national parks in utah road trip

How to see Utah's "Mighty 5" national parks on an epic road trip

Jun 2, 2024 • 12 min read

Link up Utah's "Mighty 5" national parks with this epic driving route © Peter Unger / Getty Images

Utah might not have the most national parks of any state – that honor goes to California – but it certainly has the highest concentration.

All of Utah’s "Mighty 5"  are within easy driving distance of one another, meaning that the state is prime for an epic national parks road trip that you can even squeeze into a short amount of vacation time. With only a week to spare, it's possible to get to know the distinct personalities of each of the state's national parks.

Here's how to plan an unforgettable drive in Utah .

Where should you start a Utah national parks road trip?

You can tackle Utah’s national parks west to east or vice versa, depending on your starting destination. Going from west to east is generally the most popular option because Zion National Park is just a few hours from the international airport in Las Vegas . You could also start this road trip in Salt Lake City , heading for either Zion or Arches first.

Where should I rent a car for a Utah road trip?

If you’re flying in to visit Utah’s national parks, it’s easiest to rent a car at your arrival airport. After picking up the car, head to the grocery store to buy water, snacks and other supplies before you hit the road, especially if you’re looking for something specific. The gateway towns to Utah’s national parks are small, and their stores often don’t have as wide of a selection. 

When is the best time to drive between Utah's national parks?

Late spring and early fall are the best seasons for road tripping in Utah. Summer is a popular time, but that means more cars on the road and more hikers on the trails. Winter is great for solitude seekers, but make sure you have the know-how to drive on snowy roads and a backup plan in case of closures or worse. State highways in some areas might be shut down until May because of heavy snowfall, particularly in the high elevations around Brian Head, north of Zion National Park.

Stop 1: Zion National Park

The vibe: Awesome canyon and iconic hikes

What to do: Zion Canyon is one of the most intriguing natural wonders in the country, and it chalks up the visitor numbers to prove it. See what makes Zion so extraordinary by taking on the national park’s two iconic hikes: Angels Landing ( permit required ), a chain-assisted white-knuckle climb to a lofty narrow plateau, and the Narrows, where the trail is the Virgin River and you wade through the water as it churns through a towering slot canyon.

What to eat: In the heart of the canyon, the historic Zion Lodge has two places to eat: a small cafe and a full-fledged restaurant. The food isn’t particularly memorable, but the setting certainly is, and it’s the only place to eat inside the national park if you don’t bring your own supplies. Just outside Zion National Park’s south entrance, Zion Canyon Brew Pub was the first microbrewery in southern Utah and serves up pub grub that pairs perfectly with its beers. More restaurants, coffee shops and small grocery stores abound in Springdale, the gateway town hugging Zion’s south entrance.

Where to stay: Zion National Park has two in-park accommodation options: camping or Zion Lodge . You need to book months in advance to get a reservation for either. Springdale has lots of excellent places to stay. See if rooms are available at Under the Eaves Inn , Red Rock Inn or Desert Pearl Inn , or head a bit further from the canyon. In East Zion, Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort is ideal for families, with tons of activities for all ages. To the west, AutoCamp Zion offers a hip stay in Airstream trailers, and Under Canvas has set up gorgeous luxury glamping tents on Kolob Terrace Road.

The drive (75 miles, 1 hour and 25 minutes): Leave Zion National Park through the east entrance, driving through the tight-squeeze Zion–Mt Carmel Tunnel, which was the longest tunnel in the country when it opened in 1930. Continue on Hwy 9 to Mt Carmel Junction and then head north on Hwy 89. Turn east on Scenic Byway 12, nationally recognized as an "All-American Road" for its history and landscapes. You get a taste of what’s in store at the next national park as you drive through redrock arches and past intriguing rock formations shaped like Crayola crayons – and colored just as brightly.

Want to know more about Zion? Here's our guide

Stop 2: Bryce Canyon National Park

The vibe: Alien rock formations

What to do: Bryce Canyon hides its treasures from view when you first enter the park, but as soon as you reach the rim of the plateau, an army of rock spires called hoodoos stands at attention in the bowl of the natural amphitheater. The paved road through the national park is sprinkled with scenic overlooks where you can stop and gawp at these mesmerizing formations. Inspiration Point and Rainbow Point are wow-worthy pull-off points. But getting in among the hoodoos is a must. Hike the Navajo Loop from Sunset Point, book a horse ride on Peekaboo Loop or find a quieter collection of hoodoos on the Fairyland Loop.

What to eat: Bryce Canyon is Utah’s only other national park (besides Zion) that has a historic lodge inside the park, which has a restaurant (don’t miss the elk chili). There’s also a park general store that sells pizza, craft beer, ice cream and snacks. Bryce Canyon City is just outside the national park gates, but the restaurants in the small town of Tropic, a short drive to the southeast, are better. Try the pulled pork at IDK Barbecue or have a classy white-tablecloth dinner at Stone Hearth Grille .

Where to stay: Book far in advance to snag a place to sleep inside the park, either a campsite or a room at Bryce Canyon Lodge . Bryce Canyon City has several options near the park entrance, but it’s worth driving a little further to Bryce Glamp & Camp , a scenic, secluded spot where you can watch the night sky from your bed in a bubble dome.

The drive (125 miles, 2 hours and 40 minutes): Continue on Scenic Byway 12, which gets even more beautiful as you crest the rollercoaster hills and sail down the switchbacks. Much of the surrounding land is part of Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument , which covers nearly 2 million acres. Tempting trailheads beckon, particularly around the towns of Escalante and Boulder – pull over and hike if you have time. Scenic Byway 12 ends at Hwy 24 near Torrey, the gateway town to Capitol Reef National Park.

First time in Bryce Canyon? Here's what you need to know

Stop 3: Capitol Reef National Park

The vibe: Hikes through history

What to do: Capitol Reef wears its past on its sleeve, and when hiking in this national park, you’re following in the footsteps of many generations past, from the little-understood Native Fremont people to Mormon settlers. Don’t miss the petroglyphs east of the Capitol Reef Visitor Center (accessible via a boardwalk) and on the hike through Capitol Gorge, where ancient Native rock art is carved a short distance from the Pioneer Register, recording the names and dates of 19th-century settlers who passed through this slot canyon. In the center of the park, Fruita was a Mormon settlement established in 1879 and is well known for its orchards, which the National Park Service still maintains. Pick up one of the famous fruit pies from Gifford Homestead , where Fruita's last inhabitants lived.

What to eat: Torrey is a short drive from the entrance to Capitol Reef National Park, and for such a small town, it has some impressive food options. At Torrey Grill & BBQ , a Culinary Institute of America graduate makes magic with smoked meats, while adorable Wild Rabbit Cafe serves phenomenal all-day breakfasts and sandwiches. Hunt & Gather is a surprising spot for fine dining, showcasing lovingly plated dishes of local ingredients.

Where to stay: Capitol Reef has one developed campground , as well as free primitive sites in the backcountry ( free backpacking permit required ). If you’d rather stay within four walls, try Torrey Schoolhouse B&B , a 1914 schoolhouse brought back to life as an elegant bed and breakfast. One of the best places to stay in Torrey is Skyview , which has rooms with hot tubs that look out on the redrock scenery, geodesic domes with skylights over the bed for nighttime stargazing, and a rooftop terrace.

The drive (155 miles, 2 hours and 30 minutes): Head east on Hwy 24, called the Capitol Reef Scenic Byway, which turns north at Hanksville. If you have time, detour west of Hwy 24 to Goblin Valley State Park to wander among its bizarre rock formations. On the east side of Hwy 24, Horseshoe Canyon is part of Canyonlands National Park and has one of the most significant Native rock art sites in North America – it’s nicknamed the "Louvre of the Southwest." The road to Horseshoe Canyon is not paved, and a high-clearance 4WD vehicle is recommended. When Hwy 24 comes to an end near Green River, join Interstate 70 east and carry on until the Moab turnoff at Hwy 191. Turn west on Hwy 313 to reach another area of Canyonlands National Park.

Hanging around in Capitol Reef? Here's what to do there

Stop 4: Canyonlands National Park: Island in the Sky district

The vibe: Epic views

What to do: Canyonlands is Utah’s largest and least-visited national park. Few travelers venture to its most remote areas (and those who do require suitable vehicles and self-sufficiency), and Canyonlands’ quieter nature can be a welcome break from Utah’s busier parks. It is divided into four districts, the most accessible of which is Island in the Sky, near Moab . This area stretches out atop a majestic mesa thousands of feet above the Colorado and Green Rivers, the powerful forces that sculpted this land into sheer canyons and needle-like pinnacles. The scenic drive through the Island in the Sky district dawdles past a number of overlooks. Get a 360-degree bird’s-eye view of the landscape from the humbly named Grand View Point where the paved road ends.

What to eat: Moab’s main street is lined with great restaurants where you can fuel up for a day out, and the town is just a 40-minute drive from the Island in the Sky Visitor Center. In the northern part of Moab, Proper Brewing has an excellent beer garden where you can kick back and enjoy a burger and a Utah-made brew.

Where to stay: The Island in the Sky district has one campground . More campsites on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land are scattered along Hwy 313, the main road into the national park, as well as along Hwy 128 and the Colorado River south of Arches National Park. For hotel accommodations, stay in Moab for an easy journey. Field Station is one of our top picks for location, price and adventure-seeking atmosphere, housed in a well-renovated roadside motel.

The drive (29 miles, 40 minutes): Canyonlands and Arches are about as close as two national parks can be, and it’s just a 30-minute drive from the Island in the Sky Visitor Center to Arches Visitor Center. If you can’t get enough of the views, take a detour to Dead Horse Point State Park for even more memorable vistas. Take Hwy 313 to Hwy 191 and drive south for a few miles to the turnoff for Arches National Park.

Want to see even more of Canyonlands? Here's what you need to know

Stop 5: Arches National Park

The vibe: Arches galore

What to do: The main draw of Arches is right in its name, and nowhere on Earth has more of this type of rock formation than this national park. Delicate Arch is the most iconic, enshrined on Utah’s license plates, and many more can be seen along the park’s main paved road on short hikes and from easy-to-reach viewpoints. At the end of the road, the Devils Garden Trail packs several arches into an easy or adventurous hike, depending on how far you want to go, including 306ft Landscape Arch, one of the longest in the world.

What to eat: There’s nowhere to eat inside Arches National Park, so bring in supplies from Moab or fuel up in town before or after a day of arch admiring. Find a variety of crowd-pleasing, budget-friendly options at Moab Food Truck Park or reserve a table at Desert Bistro , one of the best restaurants in this part of the state, for game and seafood in an 1892 former dance hall.

Where to stay: Arches has one campground inside the park (book far in advance), and campers can also find lots of sites on BLM land just outside the park boundaries. Otherwise, Moab makes for an excellent base camp, with plenty of hotels along its main street and beyond. Secluded south of town, ULUM Moab offers luxury glamping tents with views of its very own arch.

The drive: Round off your Utah national parks road trip by heading back to Salt Lake City (235 miles from Moab) or Las Vegas (460 miles from Moab). The fastest but least interesting way to get to Las Vegas is to take the interstates (I-70 north of Moab and then I-15 south), but if you have time, take the long road south from Moab, stopping at the Needles district of Canyonlands National Park, checking out film-famous Monument Valley on Navajo land and testing your luck by trying to get a permit for the Wave – one of the most sought-after hikes in the Southwest – in Kanab.

Need more info about Arches? Here's our guide for first-time visitors

Tips for EV drivers

Despite how remote some parts of the state are, Utah is an excellent place for an EV road trip, especially to the national parks. Some campgrounds and many hotels, including Zion Lodge inside the national park, have EV chargers for guests. Tesla has several Superchargers across the state, particularly along I-15 and I-70, including in St George (about 45 miles from Zion National Park’s south entrance), Green River and Moab (close to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks) and Blanding (about 70 miles from Canyonlands’ Needles district). 

A tricky stretch for EV drivers is the journey between Capitol Reef National Park and Moab. The Capitol Reef gateway town of Torrey has chargers, as does Green River, but you might need to be careful about how many places you explore in between.

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Driving Utah National Parks: 7 Day Road Trip (Map + Itinerary)

Use our Utah National Parks road trip map and itinerary to plan the perfect one week driving tour through some of America’s best National Parks of the West.

Our 2 Utah National Parks road trips

Our first trip to Utah National Parks was during a one-month National Parks camping road trip in 2011, before starting our Peace Corps service. 

We loved it!

Utah’s beauty is so different from where we grew up (Oregon and Hawaii). But I think that’s what makes Utah’s Parks especially captivating: they feel like they’re not of this world!

Reds and oranges. Textures like thousand-layer pancakes cut through with a sharp knife, or blobs of wet sand plopped in columns as big as buildings.

From an aerial view, this part of Utah may look dry and bland. But up close, every corner has new shapes and shades of the rainbow.

In 2020, we revisited the Utah National Parks in October on a 7 day road trip . This time we stayed in Airbnbs, while practicing responsible, social distance travel .

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. That means if you make a purchase through one of our links, we may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you.

Table of Contents

Utah National Parks Road Trip Map + PDF

* Get our Utah National Parks map & itinerary PDF pack *  

Best Utah Road Trip Itinerary

The ideal Utah National Parks tour includes: – Arches National Park – Canyonlands N.P. – Bryce Canyon N.P. – Zion N.P. – Capitol Reef N.P. – Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

That is a lot to cover in a 7 day Utah Parks itinerary! But yes, it can be done.

When limited to one week, most travelers skip Grand Staircase, as many of its attractions are more remote.

Capitol Reef and Canyonlands are not as well known and many skip these as well.

That being said, if you wish to avoid crowds in the Utah National Parks, you may want to spend more time at Grand Staircase-Escalante, Capitol Reef, and Canyonlands.

Let’s take a look at each of these Utah National Parks one by one, then we’ll answer some Frequently Asked Questions about Utah Parks road trips.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is most famous for having the greatest concentration of hoodoos on Earth. Hoodoos are irregularly eroded columns of rock. It’s a beautiful geological wonder to behold!

Bryce is one of my all-time favorite National Parks and definitely deserves a top spot on your Utah National Parks itinerary. That being said, you can easily see the best of Bryce Canyon within half a day if needed.

Check the Bryce Canyon National Park website for visitor information

Bryce Highlights:

– Hiking among the hoodoos – Sunset and Sunrise viewpoints – Ranger talks and astronomy programs – Canyon horseback rides

Best Hikes in Bryce:

– Queen’s Garden and Navajo trails (2.9 mile loop, moderate difficulty): A must see! Bryce’s most popular hiking trail packs a punch, with gorgeous vistas and fascinating geological formations.

– Peekaboo Loop (5.5 miles, strenuous): Combine this in a figure-8 with the Queen’s/Navajo loop above for a spectacular half-day work out.

– Rim Trail:  For folks with less mobility, or short on time, walk from the parking lot on this wide, paved path above the canyon. View Sunrise and Sunset points, about 1 mile apart.

Recommended Accommodations for Bryce Canyon:

Bryce activities:, zion national park.

Zion is Utah’s first and probably most popular (read: crowded) National Park.

On our Utah National Parks road trip map, you’ll see Zion is in the southwest corner of the State. This makes Zion National Park an ideal place to start a trip, especially if you’re coming from Las Vegas or California.

Zion’s main canyon boasts colorful, epic scenery and wildlife . But you can also visit a separate corner of the park, Kolob Canyon, that’s much less crowded.

Check the Zion National Park website for visitor information

Zion Highlights:

– Hiking in Zion Canyon or Kolob Canyon – Driving through the mile-long Mt. Carmel tunnel – Cycling the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive

Best Hikes in Zion:

– West Rim Trail to Angel’s Landing (5.4 miles, strenuous): Switch back climb with epic views. For those with fear of heights, skipping the final section to Angel’s Landing is still a great hike.

– The Narrows (up to 9.4 miles): A trek through the river itself, inside a narrow gorge with walls a thousand feet high.

Recommended Accommodations for Zion National Park:

Zion activities:.

Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef is the most underrated Utah National Parks trip destination, in my opinion.

It’s also centrally located between the Western Utah parks (Bryce and Zion) and the Eastern parks (Arches and Canyonlands). Plus it’s next door to Grand Staircase-Escalante. With this location, Capitol Reef can make a great home base for a Utah National Parks vacation.

After a too-brief visit on our first trip, I made sure to spend extra time at Capitol Reef the second time around.

With such striking, unusual landscapes and relatively few crowds, Capitol Reef National Park is a hiker’s paradise . 

Check the Capitol Reef National Park website for visitor information

Capitol Reef Highlights:

– Hiking through unusual geologic formations – Scenic drive into Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge – Petroglyphs and pictographs by Fremont peoples – Historic pioneer farmstead in Fruita

Best Hikes in Capitol Reef:

– Grand Wash (up to 4 miles, flat): A dry streambed trail through the narrows of a sculpted canyon with fascinating rock colors and textures. Option to add on a climb to Cassidy Arch.

– Hickman Bridge (1.8 miles, moderate): Canyon views and a grand rock arch/bridge.

Recommended Accommodations for Capitol Reef:

Budget Alternatives: Capitol Reef campgrounds ($), Wonderland Cabins ($/$$) Luxury Alternative: Cougar Ridge Lodge villas ($$$)

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Grand Staircase-Escalante is actually a National Monument, which covers almost a million acres. Full of cliffs, slot canyons, river gorges, rock arches, fossils, and native artifacts, these public lands rival the other National Parks in Utah.

Unfortunately, these attractions are extremely spread out and not as accessible .

For convenience on a Utah road trip, we recommend visiting the area around Escalante, UT . This includes part of the Scenic Byway 12.

Check the Park website for visitor information

Grand Staircase Highlights:

– Scenic Byway 12 viewpoints and overlooks – Hiking diverse terrains

Best Hikes in Escalante:

– Lower Calf Creek Falls (6 miles, moderate): The stunning waterfall at the end is matched by fascinating terrain along this relatively flat but sandy out-and-back trail – pictured above.

– Coyote Gulch (11.5 miles, strenuous): A semi-narrow canyon that snakes its way through incredible red rock landscapes and arches.

Recommended Accommodations:

Budget Alternative: Calf Creek Campground ($) Luxury Alternative: 40 Acre Retreat ($$/$$$), Escalante Yurts ($$$)   Escalante Activities:

Canyonlands National Park

Adding Canyonlands to your Utah National Parks driving tour may depend on how much time you have. With its primitive desert landscape, it’s not quite as flashy as Arches, Zion, or Bryce, so some visitors choose to skip it.

That being said, Canyonlands National Park is a short drive from Arches , so it’s easy to make a day trip out of it.

Check the Canyonlands Park website for visitor information

Canyonlands Highlights:

– Horseshoe Canyon’s “Great Gallery” has some of the most significant rock art in North America – Impressive canyon vistas along the Island in the Sky Scenic Drive

Best Hikes in Canyonlands:

– Mesa Arch (0.5 miles, easy): A short loop trail to Canyonland’s most iconic rock arch.

– Grand View Point (2 miles, easy): Great for panoramic views of Candlestick Tower, the Green River, and the White Rim Road.

Canyonlands campgrounds

See Arches accommodations below for more options outside the park.

Canyonlands Activities:

Arches national park.

No Utah National Parks road trip itinerary is complete without a stop in Arches. True to its name, this open desert landscape is home to thousands of red rock archways and other fun stone formations.

Arches National Park is located just outside of Moab, Utah , an outdoor adventure hot spot of its own. This is the closest park to Utah’s Eastern border with Colorado.  

Arches Highlights:

– Taking a scenic drive to countless viewpoints – Hiking among the arches – Rock climbing, canyoneering, biking, or horse-back riding

Best Hikes in Arches:

– The Windows (1 mile, easy): An easy climb to view massive rock windows and Turret Arch.

– Delicate Arch (3 miles, moderate): A steady uphill, passing a wall of Ute Indian petroglyphs, to get up close to one of the most iconic arches.

Budget Alternative: Edge of the Desert tiny houses , Devil’s Garden Campground Luxury Alternative: Modern Moab Villa (for 8) ; Exclusive Retreats 3bdr Home  

Arches Activities:

Utah national park road trip itinerary tips.

How many days do you need to visit Utah Parks?

Technically , you could see the Utah Big 5 in a five day road trip. Driving distance is short enough, but this would allow very little time to actually enjoy yourself.

We recommend at least a one week Utah road trip itinerary. Two weeks in Utah National Parks would be even more ideal to get off the beaten path and explore the best of all the parks.

Best Time to Visit Utah Parks

Generally, the best time to visit US National Parks is in “shoulder season” when the weather is still nice but there are fewer crowds. That means avoiding school breaks, hot summers, and freezing winters.

Typically, Fall is a great time to take a southwest National Park road trip through Utah.

Which is better: Bryce or Arches? Zion or Moab?

You’ll see on our Utah National Parks map that Bryce and Zion are closest to each other on the West side of Utah. Arches and Canyonlands are on the East near Moab, Utah.

The best Utah parks to visit is personal preference. They are each so unique, it’s difficult to compare.

If you’re short on time and can’t see all the parks, I would pick whichever are closest to you geographically, to maximize your time in the parks. Whichever you choose will make for an amazing trip!

What should you pack for a road trip in Utah? What should I wear?

If you’ll be camping, see our epic camping road trip packing list . Don’t forget good hiking shoes and light-weight, layered clothes for the outdoors. It does get hot in the summer but can cool off at night, so a light jacket is recommended.

In winter, bring a heavier jacket, hat, gloves, and moisture-wicking layers. Sunscreen and water bottle are also must haves.

Alos, don’t forget your National Parks Pass !

Do you need bug spray for mosquitos in Utah?

Fortunately, Utah’s dry climate means there are not many mosquitos around the National Parks. Mosquitos may be more common around Salt Lake City at some times of the year, but it’s not usually a significant concern Utah National Parks.

We hope this Utah National Parks trip planner has been helpful. Let us know in the comments if you have your own recommendations to add. And don’t forget to get your National Parks in Utah map and road trip itinerary PDF pack here .

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hello. we are planning a road trip in May with our well-trained pup. I checked out several of the lodging sites posted on your site and they all seem to be non dog-friendly. LaQuinta Moab and also in LaVerkin are pet friendly. Any suggestions for us? Also we are driving from the Olympic Peninsula in WA so would beginning in SLC be the best route? Thank you!

We are coming to Utah in November around the 6 to the 12. We are bringing my 11 year old granddaughter. Any suggestions for activities. We hike but don’t want difficult hikes. Are the activities still available I. November

Hi Ellen. There are plenty of easy hikes throughout the Utah Parks. If you’re not able to find the info you’re looking for in our post, each Park has up to date recommendations and calendars in a brochure that you can pick up at the entry or visitor center.

Thanks for the info. As seniors we need to see as much as we can without hiking. Which parks have the best scenic drives? Know we’ll miss a lot without hiking, but we are not physically able.

Thanks for visiting our blog! Several of the parks have well known scenic drives, which we’ve mentioned in this post. Capitol Reef and Arches come to mind as the best parks to view from your own car. Zion’s valley is not self-drive but you can take the park shuttle to experience that scenic drive.

Thanks for the information it is great. Which hikes would you recommend for beauty but avoiding dangerous hiking since my family are newbies and are afraid of heights in tight quarters. Also I’m thinking of let’s say doing 5 days or less, which would you avoid or if easier the must do’s.

Hi Fred. Great question. Most of the Parks have so many hikes, you’ll be able to find beginner-friendly non-scary hikes to suit your preferences. It might be easiest to start with Bryce and Zion, as both have great viewpoints without necessarily needing to hike up or down and your driving time will be minimal. You could add Arches as well for scenic drives and light hiking to see some of the best sights. Hope that helps!

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The Ultimate Utah Road Trip (National Parks + Itinerary)

Wondering “How do I plan a trip to all 5 Utah national parks?” Ayyy, don’t stress, we have you covered. Our 10 day Utah road trip will take you through some of the best things to see in Utah, along with the Mighty 5 National Parks.

Utah happens to be one of our absolute favorite states in America. Once you explore Utah for yourself, you’ll soon see why. It’s amazing, it’s diverse and it’s full of adventure. Now, let’s get you prepped, you have a Utah road trip to get to!

Don’t forget to check out our road trip essentials packing list !

10-Day Utah Road Trip Itinerary

Jump Ahead To:

Best Month to Visit Utah

Ok, let’s set the record straight…Utah is amazing all year round. No lie.

• Utah In The Winter: Winter is cold, but it’s perfect for skiing the slopes around Salt Lake City. Another perk is fewer crowds on the hiking trails in the State Parks and National Parks.
• Utah In The Spring: The spring months tend to be the busier months to visit Utah due to milder temps and springtime blooms. Be prepared to deal with large crowds around Spring Break time and Memorial Day weekend.
• Utah In The Summer: Depending on which part of the state you are in, Utah can be hot, hot, hot. The summer is a popular time as school is out so lots of families can be seen exploring the state. However, the sun stays out much longer so you have longer days which is really nice.
• Utah In The Fall: Considered one of the best times to visit Utah, the fall months are great. Changing of the leaves, milder temps but with great weather usually means more crowds.

For us, we visited Utah in late September / early October and it was perfect. Mild to chilly temps, bright sunshine, and nothing was too crowded. If you were to ask us, we say aim to visit Utah during September or October.

Utah Road Trip Map

The Mighty 5 in Utah is something everyone should see in their lifetime. Scattered throughout the state of Utah, the Mighty 5 (sometimes known as the Big 5) refers to the 5 National Parks that are found within the state of Utah. Yes, Utah is so awesome that it’s home to 5 amazing National Parks.

• Arches National Park (Located near Moab, Utah)
• Canyonland National Park (Located near Moab, Utah)
• Capitol Reef National Park (Located near Torrey, Utah)
• Bryce Canyon National Park (Located near Tropic, Utah)
• Zion National Park (Located near Springdale, Utah)

Our Utah road trip will take you on some of the best scenic byways in the country, through some of the best National Parks in America, and give you too many adventures to count.

Getting Around Utah – Rent an RV

One of our favorite ways to a road trip is by RV! It’s your one-stop-shop for everything you need – shelter, food, and clothes. An RV gives you the flexibility to change direction and not have to worry about canceling a hotel reservation and booking a new one. Making it a great “car” to take on your Utah road trip.

It’s a perfect road trip companion and a great vehicle to consider when exploring Utah. From large rigs to camper vans, there is something out there for everyone.

Day 1: Get Yourself To Utah (Salt Lake City or Denver)

To start your Utah road trip, you have to get to the state, right? Two popular jumping-off points to explore Utah tend to be flying into Salt Lake City (airport code: SLC) or Denver, Colorado (airport code: DEN).

Note: While our route takes you from North to South through the state of Utah, you can easily do our route in reverse by flying into Las Vegas and starting South, and working your way North. Totally up to you.

Flying Into Salt Lake City

Once you land in Salt Lake City, plan to pick up your car or RV rental and head south toward Moab, Utah. Moab is located about 3 hours and 40 minutes (234mi / 377km) away from Salt Lake City and where our Utah road trip itinerary begins from.

It’s worth noting that Salt Lake City airport is the closest airport to Moab, Utah.

Flying Into Denver, Colorado

The second closest airport to Moab is Denver International Airport located 5 hours and 30 minutes (355mi / 571km) away. Once at the Denver Airport, plan to pick up your rental car and/or RV rental and head west until you reach Thompson Springs where you’ll take 182 straight-ish into Moab.

Tip: If you don’t feel like driving back to either Denver or Salt Lake City, buy a one-way ticket into either of these airports for your arrival and then a one-way ticket out of Las Vegas for your departure.

Day 2 – 4: Explore Moab, Canyonlands and Arches National Park

Welcome to Moab. Home to two of the Mighty 5 National Parks, a quaint little downtown, and loads of outdoor adventure. Whether you’re looking for a 4×4 off road adventure , white water rafting down the Colorado Rive r or just some epic trails to bike or hike through, Moab is the PERFECT jumping-off point for all of it.

After a day of adventure and outdoor fun, you can mosey through the shops, downtown cafes, and bars. Grab some breakfast and coffee at Jailhouse Cafe or Moab Garage Co ., some lunch or dinner at Moab Food Truck Park or Sunset Grill , and finally, a beer at Moab Brewery .

Perfect for a few day’s stay, you’ll find becoming bored in Moab is next to impossible.

Check Out our Perfect 2-3 Day Moab Itinerary here!

Arches National Park

The first National Park on our Utah road trip is located 5 miles from Moab (about a 9-minute drive). It is here where you’ll find the entrance to Arches National Park . Some 2,000 natural stone arches along with endless, towering desert landscapes can be found here.

Check out Arches National Park in One Day to help you make the most of your time!

Costing $15/vehicle to get in, you can easily spend a day driving the 36-mile (round trip) road through Arches National Park, hiking Arches’ most popular trails like “The Devils Garden Loop” and “The Double Arch Trail” or watching the sunset from the Delicate Arch Viewpoint.

However you choose to spend your time, be it a few hours or a full day, Arches National Park will not disappoint.

TIP: If you want a truly unique experience within Arches National Park, consider booking the “ Fiery Furnace ” tour.

Canyonlands National Park

About a 35-minute drive from Moab and Arches, you’ll find the second of Mighty 5 National Parks, Canyonlands National Park . The expanse of this park is something to see. Canyonlands is the largest of the National Parks in Utah offering dramatic, staggering views of canyons below.

The park is divided into four districts:

• The Island in the Sky: The most popular district offering rim views of the expansive canyons below, pull-offs for photo ops, and trailheads. This district is home to the famous “Mesa Arch”.
• The Needles : Home to popular hiking trails (great for overnight backpacking) and desert landscapes with rock spires.
• The Maze : The most remote of the districts requires a several-day commitment and should only be visited and trekked by experienced hikers.
• The Rivers (Colorado and Green) : For those wanting to get down into the canyon, the river’s section is great for kayaking, guided boat tours, etc.

Whichever district you decide to visit the entrance fee for Canyonlands is $30/vehicle.

Get our complete guide to spending one day in Canyonlands National Park !

Dead Horse State Park

Ok, ok, so yes, not a National Park but Dead Horse State Park is spectacular and since you’re in the area, it should not be missed! Dead Horse State Park is about a 15-minute drive from Canyonlands National Park and about a 35-minute drive from Arches National Park.

A popular choice is to spend the majority of the day in Canyonlands and finish your day (a couple of hours) at Dead Horse State Park. Costing $20/vehicle, Dead Horse State Park is located atop a mesa offering incredible vista views of the land and canyons below.

Where To Stay in Moab, Utah

• The Luxury Inclined |  Hoodoo Moab
• The Budget Conscious |  Rustic Inn
• Something in Between | Moab Springs Ranch

For more places to stay in Moab, you can check out the latest places and prices here .

Day 5. Experience Capitol Reef National Park

With Moab in your rearview mirror, your sights should be set on the next National Park, Capitol Reef National Park. Located a little over 2 hours away from Moab, Capitol Reef is the least visited of the 5 National Parks within Utah, but don’t let that statement think this park is worth skipping.

TIP: As you leave Moab, be sure to take Highway 24 to Highway 12 as Utah State Highway 12 is considered one of the most scenic drives in Utah.

Costing $15/vehicle for the park entrance fee, Capitol Reef has some amazing hikes like Hickman Natural Bridge or the Cassidy Arch. If you’re short on time or just feel like taking in the sights, we suggest driving the paved Capitol Reef Scenic Drive that winds through some of the best areas of the National Park.

If you’re looking for something more adventurous, canyoneering in Capitol Reef’s slot canyons should be added to your list. However you choose to spend your time, the sights and landscape of Capitol Reef are well worth the visit.

TIP: On your way to Capitol Reef National Park, you’ll pass by Goblin State Park. It’s definitely worth stopping to check out if you have the time. A few hours will give you a taste of what Goblin State Park has to offer.

Where To Stay Near Capitol Reef

• The Luxury Inclined |  Courage Ridge Lodge
• The Budget Conscious |  Austin’s Chuckwagon Motel
• Something in Between | Capitol Reef Resort

For more places to stay near Capitol Reef, you can check out the latest places and prices here .

Day 6: Adventure Through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument 

From Capitol Reef, continue on Highway 12 (the scenic byway) for about 1.5 hours, until you reach the town of Escalante. If you find yourself hungry along the way, we highly suggest stopping at  Hell’s Backbone Grill .

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is nearly one million acres of public land that offers endless beauty and loads of outdoor adventures. Whether you’re exploring the Petrified Forest State Park, exploring the Peekaboo, Spooky, and Zebra slot canyons, or hiking to Lower Calf Creek Falls and Devil’s Garden, your day will be well spent.

After a day of exploring, plan to grab a bite to eat at Esca-latte Restaurant , Nemo’s Drive Thru or Circle D Eatery . Oh, and if you need a coffee pick-me-up, make a pitstop at Kiva

Where To Stay in Escalante

• The Luxury Inclined |  Escalante Yurts
• The Budget Conscious |  Prospector Inn
• Something in Between | The Inn of Escalante

For more places to stay in Escalante, you can check out the latest places and prices here .

Day 7: Explore The Hoodoos of Bryce Canyon

Your next stop is the magnificent Bryce Canyon, located about an hour east of Escalante. Known for its vast views and spire-shaped rock formations called hoodoos, Bryce Canyon is truly something to behold.

Costing $35/vehicle to enter the park, that entrance fee is well worth it once you set your sights on the views that await you. Plan to hike the Queens Garden/Navajo Trail Loop to see the hoodoos up close. Then, head up to the canyon rim and walk to a few outstanding viewpoints such as Sunrise Point, Inspiration Point, and Sunset Point.

You can also drive the 18-mile scenic drive that will allow you to get out at the numerous viewpoints that surround the rim of Bryce Canyon. If you love stars, plan to stay after sunset as Bryce is a certified Dark Sky Park, making it perfect for star gazing.

Check out our one day in Bryce Canyon Itinerary here!

Really and truly, it’s impossible to not become smitten with Bryce Canyon. It’s a true gem.

Where To Stay Near Bryce Canyon

• The Luxury Inclined |  Bryce Country Cabins
• The Budget Conscious |  Red Ledges Inn
• Something in Between | Happy Trails BnB

For more places to stay near Bryce Canyon National Park, you can check out the latest places and prices here .

Day 8 – 9: Stand in Awe at Zion National Park

From Bryce Canyon, you’ll head 1.5 hours southeast to what some consider to be the “mecca” of Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks, Zion National Park .

Steep red cliff canyon with a flowing cool river and vivid green foliage that lays atop rugged rocks and dirt all set the stage for the awe-filled scenery that makes up the landscape that is Zion National Park.

Costing $35/vehicle to enter the park, Zion is one of the most visited parks in the United States. Once you arrive, you’ll soon see why.

Learn how to spend 2 days in Zion National Park !

The signature sites of Zion National Park are without a doubt Angels Landing and The Narrows. However, some other popular hiking outings to add to your “to-do list” are Observation Point Trail, Watchman Trail, and Overlook Trail.

If you’d like to take a break from hiking drive the scenic Zion-Mount Carmel Highway or hit the cliff side for some canyoneering and rock climbing fun.

After a day of amazing views and fresh air, head out into Springdale (the town that butts up to the entrance of Zion National Park) for some much-needed food.

Bit & Spur , Kings Landing Bistro and Oscars Cafe are great options for dinner and drinks. For breakfast, stop at Cafe Soleil or Deep Creek Coffee Company .

Where To Stay Near Zion

• The Luxury Inclined |  Cable Mountain Lodge
• The Budget Conscious |  Zion Park Motel
• Something in Between | Best Western Plus

For more places to stay near Zion National Park, you can check out the latest places and prices here .

Day 10: Your Utah Road Trip Comes To An End

A sad day. Your Utah road trip has come to an end. As you leave Zion National Park, the closest airport to Zion National Park is McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada – about 2 hours and 45 minutes (172mi / 275 kms) away.

If you have a flight to catch out of the airport you came into (Salt Lake City or Denver), you have a little bit (or should we say a lotta bit) of a drive. From Zion National Park, Salt Lake City is a 4-hour and 20-minute drive (312mi / 502km). Whereas Denver is about 10 hours (628mi / 1010km) away.

If you’re wanting to keep exploring the beautiful southwest of the United States, consider extending your stay to explore some nearby places and National Parks.

• Grand Canyon National Park
• Antelope Canyon
• Monument Valley
• Havasu Falls Hike
• Taos, New Mexico
• Great Sand Dunes National Park

Tips for Visiting Utah National Parks

• National Parks Pass : A great idea if you plan on visiting multiple National Parks throughout the year.
• Get To The Parks Early : Some of the most beautiful and quiet times at any National Park is sunrise. Plus, starting to hike before the heat of the day is always a good idea.
• Pack Your Lunch : Make your lunch and bring it with you. By not having to leave the park to find a place to eat, you get to spend more time in the park. Oh, and pack snacks in your daypack too!
• Come Prepared : If you’re going during the spring and fall months, pack accordingly. The weather can change so make sure you have a jacket . Oh, and protect that skin of yours by applying sunscreen .
• Bring a Reusable Water Bottle: It’s important to stay hydrated and not use single-use plastic water bottles. Another great option is to have a camelbak .

Camping In Utah & Its National Parks

Utah is home to some amazing campsites. You can find campsites scattered about outside and inside the National Parks. For any campsites located within the National Parks, where you are able to, reservations are highly recommended.

If the campsites are first come, first serve, we highly suggest getting to the campground as early as possible to secure a spot.

Be sure to check out our camping tips and essential gear list !

• Arches National Park Camping: Devils Garden Campground
• Canyonlands Camping: Island in the Sky (Willow Flat) Campground, The Needles Campground
• Capital Reef Camping: Fruita Campground, Cathedral Valley Campground, Cedar Mesa Campground
• Bryce Canyon Camping : North Campground, Sunset Campground
• Zion National Park Camping: South Campground, Watchman Campground

For campsites located outside and near Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks, some require a reservation whereas others are first come first serve. We recommend the ap p Dyrt to help you pinpoint campgrounds in the area that you can call home for the night.

WANT MORE INFORMATION?!

One Day in Arches National Park

How to Spend 1 to 2 Days in Zion National Park

One Day In Bryce Canyon

How To Spend 2-3 Days in Moab

Arches National Park in One Day

Road Trip Essentials

Tips & Essential Gear for Camping

PIN IT FOR LATER!

For more travel tips, guides and awesome travel shots, be sure to poke around our site, follow us on Instagram  @wanderingstus ,  Pinterest  and on  Facebook . Oh and if you have any questions, let us know in the comment section. We’re happy to answer. Or, just leave us a positive note!

Happy Travels,

– Lauren & Jesse Stuart (The Stüs)

We're Lauren & Jesse, the creators behind Wandering Stus! We've been traveling for decades, exploring and experiencing the very best this world has to offer. Whether we're roadtripping the U.S. in our camper, hiking through National Parks, or jet-setting to different countries around the globe, we write detailed travel guides to help you plan one amazing (and unforgettable) adventure!

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The Ultimate Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary

With its otherworldly landscapes, Mighty Five national parks, fascinating slot canyons, and its seemingly endless number of state parks and other beautiful natural spots, Utah is, without a doubt, one of the most unique states in the USA–and nothing puts that uniqueness on display quite as well as a Utah national parks road trip.

Utah was made for road tripping: there is no shortage of dirt roads to meander down, quiet corners to explore, stargazing to enjoy, and iconic landscapes to seek out.

We’ve taken several road trips in Utah at this point, and every time we visit, we end up even more enchanted with a state whose landscapes encompass the word “otherworldly” so perfectly that I will no doubt overuse it in this blog post.

Planning your first (or third) Utah Mighty Five road trip and want to make sure you make the most of your time in southern Utah?

We have you covered: t his Utah national parks road trip itinerary covers all of Utah’s Mighty Five national parks, along with several state parks, small towns, and interesting side trips.

Here’s how to structure the ultimate road trip through Utah’s national parks!

Table of Contents

How We Structured This Utah Road Trip Itinerary

Getting around during your utah national parks road trip, getting to utah’s mighty five (where to fly into + out of), other places to add to your utah national parks road trip, essential tips for a utah mighty five road trip, southern utah road trip itinerary map, what to pack for a utah road trip.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

We structured this Utah road trip itinerary not as a loop, but as a trip with different starting and ending points.

Since this Utah national parks road trip takes place in primarily very rural areas, you’ll need to get yourself to the starting point of Moab if you fly into the region–we’ll cover more on how to do that later–and back to the airport (or a different airport) from Zion National Park after your trip is over.

Later, we’ll also cover possible additions to this road trip, including in neighboring states, if you’d like to consider turning your trip into a Utah and Arizona road trip or even a general southwest road trip .

This blog post is quite long, so feel free to use the table of contents above in order to navigate through different sections!

We also have many, many more blog posts about exploring Utah’s national parks and the southwest in general here on Our Escape Clause.

While we’ll link them throughout the post, you can also use the search bar in the top right of the screen (on desktop) or on the pop-out menu (on mobile) to search for blog posts about various parks and topics!

If you’re planning to rent a car for your Utah road trip, the best company to rent from will likely vary dramatically depending on exactly when you’re traveling.

Sometimes large international carriers offer the best prices, sometimes local outfits.

Sometimes one company has an excellent base price, but terrible rental requirements.

The best way to find your rental car is to search through  Discover Cars , which will sift through dozens of companies to find the best combination of low prices and reasonable rental terms for your road trip.

We’ve taken several road trips in the southwest over the years, and have never used or needed a 4-wheel drive–but if you want to get far off the (literally) beaten path, you may want to consider renting one!

Check rates & book your rental car for your Utah Mighty 5 road trip!

We have offered suggestions for the best hotels in each place but if you are doing this as a true road trip it is really cool to do it in an RV. You can rent incredible RVs and camper vans from Outdoorsy, book here for your next road trip!

The Utah national parks road trip outlined here takes place over 9 days.

In other words, it takes just enough time to take one week off of work and make a trip through the southern part of the state at breakneck speed, which is similar to what we did on our very first Utah road trip back in the day (no regrets).

However, any of Utah’s Mighty Five national parks could easily soak up more time, so if you have more days to work with, you’ll definitely find plenty to do!

Day 1: Kick off your Utah National Parks road trip in Moab.

Moab is the perfect starting place for your Utah road trip itinerary!

This small, outdoorsy town in southeastern Utah is perfectly positioned to access not one, but two of Utah’s Mighty Five national parks, as well as state parks and other highlights!

If you get into town early enough, consider spending the afternoon and evening kicking off your explorations of Arches National Park, which is located just outside of town!

Where to Stay in Moab

Moab has plenty of hotels and motels to choose from, but fair warning–it’s one of the priciest destinations covered during this road trip, so don’t expect to nab a great deal during high season!

Red Stone Inn — Centrally located in Moab, the Red Stone Inn feels like a callback to another era of American road trips.

If you’re looking for an inexpensive slice of Americana, the Red Stone Inn is a great option–and the swimming pool and laundry services located on-site are a selling point, too.

Check rates & book your stay at the Red Stone Inn!

Comfort Suites Moab — We stayed here during a recent visit to Moab, and couldn’t have been happier with the comfortable rooms, exceptional customer service, and great location in town.

Check rates & book your stay at Comfort Suites Moab!

Hyatt Place Moab — Moab isn’t exactly a destination that lends itself to luxury, but those looking for some great creature comforts during their trip will find them at the new, swanky Hyatt Place Moab, which is just a few years old!

In addition to its swimming pool, included breakfast, and great rooms, Hyatt Place Moab also boasts an exceptional location on the edge of Moab, just minutes from the entrance to Arches National Park.

Check rates & book your stay at Hyatt Place Moab!

Vacation rental.

My Place Hotel  — Need access to a kitchen while exploring the best activities in Moab? Consider the studios at the brand-new My Place Hotel!

We stayed here on our most recent trip to Moab and loved the kitchen access (though be warned, it’s not stocked, so bring your own plates/pans), the view, the extreme cleanliness, and beyond all, the location.

My Place Hotel is located on the edge of town, a short drive from Arches National Park, making it an ideal place to stay for hikers.

It’s also pet-friendly, a must for Ranger!

Check rates & book your stay at My Place Hotel!

Day 2: Explore Arches National Park.

On day 2 of your national parks road trip in Utah, head (back) to Arches to knock off at least one of its iconic hikes.

We have a full post detailing the best hikes in Arches here , so I’ll try not to repeat myself much, but the Delicate Arch trail and the full Devils Garden trail are among our favorites.

Even if you’d rather not go more than, say, a mile along a trail, though, Arches still has plenty to offer!

In the evening, head back to town to enjoy dinner at one of the great restaurants in Moab .

Day 3: Check out Canyonlands + watch the sunset at Dead Horse Point State Park.

Canyonlands National Park is enormous, and it is divided into three distinct sections: Island in the Sky , the Maze, and the Needles.

This Utah road trip itinerary includes a visit to Island in the Sky, both because it is the easiest section to access from Moab and because it is the district that is most accessible in general.

Be sure not to miss the iconic (and short) hike to Mesa Arch: it’s popular at sunrise for a reason, but even if you’re not willing to get up well before dawn, it’s still worth visiting at any time of day.

You’ll want to pack a picnic lunch for this part of your Utah road trip because after spending the bulk of the day on the Island in the Sky, we recommend stopping by Dead Horse Point State Park on your way back to Moab to enjoy the sunset from one of Utah’s best sunset spots.

If you’re on a strict budget, you may want to skip Dead Horse Point State Park as it’s an additional $20 fee per car to enter–but the sunsets are magical enough that we have visited more than once.

Day 4: Drive to Capitol Reef National Park + stop at Goblin Valley State Park.

Today, it’s time to leave behind popular Moab and head off to the least-visited of the Mighty Five national parks in Utah: Capitol Reef National Park. 

We recommend traveling along beautiful Highway 24–the scenic drive is worthy of being considered a tourist attraction itself!

Along the way, consider making a detour to Goblin Valley State Park .

This valley is populated by a unique set of hoodoos that look remarkably like goblins! 

A stop here doesn’t necessarily need to be longer than a couple of hours to be worth the effort, but be sure to come prepared for lots of heat and sun exposure: the valley floor is mercilessly hot and exposed.

Once you finish checking out the goblins, head to Capitol Reef to finish your day with some absolutely stunning views.

Where to Stay Near Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park is located in a very rural area, but there are a decent number of nearby hotels to consider, particularly in Torrey.

We personally went for a more unique stay when we visited and stayed in a covered wagon!

If you’re looking for unique accommodation, Capitol Reef is a great place to look. Yurts, glamping tents, covered wagons, and beyond are fairly easy to come by!

Broken Spur Inn & Steakhouse — We stayed at the Broken Spur during our time at Capitol Reef National Park and loved the novelty of sleeping in a covered wagon!

For those looking for a well-located property close to the national park with a few more creature comforts, though, the inn does also have more typical rooms available in the main building.

Check rates & book your stay at Broken Spur Inn & Steakhouse!

Austin’s Chuckwagon Motel — With great reviews and plenty of southwestern curb appeal, Austin’s Chuckwagon Motel is a convenient and reliable place to stay near Capitol Reef National Park–and the views from the property aren’t bad, either!

Check rates & book your stay at Austin’s Chuckwagon Motel!

Capitol Reef Resort — Set on a beautiful property and boasting amenities like a luxurious pool with a view and a fitness center, Capitol Reef Resort is a choose-your-own-adventure style accommodation.

Whether you’d like to glamp in a tent, indulge in a memorable night’s stay in a covered wagon, or simply stay in one of the resort’s more traditional rooms, Capitol Reef Resort has an option for you!

Check rates & book your stay at Capitol Reef Resort!

Day 5: Enjoy Capitol Reef National Park.

Many Utah road trips skip past or barely touch Capitol Reef National Park, partially because it’s small and partially because it’s a bit out of the way, but that’s a mistake.

In our opinion, Capitol Reef is incredibly beautiful, and also has the benefit of being less crowded than parks like Arches and Zion!

The scenic drives through the park are stunning, and there are several cool hikes worth checking out, including the popular Hickman Bridge and the Cassidy Arch Trail, so named because it is said that Butch Cassidy once hid out there.

Be sure to also spend some time in the Fruita Historic District: this small village was built by 19th-century Mormon settlers, and the fruit trees there produce some truly remarkable things to eat.

Head to the Gifford House, now a small shop, where you can pick up homemade jams, pies, baked goods, and other desserts that are made from the fruit grown on-site.

The triple-berry pie is one of the best pies we’ve ever had in our lives, and it makes a delicious post-hike snack!

Day 6: Drive to Bryce Canyon National Park via Highway 12 + start exploring.

The scenic route from Capitol Reef National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park along Highway 12 will see you spending most of your driving time in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

In other words, the views are pretty incredible, and you may want to stop a few times along the way!

Once you reach Bryce Canyon, head directly into the park and start exploring: scenic viewpoints like Inspiration Point and Bryce Point are the perfect way to start exploring the park.

For sunset, head to the aptly-named Sunset Point to watch the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon shift color as the sun goes down.

Where to Stay Near Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon City is located right outside Bryce Canyon National Park and is the best place to stay when visiting.

Here are a couple of great places to consider!

Bryce Canyon Pines — For basic, comfortable accommodation with a wildly popular restaurant on-site, Bryce Canyon Pines is an excellent option!

We stayed here during our most recent trip to Bryce Canyon and found it to be exactly as advertised: basic but decent enough for a quick stay.

Check rates & book your stay at Bryce Canyon Pines!

Mid-range/Luxury

Best Western Plus Bryce Grand Canyon Hotel — After staying in literally hundreds of hotels over the last several years, we still count this as one of our most memorable stays–in part because of the hotel’s absolutely phenomenal breakfast, and in part because of the excellent location and customer service.

This is our #1 choice of where to stay near Bryce Canyon, and we will always check if it’s available before booking anywhere else when we return to the park!

Check rates & book your stay at the Best Western Plus Bryce Grand Canyon Hotel!

Day 7: Spend the morning at Bryce Canyon before driving to Zion National Park.

This morning, we recommend hiking a combination of Bryce Canyon’s most popular trails: Navajo Loop to the Queen’s Garden Trail (via Wall Street if it’s open). 

If you get a prompt start, you can easily finish before lunch and be ready to head onto Zion, while still getting to see what are arguably the best views in Bryce Canyon first!

Once you reach Zion, if you have the energy for a second hike, consider knocking a short one off of your wish list–but be sure to leave enough energy for tomorrow, when you’ll tackle one of the most unique hikes in Utah!

Where to Stay Near Zion National Park

Springdale is the closest town to Zion National Park and the ideal place to stay when visiting–however, like Moab, it is popular and therefore pricey.

If you’re on a strict budget, you can also consider looking a bit further out in towns like La Verkin.

However, be prepared for a 30+ minute drive into the park each morning if you stay further out!

La Quinta Springdale — Located just a few miles from Zion National Park, La Quinta Springdale has comfortable rooms, great reviews, and a beautiful pool to cool off in to go along with its prime location.

Check rates & book your stay at La Quinta Springdale!

Best Western Plus Zion Canyon Inn & Suites — With fantastic reviews, great amenities, and a prime location in the heart of Springdale, this hotel is a reliable and comfortable option for visiting Zion National Park!

Check rates & book your stay at Best Western Plus Zion Canyon Inn & Suites!

Holiday Inn Express Springdale — With beautiful lodge-style architecture and phenomenal reviews, Holiday Inn Express Springdale is located less than 2 miles from Zion National Park and is the perfect place to cool off after a long day of hiking.

Check rates & book your stay at Holiday Inn Express Springdale!

Day 8: Go hiking in Zion National Park.

On your full day in Zion National Park , we recommend tackling one of Zion’s two most famous and incredible hikes: Angel’s Landing (which requires a permit as of April 2022) or the Narrows.

Angels Landing is a bit terrifying for people like me who are scared of heights, but ends in a positively stunning view of Zion Canyon, and it ranks among the best hikes in the USA for a reason!

The Narrows, in contrast to the soaring heights of Angel’s Landing, involves hiking directly in the Virgin River as you descend deeper and deeper into the canyon.

Both are utterly unforgettable, and while you can technically attempt both in the same day, that’s really only suitable for very athletic and determined hikers.

Other hikes to consider include the West Rim Trail (if you’re up for a big challenge), or if you’re lucky enough to nab a permit, the Subway.

Unfortunately, a few popular hikes in Zion, including Observation Point and the Weeping Rock Trail, are closed for the foreseeable future due to large rock falls.

Check here for updates before visiting.

Also, keep in mind that from March to October, you can’t drive your private vehicle onto Zion’s Scenic Drive–you’ll need to catch the shuttle instead!

Day 9: Say goodbye to Utah’s Mighty Five + head home (or to wherever is next).

On the final day of your Utah national parks road trip, say goodbye to Zion National Park and head home–or to wherever is next!

If you have time for one more quick hike before leaving Zion, we highly recommend the Canyon Overlook Trail for something fast and easy with a great pay-off at the end (and unlike most hikes in Zion, you can drive your own vehicle to the trailhead year-round).

As fantastic and rewarding as a Utah Mighty Five road trip is, this road trip does take a bit of effort to actually start, as there are no major airports in the direct vicinity of Moab.

That being said, it is slightly more convenient to get to/from Zion National Park at the end of the trip.

Of course, there’s no rule stating you need to follow this Utah national parks road trip itinerary exactly.

D epending on your flight schedule and what airport you choose, you may prefer to reverse this trip (though personally, I am partial to starting in Moab if you can).

Assuming you’re flying into the region for your trip, there are several cities that would work as a starting point–h ere are some that we recommend checking flight prices and times for.

Depending on exactly when you’re visiting and what your priorities are, the best (and most affordable) airport will vary, but that being said, Las Vegas is a very popular option.

In addition to those listed here, if you plan to extend your Utah road trip into a larger Utah and Arizona road trip and/or southwest road trip, you may want to check prices for Albuquerque and Phoenix as well.

For sheer convenience alone, St. George is arguably the best airport to fly into for this Utah national parks itinerary.

St George is about an hour from Zion National Park, and a little under 5 hours from Moab.

Las Vegas is often the cheapest and most convenient option when flying into the US southwest.

Flights are plentiful and typically affordable from a wide variety of initial destinations, and Las Vegas is about 6.5 hours from Moab and less than 3 hours from Zion National Park.

Salt Lake City

Utah’s capital city makes a solid starting point and is located under 4 hours from Moab and under 5 hours from Zion National Park.

If you want to extend your itinerary to include northern Utah, SLC is the clear choice for you!

At more than 5 hours from Moab and 4 hours from Zion National Park, Flagstaff isn’t the most convenient airport for this Utah road trip–but it is ideal if you’d like to add a stop at the Grand Canyon to your trip!

Have more time to spend on your road trip in the southwest?

The first thing we would recommend is adding additional time to your favorite national parks–Zion and Arches, in particular, could each use more time, especially for enthusiastic hikers.

Adventurous travelers with access to 4-wheel drive may want to visit other sections of Canyonlands and Capitol Reef, as well.

In addition to extending your time, though, here are a few other places to consider adding to your Utah road trip itinerary!

Within Utah

Grand staircase-escalante national monument.

This Utah national parks road trip already takes you right through Grand Staircase-Escalante–you’ll drive through it on Highway 12 between Capitol Reef and Bryce–but it’s well worth spending some time in if you have a chance to spend longer in Utah!

There is plenty of diverse hiking in Grand Staircase-Escalante, but these days it’s known for its incredible slot canyons. 

Some of the most popular include Zebra Canyon, Peekaboo Canyon, and Spooky Canyon, where we took this photo:

Coral Sand Dunes State Park

Want to see some rolling sand dunes without leaving Utah?

At Coral Sand Dunes State Park, you can–and depending on the light that day, the dunes can indeed look a bit pink.

There are also several other fun things to do in Kanab that are worth checking out after your visit!

Monument Valley Tribal Park

Situated in Navajo Nation right along the Utah/Arizona border, Monument Valley is known for its soaring rock formations and its status as a popular place to film movies–including, perhaps most famously, Forrest Gump!

Natural Bridges National Monument

Home to 3 stunning natural bridges, those who fell in love with Arches National Park will also enjoy Natural Bridges National Monument!

Beyond Utah

Located just over the border in Arizona, the Wave is not easy to access–its permit system limits access to just 20 people/day.

If you manage to nab one of the elusive Wave permits , though, it’s worth rearranging your road trip itinerary to make it happen!

Valley of Fire State Park

If you fly into or out of Las Vegas, Nevada’s beautiful Valley of Fire State Park makes for an excellent stop along the way–even half a day is long enough to see some of the coolest spots in this park.

Horseshoe Bend + Antelope Canyon

Hop over the Utah/Arizona border, and you’ll immediately find Page , the small, unassuming town that is home to two of Arizona’s most popular attractions: Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon.

While Horseshoe Bend can be accessed spontaneously (it’s $10 per vehicle to park and visit), visiting Antelope Canyon requires some advance planning and a tour guide. 

The canyon is located on Navajo land, and you can check the availability of tours here , on the Navajo Nation’s national parks website.

Grand Canyon

Of course, no discussion of places to visit near Utah’s Mighty Five could skip over the Grand Canyon in northern Arizona, which is one of the most famous national parks on the planet!

Just be aware of the distance involved: the Grand Canyon may look close on the map, but in order to reach the popular South Rim from Utah, you’ll need to drive around most of the canyon!

Check to see if you need a reservation.

Starting in April 2022, Arches National Park is piloting  a reservation system  to enter the park between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM.

This applies daily between April 3 and October 3, so be sure to book your dates as soon as you can!

Other national parks have also been introducing reservation systems for hikes and even access in the last couple of years (such as Angel’s Landing in Zion or the timed access requirements for Rocky Mountain National Park), so it’s best to double-check to see what the latest requirements are as you plan your Utah road trip.

Grab an America the Beautiful Pass before getting started.

The America the Beautiful Pass is the USA’s annual national parks pass and is priced at $80/year for most travelers (there are discounts available for seniors and military personnel).

The $80/year covers daily use fees for all lands that the National Park Service controls.

And, considering that each of Utah’s Mighty Five costs between $20-35/car to enter, you’ll absolutely save money on this trip alone by having one!

Grab your America the Beautiful pass today!

Book your accommodation early!

If you’re traveling during high season, and especially on the weekends, it’s imperative to book your hotel stays ASAP.

Hotels do fill up, especially in places like Bryce Canyon where there are relatively few choices, and you don’t want to be stuck with a less-than-ideal place to stay or an extra-long drive to your park of choice!

We book all our lodging for Utah road trips on Booking.com .

Be prepared for a few dirt roads. 

You don’t need a 4-wheel drive vehicle for this Utah national parks road trip (though it would help you reach a few more spots, including Cathedral Valley in Capitol Reef), but you very well might end up down a dirt road or two!

Check on permits if you have your heart set on exclusive hikes.

Some hikes you could potentially complete during your southern Utah road trip do require permits, including the Subway in Zion National Park, the Fiery Furnace in Arches National Park, and the Wave (technically in northern Arizona, but very close to the border).

If you have your heart set on anything in particular, be sure to do a bit of research on how to make it happen before you go.

You’ll probably want to do laundry along the way.

This isn’t difficult–most towns along this route, including Moab, have laundromats available, but to make life easier, you may want to bring quarters along with you instead of needing to track down cash during your trip!

Watch the weather carefully during your Utah national parks road trip.

The brutal heat of the desert summer, the snowstorms of the winter, and the potential flash floods throughout the year all mean that watching the weather during your Utah road trip is imperative.

Be sure to bring plenty of season-specific supplies when hiking in Utah, and as always, make sure to put safety first during this Utah national parks trip.

Take This Map With You! Click each highlight to pull up the name of the destination. To save this map to “Your Places” on Google Maps, click the star to the right of the title. You’ll then be able to find it under the Maps tab of your Google Maps account! To open the map in a new window, click the button on the top right of the map.

America the Beautiful Pass — I mentioned this above, but it bears repeating: a national park pass is a must on a Utah national parks road trip!

If you don’t have one before leaving, each of the Mighty Five does sell the in-person.

Travel Insurance (For You) — We don’t ever suggest traveling without travel insurance–anything can happen, and an epic road trip is definitely a case of better safe than sorry. Check travel insurance policy inclusions and prices for your trip here .

Sunscreen  — Keep your skin safe from sun exposure both in and out of the car by adding sunscreen to your road trip packing list!

Proof of Insurance (For the Car)  — If you’re driving a rental car, this may or may not be covered by either your rental company, your credit card, or your travel insurance–but you’ll definitely want to know exactly what the expectations are before leaving!

Rental Contract (If Applicable)  — If you’re renting a car for your road trip, be sure to keep your rental contract handy–we generally keep ours in the glove compartment.

Roadside Emergency Kit  — If you’re taking your own car on your road trip, hopefully you already have one of these packed and ready to go–but if not, now is the time to buy one!

Basic roadside emergency kits are extremely useful, very affordable, and a great way to stay safe on the road.

Windshield Shade — During the hot summer months, you’ll no doubt come back from a sweltering hike during your Utah road trip to find your car practically boiling.

Windshield shades aren’t practical for flying with, but if you’re driving your own vehicle to visit Utah’s Mighty Five, you’ll be glad you picked one up before setting off!

Downloaded Maps — You will undoubtedly lose cell signal at some point during this Utah national parks road trip, so make sure to download your essential maps before heading off!

Reusable Water Bottle(s)  — Cut down on plastic waste, save money, and make sure you don’t have to stop for water constantly: a reusable water bottle has lots of benefits on a road trip.

We personally love and use  these , and love both the look and the functional design!

Extra  USB Cables  and/or Phone Charging Cables  — Whether it’s to charge your phone, your camera, or even your portable USB charger, odds are that you’ll be glad to have a few extra cables lying around.

Hands-Free Phone Mount  — This is especially important if you don’t have a reliable co-pilot: the last thing you want to do is be fumbling with the GPS on your phone during your road trip.

Pack a cell phone holder to attach to the car and you’ll be able to drive much more safely!

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About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

5 thoughts on “The Ultimate Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary”

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

Thank you, it was a great trip!

Our National Park system is one of, if not the, top reason to visit the USA in my opinion–we have some incredible (and diverse!) landscapes.

• Pingback: The Great American Bucket List

how many days should we alot for this kind of a trip to UTAH? We were just going to Bryce and Zion but I would want to do the waves. From Utah we were going to Las vegas for a meeting so what would be the most logical place as a last stop in Utah? Thank you for this escape memoir

The core itinerary outlined here takes place over 9 days, but the reality is that a southern Utah road trip can take up as much or as little time as you have!

As I’m sure you know, hiking the Wave requires winning the lottery, so to speak, so you’ll want to base yourself in/around Kanab for as long as possible to give yourselves the best chance of getting to go. Luckily there is lots to see in the area, including the Vermillion Cliffs, Coral Sand Dunes State Park, etc. It is a bit out the way if you’re focusing on Zion/Bryce though!

Driving from Zion to Las Vegas, you could stop around St. George before leaving Utah, or explore Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada.

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Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary: How to Plan a 7-Day Trip to the Mighty 5 in 2024

Planning a Utah national parks road trip? I’ve got the ultimate Utah itinerary, based on my own travels in this beautiful state. And to make your planning easier, I’ve even included a handy downloadable trip planner!

With five national parks to explore, hiking trails galore and some epic scenery, a Utah national parks road trip is something you’ll never forget.

Hitting the so-called Mighty 5 – Utah’s five national parks of Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands and Capitol Reef – is possible in just a week, and you won’t believe how different and beautiful each national park is .

Here I’m sharing the Utah road trip itinerary my husband and I took. This itinerary allowed us to see the Mighty 5 in just seven days – and we even snuck in a quick side trip to Arizona .

This is one of my favourite adventures of all time in the United States, so here’s how you can follow the Utah itinerary we took.

I’ve even created a printable planner so that you can plot out your own Utah national parks road trip itinerary, so download a copy here .

This blog post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).

How to do this Utah road trip

This is a road trip, so of course you’ll need your own wheels . You have a few options here:

• Rent a car through Discover Cars and either camp or stay at hotels/Airbnbs along the way.
• Rent a campervan or RV – this is what we did and it made the trip even more fun! You’ll combine your transport and accommodation costs, saving some dollars as well. RVShare is a good option for this; it’s like the Airbnb of RVs. Escape Campervans is another great option for campervan rentals. I’ve listed campground throughout this post and you can use apps like iOverlander or US Public Lands to find free campsites .

A question I get asked: Do you need a 4×4 for this road trip? If you follow this itinerary, you won’t need a 4×4 – a regular car is perfectly fine. The roads are all sealed and well maintained. Of course, you won’t be able to get out to some of the backroad locations – but you probably wouldn’t have time to do that in this short itinerary anyway.

Utah Mighty 5 road trip routes

To do this bucket list USA Utah national parks road trip, I’d recommend at least a week . This itinerary will give you a day in each park (two days in some parks) so there isn’t a lot of room for downtime.

If you have 10 days or two weeks to road trip Utah’s national parks, that would be even better. This will allow you to really explore all the natural beauty this state has to offer.

There are several ways you can visit all five Utah national parks in a week , depending on where you’re starting from. The best places to start and end this trip is in Las Vegas or Salt Lake City .

We did option number 1, but if I was doing this trip again, I’d probably take the Las Vegas to Salt Lake City (or vice versa) route to save on a bit of backtracking.

For option #2, check that your rental company allows you to return a vehicle to another location (there may be an additional charge).

For option #3, you could even add in a side trip to the Grand Canyon if you have one or two extra days.

These three Utah road trip route options include a side trip into Arizona to Monument Valley. But if you’re short on time, you can cut this out of your Utah itinerary.

National parks road trip itinerary

As mentioned earlier, we did a loop starting and ending in Salt Lake City , so that’s what I’ll get into in this article. You can easily take the information here and adapt it to the alternative routes listed above.

This 7-day Utah road trip itinerary that loops from Salt Lake City is:

Day 1: Salt Lake City to Zion National Park

Day 2: zion national park, day 3: bryce canyon national park, day 4: monument valley.

• Day 5: Canyonlands National Park and Moab
• Day 6: Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park
• Day 7: Back to Salt Lake City via Capitol Reef National Park

Map of Utah national parks

Before I get into the nitty gritty of the Utah national parks road trip itinerary, here’s a map of where you’ll be going if you follow the route we took. You can download a map of national parks in Utah on the Visit Utah website or they’ll even post one to you if you plan ahead.

Alright, it’s time to hit the road!

Driving time: 4.5 hours / 308 miles

First up on this 7 day Utah national parks itinerary: pick up your car or campervan . Pick up any supplies you may need (including plenty of road trip snacks!). I have a handy road trip checklist so you don’t forget anything important.

You could check out of a few of the best things to do in Salt Lake City , but I’d recommend jumping straight on the road and heading for Zion National Park . It’s about a 4.5-hour drive from Salt Lake City.

Zion National Park is the busiest Utah national park , with more than 5 million visitors. Despite the crowds, it’s a must-visit on a Utah parks road trip.

Springdale is the town just outside of the entrance to Zion, and it has several great options for your first dinner on the road.

Zion National Park quick reference guide

Entrances: The main entrance is the South Entrance, near the town of Springdale Entrance fee: Private Vehicle, $35, valid for 7 days Website: Zion National Park Tips: Access to cars through the park is limited during high season (March to November), but Zion National Park has a fantastic free shuttle bus system to get around. The shuttle stops at all the key trailheads and loops around fairly frequently.

There’s also a shuttle bus that links to the Zion Canyon Shuttle from Springdale, which is convenient if you’re staying in town.

Where to stay in Zion National Park

Zion national park campgrounds.

Zion National Park has three campgrounds : South, Watchman and Lava Point. You can reserve South and Watchman in advance (campsites are $20 per night, $30 for powered sites at Watchman). South Campground can be reserved up to 14 days in advance, while Watchman can be reserved up to 6 months ahead of time. (Update: As of December 2023, South Campground is partially closed for rehabilitation works.)

If you can’t get a reservation in advance, you can still plan to arrive at the campgrounds at around 10 or 11am just in case a site becomes available. That’s how we got a site for the night.

Lava Point only has six basic campsites and is more remote, with no cell reception. Reservations can be made online. It’s open May to September only.

Hotels near Zion National Park

• Zion Lodge is the only hotel inside Zion National Park
• For something partway between a hotel and camping, try the luxury, safari-style tents at Under Canvas Zion
• Cliffrose Lodge is close to the entrance to Zion National Park
• Best Western Plus Zion Canyon Inn & Suites has comfy rooms with mini fridges and coffee makers – and great views

Vacation rentals near Zion National Park

If you can’t get a hotel room, plan ahead and look at vacation rentals instead. VRBO has several options to suit all group sizes and budgets. Check vacation rentals near Zion National Park .

Wake up early (I’m talking, like, 5am) to get a head start on the Angel’s Landing hike . This hike is very popular on most people’s Zion national park itinerary, and starting early helps to avoid both the crowds and the heat of the day. It’s a beautiful but fairly strenuous hike with some pockets of shade.

The final ascent to Angel’s Landing is a narrow ridge with steel chains as the only barrier to keep you falling hundreds of metres off the side.

I’m not shy in admitting that I just couldn’t bring myself to do this final section – it was too scary for me. I stayed below while my husband did the final section. He said that it was hairy in some parts, but the views are worth it if you don’t have a fear of heights .

Later in the afternoon, take off on your next hike along the Riverside Walk .

If you can brave the icy water, end the day by wading through the start of The Narrows hike . We only did a small portion of this, and I would love to come back and do it completely. You can hike as far as Big Spring without a permit. It’s a 10-mile round-trip, so you’ll need the whole day to tackle this.

Best hikes in Zion National Park

• Angel’s Landing (5.4 miles, strenuous)
• Observation Point (8 miles, strenuous)
• Canyon Overlook Trail (1 mile, moderate; easier alternative to Angel’s Landing)
• Riverside Walk (2.2 miles, easy)
• Weeping Rock Trail (0.4 miles, easy)
• The Narrows (10 miles (to Big Spring) return trip, strenuous; high water levels and the risk of flash flooding can mean this is closed at some times during the year)

Driving time: 1.5 hours / 75 miles

Leaving Zion National Park on your way to Bryce Canyon , traverse the scenic 12-mile Zion-Mt Carmel Highway , passing through the historic tunnel. It’s a beautiful, winding road that exposes the red rocks of Zion.

It’s time to see just how different Bryce Canyon National Park, with its orange and white hoodoos , is to the deep red rocks of Zion National Park.

In my opinion, Bryce Canyon is the best national park in Utah . The landscape is out of this world and when we visited it was far quieter than Zion.

Hike the  Navajo Loop / Queen’s Garden trails which take you down into and back up the canyon and past Thor’s Hammer . Later, hike a section of the Rim Trail , and stand above the hoodoos to get an idea of what Mars surely must look like.

Sunset at Inspiration Point is a must, watching the colours of the hoodoos change as the sun goes down.

Best hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park

• Navajo Loop / Queen’s Garden (2.9 miles combined, moderate)
• Rim Trail (up to 11 miles, easy; paved from Sunset to Sunrise Points)
• Fairyland Loop (8 miles, strenuous)

Bryce Canyon National Park quick reference guide

Entrances: The only entrance to the park is via UT 12; you’ll pass through the small town of Bryce Entrance fee: Private Vehicle, $35, valid for 7 days Website: Bryce Canyon National Park Tips: Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the free shuttle bus that operates through the park

Where to stay in Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce canyon national park campgrounds.

There are two campgrounds in Bryce Canyon: North Campground and Sunset Campground (sites $30 per night). Both are close to the visitor centre.

Campsites at both campground can be reserved between mid-May and early October. For the rest of the year, they operate on a first-come, first-served system.

Outside of Bryce Canyon, Ruby’s Inn has an RV park and campground, which is where we stayed.

Hotels near Bryce Canyon National Park

If you’re not camping, try one of the hotels near Bryce Canyon National Park .

• Ruby’s Inn Best Western Plus is a popular option outside Bryce Canyon National Park (we stayed at the adjoined RV park and campground)
• The Lodge at Bryce Canyon is located inside the park, with 114 rooms and an on-site restaurant
• Stone Canyon Inn has several cabins onsite

Vacation rentals near Bryce Canyon National Park

• This charming country home on a large property – with fruit picking available in the fall
• This incredible chalet halfway between Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks

Driving time: 4.5 hours / 275 miles

On day four of the Utah national parks road trip, we’re actually heading into another state: Arizona !

As I mentioned earlier, you can skip Monument Valley if you want to stay in Utah and spend more time at the Mighty 5 national parks. But it’s a great detour.

It’s a long day of driving from Bryce Canyon south into Arizona. Stop for pie at the retro Thunderbird Restaurant at Mt Carmel Junction. As an Australian, this place is exactly how I always pictured American diners to be!

Stop at Page , home to the highly Instagrammed Horseshoe Bend , and nervously watch everyone as they perch on the edge to get the perfect selfie.

It’s a hot and dusty walk to the viewpoint, so bring adequate shoes and lots of water and sunscreen . To manage the huge influx of visitors that Horseshoe Bend has recently experienced, you’ll now need to pay an entrance fee of $30 per passenger vehicle.

Another popular site in Page is Antelope Canyon . Here you can visit Upper Antelope Canyon, an incredible slot canyon. Reservations are a must. We unfortunately didn’t have time, but photos I have seen are spectacular. If you can make the time, there are tours of Lower Antelope Canyon and Upper Canyon .

If you have even more time, many people add on a trip to the Grand Canyon to their Utah national parks road trip itinerary. You’ll need at least two days, though, to see the park properly.

Continue on to Monument Valley , famous from oh-so-many movies. Drive through the valley ($8 per person, per day; Monument Valley isn’t covered under the America the Beautiful national parks annual pass ) in the late afternoon as the sun is going down for some spectacular silhouettes of the buttes . Early morning is another option for nice light.

You need two to three hours to do the 17-mile self-guided driving tour through Monument Valley (maps available at the Information Center).

There are a few hiking trails (permit required) or you can take an organised tour which will allow you access to a traditional Navajo hogan, a small house. Here’s a good option for a sunset tour , or a 2.5-hour trip with backcountry access  where you’ll learn more about Navajo culture.

Be respectful of the land at all times and stick to the trails – this is Navajo land .

Hotels near Monument Valley

There are a couple of hotels near Monument Valley :

• We parked our campervan at Goulding’s Lodge , which has both a hotel and campground. It’s also got a restaurant, gas station, laundry, trading post and a museum highlighting the history of the area, including about the films that have been shot there. The theatre shows John Wayne movies nightly
• The View Hotel is located within Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. As the name suggests, it has great views over the valley

Day 5: The Needles, Canyonlands National Park

Driving time: 5.5 hours / 238 miles

Day five will see you heading back into Utah on your way to Moab . Before you get too far, stop at mile marker 13 on highway 163 for the classic road jumping shot with Monument Valley in the background.

Before getting to Moab, take the long detour to The Needles area of Canyonlands National Park . It’s a side trip off the main road and does add extra time to this Utah road trip itinerary, but it’s worth it. If you’re short on time, then you can skip this and head straight to Moab.

Canyonlands National Park is actually split into three distinct areas by the rivers that run through the park: The Needles, Island in the Sky and the Maze. The Maze is only accessible by 4WD and is very remote. I haven’t included it in this Utah national parks itinerary because we didn’t visit it.

The Needles is far less touristy than the other national parks in Utah. To get a taste of the park, hike the Slickrock trail , which will take you over smooth, mustard-coloured rocks as you follow the cairns-marked trail.

After that, hit up another hike like the Cave Spring trail . This one winds through old cowboy hangouts and up ladders. Again, you’ll be marvelling at just how different the landscape is compared to the other national parks visited on this trip.

We only wish we’d had more time to do some of the longer, more challenging hikes. Unfortunately, there was a spectacular lightning storm starting up as we began hiking, and we didn’t want to be exposed.

Continue on to Moab and have a late lunch of burgers and peanut butter milkshakes at Milt’s Stop and Eat .

Best hikes in The Needles, Canyonlands National Park

• Chesler Park Viewpoint (6 miles, strenuous)
• Slickrock Trail (2.4 miles, short)
• Big Spring Canyon to Squaw Canyon (7.5 miles, strenuous)
• Cave Spring (0.6 miles, short)

Canyonlands National Park quick reference guide

Entrances: The entrance to Island in the Sky is about 40 minutes from Moab, while The Needles entrance is about a 90-minute drive Entrance fee: Private Vehicle, $30 Website: Canyonlands National Park Tips: Moab is the best place to base yourself to see the two main sections of the park

Where to stay in Moab

Moab campgrounds.

• We stayed at the KOA campground in Moab . Staff were friendly and they have a pool and shop onsite.

Hotels in Moab

Moab is a small town, but its reputation as an action hub means that it’s full of hotels and campgrounds.

• The Gonzo Inn is a popular place to stay in Moab. There’s an outdoor pool which will be a huge relief in the heat of the afternoon – Moab gets really hot
• Red Cliffs Lodge has 115 simple rooms, some with balconies with great views over the river

Vacation rentals in Moab

There are plenty of vacation rentals in Moab , so you’ll have lots of choices. I like the look of:

• This light-filled cabin with a great patio with grill (and it’s dog friendly!)
• This property would be good for groups of up to 6 people

Day 6: Arches National Park and Island in the Sky

Arches National Park is just outside of Moab, and is famous for its variety of sandstone arches.

Tackle some of the shorter hikes to Broken Arch and Sand Dune Arch in the morning.

In the afternoon, hike to Delicate Arch . This is a must-do on your visit to Arches National Park. Be aware that this hike has no shade, and the last part is around a cliff face with a sharp drop off. It’s one of the most photographed spots on any trip to Utah.

Best hikes in Arches National Park

• Delicate Arch (3 miles, strenuous)
• Double O Arch Trail (4.2 miles, strenuous)
• Park Avenue Trail (1 mile one-way, moderate)
• Devil’s Garden (7.2 miles, strenuous)
• Windows Trail (1 mile, easy)
• Fiery Furnace (reservation necessary, guided by Park Ranger)

Arches National Park quick reference guide

Entrances: The entrance is just a 10-minute drive from Moab Entrance fee: Private Vehicle, $30, valid for 7 days Reservation needed: Between 1 April and 31 October, you’ll also need to book a timed entrance. Book online here Website: Arches National Park

Before sunset, drive out to the other section of Canyonlands National Park, the Island in the Sky . From the viewpoint, gaze out over the land, which looks like a giant dinosaur has left its footprint behind.

If you’re in luck, you might even have Mesa Arch all to yourselves for a few minutes. Most people recommend to visit Mesa Arch at dawn, but we found it to be just as beautiful at sunset.

Moab is one of the best places to visit in Utah for adventure lovers , so if you’ve had enough of hiking, you can try mountain bike riding , offroading , 4×4 adventuring , rappeling  or rafting on the Colorado River . There are companies throughout Moab that offer all sorts of outdoor adventures.

Best hikes in Island in the Sky, Canyonlands National Park

• Mesa Arch (0.5 miles, easy)
• Grand View Point Trail (2 miles, easy)
• Neck Spring (5.8 miles, moderate)
• Gooseberry Trail (5.4 miles, strenuous)

Day 7: Capitol Reef National Park and back to Salt Lake City

Driving time: 5.5 hours / 369 miles

On the last day of the road trip, return to Salt Lake City via Capitol Reef National Park .

As the smallest of the five Utah national parks , you can easily drive through it via the 9-mile scenic drive and stop off to do shorter hikes. We only spent a few hours here, the shortest visit of our trip.

The park also has an old Mormon mission and you can stop by the historic Gifford Homestead to enjoy a fruit pie in the shaded grounds. The perfect sweet way to finish your Utah national park itinerary!

Best hikes in Capitol Reef National Park

• Sunset Point Trail (0.4 miles one-way, easy)
• Hickman Bridge Trail (0.9 miles one-way, moderate)
• Chimney Rock Trail (3.6 miles, strenuous)
• Rim Overlook Trail (2.3 miles, strenuous)

Capitol Reef National Park quick reference guide

Entrance fee: Private Vehicle, $20, valid for 7 days Website: Capitol Reef National Park

Where to stay near Capitol Reef National Park

If you do decide to stay longer than a few hours or one day, here are a few options for sleeping.

Capitol Reef National Park campgrounds

There’s only one developed campground within Capitol Reef, and that’s the 71-site Fruita Campground . The fee is $25 per night, and sites are reservable only between 1 March and 31 October. The rest of the year it’s first come, first served.

Hotels near Capitol Reef National Park

• For something  truly unique, book a night in a Conestoga wagon! Peek out your wagon at Capitol Reef Resort in the morning for stunning red rock views. Or, choose from luxury teepees and cabins
• Broken Spur Inn and Steakhouse (located in Torrey) is a simple hotel only a 10-minute drive to the entrance of Capitol Reef National Park

Vacation rentals near Capitol Reef National Park

• This cute cabin is great for couples or small families
• This 2-bedroom home with a great deck in the nearby town of Teasdale

Finally, return your car or campervan in Salt Lake City – 7 days in Utah goes by quickly! This will be a trip you won’t quickly forget – and if you’re like me, you’ll be wanting to go back very soon.

Tips for planning a Utah national parks road trip itinerary

Buy a national parks pass.

If you’re planning to road trip to Utah national parks, buy the America the Beautiful annual pass , which costs $80. Each national park costs between $20 and $35 to visit, so if you visit three or more parks on this Utah mighty 5 road trip, this pass will save you money .

The pass is also valid at any national park in the entire United States so you can use it at other parks for the rest of the year.

Book accommodation in advance

Hotels, lodges and camping sites around the national parks can be booked out months – even a year – in advance, so book accommodation in advance . (I use Booking.com and Expedia to book accommodation, comparing prices across both sites before I book.)

Each campsite has different processes for booking. Some can be booked online in advance, others can only be booked in person on the day, so you’ll need to factor this in to your planning.

Research each park before you visit

Do your research on each park’s website in advance – there’s a huge amount of information available online. This will help you plan your days to get the most out of each park.

And when you arrive at each park, stop by the visitor centre to pick up a map and talk to the rangers . They know the best time to visit each location for the perfect photos and which hikes to do to maximise the time you have.

Best time to visit Utah national parks

We visited in early June and found it to be a great time to visit the Utah Mighty 5 – just before school vacation so the crowds were not quite in full force, and the weather was warm and sunny, but not yet suffocatingly hot.

Spring and autumn/fall

These are the best seasons to visit the national parks in Utah – but also the most popular. Temperatures are milder, so hikes will be more manageable, but you’ll have to battle the crowds.

It goes without saying that summer is the hottest time to visit the national parks of Utah, with temperatures often creeping toward 100 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius). If you must visit during these months, plan your visit carefully and aim to hike either early in the morning or late in the afternoon. And always have plenty of water with you.

The winter months can bring temperatures below freezing at night – and snow . I’ve seen photos of some of the national parks during winter and it looks stunning with snow-dusted peaks and few crowds, but make sure to come with adequate winter clothing.

What to pack for a Utah national parks road trip

When you’re visiting the national parks in Utah, come prepared. Here are a few items I’d recommend packing, and I have a longer road trip packing list guide with more ideas:

• An America the Beautiful annual pass to save you tonnes of money!
• A cell phone mount is helpful for hands-free navigating. Remember to download maps as you’ll encounter areas without service.
• Bring a good backpack for all your gear, and a daypack for hiking.
• Use a water bladder to stay hydrated while tackling the hiking trails.
• Pack sturdy hiking boots . 
• Don’t forget plenty of  sunscreen ! It gets hot out here, and the sun can be brutal, even in winter.
• If you’re travelling in a campervan like we did or camping in Utah national parks, you may go several days without a shower (pee-yew!). Pack some body wipes to stay fresh.
• If you’re camping or in an RV, pack a power inverter to keep your electronics charged while you’re driving.
• Don’t forget a good first aid kit .
• Pick up a copy of the Lonely Planet guide to Southwest USA  or Lonely Planet’s national parks guidebook   so that you can learn more about Utah . 

For other items you’ll need to bring on this Utah national parks itinerary 7 days, check out this packing list for camping in the national parks .

Utah national park road trip: FAQSs

How many days do you need to see the national parks in utah.

You need at least a week to see all of the national parks in Utah. With 7 days, you can visit each of the state’s five national parks. This will give you 1-2 days at each of the national parks.

Can you see all 5 national parks in Utah?

The great thing about the Mighty 5 is that you can see all of them in a week. Follow my itinerary and you’ll be able to visit all 5 national parks in Utah in just 7 days.

How many national parks are there in Utah?

Utah has 5 national parks: Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park and Capitol Reef National Park.

Did you find this article helpful? Consider buying me a coffee as a way to say thanks!

Have you visited Utah? Which is your favourite national park? Let me know in the comments below.

Related posts

Before you go… you might like these USA road trips:

• New Mexico Road Trip Itinerary: Discover the Land of Enchantment
• Plan a Deep South Road Trip Itinerary: What to See, Do and Eat
• Mississippi Road Trip: 7 Fascinating Places to Visit in the Magnolia State
• 17 Fun Things to do in West Texas: An Unmissable West Texas Road Trip

USA TRIP ESSENTIALS

• Book flights to and around the USA online with Skyscanner . I like this site because it shows me which dates are cheaper.
• Find a great hotel in the USA. Check prices on Booking.com   and Expedia online.
• Check out the huge range of day tours throughout the USA on GetYourGuide or Viator . There’s something for everyone.
• A copy of the  Lonely Planet guide to the USA will be handy.
• One thing I always purchase is  travel insurance ! Travel Insurance Master allows you to compare across multiple policy providers, while SafetyWing is great for long-term travellers and digital nomads.

7 DAY ITINERARY UTAH NATIONAL PARKS: PIN IT FOR LATER

Don’t forget to save this Utah national parks road trip itinerary to Pinterest and guide so that you can plan your own road trip!

About REBECCA

I'm a travel junkie who started dreaming about seeing the world from a very young age. I've visited more than 40 countries and have a Master of International Sustainable Tourism Management. A former expat, I've lived in Australia, Papua New Guinea, Argentina and the United States. I share travel resources, tips and stories based on my personal experiences, and my goal is to make travel planning just that bit easier.

17 thoughts on “Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary: How to Plan a 7-Day Trip to the Mighty 5 in 2024”

Hi Rebecca, I am looking to do a SLC to LV of the Mighty 5 plus GC, Horseshoe Bend, and Antelope Canyon in October. I have 15 days including fly days. Ideas on an itinerary? Thanks so much!

Hi Amy! You could do something like: Salt Lake City (spend a day there if you haven’t already visited), then Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Moab (for both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks), The Needles portion of Canyonlands, Monument Valley, Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Zion, LV. Plan to spend 2 days at least in each of Bryce, GC and Zion, plus 3 days in Moab. That should stretch you out to two weeks without feeling rushed. I’m jealous you’ll have so much time exploring this beautiful part of the world!

Hi…I love this post but I am looking to do LV to LV including a brief visit at GC, Antelope and Horseshoe and then travel on to the Utah parks. I have 10 days including flying. Any ideas on an itinerary?

Hi Joan, how fun! The most efficient route, then, would be Las Vegas – Grand Canyon – Horseshoe Bend/Antelope Canyon – Arches NP/Canyonlands – Capitol Reef – Bryce Canyon – Zion NP – Las Vegas. You could easily do that in 10 days, with one day at each stop (or two days in places you really want to spend a bit more time in). Have fun!!

Dynamite photos, loved looking at them.

Thanks! It’s such a beautiful state, so fun to drive around.

Enjoyed reading this very much. Thanks! Since you did a fair amount of driving around where I’m planning to go, wondering if you had any info/advice to share about using an RV for this trip in the winter. Curious about accessibility with the roads, whether any of the segments between parks make driving difficult because of vehicle clearance, or whether the roads are not paved and may be difficult to traverse in a larger vehicle.

Hey Patrick! So excited that you’re heading this way – it’s a beautiful part of the world. We visited in early June and had no issues with the roads – and there were so many RVs out as well. In winter, I’d say it’d be much the same. The roads between all the parks are paved and well-maintained. Even within the parks the roads are really good so I wouldn’t think you’d have any issues. The only limitation I can see is if you want to get offroad at any time. For example, driving through Monument Valley was quite bumpy in our small campervan, and it might be tough in an RV (depending on how big it is) – check first whether they even allow RVs inside the monument. Happy travelling and let me know if you have any more questions!

Just got back from Zion, but I want to see them all!

What I loved about all the parks in Utah is just how close they were to each other – so it is possible to see several in just a few days!

Such incredible photos – Zion National Park looks like a different planet!! What an adventure – definintely one for the bucketlist!

Absolutely! Was such a great trip 🙂

Rebecca!! Seriously, I cannot thank you enough for opening my eyes to the world of camper vans! We leave in two weeks and last minute Chase wanted to camp (and we pretty much have no camp supplies, although it’s been on my list to get for this summer – to start small and camp close to home LOL, he was ready for a 3000 mile away camp trip), so it left us scrambling to figure out how to get a tent on a plane, oh and then buying a tent, and yadda! We already reserved a rental car, but believe we are returning it and going with the camper van. This post made me even more excited!

Thank you again! <3

Oh I’m so glad I saw your post and commented. It really does make life easier – you don’t have to lug a whole lot of stuff on to a plane, and buy stuff that you might not use again. It will be a bit cold while you’re there, too, so sleeping inside a van will make it a little warmer. Have so much fun – can’t wait to see your pics!!

This post reminds me of your adventure to see Mt Fitz Roy in Patagonia for you took some really great shots at both places! Weather plays an important role in making an outdoor adventure pleasant or not, and you seem to always know when to go. I have to say your photos of those national parks in Utah are some of the best I’ve ever stumbled upon! Btw, in that photo of you and other hikers wading through the icy water at the start of The Narrows, it’s not easy to spot which one your husband is. That bird of paradise reminds me of the days when you were still living in PNG. 🙂

Bama, you always leave the nicest comments!! This really brightened up my day when I first read it and I was in a slump about blogging in general. Thank you! And the fact that you noticed the bird of paradise tattoo! 🙂

Wow Rebecca this is a wonderful blog. I have really enjoyed reading it and will read the others. Elly just told me about it. Glad she did as it gives me an heads up on how you and Matt spend your rec time. Great stuff.

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8-Day Utah National Parks Road Trip: Big 5 Bucket List Itinerary

Mar 16, 2022

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With their popular attractions like Angels Landing, the orange hoodoos of Bryce, and Canyonlands’ vast landscape, it’s no wonder you’d want to explore all 5 Utah parks! And you can’t go wrong with a Southern Utah National Parks road trip.

You’ve been warned: this is the adventure of a lifetime!

In this blog, we’re going to cover the best 8-day itinerary for seeing all the Utah parks in their glory.

So let’s not take up any more time. We’ll start this blog by discussing some of the must-know details before you embark on your trip, then we’ll get into the itinerary.

You’ll also find these posts helpful for planning your trip:

• Arizona Utah Road Trip Itinerary

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Disclaimer: Hey explorer! This post contains affiliate links which means I earn a small percentage of each purchase made through my links. I only ever recommend products I believe in and appreciate your support if you decide to use my links—thank you!

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Planning Your Utah National Parks Road Trip

• When to Go: You can get away with visiting the parks anywhere from February to May.
• Trip Length: This Big 5 Utah road trip will be 8 days — this includes your departure.
• Fly: For the best tickets, check KAYAK .
• Rental Car: KAYAK can help you find cheap rental cars as well!
• Rental Campervan: Want a campervan instead? You can rent one using Outdoorsy .
• Stay: We’ll discuss your options!
• Park Fees: The standard entrance fee is about $35 per park. To save, snag the America The Beautiful Pass ($79.99) and will be your annual pass for all US national parks.

If February to May doesn’t work for you, there are other times to embark on this road trip!

Spring is great from a weather perspective and brings in fewer crowds, but summer can be enjoyable.

You will have to keep an eye on the weather and make sure summer won’t be too hot. Winter is doable too, but will require extra preparation.

Where to Start Your Big 5 Utah Road Trip

To start your Utah parks road trip, you have a few cities you can fly into:

Las Vegas, NV (recommended) – 16 hours and 50 minutes, round trip way, starting from Zion National Park. 

Flagstaff, AZ – Your drive will be 16 hours and 40 minutes, round trip, starting in Zion National Park. If you choose this route, it’ll be easy to actually do an Arizona Utah road trip itinerary !

Salt Lake City, UT – You can certainly take a Utah National Parks road trip from Salt Lake City. Your drive will be 15 hours and 30 minutes, round trip, starting from Arches National Park.

For this itinerary, you’ll start in LV and fly out of SLC. This route will be 13 hours and 50 minutes round trip.

Utah National Parks Itinerary at a Glance + Map

• Day 1 – Land in Vegas and arrive in Zion National Park
• Day 2 – Explore Zion
• Day 3 – Head to Bryce Canyon and explore
• Day 4 – Head to Capitol Reef National Park and explore
• Day 5 – Drive to Canyonlands National Park and explore
• Day 6 – Explore Arches National Park and Moab
• Day 7 – Explore Arches
• Day 8 – Head to SLC

In this blog, we’ll cover a Utah National Parks itinerary from Las Vegas.

I will start the route in Zion NP, ending with Arches and flying out of Salt Lake City . See this on the map below!

Click here for a live link to the road trip map!

8-Day Utah National Parks Itinerary

Day 1 — las vegas to zion national park.

• Las Vegas, NV to Zion: ~ 2 hours and 40 minutes
• Time in Exploring: 2 days (Day 1 of 2)
• Stay: SpringHill Suites by Marriott
• Eat: Cafe Soleil, Whiptail Grill, Spotted Dog
• Fees: Park entry ($35) or America The Beautiful Pass

Once you land in Las Vegas, pick up your rental car , and head to a grocery store to stock up on snacks before heading to Zion.

We’re going to assume you arrive in LV early morning to early afternoon!

Morning — Entering the Park

Zion National Park as a whole is just beautiful. Once you get there, it’s easy to see why folks love it so much.

This park has plenty of hiking trails to choose from, which means you’ll never get bored!

I suggest parking at the Visitor Center or in one of the paid Springdale lots.

You will have to take the Zion shuttles to get around (assuming you are not visiting the park in winter.

I explain all of this in my Zion park guide . You’ll be spending 2 nights here starting tonight.

Afternoon — Emerald Pools or Narrows

Depending on how you’re feeling after your drive, you have a few options for activities!

Here are some notable ones to consider:

Emerald Pools Hike — This will be a 2 mile RT hike to the Upper Pool. The Emerald Pool trails are an easy entry trail into the park!

The Narrows — The Narrows will take you deep into a canyon system in Zion National Park. Folks from all over love to take this trail because you feel a little Indiana Jones-ish when you’re walking through the water channels! Starting from the Temple of Sinawava, the Bottom-Up section of The Narrows is free to explore!

Evening — The Watchman Trail

Let’s cap off the day with a lovely sunset! The Watchman is the iconic rock formation you always see pictures of in Zion National Park.

Scott and I discovered the Watchman Trail on our most recent trip there and LOVED it!

This is a beautiful sunset hike, and it’ll take about 2 hours to hike and is 3.3mi RT and 300ft+ elevation gain.

The trailhead can be accessed by the Visitor center!

Insider Tip: Not in the mood to hike? Watch the sunset at Canyon Junction Bridge! There is parking on the side of the road near the bridge.

Day 2 — Zion National Park

• Springdale, UT to Zion: 4 minutes
• Time in Exploring: 2 days (Day 2 of 2)

Today will be your last day in Zion so let’s make it count!

Morning — Angels Landing Sunrise

Angels Landing is the most noteworthy hike in Zion National Park!

Known for its amazing park views, it attracts millions of visitors to Zion every year. It’s a BEAUTIFUL hike, to say the least, and if you skip it I think you’ll end up regretting it!

The hike starts at the Grotto Trailhead and goes along the lower West Rim Trail. It is 4.8mi RT and has 1,630ft in elevation gain, and can take most hikers 4 hours to complete.

To get there early in the morning, you will have to take the earliest Zion shuttle to the trailhead. Read more about the Zion shuttle system on NPS.gov .

Insider Tip: Want to hike Angels Landing for Sunrise? Read how to coordinate biking to the trailhead in my Zion National Park 2 day itinerary blog!

Afternoon — Scenic Drive or Bike Ride

You’ll probably be tired after your hike, so I recommend relaxing or taking a fun tour that doesn’t require a ton of physical exersion.

Here’s a quick list of activities you can do while you wait for sunset!

• Take a scenic drive through Zion Canyon, stopping for plenty of photos.
• Go on a horseback riding adventure.
• Take an UTV and slot canyon tour through Zion.
• Bike Pa’rus Trail

Evening — Canyon Overlook Trail Sunset

Canyon Overlook Trail will give you gorgeous views of Zion Canyon and will GLOW at sunset.

This is an easy 1-mile hike that can take 30 minutes to an hour.

After your sunset mission, head back to your accommodations!

Tomorrow you’ll be driving to Bryce.

Insider Tip: I highly recommend grocery shopping in Springdale before you leave. Food options are sparse in Bryce! You can stop in Kanab, but this will add time to your trip.

Day 3 — Bryce Canyon National Park

• Zion to Bryce Canyon: ~ 1 hour
• Time Exploring: 1 day
• Stay: Under Canvas Bryce Canyon
• Eat: In the park

One day in Bryce National Park is plenty as your Utah National Parks road trip continues!

You can choose to leave early in the morning to catch the sunrise at Bryce (no hiking required).

Morning — Sunrise Point

Bryce has made your life easier and told you where exactly to catch the sunrise with Sunrise Point.

The colors are nothing short of amazing as the bright orange hues glow when the sun comes up.

Pro Tip: Make sure you have your camera gear (like a Sony a6400 and 16-35mm f/4 lens) handy for some pics!

Afternoon — Navajo Loop Trail

During the day, jump on the Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail!

The Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail is probably the most popular hiking route in Bryce Canyon National Park.

It takes you deep into the canyon, where you will come face to face with some fairly interesting rock formations.

Expect the hike to take around 2 hours, depending on how many stops you make for photographs and breaks. The loop is just about 3 miles.

Depending on how much time you have between the end of your hike and sunset, you can go back to your campsite or accommodations to relax.

Insider Tip: Want to see something different? Another great option is to head outside of Bryce National Park and explore the Red Canyon area!

Evening — Sunset Point

If you’re not too tired after your hike, check out Sunset Point before calling it a night!

Sunset point is located near Sunrise Point.

About 0.6 miles of sidewalk separates them.

But if you don’t want to see a similar view for sunset, skip this!

Insider Tip: Sleep tight! Tomorrow you’ll head to Capitol Reef National Park for the next park of your Utah Parks road trip!

Day 4 — Capitol Reef (Utah National Parks Road Trip Halfway Point)

• Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef: ~ 2 hours
• Stay: SkyRidge Inn
• Eat: Capitol Burger

When you show up for your one day in Capitol Reef National Park , you’ll automatically notice how cute it is (I’m not kidding).

There are multiple picnic areas and little farmhouses (adorrrrable) making it the perfect stop on your trip!

Morning — Gifford House for Pie

Once you get there, I recommend sampling the baked goods at Gifford House!

And when I say baked goods, I am NOT messing around. Inside the bakery, you’ll find fresh-baked PIES.

Yes. PIES. Like rhubarb and strawberry.

Loaves of bread, salads, jellies. I mean, it’s incredible. I mean, who doesn’t want a pie?

Across from Gifford House, there is a small picnic area.

Snag yourself a table and chill! If you have a campervan, you can cook some lunch and enjoy the outdoors.

That’s what Scott and I opted to do during this segment of our trip!

Afternoon — Capitol Reef Scenic Drive or Hike

Ready to explore after your picnic? Here are some activities you can do:

Drive Capitol Reef Scenic Byway — Scenic Drive features large rock formations, canyon views, and dirt roads you can take (about 1.5 hours to complete the drive).

Hike to Hickman Natural Bridge — A scenic natural bridge in the park, 1.7 miles out and back.

Drive Cathedral Valley Road — Requires a high-clearance 4×4. If you want to drive this road, I suggest adding a day to your trip to accommodate. Takes about 4 hours to drive the loop, but definitely make sure you get to the Temples.

You can watch the sunset over Capitol Reef at Sunset Point!

This is a short 0.3 mile hike to a scenic overlook.

Access the Sunset Point Trail from the Goosenecks Overlook parking lot.

You can also enjoy sunset as you’re driving the park’s Scenic Drive!

Insider Tip: As an alternative, you can watch sunset at Cathedral Valley Road (start your drive in the afternoon). Beware that you’d be driving out at night.

Day 5 — Canyonlands National Park & Moab, UT

• Capitol Reef to Canyonlands: ~ 2 Hours and 45 Minutes
• Time Exploring: 3 days (Day 1 of 3)
• Stay: Under Canvas Moab
• Eat: Moab, UT

Today you’ll be exploring Canyonlands National Park!

This park is known for its scenic overlook and adventure.

You don’t need to get here early, but you certainly can!

Arches National Park is in the same area, so you won’t have to do any significant driving once you arrive in Moab.

Morning — Mesa Arch

It is no question that Mesa Arch is easily one of the most popular things to do in Canyonlands National Park.

It is a photographer’s hot spot for sunrise, which is usually very crowded.

But, the view is worth it!

Insider Tip: If you get to the park early enough for sunrise, you can head here first. The walk to get to Mesa Arch is less than a mile!

Afternoon — Excursion

Canyonlands is an adventure hub.

To make the most out of day 5 of your Utah National Parks road trip, I recommend booking an excursion like mountain biking, off-roading, or horseback riding!

You can also spend quite a bit of time exploring Moab and the local areas like Long Canyon.

Insider Tip: During my last visit, I booked a packrafting trip down Canyonlands’ Green River and loved it! You can book a canyoneering and packrafting combo trip too!

The Grand View Point Overlook area can be fantastic for sunset!

Green River Overlook is another option and one of my favorites.

I love these areas of the park because it has a way of making you feel so small against the giant canyon.

The best part is that there is no hiking is required for either view.

You can enjoy them as soon as you park and witness an amazing sunset!

Day 6 — Arches National Park (A Utah National Parks Road Trip Favorite)

• Moab, UT to Arches: 14 minutes
• Time Exploring: 3 days (Day 2 of 3)

Spending one day in Arches is fun, but on this trip you’ll be spending 2!

Since you’re in Moab, getting here will take a matter of minutes.

Delicate Arch is probably the most iconic structure and top things to do in Arches National Park. There is no reason to not include it in your Utah National Parks road trip!

You can expect this trail to have a crowd if you visit it in the middle of the day, but it is still worth the visit!

The hike is 3.1 miles round trip with 613ft in elevation gain.

Hiking Delicate Arch will take about 2 to 3 hours. In the dark, it may take you a bit longer.

The trail is marked but can be tricky to navigate, so plan accordingly!

Insider Tip: If a sunrise hike isn’t your jam, there are plenty of other sunrise and sunset spots in Arches National Park that you can enjoy!

Afternoon — Explore Moab, UT

After hiking Delicate Arch, you might want to take it easy for the rest of the day. In that case, here are some of my suggestions for things to do:

• 4×4 Adventure
• Best of Moab Day Tour
• Explore Windows Section
• Walk to Sand Dune Arch

Additionally, this is the perfect time to leave the park and se more of Moab before your sunset adventure. You can check out my 2 days in Moab itinerary for any suggestions!

Evening — Broken Arch Sunset

And when you’re ready for sunset, head to one of Arches best sunset spots like Turret Arch or Skyline Arch!

An easy one to get to (and my favorite) would be Broken Arch.

Directly next to it is the super photogenic (grab your camera gear ) Sand Dune Arch, which you can take your time exploring too!

Day 7 — Arches National Park

• Time Exploring: 3 days (Day 3 of 3)

Today will be your last day exploring the parks on your Utah Mighty Five road trip!

So let’s end it with some more adventure.

Morning — Windows Section

Ready for one last sunrise adventure? The Windows Section is the perfect option!

This is also a popular area for sunrise because there are various arches located near each other (Double Arch, Cove Arch, etc.). No hiking is required, so you can easily pull up and enjoy!

Insider Tip: For a unique perspective of Double Arch, climb inside and snap some pics! Make sure you have a 16-35mm f/4 lens to capture the whole thing!

Afternoon — Park Avenue & Devil’s Garden Loop

After your sunrise mission, you can explore the popular Courthouse Towers and Park Avenue Trail.

Alternatively, this would be the time to go on a hike. Devil’s Garden would be my recommendation because you can admire multiple hikes along the same loop!

Some popular arches along the trail include Landscape Arch and Double O Arch.

Devil’s Garden is a popular hike and a bit strenuous, but worth doing. Expect to hike 7.9 miles with 1,085 feet of elevation gain.

The hike will take about 3 to 5 hours depending on how much time you spend on trail.

Insider Tip: make sure you check for closures before heading over to Devil’s Garden on the NPS site .

Evening — Dead Horse State Park

It’s completely up to you whether or not you’d like to stay in the park for sunset! If you opted for taking the 3 to 5 hour loop hike, you might want to skip this sunset mission (depending on how tired you are).

However, if it were me, I’d make the one hour drive to Dead Horse State Park!

This is notably one of the most popular and iconic views in Moab, and worth the visit.

If this doesn’t make sense for your trip, skip it until next time!

Day 8 — Final Day on Your Big 5 Utah Road Trip

• Moab, UT to Salt Lake City, UT: ~ 3 Hours and 50 Minutes
• Time Exploring: 1 Day

Once in SLC, you can rest up, eat some food, and depart Utah the following day!

If you want to explore SLC a bit, add a day to your trip and leave on day 10!

Insider Tip: If you have even more time, make this a Utah and Arizona road trip !

What to Bring on Your Utah Mighty 5 Trip

From experience exploring the parks, these are the essentials I’d bring!

Keen Targhees

Trekking Poles

Osprey Pack

Sony a7RIII

16-35mm f/4

Overall Thoughts on a Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary

I hope you enjoyed this blog and you get to see all 5 parks in Utah!

Utah National Parks have endless things to do, and we only touched the surface here. However, a Mighty 5 Utah self drive tour is really the best way to go.

It’s the national parks road trip of a lifetime if you ask me!

If you want to do this trip backward, starting in SLC then ending in Flagstaff , that’s an excellent option too!

You’ll be able to see the Grand Canyon on your way down. Even Sedona .

In that case, a Phoenix Sedona Grand Canyon trip (in reverse) may be of interest to you.

Regardless of what you do next, you just completed a bucket-list trip, so congrats! I’ll see you in the next post.

Happy exploring :)!

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I'm a burrito loving explorer who got fired from corporate America and turned that into my dream career as a photographer and blogger. Now I'm here to help you explore life's magic. Thanks for stopping by!

The Ultimate Utah National Parks Road Trip

• By Traveling Anne
• In National Parks

93 Comments

Utah is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the American West, with five incredible national parks and numerous state parks that showcase the state's rich diversity of landscapes. From the soaring red rocks of Zion to the hoodoo stone formations of Bryce Canyon, Utah offers one breathtaking sight after another.

In this post, I'll outline an epic trip itinerary that takes you through all five Utah national parks: the Mighty Five – Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and Arches. I've also included three equally stunning state parks along the way.

This route incorporates the magnificent Highway 12 scenic drive and can be done as a loop trip, starting and ending near Zion National Park. With careful planning, you can hit all the highlights in 7-10 days.

Beyond the national parks, this route incorporates the amazing Highway 12 Scenic Byway across the Utahn desert. It also takes you to three nearby state parks with unique scenery and story.

The state parks are suggested detours. If you're short on time, you can skip them, but I highly recommend visiting them if you can.

I've visited these parks, some more than once. This route is based on my planning and our actual experiences. This was the itinerary of our first visit to Utah, except we started in Moab and moved on to Arizona from there. Highway 12 was our route, skipping that section of the i-70.

Utah was awesome. Literally. We were struck with a sense of awe at the area's beauty.

If you've never been to these parks, I envy you. You're in for a lifetime experience like no other.

Where does this route start and end?

As you can see, this can be a loop route if you want to start and end at the exact location. The natural points for beginning and ending the circle would be Springdale or Moab.

Realistically, for most people, the beginning would be in Las Vegas, where you have a large international airport and convenient car rental options. Drive for under three hours, and you'll be in Springdale, ready to start your road trip at Zion National Park.

You could make this a one-directional road trip to Moab, where you'll return your vehicle and fly home. If you choose to do that, make sure to visit Kolob Canyon before you head out east.

If you want to return to Vegas, it would make sense to take the i-70 back and then get on the i-15 back to Sin City. In that case, Kolob Canyon makes for a great last taste of the parks before your return.

Before you continue: If you have a week, a much better alternative is to cover the entire Southwest Grand Circle , including the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley. You can get the full itinerary for that trip here .

How long does the Utah road trip take?

I would suggest a minimum of 5-6 days for this road trip. This would allow you to spend a day in each national park, plus a couple of days for the state parks, Highway 12, and the drive back to Vegas.

However, more days would be much better if you enjoy hiking and can afford the longer trip. It would allow you to spend more than a full day in the bigger parks and generally allow for a more relaxed road trip.

What's more, if you can add a few more days in the region, by all means, include the Grand Canyon National Park and Monument Valley. Again, in that case, the Grand Circle itinerary is what you need.

What's the best time of year to make this road trip?

That's tricky because this road trip involves varying altitudes in challenging terrain. When we made it in one year in October, we had to drive Highway 12 in the snow. It was beautiful, but also a "white knuckles" driving experience.

At the same time, this being the desert, summertime is when some of these parks can be scorching hot during the day.

So, spring or early fall might be your best option. But if you can't visit during those seasons, summer works too. Just be prepared to limit hiking to the cooler hours of the day.

And if you're very adventurous - and have the right gear - by all means, Utah's winter wonderland is well worth exploring! Some of these parks are featured here: 15 Breathtaking Winterland National Parks in the West for a Magical Snowy Adventure

Finally, here's the itinerary

Again, you could start this loop at the other end - in Moab - or do this as part of a longer road trip, beginning in Nevada, Arizona, Utah, or Colorado. The following suggested stops will take you through the very best Southern Utah has to offer -

Zion National Park

Zion National Park is renowned for its steep red cliffs and canyon trails. Key highlights include The Narrows, a hike through a gorge with walls a thousand feet tall, and Angel's Landing, which offers panoramic views from its peak.

To navigate the park, visitors use a shuttle system. It can get very busy, so plan on arriving early to avoid crowds and secure a spot on the shuttle.

Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for its hoodoos and spire-shaped rock formations, which are caused by frost weathering and stream erosion.

The park offers a range of viewpoints and trails, such as the Rim Trail, and is higher in elevation than Zion, which can lead to cooler temperatures. It's a place that's more about walking the rim or descending among the hoodoos, so prepare for variable weather and bring layers.

Read more: Zion or Bryce? Comparing Utah’s Famous National Parks

Kodachrome Basin State Park

This park is named for its multicolored rock formations and sand pipes, which are chimney-like columns that rise from the desert floor. It's less crowded than the national parks and offers trails for all skill levels, including campgrounds and picnic areas.

Kodachrome Basic is an optional detour. If you don't have time and want to focus solely on the national parks, you will continue from Bryce NP towards Capitol Reef.

Utah's Highway 12 & Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument,

Utah's Highway 12 is a scenic byway that runs through some of the country's most rugged and diverse landscapes.

This beautiful road connects Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon. It goes through the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, offering views of vast canyons, high plateaus, and the unique rock formations of Escalante.

To see the Escalante area in all its glory, you would need to off-road and hike. Most people drive through on Highway 12. Trust me, it's exceedingly beautiful and well worth it even like that.

Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park features the Waterpocket Fold, a unique geological monocline that extends almost 100 miles.

The park has orchards where visitors can pick fresh fruit, historic sites like the Fruita Schoolhouse, and trails that lead to arches, canyons, and overlook.

Most people visit Zion and Bryce on the western end of Utah or Arches and Canyonlands on the easter. Few make it to Capitol Reef, making this a fantastic yet hidden gem of the state.

Goblin Valley State Park

Goblin Valley State Park is famous for its thousands of hoodoos and mushroom-shaped rock pinnacles, referred to as "goblins." The park has a very otherworldly landscape, with opportunities for hiking and exploring the geologic wonders.

It's a fantastic stop on this itinerary. We visited when the kids were younger, and they loved it!

Dead Horse Point State Park

Dead Horse Point State Park offers a breathtaking vista of the Colorado River, winding through a landscape of deep canyons. The viewpoint stands 2,000 feet above the river bend and provides a perfect spot for photography, especially during sunrise or sunset.

When you read Dead Horse Point, you are almost in Canyonlands National Park. It's a great tiny detour to take as part of your visit to the Moab parks, even if you don't go through the entire road trip.

Canyonlands National Park

The Green and Colorado Rivers divide Canyonlands National Park into four districts. With a landscape of canyons, mesas, and buttes by the rivers, visitors can explore the Island in the Sky district for easily accessible expansive views or the Needles district for backcountry hikes.

Canyonlands is a bucket list national park that's easy to access from Moab. Give yourself at least one full day to explore this park.

Arches National Park

Arches National Park is home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the world-famous Delicate Arch. The park's terrain varies from massive fins and pinnacles to large balanced rocks, all easily accessible via a loop road and short hikes.

Arches is yet another jewel in Utah's parks. This is a must-do item you could easily incorporate into a Colorado road trip (along with the other Moab parks mentioned above).

Kolob Canyons Visitor Center

The Kolob Canyons section of Zion National Park is known for its crimson canyons and soaring peaks. A five-mile scenic drive takes you to viewpoints and trailheads, such as the Taylor Creek Trail and the Kolob Arch, one of the world's largest freestanding arches.

This park is last on our list because it would work well into a loop route, starting and ending in Las Vegas. You would enter the Kolob Canyons area from the i-15, which you will join on your way back from Moab on the i-70.

If you're planning a smaller route, taking in just Zion and Bryce without venturing further east, then include Kolob Canyons as part of that tour. It's well worth it!

The road is calling!

I hope this itinerary gives you a great starting point for planning your Utah road trip adventure.

Whether you opt for the entire loop or a more targeted visit focusing only on Zion and Bryce, you won't regret immersing yourself in the magnificent beauty of Utah's national and state parks. Just allow enough time to take in everything these parks offer correctly.

I'd love to hear from you! Have you journeyed through the area? What were your favorite places? Is there anything I need to add here?

Let me know if you have any other questions as you start mapping your journey in the spectacular American Southwest!

When we come I am pulling a travel trailer behind my truck. Will there be any problems traveling on the roads between parks and within the parks? Are there enough campgrounds to stay at instead of motels either in the parks or nearby?

please send the pdf version when available

Hi Sarah! We’re hoping to finalize and make a detailed itinerary available soon. So please sign up here to make sure you’ll get an update when the itinerary is ready for purchase: https://tripmemos.myflodesk.com/emailsignup-utah

Visited nearly all of the Parks and areas not only once. Share your opinion that Utah has one of the most impressive landscapes. Whenever we are around during our annual 25 days roundtrip we try to make it to Utah too.

You did a great job with this Page! I do a kind of travelling diary for every journey and planned already 7 round trips for friends. Regards from Austria

May I get a copy of the PDF of the trip itinerary please? (The Ultimate Utah National Parks Road Trip) Thank you

Hi Diane! It’s coming soon! Lots of work goes into preparing a detailed itinerary. Meanwhile, you can sign up for our mailing list to make sure you get an update when the itinerary is available for purchase: https://tripmemos.myflodesk.com/emailsignup-utah

Hi, can I get a copy of the pdf and accommodation recommendations? Thanks!

Hi Amy, It’s coming soon! Lots of work goes into preparing a detailed itinerary. Meanwhile, you can sign up for our mailing list to make sure you get an update when the itinerary is available for purchase – https://tripmemos.myflodesk.com/emailsignup-utah

est-il possible d’avoir cet itinéraire en version PDF, ainsi de des cartes des parcs SVP

Hi Brigitte! Lots of work goes into preparing a detailed itinerary. Meanwhile, you can sign up for our mailing list to make sure you get an update when the itinerary is available for purchase: https://tripmemos.myflodesk.com/emailsignup-utah

Thanks for this! I’d love to receive the printed/PDF version of your map/itinerary with hotel recommendations (or RV parks, if there are any?). Utah looks beautiful -thanks so much!

Hi Mary, sure, it’s coming soon! Lots of work goes into preparing a detailed itinerary. Meanwhile, you can sign up for our mailing list to get an update when the itinerary is available for purchase: https://tripmemos.myflodesk.com/emailsignup-utah

Please send itinerary with directions and lodging thank you

Hi Monique! Please sign up for our mailing list to make sure you get an update when the itinerary is available for purchase soon: https://tripmemos.myflodesk.com/emailsignup-utah

I would love the itinerary, stops and hotel accomodations also. Can you please e-mail them$

Hi Diane! Please sign up here to make sure you’ll get an update when the itinerary is ready for purchase: https://tripmemos.myflodesk.com/emailsignup-utah

Hi, can I please get a copy of your pdf and hotel recommendations?

Hi Amy! Please sign up here to make sure you’ll get an update when our detailed itinerary is ready for purchase: https://tripmemos.myflodesk.com/emailsignup-utah

I would love an itinerary of your trip, including where you stayed. Have always thought of doing this. Could fly into Las Vegas.

Hi Kimberly! Please sign up here to make sure you’ll get an update when our detailed itinerary is ready for purchase: https://tripmemos.myflodesk.com/emailsignup-utah

I would love a copy of your trip itinerary and stops. How far is this from Salt Lake? We are planning a vacation after a wedding in early October.

Hi Renee! Please sign up here to make sure you’ll get an update when our detailed itinerary is ready for purchase: https://tripmemos.myflodesk.com/emailsignup-utah

Please….could you possibly send me a printable copy of your itinerary and hotels you suggest for this trip. I would really appreciate it! Sounds fabulous!!

Hi Joan! It’s coming soon, but lots of work goes into preparing a detailed itinerary. Meanwhile, you can sign up for our mailing list to get an update when the itinerary is available for purchase: https://tripmemos.myflodesk.com/emailsignup-utah

Please send pdf of trip! Looks amazing !

Hello Cindy! We’re still in the process of preparing a detailed itinerary. It’s coming soon! Just please sign up for our mailing list to get an update when the itinerary is available for purchase: https://tripmemos.myflodesk.com/emailsignup-utah

I’d love a printable version of the route. We’re planning to cove Zion, Bryce and Capitol Reef (also Esclatante area. Thank you

Hi Jackie! We’re in the process of finalizing a detailed itinerary. Meanwhile, you can sign up here to get an update when the itinerary is available for purchase: https://tripmemos.myflodesk.com/emailsignup-utah

Could I also have the itinerary as well as lodging recommendations throughout the trip? I am thinking ahead for next year spring break possibly, with a couple friends. Please and Thanks!

Hi Chantal! Please sign up here to make sure you’ll get an update when our detailed itinerary is ready for purchase: https://tripmemos.myflodesk.com/emailsignup-utah

Please send me a copy of your itinerary for Utah, going there in June

Would love all the info you can share!!

Would this be doable in the late spring on motorcycles? Gas and lodging would have to be part of planning for us. Did you have suggestions on which parks would be best for short 1-3 mile (easier) hikes? cool article. Thank you for taking the time to share this info. Hard to okan a new destination with out some insights lile these 🙌🏻🙌🏻

Please send me a PDF of the itinerary as well as the hotels. My husband snd I plan to do the Vegas Loop in May. Thank you!

Please send me pdf of itinerary and hotel accommodations. Thank you!

I’d like the pdf also please!

Could you send information on lodging? Thank you

I would love a copy of the itinerary and maps for the 5 National Parks. Also hotel recommendations. Thanks!

I’d love a copy of your itinerary and PDF too! We are going in September! Thank you!

Looks like an amazing road trip. As others have requested, could you please send me your itinerary and hotel information, or post a copy?

Would you please send me a copy of the itinerary and maps for the 5 National Parks. Also hotel recommendations. Thanks!

I would love a copy of the pdf for this road trip.

Thanks for this interesting trip overview. I’d be grateful to receive the printed/PDF version of your itinerary with more details. Thanks in advance!

Can you send send me full detail Iterenary and hotels name you stayed with each small detail please it will be most helpful I will most obliged thank you

I would love a copy of the itenerary with detailed stops and places to stay! Thank you for all this information!

I would love a pdf of your route. Are there camping opportunities along the route. We camp in a 30 ft older bumper tow trailer. Thank you for this.

I would love a pdf of your itinerary

I would love a printable copy of your itinerary. Is early July too hot to do this itinerary?

I would love a copy of your itinerary, along with possible suggested lodging along the way!

This is exactly the kind of trip we’re planning for 2025, pulling a 25’ travel trailer. Would that be a problem on any of those roads?

Can you still see a lot of these parks if you are not able to hike? Is this itinerary safe for travelers with dogs?

I would love to do this trip, could you please send me a copy of the roads and the itinerary. Thank you!

I would love a copy of your itinerary with directions and stops, please.

I’d love the PDF too!

Is the route “Travel Trailer” approved. We pull a 30′ travel trailer and I’m always concerned about getting into trouble pulling the camper in places we shouldn’t be pulling it. Would also love any additional information you may have available about this trip/route. Thanks

Would like to get a printable itinerary and details. Maybe will try and do it in the fall Or next spring Thanks for all the info

Please send me an itinerary. We are beginning to plan out trip to visit this area. Thank you.

Itinerary to Bryce, Zion national park

Would love a copy of your pdf with directions and stops please!! Thank you!!

Would love a copy of your off with directions and stops please!! Thank you!!

Would love a copy of your trip to Utah been wanting to visit all these places thank you so much!!!

Love to recieve your itinerary and where you spent the nights.

Please send printable brochure!

Is it possible to do this trip in 4 days seeing arches/bryce and Zion with a drive on Route 12.. I know it’s way to ambitious but I wont’ be coming this again in my lifetime.

Yes, you can, just be aware that you’ll only have time for a short hike in each park, at most. I’d cram Zion and Bryce in day 1, driving and Capitol Reef in day 2 (waking up in Moab if possible), arches day 3, canyon lands and driving back day 4, with a quick detour to the overlook in Kolob on the way down I-15. (Well worth the 30-40 minutes up a back.) This schedule would mean minimal time in each park, but at least you could say you’ve seen them all!

Anne, Love your plan and map. Would love a printable version. Thank you.

Thank you! We’re working on an awesome info bundle with a super detailed itinerary and maps!

Enjoy short hikes. 7-10 day trip. Flying from GRR. Not interested in Las Vegas..one night ok.

I would want one too pls

A couple years back my husband and I took our three grown daughters out of Las Vegas in rented RV up through a similar look to see the big National parks. It was a great trip. It seems the cost of the RV is similar to the hotels but it was a great way to travel together through this area. We rented from Travel America (near Vegas) but there are other websites like rvshare where you can get better deals. The RV, along with the incredible views made an experience we will all never forget.

When you get a printable could you be so kind to send me a copy. Thank you. Ron

This route is very misleading. It should provide the actual roads. I looked at a map and this would be impossible to find this route. It should be more detailed

Hi Rob, The map is intended for general viewing. To give people an idea on where the places are located. It is in fact based on roads, though. We used Google Maps to create it, so these are real roads, but you’re seeing a picture of the map and thus you probably aren’t seeing the level of detail that you would need to drive it. We’re working on generating a more detailed PDF with details for a Utah road trip where people can see an accurate detailed version (including stops) and also have links to Google maps for detailed versions of segments of the route that they can actually use to navigate. It’s a lot of work to create that and so it would be a paid option. Meanwhile, you can just use Google Maps or any other navigation tool to find the route.

Would like a copy of your itinerary with options of overnight accommodation for this trip in Utah.

We are hoping to go out west this year possibly in September. Would love to get a printed itinerary and also suggestions on where to stay. Is staying in the parks an option?

Would to have a brochure emailed. Thank you

I plan to visit that area May1-10 landing in Salt Lake City and seeing the 5 parks. Any idea how weather conditions iwill be during that time?

This is perfect timing for our trip out West in May, planning on visiting all those parks you mentioned. We’re deciding whether to drive from Chicago, or just fly into Las Vegas, which seems slightly less expensive. I’m happy to hear about your experiences on Rt.12 — haha , that road is not for me! Anyway, looking forward to a printable version of your trip. Thanks for all the info!

I flew into Vegas and went to Snow Canyon State Park and then I went to Zion and then drove through the tunnel and stayed in Hatch and then went to Bryce and then took Route 12 and turned around and went back to Hatch to stay again . I almost made it all the way to the end of Route 12. I have to say I am not afraid of heights, but I was really nervous driving up towards the tunnel in Zion and then really nervous driving by myself on route 12. It looked amazing but I didn’t dare look as I was driving. I can’t imagine driving it in snow!! Then I went back to St. George and back to Snow Canyon State Park, and then on my way to the airport I went to Valley of Fire. I want to go back and go see the rest of the Mighty Five! Utah was breathtaking❤️

My wife and I went out west in July, 2023. We are from Indiana and love it out west. We drove the entire way visiting a number of the parks you mentioned & including the Badlands, Mt. Rushmore & Yellowstone. We did take Hwy 12 from Bryce canyon. That was white knuckles driving in July! It might have been the scariest road I’ve ever driven. I can’t imagine driving that road in the snow! Would love to go back and spend more time in Yellowstone and Utah. At 70, not sure I want to drive Hwy 12 again though. LOL

Hi Mel, Not only did I drive that in the snow, it was also my first time ever driving in snow lol. Who would have thought it would snow in early October? Not me! Thanks for sharing your story!

Would a copy of the itinerary. If you create a paid version I would also like to know about that. Thanks.

Would love to do this trip. We don’t have an RV so where would you suggest staying along the way?

Hi Marlene, Springdale and Kanab are where people typically stay when visiting Zion and Bryce. Hurricane, Utah, is another option (more affordable). Moab, in Utah, is the best location for visiting Arches and Canyonlands.

Hello I found your article to be very interesting but wanted to know about hotels and where you stayed throughout your road trip? Thank you.

Lots of options in Springdale and Moab, in Utah. You can use the search box on this page, enter your dates and preferred locations and see what’s available (along with scoring and reviews).

Can you email a copy of this itinerary. We are planning a fall trip.

Hi Anne, We’re working on printable versions with lots more information. Enjoy your fall trip!

Could you send an itinerary too me as well? Thank you.

This sounds very exciting. I would love to receive your PDF and hotel recommendations for the trip. Thanks so much.

Could you send me printable version on the itinerary and the hotels you stayed in please?

My husband and I are trying to plan a trip to Zion & Bryce canyons. We could sure use maps and overnight stays & possible campgrounds. Thank you.

Could I, too, get a copy of the printable version with details? Thank you!

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9-Day Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary Through the Mighty 5

Explore Utah National Parks in this road trip itinerary with the best hikes, camping and more in Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, Arches & Canyonlands.

Southern Utah’s National Parks are what first drew me to Utah and are ultimately the reason I ended up moving to Salt Lake City. There’s literally nowhere else on the planet like Bryce Canyon or Zion!

Otherwise known as the Mighty 5, these public lands offer stunning red rock scenery, twisting slot canyons, and incredible hiking. They can also be connected to create an epic Utah National Parks road trip, which is an unforgettable trip for any outdoor adventurer.

Because there’s so much to see and do in Utah’s National Parks, I recommend having at least two weeks available if you plan on visiting all five. Alternatively, you can focus on 2-3 parks if you only have a week.

In this 9-day Utah National Parks road trip itinerary, I share my favorite hikes, the best spots to stop along the route, and travel tips for maximizing your time in Southern Utah.

This post may contain affiliate links.

What are the Mighty 5?

The Mighty 5 are the five National Parks in southern Utah. They include:

• Zion National Park
• Bryce Canyon National Park
• Capitol Reef National Park
• Canyonlands National Park
• Arches National Park

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The Best Times to Visit Utah’s National Parks

Utah’s National Parks are open year-round and each park’s diverse landscapes and offerings can change based on the weather and season you are visiting. Below is a quick summary of seasons in southern Utan. For more information check out posts on the best time to visit Utah’s National Parks and the best time to visit Bryce Canyon National Park .

Spring and Fall

The most popular (and busiest) times to visit are Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October). During these milder seasons, the daytime temperatures can range from 60-80 degrees with lows averaging 40-60 degrees. It’s the most comfortable time of year for a Utah National Parks road trip , but with that, you need to be prepared to deal with large crowds.

If you choose to visit any of these Utah National Parks in the summer months, expect daytime temperatures to reach over 100 degrees. Personally, I don’t recommend planning a Mighty 5 road trip during the summer. The parks are still quite busy and you’ll need to do all of your hiking very early or very late in the day to avoid the mid-day heat and scorching summer sun.

If you do decide to do this trip in the summer, be sure to check out our guide on sun protection for hikers and make sure you have a day pack that can carry at least 3L of water.

Similarly, if you plan to road trip during the winter months, you need to be prepared for temperatures ranging from 30 to 50 degrees during the day and then dropping to well below freezing overnight.

That being said, winter is a beautiful time to visit the parks because you’ll get to enjoy these stunning desert landscapes, perhaps dusted with snow, while avoiding the National Park crowds .

Just be prepared with winter clothing and check conditions before heading out. You’ll likely want to book rooms in hotels as opposed to camping if you visit in winter.

Where to Start and End your Mighty 5 Road Trip

Utah’s National Parks are spread across the southern half of the state. If you’re flying into Utah to start your trip, the best airports to fly into are:

• Las Vegas, Nevada (2.5 hours to Zion National Park)
• Salt Lake City, Utah (3.5 hours to Arches National Park)

If you only have one week, I recommend focusing on the east or west side of the state rather than trying to visit all of the parks. I can’t stress enough that visiting all five parks in one week would be A LOT.

Helpful Tip

Book a one-way car rental.

A great way to save time is to book a one-way car or campervan rental . You can fly into either Las Vegas or Salt Lake City, enjoy your Utah National Parks road trip, and then drop your rental off at the opposite airport. There will probably be an additional fee, but it might be worth it so you can spend more time exploring the Parks.

Utah National Parks Road Trip at a Glance

Ready to start planning? I’ve listed my Might 5 road trip itinerary traveling from West to East starting in Zion and ending in Arches. But, you could quickly reverse the itinerary to move East to West.

Where you will visit

• DAY 1: Zion National Park
• DAY 2: Zion National Park
• DAY 3: Bryce Canyon National Park
• DAY 4: Bryce or Escalante-Grand Staircase National Monument
• DAY 5: Capitol Reef National Park
• DAY 6: Arches National Park
• DAY 7: Adventure day!
• DAY 8: Canyonlands National Park
• DAY 9: Return home

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Day 1: Drive to Zion National Park & Hike Angel’s Landing

Day 1 overview.

• DRIVING DISTANCE – 308 miles (from SLC), 160 miles (from Las Vegas)
• DRIVE TIME – 2.5 hours to 4+ hours
• CAMPING OPTION – Zion National Park Campground
• LODGING OPTIONS – Zion National Park Lodge or hotels in Springdale

Zion was Utah’s first National Park, and you’ll see why. The park features high plateaus, a maze of sandstone canyons, and incredible trails with easy access. If you have time, I recommend checking out the Visitor Center and Human History Museum to learn more about the park.

Hike Angel’s Landing

Arriving post-lunch or early afternoon, head straight through the south entrance parking area and hop on a shuttle to Angel’s Landing (the shuttle is free and stops right at the trailhead).

Climbing Angel’s Landing (5 miles round trip) is a bucket list item for most Zion visitors but it is not for the faint of heart. It’s a strenuous trail with almost 2,000 feet of elevation gain. But your hard work is paid off with spectacular 360 views of the entire canyon from high above. However, it’s important to note that there is extreme exposure on Angel’s Landing that some people might find too scary .

Be sure to bring your daypack filled with plenty of water and your hiking essentials .

Day 2 – Explore the Narrows & Drive to Bryce Canyon

Day 2 overview.

• DRIVING DISTANCE – 72 miles from Zion
• DRIVE TIME – 1 hour 30 minutes
• CAMPING OPTION – Bryce Canyon Campgrounds
• LODGING OPTIONS – The Lodge at Bryce Canyon, hotels nearby

Spend your second day in Zion exploring The Narrows , one of the top highlights of Zion National Park, especially if you visit in the warmer months. The Narrows is a slot canyon that was formed over centuries from the Virgin River and is still continuously changing today.

This is a great hike to keep you cool since much of the hike requires wading through a river. If you want to hike the entire Narrows from the top-down as a long single-day hike or as an overnight, you’ll need a permit. Alternatively, if you want to explore at your leisure from the bottom-up, no permit is needed. Check out our Narrows hiking guide  for more information.

Updated February 2024: There is a toxic cyanobacteria bloom in the Virgin River (where The Narrows is located) so you should not submerge your head or filter drinking water here. Check current updates for Zion National Park before heading out here .

Post-hike, pack up the car and head through the 1.1-mile Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel and continue driving towards Bryce Canyon National Park which is 1.5 hours away.

If you can get to Bryce by sunset we recommend heading straight to Sunset Point!

Have more time to spend in Zion?

If you are staying another day or you’ve previously visited Zion and done the things we’ve mentioned, I recommend trying to get a permit to hike The Subway or backpacking the West Rim Trail .

For The Subway top-down route, you’ll need some canyoneering skills, as it requires route finding, rappelling, and swimming skills. The bottom-up route, which leads to a series of beautiful turquoise pools, is non-technical. You will need a permit for both of them.

Check out our Zion Travel Guide for more things to do in the park.

Days 3-4: Bryce Canyon National Park

Days 3-4 overview.

• DRIVING DISTANCE – NA
• DRIVE TIME – NA

Prepare yourself for Bryce Canyon: it is like nothing you’ve ever seen before! Bryce Canyon is famous for its hoodoos – sandstone columns each uniquely shaped by erosion – and it has more hoodoos than anywhere else in the world.

Hike Fairyland Loop Trail

Whether you arrived in Bryce Canyon National Park last night for sunset at Sunset Point or you are arriving this morning we recommend you start the day by heading to the visitor’s center . The park has only one visitor’s center which features a must-see film showcasing Bryce in the winter.

Then skip the crowds and head for adventure on the  Fairyland Loop Trail . This trail is an 8-mile route in the northern area of the park, away from the crowds that will guide you past incredible hoodoos and scenery similar to the more crowded Queen’s Trail. If you want to do a slightly shorter loop, the Peek-a-Boo Loop is a similarly spectacular 5-mile loop.

Sunset Point to Sunrise Point Trail

If you’re looking for a more relaxed visit, we recommend the wheelchair-accessible, paved 1-mile Sunset Point to Sunrise Point Trail.  This is also the only trail in the park where leashed pets are allowed. Be prepared, though, as this paved path is often VERY crowded.

Navajo Trail

If you have the time and energy we recommend the Navajo Trail for a quick 1.3-mile walk. The trail begins at Sunset Point, goes down into the Bryce Amphitheater, and meanders alongside large Douglas Fir trees. You could also combine it with Queens Garden Trail for a 3-mile loop .

If Bryce Canyon’s Wall Street is on your list, you can climb it via the end of the Navajo Loop Trail.

Have more time to spend in Bryce?

There is no shortage of things to see and do in Bryce Canyon National Park. If you have more time to explore, head over to our post on the Best Things to do in Bryce Canyon for ideas on how to extend your visit.

You can also check out our top picks for the Best Hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park .

Bonus Option: Escalante National Monument

Day 4 alternative.

• DRIVING DISTANCE – 49 miles from Bryce
• DRIVE TIME – 55 minutes
• CAMPING OPTION – Escalante-Grand Staircase National Monument campgrounds or dispersed camping
• LODGING OPTIONS – Hotels in Escalante

If you’re completely captivated by Bryce Canyon you can always spend the day exploring more, but I recommend heading to Escalante National Monument for a visit.

While not a National Park, it is an incredible place to visit with amazing hikes and fewer crowds.

Escalante is also halfway to Capitol Reef – your next National Park – so it’s a great hiking pit stop. Make sure you drive UT-12 E vs. Johns Valley Road/UT-24 E so you pass the town of Escalante.

Hike Lower Calf Creek Falls

The 6.7-mile Lower Calf Creek Falls is one of our favorite (and easily accessible) hikes that is right off the highway. It ends at a beautiful waterfall where you can take a dip if you’re brave (the water is freezing!) or enjoy a picnic lunch.

If you have a high-clearance vehicle and an appetite for a little more adventure, head down Hole-In-The-Rock Road to Peekabo and Spooky Slot Canyon .

For other options and trail details, check out five of our favorite hikes in Escalante .

Day 5: Capitol Reef National Park

Day 5 overview.

• DRIVING DISTANCE – 112 miles (from Bryce), 57 miles (from Escalante)
• DRIVE TIME – 1.5 – 2 hours+
• CAMPING OPTION – Capitol Reef National Park campground or Moab camping if you want to continue your drive
• LODGING OPTIONS – Hotels in Torrey or hotels in Moab

Capitol Reef is known for its remote and sprawling backcountry. The park is set up nicely so you can easily drive through it while continuing on to Moab . If you have ample time to explore, there are numerous hikes in Capitol Reef that lead you through gorges and slot canyons to incredible viewpoints.

If you plan to camp in Capitol Reef be sure to pick up a free backcountry camping permit at the visitor’s center.

Drive through Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park has a paved scenic drive as well as two unpaved loops. There is a free online guide  that includes information about the 11 stops along the paved drive. The scenic drives are especially nice if you are road-tripping during the hotter months or just want to drive through the park and sightsee from the car. 

If you have a high-clearance vehicle, I highly recommend the dirt road drive to the Temple of the Sun and Moon if you have time (or do an overnight bikepacking trip through this remote area!).

Hike to Hickman Bridge

To stretch your legs, hike the Hickman Bridge Trail (2-mile roundtrip) to a 133-foot natural bridge. This is a nice hike for cooling down as it runs along the Fremont River.

Have more time to spend in Capitol Reef?

If you decide to camp in Capitol Reef and are looking for a full-day hike, the Rim Overlook Trail to Navajo Knobs is a great 9+ mile route that offers 360 panoramic views of the Fruita and Waterpocket Fold area.

Another cool opportunity is to head out to Moonscape Overlook , which is about 40 minutes from Capitol Reef. It does require a high-clearance 4×4 vehicle to get out there, though.

Day 6: Drive to Arches National Park & Hike to the Arches

Day 6 overview.

• DRIVING DISTANCE – 132 miles from Capitol Reef
• DRIVE TIME – 2 hours
• CAMPING OPTION – Arches National Park
• LODGING OPTIONS – Hotels in Moab

Arches National Park is a beautiful and easy National Park to visit. The entrance to Arches is stunning as you’ll climb 1,000 feet and then descend into an almost “Mars-like” world. Navigation is easy also here. There is one visitor’s center right next to the only park entrance on the main park road.

Important Note: During peak season (usually April through October), visitors will need to obtain a timed entry reservation to visit Arches National Park between the hours of 7am-4pm. A limited number of next-day tickets will be available at 6pm the night before. Reservations cost $2 and you will still need a park pass or annual pass to enter.

Explore the Arches

There are some great hikes in Arches for all levels. If temperatures aren’t too hot and you have a full day, the hike to Landscape Arch & Devils Garden (7.8-mile loop) is a must.

If you arrive in the late afternoon, head straight to Delicate Arch (3 miles roundtrip) for a sunset hike you’ll never forget. Or, if this is your second visit to Arches or you’re looking for something off the beaten path, try to grab a permit to explore the Fiery Furnace .

Day 7 – Whitewater Rafting!

Day 7 overview.

• CAMPING OPTION – Arches National Park or Dead Horse State Park

Today, we recommend switching it up so you really get a sense of what southern Utah has to offer. Whitewater rafting on the Colorado River, which flows between Moab, UT and Arches National Park through deep red rock canyons, is an unforgettable and unique experience. Numerous rafting outfitters in town offer half-day, full-day, and multi-day rafting trips on the river.

If hopping on the water doesn’t sound exciting, and you’ve seen all of Arches that you’d like to experience, then head for Dead Horse State Park which is on the way to Canyonlands National Park. Dead Horse State Park even has yurts if you are looking to skip tent set-up for the evening.

Day 8: Canyonlands National Park

Day 8 overview.

• DRIVING DISTANCE – 30 miles from Arches
• DRIVE TIME – 35 minutes
• CAMPING OPTION – Canyonlands National Park

The last on the list of our Utah National Park road trip itinerary is Canyonlands National Park. Canyonlands was made famous by the movie 127 Hours, in which Aron Ralston becomes injured and survives in the backcountry for five days. It’s an extreme park, especially the remote area where Ralston was exploring, known as The Maze.

As you enter Canyonlands, you can drive around and check out the overlooks or you can pick a hike on our Best Hikes in Canyonlands National Park list.

Canyonlands National Park is huge, so to help you get your bearings, here are the four main sections of the park:

• The Island in the Sky area is excellent for those looking for a day hike. Driving time is roughly 40 minutes from Moab. I recommend visiting Island in the Sky if you are short on time.
• The Maze area is very remote and isn’t easily accessible from Moab. Most people who visit the Maze are experienced in the backcountry and have excellent off-road driving skills. If you’re considering heading to the Maze area, I recommend reviewing information & trails on Canyonland National Park’s hiking website .
• The Needles area offers great overnight beginner backpacking options as well as a few short day hikes. The Needles area is about 40 miles south of Moab.
• The Colorado and Green Rivers , as well as numerous tributaries, are considered a separate 4th area of the park. Beginner and relaxed casual float trips through the canyon are available on either river, including Labyrinth Canyon . Downstream of The Confluence, where the Colorado and Green Rivers meet, there is whitewater for adventure seekers.

Both the Island in the Sky and Needles areas have Visitor Centers where you can learn more about what to do in these areas of Canyonlands National Park.

Hike the Island of the Sky area

When you leave Moab, head to the Island in the Sky area of Canyonlands. Peek in at the Visitor’s Center for your first stop and then head to the Grand View Point trailhead and hike to  Grand View Point.  It is an easy 2-mile walk along the canyon edge to the mesa with incredible panoramic views.

Afterward, challenge yourself on the Aztec Butte Trail,  which includes a steep climb that takes you to ancestral Puebloan granaries.

Post-hike, pitch your tent and get ready for an incredible last evening of stargazing . Canyonlands National Park is an International Dark-Sky Park meaning its isolation from city lights makes conditions for viewing the night sky excellent.

This is true for all Utah National Parks, but there is no better way to spend your last Utah National Parks road trip evening than stargazing. During spring & fall, there are frequent stargazing events led by park rangers. Inquire at the visitor center for more information.

Day 9 – Mesa Arch and Return Home

Day 9 overview.

• DRIVING DISTANCE – 244 miles (to SLC), 468 miles (to Las Vegas)
• DRIVE TIME – 3 hours 45 minutes to 6.5 hours

Make the most of your final day! Wake up super early and make an early morning sunrise hike out to Mesa Arch (trust me, it’s worth it).

Then, it’s time to pack up and return home after (hopefully) an unforgettable Mighty 5 road trip!

Have more time to spend in Canyonlands?

lf you enjoy biking, plan ahead and bring mountain bikes for an awesome backcountry road exploration. My first overnight mountain biking experience was a supported trip in Canyonlands National Park on the White Rim Trail . Biking the White Rim Trail requires a permit and campsite reservations can be competitive, so you’ll need to plan ahead.

What to Pack for Your Utah National Parks Road Trip

Your packing list will vary depending on whether you plan to stay in hotels, you want to car camp, or even backpack through some of the parks .

However you decide to explore the Might 5, here are some packing lists to help you gear up for your adventure:

• Car Camping Packing Checklist
• Road Trip Essentials Packing Checklist
• 3 Day Backpacking Checklist
• What To Wear Hiking in the Desert

I also recommend picking up these two resources to help you navigate on your Utah National Parks road trip:

• Utah Benchmark Road and Recreation Atlas : A lot of areas in Southern Utah are void of cell service, so I recommend carrying a paper atlas on your road trip. This atlas shows all of the dirt roads and points of interest.
• Wow – Hiking Utah Canyon Country : This is an excellent hiking book that has helped me discover the best hikes in Southern Utah. Again, with gaps in cell service, a hiking book means you’ll be able to plan on the fly.

Want to explore outside the National Parks in Utah? Check out some of these adventures:

• Best Things to do in Kanab, Utah
• Plan an Overnight Float Through the Ruby-Horsethief Canyon
• Paria Canyon Backpacking Guide
• Packrafting the Escalante River
• Coyote Gulch Backpacking Guide

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Have you done a Utah National Parks road trip? What are your favorite things to do and see in the Mighty 5? Share your experience in the comments below!

With two decades of hiking and seven years of van life under her belt, Kristen has dedicated her life to helping people experience the positive effects of nature. As a pioneer in the outdoor blogging space, she founded Bearfoot Theory in 2014 and has since authored more than 350 blog posts about outdoor travel, hiking, camping, and van life. Her work has been featured in National Geographic, Outside Magazine, and Backpacker, and when she’s not on the road, she lives in Park City, Utah with her partner Ryan, their son, and two adventure pups.

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35 Comments

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

Great timing!! I am planning a trip for this spring and will be hiking in these areas. Thanks for the info and helping with the planning. You have a great site!

This is an absolutely great post. Thank you for including such information which can really help our beloved adventurers who wants to wander the wonders of Utah. Hiking and camping on any of these sites can be the best option too.

I actually did this trip almost exactly 4 years ago. It was the best thing I’ve ever done. The scenery and hiking are amazing. I suggest flying out of Grand Junction, CO airport, however. It is less than a 2 hour drive.

Thanks, Lynn! So neat to hear about your trip. Thanks for the rec! Hope you have some great upcoming adventures planned.

We just finished this trip plus Grand Canyon and Sedona (12 days)- unfortunately I just now came across this while dreaming of our next adventure! We traveled with two adventurous kids (age 10 and 12) so I’ll add what we enjoyed the most. Zion- swap out Angel’s Landing for a more kid friendly hike and we followed this. LOVED the Narrows (rented neoprene socks and shoes- very glad we did), and Observation Point. Bryce- we did a 3 hour horseback ride in the park- amazing! Capitol Reef- Cassidy Arch trail! It was incredible and you can walk out onto the arch- definitely the highlight of this park. Arches- Delicate Arch hike was awesome. The Windows area is a great stop to see 4 popular arches with little hiking. Canyonlands- we did both Island in the Sky and Needles (not in same day)- we’d skip Needles next time. Lots of great short hikes at Island though. We also stopped at Dead Horse. If we go again we’ll raft in Moab but instead we headed to Arizona for a few days. Did Page-GCNP-Sedona- flew out of Phoenix.

Suzanne, what time of year did you take this trip? BearFoot Theory – how are the crowds in midApril? Is Zion a park that should be done midweek and not on a weekend? Moab parks are they ok to do Jeep Week or will the crowds be unbearable? Thanks in advance! In early stages of planning.

I’m planning to visit in the Christmas this year! Going to keep all these things in mind while I travel. Thank you very much for sharing..:)

Hello, thanks a lot for a great blog! I am planning this trip for next year. When do you think is the best time to visit and, any suggestions for additional places to visit if we have about 3 week? Thanks Yana

Hi Yana, that is awesome to hear you are planning to visit the parks. The best time of year is late Spring or in the Fall. So I would plan for April/May or September/October. You will want to check the weather to make sure it isn’t too cold but try to avoid the crowded and busy summer season. You can easily add on the Grand Canyon to a Utah NP Roadtrip. Arizona also has the Wave and some other great hiking places.

Thanks so much for this post. It makes planning our Utah NP trip so much easier! We’re looking at visiting for 7-8 days at the beginning of March 2019. Any thoughts on what type of weather we can expect? I’ve looked at a bunch of weather websites, but first hand knowledge would be great. We’re hoping to camper van. Thanks so much for the helpful post.

Hey Sherry! We’re glad it helps! The beginning of March can still be pretty cold and potentially a little bit rainy. It’s hard to say this far out but global warming might be on your side to help it not be too cold. Definitely want to make sure you have plenty of layers, beanies and warm blankets if you’re going to camp.

Very well written, thanks for the info. Don’t Forget about Brian Head. Enjoy the off-road trails for ATVs and snow mobiles, Skiing, and much more. Don’t forget to rent a cabin while exploring Brain Head, Utah.

Absolutely AMAZING blog! Thank you to the beautiful Tara for sharing it with me! 😉 I have a question that I’m hoping you can answer! When it comes to hygiene, are there shower areas in any of the camping sites that you could see?

Hi Josh, thanks for dropping us a comment. I don’t recall necessarily seeing any shower areas in the camping sites BUT there are definitely shower facilities in the area. For example, in Zion there are NOT any showers but in Springdale, which is just outside of the park there are pay showers. You can do a simple search on Google for each park to find shower facilities that are nearby.

We have 10 days for a Utah adventure coming up in May. We fly in and out of Las Vegas. I’m considering pretty much your exact itinerary OR, simply exchanging Arches for several days on a houseboat on Lake Powell. What are your thoughts on that?

Hi Maureen, thanks for reaching out! Lake Powell and Arches are both equally incredible–could you split the time & do both? It really depends on what your interested are. You’re going to have an incredible trip no matter what–Utah in May can be absolutely lovely.

hi there,we`re planning our very first american roadtrip next year and this blog is a godsend!! Just amazing!! one question-are the views while you`re driving between the parks better when you start from a particular direction ( if we were to reverse the suggested intinerary and finish in zion )? Or is it good both ways? Thank you for any advice.P.

How exciting! I don’t think you can go wrong, the views all around are fabulous. Make sure to stop at the designated viewpoints to take it all in too. Enjoy your trip 🙂

This is beyond helpful! Thanks for the info. I was hoping to make the trip mid/end Feb and ring in a 40th birthday. Any thoughts on road conditions or accessibility? My map shows some minor route closures in winter. (Won’t be camping).

It really depends on the year and whether storms are passing through. Check the weather and forecast before you head out! That being said, Utah’s National Parks are beautiful in snow 🙂

I was going in circles trying to plan a family hiking trip to southern Utah until I found your advice. I plan to follow it precisely. Thank you so much for your guidance. The extra advise on lodgings and restaurants and driving times is terrific for someone is blindly trying to fit in all five national parks.

Glad you found it helpful, Elizabeth. Have a great trip!

Hi, I’m planning a trip to all of the Parks listed in September. I camped and hiked in all of them as a 20 year old. I want to go back, as a 67 year old! Physically, I’m in good shape but there will be a difference from 40 years ago. Any thoughts on trails. We hike hilly 5-8 mile trails now. We want to walk and take great pictures. Thoughts?

Many of the hikes we listed in this post are great for easy-to-moderate hiking. If you want more suggestions, we have detailed guides on many of the Utah National Parks with additional hiking options.

How crowded and how hot is it to visit all the National Parks in early June? We probably wouldn’t do much hiking- mainly explore with our car.

It really depends on which National Parks you plan on visiting. Most National Parks can get pretty busy during the summer months and temperatures fluctuate greatly depending on the location of the Park.

Thank you so much for all of this valuable information! We plan to pretty closely follow this itinerary this July. My 15 yo son really wants to be able to bike at some of the places. My husband, myself, and kids (ages 15 and 17) would like to do some (easy) mountain biking during the trip. Could you please offer some insight as to which parks we could do this at and perhaps places we could rent bikes? We will be traveling in an RV. Thank you!!!

Hi Amy – mountain biking isn’t allowed in National Parks, but Utah has great mountain biking outside the parks. Hurricane and St. George are popular areas outside Zion (Over The Edge Sports in Hurricane rents bikes) and Moab outside of Aches is also an amazing place to mountain bike with plenty of places for bike rentals.

I really like your itinerary. Do you think it is worth it to add Antelope Canyon? We are thinking of doing that as a loop back to Las Vegas instead of driving up to SLC.

Antelope Canyon is currently closed with no date for reopening as of now. If it does open before your trip, it’s definitely worth checking out.

Hello Kristen Great information! Very helpful! We hope to follow it almost exactly. We have two questions: One is about time in Zion and other is more delicate 🙂 First question: We plan to do Angel Trial, Narrows and Observation Point and then try to make Bryce sunset point to watch sunset. Question is should we plan on 3 days at Zion–a day each for the three things or can we do in 2 days — and leave for bryce. Second Question: We are in our early 70’s and sometime nature calls unexpectedly….are bathrooms frequent along the trials…??

Angels Landing should definitely be one day. Depending on how much time you spend at the Narrows (hiking from the bottom up), you could combine that with the 8-mile Observation Point hike. For bathrooms, there’s usually always a bathroom at the trailhead. There’s one near the top of Angel’s Landing as well.

Planning a trip much like you have here 9-10 days late April- early May. You mention crowds, how crowded is what you call crowded??? like a tourist trap town, dodging people every few steps? or is there room to move without running into someone and waiting for them to move so we can view what they are blocking?

Hi Dennis, it really depends on the park and what hike(s) you plan on doing. The most popular spots will likely be very crowded (lines to take photos at Delicate Arch, for example) but there are always areas where you can find fewer people and more solitude – especially if you go on weekdays or at sunrise. Also, something to keep in mind – Arches National Park is requiring timed entry permits starting April 2nd, which should help with overcrowding. I hope this helps & enjoy your trip!

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The ULTIMATE Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary (10 days)

Last updated on June 16th, 2024

Hoping to explore Utah’s national parks? In this guide we’re sharing a detailed itinerary for a 10 day Utah national parks road trip! With red rocks, canyons, rivers, hoodoos, arches, and so many other mind blowing natural features, Southern Utah is a GEM in the United States. You could spend a lifetime in just the southern part of Utah alone and still not explore everything there is to see and do! When deciding where to spend a couple months in our van this past spring (mid-March until early May), we quickly set our sights on Southern Utah. Not only did it offer tons of free camping and mild spring weather, but it is also home to FIVE national parks! FIVE! 

On our quest to visit all of the US National Parks, we were still missing three of the five Utah national parks, and with the five parks being within a half day’s drive from each other, combining them into one big Utah national parks road trip was a no brainer for us.  So we left Texas, where we had been spending time with family, and headed west to Utah. We spent two months driving all around the southern part of the state. We visited the national parks on our days off of work. As well as other spots outside of the park and had the BEST time! 

Watch our experience at all five of Utah’s national parks, including hikes, local eats, and so much more!

In this guide we’re sharing all that we learned and experienced during our Utah national parks road trip. We want to help you plan your own! We’ve adapted our own route and itinerary to fit into 10 adventurous and beautiful days. And have also included info about the parks. There’s tons of tips and important things to know, some suggestions of where to stay, and more! We hope this guide helps you experience the beauty of these parks, prioritize your time at them, and have a blast! WARNING: This is a long guide, but we hope it provides everything you need to know to plan your own epic Utah national parks road trip! We have a table of contents feature below if you’d like to skip ahead to any section. Looking for even more detail? We’ve written detailed guides for each Utah national park, which you can find here !

Want an ad-free, downloadable version of this guide that you can save to any device or print? Check out our  10 Day Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary eBook !

Want to explore outside of the national parks too? Check Out Our Other Southern Utah Guides:

• Things to do in Kanab, Utah
• Visiting the Toadstool Hoodoos in Kanab
• 1 Day in Page, Arizona Itinerary
• Exploring the Peek-a-boo and Spooky Slot Canyons
• Hiking to Lower Calf Creek Falls
• How to hike to Kanarra Falls near Zion National Park
• How to hike the Corona Arch Trail in Moab
• Best things to do in Moab
• Hiking Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch
• Visiting the Great Salt Lake
• All of our Utah Vlogs
• All of our Utah Guides

Before embarking on your adventure, please review the  Leave No Trace principles  to ensure you leave every place better than you found it, so that others can enjoy these beautiful places for many years to come! These seven principles include planning ahead and preparing, hiking and camping on durable surfaces, disposing of waste properly (pack out what you pack in!), understanding campfire rules and always fully extinguishing your fires, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of other visitors. 

About Utah’s National Parks

Utah national parks road trip route options.

• How much time is needed to visit Utah’s National Parks?
• When to visit the Utah National Parks

Where to stay for your Utah National Parks Road Trip

• How to get around the Utah National Parks

Things to know before your Utah National Parks Road Trip

What to bring on your utah national parks road trip, some things to know about this utah national parks road trip itinerary, 10 day utah national parks road trip itinerary.

Utah’s five national parks, known as the Mighty Five, include Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and Arches National Parks. These parks are all located in the southern portion of Utah. With each park being between 35 minutes to 3 hours from the next closest one. This close proximity makes it the perfect Utah national parks road trip! Here’s a quick rundown of each park and what it has to offer!

Zion National Park

Zion National Park is the 4th most visited National Park in the United States. It is home to steep orange and red cliffs, slot canyons, and the Virgin River, which winds through the park. It’s the most popular park of the Utah national parks road trip. The park is split into five main hiking areas : Zion Canyon (the most popular area and what we will focus on the most), Kolob Canyons, Kolob Terrace, East Rim, and Southwest Desert. Each area has a different vibe, but all offer incredible views of the canyon, peaks, and surrounding area. Some of the most notable sights in this park are Angels Landing. This requires chains in one section and is said to not be for those who are afraid of heights. And The Narrows, which takes you through a river and slot canyon (you will get wet!). But from our experience, you cannot go wrong with any hike in the park, every inch of it is stunning!

Check out our full Zion National Park Guide where we share a more detailed overview of the park, things to do, where to stay, and more! Plus, how to get a permit for Angels Landing (new for 2022!)

Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for having the world’s largest collection of hoodoos. They are rock columns that form over millions of years due to erosion from ice and rain. It became a national park in 1928 and was named after Ebenezer Bryce, a Mormon settler that lived near the park. He built a logging road into the canyon and locals began calling it “Bryce’s canyon.” But back in 1200 AD, well before European Americans and Mormons explored the area, it was occupied by Paiute Indians. And despite its name, Bryce Canyon is not actually a canyon. But rather a collection of natural amphitheaters, which sit along the eastern slope of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. It’s another necessary stop on your Utah national parks road trip!

Check out our full Bryce Canyon National Parks Guide where we share a more detailed overview of the park, things to do, where to stay, and more!

Capitol Reef National Park

Another stop along the Utah national parks road trip is Capitol Reef National Park. This park is named after the white Navajo Sandstone dome formations. They look similar to domes found on capitol buildings. And because the reef of mountains that proved to be a barrier of travel for pioneers. Capitol Reef National Park is approximately 368 square miles in size and is made up of 3 areas to explore. Fruita, Waterpocket (South), and Cathedral Valley (North). Each area is home to great hikes, scenic drives, and views. With the Fruita area being the easiest to access and most popular. This park was the biggest surprise during our time in Southern Utah. We knew the least about it beforehand and were blown away by its beauty and things to do, see, and EAT (they have PIE!!!). Don’t sleep on Capitol Reef!

Learn more about the park, plus see more itinerary options than we will include in this guide in our Capitol Reef National Park guide!

Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park preserves 337,598 acres of amazing Utah desert scenery. You’ll see colorful canyons, mesas, buttes, fins, arches, and spires all over these gorgeous lands.  The park is made up of four districts, the three land districts of Island in the Sky, The Maze, The Needles, and then the two rivers, the Green and the Colorado, that divide the park.  These districts may look close on the map, but there are no roads directly connecting them. Traveling between them requires 2-6 hours. Each district offers its own unique character to experience and adventures to be had. Make sure to visit this unique park on your Utah national parks road trip.

Check out our Canyonlands guides ( Island in the Sky and The Needles ) for even more information on this park! 

Arches National Park

With over 2,000 arches in the park, including the iconic Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch (one of the longest arch spans in the world), and the gorgeous Double Arch, Arches is the world’s largest concentration of natural arches.  Every arch in the park is unique from the others, making seeing each one a different experience. And what made our time in the park extra special was knowing that someday not all of these arches would still be standing. This gave us an extra appreciation for being able to witness this snapshot in time. Not that you needed another reason to make Arches a stop on the Utah national parks road trip!

For more details and everything you need to know before visiting the park check out our Arches National Park guide, including how to get a timed entry reservation !

Map of the Utah National Parks Road Trip

To experience all five of Utah’s national parks, our suggested route is:

Fly into Las Vegas -> Zion National Park -> Bryce Canyon National Park -> Capitol Reef National Park -> Canyonlands National Park -> Arches National Park -> Fly out of Salt Lake City

Note: you could do this route in reverse, but for this guide we will be listing it in the order above, as it’s the closest to our route. The driving time between each of these stops is:

• Las Vegas to Zion: 3 hours
• Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon: 2 hours
• Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef (Fruita): 2.5 hours
• Capitol Reef (Fruita) to Canyonlands (Island in the Sky): 2.5 hours
• Canyonlands (Island in the Sky) to Arches: 35 minutes 
• Arches to Salt Lake City: 3.5 hours

A few things to know about this Utah national parks road trip route and your options

One way vs. loop: This Utah national parks road trip route is about 14 hours of driving and while you could do this route as a loop, starting and ending in the same city, it will add on a couple extra hours of driving. If you were to do a loop, the shortest option is to fly in and out of Salt Lake City (SLC). Close to 16 hours of driving. Whereas flying in and out of Las Vegas (LAS) is 17 hours of driving.  Moab area parks: You can switch Canyonlands and Arches National Parks. These parks are right by each other in Moab. So you can do them in whichever order you’d like without it adding on extra time! Other airport options: While Las Vegas (LAS) is the closest major airport to Zion National Park at about 3 hours away, St. George (SGU) does have an airport you can fly into, which is about an hour from Zion National Park. It has flights from Denver, Salt Lake City, Phoenix, and Dallas. So if you live in one of those cities, or don’t mind a layover, it may be a good choice! Moab also has an airport called Canyonlands Field Airport (CNY), which is only 20 minutes from Moab. This airport has flights from Salt Lake City and Denver. But it will be harder to get flights than if you flew into Salt Lake City.

How much time is needed for a Utah National Parks Road Trip?

This itinerary is for 10 days. But you could cut it down to 7 or 8 and spend one day at each park. Plus two days for travel. We’d recommend 10 days if you are able to, as getting between the parks can take some time and each one offers so much to see and do!  While we did this Utah national parks road trip over two months, the majority of those two months were spent working and we had a handful of days spent in non-national park areas as well. So even though we did not spend 10 days back to back exploring the national parks, this itinerary is still almost identical to ours, but with modifications to ensure you have enough time for what we suggest and enough time to drive between the parks. If you have extra time, we suggest adding on some other spots outside of the national parks along the way. We will include some suggestions under the appropriate day of the itinerary!

When to visit the Utah National Parks Road Trip

While the Utah national parks are open year round, there are a few things to consider when choosing when to go on your Utah national parks road trip, including weather, holidays, and crowd levels. Here’s a quick rundown of what each season brings to the parks! 

We did the Utah national parks road trip in the spring and the weather was pretty perfect! With cool mornings, warm afternoons, and lots of sunshine, weather-wise it’s one of the best times in the park! However, the crowds can be pretty high in the spring. Especially with spring break in March and April all across the US. As well as Memorial Day at the end of May. We did notice pretty large crowds in the parks, but if you start early, you’ll have some solitude.

The summers in Southern Utah are VERY hot, with 100 degrees being pretty common. We’d suggest avoiding the parks in the summer. The heat is brutal, the crowds can be high due to summer vacation, and afternoon thunderstorms can be common. This can cause flooding and make specific hikes dangerous. However, if you do plan to visit in the summer, we suggest starting very early to beat the heat. Be sure to take lots of water on hikes. And if you can, stay somewhere with a pool so you can cool off in the middle of the day.

Similar to the spring, the fall brings more mild temperatures. This makes the parks more enjoyable. With kids back in school and less holidays during this time, the fall would be a slightly less busy time to visit.

It is possible to visit the parks in the winter. But snow and ice can cause closures to trails and roads. It may possibly limit you on your trip. But, if you’re comfortable with the conditions and taking a little bit of a risk with weather impacting what you can do, you’ll be rewarded with less crowds and maybe some magical snowy views. One thing to keep in mind is that some of the towns near the park have less restaurants open in the winter. (We found many restaurants are only open from March-October or November). Also the parks tend to have more limited services during this time. 

TIME OF DAY

We’ve said it many times and we’ll say it again, our biggest tip for visiting just about any hike, national park, or popular place, GO EARLY! This tip has never failed us and oftentimes the sunrise light can be the best for photography.

You’ll need to stay in different areas most nights of your trip. This will cut down driving and give you more time to explore. We will include our advice on what area to stay in during your Utah national parks road trip. Plus a few suggestions of where to stay under each day of the itinerary. But for a longer list of lodging options, check out our individual Utah national park guides ! Suggestion : Southern Utah is the perfect place to travel in a van or RV. There’s tons of free camping options, which is why we “lived” there for two months! We have included dispersed camping options under each day. But to find more free camping options, we love Campendium and freecampsites.net !

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How to get around on YOUR Utah National Parks Road Trip

Whether you fly to visit the Utah national parks and rent a car or if you drive from a nearby area, you will need to have a vehicle to properly explore the parks. We designed this Utah national parks road trip guide to be doable for any type of car . But if you want to have a bit more freedom and explore areas not on our main itinerary (like Cathedral Valley), we’d suggest getting a 4×4 vehicle if possible so you have the ultimate freedom to explore. Important reminder: If you do this route as planned, remember to make your rental car pick up and drop off locations different, as you’ll be flying in and out of different airports. If the fee to do this is too high, we’d suggest flying in and out of one airport instead. As the extra mileage isn’t too bad and you could see more scenery!

Rent a van!

As we mentioned above, Southern Utah is perfect for van life! If you want to rent a van, we suggest looking into Outdoorsy , which is like Airbnb for campervans!

Park Shuttles + Vehicle Restrictions

Both Zion and Bryce Canyon have free park shuttles that you can utilize. But the other three parks do not and you will need to drive yourself around. However, there are some things to be aware of when it comes to driving and taking the shuttle in Zion and Bryce Canyon.

Zion shuttle system

Zion has two free park shuttle options that run from March through November. The first shuttle takes you from the town of Springdale into the park. The other takes you onto the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. The Springdale Shuttle, also known as the town shuttle, makes stops at 9 different stops in town. And it drops you off at the bike/pedestrian entrance to the park. This is a good option if you cannot find parking in the park. Or if you just want to shuttle into the park from your hotel or Airbnb. The other shuttle option takes you down Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. During the shuttle months it is NOT accessible by private vehicle unless you’re staying at the lodge inside the park. This means you are required to take the shuttle to go down this road. The Zion Canyon Shuttle runs from the visitor center up Zion Canyon Scenic Drive to many popular spots. This includes the trailheads for Angels Landing and the Narrows. The lines can get pretty long for the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive shuttle. Arrive early and be prepared to wait. Also, make sure not to miss the last shuttle of the day. It is a long walk back to the visitor center (8+ miles).  You can find more information and see the exact shuttle schedule on the park website . 

Zion Mt. Carmel Tunnel Restrictions

Driving a large vehicle on the Utah national parks road trip? Anything over 11’4″ (3.4m) tall or 7’10” (2.4 m) wide must get a $15 tunnel permit to go through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, which connects the eastern and western entrances of the park. This is because you will have to drive in the middle of the tunnel, taking up both lanes. They’ll have to shut down one way so you can get through. There are also specific times you can access the tunnel if you’re an oversized vehicle, which varies by month.

Bryce Canyon shuttle + length restrictions

Bryce Canyon also has a free shuttle that will take you to the popular areas of the park. We didn’t have any issues getting parking. So we recommend parking at the park, assuming you arrive early. However, between April and October, any vehicle over 20 ft long (like our van!) cannot drive in the main amphitheater area during shuttle hours. You will need to park in an oversized lot and take the shuttle in. We avoided this by visiting in March, when we were allowed to freely drive around. You can learn more about the shuttle hours, stops, and oversize parking here !

Tips for planning a Utah National Parks Road Trip

Here are a few important things to know before hitting the road on your Utah national parks road trip!

Get the America the Beautiful Pass

Each national park costs between $20-$35 per car for a 7 day pass. This pass will only get you into that specific park, not all five of the national parks. We suggest buying the America the Beautiful pass . It costs $80/year and will get you into all of the national parks for free!

Book in advance

The Utah national parks are very popular between the spring and fall. So if you plan to book hotels, Airbnbs, and campgrounds, make sure to book early! This is especially key for Arches National Park, which now requires a timed entry permit!

Arches National Park now has timed entry reservations

Similar to Rocky Mountain National Park , Arches National Park is implementing a timed entry reservation system. This is to help manage crowds and also maintain the park’s landscape. This will allow people to enjoy it for years to come. These reservations will be required between April 1 to October 31 to enter the park between 7 AM-4 PM. However, you can enter the park without a reservation outside of those times. We HIGHLY recommend that anyways so you can beat crowds and see the sunrise and/or sunset in the park. Reservations will open up three months in advance for the entire month. For example, on February 1st, the entire month of May will open for reservations. There will also be a select number of reservations available at 6 PM MDT the day before you plan to visit. You can learn more about the process here !

Angels Landing at Zion now requires a permit

Angels Landing now has a lottery permit system due to the increased usage of the hike. It costs $6 (nonrefundable) to enter the lottery. And if you are lucky enough to get a permit, it also costs $3 per person for the permit. There are a couple ways to enter the lottery, both in advance and the day before. You can find out more about this permit system here .

Pets are (mostly) not allowed

Pets are typically not allowed on any Utah national park trails and are only allowed in developed areas, such as parking lots, and campgrounds, so please leave your furry friend at home or in a safe, cool spot! 

Learn how we travel with a dog and what we do with Kona when she cannot join us at the national parks.

Cell Service is limited

There were many times, both in the national parks, as well as driving between them, where we had zero cell service. We highly recommend downloading offline AllTrails Maps and offline Google Maps. This way you can navigate without cell phone service and don’t get lost! 

Want to get 30% off an AllTrails+ membership ? Use our code aplusk30 (you must redeem this code on the website, not the app)! We use AllTrails+ on every single hike and it is the most helpful hiking tool out there! Some of the features we love are offline maps (so we can navigate even without cell service), wrong-turn alerts, and its 3D maps feature, so we can get a feel for trails before we hike.

Amenities can be limited

Some parks are close to decent sized towns (like Zion, Canyonlands, and Arches). While others are more remote (Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef). Make sure to fill up on gas and have lots of snacks and water with you!

Check the weather conditions before you go on a Utah national parks road trip

Always check the weather conditions the day or two before you visit a specific park. Especially before driving down the Utah backcountry roads or entering slot canyons. Slot canyons can be extremely dangerous and flash flood quickly when there is rain. Even if it is raining miles away. Never ever enter a slot canyon if there is rain forecasted in the area!

A common question we get when sharing our adventures is what we bring with us. We have almost all of our gear listed here . But here are some items we especially recommend bringing to Southern Utah for a Utah national parks road trip!

TEN ESSENTIALS

As always, we recommend having the 10 essentials on you when doing any hike. While most national park trails are very maintained and easy to follow, accidents can happen anywhere and it’s good to be prepared!

HIKING SHOES

Hiking along canyon rims, on sandstone, and in canyons require a sturdy shoe. So you’ll want to wear proper hiking shoes. We almost always wear our Lowa Renegades (Kathryn) and Altra Superiors (Adam), but also love our Chacos . These are great hiking sandals for the warmer months and for sandy and smooth rock terrain.

Despite being more of desert climates, the parks range in elevation. If you go in the spring or fall, temperatures in the high desert can swing up to 40 degrees in one day! We visited in March and April and typically started our days in the spring with jackets or pullovers on. Then ended in t-shirts or tank tops.

SUN PROTECTION

Almost all of the hikes at these parks are very exposed. We’d suggest bringing sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to stay protected. We have been using Bare Republic , which is a “better for you” sunscreen. Although it may give you a nice white, vampire-esque sheen. 

Water is a must in the desert! We love our Camelbak bladder for hikes because it stores a ton of water. And it’s easy to drink from while moving. 

Make sure to bring along some snacks for your hikes and on the Utah national parks road trip! We love the meals and bars from Wild Zora (if you use our link you’ll get 15% off your purchase) and some of our other favorite snacks are trail mix, lunch meat, carrots and hummus, apples, chicharones, and pistachios. 

ALLTRAILS MAPS

We’d highly recommend downloading the AllTrails maps for all hikes you plan to do before you go. While the trails are mostly easy to follow, we like to use the map to track our progress along the trail. You will need an AllTrails+ membership to download maps, which is $35.99 a year and so worth it!

Before we jump into all of the best things to do on the Utah National Parks road trip, here are some notes we wanted to make about this itinerary.

• As we mentioned above, you can shorten it to fit your trip length. If you have any questions or want any tips on what to prioritize, send us an email at [email protected] . We’d be happy to help!  
• We love jam packed adventures and typically need a vacation from our vacation. This guide is loaded with hikes and activities, with many early wake up calls. So it may not be super relaxing, but you will beat some crowds this way.  
• On a similar note, we have included both easier and harder hikes on this guide This is to make it doable for different activity levels and to give you options to choose from.  

Now that you know a bit more about the parks, what to bring, and when to visit, it’s time to start planning! This Utah national parks road trip itinerary will mostly be based around our actual time in the parks and what we did. There’s a large focus on hiking and free activities (vs. paid tours). We have a suggested itinerary for each day. It can of course be adjusted to what you want to do, how much you want to do in a day, and how much time you have.  To keep this itinerary easier to follow and not too overwhelming, we’re keeping it a bit more brief than our individual guides. To find more information about the parks, ideas of things to do, where to eat and drink coffee, and more options of where to stay each night, check out the individual guides we have for the Utah national parks. 

• Zion and Bryce Canyon National Park 
• Capitol Reef National Park 
• Canyonlands National Park- Island in the Sky 
• Canyonlands National Park- The Needles 
• Arches National Park 

Day 1: Land in Las Vegas

• Welcome to Las Vegas! After landing at the airport, depending on how early you arrive and how much time you have, you can either spend a couple hours exploring Sin City (we have some of our favorite things to do in Vegas here !) or hit the road to Zion National Park.  
• If you are hungry, we highly recommend grabbing tacos in Vegas at one of our favorite taco spots ever , Tacos El Gordo . We also loved La Cocina Mexican Street Food in St. George, Utah!  
• Once arriving near Zion National Park, get some rest so you’re ready for 8 nonstop days of exploring the Utah national parks road trip! 

Where to stay:

For day 1, staying at Zion National Park will be the best option. You can start bright and early the next morning! Zion is located right by Springdale, which has many accommodation options, such as campgrounds in the park, hotels, and vacation rentals.

Campgrounds: South Campground & Watchman Campground Dispersed Camping: Old Highway 89 (Kanab) & Hurricane Cliffs  Hotels: Zion Lodge (located in the National Park), Desert Pearl Inn , Springhill Suites , Holiday Inn Express , La Quinta Inn & Suites Vacation Rentals: Springdale Townhome , Tiny Cabin at Zion , Luxury Suite

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Day 2: Zion National Park

Read our Zion National Park guide for a much more in-depth look at the park, as well as where to eat, more places to stay, and more things to do!

• Start the Utah national parks road trip with sunrise on the Canyon Overlook Trail . It is one of the BEST views in the park in our opinion, especially for how easy it is! The trail is only 1 mile round trip and has 163 ft elevation gain. And despite having a couple narrow spots, it’s easy to navigate in the dark. We suggest getting there 15-30 minutes before sunrise so you can watch the canyon start to light up!  
• After sunrise, grab coffee and breakfast at Deep Creek Coffee Co. , which is one of our favorite spots in Springdale. Their food and coffee is amazing and the views are top notch!  
• Observation Point via East Mesa (6.7 miles, 695 ft elevation gain): While Angels Landing gets all the hype, we think this hike is even better, as it is less crowded, less scary, and has higher views than Angels Landing. The original trail has been closed due to rock slides. But if you hike via East Mesa, you still get to the epic view at the end! Even though it isn’t as scenic along the way. Check out our guide to hiking to Observation Point to learn more about this trail and where to park. Note: This will require a bit of a drive from Springdale.  
• Angel’s Landing (5 miles, 1,630 ft elevation gain): This is one of, if not the most popular hikes in the park. It is known for its chains section. A narrow section with drop offs on one side and chains to hold onto. This hike can get very crowded (there is sometimes an hour wait to get to the top). And if you’re afraid of heights this hike may not be for you. NOTE : There is now a lottery permit system starting April 1, 2022. This means only those who get lucky and win a permit will be able to hike. You can learn more about this permit process here .  
• Watchman Trail (3.1 miles, 646 ft elevation gain): This hike starts right in the visitor center parking lot. It takes you to a great view of a peak called the Watchman, as well as the park and Springdale. For only 3.1 miles, the scenery is pretty amazing!
• Grab dinner at Oscar’s Cafe , a delicious spot with AMAZING burritos and enchiladas!  
• Enjoy sunset on the Pa’rus Trail . An easy, flat pathway that has great views at the Canyon Junction bridge for sunset.

You will still want to stay near Zion National Park so you can have one final adventure tomorrow.

Day 3: Zion National Park

• For your final day at Zion National Park, grab a quick coffee and bite to eat at Perks! . It opens at 6 AM and is perfect if you want to get an early start.  
• If you want an alternative to the Narrows, we suggest hiking to Kanarra Falls . It is a mini version of the Narrows. This hike requires a permit, so it is less crowded, but is still an incredible experience. Plus has some unique features, like a ladder and waterfalls!  
• Drive to Bryce Canyon National Park for your second stop on the Utah national parks road trip. It is about a 2 hour drive from Zion National Park. Note: There aren’t a ton of good dining options near Bryce Canyon. So we suggest picking up food at the store in Springdale before you hit the road. This way you can cook some of your own meals. Two restaurant options are Bryce Canyon Pines Restaurant and Stone Hearth Grille .  
• If you’re up for an activity when you arrive, head to Bryce Point for sunset! While most overlooks in the park face east, this one faces north. You’ll be able to see some nice sun flares as the sun tucks behind the Bryce Canyon amphitheater. 

OptionAL Utah national parks road trip Add On: Other areas of Zion

If you have extra time between Zion and Bryce Canyon, we highly recommend visiting Kolob Canyons and Kolob Terrace, which are much less visited areas of Zion National Park and SO beautiful! Kolob Canyons : Hike the Middle Fork Taylor Creek Trail (4.9 miles), Timber Creek Overlook (1.1 miles), and Kolob Arch (13.7 miles) Kolob Terrace : Hike the Northgate Peaks trail (6.0 miles), which is an easy hike with an awesome payoff at the end.

We suggest staying at Bryce Canyon for the night so you can start before sunrise the next morning.  Campgrounds: Sunset Campground (closed in winters), North Campground (open year round) Dispersed Camping: Tom’s Best Spring   Hotels: The Lodge at Bryce Canyon (located in the National Park), Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn , Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel Vacation Rentals : Farriers Quarters Studio , Ranch Hands Bunkhouse , Quaint and spacious cabin , King Tent , Deluxe Private Yurt , Affordable Family Fun

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Day 4: Bryce Canyon National Park

Read our Bryce Canyon National Park guide for a much more in-depth look at the park, as well as where to eat, more places to stay, and more things to do!

• The #1 suggestion we have for Bryce Canyon National Park is to watch the sunrise! . We know this is so hard to do on vacation, especially a busy Utah national parks road trip like this. But it’s so worth it. The major overlooks in the park face east and seeing the hoodoos light up is magical! Sunset Point , which despite its name, is said to be a great spot for sunrise. But we have always enjoyed just finding a random spot on the rim. Somewhere between Sunset Point and Sunrise Point to watch the sunrise.  
• Navajo Loop & Queens Garden Trail (3.5 miles, 662 ft elevation gain): This hike gets you up close and personal with the hoodoos in the park and is a MUST do! If you only have time for one hike, this is a great one to choose.  
• Fairyland Loop (7.9 miles, 1,545 ft elevation gain): This hike is pretty challenging, but way less crowded and you get great views of the park! You can either start at the Fairyland Loop trailhead or at Sunrise Point. If you start at Sunrise Point, we suggest going clockwise. And if you start at the Fairyland Loop trailhead, we suggest going counter clockwise. This way, you get the “boring” part out of the way first. To learn more about the Fairyland Trail, read our guide to the hike !  
• Figure Eight Trail (6.3 miles, 1,499 ft elevation gain): This hike combines the Navajo and Queens Garden Loop from above, plus Wall Street and Peekaboo Loop into one gorgeous hike through the hoodoos!  
• Finish the day with a drive down the Bryce Canyon scenic drive (38 miles roundtrip) and enjoy the views from the Rainbow Point, Natural Bridge, Inspiration Point, and Bryce Point overlooks. If you have enough time, you can also stop by Mossy Cave , which is located outside of the main park area, to see a waterfall and a cool mossy cave.

Optional Utah national parks road trip Add On: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

If you have an extra day between Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef, we suggest spending a day or two in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Two of our favorite activities were Lower Calf Creek Falls and Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Slot Canyons !

We’d suggest staying at Bryce Canyon again since you’ll have had a long day and the drive to Capitol Reef is 2.5 hours. But if you decide to go to Capitol Reef after exploring Bryce Canyon, we’ll share some places to stay under Day 5.

Day 5: Capitol Reef National Park

Read our Capitol Reef National Park guide for a much more in-depth look at the park, as well as where to eat, more places to stay, and more things to do!

• If you stayed at Bryce Canyon National Park last night, make the 2.5 hour drive to the Capitol Reef’s Fruita Historic District . This is the most accessible area in the park. This drive is beautiful and we suggest leaving as early as you can to get to Fruita early enough for a very special treat.  
• First up, get PIE at the Gifford Homestead ! The Gifford Homestead is a historic homestead that has been home to many families over the years. And between March 14 (Pi Day) to October 31, the Gifford Homestead sells locally made fruit pies. They are amazing , as well as homemade ice cream. We tried the strawberry rhubarb and apple and loved them both! The pies do sell out, so arriving early to the park is key to ensure you have your pick of flavors! The Gifford Homestead also sells delicious cinnamon rolls (so we hear), but these sell out almost instantly.  
• While in the Fruita Historic District, walk around the orchards ! These orchards were planted in the 1880s by Mormon settlers. They are maintained by the park staff using the original irrigation canals dug by the pioneers and heritage techniques. You can pick the fruit during the prime picking season which is mid-June through the end of October. It sounds like such a fun and unique national park activity! The type of fruit you can pick varies on the month you visit. You can see the harvesting schedule here !  
• While in the Fruita area we also suggest visiting the Fruita schoolhouse . A one room schoolhouse that was built by residents in 1896. It also served as a church, community meeting house for dances, elections, town meetings, and more! It has been restored to what it looked like in the 1930s. During certain hours you can walk inside and take a look!  
• Another great hike to check out in the Fruita area is Cohab Canyon (3 miles, 793 feet of elevation gain). This hike starts right by the Gifford Homestead and will give you amazing views of the Fruita Historic District, as well as the surrounding area.  
• For your final hike of the day, hike to Hickman Bridge (1.7 miles, 416 feet of elevation gain), which is a short, fun hike that takes you to a huge sandstone natural bridge that spans 130 feet and is 125 feet high, which you can walk under! You could also continue on to the Rim Overlook (this will add on 3.7 miles and has a total of 1,053 feet of elevation gain), which shares the beginning of the trail with Hickman Bridge. This is a tough hike, but the views of the park, especially the Fruita Historic District, are amazing! We found the crowds to be less busy here too! Tip: we’d suggest choosing the Rim Overlook or Cohab Canyon. Doing both would be a lot in one day and they have somewhat similar views of the Fruita area.  
• Enjoy dinner in the town of Torrey! We suggest checking out Capitol Burger or Chak Balam ! 

For Day 5 of the Utah national parks road trip, we suggest staying near Capitol Reef. This way you can explore a few more spots in the morning before driving to your next national park! Campgrounds: Fruita Campground (inside the park)  Dispersed Camping: Beas Lewis Flat Campground & Capitol Reef Overflow Dispersed Camping Hotels: Capitol Reef Resort & Red Sands Hotel Vacation Rentals: Torrey Pines Cozy Cabin , Sandcreek Cottage

Day 6: Capitol Reef National Park

• Start the morning early and hike to Cassidy Arch (3.1 miles, 666 feet of elevation gain) for sunrise. While you could wait until the sun is up to do this hike, we LOVED hiking to the arch in the dark and getting to witness a magical sunrise along the trail and having the arch ALL to ourselves! The arch gets its name after the outlaw Butch Cassidy, who apparently had a hideout in Grand Wash. And what is amazing about this arch is that you can walk onto it! It may look sketchy to walk on from afar, but it’s very wide and we felt totally safe. Even if you don’t want to do this hike for sunrise, make sure to start early! The parking lot isn’t huge and it gets very busy.  
• After finishing your hike to Cassidy Arch, continue on through part of the Grand Wash , which shares a trailhead with Cassidy Arch. This trail has multiple trailheads and you could hike to the other one, but we suggest making it to the Narrows (1.5 miles in) and then turning around. This hike is flat and easy, but takes you through some very tall canyon walls, which make you feel tiny!  
• Continue down the scenic drive to Capitol Gorge, which requires driving on a dirt road for the last 2 miles, and if you’re up for it hike part of the Capitol Gorge trail (4.5 miles, 374 feet of elevation gain)! We tried to do a portion of this hike, but the parking lot was jam packed by the time we made it there (early afternoon), with no room to park our large van, so we were unable to stay unfortunately. And while this hike has some mixed reviews (some say it’s not as impressive as the Grand Wash), it does have a Pioneer Register, which is a wall that pioneers wrote their name and date on when passing through the area many years ago, which we think sounds worth checking out. You could just go to this portion of the hike and then turn around.  
• Start your 2.5 drive to Moab to visit your final two national parks on the Utah national parks road trip! If you get hungry on the drive, we highly recommend Tacos la Pasadita in Green River. We LOVED their vampiros, which are kind of like quesadillas with meat.  
• Settle into your lodging in Moab and get ready for another day of adventuring!

Optional Utah national parks road trip Add Ons: Navajo Knobs, Cathedral Valley, & Goblin Valley

If you have an extra day between Capitol Reef and Moab, or you just want to cut your time in the Fruita area of Capitol Reef short, we suggest adding on either Navajo Knobs, Cathedral Valley (if you have the right vehicle), or Goblin Valley State Park. Navajo Knobs is a 9.1 mile hike that shares part of a trail with the Hickman Bridge and Rim Overlook. So if you choose to do this hike, we’d suggest combining it with those. This was our favorite hike in Capitol Reef, but it was tough , so if you’re looking for a butt-kicking hike, with epic views, Navajo Knobs is the hike for you!  The views on this hike were amazing the entire way as you climb high up, skirting the canyon rim, scrambling over some boulders, and getting views of the Fruita area, crazy rock domes, and really unique rock formations like the Castle.  Cathedral Valley is north of the Fruita region of Capitol Reef and has a 60 mile driving loop , which consists of unpaved roads and takes about 6-8 hours to complete. There are many side trips and hiking opportunities along the way and some of the park’s most iconic sites, like Temples of the Sun and Moon, are located here. But you really need a 4×4 vehicle to do this driving loop, as it can be sandy and if you get stuck, it may be very hard to get help. Goblin Valley State Park (costs $20 per car to enter) is about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Capitol Reef National Park, on the way to Moab, and is home to tons of hoodoos, which resemble goblins. But one of the coolest things about Goblin Valley is that it’s basically a giant playground! While there are some “trails” here, it’s mostly a choose your own adventure type experience, where you can walk all through the hoodoos. We recommend just walking around and exploring and if you decide to skip Capitol Gorge at Capitol Reef, you could likely squeeze in Goblin Valley, which only requires a few hours, on your way to Moab!

We suggest staying in Moab after Day 6 of the Utah national parks road trip so you can be ready for a big day at Canyonlands tomorrow! This is where you’ll be staying for the remainder of the guide as well. Campgrounds: Devils Garden (Arches), Willow Flat Campground (Canyonlands), Kayenta Campground (Dead Horse Point State Park), Wingate Campground (Dead Horse Point State Park), Horse Thief Campground (Moab) Dispersed Camping: BLM 144 Dispersed , Willow Springs Trail Dispersed , & Klondike Bluff Hotels: Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn , Hyatt Place Moab , Element Moab , & Fairfield Inn & Suites Moab   Vacation Rentals : Moab Flats , Casa Moab Casita , Stylish Beauty , Wisteria Cottage

Day 7: Canyonlands National Park (Island in the Sky)

Read our Canyonlands National Park (Island in the Sky) guide for a much more in-depth look at the park, as well as where to eat, more places to stay, and more things to do!

Note: for the rest of this guide you could rearrange the days, as everything is pretty close to Moab.

• Start the day with sunrise at Mesa Arch (0.7 miles, 88 feet of elevation gain). This is the most iconic spot in this area of the park and we arrived about an hour before the sunrise to snag a spot since we heard it could get busy with photographers. If you’re not trying to get the famous shot, you could arrive closer to sunrise to still see its beauty, but without a front row spot.  
• Next up, hike Upheaval Dome (1.3 miles, 226 feet of elevation gain), which is about as far east as you can go by car in Island in the Sky. This unique crater reminded us of something we’d see in Hawaii…it was unlike anything else in the park! We loved doing this second because it was still early and we were able to beat the crowds to this hike.  
• If you’re up for a bit of an adventure, check out the False Kiva trail (1.9 miles, 426 feet of elevation gain), which is an unmarked trail (not on park maps or in AllTrails) that leads you to a kiva, which is a room used by Puebloans for rites and political meetings. However, they call this kiva a “false” kiva because its origins are unknown and they aren’t 100% sure if it was used as a kiva. To get to this hike, you’ll want to park at the Alcove Spring Trailhead , which is just down the road from the start of the trail. You’ll turn left out of the parking lot and walk the road until you see some wooden fencing and a path behind it. The trail starts out pretty easy and has cairns to guide the way. But once you get to a more open area with canyon views, it gets tricky. You have to do a bit of scrambling to get to the kiva and after attempting some of it, we didn’t feel comfortable continuing, so we turned around. Plus, the kiva was blocked off due to vandalism (grrr), so you couldn’t get as close to it as before. While we did not fully complete this hike, we loved what we got to see and highly recommend just hiking to the area right before where you’d climb up to see the kiva. The views are amazing and we didn’t see anyone else the entire time!  
• Visit the Green River Overlook , which was one of our favorites of the day! Seeing the canyon and river together was breathtaking and isn’t a view you get to see from every overlook in the park.  
• Head back towards the park entrance and stop at the Shafer Trail Viewpoint to watch Jeeps and other vehicles go on the crazy steep, cliffside switchbacks of the famous Shafer Trail. It is wild to see!  
• If you’re doing well on time and want to stay in the park for sunset, we suggest taking a little break and leaving the park for lunch. We highly recommend Antica Forma for some delicious Neapolitan style pizza or Quesadilla Mobilla for quesadillas! You could also stay in the park and enjoy a picnic if you don’t want to make the trek back to Moab.  
• Buck Canyon Overlook
• Grand View Point Overlook + Trail : You can admire the views from the overlook right by the parking lot or continue onto the 1.8 mile (round trip) trail, which is pretty flat and gives you even more views of the canyon, plus the Needles District of Canyonlands.
• White Rim Overlook Trail : This 1.8 mile (round trip) trail takes you out to the White Rim Overlook, which is only accessible by this hike. We found this spot to be pretty empty and loved the expansive views!   
• If you still have some energy left from a long day, watch the sunset at Candlestick Tower Overlook , which is a non-marked overlook, so most people do not know to stop here, but it’s right off the main road and has room for 4 or so cars to park and is PERFECT for sunset!

Extra time in Moab? Hike the Corona Arch Trail in Moab !

We recommend staying in Moab for the remainder of the Utah national parks road trip. We’ve included some suggested spots under Day 6!

Day 8: Arches National Park 

Read our Arches National Park guide for a much more in-depth look at the park, as well as where to eat, more places to stay, and more things to do!

Arches is a park where you could see it all in one day, but it would be a very busy day. We’d suggest allowing 1.5-2 days of your Utah national parks road trip to have a bit more of a relaxed time. Below is our suggested itinerary if you only have one day, but under Day 9, we will share how you could split it up into two days if you choose.

• Start with a sunrise hike to the park’s most iconic arch, Delicate Arch (3.2 miles, 629 feet of elevation gain), which is the largest freestanding arch in the park. Because of its popularity, this arch gets mega crowded and you’ll likely never have it to yourself, but when we went for sunrise, the crowds were not that bad, plus we were able to see the arch light up as the sun rose. It was gorgeous!  
• After seeing the park’s most iconic arch, hike the Devils Garden Loop Trail (7.9 miles, 1,085 feet of elevation gain), which includes 7 different arches, including the famous Landscape Arch! This hike takes around 4-5 hours, so starting right after sunrise will be key to beat some of the heat and the crowds. The first part of the hike is very easy, but after the Landscape Arch, it becomes more primitive and you have to do a little bit of scrambling, walk on some more narrow ledges, and the trail is a bit harder to navigate. If you do not feel comfortable with this or just want to hike less, you can turn around at Landscape Arch (1.9 miles round trip). You can do this loop either clockwise or counterclockwise. We heard pros and cons to both ways, but we did it clockwise, as it allowed us to see the popular arches first and then end with the primitive portion. We include much more detail on this hike and the major sights along the way in this guide . If you do end up doing this hike on this day, be prepared to possible skip some spots below to ensure you have enough time.  
• Hike the Sand Dune, Broken Arch, and Tapestry Arch Loop (2.8 miles, 321 feet of elevation gain) to see three more impressive arches. This hike was such a pleasant surprise for us!  
• Make a quick stop at Balanced Rock , which is a 3,600 ton boulder perched precariously on a rock pedestal. You can see it from an overlook off the main park road and also go on the short walkway around the base of the rock.  
• Walk among the tall rock walls on the Park Avenue trail (1.8 miles, 298 feet of elevation gain), which is a trail without arches, but instead takes you through a canyon, surrounded by tall rock walls and formations. The trail gets its name because it almost feels like you’re walking among skyscrapers on Park Avenue and we totally agree!  
• Head to the Windows and Turret Arch (1.2 miles, 154 feet of elevation gain) and hike the loop trail where you can get a better look at the North and South Windows, which are large openings, as well as the Turret Arch, which is our favorite of the three. You can also get a cool photo of the Turret Arch framed within the North Window from the backside of the window.  
• End the day at Double Arch close to sunset. This is a super short (0.6 mile) trail that leads to our favorite arch in the park! The arch gets its name because it consists of two arches, whose legs share the same stone foundation. Besides being two arches in one, this arch is also unique because it was formed by downward water erosion instead of side-to-side water erosion. We loved seeing the golden light on this arch!  
• If you’re hungry after exploring, we recommend grabbing dinner at either Antica Forma for some delicious Neapolitan style pizza or Thai Bella for Thai food! We love their Panang Curry and Khao Soi! (Only open for dinner & closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays)

Day 9: Arches National Park OR Canyonlands National Park (Needles District)

For your final adventure day on your Utah national parks road trip, you have a couple options. You could either spend another day at Arches (and reduce how much you do the day before) OR you can head to the Needles District of Canyonlands, which we LOVED! 

If you choose Arches National Park

If you decide to split Arches National Park into two days, we’d suggest following the itinerary on Day 8 of the Utah national parks road trip, but skip the Devils Garden Loop Trail and do it this day instead! This would give you more time to enjoy this hike at a more leisurely pace and start earlier since you wouldn’t have a hike beforehand.

If you choose Canyonlands National Park’s Needle District

In our opinion, the Needles District is best explored by one of its long trails, so if you do not want to do a ton of hiking, you may want to skip this park, as it is a 1.5 hour drive from Moab. But if you want to hike, we highly recommend hiking the Druid Arch to Chesler Park Loop (11.2 miles, 2,162 feet of elevation gain). While this hike is long and has a good amount of elevation gain, the diversity on the trail keeps things interesting! Along the hike you’ll walk on top of exposed slickrock, go through narrow rock walls, walk in washes, climb a ladder, see a super cool arch, lots of the needle formations, and even get to see a really neat cave.  For slightly less miles (10.4 miles each) you could just hike to Druid Arch or the Chesler Park Loop Trail , but being able to see both of these is worth the extra mile or so!

Read our Canyonlands National Park (Needles) guide for a much more in-depth look at the park, as well as where to eat, more places to stay, and more things to do!

For either option, we recommend staying in Moab. We’ve included some suggested spots under Day 6!

Day 10: Drive to Salt Lake City

Your final day in Utah will be spent driving to Salt Lake City (or whichever airport you chose) to head back home! However, if you have additional time to spend, we highly recommend spending a couple days in Moab to explore outside of the national parks. We have a Moab guide with suggestions of things to do in Moab, including some dog friendly hikes! We hope that this Utah national parks road trip itinerary helps make planning your own adventure to visit the Mighty Five easier, so you can spend more time enjoying the trip and less time planning it! If you have any questions about the itinerary or Southern Utah, please let us know!

Frequently Asked Questions about a Utah National Parks Road Trip

While this road trip would be amazing any time of year, we recommend Spring or Fall for the best weather and slightly smaller crowds.

We recommend 10 days to fully experience each park. It can be done in less, and more days is always welcome!

The name “Mighty Five” refers to the five national parks in Southern Utah.

The Mighty Five National Parks are between 35 minutes and 2.5 hours from each other.

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The Ultimate 10-Day Utah Road Trip Itinerary | Best Utah National Parks Road Trip (2024)

• Last Updated: February 4, 2024

Plan the ultimate Utah road trip with our 10-day itinerary that will take you through all 5 Utah National Parks and leave you ready to return for another adventure!

There’s an inescapable allure to the open road, and nowhere does it beckon more enchantingly than the dusty trails and expansive landscapes of Utah’s five extraordinary National Parks, better known as the “Mighty Five.”

Welcome to an odyssey filled with towering red-rock monoliths, deep winding canyons, and the symphony of the winds dancing around ancient stone arches.

As you buckle up and hit the road, expect to be humbled by the grandeur of Arches, awed by the wild backcountry of Canyonlands, enamored by the lush woodland haven of Capitol Reef, entranced by the unique geological wonders of Bryce Canyon, and blown away by the raw magnificence of Zion.

Each park is a world unto itself, unique in its geological formations, yet united in their haunting beauty.

Get ready to wear yourself out hiking, enjoying the warm sun on your skin and the occasional rush of cool canyon breezes.

This is a journey of discovery, exploration, and most importantly, immense fun. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride – our Utah National Parks road trip starts now!

READ MORE: Check out our full guide to the best things to do in Salt Lake City !

Table of Contents

Beginning in Las Vegas

Beginning in salt lake city, how much time is needed to see the utah national parks, when is the best time of year to visit utah’s national parks, rving through the 5 utah national parks, book (everything) in advance, america the beautiful national park pass, pack in layers, start early, nearby hotels – springdale, rv campgrounds in zion national park, what to see and do in zion national park, if you have more time in zion national park, nearby hotels, rv campgrounds in bryce canyon national park, what to see and do in bryce canyon national park, if you have more time in bryce canyon national park, nearby hotels – torrey, rv campgrounds in capitol reef national park, what to see and do in capitol reef national park, if you have more time in capitol reef national park, nearby hotels – moab, rv campgrounds in arches national park, what to see and do in arches national park, if you have more time in arches national park, what to see and do in canyonlands national park, if you have more time in canyonlands national park, rv campgrounds in canyonlands national park, returning to salt lake city, returning to las vegas, continuing on your road trip, southern utah, central and northern utah, wrapping up your utah national parks itinerary, the ultimate utah national parks road trip.

Utah is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. And whether you plan to stay for each of our recommended ten days or want to extend the road trip, know that you are in for one of the most hyper-scenic experiences in America.

We’ll cover all of the best places to visit and things to do in each of the 5 national parks.

But even the drive between national parks merits time of its own to enjoy the scenery along the way.

The Best Route Through the Utah National Parks

Although you can begin and end this Utah National Parks road trip on either end of our suggested itinerary, we recommend that you begin in Zion National Park and end at either Canyonlands National Park or Arches National Park, both located just outside of Moab.

To reach Zion National Park you can begin at either Las Vegas with all its crazy things to do, or Salt Lake City.

The best place to begin this epic Utah road trip is by starting in Las Vegas. This will give you the shortest distance to reach Zion National Park, at just over 2 hours of driving along Interstate 15.

Traveling from Las Vegas will also give you plenty of opportunities to take some side trips to amazing places like Lake Mead National Recreational Area, Valley of Fire State Park and the open country of Northern Arizona and Southern Utah where you could even add on a stop at the Grand Canyon National Park.

However, if you have your return trip planned out of Las Vegas, know that it will take nearly 8 hours to drive from Moab, where you’ll finish this itinerary at either Arches National Park or Canyonlands National Park, back to Las Vegas.

So if you have a roundtrip in and out of Las Vegas, you should consider adding a few extra days to this Utah road trip itinerary and consider stops at Monument Valley in Southern Utah and Grand Canyon National Park, Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon in Northern Arizona as you loop back toward Las Vegas.

Of course, if you are on a long road trip that extends beyond these few days in Utah’s national parks, then you can continue on from Moab into Colorado or carry on further north to explore the more remote and less-visited beauty of Northern Utah, such as Goblin Valley State Park and Dinosaur National Monument.

Have extra time in Las Vegas? Check out our top day trips from the city!

If you want to make a roundtrip road trip through Utah, consider beginning and ending your adventure in Salt Lake City.

Although you’ll have to backtrack south along Interstate 15 for around 4 hours, beginning in Salt Lake City will give you the chance to take your time visiting all the national parks while working your way back toward Salt Lake City.

Salt Lake City has a lot of great things to do in itself. So you could add a few days to this Utah road trip itinerary to spend in Salt Lake City itself.

But if you plan to make the most of this 10-day Utah national parks road trip then you’ll want to hit the road immediately upon arriving in Salt Lake City and head south to begin in Zion National Park.

Of course, you can also follow this road trip itinerary in reverse from Salt Lake City as it is approximately the same driving time from Salt Lake City to Moab, where you can begin your adventure at either Arches National Park or Canyonlands National Park.

Related: Consider heading north into Wyoming to spend time exploring Jackson Hole .

To truly immerse yourself in the grandeur of Utah’s five National Parks, it’s recommended to set aside at least 10-14 days for your road trip.

This timeframe gives you about two to three days in each park, allowing you to savor the park’s iconic spots and venture a bit off the beaten path.

Don’t forget to factor in drive time between parks, ranging from 1.5 to 3 hours, and occasional rest days. This leisurely pace gives you plenty of opportunities to not only appreciate the majestic scenery and diverse ecosystems, but also to try out various activities such as hiking, biking, or stargazing.

However, if you’re pressed for time and simply want to soak in the iconic sights, a minimum of 7-10 days can provide a taste of each park’s unique beauty. Allocate a day or two for each park, with a focus on hitting the main highlights.

While this doesn’t allow as much time for long hikes or exploring the more remote corners, you’ll still witness some of the most breathtaking landscapes the American Southwest has to offer.

We have built this road trip itinerary to span 10 days and consider this the barebones minimum to truly enjoy every scenic drive and all of the great hiking trails you will find along the way.

Ultimately, the best itinerary is the one that aligns with your interests, travel style, and the time you have available. Regardless of how much time you spend, a road trip through Utah’s National Parks is an unforgettable journey of discovery and awe.

It is no longer a secret that Utah houses extraordinary scenery all throughout it. As such, trying to time your road trip around the crowds will be a challenge even if you’re not interested in visiting national parks for more than a day or two.

The best time to visit Utah’s National Parks largely depends on what you’re looking for in your journey. If mild weather, fewer crowds, and a vibrant explosion of colors sound appealing, then spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) are your best bet.

In spring, the parks are painted with wildflowers, and the weather is usually comfortable for exploring. Similarly, in the fall, the parks showcase a dramatic play of autumn hues, and the daytime temperatures are perfect for hiking.

Summer (July to August) in Utah can be intensely hot, with temperatures often reaching over 100°F (38°C) in the daytime. Despite the heat, this is the busiest time at the parks due to the school holidays.

If you plan a summer visit, aim for early morning and late afternoon activities when temperatures are cooler, and be sure to stay hydrated. Summer also brings the advantage of longer daylight hours, giving you more time to explore.

Winter (November to March) presents a different kind of beauty in Utah’s National Parks. While some areas may be closed due to snow, the ones that remain open are truly enchanting, with dustings of snow adding a magical touch to the red rock landscapes. The parks are quiet and peaceful, and lodging can be much cheaper.

If you don’t mind the cold and are adequately prepared, winter can be a unique and serene time to experience Utah’s natural wonders. Whether you’re seeking the vibrant colors of spring, the quiet serenity of winter, or anything in between, Utah’s National Parks are a spectacular destination year-round.

Embarking on an RV journey through Utah’s five magnificent National Parks – Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands – is an experience like no other. It allows you to carry the comforts of home while you traverse through mesmerizing landscapes filled with soaring cliffs, fascinating rock formations, sweeping vistas, and brilliant night skies.

The versatility of RV travel offers an all-in-one transportation, dining, and accommodation solution, freeing you from the constraints of hotel check-in times, restaurant reservations, and packing or unpacking at each location.

But do remember that you will still need to book your campground reservations far in advance as this Utah national parks road trip is just as popular with RVers.

But there’s a unique freedom and flexibility that comes with RVing. Instead of rushing to make it to a hotel before nightfall, you can stay out late for stargazing, knowing your comfortable bed is just a few steps away. Early morning hikes become much more accessible when your starting point is in or near the park.

Moreover, an RV’s kitchen facilities mean you have the option to cook your meals, catering to dietary preferences or restrictions and saving you money on dining out.

If you don’t own an RV, fear not, there are numerous rental options available that cater to different needs and budgets. You can conveniently pick up an RV in major cities like Las Vegas or Salt Lake City, both excellent starting points for your Utah National Parks road trip.

Our favorite RV rental company, RVShare , offers a variety of RVs, from compact camper vans perfect for couples to larger motorhomes suitable for families or groups.

Opting for an RV, whether owned or rented, provides an immersive way to experience the captivating beauty of Utah’s National Parks while enjoying the convenience and comfort of having your accommodations on wheels.

Related: Don’t forget to spend some extra time in the adventurous town of Moab !

Tips For Planning A Utah Road Trip

You won’t be the only one planning your epic Utah national parks road trip. But if you plan it right, you can make the most of your time there. These are our best tips for helping you to enjoy your road trip.

Planning a road trip through Utah’s five National Parks is an exciting endeavor, but it’s crucial to book your travel arrangements well in advance. These parks are immensely popular and accommodations, whether you’re opting for campgrounds, RV parks, or nearby hotels, tend to fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons.

The same applies to guided tours , which can offer invaluable insights into the parks’ geology, history, and ecosystems. By booking ahead, you not only secure a place to rest after a day of exploration, but you also avoid the stress of last-minute planning.

Additionally, some parks require advanced permits for specific hikes or activities, so early planning ensures you won’t miss out on these unique experiences. Remember, a well-planned journey paves the way for a relaxed and fulfilling adventure amidst Utah’s stunning landscapes.

If your travel itinerary includes the spectacular quintet of Utah’s National Parks, purchasing the America the Beautiful National Park Pass is not only cost-effective but also convenient. Each individual park has an entrance fee, ranging from $20 to $35.

The American the Beautiful Pass, priced at $80, covers entrance fees at national parks and national wildlife refuges, as well as day-use fees at national forests and grasslands. This means that if you’re visiting three or more parks, the pass quickly pays for itself.

Plus, it eliminates the need to deal with payment at each park entrance, allowing for smoother transitions between your destinations. Keep in mind, the pass is valid for a full year, so any other national parks you decide to visit within that time are essentially free entries.

The America The Beautiful national park pass is an excellent investment for explorers setting their sights on America’s wealth of natural beauty.

Read More: Check out our list of the best day trips from Salt Lake City !

One of the key aspects of a successful trip to Utah’s National Parks is packing and dressing in layers. The state’s desert climate means there can be significant temperature fluctuations between day and night, sometimes exceeding 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

In the peak of summer, days can be scorching hot, while evenings bring a refreshing coolness. On the other hand, winter can see sunny, mild afternoons followed by crisp, chilly nights.

Layering your clothing allows you to easily adjust to these changes and maintain comfort throughout the day. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep you dry, add an insulating middle layer for warmth, and top with water and a wind-resistant outer layer.

Remember, a comfortable explorer is a happy explorer, and the right clothing is essential in making the most out of your Utah National Parks adventure.

Check out our list of hiking tips for more ideas about what to pack and how to plan your adventures!

Starting your activities early when visiting Utah’s National Parks offers several advantages, and it’s a strategy veteran park visitors swear by.

First, you’ll avoid the peak daytime temperatures that can make strenuous activities like hiking not only challenging but potentially dangerous, especially in the summer months.

Second, many popular spots in the parks can get crowded as the day progresses. An early start allows you to beat the crowds, secure parking spaces, and enjoy the tranquil beauty of these natural landscapes at a leisurely pace.

Additionally, the soft morning light provides exceptional opportunities for photography. Lastly, many of Utah’s wildlife are most active during the cooler morning hours, offering a chance to spot and appreciate these creatures in their natural habitat.

So rise before the sun, soak up the serene morning vibes, and get a head start on your day of adventure in Utah’s stunning National Parks.

Utah National Parks Itinerary – Visiting The “Mighty 5”

Utah is hyperscenic. And following our itinerary below will give you the best chance to see and experience a taste of Utah’s national parks that will leave you ready to return to explore more of your favorite places.

We’re beginning this Utah national parks road trip in Las Vegas. But remember, you can swap out Day 1 with a start from Salt Lake City if you find that is better for your overall plans.

Day 1: Las Vegas to Zion National Park

As you leave the neon glow of Las Vegas behind and hit the road toward Zion National Park, prepare for a journey that’s as much about the drive as it is about the destination.

The roughly three-hour drive will take you through an array of landscapes, from the stark beauty of the Mojave Desert to the pastel-colored cliffs of Virgin River Gorge in Arizona.

If you have the time, make sure to stop at the Valley of Fire State Park, an hour’s drive from Las Vegas, which gets its name from the red sandstone formations that look as if they’re on fire when reflecting the sun’s rays.

Here, you can hike, explore ancient petroglyphs, and take stunning photographs of the landscape.

Upon reaching Zion National Park, you’ll find an array of activities to keep you entertained.

You can start with the Scenic Drive, which provides an excellent overview of the park’s main attractions, and the park shuttle makes it easy to hop on and off at different points.

We don’t recommend that you do too much on this first day as you will have plenty of time to explore Zion National Park the following day.

But simply driving through Zion National Park will give you an overview of the splendor and beauty of the area and set you up for what to expect from the other Utah national parks.

If you’re staying in the park, be sure to arrive at your accommodations early on this first night. This will give you time to set up and enjoy an incredible star-filled night .

But perhaps even more importantly, it will allow you to get a good night’s sleep so that you can plan for a very early start the next day.

Remember, although this is the first national park on your national parks road trip, you are not the only one with the idea to visit Utah national parks.

Get your sleep and be ready for an action-filled day as you explore Zion National Park from one end to the other!

Where to Stay Near Zion National Park

Unless you’ve made arrangements to stay in Zion National Park, the town of Springdale is about as close as you can get to the park. Here are a few great options:

• Pioneer Lodge – This rustic-style lodge offers a range of amenities including a restaurant, an outdoor pool, and easy access to the park, making it a convenient base for visitors eager to explore the stunning landscapes of Zion.
• Holiday Inn Express – Nestled in the majestic red rock cliffs of Zion Canyon, the Holiday Inn Express in Springdale, Utah offers modern amenities and comfortable accommodations. With its outdoor pool, fitness center, complimentary breakfast, and breathtaking views, it serves as a comfortable and convenient hub for travelers exploring the marvels of Zion National Park.

There are a few RV campgrounds in Zion National Park. But these will fill up quickly. So be sure to book as far in advance as possible to ensure that you have a campsite:

• Watchman Campground
• South Campground

Check out this National Park site for information on booking your campsite.

Day 2: Zion National Park

Welcome to Zion National Park, a nature lover’s paradise nestled in the southwestern corner of Utah.

Revered for its impressive sandstone cliffs radiating hues of cream, pink, and red, Zion is a place where landscape meets the sky creating an awe-inspiring backdrop like no other.

The Virgin River, the architect of the park, has carved its way through the rock, sculpting the canyon over millions of years, and creating an oasis of sorts in the desert where diverse plant and animal life thrive.

Zion National Park isn’t just about breathtaking vistas; it’s an invitation for adventures.

With over 200 square miles of exploration, the park offers rugged hiking trails, such as the iconic Angel’s Landing and the narrows of the Virgin River.

It’s a land of discovery, where every corner turned unfolds a scene of stark beauty, a land where one can truly grasp the magnificence of the natural world.

Whether you’re an avid hiker, a wildlife enthusiast, or a casual traveler seeking the serenity that comes with immense natural beauty, Zion is a world-class destination that promises to captivate your spirit.

As a brief overview, here are the top things to see and do in Zion National Park. We’re not telling you where to begin or end.

And some activities may not be suitable for everyone. And you really can’t truly see the park without including at least one Zion National Park Hike.

However, when deciding what to do in Zion National Park, this is our list of the absolute best things to do!

• Angels Landing Hike : This famous hike is not for the faint of heart due to its steep and narrow path, but it provides some of the most breathtaking panoramic views of Zion National Park.
• The Narrows : This unique hike takes you through the narrowest section of Zion Canyon in the Virgin River itself, so be prepared to get a little wet!
• Emerald Pools : This trail leads to a series of picturesque pools and waterfalls. There are both lower and upper trails depending on your preference for difficulty and distance.
• Zion Canyon Scenic Drive : This drive provides stunning views of the park. You can access the park’s shuttle system which stops at multiple points along the route for easy exploration.
• Canyoneering : Zion is known for its excellent canyoneering routes. This adventure sport combines route finding, rappelling, problem-solving, swimming, and hiking.
• Watchman Trail : A relatively easy trail offering impressive views of Zion Canyon, Springdale, and the Watchman Spire.
• Weeping Rock : A short hike that leads you to a rock alcove where water seeps out of the rock, providing a cool respite during hotter months.
• Kolob Canyons : Located in the northwestern section of the park, this area provides a quieter experience with equally stunning canyon views. Don’t miss the Taylor Creek trail.
• Wildlife Watching : Keep an eye out for the park’s abundant wildlife, including mule deer, wild turkeys, and the rare sighting of a bighorn sheep.
• Stargazing : With limited light pollution, the park offers fantastic opportunities for stargazing . Zion regularly offers ranger-led stargazing programs as well.

While most of the activities in Zion National Park involve getting out on the hiking trails, there are also some great viewpoints of the national park and a great visitor center where you could spend hours learning about the rock formations that gave rise to such a spectacular place.

Although visitor centers are typically great places to start, unless you stopped by on your first day traveling to Zion National Park, you won’t want to spend too much of your time there as this will eat into your less-busy time exploring the park itself.

If you have additional time in Zion National Park, consider exploring some of the less-trafficked areas of the park.

The Kolob Canyons, a lesser-visited section of the park, provides quieter trails and equally magnificent scenery.

Here, the Taylor Creek Trail is a delightful hike leading to the Double Arch Alcove.

If you’re up for a challenge, try the trail to The Subway, a unique tunnel-shaped canyon and geological marvel, though do note that this requires a permit. Also consider a horseback riding tour of White Mountain for a unique experience!

Alternatively, explore the Zion Human History Museum to learn more about the park’s cultural history or simply find a peaceful spot by the Virgin River and enjoy the serene beauty around you.

If you’re there in the right season, you might even partake in a peaceful bird-watching session, as Zion is home to over 290 species of birds.

Day 3: Zion to Bryce Canyon National Park

Don’t rush away from Zion National Park! Take your time and get one last hike or scenic drive in before heading north toward Bryce Canyon National Park.

The drive to Bryce Canyon National Park from Zion National Park will take a little less than 2 hours… unless you find yourself stopping to take in some of the incredible views along the way.

Taking Highway 9 out of Zion National Park, you’ll travel a few miles east before turning north onto Highway 89, arguably one of the most beautiful stretches of highway in America.

These 43 miles will lead you between the mountains that separate Zion National Park from Bryce Canyon National Park and there are places you may want to pull over to take in views of both.

Depending on how early you arrive in the area, you may want to check into your accommodations and grab a hearty meal to prepare you for a full day of exploring Bryce Canyon National Park.

To reach the park itself, you will turn off Highway 89 and go through a small stretch of hotels , restaurants and tourist shops and attractions in the small towns of Bryce and Bryce Canyon.

If you have time, you can park and take a shuttle through the national park or give yourself a quick self-guided driving tour . Be on the lookout for wildlife in the evening hours.

Remember, while Bryce Canyon National Park is not as popular as Zion National Park or Arches National Park, it is sure to be crowded the next day.

So head to bed early and get your rest so you can wake up early ready to spend a full day exploring the best that the national park has to offer!

Where To Stay Near Bryce Canyon National Park

Most of the accommodations near Bryce Canyon National Park are located in either Bryce, Bryce Canyon City or the town of Tropic.

While Tropic has more hotel offerings, it will require you to backtrack a little to return to the national park the following day.

ere are a few great options for where to stay near Bryce Canyon National Park:

• Best Western PLUS Ruby’s Inn (Bryce Canyon City) – Best Western PLUS Ruby’s Inn, situated just a mile from the entrance of Bryce Canyon National Park, offers cozy accommodations complemented by rustic decor reminiscent of the region’s pioneer heritage. It features a range of amenities including an indoor pool, on-site dining, a general store, and even horse riding activities.
• Bryce Pioneer Village (Tropic, Utah) – Bryce Pioneer Village, located in Tropic, Utah, offers a charming and rustic lodging experience just a short drive from the park. With options for motel rooms or individual cabins set in beautiful gardens, along with amenities like an outdoor pool and an on-site restaurant, it provides a comfortable base for visitors to unwind after a day of exploration.

There are a few RV campgrounds in Bryce Canyon National Park. But these will fill up quickly. So be sure to book as far in advance as possible to ensure that you have a campsite:

• North Campground
• Sunset Campground

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Day 4: Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is a geological wonderland located in southwestern Utah. Not quite a canyon in the traditional sense, Bryce is rather a spectacular series of natural amphitheaters filled with a maze of spire-shaped rock formations called hoodoos.

These towering limestone sculptures, painted in shades of pink, orange, and white, stand tall against a crisp blue sky, creating a whimsical landscape that appears to be more fantasy than reality.

The magic of Bryce Canyon extends beyond its otherworldly daytime views. Designated as a Dark Sky Park, Bryce offers one of the best celestial displays in the country once the sun sets.

Trails for every level, from the relatively easy Navajo Loop to the more strenuous Peekaboo Loop, lead visitors into the heart of the hoodoos, promising an intimate encounter with the park’s unique geology.

Whether you’re there to watch the sun cast its first light on the hoodoos or to gaze upon the star-studded sky, Bryce Canyon National Park is a place that both humbles and inspires with its majestic natural beauty.

As a brief overview, here are the top things to see and do in Bryce Canyon National Park. As with other Utah national parks, we’re not telling you where to begin or end.

And some activities may not be suitable for everyone. However, when deciding what to do in Bryce Canyon National Park, this is our list of the absolute best things to do!

• Sunrise/Sunset Point : Witness the breathtaking sight of the hoodoos glowing in the soft light of sunrise or sunset at this viewpoint.
• Hiking the Navajo Loop Trail : This popular trail descends from Sunset Point through the slot canyon of Wall Street and the Silent City formations.
• Bryce Point : Famous for its extraordinary sunrises, panoramic views of the Bryce Amphitheater can be seen from this point.
• Ride the Scenic Drive : A 38-mile round trip drive with over a dozen viewpoints to pull over and admire the park’s stunning landscapes. Or explore by ATV for an adventurous twist!
• Hike the Rim Trail : This relatively easy trail offers some of the best views of the park and can be hiked in sections.
• Peek-A-Boo Loop : A longer and more strenuous hike that offers stunning views of the park’s iconic hoodoos.
• Visit Mossy Cave : A less-visited part of the park where you can see a waterfall, a mossy overhang that’s cool even in summer, and hoodoos up close.
• Stargazing : Bryce Canyon has some of the darkest night skies in North America, making it an excellent place for stargazing.
• Horseback Riding : Experience the park’s trails from a new perspective with a guided horseback riding tour .
• Winter Sports : In the winter, the park offers cross-country skiing and snowshoeing for a different view of Bryce’s spectacular hoodoos.

If you find yourself with some extra time in Bryce Canyon National Park, consider venturing into the lesser-visited areas of the park. The Fairyland Loop Trail is a longer and less crowded trail that offers fantastic views of the hoodoos, towers, and walls for which Bryce Canyon is famous.

You could also explore the Bristlecone Loop that takes you to Yovimpa Point and Rainbow Point, the highest points in the park, with views extending over 100 miles on clear days.

Another option is to spend a leisurely afternoon horseback riding through the park’s canyon trails, soaking up the unique geological wonders around you.

And, if your visit falls during a new moon, don’t miss one of the ranger-led Full Moon Hikes or a guided astronomy program, as Bryce Canyon is renowned for its clear, dark skies, perfect for stargazing.

Day 5: Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef National Park

Don’t rush away from Bryce Canyon National Park! Take your time and get one last hike or scenic drive in before heading north toward Capitol Reef National Park.

The scenic drive to Capitol Reef National Park will take approximately 3 hours. But with the cute little town of Escalante positioned right in the middle of the road trip, plus all of the beauty around, you may want to give it more time.

There are some great slot canyons to hike just north of Escalante if you enjoy finding yourself wedged between sandstone layers of rock that stretch upwards toward the sky.

Take a side trip down the dirt road (sometimes graded) on Hole In The Rock Road to visit Zebra Slot Canyon and Peekaboo Slot Canyon.

Both offer the opportunity to enjoy some open-country hiking that leads into the narrow slot canyons.

Depending on the time of day and season, you may find yourself slogging through water in either canyon and the opportunity always exists to do a little amateur rock climbing as you work your way further back into each canyon.

Zebra Slot Canyon doesn’t require any technical climbing skills. But to see the famed “zebra stripes” in the canyon you’ll want to do some scuttling up and through some very narrow slots.

Be sure to arrive at your accommodations with plenty of time to enjoy the evening. Pick up food in Escalante, or give yourself enough time to cook a meal in your RV if you’re traveling in one.

Then catch some great shut-eye before heading out into Capitol Reef National Park for a full day of adventure the next morning.

If you’re a night owl, you may consider stepping outside after sunset to take in the many stars that blanket the sky.

It’s likely that you’ll be able to very clearly see the Milky Way Galaxy with your bare eyes, depending on the season and timing.

Where To Stay Near Capitol Reef National Park

Your options for staying near Capitol Reef National Park are limited with most of the accommodation options being in the small town of Torrey, Utah, just a 15-minute drive to the national park entrance.

There are other options that lie further west away from the park. So we’d recommend considering the following options when it comes to where to stay near Capitol Reef National Park.

Both are highly rated and we think you’ll appreciate all they have to offer in addition to their proximity to the national park.

• Broken Spur Inn and Steakhouse – Located in the heart of Torrey, Utah, the Broken Spur Inn and Steakhouse offers comfortable lodging and an on-site steakhouse, ensuring guests enjoy not only scenic views of Capitol Reef National Park but also satisfying meals before or after a day of exploration.
• Skyview Hotel – Skyview Hotel in Torrey, Utah, pairs modern comforts with breathtaking views of the red cliffs and canyons of Capitol Reef National Park. Enjoy the pleasant charm and nice amenities such as a heated outdoor pool and a spacious picnic area.

In Capitol Reef National Park there is only one campground and it is likely to fill up quickly due to the remote nature of the campsite. Be sure to book far in advance to ensure that you have a campsite:

• Fruita Campground

Day 6: Capitol Reef National Park

Welcome to Capitol Reef National Park, an enchanting realm nestled in the heart of Utah’s red rock country.

Named for its white domes of Navajo Sandstone that resemble the U.S. Capitol building, and the water pocket fold, a ‘reef’-like geologic wrinkle extending nearly 100 miles, Capitol Reef is a dazzling display of colorful cliffs, massive domes, soaring spires, and twisting canyons.

The park’s unique geologic features tell a story of ancient environments, from lush tropical forests to arid deserts, that existed here millions of years ago.

Venturing into Capitol Reef is like stepping back in time. The park is home to the historic Fruita Rural Historic District, where lush orchards and rustic buildings offer a glimpse of the area’s pioneer heritage.

The rich human history, dating back to the ancient Fremont people, is inscribed on the sandstone cliffs in the form of petroglyphs, a silent testament to the park’s past inhabitants.

Whether you’re exploring its scenic byways, hiking through its dramatic landscapes, or picking fresh fruit in one of the maintained orchards, Capitol Reef National Park offers an unforgettable journey into a lesser-known, but equally captivating, corner of Utah’s impressive national park system.

As a brief overview, here are the top things to see and do in Capitol Reef National Park. As with other Utah national parks, we’re not telling you where to begin or end.

And some activities may not be suitable for everyone. However, when deciding what to do in Capitol Reef National Park, this is our list of the absolute best things to do!

• Scenic Drive : A 25-mile round trip that takes you through the heart of the park’s Waterpocket Fold, offering magnificent views of cliffs, canyons, domes, and bridges.
• Hickman Bridge Trail : This moderate trail leads to the impressive Hickman Natural Bridge, one of the largest in the park.
• Fruita Historic District : Explore this old Mormon settlement with its charming orchards where you can pick fruit in season, a historic schoolhouse, and the Gifford Homestead which sells locally made pies and breads.
• Cassidy Arch : A strenuous hike leading to a large, spectacular natural arch named after the famous outlaw Butch Cassidy.
• Petroglyphs : Just east of the Fruita oasis, view petroglyphs inscribed in sandstone by Native Americans of the Fremont Culture.
• Cathedral Valley : A remote, less visited area of the park, featuring stunning monolithic sandstone formations.
• Sulphur Creek Route : A water hike through a narrow canyon, featuring three waterfalls to bypass. Best done in warmer weather.
• Chimney Rock Loop : A moderately difficult trail offering panoramic views of the Waterpocket Fold and the surrounding area.
• Goosenecks Overlook : A short walk to a viewpoint where you can see the deep, dramatic meanders of Sulphur Creek.
• Stargazing : Like many of Utah’s national parks, Capitol Reef offers incredible stargazing due to its status as an International Dark Sky Park.

With some extra time at Capitol Reef National Park, diving deeper into its hidden treasures can make your visit even more unforgettable. A great way to start is by exploring the Cathedral Valley, a less frequented but equally breathtaking region of the park, known for its monolithic formations.

If you’re an avid hiker, consider the strenuous but rewarding Upper Muley Twist Canyon trail, which offers some of the most spectacular panoramic views in the park.

Take a step back in time by visiting the old Fruita Schoolhouse, a one-room building that served the small community from the 1890s to the 1940s.

If you’re visiting during the right season, don’t miss the chance to pick some fruit in the historic Fruita orchards, a unique experience that harks back to the area’s pioneer past.

Looking for more epic road trips? Check out our guide to driving from Las Vegas to Los Angeles !

Day 7: Drive to Moab for Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park

Next you’ll be heading north toward Moab, where you’ll encounter the spectacular Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park.

Moab itself merits a little extra time if you have it. From a quaint downtown area that offers all sorts of places to eat and shop to some side trips to places like Corona Arch just outside of town, the area around Moab is worth the time if you have it.

From Capitol Reef National Park, you’ll drive just under 3 hours to reach Moab. Unfortunately, the backroads of this epic Utah national parks road trip ends for a brief stint on Interstate 70 straddling Green River, Utah before ducking back down on Highway 191.

Arches National Park is just as popular, if not more, than Zion National Park so it’s unlikely that you can enjoy too much with the late afternoon arrival into the area. Instead, use this time to head out toward Corona Arch and enjoy that afternoon or early evening hike instead.

Be sure to check in with your accommodations as soon as you can and get settled in for a quiet night. You’ll want to be ready to wake up early to hit Arches National Park before droves of other people do.

But if you are truly committed, consider waking up well before sunrise to head into the park and hike out to Delicate Arch for sunrise, arguably the most iconic arch in the entire national park.

Where to Stay Near Arches National Park

Almost all accommodations for visiting both Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park will be in and around the small town of Moab. Because Arches National Park is arguably just as busy, if not busier than Zion National Park, the town of Moab has grown up to support a massive influx of visitors and there are ample options for accommodations in the area.

Here are a few of the best options:

• Archway Inn – Complete with an outdoor pool, hot tub, spacious rooms, and a fitness center, this lovely hotel furnished with classy sandstone architecture is a top-rated place to stay near the park.
• Hotel Moab Downtown – Located in the heart of Moab with incredible mountain scenery, this full-service hotel is surrounded by the best restaurants and shops in town. The gorgeous hotel interior doesn’t hurt either!

In Arches National Park there is only one campground and it is likely to fill up quickly due to the popularity of the national park. Be sure to book far in advance to ensure that you have a campsite:

• Devil’s Garden Campground

Day 8: Arches National Park

Arches National Park is a captivating world of stone located in eastern Utah. As the name implies, Arches is a testament to nature’s power and creativity, hosting over 2,000 natural stone arches, the greatest concentration in the world.

These striking formations, along with an array of colossal pinnacles, balanced rocks, and expansive fins, are artfully carved from a vibrant red sandstone landscape, creating a visually stunning panorama that ignites the imagination.

Arches National Park invites visitors to delve into a world where the surreal becomes tangible.

Trails of varying lengths lead you up close to the park’s star attractions, like the Delicate Arch, one of Utah’s most famous icons, or the Landscape Arch, one of the world’s longest.

Whether bathed in the fiery glow of sunrise or sunset, shimmering under the midday sun, or glowing in the soft light of the moon, the arches offer an ever-changing, always mesmerizing spectacle.

Arches National Park is not just a place to see, but a place to savor and experience through adventures like mountain biking , backpacking, ATV driving, and more.

As a brief overview, here are the top things to see and do in Arches National Park. As with other Utah national parks, we’re not telling you where to begin or end.

And this park is PACKED year round, so you may not be able to fully enjoy every experience we have listed.

However, when deciding what to do in Arches National Park, this is our list of the absolute best things to do!

• Delicate Arch Hike : A moderately difficult hike to the park’s most iconic and most photographed natural arch.
• Devils Garden : A network of trails leading to several arches including the Landscape Arch, the longest natural arch in North America.
• Fiery Furnace : A labyrinth of narrow sandstone canyons requiring a permit or a ranger-led tour to explore, to ensure minimal impact on the environment.
• Windows Section : Easy trails that lead to some of the largest arches in the park, including the North and South Window Arches and Turret Arch.
• Park Avenue Trail : This trail provides views of towering sandstone monoliths reminiscent of skyscrapers on a big city street.
• Balanced Rock : One of the park’s most popular features, a massive boulder balanced on a slender pedestal.
• Courthouse Towers : A collection of tall stone columns that showcase the park’s unique geology.
• Double Arch : Two impressive natural arches that share a common end. The trail to reach them is relatively short and easy.
• Sunset at Delicate Arch : A popular activity is to hike to Delicate Arch at sunset to witness the stunning transformation of colors on the rock formations.
• Stargazing : Arches National Park is recognized as an International Dark Sky Park, making it an excellent place for stargazing due to minimal light pollution.

If you’ve budgeted some extra time for exploring Arches National Park, consider delving deeper into its off-the-beaten-path wonders.

The Fiery Furnace, a labyrinth of narrow sandstone canyons, offers a more challenging but rewarding experience – just remember to either join a ranger-led tour or get a permit if you plan to navigate it yourself.

If you’re up for a longer hike, the seven-mile Primitive Loop at Devil’s Garden will reward you with views of some of the park’s less-visited arches.

Consider also a visit to the petroglyphs at Wolfe Ranch to appreciate the history and culture of the park’s earlier inhabitants. Or go stand-up paddleboarding or white-water rafting on the Colorado River if you’re looking for a break from land-based activities!

Day 9: Canyonlands National Park

Welcome to Canyonlands National Park, a captivating wonderland located in the heart of southeastern Utah.

Spanning over 337,000 acres, Canyonlands is a vast desert ecosystem sculpted by the Colorado River and its tributaries into a rugged panorama of mesas, canyons, and remarkable rock formations.

The park’s unique geology unfolds millions of years of Earth’s history, with layers of sedimentary rock that document time like pages in a book.

Yet, Canyonlands is more than just a geological showcase; it’s a place where the sheer scale of the landscape and the silence of the desert can create a profoundly stunning experience.

The park’s expanse is divided into four districts – Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the rivers themselves – each boasting its own distinctive character and array of outdoor adventures.

Whether you’re standing on the edge of a towering mesa overlooking the winding river canyons, exploring the cryptic messages left by ancient Native American civilizations, or star-gazing in the crystal-clear night skies, Canyonlands offers an exploration into a beautifully rugged and untamed corner of the world.

Canyonlands National Park is a vast wilderness of stark yet breathtaking beauty characterized by its dramatic desert landscapes.

Featuring a diverse array of towering mesas, deep canyons, and the converging Colorado and Green Rivers, the park provides an awe-inspiring panorama that reveals millions of years of geologic history.

Here are a few of the best things to see and do in Canyonlands National Park:

• Island in the Sky : This is the easiest district of the park to access and offers breathtaking views from numerous overlooks along the paved scenic drive.
• Mesa Arch : A short hike leads to this poetically named natural arch, a popular spot for photographers, especially at sunrise.
• White Rim Road : A 100-mile dirt road loops around and below the Island in the Sky mesa, providing spectacular views for those up for a 4WD adventure.
• The Needles : This district offers extensive hiking trails through a landscape punctuated by colorful sandstone spires.
• Horseshoe Canyon : This detached unit of the park is home to the famous Great Gallery, one of the best examples of prehistoric pictographs (rock art) in America.
• Upheaval Dome : Visit this unique geologic feature and decide for yourself whether it was created by a salt dome or a meteor impact.
• Green River Overlook : A popular spot that provides panoramic views of the Green River in the Island in the Sky district.
• Rafting on the Colorado River : Experience the thrill of rafting through the park’s spectacular canyons.
• Elephant Hill Trail : This challenging 4WD trail in the Needles district leads to some of the most remote and beautiful places in the park.
• Stargazing : Canyonlands National Park has been designated a Gold-Tier International Dark Sky Park, making it an exceptional place to stargaze and contemplate the mysteries of the universe.

With additional time at Canyonlands National Park, your adventures can extend beyond the iconic Island in the Sky district.

Consider exploring the more remote Needles district, where colorful sandstone spires tower above extensive hiking trails and large, park-like clearings.

If you’re equipped with a 4WD vehicle, a journey along the White Rim Road will present stunning, up-close views of the park’s complex geology.

Another remarkable but less-visited area is the park’s Maze district, one of the most remote areas in the United States, offering solitude and a maze-like network of canyons to explore.

If you’re keen on prehistoric culture, the Horseshoe Canyon contains some of the most significant rock art in North America, including the breathtaking Great Gallery panel. Just remember, some of these activities require permits, so plan accordingly!

There are a few RV campgrounds in Canyonlands National Park. But these will fill up quickly. So be sure to book as far in advance as possible to ensure that you have a campsite:

• Islands In The Sky (Willow Flat) Campground
• The Needles Campground

Day 10: Return trip

On the final day of your Utah road trip, you will spend a good portion of it driving back to either Las Vegas or Salt Lake City, depending on your final destination.

Both of these drives can be road trips on their own, with plenty of other stops along the way.

The drive from Moab to Salt Lake City will take approximately 4 hours. This will be mostly along backroad highways that continue to offer the kind of beauty that makes anyone want to visit utah.

Here are a few points of interest along the drive back to Salt Lake City:

• Price Canyon Recreation Area : This is a great spot to stretch your legs and take in the stunning views of the surrounding canyons and plateaus.
• Nine Mile Canyon : Known as the world’s longest art gallery, this canyon contains extensive petroglyphs and pictographs from ancient Native American cultures. It’s a slight detour off the main route, but well worth the extra time for history and archaeology enthusiasts.
• Helper, Utah : This quaint mining town has a charming Main Street with historic buildings, antique shops, and the Western Mining & Railroad Museum.
• Provo River Falls : Nestled in the Uinta National Forest, the Provo River tumbles over a series of scenic waterfalls. There are plenty of spots to picnic and trails to explore.
• Soldier Hollow : This venue was home to cross-country skiing and biathlon events during the 2002 Winter Olympics and now offers year-round outdoor activities. Take a break here to appreciate the beautiful mountain views, and if you’re passing through in winter, enjoy some snow sports.

Driving to Las Vegas from Moab will take around 7 hours and will be primarily along the interstate. You’ll spend much of the time on Interstate 70 until it meets Interstate 15.

If you head along this route and want to split the drive into two days, here are a few points of interest along the way:

• San Rafael Swell : Located near Green River, Utah, this is a large geologic feature known for its scenic sandstone formations, deep canyons, and expansive panoramas.
• Fishlake National Forest : Close to Richfield, Utah, this national forest is home to the Pando, an enormous grove of quaking aspen which is considered the heaviest known living organism.
• Cove Fort : Near Beaver, Utah, this historic site is a well-preserved pioneer-era fort. Guided tours offer insight into life in the 19th century American West.
• Cedar Breaks National Monument : Just off Interstate 15 near Cedar City, Utah, this park offers breathtaking views of a naturally formed amphitheater canyon filled with colorful hoodoos and rock formations.
• Valley of Fire State Park : Nevada’s oldest and largest state park, known for its vibrant red sandstone formations, petrified wood, and ancient petroglyphs. It’s about an hour off the route, but its otherworldly landscapes make it worth the detour.

If you want to take a more scenic route, you can head south out of Moab and follow highway 191 in Utah through Monument Valley and into northern Arizona. This will lead you to Page, Arizona where you can take a detour to visit Grand Canyon National Park, which is worth the detour in our opinion!

From Page you can also see famous landmarks and national monuments such as Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon.

Carry on toward Kanab and take a little detour to hiks some great slot canyons or connect back to Zion National Park for a second visit before returning to Interstate 15 for the short drive back to Las Vegas.

Plan to explore more of Arizona? Check out our list of the best things to do in Tucscon !

If you are continuing on your road trip from Moab, you can easily cross into Colorado and enjoy all that the Centennial State has to offer.

A short 2 hour drive east along Interstate 70 will take you to Grand Junction, where you can decide which direction you want to go to enjoy the beauty of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains.

Of course, road trips in Colorado are a whole other opportunity and the state is well worth exploring over the course of several weeks.

And although not as close as Colorado, you could continue your Utah road trip north and enter remote areas of Wyoming where you’ll come across vast stretches of land that seem to stretch on forever.

This route will put you in Rock Springs, Wyoming and in a direct route toward Grand Teton National Park and the adjoining Yellowstone National Park.

Other Utah Road Trip Destinations

Visiting Utah national parks is a bucket list item of its own. However, if you feel like tacking on a few extra days (or weeks!) on your Utah road trip, then there are some other great destinations nearby that offer great alternatives to Utah’s parks.

Two regions that deserve your attention and do not require too much deviation from this core Utah national parks road trip are in southern utah and northeastern Utah.

If you aren’t in a rush and/or are making your way back to Las Vegas along the scenic Southern Utah route, consider spending a few extra days taking in all of the beauty of this region. Here are a few top places to stop along the way:

• Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park : This iconic landscape, featuring stunning red sandstone buttes, is located within the Navajo Nation on the border of Utah and Arizona.
• Antelope Canyon : Near Page, Arizona, this mesmerizing slot canyon is renowned for its swirling sandstone walls and ethereal light beams.
• Lake Powell : A reservoir on the Colorado River, straddling the border between Utah and Arizona, this is a prime spot for boating, fishing, and exploring numerous sandstone canyons.
• Glen Canyon National Recreation Area : Encompassing over 1.25 million acres from Arizona to southern Utah, this area offers opportunities for water-based and backcountry activities.
• Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park : Located in Utah, this park features a stunning expanse of reddish-pink sand dunes that you can explore on foot or with off-road vehicles.
• Horseshoe Bend : Just outside Page, Arizona, this iconic bend in the Colorado River is famous for its dramatic views from the cliff edge.
• Grand Canyon National Park – North Rim : While most visitors head to the South Rim, the North Rim offers a quieter and equally stunning view of this iconic landscape in Arizona.
• Vermilion Cliffs National Monument : Located in Arizona, this area is known for its colorful, undulating rock formations, including the renowned Wave formation in the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness. Remember, visiting The Wave requires a permit obtained through a lottery system.

Read next: 21 Best Things To Do In Phoenix, Arizona

If your Utah road trip continues north from Moab there are some great places that will seem even more remote than any you have seen amonth the Utah national parks itinerary.

Here are a few of those places that can extend your utah road trip a few extra days:

• Dinosaur National Monument : While technically designated a national monument, this area in northeastern Utah is famous for its wealth of dinosaur fossils. The quarry exhibits a wall with over 1,500 dinosaur bones still encased in rock.
• Goblin Valley State Park: Renowned for its thousands of whimsical and eerie sandstone formations, often referred to as goblins, which create a surreal, Goblin Valley State Park offers Mars-like landscape that’s perfect for hiking and exploration.
• Little Wild Horse Canyon: Located near Goblin Valley State Park in Utah, the area is a popular non-technical slot canyon that offers a stunning, family-friendly hike through sculpted sandstone walls where you can day hike or continue on multi-day treks.
• Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area : This beautiful area, featuring a massive dam and reservoir, offers boating, fishing, camping, and plenty of trails with panoramic vistas.
• Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest : The Mirror Lake Scenic Byway runs through this forest, offering stunning views, hiking trails, fishing spots, and campgrounds.
• Steinaker State Park : Located near Vernal, this state park has a reservoir for boating and fishing, along with camping facilities and picnicking spots.
• Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum : Also located in Vernal, this museum offers exhibits about the area’s geology and prehistory, including dinosaur fossils.
• Red Fleet State Park : This park offers a reservoir for water activities, hiking trails with dinosaur tracks, and camping facilities.
• Fantasy Canyon : This unique area features one-of-a-kind, small-scale sandstone formations that have been eroded into fantastical shapes, creating an almost otherworldly landscape. It’s off the beaten path but well worth the visit for photography or geology enthusiasts.

Wrapping up our expansive Utah road trip, it’s clear to see why this state’s stunning landscapes have captivated the hearts of travelers worldwide.

From the grandeur of the Mighty 5 national parks, each with their unique charm and attractions, to the countless additional points of interest along our journey – including state parks, monuments, and charming towns – Utah offers an abundance of natural beauty and history that makes it a premier destination for road trippers.

Whether you’re an adventurer seeking the thrill of hiking rugged terrains, a history enthusiast keen on immersing yourself in cultural and geological tales from millennia past, or simply a nature lover wanting to bask in some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes on earth, Utah’s diverse terrain has something for everyone.

Remember, this itinerary is just a guide – take your time, explore off the beaten path, and make your own discoveries. After all, that’s the beauty of a road trip: the journey is just as important as the destination. Safe travels, and enjoy your Utah exploration!

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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How to Plan an Incredible Utah National Parks Road Trip

If you’re here, that means you’re probably in the early-ish stages of planning an Utah National Parks road trip. We have good news – you’re in the right place! In the guide below, you’ll find pretty much everything you need to plan a bucket list-worthy trip to all five of Utah’s National Parks.

We’ll begin with some important logistics, like where to start and end your Utah national parks itinerary and how many days to spend in Utah, and then get into the best stops, things to do and see, sunrise and sunset spots, hikes, places to stay, and more. 

Over the last three years, we’ve been to 18 national parks. And multiple Utah national parks make it into our top five list of America’s national parks (though we haven’t visited them all…yet).

We’ve now been twice in the past few years – fall and spring – and have updated the guide below with some of our latest discoveries. 

We absolutely love Utah, and think you will too. I, Matt, have been to Utah four or five times at this point, including two trips in the past few years. The diversity of landscapes in southern Utah – which is home to the “Mighty Five” national parks – is pretty mind boggling. 

You’ll find natural arches in, well, Arches National Park. Unique rock formations called hoodoos in Bryce Canyon. The vast and surprisingly lush canyon in Zion National Park. And there’s so much more – it would take a lifetime of exploring to see everything that Utah has to offer. 

If those incredible landscapes sound like something you want to experience, you’re in the right place. In this Utah national parks road trip itinerary, we’re going to cover – in detail – how to plan an amazing road trip through Utah. 

We love Utah, and think you will too. 

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.

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

We think that you need a full 10 days to do the complete Mighty Five circuit . Less time means a lot of driving and not a lot of time dedicated to each park. With 7 days, you’d essentially only have one day for each. Which we don’t think is enough time. 

Some parks have more to see than others and are worth spending two to three days in to have the best experience.  

We’ve written this guide for someone with 10 days , which I think is the perfect amount of time to see all five national parks in Utah, and have an extra day to spend on the other things that make Utah special.

What if You Only Have 5-7 Days in Utah?

If you have a week or less in Utah, we’d strongly urge you to focus on EITHER Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon, OR Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef. 

When you include driving time, which totals around 10 hours or so over the course of the itinerary, 5-7 days BARELY gives you a day in each park if you were to do all five. 

Focusing your time on only a few of them will give you a little more time in each park, rather than spending less than one day in each. The key benefit of this approach is that you’ll be able to spend more time in the early morning and late afternoon, which is when the crowds are thinnest at these parks. 

Where to Start and End Your Utah Road Trip Itinerary

There are two options for getting to Utah – driving in from nearby, or flying in, renting a car, and driving. 

The two best starting points for this road trip are Las Vegas and Salt Lake City . Denver is a distant third. It’s still doable, but involves more driving.

If you don’t live nearby, like in Salt Lake City or Denver, you’ll need to fly to one of the gateways to Utah, rent a car, and drive to your first destination. 

The two easiest airports to fly into would be Salt Lake City and Las Vegas . 

From Salt Lake City, it’s going to take around four hours to drive to the start and end points on this road trip itinerary (Zion and Moab). 

From Las Vegas, it’s going to be just two and a half hours to Zion, but six and a half hours to Moab. 

The best way to do this road trip if you want to avoid long days of driving is to fly into Salt Lake City and out of Las Vegas , which is how we’ve organized the itinerary below. 

You could absolutely do it the other way around, but doing it this direction front loads the longer drive from Salt Lake City to Moab, versus having to do that drive at the end of your trip when your enthusiasm is waning and you only have your return flight to look forward to. 

You can also fly in and out of the same airport, it’ll just involve a few hours of extra driving on one end of the trip. 

Important Note : You need to check with the rental car company to make sure that it’s okay to pick up in one spot and drop off in another. You might have to pay a one way fee, but we think it’s worth it to avoid wasting a day of your vacation driving. See below in the rental car section to see what the tradeoff is between picking up / returning to the same place, and doing a one way rental.

You could fly into Denver and out of Vegas if you wanted to add on a few days exploring Colorado. It’s going to be five and a half hours of driving between Denver and Moab, but there’s plenty of things to do and see along the way. 

Good to Know : Book the earliest flight you can into Salt Lake City, and the latest flight out of Las Vegas to give yourself as much time as possible to explore. 

Tips for Your Road Trip Through Utah

Before we get to the full itinerary, a few general tips about planning a road trip through Utah. 

National Park Entrance Fees

It costs $30 per vehicle to enter each national park (good for 7 days), and you can either pay online in advance (be aware that you must print it out and bring it with you), or at one of the park’s visitor centers. 

If you are planning on visiting three or more national parks in the next 12 months, we’d highly recommend an America the Beautiful Pass , which covers entry to all national parks, national forest trailheads, national monuments, and more for 12 months. 

It costs $80, which means it pays off with three national park visits (or some combination of national parks, forests, and monuments). 

On this trip, you’re going to be visiting several national parks, which means it’s probably worth buying an America the Beautiful Pass before your trip. 

Crowds in the Utah National Parks

If you’re visiting the Utah national parks in the summer (or a weekend in the spring or fall), you’re going to experience crowds. 

There are a couple of things we’d say about crowds and how to avoid them as much as possible. 

First, get an early start, and plan on staying out late . Peak time is from about 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, which makes the hours from 7:00 am to 10:00 am and 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm some of the best times to be out and about in the park. Plus, the rising/setting sun means the light will be better for pictures!

If You Want to Camp, Book Your Site Well in Advance

Camping inside the national parks is super competitive . For reservable sites, people book months and months in advance, and when there are first-come-first-served sites, they are snatched up immediately in peak season. 

The good news? There are tons of camping options outside of the parks that are affordable and accessible, and you’ll find some recommendations in the where to stay section for each park.

This is a Good Route to Test Out Van Life

If you’re not into sleeping in a tent, consider an RV or Campervan rental . It’s a good way to save money on accommodations by staying at campgrounds or RV Parks instead of hotels. For what it’s worth, we did this entire trip living in a Honda Odyssey. 

Think of it as a middle ground between camping and staying in hotels and vacation rentals. 

Escape Campervans is a good choice, and they have options for the exact route (Salt Lake City to Vegas) that the itinerary below has you on.

Book Your Accommodations Well in Advance

If you’re planning on staying in hotels and lodges, book several months in advance between May and October . That’s peak season, and things fill up FAST. 

Even outside of those months, you’ll still find that some places are full a few months in advance. You’ll find some hotel recommendations in each section to help you find the best place to base yourself to make the most of your time in each park. 

The Perfect 10 Day Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary

Now, on to the itinerary itself! 

Below, you’ll find a detailed day-by-day itinerary for a 10 day Utah national parks road trip based on our personal experience over the course of multiple trips. We’ll give you our favorite stops, the best hikes, places to stay, and more. 

Grab a cup of coffee and strap in – this is a long one, but it has literally everything we could think of to help you plan an amazing adventure.

Here’s an overview of that road trip, plus a map to help you visualize the route.

Here is the 10 day Utah national parks road trip itinerary that you’ll find – in detail – below: 

• Day 1 : Arrive in Salt Lake City, Drive to Moab
• Day 2 : Arches National Park
• Day 3 : Canyonlands National Park (Island in the Sky)
• Day 4 : Around Moab + Drive to Capitol Reef
• Day 5 : Capitol Reef National Park + Drive to Bryce
• Day 6 : Bryce Canyon National Park
• Day 7 : Bryce Canyon National Park + Drive to Zion National Park
• Day 8 : Zion National Park
• Day 9 : Zion National Park
• Day 10 : Zion National Park + Fly Home from Vegas

If you have a full two weeks in Utah , you’ll be able to get a little bit off the beaten path, exploring places like Kolob Canyons in Zion National Park and the Needles District in Canyonlands National Park that most visitors never even realize exist.

Below the full itinerary, you’ll find our suggestions for extending the 10 day trip. 

With 7 days , rather than trying to fit in the entire Mighty Five Circuit, we’d opt for spending 7 days exploring EITHER Zion, Bryce, and Capitol Reef OR Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef.

Days 1 & 2: Arches National Park

On your first day, you’ll spend most of the day in transit between Salt Lake City and Moab, which is the jumping off point for this itinerary. 

We spent five full days in Moab , and loved just about every minute of it – minus the hour-long wait to get into Arches National Park to check into our campsite. A good reminder to make sure to enter the parks early (before 9:00 am at the latest!) to avoid long lines and crowds. 

We didn’t realize it before arriving, but there are an astounding number of things to do in Moab .

Between exploring the two national parks that are a stone’s throw away – Arches and Canyonlands – to hikes outside the parks, and more adventurous activities like whitewater rafting and 4WD-ing, there’s plenty to keep you busy even if you had a full week JUST in Moab.

What to Do in Arches National Park

Here are our favorite things to do in Arches National Park. 

Sunset at Delicate Arch

On your first day, you’ll be driving from the airport and you’re probably going to be arriving mid-afternoon depending on what time your flight was (try and get the earliest flight possible!). 

Check into your accommodations for the next few days and head up to Arches National Park for that sweet, sweet golden hour light and sunset at Delicate Arch . 

It’s a 3 mile hike (round trip) that was a little harder than we thought it would be, but that didn’t stop literally a hundred people – ages 5 to 65 – from doing it.

It will probably be crowded if you’re there anytime between April and the end of October, but it’s worth it. You’ll climb up a section of rock, so you’ll want to wear your hiking shoes with plenty of grip. 

There’s one short section of the trail right before you get to the arch that’s narrow with a steep drop off, so keep an eye on your kids. 

If you do that hike at sunset, make sure to bring a headlamp for the way down. It gets dark FAST, and the last thing you want is to be hiking down the slab of rock in the dark. 

The Windows and Double Arch

Start your day off your second day with an early morning at the Windows and Double Arch, which are quite possibly our favorite set of arches in the park. And they’re so close together that you can easily see all of them (there’s four arches here in total) in about an hour or so. 

The Windows are two huge rock formations that are on the southeast side of the parking lot. There’s a nice trail that connects the North and South windows, along with nearby Turret Arch.

Make sure to walk through the North Arch and look back through the window to get a nicely framed picture of Turret Arch. 

Double Arch is on the opposite side of the parking lot, and it’s the tallest arch in the park. There are two separate (huge) arches that you’ll be looking up at.

You can climb around inside the arch and marvel at the two arches sharing the same base structure. It’s about a quarter of a mile from the parking lot on a flat, sandy trail. 

Hike the Devils Garden Trail

The Devils Garden Trail is a must-do hike in Arches National Park . The best part about this hike? You can customize it based on your experience and fitness level. 

If you do the entire loop, including the fun primitive trail on the way back, it’s going to be just under seven miles, with 1,000 feet of elevation gain. Along the way, you’ll see seven different arches, and you’ll do some light scrambling and trail finding on the primitive trail, which we thought was a lot of fun. 

You’ll want solid hiking shoes or hiking boots (Alysha loves her Columbia Newton Ridge boots , an excellent first hiking boot) with good traction for the scrambling sections, which have you making some steep climbs on rock that necessitate good footing. It’s nothing too crazy though if you’re an experienced hiker. 

If you’re not up for 7 miles in the desert, do the 2 mile hike to Landscape Arch or the 4 mile (ish) hike to Landscape, Navajo, and Partition Arches , which takes you a bit further than most of the hikers go. 

Whatever you choose, it’s going to be hot. Drink plenty of water, eat plenty of snacks, and wear sun protection. Sun exposure is no joke, particularly in the summer. 

Broken Arch and Skyline Arch

Stop for a quick picnic lunch near the Devils Garden trail (there’s a picnic area just south of the campground and trailhead), then do the short hikes out to Broken Arch and Skyline Arch. 

You can park in Devils Garden Campground ( here ) to start the hike out to Broken Arch . 

It’s a cool hike, which is why it’s on this list duh, and you’ll pass through a couple of cool canyons on the way back from Broken Arch. It’s about 1.8 miles round trip, and is basically flat. This is a good sunset hike too if you’re staying at Devils Garden Campground since you can leave from camp without driving anywhere. 

Skyline Arch is also worth seeing. You get there via a pull off just south of the campground, and it’s a short, easy hike out there. 

Where to Stay in Moab near Arches National Park (and Canyonlands)

You’re going to stay in Moab for the first three nights of this itinerary. You should try to stay in one place for all three nights UNLESS you’re camping, in which case we’d try to find a site in Arches for the first night. 

Pssst ! Make sure to read our guide to the best places to stay in Moab to find the perfect home base for exploring this incredible area.

Hotels in Moab

We were planning on staying in a hotel in Moab for a night to shower and take a break from the weeks of sleeping in our van, but later decided to stay at a campground for an extra night instead. 

There were exactly three places on our list of hotels that we wanted to stay in. 

• The first is Moab Springs Ranch , which has a range of rooms from bungalows to more lodge-style rooms, and has a great coffee shop onsite (Horsethief Coffee). Unfortunately, they were sold out for our dates (book early, people!), but we would have chosen to stay there given the opportunity.
• The second, which is a place we booked then later canceled, is the Expedition Lodge . It’s in a great location along the main drag in Moab, and it looks nice. It’s motel style, which was what we were looking for during the summer of 2020, and it has some nice retro touches like the mint green mini fridges in the rooms. They also have some unique room configurations, like two queen bunk beds, which are nice for a traveling family (nobody likes sleeping on the cot on a hotel room floor). Oh, and there’s a pool, which is always a bonus.
• The last option was Moab Under Canvas , which is less a hotel, more glamping, but still fits here. This is your chance to stay under the stars while still maintaining some semblance of the comforts of a hotel. It looks incredible.

Camping In and Around Moab

If you’re looking to camp, you’ve actually got a fair number of options both inside Arches and Canyonlands, and just outside the national parks. 

• Inside Arches, there’s only one campground – Devils Garden . It’s reservable in advance ( learn more here ), and it’s a really nice campground. We stayed there for three nights, and it’s a great base for exploring Arches for a couple of reasons. First, it’s at the trailhead for Devils Garden, so you can get an early start to beat the crowds and heat (staying outside the park means a 45 minute drive to the trailhead). Second, being inside the park means you’ll avoid the crazy lines at the entrance to the park. We waited an hour to get in one day because we had to leave the park to get ice for our cooler.
• Inside Canyonlands , you have only one option in the Island in the Sky District (which is the part of the park you want) – Willow Flat Campground . It’s first-come-first-served, and only has 12 sites. Unless you show up early AND get lucky, you’re probably out of luck. You could also camp at Dead Horse Point State Park , which is close to the entrance of Canyonlands, and is worth a visit in its own right, particularly for a spectacular sunset over the canyons. 

Outside the park, there are a surprising number of campgrounds on BLM land that are all first-come-first-served. There are two major areas where you’ll find them. 

• The first group are along Highway 128 northeast of Moab on the Colorado River, and they are competitive and you’ll need to show up relatively early for the first few campgrounds. They’re in an incredible location along the river and deep inside a gorgeous red rock canyon. Goose Island, Grandstaff, and Big Bend are the nicest based on our drive through the canyon.
• The other area is along Highway 279 northwest of Moab – check out Gold Bar Campground , which is near the trailhead for Corona Arch. 

Day 3: Canyonlands National Park

On your third day in Moab, head out to Canyonlands National Park , which is a very different experience than Arches. 

While Arches is about feeling small standing under the towering rock formations littered around the park, Canyonlands is about feeling miniscule while looking out over the deep fissures in the earth created over thousands (millions?) of years of tectonic plate action. 

There are three sections of Canyonlands: Island in the Sky (closest to Moab, most accessible), the Needles District, and the Maze (technically I think there’s a fourth called the Rivers, but I’m not quite sure about that one).

With just one day, you should focus on Island in the Sky , which is the most accessible part of the park coming from Moab. However, if you have more time, a trip down to the Needles District is worth your time. 

What Not to Miss in Canyonlands National Park

Here are some that we enjoyed in the Island in the Sky part of Canyonlands National Park. 

Early Morning at Mesa Arch

Start your morning at Mesa Arch just after sunrise. It’s a really short hike out to a low arch, through which you get a nice glimpse of the vastness of Canyonlands. 

Why just after sunrise, you ask? Because at sunrise, there will be hundreds – yes, hundreds – of photographers vying for the best position to take that picture-perfect shot of the natural bridge with the sunstar on the bottom. I bet you’ve seen it before – it looks like this: 

I took that around sunrise at Mesa Arch, where we’d arrived an hour before sunrise and still didn’t get a spot. Instead of jostling for position, we took a seat on a rock overlooking the arch and watched the sun rise, then I ventured down when the crowds started to thin. 

Here’s the behind the scenes view of the sea of photographers that you don’t see in the pictures on Instagram. 

The point is that going after sunrise is a much more pleasant experience. 

Hiking in Canyonlands

After experiencing Mesa Arch, head out on a hike in Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky District. 

Here are three options for various levels of hiking experience and fitness. If you’re up for it, you could totally do a couple of the shorter ones together as part of a little circuit along Canyonlands’ main thoroughfare. 

Aztec Butte (1.7 miles / 250 ft. elevation gain): This is a cool hike that has two distinct parts that form a “Y” shape. First, take the right fork to climb to a nice viewpoint over Canyonlands. Then on the way back, take the left fork and check out the ancestral Puebloan structures, which are pretty cool. DON’T TOUCH THE STRUCTURES – leave them be. 

White Rim Overlook (2 miles / 200 ft. elevation gain): A short and sweet hike to an incredible overlook that really illustrates the scale of Canyonlands. It’s a short, well-marked hike out to a little “peninsula” (for lack of a better word – there’s no water, but it’s a peninsula shaped part of the canyon rim). Follow the rock piles, known as cairns. 

The Gooseberry Trail (5 miles / 1,500 ft. elevation gain): This hike is no joke. You basically climb straight down the wall of the canyon to get to the lower plateau, which takes you to a nice overlook of the canyon forged by the mighty Colorado River. Just remember, the first part of the hike is a descent…which means what goes down must come back up. Try to get an early start so that you’re not out there in the heat of the day. 

Grand View Point Overlook

Next, head out to Grand View Point , which is another short stroll along the rim of the canyon that we DEFINITELY think you should do, no matter what. It’s mostly flat, with a little bit of up and down, but the end viewpoint is going to be well worth the small effort to get there. 

The Scenic Drive

Grand View Point is at the end of the road, which means you can make the drive back towards the visitor center a scenic drive by stopping at all the viewpoints along the way. 

The first stop, if you didn’t already tackle it, is the White Rim Overlook . We loved this short hike, and it’s worth mentioning again. 

Make sure to also stop at the Buck Canyon Overlook and, our favorite viewpoint on the drive, the Shafer Canyon Overlook , which has amazing views of the canyon, and of the steep switchbacks of Shafer Canyon Road, which descend from the rim down to the plateau via tight switchbacks that I would be too terrified to drive myself. 

It’s also worth venturing out on the road that leads to Upheaval Dome, aptly named Upheaval Dome Road . 

The turnoff is a little ways south of Shafer Canyon Overlook. Willow Flat Campground, the main campground in this part of Canyonlands, is out there, but stay on Upheaval Dome Road to get to Upheaval Dome, Whale Rock, and Aztec Butte – three great short hikes just off the road. 

Day 4: Exploring Around Moab

Spend the morning and afternoon around Moab, exploring what we think are two of the best hikes in the area – neither of which are inside a national park – and then make your way over to Capitol Reef National Park. 

Things Not to Miss Around Moab

Here are some things we really enjoyed near Moab (that aren’t within national park boundaries).

Corona Arch

We did the hike out to Corona Arch at sunrise, and sat on a rock watching the light creep down, illuminating the arch about an hour after sunrise. Because of the rock walls here, we actually think the best time to be here is just after sunrise. 

It’s only 2.5 miles long (round trip), but there are some sections of scrambling along slickrock, and a ladder that you have to climb. As long as you’re prepared with sturdy footwear, you should be fine, but you should know what you’re getting into before you leave the parking lot. 

The arch itself is enormous, and is one of the more impressive arches we saw in Moab, including the ones in Arches (Delicate Arch and Double Arch might be the only two ahead of it). 

The trailhead is along highway 279, just a twenty minute drive northwest of Moab.  

Just down the road from Corona Arch is another amazing hike that most people probably skip since it’s not inside one of the nearby national parks – and that’s Jeep Arch .

You’ll park in the small dirt parking lot along the road. We were there mid-morning after our hike to Corona Arch, and we were only the second car in the parking area. 

This hike is a bit longer at 3.6 miles (1,000 ft. of elevation gain), and it is COMPLETELY exposed. No shade to speak of, except right at the base of the arch. 

You’ll start by hiking up through the water pipe, which we didn’t realize on our way out and ended up hiking up to the railroad tracks, crossing the tracks, and then scrambling down the other side. Only to look through the other end of the pipe and say “ah, that’s the way you’re supposed to go.”

From there, you’ll follow a trail that is somewhat well marked by cairns across the rocky landscape, surrounded by the towering red rock walls of the canyon. It’s a loop, and after doing it both directions, we really don’t think it makes a huge difference which direction you go. 

We will say that the arch will sneak up on you. We were very worried that we were going the wrong way because the map showed the arch just ahead of us, and we couldn’t quite see it yet.

It’s carved into the towering canyon wall, and if you squint, it looks a little bit like a jeep, hence the name (Matt’s not convinced). 

Sunset at Dead Horse Point State Park

After a day of exploring Moab, head out to nearby Dead Horse Point State Park for sunset. Dead Horse Point is on the way back to Moab, which makes it a perfect last stop of the day before retiring to your hotel or campground for the night. 

You’ll need to pay the entrance fee, since it is a Utah State Park and is not covered by your America the Beautiful Pass. It’s $20 a vehicle as of 2021 – double check the up-to-date fees here . 

If you’re up for it and have some extra time before sunset, it’s worth doing one of the short hikes along the west rim. Our pick would be to park at the main parking lot and hike out to the Rim Overlook, and back along the rim to the parking lot, with a short detour to the Shafer Canyon and Meander overlooks along the way.

It’s about 2.5 miles there and back, and it’s flat. 

After that, pick your spot, plop down, and watch the sunset over the canyon. 

Day 5: Capitol Reef National Park

Be honest – before you started researching for this trip, had you ever heard of Capitol Reef National Park?

We hadn’t either. 

But I understand why. Sandwiched between Arches and Canyonlands to the east, and Bryce and Zion to the west, it is the runt of the litter. Not that it isn’t a great stop and well worth your time, it’s just that the rest of the national parks in Utah are spectacular. 

The most unique part of Capitol Reef in my book is the amount of green you’ll see. Coming from Moab, it’s pretty surprising to drive around a corner with red rocks towering above you and see… an orchard? Several orchards, actually.

And you can freely walk through them and eat the fruit in the late summer too! You have to pay if you want to take it to eat later though. 

What Not to Miss in Capitol Reef National Park

Here are some things not to miss in Capitol Reef National Park. 

Capitol Reef Scenic Drive

Stop at the visitor center to grab a map and a hiking guide, then it’s time to tackle the 10 mile scenic drive out to Capitol Gorge . 

Take your time on the drive – it’s a gorgeous road through the red rock formations that are Capitol Reef’s specialty. 

Eventually, you’ll arrive at the end of the paved road, where there’s a small parking lot and picnic area. If you continue on the dirt road, you’ll end up at the trailhead for Capitol Gorge , which is the beginning of a short one mile stroll through the towering canyon along the original path into the Fruita Valley. 

Be careful with weather in the summer – afternoon thunderstorms and rain showers can cause flash floods, and you definitely don’t want to be stuck in the gorge during a flash flood. 

Head back the way you came, making a right onto the dirt road that will take you to the Grand Wash Trailhead. 

Cassidy Arch

Head to the Grand Wash trailhead, which includes a short drive on a well-maintained dirt road, to hike to Cassidy Arch . 

In high season, you might have to wait a few minutes to get a parking space, since the lot is small and the dirt road makes it hard if not impossible to park on the side of the road. The wait will be worth it – you’ll climb the wall of the valley to an arch that you can actually walk on! 

It’s a steep climb up some stairs for the first bit of the trail, but it mellows out as you wind between the cairns (those are the little rock piles that mark a lot of the trails) up to the arch.

It’s a pretty stunning hike, as you’ll get views of the surrounding valley and beyond as you make the ascent. All in all, it’s a three mile hike with 660 feet of elevation gain. 

You should know that it will be hot in the afternoon, so bring tons of water, snacks, sunscreen, and a hat for sun protection. 

Hike Hickman Bridge + Rim Overlook Trail

We really enjoyed the hike to Hickman Bridge , which is another natural bridge (which is similar to an arch, but slightly different). It’s a short one mile hike up, and it’s another spot where the trail actually takes you up and through the arch, which is pretty cool. 

From the Hickman Bridge, it’s another 2 miles to the Rim Overlook , which is an incredible hike that takes you to a high point on the canyon walls and looks over the entire valley. It was one of our favorite spots not only in Capitol Reef, but on our entire Utah road trip. Well worth the effort. 

All-in, if you go all the way up to the Rim Overlook, it’s going to be between 5 and 6 miles, with a moderate elevation gain of about 1,000 feet. 

Fruita and the Barn

Post-hike, head to Fruita and hit the Gifford House for a fresh baked fruit pie as a reward for finishing the morning hike. They don’t have gluten free options, so we ended up skipping the actual pies, but the historic Gifford House is worth a stop regardless. 

It’s a good representation of the original Mormon Settlement in Fruita Valley, though it has definitely been updated and renovated since it was built in 1908. Grab a mini pie and take it out to the picnic area outside. 

Don’t miss walking up the road towards the campsite to get a picture of the Fruita Barn with the red rocks in the background – I love the contrast between the dry red rock canyon, and the lush field (with horses, if you’re lucky) where the barn stands. Super unique. 

Sunset Point for… Sunset

A little over an hour before sunset, head out to Sunset Point / the Goosenecks for the second most breathtaking panorama in the park (don’t worry, you’ll tackle the best viewpoint tomorrow morning). 

The Goosenecks are an okay view of the river winding through the valley below, and they’re basically at the parking lot. 

But the star of the show is Sunset Point , which has a view across the Fruita Valley with all sorts of interesting terrain as far as the eye can see.

It’s spectacular about a half hour before sunset, when the golden light brings out all the different colors in the surrounding landscape, particularly the red in the canyon walls. Here are a few pictures for you from our trip, if you’re not convinced. 

Where to Stay at Capitol Reef National Park

There are really not many options near Capitol Reef – you can either camp inside the park, or stay in the nearby town of Torrey, Utah. 

Camping in Capitol Reef

The best option, by far, is Fruita Campground , which is the only place to stay inside the park that you can reserve in advance. It’s a super nice campground, set in between red rocks and orchards.

We were discussing whether it was the nicest campground we’d stayed in on our four month road trip, and it’s definitely in the top five. Check availability here .

You could also stay at Cathedral Valley Campground , which is near the Temple of the Sun and Temple of the Moon, but it’s a journey to get there and it’s super remote with no amenities.

That being said, it’s free, so there’s that. Make sure you have a 4WD, high clearance vehicle or you’re going to have a bad time.

Hotels near Capitol Reef

You’ll have to head to nearby Torrey to find a place to stay that isn’t camping. It’s only about a 15 minute drive to the park entrance, so it’s a perfect stopover before heading onwards to your next stop, Bryce Canyon National Park.

As far as hotels and resorts go, the leaders of the pack are Capitol Reef Resort – which is also the closest place to stay near the park (and their two bedroom cottages have a kitchen) – and Red Sands Hotel .

Vacation Rentals near Capitol Reef

If you want a vacation rental with more space and access to a kitchen, there are a couple of good options around Torrey . 

For couples, we like this cozy house .  

For families and groups who need a bit more space, look at this modern two bedroom flat .

Days 6 & 7: Bryce Canyon National Park

We spent two and a half days in Bryce Canyon, and I didn’t quite realize just how compact this national park is. Unlike places like Yellowstone and Yosemite, where you can literally drive for hours and still not leave the park, there’s essentially one 19 mile road that makes up the entirety of Bryce Canyon National Park. 

Bryce Canyon really isn’t that big, so we think that a day and a half is enough to see the highlights.

For that reason, if you’re time constrained and only have ten days, I’d only spend one day in Bryce Canyon National Park , plus a portion of the next morning before driving to Zion.

If you’ve got more than 10 days, this is the first place I’d add time (an extra day would be perfect). 

One thing you should know for Bryce that I didn’t know before my trip: the best light for photos is in the morning . 

In the afternoon, the sun is on the opposite side of the canyon from most of the interesting stuff, which leads to long shadows that really mess with your pictures because of the extremes of light and dark in the photo. 

In the morning, the sun lights up the hoodoos and other formations, making them that much more spectacular.

The Best Things to Do in Bryce Canyon National Park

Here are five things not to miss in Bryce Canyon National Park. 

Sunrise at … Sunrise Point

Start your time in Bryce Canyon with sunrise at Sunrise Point . This is a popular spot, so get there early. 

You’ll have views of the hoodoos to your right, which is the direction you want to be facing, and the horizon on the left, which is where the sun will come up.

Again, it bears repeating, make sure to watch the rising sun light up the hoodoos – most people will be looking at the horizon to watch the sunrise, which would be a mistake!

As the sun comes up, it brings out all the different hues of the hoodoos, making for some spectacular photos.

Sunset Point and Thor’s Hammer

Next, walk along the rim to Sunset Point , which is another good viewpoint to see the hoodoos from a slightly different angle.

Hike down a little ways to get a good view of Thor’s Hammer , a unique rock formation that looks like the Marvel hero’s signature hammer.

Hike the “Figure 8” Loop

After you’ve taken ALL the photos, you should embark on our favorite hike in Bryce Canyon – the Queen’s Garden / Navajo / Peek-a-boo Loop, which we’ll call the “Figure 8” loop because it sounds cooler and is less of a mouthful. 

It’s a six mile hike with 1,500 feet of elevation gain. You’ll start at Sunset Point and end along the rim near Sunrise Point. 

Make sure you’re fueled up with coffee and breakfast before heading out. To really take in the beauty and scale of Bryce Canyon, you HAVE to get below the rim. This hike takes you through canyons, between hoodoos, and to viewpoints with sweeping views of the magnificence of this park. 

You’ll start by descending Wall Street – a set of (very photogenic) steep switchbacks that take you down, down, down into the canyon. Try to get started early, because this spot gets very, very congested. 

You’ll wander through the canyon for a bit before you reach a junction – veer right to tackle the peek-a-boo loop, ending back at the exact point you veered right. From there, you’ll climb back up to the rim of the canyon via the Queens Garden trail, which is not an easy hike, especially if it’s hot, but it’s totally doable for most people. 

After the hike, take a break from being in the sun and eat some lunch to refuel, either a picnic lunch, or at the Bryce Canyon Lodge are your best options. 

The Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive

One thing you definitely shouldn’t miss in Bryce Canyon is the scenic drive along the 19-mile road that runs from one end of the park to the other. It’s a good afternoon activity, and it will only take you about an hour or so. 

Make sure to check out Natural Bridge and Bryce Point , our two favorite stops, and stop at any viewpoints along the way that catch your eye.

You’ll want to start this drive at least two hours before sunset, before the sun drops behind the canyon wall and takes all the color out of the hoodoos for the night.

Where to Stay Near Bryce Canyon National Park

There’s exactly one place to stay in the park (plus two campgrounds – scroll down to read about those) – the Bryce Canyon Lodge . The location is great, but it’s going to be expensive and it’s a little dated. That being said, it’s a solid choice if you want to stay in the park and aren’t on board for camping. 

Staying Outside the Park

If you’re looking for more options, you’ll need to look outside the park to the towns of Bryce and Tropic . 

The best place to stay to be close to the park is in the town of Bryce . It’s as close as it gets to the entrance of the park, and you’ve got a few options. Unfortunately, the selection isn’t great. 

The Best Western Plus Canyon Grand is, by far, the best place to stay. I know what you’re thinking – “really Matt? Best Western? That doesn’t seem like you.” I hear you, believe me. I had the same reaction. But this is a NICE Best Western.  

Tropic, Utah is another place you could stay, and it’s about 15-20 minutes outside the park entrance, which means it’s about 30 minutes from Sunrise Point, which is where you’ll start the next morning. Generally, Tropic is going to be the cheaper option between the two, but also the less convenient option. 

Camping in and Around Bryce Canyon

There are two campgrounds inside the park. 

Sunset Campground is the bigger of the two campgrounds inside the park. You’ll need to book well in advance, or be prepared to check the availability daily for a cancellation, which is how we ended up getting a spot for a night.

The location is great, right across from Sunset Point, which will mean you can walk over and skip dealing with the parking nightmare that is that parking lot in the morning. Oh yeah, and the bathrooms are heated, which I’ve never encountered before at a campground. 

North Campground is basically right on the rim of the amphitheater, which also means that you will be able to leave the car at camp and walk to the two best hikes in the Bryce Canyon National Park (more on that in a second). There are 99 sites, and for 2023 (May through October) you’ll need to reserve in advance. 

The best option for camping (and RV sites) outside the park is Ruby’s RV Park and Campground , which is where we stayed for the rest of our time in Bryce Canyon because we couldn’t get a reservation in the park. 

Days 8 – 10: Zion National Park

Zion is the park I’ve spent the most time in on road trips growing up, and finally we made it back in the spring to marvel at both the canyon itself, and the ingenuity that went into constructing the Mt. Carmel – Zion tunnel, and the trail up to Angels Landing. 

Both were built during the Great Depression by the Civilian Conservation Corps , and are amazing feats of engineering, especially when you consider they were made almost a century ago. 

Zion is one of the best national parks in the country, let alone Utah, so you’re ending your trip on a high note. 

There’s tons to do and see, and two days in Zion is not nearly enough time to see all there is to see, but you can get a great taste of the park that will leave you hungry to return and spend more time exploring the canyons, rivers, and hanging gardens that make Zion a special place.

The best thing to do in Zion National Park, by far, is hiking. And there are two iconic hikes in the park that you should tackle – one on each day. 

They are the Narrows and Angels Landing – you’ll do Angels Landing on Day 1, then the equally-iconic Narrows of the Virgin River on Day 2. In between, there are some great shorter hikes to tackle. 

A note here for RVs and trailers: if your vehicle is higher than 11’ 4” or wider than 7’ 10”, you’ll have to pay a $15 “escort fee” to pass through the Zion-Mt Carmel tunnel (which you’ll have to do to get into the park from the east) which basically means that a ranger will stop traffic in the tunnel and make it one-way so that you can pass through to avoid accidents. More information can be found here .

The Best Things to Do in Zion National Park

Here are some of our favorite things to do in Zion National Park. 

Hike Angels Landing

Get an early start on your first day in Zion to make your way out to Angels Landing (shuttle stop is the Grotto ). It is, along with the Narrows, one of the best and most unique hikes in Utah if not the entire western United States.

It’s only 5.4 miles long, but it’s a steady climb of over 1,500 feet, which is going to feel like A LOT at this elevation and temperature. Seriously, the trail starts flat for about a quarter of a mile, but then it starts climbing steadily for the rest of the hike up to Angels Landing. 

You need to pack plenty of water (more than two liters per person), sunscreen, and a hat. If you’re afraid of heights, the tail end of this hike is going to test your willpower. You’ll need to do some scrambling and climbing with the help of chains, but the sweeping views at the top will make it all worth it. 

However, you should know that we stopped before the serious part of the chains started. There are essentially two sections of chains – one that traverses the side of a ridge, and another that makes the ascent to the summit. We did the first section, and turned around before the second section. 

It had rained the day before, which created a fine sand that coated every rock surface on the hike. We weren’t super comfortable with our footing as we were traversing the first set of chains, and the unbearable crowds didn’t help with the anxiety. Know that it is perfectly okay to stop and turn around if you’re not feeling comfortable. We did, and we regret absolutely nothing. 

I mean it when I say to start early. It gets hot in Zion, and the last thing you want is to be stuck at one of the sections with chains waiting for a slow group to go up or down while you, quite literally, roast in the desert sun. 

It’s going to take you most of the morning and part of the afternoon to do this hike. Afterwards, head to the Zion Lodge to eat lunch – either a pre-packed picnic, or a meal at the lodge’s cafe – and relax before tackling some other short hikes in the afternoon. 

Note : in 2023, you need an advance reservation to hike to Angels Landing. It’s meant to control crowds, which we experienced and literally said to each other on the way down “they should really permit this hike.”

Sunset at the Watchman

This was one of our favorite hikes in Zion, though we did it at sunrise, when the light wasn’t at its best thanks to the towering rock wall behind you that blocks the sun from lighting up the Watchman. 

That’s why we have it here, at sunset instead.

It leaves from the visitor center, and climbs pretty gently to a mesa that is directly across the valley from the Watchman, one of the most famous rock formations in the park. It’s a good spot to pack a picnic and a couple of beers after a long day of exploring. 

Hike The Narrows

Today, hop on the shuttle early and head up the canyon to the Temple of Sinawava stop to do the ten mile hike (roundtrip) to the Narrows. 

This hike is through a canyon and river, which means it is CRUCIAL that you check with the rangers about conditions and flash flood warnings before you start the hike . In the spring, heavy water flow from snow runoff might mean that this trail is closed. 

Seriously, flash floods in canyons are no joke. Stop by the visitors center to make sure you’re good to go. 

Don’t let that scare you – the hike through the Narrows is the #1 Zion experience that I think you should have on your trip.

The hike follows the Riverside Walk for the first bit, then continues on when that trail ends. You’ll pass through narrow canyons, deal with knee-high water, and do some bouldering en route to Big Springs, where the hike ends and you’ll turn around to head back the way you came.

It’s going to take you five to six hours, maybe more. To make it as smooth as possible, bring plenty of water, tons of snacks, proper footwear (not flip flops – either hiking sandals like Chacos , or real hiking shoes), a dry bag , and a pair of trekking poles for stability.

After that, recharge for a second and catch your breath. Maybe take a nap. It has been a whirlwind of a couple of days!

East Zion Scenic Drive

The eastern side of Zion National Park is one of the more unique landscapes in the country. Checkerboard Mesa, in particular, is pretty impressive. It’s a huge, textured cone-like formation that has checkerboard textures all over its surface.

The drive through the eastern side of the park, from the East Entrance to the tunnel, is spectacular. You should do it in the late afternoon if you can, so that you’re well-positioned to do the Canyon Overlook Trail at sunset. 

The Canyon Overlook Trail

Parking for this one is a bit of a pain due to all the people vying for a very limited number of spots. You’ll need to park along the road and walk to the trailhead. 

The hike itself is short, but a little steep, and takes you up to a spectacular view out over the canyon. Below, you’ll see the road switchbacking its way up to the tunnel, and the iconic, impressive rock formations of Zion Canyon across the valley below. 

Last light on the canyon from the setting sun is amazing, and it’s worth hanging out up here for a bit until after sunset. 

Where to Stay near Zion National Park

Unlike a place like Capitol Reef, where it’s hard to find a place to stay that’s close to the park, Zion has some great options nearby in Springdale, Utah . 

Whether you’re looking for a campground or you want a comfortable hotel, there are plenty of great places to stay near Zion.  

Inside the park, your options are splurging on a lodge room or private cabin at the iconic Zion Lodge , or snagging a campground at either Watchman Campground (we stayed here and it’s great) or South Campground .

Both are walkable to the visitor center, which is where you’ll need to catch the shuttle if you’re here between March and November. 

In Springdale , which is immediately outside the entrance to the park, you’ve got a wide range of options, from budget to bougie. Here are some picks based on what you’re looking for. 

• On a budget : I have stayed at the Holiday Inn Express , and it’s nicer than most Holiday Inns, and there’s a shuttle that will take you to the park entrance right outside the front door. The Best Western is another option, and it’s slightly closer to the park  entrance.
• Mid-Range : I love the cottages at the Red Rock Inn Cottages , and that’s where we would have stayed if we weren’t camping. Flanigan’s Inn is an eco-friendly hotel with nice rooms, a beautiful property, and a great onsite restaurant. The Desert Pearl Inn is a good choice if you need a kitchen (and the rooms all have nice patios overlooking the pool).
• Best of the Best : The Cable Mountain Lodge is the best place to stay near Zion thanks to its location RIGHT OUTSIDE the park entrance. It’s a nice boutique hotel, so it’s not the cheapest, but it’s worth every penny for the location alone. In the same complex, there’s a small grocery store, a coffee shop, a brewery, and an outfitter that rents bikes and gear for the Narrows if you need it. 

You could also stay in a vacation rental in Springdale , which there are plenty of. That’ll give you more space to spread out and relax, which is particularly helpful if you’re traveling with a group. Nobody wants to cram four people in a small hotel room with two queen beds. 

For a once-in-a-lifetime glamping experience, stay at Zion Under Canvas . It’s a little further out – 45 minutes from the South Entrance – but it’ll make up for the distant location with the superb facilities.

They have a range of options – from simple “safari tents” that are basically a bed with a shared bathroom (they’re single-occupancy and nice, though) to “Stargazer” (private bathroom and deck!) and Suites. Some even come with a separate kids tent – perfect for families.

Psst ! We have a whole guide dedicated to helping you find the perfect place to stay at Zion National Park – you can read it here . 

What to Do with More Time in Utah

Here are three things to add to your Utah itinerary if you are lucky enough to have some extra time. 

Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument

Time required : 1 full day

Before heading to Bryce, it’s well worth a stop in Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument , home of some of the best slot canyons in Utah that don’t require a permit lottery to access.

The best way to do it is to tackle one or two of the hikes (if you’re ambitious) on the way to Bryce Canyon, staying overnight either in nearby Boulder, Utah, or completing the hikes and heading into Bryce at the end of the day. 

There are at least three hikes that are worth your time in this area, and which ones you choose basically depends on your ability to navigate a long dirt road with some questionable spots for passenger vehicles and your willingness to navigate tight spots in slot canyons. 

The road to get to the trailhead for Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Canyons is a 26-mile long dirt road called “Hole-in-the-Rock Road”. It’s passable in a passenger vehicle, but you’ll need to take it slow and it’s going to take you about an hour. I’d recommend a 4WD, high clearance vehicle to get to the second two hikes on the list. 

We skipped them all because Homer, our Honda Odyssey, was sick of unpaved roads after some misadventures in the Pacific Northwest. 

Here are those three hikes, with a short description of each. 

• Lower Calf Creek Falls (6 miles roundtrip): This is right along Scenic Byway 12, which means you don’t have to survive a dirt road to get to the trailhead. It’s a lovely hike through a surprisingly green canyon to a 126 foot waterfall, Lower Calf Creek Falls, which is in a grotto-like setting. Bring a swimsuit on a warm summer day to take a dip in the pool underneath the falls.
• Zebra Slot Canyon : This trail is not always accessible, since the entry point fills with water after storms. But if it hasn’t rained in a while, it’s a worthy five mile trip. I haven’t personally done it, but I’ve seen plenty of pictures on Instagram of the wave-like textures in the Zebra slot.
• Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Slot Canyons : This hike includes a 15 foot climb on rock walls, and a 20 foot descent with assistance from a rope, along with some very tight spots (12-18 inches wide) through a slot canyon. We didn’t make it here because the 26 mile long dirt road scared us and our minivan off, but I’ve heard from family members and friends who have done it that it’s amazing. The reward is two of the best slot canyons in Utah, which means it’s a busy trail. Be careful in slot canyons if there’s an incoming rainstorm – flash flooding is no joke.

If you’re looking for an awesome overnight backpacking trip, look no further than the 11.5 mile journey to Coyote Gulch . It has quite a bit of elevation gain, which makes it a little much for a day hike. But the destination is pretty epic. Permit information here . 

If you’re not up for the 26 mile drive on a dirt road, do the hike to Lower Calf Creek Falls on the drive from Capitol Reef, then head to Bryce Canyon National Park that night. 

Add a Detour into Arizona

Time required : 3-4 days

If you’ve got two weeks and you’re looking for a great addition to your Utah road trip adventure, a mini Arizona road trip would be a great option. 

Zion is just two hours away from Page, Arizona, which is home to two amazing natural wonders – Horseshoe Bend (you’ve probably seen it on Instagram) and Antelope Canyon . 

Horseshoe Bend is a giant picture-perfect bend in the Colorado River that makes for an amazing sunset location, while Antelope Canyon is one of the most picturesque slot canyons in the Southwest, but is only accessible by guided tour (check out this company , which is Navajo-owned). 

On the way to Page, make a stop at Paria Canyon to hike to Buckskin Gulch. The Wave is also here, in Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, but you’ll need to apply in advance to get a permit to hike it. More information here .

After Page, continue on to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, and spend two days at the Grand Canyon in constant awe over the natural beauty and scale on display. Make sure to drive Desert View Road at sunset , hike the South Kaibab Trail , and catch sunset at Hopi Point along Hermit Road while you’re there.

From the Grand Canyon, it’s a four hour drive west to Las Vegas. You’ll pass by Hoover Dam along the way, which is worth a stop for the sheer scale of the dam. 

Cedar Breaks National Monument

Sitting just north of Zion (an hour and a half drive) is Cedar Breaks National Monument. It’s even higher than Bryce Canyon at 10,000 feet above sea level, which means the ecosystem is very different from most of the places you’ve seen so far in Utah. It’s most similar to Bryce Canyon, with its orange-tinted rocks and ponderosa pine forests. 

It’s also shaped kind of like Bryce, forming an amphitheater, but unlike Bryce you can’t hike below the rim because it’s steep and dangerous. As a result, there aren’t a whole lot of long hikes here, so a half day is probably enough time. 

Similar to Bryce, morning is the best time to be here for the light since the sun sets behind the canyon and mid-afternoon it’s shrouded in darkness. While you’re there, make sure to hike both  the South Rim Trail and the Alpine Pond Trail . Both are short and relatively easy. 

How to Plan a Shorter Utah National Parks Itinerary

If you have less time in Utah, like we mentioned above, rather than trying to fit in the entire Mighty Five Circuit, we’d opt for spending 7 days exploring EITHER Zion and Bryce OR Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef.

The first itinerary might look something like this (you’ll want to fly in and out of Las Vegas for this one).  

• Day 1 : Arrive in Las Vegas, drive to Zion
• Day 2 : Zion National Park
• Day 3 : Zion National Park
• Day 4 : Bryce Canyon National Park
• Day 5 : Bryce Canyon National Park
• Day 6 : Day trip to Grand Staircase-Escalante (Calf Creek Falls)
• Day 7 : Drive Back to Las Vegas

If you’re more interested in spending your time in and around Moab (which is where you’ll find Arches and Canyonlands), here’s what it might look like. 

• Day 1 : Arrive in Salt Lake City / Moab
• Day 3 : Arches National Park
• Day 4 : Canyonlands National Park
• Day 5 : Around Moab
• Day 6 : Capitol Reef National Park
• Day 7 : Drive Back to Salt Lake City / Moab

The Best Time to Visit the Utah National Parks

In general, we think fall and spring are the most pleasant times to be in Utah (we were there in October and April, and it was lovely). 

Visiting in the Fall and Spring (March – May / September – October)

Fall and spring in southern Utah, which is where the national parks are, are fairly similar. We’ve been in both October and April over the past year, and both were very pleasant times to be there. However, the weather is certainly more unpredictable than the summer – it was 80 degrees and sunny one day, and then snowed the next day on our trip in April. 

On our road trip to the Mighty Five in the fall (October), we found temperatures in the 70’s and 80’s during the day, and between 50 and 60 degrees at night. This varies by park – Bryce Canyon is at 8,000 feet above sea level, and is much cooler than Arches and Canyonlands, for example. 

The parks are still busy, so you’ll need to reserve things early – it’s actually still considered high season.

Visiting in the Summer (June – August)

Summer is crowded and blazing hot. In the United States, a lot of families plan summer vacations because that’s when the kids are out of school. The result? Parks are packed, camping reservations are few and far between, and good luck getting a parking spot at the most popular trailheads in the park. 

Usually, the weather is the most predictable in the summer, where it’s often warmer and drier than other times of year. There’s also going to be afternoon thunderstorms, which are a phenomenon that we’ve run into multiple times in the southwest and in Colorado. 

Summer isn’t the best time to visit Utah’s Mighty Five national parks. You’ll find unbearable temperatures in the heat of the day, often reaching over 100 degrees, which basically means you can’t do much during the middle of the day. You’ll need to plan on being out early in the morning and late in the afternoon and drink plenty of water. 

That being said, I’ve been on two separate versions of a Utah road trip in the summer growing up, and I’m still here. It’s doable, but not preferable. 

Visiting in the Winter (November – February)

In the winter , the parks are basically empty, but it’s going to be freezing cold. You might even get a little bit of snow, which is a particularly beautiful way to see the Mighty Five in Utah. Pack a warm jacket (we basically wore this jacket every night on our road trip) and some long underwear and you’ll be fine. 

It’ll be in the 30’s and 40’s during the day, and drop below freezing at night. You might even get treated to a nice dusting of snow covering the parks, which is stunning. If you’re planning on visiting in the winter, I’d avoid camping (although we’ve camped in Yellowstone when it was below 20 degrees before) and plan on staying in hotels and vacation rentals along the way. 

The best part? You won’t have to brave the crowds – you’ll have the major sights virtually all to yourself. The worst part? Some roads and hikes might be closed due to snow and ice, so you might miss out on an experience or two. 

Matt is the founder and main writer behind Wheatless Wanderlust, which he started back in 2018 as a way to share his gluten free travel guides with his fellow Celiac travelers.

Since then, Matt and his wife Alysha have visited 18 national parks, spent three months in Europe and six weeks in Colombia, and have explored every corner of the Pacific Northwest, which is where Matt grew up.

He writes super detailed guides to the places they visit, bringing together personal experience and historical context to help YOU plan an amazing trip.

This has been by far the most imformative review I have ever had the pleasure of reading on any vacation. Awesome, Thank you so much for the detailed description and personal tips. This is helping us plan for our trip next summer, I’m taking some of your advice and hope for a great trip with out teenage boys. Thanks again

Hey Paul, thanks for the kind words! Glad you found it helpful – we plan (and pay for) all of our own trips, so we do our best to include all of those important tidbits that come from personal experience on a route. You’re going to have an amazing trip next summer. Cheers!

Hello Matt and Alysha – this site is amazing and full of info. My hubby and I and another couple are thinking of visiting Utah from Wisconsin. Our plan is to drive from home so no flying. We are all retired. If we visit in April are hotel/motel reservations still necessary? My thoughts are traveling ‘on the fly’ so to speak and when we are tired we stop and get a hotel room. Possible? Thanks.

Hey Pam! April is actually high season for the Utah parks, so yes you will probably want to reserve in advance. With the huge rise in number of visitors at national parks over the past couple of years, it’s really tough to do it “on the fly” these days between hotel reservations and park entrance permits (those haven’t quite hit the Utah parks yet, but I imagine they’re coming at some point!). Enjoy!

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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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Ultimate Utah National Parks Road Trip: Explore Utah’s Mighty 5

One of the best and most classic American vacations is a Utah National Parks road trip . Utah’s ‘ Mighty 5 ’ consists of five absolutely incredible national parks: Zion , Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands. Each park is bursting with natural beauty and ample things to do.

This Utah national parks itinerary can be catered to a 7-day or 10-day vacation, or adjusted even further to suit your needs. Keep reading to find out all the best things to do in each national park, where to stay, places to eat, what to pack, and which side trips are worthwhile.

Disclaimer : This blog post is in collaboration with  Backcountry.com and features some affiliate links. This means I get a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). Use code RENEE15 to get 15% off your first Backcountry order (some exclusions apply). You can also learn more about my affiliate policy  here . Thank you for the support!

Ultimate Utah National Parks Road Trip

I’ve visited each of these Utah national parks numerous times now. In fact, in 2017 my husband and I took a road trip to every single US national park. ( Click here to see our epic national parks route! ) So I guess what I’m trying to say is that I know a thing or two about visiting US national parks, including Utah’s ‘Mighty 5’! All these recommendations come from firsthand experience and if you follow this itinerary I guarantee you will have an amazing trip!

Best Utah National Parks Road Trip Route

Where to start and end your utah road trip.

There are a few options for where to start and end your road trip of Utah’s ‘Mighty 5’. The most common choices are Las Vegas and Salt Lake City. But cities such as Flagstaff and Denver are also options. I personally recommend starting and finishing your road trip in Las Vegas . This is for a few reasons. Firstly, you won’t have to worry about extra costs from one-way car rental and flights. Secondly, it’s generally easy to find affordable and regular flights out of the Las Vegas airport. 

In saying that, you could choose to start in Las Vegas and end in Salt Lake City , or vice versa. The route I am suggesting starts and ends in Las Vegas, but you could very simply switch the last location to Salt Lake City and avoid back-tracking to Las Vegas (see example below). You can also jump on this itinerary at any point if you are traveling from Flagstaff or Denver. 

If you fly in and rent a car I recommend using Kayak to compare the best deals on your car rental. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, consider renting a camper van for a truly epic road trip!

How To Get to Utah’s National Parks

You will need a car for this Utah national parks road trip itinerary. Many of Utah’s ‘Mighty 5’ are relatively remote and public transportation can be challenging or non-existent. So I recommend driving your own car or renting one from your starting destination.

Car, Camper, or RV?

This Utah national parks road trip itinerary is very conducive to a camper or RV style trip. The USA Southwest has plenty of free camping and is very welcoming to this kind of travel. If you are looking to rent a camper or RV then I would recommend checking out Outdoorsy or RVshare to find an RV to rent just the same as you would rent a car or book a hotel.

Not a fan of sleeping in vehicles? You can absolutely drive a regular vehicl e and stay in hotels or even consider tent camping . For rental cars, I typically use Kayak to research the best deals at my chosen destination. You can also book your campground on The Dyrt for members’ deals. Use my code reneeroaming for a free 30-day trial here .

Will I need a 4×4 Vehicle?

There are some roads in the Southwest that require 4×4 access, but I have made sure this itinerary is accessible to all types of vehicles . So if there is a side trip that requires 4×4 I will be sure to mention that.

If you’re worried about breaking down or getting stuck while you’re exploring Utah’s ‘Mighty 5’, I would recommend having AAA . It gives us peace of mind when traveling and the annual cost is really affordable (starting at $56 a year).

The Best Months to Take a Utah National Park Road Trip

You can technically follow this Utah national parks road trip itinerary any time of the year. In saying that though, there are definitely better months to explore the ‘Mighty 5’. In my opinion, spring and fall are the best seasons as they bring milder temperatures, snow-free trails, and often less crowds. Here’s an idea of what to expect from each season when exploring Utah’s national parks.

Spring is my favorite season to explore Utah’s national parks. The temperatures are usually warm during the day but cool off at night. And it’s such a nice sunny escape from winter which tends to linger in the Pacific Northwest. Keep in mind that you can get a little bit of snow in some areas during early spring, especially at higher elevations. It’s also one of the busiest times to explore the Southwest, given how great the conditions are. So expect larger crowds, especially during April and May. Another downside of this time of year can be the “spring winds” , especially in April.

I would suggest avoiding Utah’s national parks during summer (particularly July and August). It’s just too hot in my opinion. But if you’re okay with temperatures above 100°F / 38°C, then go for it! Just be prepared with ample water and sun protection .

Similar to spring, fall is a great time to visit Utah’s national parks. The days are warm but not too hot. And the nights also cool down to a comfortable sleeping temperature. Because of these ideal conditions, you can expect large crowds in fall, especially during September and October.

Just because it’s nearly always sunny in the Southwest doesn’t mean it’s always warm! Winter can be freeeeezing in Utah’s national parks, especially at higher elevations. So expect temperatures between 30°F – 50°F during the day and well below freezing at night. Some trails and roads may also be inaccessible due to snow and ice. You can travel to these parks in winter but be sure to do ample research of conditions and come prepared with adequate cold-weather gear.

How To Find Free Utah Campsites

There are loads of free camping options across Utah, which can really help you cut down on road trip costs. In fact, I have an entire blog post on how to find free campsites in the USA – check it out! It is particularly so easy to find free campsites near Utah’s Mighty 5. On my most recent road trip I stayed in free camping spots 95% of the time!

My favorite resources to find free campsites:

• iOverlander App – free ( iOS / Android ): You can also use their interactive map on their website . 
• FreeCampsites.net – free ( Android ): Their app and their website both have an interactive map that you can also use.
• The Dyrt  – free or  pro for $35.99 / year : The Pro Membership Perks include a camping road trip planner, free dispersed camping with map layers, offline access anywhere, and camping and gear discounts. You can also find free campsites and get a free 30-day trial for your next trip using code reneeroaming .

Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary

This Utah road trip itinerary is based on my own personal experiences visiting each park numerous times. You will find I have included many of the “popular” things to do because they are well-known for a reason… they are so incredible! But I have also tried to suggest some less crowded viewpoints and hikes, so that you can have some peaceful moments too.

Ideal Length of a Utah National Parks Road Trip

Honestly, the more time the better for a Utah national parks road trip! But seeing as most people have limited vacation time, I have made this itinerary 7 days long (see below). Ideally, you would opt for 10 days to allow for more time in each park and for side trips. If that’s an option for you, I have included a 10 day itinerary below. If you have even more time then I would consider adding on some stops in Arizona (like visiting Grand Canyon National Park or Antelope Canyon) or staying in each of Utah’s Mighty 5 longer.

7 Day Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary

• Day 1 : Arrive in Las Vegas, head to Zion National Park
• Day 2 : Zion National Park
• Day 3 : Bryce Canyon National Park
• Day 4 : Capitol Reef National Park
• Day 5 : Arches National Park
• Day 6 : Arches and Canyonlands National Parks
• Day 7 : Drive back to Las Vegas

10 Day Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary

• Day 1 : Arrive in Las Vegas, head to Valley of Fire State Park
• Day 2 : Valley of Fire State Park & Zion National Park
• Day 3 : Zion National Park
• Day 4 : Bryce Canyon National Park
• Day 5 : Escalante 
• Day 6 : Capitol Reef National Park
• Day 7 : Arches National Park
• Day 8 : Arches & Canyonlands National Parks
• Day 9 : Canyonlands National Park
• Day 10 : Drive back to Las Vegas

As mentioned earlier, you could also consider starting or ending your Utah Mighty 5 road trip in Salt Lake City to cut off some driving hours. But keep in mind that could mean additional costs for one-way car rental and flights.

Stop 1: Zion National Park

First up on this Utah national parks road trip itinerary is Zion National Park . In fact, Zion is one of the best parks in the whole country. I guarantee its beauty will blow you away! When spending 1-2 days in the park you will need to be selective about your adventures and be sure to maximize time wisely. If you’re like me, you’ll probably leave already wanting to plan your next trip here.

Best Things To Do in Zion National Park

If you only have time to do one hike in Zion National Park, I would choose either Angel’s Landing or Observation Point . They are both challenging hikes but the views are absolutely worth it and highlight the best parts of the park. A less challenging option is to visit Canyon Overlook . In fact, the Canyon Overlook trail is a particularly good “easy option” for a sunset adventure. Just be sure to arrive early to ensure you get a parking spot.

What about hiking The Narrows ? Exploring The Narrows is an amazing experience hiking in the Virgin River, though I wouldn’t say that it’s better than the hikes mentioned above. If you’re looking for a more secluded hiking experience then I would suggest looking into hiking The Subway Trail . During most of the year, the National Park Service runs free shuttles throughout the canyon, which makes getting around the park really easy! It’s a fun way to link up multiple hikes, too. If you feel like splurging, you can take a Sunset UTV Tour to explore the local rugged terrain in a more adventurous way!

Where To Stay Near Zion National Park

There are a few campgrounds within Zion National Park. The most popular are Springdale Watchman Campground and South Campground . There is also another campground near the less popular eastern entrance called Lava Point Campground . Book these campgrounds with The Dyrt and use my code reneeroaming for a free 30-day trial. Find out more here .

For hotel style accommodation, consider staying in the town of Springdale or at Zion Lodge (within the park) .

Places To Eat Near Zion National Park

The town of Springdale will be your best bet with plenty of places to eat. It’s located just by the southern park entrance and has numerous cafes, restaurants, and a grocery store. Be sure to check out Oscar’s Cafe, Deep Creek Coffee Co, and Cafe Soleil. Then for groceries and snacks stop by Sol Foods.

Amazing Stops Nearby Zion National Park

If you’re looking for a similar type of landscape to Zion Canyon but want to avoid crowds, check out nearby Snow Canyon State Park . Some popular things to do in Snow Canyon include hiking the Petrified Dunes and Lava Flow trails.

Another fun spot close to Zion is Scout Cave . This triangular cave is located near the town of St George and can also be accessed via a 3.6 mile out-and-back hike.

You can also book an incredible helicopter tour over Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon to see the landscape from the sky. Well worth the stop! Book here.

Add on for 10 day itinerary: Valley of Fire State Park

If you’re opting for the 10 day itinerary, then you will be stopping at Valley of Fire State Park before reaching Zion. Or you could leave Valley of Fire until the end of your trip right before flying out of Las Vegas. There are some great guided hikes that leave from Las Vegas that let you explore the area’s petroglyphs, rock formations, and plateaus.

Valley of Fire State Park is relatively small but packed with opportunities for adventure. The best hikes to check out are The Fire Wave Trail, White Domes Trail, and Rainbow Vista Trail. But if you only have time for one then I would suggest The Fire Wave Trail. 

Stop 2: Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon is often overlooked when it comes to other Utah national parks. Because of that, my expectations weren’t super high the first time I visited. Well, I was very wrong! Bryce Canyon National Park is a true gem of the Southwest and should be on everyone’s bucket list. In fact, you don’t need a whole lot of time to explore the best sights of Bryce Canyon. Which makes it the perfect addition to this whirlwind Utah national parks road trip.

Best Things To Do in Bryce Canyon National Park

Sunrise and sunset are the best times to witness Bryce Canyon’s beauty. There are also numerous viewpoints to watch sunrise and sunset, including Inspiration Point, Sunrise Point, and Sunset Point. In fact, my favorite is watching the sunrise from Sunset Point … confusing I know haha. This Bryce Canyon Guided Tour hits all the highlights of the national park in 3 hours. A great option if you’re on a time crunch.

The best hike in Bryce Canyon is the Navajo Loop Trail , paired with the Queen’s Garden Trail . Begin hiking right after sunrise and start from Sunset Point on the Navajo Trail. Then connect counterclockwise around to the Queen’s Garden Trail and finish at Sunrise Point. Walk back along the Rim Trail to your car at Sunset Point. The whole hike is approximately 2.9 miles (4.6 km) and has an elevation change of 600 feet (183 m).

But if you’re looking for an extra challenge, check out the Peek-A-Boo Loop Trail . This 5.5 mile (8.85 km) trail can also be connected to the Navajo Loop Trail for one much bigger day hike. So make sure to pack plenty of water , sun protection , and snacks .

Where To Stay Near Bryce Canyon National Park

The Lodge at Bryce Canyon is open from May through December and is a good option if you’re hoping to stay within the park. There are also two campgrounds within the park, North Campground and Sunset Campground . Lastly, you can opt to stay in the nearby town of Bryce Canyon City , which is just a 5-minute drive from the park. In addition, there are a few good options here including Ruby’s Inn RV Park and Campground , Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn , and Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand . 

Places To Eat Near Bryce Canyon National Park

Within the park you can eat at The Lodge at Bryce Canyon (yummy breakfast!) or opt for choices in nearby Bryce Canyon City. Ruby’s Inn has three dining options, the Cowboy’s Buffet & Steak Room, Canyon Diner, and Ebenezer’s Barn and Grill. All the food is fairly basic but hits the spot after a day of exploring!

Amazing Stops Nearby Bryce Canyon National Park

If you have time on your Utah national parks road trip, Red Canyon is a worthwhile side trip. You’ll find it when driving from Zion to Bryce Canyon along Scenic Byway 12. Red Canyon is part of Dixie National Forest (free entrance) and not technically part of Bryce Canyon, though they are very close to each other. Check out the .7-mile Arches Trail where you will walk by hoodoos, arches, and other interesting red rock formations.

Another detour between Zion and Bryce Canyon is Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park . At the Mount Carmel Junction you can choose to drive 20 minutes south to access the park.

There are also a few great activities you can book to enjoy more of the areas near the park. You can go horseback riding in Dixie National Forest or in Red Canyon , or if machines are more your style go on an ATV adventure within Bryce National Park .

Add on for 10 day itinerary: Escalante 

If you’re opting for the 10 day ‘Mighty 5’ itinerary, then you will be stopping to explore the Escalante area on your way from Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef National Park. Note that you have to take the route along UT-12 E instead of UT-24 E, otherwise you won’t go through Escalante.

There are also numerous things to do in the Escalante area. If you have a regular vehicle then opt for the Lower Calf Creek Falls Trail as it’s right off the highway. Then if your vehicle can deal with washboard dirt roads, head down Hole-In-The-Rock-Road and explore Devil’s Garden and/or Zebra Slot Canyon.

For those with higher clearance vehicles, consider taking a scenic drive further on and explore Peekaboo Gulch or Spooky Gulch . You can also rent 4×4 vehicles in the area or consider booking a guided tour. 

Stop 3: Capitol Reef National Park

Next up on this Utah national parks road trip itinerary is Capitol Reef National Park . I’ll be honest, Capitol Reef is a park I initially wasn’t that hyped on visiting. I hadn’t seen that many amazing photos and overall the park just doesn’t get as much exposure as the rest of the Utah ‘Mighty 5’. But don’t let that deter you from visiting. In fact, Capitol Reef is bursting with hidden gems if you’re willing to look for them!

Best Things To Do in Capitol Reef National Park

Right at the entrance of the Capitol Reef is a roadside pull-off known as the ‘ Petroglyph Panel ‘. From here you can take a short walk to view incredible rock drawings that date back to between 300 – 1300 A.D. Then after this you can stop by the Visitor Center to get the latest park information, use the restroom, and check out the gift store.

Head further into the park and check out the historic Gifford Farm (built in 1908) and enjoy some delicious home-made pie from the Gifford House store. Also be sure to get a side of home-made ice cream too! They have some of the best pies I have ever tasted and also sell other baked goods, snacks, salsa, spreads, coffee, tea, etc.

Next up, consider hiking the Cassidy Arch Trail . This 3.1-mile trail is a great way to see the natural beauty of Capitol Reef National Park. If you’re looking for something a bit longer, the Navajo Knobs Trail is 9.1-miles with 2100 feet of elevation gain. This will get you to a more elevated view of the park, with beautiful ridgeline and mountain views. Another hike to check out in that general is Hickman Bridge Trail (1.7 miles roundtrip).

Finally, I highly recommend checking out the Cathedral Valley District of Capitol Reef National Park. It’s more remote, and sometimes requires a high clearance vehicle (check at the Visitor Center). So if you can, drive all the way to the Temple of the Sun and spend a sunrise or sunset exploring that beautiful area of the park. You can book this tour for a guided exploration of Cathedral Valley .

Where To Stay Near Capitol Reef National Park

There isn’t any hotel-style lodging within Capitol Reef National Park, but those who are camping can stay at Fruita Campground . Alternatively, the nearby town of Torrey has a few hotel options, including Capitol Reef Resort and Red Sands Hotel .

Places To Eat Near Capitol Reef National Park

As mentioned above, you absolutely need to try the homemade pie and ice cream from Gifford House store . Some other places to eat near Capitol Reef include Castlerock Coffee, Austin’s Chuckwagon Deli, and Capitol Burger. 

Amazing Stops Nearby Capitol Reef National Park

If you don’t mind dirt roads or some washboarding, nearby Factory Butte is a unique place to explore. There are endless scenic drives and tons of hiking opportunities. Just be sure to pack out all your trash, follow signed recreation guidelines, and be respectful of others.

Stop 4: Arches National Park

The next Utah ‘Mighty 5’ is Arches National Park . Arches is a relatively small national park but has tons of things to see and do. One downside is that due to its closeness to the adventure hub of Moab, the park can get very busy, especially on weekends and holidays. Plan to start your days early when visiting Arches and enter the park as close to sunrise as possible. 

Best Things To Do in Arches National Park

Hikers love Arches National Park, and for good reason! Hiking to Delicate Arch (3.4-miles) is a very popular thing to do on any Utah national parks road trip. It’s such an iconic experience and worth braving the crowds for. Go at sunset and watch the arch glow with the fading afternoon light. On a clear night it is worth staying after dark and spending some time star gazing under the moon (trust me, it will blow your mind!)

Be sure to explore The Windows area of Arches National Park. You can take a short walk between all the windows, arches, and other rock formations. My favorites are Double Arch and Turret Arch. For a different view that you can’t get from the ground, book a helicopter flight .

Another short must-do walk is Sand Dune Arch Trail (0.3-mile). And if you’re looking for a bigger adventure, check out the Devil’s Garden Primitive Loop Trail . This 8.1-mile loop is absolutely gorgeous and along the way you will encounter beautiful arches, desert plants, and rock gardens. My favorites were Landscape Arch and Double O Arch. Warning: be sure you take loads of water and a hat … 8 miles hiking in the hot desert is no joke!

As a break from the hiking you can take part in an ATV adventure from Moab across the park and the Colorado River. I also like to use a self-guided audio tour when visiting new parks because it lets me explore at my own pace.

Where To Stay Near Arches National Park

Arches National Park has one lodging option, Devils Garden Campground . It’s hard to secure a reservation so you’re probably best to look into nearby options. The town of Moab has numerous hotels to choose from, as well as campgrounds and RV parks. You can also use this guide to help find free campsites in the greater Moab area.

Places To Eat Near Arches National Park

Moab has a wide range of dining options. If you’re a fan of burgers, definitely check out Milt’s Stop and Eat Diner . They have a bunch of yummy burger options (including veggie and fish), fries, and shakes. For coffee and brunch, you can’t go wrong with Moab Garage Co . We also like the smoothies from Moab Coffee Roasters. Another good choice is Moab Brewery as they have a substantial beer list and a nice range of food options.

Amazing Stops Nearby Arches National Park

If you have time to add to your Mighty 5 road trip, Fisher Towers is a worthwhile place to check out while you’re in the Moab area. It’s a well known spot for climbers but many other visitors don’t know about its beauty or hiking opportunities. Take the Fisher Towers Trail for some spectacular views and a good workout. You can also camp there if you are lucky and get one of the 5 car camping sites.

Corona Arch is another amazing spot close by to Arches National Park. Located about 1 hour from the Arches Visitor Center, Corona Arch is an easy 2.3 mile hike that offers stunning views of a massive arch (140 feet across by 105 feet high).

Stop 5: Canyonlands National Park

No Utah national parks road trip itinerary would be complete with a stop at Canyonlands National Park ! The Island in the Sky section of Canyonlands is the most visited and it’s a distance of about 35-40 minutes driving time from Arches National Park.

If you have a short amount of time to visit Canyonlands, then I recommend sticking to the Island in the Sky area. If you have longer, then you could consider checking out the other three areas: Maze District, Needles District, and the Colorado and Green Rivers District. Keep in mind that these areas are much more remote and best suited for experienced travelers and backpackers. 

Best Things To Do in Canyonlands National Park

These recommendations are all for the Island in the Sky area, as that is what I recommend visiting on such a short Utah national parks road trip. Drive the entirety of Grand View Point Road , stopping at all the different lookouts along the way: Shafer Canyon Overlook, Green River Overlook, Buck Canyon Overlook, and ending at Grand View Point. My favorite of the overlooks is probably Green River, especially at sunset.

I recommend walking the 2-mile Grand View Point trail for incredible panoramic views. Some other short trails to check out include White Rim Overlook (1.8-mile), and Mesa Arch (0.7-mile). Keep in mind that Mesa Arch Trail can be VERY busy at sunrise, as that is when photographers like to capture the fiery red glow on the arch. It’s worth braving the crowds but my top recommendation would be to stick around until after sunrise. All the photographers peace-out fairly quickly and then you will have the arch all to yourself! Remember to never walk or climb on arches .

Another worthwhile sight in the park is Upheaval Dome Trail (1.7-mile). To get there, drive down Upheaval Dome Road and park at the end (you will get to a turn-around loop). From there you should spot the trailhead and can follow signs to both the first Upheaval Dome overlook and the second. 

For a birds-eye view of Upheaval Dome, the Arches District, and the Needles District you can book a scenic airplane tour , your pilot will be your guide of the incredible scenery cruising beneath you. If you prefer to stay at ground level you can take this 4×4 tour followed by white water rafting in the Colorado River.

Where To Stay Near Canyonlands National Park

There is one lodging option in the Island in the Sky area of Canyonlands National Park, Willow Flat Campground . It has 12 first-come-first-served sites and the campground is open year-round. A nearby BLM camping spot is Horsethief Campground , which has 85 first-come-first-served campsites at $20 a night. Your other option will be to stay in nearby Moab , where there are plenty of lodging options (you could stay at the same place while exploring both Arches and Canyonlands). You can also use this guide to find free campsites in the greater Moab area.

Places To Eat Near Canyonlands National Park

There isn’t anywhere to eat inside Canyonlands National Park, so you will have to bring your own food or eat in nearby Moab. As mentioned above, Moab has a wide range of dining options. If you’re a burger lover, definitely check out Milt’s Stop and Eat Diner . For delicious coffee and brunch, I highly recommend Moab Garage Co . Another good choice is Moab Brewery as they have a substantial beer list and a nice range of food options.

Amazing Stops Nearby Canyonlands National Park

About 9 minutes before arriving at the Island in the Sky Visitor Center, you will pass a junction to Hwy 313. Turning left will take you to Dead Horse Point State Park . Stopping here is highly recommended if you have the time! The main overlook (at the end of the road) has stunning views of steep canyon walls, the Colorado River snaking below, and distant mountain peaks. You could take a picnic dinner and watch sunset here after exploring Canyonlands National Park. Alternatively, take the view from the river on a scenic jet boat tour along the Colorado river.

This is the end of your Utah national parks road trip! 

You’ve seen all of Utah’s Mighty 5! It’s now time to head back to Las Vegas. If you traveled via Escalante then you could take I-70/15 back, just for some change of scenery (and I think it’s technically shorter). If you are opting to finish in Salt Lake City, then simply head north on Hwy 191. 

Map of Ultimate Utah National Parks Road Trip

Things To Know Before You Go On a Utah Road Trip

Before setting off, below are a few more key things to know about taking a Utah national parks road trip. 

How To Avoid National Park Crowds

Utah national parks can get busy! Especially on weekends and holidays. I have an entire guide on how to avoid crowds in national parks , but here are my top tips to consider when visiting Utah’s Mighty 5:

• Visit mid-week and during off-peak seasons.
• Be self sufficient and prepared (e.g. your own food, water, supplies).
• Start your day at sunrise. Exploring late in the afternoon can also be quieter than in the middle of the day.
• Explore less popular parts of the park.
• Hit the trails and go hiking. Overlooks/viewpoints are always much busier than the trails.

Buy a National Parks Pass

You 100% should buy an annual national parks pass if you’re taking a road trip through Utah’s Mighty 5. The America The Beautiful Pass is a one-time fee of $80 and it allows for unlimited entry into federally operated recreation sites across the United States. The pass covers both the owner and up to three accompanying adults aged 16 years and older (children 15 and under are free).

Not only will it save you money in the long run to buy an annual pass, but 100% of the proceeds will go back to improving the national park system’s facilities and services. You can pick up a national park pass at any entrance station or park visitor center. If you already have one, don’t forget to pack it!

How To Plan Utah National Park Hikes

Hiking trails are often the most beautiful parts of a national park and should definitely be explored if you are physically capable. Here are my top tips for planning national park hikes when visiting Utah’s Mighty 5:

• Look at the national park map and other information you are provided on entrance to the park. These brochures often have recommendations for hiking in the different park sections.
• Drop into the visitor center and ask about trail conditions and what is/isn’t accessible at that time of year. You can also double-check whether or not you need a permit to take a particular hike. Park rangers are a great resource for trip planning
• If you’re planning hikes before arriving at the park then you can refer to the National Park Service website and All Trails (website or app) for current conditions.
• Be sure to read up on that particular park’s local hiking guidelines.
• Research any gear you may need for hiking in your chosen terrain/conditions. My beginner’s guide to hiking covers the basics and I also have a women-specific guide on what to wear hiking . Curious about what shoes to wear? Check out my guide to the best hiking shoes for women and men .

Need a refresher on hiking trail etiquette? Read my guide on the Hiking Trail Etiquette Rules You Should Know and Follow .

Can You Take Pets to National Parks?

This is a common question to ask when planning a Utah national parks trip. Each national park has its own rules when it comes to pets. You can check on NPS.gov (select your park > plan your visit > basic information > pets) or call ahead and ask a ranger. In my experience, most national parks do not allow pets on trails but do often allow them in rest areas. Remember to always follow park regulations, keep your pet leashed, and clean up after them. And please do not leave animals in cars on hot days!

Always Follow Leave No Trace Principles

It’s important that you follow Leave No Trace principles when visiting national parks, and anytime you are out in nature. Please be sure to educate yourself before heading out to explore Utah’s Mighty 5. Find out more information via the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics , the National Park Service , or by reading my in-depth blog post on How To Leave No Trace . 

What To Pack For a Utah National Parks Road Trip

What you pack for your Utah national parks road trip will depend on what time of year you choose to visit. Seeing as it’s the most common time to visit, this packing guide will be tailored to spring and fall travel. If you choose to visit Utah’s Mighty 5 in summer, maybe leave some of the heavier items at home and definitely bring extra sunscreen. And if you visit during winter then definitely bring more layers. 

This packing guide is also tailored towards people who enjoy hiking. If you don’t plan to hit the trails, simply leave off the hiking-specific items when using the guide. For those choosing to camp, I have an entire guide and packing list for car camping essentials , so make sure to check that out!

Don’t forget to use code RENEE15 to get 15% off your first Backcountry.com order! (some exclusions apply) Click here to shop my favorites .

Hiking shoes:

If you’re visiting in spring or fall then a pair of trail runners or lighter hiking boots should do the trick, such as the La Sportiva Bushido II Trail Running Shoe . If visiting during the winter months or if you plan to hike muddy trails, it’s best to bring a pair of waterproof hiking boots. The Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boots are a great choice. We also have a guide on all the best hiking shoes , so don’t forget to check that out when shopping for new hiking boots!

Merino wool socks :

Wool socks are the best for preventing blisters and also letting your feet breathe. Recommended hiking socks .

Hiking pants, leggings, shorts, Skorts , Dresses:

I generally reach for leggings and I have also been loving skorts lately, but choose whatever feels comfortable and practical for you! Recommended hiking pants ; hiking shorts ; hiking skort , hiking dress , hiking leggings .

Quick-dry top :

Merino wool tops are my favorite due to their breathability and odor resistance. Recommended short-sleeve hiking top ; long-sleeve hiking top .

Day pack/hiking backpack :

Choose something with hip and chest straps for optimal comfort and practicality. Recommended backpack .

When taking short walks or exploring roadside stops I often prefer to opt for a small hip pack instead of a backpack. Just something to fit my phone, lip balm , sunglasses , and any other essentials. Recommended hip pack .

Trekking poles :

Optional but I personally swear by them for hiking! Recommended trekking poles .

Mid-layer :

Perfect for chilly mornings and evenings. So opt for something lightweight like a fleece or pullover. Recommended mid-layer .

Insulated jacket :

You will want something warmer for chilly days and during the mornings and evenings when visiting in summer. Recommended insulated jacket .

Rain jacket :

The weather can change quickly in the desert! Be sure to pack a rain jacket and/or windbreaker, even during summer. These ones are lightweight and barely take up any space in your pack. Recommended rain jacket , recommended windbreaker .

Casual clothes :

Pack some casual and/or nicer outfits if you plan to eat out at restaurants. This is of course optional though! Check out my Favorites page on Backcountry for some recommendations.

Navigation :

When driving, have Google Maps or Maps.Me handy. For hiking, carry a physical map and a compass , and download offline maps onto your phone. I use Gaia GPS – click here to get 20% off a Premium membership!

Emergency beacon :

Optional, but can give you and your loved ones some peace of mind when hiking or traveling without phone service. Recommended emergency device .

Headlamp + batteries :

For hiking in the dark, camping, or in emergency roadside situations. Recommended headlamp .

Drink bottle + Water Jug:

Pack a reusable water bottle and you could also consider using a water bladder inside your backpack when hiking. I like to keep a larger water jug in my car so that I don’t have to rely on finding water fillup stations. Lastly, I also like to hike with a lightweight water filter to ensure I don’t get sick when drinking from streams.

Bring along either a cap, bucket hat, or wide brim hat to protect your face from the sun. Recommended cap ; bucket hat ; wide brim hat .

Sunscreen :

Self-explanatory. This one is reef safe and doesn’t contain any chemicals that will harm you or the environment. Don’t forget a lip balm with sunscreen too.

Sunglasses :

Polarized sunglasses are best for eye protection.

First aid items :

Always carry a small first aid kit with essential items like blister plasters and emergency supplies. Recommended lightweight first aid kit .

Phone + driver’s license/ID :

Always best to keep these on you in case your car is broken into. Recommended lightweight wallet (or you can simply use a small binder clip!)

Camera + batteries :

Optional but trust me, you will want a camera to capture these beautiful parks! Check out the camera gear I use to capture my travel photos and the camera bag I pack it all in!

Packing a cooler to bring along your own food and drinks is a good way to help stick to your budget on road trips and avoid unnecessary stops. You can opt for a smaller size for a day trip or a larger cooler that’s more conducive to car camping and longer road trips. Recommended day trip cooler ; larger cooler .

Every road trip requires snacks! Bring whatever your favorite snacks are or factor in time to stop at a grocery store / gas station. My go-to snacks .

Reusable coffee mug :

If you enjoy drinking coffee then it’s best to bring along a reusable mug or tumbler. Recommended mug ; insulated tumbler .

Reusable utensils :

Similar to above, having your own travel utensils / cutlery is a great way to cut down on single-use plastics when ordering take-out food.

National Parks Pass :

A national parks pass is a must for this trip! Make sure to pack your pass if you already have one. If not you can buy one when you arrive at the parks or online before you go .

Road trip playlist + Podcasts:

Don’t forget to download some good tunes and podcasts for your road trip. For music, check out my playlists on Spotify . For podcasts, we have an entire guide on the best road trip podcasts !

Want more packing & gear tips?  Check out our guides on what to wear hiking , car camping gear essentials , how to plan a national parks trip , and the best hiking shoes .

Final Thoughts On Taking a Utah National Parks Road Trip

I hope this guide helped you plan an incredible Utah national parks road trip itinerary! If you have any other Utah Mighty 5 recommendations to share, please leave them below in the comments. If you’re looking for more national park inspiration, be sure to check out our full range of guides .

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SO much helpful info! Thank you! I’m hoping to rent a camper van in late April to do this trip (7-day version). How did you find places to park the van overnight to sleep? Is it necessary to rent a camp site in advance? Also, how was it trying to find parking during the day while hiking?

Hi, my wife is handicapped and needs to use a scooter (can’t walk on trails, etc.) Where areas are handicap accessible that we can go to w/o any major hassles? Thanks

beautiful place, thank you for creating this article

WOW! This is and will be sn Incredible assist as I plan my national parks trip to Utah! THANK YOU THANK YOU!!

This is a great summary of all the awesome spots in Utah. You certainly got some beautiful photos!

Used http://www.reneeroaming.com to plan a tour of the 5 Utah national parks this past October. An absolute and unequivocal endorsement of this website !! The sequencing of the park visits, recommendations of hotels, places to eat and suggestions of hikes were all spot on. One of the best trips I have ever taken.

Wow this amazing blog and learning this information about me thanks sharing this lovely and great article

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The Ultimate Road Trip to Utah’s “Mighty 5” National Parks

By: Author Bram Reusen

Posted on Last updated: August 27, 2023

You won’t have any trouble finding great road trips in the USA . Especially the American West is crisscrossed by numerous scenic highways and byways, stringing together some of the world’s greatest national parks.

One of the finest examples of a classic road trip state is Utah, home to five spectacular national parks.

Beautifully lined up across the southern part of the state, this quintet of Utah national parks is known as the “Mighty 5” —and rightly so.

I road tripped through all five national parks in Utah myself, a 10-day journey through both time and space, from ancient rock formations and imposing canyons to fascinating historic sites and glorious sunsets.

This Utah national parks road trip itinerary post contains affiliate links. You can read more about our Terms of Use / Disclosure here .

• Zion National Park
• Bryce Canyon National Park
• Capitol Reef National Park
• Canyonlands National Park
• Arches National Park

Map of Utah National Parks

Suggested starting points, how many national parks are in utah, what is the best time to visit utah national parks, what is the best way to see all national parks in southern utah, how many days to visit the mighty 5 national parks in utah, other national park road trips, the ultimate utah national parks road trip itinerary.

In this post, I’ll tell you what to expect from a southern Utah national parks road trip.

Since most people start their road trip to the epic national parks of Utah from either Las Vegas or Salt Lake City, you’ll find them listed from west to east—from Zion to Arches.

The cliffs of Zion Canyon rise up monumentally alongside the meandering, gem-blue Virgin River, while the leaves of cottonwood trees rustle in the gentle breeze.

Zion Canyon is the creation of this seemingly calm river. Many plants and animals that live in Zion National Park rely in some way or another on the life-giving waters of the Virgin River.

Even people found livelihood in this unforgiving landscape because of the river’s endless, if sometimes scarce, flow of clear water.

The first people who lived in Zion Canyon, thousands of years ago, hunted camels and mammoths in sheltered canyons and open desert. They also developed agricultural practices and settled down in Zion Canyon.

These were the Ancestral Puebloans, a group of Native Americans that occupied much of the Colorado Plateau, from the Grand Canyon to their wonderful cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde .

After they eventually moved out of the canyon, a completely different group of people moved into the region in the mid-19th century—European settlers and pioneers.

The first Euro-American settlers to enter what is now Zion National Park were Mormon pioneers . They gave many landmarks in Zion National Park their modern names, including the name “Zion” itself, but also places such as the Court of the Patriarchs and Kolob Canyon.

Zion National Park, established in 1919, is now one of the most-visited national parks in America. It attracts more than four million people each year, tourists and adventurers looking to explore some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes.

The park is a superb place for outdoor activities, from rock climbing and canyoneering to amazing hiking , including Angels Landing, one of the best day hikes in America’s national parks .

Adrenaline junkies will find sanctuary—”Zion” is a biblical term for a place of refuge—at various places in the park, while more low-key attractions like hanging gardens, weeping rocks, shimmering ponds, and roadside viewpoints in Zion are popular spots among families and day visitors.

Top Zion National Park Attractions

• Angels Landing
• Observation Point
• The Watchman
• Emerald Pools
• The Narrows
• Echo Canyon
• Weeping Rock

A short distance east of Zion National Park lies Bryce Canyon National Park . These two Utah national parks are often combined with the Grand Canyon to create short excursions from nearby major cities.

The highest of all Utah national parks, Bryce Canyon National Park forms the upper step of what’s known as the “Grand Staircase.”

Bryce Canyon is the highest step of this majestic geological stairway, its elevation between 8,000 and 9,000 feet.

Going down, you’ll pass successively through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument , Zion National Park and Grand Canyon National Park, which is the lowest step of the Grand Staircase.

This vast part of the Colorado Plateau is sculpted by water and characterized by canyons, river systems, rock formations and valleys.

Note that, although its name has the word “canyon” in it, Bryce Canyon isn’t actually a canyon at all. Instead of canyons, the park’s landscapes consist of several natural amphitheaters, filled with rock formations, situated on the edge of a desert plateau.

Unlike the iconic deep canyons elsewhere in Utah and Arizona, the flowing water that creates them isn’t present in Bryce Canyon.

However, water still is the sculptor in the park . Over countless centuries, it has chiseled the park’s iconic rock formations through chemical weathering and a physical event called “frost-wedging”.

The majority of highlights in Bryce Canyon National Park are in and around Bryce Amphitheater, the park’s largest and most famous natural amphitheater, and its star attraction. This is where you’ll find most of the hoodoos that so typify this remarkable Utah national park.

You’ll see hundreds of these towering, narrow pinnacles and pillars of red rock, which are best explored on one of the numerous Bryce Canyon hiking trails .

Top Bryce Canyon National Park Attractions

• Queens Garden
• Thor’s Hammer
• Wall of Windows
• Wall Street
• Two Bridges
• Sunrise and Sunset Point overlooks

All Utah national parks are phenomenal in their own right, but I have to say that I liked Capitol Reef National Park best.

It’s possibly the most underrated of the “Mighty 5”. Highway 24, a public and a beautiful national park road , cuts right through the park, which means that many travelers often simply drive through the park without really exploring it, maybe quickly stopping in the historic Mormon town of Fruita.

As the middle one of the five national parks in Utah, Capitol Reef is sometimes nothing more than a passing-through park on people’s way between more famous ones like Zion and Arches National Park. This is an absolute shame, since Capitol Reef National Park is amazing.

I recommend taking your time and spending at least two days and one night in Capitol Reef National Park. It deserves it .

Millions of years of geological activity paired with erosion by water and ice created various remarkable rock formations.

Slot canyons, arches and bridges, tall pillars, domes and cliffs sweep across this vast desert landscape, its colors ever-changing as the sun arches its way across the sky.

Capitol Reef National Park is at its prime early in the morning and late in the evening, when the sun’s low angle casts long shadows across the desert floor.

This is a hot and dry place, best explored just after sunrise or just before sunset, which is why I recommend spending the night in this underrated southern Utah national park.

Protecting a 100-mile monocline known as the Waterpocket Fold, Capitol Reef is a large park. There’s one main tourist area, though, which makes visiting the park super-easy.

In Fruita, you’ll find the Visitor Center, as well as a number of preserved historic homes and barns , beautiful fruit orchards , picnic areas, and Capitol Reef hiking trails . Just south of Fruita is the Scenic Drive, which takes you deeper into the park’s desert landscapes.

Unlike all of Utah national parks, there’s still plenty of solitude, remoteness and quietness to be found in Capitol Reef. That, combined with its uniquely spectacular landscapes, is really what sets it apart from all other  U.S. national parks .

Top Capitol Reef National Park Attractions

• Fruita orchards
• Gifford Homestead
• Hickman Bridge
• Chimney Rock
• Native American petroglyphs
• Cathedral Valley (4WD vehicle needed)

It’s impossible to exaggerate the magnificence and sheer vastness of Canyonlands National Park , in the southeastern corner of Utah.

Situated on the Colorado Plateau and bisected by both the Colorado and Green Rivers, this almost incomprehensibly wild park protects literally hundreds of canyons, as well as countless spires, mesas, buttes and arches.

The two rivers that cut through Canyonlands National Park, the Colorado River and the Green River, divide the park into three distinct districts. The rivers themselves are classified as the fourth district.

Together, the districts encompass more than 350,000 acres of rugged canyon wilderness.

Those four different Canyonlands National Park districts are:

• The Island in the Sky
• The Needles

The Island in the Sky is the one that’s easiest to visit, and probably the only one you’ll have time for on your Utah national parks road trip. Located a short drive from the town of Moab and also near Arches National Park, it can be explored on a scenic drive and on various short hiking trails.

The district gets its name from its geographical location. Surrounded on both sides by the canyons of the Colorado and Green Rivers, the area appears to be a floating plateau.

This large mesa is perched more than 1,000 feet above the innumerable canyons and rock formations below. Needless to say, the views are mind-blowing.

Although the Grand Canyon is obviously a bigger canyon and a lot more famous, I personally was actually more impressed by the canyons of Canyonlands National Park .

With its sheer vertical cliffs, boulder-covered mesas as far as the eye can see, a seemingly endless stairway of canyons and plateaus, and awe-inspiring night skies, Canyonlands National Park is truly America at its very wildest.

It might just be the most objectively spectacular park on this Utah national parks road trip itinerary. Popular activities range from hiking and camping to stargazing and mountain biking .

Top Canyonlands National Park Attractions

• Upheaval Dome
• Green River Overlook
• Shafer Canyon
• White Rim Road

Home to the world’s densest concentration of natural rock arches, Arches National Park is one of the most photogenic national parks in America .

The park is home more than 2,000 cataloged rock arches. They range in size from three feet, which is the minimum required length of an arch, to almost three hundred feet.

The easternmost of the five Utah national parks, Arches National Park is an extremely accessible park, located just 5 miles from adventure-focused Moab .

Spectacular Canyonlands National Park lies right next door as well.

Begin your visit by stopping at the Arches visitor center to pick up a map and park newspaper, before exploring the park on its only road—the amazing Arches Scenic Drive .

It’s not the largest of parks and the Scenic Drive allows you to get to many places effortlessly.

I recommend that you allow plenty of time to do a few of the wonderful hikes in Arches National Park , some of which are truly spectacular.

The Delicate Arch Trail, for instance, is an almost-mandatory hike in Arches National Park. This 3-mile roundtrip hike takes you to the park’s (and Utah’s) most famous rock arch.

Another hike I particularly enjoyed is the Devils Garden Loop , a 7.9-mile circuit to no fewer than seven stunning arches .

Snaking its way for 19 miles through a desert landscape of rock spires and arches, fins, cliffs, boulders and monoliths, the park road takes you past essentially all the best things to see in Arches National Park . Or at least, it brings you within hiking distance of them.

Top Arches National Park Attractions

• Park Avenue
• The Windows and Double Arch
• Balanced Rock
• Landscape Arch
• Delicate Arch
• Devils Garden

The two most popular cities to start a Utah national parks road trip are Las Vegas, with Salt Lake City as a close second.

I’d personally recommend starting in Las Vegas—there are several other parks all around Las Vegas , too—because flights are generally pretty cheap and it’s the nearest major city to Zion, the first park on this Utah national parks tour itinerary.

Salt Lake City is a good alternative, though. When you fly into Salt Lake City, situated in northern Utah, the drive is just a little bit longer before you get to the southern Utah parks.

Utah National Parks FAQs

There are five national parks in Utah, all of which are in the southern part of the state. From west to east, they are:

Additionally, there are also several other National Park Service sites in Utah. Not surprisingly, all but one are natural areas, often preserving extraordinary geological formations.

• Cedar Breaks National Monument
• Dinosaur National Monument
• Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
• Golden Spike National Historical Park
• Hovenweep National Monument
• Natural Bridges National Monument
• Rainbow Bridge National Monument
• Timpanogos Cave National Monument

On top of that, no fewer than four national historic trails run through Utah as well, all of which were important routes during the pioneering era and the settling of the American West. Those are:

• California National Historic Trail
• Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail
• Old Spanish National Historic Trail
• Pony Express National Historic Trail

Because most of the national parks in Utah are located at a high elevation, snowfall is quite common here in winter. In fact, both Zion and Bryce Canyon are great parks for snowshoeing , while Arches is, if possible, even more beautiful when covered in a dusting of snow .

Summers, on the other hand, are dry and hot, which might not be ideal for long hikes—and I assure you you’ll want to do some hiking during your Utah national parks road trip.

So, the best time for a road trip to the national parks of Utah is either spring or fall.

I did this road trip in April and the weather was glorious . Moreover, as this is well before the peak tourist season, you’ll get to enjoy these parks when they’re much quieter.

Fall, too, is a beautiful time of year for a national parks road trip in Utah. Especially Zion National Park, with its woodland foliage is breathtaking in the fall .

Although myriad tour companies offer (day) trips to famous parks like Zion and Bryce Canyon (as well as the Grand Canyon) from places like Las Vegas, those tours pale in comparison with the freedom that your own wheels can provide.

A Utah national parks road trip is, in my opinion, the only way to really discover and explore these majestic parks in Utah.

With your own vehicle, whether it’s a regular car or an RV, you’re 100% flexible. Where you stop, how long you stay, what you do,… It’ll all be up to you!

I’d suggest at least 10 days for this Utah national parks road trip itinerary.

For each park, this is the minimum amount of time you should spend there for a complete, all-round and unrushed experience:

• Zion National Park – 3 days / 2 nights
• Bryce Canyon National Park – 2 days / 1 night
• Capitol Reef National Park – 2 days / 1 night
• Canyonlands National Park – 1 day / 1 night
• Arches National Park – 2 days / 1 night

Have You Ever Gone on a Utah National Parks Road Trip? Which Was Your Favorite Park and Why? Tell Us in the Comments Below!

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ajay rastogi

Monday 3rd of February 2020

Such a nice road trip itinerary. They are very helpful content. I will visit national park in next month. Thank for sharing.

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AMAZING Utah National Parks Road Trip (Map, Best Hikes, Scenic Route Between Parks + More)

Posted on Published: November 2, 2022  - Last updated: July 7, 2023

The landscape in southern Utah is unlike any you’ve ever seen! Jaw-dropping canyons and incredible arches will wow you while lush valleys make way to funky hoodoos. A Utah National Parks road trip is an adventure of a lifetime!

This is the ultimate guide to a Utah National Parks road trip – everything you need to know before you go.

This post may contain affiliate links. For more info, see my  disclosures .

Whether Zion has been on your bucket list or hiking in Canyonlands National Park is drawing you in, there’s so much to see and do in southern Utah!

At times the landscape is barren. You wonder how anything survives in the mix of sand and rock.

Then you’ll see a riverbed and the lush, green life that surrounds it. Those rivers have carved some incredible canyons over the millions of years, making way to some of the most impressive views in the US!

If you’re wondering just how to see the Mighty 5 in Utah, this mega guide will help you plan your trip!

Utah National Parks road trip guide

It’s an adventure of a lifetime! And honestly, planning it can be overwhelming. This guide covers…

• Utah national parks map, including where to start and which scenic drives to take between parks
• How much time you’ll need to visit the Mighty 5
• When to take a Utah big 5 road t rip
• Detailed itinerary for a Utah national parks tour, including which parks and attractions you’ll need reservations for🎟
• Highlights of each park: Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon and Zion
• Where to stay along the way
• Which of the parks have shuttles, and when you have to use them🚐
• What route to take between the parks, including the some of best scenic byways in Utah
• Things you’ll need to pack for a Utah national parks trip
• Tips for an incredible trip

Must-watch video: Utah national parks road trip

Where to start your national parks road trip Utah

If you’re driving to the area, then this is an easier decision. 🙂 Living in Omaha, I’ve done the Denver to Moab road trip a few times, and therefore I usually start on the east side of Utah.

If you’re flying to start this west coast road trip , there’s a great route to start and end your trip without having to backtrack.

Fly into Salt Lake City, see the Mighty 5 in Utah, depart from Las Vegas

Flying into Salt Lake City and leaving from Las Vegas (or vice versa) allows you to see each park in the most efficient way possible.

After leaving Salt Lake City, you’ll see Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon then Zion.

Of course, you could start and end in Salt Lake City or Las Vegas and drive a loop through the Mighty 5, if flight prices are cheaper for round trip.

Arriving in Salt Lake City and departing from Las Vegas, it’s 878 miles or 17 hours and 34 minutes…if you made no other stops or drove through the parks at all. So consider this when planning your trip. It’s a lot of driving, and tons of sightseeing!

Utah national parks map

The map below follows the route from Salt Lake City then making your way from Arches National Park to Zion National Park and ending in Las Vegas.

The map of Utah national parks includes the scenic byways between the parks. Southern Utah has such incredible scenery, and taking the scenic route will only provide more adventure on this trip. More details below on the routes between parks!

Pro tip: download this map to your phone while you’re on good wifi. Because there’s not much service while in southern Utah!

Rent a car, campervan or RV

This is one of the best road trips USA and you’ll need to be able to get from one park to the next for this epic road trip! The easiest way is to rent a car and get hotels along the way. (See recommendations on where to stay below.) 

If you can, get a 4-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle. Some of the scenic routes and hikes are accessible via a non-paved road and the extra clearance will help. Most car companies will allow you to rent from one city and drop off at another, for a (typically small) additional fee.

Renting a car in Salt Lake City or Las Vegas, I recommend using Discover Cars . It’s an easy (and free) way to search the major car carriers for the cheapest rate. I typically save 10-30% using Discover Cars .

Of course, if you’re feeling adventurous, you could try a campervan or RV for a fun journey between. That involves more planning for campsites, food, gas and extra caution for driving conditions. Plus you’ll want to know how to drive and operate the vehicle.

As someone who’s done a Southwest RV road trip, I highly recommend that route if you’re up for the adventure! It’s certainly one of the best RV vacations in the US !

Utah national parks road trip: how many days?

If you’re wondering how many days you need to see the Mighty 5 in Utah, it’s simple: as many as you can!

You’ll want at least 1 day in each park.

With 1.5 – 3 hours driving between each park (except Canyonlands and Arches), t he most efficient way to hit the 5 parks is to drive to the next after seeing the park for the day . Of course that means getting to your accommodations late, but there’s so much to do at these parks it’s worth it. 😉

7 day itinerary Utah national parks 

Here’s a sample of what a 7-day itinerary for a Utah national parks road trip might look like for you…

• Day 1: fly into Salt Lake City in the morning and drive to Moab
• Day 2: Arches National Park
• Day 3: Canyonlands and drive to Capitol Reef
• Day 4: Capitol Reef and drive to Bryce Canyon
• Day 5: Bryce Canyon and drive to Zion
• Day 6: Zion National Park
• Day 7: Drive to Las Vegas and catch an evening flight out

Obviously this is a very simplified version, and honestly it only gives you time to see the park highlights. But it definitely gets you a starting point.

If you have 10 days for a Utah Mighty 5 road trip, you could add a day in the parks that interest you most!

For the best hiking, I’d recommend adding a day to Canyonlands, Zion and Bryce Canyon. If you’d rather spend your time sightseeing and have a few days to add, you might consider spending more time in Capitol Reef, Arches and Canyonlands.

If you have even more time, consider seeing The Needles District of Canyonlands, Goblin Valley State Park near Moab or Valley of Fire State Park between Zion and Las Vegas.

Continue reading the guide for the must-see’s in each park.

One of the biggest things when planning a Utah national parks road trip is where you’ll stay between each park. If you’re traveling during the summer or over holidays, accommodations will fill up fast! Check out the recommendations for the closest hotels and campgrounds to each park throughout the guide.

Best time to take a Utah national parks road trip

If you’re wanting to know the best time to make this epic journey, there’s a lot to consider! Between work and school schedules, weather and crowds, each season brings something different to these amazing national parks.

• Spring is a great time for a Utah mighty 5 road trip! Waterfalls should be gushing, although there could be ice or snow on some trails, and others may be closed if it’s not safe. There are certainly less crowds in the spring!
• Summer is the most busy, and the hottest time of year. But if you’re traveling with kids in school or you’re in college, this may be the easiest option! You’ll find longer lines pretty much everywhere, however the trail and roads are the most likely to be open!
• Fall is another ideal time to take a Utah big 5 road trip. With less people traveling, accommodations could be more affordable. Early fall tends to still be hot, so watch the heat when planning your days.
• Winter is a gorgeous time in southern Utah. Light snow is certainly possible and ice can build up, creating some closures for road and hiking trails. If you go in winter, be sure to pack the right winter hiking gear!

Note: getting into the parks is obviously essential! Be sure to read the guide below in detail to determine which parks need reservations!🎟

If life were perfect, I’d recommend May or October for a national parks road trip Utah. In fact, Bryce Canyon is one of the best national parks to visit in October ! Although each time I’ve visited the Utah mighty 5 it’s been in summer so obviously it’s doable, even in the busy season. 🤣

Utah national parks itinerary

This is a guide of what to see at each park, where to stay and the best routes to take in between.

You could honestly spend a week (or more!) exploring each of these incredible parks! The scenery is simply amazing, and each offers unique features. But if you’re only on this Utah road trip for a week, here are the must-do’s in each park.

Arches National Park: must-do’s

🎟 Arches National Park requires a timed ticketed entry reservation from April to October from 6am to 5pm. Reserve your timed entry ticket up to 3 months in advance to get the day and time you want!

If you’re traveling during the summer months and wish to enter the park before 6:00am or after 5:00pm, you won’t need a reservation.

One day in Arches National Park is best spent seeing some of the coolest arches on the planet! Delicate Arch is the most popular arch, as seen on the Utah license plate, murals around Moab and souvenirs throughout Utah.

Coming in at 3.0 miles with 629 feet in elevation gain, the hike to get to Delicate Arch is rated as moderate. The parking lot fills up quickly, and the trail gets quite crowded so be prepared for that. Sunrise is a popular time for this hike, if you have a head lamp handy!

Note:  I’ve done this hike with and without kids. I’d highly recommend it for older kids, or if you can really have a good handle on your younger kids as there are steep cliffs near the arch.

As you go through the park, the Arches Scenic Drive is really cool. Soak in the unique, natural rock formations that have been carved over millions of years. See Balance Rock, the Fiery Furnace and arches along the way.

Devil’s Garden is another fun area, with Landscape Arch, Pine Tree Arch and several others worth seeing. Some of the best Arches National Park hikes are in the Devil’s Garden area, so if you’re into hiking, don’t miss it!

Moab accommodations

There’s probably the most options in Moab compared to the other national parks on the list. Moab is a hub for not only Arches and Canyonlands, but also the Colorado River and Dead Horse State Park, which provide a ton of recreational opportunities.

• Hyatt Place Moab for convenient location close to the parks
• Homewood Suites by Hilton Moab for families or groups
• Sun Outdoors Canyonlands Gateway for a campsite near both parks

If you’ve got extra time in the area, be sure to check out all the fun things to do in Moab !

Canyonlands National Park: what to see

Fun fact: Canyonlands National Park is the largest national park in Utah, and the 23rd largest park in the USA with 3 distinct divisions: The Needles, The Maze and Island in the Sky.

Island in the Sky is the most popular area based on it’s proximity to Moab. If you want to see the The Needles District , you’ll want to extend your Utah national parks itinerary for at least one more day as its 2 hour drive south of Island in the Sky.

The Maze is an extremely remote area of Canyonlands, and takes about 5.5 hours drive from Island in the Sky, requiring 4-wheel drive. You’ll need to be completely self-sufficient with the proper equipment or gear for self-rescue.

The Island in the Sky district has massive canyons, incredible overlooks and fun hikes, Canyonlands is an amazing destination, that’s for sure.

Be prepared for the views to literally take your breath away! A few popular sights in the Islands in the Sky region of Canyonlands are Mesa Arch, Grand View Point Overlook and Green River Overlook.

The Mesa Arch is a quick hike, at just 0.5 miles its doable for almost any skill level. (Note it’s not accessible or stroller friendly, based on the rocky terrain). The arch sits right at the edge of the cliff, so use caution when taking photos!

Another favorite hike is Grand View Point. Relatively flat, it provides epic views of the White Rim and the Upper West Basin Zone, for minimal effort of just 2.0 miles. Try Aztec Butte, Upheaval Dome, White Rim, or more of the best hikes in Canyonlands if you have the time on your Utah national parks road trip!

Accommodations near Canyonlands

You’ll likely want to stay in the same accommodations in Moab as while visiting Arches National Park. See the list above for recommendations.😊

Up next – let’s hit the road!

Canyonlands to Capitol Reef via Utah Scenic Byway 24

Journey time: the drive from Arches/Canyonlands to Capitol Reef should take you a little over 2 hours.

Southern Utah is truly stunning! The variety of landscapes are impressive, to say the least. This drive from Arches National Park to Zion National Park is as much fun as visiting the parks themselves!

From Moab to Capitol Reef National Park, the scenes start out relatively flat, but continue to build as you go along highway 24.

Pro tip: remember to fill up on gas, ice or any other essentials while in Moab. There’s not much for services for a long time!

Refer to the Utah national parks map above, but basically you’ll need to backtrack along I-70 for a bit, then turn southwest on Scenic Byway 24. As you approach the official entrance to Capitol Reef National Park, the surroundings will turn more orange and red. You know you’re getting close!

Highway 24 runs right through the park, so you technically don’t even need a park pass to visit Capitol Reef, as long as you stay along Highway 24 (see more recommendations below off the highway).

Note: if you have an extra day in your Utah mighty 5 road trip itinerary, you might want to consider visiting Goblin Valley State Park , which is just about 30 miles off Scenic Byway 24! It’s a true hidden gem in Utah, and a park all ages will enjoy.

Capitol Reef National Park: highlights

As you make your way through a Utah national parks road trip, Capitol Reef provides beautiful views along many scenic drives and hikes. This is a park that’s easy to see the highlights in one day.

One of the most unique things about Capitol Reef National Park is the impressive cliffs that tower over 7,000 feet taller on one side of the park than the other. This ‘step up’ in rock is over 100 miles long!

Known as a geologic wrinkle in the earth’s crust, the official term is a waterpocket fold . As you drive through the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive, you’ll see magnificent scenery. It’s quite impressive!

Be sure to stop by the Fruita Historic District, too. Check out the visitor center and the orchards, which happen to be one of the largest historic orchards in the National Park System. Enjoy samples of the fruits grown in the orchard, including pear, peach, apple, apricot, cherry and plum.

If you’re up for a hike, the Hickman Bridge Trail , Cassidy Arch Trail and Grand Wash Trails are worth considering. 

Where to stay near Capitol Reef National Park on this Utah national parks road trip adventure

As you make your way further into Southwest Utah, you’ll start to see more small towns and the options are limited for accommodations. However, these areas rely on tourist dollars, so there’s definitely plenty of places to stay. Once again, plan many months in advance for the widest variety.

The small town of Torrey, Utah is the closest town on the west side of Capitol Reef National Park.

• Red Sands Hotel just 3 miles from the park, includes an indoor pool and hot tub
• Days Inn by Wyndham Capitol Reef , a great budget-friendly option including breakfast
• Wonderland RV Park , for tent, cabin or RV camping

Within the park, Fruita Campground is in the middle of the action. Perfect for tent or RV camping.

Next, continue your Utah national park itinerary by making your way to Bryce Canyon.

Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon: take Scenic Byway 12 through Dixie National Forest

Journey time: the drive from Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon is a little under 2.5 hours.

Okay, this is important: GPS will likely want to take you west on Highway 24 from Capitol Reef then southwest on Highway 62 to Bryce Canyon. Don’t do it! For just 15 more minutes, you can take an incredibly scenic road that you won’t want to miss!

Refer to the Utah mighty 5 road trip map above.

From Torrey, Utah just outside of Capitol Reef National Park, take Scenic Byway 12 until just before Bryce Canyon City, where it merges with Highway 63. This is one of the most stunning drives on this Utah national parks road trip!

Scenic Byway 12 weaves through Dixie National Forest. This dense forest is nestled amongst the otherwise desert terrain that you’ll find in much of southern Utah. Be sure to stop at the Larb Hollow Overlook, which is at 9,200 feet in elevation and provides stunning views!

You’ll also drive through lush river valleys, rolling meadows, drive on top of plateaus and through some crazy rock formations, all on Scenic Byway 12.

About half way through your drive from Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon is the town of Boulder, Utah. It’s a great spot to make a stop and enjoy some dinner at Hell’s Backbone Grill . With a fun menu with offerings like Smoked Chimayo Chicken, Handmade Pappardelle and Baby’s Got the Blues Fudge Brownie, you’re sure to find something you’ll love!

Bryce Canyon National Park: what not to miss on this Utah national parks road trip

This is one of those national parks where you could take it easy and see the amazing sights by just visiting overlooks. Or you can grab your grippy hiking shoes and trekking poles and enjoy weaving through the hoodoos!

Bryce Canyon National Park is a really large park with many access points along Highway 12 and Highway 63. If you’re only spending a day in the park, I’d recommend to visit see the Bryce Amphitheater as the main attraction, located near the Visitor Center. There’s still a lot to do in this area of the park alone!

First, let’s cover something important: What is a hoodoo?

Bryce Canyon National Park is full of hoodoos, which are irregularly-eroded rock spires. In fact, this area is densely filled with hoodoos and holds the largest collection of hoodoos in the world. And they’re insanely cool to see up close.😎

Bryce Point, Inspriration Point, Sunrise Point and Sunset Point offer phenomenal views of the famous amphitheater views.

If you’re up for a hike, the Queens Garden Trail to the Navajo Loop is a fun, interactive hike with views worth every step! Coming in at 3.2 miles, with an elevation increase of 643 feet, it’s a decent hike that’s doable for most skill levels and abilities, especially if you take breaks often.

🚐 Note: from April to October there’s a free shuttle through Bryce Canyon National Park. It’s convenient and easy to use, and helps with park congestion. I’d highly recommend hopping on the shuttle when visiting the main area of the park.

Accommodations near Bryce Canyon

Fun fact: Bryce Canyon City was established recently, in 2007. Hotels, campgrounds and restaurants can be found in this tiny town of 200 year-long residents, just outside the national park boundary.

• Under Canvas Bryce Canyon for a fun glamping experience near the park
• Best Western PLUS Ruby’s Inn , which is pet-friendly with a pool
• Ruby’s Inn RV Park and Campground , right outside the park boundary with a pool, laundromat and more

Up next: driving to yet another incredible park – Zion!

Bryce Canyon to Zion via Mt. Carmel Scenic Byway/Highway 89 and Zion Park Scenic Byway/Highway 9

Journey time: it’s about 1.5 hours drive from Bryce Canyon to Zion , which is the shortest on this Utah national parks tour.

Leaving Bryce Canyon National Park, you’ll head west on Highway 12 to Highway 89, also known as Mt. Carmel Scenic Byway. As you head south on 89, you’ll run into Highway 9 at Mt. Carmel Junction. Of course, refer to the map of Utah national parks above for details .😊

Another spectacular adventure through southern Utah, you’ll be amazed at the sights along the way!

Glendale and Orderville are places to stop and get gas, ice or other essentials to get you to Zion. The scenery changes quite a bit along the way, and as you approach the east entrance of Zion National Park, you’ll start seeing more of the iconic cliffs of Zion.

Enjoy the curvy roads and the crazy mix of landscapes that southern Utah offers as you make your way from Bryce Canyon to Zion. It seems around every curve, you’re surprised with yet another incredible scenic view!

Note: if you’re taking an adventurous RV on your Utah big 5 road trip, you’ll need to obtain a permit to drive through the Carmel Tunnel on Highway 9. When you enter the park, you’ll pay a $15 fee (on top of any park fees, although by now you’ll have the America the Beautiful pass).

That will allow park rangers to close down the tunnel to allow your larger RV to drive down the center of the historic tunnel. It’s quite the adventure!😉

Zion National Park: what to see and do

Experience the magic of Zion! Massive cliffs that climb over 2,000 feet from the ground are awe-inspiring to say the least! This is your final stop on your Arches National Park to Zion National Park road trip. Eeeek!

For most people, there are 2 things that come to mind when you’re considering a trip to Zion National Park: hiking The Narrows and hiking Angels Landing. They’re popular for good reason, too!

🎟 You have to apply for a permit to hike Angels Landing , and it’s a lottery system so you’ll want to apply as soon as you can so you know the dates of your trip. If you don’t get selected for the date of your choice and still want to go to Zion, there’s also a day-before lottery. Best of luck to you!🤞

If you’re lucky enough to hold a reservation, celebrate first and be sure to train and prepare for this strenuous hike. Coming in at 4.4 miles with 1604 feet of elevation gain, it’s no joke. The chained section is especially difficult. The views are absolutely worth it, though! 

The Narrows at Zion is where the Zion Canyon narrows and the Virgin River flows. It’s a much easier hike than Angel’s Landing…depending on the water and weather! The hike to get to The Narrows entrance is 2 miles round trip on a paved path. You can then walk as far into the canyon as you’d like, up to 5 miles in.

The hike through the canyon where the water can be as high as an adult’s chest. You’ll want to wear the right shoes, clothing and bring a hiking pole.

These are my favorite water shoes that travel everywhere with me (including my Utah national parks road trip). And this dry bag has a carrying strap, perfect for throwing your gear over your shoulder during this hike.

If you’re looking for an easier or less crowded hike than either of these, consider hiking the Canyon Overlook Trail . It’s just 1 mile round trip with 187 feet elevation gain. It’s rated as moderate, based on the tricky (at times) terrain.

The Canyon Overlook Trail is one of the best hikes if you’re traveling to Zion with kids . The views are spectacular and worth every step!

🚐 Note: most of the year the Zion shuttles will be running, and you’ll be required to take the shuttle. It’s free, easy to navigate and reduces congestion in the park. Yay for not having to find a parking spot at a trailhead! 🎉

Where to stay near Zion National Park

Zion is one of the most popular national parks in the country, with over 5 million visitors per year . So of course there’s places to stay nearby. The town of Springdale is practically on the doorstep of the national park, and has lots of accommodations really close.

• Cliffrose Springdale, Curio Collection By Hilton for one of the closest hotels to Zion entrance and spectacular views
• Flanigan’s Resort and Spa for a nice pool and spa services to find your zen
• Zion Canyon Campground and RV Park for tent and RV camping, with river-front views and recreation

There’s also the Watchman Campground inside Zion, as well as the Zion National Park Lodge . Be sure to book those wayyy far in advance as they both fill up many months out!

Whew! Now that you’ve seen the park highlights and the Utah national parks map with best scenic route between parks, let’s review some more essentials to making this a successful trip!

What to pack for your national parks road trip Utah

It’s essential to be prepared in these national parks. Whether you’re flying and renting a car or driving a Utah mighty 5 road trip starting at home, pack everything you need. Services are limited in the parks, and even between parks at times.

Here are the best things to pack for this amazing adventure!

Hiking essentials for Utah national parks tour

• Layers! Clothing needs will vary by season. Be sure to wear moisture-wicking material for hiking and in the summertime so you’re not overheated. This is my favorite hiking jacket and medium hiking coat that travel with me.
• Rain gear. The desert has crazy rain that sometimes appears out of nowhere. Bring a poncho , rain jacket or other protective rain apparel.
• Hiking boots. If you plan to get out of your vehicle at all in any of these national parks, then a good pair of hiking boots will serve you well! These are my favorite pair of hiking boots that have come with me to Grotto Falls in Smoky Mountain National Park , Calico Tanks Trail in Red Rock Canyon , Nevada, Inspiration Point in Grand Teton National Park and sooo many more spots!
• Hiking socks. My first trip to Arches and Canyonlands I didn’t have the right hiking socks and got blisters every day for a week. Don’t make that mistake! Get moisture-wicking hiking socks to go with your shoes. You won’t regret it!
• Trekking poles. Great to keep your balance, take pressure off your knees and give you a bit of motivation when you’re tired, trekking poles are an essential hiking item from Arches National Park to Zion National Park!
• Hiking backpack. Get yourself a magical backpack that takes the weight off your shoulders! My husband and I both use  Osprey Sirrus 24 backpacks  and we love them, especially the extra air flow they provide for sweaty environments!
• Water! Fill your hydration bladder in a hiking backpack with ice and water at the beginning of the day. Always take more water than you think you’ll need on hikes, especially during the summer.
• Sun protection. Pack earth-friendly sunscreen , sun glasses, sun hat , long sleeves or other ways to protect your skin. Being outside any time of year you can get sun damage. Here’s your reminder to re-apply frequently.☀️

Food, road trip and safety essentials for your Arches National Park to Zion National Park adventure

• Water, water, water. Always pack more than you need. Each adult needs one gallon per day when visiting and hiking in the desert climate like Utah. Fill up reusable water bottles or water hydration system for a hiking backpack at hotels, restaurants or park hydration stations to avoid buying too much single-use plastic.
• Satellite communicator. National parks typically lack cell phone service, and the mighty 5 in Utah is no exception. A satellite communicator allows you to call for help (for yourself or someone else) when an injury unexpectedly occurs. I love my Garmin InReach Mini , which traveled with me to all 5 Utah national parks.
• Collapsible cooler. Perfect for your road trip, load a cooler with ice and lunches in the morning as you explore each park. I love this collapsable cooler because it folds down great for travel.
• Snacks! Speaking of food, you’ll want plenty of food and snacks throughout your trip. Think high protein and salt to replace your sweat and provide energy. My favorite hiking snacks are these protein bars , beef jerky and trail mix .
• Head lamp. Whether you’re camping, doing a sunset or sunrise hike or just as a part of the 10 essentials , a head lamp is a great item to pack!
• Go Pro. This one is a fun-to-have on this epic road trip! Capture incredible footage as you glide through the scenic byways in Utah, hike to awesome viewpoints and see beautiful overlooks! This GoPro travels with me on all my travels!

Final tips for your Utah Mighty 5 road trip

Before wrapping this up, here are the last few tips that will make planning a trip to Utah national parks and your experience within the parks go smoothly!

• America the Beautiful pass is a must! This pass gets you into national parks and federally protected lands, and will save you a lot of money on this trip!
• Be sure to get timed entry passes and permits in advance. Start researching those now – and be sure you can visit each park and attraction when you want, before booking everything else. (Note the entry requirements are current as of the publication date, but could change at any time.)
• Plan extra time. These parks are simply magnificent! You could get caught up with phenomenal views and lose track of time easily. Or let’s be honest, long lines and traffic takes extra time, too!
• Pack enough food and water. Be prepared as you hike and explore these parks by packing adequate food and water. Trails often times take longer than you think, there are long lines at food spots or even closed restaurants throughout the parks. Always have a back up plan!
• Leave no trace. Don’t step off the trail, stack rocks, disturb or feed wildlife, leave food (even composable scraps), or anything else that indicates you’ve been there. These ecosystems are precious and are taxed by all of us humans visiting them. Be kind to the earth.
• Figure out your gas plan. You really don’t want to run out! Use the (free) GasBuddy app to find affordable gas along the way.
• Download offline Google Maps , download AllTrails maps for each trail you plan to hike and grab paper copies of the national park maps as you go through the entrance.
• Don’t overextend yourself on hikes. Know your limitations and don’t take on more than you can handle. It’s okay to turn back if it’s too much! The NPS has to rescue far too many people that aren’t adequately prepared or have enough training for the hiking trails they are stuck on.
• Be patient. Not everything will go as planned. Remember to be kind to others and yourself in times of stress.💛

Oh, and above all else – have fun!

Utah national parks road trip

It’s an adventure of a lifetime! From Arches National Park to Zion National Park, this journey is quite literally filled with highs and lows!

It’s mother nature at her finest! Stunning canyons, incredible cliffs, crazy rock formations and so much more await for you on a national parks road trip in Utah!

Related content you might like: Zion with Kids: 12 Fun Things to Do You’ll Love (Plus Tips, Pics & Video) Canyon Overlook Trail: Gorgeous Zion Hike You Gotta See to Believe Queens Garden Trail + Navajo Loop Bryce Canyon: Epic Hike You’ll Love Hickman Bridge Trail: Fun Capitol Reef Hike You Don’t Want to Miss

Love a good road trip? Check out these guides! Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive from Vegas: 10 Amazing Stops, Hikes + Tips 12 Epic Scenic Drives in Colorado 32 Amazing Stops on a San Francisco to San Diego Road Trip 16 Best Midwest Road Trips – Scenic Routes You Can’t Miss

Find this post helpful? Save it for later or share it on social media!

Chelsea Messina

Wednesday 9th of November 2022

This has been my dream trip for longer than 10 years. The closest I've gotten to it was when me and my friend did Zion, Bryce, and the Grand Canyon out of Vegas. Then I planned this exact trip for me and my fiance, but we had to cancel because of COVID. But... ONE DAY I WILL make it there.

Sunday 27th of November 2022

Ack Chelsea! You've gotta get there! It's an incredible journey. Hoping you can make it happen in 2023❤️

Saturday 5th of November 2022

This is a super helpful post to hit the Mighty 5, thanks for the comprehensive information. Saving for our Utah trip.

So glad you found it helpful, Jenn! 🏜

A Capone Connection

This looks amazing. Saving it because my son is in the Air Force and he is going to be relocated in April. Utah is on the list of possible places. So exciting!!

Oh wow! Crossing my fingers for you - this is one incredibly diverse state and you'd have a fabulous time on a Mighty 5 road trip!

Thursday 3rd of November 2022

Thank you for the amazing guide. I’ve been to Bryce Canyon before and loved it. I would love to take a road trip and visit your other recommendations.

You're so welcome Karen! I hope you make it to the other 4 sometime soon :)

So much information here! Thank you! It is everything I would need to plan a trip!

Sounds like a road trip is in your future ;)

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Bucket-List Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary

February 6, 2024 //  by  Follow Me Away //   18 Comments

Are you trying to plan the best Utah road trip possible? I am here to help!

I have done road trips in Utah both as a kid and an adult and absolutely love this state! With five epic national parks and otherworldly landscapes, Utah is a nature lover’s dream come true.

My Utah itinerary is unique since it is full of tips from someone who has spent months road-tripping the state and slow traveling through Utah’s Mighty 5.

A Utah national parks road trip includes Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion. I highly suggest purchasing a National Park Pass beforehand to save money on entrance fees.

Along with the national parks, this itinerary for Utah will feature other beautiful nature spots!

For this Utah road trip itinerary, I am not going to specify an amount of time so you can make the drive as time allows for your schedule.

Don’t forget to check out my detailed road trip packing list so you don’t forget any essentials!

Now, let’s look at my top Utah road trip ideas!

Utah Road Trip Map

Some of us are more visual and that is okay! I’ve created this Utah national parks road trip map so you can see where everything is located across the state.

As you can see, once you drive away from Salt Lake City, everything is only within 30-120 minutes of each other. This means more time to enjoy everything on your Utah road trip and fewer hours in the car!

Click Here For The Utah Road Trip Map

Stop 1: Begin Your Utah Road Trip In Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is the largest city in Utah and the most accessible to fly into to begin your Utah road trip. Both affordable international and domestic flights fly into this city.

I recommend checking out Skyscanner to find the best and most affordable flights. I use this tool to discover the best flights because you can easily compare rates.

When you fly into SLC, consider buying a one-way ticket. Depending on how you structure your Utah road trip, you may want to fly into Salt Lake City and fly out of Las Vegas.

This itinerary will end at Zion National Park so I recommend flying out of Las Vegas which is closer.

If you choose to follow this itinerary exactly, all you have to do is decide if you want to drive 2.5 hours to Las Vegas or 4.5 hours to Salt Lake City.

Compare prices on flights out of both cities so you can find a deal that is best for you!

Best Hotels In Salt Lake City:

• Affordable: Holiday Inn Express Downtown . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Mid-Range: Hilton Garden Inn . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 2: Moab, Arches, and Canyonlands National Parks

I have so many memories surrounding Moab from growing up traveling around that area! It is a truly fantastic little city and a family favorite. It has only gotten better over the past few decades.

Moab is around a 4-hour drive from Salt Lake City. It is a bit of a drive but that is okay! This is hands down the best place to start your Utah road trip!

I recommend spending 2 to 3 days in Moab if you have the chance. Utilize Moab as a home base to explore the nearby Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park.

These are two of the best national parks in all of the United States and you will NOT be disappointed. They are family-friendly with many things to do and will transport you to an otherworldly landscape.

The Moab area is one of the best stops on your Southwest USA road trip itinerary!

Best Hotels In Moab:

• Affordable: Moab Valley Inn . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Mid-Range: Holiday Inn Moab. Check Rates: Booking.com
• Family Fun: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Moab . Check Rates: Booking.com

Visiting Arches National Park

Arches National Park is the ultimate way to begin your Utah road trip. Arches is just outside of Moab and is ideal for your first national park of the trip.

The arches are beyond incredible and visiting will not disappoint!

I would like to caution you to please be careful and NEVER carve your name into the arches or take rocks. Please think of the future and REFRAIN from harming this beautiful nature in any way!

There is one road in and out of Arches National Park and it is 18 miles long. This means you can easily see Arches in one day on your Utah Road trip.

That being said, if you can spend more than one day here, I highly recommend it. It is very close to Moab so you can always come back if you missed something! This region is one of the best places in Utah !

Best Hikes In Arches National Park

If you can only do one thing at Arches National Park, I suggest hiking to Delicate Arch . This outstanding rock formation is the icon of the park. You will see photos and imagery of it all over the place.

This Utah hike is family-friendly and is around 3 miles round trip. If you are hiking during the heat of the day, make sure to wear sun protection and take plenty of water!

Delicate Arch is something I remember from growing up and now is your chance to make family memories too!

I also highly recommend the Windows Hike . It is shorter than the Delicate Arch hike and will get you up close and personal with many arches.

This hike is short, easy, and very rewarding. It is a 1.2-mile loop trail and the most popular in the park.

Another favorite is Double Arch which is a really short and fun trail! The trail to Double Arch is an easy 0.5-mile, well-maintained loop. It is accessible from the parking lot of the Windows Hike.

Finally, you must pay a visit to  Landscape Arch as it is the longest natural arch in the entire world! It spans a whopping 306 feet long!

You can reach Landscape Arch from the Devil’s Garden Loop Trail. It is on an easy, maintained part of the trail so don’t go past Landscape Arch unless you want to embark on a harder 7-mile hike.

Visiting Canyonlands National Park

While I love the Grand Canyon, Canyonlands National Park is just so incredibly special! The canyon formations are beyond insane and will blow your mind.

Canyonlands National Park is located 36 minutes away from Moab so it is a tad bit further than Arches but the drive is worth it!

Canyonlands is divided into four distinct sections. These include the Green and Colorado Rivers, the Maze, the Needles, and the Island in the Sky districts.

Having a basic understanding of how Canyonlands National Park is laid out will help you see the “big picture” when planning your Utah road trip.

Best Canyonlands Scenic Drives

If you aren’t the hiking type, don’t worry! Canyonlands is home to some wonderful scenic drives!

Island in the Sky  offers some amazing Utah road trip sightseeing by car. The overlooks and pull-outs along this 34-mile scenic drive are not to be missed!

It is perched 1000 feet above the canyon floor and offers breathtaking, memorable views! If you want to drive this route, plan for at least an hour.

If you want to hike some short trails and picnic, plan longer! This is the perfect thing to do if you don’t want to do a lot of hiking!

Another great scenic drive in Canyonlands is  the Needles.  It begins at the Canyonlands Visitor Center and is 6.5 miles long. It concludes at the Big Spring Canyon Overlook.

As with Island in the Sky, there are multiple pullouts and picnic spots along the way. It is also the way to access several of the more popular Canyonlands hikes.

It is important to note that Island in the Sky and the Needles are about two hours apart from each other. Keep this in mind when planning how much time to spend in Moab on your Utah national parks trip.

Best Hikes In Canyonlands National Park:

If you can only do one thing during your Utah road trip in Canyonlands, make sure you hike to Mesa Arch . It is located in the Island in the Sky district.

It is an easy 0.6-mile round-trip trail and is perfect for families. If you are a photographer looking for some fantastic sunrise or sunset photos, make sure to prioritize Mesa Arch!

The arch is located on the rim of the Plateau so you will have some incredibly stunning viewpoints.

Another one of our favorite easier hikes is the Cave Spring Hike. This hike is located in the Needles district. It is an easy 0.6-mile loop and provides some incredible views.

You will see prehistoric rock art, a cowboy camp, and more. The trail is easy, but you have to climb two short, wooden ladders.

If you are looking for some of the best canyon views, the Aztec Butte Trail is the perfect trail for you. It is an easy 2-mile loop trail and provides outstanding views of the surrounding canyons once you arrive!

The hike will end at Butte Summit which is where you can see these fantastic views. This hike is located in the Island in the Sky area of Canyonlands.

Stop 3: Goblin Valley State Park

Goblin Valley State Park is one of the lesser-known stops on this Utah road trip itinerary. It is located roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes away from Moab.

The landscape will make you feel like you have entered another planet. The formations create small structures that look like goblins, hence the name!

Goblin Valley State Park is home to the incredibly unique valley itself as well as some easier hikes, a disc golf course, and plenty of pullouts for viewing.

This state park can be a day stop along your Utah itinerary or you can choose to spend the night. If you want to stay here, you will have to camp as the only hotel options are around 45 minutes away.

This stop can also be done as a day trip from Moab if you want to wake up early and drive. Using Moab as your home base is an easy possibility.

If you could choose one thing to do here, I recommend the easy Three Sisters Hike.  It brings you to the most iconic “goblin” formation in the entire park.

Most people view Three Sisters from the road, but if you pull off, there are small trails that go up to it.

You can also see down into the Carmel Canyon Drainage System 100 feet below from this hike too so it is two for the price of one hike!

The beauty of Goblin Valley State Park is that you can drive around and explore at will. It is a beautiful and unique stop to add to your Utah road trip itinerary and you won’t want to miss it.

Best Hotels Near Goblin Valley:

• Cute Cabin: Duke’s Slickrock Cabins . Check Rates: Hotels.com
• Mid-Range: Pet-Friendly Cabins in Hanksville Utah . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 4: Capitol Reef National Park

When my family visited Capitol Reef National Park a few times in the early 2000s it was the “weird” thing to do and a strange national park to visit.

Now, Capitol Reef is all over Instagram and social media, and for a good reason! It is pretty neat to see a remote national park surge into the limelight in the past 20 years!

Although it has become more popular lately, it is still off the main tourist trail when compared to places like Arches and Zion. I suggest checking it out if you want to complete your Utah Mighty 5 road trip.

This national park is defined by the “Waterpocket Fold” which is essentially a 100-mile warp in the Earth’s crust. This is an incredible and unique feature!

There are various things to do in Capitol Reef National Park on your road trip in Utah. You can choose to hike, explore by car, pick fruit like apples, or go on a tour. There is truly an option for everyone!

Best Hotels At Capitol Reef National Park:

• Affordable: Days Inn Capitol Reef . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Affordable: Capitol Reef Resort . Check Rates: Booking.com

Best Capitol Reef Hikes

One thing I remember from childhood is the Capitol Gorge Trail . This trail is incredible and the views are breathtaking. You will have to exit the main road and then turn onto a dirt road to get here.

On this trail, you’ll walk along a dried-up river bed through a massive gorge. The rock walls tower on either side and it really makes you feel small among nature.

If you want to see yet another arch,  Hickman Bridge  is one of the more popular hikes in Capitol Reef.

It is a moderate hike with an elevation gain of 400 feet, but it is still easy for families or amateurs to complete. It is a 1.8-mile hike round trip. Once you reach Hickman Bridge, you will love the views!

If you want to walk on an arch without going hiking in Sedona , I recommend Cassidy Arch Hike. This is one of the hikes in Utah where you can walk on top of the arch itself, instead of just walking under it!

Of course, this is a very unique feature and it makes the hike worth it. It is 1.7 miles each way and there is a 700-foot elevation gain.

The gain comes from the fact that you have to climb up on top of the rocks to walk across the arch. It is totally worth it and still an easy-to-moderate hike with some incredible payoff at the end!

Stop 5: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Another awesome memory from my childhood and teen years? Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument!

It is only 1 hour away from Capitol Reef yet many people don’t even know about it or decide to skip it on their Utah road trip. I am here to tell you that is a huge mistake!

First off, the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument covers an absolutely HUGE expanse of land. You could take a week just to explore this area alone.

I will narrow it down to the best things to see. For example, did you know you can see slot canyons in Utah? You don’t have to go to Arizona to see these incredible features!

Want more arches? Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is at your service there too!

I really can’t recommend this national monument enough if you are looking to get off the main tourist trail during your Utah road trip. You are going to love it!

Best Hotels In Grand Staircase Escalante:

• Affordable: The Inn At Escalante . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Unique: Escalante Yurts . Check Rates: Booking.com

Best Hikes In Grand Staircase-Escalante 

If you want to visit slot canyons in Utah , the Zebra Canyon Hike is the place to be! It is an easy 5.3 miles round trip and takes around 3 to 4 hours to complete.

There is another slot called Tunnel Slot that you can continue on to if you want but then the hike will take around 5 to 6 hours.

Zebra Canyon is epic enough as it is! This hike is in the northern part of the national monument so it is easy to reach on your Utah road trip.

There are two more slot canyons you can visit! Peek-a-boo and Spooky Gulches are just 3.5 miles round trip, perfect if you are looking for a shorter hike.

These slot canyons are near Zebra Canyon so you can easily do them both in a day. This is one of the more surreal hikes in Grand Staircase!

If you are a serious hiker and plan to trek or camp during your Utah road trip, this next hike is for you.

Coyote Gulch Hike is around 12 miles round trip and generally takes between 8 to 12 hours depending on how fast you walk and how many times you stop. You will see some stunning and remote scenery.

It is entirely possible to hike this trail in a single day, as long as you start early and pay attention to the weather.

Stop 6: Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is still one of the most incredible landscapes I have EVER visited in my entire life. You are going to agree! Do NOT skip Bryce Canyon. It will not let you down!

Hoodoos are rock formations formed by erosion. In Bryce Canyon, they are formed by winter frost eating away at the rock.

The rocks are weathered and eroded to create the incredible formations known as hoodoos. They are tall and thin and unique to arid areas such as the desert. They are fantastic to behold!

One of the best parts about seeing Bryce on your Utah road trip is that many areas are accessible by car. You can drive throughout the whole park and see stunning views!

If you have accessibility challenges, this is a wonderful Utah national park to visit as you can still experience a lot of what it offers because you don’t have to hike to see many things!

Bryce Canyon is one of the most popular stops on this itinerary for Utah’s national parks. You can park your car and take the shuttle if you want.

If you go during the off-season, you can find parking more easily. If you are completing this Utah road trip during the summer or high season, I recommend taking advantage of the shuttle.

Best Hotels Near Bryce Canyon:

• Affordable: Bryce Canyon Pines . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Luxury: Best Western PLUS Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel . Check Rates: Booking.com

Best Hikes In Bryce Canyon 

Possibly the most famous hike in Bryce Canyon is the Navajo Loop/Queens Garden Trail . This takes you down into the canyon so you can walk among the hoodoos.

There is one switchback area of this trail called ‘Wall Street.” I highly recommend walking DOWN this section. You get a better view and the experience is just better overall.

Most people don’t know this and do the opposite. This is the premier hike in Bryce, so do it while you are here! It is a 2.5-mile heavily trafficked loop trail and it is popular for a good reason!

If the park is busy and you want to do something fun, I love the Mossy Cave Waterfall hike. You must leave the park a tiny bit, but you get to see a waterfall and a sleeping bear cave.

This is a slightly different landscape than you are used to seeing in Utah so it is something fun and different to do. It is an easy, 1-mile trail.

I also recommend Bryce’s Rim Trail. It is 0.5 miles to 5.5 miles one way and is located above Bryce Canyon. It connects all the scenic overlooks from Fairyland to Bryce Point.

If you do NOT want to hike, many of these viewpoints are accessible by car too!

If you want an accessible trail, there is a 0.5-mile section of trail between Sunrise Point and Sunset Point that is wheelchair accessible.

I love the Rim Trail because you can choose to do as much or as little hiking as you want without missing out on epic views!

Stop 7: Zion National Park

Zion National Park is easily the most famous and popular stop on this Utah Mighty 5 itinerary and for a good reason!

Often, you cannot drive in Zion unless you are staying in the campground. There is a shuttle that will take you in and out of the park. This is very important to know.

Many people do not know about the shuttle until they arrive and are in for a surprise. If you know about the shuttle, you can be prepared for your experience.

March through November, access to the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is by free shuttle bus only. Private vehicles are allowed to access the Scenic Drive only when the shuttle system is not in operation.

If you are visiting in say, January, you will be allowed and able to drive your vehicle. This is one reason why I love doing a trip to Utah national parks in winter! Zion National Park in winter is a great time to visit.

The thing I love about Zion National Park is that it blends the red rocks with greenery! This is a sight for sore eyes after days of being in the desert.

There are very many cool things to see and do here during your trip to Utah.

While you end your road trip with Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park, they are some of the highlights of the vacation.

Best Hotels Near Zion National Park:

• Affordable: Zion Park Motel . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Mid-Range: Zion Mountain Ranch . Check Rates: Booking.com

Best Hikes In Zion National Park

One of the most memorable hikes from my childhood is the Narrows Hike . It is very long and involved, but you can choose to just do the beginning portion of it which is what I did as a kid.

It is about 16 miles round trip and you must walk through the river and even swim at some points!

If you aren’t doing the whole 16-mile hike, you can go to the beginning and have fun walking through the water in the canyon for as long as you want. This is what I did and it was such a wonderful experience!

If you want to do the most popular hike in Zion, that is the Angels Landing Hike . People do this with kids quite often, but it is strenuous and around 5 miles long.

This takes you to the peak of Zion National Park and the views are beyond incredible! If you do one hike during your Utah road trip, choose this one! I recommend budgeting around 3 to 5 hours.

The Canyon Overlook Trail is another great option. This is only a 1-mile trail and provides stunning views. It is easy and you can access it to see some of the best views in the park.

Since it is so short and easy, it makes a great beginner hike for all ages when visiting Southern Utah’s national parks. This is the perfect introductory hike to do when you arrive in Zion!

Stop 8: Valley Of Fire And Fly Out Of Las Vegas

Once you finish in Zion, I suggest flying out of Las Vegas, Nevada, since it is just over a two-hour drive from the park.

As I mentioned in the beginning, though, you can also fly out of Salt Lake City which is 4.5 hours away from Zion. Choose whichever fits your needs or budget best.

If you choose to go to Las Vegas, I highly recommend stopping by Valley of Fire State Park on the way. I absolutely love this park’s landscapes and photography opportunities.

The deep red rocks and gorgeous scenery make the park one of the best things to do in Nevada!

How Long To Spend On This Utah National Parks Road Trip

You should take as much time as you can for this Utah trip itinerary since there is so much to see and do. I understand, though, that not everyone has the chance to take over a week off for a vacation.

When planning a trip to Utah, I suggest a minimum of 7 to 10 days to see everything on this itinerary without rushing. With more time, you can also easily fly roundtrip from Salt Lake City.

If you have less time, you can cut out anywhere you have been before or that does not strike your fancy. I recommend focusing on the five national parks and saving the other spots for next time.

Best Time To Visit Utah National Parks

You can do a national parks road trip in Utah at any time of the year, but each season does have its pros and cons.

Personally, I love to road trip Utah in winter! This is when I did my last Utah parks road trip and it was great! It can be cold, but the white snow adds a beautiful contrast to the red rocks.

I think national parks are best during the off-season. Winter means fewer crowds and cheaper accommodations and car rentals. Camping is easier with less competition at campgrounds.

Plus, in winter you do not have to deal with the shuttle in Zion and can drive through the park on your own.

Summer in Utah is hot and the national parks are crowded with families and other tourists. Spring and fall are shoulder seasons with the best weather for hiking in Utah national parks.

No matter when you road trip through Utah, you will love the amazing landscapes and the chance to make memories with family and friends.

I hope you have a fantastic time visiting national parks in Utah!

I am happy to answer any questions you may have about planning your Utah Big 5 itinerary in the comments below!

Please let me know how you got on and if you went to any of the places I suggested in this itinerary for Utah national parks!

Next, check out more of the best Southwest road trip itineraries .

Reader Interactions

October 1, 2019 at 11:56 pm

Many thx for all ur tips

it was perfect

best regards,

October 8, 2019 at 7:19 pm

I live in SLC and have only visited Zion NP and Goblin Valley. I am going to steal your list! Except I’ll just take I-15 home at the end instead of heading to Vegas.

October 9, 2019 at 2:46 pm

Yessss have fun!!!!!! Def head back home!

April 23, 2021 at 1:07 pm

This is an amazing itinerary. Based on the road conditions do I need a special vehicle (4WD) in order to do this route? Are the roads paved or gravel? Can this be done with a standard sedan?

June 3, 2020 at 2:58 pm

We have never been to Utah. Family of 4. I’m planning our whole trip based off of this. Thank you!

November 10, 2020 at 8:38 am

My wife and I just completed a 2 week trip through Big 5 Utah National Park and it was spectacular! We followed your itinerary and continued on to The Grand Canyon after a 2 night so over in Las Vegas. We turned 2020 into a trip of a lifetime!

November 10, 2020 at 1:51 pm

Thank you for sharing!!!! I am so glad you had an amazing time despite 2020!!!

February 2, 2021 at 11:06 pm

This looks amazing, and so helpful. Do you know how this would be traveling with a dog? I have heard that taking dogs hiking in National Parks can be very restrictive. Thanks in advance!

February 7, 2021 at 4:27 pm

Depends on the park! I just got back from Utah! Arches allows and Zion doesn’t allow! So weird! You just have to look!

March 9, 2021 at 5:49 pm

Soooo I have an adventurous husband that would like to do some ATVing. We are following your itinerary. Any spot along the way you could suggest to rent some equipment and have some fun?

March 29, 2021 at 10:49 pm

I love this itinerary. Would you be so kind to let me know how many nights and in which location(s) you recommend booking if I were to follow all of your stops? Would it just be Moab and Zion area for the hotels / accommodations or would you suggest another location as well in between, etc. Thanks again.

March 29, 2021 at 11:03 pm

Oh goodness! how many nights is up to you and how much time you have off!! If you want to do capitol reef, I would stay in that area too for sure! It is a long drive! I would do 3-4 in Moab and 2-3 in Zion at minimum, depending on the length of time you have!

April 30, 2021 at 10:24 am

HI- My husband and I had been talking about such a trip- he had some 1200 mile trip planned but I want to do more than just drive. This came up on my pinterest feed and I am SOOOOOO excited (we really enjoy hiking). I think we are looking at 2 weeks. We are thinking September – would that be a good time?

April 30, 2021 at 2:17 pm

Yes!!! September will be a great time to go!!! Enjoy!!!!

March 3, 2021 at 1:15 pm

is all this doable in 7 days?

March 3, 2021 at 1:56 pm

Yes it is doable, but we recommend a bit longer! With 7 days we recommend arches and canyonlands, bryce and zion! That way you can do what you want without rushing too much!!

March 14, 2021 at 11:53 pm

This is great! We are heading out on Thursday and using your itinerary for our first 10 day family trip to Utah with our teenagers. Sooo excited!

March 15, 2021 at 2:06 pm

It is so fun!!!

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Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary: Your 2024 Guide

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

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

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

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

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

How to Plan a Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Start Your Utah National Parks Road Trip

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

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

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

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

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

Renting a Car for Your Utah National Parks Road Trip

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Save Money on Utah National Parks Admission

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

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

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

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

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

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

1-Week Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Driving time: 3 hours 44 minutes / 239 miles.

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Moab:

Stay in moab for 2 nights..

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

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

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

Day 2- Arches National Park

Important Info About Arches

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

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

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

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

Arches National Park Highlights

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

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

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

Moab Travel Tips

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

How to Plan 1 Awesome Day at Arches National Park

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

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

Important Info About Canyonlands

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

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

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

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

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

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

Canyonlands National Park Highlights

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

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

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

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

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

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

Canyonlands Travel Tips

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

How to Spend an Inspiring Day at Canyonlands National Park

Where to Stay Tonight:

Stay near capitol reef national park for 1 night..

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay Tonight Alternative- Monument Valley

Stay in monument valley for 1 night..

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Important Info About Capitol Reef

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

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

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

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

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

Capitol Reef Highlights

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

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

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

Capitol Reef Travel Tips

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

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

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

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

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

Here are the best things to do in Monument Valley.

For a detailed Monument Valley Guide, check out:

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

Where to Stay Tonight- Bryce Canyon

Stay in bryce canyon for 1 night..

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Whichever you choose, book a room for 1 night.

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

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

Important Info About Bryce Canyon

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

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

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

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

Bryce Canyon Highlights

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bryce Canyon Travel Tips

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

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

Where to Stay Tonight- Springdale, Zion National Park

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

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

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

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

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

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

Days 6 & 7- Zion National Park

Important Info About Zion

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

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

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

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

Zion National Park Highlights

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

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

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

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

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

Zion National Park Travel Tips

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

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

8 Spectacular Things to Do at Zion National Park

Climbing Angels Landing Hike at Zion National Park

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

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

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

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

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

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

Planning a longer Utah National Parks Trip?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More Ideas to Plan Your Road Trip to Utah & Beyond

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What about Visiting the Utah National Parks in the Summer?

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

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

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

What about Visiting the Utah National Parks in Winter?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Utah National Parks Road Trip Bottom Line

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you so much!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hello Jackie,

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

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

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

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

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

Your blog is very much appreciated.

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

Have a fantastic day!!

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

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

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

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

Any comments appreciated.

I wish you a fantastic day!!!!

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

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

Thank you!!!

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

Thank you again Jackie. Great comments.

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

The ones you recommended are full at this point.

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

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

Thanks for that tip! 🙂

Roughly how much did this trip coast you?

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

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

Best, Dev C

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fantastic, Jan! Have a great trip. 🙂

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

day 1 Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport Grand Canyon National Park

day 2 Antelope Canyon, Arizona 86040 lake powell

day 3 Bryce Canyon National Park

day 4 Zion National Park

day 5 Las Vegas, Nevada

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you, Noelle!

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

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

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

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

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

Cheers! – Naz & Faz!

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

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

Thanks, Travis Matthews

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

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

Thanks for reading and sharing, Matthew.

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

Thanks again!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The Complete Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary (Hikes, Photo Spots + MORE!)

Post Summary: The Best Utah National Park Road Trip Route + Tips For An Epic Trip!

Cleverly marketed as “The Mighty 5”, the collection  Utah national parks are pretty much a staple on any adventure-lovers bucket list. From the towering hoodoos of Bryce Canyon to the deep valleys of Canyonlands , the possibilities and activities are endless!

There is everything from hiking, camping, kayaking, climbing and so much more to do in Utah.

Berty and I wanted to experience everything the state had to offer, so we mapped out the perfect Utah national parks road trip to see everything along the way!

The Ultimate Road Trip To All 5 Utah National Parks

This post contains affiliate links, chosen and vetted by yours truly at no extra cost to you!

Note: If you are coming from the Pacific Northwest (like we did) you will most likely start near Salt Lake City.

If you live south of Utah, like in big cities like Las Vegas, Phoenix, or Albuquerque you can do a smaller loop by taking Highway 70 that goes East-West to shorten your trip but still see all the parks! Here’s another example of a Utah National Parks road trip route starting in the Southwest:

UTAH ROAD TRIP MAP STARTING IN LAS VEGAS

When Is The Best Time To Take A Utah National Parks Road Trip?

Each season brings its own unique take on a Utah National Parks road trip. Depending on the activities you’d like to do, there may be an ideal season to go for you and your group! Read below for a quick summary 0f what you might expect on a Utah road trip during each season:

Visit Utah National Parks in Winter: Taking a Utah road trip in the winter will provide you with the opportunity to have plenty of peace and quiet! You’ll run into very few crowds, but many of the popular attractions ( like Angels Landing Trail in Zion ) will likely still be closed because of snow.

Visit Utah National Parks in Spring: We think springtime is the best season to take a Utah National Parks road trip. This is because the weather is mild and the crowds are few, so you’ll have places like Delicate Arch Trail to yourself! The downside is that things still might be closed because of snow, and nights can still be very cold!

Visit Utah National Parks in Summer: This is the most popular time to visit Utah National Parks, because you’ll have the most daylight hours, and nearly every attraction in the park is open. The downside? You’ll be sharing it with the largest visitors crowds the parks will see all season!

Visit Utah National Parks in Fall: In our opinion, a Utah road trip in the Fall is the second best option! The family crowds have dissipated in anticipation for school starting, so you’ll have fewer people to share it with. Unfortunately, you may run into very cold nights and a high chance of bad weather at the end of the season.

The Best Car Rentals For Your Utah National Parks Road Trip

One of the most important aspects of your Utah National Parks road trip is picking the right car for your adventure. Your set of wheels can determine where you will be staying, how much money you spend overall, and which parts of the parks you can access. Here are our suggestions for each level of adventure:

For Convenience And Comfort (Staying In Hotels/Airbnbs):   We recommend a regular , full-sized sedan  to fit in hotel parking lots and small spaces! These types of cars should give you plenty of room for those long drives, and plenty of trunk space between hotels and resorts! Looking for inspiration? Here are some charming cabins for rent in Utah !

For Budget Savvy Travelers And Campers: We highly recommend checking out campervan rentals at Outdoorsy . Think of it like Airbnb but for recreation vehicles! You can choose anything from cool vintage VW buses to tricked-out Sprinter Vans for a big dose of van life for your Utah road trip.

For Adventure and Thrill-Seekers: If you’re trying to explore deep into BLM land around the parks or off-road adventures like in the MAze in Canyonlands, you’ll want to make sure you have a high-clearance vehicle like a Jeep . 

Where To Stay On Your Utah National Parks Road Trip

Throughout this Utah National Parks road trip post, we’re giving suggestions to nearby camping spots around each national park. 

However, if you are looking for a way to keep track of all your camping reservations or need help finding spots along your route, we recommend planning out your trip with The Dyrt’s Road Trip Planner !

The Dyrt is the largest campground database, and with their Road Trip planner tool on the pro membership, you can mark your route and find the best campgrounds on the way. We’ve used it to plan our last trip to the Pacific Northwest and we loved discovering new spots along the way!

The Dyrt gave us a code for you, our epic reader, to try the pro membership for 30 days free!  Click here and use the code  Mandagies  to unlock your 30-day free trial!

Utah National Park Stop 1: Zion National Park

Established in 1919, Zion is one of the most popular parks in the US , and naturally so! Its red cliffs, slot canyons, and amazing hikes will keep you busy for weeks.

Best Hikes In Zion National Park

It’s important to plan to give yourself adequate time and preparation for some of these epic hikes in Zion National Park. Some of the most popular trails in Zion are  Angels Landing  Trail, Observation Point, hiking through The Narrows, the Court of the Patriarchs and Towers of the Virgin.

One Day In Zion National Park

Being one of the most visited parks in the United States, be prepared for crowds and reserve accommodations and activities EARLY to avoid last-minute stress!

If you have only one day in Zion National Park, consider taking the shuttle bus on its full route through the park loop, and stop to see the attractions in each area. An easy hike would be the Pa’rus Trail, which is . 3.5 mile paved bike/walking path along the river.

Have Some Extra Time?

If you are looking for more solitude, come during the off-peak months (November – March) or explore Kolob Canyons, which is a lesser-known area of the park. 

Where To Stay Near Zion National Park

For the most convenience to the park, book your hotel in Springdale, Utah . From the city, you can easily take a shuttle bus into the park to maximize your time in Zion.

To save a little money, consider booking a place on Airbnb ( and if it’s your first time booking, get $40 off here! )

Looking for a little backcountry camping in Zion? Check out the The West and East Rim Trails, which offer incredible opportunities to stay in the wilderness of Zion.

Best Photo Spots In Zion National Park

Nearly every corner of Zion National Park is photo-worthy! However, some of the best spots for photos in Zion include The Watchman, the view from the top of Angels Landing, The Narrows, Observation Point, and anytime during sunrise!

Read More: Hike Zion’s Dangerous Angels Landing Hike

Utah National Park Road Trip Stop 2: Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park was created (and is still being formed) by a combination of ice, weather, and erosion. Bryce Canyon has the largest assortment of hoodoos in the world, which makes this place an iconic stop on any Utah national parks road trip.

Best Hikes In Bryce Canyon

Here, there are lots of hikes within the canyon and several scenic overlooks to keep you busy for a long time. Try taking the Queen’s Garden Loop, Mossy Cave Trail, and Bristlecone Loop Trail for easy and beautiful ways to get up close to the Bryce Canyon hoodoos.

One Day In Bryce Canyon National Park 

You can easily see Bryce Canyon in one day! You may have to prioritize one hike (or maybe two) but prepare to spend plenty of time in the car, stopping at various points along the 30 mile stretch of the canyon rim drive.

Coming To Bryce Canyon In The Shoulder Season? 

If you’re visiting Bryce Canyon in the shoulder season or off-season (Fall, Winter or Spring), make sure to pack warmer clothes when visiting here – the high elevation causes this area to have variable conditions, on top of already having an average of 200 days per year with a chance of below-freezing weather.

If you decide to take a winter road trip to Utah , you might be able to see Bryce Canyon is a beautiful blanket of snow!

Where To Stay Near Bryce Canyon National Park

The most convenient place to stay near Bryce Canyon is at Bryce Canyon City . Here there are tons of hotels to choose from!

If you want to stay in the park, consider the two campgrounds in Bryce Canyon, North Campground and Sunset Campground . They are first-come-first-serve in for the tent sites, so come early to claim a spot!

Best Photo Spots In Bryce Canyon National Park

For some of the best photo spots in Bryce Canyon, watch the sunrise/sunset on the Canyon Rim trail!

Read More: 5 Things To Do at Bryce Canyon National Park

Utah Road Trip Stop 3: Capitol Reef National Park

The underdog of the five parks, still, Capitol Reef National Park shouldn’t be missed! It’s one of the most beautiful photography locations in the American Southwest!

Best Hikes In Capitol Reef National Park

• Cassidy Canyon
• The Grand Wash
• Chimney Rock
• Frying Pan Trail
• Capitol Gorge

One Day In Capitol Reef National Park

If you have only one day in Capitol Reef National Park, we suggest sticking to the main roads to see the most attractions in the shortest amount of time. You can easily visit the main attractions right off Highway 24. 

Some of these attractions include the Gifford Homestead in the Fruita Historic District, Hickman Natural Bridge, the Grand Wash, Capitol Reef Visitor Center, and Panorama Point.

This is the least visited of the Utah national parks, so if you are looking for solitude, you’ve found it here at Capitol Reef. To venture out even further into the park, consider taking the off-road adventure the Cathedral Valley, a section of the park with towering structures that very few see with their own eyes! 

Where To Stay Capitol Reef

For the comfort of a warm bed in a hotel, consider staying in the nearby town of Torrey  near Capitol Reef National Park. 

Looking for a bit more adventure under the stars? There are plenty of backcountry dirt roads ready for the most adventurous of visitors! If you want to camp, there is plenty of BLM lands to spend the night near the park borders.  Make sure to read our guide to free camping in the USA here!

Best Photo Spots In Capitol Reef

With its own unique set of natural arches, petroglyphs, canyon hikes, and more, this area of Utah has some of the most spectacular photo opportunities in the state.

Some other beautiful photo spots in Capitol Reef include Hickman Natural Bridge, Cassidy Arch, Capitol Dome, and Chimney Rock.

Read More: Discover Capitol Reef National Park’s Hidden Gems

Utah National Parks Road Trip Stop 4: Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park is exactly what it sounds like. The main part of the park consists of a few roads on a long mesa which towers above the enormous surrounding canyons. There is very little light pollution within the park, so we actually suggest visiting Canyonlands in the day AND night!

Officially named a “Dark Sky Park” by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) this place is world-renowned for its summertime Milkyway viewing and star-gazing.

Best Hikes In Canyonlands National Park

There are some incredible hiking trails in Canyonlands National Park! The most popular would be the short trail to Mesa Arch, but other great trails include Aztec Butte Trail, Gooseberry Trail, Wilhite Trail, and Grand View Trail.

Make sure to pack a sun hat and wear plenty of sunscreen – there is absolutely NO shade in this park!

One Day In Canyonlands National Park

The park is divided into four areas – The Island In The Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the rivers themselves. Each has its own unique set of activities, but the one with the most accessibility would be the Islands In The Sky. 

If you only have one day to spend in Canyonlands National Park, we highly suggest spending your time in the Island In The Sky Section. This section brings you to some of the most iconic views in the park, as well as the most easily accessible places.

Try checking out the nearby Dead Horse Point State Park. Here, you can find iconic views of the Colorado River that winds through the canyon. 

Where To Stay Near Canyonlands National Park

The easiest and most convenient place to stay near Canyonlands National Park is in the nearby town of Moab, Utah . 

Best Photo Spots In Canyonlands National Park

If you’re looking for iconic photos spots in Canyonlands National Park, Mesa Arch during sunrise can’t be missed. Additionally, Candlestick Tower during sunset and Grand View Point during the day are excellent options for photos.

Read More: Sunset At Canyonlands National Park

Utah Road Trip Stop 5: Arches National Park

With over 2,000 natural stone arches in the park, there won’t be a dull moment during your time in Arches National Park. Whether you are taking a day hike, overnight camping, or simply just passing through, Arches is guaranteed to leave an impression on any adventurous spirit.

We’ve created a 24-hour guide  for those who have just a short amount of time to spare, a hiking guide , and a photo journal of Delicate Arch during sunrise !

Best Hikes In Arches National Park

There are plenty of amazing hiking trails in Arches National Park to choose from! Some of our favorite hikes include a sunrise hike to Delicate Arch , Fiery Furnace, Double Arch, Park Avenue Trail and the Windows Loop.

One Day In Arches National Park

Only have one day in Arches National Park? Spend some time driving the Arches Scenic Drive , the 36-mile round trip road. This road connects nearly all the major sections of the park, so you can easily stop to quickly explore a section, or pull over for a photo. We also made a 24-hour guide to Arches National Park!

If you have a little extra time to spend in the park, consider taking the Devil’s Garden Loop trail , a 7.5-mile path that connects seven iconic arches, including Landscape Arch (the longest one in the park), Navajo Arch, Double Arch, and more!

Where To Stay Near Arches National Park

Similar to Canyonlands, the most convenient place to stay near Arches National Park is in the nearby town of Moab, Utah . 

Best Photo Spots In Arches Canyon National Park

Some of the most iconic photo spots in Arches National Park include Delicate Arch, the Windows Loop, Balanced Rock, the Courthouse Towers, and Park Avenue.

Read More: How To Spend 24 Hours In Arches National Park

UTAH NATIONAL PARKS ROAD TRIP FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the best utah national parks.

Ranking the Utah National Parks form best to worst isn’t quite a fair comparison, because it implies we think some are bad. That’s certainly not the case! Here they are in order of popularity, according to PlanetWare .

• Zion National Park
• Arches National Park
• Canyonlands National Park
• Bryce Canyon National Park
• Capitol Reef National Park

What Else Is There To See Beyond The Utah National Parks?

Want to see more than just the stops on your Utah National Parks road trip? There are plenty of other amazing Utah and Arizona features to discover! We connect nearly everything in our Southwest Road Trip Itinerary  here, which we highly recommend if you’ve got some extra time.

In the meantime, here are some other amazing places to see in the American Southwest , near Utah National Parks:

• Goblin Valley State Park
• Corona Arch near Moab, Utah
• Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
• The Grand Canyon
• Page, Arizona
• Monument Valley
• Amazing Hikes In Sedona, Arizona
• …or take several other west coast road trips nearby!

Have you ever taken a Utah National Parks road trip? What was your experience like? Tell us about it in the comment section below!

Read more utah / road trip posts.

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Want more inspiration for your Utah National Parks road trip? Follow our Southwest board for more ideas and tips for your journey!

How To Fit All Of Utah's National Parks Into One Incredible Road Trip

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. 

From Acadia to Zion: What travelers should know about each of America's national parks

Two of the most commonly asked questions about any national park are "What makes it so special?" and "Is it worth visiting ?"

All 63 of America's national parks are special, and each one is worthwhile.

Over the course of more than a year, USA TODAY is unpacking why. Join us as we spotlight a different destination each week and share helpful travel tips like how to get there, when to visit and what not to miss.

We began with Acadia during National Park Week last April and are gradually making our way through the alphabet to Zion. Click on the name of each park linked below to learn more about these national treasures.

Quiz: See how well you know America's national parks

Love national parks? Thank Buffalo Soldiers

• Acadia National Park in Maine
• Arches National Park in Utah
• Badlands National Park in South Dakota
• Big Bend National Park in Texas
• Biscayne National Park in Florida
• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado
• Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah
• Canyonlands National Park in Utah
• Capitol Reef National Park in Utah
• Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico
• Channel Islands National Park in California
• Congaree National Park in South Carolina
• Crater Lake National Park in Oregon
• Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio
• Death Valley National Park in California and Nevada
• Denali National Park in Alaska
• Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida
• Everglades National Park in Florida
• Gates of the Arctic National Park in Alaska
• Gateway Arch National Park in Missouri and Illinois
• Glacier National Park in Montana
• Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska
• Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona
• Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming
• Great Basin National Park in Nevada
• Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee
• Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Texas
• Haleakalā National Park in Hawaii
• Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park in Hawaii
• Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas
• Indiana Dunes National Park in Indiana
• Isle Royale National Park in Michigan
• Joshua Tree National Park in California
• Katmai National Park in Alaska
• Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska
• Kings Canyon National Park in California
• Kobuk Valley National Park in Alaska
• Lake Clark National Park in Alaska
• Lassen Volcanic National Park in California
• Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky
• Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado
• Mount Rainier National Park in Washington
• National Park of American Samoa in American Samoa
• New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia
• North Cascades National Park in Washington
• Olympic National Park in Washington
• Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona
• Pinnacles National Park in California
• Redwood National Park in California
• Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado
• Saguaro National Park in Arizona
• Sequoia National Park in California
• Shenandoah National Park in Virginia
• Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota
• Virgin Islands National Park in the U.S. Virgin Islands
• Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota
• White Sands National Park in New Mexico
• Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota
• Wrangell-St. Elias National Park in Alaska
• Yellowstone National Park in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming
• Yosemite National Park in California
• Zion National Park in Utah