utah travel planner

© Michael Kunde/Visit Utah

Welcome to nature's most perfect playground. From red-rock mesas to skinny slot canyons, powder-bound slopes and slick rock trails, Utah's diverse terrain will stun you. The biking, hiking and skiing are world-class. And with more than 65% of the state lands public, including 14 national parks and monuments, the access is simply superb.

Best Time to Visit

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Go from dreaming to planning with trip planning options made to help you craft your ideal itinerary.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Goblin Valley State Park

Southeastern Utah

A Salvador Dalí–esque melted-rock fantasy, a valley of giant stone mushrooms, an otherworldly alien landscape or the results of a cosmological acid trip?…

Bryce Point

Bryce Canyon National Park

If you stop nowhere else along the scenic drive, be sure to catch the stunning views from Bryce Point. You can walk the rim above Bryce Amphitheater for…

Natural History Museum of Utah

Salt Lake City

Rio Tinto Center's stunning architecture forms a multistory indoor 'canyon' that showcases exhibits to great effect. Walk up through the layers as you…

Utah Olympic Park

Visit the site of the 2002 Olympic ski jumping, bobsledding, skeleton, Nordic combined and luge events, which continues to host national competitions…

Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

Kanab's most famous attraction is outside town. Surrounded by more than 33,000 mostly private acres of red-rock desert 5.5 miles north of Kanab, Best…

Zion National Park

Southwestern Utah

A bold desert beauty, this 230-sq-mile park is a highlight of southern Utah. Hikes range from trails traipsing the ridge lines to river wading under steep…

Snow Canyon State Park

Red and white swirls of sandstone flow like lava, and actual lava lies broken like sheets of smashed marble in this small, accessible park. Snow Canyon is…

Antelope Island State Park

White-sand beaches, birds and buffalo are what attract people to the pretty, 15-mile-long Antelope Island State Park. That’s right, the largest island in…

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip.

Best Road Trips

There’s a lot to see in one of America’s most beautiful states. Which is why you should get behind the wheel and set on these top road trips through Utah.

Traveling with Kids

Incredible natural wonders, unique cultural landmarks and hundreds of miles of play-all-day spaces make Utah a great destination for families.

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Utah and beyond

Planning a Trip to Utah? Here’s Your Complete Guide!

March 2, 2024 June 19, 2022

If you’re planning a trip to Utah, you’re starting off on the right foot already. This state is an adventurer’s paradise, with some of the most impressive national parks across the United States. The landscapes here are incredibly diverse. You can be in the desert among red rock canyons one day and in ankle-deep snow the next.

That’s the elevation, baby!

What are three things Utah is famous for? Utah is famous for Mormons, the Great sa Lake, and its national parks, also known as “The Mighty 5.”

That said, there is so much more to this state that can’t be broken down into some list. We’ve been on three different trips now, and there’s always more to explore. Take a journey with me on the best of Utah with this Utah trip planner. I want your trip to this special place to be as great as my own visits!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links, including links through the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program . As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases . At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I won’t recommend something I have not used/would not use myself, and any income earned supports the upkeep of this site.

Planning a Trip to Utah: Things to Know

How many days do you need to see Utah? If you’re visiting Salt Lake City on a city break, you only need a few days to see Utah. If you really want to dive in and see what makes this state so special, though, a week will give you a decent amount of time to see some of Utah’s best national parks.

How many days do you need to see Utah national parks? You need at least a week to see the Utah national parks, also known as “The Mighty 5.” That’s how much time we were able to give them on our first visit through the state, although we’ve revisited our favorites since. If you’re able to spend more than a day in each park, you’ll be rewarded with longer hikes and opportunities to escape the crowds.

Note: Are you planning a drive through the Utah national parks? Pick up a national park pass before you go. It’ll pay for itself if you’re planning on more than one park.

If you have less time, you may just want to focus on one of the parks on your national parks road trip itinerary. Choose from the following, and no, you can’t go wrong:

• Arches National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park

• Canyonlands National Park
• Capitol Reef National Park

Zion National Park

Is Utah worth visiting? Utah is absolutely worth visiting. I’ll talk a lot about the state’s national wonders throughout this Utah trip planner, but it goes go far beyond the national parks. Kanab and its Western vibes, the imposing Monument Valley, and the dramatic Dead Horse Point State Park all await the intrepid Utah traveler.

It doesn’t get much better than Utah road trips.

10 Fun Facts About Utah

Utah is otherworldly and unlike anywhere else you’ll visit in the United States. That makes it primed for fun facts. Check out 10 of my favorites. If anything, they make for great talking points when it’s happy hour and time for some low-alcohol adult beverages.

1. Utah has been calling its snow “The Greatest Snow on Earth” since 1985 when the slogan started appearing on the state’s license plates. Apparently, it has superior fluff to any other powder in the country. You could then say that the “Greatest Snowman” would likely hail from Utah.

2. Utah is no stranger to strange laws that are still on the books. For example, it is illegal to fish on horseback in Utah. You also can’t walk the streets with a violin in a paper bag. A violin in a plastic bag, however, would be environmentally irresponsible, but not illegal.

3. The Dutch oven is not only a state symbol in Utah but a state cooking tool. Cast-iron pots were essential during pioneer times way back when.

4. If you love tossing a Frisbee around, you have Utah native Walter Fredrick Morrison to thank for it. If you don’t, you have Utah native Walter Fredrick Morrison to thank for it.

5. The state’s name comes from the native people in this land, the Ute tribe, who originally settled around the lake areas of the state. The Internet disagrees as to what the name means, but generally, it loosely translates to “the people.”

6. Utah is the site of the “Miracle of the Gulls,” an event in 1913 where flocks of seagulls, or California gulls, feasted on swarms of crickets that threatened crops across the state. You could say those crickets were for the birds. The people were so thankful that the California seagull became the state bird.

7. The name checks out at the Great Salt Lake . In some parts, the lake is 10 times saltier than ocean water. If you visit, you may find that the water’s pink. That’s all of the little microbes swimming around in there. Cute, right?

8. The first Kentucky Fried Chicken opened in Salt Lake City in 1952. Sorry, Kentucky.

9. Salt Lake City is more than a good time. It’s the only U.S. capital that is three words long. What? That’s a fun fact.

10. Bryce Canyon National Park is named after Ebenezer Bryce, who famously said this about the park: it’s “a hell of a place to lose a cow.” Indeed, sir.

Top Places to Visit in Utah

What is the prettiest part of Utah? The prettiest part of Utah is Bryce Canyon National Park. Maybe it’s Moab, actually, since you’re within a short drive of Arches while you’re there. Ah, but Monument Valley is pretty spectacular, too.

Utah has this way of making you feel quite small, with impressive attractions at every turn. Picking just a few top places to visit in the state for this Utah trip guide was a pretty tall order. Still, there are a few places you shouldn’t miss, especially if you’re planning a trip to Utah national parks.

No matter when you visit, Bryce Canyon National Park is breathtaking. Come after a fresh snow and you’ll see its tall pinnacles, known as hoodoos in this part of the world, covered in crisp, white sheets. Visit in the summer months and the red hues are even more pronounced. Braving the altitudes is worth it when it means access to some of the most beautiful viewpoints in Utah.

Hiking down into the canyon will give you that epic Bryce Canyon experience. I love the Queens Garden Trail for the archways you get to pass through at the very bottom. It’s well worth the effort!

If you prefer something guided while visiting Bryce Canyon National Park, I’ve got you there, too:

The Southeast city of Moab should be considered the base camp for Utah adventures. From here, you’re 10 minutes away from Arches National Park, home of the quintessential Utah attraction, the Delicate Arch. You’re also just over half an hour away from Canyonlands National Park, with its expansive panoramas like Grand View Point and the aptly-named Island in the Sky.

This is outdoor recreation at its best.

Moab is a great place to get the adrenaline pumping if you’re into that sort of thing. Interested in a guided experience along those lines? Check out these ideas:

This former mining town is now well-known for its winter sports offerings. This is a playground for skiers and snowboarders. If you’re looking for more adventure, head over to Utah Olympic Park, the site of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games.

Fun fact: Today, it functions as both a training facility and a place for you to try out your Olympic mettle with bobsled runs, extreme tubing, and other fun activities.

We visited in the summertime, which meant we couldn’t ignore some of the best hiking in the state while we were there. Head to nearby Brighton and visit some of my favorite lakes: Mary, Catherine, and Martha. Expect some remnants of snow up here, even if you visit in the summer.

Park City is easy to enjoy on a self-guided tour. If you’re seeking guided experiences in and around Park City, though, check out a few options below:

Salt Lake City

Despite the alcohol laws that prevent too much of a good time in Utah, Salt Lake City has become a hub for craft beer, pouring award-winning brews. The state capital is also delicious, with numerous options for inventive fare, whether you’re looking for casual eats or fine dining.

Don’t miss out on time in this vibrant city as part of your Salt Lake City trip planner because you want to explore all that surrounds it. Yes, it’s basically Vatican City for those of the Mormon faith, but it’s also a big city that feels decidedly small town. If you do have more time, it is a an excellent base for day trips . The Great Salt Lake and Park City are both within a short drive of Salt Lake City.

Use my guide to visiting Salt Lake City or book a fun guided experience. Check out my top picks:

If you’re looking for hikes with an adrenaline rush, look no further than Zion National Park. Hike Angels Landing, known as one of the scariest hikes in the United States thanks to the series of chains required to get to its spectacular views. Traipse through knee-deep water in the Virgin River on The Narrows and see the park from below.

Fun fact: The Virgin River has been carving its way through Zion Canyon for 18 million years. Just think about all that when you’re slipping and sliding on those rocks along your Narrows adventure.

Find your own personal slice of the park away from the crowds at Kolob Canyons, a supremely underrated region of Zion that’s just as impressive as Zion Canyon.

Zion is an other-worldly rush.

Interested in getting off the beaten path? Check out these guided experiences in and around the park:

Best Times to Go to Utah

When you decide to go to Utah will depend on what you’d like to do there. Generally, Utah experiences all four seasons.

What is the best month to visit Utah? The best months to visit Utah fall in the shoulder months. April-May and September-October are generally excellent times to see the state if you want smaller crowds during your Utah trip, but each stretch comes with the chance for inclement weather.

Let’s get into some specifics on what to expect throughout the year as far as Utah weather.

Summer (June-August)

Summers in Utah are generally hot and dry, but this doesn’t stop visitors to the state’s national parks. The parks are generally quite crowded, making early mornings essential to both escape the heat and the humans. If you’re headed to Zion National Park and The Narrows in particular you may welcome the summer heat while you’re wading through the river.

Head up to any elevation, and you’ll likely find much cooler conditions. Be advised that July and August are considered monsoon season in this part of the country. That means the potential for thunderstorms, heavy rain, and flash flooding.

Fall (September-November)

As a shoulder season, you’re more likely to find some deals on flights and accommodations in the fall. Mid-September into October is a great time to visit the state’s beautiful national parks, as the days are still warm and evenings cool down to offer a respite from the heat. Be advised that the earlier you visit in September, though, the more potential you have for heavy rain, as it’s the tail-end of monsoon season in Utah.

Winter (December-February)

Winter sports enthusiasts will want to head to Utah in the winter months, with Park City in full swing welcoming skiers and snowboarders. Consider avoiding the winter holidays at the end of December and the start of January if you’re looking to stay on budget, as those are the peak times at the resorts.

Even if you’re not into winter sports, Utah does have quite a bit of charm in the winter months, from the Sundance Film Festival to its hot springs. I’d advise against planning to see the national parks at this time, though. You could find roads closed due to snowy conditions.

Spring (March-May)

Spring is a great shoulder season with which to experience Utah and has the potential to offer you some deals on flights and accommodations. You may still have some snow at elevation, including at Bryce Canyon National Park, but that only means you’ll get to enjoy some beautiful vistas of snow-capped hoodoos. Our first visit to Utah was during spring break in March. While we did encounter snow at elevation, it didn’t stop any of the fun we had.

Just make sure you’re looking at weather updates in every location you’ll be hitting on your Utah adventures, as temperatures and conditions will differ based on elevation changes and proximity to the desert.

How to Get to Utah

If you’re flying to Utah from outside of the state for a multi-day road trip, you’ll likely enter through Salt Lake City, home to the state’s only international airport. Flying into Las Vegas is another option, especially if you’re looking to visit Kanab and Zion National Park.

Deals to both of those transportation hubs are fairly easy to come by, especially if you’re flying into Las Vegas. If you’re able to watch flights or you’re flexible on when you’re heading to Utah — it’s always best to avoid holiday breaks for the best deals — you have more of a chance to find cheap airfare. Use a tool like Skyscanner , too, especially if you’re able to watch flights for a bit.

Another strategy is following the major airlines that fly there, like Southwest , Frontier , and Delta , to catch good deals that may come up for your city.

What to Pack to Utah

What you pack on your trip to Utah will depend on what you’re going to be doing while you’re there. Here are some ideas on what you should bring along on the most popular Utah itineraries.

Fleece-Lined Tights

I love that you can wear a pair of fleece-lined tights underneath a pair of slacks, or even jeans if you’re so inclined, and you’re all warm and toasty without adding much bulk. I bring along a pair or two whenever we may encounter any snowy conditions.

Hiking Backpack

I hope you’re planning on visiting one of Utah’s beautiful national parks. If so, head out prepared with a good hiking backpack.

We like Osprey packs these days. They’re lightweight enough to carry on your back across trails long and short, with all kinds of pockets for everything you’ll need to bring along with you. I’m talking about your water bladder, essential in the hot summer months, and that pack of Twizzlers.

Hiking Pants

You don’t need to get fancy with your hiking packing list if you’re hitting up any of Utah’s five national parks. If you think you may get caught up in some rain but don’t want the party to stop, pack a pair of weather-proof hiking pants .

Hiking Shoes

If you’re hitting up Utah’s Mighty 5, you’ll need a solid pair of hiking shoes , or boots if you want more ankle support. Choose something that’s weather-proof, too, in case you run into those heavy rains that are possible in the summertime.

Layered Shell

I have a rain jacket on this list already, but if you’re traveling throughout the state at varied elevations, you may want to bring along a shell that offers warmth and a weather-proof layer. These usually come with a fleece liner that keeps you toasty when that wind is getting wild.

Moisture-Wicking Clothing

There’s something magical about clothing that’s moisture-wicking . It’s lightweight and breathable when you’re out there in the summer heat, and when you do sweat, it won’t leave you clammy. The fabrics are quick-drying so you’re more comfortable for the duration of your hike.

Breathable fabrics are a must if you’re traveling to Utah in the summer months, especially if you’re planning on doing any hiking.

Rain Jacket

If you’re visiting Utah in the summer months, be ready for the monsoon season. Heavy rains, thunderstorms, and flash floods are possible from July through September, so bring along a rain jacket you can throw on until you’re back at your accommodations .

If you’re traveling to Utah in the winter or heading up into elevation no matter the season, pack a sweater or two. Fitted or oversized, you’ll be thankful you brought ’em when you’re feeling dropping temperatures in those desert parks.

Winter Boots

Are you planning a ski trip to Utah? Pack some fuzzy booties for all of that snow you’ll encounter on your Utah trip, even if your ski trip involves fireside chats rather than hitting the slopes. You’ll still need to get to that lodge, which means getting through the fluffy stuff.

Winter Jacket

If a ski trip is in your Utah plans, dress accordingly. These are legit mountains, with legit chilly temperatures. Bring along a warm, winter jacket to keep you toasty on those slopes. You get bonus points if you acquire one that resembles a sleeping bag.

For more travel goodies, visit my Favorite Things page !

How to Get Around Utah

Utah was made for national park road trips. We were able to hit all five parks in the state’s “Mighty 5” in a little over a week of road tripping on our first trip to the state. That means you’ll need a car if you’re heading out into the vast desert wilderness that makes Utah so spectacular.

Book a car rental before you arrive, so you know what you’re getting. It’s always easiest to just pick your ride up from the airport. You can check prices on car rentals before you head out on a site like Hotwire or Priceline.

Otherwise, there isn’t really a system of trains and buses that will get you to everywhere you’re likely wanting to go while in Utah. The Amtrak will get to the major cities, like Salt Lake City and Provo, but you’ll likely still need a car once you get there. Greyhound is really your only long-distance bus option.

Note: If Salt Lake City is your primary destination, you could get away with using the city’s system of public buses and light rail. If you want to get out of the city to take advantage of the many day-trip possibilities, you’ll do so most efficiently with a car.

Where to Stay in Utah

Where should I stay when visiting Utah? Choosing efficiency and short driving times may mean you need to sacrifice some of that budget when deciding where to stay in Utah. While Salt Lake City will offer plenty of options for you at a variety of price points, it does get more expensive the closer you get to Utah’s natural wonders.

The best advice I can give here is to book your accommodations as soon as you know when your trip is happening, especially if you’re traveling at peak times.

We primarily use Booking.com for our trips for the cheapest rates, cross-checking with Hotels .com to see whether we’re getting the best deals. The two sites typically have similar accommodations, but loyalty to one over the other will lead to more discounted stays available to you. If we’re looking for accommodations for group travel, we’ll check with Vrbo , as the site has good options for rental properties.

For some well-reviewed accommodations in the most popular Utah destinations from my preferred booking sites, check out the list below:

Where to Stay in Kanab from Booking.com :

• Canyons Boutique Hotel
• Comfort Suites Kanab National Park Area
• Red Canyon Cabins

Where to Stay in Kanab from Vrbo :

• Breathtaking View of Red Cliffs
• Grand Canyon Cabin in Kanab
• Piglet’s Place — 1-Bedroom Casita

Where to Stay in Moab from Booking.com :

• Aarchway Inn
• Adventure Inn Moab
• Hyatt Place Moab

Where to Stay in Moab from Vrbo :

• Moab Panorama Oasis
• Purple Sage Flats
• Quaint Home in Town With Rural Feel

Where to Stay in Park City from Booking.com :

• The Chateaux Deer Valley
• Newpark Resort
• Park City Peaks

Where to Stay in Park City from Vrbo :

• Condo on Main Street Near Town Lift
• Main Street & Resorts, Minutes Away
• Marriott Mountainside Luxury Studio

Where to Stay in Salt Lake City from Booking.com :

• Crystal Inn Hotel & Suites
• Holiday Inn Express — Salt Lake City Downtown
• Little America Hotel

Where to Stay in Salt Lake City from Vrbo :

• Historic Cottage With Private Patio
• Perfectly Located Bungalow
• Quail Crossing Sugarhouse

Where to Stay in Springdale from Booking.com :

• Flanigan’s Inn
• Holiday Inn Express Springdale – Zion National Park Area
• La Quinta by Wyndham at Zion Park/Springdale

Where to Stay in Springdale from Vrbo :

• Apartment Next to Zion Main Gate
• Beautiful Springdale Townhome
• The Historic Rose Cottage

Where to Stay in Torrey from Booking.com :

• Broken Spur Inn & Steakhouse
• Capitol Reef Resort
• Cougar Ridge Lodge – Casitas

Where to Stay in Torrey from Vrbo :

• Brand New Cabin in the Heart of Torrey
• Cozy Home With Breathtaking Views
• Sandcreek Cottage on Five Acres

If these are all seeming too pricey, try Hostelworld . The site is the largest hostel aggregator out there, and a great way to save some money for excursions that are part of your Utah trips.

Common Utah Phrases

Although you should expect to be spoken to in English in Utah, that doesn’t mean you’ll automatically understand what someone’s saying to you while you’re there. Check out these common Utah phrases and what they mean so you’re prepared for all of that conversing with the locals.

This is that white fluffy stuff Utah’s so known for, also known as “snow.”

This isn’t a reference to respecting grandma. Elders in Mormon country are young missionaries.

It’s an acronym for Non-Committal Make-Out, the Mormon version of a one-night stand.

This is a Utah native’s chipper way of saying, “You’re welcome!”

You’ll hear some folks around the state asking for their sodas “extra dirty,” in reference to the soda wars of days gone by.

They’re not talking about the Vegas kind; the slots here are in the canyons.

Titanic fans, relax. The only Iceberg you’ll hit here is the fast-food kind, likely for a milkshake.

This refers to a group of Mormons coming your way. You’ve been warned.

Popular amongst the co-eds, sluffing refers to ditching class, perhaps for some NCMOs.

Stake House

No, I didn’t misspell steakhouse. This is a large Mormon church.

Local Utah Foods

This may or may not be surprising to you, but Utah has some delightful local foods that you need to try while you’re there. Check out 10 signature Utah eats that you need to try on your visit.

Bear Lake Raspberries

July and into August means raspberry season in the Bear Lake Valley. They’re so sweet and succulent that locals pop them like candy. You’ll see them served up fresh, in milkshakes, and as jam, among a whole host of other applications. They’re that good.

Dutch Oven Dinners

If you read through my fun facts you know all about Utah’s love for the Dutch oven. Why not see what they do with it? It’s a true taste of the West. You’ll even see Dutch oven desserts while you’re in the state. Pineapple upside-down cake, anyone?

You haven’t had a French fry unless you’ve had it with fry sauce, the Utah invention gifted to us in the 1940s. It’s essentially a blend of ketchup and mayonnaise, but many local eateries have put their own spin on it.

Green Jello

This one’s pretty weird, but it was on so many Utah food lists that I had to include it. Apparently, Utah has a deep love for green jello. That’s lime jello if we’re going by flavors. It’s enough of a thing there that green jello was the unofficial food of choice during the 2002 Winter Olympics. The snack’s roots may be linked back to Mormon tradition. Mormons aren’t allowed caffeine or alcohol, so perhaps the jello was there as a small indulgence.

Green River Melons

The melons coming out of Green River are so aggressively large that you’ll see them coming from a mile away in Utah’s roadside fruit stands. Conditions are just right in this region of the country for some of the best cantaloupes, honeydews, and watermelons you’ll taste.

This one didn’t make the fun facts, but Utah’s known as the Beehive State, and the honey bee is the state insect. If that’s not enough to get yourself some Utah honey, I don’t know what is.

Ice Cream Milkshakes

Utah does milkshakes right, so thick that you’ll need a spoon to eat them with. I say eat them with them because you’re not drinking these things. Carry on.

Pastrami Burgers

A Utah classic, pastrami burgers are just as they sound. You’ll be served up a stack of pastrami on top of a quarter-pound beef patty, so meat lovers rejoice. Try the purported original at Crown Burgers in Salt Lake City.

Succulent Utah peaches are big business in the state. Come summer and early fall, you’ll find the state’s peaches on restaurant menus throughout Utah, and the most popular item at roadside stands.

Utah Scones

These are less scones and more fry bread, which I’m all about. They’re typically slathered in some Utah honey and butter, which I’m also all about.

Special Dates & Events in Utah

If you’re planning a trip to Utah during a specific time of year, consider whether there are any festivals or holidays occurring. You may want to attend special events or avoid them, as holidays often mean business closures. Holiday dates below are consistent from year to year. Check online for specific festival dates.

Utah Festivals

Sundance film festival (january).

The annual Sundance Film Festival , organized by the Sundance Institute and founded by actor Robert Redford, is a celebration of independent filmmaking. The Park City festival sets the stage for the buzz around films that may not have gotten the recognition they deserve otherwise.

Utah Blues Festival (June)

The Utah Blues Festival is a relatively new event held in Salt Lake City that showcases both local blues artists and national headliners in support of the Utah Blues Society. The event is billed as family-friendly and continues to grow each year.

Utah Arts Festival (June)

The Salt Lake City Utah Arts Festival is held every Friday in June each year, and features live musical acts, visual artists, poets, and culinary artists — I need to learn more about that one — and more. The festival aims to unify and promote art as essential to community-building.

Deer Valley Music Festival (July/August)

The Deer Valley Music Festival in Park City is actually a series of outdoor performances by the Utah Symphony and Utah Opera each summer, with views of the mountains as you take in your classical tunes. There are musical guests each year as well if you’re in the know on the best and brightest in the world of classical music.

Soldier Hollow Sheepdog Classic (September)

This just sounds adorable, so I had to include it. The Soldier Hollow Sheepdog Classic is a gathering of sheepdogs who have been wowing spectators with all of their herding skills since 2003. If you’ve never actually seen a sheepdog in action, you’re missing out.

American Holidays

Martin luther king jr. day (third monday of january each year).

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is an American federal holiday celebrated each year on the civil rights activist’s birthday. Some businesses may be closed on this day.

Memorial Day (last Monday in May)

Memorial Day is a federal holiday where citizens remember and honor any members of the military who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Some businesses may be closed on this day.

Independence Day (July 4)

Independence Day is a federal holiday that commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence of the United States in 1776. Fireworks and barbecues are commonplace on the holiday. Some businesses may be closed.

Labor Day (first Monday in September)

Labor Day is a public holiday that recognizes the collective efforts of the labor movement. Some businesses may be closed on this day.

Veterans Day (November 11)

Veterans Day is a federal holiday where military veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces are recognized and honored. Some businesses may be closed on this day.

Have you visited Utah? What’d I miss in this Utah trip planner? There’s so much that we’d love to see on future visits to the state that I’m not even sure we’d ever get to it all. Share your favorite spots with me in the comments!

Ready to Visit Utah?

Your Flight:  I use a variety of tools to find cheap airfare, but if you’re looking to book during a particular period of time, you should search on  Skyscanner . Scroll up for more tips on getting to Utah, and getting yourself around once you get there.

Your Accommodations:  Scroll up to my Utah travel planner for my top picks for accommodations while in Utah.  Booking.com  and  Hotels.com  are my usuals, and  Vrbo  has become my go-to Airbnb alternative. Seeking even more wallet-friendly accommodations? Try  Hostelworld . Their picks are heavily vetted and reviewed to offer you a safe experience for Utah budget travel.

Etc.:  For general travel goodies, visit my  Favorite Things  page. For more information on planning your travel and travel tips, visit my  Travel Tools  page.

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10 Day Utah Road Trip Itinerary: Mighty 5 Grand Circle

Ultimate utah road trip itinerary and national parks travel guide.

There are many epic road trip itineraries to explore the United States. This ultimate road trip through Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks includes Zion National Park , Bryce Canyon National Park , Capitol Reef National Park , Arches National Park , and Canyonlands National Park with nearby State Parks, National Monuments, Tribal Lands, and scenic byways sprinkled throughout. Red rock country is gorgeous! You will find forest, desert, red canyons, deep gorges, arches, natural bridges, hoodoos, spires, mesas, petroglyphs, and Native American ruins. Adventure lovers will enjoy hiking, cycling, mountain biking, river rafting, kayaking, off-roading, and sandboarding. Save time and plan an unforgettable trip full of top activities with this ultimate Utah road trip itinerary.

You are excited to begin your road trip through Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks and want to know the best time of year to visit, where to stay, must-see attractions, and where to eat while there. Researching the best things to do on a road trip through Utah while working full time is overwhelming and you don’t have hours to spend on the internet. This Utah travel guide for first-time visitors includes the best time to travel, must-see attractions, where to eat, where to stay, and the expected budget. Be sure to bookmark this day-by-day Utah road trip itinerary.

When is the Best Time to Visit Utah’s National Parks?

April–May, and September–October are the best times to visit Utah and its national parks. Crowds and temperatures are moderate in the spring and fall. Flowers bloom in the spring and leaves change colors in the fall. Summer brings crowded parks with long wait times to enter and extreme desert heat. Snow and freezing temperatures are common in the winter.

What is the Best Way to Travel to Utah and its National Parks?

The most convenient way to access the area is to begin and end this Utah Grand Circle road trip from either Las Vegas International Airport or Grand Junction Regional Airport. From there rent a car or camper van. Note: many places are remote and require a 4×4 vehicle. While not necessary, I do recommend spending the extra money. I did not and then it rained. As a result, I missed a few places I really wanted to explore, don’t be me!

Utah Mighty 5 Grand Circle Utah Road Trip Itinerary Highlights

Zion national park.

Zion National Park is known for its popular Angel’s Landing and Narrows hikes. This park has narrow slot canyons, sandstone cliffs, hoodoos, mesas, waterfalls, hanging gardens, weeping walls, bighorn sheep, falcons, and condors. Mormons named the area Zion, peaceful resting place. Hiking, rock climbing, canyoneering, big wall climbing, and rappelling are popular park activities.

Cedar Breaks National Monument

Cedar Breaks National Monument is a natural amphitheater of red, orange, and pink hues with hoodoos, bristlecone pines, and a green mountain backdrop. Described as the “Circle of Painted Cliffs, the area has 5 scenic overlooks and is often referred to as a mini–Bryce Canyon without the crowds.

Utah’s Red Canyon is located between Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park in the Dixie National Forest. It is known for its bright red rocks, hoodoos, turrets, pinnacles, and spires cut into the limestone of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. Red Canyon is one of the most photographed places in Utah and has been called “the little Bryce Canyon”.  This is a great place to stop for a picnic breakfast followed by an hour or two exploring the areas hoodoos and arches against the green forest before continuing on to Bryce Canyon. There is no fee to visit Red Canyon.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its amphitheater of ed, orange, pink, and white hoodoos. You will also find slot canyons, fins, arches, spires, arches, bridges, a cave, and a waterfall. Mountain lions, pronghorn deer, prairie dogs, and chipmunks live in the canyon. Park activities include 60 miles of hiking trails, ranger-led horseback rides, and cycling.

Willis Creek Slot Canyon

Easy to access slot canyon with walls 100 feet tall and 8 feet wide. The 2.6-mile round trip hike does cross a creek with 1-2 inches of water, plan appropriately. The road to Willis Creek Slot Canyon is rough and may require a 4×4 vehicle.

Kodachrome Basin State Park

Kodachrome Basin State Park is known for its multicolored rock dunes of red, pink, yellow, and white. The area is full of monolithic stone spires, hoodoos, chimneys, and red slick rock sandstone. Camping, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and stargazing are popular activities. Kodachrome Basin State Park is located in the southern Utah desert Colorado Plateau.

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is known for its sand pipe formations and cliffs of pink, gray, white, vermillion, and chocolate rock. You will find everything Utah’s National Parks are known for: scenic drives, desert waterfalls, narrow slot canyons, natural bridges, arches, toadstools, slick rock canyons, badlands, green forests, and pictographs. Popular activities in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument include hiking, off-roading, swimming under waterfalls, and camping. This area is remote and huge (1.9 million acres). Do not skip Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument if you are looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure.

Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park is often called ‘The Land of the Sleeping Rainbow’. It is located in Northeast Utah’s Waterpocket Fold. You will find colorful canyons, sandstone cliffs, white domes, box canyons, slot canyons, buttes, cathedrals, monoliths, arches, bridges, waterfalls, petroglyphs, orchards, mountains lions, and bighorn sheep. Capitol Reef National Park receives 1.25 million visitors annually and is the least visited of Utah’s Big 5 National Parks.

Goblin Valley State Park

Goblin Valley State Park is known for its 1000s of stone gnomes. You will find toadstools, hoodoos, petroglyphs, and pictographs in the park. Hiking, camping, mountain biking, and disc golf are all popular day trip activities.

Arches National Park

Arches National Park is known for its amazing natural arch formations. You will also find towers, pinnacles, monoliths, sand dunes, sandstone fins, hoodoos, balanced rocks, slot canyon mazes, and slick rock. Not to miss park highlights include Delicate Arch, Double Arch, Landscape Arch, Window Trail, and Park Avenue Trail. Park activities include hiking, camping, scrambling, canyoneering, horseback riding, rock climbing, and stargazing. Over 1.5 million people visit Arches National Park each year.

Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park is well known for its Island in the Sky mesa. You will find mesas, buttes, slot canyons, spires, arches, petroglyphs, and rock art. Hiking, camping, backpacking, kayaking, canoeing, rafting, and back roading are popular activities in this park. Park highlights include Shafer Trail, Mesa Arch, Grand View Overlook, and Green River Overlook.

Dead Horse Point State Park

Dead Horse Point State Park is a peninsula that extends from Canyonlands National Park’s Island in the Sky. It is known for its view of the gooseneck bend of the Colorado River 2000 feet below and is one of the most photographed vistas in the world. This park has an eight-mile trail system with several hiking spurs and 8 overlooks. Many hikes are over slick rock and marked by cairns. There is also a 16.6 mountain biking track. Dead Horse Point is a great place to watch the sunset and see the Milky Way. Across the canyon from Dead Horse Point is the set of the final scene in the 1991 film Thelma and Louise where they drove off the cliff into the Grand Canyon. It is possible to visit Thelma and Louise Point if you have a high-clearance vehicle.

Bears Ears National Monument

Bears Ears National Monument is full of cliff dwellings, the most well-known are Butler Ruins and House on Fire. Both areas are easily accessed between Blanding Utah and Natural Bridges National Monument near Highway 95. You must arrive at House on Fire between 10-11 am to see the sun reflect on the rocks as if it is fire.

Natural Bridges National Monument

Natural Bridges National Monument is an off-the-beaten-path adventure lover’s dream located in White Canyon. The 8.7-mile loop trail under the monument’s 3 iconic bridges involves steel stairs, ladders, walks along a narrow ledge, slick rock, creek crossings, and boulder scrambling. If you are not up to that hike, the scenic drive provides views of each bridge and the trail to Owachomo Bridge is short and easy. You will also find white canyons, cliff dwellings, and petroglyphs.

Moki Dugway

The Moki Dugway connects Utah Highway 95 with US Highway 163. The 3-mile road is graded dirt with switchbacks carved from the cliff face of Cedar Mesa with an 11% grade. This scenic backway winds 1,200 feet from the valley floor providing views of Valley of the Gods and Monument Valley. The road is passable in passenger cars with caution, drive slowly as there are no guardrails. The road is open year-round but not passable during or after a storm.

Valley of the Gods

Valley of the Gods is located 15 miles west of Butte Utah. The valley has been called a mini Monument Valley without the crowds. Explore the sandstone valley of buttes, monoliths, and pinnacles on a 17-mile dirt road. There are no hiking trails in Valley of the Gods, visitors are free to explore the area on foot. Be on the lookout for rattlesnakes. The road through the valley is not well maintained. High clearance vehicles are suggested but the road can be traveled by passenger car. Drive slow, there are no services and likely no one near to help should you run into trouble. There are no fees or permits required to visit or primitive camp at Valley of the Gods.

Goosenecks State Park

The Goosenecks Overlook has one scenic vista 1,100 feet above the San Juan River’s six-mile entrenched river meander resembling a symmetrical pattern of 3 goosenecks. The river flows 12 miles through the meander. This is a great spot for a picnic or stargazing. There are no maintained trails or access to the San Juan River at Goosenecks State Park.

Monument Valley

Monument Valley Navajo Park is one of America’s most iconic landscapes, second to the Grand Canyon. The 92,000-acre desert valley is full of sandstone buttes, colossal mesas, and panoramic vistas. Be sure to take the scenic drive to John Ford Point and eat a Navajo Taco while in the area. Monument Valley is a sacred piece of Navajo Culture and much of it is only accessible by a Navajo guide. Scenic drives and hot air balloon rides are popular activities in Monument Valley.

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is an off the beaten path area full of coral sandstone dunes, dune grass, juniper trees, and pine trees against a bright blue sky. Popular park activities include sand sledding, sandboarding, and ATV use.

Snow Canyon State Park

Snow Canyon State Park is best known for its red and white sandstone cliffs, petrified sand dunes, and lava tubes. Popular activities include hiking, cycling, horseback riding, canyoneering, rock climbing, and camping.

How Long Do You Need to See Utah’s National Parks?

7-day utah mighty 5 road trip:.

Begin Las Vegas Nevada. Visit Zion National Park, Cedar Breaks National Monument, Red Canyon, Bryce Canyon National Park, Willis Creek Slot Canyon, Kodachrome Basin State Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Capitol Reef National Park, Goblin Valley State Park, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park. End in Grand Junction Colorado.

10-day Utah Grand Circle Road Trip:

This day-by-day Utah road trip Itinerary begins and ends in Las Vegas Nevada. Visit Zion National Park, Cedar Breaks National Monument, Red Canyon, Bryce Canyon National Park, Willis Creek Slot Canyon, Kodachrome Basin State Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Capitol Reef National Park, Goblin Valley State Park, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National park, Dead Horse Point State Park, Bears Ears National Monument, Natural Bridges National Monument, Mogi Dugway, Valley of the Gods, Goosenecks State Park, Mexican Hat, Monument Valley, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, Snow Canyon State Park.

14-day Utah National Parks and Lake Powell Road Trip:

Follow the 10-day itinerary and add stops at Lake Powell, Horseshoe Bend, and Antelope Canyon.

READ Travel Guide Grand Canyon, East Rim, for First-Time Visitors

21-day Utah National Parks and Grand Canyon Road Trip:

Follow the 10-day itinerary and add stops at Lake Powell, Horseshoe Bend, Flagstaff Arizona, Grand Canyon National Park, Route 66, and Las Vegas

READ Amazing Day Trips from Flagstaff Arizona

How Expensive is a Utah Road Trip?

The average daily budget for a Utah National Park road trip is $200 for one person. This includes gas, a rental car, lodging, food, drink, and entry fees. If you choose to stay in campgrounds, be sure to bring cash. Click through on each destination for more information. My total cost for the following 10-day itinerary in October 2021 was $2818.

Breakdown is as follows: Round trip air to Las Vegas Nevada: $174 Rental car begin/end Las Vegas Nevada: $687 Budget Hotel for 10 days: $1167 America the Beautiful Pass: $80 State Park and Attraction Fees: $186 Gas: $324 Food: $200 (per person)

What do you pack for a Utah National Park Road Trip?

The majority of this route is remote, you will not be able to stop at Walmart to pick up a jacket. The desert is chilly in the morning and evening but hot midday during the Spring and Fall. I checked the weather and only brought one pair of long pants, that was a mistake. Also, I was caught in a sleet storm on a hiking trail at Arches on October 13th. In sum, you need everything: long pants, hiking shorts, T-Shirts, a hoodie, a jacket, an umbrella, gloves, sunscreen, a soft cooler, and ice packs. It is possible to cram it all into a carry-on with packing cubes. Also, be sure to stop at a store when you arrive in Las Vegas to stock up on water, snacks, and bug spray. Double-check that your reserved lodging has a refrigerator for picnic lunch supplies and to refreeze the ice packs.

Day by Day Guide for a Utah Road Trip Itinerary for the Grand Circle

ROUTE AT A GLANCE: MILES: 1400 miles HOW MANY DAYS: 10

In the following Utah road trip itinerary, I have already mapped out the best route to see the most amazing sites. I always map out my points of interest in google maps. For this Utah road trip itinerary, I suggest using a paper map or printing out the google maps you create for reference. I did not have cell service more than I had it and had a few hiccups as a result.

Day 0: Arrive in Las Vegas

Yep, Day 0! There is so much to see and do on this trip (and so little PTO) that Day 0 is required. Book your flight to Las Vegas in the evening. Be packed and ready to go after work. I took my airplane outfit to work with me, changed quickly before I left the office and my ride to the airport was waiting for me when I got home. Pick up the rental car and stop for water, snacks, and bug spray before checking into the hotel for the night. Get to bed early, tomorrow starts early and is a long day. If you are a night owl, consider making the 3-hour drive to Zion this day and check into a hotel in Springdale Utah.

Day 1: Zion National Park, Dixie Forest, Cedar Breaks National Monument

6:30 am Arrive at Zion National Forest for the 7am shuttle. Bring your lunch and plan to spend 7 hours in the park. Zion National Park highlights include: Shuttle Stop 9: Hike the Riverwalk Trail to the Narrows, 2 miles/1.5 hours. Shuttle Stop 8: Stop for a photo of Big Bend. Shuttle Stop 5: Hike to Lower and Middle Emerald Pool, 1.7 mile/1.5 hours. Shuttle Stop 4: Stop for a photo of the Court of the Patriarchs. Shuttle Stop 3: Stop for a photo of Canyon Junction photo from the bridge. Drive Zion-Mount Carmel Highway/tunnel, hike Canyon Overlook Trail 1 mile/1 hour, and photograph the Checkerboard Mesa. 3 pm Stop by Aspen Mirror Lake and take the Burr Trail Scenic Byway through Dixie National Forest. 4 pm Drive through the Cedar Breaks National Monument stopping to take in the views from the 5 overlooks. Overnight in Panguitch UT.

READ Zion National Park Travel Guide for First Time Visitors

Day 2: Red Canyon and Bryce Canyon National Park

7 am Drive through the gorgeous Red Canyon on the way to Bryce. Stop to hike the .6 mile arches trail, .7 mile pink ledges, or .3 mile hoodoo trail. 9 am Arrive at Bryce Canyon National Park, plan to spend 7 hours in the park. Hike the Navajo Loop through Wall Street and connect to the Queen’s Garden 3 miles, bring water! Drive the scenic drive to the Natural Bridge. Not to miss overlooks include Inspiration Point, Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Bryce Point, Paria. 5 pm Mossy Cave (waterfall) 1 mile RT/1 hr. Overnight Tropic UT.

READ Red Canyon Utah Must See Road Trip Stop READ Bryce Canyon National Park Travel Guide for First Time Visitors

Day 3: Willis Creek Slot Canyon, Kodachrome Basin State Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

7 am Arrive at Willis Creek Slot Canyon, and hike the 1.8 RT trail/2 hours (4×4 vehicle suggested). 10 am Arrive at Kodachrome Basin State Park. Allow 2 hours to hike the Panorama Trail past the Indian Cave, Ballerina Spire, and Hat Shop. Noon Have a picnic lunch and continue on to Grosvenor Arch, a 30-minute drive. 1 pm Drive Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Scenic Hwy 12 to Devils Garden. 3 pm Drive the gorgeous Burr Trail to the Long Canyon; make a quick stop at the Singing Canyon on the way. Note: the map to the Waterpocket Fold switchbacks is deceptive. The drive is long and the road is rough, 4×4 is suggested. 4 pm Have dinner at Hell’s Backbone café before continuing the drive on Scenic Hwy 12 to Torrey Utah. Overnight Torrey UT.

READ Kodachrome Basin State Park Travel Guide for First Time Visitors READ Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Travel Guide for First Time Visitors

Day 4: Capitol Reef National Park and Goblin Valley State Park

7 am Drive Scenic Hwy 24 toward Capitol Reef National Park. Take a morning hike around Chimney Rock, 1.8 miles. Then cross the street and photograph Panorama Point and the Goosenecks Overlook. 10 am Drive the Capitol Gorge scenic road. Hike a portion of Grand Wash or Capitol Gorge to the Pioneer Register, 2 miles RT. Noon Stop at Gifford Homestead for a picnic lunch and treat yourself to a homemade pie. 1 pm Hike 3.5 RT to Cassidy Arch. Or, return to Hwy 24 and stop at the Fruita Schoolhouse and Petroglyphs Panels on the way to the Hickman Bridge Trail. Hike the 2RT to the bridge. It is uphill, bring water! 3 pm Continue on Hwy 24 through a landscape that resembles Mars to Goblin Valley State Park and walk through the valley floor. Overnight Green River, UT.

READ Capitol Reef National Park Travel Guide for First Time Visitors READ Planning a Goblin Valley State Park Day Trip

Day 5: Arches National Park

7 am Drive 1 hour to Arches National Park. Follow the scenic drive to the Devil’s Garden Trailhead. Stop at the Fiery Furnace Viewpoint and Surprise Arch along the way. 11 am Hike the Devil’s Garden to Landscape Arch 1.6 RT. Return to the split in the trail and visit Tunnel Arch and Pine Tree Arch. Enjoy a picnic lunch here under Pine Tree Arch. 4 pm Check out the Upper Delicate Arch Viewpoint before hiking to Delicate Arch for sunset. Overnight Moab, UT.

Day 6: Arches National Park

6 am Arrive at Arches National Park and hike the Windows Trail for sunrise at Turret Arch, then visit the North and South Windows. Cross the parking area to visit Double Arch. 9 am Next, hike to Tapestry Arch 0.6 mile, Skyline Arch .5 mile, Sand Dune Arch .3 mile. 11 am Walk the Park Avenue Trail sandstone monoliths to Courthouse Towers before exiting the park. 1 pm Return to Moab for lunch and relax before making your way to the 5:45pm Moab Sound and Light Show with Dinner. Overnight Moab, UT.

READ Arches National Park Travel Guide for First Time Visitors

Day 7: Canyonlands and Dead Horse Point State Park

7 am Arrive at Canyonlands Mesa Arch for sunrise. 8 am Hike to Grand View overlook (2 miles) or White Rim (2 miles). 10 am Stop by the Buck Canyon, Candlestick, Green River Overlooks. 11 am Hike to Upheaval Dome, 2 miles (or at least to first overlook). 1 pm Check out the view from Shafer Canyon and across from the visitor center. 2 pm Leave Canyonlands and drive to Dead Horse Point State Park, take in the view from the Meander Overlook and Neck Overlook. 3:30 pm Leave Dead Horse Point State Park and drive down Hwy 191 to Blanding. Stop at Hole in the Rock and Wilson Arch before driving to Newspaper Rock. If time permits, continue from Newspaper Rock to the Needles section of Canyonlands National Park and drive the scenic road. Overnight Blanding UT.

READ Canyonlands National Park Travel Guide for First Time Visitors

Day 8: Cedar Mesa: Bears Ears National Monument, Natural Bridges National Monument, Moki Dugway, Valley of the Gods, Goosenecks State Park, Mexican Hat

8:30 am Hike to House on Fire and the way to Natural Bridges National Monument. 11:30 am Arrive at Natural Bridges National Monument and drive the scenic loop. Hike to the ledge for a close view of Sipapu and check out Kachina Bridge from the viewpoint. Walk to the valley floor to view Owachomo Bridge. 1 pm Leave Natural Bridges and drive the Moki Dugway switchbacks. Stop to take in the view of the Valley of the Gods. 4:30 pm Arrive at Goosenecks State Park viewpoint, (30 min drive) 5:30 pm Stop to photograph the Mexican Hat formation and continue toward Monument Valley stopping at Forrest Gump Hill for a photo. 7 pm Have dinner at The View restaurant, try the Navajo Taco. Overnight The View Hotel Monument Valley.

READ Cedar Mesa: Road Trip Stops Canyonlands National Park to Monument Valley Travel Guide READ Natural Bridges National Monument Travel Guide for First Time Visitors

Day 9: Monument Valley, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, Snow Canyon State Park

7 am Take the Monument Valley Scenic Drive, do not miss John Ford Point. Choose to hike Antelope Canyon X, sandboard in Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, or hike Snow Canyon State Park before returning to Las Vegas. 6 pm Arrive in Las Vegas. Have a good meal, see a Las Vegas show or attend a concert tonight. Overnight Las Vegas

READ Monument Valley Navajo Park Travel Guide for First Time Visitors

Day 10: Las Vegas

Spend some time exploring the Las Vegas strip, hike the wave at Valley of Fire, or check out Hoover Dam before returning the rental car and catching your return flight.

READ Ultimate Guide to Las Vegas Casino Hopping on the Strip READ Top 10 Things to Do in Las Vegas Nevada

Be sure to check Visit Utah’s Mighty 5  website for current events.

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Plan Your Utah Road Trip Itinerary for the Mighty 5 National Parks

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I haven’t yet been able to travel in US although we had it in our plans for last year. The National Parks there have always fascinated me for the beautiful hiking trails and the mesmerizing red views of the structures. This would be my perfect guide when we visit.

That’s great to hear! Hope you are able to use it soon

Sherianne, I’m so impressed with how much traveling you have been able to keep doing, even during the pandemic. Going to all the national parks in Utah is still a goal of mine, although I’ve been to several. The geological formations and views are just incredible and so different from anywhere else in the world!

I miss exploring Europe but have been having a great time on my US road trips

We have visited the parks in Moab but not the Dead Horse Point SP. Looking at this, next time we will start from Zion like you recommended, and I think we can cut the day in Moab to only 1 day. Goblin Valley and Gooseneck SP are so inviting.

Going during the shoulder seasons is such wise advice. That way you can avoid traffic while having good weather still. I love that you can go through the arch with a car. How fun! It reminds me of winding through Italy. Love it!

I love Utah, it’s national and state parks. I’ve been there many times and I’d love to come back. You’ve made a great itinerary, lots of valuable and useful tips. My favorite national parks are Zion, Arches, and Bryce.

We totally loved our Utah road trip. And plan to return again and see more. We missed some great spots like Willis Creek Slot Canyon and Kodachrome Basin State Park. But were delighted we made time for Goblins! Lots of reasons to visit over and over again.

This is amazing! I absolutely love Utah and I feel like no matter how many times you visit, there is always something new to see. I have been to all of these big national parks, but I would love to visit the Goblin Valley. Looks so unique! Also, I have never heard of the Bears Ears. We saw similar cliff dwellings in Arizona. Adding that on my list too. Great post!

OMG….so many parks to be covered in Utah. And some of them have been on my list like the Arches park and the Natural bridges one. Adding to the list is Capitol Reef National Park – I love the sound of the landscapes here. I was just wondering how one can plan to do them all and there, you have shared a complete itinerary. Super useful and so, am bookmarking it.

Great! I hope you get to use it soon

Utah seems like such a gorgeous and desolate location to visit and the National Parks are exactly what I would want to see too. Bryce Canyon has been on my list for a while and seeing those beautiful photos and reading about the hiking trails reminds me as to why! Arches also looks like it would be an incredible place to visit as well. I appreciate the variations of itineraries based on the length of trip and think that would absolutely come in handy for future planning.

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Utah is home to 5 of the most dramatic and beautifual national parks in the United States. The red rocks of sothern utah are a uniqe landscape only found in the american southwest. Each of these 5 parks showcase the power of mother natures ability to carve, sculpt and bend to land into stunning canyons, arches hoodoos and more stunning shapes. National park visitors come excited and leave inspired.

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Despite not being as well know as the national parks, Utah’s state parks are natural wonders in their own right. From the mysterous balanced rocks of Goblin Valley to the Wild Bison heards roaming Antelope Island Utah’s state parks are gems you won’t want to miss.

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The Ultimate 7-Day Southern Utah Road Trip Itinerary: Zion, Bryce, Escalante

Southern Utah is full of stunning scenery. It makes for memorable hikes, lookouts that make your jaw drop, and long, beautiful drives that seem much quicker than they really are. One of the top destinations in the United States, a southern Utah road trip will not disappoint.

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Who Should Go on a Southern Utah Road Trip?

Everyone! Take a solo trip. Make it a girl’s trip. Head out for a getaway with your significant other. Take the whole family! There is something for everyone that will make it impossible to regret.

If you’re a hiker, you definitely don’t want to miss out. If exploration for you means scenic drives, you will love it just as much!

As long as you love beautiful places and getting outside, you’re all set.

Note: the itinerary provided below will resonate most with those who want to do a lot of hiking mixed with grabbing drinks and eating good food. While hikes range from moderate to difficult, there are no 16-mile days or backpacking excursions! But you will get out and move every day!

When is the Best Time to Take a Southern Utah Road Trip?

The sweet spot for visiting Utah is in the spring and the fall when crowds dwindle (somewhat) and the weather is a comfortable temperature. Summer months definitely get crazy with both people and hot weather. And the winter months, though unique and beautiful in their own right, obviously come with snow and cold temperatures!

Keep in mind, besides the dead of winter, these places are busy all of the time. Go when it works for you, and be prepared for crowds.

Where Does This Southern Utah Road Trip Itinerary Take Me?

Many Utah itineraries you find are going to be based around the “Mighty 5,” which includes Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Capitol Reef National Park.

In my opinion, to do “The Mighty 5” right, your trip should be two weeks total—10 days at the very least. Anything under that and you will be doing a lot more driving than exploring.

Since this trip is only one week (including travel days), it’s two national parks and a national monument.

There are notes and tips about substituting different places on certain days so, obviously, you are not locked in. That said, it is a place to start and I highly recommend this itinerary for a week that includes a range of experiences!

How Can I Spend 7 Days in Utah?

• Travel Day : Arrive in Southern Utah with options to stop along the way
• Start with 1 Day in Zion National Park (East Side—aka the “secret side”)
• 1 Day in Bryce Canyon National Park
• 1 Day at Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
• 2 Days back at Zion National Park (South End)
• Travel Day : Back home on Day 7

The trip includes three different places to stay, so while you do hotel-hop (Airbnb), it’s not a daily switch. All of the details on that are below.

The Best Southern Utah Road Trip Itinerary: One Week

A southern Utah road trip takes a little more pre-planning than a lot of vacations, but the adventures are totally worth it. Let’s get started!

Before Your Southern Utah Road Trip

Do your research.

Google. Read blogs. Browse Instagram. Ask your friends. Whatever you need to do, soak up as much information as possible! Everyone’s experience is different but I guarantee a better time if you have a plan together and a good idea about what you’re getting into!

Additional, HIGHLY-DETAILED blog posts of mine are linked throughout the post so make sure to visit those for even more tips.

I highly recommend a quality SUV for this trip. You spend a lot of time in the car, one day involves dirt roads, there are switchbacks through Zion, and you will need enough space for all of your passengers and luggage. My group went with a Chevy Equinox and it was perfect.

Annual Park Pass

If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, grab an America the Beautiful Pass for $79.99 . It’s $35 at each park (for 7 consecutive days) so you make up your money in just three NP visits.

This pass twice is used twice on this trip so if you have another national park planned (or find it likely—you’ll only be out $10 if you don’t) then definitely grab one of these! If you don’t want to go that route, you can grab week-long passes at the entrances.

What to Pack for a Southern Utah Road Trip

Water Bottle: You need a big one that keeps liquids cold. This 32 oz. water bottle is my absolute favorite (still had ice in it after a day at Zion in 80+ degrees!) It has an easy-to-carry handle and I love the mouthpiece.

Hiking Shoes: Don’t forget your hiking shoes! If you don’t have a pair, invest in some. A few of these hikes will be difficult without them. The REI Outlet is a great place if you want to keep things affordable.

Layers: A few mornings you will get started early and temperatures are much, much cooler than they will be in the day. Make sure to have a jacket, long sleeves, leggings, and shorts, as well as a warm hat if you are going between late September-May.

Snacks: Between long hikes and busy areas with restaurant wait times, you will want snacks! My favorite are these Chomps Beef Sticks (all clean ingredients and lots of protein), and Trader Joe’s Simply the Best Nuts (individually packaged which makes everything easy). They easily fit in a suitcase and can be in your carry-on.

Sunscreen: No matter what time of year! If you are on the hunt for a clean product, the best out there is Cocokind . It’s not a weird texture or sticky on your face. I love it, plus it’s a great size for travel.

And with that, let’s get into the official southern Utah road trip itinerary!

Day 1: Travel Day

Where do i fly into for a southern utah road trip.

McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada , is the closest airport to southern Utah. It’s 170 miles away from Springdale, Utah (Zion National Park), and is a major hub where you can typically find cheap flights.  This itinerary will start in Sin City!

Note: Salt Lake City International Airport is the next closest and is 311 miles from the park. This is a good option if you prefer to road trip through Utah from north to south.

Pick Up Your Rental Car

Grab your rental and be on your way! Your first day of travel will have you on a scenic drive as you make your way from Vegas, through Arizona, and finally, into Utah. It’s a fairly easy drive that will find you on curvy stretches every now and then and takes a total of 160 miles (2 hours, 35 minutes.)

KEEP IN MIND: there is a time change between Las Vegas (PDT) and Utah (MT)! Your clocks will move ahead one hour.

Places to Stop between Las Vegas and Springdale

• Valley of the Fire State Park : this can be your first stop if you’d like to do a short hike and check it off your list! Located under an hour from Vegas and still in Nevada, is beautiful desert land and red sandstone formations.
• St. George : is a city a couple of miles north of the Arizona and Nevada border in the very southwestern corner of Utah. It’s one of the bigger towns on your drive and perfect for a gas and food stop.
• Other than that, it’s mountains, small towns, and jackalopes! Lol

Depending on what time you arrive, check in to your place, explore Springdale, Utah, or better yet, just relax! You have a big week ahead. (Note: there are a few Springdale restaurant recommendations later in the post.)

Where to Stay in Springdale, Utah

Best western plus (night 1/1).

Springdale, Utah accommodations are not cheap given the high demand! One of the more affordable places is the Best Western PLUS , located right downtown and near a shuttle stop—more on that below.

The rooms are very spacious, clean, and complete with a view. Plus, they offer an (actually delicious) continental breakfast that is the perfect pre-hike meal. And lessens the blow of the bill.

Options: There are plenty more places to choose from in Springdale, Utah including the Zion Lodge inside the park (need to book early), camping, and additional hotels and Airbnb’s. Check out How to Spend Two Days at Zion National Park: What You Need to Know for more options.

Day 2: Zion National Park (East)

Hike: observation point via east mesa trail.

Observation Point is one of the most beautiful spots in Zion and you will want this hike on your list. More specifically, the version of this hike that is done via the East Mesa Trail. The more popular version of the hike to Observation Point is from the south end of the park—bottom-up. This requires a shuttle bus and there are an endless amount of people.

Luckily, there is an alternative route if you drive to the east side of Zion—top-out. Bonus: the scenic drive there (via UT-9) is one to remember!

Note: the popular, south-end version of the hike to Observation Point is currently closed due to rockfall. (That said, I’d still choose East Mesa Trail, even when it’s reopened.)

The East Mesa Trail hike is not one you need an early start for which makes it a good option after a travel day. Wake up, grab breakfast, and be on your way at a leisurely pace. Plan to leave Springdale between 11:00-12:00 PM.

Plug “East Mesa Trailhead/Observation Point Trailhead” into your Google Maps and you will be all set for a 52-minute journey. It’s only 23 miles, but given the switchbacks and drive through the mountains and tunnels (awesome!), it takes longer. There is a bathroom as you approach the east-side entrance. And a few miles from the trailhead, you hit a dirt road which is where your SUV comes in handy.

Note: you will not return to Springdale tonight and this is bringing you in the right direction once your hike is over.

Park at the trailhead (we arrived at 1:00 PM and found parking, no problem) and you will find where the 6.8 miles, out-and-back trail begins. 

* This Hike Takes 3-4 Hours *

You are led through a woodsy setting with mountains in the distance and amazing views once you make it to your destination. The best in the park, in fact! Though the hike is a bit longer, it’s not strenuous in terms of incline. A less than a mile or so stretch on your way back will be the toughest part on your booty!

Your destination (Observation Point) gives you not only a great hike but one of Utah’s best views . It includes a birds-eye view of both Angels Landing and The Narrows. Tip: it’s very windy at the top!

After your hike, you will make your way to Hatch, Utah (54 miles—1 hour, 10 minutes) which is very well-positioned between both Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park. Tomorrow, you’ll tackle Bryce. But don’t worry, you will return to Zion in a couple of days!

Survive on snacks until you arrive. There is an awesome (and a bit unassuming) place to eat called Outlaw Saloon – Western Bar and Steakhouse . PRO TIP: Get the ribs. The meat falls off at the touch of a knife.

Where to Stay in Hatch, Utah

Mountain ridge cabins and lodging (night 1/3).

Mountains Ridge Cabins and Lodging is the perfect place to stay in Hatch, Utah. They are adorable and affordable with a restaurant/bar, convenience store, and coffee shop right nearby. The cabins are very clean (with daily housekeeping available) and include a shower, TV, and free drip coffees at the coffee shop.

Day 3: Bryce Canyon National Park

Hike: the figure 8.

All right, people. Get ready. Because this is going to be a day to remember. Everybody raves about Zion National Park (which, of course, is beautiful) but the real winner in my book is Bryce Canyon National Park. The rock formations, known as hoodoos, will take your breath away!

Day 3 is going to require an earlier start. Leave Hatch, Utah absolutely no later than 8:30 AM ; I would recommend between 7:30-8:15 AM and potentially earlier in peak season.

Sip your coffee on the 30-minute drive over and park in the Sunset Point parking lot after showing (or purchasing) your pass at the park entrance. Note: we got one of the very last spots in the lot at 9:02 AM. And if it’s summer, it will fill up earlier than that.

Sunset Point parking lot will connect you to Rim Trail and one of the most beautiful overlooks at the top of the canyon. You will be hiking down into it—and back up! And trust me, the views will be worth it.

Hike the Figure 8 Hike

The best and most rewarding 6-7 mile hike (depending which route you choose) in Bryce Canyon National Park consists of three hikes looped together into a Figure 8. Always remember, STAY RIGHT.

*This Hike Takes 3-4 Hours*

• Wall Street : a series of switchbacks that lead you down onto the canyon floor. (Left side image once I reached the bottom.)
• Peekaboo Loop Trail : an up and down 3-mile loop inside the canyon that offers the most INCREDIBLE non-stop views of the rock formations.
• Navajo Loop Trail OR Queens Garden : The way back up to the parking lot which is a tough, but worth it, journey! Navajo is shorter yet steeper and brings you to Sunset Point. (Right side image. Phew!) And Queens Garden takes some extra time but is less of an incline and brings you to Sunrise Point parking lot.

You can find EVERY SINGLE DETAIL on this hike here: The Best Day in Bryce Canyon National Park . You will have the BEST time!

After the Figure 8 hike, which I cannot recommend enough, you still have an entire afternoon ahead of you. Choose one of these great options:

• Walk Rim Trail and check out all of the viewpoints. This brings you along the edge and does not get down into the canyon. You can park at Sunset Point OR Sunrise Point. There are no inclines so it can be a very casual walk while getting some great pictures.
• Drive the Scenic Byway known as Route 63 . If you’d rather drive, this will bring you to a TON of great views. (You can easily make this a full day as well.)

It has been a DAY! Find a restaurant in Bryce or make your way back to Hatch and hit Outlaw Saloon – Western Bar and Steakhouse again. This time, get the steak. It melts in your mouth!

Where to Stay: Hatch, Utah (Night 2/3)

Return to your little cabin for another night’s stay! Option: if you’d like to stay inside the park, Bryce Canyon Lodge is the only option and must be booked far in advance!

Day 4: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Hike: peekaboo gulch & spooky gulch slot canyons.

Ready for a mini road trip from Hatch to Escalante, Utah? If slot canyons are on your list, then your going to love this day! It’s such a fun experience.

67 miles (1 hour, 15 minutes) east of Hatch, and through Bryce, is Escalante, Utah. It is in the heart of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument on Scenic Byway 12 and home to a few different slot canyon hikes that will blow your mind!

Use this as a day to sleep in a bit (this is by far the least populated area of your trip so you won’t need to worry so much about crowds) and leave Hatch, Utah by about 10:30 AM. This will put you in the town of Escalante by around NOON assuming you stop once. Once you get there, check out the little town, grab some coffee if need be, and be on your way.

Hike Peekaboo Gulch + Spooky Gulch

The plan is to hike Peekaboo Gulch and Spooky Gulch which are located about 40 minutes down a dirt road from Escalante. I know, more driving. But it’s all an adventure and the beautiful drives make them seem quick! Make sure you have an SUV for this trip.

*This Hike Takes 2-3 Hours*

This 3.5-mile lollipop loop hike will have you start at the trailhead, walk around the rim and down into the lower desert, and arrive at Peekaboo Gulch, the first of two slot canyons. From here you have a couple of options:

• Climb into Peekaboo Gulch (that’s the toughest part), and hike through the narrow canyon walls about .25 miles. This one is really fun and a pretty easy hike to maneuver. And the afternoon sun hits the walls perfectly for pictures.
• When you come out the other side, you can hike over to Spooky Gulch, which is only about half a mile or so. Or go back through Peekaboo the way you came. Spooky Gulch is much more narrow (like 10 inches in some spots.) If you had a tough time with Peekaboo or are just nervous to give it a go, turn around. If you’re ready and excited (and just a little nervous), do Spooky! It’s really a unique experience.
• If you end up doing Spooky Gulch, you’ll loop right back around to Peekaboo once you come out of the slot canyon (this one is also about .25 miles) and stay right.
• Of course, you can always reverse it and start with Spooky Gulch and make your way over to Peekaboo second. This is said to be tougher.

This hike is outlined in FULL details (including the drive) over on The Best Grand Staircase-Escalante, Utah Slot Canyons to Hike . Definitely read the details if you are headed that way!

Once you finish your hike and make your way back to the small town of Escalante via the dirt roads, it will be about 5:00-6:00 PM which makes it the perfect time for a beer! Stop for just that and a bite to eat at one of the restaurants/bars. I recommend:

Circle D Eatery

Right off the main road is a great hiking reward!  Circle D Eatery  is a part of an independently-run motel and serves some delicious food and drinks in a casual environment. There is plenty of space inside, as well as an outdoor seating area. I recommend the  Jalapeno Cream Ale  beer that I am still thinking about. And the BBQ Brisket Nachos.

After you eat, it’s time get some rest! Or just keep drinking 🙂 You’ve earned it!

Where to Stay: Hatch, Utah (Night 3/3)

It’s your last night in the tiny cabin! I recommend making your way back just because it gets you much closer to Zion National Park, where you will make your way back to tomorrow. But…

Options: There are actually quite a few places to stay in Escalante, Utah. Click for  all of the lodging choices , including motels and camping if you’d rather not drive more. There are also plenty of places to stay in Bryce, Utah which you drive through and puts you closer to Zion for the morning.

Day 5: Zion National Park (South)

Hike: rest day or your choice.

Sidenote: Zion National Park requires a LOT of details. Please don’t miss How to Spend Two Days at Zion National Park: What You Need to Know where nearly every single detail is outlined. This post will give you a lot of great high-level information, but we really go in-depth over there.

Back to Zion, it is! I like the idea of starting with Zion and looping back around to end with it to give you a shorter distance to and from the airport.

At this point, you will want to check off one (or two!) more hikes in the next two days. Depending on how you feel, you might need a rest day, which Day 5 is perfect for. Zion National Park is crazy busy and in order to have the best experience, you need to wake up EARLY. Being that you’ll wake up in Hatch, Utah, that will be difficult. A few options:

• Rest Day: Go at a leisurely pace today, explore Springdale, Utah and get ready for a big day tomorrow. This is the choice this itinerary covers!
• Hike Watchman Trail or Canyon Overlook Trail: these hikes don’t require the shuttle which makes it way easier to work into the day. Watchman is 3 miles from inside the south entrance and Canyon Overlook is 1 mile and off of UT-9.
• Hike Angel’s Landing: this is the most popular hike at Zion National Park and a later-in-the-day start might not be the best experience. That said, it’s your vacation!

Grab a delicious breakfast at Hatch Station. They have omelets that will hit the spot! Plan to take off and make your way back to Springdale (60 miles—1 hour, 20 minutes, and a beautiful drive) by about 11:00 AM.

Make a road trip stop at Belly of the Dragon. It’s right off UT-89 and is a quick, fun, and unique stop through a cave. There aren’t a lot of people and it’s perfect for kids—or just a couple of cool pictures! Plus, a chance to get out and walk around.

This is your chance to explore the town of Springdale, Utah! You might not be able to check into your hotel or Airbnb (my recommendation below!) until late afternoon so just find a parking spot and meander around the town. Recommendations:

• Go Shopping: This tourist town is, of course, full of shops that line the block towards Zion National Park. Souvenirs, crystals, sweet treats, boutique-style clothes, and gifts.
• Coffee/Drinks: FeelLove Coffee Zion is the cutest place and it is not just coffee, there are dinner and cocktail menus as well.
• Beer: Definitely plan to have a beer or five at  Zion Brew Pub where there is both indoor seating as well as an awesome outdoor beer garden. It’s right near the entrance to Zion National Park.
• Eat: Whiptail Grill , a converted gas station, is a great place for lunch! Grab anything from steak tacos to chicken sandwiches on their Mexican fusion cuisine menu. They do have beer and wine.
• Visitor Center: go talk to park rangers and grab maps for tomorrow.

After your day of exploring, it’s time to grab dinner and then call it a night. (Note: if you are doing The Narrows hike tomorrow, grab your gear from Zion Outfitters . More information below.)

Zion Pizza & Noodle Co

Dine-in (there’s a beer garden) at  Zion Pizza & Noodle Co . or order your food from the counter and bring it to your hotel or Airbnb.  The European Trail  was a delicious pizza option.

Townhouse Airbnb (Night 1/2)

I stayed in the  most perfect townhouse  in the heart of Springdale and it was perfect! Very clean, modern, and has two bedrooms plus comfy living space, laundry machines, and a TV.  And the outdoor patio space (pictured below) makes it worth every penny.

You are only a short walk from the Springdale Shuttle that will bring you to the park (more on that below.) And there is a marketplace across the street that’s perfect for grabbing meals to prep at the place and snacks for your hikes. We stayed two nights and weren’t quite ready to leave! Highly recommend.

Options: Visit How to Spend 2 Days at Zion National Park for more places to stay.

Day 6: Zion National Park (South)

Hike: the narrows.

Today is a big day and a check-off of the Bucket List! If you didn’t get a major hike done yesterday, you’ll need to pick between The Narrows and Angels Landing—two of the most popular hikes.

This itinerary will walk you through The Narrows , a fun and unique experience that isn’t quite as close to death as Angels Landing. (LOL I’m kidding. Sort of…)

Note: if neither of these sounds appealing, check out the list of other popular Zion National Park hikes .

Early. Start early. It cannot be stressed enough. As I mentioned, Zion is a very popular place. And between the number of people and the shuttle bus(es) requirement, it’s best to get going. We’re talking like, be in line for the Zion Canyon Shuttle at 6:00 AM. EEK! Don’t worry, it’s worth it. First things first:

Zion Shuttle Buses

The most popular hikes in Zion National Park REQUIRE taking the Zion Canyon Shuttle Bus. There are TWO separate shuttles in the area.

• The Springdale Shuttle : connects the town of Springdale (stops near your hotel or Airbnb) to the South Entrance of the park where you catch the Zion Canyon Shuttle. Note: this runs April-October. This is not required, you can also walk.
• Zion Canyon Shuttle : This gives you access from inside the park to the upper canyon (most popular hikes) since  private vehicles are prohibited along Zion Canyon Scenic Drive between March and November. It is first-come, first-serve. Don’t forget your park pass or purchase at the entrance.

Hike The Narrows

Shuttle bus stop 9: temple of sinawava.

One of the most unique hiking experiences in the United States  is through the Virgin River inside one of Zion’s canyons. After taking the Zion Canyon Shuttle to the last stop (#9) and making a mile or so hike on the Riverside Walk paved trail, you’ll enter the river with high canyon walls on either side.

*This Hike Takes as Long as You’d Like! Likely at least 4 hours*

Once you enter the water, you can go as far as 8 miles, but you can turn around and come back whenever you choose.  The scenery doesn’t change a ton, so we went about 1.5 hours or so before we made the trek back.

As far as gear, I recommend the boots, neoprene socks, and a walking stick from Zion Outfitters . You can find WAY more details in this post . Note: this is not required!

• Pick another shorter hike inside Zion National Park such as Emerald Pools or Weeping Rock.
• Head back out to Springdale to drink beer and eat; you’ve done enough hiking for one day!

Townhouse Airbnb (Night 2/2)

Back to the perfect townhouse in Springdale where you can enjoy your outdoor patio, maybe do some laundry before you head out, and relax!

Day 7: Travel Day

That’s it! You have reached Day 7 of your southern Utah road trip experience and it’s time to make you way back to the airport. You are 2 hours and 40 minutes from Las Vegas so depending on when you flight is, make sure you are packed and ready to roll!

Mix-and-Match + Additions

When you only have one week, including travel days, there is simply too many places to squeeze in on a southern Utah road trip. Here are other destinations in the area that you can replace in your itinerary, or add extra days for:

• Capitol Reef National Park: if you’re focused solely on national parks, you could potentially swap “Day 4: Escalante Slot Canyons” with this park which is also east of Bryce. It is more driving and you’ll likely need to stay the night.
• Canyonlands National Park: even farther east than Capitol Reef, you will probably need more days to work this in.
• Arches National Park: a tad more east from Canyonlands, these three national parks are pretty close in proximity. As I said, 10-14 days for “The Mighty Five” is what you’ll need. I plan to do these 3 as a separate trip.
• Dead Horse Point State Park: one of Utah’s state parks with views of the Colorado River. It’s near the three national parks above and the city of Moab, Utah.
• Cedar City + Cedar Breaks National Monument: a town north of Zion. You could choose to loop from Zion to Cedar City to Bryce and back around.
• Northern Arizona: PACKED with places to check out, this can easily be a vacation on its own! The Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon (popular slot canyons that are currently closed), and Horseshoe Bend are all highlights.

One Last Thought…

It’s tough to come by in Utah! Lol. Here’s the skinny: You can get 5% or less at gas stations, marketplaces, etc. Anything percentage above that, and you have to go to a liquor store. The kicker? There aren’t many liquor stores! Ha. Definitely scope it out during your travels and figure out your option to stop and grab some booze.

As far as restaurants, many (not all) only have beer and wine. And many (not all) places don’t have an actual bar to sit at.

This was my least favorite part of Utah and thought you should know! Lol.

You will LOVE this trip! And you will come out of it with so many amazing pictures and incredible memories. Comment your favorite spot on this trip! Or one I may have missed.

Happy travel! 🙂

Did this post help you out? Support the work and pass along $5 for a Coors Light 😉 VENMO: @Amber-LBB or PAYPAL: [email protected]. THANK YOU.

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New Snow: 0″

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Base Depth: 40″

Open Runs: 11/11

Ski School for All Ages

7 Skiing Tips for More Fun on the Mountain

Written By Alexandra Lev

4 minute read

Skiing is one of the most exciting sports on earth, especially with the right gear, a good attitude and some lesson time.

8 Reasons Why Ski School Is Cool

Written By Paula Colman

Ski school is cool, and it’s where beginners to experts find the secrets to skiing (and Utah’s secret powder stashes). Learn to ski the entire resort.

Max Out Your Multi-Pass

With so many ski and snowboard resorts easily accessible in and around Utah, using the state as your gateway can maximize the value of any multi-pass. Here's some tips on how to make your ski vacation more flexible, fun and affordable than ever before!

Pass Go: Making the Most of the Epic Pass

Make the most of your Epic Pass with these locals’ tips to the best skiing, riding, dining, and playing at two of Utah’s premier resorts.

Pass Go: Making the Most of the Ikon Pass

That's right, Utah is home to six incredible Ikon Pass resorts. Plan your trip with this local's guide to making the most of your Ikon Pass in Utah.

"Salt Lake City International Airport just opened a new, spacious terminal and features a Delta hub with a top on-time record."

Family ski travel tips.

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Best Utah Ski Resorts for Families

Written By Jill Robinson

5 minute read

Utah boasts some of the best ski resorts for families. Get a first-hand parent perspective on skiing with kids at Alta, Snowbird, Snowbasin and Powder Mountain.

Family and Budget Guide to the One and Only Ski City: Salt Lake

Written By Kristen Pope

6 minute read

With 11 family-friendly resorts nearby, Salt Lake City skiing, dining and entertainment options make Utah one of the best ski destinations in the western U.S.

Utah's Kid Ski Culture

Utah is happy to help you support your future skier or rider, and make things fun for parents, too. Read our guide to teaching kids to ski and plan a trip.

What To Pack for a Ski Trip

Make sure you have everything you need for your Utah ski trip this season. Follow our ski trip packing checklist to guarantee a fun and safe time on the slopes.

Well-prepared travel is responsible travel.

Do your part by planning ahead

Plan Your Trip

Come, stay awhile, let the red rock dirt get in your shoes and in your heart. The magical beauty of this unspoiled wild region will stay with you forever.

Travel Tips

Southern Utah is famous for its fabulous blue-sky weather throughout the year. It's also known for its great expanse of scenic roads and vast stretches of wilderness. If you haven't traveled here before, there are some important things to keep in mind. Take a look at a few of our Travel Tips here.

Rainy Day Activities

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Why choose to stay in Kanab? Because Southern Utah offers the highest concentration of natural scenic wonders found anywhere on Earth! Kanab is in the heart of it all: with five national monuments, two state parks, two national forests, three national parks, and one of the largest national recreation areas in the country. All within a 90 minute scenic drive--and all with unspoiled terrain and gorgeous sights awaiting your arrival. Kanab makes the perfect “Base Camp” for exploring, hiking, photography and back country adventure! With secret gems hiding around every corner, Kanab ready for you to discover.

Free Travel Planner

The Kane County, Utah Office of Tourism offers the Southern Utah’s Kane County Official Visitor Guide. This official local source for visitor information is filled with details on Southern Utah events, lodging, dining information, and more. To order your free copy, please fill out the form here.

Kanab, Utah is located just 4 miles from the Arizona border and is central to three national parks (Zion, Bryce Canyon and Grand Canyon North Rim) and five national monuments including Grand Staircase and Vermilion Cliffs. Kanab is known for world-class hiking surrounding this scenic red-rock, western town. Whether you’re looking for a short, easy hike or a full-day adventure, you’ll have numerous options to choose from. Just download the map and use it straight from your device, or pick up a print copy from the Kanab Visitor Center (78 S. 100 E. Kanab, UT). If you prefer to hire an expert, we have over 30 local guides to choose from.

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Use these digital tools to ease your travel stress

Be an airport insider with these hi-tech offerings that will get you to your final destination in no time and with less stress.

By Amy Iverson

Air travel is a key part of many vacations, but the lines, delays and crowds can make it less than perfect.

The good news is that technology is available to ease your journey.

A simple text prompt, Google search or phone app can help you avoid the problems that cause many common difficulties.

Check flight status with your phone

This first text tip is the simplest, yet the most mind-blowing. Anyone using an iPhone can easily find out flight information by tapping on a flight number in Messages.

That’s right, there’s no need to open an airline’s app, just text yourself the airline name plus the word “flight” and the flight number. Then tap on that number to see flight information at a glance.

When you click, a map pops up showing where the plane is in real time. You can see whether the flight is on time, its arrival gate and how to get to baggage claim.

This smartphone trick is especially helpful when you need to stay in touch with your ride home from the airport. Whether your family member is doing you a solid, or a ride-sharing driver is headed your way, texting the flight number is a simple way to get them all the information they need.

This flight tracking service works for iOS, even if the text is coming from an Android phone. But the feature does not work if an Android phone is the receiver.

Use AI to create travel plans

In the past, I’ve relied on Frommers or Fodors to give me an initial itinerary for any location I plan to visit. Now, artificial intelligence can help me plan upcoming trips.

To use this travel tip, turn on Google’s generative AI capabilities in Search Labs by clicking on the lab beaker in the upper left-hand corner of the Google app’s homepage. Then, ask something like, “plan a two-day trip to Boston” to get a specific itinerary, including where to visit and eat, as well as hotel and flight recommendations.

The AI-generated schedule will be a jumping off point that you can fine-tune the schedule with your own ideas.

I tried something similar on Chat GPT and was underwhelmed with its specificity. Google’s AI did a much better job at giving me a fairly robust travel plan.

Using PreCheck and Global Entry

For years, I’ve been pushing the advantages of TSA PreCheck for anyone who flies more than a few times per year.

After you enroll, you get to use a shorter security line and don’t need to remove shoes or belts. You can also leave your laptop inside your bag.

The online application process takes five minutes. After you complete the form, you’ll need to appear in person for about 10 minutes at one of their sites.

And now, those with digital driver’s license IDs are getting even more perks at airport security. Chicago O’Hare and Los Angeles International are no longer asking to see a driver’s license for travelers who have both TSA PreCheck and a digital driver’s license. You get your face scanned, but since it compares that photo with your digital ID, you don’t need to show or insert a physical driver’s license anywhere.

If you fly internationally four or more times each year, you may want to opt for Global Entry , which grants expedited customs screening for travelers returning to the U.S.

TSA PreCheck comes as part of Global Entry, which costs $100 right now for five years (that price goes up to $120 in October). Some credit cards and frequent flyer programs will reimburse these fees.

But if you don’t go for Global Entry, be aware of this little-known app that could save you time at customs. The Mobile Passport Control app has you submit a photo, customs declaration and passport to streamline your return to the U.S. at some airports.

Create a profile with your passport, then once you land in the US, take a selfie, complete some questions and bring your passport to a Customs and Border Patrol officer. You can add up to 12 profiles on the app for family members.

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We are wanting to plan a trip to Disneyland in 2025 and, if possible, be there during the 70th birthday celebrations. Can you advise from what date Disneyland will start celebrating it's 70th birthday next year. Thanks K ”

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Watch CBS News

Solar eclipse maps show 2024 totality path, peak times and how much of the eclipse people could see across the U.S.

By Aliza Chasan

Updated on: April 9, 2024 / 5:00 AM EDT / CBS News

A total solar eclipse  crossed North America Monday with parts of 15 U.S. states within the path of totality. Maps show  where and when astronomy fans could see the big event  as skies darkened in the middle of the day Monday, April 8.

The total eclipse first appeared along Mexico's Pacific Coast at around 11:07 a.m. PDT, then traveled across a swath of the U.S., from Texas to Maine, and into Canada.

About 31.6 million people live in the path of totality , the area where the moon fully blocked out the sun , according to NASA. The path ranged between 108 and 122 miles wide. An additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path of totality.

Solar eclipse path of totality map for 2024

The total solar eclipse started over the Pacific Ocean, and the first location in continental North America that experienced totality was Mexico's Pacific Coast, around 11:07 a.m. PDT, according to NASA. From there, the path continued into Texas, crossing more than a dozen states before the eclipse enters Canada in southern Ontario. The eclipse exited continental North America at around 5:16 p.m. NDT from Newfoundland, Canada.

The path of totality included portions of the following states:

• Pennsylvania
• New Hampshire

Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan also experienced the total solar eclipse.

Several major cities across the U.S. were included in the eclipse's path of totality, while many others saw a partial eclipse. These were some of the best major cities for eclipse viewing — though the weather was a factor :

• San Antonio, Texas (partially under the path)
• Austin, Texas
• Waco, Texas
• Dallas, Texas
• Little Rock, Arkansas
• Indianapolis, Indiana
• Dayton, Ohio
• Cleveland, Ohio
• Buffalo, New York
• Rochester, New York
• Syracuse, New York
• Burlington, Vermont

Map of when the solar eclipse reached totality across its path

The eclipse began in the U.S. as a partial eclipse beginning at 12:06 p.m. CDT near Eagle Pass, Texas, before progressing to totality by about 1:27 p.m. CDT and then moving along its path to the northeast over the following few hours.

NASA shared times for several cities in the path of totality across the U.S. People could have also  checked their ZIP code on NASA's map  to see when the eclipse was to reach them if they were on, or near, the path of totality — or if they saw a partial eclipse instead.

How much of the eclipse did people see if they live outside the totality path?

While the April 8 eclipse covered a wide swath of the U.S., outside the path of totality observers may have spotted a partial eclipse, where the moon covers some, but not all, of the sun, according to NASA. The closer they were to the path of totality, the larger the portion of the sun that was hidden.

NASA allowed viewers to input a ZIP code and see how much of the sun was to be covered in their locations.

Could there be cloud cover be during the solar eclipse?

Some areas along the path of totality had a higher likelihood of cloud cover that could interfere with viewing the eclipse. Here is a map showing the historical trends in cloud cover this time of year. 

You could have checked the latest forecast for your location with our partners at The Weather Channel .

Where did the solar eclipse reach totality for the longest?

Eclipse viewers near Torreón, Mexico, got to experience totality for the longest. Totality there lasted 4 minutes, 28 seconds, according to NASA. 

Most places along the centerline of the path of totality saw a totality duration of between 3.5 and 4 minutes, according to NASA. Some places in the U.S. came close to the maximum; Kerrville, Texas, had a totality duration of 4 minutes, 24 seconds.

What is the path of totality for the 2044 solar eclipse?

The next total solar eclipse that will be visible from the contiguous U.S. will be on Aug. 23, 2044.

Astronomy fans in the U.S. will have far fewer opportunities to see the 2044 eclipse they had on April 8. NASA has not yet made maps available for the 2044 eclipse but, according to The Planetary Society , the path of totality will only touch three states.

The 2024 eclipse will start in Greenland, pass over Canada and end as the sun sets in Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota, according to the Planetary Society.

Aliza Chasan is a digital producer at 60 Minutes and CBSNews.com. She has previously written for outlets including PIX11 News, The New York Daily News, Inside Edition and DNAinfo. Aliza covers trending news, often focusing on crime and politics.

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When is the next total solar eclipse in the US after 2024 and what is its path? What to know

The highly anticipated 2024 total solar eclipse will cross North America on Monday , giving millions of sky-gazers the chance to see a rare cosmic event that won't be viewable again for 20 years.

The eclipse's  path of totality  will travel over a portion of northern Mexico before entering the U.S. It then it will cross 13 states  from Texas to Maine, where the spectacle is expected to attract huge crowds.

If you aren't lucky enough to be in the path of totality this time around, you will have another chance - you'll just have to wait until the 2040s.

Here's what we know about the next total solar eclipse to cross over the U.S.

Eclipse playlist: Fans return to Bonnie Tyler's 'Total Eclipse of the Heart' ahead of total solar eclipse

When is the next total solar eclipse visible from the U.S.?

It will be 20 years before there's a chance to  witness a total solar eclipse  in the United States again.

According to NASA, after Monday's total solar  eclipse , the next one viewable from the contiguous U.S. will be on Aug. 23, 2044.

2044 total solar eclipse path of totality

Unfortunately, the 2044 total  solar eclipse  won't have the broad reach across the U.S. as the 2024 eclipse.

The path of totality during the 2044 eclipse will only touch three states, according to the Planetary Society, a nonprofit involved in research, public outreach, and political space advocacy.

The eclipse will begin in Greenland, sweep through Canada and end around sunset in Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota.

Pets and the eclipse: Will my pets be safe during the April 2024 solar eclipse? What experts say.

2045 solar eclipse

While the 2044 total eclipse will only touch three states, a 2045 eclipse will have a more robust path across the U.S.

Expected to occur on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2045, this solar eclipse will trace a path of totality over California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, and Georgia.

A partial solar eclipse will also be viewable in 35 other states, according to National Eclipse.com

What is a total solar eclipse?

Any celestial object like a moon or a planet that passes between two other bodies can create  an eclipse  by obscuring the view of objects like the sun.

In the event of a solar eclipse, the moon comes in between the Earth and the sun, blocking its light from reaching a small part of our planet. Partial eclipses, when some part of the sun remains visible, are the most common, making total eclipses a rare sight to behold.

Total eclipses can lead to a period of darkness lasting for several minutes, during which time nocturnal animals stir while confused birds and insects may fall silent, NASA says.

When a solar eclipse reaches totality, people are able to see the sun’s outer atmosphere called the corona, which is usually obscured by the sun's bright surface. This offers scientists an uncommon opportunity  to study the corona .

Totality also offers spectators a chance to gaze upon the spectacular sight with the naked eye, though  proper  safety  glasses  are still required for the rest of the time.

What states are on the 2024 eclipse path of totality?

Mexico's Pacific coast will be the first location in continental North America to experience totality, which is expected to occur at about 11:07 a.m. PDT,  according to NASA .

As the moon's shadow will northeast, totality in the U.S. will begin in Texas at 1:27 p.m. CDT. The path will then cut diagonally across the country, traveling through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont and New Hampshire.

The eclipse's path is expected to end in Maine at 3:35 p.m. EDT before visiting the maritime provinces of Canada, according to estimates.

See  interactive maps of the 2024 path .

Contributing: Doyle Rice, Ramon Padilla & Janet Loehrke, USA TODAY

Your last-minute guide to Monday's total solar eclipse

A total solar eclipse will cross North America on Monday , offering millions a rare opportunity to see afternoon skies temporarily darken as the moon blocks the face of the sun.

Tune into NBC News NOW as Lester Holt hosts a two-hour special at 2 p.m. ET Monday from Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The eclipse's path fortuitously cuts across Mexico, 15 U.S. states and a small part of eastern Canada. In all other states in the continental U.S., viewers will be treated to a partial solar eclipse, with the moon appearing to take a bite out of the sun and obscuring part of its light.

Here’s everything you need to know about the rare celestial event.

What is a solar eclipse?

Solar eclipses occur when the sun, moon and Earth align. The moon passes between Earth and sun, temporarily blocking the sun’s light and casting a shadow on Earth.

A total solar eclipse is when the moon fully obscures the sun, whereas a partial solar eclipse means it blocks just a portion of the sun’s face.

Solar eclipses occur only with the new moon. Because the moon’s orbit around Earth is tilted, the three bodies don’t always line up in a way that creates an eclipse.

“Imagine if the moon’s orbit were in the plane of Earth’s orbit around the sun — if that were the case, then every new moon, you’d have a total solar eclipse and every full moon, you’d have a lunar eclipse,” Neil DeGrasse Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History, told NBC News. “So, because things don’t always align, it lends to the rarity of the event and the specialness of the event.”

Where and when will the eclipse be visible?

This year’s eclipse will follow a slightly wider path over more populated areas of the continental U.S. than other total solar eclipses have in the recent past.

NASA estimates that 31.6 million people live within what’s known as the path of totality, where the total solar eclipse will be visible. An additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path, according to the agency.

The path travels through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Tiny parts of Michigan and Tennessee will also be able to witness totality if conditions are clear.

After the eclipse crosses into Canada, it will pass over southern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton, at the eastern end of Nova Scotia.

Those outside the path of totality can still take part in the astronomical event by viewing a partial solar eclipse — visible throughout all 48 states of the contiguous U.S. — or a NASA livestream.

The timing, including how long totality lasts, depends on the location, but some spots will see the moon fully cover the sun for up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds.

Below is a list of timings for some cities along the path of totality, as  provided by NASA . A number of other resources, including NationalEclipse.com  and  TimeandDate.com , can also help people plan.

• Dallas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:23 p.m. CT and totality at 1:40 p.m.
• Little Rock, Arkansas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:33 p.m. CT and totality at 1:51 p.m.
• Cleveland: Partial eclipse begins at 1:59 p.m. ET and totality at 3:13 p.m.
• Buffalo, New York: Partial eclipse begins at 2:04 p.m. ET and totality at 3:18 p.m.
• Lancaster, New Hampshire: Partial eclipse begins at 2:16 p.m. ET and totality at 3:27 p.m.

How to safely view a solar eclipse

It is never safe to gaze directly at the sun, even when it is partly or mostly covered by the moon. Special eclipse glasses or  pinhole projectors  are required to safely view solar eclipses and prevent eye damage. Failing to take the proper precautions can result in severe eye injury,  according to NASA .

Eclipse glasses are thousands of times darker than normal sunglasses and specially made to enable wearers to look at the sun during these kinds of celestial events.

Sky-watchers should also never view any part of the sun through binoculars, telescopes or camera lenses unless they have specific solar filters attached. Eclipse glasses should not be used with these devices, as they will not provide adequate protection.

However, during the few minutes of totality, when the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to look with the naked eye.

Beware of fake eclipse glasses. On legitimate pairs, the lenses should have a silver appearance on the front and be black on the inside. The manufacturer’s name and address should be clearly labeled, and they should not be torn or punctured. Check, as well, for the ISO logo and the code “IS 12312-2” printed on the inside.

If you don’t have eclipse glasses, you can make a homemade pinhole projector, which lets sunlight in through a small hole, focuses it and projects it onto a piece of paper, wall or other surface to create an image of the sun that is safe to look at. 

All you need is two pieces of white cardboard or plain white paper, aluminum foil and a pin or thumbtack. Cut a 1- to 2-inch square or rectangle out of the center of a piece of white paper or cardboard. Tape aluminum foil over that cut-out shape, then use a pin or thumbtack to poke a tiny hole in the foil.

During the eclipse, place a second piece of white paper or cardboard on the ground as a screen and hold the projector with the foil facing up and your back to the sun. Adjusting how far you hold the projector from the second piece of paper will alter the size of the image on the makeshift screen.

What to look for while viewing the total solar eclipse

For people along the path of totality, there are some fun milestones to keep track of as the total solar eclipse unfolds.

As the eclipse progresses and the sun gets thinner in the sky, it will start to get eerily dark, according to Tyson.

When the last beams of sunlight are about to become obscured, look out for the “diamond ring effect”: The sun’s atmosphere will appear as an illuminated halo, and the last light still visible will look like the diamond of a giant ring.

As the sunlight decreases even further, an effect known as Baily’s beads will be created by the moon’s rugged terrain. Tiny “beads” of light will be visible for only a few seconds around the dark moon, as the last bits of sunlight peer through the moon’s mountains and valleys.

When the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to remove eclipse glasses and look at the total solar eclipse with the naked eye.

Some lucky sky-watchers may even catch a glimpse of a comet .

Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks — nicknamed the “ devil comet ” because an eruption last year left it with two distinct trails of gas and ice in the shape of devil horns — is currently visible from the Northern Hemisphere as it swings through the inner solar system.

The comet can be seen in the early evenings by gazing toward the west-northwest horizon. During the eclipse, when skies darken during totality, it may be possible to see the comet near Jupiter, but its visibility will depend on whether it’s in the middle of an outburst and thus brighter than normal.

Most likely, all eyes will be on the alignment of the moon and sun.

“Most people won’t even notice,” Tyson said. “But if you know to look, it’s there.”

When is the next solar eclipse?

The next total solar eclipse will be in 2026, but it will mostly pass over the Arctic Ocean, with some visibility in Greenland, Iceland, Portugal and northern Spain. In 2027, a total solar eclipse will be visible in Spain and a swath of northern Africa.

The next total solar eclipse visible from North America will be in 2033, but only over Alaska. Then in 2044, a total solar eclipse will cross Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, parts of Canada and Greenland.

The next total solar eclipse to cross the continental U.S. coast-to-coast in will occur in 2045. The path of totality for that eclipse will cut through California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia and Florida.

Denise Chow is a reporter for NBC News Science focused on general science and climate change.

Lucas Thompson is a content producer for the NBC News Climate Unit.