adventure trip utah

25 Adventures For Your Utah Bucket List

Explore the best of the Beehive State.

By: The Outbound Collective + Save to a List

With five national parks and millions of acres of wilderness waiting to be explored, the toughest part about exploring Utah is deciding where to begin. Should you hike the mountains near Ogden, Salt Lake City and Park City ? Or road trip south to discover some of the most rugged landscapes in America.

You can’t go wrong in Utah, so here’s a random list of 25 perfectly spectacular jumping-off points. Think of it as a slightly more focused version of randomly dropping your finger on a map.

1. Explore the Zion Narrows

2. Day Hike to Blanche Lake

3. Hike Bryce Canyon’s Riggs Spring Loop

4. Hike to White Pine Lake

5. Hike Angels Landing at Night

6. Relax in Saratoga Hot Springs

7. Hike Coyote Buttes North to the Wave

8. Backpack to Silver Lake

9. Backpack to Lake Catherine and Bag Sunset Peak

10. Explore the Subway Top Down

11. Hike to Diamond Fork (Fifth Water) Hot Springs

12. Camp at Goblin Valley

13. Backpack Reflection Canyon

14. Wildflower Hike in Albion Basin

15. Camp at Willow Lake

16. Short Hike to Double Arch

17. Summit the Pfeifferhorn

18. Hike Kanarraville Slot Canyon

19. Backpack to Red Pine Lake

20. Backpack Kings Peak

21. Hike to False Kiva

22. Camp by the Spiral Jetty

23. Hike through Wire Pass Slot Canyon

24. Ski Little Cottonwood Canyon

25. Photograph the Bonneville Salt Flats

Get more information on these adventures and others around Utah at Utah.com .

Cover photo: Scott Kranz

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We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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The Best 8-Day Utah Road Trip Adventure Itinerary

One of the most iconic road-trips in America is the drive through Utah’s desert! With bright red rocks, orange sand, massive canyons and mountains we learned that Utah really has it all. This road-trip takes you through epic desert landscapes in the USA, to the best National Parks in America and on incredible desert trails. This is the most popular road-trip routes in the USA for a reason!

We drove all the way from Vancouver, BC, Canada to see explore Utah and will never forget this trip of a lifetime. Our itinerary included 4/5 of Utah’s National Parks as well as some exclusive permit-only hikes and hidden gems off the regular path! We had the most epic road-trip through Utah and I’m here to share our 8-day adventure itinerary with you!

Table of Contents

What you need to know before your Utah road-trip

Before you start your trip, plan ahead! Utah has 5 incredibly famous National Parks and most people try to see them all in one road-trip. Know that you will need to have an America The Great Parks Pass before entering the parks or purchase at park gates. Also, make sure to map out your route and download offline maps! Some of the places we visited were remote and did not have cell service. Make note of any off-roading and make sure your vehicle is prepared.

The best time of the year to visit Utah would be in early Spring. It gets very hot in Utah during the summer and most people try to avoid the months of June, July and August for extreme temperatures. We planned our visit for April and it was perfect! Try to plan for March, April or May, but know that early Spring could have cold temperatures and even snow. Utah has some incredible hikes with permit systems in place ( The Wave , Angels Landing, The Narrow) so try to plan permits and campgrounds ahead of time!

Where to start your Utah road-trip

We drove all the way from Vancouver, BC so our travel route might look a little bit different from yours. Whether you flew in and are renting a vehicle to road trip, or road-tripping from home, there are a few different ways to approach this trip. If you’re looking to fly in, I would recommend flying into either Salt Lake City, Utah or Vegas, Nevada to start your trip. If you add Vegas to your trip you can stop at The Valley of Fire on your way.

We decided to start our trip by driving to Twin Falls, Idaho and then to Salt Lake City and begin our Utah adventures in Zion National Park. Starting in Zion National Park meant we were going to be travelling in a loop from the Southwest across Southern Utah stopping in Kanab, through Arizona to Monument Valley, up to Moab and looping back through Hanksville and back to Salt Lake. You can do our route in reverse by starting in Hanksville and ending in Zion.

Some of our plans changed last minute (when we won permits to The Wave) and we visited 4/5 of Utah’s Mighty Five National Parks. We also travelled with our dog so that meant most of the hikes we wanted to do were not accessible in the National Parks with a dog. We drive a capable 4×4 vehicle, however, Utah’s off-roading is completely different and some off-roading spots weren’t possible for us! There is so much more for us to see in Utah!

Our Actual 8-day Utah road-trip Itinerary

I’m sharing the itinerary we used for an 8-day trip around Utah all the way from Vancouver, BC! It took us an entire day of driving to get to Twin Falls, Idaho and the next morning we started at Meadow Hot Springs near Meadow, Utah. On our way home we stopped in Salt Lake City and the Salt Flats before sleeping in Twin Falls and driving all the way back to Vancouver, BC. This was an 18 hour drive and we didn’t make any other notable stops along the way! Our actual trip including travel was 10-days.

You might also notice that our itinerary doesn’t visit all of the National Parks in Utah (we missed Bryce Canyon National Park and didn’t get to hike in Zion) this is because we were travelling with our dog! Dogs are not allowed in National Parks in the USA and we had to get creative with hotel stays in order to see 4/5 of Utah’s National Parks. Our itinerary includes hidden gems, stops that most people don’t visit, and a special hike that requires you to win permits. If you have a 4X4 vehicle you can reach even more epic spots in Utah, but start here for our ultimate adventure itinerary!

Day One: Hot springs & Zion National Park

We started our day at a free campsite near Meadow, Utah. This was at Meadow Hot Springs , a beautiful property with 3 natural hot spring pools. The person who owns the land permits public use and asks that you clean up after yourselves and no dogs/pets in the pools. This is a free camping spot if your vehicle can make it down the bumpy road. We enjoyed a sunrise dip in the third hot spring and had coffee and breakfast before driving to Zion National Park!

We drove into Zion National Park to spend the rest of our day. This was definitely our favourite park and its beauty is something you need to see in person once in your life. Zion National Park is home to some of the most exclusive hikes in the USA (Angels Landing, The Narrows) but since we had our dog with us we only had one option to hike. The Pa’rus Trail is found at Zion Canyon Visitors Centre and is a 5KM out and back trail. We stopped at Feel Love Cafe for iced coffees!

During our visit in April, most of the road through Zion was closed so we opted to drive the Mt Camel Scenic Drive on Scenic Byway-9. We explored this incredibly beautiful drive of Zion by our car and stopped many times for photos alongside the highway. We found free camping for the night and slept right outside of Zion National Park.

Day Two: Kanab, Utah

We woke up and drove through Zion National Park again for sunrise, this time heading all the way out to Kanab, Utah! This charming town is full of activities and we spent the entire day outside. The first stop was to hike Buckskin Gulch , one of the only slot canyon hikes that you can bring a dog with you. This slot canyon is the longest in the world, so although the trail is 15KM long you do not have to hike the entire trail to see the epic slot canyons. It’s an easy hike and one of the coolest things to be surrounded by the orange rock walls towering above you.

Our next stop in Kanab was to hike the Sand Caves . These sand caves are found right off the highway and involve a quick, uphill hike to see them. Once you’re at the top, there are about 3-5 different cave areas and plenty of space to take photos. The unique sand cave openings were really cool to see and require little effort!

Our final stop of the day was a quick drive off of Highway 89 to Paria Canyon-Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness area for sunset, dinner and a free camping spot. We had a tiny bit of cell service and found out that we won permits to The Wave this night. We watched the sun go down over the Rainbow Mountains and couldn’t sleep because we were so excited.

Day Three: Monument Valley & Valley of the Gods

Day Three was a long day of driving but ended up being one of our favourite parts of the trip. We had to come back to Kanab to hike The Wave the next day, so we decided to do a 4 hour drive to Monument Valley. This was a total of 8 hours of driving and was a last minute decision that was so worth it! The beautiful drive brought us past the iconic Utah sign when we drove into Arizona, past Glen Canyon Dam, through Page, past Antelope Canyon, Lake Powell and through Navajo Valley.

Driving through Monument Valley was incredible and nothing like I’ve ever seen before. That’s why I HIGHLY recommend adding this scenic route to your Utah road trip. The large, sandstone structures are truly iconic and the landscape was truly like a different planet. We drove to the famous “Forrest Gump Road” on Highway 163 and took a photo in the exact same spot as the movie!

From there, we continued to the Valley of the Gods to have dinner until sunset. This off-road trail doesn’t require 4X4 and the free camping spots are the best I’ve seen in the USA. You don’t have to drive very far on this road for epic sandstone views, but the further you get the taller the stones get!

Day Four: The Wave, Arizona

We didn’t originally plan to hike to the famous Wave on our trip to Utah, but while we were in Kanab we applied for the daily lottery. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, read our blog on “The Wave, Arizona: Everything you need to know before hiking” . There was a 2-5% chance of winning and somehow we won on our first try! This meant that we had a once in a lifetime opportunity to hike The Wave, and we spent our entire day doing so. We camped at the trailhead so that we could be the first ones on the trail.

We hit the trail before sunrise, and we spent under an hour hiking to The Wave. Make sure to check out our full trail report for a detailed review and photos! This was truly one of the most beautiful hikes I’ve ever done in my life and the sandblasted stone shaped like waves in the sand was truly a sight to see. The morning light made the rocks a bright red colour and we spent the entire morning exploring and taking photos by ourselves. We hiked further beyond The Wave to Melody Arch and The Alcove, which made the trip even more incredible. We hiked back to the vehicle around 2PM and spent the rest of the night driving 5 hours to Moab, Utah.

Day Five: Canyonlands National Park & Moab, Utah

Canyonlands National Park was such a crazy underrated park in Utah. I know that Utah is full of incredible national parks but I really loved the vastness of Canyonlands! We started our day with an attempt at a sunrise hike down a 4X4 road that got too crazy for us to pass with our vehicle, so we found a spot alongside the highway near Schafer Point to pullover and watch the sunrise.

At this point we decided to book a hotel and explore Moab, Utah. We stayed at Quality Suites Moab to take advantage of their cheap price, free breakfast and dog-friendly rooms. For the rest of the afternoon we explored Moab and checked out a few second-hand hiking gear shops. We had dinner at Pasta Jay’s and decided that Moab is one of our favourite cities in the USA.

For sunset, we decided to leave our dog at home and go back to Canyonlands to watch the sun go down at Green River Overlook . There is a viewing platform right beside the parking lot, but we hiked off the path to the right for this incredible view!

Day Six: Arches National Park & Capitol Reef National Park

Since we were staying at a hotel in Moab, we planned a sunrise hike to the famous Arches National Park. We’ve always wanted to see the incredible Delicate Arch , and we knew that the crowds would be smaller if we hiked in the dark and made it there for sunrise.

We started our hike early and made it just before the sun came up and got to watch the first light hit the Delicate Arch. This arch was huge and it was crazy to stand underneath it! Our next hike had to be a quick one, so we opted to see Sand Dune Arch before heading back to our hotel.

We were sad to leave Moab, but our next stop was 3.5 hours away to Capitol Reef National Park. We wanted to see the Temple of the Sun and Moon which are found in a remote part of the park where you can only access by driving down a really fun, bumpy dirt road.

4×4 isn’t required but highly recommend some clearance and AWD. We got here just in time for sunset and took some incredible shots. From here, we drove a little over an hour to our next incredible camp spot…

Day Seven: Hanksville & Capitol Reef National Park

We drove here in the dark, and woke up on the moon. Moonscape Overlook is one of the craziest free camp spots I’ve ever stayed in. The badlands of Utah have some of the most deep, vast and textured canyons I’ve seen in my life.

Getting here will require a bit of off-roading but we saw plenty of camper vans who made it. There is a famous lookout where you can stand on the scariest ridge I’ve ever stood on! Watching the sun come up over the badlands canyons was a crazy view.

We spent the rest of our day driving through Capitol Reef National Park and exploring stops along the highway. The best recommendation I have is to stop at Gifford Homestead on your drive through Capitol Reef National Park for the best pie of your life! Gifford Homestead is found in Fruita Valley, a beautiful drive, and they sell out of their famous pies every day. Make sure to get here early!

Day Eight: Salt Lake City & Bonneville Salt Flats

Our final day in Utah before driving home was spent in Salt Lake City. We decided to stop in Salt Lake City for the first time and prepare for a long drive home. This meant trying the famous Utah soda shops like Thirst and trying Raising Cane’s chicken because we don’t have fast-food options like this in Canada! I wish we could have spent more time in Salt Lake City but we will definitely stay here someday.

On our way home, we made one final stop at the Bonneville Salt Flats. This unique landform is a huge area covered in literal table salt and we were lucky enough to see them flooded. Since it was a windy day, we didn’t get to see any epic mountain reflections in the floods but the Salt Flats that weren’t flooded were still beautiful. This scenery at sunset can’t be beat, and was the perfect final stop on our Utah road trip.

Best Places to Camp/Stay on your Utah road trip

One of the best things about our Utah road trip was the free camping. We saved so much money by sleeping in our tent at free over-landing spots across Utah. You cannot camp for free in any National Parks, however, you can usually find campgrounds within the parks for a fee or find spots outside of the parks for free camping. I’m going to share some of our free spots and best campground recommendations since we only paid for one hotel on our trip!

• Our first free campground was at Meadow Hot Springs, we stayed in our tent with plenty of other vehicles.
• Zion National Park was the most difficult to find somewhere to stay, Watchman Campground was the most beautiful but busy. If you use iOverlander, look for spots just outside of Zion for free camping.
• Just outside of Kanab, you’ll find free camping at Rainbow Mountain off Highway 89.
• Our next free camping spot was in the Valley of the Gods outside of Monument Valley.
• In Moab, we stayed for 2-nights at a hotel called Quality Suites Moab.
• Outside of the Temple of the Sun you’ll find iOverlanding spots that are not in Capitol Reef NP.
• The most incredible free camp spot was Moonscape Overlook outside of Hanksville.

Final Thoughts on our Utah road-trip Itinerary

Our 8-day road trip was one of the greatest of all time and there’s still so much more for us to see in Utah! This road trip brought us to the best National Parks in America and I can’t wait to be back here someday soon for more epic hikes. This is definitely one of the most unique and crazy road trips we’ve ever done and it’s easy to see why it’s the best in the USA.

I hope we’ve inspired you to take this adventure yourself and explore Utah! Check us out on Instagram @yakeandmarie or TikTok @yakeandmarie for all of our story highlights and Reels from Utah. If you’re looking for more info on the most exclusive permit-system hikes in Utah check out our other blog on The Wave, Arizona: Everything you need to know !

Comments (3)

December 26, 2023 at 8:37 pm

Wow! What an amazing itinerary! So fun to read and great photos!

February 7, 2024 at 8:42 pm

Hi! Can you share the itinerary starting from Vancouver? Like where did you stop before you got to Zion/how many days did it take etc?

Dion Carmichael

April 18, 2024 at 2:40 pm

How much did you spend overall?

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10 Best Utah Backpacking Trips

Discover the best Utah backpacking trips across the state from easy but scenic one-night trips to multi-day backcountry adventures.

Although Utah is most famous for its “Mighty Five” National Parks (Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce, and Zion), more than 70% of the state is classified as public land from national monuments to recreation areas to national forests to BLM areas, and the opportunities for outdoor recreation are expansive.

If you’re ready to stretch your legs on some longer multi-day hikes, here are 10 of the best backpacking trips in Utah, ranging from incredibly beautiful overnights to challenging week-long trips.

Best Utah Backpacking Trips – Mapped

1. Coyote Gulch Loop

• Location: Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
• Trail Type: Loop
• Distance: 10.6 miles
• Suggested Time: 2 days, 1 night
• Difficulty: Hard
• Permit needed? Yes
• Best Seasons: Spring and fall

If you’re in the market for a relatively short but delectably sweet overnight hike, head to Coyote Gulch , which borders Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

This hike can be done in several variations, up to 22 miles in length, but this 10.6-mile loop hits many of the area’s highlights including two arches, a natural bridge, and numerous waterfalls.

First, stop at the Escalante Interagency Visitor Center in the town of Escalante to pick up your permit, inquire about road conditions and get the latest weather report.

The 10.6-mile loop is accessed by driving the notoriously rutted Hole in the Rock Road to the infamously sandy 40 Mile Ridge Trailhead. Depending on the road conditions, which change from year to year and season to season, you will likely need 4WD , especially for the deep sand on the last two miles to the trailhead. If your vehicle isn’t 4WD, you may be able to start the loop from the Hurricane Wash trailhead, 33.8 miles down Hole in the Rock Road.

Coyote Gulch’s biggest draw is the miracle of water in the desert. You’ll likely get your feet wet on this hike as the route follows and continuously crosses a perennial stream to its confluence with the Escalante River. Beware of flash flood danger in late summer and avoid this hike if thunderstorms are in the forecast.

From the 40 Mile Ridge Trailhead, the first mile is a bit of a sandy slog but soon you’ll enter the Crack in the Wall, a tight 18-inch wide fissure that drops you off the edge of the mesa into the canyon.

Plan to bring a rope to lower your backpacks through this section. The best campsites are found between miles 4 and 5 and water is found throughout the canyon seeping from natural springs trickling out of the canyon walls.

To exit the canyon, you’ll need to tackle a short scramble up some ledges just past Jacob Hamblin Arch. Inexperienced hikers may find this section intimidating, but there are often fixed ropes here to help protect the climb but you may want to bring your own.

Read next: For a slightly longer one-way trail (vs. loop above), check out our Coyote Gulch Backpacking guide which covers the hike from Hurricane Wash to Crack in the Wall.

Planning information

2. Reflection Canyon

• Trail Type: Out and Back
• Distance: 15.2 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate

This adventurous overnight hike ends at one of the best sunset/sunrise spots in southern Utah, overlooking a uniquely squiggly arm of Lake Powell. This view of bright blue goosenecked bays bordered by towering Navajo sandstone cliffs was made famous by National Geographic and then Apple computers, which used an image of this vantage point in advertisements for the 2012 MacBook Pro.

You’ll need a reliable 4WD vehicle to drive the 50 miles of ruts and bumps down the Hole in the Rock Road to the trailhead. From there, you’ll need a strong sense of direction and a lot of water. There are no sources of water on this trek so you’ll need to carry enough for two days of strenuous hiking and a night of camping and cooking.

Before leaving Escalante, be sure to have the route downloaded on your favorite hiking app . Most of the route runs over slickrock and there’s no defined trail. Aim to follow the long line of cliffs on your right (west) as you hike south. If you stray too far east away from the cliffs you’ll end up in a maze of often impassable slot canyons.

About five miles from the trailhead, you’ll turn southeast to head towards the overlook. From here, you’ll be treated to magnificent views from sunset to stars to sunrise.

New to hiking in the desert?

3. Lower Hackberry Canyon

• Location: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
• Distance: 12.4 miles

Travel back in time to visit a historic cabin and the beautiful Sam Pollack arch on this overnight trek into Lower Hackberry Canyon.

Located at the southern end of the Cockscomb, an imposing and colorful ridge of uplifted sandstone, Lower Hackberry Canyon winds into the heart of the comb, following a beautiful creek that runs most of the year.

About four miles into the hike, you’ll reach Frank Watson’s cabin. Built in 1914 using cottonwood logs harvested on-site, this one-room cabin was restored in 2021 and is an excellent example of a 100-year-old homestead.

Intrepid hikers may also want to seek out an even older abode in the nearby side canyon: a small food storage granary, some grinding stones, and an intriguing humanoid pictograph found nearby in a hidden alcove.

After exploring the cabin and the side canyon, hike another half mile north up Hackberry Canyon to the confluence with Sam Pollock Canyon where you’ll find some great tenting options under the cottonwood trees.

Following Sam Pollock Canyon to the northwest, in another 1.5 miles you’ll reach the spectacular Sam Pollock Arch.

Read next: Heading to Kanab? Read our guide on the best things to do in Kanab, Utah to make the most of your visit.

4. Paria River to Lee’s Ferry and Buckskin Gulch

• Location: Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Area
• Trail Type: Point to Point
• Distance: 40 miles
• Suggested Time: 4 days, 3 nights
• Permit needed? Yes (and they are competitive)

Get your fill of world-class slot canyons on this 40-mile route that starts in Utah and ends at the Colorado River in Arizona.

The Paria River is a major tributary of the Colorado, joining the Colorado River at Lee’s Ferry upstream of the Grand Canyon.

Along the way, you’ll spend two whole days in a narrow slot canyon with an optional side trip into Buckskin Gulch, one of the world’s longest continuous slots.

Permits for both the Paria and Buckskin Gulch are extremely competitive with only 20 people a day allowed into the Paria. See permit info below.

The Paria’s stunningly beautiful setting makes this a popular hike but it’s important to know that it is also extremely challenging . For much of the trek, you’ll be repeatedly crossing the creek and often wading in the water as well as dodging ubiquitous quicksand.

Spring and fall are the most desirable months but freezing water temperatures early and late season can make for miserable conditions.

In the summer, the canyon dries up and turns into a furnace while late summer monsoons can deliver deadly flash floods in these inescapable canyons.

If you manage to snag a permit during a good weather window when the Paria is running but not too high, you’ll be in for some of the most beautiful days of your life.

After leaving from the White House trailhead, the canyon begins narrowing down into its legendary slot, passing between towering red walls of Navajo sandstone.

Just after 7 miles, you’ll pass the confluence with Buckskin Gulch with a few campsites near the junction. A side trip up the narrow corridor of Buckskin Gulch is a must-do. This is one of the most beautiful and harrowing slot canyons on Earth!

Back in the Paria, you’ll continue south, following the endless twists, turns, and meanders into the ever-deepening and narrowing slot. Keep your eyes out for springs seeping from the walls. These are your best water sources, as the Paria itself is usually too silty to filter.

After more than 30 miles in the narrows, the canyon widens as it approaches its mouth at the Colorado River. Here you’ll find Lee’s Ferry, a historic crossing of the Colorado that now serves as the put-in for rafting trips into the Grand Canyon.

Read next: Get more tips for planning your adventure with our Paria Canyon Backpacking guide (which skips the Buckskin Gulch section).

5. The Boulder Mail Trail

• Distance: 15 miles
• Suggested Time: 3 days, 2 nights

Until the 1930s, the remote town of Boulder, Utah received its mail by mule, transported via the Boulder Mail Trail. Running in a fairly straight line between Escalante and Boulder, the Mail Trail crosses three major canyons and a lot of slickrock.

With precipitous drop-offs and deep water sections, the route is not for the faint of heart and it’s a wonder that the postal mules regularly traversed it with few mishaps.

The Mail Trail can be hiked in either direction but since the Boulder trailhead is almost 1,000 feet higher in elevation than the Escalante trailhead, most people hike from east to west for a net downhill hike, ending in Escalante.

Most of the route is well-cairned but you’ll want to be familiar with navigating on slickrock and have the route downloaded on your favorite hiking app before you begin.

The three major canyons, from east to west, are Sand Creek, Death Hollow, and Mamie Creek, each with its own character.

Water is usually found in both Sand Creek and Death Hollow and less reliably in Mamie. Death Hollow is the deepest and arguably loveliest of the three canyons, requiring an 800-foot descent down through Navajo sandstone benches into the canyon.

In Death Hollow, you’ll likely get your feet wet as you follow the creek for about a mile. Avoid the brushy banks as they’re often rife with poison ivy. Also, flash floods are a real danger here so be sure to check the weather before you commit to this hike.

The slickrock climb out of Death Hollow is marked by cairns and is easy to miss. The other route continues downstream to where Death Hollow meets the Escalante River.

You’ll also cross a fourth, unnamed canyon before reaching the Escalante trailhead. In total you’ll gain and lose around 2,500 feet of elevation throughout the 15-mile trek, going from Boulder to Escalante.

6. Bullet Canyon to Grand Gulch

• Location: Bears Ears National Monument
• Distance: 20 miles

More than 1,000 years ago, this complex of deep serpentine canyons in what is now Bears Ears National Monument was a neighborhood inhabited by hundreds of people.

Many generations of families made a living here by growing food and hunting wild game and living in multi-roomed dwellings, often situated under overhanging cliffs. They also created art by painting and etching the walls of the canyon.

But as the climate became warmer and dryer, resources became scarcer and people began building defensive dwellings and food storage structures high on cliff ledges, reachable by only seemingly superhuman feats of athleticism and bravery. Around 700 years ago, people left the canyon, moving into larger Pueblo communities to the south and east.

Thousands of ancient dwellings are found throughout the Bears Ears region but Grand Gulch is famous for the density and preservation of sites. Today, Grand Gulch is preserved as an outdoor museum , with many artifacts and relics left in place.

All visitors to this fragile and sacred place must follow all Leave No Trace principles , as well as additional guidelines for visiting archaeological sites, including:

Permits for this trip, which follows Bullet Canyon to Grand Gulch to Kane Gulch, are competitive and all hikers, including day hikers, need to check in at the Kane Gulch Ranger Station before exploring the area.

Water remains scarce in these canyons so be sure to check with the rangers that springs are flowing or you may need to carry water for your entire trip.

7. Under the Rim Trail plus Rigg’s Spring Loop

• Location: Bryce Canyon National Park
• Distance: 31.8 miles
• Best Seasons: Late spring, summer, and fall

Bryce Canyon is one of the country’s smallest national parks, only covering 55 square miles of land. But what the pocket-sized park lacks in size it makes up for in scenery. It boasts an incredibly colorful hoodoo spire-studded amphitheater that has been scooped out of the high-elevation Paunsaugunt Plateau.

Bryce is famous for its awe-inspiring overlooks but backpackers can get to know the park’s hoodoos, windows, and slot canyons on a more intimate level on the Under the Rim Trail.

This 23-mile trail begins at Rainbow Point in the south and runs north to Bryce Point, skirting the forested base of the plateau’s eastern edge. For bonus miles, add on the 8.8-mile long Rigg’s Spring Loop at the start of your trek.

Park shuttles connect all of the overlooks, including Rainbow Point and Bryce Point, making for easy logistics at the start and end of your hike.

Bryce Canyon reaches elevations over 8,000 feet, keeping this park much cooler in the summer months than the rest of Utah’s red rock country, which is often too hot for summer exploration. But even with cooler temperatures, water is still scarce in the amphitheater. Always check with park rangers about water availability before beginning your trek.

Some hikers elect to leave a water cache at the junction of the Under the Rim trail and the Swamp Creek connector trail. Bottles must be labeled with the hiker’s name and permit dates and must be packed out at the end of your hike.

Read next: Looking to spend more time in Bryce National Park? Check out our complete guide for more tips on the best hikes, where to stay, and things to do.

8. West Rim Trail

• Location: Zion National Park
• Distance: 14.1 miles
• Permit needed? Yes (permits are competitive)

Take the scenic footpath route into Zion via the West Rim trail. This 14-mile route starts at Lava Point in the Kolob Canyons unit of Zion, northwest of the main part of the park.

Lava Point sits at nearly 8,000 feet of elevation, while Zion Canyon dips down to 4,000 feet, making this a net downhill hike.

For the first 6.5 miles, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of Wildcat Canyon and the West Rim of Zion before beginning your descent at Cabin Spring into Zion Canyon where you’ll end at the Grotto Picnic Area.

With a little planning and a lot of luck, you could also apply for a permit to hike Angel’s Landing, which you’ll pass on your way down into Zion. A new lottery system was implemented in 2023 to limit the number of hikers on the notoriously narrow route, but it’s worth trying for a permit since it’s a spectacular hike (if you don’t mind heights!)

The West Rim’s higher elevation makes this route possible during the hotter summer months, but you should be prepared to spend part of the day in the shade and hike in the cooler morning and evening hours.

There are nine designated campsites along this route and water is usually available from several springs and natural sources along the way but be sure to check availability before you start your hike.

Read next: Need help planning your trip? Check out our West Rim Trail Backpacking Guide and our general Zion National Park Guide .

9. Mount Timpanogos

• Location: Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest
• Distance: 14.3 miles
• Permit needed? No
• Best Seasons: Summer and early fall

Towering over the greater Salt Lake City metropolitan area, Mount Timpanogos , affectionately known as “Timp”, is the second-highest peak in the Wasatch Range, reaching 11,753 feet in elevation.

The 14.3-mile round trip hike to the summit gains over 4,400 feet of elevation and for many people, is best broken up into an overnight hike.

The trek begins at the Timpooneke trailhead, next to the Timpooneke campground, and follows the South Fork River past Scout Falls up into Timpanogos Basin. Most people elect to camp here, near Emerald Lake, and tackle the final climb up to the saddle and scramble along the windy ridge to the summit.

On top, you’ll be rewarded with unparalleled views of the Great Salt Lake Valley, Utah Lake and Provo Canyon. Mountain goats are often spotted on the surrounding cliffs and ridges.

Beware of lightning danger in the summer , though. It’s best to be off the summit by early afternoon to avoid thunderstorms.

This hike can also be done from the Aspen Grove Trailhead, which has a similar mileage and slightly more elevation gain, meeting the Timpooneke route near Emerald Lake.

Read next: 3-Day Backpacking Checklist

Read next: Read our Timopanogos trail guide for more tips on planning your hike.

10. Uinta Highline Trail

• Trail Type: High Uintas Wilderness
• Distance: 104 miles
• Suggested Time: 9 days, 8 nights
• Best Seasons: Summer

Utah’s most famous long-distance hike follows the crest of the Uinta Mountains, an east-to-west running mountain range in the northeast corner of the state. Along the way, you’ll tag King’s Peak, the highest point in Utah at 13,528 feet and known for being one of the most remote high points in the state.

The Highline Trai can be hiked in either direction, but most thru-hikers elect to go from east to west , starting at McKee Draw and ending at Hayden Pass near Mirror Lake.

The trail crosses eight named mountain passes, all over 11,200 feet of elevation, altogether gaining and losing over 16,000 feet of elevation.

Water abounds on this route and can be found in many small creeks and alpine lake basins and meadows. In between the passes, you’ll dip back into aspen groves and pine forests, which can give some cover during the afternoon thunderstorms that often roll across the mountains in late summer.

The hiking season can be short in the Uintas, especially in deep snow years when the passes may remain snow-covered until late July or August.

Utah is home to unlimited outdoor adventures. Here are a few more Utah blog posts to help you plan an epic trip to this incredible state:

• 9-Day Utah National Parks Itinerary
• Best Utah State Parks for Hiking and Camping
• Best Hikes in Utah: 20 epic trails
• Best Hikes Near Salt Lake City

Have you done any backpacking trips in Utah? What are your favorite trails and routes? Which of these are on your bucket list? Let us know in the comments!

Mary is a freelance science and travel writer. For over a decade, Mary was a roving correspondent for EARTH magazine, where her favorite beat was the Travels in Geology column. She also founded the Living in Geologic Time column for Eos magazine and her work has appeared in Science News, High Country News, and the Guardian. She also writes the popular blog Travels with the Blonde Coyote, and is the author of Aerial Geology: A High-Altitude Tour of North America’s Spectacular Volcanoes, Canyons, Glaciers, Lakes, Craters and Peaks. In her 15 years as a North American road-warrior nomad, Mary has hiked in all 50 states and visited over 200 national parks. When she’s not at the keyboard she can usually be found outside—hiking, skiing, climbing mountains, and taking photographs.

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Hiking Utah's Mighty 5

9 days, las vegas to las vegas.

• Full itinerary
• Tour details

Utah is home to five of America's most compelling national parks. This nine-day tour will take you through Utah's Mighty 5, as they're affectionately called, with incredible experiences in each. Boulder over rocks to reach pinnacle views in Arches National Park, discover prehistoric petroglyphs, take a dip in waterfalls that end in a natural swimming pool, and trek through the famous Narrows in Zion National Park. If that all doesn't take your breath away, the stunning views certainly will.

Las Vegas to Las Vegas

Special offers, is this tour for me, travel style: active.

Hiking, trekking, biking, rafting, and kayaking adventures all over the world, made for outdoor types.

Service Level: Camping

Camping most nights with some hotel/hostel stays to start and throughout; affordable public and private transport.

Physical Rating: 4 - Demanding

Some high-altitude hikes or more strenuous activities, but accessible to most healthy travellers.

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; Max 12, avg 10

Age requirement: 12+

All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Check Your Visa Requirements

Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.

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In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.

Help us spread love around the world with Trees for Days. Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.

Trees planted for this trip: 9

Ripple Score

Create ripples that change lives. The higher the Ripple Score percentage, the more money stays in the local communities you visit.

Ripple Score for this trip: 85

Places visited

• United States

Itinerary Notes

During your time in Zion water shoes are available to rent for your hike through the Narrows. However, you may have to carry them with you for the remainder of the day. Which is why we recommend bringing your own lightweight water shoe/hiking shoe that you would also be comfortable hiking/walking in for the rest of the day to avoid carrying any extra weight.

Day 1 Las Vegas

Arrive at any time.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Day 2 las vegas/bryce canyon national park.

Hit the road from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon, travelling past towering cliffs and massive canyon walls, stopping at several viewpoints along the way. Upon arrival the group will set up camp before setting off to explore this unique national park in the fading light. After the sun goes down, don't forget to look up to check out this renowned night sky while enjoying s'mores around the fire.

Meals included:

Day 3 bryce canyon national park/moab.

Set off early this morning in Bryce Canyon National Park, and stare in wonder at the largest collection of hoodoos in the world as the sun rises. Take a hike into the amphitheater of Queen's Garden and Navajo Loop to walk amongst the hoodoos, walls and fins that make up this geological wonder. In the afternoon, continue to Moab, an adventure capital of the southwest and the gateway to both Canyonlands and Arches National Parks. Set up camp upon arrival and spend the evening enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the great outdoors.

Day 4 Arches National Park

Enjoy breakfast at camp before driving to Arches National Park. Spend the first part of the day exploring the densest concentration of arches in the world. Take a hike through Devils Garden to Landscape Arch, and continue to Double O Arch, bouldering over rocks to reach the pinnacle views. Head back to Moab in the afternoon where you can take advantage of free time to try some of the optional activities available in the area. Opt to visit Delicate Arch Viewpoint in the evening for a sunset walk. Stand in awe at the over 2,000 sandstone arches ranging in size and shape that make up this park.

Day 5 Canyonlands National Park

Travel to the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. Stop at Newspaper Rock State Historical Monument, the largest known collection of petroglyphs in the Southwest. Spend the day hiking through desert lands to explore eroded towers of sandstone and fissures in the ground on the Joint Trail to Chesler Park.

Day 6 Capitol Reef National Park

Travel to Capitol Reef National Park. Known for its geologic monocline, discover the cliffs, canyons, petroglyphs and orchards that make up the park. Learn about the geology and the ancient inhabitants who created the petroglyphs still visible on the cliff walls. In the evening check into the cabins we'll be staying in while in Capitol Reef. Then, take advantage of your free time after dark to look up at the starry night This national park has been designated a Gold Tier "International Dark Sky Park".

Day 7 Capitol Reef National Park/Zion National Park

Today, travel along the scenic highway through the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Take in the mesas, canyons and arches that make up this diverse geological region. Set off on a hike and discover prehistoric petroglyphs and stunning waterfalls. Opt to cool off in the refreshing waters falling 38m (126 ft) to a natural swimming pool fed from Calf Creek Falls. Continue to Zion National Park, traveling past towering cliffs and massive canyon walls, stopping at several viewpoints along the way. Enjoy panoramic views and a free evening in the Springdale area.

Day 8 Zion National Park

Spend the day discovering Zion National Park. First hike to Scout Lookout, a challenging, but rewarding 4 mile hike which passes through the iconic Walter's Wiggles before reaching the lookout point along a flat saddle with incredible views of the Zion Canyon.

Head to the valley floor to trek through the river on one of the most popular hikes in the park, the Narrows. Admire monumental sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that tower into the sky and opt to turn around at any point. Experience diverse plant and animal life in this narrow slot canyon as the park transitions from desert to forest. Gaze at the awe-inspiring beauty of the high plateaus, striking towers, temples, mesas, and the earth's tallest-known sheer sandstone walls. After returning to camp, head into the charming town of Springdale to celebrate the accomplishments of the last week.

Day 9 Zion National Park/Las Vegas

Take the short drive from Zion to Las Vegas. Tour ends on arrival. Onward travel should be booked no earlier than 3pm.

What's Included

• Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
• Petroglyphs at Capitol Reef National Park
• Stargazing in a Dark Sky Park
• Newspaper Rock State Historical Monument Visit
• Lower Calf Creek Falls Hike
• The Needles in Canyonlands
• A portion of the Joint Trail and Chesler Park Hike
• Queen's Garden and Navajo Loop Hike
• Scout Lookout Hike
• The Narrows Hike
• Entrance fees to all national parks and monuments with hiking and walking excursions
• Self-inflating mattresses and dome tents
• All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodations

Hotel (1 nt), Cabins (1 nt), participation camping (6 nts).

7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners Allow USD140-185 for meals not included.

Transportation

Air-conditioned private vehicle, hiking, walking.

Staff & experts

1 CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

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My own room - from $379.00.

If you're travelling solo and would prefer to have your own private room throughout your trip, select this option during the online booking process.

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Utah Adventure & National Park Tours

Utah’s national parks—Bryce Canyon, Zion, Capitol Reef and Canyonlands—are breathtaking Southwestern playgrounds. Hiking and biking tours with Backroads offer unforgettable desert voyages through Utah’s adventure-worthy red rocks. From ancient cultures to trendy artistic scenes and thriving small towns, our Utah national park tours delve deep into this fascinating region.

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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

Enjoy This Utah Road Trips Guide? Pin It For Your Visit!

Note : This article contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

All Rights Reserved © Where Are Those Morgans, LLC. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, maps, graphics, etc.) in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.

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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Utah National Parks | 10-Day Itinerary

Utah is home to five breathtaking national parks, often referred to as the "Mighty 5": Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and Arches. This guide offers everything you need to know to plan the ultimate road trip through these iconic parks, along with some cool places to explore in between.

Jump to National Parks

Best Stop Between Salt Lake City and the National Parks: Provo

As you make your way from Salt Lake City to Utah’s Mighty 5, a stop in Provo is highly recommended. This vibrant city offers a variety of attractions that make for a perfect break in your journey.

Downtown Provo

Downtown Provo is a bustling area filled with local shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Take a stroll down Center Street to explore unique boutiques, enjoy a meal at one of the many diverse eateries, or catch a live performance at the Covey Center for the Arts. The Provo City Center Temple, a beautifully restored historic building, is also a must-see.

Sundance Mountain Resort

Located just a short drive from Provo, Sundance Mountain Resort offers year-round activities and stunning natural beauty. Founded by Robert Redford, this resort provides opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, and hiking. The resort's serene atmosphere and luxurious amenities make it an ideal spot to relax and recharge.

Bridal Veil Falls

A visit to Provo isn’t complete without seeing Bridal Veil Falls. This spectacular 607-foot waterfall is located in the scenic Provo Canyon. It’s accessible via a short hike and is a perfect spot for a picnic or simply to enjoy the breathtaking views. In winter, the frozen falls create a stunning icy landscape.

Overview of the Mighty 5

Utah’s Mighty 5 are each distinct and offer unique landscapes and experiences.

Provo (Best Place to Stop)

Zion national park, bryce canyon national park, grand staircase-escalante national monument, capitol reef national park, goblin valley and san rafael swell, canyonlands national park, arches national park, day 1: drive from salt lake city and stop in provo.

Drive from Salt Lake City : Start your journey by driving from Salt Lake City to Provo.

Explore Provo :

• Downtown Provo : Stroll through Center Street and enjoy local shops and eateries.
• Sundance Mountain Resort : Engage in outdoor activities or simply relax.
• Bridal Veil Falls : Hike to and admire the beautiful waterfall in Provo Canyon.

Location : Southwestern Utah

Highlights :

• Zion Canyon Scenic Drive : Take the shuttle to explore various stops along the canyon.
• West Rim Trail to Scout’s Lookout : A challenging hike with stunning views. Try for an Angel’s Landing permit.
• Riverside Walk : A gentle hike along the Virgin River.
• Mt. Carmel Scenic Highway : Drive through the historic 1.1-mile tunnel.
• Water Canyon : A scenic hike recommended by locals.

​ Future Plans :

• Angel’s Landing : Apply for the lottery in advance to experience this iconic hike.
• The Narrows : Best visited in the fall when water levels are lower.
• Canyon Overlook Trail : A short, rewarding hike with panoramic views.
• Kolob Canyons : An area of the park less explored by many visitors.
• Camping : Hurricane Cliffs Designated Dispersed Camping Area.

Location : Central Utah

• Queen’s Garden Trail : A must-see hike through the heart of Bryce Amphitheater.
• Rim Trail : Walk between Sunrise and Sunset Points for stunning views.
• South Scenic Drive : Explore natural arches and hoodoos.

Future Plans :

• Navajo Loop Trail : Best completed when snow is not present.
• Backcountry Hiking : Explore the more remote parts of the park when trails are open.
• Camping : North Campground or Sunset Campground.

Location : Between Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef

• Scenic Byway 12 : A beautiful drive with stops for hikes and viewpoints.
• East Burr Trail Road : Explore Singing Canyon, a fascinating slot canyon.
• Lower Calf Creek Falls : A scenic hike to a stunning waterfall.
• Slot Canyons : Numerous slot canyons to explore, perfect for adventurous hikers.
• Waterpocket Fold : A unique geological feature spanning 100 miles.
• Hickman Bridge : A natural bridge accessible via a moderate hike.
• Capitol Gorge : Drive through and explore petroglyphs and historical markers.
• Etta Place Cidery : A great spot to relax and enjoy local ciders in Torrey.
• Rim Overlook Trail : Offers incredible views over the park.
• Grand Wash to the Narrows : Another exciting hike for the adventurous.
• Camping : Baes Lewis Flat Dispersed Camping Area.

(Side Trip)

Location : Southeastern Utah

• Little Wild Horse Slot Canyon : A fun hike through narrow slot canyons.
• Goblin Valley State Park : Explore unique rock formations.
• Dispersed Camping : Preferred over camping within the park for more solitude.

Location : Southeastern Utah near Moab

• Island in the Sky District : Drive and hike through overlooks and trails.
• Shafer Trail and Potash Road : Rent a Jeep to explore these rugged roads.
• Dead Horse Point State Park : Nearby with similar stunning views.
• Needles District : Another area of the park with unique rock formations.
• White Rim Road : A 100-mile 4×4 road requiring a permit.
• Camping : Willow Flat Campground or nearby BLM lands.

Day 9-10: Arches National Park

• Devil’s Garden : A long hike with multiple arches.
• Delicate Arch : Iconic arch best visited at sunset.
• Scenic Drive : Explore various overlooks and short hikes.
• Fiery Furnace : Requires a permit but offers a maze-like exploration of arches and fins.
• Camping : Devil’s Garden Campground.

Tips and Recommendations

• Best Time to Visit : Spring and fall offer mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer can be very hot, and winter can bring snow to higher elevations.
• Permits : Some hikes, like Angel’s Landing, require permits. Plan and apply well in advance.
• Camping : Reserve campsites early, especially during peak seasons. Dispersed camping is available but may require a 4×4 vehicle.
• Supplies : Stock up on groceries and supplies in larger towns like Moab or St. George.
• Hydration : Bring plenty of water, especially during hikes. Utah’s desert climate can be dehydrating.
• Navigation : Download offline maps as cell service can be unreliable in remote areas.
• America the Beautiful Pass : Purchase this annual pass to save on entry fees if visiting multiple parks.

Exploring Utah’s Mighty 5 national parks offers an unforgettable adventure through some of the most stunning landscapes in the United States. Whether you're hiking through the canyons of Zion, marveling at the hoodoos in Bryce Canyon, or exploring the arches in Arches National Park, each park provides unique and breathtaking experiences. Plan ahead, pack wisely, and enjoy the ultimate road trip through Utah's natural wonders.

Charlie Jensen

A Utah native, I'm lucky enough to explore this valley's wonders, sharing insights as Utah Valley's Marketing Specialist. Happily married to Anne, the culinary genius behind our food blogs. Proud dad to Pippa and Mazzie, my furry companions. When I'm not sharing Utah Valley's best spots, you'll find me crafting tunes, cooking up a storm, long-boarding Utah's trails, or marketing for local businesses.

Utah National Parks Road Trip: All 5 Parks & More [Map Included]

If you’re an outdoorsy person and love National Parks , scenic drives , outdoor activities like hiking, biking and climbing then visiting the parks in Utah is the right road trip for you. This Utah road trip will focus on the Big Five Utah National Parks (Utah’s mighty 5) as well as an epic state park and a few extra stops too.

Get ready to explore geological wonders , natural bridges, slot canyons and diverse landscapes on this Utah National Parks road trip!

We will cover: Arches National Park | Canyonlands National Park | Capitol Reef National Park | Bryce Canyon National Park | Zion National Park | Grand Escalante

Plus a few other awesome stops on your trip!

Table of Contents

Map Of The Ultimate Utah National Park Road Trip

Utah is also a great place to take an RV road trip! If you don’t have an RV you can rent one. Click here for great RV Rental options for your Utah road trip .

There are so many great things to do in Utah so the longer you can make your trip the better!

If you are looking for help with planning your Utah trip check out our 10 Day Utah National Park guide :

We’ll begin the ultimate Utah road trip in Moab. This is a great recreation area where you can do all the outdoor adventure you could possibly ask for as well as being a great home base to visit 2 of the Big Five Utah National Parks: Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park . There are more things to do in Moab than you would have time for! Here are our recommendations on things to do when you visit Moab.

Things To Do

We had no idea how much we were going to love this! There are some awesome jeep trails throughout Moab – we really enjoyed the Fins and Things trail or you can check Hells Revenge trail!

The nice thing is you can rent a jeep from one of the many rentals in Moab and head out on your own. Or if you aren’t sure what you are doing you can get a guide too. We highly recommend that if this is your first time!

Rent An OHV

Moab is essentially an oasis in the middle of the desert. The scenery is gorgeous and could be a destination just to take amazing scenic drives. You can also drive right in the scenery by renting an OHV or dirt bike at one of the many rental places on the main road in Moab. Check out these two 4×4 Driving Tours: Arches National Park or Canyonlands National Park

The OHV’s (Off Highway Vehicles) can also be driven on the streets of Moab as long as you follow some local laws.

Mountain Biking

If biking is more your thing, bring your own, or again you can borrow from one of the many Moab bike rentals along main road. There are some of the best bike trails in the entire country in Moab and have different levels of difficulty for all abilities. Definitely a great spot to bike.

Take a half day mountain bike tour!

Rock Climbing

Moab also offers rock climbing. You’re free to do it on your own, or hook up with one of the many guide companies in the area.

You can even climb inside Arches National Park as long as you pay attention to the rocks you are climbing. For the details on that check out https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/rockclimbing.htm .

Take a rock climbing trip in Moab!

As for rafting in Moab, the Colorado River offers pretty much all you could ask for. From slow river floats to Class IV rapids, you’ll see it all. You can choose from half day or full day rafting options leaving from Moab.

You can also kayak and SUP the river.

Helicopter Tour

If you want to see more remote areas and amazing rock formations, you may want to check out this Arches Backcountry Helicopter Flight . This tour is a 20-30 minute flight that departs from Canyon fields Airport. Talk about breathtaking views!

Sound and Light Show with Dinner

For a more relaxed evening activity, check out the Sound and Light Show with Dinner . Enjoy a calm ride down the Colorado River while watching an amazing show that details the canyon’s creation. Don’t miss this unique experience!

Corona Arch

Another great hike in Moab is Corona Arch. This is about a mile and a half roundtrip that includes ladders and some steep rock scrambles. You’ll end up under Corona Arch which is just amazing.

Highway 128 Scenic Drive

Another great thing to do in Moab is to take the scenic drive on Highway 128. Your drive time can range from a few minutes to a few hours on this beautiful road. We stopped a few times where the road was near the Colorado River to check it out and toss some stones in the river.

Dead Horse Point State Park

Even though the name doesn’t make you think happy thoughts this is a gorgeous state park and worth checking out for sunset.

Arches National Park

Arches National Park is just a few miles north of Moab. Being one of the Big 5 National Parks, it’s a must-visit when in Moab. We really liked the park for the hiking trails as well as climbing near the arches and the beautiful red rocks.

It’s also incredibly busy and now requires a timed entry ticket to get in from April to October. If you want to maximize your time in the park, we have the perfect itinerary guide for you. It will show you a 1 day itinerary for Arches and a few bonus day activities.

There’s a single road that goes through the park that is 18 miles long, so you could see the whole thing in a day if that is all you had. I’d recommend giving yourself 2 or 3 days to see more of the park and to do some hiking while there.

Best Hikes in Arches National Park

Delicate Arch

There are several hikes that we really enjoyed in Arches. The most iconic being Delicate Arch. This hike is about 3 miles roundtrip and felt like it was uphill the whole way. It culminates at Delicate Arch which is just an amazing structure.

You can get right under the Arch for a great picture even though you’ll be the size of an ant in the picture. This is a must-do on the Utah road trip.

Another fun hike is the Windows section. It’s really a short hike that gets you up close and personal with several fantastic arches. We were able to do some climbing and rock scrambling here, which the kids loved.

Fiery Furnace

To hike Fiery Furnace, you either need a special permit or do the Ranger-led hike. This is because several people have gotten lost on the trail and that’s no good in the desert. We opted for the Ranger-led hike since we were first timers.

It was about $16 per adult and $8 per child (there are age restrictions as well), so it wasn’t cheap, but it was worth it. For one, we all made it out alive and secondly, we got some great information about the geology we were seeing. Check out their site for more info on the Ranger-led hike.

Landscape Arch, Devils Garden trail and Double Arch are other great hikes to check out in Arches. You can read more about hiking in Arches here: Best Hikes in Arches National Park

Check out these great tips on hiking with kids .

Canyonlands National Park

Stop #2 on the Utah road trip and another one of Utah’s Big Five National Parks close to Moab is Canyonlands National Park. There are 2 ways to get into Canyonlands from Moab. You can head north and visit the Island In The Sky which is an amazing place to drive through and check out all the amazing overlooks and grand views during the drive.

You can also head south from Moab and drive about an hour and a half to the southern section of Canyonlands National Park . In this section of the park you’ll find The Needles district. We did a couple of hikes in The Needles including Cave Spring and Slickrock.

Cave Spring was a fun, short hike that had a few ladders to scale throughout the hike. Slickrock was a bit more strenuous as it was 2.5 miles and very hot when we visited in October.

Mesa Arch and Grand View Point are a couple other great hikes to do in Canyonlands.

Where To Stay In Moab

RV Options:

The main road in Moab has several hotels, motels and resorts to choose from. We stayed at the OK RV Park at the southern end of the city during our Utah road trip. This was a nice place to stay and had full hook-ups and also has a deal through Passport America . I’d stay there again.

Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown Campground , Up the Creek Campground , and Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway are all good options for staying in the city of Moab.

There is also a ton of BLM land on the outskirts of Moab that offer free or very cheap dry camping (no hookups at all). This is a great way to stay on the cheap for a few nights while you explore. Here’s more information on where you can find the BLM land.

Rent an RV ! Utah is a super RV friendly state. Click here to learn more about renting an RV in Utah .

Hotel Options:

SpringHill Suites By Marriott . We keep driving by this hotel and I wish we were staying there! It is in a good location just outside Arches and right before you get into the city.

VRBO Options:

There are a lot of VRBO options throughout the city and some even offer the chance to stay in an RV! If you want a place downtown with the space to sleep 10, check out this modern downtown house that also offers trailer parking.

If you plan to spend time any time in Salt Lake City, Utah be sure to check out this post: Best Airbnb Salt Lake City .

Where To Eat In Moab

Along with many of your usual restaurants, Moab has a few unique ones as well. We really liked The Moab Brewery. They had a good selection of their own brews (despite Utah’s strange liquor laws), as well as many vegetarian options and a decent kids menu. Definitely worth a stop.

Moab is the perfect place to stay to visit Arches and Canyonlands National Park!

Goblin Valley State Park

Continuing on the Utah road trip, the next stop will be Goblin Valley State Park. This is a super cool state park that is a perfect place for kids. The park has several hikes, a small campground, a disc golf course, and the best part is the valley itself.

The parking lot for the valley sets the scene as you get out of your car and look down over the valley you see thousands of hoodoo structures below that are all in the form of little trolls, hence the name Goblin Valley.

The park is very relaxed in that they allow climbing on all the structures, which was a welcome treat for the kids. We played hide-and-seek and explored for hours.

The other thing we really liked about Goblin Valley was the dried up riverbed that runs through the park. It was about 5 feet deep and zig zagged it’s way through the valley. We hiked it for quite a way and it seemed we were in a giant maze.

The valley also has rock climbing along some of the cliffs at the back of the valley. Again, you can hook up with a guide group to get you set up properly. Check out this 4-hour Canyoneering Adventure !

For more information on Goblin Valley, check out their website .

Where to Stay

As for where to stay or where to eat when visiting Goblin Valley, your options are pretty limited. There is the campground in the park which has tent sites and a few RV sites, but all of those are without water or electricity at the sites, but there are flush toilets, showers and communal water available for campers.

They also have 2 really cool Yurts available for rent. These have heat and a/c as well as beds, furniture and a great porch to relax on. They looked really cool.

We stayed just outside the park on BLM land which was free and provided a great place to stay while only being minutes from the park. The BLM land had fire pits and was situated near some mountains that we hiked and explored. The night sky was amazing here since there weren’t any city lights for miles around. This is boondocking with no hookups so be prepared for that.

There aren’t many in the area. You could either make this a stop on your way from Arches to Capitol Reef and then continue on to Capitol Reef or you could stay in a cabin here (which is about 45 minutes from Goblin Valley State Park): Duke’s Slickrock Cabins.

Where to Eat

You’ll have to bring what you want to eat as there aren’t any restaurants or stores in the park or anywhere close. The closest town is Hanksville which is about a half hour away and has a few small restaurants and even a couple motels. This would be your closest option for food and other accommodations.

Capitol Reef National Park

After visiting Goblin Valley State Park, head towards Capitol Reef National Park . This was our favorite out of all the Utah National Parks on our Utah road trip. Between the hikes, off-road driving, fruit picking and scenery, it is hard to beat. We actually almost didn’t go since it is a little bit off the main road but we are so glad we did and wish we would have stayed longer!

Capital Reef National Park is defined by the Waterpocket Fold which is an almost 100 mile long warp in the Earth’s crust. It is a monocline formation with the step-up in the rock layers. It is pretty amazing.

There is a tour that leaves from Salt Lake City if you stay in that area and want a private tour of Capitol Reef National Park!

Best Hikes in Capitol Reef National Park

Cassidy Arch

This is a longer day hike but worth it since you can actually walk out on the Arch! The trail takes you up to the arch and it is a difficult hike with a few spots that had me gripping the kids hands to make sure they stayed close to us.

You’ll climb almost 700 feet up as you make your way 1.7 miles to the Arch. And then 1.7 miles back down – which is easier but you still hit a few spots that are nerve wracking with kids. All that aside, we still recommend going! When you get to the arch there is a nice area where you can sit and have a snack and the kids can safely run around and explore (not on the arch but overlooking it).

Capitol Gorge Trail

We had heard this was a good trail to do but we weren’t prepared for the amazing views and drive to get there! It is in the park but you actually leave the main road and drive on a dirt road to get back to the trailhead. It is tight drive but popular so the road is well defined. Just keep an eye on the weather since you DON’T want to be driving on here if it is raining since it can get flooded.

Once you come to the trailhead you walk on a dried up riverbed with huge gorges on each side of you. It is so cool! Once you get to the end of the trail (about 1 mile in) you can choose to walk up the mountain to see the Tanks – these are water pools at the top of the cliff. Honestly it isn’t worth it to climb up there to see the tanks but it is worth it just to have the fun of climbing up the mountain.

You will also see historic inscriptions on the canyon walls that are over a hundred years old and if you are walking back around sunset you may end up with bats flying around your hat as you walk back to your car through the canyon walls. It was one of those cool yet scary situations – I didn’t want a bat to get caught in my hair!

Hickman Bridge

This is a very popular hike and for good reason. The views are amazing as you are hiking to the bridge. It is about a 1.8 mile hike roundtrip with an elevation gain of 400 feet.

Once you reach the bridge you can walk up and behind it or view it from the bottom. It is a very cool natural structure and you just hope when you are there isn’t the day it crumbles and falls!

We found an amazing BLM location that meant we were 6 miles from the park entrance and a short distance from the main road (This is important to us with our big rig since we don’t want to get a situation we can’t get out of) and it was FREE camping ! We even ended up having good enough 3G Verizon coverage that we could work from the RV.

This allowed us to stay longer then we thought we were going to. Getting in was a little stressful since there were a lot of rocks and divots – but as long as we took it slow we were OK.

We would recommend it for a place to stay on your Utah road trip. The location was great and the views were beautiful too! This is the exact location .

Camping Near Capitol Reef National Park

Next to the Gifford House is the Fruita Campground. They have 64 RV/tent sites along with 7 walk-up tent sites. There are no hookups at this campground but they do have a potable water fill as well as a dump station in the campground.

Plus you are in the park which would be awesome. They also have apple picking here if you come in season. Here are some great apple picking tips .

If you don’t mind driving in to the National Park, Flying U Country Store & RV Park is located in Joseph, Utah about 90 minutes from the park entrance.

Hotel Options Near Capitol Reef National Park

If you’re looking for a hotel stay when visiting Capitol Reef, there are several resorts just up the road. Capitol Reef Resort is just a few more miles up the road and offers nice rooms, pools and other amenities.

Town of Torrey

About 10 miles up the road and 4 miles from the boondocking site is the small town of Torrey. They do offer more hotels, RV parks, restaurants and shopping but just know it is a very small town.

Where to Eat Near Capitol Reef National Park

We stopped for ice cream at Slackers in Torrey and also had dinner at the pizza place: Red Cliff Restaurant. It is a small dining room but the pizza and service was great and if it is warm outside they had a nice patio area!

You can also get ice cream cups in the the National Park at the Gifford House and yummy apple pie!!

Capital Reef and Goblin Valley were definitely our favorite places to visit on our Utah road trip. I don’t know if it was because they were less busy, the openness, the amazing views, the fun hikes, or all of the above!

Bryce Canyon National Park

The cool thing about the Utah National Parks is that they are all unique in their own way. None of the parks feel like each other and they all have their own unique flair. When you come into Bryce Canyon National Park your first stop is the Visitor Center.

We like to make that our first stop so we can ask the rangers what they recommend. They know the park the best and we have always been happy with the suggestions they have made.

However, if you want to take a tour with a local guide, check out this 3-hour Sightseeing Tour.  Another tour option if you are staying in the Salt Lake City area is this Private Bryce Canyon National Park Tour . A third great option if you are staying in the Las Vegas area is this tour that includes both Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park .

Also note when you are in Bryce they highly recommend you take the shuttle service vs. driving your car. There is very limited parking throughout the park and the shuttle runs consistently. We don’t normally like to go this route since with kids we like having immediate access to our car if we need it.

But the first day there we did do the shuttle and it worked out great. The next time there we drove our car and had no problem finding parking. We were there in October which is off season – so my guess is parking is out of control during the busy season and the shuttle would make sense.

Best Hikes in Bryce National Park

Navajo loop trail/queens garden trail.

This was definitely our favorite hike in Bryce and the one the ranger recommended. She actually recommend that we do “Wall Street” first and walk down there vs. walking up. This was a great suggestion and made the hike that much better for our family.

The people walking up looked exhausted!! Wall Street is a combination of switch backs that takes you down into the canyon. It was such a fun trail. We started at Sunset Point (you can start from either end of the trail).

Once in the canyon you are walking among the beautiful hoo doo’s that are such crazy and cool looking rock formations they almost don’t seem real. You also walk through holes in the formations and gradually make your way back up. I say gradually but it is definitely a tiring hike on the way up. Luckily the views are great and there are multiple places you can stop to take a breather or grab a quick picture.

For more information on this combo hike click here.

Mossy Cave Waterfall

This is a short hike at less then 1 mile roundtrip and is actually located at a location where you have to leave the main national park and go a few miles to get to the trailhead. For that reason it is less busy but totally worth the trip.

You hike to a fork where you can either go view the waterfall or the cave. You can easily do both and we definitely recommend that. The waterfall is beautiful and the cave was really cool!

View Points

You can drive the whole road of the park and make spots at the pullouts along the way for a variety of different views and observation points. Even though we did start to feel like they all were really similar and we didn’t really need to stop at every pull out. The one we do recommend is: Inspiration Point.

It is a short hike straight up the hill to get to the point but the views are worth it and it is also a great place to catch a sunset! The other place is Sunset Point which gives you another amazing view of the hoodoos or Sunrise point on the other side. They really are a sight to see. Bryce was spectacular with all of its sandstone cliffs and unique structures.

RV/Camping Near Bryce National Park

Bryce Canyon has 2 campgrounds right in the park. The North Campground has 99 sites in a mix of RV and tent sites with no hookups. There is a General Store in the area that offers laundry, showers, snacks and supplies.

There is also Sunset Campground, which is a mile and a half further into the park and consists of 100 sites. Again, no hookups at this campground either.

For more information on camping in Bryce Canyon click here.

We did not stay at one of these but instead stayed in Panguitch which was about a 30 minute drive from Bryce on Hwy 89: Paradise RV Park . We stayed for 2 reasons. 1 there were full hookups and after boondocking with no hook ups for over a week we were ready for hookups and 2 it was only $100 for the whole week! That is really cheap for an RV park. To get this price we did use our Passport America card again.

The town of Panguitch has a few restaurants, grocery stores, etc. It is by no means large but had what we needed.

Both Circleville RV Park and Duck Creek Village RV are about an hour from the National Park if you don’t mind driving in a bit.

Hotel Options Near Bryce National Park

The town of Bryce is located right outside the entrance and there are plenty of hotels and restaurants to chose from. The one that stuck out to us was Ruby’s Inn which is a hotel, RV resort, and campground.

It looked like they also offered activities like horseback riding, mountain biking and ATVing. I’m not sure who Ruby is, but she pretty much has the town of Bryce locked down!

Where to Eat Near Bryce National Park

We stopped for a quick dinner at the Canyon Diner (which is also part of Ruby’s conglomerate), which is a cafeteria style fast food joint. The food was OK but it offered a quick dinner for a reasonable price, so that worked for us!

Our top recommendation and where you can get great pizza at an amazing price is The Pizza Place in Tropic. One of the lady’s who worked at a gift shop in Bryce told us about it and we were so glad she did. The pizza was yummy and the price was right (more like normal small town prices vs. National Park town prices).

We did have to drive about 15 minutes from the park on Hwy 12 and if you blink you will drive right through the town. But we would definitely go back and highly recommend it.

Next time we come through Bryce I really want to stay in the National Park. The park has a great walking/biking trail and we liked the vibe inside the park. It would be fun to stay at the campground and be able to ride our bikes to the trail, visitor center, restaurants, etc. in the park.

Zion National Park

The last stop on the Utah road trip is  Zion National Park in southern Utah. We actually visited from the same campground that we stayed at for Bryce – because like I mentioned it was $100 for a week for full hookups! That meant we had to drive an hour to get there but it was a pretty easy drive and the campgrounds we found around Zion were expensive! And everything we found looked like there weren’t really many boondocking options especially for a large rig like ours (39 feet).

This meant when we got there we entered through the tunnel. This tunnel is no joke! It is about a mile long and feels like it goes on forever as you drive through the mountain. Quite an entrance!

We have heard it can get really back up since they only let one way go at a time. Luckily we only had to wait about 15 minutes.

For more information on the tunnel including vehicle restrictions and specifics on the special permit, please click here.

Once in we kind of got the feel that we were at Disney World. There were signs all over the place, LOTS of people, and only a shuttle service – so you didn’t even have the option to drive your car in the park. I have mixed feelings about the setup. I am glad so many people are visiting but we were definitely missing the more relaxed feel of Capitol Reef!

If you want to book a tour that includes both Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park, check out this option!

Best Hikes in Zion National Park

The narrows.

The first thing we did was meet up with Arika from Zion Adventure Photog! They have a photography company where they will take your family pictures as you explore part of the park. How cool is that?! We met Arika and took the shuttle to the famous Narrows Zion hike that takes you in the water as you walk through the gorge with super high walls on each side.

It was cold but so fun to do this hike and have Arika capture it for us. She took amazing pictures and we love having family pictures that show us out doing what we love to do! Arika was great with the kids and I think the pictures do an amazing job of telling how great she was and how much fun we had.

If you are in Zion you should definitely plan on doing the Narrows. We love unique hikes and this is one of them. If you want you can rent water shoes and wet suits from a location outside of the park.

The nice thing about the Narrows is you can go in and hike as far as you want and turn around. You don’t have to hike the whole thing – which is 16 miles and you need a permit to do it. You walk on the Riverside Walk for one mile from the Temple of Sinawava before you get to the Virginia River and start to walk in the water. As you can see this hike is going to take some preparing but it is worth it.

We did it in our Keens with nice picture clothes on 🙂 and brought a backpack with a change of clothes for when we were done. Being that we went in October it was COLD but I have heard no matter when you go the water is cold but it would obviously be warmer if the temperate was in the 90’s and not the 60’s. I have also of people going in the winter and loving it (with wet suits on).

Learn more about the Narrows hike here.

Book your own sessions with Arika from Zion Adventure Photog !

Emerald Pools

The second hike we did – on a different day was the Emerald Pools hike. This hike was OK we didn’t like that the views weren’t that good on the hike. There are 3 pools, Lower Emerald Pool, Middle Emerald Pool and Upper Emerald Pool that are fed from the Virgin River.

These are 3 separate hikes, but can be done all at the same time. It is about 3 miles round trip.

It was fun when we got up to the top pool and we really liked the part where you walk under the wall that has water falling down from it! Before this hike we had fun walking around the grounds by the Zion Lodge. It had a large grassy area, a cafe on the porch (that sold beer) and other things :). It was really cool that they had a place like this in the middle of the park!

For more information on hiking in Zion, including maps, check out their website . One of the hikes I know we want to come back and do when the kids is older is Angels Landing – it looks amazing but not for young kids!

I also think we need more days in Zion to really explore the park. We will be back!

Camping Near Zion National Park

Like I mentioned we stayed at the Paradise RV Park which was about 1 hour away. If you are looking for camping/RVing closer to the park there were a few options but like I had mentioned they are more on expensive side. There is also camping at the campgrounds inside the National Park.

Learn more about lodging options here .

If you want to splurge a bit, Glampers Inn RV Park is only about 30 minutes from the National Park in Hurricane, Utah and offers a really cool atmosphere and fun amenities.

Hotels Near Zion National Park

If you are looking for a hotel you would want to look into the city of Springdale . It is literally right outside of the park – like you could walk into the park from the city. The main road has a variety of hotels where you could stay.

Where To Eat Zion National Park

The city of Springdale had a lot of really cool restaurants but was also very busy. Instead of waiting for 30 minutes for a table we opted for the Subway. Which worked out great for us! If you want more of a restaurant experience Springdale will have you covered.

If you want to keep exploring Southern Utah also check out the town of Mount Carmel for some more great outdoor activities and hikes.

We had an amazing time visiting Utah and all of the National Parks. My sister and her family enjoyed driving down the east side of the state and didn’t see as many of the National Parks but really enjoyed the remoteness of that part of Utah too.

There are also a few other places we would like to come back to explore: Salt Lake City, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and Monument Valley.

Update : Check out our post on Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and our video below on Monument Valley!

Here is our video of when we got to go back to Monument Valley:

The most challenging part for us while being in Utah was getting beer and wine! Utah has a law that they can only sell beer that has a 3.5% alcohol content. But still costs the same . . . Plus you can’t buy it at the grocery store so you have to find a liquor store.

If you like to have your beer and wine be sure you stock up before you head into the state!

If you haven’t yet we highly recommend taking a road-trip through Utah you could literally spend months exploring this park. But even if you only have a 2 weeks you could still see a lot of this amazing state!

Other places to visit in Utah:

We have now visited Grand Staircase-Escalante and it was awesome! You can take one of the most scenic byways in the US to get here – Hwy 12. We did it with our RV – it was scary at times but also totally doable!

Lake Powell, Page, Arizona , Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon are just a few ways that you can continue your road trip in and beyond Utah. Including the gorgeous Antelope Canyon.

Being able to see Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Arches and Zion National Park in the Colorado Plateau all in one trip is simply amazing and makes it one of the best United State road trips.

Rent an RV ! Utah is a super RV friendly state. Click here to learn more about renting an RV in Utah . Note – if you do rent a larger RV you may also want to get a rental car so you can get to some of the harder to reach hikes and locations.

Any other stops you’d recommend for a Utah road trip? What is your favorite part? If you want to continue your road trip head down to Las Vegas – always a fun spot!! Or go north for all the fun things to do in Salt Lake City !

To learn more about us, Start Here !

We can definitely see how Utah made this list of Best Us Family Vacations !

Take a look at all of our Utah National Parks posts: 

11 Utah Mountain Biking Trails Youll Want To Check Out

7 Arches National Park Hikes You Don’t Want To Miss

Best Hikes In Canyonlands National Park [Maps Included]

8 Of The Best Hikes In Capitol Reef National Park

Top 11 Awesome Things To Do in Bryce Canyon National Park

15 Awesome Things To Do In Zion National Park [Plus Where To Stay]

12 Amazing Things To Do In Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument

12 Epic Things To Do In Page, AZ

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59 thoughts on “Utah National Parks Road Trip: All 5 Parks & More [Map Included]”

This reminds me of our first RV trip with our young kids. We absolutely love Utah!! What time of the year did you visit?

We visited in October. It was a great time to visit. Not to hot and not to cold! Perfect weather for hiking.

I’m going to be honest….I didn’t realize Utah was so beautiful. Wow, those parks are terrific. Very nice pics and blog too.

Thank you! It really is a beautiful state!

Wow! This seems to be a bucket list road-trip! So many impressive sights to discover! Beautiful pictures!

It really was a bucket list trip and doing them all in one road trip lets you see how different each one is even though they are in generally the same area.

We have been wanting to do more US and stateside travel including road tripping to National Parks. Utah is high on the list. I really can’t wait to actually start going and seeing them! I just got my US National Parks passport too! I need to start filling it up with stamps!

Sounds cool! You’ll love Utah and the other US National Parks. Get those stamps! 🙂

We loved Utah and are going back this summer! If you make it back to Moab, we recommend staying at ACT Campgrounds. Also, Dinosaur Monument is a little out of the way, but it is worth the trip. Happy Travels!

Thank you for the suggestions because I know we’ll be back!

Thank goodness for this!! Bookmarked this for my national parks roadtrip in 2018. Sharing your map solves half of my problems. Thank you!!!

Awesome! Glad you found the map useful!

To be honest hiking, biking and climbing are not things I do regularly. I keep telling myself to add a little of those activities, but it has not come to pass as yet. That being said this article has inspired me a lot. All three appear to be fun activities to have with your family or friends. The selection you have made are all worth the trip, but I personally like Zion National Park.

Utah definitely inspires to do those outdoor activities even if you normally don’t do them. Yes, Zion is amazing!

I am really hoping that I can make it out to Utah and check out some parks. I have a friend out that way and we have been talking about it. Very nice and detailed information too. Will have to keep and share.

It is an amazing state!

Utah is so gifted with such amazing national parks. A lot of these I’ve missed the last time I went way back in 2007. Arches is definitely on my list.

The parks are all so cool! Arches was really neat and we loved Moab!

This is epic, thanks for highlighting the route 🙂 We briefly drove through Utah last year though really didn’t have much time – I decided that Arches was the park I wanted to visit only having time to take in one – and it was spectacular! Loved it! I’m only disappointed that we didn’t spend more time in Utah to take in the rest. Next time!

You could spend months in Utah exploring everything it has to offer!

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Can I ask how old your youngest was at the time of your visit? We have 4 kids and I’m wondering if we should wait to do this trip when everyone enjoys the hiking. My youngest is turning 4.

Our youngest was 4 at the time. He did great on the hikes we went on, which most of them weren’t too long (3 miles or less). We also would bring our Ergo backpack carrier, so he could jump in there when he got tired.

I didn’t know that Moab was the base of two of the five national parks. My family is thinking of going to Moab this summer for a weekend of fun. I’m not quite sure what we could do there with four kids. I think I’m going to have to do some research on tours and other fun things we can experience there.

Moab is an amazing place and there is a lot to do there! Enjoy!

Great list! Zion and Canyonlands are my favorites, Zion for the hiking and climbing, Canyonlands for the far-reaching vistas and solitude. What dramatic scenery! Thanks for the info.

Thanks for checking it out. Those parks are excellent!

Thanks for such a great detailed post! We visited some of these parks last year with our kids and we were blown away by the beauty of the national parks in the USA. Our only regret was not allowing more time to explore more of them – we missed Arches and Capital Reef! Did your kids join any of the Junior Ranger Programs? We discovered these at the second park we visited and our kids loved completing the activities and collecting the Junior Ranger Badges. It also provided extra motivation to complete some of the hikes!

You’re spot on with not having enough time for these parks because we felt the same way. We didn’t do the Junior Ranger programs here because of not having enough time. There’s always next time!

What a great list! While I’m planning a child-free tent trip to these places, I still found your post helpful. I’m so excited to see these beautiful sights!

Awesome! Enjoy your trip!

We’re headed down to Zion National Park this summer and it looks like the Grand Canyon is just a couple of hours away https://www.zionponderosa.com/blog/2018/04/national-parks-and-monuments-near-zion/ I had no idea there were so many parks around. I may try Bryce Canyon instead- it’s tough trying to decide after reading your post!

Yeah, there are a ton of great places in a relatively close proximity. To be honest, you can’t go wrong with any of them! Enjoy your trip!

This is place is in my bucket list for some time. And finally I am planning 5 days trip to 5 National-parks in September. I am not going to hike much as we have 18 months old with us. Do you suggest some view points that don’t need much hike and How about he tour trips of national park. Lastly will it be good idea to visit Utah with 18months old?

There are plenty of spots to pull off and take in the view without having to hike. Bryce has several great lookouts close to the parking lots and Zion has a shuttle bus that takes you to the different locations throughout the park.

Going with an 18 month old should be just fine. We always used an Ergobaby backpack carrier ( https://amzn.to/2LzKWsC ) to carry our kids on hikes and it worked our really well. The Ergo is comfortable and versatile for kids of all ages and sizes. Hope that helps!

Planning a 12 trip the last week of Sept. Was planning with bf…but Now I’m alone. *cry* but I’m still gonna do my trip. Last year I went to Canada and Whitewater rafted for the first time. (I’m 63) My problem is…I have a small chihuahua and I’ve heard no dogs allowed in parks. Or at least…only a FEW trails. I was wondering if you knew if I could put my dog in her doggy back pack. Did you happen to see any dogs? It’s bad enough I have to do this wonderful trip alone…I’d hate not being able to bring my pup!

Unfortunately, most US Parks are a no dog policy which is unfortunate. Good for you for still planning on taking the trip. You’ll have a great time!

What an awesome blog post Craig and Bryanna, we spent several months visiting Bryce, Zion and The Arches this summer and loved every second of it. Bryce was our favorite possibly because we visited it in April when there was no-one around so we were able to get around the park easy enough and enjoy all the hikes that Bryce has to offer.

I’ll bookmark this post for another trip for sure.

Thanks! It is such a cool area!

So if you had to pick one park to go see due to not having an rv, which one would you choose? We have 4 kids 7 to 13. We are moderately active. I coach rec sports, husband trims trees for work, and the kids well are in sports that I coach football & basketball. They have played soccer but not really my thing to coach. haha. If you can’t pick one, which top two would you recommend.

That would be hard :). You could do Arches and Canyonlands from the same location and if you like the idea of things to do outside of the National Parks then Moab is a good area. We really enjoyed Capitol Reef and Goblin Valley but you are kind of out in the middle of nowhere. You could do Zion and Bryce from the same location as well. If you like more people and a busier feel Zion will definitely give you that! Hope that helps!

Thank you for sharing your blog about your Utah Parks trip. My wife and I plan on visiting the parks next fall beginning the 1st of October. We will use your suggestions to plan our route. Thanks again!

That’s awesome! Have a great trip!

Loved reading your blog! We’re planning a 10 day road trip to Utah in April (over Easter) and thinking of renting an RV (did a similar trip to California a few years back and loved it). How accessible are the roads in the National Parks with an RV? We’re a little nervous about getting around the parks and parking, as we won’t have a separate vehicle. I’m aware that we may have to ride a shuttle in Zion and Bryce? What about the other parks?

Yes, Bryce and Zion you’ll park in the designated parking lots (all which have over sized vehicle parking) and shuttle throughout the park. As for Capitol Reef, Arches and Canyonlands, you shouldn’t have a problem getting an RV in and throughout the park (large tour buses drive throughout the park). As long as the RV you rent isn’t too big (I’d say stay at or under 32′). That said, it’s a very popular area and parking lots fill quickly during busy times. Check their website for info on that. Have a great trip!

Utah is my absolute favorite state – so beautiful! I’d highly recommend hiking Peek-a-Boo and Spooky slot canyons when you go back. Go up Peek-a-Boo and return via Spooky. There are a few spots in Peek-a-Boo where the kids will need a boost up (my hubby hauled my short body up!). And there’s one tough spot in Spooky – read up on that one. But really – do it. Just do it, if you haven’t already. It’s my fave hike ever!

We’ll be heading back there soon, so I’ve added your suggestion to our list. Thank you!

Thank you for taking the time to write this blog. I’ll be traveling there this April and plan on following your suggestions.

Awesome! Have a great trip!

We’d love to visit the parks in Utah, but my hiking ability is very limited due to bad knees. It doesn’t seem as if I’d be able to really see much without hiking after reading about the things to do and see. Are there any Jeep trips or alternative ways of seeing the arches and beautiful scenery?

Yes there are! There are a variety of tours that are offered through the National Parks. Plus most of them you can drive to viewpoints and then get out and walk a few hundred feet to a beautiful lookout!

By some of the comments, I assume it is not feasible to do this via automobile and staying in hotels, no camping (tent or RV).

You can totally do it with a car and hotels! Under each section we give recommended hotels. There isn’t much around Goblin Valley but you could do that as a one day stop between Moab and Capitol Reef.

Wonderful Info for Utah road trip and details included. However I have two- three questions: 1- how many days was your trip? 2- How much did you spend on the trip- overall a rough amount? 3- Is it okay to go during 4th July weekend or it would be over crowded at parks and expensive for hotels?

Hi! We have a list at the bottom of the post of how many days we recommend. We actually didn’t spend much since hiking is free :)! It would most likely be crowded on July 4th . . .

This is a great plethora of information for Our trip next summer!!! We are thinking of renting an RV, but I am wondering if you ever wished you had a small car for the daily drives into the park? Or did you drive the rv into the parks? Thank you!

We have always had a car with us. But you see RV’s in the park all the time! If you aren’t going to rent a car I would recommend getting a small RV – 25 feet or under so you can easily park in the lots at the National Parks.

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Canyoneering Adventures in Utah

Explore some of the best canyons in north america, canyoneer through the incredible wilderness in unique utah, express your inner adventurous spirit with our single & multi-day canyoneering adventures.

If you’re searching for an exciting and adventurous hike through some of the most unique and impressive canyons in wild Utah , Get in the Wild is here to help you! We offer a large variety of canyoneering trips through one of America’s most exquisite wilderness areas. Discover a vast and extraordinary landscape of sweeping slickrock, beautifully sculpted sandstone cliffs and narrow twisting canyons. Whether it be single-day or multi-day expeditions , we promise to take you on the adventure of a lifetime.

Our certified guides will introduce you to some of the best canyoneering in the area with top-quality equipment to ensure a safe and smooth journey through nature’s secluded gems. The remoteness of the area and its lack of proximity with our modern world lets us reconnect with nature’s basic elements. If you’re experiencing one of our trips for the first time, the beauty of the adventure will leave you changed forever .

Explore our pre-planned trips, like the Half-Day Goblin’s Lair Canyoneering Adventure (opens in a new tab) or the ever-enticing Half-Day Occulus Canyoneering Adventure (opens in a new tab) . If you’ve already got experience in the field and are looking for an adventure tailored to you and your group, our Classic Slot Canyoneering Adventure (opens in a new tab) will be the experience of a lifetime. Once you book one of our half-day or full-day adventures, we’ll be in touch to discuss your needs and customize your tour — our expert guides are more than happy to share their tips and tricks.

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Half-day occulus canyoneering adventure, 127 hours canyoneering adventure, classic slot canyoneering adventure, ultimate challenge canyoneering adventure, capitol reef national park canyoneering adventure, have more questions, get in touch with us today.

Moab Vacation Packages

We've taken the most popular adventures over the last several years and put them together for the perfect experience. If you haven't already booked your lodging in Moab, we suggest taking the convenient route of our top package - The Southwest Sampler . Not only will you get discounted accommodation and save on your adventures, but we'll take care of all the details so you can relax and enjoy your vacation. You'll also find some single-day packages if you only stay in Moab briefly. Below are some of the best adventures in Moab, packaged together into a convenient and money-saving vacation bundle you will remember! Or, you can mix and match your vacation package.

Moab Southwest Sampler Package

Taste the “best of the Southwest” on this 4-day, 3-night getaway. Relax for 2 nights at the SpringHill Suites by Marriott. Explore Arches National Park and experience one of Moab, Utah’s most renowned adventures – an off-road Hummer Safari. Top it all off with 2 days of Colorado River rafting and deluxe camping on the river.

• Duration: 4 Days, 3 Nights
• Departure Times: Check Daily Itinerary
• Season: June – August

Moab Rock & River

This perfect one-day Moab vacation package starts the morning with a 2-hour Hummer Safari and continues with a PM rafting trip. Save $5 Per Person!

• Duration: Approximately 8.5 hrs
• Departure Times: 7:30 AM
• Season: March – October

Signature Moab Multisport Package

Experience the most popular Moab adventures in 2 days: a 2-Hour Hummer Safari and the Mid-Day Colorado River Rafting trip, then an Arches Scenic Tour and guided hike. Save 10% by bundling in this package option!

• Duration: See individual adventures
• Departure Times: See individual adventures

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Starting at $134 per person

Starting at $110 per person

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What to take, where to eat, where to stay, what to do, and a few little secrets on the side. Our Moab Insiders Guide will provide you with all the essentials for a perfect Moab experience.

What to take, where to eat, where to stay, what to do, and a few little secrets on the side. Not unlike your own personal Jiminy Cricket, (minus the worries of the little guy getting smooshed) the Moab Insiders Guide will provide you with all the essentials for a perfect Moab experience.

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MEET THE ADVENTURERS

Utah’s Adventure Family has been exploring Utah for the past 45 years and sharing our family adventures online for over 15 years. We are both educators and love teaching and sharing information so that others can learn about Utah, and its history and environment. We are always looking for fun new family activities that their readers will love.

The goal of Utah's Adventure Family is to take the guesswork out of exploring by sharing where to go, what to take, and what to expect. Then you can be well-informed and prepared as you head out on your adventure. We share about parks, hikes, museums, unique businesses, holiday events and other family friendly activities that will be a hit for families of all ages. We have a strong desire to help families learn to love adventure and try new things together .

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Utah Backpacking Tours

Make the most of a visit to Utah on an all-inclusive backpacking adventure!

Check out our list of Utah backpacking tour options and give us a call at  1-800-715-HIKE (4453)  to request more information or reserve a spot!

Utah Backpacking TOURS

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Discover the magic of utah.

There are few other activities that illustrate the splendor of Utah's amazing landscapes than backpacking. Leave the roads, cities and crowds behind and escape into a stunning world of spring-fed creeks, sandstone arches, unique wildlife, and rejuvenating solitude.

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The magic of backpacking in southern utah.

Southern Utah is a backpacking paradise. It’s a dramatic landscape rich with natural phenomena, wide open spaces, vast wilderness, hidden canyons, desert oases, wildlife, and fascinating history. To leave the busy roads and walkways and head into the backcountry of Utah is to step into a new, spacious world rich with experiential treasures. The night skies on a Utah backpacking trip are mind-blowing, with the Milky Way clearer and more vibrant than many people have ever seen. There’s something magical about hiking for days to reach a landmark like an arch, or a waterfall, or a natural bridge that, if in the front country, would have a parking lot and hundreds of people stopping to see it. But in the backcountry we have it all to ourselves – it doesn’t get any better than that!

WHICH NATIONAL PARK OR AREA IS BEST FOR MY BACKPACKING TRIP?

Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park don’t allow guided backpacking, so that’s easy enough to make a decision on those areas. That leaves us with Grand Staircase-Escalante, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Paria Slot Canyons. Grand Staircase-Escalante is great for people who want to do shorter trips (3-5 days) with stunning scenery. Capitol Reef is a longer journey (6 days) into a wild, remote wilderness that’s great for guests looking to really get out and explore on a longer adventure. Canyonlands backpacking trips are 4-5 days in length, are moderate in difficulty, and feature classic Utah highlights like arches, springs, Native American history and more. And Paria Canyon is home to the longest slot canyon in the world, so if slot canyons are your thing, then that’s the place to go.

THE WILDLAND TREKKING BACKPACKING EXPERIENCE

To begin with, our Utah backpacking guides are some of the best out there! Ultimately it’s the guide that makes or breaks a guided backpacking trip, and for this reason we take incredible care to make sure we hire the right people, train them well, and treat them well so they stay with us for years. On top of that our guided Utah backpacking trips are all-inclusive, so guests don’t have to worry about traveling with supplies, renting gear, worrying about permits…etc. We take care of nearly everything! You can expect to learn a lot about the area you’re hiking into – natural and cultural interpretation is a major focus of our guide preference and training.

What If I Want to Camp But Not Backpack?

If you’re interested in an outdoor experience of Utah , and possibly even sleeping in the backcountry but you don’t want to do a backpacking trip, we have some great solutions for you! First and foremost, we recommend looking at our llama treks . These trips are backcountry hiking and camping experiences, but with lighter backpacks than on backpacking trips, and there is the added novelty of getting to hike with llamas!

Another option is our Utah basecamp tours . These trips are based in established campgrounds and feature hikes each day to amazing national park and wilderness destinations. All gear, meals and transportation is provided so you can relax and focus 100% on the hiking and camping experience .

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Utah River Rafting

Discover Utah

Whether you’re looking for a memorable family adventure , the rush of whitewater, or the solace of nature, you’ll find it all on an OARS river rafting adventure in Utah. With outposts in Vernal and Moab , OARS offers an unbeatable selection of rafting trips on the Yampa, Green, San Juan, and Colorado Rivers. From the big water of Cataract Canyon to the splashy fun of Flaming Gorge, OARS specializes in high-quality river trips meant for every level of adventurer.

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Adventures in Utah

Westwater Canyon Rafting

Location: Utah Adventure Level: Moderate Minimum Age: 12 (16 during high water)

Yampa River Rafting

Location: Colorado & Utah Adventure Level: Moderately Challenging Minimum Age: 7 (10 – 12 during high water)

Green River Rafting through the Gates of Lodore

Location: Utah & Colorado Adventure Level: Moderate Minimum Age: 7 (10 – 12 during high water)

Utah Whitewater Rafting through Split Mountain Canyon

Location: Utah Adventure Level: Easier to Moderate Minimum Age: 6 (11 during high water)

Cataract Canyon Whitewater Rafting

Location: Utah Adventure Level: Moderately Challenging Minimum Age: 9 (12 – 16 during high water)

Stillwater & Cataract Canyon Hiker

Location: Utah Adventure Level: Moderately Challenging Minimum Age: 12

John Wesley Powell Retrace

Location: Utah & Colorado Adventure Level: Moderately Challenging Minimum Age: 16

Green River Rafting through Desolation Canyon

Location: Utah Adventure Level: Moderate Minimum Age: 7 (10 during high water; 12 for hiker)

San Juan River Rafting

Location: Utah Adventure Level: Easier Minimum Age: 6

San Juan River Hiker

Location: Utah Adventure Level: Moderate Minimum Age: 12

Lower San Juan River Trip: 5 Days

Flaming Gorge Green River Rafting 1-Day

Location: Utah Adventure Level: Easier Minimum Age: 4 (7 during high water)

Flaming Gorge Rafting

Dinosaur Whitewater Guide School

Location: Utah Adventure Level: Challenging Minimum Age: 18

Colorado River Rowing Clinic

Location: Utah Adventure Level: Challenging Minimum Age: 18 (16 with parent/guardian also in the class)

Lower Green River Rowing Clinic

Upper Green River Rowing Clinic

Location: Utah Adventure Level: Moderately Challenging Minimum Age: 18 (16 with parent/guardian also in the class)

Could not have asked for better guides or a better group to share my first river rafting trip. Getting away and off the grid in such beautiful surroundings was exactly what we needed to recharge. I have already been recommending OARS to my family and friends. 2022 OARS Utah guest

Frequently Asked Questions

Have more questions?

Where does OARS operate in Utah?

OARS has boathouses in Moab near Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park and in Vernal near Dinosaur National Monument. We run trips on the Colorado River, Green River , San Juan River , and the Yampa River.

What Utah river rafting trip has the best whitewater?

For a few precious weeks every spring, rafting Cataract Canyon on the Colorado River in Canyonlands National Park offers some of the biggest whitewater in North America. If you’re looking for big adventure, this is it. High-water Cataract Canyon trips, when snowmelt from the Rockies is running strong, offer up some of the biggest and most exciting whitewater in the U.S. For the rest of the season, the Colorado River through Cataract Canyon offers more moderate adventure, suitable for first-timers and families with kids as young as seven. Shorter action-packed itineraries include our 2-day Westwater Canyon trip and our Split Mountain 1-day trip, both of which offer great whitewater, especially in the spring.

Are there any one-day rafting trips in Utah?

Experience Class II-III rapids on a classic whitewater run— the Green River through Split Mountain Canyon in Dinosaur National Monument . This trip runs daily from May through September and includes approximately nine river miles and an ideal blend of interesting geologic scenery, as well as playful, splashy whitewater.

What whitewater dory trips are available in Utah?

OARS uses dories on the John Wesley Powell Retrace . While we offer this trip as a complete 23-day experience from Flaming Gorge through to Hite Crossing on Lake Powell, you can opt to partake in either the upper or lower sections, as well. OARS also uses dories on select Cataract Canyon trips . Depending on water levels and group size, we may also bring a dory or two on the Green River through Desolation Canyon and on the Colorado River through Cataract Canyon.

Why raft with OARS in Utah?

OARS sets the industry standard for high-quality service and excellence in adventure. We have led more than 500,000 guests to some of the most beautiful places on Earth, never losing sight of one of our foremost goals: to make the joys of the wilderness accessible to everyone—no matter how experienced. Our guides are safety-conscious with extensive experience, and our team of friendly and knowledgeable Adventure Consultants are available year-round to answer your calls and help plan your Utah rafting vacation.

Related Blog Posts

The Insider’s Guide to Whitewater Rafting in Utah

5 Ideas for an Ultimate Utah Adventure

The Best Dory Trips Beyond Grand Canyon

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Utah Adventure Trips

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Adventure trips and activity tours that take place in Utah are listed below. Click on any trip or guide company displayed below for more information.

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35 trip result s, more info book online official website adrift adventures.

• Raft | Canoe | Kayak
• 800-874-4483

This section of the Colorado River offers the first time river runner a relaxed introduction to the great outdoors. A fantastic family adventure for children down to the age of five. Be careful though - this trip just might transform you into a river junk

More Info Official Website Cataract Canyon - Colorado River - 4 Day - Don Hatch River Expeditions

• Canyonlands | Colorado River
• Hiking, Raft | Canoe | Kayak
• 435-789-4316

The elements of a perfect adventure come together, making this a must for any adventure traveler. There's whitewater, hiking and exploring, swimming, magnificent scenery, camaraderie with your fellow rafters or the peaceful solitude of a relaxing vacation

More Info Official Website Lodore Canyon - Green River - 4-day Family Adventure - Don Hatch River Expeditions

• Green River | Dinosaur NM

Lodore Canyon is definitely the most beautiful stretch of the Green River! You'll marvel at the high vermilion-colored cliffs contrasted by bright green Box Elder trees along the beaches. Lodge Pole pine and Douglas Fir are seen on the high ledges and canyon rim. Mountain sheep, deer and other wildl...

More Info Official Website Ruby’s Grand Adventure - Horseback Riding Vacation

• Bryce Canyon City
• Horseback Riding, Sightseeing Tours
• 866-782-0002

More Info Official Website San Rafael Swell - 3 & 4 Day - Holiday River Expeditions

• San Rafael Swell

Holiday River Expeditions has provided trips to the most spectacular landscapes on earth since 1966. Bike tour through this underrated area of the desert, smack in the center of Utah. Miles of public land connected by dirt roads and trails, and highly customizable to your personal adventure needs. Our support van and guides will be with you every step of the way, adding luxury to your backcountry adventure.

More Info Official Website The Maze - 4 Day Mountain Bike & Hike

• Canyonlands Nat. Park
• Biking, Hiking

This is no Sunday afternoon bike ride through the park! The Maze and other untamed country in Canyonlands National Park provides mountain bikers and hikers the complete experience…solitude, unparalleled beauty, clean air, and some of the most challenging bike terrain ...

More Info Official Website The Maze - 5 & 6 Day Bike

Simply stated, the Maze is like nothing else. Legends of the old west tell stories of outlaws escaping into its wildly remote and inaccessible canyons. Our ride begins atop the Orange Cliffs with distant views of snow-capped mountains and a glimpse of the rugged terrain we'll soon encounter. Our two...

More Info Official Website White Rim Trail - 4 Day Bike

A must in any mountain biker's rites of passage is the White Rim Trail. If you only had time for one mountain bike trip in your life, this should be the one.

More Info Official Website Yampa Bench - 2 Day Bike

• Dinosaur Nat. Monument

Forty-six miles of dirt road winds along a mile wide sandstone bench trapped between the Blue Mountains and the Yampa River Gorge. We will ride to scenic overlooks of the river canyon. Day three we will drop our bikes and don our life vests for the time of your life down the Yampa River.

More Info Official Website 1 Day Arches & Canyonlands from Salt Lake - Southwest Adventure Tours

• Starts in Salt Lake City, UT
• Hiking, Sightseeing Tours
• 800-970-5864

Get ready for a full day visiting two iconic and unique National Parks in Southeastern Utah. First stop will be at Canyonlands National Park. Afterwards a visit to Arches National Park will culminate the day with a stop at the Windows Section Balanced Rock and Park Avenue before returning home.

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Southwest Adventure Tours

Southwest Adventure Tours is a professional guide service that will help you experience the beauty and wonder of the Mighty 5 National Parks and other Utah attractions. The southern part of the state is filled with scenery and epic adventure just waiting for your wanderlust.

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Mighty 5 National Parks Guided Tour

Southwest Adventure Tours:

Mighty 5 national parks guided tour - slc.

5 Epic National Parks to explore in 8 days.  This is the adventure that awaits those who travel with Southwest Adventure Tours on our Mighty 5 Tour from Salt Lake City. With our small group of no more than 14 adventure seekers, your week will be filled with hiking, scenic viewpoints, local eateries, hidden gems, and other unique experiences.  Come explore with us.  Your Adventure Awaits! 

Pricing (Small group - 14 or less)

Mighty 5 Salt Lake City Peak Season  (5/1 - 10/15) Double occupancy - $3,499 per person Single occupancy - $3,899 per person Triple occupancy - $3,299 per person Quad occupancy - $3,199 per person

Mighty 5 Salt Lake City Off Season  (10/16 - 4/30) Double occupancy - $2,999 per person Single occupancy - $3,399 per person Triple occupancy - $2,849 per person Quad occupancy - $2,799.00 per person LEARN MORE →

Mighty 5 National Parks Guided Tour - Las Vegas

Looking for an a budget friendly adventure to explore five breathtaking national parks: Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion? You’ll get a chance to explore the entire Mighty 5 on this 5-day guided tour in southern Utah starting and ending in Las Vegas, NV. Join a small group of no more than 14 guests and a private guide on this week-long adventure.  The Mighty 5 National Parks tour is a must do on any Utah vacation.

Mighty 5 Las Vegas Peak Season  (5/1 - 10/15) Double occupancy - $1,899 per person Single occupancy - $2,149 per person Triple occupancy - $1,749 per person Quad occupancy - $1,649 per person

Mighty 5 Las Vegas Off Season   (10/16 - 4/30) Double occupancy - $1,699 per person Single occupancy - $1,949 per person Triple occupancy - $1,549 per person Quad occupancy - $1,499 per person

Mighty 5 Self-Drive

An unbelievable 6 days from Salt Lake City through Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Parks.

Pricing $2,600 for 2 people (subject to change)

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Grand Circle Experience

The Grand Circle encompasses some of the most scenic and majestic land in the world.  Focusing on the National Parks in Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado, our Grand Circle Experience provides you with the opportunity to experience much of what this area has to offer.  7 National Parks, 3 National Monuments, Native American Experiences, and so much more.  Spend 12 magical days exploring the cascading petrified sand dunes, vibrant pine forests, and sunset-red deserts of the Southwest.  This is an adventure you won't want to miss.  Your Adventure Awaits!

Pricing (Small group - 14 people or less) Double occupancy $4,899 per person Single occupancy $5,499 per person Triple occupancy - $4,599 per person Quad occupancy - $1,499.00 per person LEARN MORE →

Grand Canyon Traveler

Experience the Grand Canyon with a knowledgable tour guide, comfortable transportation, 2 nights' accommodations, and 2 breakfasts.

Pricing Double Occupancy - $1,249 per person Single Occupancy - $1,399 per person

Zion/Bryce 1-Day Tour

Join Southwest Adventure Tours for a 1-day guided tour of Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks, two of Utah's most stunning landscapes

Pricing $999 for up to 4 people all inclusive Each additional person is $200/person.

Great Salt Lake and Antelope Island 1-Day Tour

Experience spectacular views of the Great Salt Lake, step back in time with a visit to the historic Fielding Garr Ranch, enjoy viewing opportunities of free-ranging bison, mule deer, bighorn sheep, pronghorns, and millions of birds who congregate along the shores of the Great Salt Lake. Pricing $145 per person Adults (16 years old +) $110 per person Child (1-15 years old)

Salt Lake City 1-Day Driving Tour

Learn about the history of the valley, the unique and eclectic people that call this area home and experience the architecture and outdoor space found in Utah’s Capital City. From is history of the Latter-day Saint pioneers to a mining boomtown with its red light districts, Salt Lake City has always had a multi-cultural and storied history that will come alive during this 3 hour excursion.  Pricing $65 per person Adults (16 years old +) $55 per person Child (1-15 years old)

Salt Lake City Walking Tour

Experience the unique and culturally diverse downtown of Salt Lake City, UT. From the Latter-day Saint pioneers who settled the area to the influence of modern culture, the arts, 2002 Olympics, and the influx of people from all over the world, Salt Lake City has many sights and stories to experience firsthand. Pricing $50 per person Adults (16 years old +) $35 per person Child (1-15 years old)

Create A Custom Tour

Southwest Adventure Tours offer a variety of custom tour options to fit your needs whether it be a group or private. From one day tours to multi-day trips, they can customize the perfect experience to explore the Southwest.

Areas Serviced

• Zion National
• Park Bryce Canyon National Park
• Grand Canyon National Park
• Arches & Canyonlands National Parks
• Monument Valley
• Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument
• Capitol Reef National Park
• Great Basin National Park
• Salt Lake City

Featured Deals

Up to 14 guests and a private guide on a 12-day luxury adventure

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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. 

Related: These Lesser-Known Scenic Drives Roll You Way Beyond the Crowds

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.

Related: Complete Guide to Zion National Park: Hikes, Hotels, and Tips

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.

Related: Lesser-Known National Parks, Forests, and Wilderness Areas

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. 

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How to watch new ‘Ghost Adventures’ season for free

• Updated: May. 15, 2024, 3:01 p.m. |
• Published: May. 15, 2024, 3:01 p.m.

Discovery channel hit series “Ghost Adventures” season 28 premiere will air Wednesday, May 15 at 9 p.m. Courtesy of Discovery Channel

• Mikhayla Dunaj | [email protected]

If you love paranormal investigation, then there’s good news: “ Ghost Adventures ” is back for a new season on Wednesday, May 15, at 9 p.m. ET on the Discovery Channel . Season 28 follows Zak Bagans and his team as they interview locals all over about alleged hauntings before facing them.

Watch the new episode for free with a trial from DIRECTV Stream or Philo . You can also find it on Sling Blue , or watch it after it airs on Max and Disney+ with Hulu .

About the show:

“ Ghost Adventures ” follows paranormal investigator Zak Bagans and his team: Nick Groff and Aaron Goodwin. Together, they arrive at haunted locations all over the world. After interviewing locals about the legends, they go face to face with the supernatural themselves. Watch as the team uncovers the mystery, history and tries to gather physical evidence of the hauntings during a lockdown.

In the first episode of the season, “ Skinwalker Invasion ,” the crew investigates sacred Utah ground that a family has reported skinwalker encounters on. Skinwalkers are believed to be witches who can possess and disguise as animals. It’s possible that desecration of ancient artifacts may have awoken the darkness, and the threat impacts all who enter the property.

Watch the new episode tonight, May 15, at 9/8c on the Discovery Channel .

Where to watch the Discovery Channel:

• Philo (start free trial) - For $25/month , ditch cable and unlock 70+ channels of reality TV, movies, and more, live and on-demand. Click here to watch.
• DIRECTV Stream (try it free) - With plans starting at $79.99/month , switch to DIRECTV Stream to enjoy 75+ channels and numerous add-ons . And, as a limited-time offer , get both the Entertainment and Sports packs for $84.98/month for three months . Click here to explore more DIRECTV options.
• Sling (try today) - Save on Sling for a limited-time. For the first month , plans start at HALF off —  that’s $20 for Sling Orange or Sling Blue , and $27.50 for both Orange + Blue (followed by $40/month and $55/month , respectively). Register and stream 30+ channels including sports, History, DVR storage, add-on packages   and more.
• Disney Bundle with Hulu -  Choose the Disney Bundle to unlock either a Hulu and Disney+ duo for $9.99/month, or a Hulu, ESPN+, and Disney+ trio for $14.99/month.
• Max - Prices range from $9.99/month to $19.99/month , and include popular series, award-winning movies, sports and more. Click here to subscribe; or access Max for $9.99/month through Prime Video Channels.

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