early in the day if driving from Moab to Page which you are.

That is 3 full days saved already (or 4 if you decide to combine VoF into your last day in Vegas). Here are our other tips:

1. By skipping the 4th tour in Kanab, you can travel to Bryce Canyon on the morning of Day 8, spend the day hiking and driving the scenic roads, watch sunset, stay over and then watch sunrise in the morning. There’s not much else to do and Bryce is small so you can leave early on Day 9, spend 6-8 hours in Capitol Reef and drive to Moab. It would be a long day but it would also save another full day on your itinerary. 2. You have loads of time for Arches and Canyonlands. If you wanted to, you could probably save a day at Arches by doing Devils Garden Trail, Windows, Park Avenue and Delicate Arch in one day. That’s Arches done. Canyonlands isn’t as easy because it is split into regions but unless you plan to go hiking long distances, you won’t need much time there either, you can do Mesa Arch, Green River and Grand View in a few hours. So overall for Moab you could save a day. Probably skip Dead Horse State Park because it is another $20 and is similar to Canyonlands. 3. Two days is more than enough time for Grand Canyon South Rim if you don’t intend on hiking down into the canyon. You can see the viewpoints on both Desert View Drive as you enter Grand Canyon and Hermit Road in one day. So again, you could save time here if necessary.

If you haven’t already got one, definitely buy an America the Beautiful Pass for $80 which will get you into all National Parks on your trip.

There are plenty of places you can cut or save, but it will depend on exactly what you both want to do. You will also need some downtime because this is a full on adventure! The driving and hiking gets tiring after a few weeks, so you might end up needing a half day to relax and take it easy.

Hope this helps but if you have any more questions send us an email which you can find on our Contact Page. Have a great trip!

Thank you so much for the feedback, we will definitely consider your advice! I find it very difficult to estimate how much time is needed for each park, probably they could be done in shorter time as you said, but we also need downtime between intense days as you said 🙂

Hello. If you had to choose between taking a Utah road trip in the spring months of April or May vs the end of October, which would you choose? We would like to see Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, and go on into Arizona for the Grand Canyon. Thanks for your help!

Hi Jane, both Spring and Fall are the best times to visit the Utah/Arizona parks so either time will be great. We personally prefer traveling the US southwest in Autumn, through September and October. However, if you are only able to do the very end of October, you may run a risk of temperatures cooling significantly in the morning and at night as you approach November (sunrise / sunset photography, long day hikes). If you are able to go in April or early – mid May, you are more likely to see more comfortable conditions for hiking (late May onward can be challenging for hiking with heat). Late October would also mean you may just about miss Utah’s considerable fall colors. With that said, hotels in Springdale, Moab and Grand Canyon will likely be more affordable in late Oct than in May. Finally, it’s impossible to avoid crowds in these parks, but late October will likely be slightly less busy than April / May. The balance between crowds, cost and weather is similar at either time. If you can make it slightly earlier in Oct, we’d say go for that, otherwise the beginning of May. April can have extreme weather in the US Southwest, which is something else to consider. Have a fantastic time whichever season you choose!

We’re planning a trip round trip Vegas through southwest Utah national parks to Grand Teton and Yellowstone. We’ve got two weeks. How would you split the time and what are the best roads to take. We’d like to see Bryce, Hoseshoe Bend, Arches, Canyonlands, up through Salt Lake City to Grand Tetons and Yellowstone. We don’t hike as we’re seniors but love photography. Any assistance would be appreciated. It’s feels so overwhelming! Btw….your website is fabulous!

Hi Marie – sounds like a fantastic trip and we know how overwhelming it can be with so many amazing places to see in just two weeks. You’re right to avoid Zion, it is a wonderful place but is more of an adventure hiking park. When visiting Horseshoe Bend in Page, you might want to try nearby Antelope Canyon if you can book a slot for a photography tour. If you’re planning sunrise photography – Bryce Canyon amphitheater, Mesa Arch in Canyonlands and Mormon Row / Schwabacher Landing in Grand Teton are our top 3 recommendations for your trip. Grand Teton is extremely photogenic and we’re sure your cameras will get a serious workout here! You’ll have an action packed driving itinerary here but this is roughly how we would do it:

D1 – Bryce, D2 – Bryce sunrise, drive to Page and HS Bend, D3 – Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley and arrive in Moab, D4 – Arches, D5 – Canyonlands, D6 – Drive to Salt Lake City, D7 – Morning in SLC and Drive to Jackson, D8 and D9 – Grand Teton, D10, 11, 12 – Yellowstone, D13 and D14 – Long drive back to Vegas, maybe break it up in SLC.

Roads – 89, 163 Monument Valley, 191, 6, 89 through Afton, 191 again through Yellowstone, then 20 and I-15 back to Vegas.

Hope this helps but let us know if you need any more info and have the best trip!

Hi! Could you please share your itinirerary from google maps? It isn’t loading anymore! Thanks!

Hi Agnes, thanks for getting in touch and sorry to hear you can’t load the map. Just checked and I can load all maps on both mobile and desktop on my end. I’ll shoot you an email to see if we can get the map working for you!

Thank you so much! It works for me now. We are planning to do the mighty 5 and do a big counter clockwise loop, and was wondering what you think the best order/road is. We are planning to start from the Grand Canyon and to finish with Zion and drive back to LA from there.

Perfect, glad it’s working. Sure, from Grand Canyon, drive to Page, AZ and do Horseshoe Bend / Antelope Canyon, then onto Monument Valley. Head up to Moab for Arches and Canyonlands, from Moab take UT-24 down into Capitol Reef, then drive the stunning UT-12 through Escalante to Bryce Canyon (don’t miss this one). Down US-89 to Zion / Springdale and maybe end with a night in Vegas?!! Have a great trip!

Omg Utah is now definatley on my bucket list to visit now.

That’s what we like to hear! Utah is an awesome US road trip destination Graham!

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The Perfect One Week in Utah Road Trip Itinerary (7 Day Guide)

By: Author Contributor

Posted on Last updated: 23rd January 2024

Categories Itineraries , USA

Last Updated on 23rd January 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

Planning a Utah road trip itinerar y? We have the perfect week long guide for you. Utah is an incredible place to visit for people who love the outdoors.

No matter what time of year, there’s plenty of fun to be had in this state. And with 5 national parks (called the Mighty 5) , you really can’t go wrong here. These national parks include Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands.

Introducing Utah

What is utah known for, when to visit utah, how to get there, is one week enough time in utah, where to stay in utah, how to get around, day 1 – salt lake city, day 2 – canyonlands , day 3 – arches , day 5 – bryce canyon, day 6 – zion , day 7 – back to slc or on to las vegas.

Hitting all the highlights in Utah can be tricky with only 7 days, but you can definitely make it work. This 7-day Utah itinerary will give you a taste of each national park, and when you decide to come back, you’ll know which places you want to linger in.

Having lived most of my life in Utah, I’m ashamed to say I haven’t done a road trip like this, but this is what I would do if I were going to (and now I have an excuse to test it).

Utah’s breathtaking natural landscapes, including five national parks – Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands – are a major draw for tourists who come to hike, camp, and explore the rugged terrain.

The state is also famous for its winter sports, with world-renowned ski resorts such as Park City and Deer Valley that attract skiing enthusiasts from around the globe.

Utah boasts numerous cultural attractions as well, such as the Sundance Film Festival, Utah Symphony Orchestra, and Utah Shakespeare Festival.

Additionally, the state is known for its close association with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with Salt Lake City serving as its headquarters. Utah’s unique geography also provides a wealth of outdoor recreation opportunities, including river rafting, mountain biking, and rock climbing, making it an ideal destination for adventure seekers.

Like I said, there’s no wrong time to visit Utah. However, this trip would be best suited for April-October since there’s going to be a fair amount of driving, and you probably don’t want to deal with driving in the cold, snow, and ice.

Fall is my favorite time of year in Utah (and in general), so I’d recommend going in October. You’ll be able to see the fall colors and the national parks will be less crowded than they are during the summer.

Note: Most if not all of these places are prone to flash floods, so check the weather and updates from the national parks regularly.

You’ve got a couple of options flying into the area, and it kind of depends on where you want to start and where you want to finish. 

You can fly in through Salt Lake City International Airport, which is just under 4 hours driving to the next destination, Moab.

With this option, you can either book a roundtrip flight and drive back from Zion National Park when you’re done (about 4.5 hours), or you can head to Las Vegas (about 2.5 hours).

The trip can also be done in reverse, starting in Vegas and finishing in SLC. Or you can book a roundtrip flight from Vegas and drive back from Moab or Salt Lake City (both drives are 6-6.5 hours).

For the purpose of this itinerary, we’re going to start in SLC and finish in Vegas, which has the least amount of driving time, but you can adapt it however you want.

Yes, 7 days should be sufficient time to get an overview of the state and see a number of the different aspects which make it so unique; including several National Parks and a few settlements. If you have longer time to spare, then you can set aside 10-14 days to delve deeper into hidden gems and off the beaten tourist track locations.

You’ll be venturing all around the state, which means you’ll need different accommodations every night.

While you’re in Salt Lake City or Las Vegas, there are tons of hotels and Airbnbs to choose from. I was raised to always stay in Marriotts. You can find them pretty much anywhere, and they’ll always be decent quality.

In downtown Salt Lake, either the City Creek or the City Center ones are good options that will put you in the middle of the city. For something a little cheaper, there is a Fairfield Inn or a Residence Inn, both about 15 minutes outside of downtown.

While you’re driving through the state, you might consider camping in or near the national parks, or you could rent an RV to make your stay a little easier. All the national parks have hotels, inns, and lodges nearby, so there are plenty of options.

You’ll definitely need a car for this trip. If you’re flying in, you’ll need to rent one (check rental prices here) or, as mentioned, you can rent an RV which can double as your transportation and your accommodation.

Any car should do, you won’t need one for off-roading (though if you want to there are plenty of places in the areas you’re visiting to do that if you so wish to) . For more information, be sure to check out our top road trip tips . And for more inspiration, check out this guide to the best road trips in the USA .

Suggested itinerary for a 7 days in Utah road trip

Start your trip in the state capital, Salt Lake City. This city surrounded by mountains has a rich history, but if that’s not your cup of tea, there are also plenty of hiking and outdoor opportunities nearby.

While you’re here you can explore the city, visiting places like Temple Square, the heart of the city and the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or the Utah State Capitol, a gorgeous building with beautiful grounds and architecture. You can also go to the Hogle Zoo or the Natural History Museum of Utah.

If you want to get outside, head to Big Cottonwood Canyon (just 20 minutes outside the city) where you’ll find plenty of hiking. Or you can go to Park City, a good tourist stop in the mountains that always has tons of events and activities going on (40 minutes away).

You may also want to stop by a grocery store and pick up snacks and food, as there are limited options in some of the parks you’ll be visiting. If you’ve got an extra day to spend here, check out our 2-day Salt Lake City itinerary .

Drive south to Moab, a small town known for its proximity to two of Utah’s most famous national parks, Arches and Canyonlands, and one of Utah’s state parks, Dead Horse Point. It’ll take you just under 4 hours, so get an early start, but also enjoy the scenic drive.

You can either spend the rest of the day exploring Canyonlands or Arches National Park . Choose whichever one you don’t mind spending less time in since you won’t have to drive as much on day 3.

Canyonlands National Park covers over 337,000 acres of rugged terrain. There are three main areas in the park: Island in the Sky, the Maze, and the Needles. Island in the Sky is closest to Moab and one of the park’s most popular areas. If you have more time in Moab, check out our suggested Moab itinerary .

Be sure to visit Grand View Point, one of the coolest viewpoints in the park. Take a hike to Mesa Arch, perhaps the park’s most famous landmark. If you’ve got time head to Green River Overlook or Shafer Canyon Overlook and enjoy the incredible views of the canyons and rock formations as the sun sets.

Spend the next day exploring Arches National Park. Hike to Delicate Arch, one of the park’s most famous landmarks, and watch the sunrise over the park’s stunning red rock formations. The hike takes two to three hours, depending on your pace.

After, you can hike the Devils Garden, a 7-mile trail which can be shortened and you’ll still see some cool sights, including huge boulders, tunnels, and arches. If this seems too long, then don’t worry as you can alternatively hike just the landscape arch, which is a 1.9 mi/3.1 km roundtrip portion of the Devils Garden.

On your way out of the park, there are some great landmarks along the road where you can stop and take pictures. These include Balanced Rock, the Windows, Double Arch, and the Petrified Dunes Lookout.

You can make the 2-hour drive to Capitol Reef during the evening to save you some time on day 4.

Day 4 – Capitol Reef

Capitol Reef National Park is often overlooked among Utah’s parks, but it has some incredible sights, and it’s a bit of a hidden gem in Utah’s national park system. 

Start with a hike to the Hickman Bridge Arch, which spans 133 feet. The 1.8-mile trail will give you stunning views of this park. 

Take a hike along the Capitol Gorge Trail or the Chimney Rock Trail and explore the park’s historic orchards and pioneer-era buildings. There are lots of viewpoints along Highway 24, including Panorama and Sunset Viewpoints, and you can also see some petroglyphs.

When you’re done here, make the 2.5-hour drive to Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its unique geological formations called hoodoos, and it’s one of my favorite parks. 

You can take a hike along the park’s rim, giving you different perspectives on the hoodoos, or descend into the canyon and explore the trails that wind through the formations. 

One great hike is the Navajo Loop, which allows you to hike down into the hoodoos and see them from an entirely different perspective. At the start of this trail, you’ll be able to see the famous hoodoo Thor’s Hammer — which as far as I know no one has been able to lift— and along the way you’ll see things like huge trees growing in between the rock formations and towering hoodoos. 

Watch the sunset over the park’s stunning landscapes and enjoy the incredible views. For more inspiration, be sure to check out our suggested one day in Bryce Canyon National Park itinerary .

Head to Zion National Park, one of Utah’s most popular and beloved parks (1.5 hours from Bryce). Take a scenic drive through the park’s stunning landscapes, including towering rock formations, deep canyons, and rushing rivers. 

If you’re a serious hiker, you might consider a hike to the top of Angels Landing, one of the park’s most famous and most challenging trails, which you’ll need a permit to hike. 

If you’re not up for that, explore the Narrows, a stunning canyon with towering walls and a winding river. There’s a one-mile paved section, but if you want to go further in, you’ll have to hike through the river.

On your last day, either head back north to Salt Lake or head down to Las Vegas, where you can explore the city or simply board your flight back home. For more inspiration, be sure to check out our suggested itinerary for Las Vegas .

We hope you enjoy your time in Utah visiting these gorgeous national parks!

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About the author: Lexi Cooper is a freelance editor and writer. Her parents taught her a love for traveling, seeing new sights, and learning about the world. Along with her passion for travel, she loves stories and dreams of spending her days reading and writing books and wandering the globe.

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The Ultimate One Week Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary

The National Parks in Southern Utah will blow you away! An other worldly landscape covered in crazy canyons and rich red rock are waiting to be explored. Whether you’re an active hiker or prefer to go at a more relaxed pace you will find a lot to see & do in the parks in and around Southern Utah. If you have a week to spend tripping around this fantastic state, this is the perfect Utah National Parks road trip itinerary for exploring Southern Utah.

My Utah road trip itinerary covers national parks, state parks in Southern Utah. This one week road trip itinerary for Utah also covers Monument Valley, Horseshoe Bend and a visit to stunning Antelope Canyon. If you’ve got a little extra time I’ve also included an extension for visiting the Grand Canyon.

One Week Road Trip Itinerary for Exploring Utah’s National Parks

Route highlights:.

Route begins in Salt Lake City & ends in Las Vegas

Alternative route round trip from Las Vegas

Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend in Arizona

Optional Grand Canyon extension day

Arrive in Salt Lake City

Start your journey by flying into Salt Lake City, Utah and picking up a rental car. Depending on what time of day you arrive, there are a couple of great things to do in Salt Lake City such as the Natural History Museum of Utah on the western edge of the city or Temple Square in downtown Salt Lake City. If you have the time though, head straight for Antelope Island State Park.

Antelope Island State Park is an island sitting in the middle of the Great Salt Lake. You probably haven’t heard of it but you definitely shouldn’t miss it. Don’t come to Salt Lake City without at least getting a glimpse of the natural wonder it’s named after. Besides getting to drive over the Great Salt Lake, Antelope Island begs a visit to see it’s population of roving bison and antelope. There are some stunning lookouts, beaches and even an historic farm to explore. You can spend at least half a day here. Bring yourself a picnic lunch and pick up a map at the visitors center before you head out to explore.

Overnight in Salt Lake City

Suggested Hotels in Salt Lake City:

• Budget:  Hyatt House Salt Lake City Downtown  – Comfy hotel, walking distance to Temple Square.
• Mid-range:  Little America Hotel Salt Lake City – Affordable 4-star hotel in downtown SLC.
• Luxury:  Grand America Hotel – Elegant 5-star hotel in the city.

Alternative option that begins and ends in Las Vegas:

Arrive in Las Vegas

If you want to begin and end in Las Vegas, plan to arrive in Sin City early on in the day to pick up your rental vehicle to get in a full day of exploring. If you’ve got the family along for the ride, there are some great things to do in Las Vegas with kids . If you’re on a budget, picking a hotel with a great pool and spending the day relaxing is not a bad way to while away the hours in Las Vegas.

The Golden Nugget is a very affordable hotel option and has one of the best pools in Las Vegas, complete with a water slide through a tank of sharks! If money is no object or you want to splurge before your road trip begins, pick The Wynn or Palazzo and spend the day & night enjoying the shops, shows and restaurants in your hotel.

Overnight in Las Vegas – For your one night in Las Vegas, stay in a great hotel to start your trip out right. We recommended hotels (in order of increasing budget) The Golden Nugget, Planet Hollywood, Trump International Hotel , The Palazzo or The Wynn . All have free parking.

Suggested Hotels in Las Vegas:

• Budget: The Golden Nugget – Still 4-star but in Downtown Las Vegas on the exciting Fremont Street. The Golden Nugget has a shark tank with a water slide that runs through it!
• Mid-Range: Planet Hollywood – The best location in Las Vegas, large spacious rooms and lots of shopping, restaurants & shows on site.
• Luxury: The Palazzo – A fantastic all-suites hotel with wonderful restaurants, amenities and free parking. ( Read the post to see how to get amazing upgrades in Las Vegas! )

Drive from Salt Lake City (or Las Vegas) to Moab

Your road trip begins today! Start your day early, pick up a picnic lunch, gas up your vehicle and get on the road. Depending on where you set off from it’ll take you about 3.5 hours (from Salt Lake City) or 6.5 hours (from Las Vegas) to reach Canyonlands National Park. It’s an easy drive along the I-15 for most of the way.

Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park is your first stop on your tour of Utah’s National Parks. This is a huge park, split into four differently accessible zones. With one day, you can visit the Island in the Sky zone. The drive into the park itself is spectacular. Entering through the red rocks and journeying up to the park gates takes about 15 minutes. Stop at the Visitors Center and grab a map of the park to plan your visit. If you don’t already have a National Parks Pass , consider buying one here. The parks in Southern Utah are some of the most expensive in the country so it makes sense to purchase an annual pass when visiting.

There are many spots to enjoy spectacular views over the canyons with varying degrees of difficulty, some just a short stroll from the car park and others more extensive hikes. Some of the best viewpoints are at the Grand ViewPoint Overlook, Green River Overlook and the Buck & Shafer Canyon Overlooks.

Overnight in Moab, Utah – From Canyonlands National Park, head down to Moab about 40 minutes away, to spend the night. Moab is a sweet little town surrounded by towering red rock cliffs . There are lots of hotels and restaurants to choose from in Moab, most of them set along the main road through town. We stayed at the Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn as it has a wonderful pool & hot tub area. Some of the best dining options in town are Sabaku Sushi (though it isn’t cheap) or Milt’s Stop n’ Eat for classic, tasty diner fare.

Suggested Hotels in Moab:

• Budget: Comfort Suites Moab – This hotel will do nicely for travellers on a budget or families. It’s well located for exploring the national parks near Moab.
• Midrange:  Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn  – Modern and extremely comfortable hotel right on the main road in Moab. Great hot tub & pool!
• Luxury:  Sorrel River Ranch Resort and Spa – Beautiful resort set on the banks of the Colorado river just outside of Moab where you can enjoy a campfire, horseback riding and the night sky.

Arches National Park

Start your day at Arches National Park. My favourite park in Utah!  The park gates open at 7.30am in Summer (8am in Fall and 9am in Winter) but you should always check the NPS website for weather advisories first. If you’re visiting in the summer months, begin as early as you can to beat the heat. The visitors center is well worth a visit to learn how these natural sandstones arches formed. Kids will love it as it’s interactive and informative. Pick up a map and ask rangers to point out the hikes that best suit your ability.

Once inside the park you won’t want to miss the following easy hikes and viewpoints – Balanced Arch, Double Arch, Delicate Arch viewpoints and Sand Dune Arch.

Native American Petroglyphs

After you’ve visited Arches, make a little time to go see some fascinating Native American Rock Art . As you’re coming out of Arches, back towards Moab, cross the bridge to the other side of the river onto Potash road and continue driving along a few miles until you see the sign post. Park on the side of the road and look up!

Overnight in Moab, Utah.

Drive from Moab to Page, Arizona via Monument Valley

The drive from Moab to Page, Arizona is about 290 miles and will take you all day once you include the below mentioned stops. There are not a lot of services on this route so be sure to gas up your vehicle in Moab and pick up some supplies for your lunch before you leave town. This is your busiest day on the road trip by far so start out as early as possible.

Goosenecks State Park

About 2 hours out of Moab, before reaching Monument Valley, take a quick detour off the 163 to Goosenecks State Park . The park is about 3.5 miles from highway. There’s no hiking to be done, just drive your car into the parking lot, get out and take a good look at the San Juan river winding it’s way around the valley 1000 feet below.

Once you’re back on the highway it’s about 40 minutes on to Monument Valley and the Navajo Tribal Park, part of the Navajo Nation on the border between Utah and Arizona. About 20 minutes before you reach the park you’ll get a great view of the road stretching out, leading up to the park. Look for the “Mile Marker 13” sign for the best place to pull over and photograph it.

Park entry is $20 and is not covered on a US National Parks pass. Call into the visitor’s center to start with, there’s a great view out too the buttes and some historical displays. Exploring Monument Valley can be done on a guided truck tour but it’s actually not difficult to drive some of it yourself in a decent sized sedan or SUV. The park is big, and all the roads are unpaved, so driving the whole 17 mile loop could take all day. If you want to gather some easy highlights then head down into the valley, pass The Mittens, Merrick Butte and Elephant Butte, and then drive up to John Ford’s point before turning back to the visitor’s center and exiting the park. See the map here. This will take you just over an hour.

Horseshoe Bend

From Monument Valley, head toward Page, Arizona. It’ll take you a little over two hours to drive this stretch of your journey. Timing your visit to Horseshoe Bend, about ten minutes outside Page, with sunset is a great idea but you won’t be the only person who had it! The parking lot gets very busy at sunset so come as early as you can to grab a space. The 15 minute walk from the parking lot to the viewing point is moderately tough as it’s on sand and a little step. Enjoy the view over Horseshoe Bend but take care as there are no barriers and many people standing or sitting at the cliff’s edge. More than a little nerve wracking, especially with small kids.

Overnight in Page, Arizona – Page is a small town but makes for a convenient stopover with access to both Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon. While there is not a lot going on in town, there are plenty of hotels to choose from and a great Mexican restaurant for dinner.

Suggest Hotels in Page:

• Budget: Sleep Inn & Suites Page – A clean, modern hotel with comfortable beds. Great for families.
• Midrange:  Best Western View of Lake Powell Hotel – The name says it all! Come to this hotel for comfy rooms and a lovely view over the lake.
• Luxury:  Courtyard Marriott Page at Lake Powell – There’s no truly luxurious hotels in the small town of Page but this is the best option. It has a pool and beautiful views.

Upper Antelope Canyon Tour

Antelope Canyon is one of those places that you just have to see to believe. The photos are of course spectacular but walking through and experiencing it is very special. Upper Antelope Canyon is on tribal land and is only accessible by joining a tour lead by Najavo guides.

The guides are great and will tell you about the creation of these petrified sand dunes and help you line up your camera to get the best photographs. Walking through the canyon takes about one hour with about 15 minutes driving on a tour truck in each direction. You absolutely must pre-book your tour in advance as they sell out early.

Drive to Bryce Canyon for Sunset

Driving from Page, back into Utah and up to Bryce Canyon takes about 2.5 hours so leave in the early afternoon to allow time to sneak in a sunset at Bryce Canyon. The aptly named Sunset Point is the best place to watch the sun drop over the hoodoos that dot the canyon. Bryce Canyon is also a wonderful place for stargazing. If you’re in town during a full moon, the park rangers run a full moon hike or go to one of the hundreds of stargazing events run each year.

Overnight in Bryce Canyon, Utah – We stayed at the recently built and very comfortable Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel. Dining choices are few and far between in Bryce Canyon. If you’re there in the off season, your only dining choice is at Ruby’s Inn. It’s not outstanding but it’s good enough considering it’s the only place in town. In the on season, there is a pizza place too.

Suggested Hotels in Bryce:

• Budget –  Americas Best Value Inn & Suites-Bryce Valley – If you’re on a strict budget, you’ll need to stay here a little further out from the park gates… but if you’re road tripping that’s no big deal.
• Midrange –  Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn – Right at the park gates, this comfy Best Western has one of the only restaurants in Bryce.
• Luxury –  Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel.  – This is by far the nicest hotel to stay in when visiting Bryce Canyon. Close proximity to the park, modern and very clean rooms with a stunning atrium area downstairs.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Start your day early to catch the morning sun over Bryce Canyon. The park gates open at 8am year round. Driving from viewpoint to viewpoint is a great way to explore the park if you have limited mobility or if you’re travelling with small kids. The main park road is 18 miles long.

Heading into the park from the visitors center, don’t miss Sunrise, Sunset, Inspiration and Bryce viewpoints all the way around the the other side of the canyon to Rainbow and Yovimpa points. Depending on your level of ability, you can hike down for a closer look at the hoodoos and walk the Rim Trail  at various points around the park. The entire Rim Trail is 11 miles long so pick and choose the bits you want to do. The Navajo Loop is one of the most popular trails and is only 1.3 miles long. There is a mandatory park shuttle that you must use to get around Zion National Park during peak months, roughly March to October. In winter months you are able to drive around the park.

Drive from Bryce Canyon to Springdale

Once you’ve had your fill of Bryce, get back in the car and head onwards to Springdale. The 85 mile drive will take you about 1 hour 45 minutes. Take the evening off, sit in the hot tub at your hotel and star gaze.

Overnight in Springdale, Utah –  Springdale offers the best choice in lodging and dining close to Zion National Park.

Suggested Hotels in Springdale:

• Budget:  Quality Inn & Suites Montclair – Affordable, clean hotel with a pool and also close to the park entrance and shuttle stop.
• Midrange:  Holiday Inn Express Springdale – Comfortable hotel right next to the park with great views and an outdoor pool & hot tub.
• Luxury:  Cliffrose Lodge & Gardens – Stunning lodge with gorgeous grounds and views located just outside the park and within walking distance to the park shuttle.

Zion National Park

Rise and shine for a full day exploring Zion National Park ! Stopping at the visitor’s center is always worthwhile to pick up maps, park information and to ask rangers for advice on specific hikes to meet you level of ability.

Many of the hikes in Zion are steep and narrow making them unsuitable for families or people who are scared of heights. Check out this hiking guide to pick some suitable trails before your visit. The best way to see The Narrows is from above by hiking along the paved, wheelchair accessible Riverside Walk for one mile from the Temple of Sinawava. If you’re visiting Zion with the family in tow, here is a great post on what to do in a day when you’re travelling with kids.

Drive from Zion to Las Vegas

The 160 mile drive from Zion to Las Vegas will take you about 2 hours 45 minutes. Fill up your vehicle while you’re still in Utah, gas is considerably cheaper here than in Nevada! St George, Utah is a good spot to stop for coffee and gas.

Overnight in Las Vegas, Nevada – Try out a different hotel to the one you stayed at on your first night, suggestions above. If you stayed on The Strip last time, consider staying Downtown at The Golden Nugget this time around so you can swim in their shark tank. If you want to stay on The Strip, pick a hotel based on the shows you want to see or the restaurants you want to visit. That way you can make the most of the last night of  your vacation!

Grand Canyon Extension

If you haven’t been to the Grand Canyon, don’t come all this way and miss it! If you can add an extra night to your itinerary, you can build a quick visit to the Grand Canyon in Arizona into your road trip.

In summer, you can dip down from Page, AZ  and start at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park. In winter, you’ll need to access the park from the South Rim which is best done as an overnight side trip from Las Vegas. If you are really pushed for time, the Grand Canyon can be visited in a day from Las Vegas via helicopter or car.

Overnight in Tusayan, Arizona – Park accommodation in the Grand Canyon is booked out months and months in advance. The best place to stay is in Tusayan which is just outside the park gates and is a more affordable option.

Suggested Hotels in Tusayan:

• Budget:  Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Grand Canyon – A comfortable 2-star option with an indoor pool and hot tub. The large suites with bunk beds are great for families who are travelling together.
• Midrange:  Best Western Premiere Grand Canyon Squire Inn – An upscale but still affordable option in Tusayan, this 3-star hotel has a great breakfast and an outdoor pool, hot tub and sauna which guests love after a long day of exploring.
• Luxury:  El Tovar Hotel – If you have the money the views and decor of the El Tovar can’t be beat! Located in the park itself on the South Rim, this historic 4-star hotel is extremely popular so make sure you book well in advance.

Top 10 Road Trip Essentials

Before you set off on your road trip, make sure you’ve got all the essential items at the ready.

• GPS covering American & Canadian roads
• AAA breakdown kit
• Car charger with multiple USB ports
• Cooler & large Ziploc bags  for filling with ice from hotel ice machines
• Audible membership for listening to audiobooks
• Tide Pods – put a handful in a Ziploc bag for doing laundry on the road
• Baby wipes for wiping up after snacks or messes
• First aid kit
• Radar detector
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Love your writing. The way you described Utah’s National Parks makes me wanna get into a plane to go there!

Wowzers if that isn’t an impressive road trip them I don’t know what is! This is such a handy summary thank you so much for writing it. A great American road trip is so high up on our to-do list, I’ll be bookmarking this! Your photos are stunning… such vibrant colours. I’m about to share it too. Fab post. 🙂

OMG!!! Your photos, the activities, the way you describe the place… Amazing, without words to say how amazed I was by your trip [and a bit jealous too…lolololol] I have never been to USA, and I feel like I´m missing a whole incredible world. Thanks for sharing the experience. All the best,

Wow, what an amazing article! I visit Vegas every year for a conference, and I was thinking about extending my trip for some sight seeing. Perhaps I will use your itinerary if I have time!

You definitely should Amy! Even if you could just manage SOME of this itinerary it would be worth it. While Zion and Bryce Canyon are closer to Las Vegas, it’s worth going the extra effort to reach Monument Valley and Arches. They are truly stunning.

This is a really good road trip itinerary. I would love to do the exact trip. And I will definitely want to visit the Grand Canyon.

I love how your thought process led you to suggest choosing between SLC or Las Vegas to start. This will be so helpful to people who may not have flexible flight options from their home airports. Utah is an area that I’ve only driven through once with no time to savor these treasures. This post will whet the appetites of many.

I have been to the area but didn’t explore as thoroughly as you did – looks like I should! Great itinerary and spectacular photos.

This is another world to me – and yet it’s still on my bucket list. Your photography is stunning! I’ll just have to find a way to do it!

I’m so glad I found this article. We’re not too far from Utah, yet I’ve never taken my kids through there. I bookmarked this and made a mental note to do this drive in the next year. Thank for putting together such a great itinerary!

This is perfect timing! I’m working on an itinerary that includes a lot of these places! I’ll have to save it and go over it with my sister as we plan. I was going to skip Utah, but maybe I’ll add it after all. It looks gorgeous!

You definitely shouldn’t skip Utah!!! It’s amazing. Our favourite state by far. The trip we did around the parks was definitely a highlight of our travels in the US so far.

That looks incredible! And oh my, what photos!!

Wow, simply stunning!

On thing the US does very well is National Parks.

Thing I’d work on an itinerary that avoids Las Vegas however… possibly the city I like least in the world!!

Possibly the city I like most in the world! Everyone is different.

Sensational photos! I don’t often read blog posts that actually inspire me to go somewhere, but I really want to go to Arches National Park now.

You should definitely add it to your bucket list Carol! Arches was our favourite by far.

Thanks for your post and your stunning photographs! All the parks you’ve listed are on my bucket list and it’s great to have a bit of a guide to organise my visit. I would also like to visit the Wave (North Coyote Buttes) as well – have you been and if so where in your itinerary would you put it?

We didn’t go because you need permits and they sell out way in advance. You could squeeze it in after Antelope Canyon before heading up to Bryce Canyon though.

Here is the link to get the permits – http://www.blm.gov/az/st/en/arolrsmain/paria/coyote_buttes/permits.html They open 4 months in advance of visiting.

Thanks Bethaney! Will definitely have to be super organised to get a permit for that one!

I’ve only visited Zion but absolutely loved it. I definitely need to go back!

Utah has some of my favorite scenery in the entire world! I could spend years there just exploring. Thanks for pointing out the highway and mile-marker for Monument Valley. I’ve always had trouble finding that one iconic spot for some reason. Great info here!

The only place of the ones you mention that we’ve seen is the Antelope National Park, but it is worth seeing. I wish we had more than just a few hours to visit that place, because it looked like a fun place for hiking. Thanks for all the tips! We really have to do a trip out West some time!

Wowzers you fit in a lot in a week! We just returned from a leisurely 10 day road trip from LA to Grand Canyon to Page to Zion. We didn’t even get to do everything that we wanted. Life is always slower with kids isn’t it?! SO much amazingness in that region of the US. We didn’t make it to Arches, so our next journey is to fly to SLC and do what we can from there.

That sounds like a pretty kickass itinerary. I love the wild outdoors, and national parks are the one of the best ways to experience native natural history. Love this post – wish I living in America right about now, only so I could take this on! lol

Fantastic post! I’ve clipped it into Evernote for when I finally get there! You’ve managed to so succinctly pull the trip together and make it sound all so do-able… even in just a week! What a great trip 🙂

Amazing destination made more amazing by an incredibly written and super detailed summary! As always, impressive photos. Thanks for sharing this great trip with us, Bethaney!

I road tripped in this area for my 30th birthday. Arches was probably my favorite, and of course ending the trip in Vegas was fun. I’d definitely like to go back and see Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon.

Utah is my home state, and I love all of these places! The truly astonishing thing is how many great places you missed, simply because there is too little time to see it all. If you take an alternate route west from Moab, you can see Goblin Valley, Capitol Reef National Park, Kodachrome Basin State Park, Fremont Indian State Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and others on your way to Bryce Canyon. I’m so glad you enjoyed your trip!

thank u Allison. Will research these as well. 🙂

BTW- Where should we fly out of to head back home to Miami, FL after seeing the extended Grand Canyon part?

Brilliant! We’ve coming to Utah for 2.5 weeks in March, heading from Vegas to Grand Junction and I was worrying about how we were going to fit all the parks in to our road trip – now I know we can do it! Thanks so much

You’ll love it Helen! Will you be headed to Park City at all? We’re here at the moment but leave in a few days. It’s great skiing. You can read about Park City in this post that I wrote .

Hi Bethaney, I am planning a family trip and found your site. This sounds wonderful! I have a question though. I can’t walk very far so will there be places for me to rest or wait while my family walks to the sites? I had thought we’d stay in Vegas or some other city and venture out from there, staying in some National parks, or I can stay in Vegas while they go. We have 8 nights. Thank you so much! Allison

Hi Allison. I think you could enjoy a trip like this without too much walking. We did this trip when we had a 4.5 year old and a 11 month old baby so we didn’t do any walks longer than about 20 mins. If one or both of the kids were asleep in the car we would take turns doing a quick walk but even just driving around the parks and pulling into a viewing areas is satisfying enough. I think you could manage joining your family for the National Parks portion of the trip. To be honest, there is a lot of walking involved in Las Vegas because everything is much further away than it seems and walking to and from hotel car parks takes a long time. I have a friend who injured her ankle in before going to Las Vegas and she ended up hiring a motorized scooter there which was a real life saver. Definitely something to consider if you are not able to walk more than 10-15 minutes. Let me know how you get on and if you have further questions!

Love your informative blog , can’t wait to go there and so pleased I have read all your tricks and tips and now I won’t miss a thing , thanks so much Kaye

Let me know if you need any more info Kaye! Happy to chat some time. When do you go?

Hello!!! I am from Puerto Rico and we have been looking into doing a Road Trip in the US. (Going to Orlando has gotten us bored)

We were looking at flights and they are cheap for the months of jan to march but I know its Winter. Would you recommend visiting this time around? Or wouls there be too much snow? Any input would be great.

Looking forward to this trip!!!

All the photos in this post were taken in February. As you can see the roads are find and there wasn’t much snow around at all. We spent the winter skiing in Park City and there was obviously snow there but it’s higher elevation. Even in Salt Lake City there isn’t THAT much snow around. It’s cold still though but, as you can see in Southern Utah, the days are sunny and bright. It would be a great time for you to visit, just pick up some warm clothes!

Thanks for your great insight and information! We are a family from Australia looking to do this little road trip as part of our 3 week west coast trip. We will have to leave from LV and have 3 nights to explore this beautiful part of the country. We definitely have to see antelope canyon and monument valley and either Grand Canyon or Bryce? Do you think this is doable?? Many thanks. 🙂

Hi Louise. Where are you going to afterwards? Back to Vegas? You certainly could try and squeeze it into 3 nights/4 days. Leave Las Vegas, drive to the Grand Canyon South Rim (4 hours) and spend the day and night there. Next morning, drive to Monument Valley (3 hours) and spend a couple of hours there before driving to Page (2 hours). See if you can time it so that you are back in Page to see Horseshoe Bend at sunset. In the morning, do an Antelope Canyon tour and then drive to Bryce Canyon and/or Zion National Park. Stay the night and explore whichever park you choose before driving back to Vegas (or whever else you’re going!).

What time of year are you going? If you’re there in Summer then you could potentially visit the North Rim of the Grand Canyon instead of the South.

Hi Bethaney, finding your site has been the best thing EVER! This adventure all started when i saw on instagram Horseshoe Bend. Started doing research and happily came across your site!!! We r a family of 4, my husband and i and two kids 11 and 13. Flying from Miami to SLC in the end of July. Planning to follow ur itinerary down to the Grand canyon. We have 10 days to see as much as we can! But have a few questions for you 🙂 1. Where would be the best city to fly out of in Arizona after seeing the grand canyon? 2. also, are there places that i should call and make reservations to visit? i know the one w the permit like Coyote Butts we should but not sure if we should do that cause some sites say its very dangerous. and lastly, i saw on some youtube videos people hiking the narrows wearing “scuba socks” where do i get those? and do you recommend hiking boots for all of us or tennis shoes are fine? sorry so many questions. i have never done anything like this before. lol. thank you soooo much in advance!! can’t wait to hear back!

Hi, since last time, i got our flights to SLC and leaving from Phoenix. would like to do your itinerary but also include lake powell. when do u suggest we do that?

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• Homeroom Travel

One Week Utah Itinerary: 7 Days of Spectacular National Parks

• April 7, 2022

Utah is known for its “Mighty 5” National Parks, great opportunities for skiing, and scenic drives through the state. I have had the opportunity to visit various parts of Utah several times. This one week Utah itinerary focuses on the grandeur of the National Parks, but you can easily add in many other stops to create a longer itinerary or head out on a different Utah road trip . 

Since this trip includes a lot of National Parks, I highly recommend getting the America the Beautiful Pass . This pass covers admission into all US National Parks for a year. 

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no cost to you! 

Table of Contents

History of Utah

In the beginning, Utah was home to the Ancestral Pueblo and Fremont people. They lived here for hundreds of years prior to the arrival of the Europeans. The Southern part of Utah was explored by the Spanish in the 1500s and 1700s. 

In the 1800s, Brigham Young brought a group of people to settle in the area. Over the next 22 years, more Mormans came out to Utah and the settlement grew. 1869 saw the first Transcontinental Railroads completion at Primitory Point thus opening the area up even more to settlement. 

Utah officially became a state on January 4, 1896. The 1900s saw the establishment of various National Parks throughout Utah to help preserve the beauty of the state. Today, people come to Utah for great skiing, hiking, and other outdoor adventures. 

Best Time to Visit Utah

Summer is the peak season when planning a one week Utah Itinerary. If you choose to visit during this time, it will be hot, crowded, and more expensive. I recommend spending a week in Utah for spring break (March-April). During this time the weather can be a little chilly but you can find much better deals and fewer crowds.  

How to Get to Utah

For this itinerary, you have several options on where to fly in and out of. For this one week Utah itinerary, I based it on option #1 as I wanted time in Salt Lake City as well. 

Option #1: Fly into Salt Lake City, Utah

Flying into Salt Lake City is the best option when starting a one week Utah itinerary because you can also spend some time exploring Salt Lake City if you have extra time. It has some pretty great restaurants and museums. From Salt Lake City, it is a 4.5-hour drive to Springdale and a 3 hour, 45-minute drive to Moab. The long drives are a bit more split up. 

Option #2: Fly into Las Vegas, Nevada

If you opt to fly into Las Vegas, you can find a good deal on flights, and it is only a 2 hour and 40-minute drive from Springdale. However, you will need to make a 6 hour, 45-minute drive at the end of the itinerary from Moab. (or you can switch the order)

Option #3: Fly into Moab, Utah

Moab is a much smaller airport so flights tend to be more expensive. However, this helps cut out some of the drive time. At some point, you will have to make the 5-hour drive from Springdale to Moab. 

Option #4: Fly into Las Vegas, Fly out of Salt Lake City or Moab

The last option is to book two one-way flights and a one-way rental car. This requires the least amount of driving as you will not have any drives over 4 hours. However, keep in mind that one-way rental cars can be more expensive. I recommend checking into the pricing of all options prior to booking. This is a great option if you want to extend your one week Utah itinerary for a bit longer.

Day 1: Salt Lake City to Springdale, Utah

Drive Time: 4.5 hours

Cost: $25 and up pending activities

Hotel Option: Hampton Inn & Suites Springdale or Holiday Inn Express Springdale

For your first day on this one week Utah itinerary, fly into Salt Lake City . Depending on what time your flight gets in, you may have time to explore Utah’s capital. I recommend stopping by the capital building and the Salt Lake City Tabernacle. Both are free to visit. If you are lucky you may see the Mormon Tabernacle Choir practice. High School Musical Fans should also stop by East High School on the way out of town. This is where the infamous movie was filmed. 

If you have lots of time, you can always opt to stop at one of the many museums. The Utah Museum of Fine Arts and the Natural History Museum of Utah are two of my favorites. When you get hungry, stop at Roctaco for unique and delicious tacos or Curry Up Now for some amazing Indian food with a twist. 

After spending however much time you feel like in Salt Lake City, make the 4.5-hour drive to Springdale, the base for Zion National Park. Along the way, you can opt to visit the Brigham Young University (BYU) campus in Provo. Other things to do in Provo include the Brigham Young Museum of Art, Utah Lake State Park, and Bridal Veil Falls. 

Then, stop at the Mystic Hot Springs in Monroe, Utah. They have a ton of unique events throughout the year, so check their website for more information. If you just want a soak in the hot springs, it costs $25 per person for a two-hour time slot. It is the perfect way to unwind after a long day of traveling. From there, it is about another 2.5 hours to Springdale. 

Day 2: Springdale to Bryce Canyon, Utah

Drive Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes

Cost: $35 or $0 if you have the America the Beautiful Pass

Hotel Option: Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn or Bryce Canyon Resort

Today, head into Zion National Park , the most popular of Utah’s “Mighty 5” and one of the best National Parks in the United States. It is a must-visit stop for a one week Utah itinerary. Although you can easily spend several days exploring multiple areas of the park, one day in Zion will give you enough time to hit the highlights of the park. Plan to get into the park early to beat the crowds. 

Start your morning by hiking the infamous Narrows (Bottom Up). This hike starts at the end of the Scenic Drive at the Temple of Sinawava. To start the hike, you will need to walk the 1-mile Riverside Walk. This portion is paved and very flat. 

At the end of the Riverside Walk is the entrance to the Narrows and the Virgin River. If you opt to do this hike, you can hike for as long as you would like, but the entire hike is 9.4 miles round trip. We opted to hike about half of it. 

A few things to keep in mind if you choose to hike the Narrows. For about 60% of the hike, you will be hiking through the water. Thus, you will want waterproof shoes or bring an extra pair of shoes to change into at the end of the hike (this is what we opted to do). You will want clothes that are quick-drying and make sure to have a walking stick. You will also need to check river conditions online to see if it is safe to hike the Narrows that day. 

After you hike the Narrows and eat lunch, you have a couple of options. If you are up for another major hike, you can hike Angel’s Landing. This is a 5.4-mile round trip hike and it is not for those with a fear of heights. At the end of the hike, you are rewarded with 360-degree views of the park. 

If you want a more mild hike, I recommend the Emerald Pools. This 3-mile round trip hike takes visitors to the Upper and Lower pools. After you are done spending the day in Zion, drive an hour and 20 minutes to Bryce Canyon where you will spend the night. 

Day 3: Bryce Canyon to Torrey, Utah

Drive Time: 2 hours

Hotel Option: Capitol Reef Resort or Red Sands Hotel

On your third day during this one week Utah itinerary, spend time at Bryce Canyon National Park . Bryce Canyon is known for its infinite hoodoos and rock formations. 

Start the morning by visiting Sunrise Point, where you can catch your first glimpse of the Bryce Amphitheater. Then, start your first hike of the day along the Queens Garden Trail. This 1.8-mile trail will connect with the Navajo Loop. Make sure to take the Wall Street path. Be on the lookout for Thor’s Hammer. Then, check out the view at Sunset Point. 

Next, head out to the 18-mile scenic drive. Follow the road to Rainbow Point at the end.  If up for another hike, head out on the Bristlecone Loop trail. As you drive the road back, there are a variety of viewpoints to stop at. Some of these include Black Birch Canyon, Ponderosa Canyon, Agua Canyon, the Natural Bridge, Fairview Point, and Swamp Canyon. Make sure to stop at Natural Bridge as it is a very impressive 85-foot arch. 

After driving the scenic drive, make sure to finish off this day during a one week Utah itinerary with a stop at Bryce Point. In my opinion, this is one of the coolest views in the park. Many people opt to watch the sunrise or sunset here. 

When finished exploring Bryce Canyon National Park, drive 2 hours to Torrey, Utah, the gateway to Capitol Reef National Park. If you are hungry, stop at Curry Pizza for dinner. 

Day 4: Torrey to Moab, Utah

Cost: $20 or $0 if you have the America the Beautiful Pass

Hotel Option: Rustic Inn or Hyatt Place Moab

Today, head to Capitol Reef National Park , one of my favorite Utah National Parks. Start the morning with a drive to Panorama Point and the Goosenecks. This super short hike will offer you a first glimpse of the astonishing scenery of the park. 

Next, stop by Gifford House to grab some pies and cinnamon rolls. These pies are made with the local fruit harvested from the park’s orchards. You cannot go wrong with any of the flavors. 

Then, head to the Cassidy Arch Trailhead. This 3.4-mile round trip hike is a bit strenuous and climbs over 600 feet. Parts of it are along a cliff ledge and over some uneven terrain so keep that in mind if you opt to do this hike. The hike offers spectacular views of the park and Cassidy Arch. 

If you want to extend the Cassidy Arch hike, you can add in part of the Grand Wash Trail. This trail heads through the narrows (slot canyon) portion of the park. The entire trail is 2.2-miles each way, but you can just hike a portion of it. 

After hiking to Cassidy Arch, opt to drive the 8-mile scenic drive for picturesque views of the park. There are several lookouts and pullouts you can stop at along the route. 

In the afternoon, opt to hike part of the Sulphur Creek trail to the third waterfall. This trail follows along a stream through a canyon. The entire trail is a 5.8-mile trail but the hike from the Visitor’s Center to the third waterfall is only 0.7-miles. 

On the way out of the park as you head to Moab, stop at the Petroglyph Panel to see some petroglyphs from the Native Americans carved into the mountainside. 

From Capitol Reef National Park, it will take about two hours to reach Moab, the last stop on this one week Utah itinerary. If you want to add something extra to this day, you can opt to stop at Goblin Valley State Park . Once in Moab, you can grab some dinner at Arches Thai .

Day 5: Moab 

Drive Time: 10 minutes (each way)

Cost: $30 or $0 if you have the America the Beautiful Pass

Today during your one week Utah itinerary, head to Arches National Park . This spectacular park contains over 2000 arches and has some really amazing hikes. You can easily spend two days exploring the park. 

In the morning, get an early start and head to do the 3-mile Delicate Arch hike. This is easily one of the most popular trails in the park and offers an up close look at the stunning Delicate Arch. You must climb a steep rocky hill as part of this trail and the last bit has some steep drops offs, so keep that in mind if you opt to do this hike. 

After taking your fill of pictures at Delicate Arch, head to the Devil’s Garden Loop. At minimum hike the 1.9 miles round trip to Landscape Arch (one of the longest arches in the world) but if up for a longer hike, add on another 2.2 miles to see the Partition Arch, Navajo Arch, and the Double O Arch. 

Finally, head to see the North and South Windows, Turret Arch, and Double Arch. It is about a 1.5-mile round trip hike to see all of these arches. The windows offer great views of the park. Double Arch was formed when the roof of a cave collapsed and formed two arches from it.

On the way out of the park, stop at Balanced Rock Viewpoint to see this 128-foot feature. Then stop at the Park Avenue viewpoint to see some other really cool rock formations. It feels like you are surrounded by buildings. 

After your day in the park, opt to grab dinner at Spitfire Smokehouse , some of the best barbeque in town. You can easily share a platter with another person so keep that in mind when ordering.

Day 6: Moab 

Drive Time: 

On today’s portion of this one week in Utah itinerary, head to Canyonlands National Park . Canyonlands has colorful landscapes with mesas, canyons, and buttes. It is divided into three main sections: Island in the Sky, Needles, and The Maze. Today, opt to visit the Island in the Sky Section which is the closest to Moab. 

First, hike to Mesa Arch, one of the most popular trails in the park. This hike is only 0.6-miles round trip, so it is pretty easy to get to. You will be rewarded with awesome views of the park. After that, stop to hike Aztec Butte which offers more views of the park and a small cliffside dwelling. 

Then, stop off at the Green River Viewpoint. Here, you will be rewarded with amazing views of the Green River and the canyons. From there, head down to the Grand Viewpoint where you will be rewarded with even more spectacular views. 

Next, stop off at the Buck Canyon Overlook which offers views of the eastern side of the park. No matter which direction you look, everything offers gorgeous views. Finally, stop off at the Shafer Trail Overlook. From here, if you have a 4X4 vehicle, you can opt to head down the dirt paths into the canyon. 

No matter which trails you hike and which viewpoints you stop at, you will be rewarded with the most astonishing views. After a day in Canyonlands, head back into town to grab some dinner at the Desert Bistro . This is a bit pricier dinner option, but you will not be sorry. 

You can also add in a trip to Dead Horse Point State Park as part of today. We did not opt to do this as we wanted more time in Canyonlands. It costs $20 to get into the state park.  

Day 7: Moab to Salt Lake City, Utah

Drive Time: 3 hours, 45 minutes

Cost: Varies

Hotel Option: Hampton Inn West Valley

Today, head from Moab to Salt Lake City. This drive will take about 3 hours and 45 minutes. Prior to heading out for the day, opt to grab breakfast at Gloria’s Corner Cafe . They have some great breakfast options, smoothies, and coffee beverages. You cannot go wrong with a meal here. 

You have two options on what to do on your last day of this one week Utah itinerary. First, you can opt to spend more time in Moab and continue to explore the National Parks, head out on a jeep tour, take a flightseeing tour, or go ziplining. 

The alternative option is to drive straight to Salt Lake City and visit any places you might have missed on your first day. 

Day 8: Fly home

It is up to you if you want to fly home in the evening or stay one night in Salt Lake City and fly home the next day. 

Other Tips for a One Week Utah Itinerary

Stop at the grocery store in Salt Lake City (or wherever you start) to pick up things for lunches and other snacks. A lot of the National Parks do not have the best food options or you may have to leave the park for lunch. There is also a grocery store in Moab and a smaller one in Springdale. 

Total Costs for One Week Utah Itinerary

Flights: $210/person

Hotels: ≈$874 total or $437/person

Rental Car: $300 total or $150/person

Total: $1594 total or $797/person

More than One Week in Utah?

Add on these places if you have more than one week in Utah or you can also head to Arizona to complete a road trip around the state or opt to head into Colorado. 

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado

Drive Time (from Moab): 3 hours

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is located near Montrose Colorado. From Moab, it will take you about 3 hours to drive there. Along the way, you will pass through Grand Junction, Colorado where you can stop at Colorado National Monument. The area also has quite a few wineries you can try out. Two of my favorites were Hermosa Vineyards and Restoration Vineyards . 

Once at Black Canyon of the Gunnison, make sure to drive along the scenic drive and stop at all of the viewpoints. The first stop is Gunnison Point which offers you a spectacular view of the canyon. If looking for a hike, opt to do the Oak Flat Trail. This 2-mile trail takes you along the rim of the canyon for more impressive views. 

Kanab, Utah

Drive Time (from Springdale): 1 hour

Kanab is another popular place for hiking in Southern Utah. It is only an hour away from Springdale and Zion National Park, so if you have an extra day or two, it is easy to squeeze into your one week Utah itinerary. In Kanab, make sure to check out the Coral Pink Sand Dunes, hike one of the many slot canyons, Paria Canyon, Lake Powell, or visit the North Rim of the Grand Canyon .

Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

Drive Time (from Moab): 2 hours, 11 minutes

Mesa Verde National Park contains impressive cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Pueblo people. You can opt to hike around various trails, some to cliff dwellings. Visitors can also go on several ranger-led tours of the larger dwellings. Next to Mesa Verde is also Yucca House National Monument. 

On the drive to Mesa Verde from Moab, you can also opt to stop at Natural Bridges National Monument, Hovenweep National Monument, and Four Corners (where four states meet). 

Shaka Guide

Shaka Guide is a GPS self-guided audio tour that you can download to your phone. Currently, they have one for several of the Utah Parks. They provide great background information about the area. The best part is you do not need the internet to use them.

Final Thoughts on a One Week Utah Itinerary. 

No matter how you decide to shape your one week Utah itinerary, there are a lot of natural outdoor sites to see and awesome hikes to take. You can always extend this itinerary and add more time in any of the stops.

Share this lesson!

I lived in Utah for over 13 years and there are still so many places I haven’t seen. My family loves Zion and Bryce.

All of the Utah Parks are super awesome!

I need to plan a road trip through Utah! Since I could drive there from Phoenix, it wouldn’t be too hard to coordinate either. Bryce Canyon is at the top of my list, and Moab looks really fun, too. Thanks for sharing this awesome itinerary!

Yes! You could easily get to Bryce and Zion from Phoenix.

The Mighty 5 is on our short list! Great itinerary. I am definitely saving for future travel planning.

Yes! You need to go. They are such awesome parks.

This looks so beautiful, I would love to spend a week here! Thanks for breaking down the costs! So helpful ☺️

I’m glad it was helpful! Utah was so gorgeous.

Great guide! I appreciate all the tips on where to stay during the Utah road trip!

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Hi! I’m Francesca, a native Californian and history teacher who loves to travel. I’ve been to 66 countries across 7 continents and all 50 United States.

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Utah National Parks Road Trip: A Spectacular One Week in Utah Itinerary

last Updated: March 6, 2022 arizona national park road trip USA utah

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Looking for the perfect Utah National Parks road trip itinerary? The National Parks in Utah will blow your mind – and the best way to see all of the Mighty 5? On a Utah road trip! Read on for my exact one week in Utah road trip itinerary (which we followed exactly!)

The National Parks in Southern Utah are like no other.  From photogenic hoodoos in Bryce Canyon to hiking to sandstone arches in Arches National Park, the scenery from all 5 of the Utah National Parks will really blow you away.  Combine them with a short detour to Page, Arizona , and you’ve got the most perfect (and varied!) week-long road trip.

Here’s the exact road trip we took through the 5 Utah National Parks, commonly referred to as the Utah Mighty 5, or Big 5 Utah.  We were able to make the drive in 7 days, flying back to San Francisco early morning on the 8th day.  I am a massive planner when it comes to these things, so I hope all my excessive planning helps make your road trip plans a bit easier!

PS: If you’re at a loss for what to pack, my ultimate road trip packing guide may help!  😉  (Opens in New Tab)

Logistics for Your Utah National Parks Road Trip

Where to start this utah national parks road trip.

If you’re from outta town, you’ll obviously need to get yourself within close proximity to the parks. This most likely means flying into the region. You have two choices:

• Salt Lake City

We chose to fly into Las Vegas from  San Francisco . If you’ve never been to Las Vegas, I suggest spending a night or two and checking out some of epic these things to do in Vegas — I promise it’s not all wild nightclubs and partying! 

As noted above, this road trip route is easily doable as well by flying into Salt Lake City.  If you do decide on the later, make sure to add an extra day or two to  visit Antelope Island State Park  (which I dubbed the most scenic state park in Utah not too long ago). 

I swear by  Skyscanner  and  Google Flights , and always always  always  use these two sites when looking for airfare.  The option to watch prices and get email notifications are top notch and one of my favorite features of the two.

You’ll obviously need to rent a car from the airport since this is in fact a  road trip .  Just putting that out there to make sure you account for that expense as well! 😉  I recommend renting a 4-wheel drive, especially if you’re visiting in the Fall, Winter, or Spring, as you never know what type of weather you’ll encounter.

I like to search  via this site  in order to compare rental companies to see who has the best price. Remember to opt for a larger car, or a 4-wheel drive!

Search for the cheapest car rentals over here ! I typically save almost $100 each time when booking through here! Just note the cancellation policies (most are free cancellation but not all, just double check).

Driving Between the Parks

This is in fact a road trip — meaning you’ll be driving a lot between the different National Parks in Utah!

We had originally wanted to do the bulk of the driving to the Utah National Parks at night (after sunset) as to not take away hours of daylight in the park.  After the first night of doing so, we ultimately decided this wasn’t the greatest idea since there was so much wildlife on the roads (we encountered lots of deer, elk, and rabbits). 

We wound up driving in late-afternoon/early evening once we were too exhausted to see much more in each park.  I highly advise to not leave the driving for the next morning, as I doubt you’ll have enough energy for hiking after sitting in the car for hours.

OPTION : If driving long distances isn’t your thing, or you don’t feel like doing much planning (besides what I’ve done for you here), consider joining a Utah national parks tour.  Many of the group tours let you see so so much in such a short period of time because they already know the best viewpoints and best hiking routes.  

In addition, many extra activities are included as to make the best use of your time, and you’ve got a guide with you for most of the time to answer any questions!

A few multi-day tours I recommend (prices include nightly accommodation):

• Three Day Western Deserts Tour from Las Vegas: visits Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park and the town of Kanab in Utah
• Three Day Antelope & Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce & Monument Valley : optional helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon
• Bryce Canyon / Zion Park Combo Tour from Las Vegas :  an absolute perfect one-day trip from Las Vegas – awesome if you’re short on time and still want a taste of the parks
• Three Day Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley & Horseshoe Bend : visits Sedona, Monument Valley, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, and the Valley of Fire (departs from Las Vegas)
• 6 Days from Salt Lake City :   visits all 5 of the Utah National Parks: Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Park

All great Utah national parks tours to choose from!

Utah national parks map (plus Page, Arizona!)

This is the exact route we took on our Utah National Parks road trip! Feel free to save it for the future if it helps!

Packing Tips for Utah

Road trip Gear:

Fleece blanket: The weather in Utah is weird, y’all. We encountered sun, rain, snow, and sleet all in just ONE day! I loved having a cozy blanket to cuddle up to during the long drives. Much more comfortable than a sweatshirt, and the driver can use this too! Doubles as a picnic blanket as well!

cell phone mount : This is in fact a road trip, and you’ll likely be following Google Maps (or another GPS app) on your cell phone. Stay safe when using GPS in your car by using a cell phone mount.  

mini cooler : Road trips are always more fun with snacks and some drinks! Keep your food tasting fresh and cool in a mini cooler. It’s also a good way to stay healthy on the road as you can store veggies (baby carrots are my favorite), fruits, and healthy snacks such as cheese sticks and turkey jerky for much longer!

Travel Games: If you’re traveling with kids, a bit of boredom is unavoidable. One way to beat this – think ahead and surprise them with a few travel games! A few good examples to choose from: Rubbernecking Cards , Spot It! , 6-in-1 magnetic boards , License Plate Game (a classic!)

S piral bound road atlas : even if you have a GPS, as in some places you’ll inevitably lose service…

Hiking Gear:

water bottles :  preferably reusable and with a straw (no spills in the car!) I also like to bring along drink flavorings when you inevitably got sick of so much water. A water bottle is also great to have in the car during the driving portion of this trip!

Chapstick (my faves here , here , here , and here ). Like I said above, the weather is weird in Utah, and I absolutely HATE chapped lips! A little chapstick goes a long way – get a tube for each member of the family, and then an extra or two!

Sunscreen : One of the most important items on the list. When you’re hiking and sightseeing, you’ll be outside so often, and even if it doesn’t “feel” hot, the sun’s still there, peeking out through the cloud ready to burn you! You don’t want a silly thing like a sunburn to ruin your Utah adventure, do you?

body wipes : You’ll inevitably just feel gross at some point during or after your hikes (or when you’re in the car for long hours). Body wipes keep you feeling clean and refreshed when a shower isn’t available for a few hours.

Snacks: No matter the level of difficulty or length of the hike, it’s always a good idea to bring a few snacks with you out on the trail. No one wants to hike when they’re hungry! And plus, a yummy snack is a great way to reward yourself at the top of the summit!

First Aid Kit : While none of the hikes I’m recommending are downright dangerous and too strenous, it’s smart to keep a simple first aid kit of band-aids, gauze pads, adhesive tape, and a cold compress in your car just in case something happens on the trail.

Layers : I’ll say it again – the weather changes frequently in Utah depending on what season you go in (particularly early Spring and late fall). Bring a long sleeved hiking shirt , a lightweight rain jacket , and waterproof gloves (depending on the season). You can leave what you don’t think you’ll need in the car, although I always like to bring along the long sleeved shirt and usually tie it around my waist until I need it.

Hiking Poles : If you haven’t hiked before, you may feel more comfortable using hiking poles, which help steady you on the ground and provide an extra level of balance on uneven surfaces (rocks, sand, etc). We didn’t use any and were fine, but we saw many on the trails with similar poles.

A One Week Road Trip Through (All) 5 Utah National Parks

Day 1: drive from las vegas to zion national park (2 ½ hours).

Start off early, and you’ll find yourself with a full day in Utah’s greenest National Park.  We arrived around 11am, and explored until sunset around 7pm.  Zion is HUGE, so it’s best to arrive at the park with a game plan.  Some of the hikes take a good portion of the day ( Angels Landing /Narrows), and while you’ll see a lot of amazing scenery, you won’t leave much time to explore other parts of the park. 

Decide in advance if you’ll be tackling a tough hike!  It was also one of the most crowded parks during our visit to Utah, (and we visited in the shoulder season of late March), so keep that in mind as well!

What we did:

We braved our souls hiking Angels Landing , and the views from the top were worth every ounce of dripping sweat and all that fear while looking down!  Read all about our terrifying, dramatic, and exciting hike here.  The hike took up our entire day in Zion (roughly 1pm-6:30ish), so we didn’t have time for other explorations.  Next time I really want to hike the Narrows!

A few must-do’s in Zion:

• Hike to Angels Landing
• Brave the water at the Narrows
• Scenic Drive
• Go rock climbing
• Emerald Pools
• Weeping Rock
• Observation Point

Finish off the day by driving to the next National Park on the list: Bryce (about 2 hours away).

Where We Stayed:   Ruby’s Inn Best Western Plus (free breakfast, and only about $90)

Day 2: Bryce Canyon National Park

Wake up near Bryce Canyon and get ready for a full day of outdoorsy exploration!  Most people say you only need about half a day for Bryce, but I disagree with them!  Bryce Canyon happened to be our favorite National Park on our week-long road trip throughout Utah, so I’m thankful we kept a full day open for it!

In early morning, we zipped around to all of the different scenic viewpoints in Bryce .  The park was relatively empty (get there early!) compared to Zion, and we hardly felt rushed at all. 

We ate a leisurely lunch at the Bryce Canyon Lodge, then spent the afternoon hiking down to the hoodoos via the Queens Garden/Navajo Loop Trail .  If you do one thing in Bryce Canyon, do this hike.  It was more than spectacular and you really get up close to the hoodoos here!  Super awesome photo ops as well! My favorite of the 5 Utah national parks!

A few must-do’s in Bryce:

• Visit the viewpoints (my favorites were Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, Agua Canyon, and Rainbow Point, but they’re all worth seeing in my opinion – we saw them all ).
• Hike the Queens Garden/Navajo Loop Trail (3 miles)
• Sunset at Sunrise Point or Inspiration Point (both great choices)
• Thor’s Hammer
• Mossy Cave Trail

After a long day of hiking, exploring, and photographing, we set out to Capital Reef National Park (about 2 ½ hours away).

Where We Stayed:  Broken Spur Inn & Steakhouse (in Torrey, UT)

Day 3: Capital Reef National Park

Most people miss this area when they’re heading to the National Parks in Utah, and we definitely felt it!  Less crowds than at popular Bryce and Zion , but in my opinion, it’s definitely one you shouldn’t miss! 

It wasn’t as astounding as the others, but still worth a stop if you’re in the vicinity anyways.  It’s not much of a detour and worth a half-days’ time, at least.  Plus, the pie! You earned it.  Capital Reefs’ remoteness just adds to the peace factor.

The day started out FREEEZING (who knew late March in southern Utah would be cold?!), and were glad we had the car to get us around.  We opted to drive throughout the park, stopping at various points on the Scenic Drive. 

We feasted on the most massive cinnamon bun I’ve ever encountered at the Gifford House, and were both quite satisfied with our lunch decision.  The afternoon finished off with a short hike and some petroglyph sightings.

A few must-do’s in Capital Reef:

• Indulge in some pie (and massive cinnamon buns) from the Gifford House (!!!)
• Admire the views on the Scenic Drive
• Check out the petroglyphs
• Goosenecks Overlook
• U-Pick Em Orchards (in season)
• Cathedral Valley

The day was over and we drove to Moab, Utah, where we based ourselves for the next 3 nights.  Expect the drive to take approximately 2 ½ hours.

Where We Stayed: Gonzo Inn, Moab UT (highly recommended!!!)

Day 4: Canyonlands National Park

The drive from our hotel (Gonzo Inn) was roughly 30 minutes away, so we got an early start. It’s good to know that the park is divided into a few sections, and with only a day here, it’s best to pick out an area ahead of time.  We opted for the Island in the Sky District and highly recommend it for those short on time.  Plus, it’s the most accessible and most built up for visitors.

Special Note: Since you won’t be driving much for the next few days, opt for some fun activities since you’ll have a bit more time!  I have some recommendations listed below, but I really advise you take at least one scenic air tour (like this one that covers both Canyonlands and Arches National Park )! Something we desperately wished we planned in advance!

Another FREEEEEEEEZING morning, but we braved it (or at least I did – the hubby grugedly came along).  Stopped at a bunch of the viewpoints, hiked to Mesa Arch, and ate a super yummy strawberry salad in the car while we waited out a snowstorm (I’m telling ya – the weather is weird, here!). 

Once the weather cleared up we ventured out to a few more viewpoints, and then hiked back to Mesa Arch in the clear blue-sky weather.

A few must-do’s in Canyonlands:

• Sunrise at Mesa Arch (short hike)
• Grand View Point Overlook
• Green River Overlook
• Upheaval Dome

Suggested Activities:

• Half Day Tour of Canyonlands from Moab : Leave the driving (and navigating) to someone else and explore the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park on a half-day 4-wheel drive (4WD) tour!  See sites with remnants of ancient Pueblo civilizations, canyons that drop 1,000 feet (300 meters) straight down, and parts of the Colorado River.
• See Canyonlands from Above : If you’re a bit tired from hiking and/or want an experience to definitely remember, I highly recommend a  Scenic Air tour of Arches and Canyonlands .  In 50 minutes, you’ll be able to see all the highlights from both parks as you soar over arches, canyons and rivers.  We unfortunately learned about this tour too late and there was no availability left on the date we needed, so I highly recommend you book this in advance.
• Colorado River Rafting : Not only will you explore Canyonlands National Park (Island in the Sky district) by 4-wheel drive (4WD), but you’ll also go white-water rafting!  A must-do experience in this area!  Buffet lunch included as well!  If you’re not keen on rafting down the mighty river, consider a jet boat tour  through a calm stretch of the Colorado River south of Moab instead.  A great way to beat the heat!

No long drives today!  Woo!

Where We Stayed: Gonzo Inn, Moab UT

Day 5: Arches National Park

This is what everyone thinks of when they picture a National Park in Utah.  We, unfortunately, had lousy weather, and until we hiked to Delicate Arch the next morning in the sunshine, I was rather underwhelmed.  Maybe it was the weather, maybe I was too full from eating too many pancakes that morning, or maybe it didn’t live up to all the hype.

We started off the day with a full breakfast at House of Pancakes (bad idea – I was too full to hike!), then explored many of the viewpoints/short hikes to Sand Dune Arch, Landscape Arch, and Balanced Rock.  We saved the hike to Delicate Arch for the next morning because I could not bear to see it up close on a cloudy day.

A few must-do’s in Arches:

• Hike to Delicate Arch (you NEED to do this)
• Sand Dune Arch (a favorite on a cloudy day!)
• Landscape Arch
• Double Arch
• Balanced Rock

Suggested Activities in Moab/Arches National Park:

• If you missed out on an air tour yesterday, consider one today at Arches !  You’ll see all the best hiking trails, popular geographic formations, and enjoy the freedom of flight with a highly experienced pilot.  Just don’t forget your camera!
• Moab Dinner Cruise: Still looking for something fun and relaxing once the sun goes down?  I think this Moab Dinner Cruise sounds pretty awesome! You’ll be treated to a hearty cowboy dinner before boarding the boat, then as the sun sets you’ll travel on the Colorado River into a canyon where a narrator tells about the historic and geological history of the area.  And then the light show on the canyon walls!!! Eeeee!
• 4×4 tour of Arches National Park : Instead of meandering yourself, you’ll be able to travel off-road to reach more remote locations away from the crowds with an experienced guide.  Sounds good to me!

No long drives again today!  Zippy!

Day 6: Dead Horse State Park, Four Corners, and Monument Valley

Busy, busy day today, and some extra driving than the previous days.

Prepare to get an early start, and head right to Dead Horse for a few hours or so.  If crossing things off your USA bucket list is your thing, drive to the Four Corners Monument (2 ½ hours away), located at the south eastern tip of Utah. 

Take a few photos and get back on the road – off to Monument Valley you go (1 ½ hours away).  We decided to skip Four Corners since I was more interested in hiking to Delicate Arch in Arches.

The morning was dedicated to hiking to Delicate Arch since the weather was pretty much perfect!  We then got on the road headed for Monument Valley , and took a tour of the area !  Technically not a National Park, nor a State Park for that matter, but a must-do if you’re in the area (or love Forrest Gump)! 

Despite the cold temps and bumpy ride, it was pretty fantastic ( the photos don’t lie )!  I was bummed that we could not for the life of us find the Forest Gump sign! GAH!

A few must-do’s for this day:

• Spend a bit of time at Dead Horse State Park
• Put each limb in a different state at the Four Corners >> be in 4 states at once!
• Take a photo of the “Forrest Gump” Sign
• see the sunrise and sunset at Monument Valley (so breathtaking!)
• Tour Monument Valley (similar tour here )

Important Note: I highly advise you book a tour of Monument Valley, as you can only see a little of the park yourself.  In order to see most of it, you need to ride on an authorized vehicle only offered via tour guide.   Very similar tour to ours here .  

If you’ve decided to visit the Four Corners which is a bit out of the way, it’s a good idea to book a Sunset Tour of Monument Valley so you’re not rushing to make the day time one.  

And PS – the views are even better at sunset. 😉 Make sure to bring a jacket as the park gets super at night, especially when you’re riding around in an open-air jeep!

Where We Stayed: Goulding’s Lodge Monument Valley

Day 7: Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon, Page Arizona

One of my favorite days!  Goodbye Utah , and hello sunny Arizona !  Spend the early morning driving from Monument Valley to Page, which takes roughly 2 hours.  The rest of the day will be spent touring Antelope Canyon (choose either Upper or Lower, or if you’re extremely interested, you can do both!) and admiring the view at Horseshoe Bend . 

Tip : Book your tickets to Antelope Canyon in advance if you want a particular time slot (we had to wait in line and then wait two hours – bad mistake on our part).

Just this!  We ate a super scrumptious breakfast at Amigo Café in Kayenta on our drive to Page, then started our exploration of the area!  Lower antelope canyon and horseshoe bend it was – and both were astonishing.  The way the colors reflect in the canyons are unreal – just look at all those shades of orange and purple!  

Not even one of the 5 Utah national parks and one of my favorites!  We had some extra time in the afternoon so we took a short drive to Antelope Park Marina and just relaxed on our last day!

• Marvel at Horseshoe Bend (super short hike)
• Lower or Upper Antelope Canyon
• Have a mouthwatering Mexican breakfast at Amigos Café (en route to Page from Monument Valley, located in Kayenta, AZ)
• Admire the boats at Antelope Park Marina (entry fee included in your National Parks Pass)
• Eat at Big John’s Texas BBQ in Page, Arizona (delicious!)

Additional Recommended Add-Ons:

Scenic Helicopter Flight above Antelope Canyon:  Take in views above Antelope Canyon, and Lake Powell and the Grand Staircase as well!  Land atop Tower Butte, a stunning rock formation on Navajo Indian land, for panoramic views of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Learn about Navajo history and culture.  I can’t even begin to think about those photo ops. On my wish list for next time.

Airplane Tour of Rainbow Bridge, Lake Powell, and Glen Canyon Dam : Super outstanding views, enough said.  Plus, its half the price of the helicopter tour!  Bingo!

Where We Stayed: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Page  (highly recommended)

If you’re pressed on time, you could drive back to Vegas tonight and fly out on a late night flight.  Don’t cut it too close though…

Day 8: Head on back to Las Vegas and fly Home!

If you have some time, why don’t you check out a few things to do in Vegas besides gamble , like visiting the Grand Canyon and The Valley of Fire ?!

The 5 Utah National Parks should be on everyone’s bucket list, whether you’re from the USA or not!  We were astonished as to how varied the area was, and each of the Utah National Parks were completely different from one another!  We’ll be back – that’s for sure!

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August 15, 2020 at 8:53 am

What map did you use to get all the locations on one map? I can’t figure it out on google maps.

August 17, 2020 at 5:33 pm

Great article. I love how you detailed everything. I would love to go there soon. Question: You have mentioned a lot of hiking. Can you visit all of these parks and see all of gthe things you have seen if you are in a wheel chair?

August 18, 2020 at 9:11 pm

Thanks for your sweet comment! I honestly don't know much about accessibility in the parks – I do remember that in Bryce there were a bunch of viewpoints that didn't require any hiking though! We didn't have tons of time in Zion, so only did one big hike, and didn't get to the other viewpoints. Sorry I can't be of more help!

March 5, 2022 at 9:42 am

we are planning fall 2022 to do this exact same trip. was so happy to read about it and all the information included. things have changed and now we need a ticket to get into arches which you have to book in advance so we need to know what exact days we will be there so this helped secure our schedule. thanks so much

March 7, 2022 at 6:01 pm

Things have definitely changed and having a set itinerary is more important than ever! Glad this post helped solidify your itinerary!

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Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary: Your 2024 Guide

Utah’s National Parks are simply stunning. And planning a Utah National Parks road trip is the best way to see and enjoy them.

From lush green valleys and sandstone formations in every shade of orange to deep canyons and expansive panoramas stretching as far as the eye can see, Utah’s National Parks will take your breath away, transport you to another planet, and inspire your inner sense of adventure all in one fell swoop.

You could spend an endless number of days exploring Utah’s National Parks and still leave hoping for a return visit. But if you’ve got a week (or even a bit longer), you can experience Utah’s unbelievable beauty on an unforgettable road trip.

In this in-depth Utah National Parks trip guide, find detailed and travel-tested itinerary planning advice and tips based on my own experiences from traveling throughout Utah and the American Southwest . This includes maps, important driving information, where to stay, and the best things to do in each National Park.

Plus, you’ll find several Utah National Park itinerary ideas so you can plan your ideal trip!

How to Plan a Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary

This Utah National Parks road trip guide is a true labor of love. I’ve traveled throughout Utah and the southwest, as well as to National Parks in nearby states like Colorado and Arizona. There’s no part of the United States like this corner of the country!

Quite simply, the natural beauty is jaw-dropping and the landscape offers an endless number of outdoor adventures to enjoy, from hiking and ATVing to wildlife watching and scenic drives.

Of course, the Utah National Parks steal the show, but it’s important to understand there are many State Parks and National Monuments that are equally worth seeing. If you’re like me, the problem isn’t necessarily planning a Utah road trip but having enough time to visit all the places on my list!

So, in this Utah National Parks trip guide you’ll find a few different ideas for how to plan your itinerary. Just remember, these parks are vast. If you want to do several hikes in a particular park or there are a bunch of activities that you’d like to do in a certain area, go for it!

Your Utah National Park itinerary can be about seeing Utah’s Mighty 5 or it can be about dividing your time among a couple of National Parks and the nearby State Parks and Monuments. Either way, you’ll want to return for sure! So, focus on the goal of just enjoying whatever places you add to your itinerary. You can’t go wrong!

Where to Start Your Utah National Parks Road Trip

Salt Lake City and Las Vegas are the best places to start and/or end your trip to the Utah National Parks. These 2 cities have major airports with plenty of flights in and out each day. Most major U.S. airlines fly in and out of these airports but it’s good to remember that Delta has a lot of flights to and from Salt Lake City while Southwest Airlines is very active at the airport in Las Vegas.

It’s great to have both options because you can  search for cheap flights  with some flexibility. The same is true if you’re using miles and points to book an award flight as there may be available seats in one starting point but not the other.

I recommend flying into one of these airports and out of the other, especially if you have just 1 week for your Utah National Parks trip. Generally, airlines don’t charge more for multi-city bookings, although you should always do your homework. You likely can fly into Las Vegas and out of Salt Lake City, for example, for roughly the same price as a classic round trip.

As for rental cars and pesky one-way rental fees, they do exist. However, they’re not universal and they are applied or not according to a range of factors. So, I recommend pricing it out because you could find there is no one-way fee for your travel dates or that it’s nominal and worth saving the time driving back to your original airport.

I started my very first Utah National Parks road trip in Salt Lake City and Moab and would gladly do so again.

Renting a Car for Your Utah National Parks Road Trip

Whichever airport you fly into, you’ll need to rent a car. Both Salt Lake City and Las Vegas are major airports with plenty of car rental options.

For all my road trips, I use  Kayak  to search rental car costs because it compares prices on many sites all at once.

Consider the time of year of your trip. Some of the parks have steep and narrow roads. If you want to do any off-roading, definitely rent a vehicle with 4-wheel drive and preferably one with some clearance underneath. That being said, my first Utah road trip was in the spring and I rented a basic sedan-style car and had no problems.

ProTip: Unless your road trip is coming up right away and you’re renting a car last minute, never pre-pay for your rental. Instead, book a pay-at-the-counter rate and then hopefully save money with this car rental hack.

Alternatively, if you’re planning to drive to Utah from where you are, be sure your car (and everyone in it) is ready and prepared with this  travel-tested road trip packing list .

How Many Days Do You Need for a Utah National Parks Trip?

Your Utah road trip should be at least 7 days. One full week gives you the chance to see all 5 Utah National Parks or a combination of National Parks and other places like Monument Valley or Grand Staircase- Escalante National Monument.

If you can spare a few more days for a 10-day itinerary for the Utah National Parks, you’ll have time to see all 5 National Parks plus make a couple of more stops to more fully take advantage of the incredible natural beauty in the area.

I would be leaving something major out by not pointing out how close you are to the Grand Canyon when you’re in southern Utah. From Grand Staircase, the Grand Canyon’s south rim entrance (and the rim with the best views) is just under 3 hours by car. From Zion National Park, it’s about a 4 1/2 hour drive.

How to Save Money on Utah National Parks Admission

Buy the  America the Beautiful Pass  before your trip to get entry to any National Park for 1 year.

The pass is also valid at all places managed by the Forest Service, National Park Service, including National Monuments, the Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation, and the Army Corps of Engineers.

After visiting just a few National Parks, the pass will pay for itself. Not to mention, many National Parks have separate lines for Pass holders and visitors needing to buy an entry pass. Needless to say, the lines to buy entry passes tend to move slower than those for pass holders no matter where you are.

The Pass admits a car-load of people which includes a driver and all passengers in a personal vehicle at places that charge by the vehicle. For sites that charge for each person, a total of 4 adults can enter with the pass. Kids 15 & under are free at National Parks and other related sites.

Keep in mind, the America the Beautiful Pass pays only for admission. If you need things like a campsite or an RV hookup, you’ll still need to pay the fees for these things.

Alternatively, you can find out before your trip if you qualify for another way to save money on  National Park entrance fees .   

1-Week Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary

With a 7-day itinerary for the Utah National Parks, you’ll be moving at an energetic, but totally doable, pace. You want to be efficient and maximize your time. The Utah National Parks road trip map above shows you how to do just this by limiting, or removing altogether, any backtracking between parks and streamlining where you start and end your Utah trip.

It also means arriving in Salt Lake City and departing from Las Vegas. You’ll save nearly 2 hours of driving by NOT returning to Salt Lake City to fly home. In my opinion, these hours are worth saving.

Imagine a scenario where you depart from the airport in Las Vegas at around midday. Making the drive from Zion National Park makes it possible to stay in or near the park the night before your return home to fully enjoy that day. Whereas a longer drive could mean cutting the previous day short to position yourself for your flight. Not to mention the hassle of needing a hotel near the airport for a night.

From a more dramatic standpoint, starting with the 2 National Parks in and near Moab, Arches, and Canyonlands, is an awe-inspiring start. While ending with Zion is like the magnificent grand finale of the best fireworks display you’ve ever seen.

This itinerary does not allow time for stopping at National Monuments or State Parks. Nor does it include time in Monument Valley or the Grand Canyon. You could absolutely tailor the itinerary to include 1 or more of these places but with 7 days, you’ll have to eliminate at least 1 Utah National Park.

With all that said, here’s a day-by-day look at this Utah National Parks itinerary.

Day 1- Fly into Salt Lake City –> Drive to Moab

Driving time: 3 hours 44 minutes / 239 miles.

Once you’ve picked up your rental car at the airport, head southeast for just under 4 hours from Salt Lake City to Moab, Utah.

Your rental car should have a full tank of gas but, if it doesn’t, fill up at one within the first 2 hours of the drive. Likewise, stop for snacks or something to drink for the drive within this timeframe. After that, you won’t find many rest stops or exits with services until you get closer to Moab.

Once you’re in Moab, you’ll find everything you need from food to gas to lodging. If you’ve arrived with some daylight still in the sky, you’ll get your first unbelievable glimpse at the red rock landscape towering along the town’s fringes.

Use what’s left in the day to settle into your accommodations and get ready for a fresh start in the morning!

ProTip: You could also fly into Las Vegas and do this road trip in reverse, as mentioned above. It’s part of the beauty of this road trip route compared to others I’ve taken like this Oregon Coast road trip itinerary that must be done from north to south.

Where to Stay in Moab:

Stay in moab for 2 nights..

Of all the times I stayed in Moab, I enjoyed staying at the Hyatt Place Moab the best. It’s on the main road through town, close to 2 National Parks, and comes with a free breakfast. Perfect when you’re planning a day of hiking and outdoor fun!

If you’re a miles and points enthusiast like me, it’s also one of several loyalty program hotels in Moab. You can use Hyatt points to book the Hyatt Place.

Whichever Moab hotel you choose, book it for 2 nights.

Day 2- Arches National Park

Important Info About Arches

** IMPORTANT! From April 1-October 31, you need a timed-entry reservation to enter Arches. Do this as soon as you can once the booking window for your travel dates opens. ** The park’s entrance is 5-10 minutes by car from the main road in Moab. ** Admission is $30 per private vehicle with up to 15 passengers. ** Check the official Arches National Park website for info and alerts.

If you arrived in Moab after dark, prepare yourself! The morning light reveals the orange and red rock formations surrounding the city. What’s more, it’s just a glimpse of the stunning red rock landscape and sandstone arches that await in the National Park.

Before heading to the park, pack water and lunch/snacks for the day. Moab has plenty of places to stock up. Arches heats up even in the spring and fall. The rocky desert landscape has no cover from the sun and only a couple of spots to drink from a water fountain. You want to enter the park prepared.

Be on time and arrive at Arches National Park for your timed entry slot. Luckily, the National Park is just 5-10 minutes from downtown Moab so it’s easy to reach from Moab’s main road.

Arches National Park Highlights

Arches National Park is appropriately named for its 2,000+ arches! Combined with balancing rocks, ridges, slopes, and towering rock faces, the park absolutely dazzles. One gorgeous vista is replaced by the next whether you’re driving along the park’s main road or hiking one of the many trails.

The park has so many things to do, it’s not possible to hike every trail in 1 day. But, with a morning start, it’s possible to see a lot and hike some of Arches’ most famous trails.

Don’t miss these top things to do in Arches National Park.

Moab Travel Tips

For a detailed arches national park guide, check out:.

How to Plan 1 Awesome Day at Arches National Park

Day 3- Canyonlands National Park –>Head to Capitol Reef Area

Driving time moab to canyonlands: 35 minutes / 31.5 miles driving time canyonlands to capitol reef area: 2 hours 50 minutes / 167 miles.

Important Info About Canyonlands

** No timed-entry reservation is needed for Canyonlands. ** Admission is $30 per private vehicle with up to 15 passengers. ** Check the official Canyonlands National Park website for info and alerts.

This morning, you’ll check out of your hotel in Moab and drive to Canyonlands National Park. It’s less than an hour from Moab, leaving you a good amount of time to enjoy a day in the park.

Before leaving town, gas up and make sure you have anything you need for lunch, snacks, and drinks so you’re set for the day because you won’t find service at Canyonlands other than a water station at the visitor’s center.

Canyonlands National Park is divided into 3 land districts. The Island in the Sky section of the park is by far the most visited area and the one you’ll be heading to today. I’ve also spent time in this part of the park. The Maze and Needles Districts are more rugged and better suited for backcountry pursuits and those who are experienced in that type of terrain.

Just before reaching Canyonlands entrance and visitor’s center, take a detour into Dead Horse Point State Park.  The lookout at Dead Horse Point Overlook is a must-see! 

After this brief stop, return to the main road and on to the entrance of Canyonlands National Park.

Canyonlands National Park Highlights

Canyonlands sits in the high desert. Its canyons, arches, mesas, and rock formations were painstakingly shaped by water, gravity, and the elements over millions of years. Compared to Arches National Park, Canyonlands is much more rugged and wild.

Whereas arches like Delicate Arch or Double Arch look as if they were shaped by the hand of a skilled sculptor, the rock formations and desert landscape at Canyonlands has a harsher, rougher feel.

Canyonlands Island in the Sky District can be visited and enjoyed in 1 day. The park has some of the best off-roading anywhere and numerous challenging hikes but fortunately those of us who stay on top of the Island in the Sky mesa don’t miss out on anything.

Aside from hikes or short walks, Canyonlands has one beautiful scenic overlook after another. No need to rush. Simply enjoy your time in the park today.

Here are some of the best things to do at Canyonlands National Park.

Canyonlands also has off-roading but you need to have the right vehicle and potentially a permit as is the case with White Rim Road. But if you’re looking for a thrill and you have an SUV or a vehicle with high clearance, you could take a drive below the rim of the mesa along Shafer Canyon Road. It’ll take a couple of hours and doesn’t require a permit.

Canyonlands Travel Tips

For a guide about 1 day at canyonlands, check out:.

How to Spend an Inspiring Day at Canyonlands National Park

Where to Stay Tonight:

Stay near capitol reef national park for 1 night..

By late afternoon, say goodbye to Canyonlands and begin the drive to the Capitol Reef National Park area. The drive is just under 3 hours. The park’s visitor center is in the tiny town of Torrey.

There, you’ll find hotels and places to have some dinner before calling it a (fantastic) day.

I recommend the Skyridge Inn because the rooms are cozy and a hearty breakfast is included in your stay. And sitting just 7 miles from the Capitol Reef, you’ll get to the park easily in the morning. Not to mention, the property views are gorgeous!

Torrey has accommodation options for all budgets so compare hotel prices to see which matches your budget.

Where to Stay Tonight Alternative- Monument Valley

Stay in monument valley for 1 night..

As you plan your Utah National Parks road trip, it’s hard to decide what to see and do especially if you have just 7 days. This area of southern Utah and into northern Arizona is jam-packed with incredible sights.

I’ve followed the route above going to each of Utah’s “Mighty 5” National Parks and I’ve also gone from Canyonlands to Monument Valley. The drive is just 3 hours and 15 minutes to Monument Valley and brings you to one of the most iconic natural landmarks in the entire United States.

If you’d rather see Monument Valley, it’s an easy switch. Instead of driving from Canyonlands to Capitol Reef, head south on Route 191 to Monument Valley. (Be sure to have a full tank of gas and snacks as rest stops are far and few between.)

When you arrive in Monument Valley, you’ll have only a couple of hotel options. I highly recommend  The View Hotel  in the Navajo Nation or the  Goulding’s Lodge  just 2 minutes away. These hotels are directly in Monument Valley so it’s very convenient for exploring Monument Valley the next morning.

Plan to stay 1 night at either hotel. You can compare prices and availability here .

ProTip: On the way from Canyonlands to Monument Valley, stop to see Mexican Hat Rock and Forrest Gump Point if you have the time. They’re both along the way and don’t require a detour. If it’s already late, you see them tomorrow.

Day 4- Capitol Reef National Park –>Drive to Bryce Canyon

Driving time capitol reef to bryce canyon: 2 hours 13 minutes / 117 miles.

Important Info About Capitol Reef

** No timed-entry reservation is needed for Capitol Reef. ** Admission is $20 per private vehicle with up to 15 passengers. ** Check the official Capitol Reef National Park website for info and alerts.

Capitol Reef sits along a “wrinkle” in the Earth’s crust. Officially, it’s called a monocline which is a waterpocket fold and in this case, runs for 100 miles. The National Park itself is 60 miles long but only 6 miles wide

When the fault lines in the Earth shifted millions of years ago, the sides weren’t equally lifted. In Capitol Reef’s case, the crust on the west side ended up higher than on the east side. As a result, water sits in the fold and wears away the layers of rock and things like domes, canyons, and even fossils come to light.

It’s hard to imagine how all of this geology happens. But it’s actually when you visit Capitol Reef and try to put this scientific knowledge in context as you stare at the gorgeous landscape in front of you.

For me, it was even more mind-blowing to realize that a canyon, dome, or arch was only in plain sight because of the layers that had been worn away all because of the uneven shifting in the Earth’s crust!

Capitol Reef Highlights

Capitol Reef has fantastic hikes and scenic landscapes as you drive along the part of the park along Highway 24. The rock formations together with the desert panorama create some of the most striking views among Utah’s Mighty 5. And in many areas of the park, you’ll find trails that feel light years away from the crowds at Arches National Park.

The main part of Capitol Reef also has a historic settlement called the Fruita District. It was here where the first Mormon pioneer settlers came. In 1 day or part of a day, you can see some of these natural and historic highlights.

Here are some of the best things to do at Capitol Reef.

Capitol Reef Travel Tips

Day 4 alternative- monument valley –> drive to bryce canyon, driving time monument valley to bryce canyon: 4 hours 33 minutes / 274 miles.

Tumbleweed blows across the open valley. Iconic sandstone monuments dot the landscape. You’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a scene from an old Western with a bunch of cowboys chasing down a group of thieves! (Or perhaps you’d like to take your perfect Forrest Gump shot.)

The most popular mesas, buttes, and spires are along a 17-mile loop within the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. You can join a guided tour or drive yourself.

I drove my small rental car with no problem. Yes, the road is rough and bumpy, but if you drive slowly and carefully, you’ll be fine. Choosing the self-driving option also allowed me to enjoy the views at my own pace.

However, the upside to a tour with a Navajo guide is you can access more of the tribal park. Some areas are closed to visitors and can only be visited with a guide. Plus, you’ll get more context of what the rock formations in Monument Valley symbolize in the Navajo culture.

Here are the best things to do in Monument Valley.

For a detailed Monument Valley Guide, check out:

Everything You Need to Know for an Epic Visit to Monument Valley

Where to Stay Tonight- Bryce Canyon

Stay in bryce canyon for 1 night..

ProTip: Your hotel in Bryce Canyon should be among the first things you book for your Utah National Park road trip. There are only a few hotel options in Bryce. Once they sell out, there aren’t really any other options in the immediate surrounding area.

No matter what you choose to do for Day 4 of your Utah National Park itinerary, you’ll stay the night in Bryce Canyon to position yourself for tomorrow’s visit.

If you’re driving from Capitol Reef, the drive is straightforward. You can comfortably enjoy the day at the National Park and later in the afternoon start the drive to Bryce.

If you’re driving from Monument Valley, you’ll be heading west and then north to Bryce. Along the way, look out for Page, Arizona, home to the famous Horseshoe Bend.  

If you can manage a quick stop, you’ll have gotten a bonus and checked off a fantastic spot that’s a must for every Arizona road trip . Plus, it comes at about the halfway point in the drive, so it’s a perfect time to stretch your legs and find bathrooms. A short hike (1.4 miles round trip on a flat, paved path) at Horseshoe Bend leads to the popular scenic overlook.

Afterward, continue to your hotel in Bryce Canyon. Depending on what time it gets dark when you visit, you may even make it to Bryce Canyon to see the hoodoos lit up at sunset.

Bryce is a tiny town right at the edge of the National Park entrance. I stayed at the  Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn and had a comfortable stay. I’ve also looked at the Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand just across the street but the availability didn’t fit what I needed.

Whichever you choose, book a room for 1 night.

Day 5- Bryce Canyon National Park –> Zion National Park

Driving time bryce canyon to zion: 1 hour 45 minutes / 82 miles.

Important Info About Bryce Canyon

** No timed-entry reservation is needed for Bryce Canyon National Park. ** Admission is $35 per private vehicle with up to 15 passengers. ** Check the official Bryce Canyon National Park website for info and alerts.

Bryce Canyon National Park is like descending into a fairytale land where sandstone hoodoos stare up at you from a natural amphitheater and show off their brilliant shades of orange, pink, and red.

If you’ve never heard of a hoodoo before, it’s the geological name for irregular columns of rock. And Bryce Canyon has more hoodoos grouped together than any other place on the planet.

No matter how many National Parks you’ve visited, once you visit Bryce you’ll understand what I mean when I say, this National Park is like no other. Bryce Canyon and its hoodoo amphitheater are beyond impressive!

Bryce Canyon Highlights

The National Park’s main road sits up on a plateau and runs for 18 miles from north to south with the Hoodoo amphitheater visible from a series of viewpoints and overlooks. Some of these pull-offs and parking areas also have trailheads. Some hiking trails wind along the rim of the canyon. Others lead down into the canyon.

The best part of this layout is that everyone can enjoy the jaw-dropping beauty of Bryce Canyon, either by hopping from overlook to overlook in a car, hiking along the park’s trails, or a combination of both.

Depending on how early you start your day and how much (if any) hiking you’re planning in Bryce Canyon, you can spend half a day here or more. Even with 1 of the hikes below, you still have plenty of time to see the amphitheater from several viewpoints and leave by early afternoon.

That being said, you can also spend the full day in Bryce Canyon National Park. There are plenty of trails and photography opportunities to enjoy.

I would also factor in whether your trip to the Utah National Parks ends on Day 7 or you can fly home on Day 8. Ultimately, you want to make sure you have enough time for magnificent Zion National Park.

Here are the best things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park.

Bryce Canyon Travel Tips

For more bryce canyon inspiration and tips, check out this guide..

25 Photos to Make You Want to Visit Bryce Canyon National Park

Where to Stay Tonight- Springdale, Zion National Park

Stay in springdale canyon for 2-3 nights depending on when you fly home..

Make your way from Bryce Canyon to Springdale Utah. Be sure to use the Mount Carmel Highway and Tunnel to enter Zion and the town. It’s an engineering marvel but the views before and after the tunnel are incredible.

Springdale, Utah is the park’s gateway town . You’ll find everything you need from lodging and food to tour and gear shops. Not to mention, it’s a cute little town that has everything you’d want after a day spent in the National Park.

I highly recommend the  Holiday Inn Express  in Springdale. Not only was it the nicest Holiday Inn Express I’ve stayed in, it had a pool, free breakfast, and the free town shuttle bus to Zion stopped just outside.

Outside of the winter months, cars aren’t allowed to drive into Zion. Instead, visitors take the Zion’s shuttles to enter and move around the park. The town shuttle bus outside the Holiday Inn Express brings you to these Zion shuttles which is a logistical life-saver. There’s absolutely nowhere to park near Zion’s entrance so it’s smarter to keep your car parked at the hotel and make use of the shuttles.

The town shuttle makes stops along the main road through Springdale. You can compare prices at hotels along this road to find the best option for your travel dates.

Days 6 & 7- Zion National Park

Important Info About Zion

** No timed-entry reservation is needed to enter Zion National Park. **You DO need a permit to hike Angels Landing to the Canyon overlook. ** Admission is $35 per private vehicle with up to 15 passengers. ** Check the official Zion National Park website for info and alerts. **Since you won’t be in your car, remember to bring your America the Beautiful Pass if you have one to enter the park.

Zion National Park grabs you by the senses and overwhelms you with its magnificence. You’ll understand how special Zion truly is from the moment you drive along the Mount Carmel Scenic Highway with its towering mountains on all sides.

Despite all the red rock landscapes you’ve seen up to this point on your Utah National Parks road trip, Zion will leave you in awe. The towering walls of rock with the Virgin River flowing and the greenery complementing the backdrop combine for absolute natural perfection.

Zion Canyon was shaped over millions of years. The landscape that we see today is home to all different types of plants and animals. I saw more animals in Zion than at any other Utah National Park, including lots of babies on my spring visit! So when you’re driving the Mount Carmel Scenic Highway or out on the hiking trail be mindful and respectful.

Zion National Park Highlights

Zion offers an endless number of activities for every type of adventurer across its 230 square miles of outdoor heaven. Hike, horseback ride, mountain climb, and spot wildlife to your heart’s content. There are also guided excursions into Zion’s slot canyons and The Narrows .

Zion National Park’s most famous hike is to Angels Landing. This strenuous and steep hike takes you to the lookout over Zion Canyon. As mentioned above, you must get a permit for Angels Landing as the park works to limit the number of people on the narrow and rocky climb to the top. Apply for a permit as soon as you’re able to get the date and time you want.

If you’re physically fit and not afraid of heights, I highly recommend giving Angels a try! It’s a tough climb and you absolutely have to be careful. But, the view and the accomplishment are worthwhile rewards.

To enter the park, catch the Zion National Park Shuttle from the entrance in Springdale to different points within the park. Shuttles run continuously to pick up and drop off park visitors at popular sights and trails throughout the park.

Here are the best things to do in Zion National Park.

Zion National Park Travel Tips

For a complete zion national park guide, check out:.

What You Need to Know for a Successful Zion National Park Visit  

8 Spectacular Things to Do at Zion National Park

Climbing Angels Landing Hike at Zion National Park

Day 7-8 Zion National Park –> Las Vegas Airport

Driving time zion to las vegas airport: 2 hours 35 minutes / 170 miles.

If you’re like me sitting on top of Angels Landing at the end of my time in Zion, you won’t want to leave! But unfortunately, it’s time to check out of your hotel in Springdale and end your Utah road trip.

Depending on when you need to fly home, you could plan to depart on the evening of Day 7 so that you can still possibly have a couple of morning hours in Zion before heading to the airport.

If you can, head home on the morning of Day 8 so you can enjoy all of Day 7 at Zion.

Tearfully, say goodbye to Zion and make the 2.5-hour drive to Las Vegas. Plan to return your rental car at the airport. Then, head for home with unforgettable memories from your fantastic Utah National Parks road trip!

Planning a longer Utah National Parks Trip?

Lucky you! There’s so much more to see and do at each National Park than what you’ll be able to cover with just the week itinerary above. And the area around the National Parks in Utah and Arizona has so many iconic natural icons.

So while you could simply plan to spend more time in one or more of the above National Parks, you could also look to expand on your Utah itinerary. The ideas below give you an idea of how to do this.

Utah’s Mighty 5 + Monument Valley & the Grand Canyon

Day1: Fly into Las Vegas Day 2: Zion Day 3: Zion Day 4: Bryce Day 5: Capitol Reef Day 6: Arches Day 7: Canyonlands Island in the Sky Day 8: Monument Valley Day 9: Grand Canyon South Rim Day 10: Grand Canyon South Rim Day 11: Fly out of Las Vegas or Phoenix

Utah’s National Parks + Monument Valley & Page, AZ

Day1: Fly into Salt Lake City Day 2: Arches Day 3: Canyonlands Island in the Sky Day 4: Capitol Reef Day 5: Monument Valley Day 6: Page, AZ: Horseshoe Bend & Antelope Canyon Day 7: Bryce Day 8: Zion Day 9: Zion Day 10: Fly out of Las Vegas

Zion, Bryce, Natural Landmarks, Monument Valley, & Grand Canyon

Day1: Fly into Las Vegas Day 2: Zion Day 3: Zion Day 4: Bryce Day 5: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Day 6: Page, AZ: Horseshoe Bend & Antelope Canyon Day 7: Monument Valley Day 8: Grand Canyon South Rim Day 9: Grand Canyon South Rim Day 10: Fly out of Las Vegas or Phoenix

More Ideas to Plan Your Road Trip to Utah & Beyond

Plenty of visitors add a few days to their trip to see  Flagstaff  and the  Grand Canyon . You could include these places along with Monument Valley and/or Zion National Park, and more Utah National Parks depending on how much time you have.

Antelope Canyon  is a natural wonder between Monument Valley and Bryce and Zion National Parks. Why not plan extra time in the area to take a  guided tour ? You could also visit Horseshoe Bend!

Arizona and Utah are great road trip partners! Why not do part of an Arizona road trip  along with seeing some of Utah’s National Parks? You could even head south towards  Tempe  and Tuscon.

Spend 1-2 days in Las Vegas. After a week of outdoor fun in Utah’s National Parks, a posh Las Vegas hotel, fine food, and some nightlife might be the perfect way to end your vacation.

Looking to do an extended road trip out west? You could easily start with a Colorado road trip and then cross the border to reach Moab to begin your Utah road trip itinerary. You could fly into Denver and out of Salt Lake City, for example, while seeing National Parks like Rocky Mountain, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Mesa Verde, Canyonlands, and Arches plus Monument Valley.

When is the Best Time to Do a Utah National Parks Road Trip?

Spring and Fall are the best times to do a Utah National Park road trip. The temperatures are more pleasant and most snow (in spring) will be melted, clearing the way for hikers and park visitors to once again use most trails.

That being said, you should try your best to plan a spring or fall Utah trip outside of school holiday weeks, long weekends, and free National Park Days. The parks have large crowds around this time. And with higher demand comes higher prices for everything from flights to hotels to rental cars.

Also, keep in mind that spring snowmelt can create elevated water levels and stronger currents and rivers and streams. So popular hikes like The Narrows in Zion National Park could be closed if the conditions are unsafe.

What about Visiting the Utah National Parks in the Summer?

Both of these seasons have their pros and cons. But I’ll cut right to the point and say that given the choice, I’d visit in winter over summer. Here’s why.

The summer months come with extremely high temperatures like 95+ degrees. This doesn’t factor in the real feel temperature that comes from the strong sun exposure. Because of the terrain, most areas of the Utah National Parks get full sun with few areas to find shade. This can make the midday hours unbearable for hiking and other outdoor activities.

Summers are also quite busy given that families take vacations while students are off from school. As mentioned above, Arches National Park requires a timed-entry reservation to help manage the number of visitors.

What about Visiting the Utah National Parks in Winter?

On the other hand, winters come with no crowds and don’t require reservations. You’ll feel like you have the parks to yourself! Less demand also means it’s a much more affordable time to visit. You’ll find the best prices for hotels, especially, during the winter.

Of course, the truth that we can’t overlook is the temperatures that hover from the 30s-50s in December, January, and February. Snow is possible, although days tend to be sunny and dry. More likely, you’ll see a possible lighter dusting of snow in higher elevations while much of the red rock terrain and iconic arches are just as beautiful as any other time of year.

The one exception here is Zion, which tends to be wet during the winter. This could lead to snow or ice accumulating on the trails, forcing the park to close them until they are safe again.

I’d much rather layer up and hike on cooler sunny days. With the right hiking clothes and a combination of body heat, the temperatures are more ideal than those in summer.

If you decide to visit Utah’s Mighty 5 in winter, check the conditions in each park before your visit to know, too, if any roads or trails are closed because of snow or ice.

Is It Possible to Do 2 National Parks in 1 Day?

While it might be logistically possible, like with Arches and Canyonlands or Zion and Bryce, because of their proximity to each other. However, I would not recommend this at all.

Not only would you miss seeing and doing many things in each National Park, but you’d also likely feel very rushed and quite unsatisfied. At this pace, you’d never get a feel for any place you were in or truly be able to enjoy the beauty of a National Parks road trip…to be outdoors and connect with nature.

Utah National Parks Road Trip Bottom Line

Planning a Utah trip is an absolute bucket list experience! You get to see and enjoy some of the most iconic National Parks, natural places, landmarks, and monuments in the United States.

Whether you have a week, 10 days, or more, there is an endless number of Utah itineraries that you can plan. Having traveled extensively through this part of the country, I can assure you that you can’t go wrong no matter what your Utah road trip looks like! So, let’s get planning!

What are you planning to see and do on your Utah National Parks road trip itinerary? 

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128 thoughts on “utah national parks road trip itinerary: your 2024 guide”.

I don’t know when Utah will happen in my life. You have triggered my travel pangs to the place. The itinerary is well detailed but at the same time I could not choose one over the other.

Luckily, Indrani, you can see and explore these parks with just a week. Plenty of time to visit other places in the USA, too.

What a remarkable landscape. Utah National Parks is one of the prime reasons I want to visit USA for. This post makes it look very do-able…thanks for this.

Thanks for reading, Punita.The Utah National Parks would have to be up there in the top 5 or 10 USA experiences to have.

We briefly ventured in to Utah when we lived in Arizona and did visit Monument Valley, which is gorgeous. But we’d love to go back and Arches NP, Canyonlands NP and Moab are all on our Utah bucket list. Thanks for this itinerary. We’ll keep it in mind when we get around to finally planning our Utah trip.

Hope you can plan it soon, Jennifer! Arches and Canyonlands are great! 🙂

Sounds like a very busy week. There are so many amazing National Parks in Utah I am always torn between the epic road trip and a deep dive explore of one or two parks. Sounds like you put together a trip that you get to see everything and perhaps, make a choice what to come back to and explore later.

It was busy but so much fun, Jen. If I had to pick one to go back to for a deeper dive, I’d go with Zion. It’s so majestic. Truly a one of kind National Park.

This is awesome and a must save because I would love to see many if not all of these places.

You’d love a Utah road trip, Holly! Gorgeous part of the USA.

What a beautiful place! More I see photos such as this and read articles on Utah more I want to go now. I once was browsing thru a book on all the national parks of US. It is just truly amazing.

Thanks, Nisha. Yes, the U.S. has so much open space to explore in its National Parks. There are so many gorgeous spots to explore. Hope you make it soon!

Such great tips! We love Utah but have quite a few parks to check out still. We’ve only made it to Arches and Zion, but I’d love to explore them all sometime, especially Canyonlands! Your photos are great and make me want to plan another road trip out there again soon!

Thanks, Jenna. 🙂 Canyonlands, I think, is a hidden gem. You hear so much about the other parks, but then Canyonlands just quietly captivates and overwhelms you. Hope you can make out west again soon.

I love Utah’s National Parks! Fabulous itinerary, thanks for putting each of these parks into an itinerary we can do in a week 🙂 We were in Utah two years ago now though didn’t have nearlly enough time to properly explore the state. We hit up a couple of State Parks which were in our area, and then did Arches, but Bryce, Zion and Monument Valley are still on the list. Going for at least a full week next time!

Aren’t they so great, Meg?! Everyone really needs to spend some time out there and even with a week can have a great experience. Hope you make it back in the near future!

Totally just what I need! This roadtrip is on my bucketlist. I really hope I can do it this 2017. Saving this and thanks for sharing. Can you also share with me the car rental cost? I am not sure I can use my friends car for the whole week so I might rent.

You’ll love this road trip, Carla. It’s really fantastic. So my car rental cost was a bit different because we rented one in NYC and drove across country first. But, I recommend making a car rental reservation with any site (Kayak, Car Rentals, etc), then tracking your reservation with Autoslash. Autoslash is my secret weapon for saving money on car rentals . They’ll search for a better price continuously and let you know when they find one. As long as it’s not a last minute reservation, I all but guarantee they’ll find you a better price. I’ve done better every single time, as have my readers, family, and friends. Good luck!

This kind of trip has been on my bucket list forever now. You’ve given me so many great ideas! I’ve always wanted to go to Bryce, but there’s so much more!

Utah is a treasure trove, Lauren. Bryce is just the beginning! Hope you can take a road trip soon!

Thanks for the great write up. I’ll have a couple days to spare. Did you feel that any of these parks were rushed at all? Would you stay at any other than Zion for an extra day?

Hi Matt, Thanks for reading and great question! I absolutely would have spent more time at Zion to do a bit more hiking. It’s such a beautiful park, though, it’s hard to leave no matter how many days you’re there. Enjoy!!! 🙂

I’m so much into going but how can I find travel mates? I am not looking for dating just people whom I can trust to travel with. where can I find them and plan the trip together? One woman would be just fine

THanks so much for reading. I’d look for Facebook groups with like-minded travelers looking for travel buddies and go from there. 🙂 Don’t underestimate solo travel, though. It’s such an opportunity for personal growth.

This is exactly what I needed! I am taking my mom and one of her friends (in their 70s) and my 12 yr old son on this trip in May. Your itinerary and tips are really going to help. Do you have any suggestions for hikes for seniors? They are both in good shape, but they don’t need to do anything too rocky.

Thanks for reading, Dana! How exciting to be planning a Utah National Parks trip. So, I loved this trip so much that my mom and several older relatives did this trip after me following my itinerary. They were all in their 60s-70s and were able to hike on most trails I talk about in the posts on each individual park, with the exception of the last bit of Angel’s Landing in Zion. I’d say more than trail difficulty (which is clearly marked by the National Parks Service), the key was starting early. The heat was more of a concern, with much of the parks’ landscape being dry, with few trees to take cover. Hope that helps and you have a fantastic trip! 🙂

Thank you so much!

I do have another question- I saw that you would have stayed longer in Zion if you could….you would pick an extra day in Zion over Arches? Just checking before I decide..

Hi Dana, I’m so glad you’re finding the guides helpful. 🙂 I would absolutely spend the extra day in Zion over Arches. There’s so much about Zion to take in. The more time there the better. Let me know if you have more questions. Happy to help. Jackie

Am thrilled to find your blog! Your week-long tips for traveling through the Utah canyons has been so helpful. We just booked and will explore these canyons this coming June! I am a teacher as well and won’t retire for 6 more years. My husband and I LOVE to travel, but are starting to worry about spending money on traveling rather than saving for retirement. We have never used miles and points b/c we don’t travel that often, but I’m wondering if we should start. I know nothing about it.

Thanks so much for reading! I love to have fellow teachers following along. 🙂 I’m glad the Utah tips are helpful. The National Parks out in Utah are just incredible. My whole approach to miles and points is making the money you’re already spending on bills and everyday life work harder by giving a return in the form of travel rewards. If you’re interested in learning a bit more, check out my free basics course at theglobetrottingteacher.teachable.com/p/travel-hacking-basics There’s no obligation of anything and it’ll give you the basics. Whether you take 1 trip a year or many, miles and points can help you save money on travel costs. Enjoy Utah!!

I’m trying to plan a trip for my family to Utah in March and this itinerary is perfect and saves me a lot of time! It got me so excited. Thank you!! With one day at each park would you say it’s sort of rushed or is that definitely enough time to see what you’d like at each place?

Hi Leah, Thanks so much for reading and glad the itinerary is helpful for you! It depends on how much you want to go off-the-beaten-path or not? I was definitely glad to stay in Zion for a couple days. Arches and Canyonlands were fine for the day. For Bryce Canyon, I did a day and a half. I was glad to do the drive through the park on the afternoon of my arrival for the sightseeing. The next day was for hiking and was fine for my April visit. (Keep in mind for a March visit (like mine in April), Bryce may still have snow in spots closing off some of the hiking trails.) Hope that helps and you have an amazing trip!

HI- We are planning a trip this summer ( I too am a teacher) and I was wondering about the rental car. We have been told that it is more expensive to return it to another airport. We could fly into Vegas or SLC but we thought we had to do a loop because of the rental car. Did you run into this? Thanks

Hi Robbi, Thanks so much for reading. I love chatting with fellow teachers about their travel plans. 🙂 To be honest, we drove back and forth across the country as part of our adventure. However, I have rented a car and returned it to another location. It depends on the location and time of year so fees vary. I use a website called Autoslash to track my car rental reservations. Make a reservation with any website. Then enter the details at Autoslash. They’ll let you know if they find a cheaper price. I’ve always saved money with them. Hope that helps! Have a great trip!

We weren’t able to fit Moab and canyonlands into our Great Southwest Adventure instead opting for a round trip out of Vegas and doing the north and south rims of the Grand Canyon. My biggest tips would be to stay IN the parks if you can to be right in the middle of the action (but you can’t use points) and if you’re going to hike The Narrows rent the water boots and poles from the adventure shop in Springdale. Water sandals weren’t sufficient. Makes me want to go back!

Thanks for reading and for the tips, Angie! Sounds like you had a great trip. 🙂 Hope you can make it back to visit Moab someday.

Great write up, thanks for sharing. We are planning a trip this fall maybe October, coming from Vermont, and are looking forward to hit the road again. We did the Big Sur, and route 66 a couple of years ago, great time. One question, did you have to make any lodging reservations on your trip? And if not, did you have any problems finding lodging close to where you were exploring and hiking? D

Thanks so much for reading, Don. I did make lodging reservations, but they were all fairly last minute. So for example, we were in Moab/Arches NP already when I booked the hotel for Bryce NP. So, we didn’t just show up but it was spontaneous. We also traveled during spring break time so I was more mindful that just arriving with nowhere to stay could be problematic because of the busier time of year. As for the drive across country to get to Utah, we just found places along the way. Hope that helps and happy travels! 🙂

Wow. What a great resource for planning this trip. What is a better time? Late April or Late September. Thanks for the article.

Thanks for reading, Steve. Honestly, they’d both be great times to go. Weather-wise, it should be more moderate compared to the high temps in summer. Crowd-wise, both times are during the regular school calendar. If I had to choose, maybe late September. Maybe you’ll see the leaves starting to turn a little in Zion NP and it’s probably more comfortable hiking the Narrows in Zion if that’s on your list. Have a great trip! 🙂

Great itinerary and sounds great even with teenage kids, which is my plan. Would this trip work for roundtrip from Salt Lake City? How far is Zion, last stop, back to SLC? I am flying in and the car isn’t my concern but roundtrip tickets from same airport tend to be cheaper.

Thanks for reading, Lizzie. It’s a great trip for teenagers! Zion to SLC is about 4 1/2 hours by car. Not bad, but still may be worth it to search multi-city itineraries flying into SLC and out of Las Vegas, for example. 🙂

Hi! Thanks for the info! I enjoyed this post. I live in Las Vegas and we are getting ready for a 6 day Utah trip: Zion, Coral Pink Sand Dunes, Monument Valley, Natural Bridges, Capitol Reef, and Bryce. We decided to skip Arches/Canyonlands on this trip so we wouldn’t be rushed.

Thanks for reading. So glad the guide was helpful. Enjoy your trip! 🙂

Hello Jackie,

Wonderful, wonderful post. Thank you so much. So glad you included Monument Valley.

We are a family of 5 (kids 16/14/12) and I am putting together my itinerary for 9 actual days + 2 flying days, flying in and out of Salt Lake City. Where would you spent the extra two days? We would like to go down to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon which looks like it is a 2.5 hour journey from either Bryce hotels or Zion Hotels. So North Rim would likely be an extra day and then if we add an extra day to Zion, and finally a day in Salt Lake City at the end to recover and see Antelope Island, then we have the three additional days. Thoughts?

1) Since we arrive late into SLC, we will stay night 1 there and drive to Moab early the next morning which would be Day 2. 2) Seems that it makes sense to either drive down to the North Rim after leaving Page AZ. Or from lodging in Springdale AZ. I think from Zion makes sense. 3) One of our friend families went on a family ‘canyoneering’ adventure at Zion for a day. Is such a thing worth it for a half or whole day? 4) How long should we plan for at the North rim? 5) I hear that Route 12 from Torrey to Bryce is one of the most scenic drives. How would you incorporate this into one of the days?

Tips you may want to add. Friends tell me there is a ‘ghost town’ /cemetary on the way out of Zion called Grafton Cemetary. Driving back to SLC, Mona Utah has a Lavender Farm that could be a nice stop.

Thank you so much for any detailed comments. I realize I have asked several questions.

Your blog is very much appreciated.

Further as I look at things, it may make sense to stay overnight in Page AZ when coming from Monument Valley, check out the Antelope Valley area there, then the next morning go to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. After that go to Zion and spend two days. Then last go to Bryce, why because then when done at Bryce, we could drive Route 12 through Escalante toward Torrey and then back to SLC so there would be no backtracking. Thoughts?

Have a fantastic day!!

Thanks so much for reading, Mike. Glad the post is helpful. 🙂 You have so many great ideas for your trip! You asked where I would have spent more time and I can easily say Zion. The Grand Canyon was tempting for us, as well, but it just felt too big to do it any justice with just a day. But I can easily see adding it because we almost did. Since you’re flying in and out of SLC, I’d stay as much as you can in Zion (yes, canyoneering is worth it!) and route back via through Escalante. I hope you have a great family vacation!! -Jackie

Thank you Jackie. Can I ask another question on logistics and your leanings having been there?

So I am using your rough order of things–after Monument Valley and staying in Lake Powell, Day 5 will be the North Rim and drive back to stay over night in Springdale. Then I have 5 days left for the best! So how to divide…. I think Day 1 Fly and arrive evening Day 2 Arches (3 hr drive in morning then to park) Day 3 Canyonlands (as you suggest drive to The View) Day 4 Monument Valley (as suggest & stay in Lake Powell) Day 5 North Rim (2.5 to, hike, 2.5 hour to Springdale) Day 6 Zion — recover and hiking etc Day 7 Zion — Canyoneering 9-4pm Day 8 Bryce hiking and enjoy Day 9 Bryce for another half day, then drive through to torrey then on to night in Richfield 4 hours plus stops (6 hrs) Day 10 Drive 3 hours to Antelope Island for 4-6 hours. We would have time to stop at the Lavendar farm. Day 11 Fly very early

The question remains, is Antelope Island worth half a day? Or should we stay a third day at Zion or two full days at Bryce?

Any comments appreciated.

I wish you a fantastic day!!!!

Jackie one more. Wow, I have read some more in other forums and your advice to spend more time at Zion is right on. I think I will adjust to stay at Zion 3 days, and one day at Bryce. If we one day at Bryce, then do we clip the day at Bryce by driving the Torrey route at the end of that day, or dedicate the entire day, and make the next day long doing Torrey route back to SLC and optionally see Antelope Island…..Or Bryce for 2/3 of the day and then Torrey route and night in Richfield UT (free hotel night there).

So many questions but you have a great itinerary that you have shared.

Thank you!!!

Hi Mike, 3 days in Zion will be amazing. You’ll have a day for canyoneering. But, then 2 other days to hike, explore, do the park’s scenic drive, etc. (Angel’s Landing is a challenge but worth it! The Narrows is on my list when I return. It was closed when I was there.) I wouldn’t clip Bryce. The park’s scenic drive and stop-offs are already a few hours. Not to mention doing a hike down into the hoodoos! If anything, because Zion and Bryce are relatively close. You could do 3 full days in Zion but sleep that 3rd night in Bryce. The sunrise over the hoodoos the following morning is gorgeous. -Jackie

Thank you again Jackie. Great comments.

I have all my hotels booked but having trouble with availability now in Bryce on June 12 for one night. We may need to stay in Tropic or out at Panguich but some reviews of hotels are scary.

The ones you recommended are full at this point.

Wish I could help there, Mike, but I don’t know anything about hotels in those towns. But Good luck! I’m sure something will work out. Have a good one!

I’d like to suggest the Muley Inn Bed and Breakfast outside of Bryce in Teasdale ?

Thanks for that tip! 🙂

Roughly how much did this trip coast you?

Hi Michelle, thanks for reading. Unfortunately, I don’t have that number. We didn’t fly. We drove and need a car rental. We booked hotels as we went and made use of some cash back rewards on a credit card to erase some of the charges. The America the Beautiful Pass got us into all the National Parks and it cost $80. Hotels and food were really the biggest expense. Sorry I couldn’t be more accurate in my estimating.

This is an amazing post – Kudos! I am planning to do a solo trip to Utah over the July 4th week, but I am going to take your advice of flying into Vegas and doing the whole thing in a reverse order. Any tips/recommendations for a solo traveler?

Best, Dev C

Thanks so much for reading, Dev. I would check each Park’s website for any alerts and pay careful attention to wildlife warnings and/or areas where it’s recommended you go as a few people together versus solo. And, definitely be prepared with plenty of water, food, a charged cell phone, and a basic first aid kit. While I haven’t hiked solo in Utah, I have in Patagonia and the Canadian Rockies. It can be awesome but I always take these precautions, plus let people know my plans. Have so much fun!!

Jackie – I just had the most amazing week in Utah, all thanks to your post. Bryce and Zion were truly astonishing, almost other worldly!! Thank you so much for this blog, you did an awesome job! Take care!

Aww, Dev! I’m so happy to hear that! Thanks for checking in and sharing about your amazing trip. 🙂

Hey, Jackie, wanted to say I just started my search for info on southern Utah and this is fantastic. I’m going to read your post again and then all the comments for additional guidance. I’d really like to see the Grand Staircase and I’m thinking maybe doing that instead of Monument Valley. (I couldn’t figure out from Google Maps how to get in there). Do you know anything about weather in late October/early November there? I’m in between going in September, which may be more crowded, or going later in the fall. One more question: I’d like to do the Angel’s Landing hike at Zion but my husband is not that much of a hiker (he’s doing some of the smaller hikes). 1) is it safe for a woman to hike it alone, and 2) are there enough things to do in town so he won’t be bored? I’m going to start reading some of your other posts about other places to go. Amazing set of details. Thank you, Jan

Thanks for reading, Jan. So glad the guide is helpful. Grand Staircase is just about a half hour from Bryce and a little longer from Zion. You could easily get there from either of those parks. I don’t have any direct knowledge of the weather in October/November other than the average highs and lows for that time shown on weather websites. Personally, I think hiking when the temps are in the 60s, even 50s, is ideal. As for Angel’s Landing, I hiked it solo and felt totally comfortable. I was there in April so not peak summer season and there were plenty of people around. Springdale is a cute town with some shops and places to eat. The main street is certainly walkable but also accessible by a free town shuttle. Even our Holiday Inn Express had a pool which was great for my hubby who was a little under the weather to relax by while I went off hiking. Hope you have a great trip!!

I appreciate your additional info in your reply to my note. We are going last week in September! I’m checking out your site for other vacation ideas.

Fantastic, Jan! Have a great trip. 🙂

Hi Jackie, this is just what I was looking for. My mother-n-law highly recommended this trip. Do you think I should plan this trip in mid July or is it to hot that time of year? Do you approach a trip like this differently that time of year? This is the only time we have open.

Thanks for reading, Mike. It most certainly will be hot. I’d say hotter in Arches and Canyonlands because there aren’t as many places to find shade. It’s wide open, rocky, desert-like terrain. Zion and Bryce will be hot but there are ways to escape constant direct sun either from the trees or the hoodoos when down among them. I don’t necessarily plan differently, but I am more cognizant of starting my days early and, if need be, taking a break for the hottest midday hours before fitting more in as the sun lowers in the sky. I hope you have a great trip!!

Hello!! So happy to stumble upon this site written by a fellow teacher! 🙂 I am a 4th grade teacher in Ohio and will be heading to Utah in a couple weeks. I have set a goal to visit all 50 states before I’m 50 and Utah will be state number 44! 🙂

We are flying into Las Vegas and would love to do Zion NP, Bryce Canyon, and Arches. We have also heard from others that the Grand Canyon is just a 2-3 hour drive from Zion and we should include this… Neither of us have been there and it, too, is on our bucket list. Advice?!?! What MUST we do? We are open to other locations as well…but knew these were great spots that all seemed able to be driven within our time frame.

We will be there from a Wednesday to Wednesday. We arrive late on the first Wednesday, however. Any and all advice from anyone is welcome!! THANK you so much from one teacher to another!! 🙂

Thanks so much for reading, Jenni. It’s always nice to meet a fellow teacher and one who has a fantastic travel goal! 🙂 That’s such a tough choice! Zion and Bryce are musts. Are you also flying out of Las Vegas? If yes, then I might actually stick to Southern Utah and make a visit to the Grand Canyon. If your intention is to drive toward Arches and then fly out of Salt Lake or continue to drive back home from there, I’d say don’t rush to squeeze in the Grand Canyon. In my opinion, the Grand Canyon is a destination all to itself, even though I know plenty of people visit for the day. Grand Escalante, Monument Valley, and even Dead Horse State Park Point (near Canyonlands and Arches and even looks a bit like the Grand Canyon) have so many things to offer in addition to the National Parks on your trip without making the drive to the Grand Canyon. But I know how tempting it is because we almost did it too with the itinerary, but in the end felt we needed more days. I hope that helps and enjoy your trip!! 🙂

Thank you so much for the advice! We are going to hold off on the Grand Canyon and do that with Flagstaff in the future. ?? Planning to head from LV to the Moab area to see Arches/Canyonlands and others. Then back down to Bryce and back to Zion for 2-2.5 days. Yes, we are flying out of LV as well, so this plan seemed to make sense to make the most of the area. Really looking forward to it!! Thanks again for posting your awesome travel experiences and tips for all of us. ??⛰

I think that’s a great choice, Jenni. Utah has so much to see and do. Thanks again for reading and enjoy your summer travels! 🙂

Any chance you can post a map that shows the trip on it, just to show an overview of where each night is spent?

Also we are wondering if there is time to stop at the Antelope canyons near Page, and if it’s worth it.

Thanks for reading, Scott. Yes, I will add a map in the coming days. I definitely think it’s worth it to see Antelope Canyon. But, I’d add a day to the overall trip. Antelope Canyon will take a half a day and you wouldn’t want to shave off time at Bryce or Zion to make it work. 🙂

My wife and I decided to make a trip to Utah in September, and your suggested itinerary sounds great for us – Thanks. Two questions: Do you know if September is a busy month there for tourists? And I love touring through the mountains in a convertible, so any reason not to ? (high temps appear to be around 90.)

Thanks for reading, Richard. Glad the itinerary will come in handy for you and your wife. September is still likely to be busy, but not nearly as busy as the months of June, July, and August. If your visit coincides with weekdays instead of weekends even better. Convertibles are so fun! Besides the sun, I’d think about having a car with 4 wheel drive. Not that you need an SUV or anything, but depending on where you’re driving in Utah, 4 wheel drive could come in handy. Hope you have a great trip! 🙂

Traveling from SLC 5 -6 days to see parks then heading to Mesa verde, Durango , telluride to Denver for 4 days. Should we drive from SLC straight to Zion, then Bryce, Capitol Reef then onto Arches and Moab? Can we fit that all in? Any suggestions would be helpful before booking our stays. Coming in October. Thanks

Thanks for reading, Michele. If you have 6 days, you could do it. Luckily, Zion and Bryce are close to each other. And, Canyonlands and Arches can be accessed from Moab so you don’t have to move hotels. If possible, I’d arrive in SLC, do the drive to Zion (4ish hours) and then have the 6-day visit start the following day. Depending on what hikes/activities you want to do, I’d stay in Zion for 2 days, Bryce 1-1 1/2, Canyonlands 1, Arches 1, give or take + you have to factor in travel time. Looks like an amazing itinerary continuing into Colorado. I’d love for you to check back in and let us know how it goes. 🙂

This is such a helpful resource–thank you so much! I’ll definitely be returning for more travel tips.

Question: We’re planning to make this trip in mid to late March (unfortunately, our dates aren’t flexible because of spring break dates). What do you think of that time for this area? Do you think the roads will be closed, icy, or safe? As for hiking, if a few hikes are closed because of snow, that’s fine, but if all of them were closed, that would be a bummer. So any tips on that time of year would be great (or if you think this itinerary wouldn’t work for those dates, do you have another suggestion?)

Thanks for reading, Sam. So exciting to be planning a trip to Utah. I was there right about the same time in early April. Arches and Canyonlands were ideal with comfy temps (60s) and sunny. Bryce was the chilliest because of the elevation. Some of the hoodoos still had a dusting of snow but the majority of it had melted. One trail was partially closed due to ice. Zion was warm with afternoon temps in the 80s. The Narrows, though, was closed because of snow and ice melt making the river higher than at other times of the year. Hope that helps and feel free to come back with any other questions. 🙂

Any trouble renting a car in Utah and returning in Nevada? I’ve been socked for extra fees before.

Thanks for reading, Jane. One-way fees depend on location, time of year, and even whether or not the car rental company needs cars in a specific place. A one-way fee can be just a few bucks or several hundred. Whenever I make a car rental reservation, I always take all the reservation info and input it into Autoslash’s reservation tracker. They’ll search for a cheaper price for you up until the time of the rental. While it might not eliminate drop fees, I often save 20-25% overall with Autoslash. Hope that helps! 🙂

Hi jackie what an excellent blog here , i was hoping you can help me with some things biulding my Interniary this april 3rd week i have my wife with me with 9 and 4 yr old , driving a rental from PHX to sacramento in 7 days any helpful suggestion with this

day 1 Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport Grand Canyon National Park

day 2 Antelope Canyon, Arizona 86040 lake powell

day 3 Bryce Canyon National Park

day 4 Zion National Park

day 5 Las Vegas, Nevada

day 6 and 7 going home to sacramento which is about 8 hrs drive

———- i wanna go to monument valley but i think it is too far it will add about 2.5 hrs of driving or 3 , im confused about this ,

Thanks so much for reading, John. Monument Valley is a bit out of the way and I’d focus on what you already have in your itinerary. I’d want to wake up in the places I’d end up for the day, especially with Bryce and Zion. So that would mean seeing Antelope Canyon/Lake Powell and driving to Bryce at night so you have the full day in Bryce. You can easily drive after a day at Bryce to Zion and check in to your hotel that night so you have the whole day at Zion. Depending on what time your flight arrives into PHX, I might build in a little more time to start. Flagstaff is just 2 hours from Phoenix and 90 minutes from the Grand Canyon South Rim. There’s some really cool stuff to do in Flagstaff , but it also could be a way to get settled and ready for the next day at the Grand Canyon without feeling rushed. Have a great trip! You have so many great things awaiting on this itinerary! Enjoy!

This is a great iteniary! My husband and I took a week road trip 3 years ago that ended up lasting over 3 months and spent a good deal of time visiting all of these besides Zion (who wouldn’t allow our dog, lol)! We were in love the minute we camped in Moab and continued North. We did this in a frugal budget and more amazing scenery and landscape than I could have ever imagined. Camping, a new passion and stargazing! Take the next left while finding some off the map beauty that we loved! Ashley National Forest is a must, Sheep’s Head Pass is incredible! Fishlake National Park has the most scenic foliage of the alpine trees in fall I have seen! We moved to Utah and there are too many to list! Well done and thanks for sharing with others!

Thanks so much for reading, Chris. Appreciate all your expert tips! Utah is just gorgeous with so much to see and do. The stargazing is amazing!

Utah’s National Parks seems to be the eighth wonder! Yes; I could spot you under the massive arch. thank you for writing such a detailed article on the park.

Thanks for reading, George. I had a good laugh that you spotted me under that massive arch! 😉 The Utah NPs are a wonder, for sure. Hope you enjoy your visit.

Jackie: Love your trip. How would this trip be in March ? Would weather be a problem ?

Thanks for reading, Steve. Temperature wise I think you’ll find it comfortable for hiking and being outdoors. (Utah can get pretty hot in summer!) One thing to keep in mind is Zion and Bryce may still have snow on some trails or on the hoodoos. I was there in early April and Zion was actually really warm with no sign of snow. Although, the Narrows was closed because of snowmelt making the river current too strong. Bryce was a bit chillier because of elevation and there was 1 trail that was partially closed due to ice and snow still in a few spots. Otherwise, I had no issues. Hope that helps and you enjoy your trip! 🙂

We’re older, yet active. We walk ALOT! Hiking? Is there time for that? That being said, no climbing .Weather wise , end of May beginning of June? My husband would do all the driving, i’d Want him to enjoy the drive.

Thanks for reading, J. There’s absolutely time for hiking. We hiked Delicate Arch and a few other trails on our visit to Arches. We hiked along the canyon rim in Canyonlands. At Bryce, we did a partial rim trail and Navajo Loop trail hike, while at Zion we hiked Angel’s Landing and a few of the shorter hikes off the main stops of the park shuttle. A May trip should be warm and sunny. Hope you enjoy this gorgeous part of the U.S!

Four ‘retired’ adults planning to head to the big 5 in mid May. Starting from Vegas. Very loose itinerary. Main concern is overnight accommodations availability. Am I overthinking this?

Thanks for reading, Joe. It’s hard to say, but I think you should be ok. The one exception is in Bryce. The town is small and has few places to stay just outside the park. I did this trip in April around school break time and booked many of the hotels in a similar way as you’re planning to do and it worked out. I have to imagine my April week was busier than May because school is still in session. However, I’d definitely book ahead if any of your dates coincide with Memorial Day weekend. Enjoy Utah! It’s such a beautiful state!

I’ve planned a trip based to Utah starting this weekend, based on this blog post. I’m excited! I’ll let you know how it went!

Thanks for reading, Aseem! So excited to hear about your trip to Utah! Happy travels and hope you enjoy the itinerary. 🙂

Thank you so much for his article! I really appreciate your advice and your encouraging attitude. I am hoping to take this road trip with my 10 year old daughter soon. We live in Albuquerque.

Thank you, Noelle!

Appreciate the kind words and I hope you guys make the trip soon!

Thanks for this post as it provided us an informative start on planning- just did the trip in early August. We opted to go to Capitol Reef NP instead of Monument Valley- it was more direct and turned out to be one of my favorites. MV is a bit out of the way, with few lodging options and restrictions on what you can do there compared to Capitol Reef.. Again, thanks so much for this post as it really inspired me.

Thanks for reading, Sean. So glad you loved Capitol Reef and so glad the post inspired you! 🙂

Hi. Thanks a ton for sharing and the detailed layout of your trip. This information is great, as we plan our visit to these National parks.

We will be flying into Denver, and then driving down passing through Mesa Verde. Once we get into Utah, the plan is to follow your lead from Arches National Park on. If there is one thing we get from your post (and descriptions), it seems this road trip of ours will be an experience of a life time, for which we are super excited. You have been a great help!

Cheers! – Naz & Faz!

Thanks for reading, Naz and Faz. You will certainly have an amazing trip! The Utah National Parks are just gorgeous. Enjoy! 🙂

Jackie, Thank you very much for this website. I am flying into Salt Lake City in October and meeting a friend – we are going to visit a National Park in Utah. Would it be possible for me to correspond with you directly?

Thanks, Travis Matthews

Thanks for reading, Travis. I’m happy to answer your Utah NP question. You can post it here or contact me through the blog’s contact form. 🙂

I actually have some fans on a facebook page related to this stuff. I’ll share your post with them and see what they have to say. I’m sure they’ll love it though.

Thanks for reading and sharing, Matthew.

Thank you so much for your tips. We’ll definitely follow your itinerary during our trip in May 2020. One thing I wonder, isn’t it better to fly to Moab when planning to go to Zion and Bryce, so we save a few hours driving? We are flying from Minneapolis and our trip will be for a week. We’d like to use our time and see as much as possible of Utah.

Thanks again!

Thanks for reading, Elena. Not sure I completely understand your question. There’s a small airport about 20 miles from Moab that services flights on a United/Sky West from Denver. No other commercial airlines fly in or out. Also consider, Zion and Bryce are roughly 2 1/2 hours from Las Vegas which has a much larger airport. Moab is nearly 5 hours from Zion and Salt Lake City is 4 1/2 hours. If you’re only doing Zion and Bryce, I might fly into Las Vegas instead and drive to the parks from there. Hope that helps! 🙂

Hi, Jackie Me and my husband in Utah at the moment and tried to add Antelope Canyon driving from Monument Valley to Bryce Canyon, but unfortunately all tours were sold out. I love colored stones, do you know any Canyon similar to Antelope Canyon? Also have you visited Wave? Is Wave even better than lower Antelope Canyon? These weren’t included in your tour, so you don’t think Antelope Canyon is as good as other ones in Utah? We think we missed out big deal not be able to go

Thanks for reading, Abby. Sorry to hear you missed the chance to see Antelope Canyon. I didn’t include it my week itinerary only because we didn’t have enough time. If you can, take a look at Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon. It’s similar to Antelope Canyon but not as crowded/well-known. Good luck!!

Love this! Planning to take the train in February from Chicago and get off at Grand Junction. Shall I do the trip as you set it out and then have a long day of driving back to Grand Junction to get back on the train, heading to CA? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks much. Shelley

Thanks for reading, Shelley. You could add one last thing to your itinerary to make it more of a loop. Start in Moab and do Arches and Canyonlands area. Head south to do Monument Valley, Bryce, Zion area. Then loop back north to do Capitol Reef National Park before head back to Grand Junction. Good luck on your drive! So many great things to see in that area! 🙂

My girlfriend and i are from Melbourne Australia and travelling to Utah in April 2020. I really like the itinerary that you have created and was wondering if you thought it would be possible to add in Capitol reef as well? I really want to drive there on highway 12 from Bryce canyon. We would only have the same number of days as your itinerary but was thinking of skipping Canyonlands to hopefully accommodate Capitol reef? What do you think?

Thanks so much for reading, Al. You could absolutely do that, swap out Canyonlands for Capitol Reef. You could also leave out Monument Valley and get in all 5 National Parks instead. Once you’re in Moab for Arches, Canyonlands is so close from there. And it sounds like you’re thinking Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef and if so, Monument Valley might be going out of your way. Just depends what are your must-see places…Hope that helps and you have a great road trip! 🙂

As I have researched for our trip at end of March 2020, this is is the most helpful article out there in my opinion! Thank you so much! One question. If you had to shorten it by one day (we only have 7 days) what would you do differently. We are travelling with our 16 yo and 21 yo boys and we are all very active hikers.

Thanks for reading and for your kind words, Kara. If you had to skip something, I’d say leave out Monument Valley. Focus on the National Parks and hiking to your hearts’ content. Hope you have a great trip!

Good Morning. Your website was so helpful when I went out with a friend to Utah in October – we saw Arches and Canyonlands and just had a blast. I am planning a trip for late April or early May as we speak. I was planning the trip with my friend Jon, but he has just pulled out (we had not yet booked hotel rooms or plane tickets). Jon is married with 2 kids and I know trips like that are not easy for him. I am single (47) and I wondered if you knew of any travel groups that might be heading out to Utah? I could go by myself, but when you are single, you spend more time alone and it is nice to take trips with people. Any suggestions?

Thanks so much for reading and so glad to hear the website was helpful for your last trip. I don’t know of any travel groups heading out to Utah. But, what I do when I travel solo is to join in a few day tours. At the very least, you can enjoy the experience with others. But sometimes, you even end up with a friend that’ll join you for dinner or even another activity at some point on the trip. I use Get Your Guide to book day tours and they have a few good ones in Utah like the chance to explore Arches by 4×4 or ATV. You might also look at the website Meetups. They have groups that meet regularly for hiking and other activities in Utah. Maybe your dates will align. Hope that helps and you decide to make the trip! 🙂

Our family is planning a Utah trip this summer, flying into SLC and out of Phoenix. I am trying to map out our days using a portion of your itinerary as well as some of the previous comment’s suggestions. We have a total of 9 days/ 8 nights. Is what I have mapped out accurate? Day 1 – Leave SLC at lunch time and drive to Moab Day 2 – Canyonland/Dead Horse Point Day 3 – Arches Day 4 – Drive to Bryce via Hwy 12 and hit Capital Reef NP along the way Day 5- Bryce Canyon NP; drive to Springdale Day 6 – Zion Day 7 – Drive to Grand Canyon area with stops in Page, AZ Day 8 – Grand Canyon Day 9 – Drive to Phoenix and fly home

Is there a different way you would work this timeline/stops. I love these kind of trips, but mapping it all out is a nightmare for me! Our flights and rental car are booked, but I have yet to book lodging. I appreciate any advice you may have!

Thanks so much for reading, Bekah. Your itinerary looks great! In addition to this itinerary, I’ve done the Grand Canyon and then drove to Phoenix to fly home. We loved the Holiday Inn Express in Springdale for Zion NP. When I was in the Grand Canyon, I stayed in Flagstaff, which is a great town all on its own. In Moab, we stayed in the Holiday Inn Express as well and liked it. Its location is convenient to the town but just near the entrance of Arches. Hope that helps but reach out with more questions if you have them! 🙂

Thank you for all of these tips, Jackie. My family and I are planning a road trip this summer to stay at a dude ranch in Utah that’s actually right near Bryce Canyon and I’m so excited to see the sunrise over the hoodoos. Do you have any recommendations on hikes in the area? Already considering planning another trip because all of your suggestions sound so fun.

Thanks for reading, Jamie. I can only suggest hikes within Bryce. The Navajo Loop Trail and the Queens Garden Trails are good ones!

My cousin has been thinking about going on a trip to the Zion national park to have some fun hiking with her kids. She would really like to get some help from a professional to be more effective, and have more fun. I liked what you said about how she should try to climb angels because it is a touch climb but should be really rewarding.

Thanks for reading, Adam. Angel’s Landing is tough but definitely an accomplishment…with great views. 🙂

I really like your website. Can you recommend a shuttle service from the Las Vegas Airport to Bryce Canon City?

Thanks for reading and for your kind words, Travis. I don’t know of a specific shuttle service but there are very small group tours that operate from Las Vegas to Bryce. Not sure if that will help but I’ve linked to it just in case.

Hello, thanks so much for detailing out this 1 week trip! I just booked it exactly as you suggested as a high school graduation gift/family trip for my son in August. Used all suggestions and hotels. THANK YOU!

Thanks so much for reading, Jen! That’s so awesome! I’m sure you’ll have a great time. The Utah National Parks are amazing. Enjoy. 🙂

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• Destinations

Wild Junket

Utah Road Trip: A 2-Week Utah National Parks Itinerary

Last Updated on March 7, 2024

Dreaming of the perfect Utah road trip? Check out this epic 2-week Utah itinerary from national parks expert, James Ian from Parks Collecting . 

Welcome to the most rugged state in USA! From red-rock mesas to skinny slot canyons, powder-bound slopes and slick rock trails, Utah’s diverse terrain will stun you. Utah is best known for the “Big Five”:  five spectacular national parks including  Arches, Canyonland and the famous Zion National Park .  Throw in the legendary  Monument Valley , the iconic Antelope Canyon and the adventure capital of America, Moab — a road trip to Utah promises plenty of adventure and outdoor adrenaline.

As a national parks expert, I’ve compiled a perfect Utah road trip itinerary that packs in all of my favorite national parks. Join me as I show you the best hangouts in Salt Lake City, awesome hiking trails in Moab, awesome viewpoints in monument Valley, and scenic drives in Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef .

Table of Contents

•  How to Get to Utah

How to Get Around Utah

Best time to go on an utah road trip, wander around temple square, visit the capitol hill, where to stay in salt lake city, visit dead horse state park, try an adventure activity.

• Where to Stay in Moab

Stop at Park Avenue

Hike the windows section, do the fiery furnace hike, explore the devil’s garden, catch sunset at the delicate arch, visit the island in the sky, hike the needles, drive the valley of the gods road, monument valley instagram moment, see a panoramic view of the monument valley, hike the monument valley wildcat trail, where to stay in monument valley, do the monument valley scenic drive, visit the navajo national monument, where to stay in page, see the horseshoe bend at sunset, hike the narrows, where to stay in springdale, hike angel’s landing, observation point , do the bryce canyon scenic drive, hike the rim trail, walk the queen’s garden loop trail, where to stay at bryce canyon national park, fruita scenic drive, where to stay in capitol reef national park, visit the temples of the sun and moon, utah itinerary day 14: salt lake city, enjoy your utah road trip, utah road trip guide.

  How to Get to Utah

This Utah road trip itinerary starts and ends in Salt Lake City, the biggest city in Utah. Most major airlines fly to Salt Lake City Airport (SLC), including American Airlines and United. You can find cheap flights from New York to Salt Lake City for just $110 each way, and from Los Angeles to Salt Lake City for only $59 each way.

For those flying to Utah from Europe, you can get pretty good deals from London to Salt Lake City for around $650 return with a stopover in San Francisco.

Search for Flights to Salt Lake City

Utah is a road tripper’s dream. In order to drive on some of the dirt roads on this itinerary, it’s best to get a high clearance vehicle, preferably a 4WD.

A 2-week car rental in Utah costs around US$420 which equates to $30/day (with pick-up and drop-off at the Salt Lake City Airport). I always book my car rental on Discover Cars as they’ve consistently given me the best rates and customer service.

Nevada and Arizona are so close to Utah that you can easily extend your road trip as long as you have a car. Check out our recommended Nevada road trip itinerary .

The best time to travel Utah is during the spring (March-May) or fall (September-November) . Late spring offers moderate temperatures in Utah with gorgeous weather for traveling in the rest of the state. It’s also a great time as you avoid the summer crowds.

Utah has pretty warm temperatures in summer. The average summer temperature in Salt Lake City is around 68 to 89°F (20 to 32°C). Winters can be snowy and cold. The average winter temperature is around 26 to 39°F (-3 to 4°C).

Utah Road Trip Itinerary

Utah itinerary days 1-2: explore salt lake city.

This Utah road trip will start in Salt Lake City. Take the first two days to relax and explore the city at a leisurely pace before heading out into the backcountry. Many people often underestimate the amount of things to do in Salt Lake City. It’s got plenty of history, great restaurants, entertainment & the arts, and scenic drives.

One of the most iconic landmark in Salt Lake City is to visit beautiful Temple Square, home to one of the oldest temples in church history. There are free tours of temple square  daily, or, if you aren’t interested in an organized tour it’s an absolutely beautiful place to walk around and enjoy the grounds year round.

Take a tour of the Utah State Capitol Building, the beautiful house of government for the state of Utah. Built between 1912 and 1916, this Corinthian style building sits atop one of my favorite neighborhoods in Salt Lake City, Capitol Hill. You can walk the capitol grounds or better yet schedule a free tour, Monday thru Friday.

Nearby is the Pioneer Memorial Museum, which houses the world’s largest collection of artifacts on one subject. Admission is free of charge and the museum is opened Monday through Saturday.

Budget: Comfort Inn Downtown Salt Lake City

This Comfort Inn has a great downtown location, comfortable rooms and indoor hot tub. Affordable prices and updated amenities. Check rates here.

Mid Range: The Little America Hotel Salt Lake City

A short five-minute drive to Temple Square, this mid range hotel has an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, and onsite shops, spa and restaurant. Check rates here.

Luxury: Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City

A great accommodation choice in Salt Lake City is this chic, five-star hotel (pictured) just a ten-minute walk from Temple Square. Check rates here.

Utah Itinerary Day 3: Drive to Moab

This is the longest driving day you will have. The drive to Moab covers around 285-mile (450km) and takes around 5 hours.

If you leave Salt Lake City early in the morning, you should get to Moab around lunch time.  Check into your hotel — I recommend staying here for the next couple of days and do day trips to the nearby national parks. The town of Moab is a small desert city, but it’s a gateway to spectacular red rock formations.

If your main focus is to see the incredible nature in Utah, head to Dead Horse State Park . The view from Dead Horse Point is one of the most photographed scenic vistas in the world. Towering 2,000 feet above the Colorado River, the overlook provides a breathtaking panorama of Canyonlands’ sculpted pinnacles and buttes.

The park is a 45-minute drive from Moab. It costs $20 per vehicle to enter. From the park’s Visitor Center, you can drive or hike to Dead Horse Point Overlook.

Moab is the self-titled adventure capital of the world. Some of the most famous and thrilling mountain bike trails in the country are around Moab, including the truly epic Slick Rock Trail .  If you prefer four wheels to two, there are also plenty of mind-blowing trails for off-roading. Book this 4×4 adventure at Hell’s Revenge !

If you seek a more vertical thrill, try your hand at rock climbing or rappelling/ canyoneering.  Expert climbers and canyoners travel from all over America to conquer the hills and canyons around Moab – but there are also rock climbing experiences for beginners too!

Where to Stay in   Moab

Budget: The Hotel Moab Downtown 

With a great location in the heart of Moab, this budget hotel offers good value for money with spacious rooms, an outdoor seasonal pool and cable TV. Check rates here.

Mid Range: Moab Springs Ranch 

For a few more $ per night, stay at this ranch with charming rustic cabins, a lovely garden with barbecue facilities and its own restaurant. Check rates here.

Luxury: Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection By Hilton 

With an outdoor swimming pool, bar, restaurant and king-sized beds, this luxury hotel (pictured) not only has the best amenities in town, but it’s also got a location that’s hard to beat. Check rates here.

Utah Itinerary Day 4: Day Trip to Arches National Park

Next day, do a day trip to the first of Utah’s Big Five national parks. Arches National Park is home to over 2,000 natural arches and hundreds of soaring pinnacles, massive rock fins, and giant balanced rocks. This red-rock wonderland will amaze you with its formations, refresh you with its trails, and inspire you with its sunsets.

The entrance to Arches National Park is just 5 miles (8km) from downtown Moab.  There is only one road in and out of the park, so get an early start and beat the crowds.

The first stop along Arches Scenic Drive is a small canyon called Park Avenue . From the first parking lot, there is a scenic overlook. If you are up for a short hike, you can hike down into the canyon and walk along a trail with the towering walls on both sides.  You will soon realize why the area was named after the skyscrapers of New York’s Park Avenue.

In the Windows Section of the national park, there are two easy hikes with huge payoffs.  In one direction, a short 1.2-mile loop trail takes you to North and South Windows, and the nearby Turret Arch.  Climb up to the bottom of North Window for views through the arch.

In the other direction, a 0.5-mile roundtrip trail takes you to the spectacular Double Arch.  Not one, but two, huge arches interlock in an amazing natural display.  Be sure to look up and through the arches.

The Fiery Furnace area of Arches National Park can only be visited with a special backcountry permit or on an organized ranger-led tour, which is not scheduled for 2021. You will need to squeeze through narrow cracks, leap over deep crevices and shimmy your way over large rocks.  Along the way, you will see Skull Arch and narrow passageways and fins that few visitors to the park get to see.

This section of the park is at the far end of the road.  If you visit all of the other areas in the park, you will probably only have time for the first section of this trail, the easy paved path to Landscape Arch . This is the largest single span arch in North America!

The full Devil’s Garden Trail takes about six hours.  If you are up for a longer and truly amazing hike, head straight here and skip some of the other parts of the park. You will see eight arches, including the breathtaking Double O Arch.

The most famous arch in the national park adorns the state’s license plate.  The beautiful 52-foot-tall free-standing arch is reached at the end of a three-mile round trip hike.  Time your trip for sunset, when the arch glows golden in the last rays of sunshine. Bring a headlamp or flashlight for each hiker to return in the dark. (Cellphone light is not enough.)

Utah Itinerary Day 5: Day Trip to Canyonlands National Park

Day 5 brings you on another day trip to second national park on your Utah road trip.  Canyonlands National Park has three distinct sections, which are not interconnected.  Two of them are close to Moab, so you can choose which section you’d like to visit.

The Island in the Sky region of Canyonlands National Park is the easiest to visit.  It’s just a 40-minute drive north of Moab. The main feature is the Island in the Sky mesa.  You can see the main highlights along the paved drive around the top of the mesa.  There are plenty of places to pull over and enjoy scenic views of the surrounding canyons.

This part of Canyonlands National Park is named after the thin natural rock spires that look like needles.  There are several canyons in this section that you can either hike or drive through.

A ten-mile hike takes you to Confluence Overlook , where there are views of the Colorado River and Green River as they join together.  As an alternative, an eleven-mile hike takes you to the Chesler Park Viewpoint , with amazing views of the needles.

If you have a 4WD drive vehicle, this is a great place for off-road adventures.  Elephant Hill and Horse Canyon are more advanced trails that require some off-roading experience. For an easier road, try the Colorado Overlook Road.  You can hike the last 1.5 miles to the overlook.

Utah Itinerary Day 6: Drive to Monument Valley

Check out of your hotel in Moab and prepare for the highlight of this Utah road trip. The 162-mile drive to Monument Valley takes about 3 hours, but you will break your trip with a scenic drive through the Valley of the Gods.

This 17-mile scenic drive near Mexican Hat is much less visited than Monument Valley, but totally worth it.  The dirt road loops through a wide valley with sandstone spires, buttes and mesas.  Allow at least a couple of hours to drive the Valley of the Gods road , as you will stop frequently for photos.

If there is one photo you need to take of Monument Valley, it is the classic shot of a long straight road stretching to famous shapes of Monument Valley in the background.  Approaching from the north as you do on this road trip, you will see this view very clearly.

There will probably be several other vehicles pulled up on the side of the road as people take photos.  The best photos are near the top of the hill , as you get more of the road in your shot that way.  If you want to pose in the middle of the road, watch out for oncoming traffic!

Monument Valley straddles the border between Utah and Arizona.  The valley is part of the Navajo nation and is officially called Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.  The entrance fee is $20 per vehicle or $10 per person (children under 10 are free).

Stop and enjoy the panoramic view of Monument Valley at The View , a complex with a hotel, restaurants, visitor center, cabins and campground. This is a good spot to freshen up and have lunch.

The only hiking trail in Monument Valley that you can do without a Navajo guide is the Wildcat Trail .  The trail starts near The View campground.  The 3.6-mile trail loops around the West Mitten butte.  Best done in the late afternoon, when the entire valley glows with the last rays of sun.

Budget: Wetherill Inn

The best budget option is the Wetherill Inn in Kayenta, just a 40-minute drive from Monument Valley. It has an indoor heated swimming pool and includes continental breakfast. Check rates here.

Mid Range: Goulding’s Lodge

Goulding’s is a comfortable 3-star lodge just outside the Tribal Park, with views of Monument Valley in the distance.  It’s a short drive to Monument Valley. Check rates here.

Luxury: The View

The best place to stay in Monument Valley is The View (pictured), since it is perched on the edge of the valley with breathtaking views from some of the rooms. I’ve stayed here several times and loved it! Check rates here.

Utah Itinerary Day 7: Head to Page

This day of the Utah road trip dips into northern Arizona – but is a worthwhile addition to your Utah trip. Stay two nights in Page and do a daytrip from there the next day. If you have some extra time, I recommend extending your trip with this Arizona itinerary.

The main part of Monument Valley can be visited on self-guided scenic drive.  The 17-mile dirt road loops around the most famous buttes, including Merrick Butte, the Three Sisters, Elephant Butte, Totem Pole, and Artist’s Point.

A popular highlight is John Wayne’s Point.  Here, you can pose on a horse while gazing out from a cliff top, with Monument Valley spread out behind you.  The cliff is not tall and the horse doesn’t move, but no one will know that when they see your photos!

After lunch, hop back in your car and hit the road again. An hour’s drive from Monument Valley is Navajo National Monument .  The easy paved 1.3-mile Sandal Trail takes you to an overlook where you can see the Betatakin Cliff Dwelling.

The Ancestral Puebloan people build their villages in alcoves in the side of cliffs hundreds of years ago.  It is amazing to see them, and Betatakin is very well-preserved.  You can see the cliff dwelling clearly across the canyon. From there, it is a 1.5-hour drive to Page.

Budget: Knights Inn Page

With a great location, seasonal outdoor pool and free WiFi, the Knights Inn Page is a solid budget choice.  Check rates here.

Mid Range: Desert Canyon Inn

This is my go-to place to stay in Page. This inn has clean rooms, with WiFi, private bathrooms and flatscreen TVs. Its location in downtown Page means you can walk to restaurants. Check rates here.

Luxury: The Lake Powell Resort

This upscale resort has its own marina and you can dine in their restaurant with a lake view or on a dinner cruise.  There is a seasonal outdoor pool, fitness center and they even have powerboats you can rent. Check rates here.

Utah Itinerary Day 8:  Day Trip to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend

In the morning, drive out to Antelope Canyon from Page.  This is quite possibly the most stunning slot canyon in the world.  A narrow winding canyon has been carved out of the layered sandstone by flash flooding over hundreds of years.

The canyon is a photographer’s dream.  The colors are mind-blowing oranges, reds, blues and purples.  The walls of the canyon swirl and swoop and form fantastical shapes.

From there, it’s a short hop to the picturesque Horseshoe Bend in the Colorado River, an icon of the region. Get here early if you want a good spot for sunset photography. It’s only about a 10-minute walk from the parking lot to the overlook itself. There are no railings, so be careful on the edges.

Utah Itinerary Day 9: Drive to Zion National Park

From Page, it is a 2-hour and 15-minute drive to Springdale, the gateway town to Zion National Park.  This route enters Zion National Park at the East Entrance.  The first section is along Checkboard Mesa, where natural rock formations create amazing straight checkerboard lines.

Do the Mount Carmel Scenic Drive

The 26-mile road is a stunning way to enter the park.  You’ll pass through the historic 1920’s Mt. Carmel Tunnel, which is an engineering marvel at over 5,000 feet (1524m) above sea level.

Soon after the tunnel, jaw-dropping views of the canyon spread out below you.  Take your time – there is a pullover where you can safely stop for photos.  There is also a short one-mile Canyon Overlook Trail hike that provides wonderful views.

The Narrows is a unique hike that involves wading through a narrow slot canyon in a river.  It’s not uncommon to hike beside a river, but much rarer to hike the length of a river in the actual water.  The sheer canyon walls rise right up next to the river on both sides.

First take the shuttle to the end of Zion Canyon and walk along Riverside Walk to the start of the Narrows slot canyon.  You then enter the water and spend the day crossing back and forth as you head upstream, constantly seeking the best route. The canyon gets narrower and narrower as you go.

In the narrowest section, called Wall Street , the canyon walls are hundreds of feet tall and just a few yards wide across.  This is where most people turn back and return to the start of the trail. Wear waterproof clothing and take a hiking stick to steady yourself in the flowing water.

Budget: The Holiday Inn Express Springdale

Springdale is a lovely town with great restaurants and plenty of accommodation options. This Holiday Inn has a seasonal outdoor pool, hot tub and lovely terrace with a view. Check rates here.

Mid Range: Cable Mountain Lodge

This is a top mid-range option, with an outdoor swimming pool, a hot tub with canyon views and a location right next to the park’s Visitor Center. Check rates here.

Luxury: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Zion National Park

This 5-star hotel (pictured) has a stunning restaurant/ lounge with a floor-to-ceiling glass wall looking on to Zion’s red cliffs.  There is also an outdoor pool and hot tub. Check rates here.

Utah Itinerary Day 10: Hike in Zion 

For your second day in Zion, there are a couple of different hikes you can choose from. If you’re up for a challenging hike with steep drop offs, then opt for Angel’s Landing.  If that seems too intimidating, then hike to Observation Point.

Angels’ Landing is the most famous hike in the park.  If you have a fear of heights, this may not be for you.  The last section of the 4.8-mile roundtrip hike goes along a narrow ridge with steep drop offs.  You need to hold on to a chain as you inch along this narrow section.  The reward?  Absolutely stunning views of Zion Canyon.

A much easier trail but with even better views is the easy hike to Observation Point.  You need to drive out of the East Gate to the East Mesa trailhead.  From there, it is a flat easy 6.4-mile roundtrip hike to the rim of Zion Canyon.

This has arguably the best view in the entire park.  A 230-degree view along the entire length of Zion Canyon more than 2,100 feet below.  You will actually look down on to Angel’s Landing 700 feet below you.

There are some great restaurants in St George to visit after your hikes.

Utah Itinerary Day 11: Explore Bryce Canyon National Park

Today you’ll leave Zion and drive 86 miles (about 2 hours) to Bryce Canyon.  This leaves you most of the day to enjoy Bryce Canyon National Park . Definitely one of the best national parks in USA , Bryce Canyon is famous for the orange hoodoos (sandstone spires) that form a unique, alien-like landscape you can’t find anywhere else in the world.

Start your visit to Bryce Canyon National Park with the 38-mile (61km) roundtrip scenic drive along the length of the canyon.  There are 13 viewpoints along the way, so allow about 3 hours for the whole drive.

Now it’s time to get out and hit the trails.  The most spectacular section of the park is the Bryce Amphitheater.  You can walk along the rim, taking in several stunning views along the way.

The entire trail is 5.5 miles (8.8 km), but you can just hike part of it, so that you have time to also head down among the hoodoos.  Highlights are Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Inspiration Point and Bryce Point.

Don’t miss the chance to hike down into the canyon, with the amazing hoodoos all around you and towering above you.  The best hike is the loop down to Queen’s Garden returning via the Navajo Trail .

The hike to Queen’s Garden takes you past several famous hoodoos including Thor’s Hammer. At the bottom, you can see a hoodoo that looks like a statue of Queen Victoria (hence the name).  The return trail goes up a series of steep switchbacks in a narrow section called Wall Street.

Budget: Red Ledges Inn

The cheapest option near to Bryce Canyon National Park is this refurbished motel that has a cool wild wild west exterior and renovated rooms. Check the rates here.

Mid Range: Bryce Valley Lodging

About a 15-minute drive from the park, this budget motel has air-conditioned rooms that feature comfortable beds and a small kitchenette. Check the rates here.

Luxury: The Best Western PLUS Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel

Nestled among the red rock cliffs of  Bryce Canyon National Park , this hotel (pictured) offers exceptional amenities, including a free hot breakfast , a restaurant, fitness center and swimming pool. Check rates here.

Utah Itinerary Day 12: Visit Capitol Reef National Park

The day starts back on the road as you drive from Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef. The drive to the Fruita area of the park takes about 2.5 hours.  On arrival, check in at the park’s Visitor Center to check the state of the roads, river level, and flash flood warnings.

The Fruita valley is the heart of Capitol Reef National Park.  There are plenty of easy hikes to do, a short scenic drive and several historic buildings.  Be sure to visit the historic Gifford Homestea d and Fruita Schoolhouse.

This 8-mile drive on a paved road takes you past the main Capitol Reef escarpment.  The name of the national park comes from the rock formations along this escarpment that look like a series of domed capitol buildings forming a long ‘reef’.

There are two unpaved side roads you should take as part of this scenic drive. Grand Wash is a narrow canyon with steep walls.  Park at the end and hike into the narrowest part of the canyon.  Capitol Gorge is another short side road that takes you to some of the domed rock formations that inspired the park’s name.

Budget: The Rim Rock Inn

The Rim Rock is a comfortable motel just ten minutes from the Visitor Center.  It has nice views and an onsite restaurant, and reasonable prices. Check rates here.

Mid Range: The Red Sands Hotel

Just 3 miles from the national park, this mid range hotel has an indoor heated swimming pool and hot tub with awesome views. Check rates here.

Luxury: Capitol Reef Resort

Located at the entrance to Capitol Reef National Park , this luxury resort has unique accommodations such as teepees and Conestoga wagons. It’s also got an outdoor pool and hot tub. Best location! Check rates here.

Utah Itinerary Day 13: Drive the Cathedral Valley Loop

Within Capitol Reef National Park, Cathedral Valley is a large valley just north of Fruita with incredible red rock formations with white tops.  The best way to see this stunning part of Capitol Reef National Park is to drive the 58-mile scenic loop. You will need a high clearance vehicle, and a 4WD is strongly recommended, as the dirt road can be rough in parts.

It takes about 5 hours to drive the loop, but with stops and short side trips, it will take a full day. The drive starts from Highway 24 at Hartnet Road (mile marker 91), about 12 miles east of the Visitor Center. If you drive in a clockwise direction, you ford the Fremont River at the start of the drive.

There are many scenic viewpoints and places of interest along the way. Lower and Upper South Desert Overlooks are both reached by very short 0.25-mile walks and give great views for opposite sides of the valley.  Upper Cathedral Valley Overlook has perhaps the best panoramic views over the valley and its amazing red sandstone cliffs and church-like monoliths.

The Temples of the Sun and Moon, are enormous sandstone monoliths rising straight up out of the valley floor.  They are reached down a short side road. Other highlights include Gypsum Sinkhole and the historic Morrell Cabin.

The last leg of your Utah road trip itinerary is a 3.5-hour drive north back to Salt Lake City. I suggest driving back early to avoid the traffic and to catch your flight home. There are quite a few airport hotels at Salt Lake City in case you need one for an early morning flight.

Hilton Garden Inn – Salt Lake City Airport is the best hotel by the airport — rooms are on the top end and amenities are impressive. Holiday Inn Express Airport East is the nearest hotel to the airport. For budget traveler, Motel 6 Salt City UT West Airport is the cheapest option near the airport.

I’ve designed this Utah itinerary to include the best places this state has to offer: from outstanding national parks to Navajo land and cute charming towns. I hope this will help you plan your Utah road trip and allows you to see the best sights in the state!

If you’re interested in exploring more of the US, check out other articles I’ve written:

• Route 66 Road Trip Itinerary
• Arizona Road Trip Itinerary
• California Road Trip Itinerary
• Nevada Road Trip Itinerary
• Florida Road Trip Itinerary
• Weekend in Seattle
• Weekend in Los Angeles
• Weekend in San Francisco
• Weekend in Miami

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links i.e. I make a small commission when you purchase something through my links, at NO extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!

About the Author: James Ian

James Ian has been to 82 countries and more than 30 states in the US.  He is a national parks expert and helps people have incredible vacations to US parks through his website  Parks Collecting .

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Nellie Huang

Nellie Huang is the founder of WildJunket. Originally from Singapore, Nellie has traveled to over 150 countries across 7 continents. She is a book author and Lonely Planet guidebook writer. As an adventure travel blogger, she has a special interest in unusual destinations and deep experiences. Follow her travels on her Facebook and Instagram .

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A Customizable One-Week Utah National Parks Road Trip Guide

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This article was supported by Moon Travel Guides. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I don’t like the term “bucket list,” but if I had to sit down and make one, I can honestly say a Utah national parks road trip has always been top of mind for me. 

In fact, I’ve tried to visit the five national parks in Utah multiple times over the years, and it has never worked out. Utah’s national parks – also known as the Mighty 5 – are insanely popular, and campgrounds and nearby accommodations can book up well in advance. 

But just recently, as I was planning a road trip to Colorado from California, I had the opportunity to drive through Utah on my way there, and as I began hashing out our road trip and all the little details along the way, everything began to fall into place! 

This Utah national parks road trip guide outlines what you need to know in order to visit all five of Utah’s national parks in one week. In all honesty, you might want more time to explore Southern Utah’s red rock landscapes, and many rangers I spoke to recommended a minimum of 10 – 14 days to really take it all in (who can argue? Any trip to Utah is insanely gorgeous and well worth the time). 

But, if you only have one week, an epic Mighty 5 road trip is absolutely doable! 

What is the Mighty 5? 

Utah has five national parks, all located in the southern region of the state. While Utah doesn’t have the most national parks in the USA ( California has nine national parks , Alaska has eight ), what makes the Mighty 5 so special is that all five national parks are within a 1.5 – 3.5 hour drive of one another, making all five national parks a seamless course for a road trip, no matter which direction you’re driving from. 

And what’s even cooler? Despite their proximity to one another, if you’ve seen one, you most definitely have not seen them all! Each of Utah’s national parks offers a completely unique and different window into Southern Utah’s varied geological landscapes. So if you have the time, I highly recommend renting a car and hitting the road to see them all!

The Mighty 5 National Parks in Utah Are: 

Zion national park.

• Bryce Canyon National Park
• Capitol Reef National Park
• Canyonlands National Park
• Arches National Park

Read on for my one-week Utah national parks road trip guide that’ll take you through all 5 parks, with optional detours and additional recommendations along the way! 

Tips For Road Tripping Through National Parks 

1. offline travel resources.

One reason I love national park road trips so much is that visiting truly requires you to unplug and disconnect. With that said, being out of cell service can also be a bit stressful if you get lost or forget where you were planning to go next. 

I’ve recently learned just how helpful guidebooks can be, not only for helping plan your trips, but for keeping you on track once you’re on the road. While there are countless guides around the web you can read (like this one!) to help you aggregate information about your upcoming Utah national parks road trip, guidebooks are designed to not only curate the most popular recommendations for any destination, but also to ensure they’re easily accessible to you whenever you need them.  

I recently started taking longer road trips since I’ve been working remotely , and I just added a copy of Moon Travel Guides’ The Open Road: 50 Best Road Trips in the USA to my collection of handy glove compartment resources. This guidebook is so useful for feeding you relevant recommendations, directions, and travel tips even when you’re offline. 

If you’re planning to drive through the Mighty 5 and considering other USA road trips to take, I highly recommend keeping a copy of The Open Road: 50 Best Road Trips in the USA in your car and letting it inspire you – odds are, you’ll learn something new you had no idea existed!

I also highly recommend downloading offline maps, and downloading pre-populated Google routes if you’ve created one.

Last but not least, always stop at national park visitors centers for the most up-to-date trail conditions, weather, and park tips.

2. America The Beautiful Pass 

Entrance to each national park in the USA typically costs $25-30 per vehicle (with some exceptions, like the Channel Islands National Park ). If you’re visiting Utah’s five national parks, that means you’d quickly rack up $150 in entrance fees alone.  

To avoid that, and to save yourself some cash along the way, make sure you buy an America the Beautiful National Parks Pass beforehand. This annual pass covers admission to all National Park Service parks and landmarks, and costs just $80. 

Even if all you used your pass for was one road trip through Utah’s Mighty 5, that’s already a savings of $70! 

3. Plan Your Trip Ahead of Time

As I mentioned earlier, Utah’s national parks are incredibly popular. Campsites and nearby accommodations fill up quickly, so if you’re thinking of taking a road trip to Utah, try to plan your trip at least 6 – 12 months ahead of time, if you can. 

Use These Resources to Help You Find Accommodation In or Near Utah’s National Parks: 

• Recreation.gov
• Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Camping 
• iOverlander
• FreeCampsites  
• Booking.com

4. Pack In, Pack Out, and Stay On Marked Trails 

As with any national park trip, it’s important to remember that these protected places are impacted by their popularity, and that it’s our responsibility to help keep them in good shape. Pack out anything you pack in (like trash, leftover food, etc) and wait to dispose of it in a proper trash can. 

Whenever you can, stay on marked trails, and keep a safe distance from wildlife so as not to disturb their natural environment.

5. Support Local Businesses

Utah’s national parks are surrounded by several small towns that are highly impacted by tourism. A tip I learned recently from Visit Utah’s tourism office is to try and buy local whenever you can. Doing so can boost local supply chains and help promote overall economic activity in the community, as that money is much more likely to recirculate within it. 

So if you’re hungry for a big meal after a long day on the trails, consider a well-loved local diner or a local grocery store, where you’re likely to find something special you would’ve otherwise missed if you visited a chain. 

On the flip side, smaller communities often have less grocery stores in general, so it can be a good idea to road trip with 80% of your grocery needs already purchased from a larger neighboring city that’s likely more well stocked, saving some select things for when you arrive so you can see what locals have to offer. 

6. Respect Native History

A Utah national parks road trip is no doubt famous for its geological diversity and scenery, but that’s not the only thing that makes Southern Utah remarkable. Centuries of Native American stories and history are contained within this region, and you’ll see that in Utah’s petroglyphs, landmark names, cliff dwellings, and signs that inform visitors on the various sights within each national park. 

Pay special attention to the stories and rich ancient native history that resides here. The Fremont, Ute, Navajo, Anasazi, and Paiute are just some of the many native cultural legacies that have come to make Utah so fascinating and significant.

Best Time of Year to Go (And How to Avoid Crowds) 

Like many national parks, especially those in the Southwest, there really isn’t a bad time of year to go. All five of Utah’s national parks are open year-round, so it really comes down to your interests and the time of year you’re most easily able to take time off from work . 

Here’s When to Visit Utah’s National Parks, Based On Each Season: 

• WINTER : Winter months (Late November – February, roughly) bring some awe-inspiring scenery changes to Utah’s national parks, as snowfall is very common in the region. When it happens, seeing Utah’s red rocks and desert landscapes dotted with fresh snowfall is no doubt breathtaking, but keep in mind that all five parks can reach sub-freezing temperatures. This makes it less than ideal – and sometimes even impossible – to hike or camp. If you plan on staying in a hotel or lodge, and doing more driving than hiking, then a winter trip with less crowds might be perfect for you. 
• SPRING : As temperatures begin to warm up (between March – May), you’ll begin to experience some of the best weather for visiting Utah’s national parks. Keep in mind that some of Utah’s most popular national park stops, like The Narrows in Zion National Park, might not yet be open for the season. But, spring travel is a great way to beat summer crowds. 
• SUMMER : When school lets out (between June – September) and all park amenities open for the season, the summer becomes incredibly popular for Utah national park travel. But, it’s also when temperatures are their hottest, commonly exceeding 80 – 90 degrees in the middle of the day. If you plan to visit in the summer, try to wake up and get on the trails early to beat the heat and the crowds. 
• FALL : The shoulder seasons – spring and fall (between Late September and November) – are great for visiting Utah’s national parks due to their reasonable weather and fewer crowds. Attractions like The Narrows should remain open, at least through the early fall, as well.

I visited Utah’s national parks in early April. During that time, I still found some parks to be pretty chilly both day and night, but it wasn’t unmanageable. In fact, seeing Bryce Canyon still dotted with snow completely added to the whole experience. 

If you do go in the shoulder season, bring lots of layers to add / take off throughout the day!

Where Should You Start and End Your Road Trip?

A Utah national parks road trip can honestly start and end in any direction, which is the beauty of this particular road trip. 

If you’re looking to do a loop road trip, where you start and end in the same city, Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, and Denver are typically some of the easiest origin cities for a Utah national parks road trip. Doing a loop road trip can also be a cheaper option, especially if you need to book a flight or rent a car. 

Moon Travel Guides’ The Open Road guidebook recommends starting in Las Vegas and actually continuing on into Colorado for another national park stop in Mesa Verde National Park. In fact, if you have 13 days to spare, Moon Travel Guides’ 13-day road trip starts and ends in Las Vegas but actually spans five states – Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona! 

I personally started in Los Angeles and drove through Las Vegas to Utah’s national parks. After seeing all five, I continued on to Denver which was my final destination. 

With no definitive start or end point, you can kind of lay out this road trip however makes the most sense for you. Feel free to do my recommended national parks road trip route forwards or backwards! 

If you do need to fly into a neighboring city and rent a car, check out Kayak for car rental deals in your destination. 

How Should You Get Around?

You will definitely need a car to get around on this Utah national parks road trip, as public transportation only really exists in some national parks, and only once you’ve actually arrived. 

Because of that, I recommend bringing your own vehicle, renting one in a nearby city, or considering alternative accommodation like a camper van or RV. 

Use the links below to rent a car, choose a camper van, or explore RV options. 

• Boho Camper Vans  (if you’re coming from Arizona!)
• Outdoorsy  

While a 4×4 could come in handy in some select areas within Southern Utah, you generally do not need one when visiting Utah’s national parks. 

One Week Utah National Parks Itinerary (Plus Driving Times)

My Utah national parks road trip guide details my own personal experience spending one week driving through Southern Utah. Here’s how my one-week road trip breaks down: 

• Day 1: Drive from Las Vegas to Zion National Park (3 nights) 
• Day 2: Full day in Zion 
• Day 3: Drive from Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park (1 night)
• Day 4: Drive from Bryce Canyon National Park to Capitol Reef National Park (1 night) 
• Day 5: Drive from Capitol Reef National Park to Arches National Park (1 night) 
• Day 6: Explore Arches National Park 
• Day 7: Explore Canyonlands National Park

If you’d like to end up back in Las Vegas within one week, spend one less day in Zion National Park so you can drive back on day 7. Or, add one extra day and drive back on day 8, with an overnight in Canyonlands, a state park, or BLM land in south Utah or northern Arizona. 

If you have more time, I’ve included optional detours below as well as things to do once your Utah national parks road trip is done! 

The Mighty 5 National Parks Self-Drive Map

• From Las Vegas: 170 miles (3 hours driving) 
• Recommended Nights: 2 – 3

Zion National Park is one of the most famous and well-visited national parks in the entire country (in fact, in 2020 alone, Zion saw 3.6 million visitors!). Like all popular places, they are popular for a good reason, so exercise patience in case you encounter crowds. 

Zion National Park is essentially a massive canyon (about 2,000 feet deep) that was shaped by the relentless flow of the Virgin River, which still winds through the park today. The canyon has created what many consider a mecca for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, with intensely rich views from the top of the canyon, and satisfyingly challenging hikes at the very bottom, in the Virgin River itself. 

Things to Do in Zion National Park:

Day one: .

• Take the scenic drive through the lesser-visited Kolob Canyon for spectacular finger canyon viewing and epic panoramic photography opportunities 
• Wake up early and hop on the free Zion National Park shuttle by 8 am (Advance reservation usually required. Get more info here , and make reservations here )
• If you’re in search of a fairly challenging, rewarding hike with only one day in Zion, I recommend starting early and choosing between Angel’s Landing , Observation Point , The Narrows , or The Subway Trail . Angel’s Landing is by far the most famous due to its incredibly narrow and steep 1,200-foot drop-offs, and Observation Point is often recommended for those in seek of similar views without the nerve-wracking drop. The Narrows and The Subway Trail both descend into Zion’s finger canyons and require special gear, which can be rented at Zion Outfitters  
• For a less challenging hike, or if you’re game for another hike during your one day in Zion, visit Canyon Overlook , Emerald Pools , or The Watchman
• Depending on how much time in the day you’ve got left, consider taking the Zion shuttle to the Temple of Sinawava for the Riverside Walk, which will give you a taste of The Narrows as you walk on a man-made path along the Virgin River.
• Grab breakfast in Springdale at Cafe Soleil or Deep Creek Coffee Co  
• Consider a quick 1-mi out-and-back hike up to Zion Canyon Overlook Trail for one more opportunity to take in Zion’s legendary views 

Where to Eat and Drink Near Zion National Park:

Head to Springdale just outside Zion National Park’s entrance for the most food, drink, coffee, and local grocery options easily accessible nearby. I had dinner at Whiptail Grill and enjoyed a massive plate of nachos, a delicious green chile and chicken wet burrito, and a pint of local Utah beer – the perfect sendoff after a full day hiking through Zion National Park! 

Where to Stay Near Zion National Park:

• The Zion Lodge
• Cliffrose Springdale
• Under Canvas Zion
• South Campground
• Watchman Campground
• See all Zion National Park hotels here
• See all Zion National Park Airbnbs here (plus, here is the cool cabin Airbnb I stayed in , about 45 minutes from the park entrance)

Optional Detour: Coral Pink Sands State Park

Though I didn’t get to stop myself, I’ve heard Coral Pink Sands – with its ever-shifting mountains of red and pink sand formed by eroding Navajo sandstone cliffs – is a worthwhile stop. It’s great for those who love off-roading and ATVing, but it also welcomes hikers looking to enjoy its 10,000+ year-old dunes. 

A quick heads up! State Parks operate separately from the National Park Service, so your America the Beautiful Pass won’t work here. Park entrance is just $8 per vehicle. 

Bryce Canyon National Park 

• From Zion : 170 miles (2 – 3 hours driving) 
• Recommended Nights: 1

The land of mystical hoodoos (red rock pillars shaped by erosion) and natural amphitheaters, Bryce Canyon National Park is a place that’s almost too fantastical to be real. While I had an idea of what to expect when visiting Zion, it was Bryce that truly caught me by surprise with its panoramic vistas and towering red and orange pillars. 

You’ll want to leave Zion National Park early-ish (after breakfast) to allow yourself a couple hours of daylight for enjoying a short hike before checking into your hotel or setting up camp for the night. 

Things to Do in Bryce Canyon National Park:

• Once you arrive in Bryce Canyon National Park, hike the Navajo Loop Trail and Queen’s Garden Trail , which connect to form a 2.9 mile hike that descends below the Bryce Rim and places you right in the heart of the Bryce Amphitheater
• At sunset, admire the area you’ve just explored from either Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, or Inspiration Point 
• Consider strolling along The Rim Trail between Sunrise Point and Inspiration Point (about 1.3 miles) to see Bryce Amphitheater from all angles 
• See the sunrise from Sunrise Point, and watch as the park comes alive in a watercolor array of soft pink and purple light 
• After you’ve checked out of your hotel or packed up your tent, snag one final adventure in Bryce Canyon by taking a one- or two-hour horseback ride through Bryce Canyon . You’ll be able to take in the beautiful scenery while giving your feet a break and letting your guide tell you more about this epic landscape. 
• Or, Take the Bryce Canyon 18-mile Scenic Drive for one last exploration of the park by car (total time needed: about two to three hours round-trip with stops). You may have to choose between horseback riding or taking the scenic drive, so you can make it to Capitol Reef before dark! 

Where to Stay Near Bryce Canyon National Park:

• The Lodge at Bryce Canyon
• Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn
• North Campground
• Sunset Campground
• See all Bryce Canyon National Park hotels here
• See all Bryce Canyon National Park Airbnbs here

Where to Eat and Drink Near Bryce Canyon National Park:

Bryce Canyon Pines Restaurant , Valhalla Pizza , and Stone Hearth Grill are some of the closest places to eat within minutes of Bryce Canyon National Park. However, you’ll find more options if you’re staying in the nearby towns of Bryce, Tropic, or Boulder.

If you’re hungry on the way to Capitol Reef National Park, stop at Escalante Outfitters or Sweetwater Kitchen .

Optional Detour: Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument

If you take the UT-12 to Capitol Reef National Park, you’ll pass through Escalante, a small town surrounded by the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument . The Staircase is a Utah landmark and the very last part of the contiguous USA to get mapped.

Here, you’ll find hiking, slot canyons, waterfalls, and the Escalante Petrified Forest State Park , all well worth exploring if you have the time. Once again, entrance to the state park is a separate fee from your national parks pass. 

Capitol Reef National Park 

• From Bryce Canyon : 119 – 123 miles (On the UT-63 or UT-12, either route should take no more than 2.5 – 3.5 hours) 

Next up on your Utah national parks road trip, you’re heading to Capitol Reef! While Bryce Canyon was overwhelm for my eyes (so much beauty!), Capitol Reef has a more subtle allure to it. 

Here, the ancestral Fremont culture and Ancestral Puebloan peoples called the area home for thousands of years, leaving artifacts, pictographs, and petroglyphs behind. Later in history, Mormon settlers began to inhabit the region, weaving an era of farming into the web of Capitol Reef’s long, storied history. 

Today, this park is enjoyed for its sandstone rock formations, publicly viewable petroglyphs, and fruit orchards. It’s also renowned for its location in the Waterpocket Fold, part of the last-mapped regions of the contiguous USA. 

If you time your visit during harvest season (roughly late June through October), you can pick your own fruits!

Things to Do in Capitol Reef National Park:

• Admire Capitol Reef’s Petroglyph Panel, located just off the side of the road and featuring rock drawings dating back to as early as 1300 AD. 
• Explore the Capitol Reef 7.9-mile Scenic Drive (total time needed: about 1.5 – 3 hours round trip with stops) to take in the park’s unique sandstone rock formations and landmarks 
• Built in 1908, The Grifford Homestead sits on the Fruita Rural Historic District, which has a long history of being a particularly fertile valley within the Waterpocket Fold. Mormon settlers arrived here at the end of the 19th century, and set up shop in Fruita, planting orchards with everything from apples and peaches to walnuts and almonds. 
• Today, you can visit the Grifford Homestead between March and October to sample locally baked fruit pies, homemade ice cream, cinnamon rolls, jams, honey, and more. 
• Our campsite host specifically told us to make Grifford Homestead our very first stop after waking up. According to him, cinnamon rolls from this farm are well worth the trouble, and typically sell out each day by 9 or 10 am! In his words, “there’s frankly no better way to die,” and I gotta say – the cinnamon rolls were a great treat to have after a morning hike! 
• If you’re staying at the Fruita Campground near the Grifford Homestead, the easiest hike with a trailhead located just off the campground is the 3-mile Cohab Canyon Trail . It’s a strenuous initial ascent followed by generally relaxing, incredibly quiet canyon exploration. 
• From the Cohab Canyon Trail, if you’re looking for more, you can follow signs to the Cassidy Arch or cross the road to hike to Hickman Bridge (both trails can be done with or without Cohab Canyon Trail) 

Where to Stay Near Capitol Reef National Park:

• Capitol Reef Resort
• Red Sands Hotel  
• Fruita Campground
• See all Capitol Reef National Park hotels here
• See all Capitol Reef National Park Airbnbs here

Where to Eat and Drink Near Capitol Reef National Park:

The only place I ate non-camping food in Capitol Reef National Park was at the Grifford Homestead (again, shameless plug for the cinnamon rolls!). However, you can also find food options in nearby Torrey, such as the Rim Rock Restaurant and the Capitol Reef Cafe . 

Optional Detour: Goblin Valley State Park

On your way to Arches National Park, you’ll pass the exit for Goblin Valley State Park . If you didn’t completely satisfy your hoodoo itch (or if you’re already missing Bryce Canyon), definitely plan to spend a half day exploring this state park. 

Entrance to this state park is a separate fee from your national parks pass. 

Arches National Park 

• From Capitol Reef : 140 – 180 miles (about 2.5 – 4 hours) 
• Recommended Nights: 1 – 2

Your next stop on this Utah national parks road trip is Arches National Park, and if Zion is Utah’s most visited national park, I’d bet Arches is Utah’s most iconic! Home to at least 2,000 arches, spires, and pinnacles, Arches is a visual feast that will absolutely blow you away. 

Due to its dramatic landscapes, easily explorable geological features, and proximity to the adventure-filled town of Moab, you may notice that Arches is a particularly congested park, especially in the warmer months. Be patient and just remind yourself – there’s a very good reason so many people are here (and it’s that very same allure that brought you here, too!). 

For extra measures, wake up early and hike some of the more famous arches at sunrise to avoid the crowds.

Things to Do in Arches National Park:

• Once you arrive in Arches National Park, get acquainted with a drive down Arches’ 36-mile Scenic Drive . Enjoy short detours and short hikes at Park Avenue , Balanced Rock , and Courthouse Towers . 
• While all five national parks in Utah have beautifully dark skies, I’d have to think Arches takes the cake as one of the most dramatic parks for stargazing. 
• You can easily see stars from anywhere in the park on a clear night, but the farther north you drive (away from Moab), the darker the sky will get. The areas near Balanced Rock, Garden of Eden, or The Windows are some easily accessible spots with parking lots to enjoy Utah’s night skies! 
• Delicate Arch is one of the most famous, most recognizable arches in the entire park, understandably (once you see it, you’ll know why). The hike will take about an hour or two to reach the arch itself (3.2 miles roundtrip), and leaving between 4:30 and 5:30 am is recommended if you’re trying to beat the crowds. 
• Alternatively, Delicate Arch is also incredibly beautiful at sunset, though arguably a bit more crowded. 
• Landscape Arch and Double O Arch in Devils Garden
• The Windows, the Double Arch, and Turret Arch in The Windows Section
• Sand Dune Arch and Broken Arch  
• Explore Arches National Park with a helicopter tour  
• Get a self-guides exploration permit or book a ranger-led tour and visit Fiery Furnace (a more challenging trek with difficult terrain that’s only recommended for experienced hikers unless going with a ranger) 

Where to Stay Near Arches National Park:

• Hyatt Place Moab
• Red Cliffs Lodge
• Hoodoo Moab
• Under Canvas Moab  
• Devils Garden Campground
• Ken’s Lake Campground
• See all Arches National Park hotels here
• See all Arches National Park Airbnbs here

For the last two days of my Utah national parks road trip, I based myself at Ken’s Lake Campground in Moab. Moab is an easy home base for exploring Arches and Canyonlands, because the parks are less than an hour from one another. 

However, because of this, Moab can get wildly crowded and hotel prices can soar during peak season. Consider camping in Canyonlands, or basing yourself a bit further from Moab in Monticello, in the warmer months. And no matter what, plan your trip well in advance!   

Where to Eat and Drink Near Arches National Park:

Moab has tons of food and drink options, plus ample grocery stores, for road trippers, adventurers, and campers. For me, nothing hits the spot after a long day of hiking like a burrito or a burger. If you’re the same, check out Moab Brewery for tasty burgers and a pint of one of their popular beers. 

In the morning, head to Moab Garage Co for good coffee and delicious breakfast options, whether you’re in the mood for something healthy or not. 

Optional Detour: Corona Arch

Corona Arch Trail is a well-loved 3-mile out-and-back hike to a spectacular arch. Located an hour outside of Arches National Park, this detour would require its own dedicated half day to properly enjoy. 

Canyonlands National Park 

• From Arches National Park : 28 – 35 miles (about 45 minutes) 
• Recommended Nights: 0 – 1 (your last two nights can be easily enjoyed in Arches, Canyonlands, Moab, or the surrounding areas)

To my surprise, Canyonlands is cited as Utah’s least-visited national park, which is crazy to me given the park’s vast, uninterrupted scenic vistas. Canyonlands surely makes for a breathtaking, humbling, and all-encompassing way to close out your one-week Utah national parks road trip. 

The park itself is made up of three districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, and The Maze. Island in the Sky is the easiest and closest to visit if you’re coming from Arches National Park, and hovers more than 1,000 feet above the surrounding landscapes (thus giving it its name).  

Things to Do in Canyonlands National Park:

• While you may think you’re arched out after a full day and a half exploring Arches National Park, you’ll want to see Mesa Arch . A short 0.5-mi distance from the parking lot, Mesa Arch sits at the cliff’s edge of Island in the Sky mesa, and beautifully frames the surrounding landscape below. 
• While Mesa Arch is gorgeous any time of day, many recommend trying to get here before sunrise to watch the canyon floor and the arch illuminate with the rising sun. 
• For an easy day (who can blame you – it’s day seven of your road trip!), consider one of Canyonlands’ mesa top trails that allow you to soak up panoramic views of the landscape below. The 2-mi Grand View Point or 1.6-mi Upheaval Dome Overlook are both good options. 
• If you want a more strenuous hike down the mesa, check out one of the longer trails in this national park, like Syncline Loop .
• Make Your Way Down the Island in the Sky 12-mi Scenic Drive from the visitors center to Grand View Point for last looks at Monument Basin, the Colorado River, and The Needles region of the park. 

Where to Stay Near Canyonlands National Park:

• Island in the Sky (Willow Flat) Campground
• Horsethief Campground
• See all Canyonlands National Park hotels here
• See all Canyonlands National Park Airbnbs here

Where to Eat and Drink Near Canyonlands National Park:

There isn’t really anything to eat in or immediately near Island in the Sky, so your dining options will generally be the same as the day before, in and around Moab. 

Optional Detour: Dead Horse State Park

A visit to Island in the Sky wouldn’t truly be complete without stopping at Dead Horse State Park . With a $20 entrance fee, this is no doubt one of the more expensive state parks in the area, but if you time it right and enter the park about an hour or two before sunset, you’ll be rewarded with jaw-dropping views of the Colorado River winding around water-carved canyons below. 

Sunset light here is particularly romantic, as soft light catches over the water-etched canyon’s textured walls. A commemorative phone snap or Polaroid is a must here to commemorate the unforgettable seven days you’ve just had! 

Extending Your Utah National Parks Road Trip! Where to Go Next :

Not quite ready to trade the open road for the office? Well, you’re in luck. There’s so much more to see and do after completing your Utah national parks road trip. 

Here Are a Few Options:

• Spend a day backpacking through The Needles in Canyonlands National Park 
• Drive down to Bears Ears National Monument , the first national monument ever established at the request of a coalition of Indigenous tribes. Drive the Valley of the Gods (no 4×4 needed, though I recommend only going on days with good weather), or the Needles Overlook. Go hiking, explore petroglyphs (Newspaper Rock, San Island), or admire preserved ancient structures (River House, Mule Canyon Kiva). 
• Head south to Monument Valley and embark on the self-drive 17-mi Tribal Park Loop (again, no 4×4 needed but dry, clear weather recommended). Take a Navajo-guided hike to explore the area’s geology and history. 
• Hike one of Utah’s famous slot canyons , some of which can even be found in the national parks (Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion).
• Spend a couple hours admiring Goosenecks State Park – a small, simple state park with truly mind boggling views of the San Juan River and The Goosenecks. 
• Spend a few days in one of Arizona’s northern national parks – Grand Canyon or Petrified Forest 
• Drive east until you hit Colorado’s Colorado National Monument , an easy scenic drive (about 2 – 5 hours depending on stops) with a steep climb that quickly has you towering over the landscapes below 
• Venture southeast until you hit Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado’s southwest corner (take a 1-2 hour detour down to the Four Corners Monument if you’d like to stand in four states at once!). Here, Moon Travel Guides recommends exploring the park’s Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings and petroglyphs. 

There you have it! In just one week, Utah’s national parks will astound, amaze, silence, mystify, and move you, like they did me. It’s something remarkable to be able to explore so many beautifully diverse landscapes in such a short matter of time, and while Utah’s national parks are only a small portion of all that Utah travel has to offer, they have made so many people’s bucket lists as an unforgettable road trip for good reason!  

Are you bursting with excitement over your Utah national parks road trip yet? Tell me more about what you’re most excited to see or do below! 

Book Activities In or Near Southern Utah Here:

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Hey there! I’m Rachel, a travel writer and a full-time advertising / marketing expert. In 2019, I traveled more than 25 times while working 9 to 5, and since then I’ve committed myself to living a more adventurous life, even if it means bringing my laptop along for the ride. Are you hungry to travel more, but overwhelmed with how to juggle work and play? You’ve come to the right place!

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• Updated on: August 1, 2021

14 Responses

We have been to Arches and Canyonlands. They are both phenomenal and so glad that we were able to visit on a couple of different trips. We really want to go to Bryce and Zion one day. I also love your suggestions of Monument Valley and Goosenecks State Park. Hopefully we can check them out one day. Thanks for the great post. Happy travels.

Goosenecks can be a pretty quick stop, but it is insane and will instantly blow your mind! Well worth the detour!

Such a detailed and informative blog post this is! I hope I will visit Utah one day and will come back to your blog then.

I hope you do! Thanks so much!

Just wanted to tell you, I like both your content and website. Love from Iran.

Thanks so much! I appreciate that and am glad you found the site!

I loved road trippin’through Utah and visiting those 5 national parks. They’re so beautiful and indeed each one is unique.

Yes! Well worth visiting all 5, and I would gladly return to all 5 again in the future.

We haven’t been to any of these yet and I’m so excited to finish out our southwest road trip next year! Bryce Canyon has been on our bucket list for years.

Oh sweet! Bryce Canyon was an unexpected surprise. I think I spent too much time building up excitement for Zion that I wasn’t prepared for what I’d see next. I couldn’t believe my eyes! I hope you get to go next year!

You can easily see stars from anywhere in the park on a clear night, but the farther north you drive

Totally. It’s unlike anything else I’ve ever experienced!

I like the valuable info you supply for your articles. I’ll bookmark your blog and check once more here regularly. I’m reasonably certain I’ll be told many new stuff proper here! Best of luck for the following!

Thanks so much!

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Ultimate 1 Week Roadtrip Exploring Utah’s National Parks

By Eden Ashley MintNotion.com is reader-supported. When you buy through links on this site, we will earn a commission at no added cost to you. This helps keep the content on this website free for everyone to enjoy. Disclosure Page

Utah has quickly become one of my favorite vacation destinations in the USA – seriously! The National Parks in Utah are absolutely incredible and a must-see for any outdoor enthusiast.

In August, my boyfriend and I did this exact same itinerary (which is quite ambitious to be honest) since it’s jam packed with lots of places to visit. For us, this is the ultimate national park roadtrip.

It’s hard to imagine that all of these amazing outdoor adventures can exist in one place. There were some mornings where the temperature dipped all the way down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit and just an hour’s drive away the temperature soared past 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

I truly believe you’ll have the time of your life exploring Southern Utah’s natural beauty. If these National Parks are not already on your travel bucket list, use this 7 day itinerary to get inspired and plan your Utah road trip.

Table of Contents

My One-Week Itinerary for Utah’s National Parks:

• Day 1 : Drive from Las Vegas, NV to St. George, Utah (Explore Snow Canyon State Park)
• Day 2 : Drive from St. George, Utah to Zion National Park
• Day 3 : Explore Cedar Breaks National Mounument and drive to Bryce Canyon National Park
• Day 4 : Half-day at Capitol Reef National Park and Goblin Valley State Park and drive to Moab, Utah
• Day 5 : Explore Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park
• Day 6 : Explore Arches National Park
• Day 7 : Drive back to Las Vegas, NV before flying home

Related Posts :

• Zion National Park hikes – Angel’s Landing
• Zion National Park hikes – The Narrows

Day 1 – Drive from Las Vegs to St. George, Utah

Start your vacation by flying into Las Vegas and picking up your rental car. Try to arrive in the morning or early afternoon to maximize your first day.

We rented a full-size car from Enterprise and really enjoyed their service. I recommend using Costco Rental Cars to find the best price for your trip.

Depending on where you are flying from, you may want to grab a quick bite to eat before heading to Utah. (We stopped at In-N-Out — I can’t resist their grilled cheese ).

Snow Canyon State Park

Located in the 62,000 acre Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, Snow Canyon Park is a scenic place to visit near St. George, Utah . There are more than 38-miles of hiking trails, which is perfect for any outdoor enthusiast. Plan to spend 1-2 hours exploring Snow Canyon.

Where to spend the night in St. George?

We stayed at the Hampton Inn & Suites St. George (SunRiver) which was an affordable option.

There is also a campground available at Snow Canyon State Park as well, if you prefer to spend the night camping.

Below you can check out local hotel deals available near St. George, Utah thanks for Booking.com .

If you prefer to stay closer to Zion National Park, here’s a few accommodations I recommend:

• Best Western Plus Zion West Hotel
• La Qunita by Wyndham La Verkin – Gateway to Zion
• Zions Camp and Cottages

Day 2 – Zion National Park

Get an early start by heading to Zion National Park. The drive from St. George to Zion National Park takes about one hour, so plan to leave your hotel early. (We left for Zion National Park just after 7:00am).

Zion National Park

Located near Springdale, Zion National Park is a nature preserve and it’s easily recognized by Zion Canyon’s steep red cliffs. Hiking is the most popular activity in Zion as there are many bucket list adventure trails here such as Angel’s Landing and The Narrows.

I highly recommend spending the full day exploring Zion. It’s by far my favorite national park in the USA and there are so many wonderful things to do and see here.

However, if you’re short on time, you can take the scenic drive through Zion (the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway).

Parking is very limited inside Zion National Park. In order to get a spot, I recommend arriving before 10:00am.

If the parking lot is full, there is lots of street parking available just outside the park in the town of Springdale. Then hop on the free town shuttle, which will take you to the park entrance.

Zion Canyon Shuttle

From April to October access into the canyon is by the free shuttle bus only. The Zion Canyon Shuttle stops at nine locations in the park and runs from early morning to late evening (as often as every seven minutes).

From November to mid March, private vehicles are allowed to access the canyon.

The Narrows

Located in Zion National Park, The Narrows is the narrowest section of Zion Canyon. This popular hike is one of the world’s best slot canyons and can be tailored to suit any ability level.

Just upstream from the Temple of Sinawava is the section of the Virgin River where this awe-inspiring hike starts. With very little direct sunlight and water flowing all around you, The Narrows is a bucket list hike for any adventure seeker.

Arrive at the park early and ride the Zion Canyon Shuttle to the last stop (approximately 40 minutes). This hike is fairly popular during the busy season and can get crowded by the lunch hour. I highly recommend arriving here before 8:00am (or earlier).

This hike is through the Virgin River, so it’s inevitable that you will get wet. I recommend wearing water shoes , quick-drying clothing and bringing hiking poles to help keep your balance when walking.

I wrote a full post about my experience hiking The Narrows which includes extra tips and equipment recommendations.

After exploring The Narrows, take a break for lunch. You can enjoy a picnic in Zion or grab a bite to eat outside the park in the town of Springdale.

Angel’s Landing

The Angel’s Landing Trail in Zion National Park is without a doubt one of the most exhilarating hikes of my life. Despite its intimidating path, this hike is one of the most famous in Zion and the national park system.

I recommend wearing shoes with good traction as the sand on the rocks can become slippery. You will also want to bring a hydration pack so you don’t have to worry about reaching for your water bottle on the trail.

This hike is not suitable for children or those with a fear of heights. However, I saw lots of families hiking here with kids despite the warnings.

I wrote a full post about my experience hiking up Angel’s Landing which includes my best tips for this hike.

More fun things to do near Zion National Park:

• East Zion: Slot Canyon Exploration and UTV Tour
• From Springdale: Zion National Park Scenic Hiking Tour
• East Zion: 1-Hour White Mountain Horseback Tour

Day 3 – Cedar Breaks National Monument and Bryce Canyon National Park

Wake up early and drive to Cedar Breaks National Monument. We weren’t sure if we would have enough time to visit Cedar Breaks, but we are so happy that we stopped here.

Cedar Breaks National Monument

Cedar Breaks is a natural amphitheater, stretching across 3 miles and has a depth of over 2,000 feet. The view is absolutely breath-taking and I recommend spending about 20-30 minutes here to enjoy it.

After visiting Cedar Breaks, drive to Bryce Canyon. The drive from Cedar Breaks to Bryce takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon is known for its crimson-colored hoodoos, which have been formed by the freezing and thawing of water and wind over millions of years.

Hiking in Bryce Canyon is the best way to see and experience its incredible geography. There are plenty of day hikes to do in Bryce, ranging from 1-mile loops to adventurous 11-mile round trip journeys.

Peekaboo-Queens Garden Loop

This is the most popular trail in Bryce and I recommend this hike if you only have one day to spend in the park. This hike is actually a combination of three trails, which offers the best views of Bryce Canyon.

From the Sunset Point trailhead, you can follow the trail east over the rim into Bryce Canyon. You will then see the Navajo Loop trail sign to the right. Follow the route descending down the switchbacks into Wall Street.

Continue along the trail which will lead to the Peekaboo Loop. If you’re short on time, you can head straight to the Queens Garden from the Navajo Loop. However, if you continue along the Peekaboo Loop, you can take the Queens Garden trail later, which will lead to Sunrise Point.

More fun things to do near Bryce Canyon:

• Bryce Canyon National Park: 3-Hour Sightseeing Tour
• Bryce Canyon: 3-Hour Horseback Ride in Red Canyon
• Bryce Canyon: Horseback Ride in the Dixie National Forest

Where to spend the night near Bryce Canyon?

We stayed at Stone Canyon Inn in Tropic, Utah. This is less than a 15-minute drive from Bryce Canyon.

Campgrounds are also available inside Bryce Canyon National Park, which is a great option if you want to experience sunrise at Bryce Canyon.

Below you can check out local hotel deals near Bryce Canyon National Park thanks for Booking.com .

Other hotels and accommodations I recommend when visiting Bryce Canyon include:

• Best Western PLUS Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel
• Best Western PLUS Ruby’s Inn
• Bryce View Lodge

Day 4 – Capitol Reef National Park and Goblin Valley

Get an early start by driving through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. This is a beautiful route to get to Capitol Reef National Park.

Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef is filled with layers of golden sandstone, canyons and incredible rock formations. Popular sights in the park include Chimney Rock pillar, the Hickman Bridge arch, Goosenecks overlook and Capitol Reef.

If you’re short on time, I recommend the Goosenecks Trail which doesn’t take long. Otherwise, you can drive through the park and stop at various vista points to enjoy the view.

After visiting Capitol Reef National Park, continue driving towards Goblin Valley State Park.

Goblin Valley State Park

Goblin Valley is by far one of the strangest and most unique places to visit in Utah. It feels like you are literally driving into the middle of nowhere to get to this park, but definitely worth a visit!

The park features thousands of hoodoos and hoodoo rocks, referred to as “goblins”. These mushroom-shaped pinnacles are a sight to see, and its landscape is often compared to Mars. Plan to spend about an hour exploring here and make sure to bring plenty of water as it’s quite hot during the summer months.

After visiting Goblin Valley, head to Moab, Utah where you’ll be spending the night. Campgrounds are available at Goblin Valley too if you prefer to enjoy the evening there.

More fun things to do near Moab, Utah:

• Moab: Hell’s Revenge 4WD Off-Road Tour by Kawasaki UTV
• From Moab: Colorado River Half-Day Rafting Trip
• From Moab: Half-Day Arches National Park 4×4 Driving Tour

Where to spend the night in Moab, Utah?

We stayed at the Moab Valley Inn for three nights, which is conveniently located to Canyonlands, Arches and Dead Horse Point. You may choose to camp at any of these parks as well if you prefer.

Below you can check out local hotel deals near Moab, Utah thanks for Booking.com .

Other hotel accommodations I recommend when staying near Moab include:

• La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndam Moab
• Hampton Inn Moab
• Aarchway Inn

Day 5 – Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point

Wake up early and head straight to Canyonlands to enjoy the sunrise at Mesa Arch (this is one of the nicest spots to view the sunrise).

The drive from Moab to Mesa Arch is around 45-50 minutes, so do plan ahead. There is a parking lot nearby the trailhead, so you don’t have to travel far from your car to get to Mesa Arch.

Canyonlands National Park

The rivers divide this park into four districts: the Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze, and the rivers themselves. There are so many wonderful hiking trails in Canyonlands and it’s impossible to experience it all in one day.

I recommend visiting the Mesa Arch trail to watch the sunrise in the morning, then heading to the Grand View Point trail, which offers incredible panoramic views.

Head back into town for a late breakfast / or early lunch. You can also enjoy a picnic at Canyonlands if you prefer to explore more there.

You will want to take a break in the early afternoon when the temperature is hot and the trails are busy. This will give you time to rest so you have plenty of energy to stargaze at Dead Horse Point in the evening.

Dead Horse Point State Park

Dead Horse Point features a dramatic overlook of the Colorado River and Canyonlands National Park.

You may also recognize this park from the popular movie Thelma & Louise . The Grand Canyon scene where they drive the car off the cliff was actually filmed at Dead Horse Point. Fun fact!

This is the perfect spot to watch the sunset. I also recommend sticking around to stargaze here. It’s recognized as an International Dark Sky Park and is one of the best spots to see the Milky Way.

I was literally in awe looking at all the stars in the sky – it’s truly a miracle to witness.

• From Moab: Full-Day Canyonlands and Arches 4×4 Driving Tour
• Moab: Sound and Light Show with Dinner
• Moab: Self-Drive 2.5-Hour Hells Revenge 4×4 Guided Tour

Day 6 – Arches National Park

Sleep in a little this morning, especially if you were up late stargazing at Dead Horse Point.

If you want to get up early to watch the sunrise, I recommend heading to the Windows trail at Arches National Park to see the sunrise.

Arches National Park

This park has over 2,000 natural stone arches, giant balanced rocks and more incredible formations. Arches can get quite busy throughout the day, so I recommend arriving early.

Aim to do a couple of trails here. My favorites are the Devil’s Garden trail and Delicate Arch. The Delicate Arch trail is best to visit at sunset, so head to Devil’s Garden first.

Devil’s Garden

You will see several arches on the Devil’s Garden trail, including Landscape Arch which is one of the largest natural spans in the world.

If you are feeling adventurous, you can take the Primitive Trail, which is a tough alternative route to or from Double O Arch.

Delicate Arch

Watching the sunset at Delicate Arch is a must. Make sure to bring plenty of water with you since this is considered a difficult hike. (Unfortunately it started raining while we were at Delicate Arch, so the sun was hiding behind the clouds).

• Colorado River Sunset Boat Tour with Optional Dinner
• From Moab: Half-Day Canyonlands Island in the Sky 4×4 Tour

Day 7 – Las Vegas

You made it through a week of enjoying Utah’s National Parks and knocking off some amazing hikes from your bucket list. Now it’s time to end the trip by relaxing (or partying) in Las Vegas.

I recommend staying near the center of the Las Vegas Strip so you can easily get around. We stayed at Bally’s , which was the perfect location to visit the surrounding hotels and attractions.

The key is to stay at a hotel near the shows or attractions you want to visit. Trust me, you don’t get anywhere fast walking around in Vegas.

We went on the Higher Roller at the LINQ, which is the tallest observation wheel in the world. It was beautiful to see the Vegas lights from above. Make sure to book your tickets online to get a discount.

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Las Vegas (besides drinking or gambling), I wrote a whole post sharing my favorite FREE Vegas activities. You can click on the link to check it out.

If you’re planning to spend the night in Las Vegas, below you can check out deals and local hotels thanks to Booking.com .

Related Posts:

• Visiting Las Vegas for the first time: 10 rookie mistakes to avoid
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My must-have hiking accessories: Click the product to shop

About Eden Ashley

Eden has an MBA and a degree in Psychology. As a new mom (and homeowner), she knows the importance of having a budget that works. She's helped thousands of women get good with money using the same strategies she used to save $100,000 by age 25. Click here to learn how to create a better budget!

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Utah Mighty 5 Road Trip Map + 1 Week Itinerary

• The Most Incredible National Parks Road Trip in America

Breathtaking hikes, expansive landscapes of red-rock formations, and unbeatable adventures in the desert are just a few of the aspects that make a road trip through Utah the insanely magical experience that it is and one of the best American road trips for nature-lovers.

If you’re currently in the planning stages of your road trip to Utah , chances are one of the things you’re most excited to do is to visit all its national parks. Luckily, they’re not too spread apart, so you can easily see them all in a short amount of time!

Starting in Salt Lake City and ending in the alluring Needles district in Canyonlands National Park, this southern Utah road trip itinerary will have you checking out some of the biggest highlights Utah has to offer in terms of nature and grandiose scenery, all in just a week!

Day 1: Drive to Zion National Park

Day 2: zion national park, day 3: bryce canyon, day 4: capitol reef, day 5: arches national park, day 6: canyonlands national park, day 7: canyonlands national park, variations to our utah mighty 5 one week road trip itinerary, best time for a utah mighty 5 road trip, mighty 5 in utah national parks cost, more tips for road tripping in utah & the southwest.

This page may contain affiliate links to third-party tour operators and booking platforms. Should you make a qualifying booking after using our affiliate link, we make a commission.

Utah Mighty Five Road Trip Map & Itinerary

• Driving Distance: 308 miles

From Salt Lake City, start making your way to Zion National Park , the first stop on your Utah Mighty Five road trip.

Zion offers many contrasts in scenery, ranging from white and red-toned cliffs, peculiar-looking rock formations, hanging gardens, and verdant meadows.

Aside from its beautiful landscape, Zion also boasts Native American history that dates back to prehistoric times. To understand the land, you’ll be walking a little better; the first thing you need to do is check out the Zion Human History Museum , where you’ll get to learn all about the Pauite people who once inhabited the area.

If you arrived early enough, you may also have a bit of time to spare to hike a few of the short trails of Zion.

A few recommended ones include Canyon Overlook Trail, Riverside Walk, The Emerald Pool Trail, and the Watchman Trail. 

Where Should I Stay visiting Zion National Park?

Staying inside the park, then  Zion National Park Lodge  is your best option. Nearby, Springdale hotels and motels make for an affordable option, or for a luxury experience, try glamping at Zion Wildflower !

Learn more about the closest airports to Zion to start your Mighty 5 Utah road trip. We also have plenty of ideas on places to stop between Salt Lake City and Zion National Park if you want to extend your Utah road trip .

• Driving Distance: 75 miles

Day two will be all about going on in and braving the world-famous Angel’s Landing trail. This is a pretty challenging hike that can take around four hours to complete and will have you see some of the best landscapes the park has to offer. At the end of the hike, you’ll be standing a whopping 1500 feet above the canyon!

As a note, take into account that Angel’s Landing is pretty strenuous and not recommended if you have a fear of heights (or tiresome little legs!). Moreover, you’ll also need to secure a permit to hike the trail in advance.

If Angel’s Landing doesn’t sound right for you, there are plenty of other amazing hikes in Zion you can do instead, or opt to take a scenic drive around the park. You can easily fill two days at Zion even without the more strenuous hikes.

Do be aware a shuttle bus is required throughout most of the year to get you from the Zion National Park visitor center and into the depths of the park. If you’re not early risers, do expect queues by mid morning.

After hiking and exploring, hop back in your car to drive Zion to Bryce Canyon National Park , your next stop in your Utah Mighty 5 road trip itinerary!

Where Should I Stay Visiting Bryce Canyon National Park?

Campers will find two established campgrounds within Bryce Canyon National Park , or Bryce Canyon Lodge is the only other accommodation inside the park. Nearby the town of Bryce Canyon is not far from the park’s entrance, try Best Western PLUS Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel .

• Start and end your day in Bryce Canyon

Home to the largest collection of hoodoos in the world, Bryce Canyon’s unique landscape is guaranteed to please even the fuzziest of travelers.

The ultimate way to see as much of Bryce Canyon on foot is by hiking the Queen’s Garden to Navajo Loop trail . Throughout the hike, you’ll be weaving your way through limestone walls, hiking through tunnels, and even crossing a pine forest before getting to the main viewpoint in the park, which offers 360-degree views of the largest amphitheater of hoodoos!

After hiking, you can check out the rest of the park by driving over Highway 12, a road that provides access to some of the best lookout points of Bryce Canyon.

When sunset arrives, put your hiking shoes back on and make your way to Sunset Point, a splendid place to watch the sun go down over glowing red rock hoodoos!

Bryce Canyon sits at a higher elevation than the other Utah National Parks so gets much colder in winter ! Gorgeous for those snow fall photos but be prepared with lots of layers.

Stay: As per night 3, stay in the park or nearby at Bryce Canyon

Alternatively, if you wont an early start on Day 4, you can stay overnight close to Capitol Reef, try the Capitol Reef Resort  in the nearby town of Torrey, or Cathedral Valley Inn , Caineville with basic accommodation. Campers, you can try pre-booking Fruita Campground inside Capitol Reef National Park.

• Driving Distance: 114 miles + 137 miles to Moab

Today, you’ll start the day by driving two hours to Capitol Reef National Park , the most underrated park on the itinerary.

Even though it’s not as popular as the other “Mighty 5”, Capitol Reef offers landscapes like no other. You’ll find three distinct areas to explore: the Waterpocket Fold, the historic Fruita district, and Cathedral Valley. 

The park is located on the Waterpocket Fold, a gigantic “wrinkle” on the earth’s surface that created a landscape as dramatic as it can get. Here, you’ll be gawking the entire time as you pass views of enormous cliffs, rugged canyons, natural bridges, and so much more.

Grab a quick lunch and hike to Hickman Bridge, a pretty short trail that will get you to see some of the most iconic views in the park.

Next, grab your car keys and drive the 8-mile scenic road to get access to some of the best viewpoints in the park (this is the only part of the park you’ll be charged an entry fee). Even though the drive is pretty short, there’s a ton to see on the way, so plan at least a few hours to complete the drive without rushing your way through.

After completing the park’s main scenic drive, you can continue toward Highway 24. This road will take you to a petroglyph panel created by the indigenous people who lived in the park’s area thousands of years ago.

After admiring the panels, continue the adventure by driving to Moab, the gateway to Arches and Canyonlands national parks!

If you want less time in Moab for hiking, you can extend your trip between Capitol Reef and Moab with a stop in the fascinating and surreal Goblin Valley State Park .

Where Should I Stay Visiting Moab?

We’ll be pulling up here for the next few nights as we complete the second half of this incredible road trip. Basing yourself in Moab, you are about 10-15 minutes from Arches National Park and 40 minutes from Canyonlands – Island in the Sky Visitor Center.

A few options to try in Moab to suite different budgets:

• Expedition Lodge
• Comfort Suites Moab
• Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton

You can search further Moab accommodation options, including VRBO options for your dates here:

• Driving Distance: 10 miles

Arches National Park is exactly what it sounds like: A sea of natural arches (it has over 2000 of them!).

Despite the huge amount of arches and rock formations, it’s home to, Arches national park is actually pretty small, which means you can easily see the highlights in just a day.

Very Important Note: From April 2022 the park introduced a new timed entry system to cope with crowds. It will be ESSENTIAL from April to October to pre-book your entry to Arches National Park .  

To start the adventure, rise early and drive to Arches from Moab to hike to Delicate Arch. This is one of Utah’s most emblematic landmarks (so much it’s actually depicted on its license place), and sunrises here are an absolute treat, especially when the sun’s rays pass right through the arch.

Next, drive down the Arches Scenic Ride, which will have you making several stops at some of the best viewpoints in the park to get a pretty good introduction to the landscapes it offers.

After driving, you can choose from a few of the many short hiking trails on offer. We recommend starting out with the Landscape Arch hike. It takes just under an hour and will get you to see the longest natural arch in the country! Other note-worthy hikes to consider are The Windows, Double Arch, Sand Dune Arch, and Skyline Arch.

Where Should I Stay Visiting Arches National Park?

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Note that, because there is no lodging at Arches, you will need to drive back to Moab or camp at the Devils Garden Campground (you need to make advanced reservations).

Moab is located just 15 minutes away from Arches, so you’ll have plenty of options if you don’t manage to snag a spot at the campsite, or why not try this glamping experience ?

• Driving Distance: 32 miles to the entrance + 34 mile scenic drive

While Arches National Park is all about arches and rocks, Canyonlands is a bit different as it is home to expansive canyons, enormous rock formations, and spires.

Canyonlands National Park is absolutely huge (over 330,000 acres!), and seeing everything in just a day is impossible.

To make things less overwhelming, day six of your Mighty Five road trip will be all about settling into the park by exploring Island in the Sky, the most popular district in the park where the most iconic highlights are found.

• To put the size of Canyonlands in perspective, it’s about a 2-hour drive between Island in the Sky and The Needles. The Maze is even more remote again, and only accessible by 4WD. Whilst the best hikes for families are in Island of the Sky, you will want a full final day to tackle the Needles as well , we wouldn’t attempt both in one day.

Start the day by hiking the Mesa Arch Trail for sunrise (yes, you’ll need to start hiking in the dark!). Once you get there, though, the views are absolutely worth the early wake-up call. 

After hiking, you can drive the 16-mile scenic drive up to Upheaval Dome. From there, start driving back slowly and make stops at the many viewpoints scattered all over, where you’ll be able to see some of the most beautiful views of Island in the Sky.

After completing the drive, you can choose from the many hiking trails on offer. The hikes at Island in the Sky are pretty short and not very strenuous, so you’ll have enough time to tackle plenty of them.

A few must-do hikes, which most families should be capable of completing, include the White Rim Overlook Trail (0.9 miles), Murphy Point (3.6 miles), and Aztec Butte (1.6 miles).

Where Should I Stay Visiting Canyonlands National Park?

Same as night 4 in Moab, or if you’re looking for a change, why not try this glamping experience ?

We can’t think of a better way to finish a road trip through Utah than exploring the Needles District in Canyonlands.

Even though Island in the Sky is simply fantastic, the Needles offers a much more rugged landscape, quieter trails, and hikes that are considered a bit more challenging. This day is really for your more experienced hikers!

As you make your way to The Needles, make sure you make a quick stop at Newspaper Rock, where you’ll be able to see prehistoric petroglyphs. It’s right outside the park.

From here on, get prepared to do a ton of hiking as we’ll go all in by hiking the Druid Arch to Chesler Loop Trail. While not extremely challenging, this hike is 11.2 miles long, so you’ll need to plan all day for it. 

Throughout the hike, you’ll get the chance to see two of the best landmarks in The Needles District. Druid Arch is a beautiful arch with two narrow openings that offer amazing views of the entire area around it.

Chesler Park, on the other hand, is an open area that features a large collection of sandstone spires that look as though they’re piercing the sky!

Day 7 Alternatives + Additions!

If you’re not huge hikers – or with extra time – a Day 7 alternative close to Moab is Dead Horse Point State Park .

Some of the most simply breathtaking viewpoints in Utah – in fact, in the country! – can be found here. Watch the Colorado River snaking its way through the vast red canyons from the Dead Horse Point Overlook.

If little legs can muster some more enthusiasm, there are several more hikes within the park, though even just a walk to the viewing point for sunset would be the most spectacular way to end your Utah Mighty 5 road trip.

Although the Mighty 5 in Utah have undoubtedly earned their reputation, don’t dismiss the Utah state parks, too. Often less crowded but just as awe-inspiringly beautiful. A state parks passes are $10-$20 valid for 2 days or annual passes $100.

• We have a detailed guide here to more family-friendly activities to enjoy around Moab

As you can see Day 7 here is quite strenuous, we would not recommend this for families with young children and inexperienced hikers.

As an alternate with younger children, we suggest you take a little longer on your way from Salt Lake City to Zion as there are plenty of incredible national monuments and state parks that can be added to the Mighty 5 (with less walking).

We would suggest instead:

Alternatively, if you’re heading onward to Arizona, skip the second day in Canyonlands and keep driving onwards to Monument Valley for some serious desert magic !

A Longer South West National Parks Road Trip

Another alternative itinerary, particularly if your plan is to continue onward to Arizona and Nevada , is to tackle all of the above in reverse. We would start the Mighty 5 driving from Salt Lake City to Moab, or Denver to Moab then finish the Utah portion of your journey in Zion. Try this version instead:

• We explain in a lot more detail how to fit the Utah Mighty 5 into an epic Denver to Grand Canyon road trip across the highlights of southwest USA

Utah’s desert environment means the summers can be sweltering hot, whilst the winters can be cold – even attracting snow! Whilst this can be a photographer’s dream, for most, the peaks of summer and winter aren’t ideal.

Despite the often oppressive heat, summer remains the busiest time for visitors; expect queues, crowds, full parking lots, and sky-high accommodation costs.

However, Spring and fall bring ample opportunities to go and explore – we love early May. The closer to summer you get, you’ll need to think carefully about the amount of hiking you can do.

October is a real sweet spot for mild weather and low crowds, with the added element of fall colors.

For the most part, though, the Mighty 5 in Utah can be visited year-round with some planning.

Aside from fuel and accommodation for your national parks road trip in Utah, you need to factor in national park fees.

You will find it’s very much worth investing in getting your family an America the Beautiful annual pass , which will cover you not just for the Mighty 5 but entrance fees at national forests, wildlife refuges, and more. It’s only $80 and valid for 12 months.

If you are just visiting Moab – Arches & Canyonlands, a Southeast Utah Parks Annual Pass is $55.

Check if your family may be eligible for the 4th Grader Pass – Every Kid Outdoors pass; there’s no better time to explore the natural beauty of the country.

And don’t forget peak season reservations for Arches National Park! Bookings open three months in advance. Like many of the country’s most popular national parks , it’s likely these summer reservation systems are here to stay.

• If you want more desert action in the Southwest, then why not extend your trip further into Arizona , or mountain lovers keep heading east for the magic of Colorado and some seriously scenic mountains.
• You can find our suggested itinerary for combining the best of Utah’s National Parks with Grand Canyon National Park over here .
• Utah observes Mountain Daylight Time (MDT) – daylight savings – from roughly mid-March to Mid-November.
• Summers in the desert can be brutally hot. Always set out with plenty of water and observe our desert driving tips .
• Wifi and internet connectivity beyond the small towns is scary in Utah! Make sure you download any maps you want in advance for offline use, or consider paper maps as a backup.
• Pack yourselves plenty of snacks ! You’ll find roadside stops along the way, but once you’re in the national parks, beyond visitor centres you won’t find much in the way of food.
• Never forget a road trip essential again with our downloadable family road trip checklist .

We hope this simple Utah Mighty Five itinerary helped you plot the perfect road trip through the Beehive State. Prepare to do a lot in just a week, all while knowing your efforts will be well worth your while, as this is easily one of the most beautiful routes in the entire world .

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Destinations , Vacations , West Coast · June 18, 2021

The Ultimate 7-Day Southern Utah Road Trip Itinerary: Zion, Bryce, Escalante

Southern Utah is full of stunning scenery. It makes for memorable hikes, lookouts that make your jaw drop, and long, beautiful drives that seem much quicker than they really are. One of the top destinations in the United States, a southern Utah road trip will not disappoint.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links that earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Who Should Go on a Southern Utah Road Trip?

Everyone! Take a solo trip. Make it a girl’s trip. Head out for a getaway with your significant other. Take the whole family! There is something for everyone that will make it impossible to regret.

If you’re a hiker, you definitely don’t want to miss out. If exploration for you means scenic drives, you will love it just as much!

As long as you love beautiful places and getting outside, you’re all set.

Note: the itinerary provided below will resonate most with those who want to do a lot of hiking mixed with grabbing drinks and eating good food. While hikes range from moderate to difficult, there are no 16-mile days or backpacking excursions! But you will get out and move every day!

When is the Best Time to Take a Southern Utah Road Trip?

The sweet spot for visiting Utah is in the spring and the fall when crowds dwindle (somewhat) and the weather is a comfortable temperature. Summer months definitely get crazy with both people and hot weather. And the winter months, though unique and beautiful in their own right, obviously come with snow and cold temperatures!

Keep in mind, besides the dead of winter, these places are busy all of the time. Go when it works for you, and be prepared for crowds.

Where Does This Southern Utah Road Trip Itinerary Take Me?

Many Utah itineraries you find are going to be based around the “Mighty 5,” which includes Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Capitol Reef National Park.

In my opinion, to do “The Mighty 5” right, your trip should be two weeks total—10 days at the very least. Anything under that and you will be doing a lot more driving than exploring.

Since this trip is only one week (including travel days), it’s two national parks and a national monument.

There are notes and tips about substituting different places on certain days so, obviously, you are not locked in. That said, it is a place to start and I highly recommend this itinerary for a week that includes a range of experiences!

How Can I Spend 7 Days in Utah?

• Travel Day : Arrive in Southern Utah with options to stop along the way
• Start with 1 Day in Zion National Park (East Side—aka the “secret side”)
• 1 Day in Bryce Canyon National Park
• 1 Day at Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
• 2 Days back at Zion National Park (South End)
• Travel Day : Back home on Day 7

The trip includes three different places to stay, so while you do hotel-hop (Airbnb), it’s not a daily switch. All of the details on that are below.

The Best Southern Utah Road Trip Itinerary: One Week

A southern Utah road trip takes a little more pre-planning than a lot of vacations, but the adventures are totally worth it. Let’s get started!

Before Your Southern Utah Road Trip

Do your research.

Google. Read blogs. Browse Instagram. Ask your friends. Whatever you need to do, soak up as much information as possible! Everyone’s experience is different but I guarantee a better time if you have a plan together and a good idea about what you’re getting into!

Additional, HIGHLY-DETAILED blog posts of mine are linked throughout the post so make sure to visit those for even more tips.

I highly recommend a quality SUV for this trip. You spend a lot of time in the car, one day involves dirt roads, there are switchbacks through Zion, and you will need enough space for all of your passengers and luggage. My group went with a Chevy Equinox and it was perfect.

Annual Park Pass

If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, grab an America the Beautiful Pass for $79.99 . It’s $35 at each park (for 7 consecutive days) so you make up your money in just three NP visits.

This pass twice is used twice on this trip so if you have another national park planned (or find it likely—you’ll only be out $10 if you don’t) then definitely grab one of these! If you don’t want to go that route, you can grab week-long passes at the entrances.

What to Pack for a Southern Utah Road Trip

Water Bottle: You need a big one that keeps liquids cold. This 32 oz. water bottle is my absolute favorite (still had ice in it after a day at Zion in 80+ degrees!) It has an easy-to-carry handle and I love the mouthpiece.

Hiking Shoes: Don’t forget your hiking shoes! If you don’t have a pair, invest in some. A few of these hikes will be difficult without them. The REI Outlet is a great place if you want to keep things affordable.

Layers: A few mornings you will get started early and temperatures are much, much cooler than they will be in the day. Make sure to have a jacket, long sleeves, leggings, and shorts, as well as a warm hat if you are going between late September-May.

Snacks: Between long hikes and busy areas with restaurant wait times, you will want snacks! My favorite are these Chomps Beef Sticks (all clean ingredients and lots of protein), and Trader Joe’s Simply the Best Nuts (individually packaged which makes everything easy). They easily fit in a suitcase and can be in your carry-on.

Sunscreen: No matter what time of year! If you are on the hunt for a clean product, the best out there is Cocokind . It’s not a weird texture or sticky on your face. I love it, plus it’s a great size for travel.

And with that, let’s get into the official southern Utah road trip itinerary!

Day 1: Travel Day

Where do i fly into for a southern utah road trip.

McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada , is the closest airport to southern Utah. It’s 170 miles away from Springdale, Utah (Zion National Park), and is a major hub where you can typically find cheap flights.  This itinerary will start in Sin City!

Note: Salt Lake City International Airport is the next closest and is 311 miles from the park. This is a good option if you prefer to road trip through Utah from north to south.

Pick Up Your Rental Car

Grab your rental and be on your way! Your first day of travel will have you on a scenic drive as you make your way from Vegas, through Arizona, and finally, into Utah. It’s a fairly easy drive that will find you on curvy stretches every now and then and takes a total of 160 miles (2 hours, 35 minutes.)

KEEP IN MIND: there is a time change between Las Vegas (PDT) and Utah (MT)! Your clocks will move ahead one hour.

Places to Stop between Las Vegas and Springdale

• Valley of the Fire State Park : this can be your first stop if you’d like to do a short hike and check it off your list! Located under an hour from Vegas and still in Nevada, is beautiful desert land and red sandstone formations.
• St. George : is a city a couple of miles north of the Arizona and Nevada border in the very southwestern corner of Utah. It’s one of the bigger towns on your drive and perfect for a gas and food stop.
• Other than that, it’s mountains, small towns, and jackalopes! Lol

Depending on what time you arrive, check in to your place, explore Springdale, Utah, or better yet, just relax! You have a big week ahead. (Note: there are a few Springdale restaurant recommendations later in the post.)

Where to Stay in Springdale, Utah

Best western plus (night 1/1).

Springdale, Utah accommodations are not cheap given the high demand! One of the more affordable places is the Best Western PLUS , located right downtown and near a shuttle stop—more on that below.

The rooms are very spacious, clean, and complete with a view. Plus, they offer an (actually delicious) continental breakfast that is the perfect pre-hike meal. And lessens the blow of the bill.

Options: There are plenty more places to choose from in Springdale, Utah including the Zion Lodge inside the park (need to book early), camping, and additional hotels and Airbnb’s. Check out How to Spend Two Days at Zion National Park: What You Need to Know for more options.

Day 2: Zion National Park (East)

Hike: observation point via east mesa trail.

Observation Point is one of the most beautiful spots in Zion and you will want this hike on your list. More specifically, the version of this hike that is done via the East Mesa Trail. The more popular version of the hike to Observation Point is from the south end of the park—bottom-up. This requires a shuttle bus and there are an endless amount of people.

Luckily, there is an alternative route if you drive to the east side of Zion—top-out. Bonus: the scenic drive there (via UT-9) is one to remember!

Note: the popular, south-end version of the hike to Observation Point is currently closed due to rockfall. (That said, I’d still choose East Mesa Trail, even when it’s reopened.)

The East Mesa Trail hike is not one you need an early start for which makes it a good option after a travel day. Wake up, grab breakfast, and be on your way at a leisurely pace. Plan to leave Springdale between 11:00-12:00 PM.

Plug “East Mesa Trailhead/Observation Point Trailhead” into your Google Maps and you will be all set for a 52-minute journey. It’s only 23 miles, but given the switchbacks and drive through the mountains and tunnels (awesome!), it takes longer. There is a bathroom as you approach the east-side entrance. And a few miles from the trailhead, you hit a dirt road which is where your SUV comes in handy.

Note: you will not return to Springdale tonight and this is bringing you in the right direction once your hike is over.

Park at the trailhead (we arrived at 1:00 PM and found parking, no problem) and you will find where the 6.8 miles, out-and-back trail begins. 

* This Hike Takes 3-4 Hours *

You are led through a woodsy setting with mountains in the distance and amazing views once you make it to your destination. The best in the park, in fact! Though the hike is a bit longer, it’s not strenuous in terms of incline. A less than a mile or so stretch on your way back will be the toughest part on your booty!

Your destination (Observation Point) gives you not only a great hike but one of Utah’s best views . It includes a birds-eye view of both Angels Landing and The Narrows. Tip: it’s very windy at the top!

After your hike, you will make your way to Hatch, Utah (54 miles—1 hour, 10 minutes) which is very well-positioned between both Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park. Tomorrow, you’ll tackle Bryce. But don’t worry, you will return to Zion in a couple of days!

Survive on snacks until you arrive. There is an awesome (and a bit unassuming) place to eat called Outlaw Saloon – Western Bar and Steakhouse . PRO TIP: Get the ribs. The meat falls off at the touch of a knife.

Where to Stay in Hatch, Utah

Mountain ridge cabins and lodging (night 1/3).

Mountains Ridge Cabins and Lodging is the perfect place to stay in Hatch, Utah. They are adorable and affordable with a restaurant/bar, convenience store, and coffee shop right nearby. The cabins are very clean (with daily housekeeping available) and include a shower, TV, and free drip coffees at the coffee shop.

Day 3: Bryce Canyon National Park

Hike: the figure 8.

All right, people. Get ready. Because this is going to be a day to remember. Everybody raves about Zion National Park (which, of course, is beautiful) but the real winner in my book is Bryce Canyon National Park. The rock formations, known as hoodoos, will take your breath away!

Day 3 is going to require an earlier start. Leave Hatch, Utah absolutely no later than 8:30 AM ; I would recommend between 7:30-8:15 AM and potentially earlier in peak season.

Sip your coffee on the 30-minute drive over and park in the Sunset Point parking lot after showing (or purchasing) your pass at the park entrance. Note: we got one of the very last spots in the lot at 9:02 AM. And if it’s summer, it will fill up earlier than that.

Sunset Point parking lot will connect you to Rim Trail and one of the most beautiful overlooks at the top of the canyon. You will be hiking down into it—and back up! And trust me, the views will be worth it.

Hike the Figure 8 Hike

The best and most rewarding 6-7 mile hike (depending which route you choose) in Bryce Canyon National Park consists of three hikes looped together into a Figure 8. Always remember, STAY RIGHT.

*This Hike Takes 3-4 Hours*

• Wall Street : a series of switchbacks that lead you down onto the canyon floor. (Left side image once I reached the bottom.)
• Peekaboo Loop Trail : an up and down 3-mile loop inside the canyon that offers the most INCREDIBLE non-stop views of the rock formations.
• Navajo Loop Trail OR Queens Garden : The way back up to the parking lot which is a tough, but worth it, journey! Navajo is shorter yet steeper and brings you to Sunset Point. (Right side image. Phew!) And Queens Garden takes some extra time but is less of an incline and brings you to Sunrise Point parking lot.

You can find EVERY SINGLE DETAIL on this hike here: The Best Day in Bryce Canyon National Park . You will have the BEST time!

After the Figure 8 hike, which I cannot recommend enough, you still have an entire afternoon ahead of you. Choose one of these great options:

• Walk Rim Trail and check out all of the viewpoints. This brings you along the edge and does not get down into the canyon. You can park at Sunset Point OR Sunrise Point. There are no inclines so it can be a very casual walk while getting some great pictures.
• Drive the Scenic Byway known as Route 63 . If you’d rather drive, this will bring you to a TON of great views. (You can easily make this a full day as well.)

It has been a DAY! Find a restaurant in Bryce or make your way back to Hatch and hit Outlaw Saloon – Western Bar and Steakhouse again. This time, get the steak. It melts in your mouth!

Where to Stay: Hatch, Utah (Night 2/3)

Return to your little cabin for another night’s stay! Option: if you’d like to stay inside the park, Bryce Canyon Lodge is the only option and must be booked far in advance!

Day 4: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Hike: peekaboo gulch & spooky gulch slot canyons.

Ready for a mini road trip from Hatch to Escalante, Utah? If slot canyons are on your list, then your going to love this day! It’s such a fun experience.

67 miles (1 hour, 15 minutes) east of Hatch, and through Bryce, is Escalante, Utah. It is in the heart of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument on Scenic Byway 12 and home to a few different slot canyon hikes that will blow your mind!

Use this as a day to sleep in a bit (this is by far the least populated area of your trip so you won’t need to worry so much about crowds) and leave Hatch, Utah by about 10:30 AM. This will put you in the town of Escalante by around NOON assuming you stop once. Once you get there, check out the little town, grab some coffee if need be, and be on your way.

Hike Peekaboo Gulch + Spooky Gulch

The plan is to hike Peekaboo Gulch and Spooky Gulch which are located about 40 minutes down a dirt road from Escalante. I know, more driving. But it’s all an adventure and the beautiful drives make them seem quick! Make sure you have an SUV for this trip.

*This Hike Takes 2-3 Hours*

This 3.5-mile lollipop loop hike will have you start at the trailhead, walk around the rim and down into the lower desert, and arrive at Peekaboo Gulch, the first of two slot canyons. From here you have a couple of options:

• Climb into Peekaboo Gulch (that’s the toughest part), and hike through the narrow canyon walls about .25 miles. This one is really fun and a pretty easy hike to maneuver. And the afternoon sun hits the walls perfectly for pictures.
• When you come out the other side, you can hike over to Spooky Gulch, which is only about half a mile or so. Or go back through Peekaboo the way you came. Spooky Gulch is much more narrow (like 10 inches in some spots.) If you had a tough time with Peekaboo or are just nervous to give it a go, turn around. If you’re ready and excited (and just a little nervous), do Spooky! It’s really a unique experience.
• If you end up doing Spooky Gulch, you’ll loop right back around to Peekaboo once you come out of the slot canyon (this one is also about .25 miles) and stay right.
• Of course, you can always reverse it and start with Spooky Gulch and make your way over to Peekaboo second. This is said to be tougher.

This hike is outlined in FULL details (including the drive) over on The Best Grand Staircase-Escalante, Utah Slot Canyons to Hike . Definitely read the details if you are headed that way!

Once you finish your hike and make your way back to the small town of Escalante via the dirt roads, it will be about 5:00-6:00 PM which makes it the perfect time for a beer! Stop for just that and a bite to eat at one of the restaurants/bars. I recommend:

Circle D Eatery

Right off the main road is a great hiking reward!  Circle D Eatery  is a part of an independently-run motel and serves some delicious food and drinks in a casual environment. There is plenty of space inside, as well as an outdoor seating area. I recommend the  Jalapeno Cream Ale  beer that I am still thinking about. And the BBQ Brisket Nachos.

After you eat, it’s time get some rest! Or just keep drinking 🙂 You’ve earned it!

Where to Stay: Hatch, Utah (Night 3/3)

It’s your last night in the tiny cabin! I recommend making your way back just because it gets you much closer to Zion National Park, where you will make your way back to tomorrow. But…

Options: There are actually quite a few places to stay in Escalante, Utah. Click for  all of the lodging choices , including motels and camping if you’d rather not drive more. There are also plenty of places to stay in Bryce, Utah which you drive through and puts you closer to Zion for the morning.

Day 5: Zion National Park (South)

Hike: rest day or your choice.

Sidenote: Zion National Park requires a LOT of details. Please don’t miss How to Spend Two Days at Zion National Park: What You Need to Know where nearly every single detail is outlined. This post will give you a lot of great high-level information, but we really go in-depth over there.

Back to Zion, it is! I like the idea of starting with Zion and looping back around to end with it to give you a shorter distance to and from the airport.

At this point, you will want to check off one (or two!) more hikes in the next two days. Depending on how you feel, you might need a rest day, which Day 5 is perfect for. Zion National Park is crazy busy and in order to have the best experience, you need to wake up EARLY. Being that you’ll wake up in Hatch, Utah, that will be difficult. A few options:

• Rest Day: Go at a leisurely pace today, explore Springdale, Utah and get ready for a big day tomorrow. This is the choice this itinerary covers!
• Hike Watchman Trail or Canyon Overlook Trail: these hikes don’t require the shuttle which makes it way easier to work into the day. Watchman is 3 miles from inside the south entrance and Canyon Overlook is 1 mile and off of UT-9.
• Hike Angel’s Landing: this is the most popular hike at Zion National Park and a later-in-the-day start might not be the best experience. That said, it’s your vacation!

Grab a delicious breakfast at Hatch Station. They have omelets that will hit the spot! Plan to take off and make your way back to Springdale (60 miles—1 hour, 20 minutes, and a beautiful drive) by about 11:00 AM.

Make a road trip stop at Belly of the Dragon. It’s right off UT-89 and is a quick, fun, and unique stop through a cave. There aren’t a lot of people and it’s perfect for kids—or just a couple of cool pictures! Plus, a chance to get out and walk around.

This is your chance to explore the town of Springdale, Utah! You might not be able to check into your hotel or Airbnb (my recommendation below!) until late afternoon so just find a parking spot and meander around the town. Recommendations:

• Go Shopping: This tourist town is, of course, full of shops that line the block towards Zion National Park. Souvenirs, crystals, sweet treats, boutique-style clothes, and gifts.
• Coffee/Drinks: FeelLove Coffee Zion is the cutest place and it is not just coffee, there are dinner and cocktail menus as well.
• Beer: Definitely plan to have a beer or five at  Zion Brew Pub where there is both indoor seating as well as an awesome outdoor beer garden. It’s right near the entrance to Zion National Park.
• Eat: Whiptail Grill , a converted gas station, is a great place for lunch! Grab anything from steak tacos to chicken sandwiches on their Mexican fusion cuisine menu. They do have beer and wine.
• Visitor Center: go talk to park rangers and grab maps for tomorrow.

After your day of exploring, it’s time to grab dinner and then call it a night. (Note: if you are doing The Narrows hike tomorrow, grab your gear from Zion Outfitters . More information below.)

Zion Pizza & Noodle Co

Dine-in (there’s a beer garden) at  Zion Pizza & Noodle Co . or order your food from the counter and bring it to your hotel or Airbnb.  The European Trail  was a delicious pizza option.

Townhouse Airbnb (Night 1/2)

I stayed in the  most perfect townhouse  in the heart of Springdale and it was perfect! Very clean, modern, and has two bedrooms plus comfy living space, laundry machines, and a TV.  And the outdoor patio space (pictured below) makes it worth every penny.

You are only a short walk from the Springdale Shuttle that will bring you to the park (more on that below.) And there is a marketplace across the street that’s perfect for grabbing meals to prep at the place and snacks for your hikes. We stayed two nights and weren’t quite ready to leave! Highly recommend.

Options: Visit How to Spend 2 Days at Zion National Park for more places to stay.

Day 6: Zion National Park (South)

Hike: the narrows.

Today is a big day and a check-off of the Bucket List! If you didn’t get a major hike done yesterday, you’ll need to pick between The Narrows and Angels Landing—two of the most popular hikes.

This itinerary will walk you through The Narrows , a fun and unique experience that isn’t quite as close to death as Angels Landing. (LOL I’m kidding. Sort of…)

Note: if neither of these sounds appealing, check out the list of other popular Zion National Park hikes .

Early. Start early. It cannot be stressed enough. As I mentioned, Zion is a very popular place. And between the number of people and the shuttle bus(es) requirement, it’s best to get going. We’re talking like, be in line for the Zion Canyon Shuttle at 6:00 AM. EEK! Don’t worry, it’s worth it. First things first:

Zion Shuttle Buses

The most popular hikes in Zion National Park REQUIRE taking the Zion Canyon Shuttle Bus. There are TWO separate shuttles in the area.

• The Springdale Shuttle : connects the town of Springdale (stops near your hotel or Airbnb) to the South Entrance of the park where you catch the Zion Canyon Shuttle. Note: this runs April-October. This is not required, you can also walk.
• Zion Canyon Shuttle : This gives you access from inside the park to the upper canyon (most popular hikes) since  private vehicles are prohibited along Zion Canyon Scenic Drive between March and November. It is first-come, first-serve. Don’t forget your park pass or purchase at the entrance.

Hike The Narrows

Shuttle bus stop 9: temple of sinawava.

One of the most unique hiking experiences in the United States  is through the Virgin River inside one of Zion’s canyons. After taking the Zion Canyon Shuttle to the last stop (#9) and making a mile or so hike on the Riverside Walk paved trail, you’ll enter the river with high canyon walls on either side.

*This Hike Takes as Long as You’d Like! Likely at least 4 hours*

Once you enter the water, you can go as far as 8 miles, but you can turn around and come back whenever you choose.  The scenery doesn’t change a ton, so we went about 1.5 hours or so before we made the trek back.

As far as gear, I recommend the boots, neoprene socks, and a walking stick from Zion Outfitters . You can find WAY more details in this post . Note: this is not required!

• Pick another shorter hike inside Zion National Park such as Emerald Pools or Weeping Rock.
• Head back out to Springdale to drink beer and eat; you’ve done enough hiking for one day!

Townhouse Airbnb (Night 2/2)

Back to the perfect townhouse in Springdale where you can enjoy your outdoor patio, maybe do some laundry before you head out, and relax!

Day 7: Travel Day

That’s it! You have reached Day 7 of your southern Utah road trip experience and it’s time to make you way back to the airport. You are 2 hours and 40 minutes from Las Vegas so depending on when you flight is, make sure you are packed and ready to roll!

Mix-and-Match + Additions

When you only have one week, including travel days, there is simply too many places to squeeze in on a southern Utah road trip. Here are other destinations in the area that you can replace in your itinerary, or add extra days for:

• Capitol Reef National Park: if you’re focused solely on national parks, you could potentially swap “Day 4: Escalante Slot Canyons” with this park which is also east of Bryce. It is more driving and you’ll likely need to stay the night.
• Canyonlands National Park: even farther east than Capitol Reef, you will probably need more days to work this in.
• Arches National Park: a tad more east from Canyonlands, these three national parks are pretty close in proximity. As I said, 10-14 days for “The Mighty Five” is what you’ll need. I plan to do these 3 as a separate trip.
• Dead Horse Point State Park: one of Utah’s state parks with views of the Colorado River. It’s near the three national parks above and the city of Moab, Utah.
• Cedar City + Cedar Breaks National Monument: a town north of Zion. You could choose to loop from Zion to Cedar City to Bryce and back around.
• Northern Arizona: PACKED with places to check out, this can easily be a vacation on its own! The Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon (popular slot canyons that are currently closed), and Horseshoe Bend are all highlights.

One Last Thought…

It’s tough to come by in Utah! Lol. Here’s the skinny: You can get 5% or less at gas stations, marketplaces, etc. Anything percentage above that, and you have to go to a liquor store. The kicker? There aren’t many liquor stores! Ha. Definitely scope it out during your travels and figure out your option to stop and grab some booze.

As far as restaurants, many (not all) only have beer and wine. And many (not all) places don’t have an actual bar to sit at.

This was my least favorite part of Utah and thought you should know! Lol.

You will LOVE this trip! And you will come out of it with so many amazing pictures and incredible memories. Comment your favorite spot on this trip! Or one I may have missed.

Happy travel! 🙂

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In One Week in Utah

Nope, it can't be done. There's no way anyone can "see Utah" in only 7 days -- there's simply too much here that's really worth exploring. But if 1 week it is, then try this fun, varied vacation that will give you a good taste of what Utah is all about. This trip starts and ends in Salt Lake City, taking in historic sites, Mormon culture, and some beautiful red-rock scenery.

Days 1 & 2: Salt Lake City

Among Salt Lake City's must-see attractions is Temple Square, the world headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). In addition to the majestic church buildings, including the not-to-be-missed Tabernacle, the square houses lovely gardens and statuary, and visitor centers with exhibits on the church's history and beliefs. If possible, attend a performance of the renowned Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Then, before leaving the city, drop in at the Beehive House, built in 1854 as church leader Brigham Young's family home, and the Church History Museum.

Day 3: Park City

Drive to the Old West mining town of Park City, where in winter you can test your skills at one of three fine ski resorts. In summer, stop at the Utah Olympic Park, built for the 2002 Olympics. It's open year-round for tours and other activities. Next, go downtown to the Park City Museum -- home to the old territorial jail in its basement (it's worth a look) -- and pick up a copy of the Park City Main Street Historic Walking Tour brochure, which leads you to 45 buildings and historic sites that have managed to survive fires, hard times, and so-called progress through the decades.

Day 4: Price

Price has a different sort of history. The town began as a railroad and coal-mining center but is now best known for its dinosaurs. Stop at the CEU Prehistoric Museum, operated by the College of Eastern Utah, to see huge skeletons of an allosaurus, a Utah raptor, and an intriguing duck-billed dinosaur known as the prosaurolophus. If time permits, drive about 35 miles out of town to the Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry to see excavations and the bones of more than 70 dinosaurs.

Days 5 & 6: Arches National Park & Moab

One of Utah's easiest-to-see national parks, Arches is prized for its mind-boggling sandstone rock formations, colored in shades of red, orange, and brown. Explore its scenic drive and several trails, and you'll delight in the otherworldly desertscape of natural stone arches, towers, and other fanciful sandstone formations. Make the adjacent town of Moab your headquarters, and take a break and cool off at the nearby Scott M. Matheson Wetlands Preserve , a lush oasis along the river that attracts more than 200 species of birds, plus river otters, beavers, and muskrats.

Day 7: Back to Salt Lake City

It's a long drive back to Salt Lake City, but, if time permits, plan a stop in Provo to explore some of its fine museums, especially the excellent Museum of Art on the campus of Brigham Young University, or the equally renowned Springville Museum of Art in nearby Springville.

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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When You Wander

Travel tips, van life, the great outdoors, utah road trip itinerary – 2 weeks in the mighty 5 national parks, april 30, 2018 liana safian.

If you’re having déjà vu, (look we already picked up some French😉) you’re not alone. This two week Utah road trip itinerary is a combination of our one week eastern and western national park itineraries. We thought it’d be helpful to have all the details in one place and timeline recommendations for each destination. Plus, we’ve added more awesome things to do in each national park and new photos.

If you have 2 weeks to travel around the stunning state of Utah, you can visit all 5 national parks (Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, Canyonlands) and really get a sense of the area. This Utah road trip national park itinerary is ordered from west to east because that’s how we traveled through the state, but you can easily reverse the order. You’ll find lodging options for each area (including free camping spots), food recommendations, and of course lists of our favorite activities. We’ve written specific posts about all five of Utah’s national parks so you can get even more details there.

We hope you enjoy this ultimate Utah road trip itinerary. Happy planning!

Days 1-5 at Zion and Bryce Canyon

Where to stay in zion and bryce canyon national parks.

The first thing you’ll need to decide on your Utah road trip is whether to stay at one place between Zion and Bryce or move locations. Since there’s ample free camping outside both places we moved and this is our recommendation. You’ll avoid wasting valuable time driving. Plus, you can catch sunrise and sunset at Bryce Canyon which is an incredible experience.

The Parks: The campgrounds inside Zion and Bryce Canyon are highly competitive. We’re talking Star Wars movie release level lines waiting for the next camper to leave. If you have your heart set on camping in the parks, make a reservation or get there super early in the morning.  Zion and Bryce also have lodges with various accommodations. Free Camping: There are plenty of free camping spots within 30 minutes of  Zion and Bryce . Hotels and Commercial Campgrounds: Zion has an entire village just outside its south entrance in Springdale, UT. You can even ditch your vehicle and catch a shuttle into the park. Check-out the Zion Canyon Visitors Bureau for options. The county tourism site has lodging details for Bryce. If you really want to stay in one location, here are some possibilities . Just be sure to allow extra time for traffic near and inside the parks.

Where to eat in Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks

Fort Zion Restaurant & Virgin Trading Post: This is a fun stop for more than just a hanger cure. In addition to homemade ice cream and juicy burgers (according to Tom), there’s a petting farm and a small village of humorous old west storefronts including the Virgin Jail and Miss Molly’s House of Negotiable Affection. Fruit stand outside the south entrance of Zion: We stopped at this stand daily on our way out of the park. Great for quickly grabbing fresh produce. It’s on the left side of the road heading towards Zion’s south entrance. Just make sure to bring $ as it’s a cash only operation. Other places to eat near Bryce: Confession time. We were super budget travelers and didn’t eat out at all during our time in Bryce. Well, unless you count post-sunrise viewing coffee and a donut from the park store. Personally, I think that a 5am wake-up warrants an extra coffee and a donut, but that doesn’t exactly count as a great food recommendation. So I’ll leave this one to the pro’s and share Eater’s list of best restaurants around Bryce. We’ll definitely be hitting up a few of these next time we’re in the area.

What to do in Zion National Park

We recommend spending three full days in Zion National Park. Here are some things to keep you busy during your visit to this majestic desert oasis:

• Hike right through the Virgin River in the Narrows.
• Conquer your fear of heights at Angel’s Landing. If hiking along a narrow ridge that has 1,000 foot drop-offs on both sides isn’t your thing, you can always stop at Scout’s Lookout and take in the views from there.
• Drive through the tunnels and see Checkered Mesa on the east side of the park.
• Visit the Human History Museum.
• Get away from the crowds in the serene Kolob Canyons.
• See old settlement cabins on the trail to Double Arch Alcove.
• Trek to the Emerald Pools.

Find out more about these awesome things to do in Zion National Park here.

What to do in Bryce Canyon National Park

Two days in Bryce Canyon will allow you to see much of the park. Here are some of our favorite experiences:

• Watch sunrise at Sunrise Point. This was one our favorite experiences from all our 2017 travels.
• Watch sunset at…you guessed it…Sunset Point. Don’t worry, the names in the park get more interesting from here on out.
• See the hoodoos up-close on the Queen’s Garden/Navajo Loop Trail.
• Hike through rock tunnels on the Peekaboo Loop Trail (our favorite trail in the park).
• Ride a horse through the hoodoos.
• Drive to the end of HWY 63 and stop at the uniquely named viewpoints. Seriously, who doesn’t want to see something called Piracy Point?
• Visit Red Canyon just outside the national park.
• Take in one of the longest views in North America on the Bristlecone Loop Trail. On clear days you can see all the way to the Grand Canyon.
• Check-out a waterfall in the desert on the Mossy Cave Trail.

Get more details about the best of Bryce Canyon here.

Days 6-8 at Capitol Reef

Where to stay in capitol reef national park.

The Park: There’s one developed campground in Fruita with 71 sites. Most sites are reservation only for much of the year so as usual, book early. Free Camping: Free BLM camping can be found to the east and west of the park. There’re also boondocking spots in the National Forest south of the park. Hotels and Commercial Campgrounds: There are other lodging options including hotels, resorts, cabins, and Bed and Breakfasts in the areas surrounding Capitol Reef. Here’s a great site for finding a place to stay. Just be sure to check distances, as some of these are bit far from the park.

Where to eat in Capitol Reef National Park

Chuckwagon General Store Deli: We went here looking for coffee and found a fresh tasty deli counter. You can grab lunch to go or eat there. Mesa Farm Market: Located 24 miles east of the Capitol Reef visitor center, this market has it all. In addition to produce they offer salads, artisan breads and baked goods, cheese, yogurt, fresh juices, and more. Other places to eat near Capitol Reef: The Capitol Reef tourism dining page lists lots of other tasty establishments.

What to do in Capitol Reef National Park

• Hang out by the natural water “tanks” in Capitol Gorge.
• Gaze upon the crooked landscape and funky rock formations along the Chimney Rock Loop Trail.
• Stand on top of Cassidy Arch (named after the infamous Butch Cassidy).
• Hike to Hickman Bridge natural rock formation.
• Take a trip through time in Fruita and learn about the history of the area’s early settlers.
• See petroglyphs and pioneer registers on the rock faces.
• Take in the stunning views at Panorama Point and Goosenecks Overlook.

Find out why you don’t want to miss Capitol Reef National Park here.

Days 9-14 at Arches and Canyonlands

Where to stay in arches and canyonlands national parks.

Arches and the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands are fairly close together so you can stay at one location near Moab. You will want to move locations for the Needles district of Canyonlands, but we’ve included recommendations for that as well.

The Parks: The campgrounds inside Arches and Canyonlands are small and fill quickly, so our advice is to book as early as possible if you want to stay in the parks. Free Camping:  It’s easy to find free camping on the abundant BLM land around Moab. Of course, arrive early in the day so you’re not searching for a site in the dark. Some of the BLM campgrounds have fees so check them out ahead of time. Here’s a link to the free camping site we use and the other fee-based BLM campgrounds . Our recommendation for the Needles section of Canyonlands is this surreal free camp spot aptly named Hamburger Rock. Hotels and Commercial Campgrounds: If you prefer hot showers and indoor plumbing, the Moab Tourism website is a great resource for finding all lodging types.

Where to eat in Arches and Canyonlands National Parks

Moab Brewery: Gelato and beer, how can you go wrong? Zax Pizza : Three words: Pizza. Lunch. Buffet. La Hacienda : Flavorful Mexican food with big portions. Moab Farmer’s Market : Re-stock your road trip snack supply at the local farmer’s market. Last summer it was held on Friday evening at the Swanny City Park.

What to do in Arches National Park

Start your time in eastern Utah with two days exploring the trails and unique sandstone formations that Arches National Park is famous for:

• Take in sunrise at the Windows and Turret Arch area.
• Make the short trek to Double Arch (also in the Windows and Turret Arch area).
• Hike to (and stand under) Delicate Arch.
• Visit Balanced Rock.
• See 7 different arches on the Primitive Trail (including the world’s largest arch).
• Go on a ranger guided tour through the Fiery Furnace.

Get the full 2-3 Day Arches National Park itinerary here.

What to do in Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands is a large park with different distinct regions so we recommend spending three full days here to soak up all the amazing scenery and expansive views.

Island in the Sky District

• Stop at Mesa Arch.
• See canyons for days from the Grand View Point Overlook trail.
• Visit ancient ancestral Puebloan granaries at Aztec Butte.
• Gaze into the mysterious Upheaval Dome.
• Catch another Sunrise at Dead Horse Point State Park.

Needles District

• Stop at Newspaper Rock on your way to the Needles and see hundreds of petroglyphs—some carved 2,000 years ago.
• Climb ladders on the Cave Spring Trail.
• Hike over diverse desert terrain to Chesler Park and the needles.
• See the confluence of the Colorado and Green Rivers.
• Look for “puddle dwellers” at Pothole Point.
• Take in four viewpoints on the Slickrock Foot trail.

Find more things to do in Canyonlands National Park here.

Have you done a Utah road trip? Did you visit any of the national parks? What was your favorite thing to do?

Related Posts:

• Utah Road Trip Itinerary – 1 Week in Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks
• Utah Road Trip Itinerary – 1 Week in Arches and Canyonlands National Parks
• 13 Road Trip Essentials (Make sure to have everything you need for your road trip adventure)

• Bryce Canyon
• Canyonlands
• Capitol Reef
• Grand Circle Tour Itinerary
• River Rafting in Moab
• Anasazi State Park

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We've developed itineraries to help people plan and enjoy trips to the best destinations in Utah and the surrounding area. We live in Utah and we know these areas . Our itineraries are based on our own experiences, with input from many travelers and tour operators. They will help you enjoy our scenic attractions, byways, accommodations and restaurants.

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How to Pull Off the Perfect Utah National Parks Road Trip

A s the morning’s first rays beam through windows encasing my comfy bed in an Adventure Wagon Sprinter 144 van, the feeling hits me again. Parked on the edge of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument —on a Utah national parks road trip—we've arrived in our personal oasis. The van’s cool air, a stark contrast to the bone dry heat already warming this rocky, desolate landscape in the heart of Southwest Utah, makes me want to hunker down in our little Sprinter sanctuary, but only for a few extra moments. Soon enough, we’re naturally drawn out into yet another spectacular scene during our week-long Utah national parks road trip. 

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Sliding open the van’s door, I emerge into a massive amphitheater perched above sandstone cliffs dropping into a twisty brown river. Steaming French press coffee awaits on a sleek wooden Dometic table overlooking the desert vista. It’s a breakfast vista that conjures comparisons to Horseshoe Bend, which is not far from here, and even the Grand Canyon to a degree.

From Moab to Grand Staircase-Escalante, Bryce Canyon National Park , and Capitol Reef , here remains one of the more rugged and remote regions left in the old American Southwest. It’s reminiscent of classic road trip scenes described in Edward Abbey’s Desert Solitude and Kerouac’s On The Road , which described this part of the country as a “road to heaven.” Indeed, it’s a place where you can insert many a mile and acre between you and anywhere else. Southern Utah is still one of the best places on Earth to just disappear for awhile, in the best sense. Here’s how we pulled off a fantastic week-long Utah parks road trip from Denver to Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in the perfect vehicle with spectacular stops along the way. 

How to Choose the Right Vehicle for a Utah National Parks Road Trip

When it comes to a road trip in these parts, the vehicle is everything. It’s more than just your mode of conveyance. It’s where you spend much of your days, and it can make or break a trip accordingly. The mix of comfort and reliability all in one vehicle is key.

Thankfully, the days of the family Griswold station wagon are long gone. Today, when it comes to cross-country trips, the van life movement has revolutionized road travel. These large vans are outfitted with everything from plush beds to kitchen sinks, making your home for the night wherever you decide to park.

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For our cross-country trip, we opted for an Adventure Wagon , made by a company which specializes in modular van setups to accommodate a variety of adventures and lifestyles. More than just a barebones “home on the road,” it’s an all-purpose home base for mobile adventures.

The modularity of the Adventure Wagon's system allows users to configure seating, sleeping, and storage based on their activity in a matter of minutes. Our van setup includes a bed, a pullout tray bike rack, and a galley with sink, stove, and fridge. Add plenty of ingeniously placed storage room for gear, bags, and a pile of firewood, and you’re fully equipped and prepared for wherever the road takes you.

Day 1: Denver to Rabbit Valley, CO

We hit the highway with the Utah/Colorado border in mind for our first stop. On a holiday weekend in late spring, the majority of campgrounds and dispersed camping between the Front Range and the Western Slope of Colorado are unsurprisingly packed. Rolling onwards under a crystal clear Milky Way lighting up the cool desert evening, we park the large yet maneuverable Sprinter in Mesa County’s Rabbit Valley region—swiftly shifting from driver’s seat to bed without leaving the vehicle.

As the name implies, Rabbit Valley is a valley located in northwestern Mesa County best known for its mountain biking and OHV trails. Located within McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, there are five established campgrounds available for camping with easy access to trails in the area. I rode my bike right out of camp hitting Trails 2 and 3, which provide stellar views of the surrounding region including the Colorado River and La Sal Mountains. 

Day 2: Moab, Monument Valley, and Goosenecks State Park

After some crisp morning mountain biking the next day we press on toward Utah, finding ourselves driving through Castle Valley and Moab. Other vanlifers wave as we pass. Officially in the club, we wind along the swollen chocolate milk-hued banks of the Colorado River, churning its way through the red rocks surrounding Moab. The town and area surrounding Moab is best known as a mountain biking mecca, featuring famed trails such as Slickrock and The Whole Enchilada. Located in eastern Utah, it also serves as the gateway to Arches National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, and Canyonlands National Park. Each of these special places is worth its own trip, offering otherworldly desert vistas and landscapes.

Soon, we’re ensconced in iconic Monument Valley Navajo Park , forever immortalized in Forrest Gump and numerous old Westerns. This majestic landscape is on the Arizona and Utah border and is literally right out of a John Wayne classic ( The Searchers ). The red sand desert’s flat valley gives way to a geological masterpiece as sandstone buttes and towers reaching 1,000 feet jet out of the dirt. The drive through this landscape is about 17 miles and may take an hour with all the photo opportunities along the way. 

Pulling into Goosenecks State Park just before sunset, we enjoy a night in this convenient state park tucked away in Mexican Hat, UT, with desert scenery that foreshadows what’s to come. A campsite here will set you back just $10 and comes with a fire pit and solid park amenities. Some sites offer sun shades with relief from the harsh Utah rays, as there are no trees to be seen here. The main attraction at Goosenecks is the view. While there’s no access to the river below, you can take a great walk along the cliffside filled with panoramic views below and dark, starry-strewn skies above.

We park near a span of cliff overlooking the San Juan River as it snakes its way through the canyon. The massive vista reveals rock that has eroded for an estimated 300 million years, according to geologists. Every bit as magnificent as the canyon below are the countless constellations flickering above the chasm. We sit by the crackling fire sipping Smokewagon Small Batch Bourbon while watching rafters navigate the river by headlamps to their camp far below. 

Days 3 to 5: Entering and Exploring Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

By day three of the trip, we’ve reached our final destination. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is so massive that we’ll be driving around and through it for the next four days. Located in Southern Utah, Grand Staircase-Escalante is ideal for desert hiking, biking, canyoneering, off-roading, and camping.

Three distinct areas make up the monument: Escalante Canyons, Grand Staircase, and the 1,600-square-mile Kaiparowits Plateau situated between the two. In all, the region covers 1.7 million acres of slot canyons, arches, slick rock, hoodoos (eroded red and white columns of rock that branch into the sky), and even massive waterfalls. The otherworldly landscape spans sedimentary rock and fossil records covering 30 million years.

Traversing the area clockwise in the Adventure Wagon, we inch as close to the massive rock monoliths as the road will allow. The monument is so big we even dip into Arizona at one point, traveling through Page —home to Coyote Buttes and The Wave , Horseshoe Bend , and Antelope Canyon . Looping past the Pink Sand Dunes , we head north toward Bryce Canyon National Park , celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. The remote area is home to the largest concentration of hoodoos on the planet, offering breathtaking views of the 8,000-foot Paunsagunt Plateau.

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Soon, we’ll be deep in these clefts, hiking through canyons filled with vivid red and yellow cactus flowers to Lower Calf Creek Falls . We’ll swim in the frigid cold water as a massive waterfall spills over the slick rock above us. A relatively easy six-mile, out-and-back hike will offer more spectacular views of surrounding canyons and jagged cliffs. We’ll also venture out to Zebra Slot Canyon , filled with water from recent spring rains. The unique cream-colored striations on the sandstone impart a zebra-like quality to the spectacular canyon, while the rocks reflect a stunning mirror image in the water.

After living out of a van for the better part of a week, we’re more than ready for a shower and a bigger bed. The nearby towns of Bryce, Escalante, and Boulder can accommodate travelers in the area. We opt for a unique desert retreat that just opened called Yonder Escalante , tucked within Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument on the grounds of an old drive-in movie theater.

Days 6 & 7: Discovering Yonder Escalante—a Slice of Modern Luxury in the Western Desert

A former RV campsite, Yonder Escalante launched three years ago with the spirit of the American road trip at its core as a stylish lodging and camp spot. Yonder offers food, drinks, bathhouses, pool, hot tub, laundry and is pet friendly. Visitors can relax by the fire with majestic views of Southern Utah in every direction.

Yonder Escalante can be uniquely summed up as an adventure campsite melded with a luxury hotel in one of the most dramatic outbacks of the American Southwest. The juxtaposition of luxury and wilderness is so seamlessly meshed together here, it appears like a mirage as we pull through the gates. Paying close attention to detail and intimate connection to nature, the property lets visitors choose between tent or van/RV campsites, custom-designed cabins, and newly-renovated vintage Airstreams.

We settle into a deluxe cabin furnished with an outdoor shower, soft bed, and about as much window as wood—making it feel like there’s nothing but air between us and the Utah desert. It’s the perfect base camp for exploring slot canyons and expansive vistas in Escalante—and also for some welcome respite after trekking and biking our way across a good chunk of Southern Utah.

An array of amenities at Yonder includes an inviting pool and hot tub, a general store stocked with meal kits and cocktail coolers, an open-air lounge with fire pits, luxury bathhouses, an onsite food truck, and a drive-in movie theater equipped with nine stationary restored classic cars.

After a soak in the hot tub, we dine that evening on tasty cheeseburgers and ice cream from the food truck. Then a beer or two by the fire before slipping into a vintage blue truck with some popcorn to enjoy tonight’s movie, Willy Wonka .

All too soon, it’s time to pile back into the Sprinter van and head home. Our journey east passes through Capitol Reef National Park, where massive rock formations inspire more marveling—and consensus that this stellar road trip will definitely be getting a sequel. 

You don’t ‘hike’ Fiery Furnace, Utah’s exclusive maze of slot canyons. You get lost in it

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“Is that the trail?” I asked Steve, my longtime adventuring buddy. Not out of frustration or worry. I was more amazed at how this trail was marked, which is hardly at all. So you know, Steve has led me off trail only once in 10 years along dozens of hikes. He’s that good as a navigator.

“Matt — any idea?” I asked my other friend, who was head down in his GPS app, trying to decipher the snaking mess that was our location against the supposed “trail.”

Before I move on, you need to understand that GPS works only within 10 feet of your actual position, which is pretty amazing for triangulating satellites that are thousands of miles away. But not quite amazing enough for those afraid of getting lost on one of the most exclusive hikes in America: Utah’s Fiery Furnace in Arches National Park. One wrong step here, and you’ll be backtracking, head scratching and disorientingly wondering whether you’ll ever find the trail again in this maze of red rock, slot canyons, towering arches, divisive fins, giant spires and blue skies.

And that’s the fun of it. Here’s what you need to know — what I wish I’d known — before visiting this mostly safe and contained playground for an afternoon or more.

Utah’s Fiery Furnace is a 30-minute drive from Moab, Utah. It’s one of the only protected wilderness areas in the national park system. Open to only 75 people a day (and no reservations longer than seven days out), it’s also one of the hardest park permits to score. Compared to other hikes, Fiery Furnace is more of a moonshot when it comes to crossing its Martian terrain. “Everyone but the park rangers get lost,” our guide told us during a pre-hike orientation. “Not even GPS will save you, so it’s best just to meander and go with the flow.”

She was right about all but one thing: Although GPS tracking in the popular AllTrails app spectacularly failed to keep us on path, it did help us get out eventually so we could make it to our next hike in Arches. But if I could have a redo, I would have accepted the guide’s advice and planed for more time and mindless wandering in this special place among an already special southern Utah.

Speaking of the orientation, it’s mandatory. After picking up your $10 permit, you’re required to enter a small conference room and watch a 10-minute video about what the hike demands in terms of water, following the so-called trails and complying with the strict environmental and preservation regulations. You’ll even be verbally tested on what you watched, and the rangers won’t let you leave until you get the answers right.

After that, you’re on your own. Literally and figuratively.

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During our hike, our party of three encountered just three other groups in the three hours we were inside. We jokingly exchanged pleasantries and accepted that none of us knew where we were going. But we did offer helpful tips of where we had been. “There’s a cool arch back there… Watch out for the giant gap ahead… Stay to the left or you’ll dead-end at a cliff.”

I say Fiery Furnace is mostly safe because I had to jump a gap and nearly tripped into what would have been severe injury some 20 to 30 feet below. Whoops. It’s not necessarily a physically demanding or overly technical experience. But parts of the furnace are tricky, and I wouldn’t advise anyone in poor shape to go inside. But able adults and sure-footed children regularly make their way through. For everyone else, there’s a stunning view of the furnace from the oncoming road and official viewpoint.

The view on a trip to the Fiery Furnace canyon in Arches National Park, Utah. (Blake Snow)

Blue skies and red rocks inside Arches National Park, Utah. (Blake Snow)

While hiking the furnace, you can expect several arches, a sea of balancing rocks and mushroom like toadstools, massive cliff walls, incredibly tight slot canyons, layers upon layers of sandstone fins that divide the landscape and even a few open spaces. There are deep canyons, dead ends, sweeping vistas of distant formations elsewhere in the park, and a deafening amount of silence.

My friends and I lunched in the spring shade of Surprise Arch, a natural stone arch sandwiched between two massive rock walls. I have no idea how it or any of us got here. But there we were, dining al fresco in this otherworldly place.

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If venturing the unknown of Fiery Furnace all alone doesn’t appeal to you, park rangers offer guided tours several times a day to permitted guests.

For the lucky few who enter Fiery Furnace, my advice is this: Get rid of your GPS — at least until you’re ready to leave. Plan for a few extra hours inside, if not an entire day. Meander. Get lost. By all means hike — but don’t expect your average point to point or loop trail. You probably won’t see the whole area, and that’s a good thing. There’s reason to return and have an experience that’s entirely new.

The ranger was right. Just go inside and enjoy the view.

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Park City snowboarder accused of trying to sneak onto Texas flight home at SLC airport faces federal charges

The man used a photo of another passenger’s boarding pass to board the plane, prosecutors say..

(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Delta Air Lines planes at Salt Lake City International Airport, on Friday, Dec. 23, 2022.

A Texas man who authorities say took a picture of another person’s boarding pass and tried to sneak onto a Salt Lake City airport flight home after a snowboarding trip to Park City is now charged with national security crimes.

A federal grand jury this month indicted 26-year-old Wicliff Yves Fleurizard, of Leander, Texas, on charges of stowing away on an aircraft and access device fraud, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah.

Fleurizard was arrested March 17 after he successfully boarded a Delta Air Lines flight bound for Austin, Texas, using a cellphone photo of another passenger’s boarding pass. Once on the plane, he opened an emergency equipment storage door, charging documents say.

A flight attendant who saw Fleurizard open the storage door then directed him to the plane’s front lavatory, which Fleurizard stayed inside of for the remainder of boarding.

When he exited the lavatory, he then made his way to the plane’s back lavatory. By the time he exited that restroom, a flight attendant noticed all the plane’s seats were occupied and confronted Fleurizard.

The plane had started to taxi away from its gate when Fleurizard claimed another passenger was in his seat. When flight attendants verified that was not true, and were unable to locate a valid ticket or booking reservation for him, the plane returned to the gate and Fleurizard was arrested.

Authorities reviewed surveillance video of the boarding area, which showed Fleurizard surreptitiously taking photos of several passengers’ phones and paper boarding passes before boarding the plane.

Fleurizard told police he was “only trying to get home” after a snowboarding trip to Park City, according to charging documents. A friend had given him a Southwest Airlines companion pass, he said, which allowed him to get through airport security.

But he was then unable to board any Southwest flights because they were full, he told police, prompting him to try and fly home on the Delta plane.

Fleurizard’s initial court appearance will be scheduled for “a later date,” federal prosecutors said.

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