utah solo trip itinerary

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3 Day Solo Trip Itinerary in Utah

The thought of traveling solo, by yourself with no one else, is a thrilling yet scary thought. Being on your own in a strange location may make some people hesitant to solo travel. For me, I thought solo travel was a bit scary but definitely worth the experience.

The first step to solo traveling is making the decision to solo travel (check out my other blog post, What’s Stopping You? ). Once you’ve done that, that’s one hurdle you’ve gotten through! Now, the next step is to decide on location. Where am I going to go? Am I going to stay in my country or travel abroad? These are valid questions every first time solo traveler has, I know I sure did.

Due to the pandemic, I made the decision to stay within the USA and go to Utah for my first solo trip. I came to this decision for two reasons. The first being I wanted to start small and work my way up to traveling internationally. I didn’t want to do my first solo trip so far from home without any knowledge or skills on how to travel completely by myself. The second reason is that I’ve never explored the western part of the USA before. I’ve traveled up and down most of the east coast but never out west. So, to explore the west and get out of my comfort zone (being a city girl), I decided to travel to Utah.

It wasn’t easy to make this decision. The USA has a variety of beautiful terrain and landscapes, it’s hard to choose which state to travel to. In the end, I was very happy with my decision to go to Utah. From here, I decided I’d visit a couple of national parks and explore Salt Lake City over the course of 3 days. Needless to say, my itinerary had me driving all over the state of Utah.

If you’re up for solo traveling and driving across a state, seeing amazing scenery, national parks, and landscapes, then this is the itinerary for you! This is my 3 day solo trip itinerary in Utah.

Day 1 – Arrival and Exploring Salt Lake City

Arriving in Salt Lake City (SLC)

On Thursday, April 22nd, 2021, I took an early morning flight from Newark International Airport in New Jersey to Salt Lake City Utah. The flight took about 4 to 4 hrs and 30 mins. The flight was very smooth. When you arrive in Utah, assuming you’re coming from the east coast like I was, there’s a 2 hour time difference. Utah is 2 hours behind the eastern coast of the country.

Once I found the car rental place, I rented a car for $477 for 3 days. I could have gotten a cheaper price somewhere else. However I decided to just get a car straight away instead of taking an Uber, paying extra money, to another rental place. National, the rental place I got my car from, gave me a full sized SUV. I felt a little intimidated because I’ve never driven a full sized SUV before. After driving it for a bit I got used to it.

From the airport, I drove about 12 minutes to my Airbnb. I was lucky to find a cheap Airbnb which was sort of close to the airport. I had a private bedroom that has a Boho modern theme to it. The host, whose name is Anya, was so sweet and lovely to talk to. Not to mention her cute little black cat who loves attention, it was a lovely Airbnb!

Exploring SLC

After I checked into my Airbnb around 1:30pm, and rested for a few minutes, I took an Uber to the downtown area of Salt Lake City. It was about a 10 minute Uber ride, so it wasn’t too far from my room. In reality, if I wasn’t going to walk around 2 national parks, I would’ve walked from the Airbnb to downtown SLC.

I put in the Uber app to go to the Creek City Mall. In my mind, it seemed like a good starting and guiding point to help get my bearings. I walked around the mall for a bit, which was partially outdoors and partially indoors, but didn’t buy anything.

From the mall, I walked to the State Capitol building, to a little park, and around the downtown area some more. After so much walking, I looked for a place to eat on Apple Maps. I found this restaurant called Brio Italian Grille which looked like a good place to get dinner. In typical JoJo fashion, I ordered a pasta dish because I love pasta. The food was pretty good, I was quite pleased with my meal.

I made two final stops after dinner, a trip to Walgreens to get some snacks for my drive to the parks and to a souvenir shop. Afterwards, I ordered another Uber to take me back to the Airbnb.

Day 2 – Zion National Park & Unexpected Spots

Zion National Park

Friday, April 23rd, I woke up bright and early and left around 7:30am for Zion National Park. Zion, which is in Springdale, is a 4.5 hour drive from SLC. Although the drive was long, the views from the north of Utah to the South Western corner was amazing. The change in terrain, from seeing snow capped mountains to deserts and red cliffs, was stunning. I would take that drive again in a heart beat.

After 4.5 hours of driving, I arrived in the little town of Springdale around noon. Before I entered the park, I stopped at a gas station to top off my tank. I recommend you have a full tank of gas as well prior to entering the park. Once you’re in the park, there’s no gas stations until you exit the park.

When you approach the entrance, expect longs lines. My wait wasn’t so bad since there weren’t any long lines. Once I got up to the window, I paid about $35 to get into the park. They didn’t accept cash, so if you visit here make sure you have a debit or credit card on hand. Once inside the park, I saw that there was no parking anywhere. There was no parking spots available in the town outside the park and there wasn’t any inside the park.

I looked, and looked, but I didn’t have any luck finding parking. The plan was to park in the visitor parking lot, take the free shuttle (since the paid shuttle ticket has to be bought ahead of time), and go to one of the trails. But this plan fell through. Instead, I spent the next few hours driving through the park.

The beauty about driving through the park is that you got to see more of the park. Although I would have preferred going on a trail and seeing the park that way, driving gave you the ability to go through the whole park. In addition, there were multiple pull off points on the side of the road for people to take pictures and explore the area. This is what I did since I couldn’t go on a trail.

I made many pit stops along the way through the park, exploring areas and taking pictures and videos when I could. After a few hours of driving, I finally made it through the park.

Souvenir Stop

After a long day of driving, I wanted to eat some food and take a break. Once you left the park, there’s this little souvenir and cafe spot off to your left side of the road. I saw this place and decided to see what they had in the cafe portion. Well, I was disappointed because the cafe section only sold sweets, ice cream, and water. I didn’t want any ice cream, so I just got a water.

What I did do was walk to the other side of the building to explore the souvenir section. They had a lot of beautifully hand crafted items. In the end, I ended up getting carved rocks for my siblings and a dream catcher for myself to put in my car.

At the counter, I talked with the cashier about the beautiful dream catcher I purchased. I’m not sure how we got off topic, but before I knew it, I was asking her for recommendations on places to explore in the area. The lovely casher told me about the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park in Kanab and this hidden stream and cave off the side of the road at a junction. I thanked her for the recommendations, took the map she marked with the recommended spots, and started driving.

Hidden River

I drove about 11 miles, went right at Mt. Caramel junction, to find this hidden stream. I almost missed it when I was driving. The cashier did say it was off to the right of the road and that it was a dirt road I was looking for. Once I saw this dirt road, I decided to take a change and head down it. And there it was, the little stream! I was so proud of myself for being old fashioned and reading a map to figure out how to get to a destination.

The stream was lovely. I took a lot of pictures and marveled at the water. However, I didn’t find the cave the cashier was talking about. With no success at finding the cave, I hopped into the car and headed towards the second recommendation.

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

The drive to this state park was about 30 minutes from the hidden stream. It was tough trying to map it at first because half the time I didn’t have signal. But once I got a signal, I immediately mapped my route to the park. It’s amazing how the landscape changes from mountains and cliffs to deserts.

The roads leading up to the park were surrounded by sand dunes. These aren’t normal sand dunes, they’re sand dunes with a coral pink hue to them. It’s such a pretty hue and I loved looking at the dunes. Once I came upon the entrance to the park, I paid $10 to enter. After I parked the car, I started my walk towards these sand dunes.

Prior to this, I’ve never walked on sand dunes before. It’s a bit tougher walking in sand dunes than walking on a sandy beach. But I loved every minute of it. Sadly, I didn’t stay here for too long. Because I was running out of daylight, and had a 4.5 hour drive back to Salt Lake City, I cut my time at the park short. I basically, walked to the top of a sand dune, took some pictures and videos, then made my way back down and out of the park.

Even though I didn’t stay here long, I really enjoyed my time at this park. It was an unexpected stop I didn’t think I would make that day. After speaking with the cashier who was a local, I was convinced that I had to give this park a go and I’m glad I did. It just goes to show that you have to be flexible and open minded when solo traveling. You just never know what’s going to happen or change throughout the day.

Kanab, Utah

Finally, to end the day I drove about 20 minutes from the state park to a restaurant in Kanab called The Rocking V Cafe. This place was nestled in the little area of Kanab, Utah which is surrounded by red mountains, cliffs, and sand dunes. I was lucky with this place because it seemed to have a lot of reservations and they weren’t taking many walk ins. Thankfully, they let me in because at that point I had a headache from not eating whole foods for so long.

The interior decor of the restaurant was really cool and funky looking. The vibe was pretty cool overall. I ordered this mac n cheese with diced ham in it. It’s probably one of the best mac n cheese dishes I’ve ever had in my life. It was so creamy, cheesy, and delicious!

With a full belly, I filled up my tank again and hit the road for another long trip back to my accommodation. I left Kanab around 6:30pm and arrived at my Airbnb around 11pm.

Day 3 – Arches National Park

The Drive to Arches National Park

Saturday, April 24th, was the day I set out to Arches National Park. Yet again, this was a day where I’d be driving for quite some time to a national park. This time, it took me 3.5 hours to get from Salt Lake City to Arches National Park which is located in the Moab region of Utah.

As usual, I woke up around 7am and left by 8am. I got a very late start this day. I was very tired from driving 9 hours total to and from Zion, but also driving through the park which took a few hours as well. Nevertheless, I managed to get on the road by 8am.

Once again, the drive to the national park was stunning. It was hard to keep my eyes on the road because I wanted to look at the landscape around me. It never ceased to amaze me how beautiful and different the landscape in Utah is. I particularly enjoyed going through the canyons and the desert with beautiful mountains.

I arrived at the entrance to the park around 11:30am. When I approached the entrance, I saw signs stating that the park was closed because the parking lots were full and to come back in about 3 to 5 hours. Yet again, I arrived to another national park where there was no parking whatsoever. Feeling tired and defeated, I left the main entrance to the park, made a left turn, and drove down the road.

An Unexpected Trail

About 3 minutes down the road, I saw this small little parking lot that had a few cars in it. I saw a sign that said “Moab”, people bicycling down this trail that passed the small parking lot, and I thought this might be a decent place to park. I had at least 3, at most 5, hours to kill before trying to get into the park again. So, I made a last minute decision to pull into the parking lot.

I put sunscreen on, took out my day backpack, and walked along the trail. This cool Moab trail took you near the Colorado River (if you followed the trail the one way) and to petroglyphs, past Arches and even into Arches National Park (if you followed the trail the other way). I took the trail going towards the Colorado river. I got some awesome pictures and footage of that area. Afterwards, I turned around and walked in the other direction.

In the other direction, I walked along the national park and almost to the entrance of the park. I decided to stop at that point and turn back around. The reason being is because I didn’t want to tire myself out too much and not be able to walk inside Arches (I had walked over 5 miles in the heat), I was hungry, and I had a very bad headache from not eating food. This is a reoccurring thing for me. Snacks are ok but if I don’t eat whole foods for long periods of time, I get very bad headaches, nausea, and can vomit at times as well.  Even though I had plenty of snacks and water, that’s just not enough for me. I knew I needed food ASAP.

About 5 minutes down the road from the Moab trail, I stopped at a Deny’t to get some food. The food wasn’t anything special. It was mediocre and the restaurant didn’t have most of the items I wanted. In the end, it did the job and I felt better.

Returning to Arches National Park:

By this point in time, a little over 3 hours had passed since I arrived in the Moab region. The time was about 3pm. While I was out walking the trail, I kept checking the national parks page to see if Arches was allowing visitors into the park. When I saw it was clear to go, I headed straight to the entrance once again.

People waste no time trying to get into Arches National Park. I waited for about an hour in line to get to the entrance. Once I did, I paid $30 to enter the park which was good for that day and for a whole week. Just like Zion, most of the time you’re driving through the park. There are no shuttle to take, so you need to drive to the trail you want to go to.

I must say, Arches is probably my favorite park. The views out there are gorgeous! No shade to Zion, but the variation in landscape in Arches is breath taking.

Balanced Rock

I drove to multiple pull off points to stop and take pictures, videos, and just marvel at the beauty of the national park. The first major stop I made was to see the balanced rock. I decided not to walk along the trail as I didn’t have much time and I wanted to go on another trail. But I got some amazing pictures and video of the balanced rock!

Double Arches Trail

The next major pit stop was to the Double Arches trail. I followed the signs on the road which led to the windows trail. Right across the parking lot from that trail I saw the Double Arches trail. I decided to go on this trail because it just seemed much cooler.

This is trail is about a mile and it takes you up to the double arches and beyond that, I believe. I walked along the trail, got almost to the top of the Double Arches, took pictures/videos (obviously), and then headed back to my car. Make sure you get to this trail early as the parking lot fills up very quickly.

Since I was running out of daylight, I felt it was best to not complete this trail despite how cool it was. I didn’t want to tire myself out anymore than I already was.

Delicate Arches Trail

Finally, the last trail I drove to was Delicate Arches. This was one of the two trails I wanted to go on the most. The second trail being the Wolf Ranch one with the petroglyphs but I didn’t make it there on this trip.

I was lucky because I got a spot close to the start of the Delicate Arches trail. I was super excited to go on this trail! With my day backpack and fanny pack in hand, I started the trail. In the beginning of the trail, there are some petroglyphs so I was happy to see them since I couldn’t make it to Wolf Ranch.

Delicate Arches is a moderate trail that is a little over 3 miles long. It should take someone around 2-3 hours to complete it both ways. Half the trail is uphill, going over rocks and up the arch. I had to take a few breaks because my calfs after a while would be on fire. I work out but with my mild asthma and the incline, I was feeling it.

As I went higher and higher, I gazed across the vast space of this park. The beauty always astonished me and I took a lot of pictures on my way up the trail.

The higher I went, the windier it got. That wind was no joke. People were literally holding onto the side of the rocks, trying to steady themselves against the wind, so they wouldn’t fall off the edge of the cliff. I had to steady and brace myself against the wind as well. Children, even adults, were struggling to stand straight.

But the fight against the wind was worth it. The view of Delicate Arch was beautiful. I stayed up at the top for a few minutes after taking about 1.5 hours o get up there. I stared at the brave folks who walked up to the arch, even beyond the arch, exploring the scenery. I wish I was that brave to go past the arch with those hight winds.

Once I got my videos and pictures, and after I got tired of the wind, I made the descent down. The path down was much easier than going up but I guess that’s how that usually goes. By the time I got back to the entrance to the trail it was about 7pm. I started the trail around 4:30 to 5pm. I was pleased with myself for completing this moderate trail in about 2 hours.

I left Arches National park around 7:30pm and made the 3.5 hour journey home. It wasn’t until about 11pm when I finally arrived at my Airbnb. Boy, was I tired from 2 days of driving and walking.

Leaving Utah

Sunday, April 25th, I checked out of my Airbnb. The checkout process was very easy. I will miss my host and her little cat, they were lovely and made my first Airbnb experience great. I returned my rental car at the airport but it was a pain in the butt trying to find the place. I went into the wrong parking lot and a lovely staff person helped me to find my way out. Afterwards, I made my way into the airport where I caught my flight back to Newark. The flight was very smooth overall. I loved seeing the mountains of Utah from above, knowing that sometime in the future I would return. That day wasn’t anything special as it was all about flying back home.

Final Thoughts

Overall, this was an amazing experience. A whole blog post, with more in depth information, will be dedicated to my thoughts and experience solo traveling to Utah. Not only was this experience amazing, it was very liberating and satisfying mentally.

The itinerary I mapped out was quite a feet. It wasn’t concentrated in one area or city or Utah. Rather, my itinerary had me driving all over the state. Despite how physically exhausting it was, I got to see a variety of wonderful things that I probably wouldn’t have if I had stayed in Salt Lake City. I’m not sure what it is about being alone in a car, there’s something about it that’s very therapeutic and calming.

This trip challenged my physically and mentally since it was my first time solo traveling. I enjoyed the challenge, loved my itinerary, and I have memories that’ll last a lifetime.

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24 thoughts on “ 3 day solo trip itinerary in utah ”.

Sounds like a fantastic trip! I love going solo, there is a freedom to traveling alone. Beautiful pictures and thanks for sharing this! xoxo Lovely http://www.mynameislovely.com

Thank you for reading it! I think I’m going to find myself traveling solo more often in the future

Great information about Utah. I enjoyed this post. 😀

Thank you for reading!

You really saw a lot (and ate a lot) on this trip. Haha. I loved the photos of the Delicate Arches Trail – it reminds me of the Red Desert in Israel.

I sure did lol and thank you for reading. I’d love to see that desert in Israel, it sounds beautiful

I’ve read so much about Zion Park and how picturesque it is and your pics show that extremely well. Pity there was so much driving involved as I would have loved to walk more. Th sand dunes look more like something out of the Sahara than Utah – amazing! I just wonder when that Balanced Rock will fall ? Welcome to my world of solo travelling.

Zion is such an iconic place to visit in Utah. If you’re staying near the park then you have a better chance at gettin leg a free shuttle and going on the trails. It’s incredible to think that one state has such a variety of scenery in it! I can see myself solo traveling more in the future, thanks for reading!

This is such a popular destination and I can see why. The landscape and those rock formations are incredible. It’s a fairly inexpensive holiday, with minimal entry fees, but I see the necessity of having a car so you can drive to the parks you most want to visit. One day I might get here!

Utah, especially the national parks, is iconic for traveling! If you plan on staying in hotels close to the parks, and only going to one park, it’s not so bad. But I’m used to long drives so I pushed through lol. Thanks for reading!

It’s been awhile since I’ve spent any time in Utah. It looks gorgeous. I’ll need to try to get back and do more hiking, thanks.

What an awesome trip! You sure covered a lot of ground in just a few days. I’m glad you enjoyed your solo adventure – those sand dunes and arches look awesome – even with the wind! I would definitely love to visit Utah one day!

It was amazing! You’ll definitely love Utah, especially Arches National Park. Thank you for reading my post!

• Pingback: Tips for Visiting Zion National Park

Utah looks amazing and I’m so glad to see that you went solo. I never let that stop me from doing what I want to do, and it seems like you packed a lot into your trip. Great pics in the national parks, and I can’t believe how awesome those dunes look.

Utah is amazing, I believe everyone should visit at least once in their life. I loved traveling solo as well and I can foresee myself doing it more often in the future. Thank you for reading my post!

• Pingback: Reflection: My First Solo Trip Experience
• Pingback: Tips for Visiting Arches National Park

The only thing I ever regretted was not going on a solo trip to Moab where I was planning to go on an outfitter three day bike expedition. It’s on my bucket list!

That sounds like a epic solo trip, but it’s never too late to take that solo trip!

Sounds like a great trip! We just recently did a trip through Utah and visited all 5 parks and it truly is a mental test lol. But Utah is just so beautiful! Coral Sand Dunes is still on our list of visits!

Utah is absolutely beautiful! So much scenery and stunning views. I’d love to go back and visit the other parks! And definitely check out the dunes, it’s a small state park but you’ll have fun playing in the sand

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

By: Author Contributor

Posted on Last updated: 23rd January 2024

Categories Itineraries , USA

Last Updated on 23rd January 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

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

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

Introducing Utah

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Suggested itinerary for a 7 days in Utah road trip

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 4 – Capitol Reef

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enjoyed reading about the perfect one week in Utah road trip itinerary? Pin this article now, read it again later:

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

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Red Around the World

Your friendly guide to national parks, road trips, and all things outdoors.

Utah Road Trip: 3 Days 7 Different Ways

Table of Contents

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This is going to be a whopper of a post and the first in my little series of shorter Utah itineraries broken down into specific areas.

The three days will be packed full of hikes but I made the areas small so you’ll be able to do as much as possible in that time.

First up is seven different three-day Utah road trip ideas. I’ve been wanting to do this for so long but I just knew it was going to take FOREVER but here we are. The day has come and I’m super excited to share all of this with you!

Travel Services I Recommend: AllTrails – This is my favorite hike tracking app. America the Beautiful – The national park pass is essential. Booking.com – This is great for finding and booking hotels. Get Your Guide – I recommend Get Your Guide for booking tours. National Park Obsessed – This is the best national park planner. Skyscanner – Skyscanner is great for finding and booking flights. Enterprise – This is my rental car recommendation. See all my resources here.

I know when people are planning short trips they want to pack in as much as possible but visiting Arches and Zion in one three-day trip just won’t work. I mean, it will, but it’s not worth doing.

I definitely recommend for such a short visit to just pick one of these areas to really explore so you’re not spending the entire time in the car.

There is minor overlap between a few of these Utah road trip ideas but it’s nothing more than one activity if it’s central to a few places (I think mostly Zion.)

I’ve done almost everything on this list and if I haven’t done it yet, it’s on my own Utah bucket list , which could also help you plan your trip.

It’s pretty much all broken down into specific hikes, but a few include a general national park with suggestions on what to do with that time there.

I’ve also included time frames for each thing to give you an idea of what you can do on the same day. This can also help you find things to squeeze into spare time throughout your day.

It’s probably going to be overwhelming but you can always navigate with the table of contents to make it a little easier. The areas I’ve broken this Utah road trip, three day itinerary into are: Moab, Cedar Mesa, Kanab, St. George, Zion, Escalante, and Hanksville.

If you manage to do everything in each itinerary, you’ll probably be extremely busy. These could easily be stretched into four day Utah itineraries or pared down to just two days in Utah.

Utah travel guides

• Fodors Utah National Parks
• Scenic Driving Utah
• Lonely Planet Southwest USA
• Frommers Utah
• Utah Road & Recreation Atlas
• 100 Classic Utah Hikes
• Hiking Southwest Canyon Country

National Park Goodies

• If you’re planning to visit three or more national parks within a year from your trip, definitely get the America the Beautiful pass . It will save you money in the long run if you’re going to more than three parks in a year. Buy the pass here.
• If you’re planning on doing a lot of hiking on your trip, or even at home, check out AllTrails ! This is my favorite app to find, keep track of, and track my hiking activity. And it’s FREE! Sign up here.
• This Ultimate National Park Planning Bundle is a must-have. You get two ebooks and a planner, saving 50% by getting them as a bundle! If you want all the details, this is the bundle for you. Buy the Ultimate bundle here.
• Doing a road trip? Want an adventure? Consider an Escape Campervan Rental! It’s a great way to see the parks and is perfect for couples and small (but close) friend groups. Book a campervan here!
• This National Park Planner (one of the ebooks from the bundle above) is perfect if you just want some guidance in your planning. Buy the planner here .
• Get yourself a National Park journal for all of the NPS sites (400+!) to keep track of your travels!
• Consider reading some of these books set in national parks before your big trip, on your adventure, or once you get home to take you back to the parks until next time.

What to bring hiking in Utah

Hiking poles   – These will be helpful on longer hikes that are on the steeper side.  They’ll be good if you have bad knees for when you’re going downhill and will give you something to lean on going up the hills.

Water bottle   – It’ll be hot and you’ll need to stay hydrated.  Even if it’s not hot you need to stay hydrated.  A Hydro Flask  will keep your water ice cold all day long.

Sunscreen   – If you plan on being outside, you’ll want sunscreen.  I like the  Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch  a lot AND it’s reef safe! If you’re sensitive to fragrance though, it’s not a good choice. I also like the same one but specifically for your face.

Hat   – You’ll want some kind of hat to keep the sun out of your eyes, or a visor .  A  baseball hat  should be fine but I like my giant sun hat, too.

Sunglasses   – This is a must no matter where you are.

Light Jacket – Because you just never know.  Weather can change quickly depending on where you are, time of day, and season.  I usually use my rain jacket for this.

Headlamp – I tend to carry my headlamp around all the time when we’re hiking, just in case. 

Slot Canyon Safety

Flash floods are a huge risk in slot canyons and people die from that far too often. In May 2020 a 7-year-old girl and her 3-year-old sister died in a flash flood in Little Wild Horse Canyon , a popular slot canyon in the San Rafael Swell. This isn’t even a super narrow canyon. And it’s popular. It can happen anywhere.

In 1997, 11 hikers died in a flash flood in Antelope Canyon (the storm was 15 miles away) and that’s a huge reason you need to go with a tour now.

In 2015, seven people canyoneering also died in a flash flood in Keyhole Canyon in Zion National Park. People have even died in flash floods in The Narrows in Zion!

Flash floods are no joke kids. I haven’t seen one in a slot canyon but I did see one right as it was starting in a more open canyon and it really picked up fast. I also saw one in Zion along the Mt. Carmel Highway this summer. It was small but they just happen so fast, please be safe.

• DO NOT ENTER THEM IN THE RAIN
• DO NOT ENTER THEM WITH RAIN IN THE FORECAST
• DO NOT ENTER THEM IF IT’S NOT RAINING IN THEM BUT NEAR THEM TOO
• If you don’t feel comfortable with any climb or narrow squeeze and can turn back, do that! You don’t want to get hurt or stuck and need to be rescued. I linked tons of stories of this below.
• Make sure you’re following the right fork. A lot of slot canyons have multiple forks or are close to other ones and ending up in the wrong one can have dire consequences (especially in the North Wash area of Utah.)

Things to know about rock art and ruins

• Do not touch the rock art (pictographs or petroglyphs) because the oils on our fingers can degrade them.
• If you find artifacts, do not take them.  Leave them where they are and just take pictures.
• If there are structures (rooms, kivas, anything like that) don’t enter them unless it is stated that you can.  Most places you can’t but national and state parks will have restored structures you can enter.   Mesa Verde ,  Edge of the Cedars , and  Anasazi Museum  all have ruins you can enter.
• And finally, don’t carve in or write on the rocks!  I don’t want to have to say this, but I need to fo sho.

If you want a fun camping experience, consider renting an Escape Campervan! They’re perfect for outdoorsy road trips for couples and (close) friends, and make for a unique camping experience. Book an Escape Campervan here!

3 Days in Moab

We’re starting this list off with a three day Moab itinerary, easily one of the best and most popular places to visit in Utah , and for good reason.

This is going to look like a lot of stuff to do and like you might not be able to do it all in three days, but I’m pretty confident that it can be done, especially if you don’t mind hiking a lot in one day. Worst case scenario, it turns into a four day Moab itinerary.

A lot of it is also close to each other making it super easy to combine these things into one day. You can always take things out or swap them around, but this should help give you an idea of some awesome things to do in Moab with limited time.

I’ve just included hikes, but you could take some hikes out and add an ATV or canyoneering tour or go tandem skydiving in Moab if you want to do something a little more adrenaline-pumping.

Where to stay in Moab

• Moab Under Canvas
• Lazy Lizard
• Quality Inn Slickrock Area

Delicate Arch

The Delicate Arch hike is probably the most iconic hike in Utah. It’s so iconic it is the license place. It’s a three-mile round-trip hike in Arches National Park and if you’ve never been to it, it’s a must-do.

Start your day here first thing in the morning to beat the heat (and the crowds) before doing some other hikes. This is a moderate hike with a very steep and long slick rock section and one section that makes some people with a fear of heights a little wary.

Devil’s Garden

This is another hike in Arches National Park at the end of the scenic drive. The whole area is called Devil’s Garden at the end where this trail is and is also right by the campground.

While the primitive trail is around seven miles, you can just do the first part to see Pine Tree, Tunnel, and Landscape Arches. This would be about two mile round-trip and totally worth it. Landscape Arch is the one on the park brochure.

Park Avenue

This is the last hike I have in Arches National Park on here and it will make you feel like you walked right into an old western movie. It’s two miles round trip into the bottom of a canyon valley thing with shockingly impressive rock formations on both sides.

Start your next day at Canyonlands National Park’s most iconic view : Mesa Arch. This is an easy hike and just one-mile round-trip. Sunrise is the most popular time to do this hike, so an alternative to avoid this crowd is to end your day here instead.

Murphy Point

This is a 3.6-mile round-trip hike in Island in the Sky at Canyonlands as well. It’s not as popular as some of the other trails so it will be great for avoiding some of those crowds. You’ll pass an old corral on the mesa and be treated to stunning panoramic views.

Grandview Overlook

Really, you should stop at all of the overlooks in Canyonlands but this is the big end overlook and one of my favorites. The Green River Overlook is another favorite of mine.

You get to see amazing panoramic views of the White Rim Road, prominent buttes, and rivers far below. These really are incredibly impressive views and it’s hard to grasp just how high up you are from the river.

Dead Horse Point State Park

This is right on the way up to the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands. It’s not a personal favorite of mine, but it is pretty popular and great for mountain biking. I can’t deny, though, that the views from here are pretty fantastic.

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are yurts here that you can stay in for maximum adventure, as long as you can get a reservation. If you want to do this, I’d book pretty far in advance.

This can easily be visited on your way to or from Canyonlands or in addition to rock art another day. There are some great rock art sites in the area if you want to see those.

Corona Arch

One of the best hikes in Moab outside of the national parks is Corona Arch down Potash Road . This is a three-mile round-trip hike to a natural arch. Two arches, actually.

I would say it’s mostly easy but has a couple moderate sections. We did see a dog hiking this thought and the people got it up the ladder OK. I don’t think it’s too terrible especially if you’re careful and don’t rush that part.

I really liked this hike and would definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a great hike outside of the parks. It is popular though, so go early or in the evening.

There are so many rock art sites around Moab , you could spend weeks, months, just looking for those. Luckily for you though, I went to some of the best ones to help you figure out which to see.

I listed them below in the order that I would go see them. This isn’t the most efficient route to see them all but the order of coolness. The first two are good to see on the way to Canyonlands or Dead Horse Point.

The third is great to see on your way to or from Moab since it’s one exit away on the interstate. Birthing Rock is a short drive from town and you can see the Moonflower Canyon petroglyphs on the way, too.

The golf course ones are basically in town, just on the edge of town, and easy to visit anytime with a spare half hour. Finally, Newspaper Rock is a little further away but if you’re going to The Needles district of Canyonlands, it’s on the way there.

• Intestine Man
• Bartlett Pictographs
• Sego Canyon
• Birthing Rock
• Golf course petroglyphs
• Newspaper Rock

Walk around town

Finally, and this can of course be done any time, but wander around town a little bit. If you want to do some shopping or even just window shopping, you’ll probably want to do this during the day. There are tons of cute little shops to check out!

I would also highly recommend checking out the food truck park for lunch. Quesadilla Mobilla and Tacos El Gordo are some of the best food in town!

• Hell’s Revenge
• Half-day Colorado River rafting
• Sunset boat tour with dinner
• Canyonlands and Arches scenic flight
• Rafting and 4×4 Canyonlands adventure
• Moab rappelling half-day tour
• Horseshoe Canyon day-trip
• Hurrah Pass 4×4 tour

3 Days on Cedar Mesa

Next up is Cedar Mesa which could use Bluff or Blanding as a base for. This is a great place for people that love history and archaeology and want to get off the beaten path a little bit.

It’s still popular but much less-visited than areas like Moab and Zion. I think it’s a great underrated weekend getaway in Utah and maybe a favorite Utah itinerary of mine. But I love this area a lot.

Like Moab, and everywhere else on this list, you’ll easily be able to combine some of these things into one day packed full of outdoor adventures. If you want to do a Colorado to Utah road trip, this would be a great option for that.

Where to stay in Blanding

• Blue Sage Inn & Suites
• Prospector Motor Lodge
• Bluff Dwellings
• Stone Lizard Lodging

House on Fire

First up we have one of the coolest hikes near Blanding: the House on Fire ruin . This is down Texas Flat Road and best done in the morning, so you get to the ruin between 10-11AM. This leaves the rest of the day for other adventures like Natural Bridges. Or Butler Wash.

This hike is right around two miles round-trip and easy and if you want a longer hike there are actually eight ruins in this canyon and you can make a longer half-day hike if you want. House on Fire is the first ruin and as far as I’ve gone here.

Natural Bridges National Monument

Next up is Natural Bridges National Monument which is just a few miles from House on Fire down Highway 95. This is the perfect way to spend the day after that hike, seeing the natural bridges in the park and doing some hiking.

Some of the hikes to individual bridges are more difficult than others but if you want a real challenge, you can do a loop to all three.

Butler Wash Ruins

Finally in this area we have the B utler Wash Ruins . This is a short hike to a ruin overlook right off of Highway 95 and makes for the perfect quick stop on your way back to Blanding. I love this little ruin and would recommend it even if you’re just driving through the area.

Upper Sand Island Petroglyphs

First up for the next day is the Upper Sand Island Petroglyphs in Bluff nearby. This is an easy, flat hike along the river to see tons of different styles of petroglyphs.

I really loved this hike and there is actually a second set of petroglyphs to the right of the entrance (these are to the left.)

River House Ruin

I haven’t been to River House Ruin yet but really want to. If you want to drive all the way to the site, you will need high-clearance, 4WD, but it’s only five miles from the highway so if you really want, you can hike it. Or drive as far as you can and hike the rest.

If you do drive, this is a super short like, less than half a mile round-trip. This is a smallish site but still impressive with multiple structures and some rock art as well, right by the San Juan River.

Hovenweep National Monument

A good alternative to the River House Ruin that doesn’t require 4WD is Hovenweep National Monument . It’s in Utah but right by the Colorado border.

This is in the middle of nowhere but the ruins are very easily accessible and make a great little day trip from Blanding paired with Upper Sand Island.

Edge of the Cedars State Park

Finally, for your last day in Blanding, you can stick close to town. Just on the edge of town is Edge of the Cedars State Park . This is a museum packed full of artifacts from the area with some restored ruins out back that you can go into.

Five Kiva Pueblo

Next, just a short drive from the state park is the Five Kiva Pueblo Ruin on the edge of town. You can either stop just to see it across the small canyon or you can hike over to it.

There isn’t really an official trail but you can see where people go to get over there. You can also hike up to a ruin on the side of the canyon that you started on to see a second ruin.

If you hike of to Five Kiva, you can see it to your right on the opposite side of the canyon. If you have time after these two and didn’t make it to Butler Wash the other day, you could make the short trip out to see that, too.

Books to read before visiting the Four Corners:

• The Bears Ears
• In Search of the Old Ones
• The Lost World of the Old Ones
• House of Rain
• Finders Keepers
• Monkey Wrench Gang
• Hayduke Lives
• Desert Solitaire

3 Days in Kanab

Next up we have three days in Kanab, a great base for exploring some pretty remote areas of the Vermillion Cliffs and Coyote Buttes. If you are determined to visit the Grand Canyon on your trip, this would be a good place to add it in.

There are plenty of great hikes that aren’t super remote closer to town, too, though, so no matter what you’re looking for, you can probably find it here. As long as it’s desert.

Everything I’ve included is stuff you can do on your own, but you could easily take some of these out to do a tour to the White Pocket, slot canyons, or rock art in the area. There are tons of great tours, but there aren’t any I’ve done personally.

Where to stay in Kanab

• Timber and Tin
• Canyons Boutique Hotel
• Parry Lodge
• Purple Sage Inn
• Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile

Moqui caverns

This is a fun little hidden gem just outside of Kanab. The Moqui Caverns , also sometimes known as the Sand Cave, NOT Moqui Cave , is actually a man-made cave that used to be used to store sand, but now it’s just a cool cave you can hike up to.

This is a super short hike, less than half a mile round-trip, but is a little steep on the rock. You have to do some minor route finding by going way to the left of the caverns then up along the sort of ridge into the cavern.

If you just try to go up right under the cavern openings, you won’t be bale to or at least not easily. I have full directions in my Moqui Caverns post.

Belly of the Dragon

Next up, just a short drive from the caverns, right by the Mount Carmel Junction, is the Belly of the Dragon . I was super excited to see that but was pretty underwhelmed. I know a lot of people love it though and it’s a super quick stop, like, 30 minutes.

It’s actually a man-made storm drain going under the highway but it feels like you’re walking into that giant worm in Spongebob.

There is basically no hike to this, just a super short walk from the parking area. It’s not my favorite but it’s still interesting and can easily be done with lots of other stuff.

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

Finally, for this day, finish it up running around and climbing the dunes at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park . This is about 30 minutes from Kanab is a fun way to spend a few hours of your day. There aren’t really any specific hiking trails here but you can go all over the dunes.

The next day head the other direction towards Page, but not all the way there. Head down Houserock Valley Road and do the 4ish mile Wire Pass slot canyon hike . This will take you to Buckskin Gulch, one of the longest slot canyons in the world.

This is a really cool slot canyon hike in the area, but it is popular so it can get busy. It’s a mostly easy hike but does have an 8-10 foot rock scramble area. Sometimes there is a ladder there but if not and you don’t feel comfortable doing that, you can go over and around it.

Toadstool Trail

I won’t lie, I hated this trail, but I also know this is popular and people love it, so I’m including it here. It’s a short trail, about two miles round-trip and mostly flat. It’s a short drive from the turn off to Wire Pass along Highway 89.

It’s a short trail to some hoodoo formations right on the side of the road. You don’t need any special car to get here, which is good. This is a great hike for families. You could easily do this before or after Wire Pass.

Zion National Park

Finally, for your last day, a day trip to Zion is perfect since it’s pretty close to Kanab. You could hike to Angels Landing or do the Narrows, the two most popular trails, or you could go big and hike Observation Point.

Some other options are Hidden Canyon, Canyon Overlook, East Rim trail, Emerald Pools, or Pa’rus trail which is great for biking, too.

There is certainly plenty to choose from to keep you busy here. I would personally do Canyon Overlook and Hidden Canyon (as long as it’s open.)

Kanab tours

• White Pocket guided hiking
• Peek-a-boo Slot Canyon hiking tour
• Orderville rappelling and UTV tour
• Yellow Rock hiking tour
• Peek-a-Book Canyon Jeep tour

3 Days in St. George

Now, St. George. This is a great base for exploring not just Zion National Park, but state parks and other trails in the area. Another alternative base for this area is Cedar City, which is also close to all of this.

This is an area I want to explore more of but just don’t get to very often. I’d like to change that over the next year and will update this if I find even cooler things todo, but these are still pretty great activities.

This isn’t quite broken down by specific days like the others but is more of possible combinations on what you could do or alternate ideas. If you want a Utah road trip from Las Vegas, this is one of the best choices.

Where to stay in St. George

• The Advenire
• Inn on the Cliffs St. George
• Amiras Resort
• The Mulberry Inn

Snow Canyon State Park

One of my favorite state parks in Utah so far is Snow Canyon and it’s great for hiking and escaping some of the Zion crowds.

There are plenty of hiking trail options here to stay busy for a good portion of the day, then finish it off at Coral Pink Sand Dunes. They’re not super close but are two good partial day activities.

End your day by running around and climbing the dunes at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. It’s just under an hour and a half from St. George or Snow Canyon but is the perfect way to end your day. There aren’t really any specific hiking trails here but you can go all over the dunes.

Kolob Canyons

When most people visit Zion National Park, they really only go to the main canyon but it actually has two other sections you can visit that are way less busy!

The first is Kolob Canyons just outside of Cedar City. This is a smaller area but still gorgeous. I would recommend doing the Taylor Creek Trail here.

It’s pretty easy without tons of elevation gain but is about five miles of hiking. I really liked this one though. You could spend a whole day here if you wanted or combine it with Kolob Terrace Road below.

Kolob Terrace Road

Next up is Kolob Terrace Road . This isn’t quite as exciting as Kolob Canyon or the main canyon but it’s still really pretty. This is where the Subway trail is (you need a permit for that though.)

You could just do this as a nice drive stopping at the lookouts or you could do the six-mile Wildcat Canyon trail. We did part of this (a small part) and I really liked it. I’d like to do the whole thing.

Kanarraville Falls

This is another hike I haven’t done but have wanted to for years. This is a great water hike in Utah and a pretty popular one in the area.

Permits are required for this moderate 4.8-mile hike. You will be partially walking through water and climbing a ladder or two, so be prepared for that.

It’s hard to say go to St. George but don’t go to the main canyon in Zion National Park , so a day to do that will be really great. Like above, you could do any combination of Angels Landing, The narrows, Hidden Canyon, Canyon Overlook, Emerald Pools, or Observation Point.

Red Cliffs National Conservation Area

This is yet another place over here I haven’t been to yet but have wanted to see. There are tons of hikes here for all skill levels so you could easily spend a whole day here.

3 Days in Zion

That’s right. I’m giving Zion three whole days because there are so many amazing things to see and do there that it can be hard to narrow down for just one day. Just Zion is another great Utah road trip from Las Vegas.

An alternate to this could be two days in Zion and one in Bryce because it’s not that far and that way you still get a little variety in what you’re seeing. Zion is definitely one of the top hiking trips in Utah.

Where to stay in Springdale

• Zion Under Canvas
• Desert Pearl Inn
• Cliffrose Springdale
• Red Rock Inn
• The Driftwood Lodge
• Zion Wildflower Resort

Angels Landing

If you ever ask what to do in Zion on a Facebook group, you’ll get like, 50 people telling you to do this and the Narrows. Like, duh, everyone knows that. But, here it is because it’s such an iconic hike.

I surprisingly still haven’t done the whole thing yet, but I’m sure I will eventually. It’s not for the faint of heart, and by that I mean people with a strong fear of heights.

The Narrows

Next is the Narrows . You can do this and Angels Landing in a packed full day or do one each day with shorter hikes after. You could easily spend a whole day just doing this hike, too.

This is a water hike. You’ll be walking in the Virgin River so if you’re not comfortable with that, skip this one. You can hike half a mile or ten miles here.

Hidden Canyon

Hidden Canyon is one of my favorite hikes in Zion and is great if you want a little taste of Angels Landing without the sheer drop-offs on both sides of the trail. You get a pretty great view of the canyon below and hike into a sort of slot canyon area.

This is a moderate 3.1 mile hike with just under 1,000 feet of elevation gain. Once you’re up the switchbacks it gets easier but scarier. It is currently closed though as of March 2022.

Canyon Overlook

Canyon Overlook is my other favorite hike in the park but it much easier than Hidden Canyon. It’s just a mile with almost 500 feet of elevation gain. It sounds like a lot but it’s not bad.

There is one section, a little bridge, that could be a little sketchy for someone with a fear of heights, but it’s super short. You’re rewarded with one of the best views in the park, rivaling Angels Landing.

Emerald Pools Trail

This is a pretty easy trail that can be added after any of the other trails I’ve mentioned. It’s three miles to see all three pools with 620 feet of elevation gain.

This isn’t the most impressive trail out there but it is nice. It’s popular and I’d choose Canyon Overlook as a filler trail over this one, but this one is in the main canyon which makes it easy to get to.

Observation Point

Finally, this could take most of the day to do as it’s a strenuous 6.8 miles round-trip with almost 2,700 feet of elevation gain. It’s not for the faint of heart as far as difficulty goes but you’ll be rewarded with, arguably, the best view in the park.

From here you’ll actually be look down over Angels Landing and the entire canyon below. This is probably the top of my Zion bucket list.

The 6.8 mile route is currently closed so the one that is open for this is 11.2 miles with 300 feet less of elevation gain .

• East Zion slot canyon and UTV
• East Zion horseback tour
• Zion and Canaan Cliffs helicopter tour
• Springdale half-day canyoneering experience
• Sunset UTV tour with views of Zion
• Stone Hollo w Canyoneering experience

3 Days in Escalante

Ahh, Escalante. A place I love but don’t visit nearly enough. This is a great place to visit if you want to see slot canyons. I didn’t include the classic slot canyons (spooky, peek-a-boo,zebra, etc.) but most people already know about those.

I also haven’t included some of the more difficult, long hikes that require a lot of route finding and desert hiking experience. I haven’t done them yet and don’t want to suggest them without knowing what they’re actually like.

But there are so many amazing hikes and things to do in Escalante and nearby, you could stay plenty busy for a very long time. This is one of the best options for a Utah hiking trip.

Where to stay in Escalante

• Canyon Country Lodge
• Escalante Escapes
• Boulder Mountain Guest Ranch
• The Inn of Escalante

Lower Calf Creek Falls

You can’t go to Escalante and not hike to Lower Calf Creek Falls. Unless you’ve already been there, only have an hour, or hate waterfalls. It’s six-miles round-trip with about 500 feet of elevation gain.

The trail itself isn’t super impressive but it’s definitely worth it to see the towering waterfall and hidden desert oasis. There are even pictographs on the way there, see if you can spot them!

I would do this in the morning and 100 Hands after or vice versa. We did Calf Creek in the evening and the lighting was really good for photography. But if you want to swim there, I’d go earlier in the day. It can be cool by the water.

100 Hands Pictograph

This is a pretty unknown hike in Escalante to some pretty cool rock art. This starts at the Escalante River trailhead and is one-mile with about 300 feet of elevation gain. It’s pretty easy but has no shade so in the summer, it’s hot.

The trail can be a little confusing in some spots but I have full directions in my post about the 100 Hands Pictographs here. You can even see where people tried to steal some of the rock art. Please don’t steal the rock art here or anywhere.

Willis Creek Slot Canyon

The next day, head down Skutumpah Road and hike the Willis Creek Slot Canyon . This is an easy 3+ mile trail. It sounds long but it’s one of the best easy hikes in Utah . If you just do the narrows sections, it will be about three miles but you can go past that if you want.

I would plan 2-3 hours for this hike and I would do it earlier in the morning because it can get busy. We went early-ish and didn’t see tons of people on our way in but passed a lot as we were leaving.

Most cars should be able to get here, but that will depend on the road conditions and a high-clearance 4WD may be necessary. You could call the Escalante Visitor Center to see if they know the road conditions before going.

Kodachrome Basin State Park

After you hike the slot canyon, visit the nearby Kodachrome Basin State Park . This is a cool little park, one of my favorites but I do forget about it a lot.

There are a few hiking trails in the park to keep you busy. Unfortunately, Shakespeare Arch collapsed in April 2019 so you won’t be able to see that but the hike is still nice. This park is a good way to fill a few hours in the area.

Escalante Petrified Forest State Park

Next up is the Escalante Petrified Forest State Park. I would keep this as an alternate and do Kodachrome Basin and Willis Creek before this. But this is an easy park to just spend 1-2 hours hiking the Petrified Forest Trail and Rainbow Loop.

It’s about two miles round-trip and easy, maybe a little moderate. It’s a cool place if you like or have never seen petrified wood, but I would do other things before this.

Bryce Canyon

Finally, take a day trip over to Bryce Canyon . If you only do one trail here, it should be the moderate 3.5-mile Queens Garden/Navajo loop hike.

It’s definitely one of the best and most popular in the park, but for good reason: it takes you down into the canyon, among the hoodoos.

After that, or before, head over to the short and easy Mossy Cave trail to see the little cave and a pretty nice waterfall. Also make sure to stop at all the overlooks on the scenic drive in the park.

Hell’s Backbone

This is more of an alternate activity in case you want to do a scenic drive or have done some of the other things mentioned. You can take this 38-mile mostly dirt road over Boulder Mountain to the town of Boulder. This will take 3-4 hours.

You most likely won’t need high-clearance 4WD but I would be cautious with a regular car. If you do this, make sure to eat at Burr Trail Grill in Boulder. You could also visit the Anasazi State Park Museum while you’re there.

3 Days in Hanksville

Finally, we have good ol’ Hanksville. This is a middle of nowhere tiny town between Bullfrog on Lake Powell and Capitol Reef. It’s kind of the most central place to everything I have listed and you would be able to see a lot of cool stuff from here.

It’s a tiny little town though so don’t expect big city living here. Do expect lots of awesome outdoor adventures though! If you want to do a Utah road trip from Salt Lake City, this is a good choice.

Where to stay in Hanksville

• Whispering Sands Motel
• OYO Hotel Hanksville

Goblin Valley

Goblin Valley is my favorite state park in Utah. It’s so fun, even as an adult. There aren’t really hiking trails here, just the Goblins Lair Trail, but it’s pretty much a hiking free-for-all in the valley.

This is a must-do if you’re staying in the area or even just passing through. While the park is pretty popular it’s absolutely worth visiting and will make you feel like you’re on another planet. There are tons of amazing hikes in this area.

Little Wild Horse Canyon

After Goblin Valley, or before, head over to Little Wild Horse slot canyon . This is just a short drive from the park. To do the whole loop it’s just under eight miles but if you just want to do a smaller part of it, you can just hike to the right at the fork into the narrows and turn around anytime. That’s what we did.

This is a great slot canyon hike that is easily accessible and not particularly difficult. It’s a good beginner slot canyon and good for families. Just make sure you check the weather before going in and do not enter if it’s raining, could be raining, or is raining nearby.

Capitol Reef

Oh man, there are tons of ways to spend one day in Capitol Reef , but I would personally do Cohab Canyon , Hickman Bridge , the petroglyph trail, Capitol Gorge, and the overlooks along highway 24.

If you want to do a really cool most-day hike, Sulphur Creek is great. If you want to do a slot canyon hike that’s off the beaten path, Headquarters and Surprise canyons in the Waterpocket Fold are perfect.

Leprechaun Canyon

Leprechaun Canyon is another slot canyon hike that is pretty cool. I would add this one into your trip if you have some spare time or do this then go to Lake Powell and possibly do the other stuff. That will be a pretty busy day though, so I would keep this as the alternate or switch this with Pedestal Alley.

Lake Powell

You can just drive down to Bullfrog to see the lake, rent a boat, hang out on the beach, or kayak. If you’re not going out on the water, there isn’t much to do in Bullfrog itself but it’s still cool to see the lake and if you’re going to do the next two hikes you might as well see the lake, too.

Pedestal Alley

Pedestal Alley is a three-mile round-trip hike about ten miles from the Burr Trail turnoff. While this isn’t the coolest hike ever, it is a nice hike in this area to some weird shaped rock formations.

I wouldn’t recommend this one when it’s windy though. If it was between this and Leprechaun Canyon, I’d Leprechaun.

Halls Creek Overlook

If you keep driving down Burr Trail, you’ll see a turnoff for Halls Creek Overlook. You can either turn down here and drive to the overlook (or hike the road, you will probably need high-clearance for this) or you can drive to the T, turn left, and take the first left.

Park at the little animal pen thing and then walk the road. I have specific directions for this route in my Halls Creek Overlook post here .

Well, there you have it, Utah road trip ideas for three days, not matter what part of Southern Utah you want to see. You can always mix and match these ideas but it will be tough to do like, Zion and Arches in one three day Utah road trip.

I would love to hear if you have any other ideas or suggestions on three day Utah road trips or Utah hiking trips you love.

Utah road trip FAQs

Is 3 days enough for Utah? Definitely not to do a full Utah national parks road trip, but it’s enough for one or two parks near each other at a time. It might be rushed and you’ll mostly see the highlights but it’s possible.

What to do in Utah in three days? I’ve outlined this pretty well above (I think/hope) but what I think it really comes down to is choosing one park or town and spending the whole three days there, like just Zion, just Moab, just Escalante, etc. There are endless road trip itineraries you can choose from.

Which is better, Zion or Bryce? This one is tough. I think both are so beautiful, but Bryce Canyon and has more unique scenery and fewer people while I would say Zion has more hiking opportunities. Both are great but if you’re planning a short Utah hiking vacation, I would pick Zion.

Is 3 days enough for Zion National Park? I think so, especially if you don’t mind long hiking days. If you have 3 days in Utah and want to spend them all in one park, I think Zion is the best one for that., followed by Arches then Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Bryce.

Where to begin your road trips in Utah : This definitely depends on which part of the state you want to see as part of your road trip itinerary. Salt Lake City would probably be best for like, south central Utah while Las Vegas would be better for the southwest and Grand Junction, CO for southeast.

Best photography spots on your Utah road trip : Obviously all of the Utah national parks, but Monument Valley, Grand Staircase Escalante, Cedar Mesa, and Snow Canyon State Park are other great places for photography.

Utah posts you may also like:

• Outdoorsy Utah road trip
• Places to visit in Utah
• Utah weekend trips
• Utah 3 day road trip 7 different ways
• Easy hikes in Utah
• Scenic drives in Utah
• Best views in Utah
• Stargazing in Utah
• Utah hiking bucket list
• Utah travel tips
• Arches vs. Zion
• National park bucket list
• Make the most of a national park trip
• National Park camping packing list
• My Favorite national park hikes
• More of my favorite national park hikes
• Underrated national parks
• Fun national park facts
• National park books

Have you done any of these Utah road trips in three days? What is your favorite short Utah road trip?

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2 thoughts on “ Utah Road Trip: 3 Days 7 Different Ways ”

This is awesome! I’m bookmarking this for future knowledge/vacations!

Thank you! I’ve got more for longer trips coming up, too 🙂

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A Solo Traveler’s Guide to Utah

Sandwiched between the snow-capped Rocky Mountains of Colorado, the dusty high desert of Nevada and the red-rock canyons of Arizona, Utah is the ultimate outdoorsy destination – whether you’re traveling solo or with company. Skiers and snowboarders can carve to their hearts’ content in five-star ski resorts such as Park City, while hikers, climbers and landscape photographers can gorge on beautiful trails, canyons and rock formations across five national parks.

What’s the vibe.

Utah attracts intrepid young travelers embracing a nomadic, back-to-nature lifestyle, thanks to charming frontier towns lined with indie shops, restaurants and hip microbreweries. Places such as Moab, Kanab and Panguitch are friendly, buzzy hubs with bags of good-value accommodation, from motels to glampsites – magnets for like-minded solo travelers.

Be cautious when travelling alone in parks and other remote areas. Let someone you trust know where you’re going, inform any accommodation you’ve booked of your planned arrival time, and make sure you have all the crucial kit.

For a powder fix, start in Salt Lake City – the heart of Utah’s snow zone – in the northeast corner of the state. Within an hour’s drive are nine world-class ski resorts including Park City, Deer Valley and Alta. But snow isn’t the only draw in northern Utah – there’s the Great Salt Lake itself, like a shimmering mirror in the middle of the desert, and the blinding-white Bonneville Salt Flats, home of land-speed record makers. Allow at least three days for these once-in-a-lifetime wonders after you’re sated with skiing.

The other classic itinerary is an epic road trip looping in all five national parks, including Zion, Bryce Canyon and Arches. Allow at least 10 days.

Where to stay in Utah

Accommodation is plentiful and diverse. Retro motels include Parry Lodge in Kanab and there are glitzy hotels such as Cliffrose Springdale in Zion National Park. For the quintessential desert experience, it has to be Under Canvas Moab . This luxury glamping retreat puts you directly in touch with the stunning landscape – all red-rock mesas, aromatic sagebrush and distant peaks – while keeping you cozy with comfortable king beds and wood-burning stoves. There are even ensuite bathrooms in your safari-style canvas tent.

What to do in Utah

In this playground for lovers of the great outdoors, the options for adrenaline-fuelled fun are practically limitless. But the rocky landscape isn’t just for climbers, hikers and bikers; it’s also home to significant Native American archaeological sites, and paleontological dig sites (where numerous dinosaur species have been discovered). Read on for our pick of the perfect activities.

Take a hike

You can’t come to Utah without hiking the five incredible national parks – the hard part, if you only have time for one, is taking your pick. For our money, the best all-rounder is Arches. With its relatively small scale, and proximity to the town of Moab, it’s a perfect day trip. Also, the gentle, well-marked trails weaving between wind-sculpted rock formations are an ideal intro for first-timers. It’s busy in spring and fall – best to visit in winter, when the ember-colored rocks glow brilliantly against a backdrop of snow-blanketed peaks.

An afternoon hiking in Arches National Park is included as part of our Off-Road Adventures in Utah and Colorado trip .

Travel back in time

From Native American petroglyphs to dinosaur dig sites and ghost towns of the Old West, Utah is basically a state-sized natural history museum. You certainly won’t find a closer real-life equivalent to Jurassic Park than Dinosaur National Monument, where more than 800 paleontological sites from the Jurassic period are spread over 210,000 acres (85,000ha) of mesas, mountains and canyons. Expect to see the toothy skulls of prehistoric predators grinning back at you from the cliff face as you hike. There are ancient Fremont petroglyphs and pictographs here, although you’ll find far more at Nine Mile Canyon, with more than 1,000 individual sites. If it’s cowboy culture you’re keen on, visit the hauntingly beautiful ghost town of Old Paria, which is surrounded by candy-striped cliffs.

Wish upon a star

Utah is the US state with the highest concentration of International Dark-Sky Association-certified locations, so when night falls here, you only need to look up for an evening’s entertainment. All the national parks are also Dark Sky parks, so hang back once the other visitors leave for magical Milky Way views all to yourself.

Eat and drink in Utah

Like much of rural USA, Utah has a food scene largely dominated by big-name roadside chains, greasy spoon-style diners and steakhouses. You’ll find more creative, diverse options in the larger towns and cities, particularly Kanab, Park City and Moab. But if you’re looking to make food a bigger part of your trip, head to Salt Lake City and start with our guide to the best restaurants in Salt Lake City .

The main thing to note about eating and drinking in Utah is that it’s a semi-dry state, which means the only alcohol you can get is beer, at a strength of no more than 5% ABV. Suds-lovers should be happy enough, as there are dozens of excellent microbreweries – find the best in our top craft breweries in Utah guide.

Getting around

Utah is wide-open and sparsely populated, with large distances between places of interest. Beyond the Salt Lake City area, there’s no real public transport so you’ll need your own wheels. Roads are generally well-maintained, but when entering national parks, prepare for uneven surfaces and less attentive gritting in the winter.

Cultural need-to-knows

Prone to goofs and gaffes? You’ll be pleased to know there aren’t many opportunities to get it wrong. Do be aware – especially if journeying into the state from the south, by Monument Valley – that you’ll likely pass through Native American tribal reservation lands. There are no tolls or entry restrictions, but respect the cultural significance of the land – and any boundaries (such as areas off-limits to outside visitors).

Prefer to explore Utah with like-minded travellers? Join our eight-day Off-Road Adventures in Utah and Colorado trip , which includes rafting down the Colorado River, off-roading in Arches National Park and two nights in Moab.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Places to Stay

The best hotels in snowbird, utah.

The Best Themed Hotels to Book in Utah

See & Do

The best hikes in arches national park.

The Best Hotels with Jacuzzis and Hot Tubs to Book in Utah

The Best Motels to Book in Utah, USA

The Best Cabins and Lodges to Book in Utah, USA

The Best Spa Hotels to Book in Utah for a Relaxing Stay

The Best Hotels to Book in Utah, USA

The Best Places to Book a Staycation in Utah

The Best Bed and Breakfasts to Book in Utah

The Best Resorts to Book in Utah

The Perfect Places to Visit in Utah for Every Traveler

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Indigo Sahara

Travel Reviews, Guides, Tips & Travel Hacking

Utah Road Trip Itinerary: 7-Day Ultimate Tour Of Utah (With Map)

By: Indigo Sahara, M.A. | Published: June 15, 2022 | Updated: March 9, 2024

Utah is easily one of the most underrated travel destinations in the entire world. From massive mountains to epic national parks to otherworldly rock formations, there is something in store for everyone in this state. This ultimate 7-day Utah road trip itinerary will take you to places you never knew exists.

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let’s start by covering the basics.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If a product is purchased using one of the following links, I may earn a small commission from the brand at no cost to you.

Table of Contents

Is Utah Worth Visiting?

Yes, Utah is absolutely worth visiting because of its major national parks, otherworldly landscapes, and hiking and skiing opportunities.

I have no doubt in my mind that Utah will leave you with your jaw dropped on the floor, especially if you follow this Utah road trip itinerary .

How Many Days Do You Need For Utah National Parks?

You need at least three to four days to see the Utah national parks. But, if you plan to do any longer hikes or would like to see Utah’s amazing landscapes outside the national parks, such as Monument Valley, Bonneville Salt Flats , Pink Lake or the Bentonite Hills , at least seven days would be ideal.

Also, take note that this one-week Utah road trip itinerary is jam-packed with activities. If you would prefer your Utah road trip to be more relaxed, add two or three days for more time flexibility.

Is It Difficult Driving In Utah?

It is not difficult driving in Utah in the bigger cities like Salt Lake City or Moab . Regular USA driving regulations are instated, and other people drive safely. However, there are many unpaved roads in the more rural parts of Utah that are difficult for campers and compact cars to drive on.

That being said, my husband and I car camped throughout all of the following Utah destinations in my tiny compact car without any serious issues. Many of the roads were indeed bumpy, but we (and my car) survived just fine.

For a family, a larger vehicle with four-wheel drive is advisable in Utah. For budget-friendly adventurers, I recommend researching your specific destinations and campsites to see if a 4×4 is necessary .

Now, let’s get into the itinerary , shall we?

7-Day Utah Road Trip Itinerary

Utah road trip itinerary map.

Utah Road Trip Itinerary Day 1

Morning: arrive in salt lake city & pink lake.

On your first morning in Utah, do everything you need to do to prepare for a week of exploring outside the main cities. Pick up your car rental , buy groceries for the week and get a full tank of gas . You’ll likely be flying into Salt Lake City , which has more than enough access to everything you’ll need.

[ Gas and groceries (at least snacks and sandwich supplies, if not all meals) are particularly important. Don’t undermine the remote nature of Utah.]

Then, start your drive to Pink Lake . Yes, Pink Lake . This is just one of the many places you’ll see this week that seems completely out of this world.

Read everything you need to know about visiting Pink Lake here .

Afternoon: Bonneville Salt Flats

After a picnic lunch at Pink Lake (or in the car), head two hours west to the legendary Bonneville Salt Flats .

The Bonneville Salt Flats are free to visit and offer an endless view of how Salt Lake City received its name. I have a complete guide to visiting Bonneville Salt Flats as well as an inside look at how the flats’ extreme weather may affect your visit .

Evening: boyd Station

Most of the evenings on this road trip itinerary are left open to relax at your hotel, set up your campsite, find a free campsite and get a full night’s sleep. This evening is no exception.

Head south toward Boyd Station (on the Pony Express Trail) to either find a free campsite or stay in a nearby hotel. This area will act as a half-way point to your first destination tomorrow.

Also, note that this drive will be extremely remote, so be sure to fill up your gas tank in Wendover, Nevada , (five minutes from Bonneville Salt Flats) before embarking. There are no other gas stations from the Bonneville Salt Flats to this region.

Utah Road Trip Itinerary Day 2

Morning: dugway geode beds.

Wake up bright and early (ideally by 6:00 a.m. at the latest) and head to one of Utah’s best hidden gems , the Dugway Geode Beds .

The Dugway Geode Beds are also free to visit. Here, you can hunt for your own natural geodes to keep as souvenirs. Although the road to this destination is completely unpaved, the rocky drive is so worth this fun family-friendly activity .

This is just one cool and cheap way to take home a memory of Utah. For more tips and tricks on how you can save $$ on souvenirs, check out my free download – How To Save On Souvenirs

You can read all about visiting the Dugway Geode Beds here .

Then, after an hour or two of remote geode hunting, continue your journey south to your first Utah national park , Capitol Reef.

Afternoon: Capitol Reef National Park

Once you arrive at Capitol Reef National Park , purchase an America The Beautiful Park Pass . This will grant you entry into all of the Utah national parks for a year and save you a ton of money on park entrance fees throughout the week.

Then, pick a few hikes and/or walks in Capitol Reef to venture. I personally highly recommend the Chimney Rock Loop Trail (3.3 miles), Hickman Bridge Trail (1.8 miles) and Cassidy Arch Trail (3.1 miles), but how you spend your time here is up to you. For more specifics, see my Capitol Reef National Park half-day itinerary .

To end your afternoon, drive to Goosenecks Overlook to watch an epic sunset over Capitol Reef.

Evening: Escalante

Ideally, on night two, find a campsite or hotel near the city of Escalante , which is located between Capitol Reef National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park. Because, tomorrow, you’ll be starting your day at Bryce.

Utah Road Trip Itinerary Day 3

Morning: bryce canyon national park.

Are you excited for Bryce Canyon National Park ? Because you absolutely should be. Start your day early again (6:00 a.m. at the latest; earlier if you want to beat the crowds) because you have a big day ahead of you.

This unique U.S. wonder is known for its abstract rock formations called hoodoos . When you enter the main area of the park, you’re immediately met with endless views of these hoodoos, as well as several hiking and walking trailheads.

If you’re up for a rewarding challenge, hike the Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail (3.5 miles). This trail is busy and hot during the day, so the earlier you start this hike, the better. Afterward, walk to Sunset Point where you’ll get another panoramic view of Bryce Canyon.

Afternoon: Zion National Park

When you feel like you’ve seen enough of Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos, grab lunch outside of Bryce. There are several restaurants to choose from. Then, head on over to Zion National Park .

Upon arrival, drive through the park on the Zion-Mount Carmel Scenic Drive toward the opposite park entrance. The views of this drive are comparable to none. Plus, you’ll get to pass through the iconic Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel .

Next, you have a few options. You could either hike Angels Landing , The Narrows , Watchman Trail or see Zion National Park without any hiking at all .

There is a ton to explore in this Utah national park , so don’t be afraid to spend an extra day here if your personal road trip schedule allows.

Evening: Zion National Park & Kanab

To end your day at Zion National Park , hike the Zion Overlook Trail to watch the sunset over Zion Canyon . The hike is short and doable for all levels but still gives you an authentic Zion hiking experience. If you aren’t keen on hiking Angel’s Landing, this hike is a perfect alternative.

Start your hike at least 45 minutes before sunset. And, be sure to check the sunset time for Zion National Park, not the surrounding cities, as the mountains in Zion create an earlier sunset.

After the sun sets past the mountains, head back to your car and drive to Kanab . Find a campsite or hotel here for the night.

Utah Road Trip Itinerary Day 4

Morning: coffee, belly of the dragons & moqui sand caves.

Can you believe you’re already more than half way through this Utah road trip ? Celebrate by sleeping in and indulging in coffee and baked goods from a local Kanab coffee shop!

By around 10:30 a.m., make your way to the Belly of the Dragon , a long belly-like cave that is free to visit in Kanab . Spend about 30 minutes here exploring the cave and nearby landscapes.

Next, head to the Moqui Sand Caves , a nearby roadside collection of otherworldly sand-filled caves. Don’t underestimate the walk to the caves, though. Bring gripped shoes, such as hiking boots, tennis shoes, or my favorite Teva sandals , so that you can easily hike up the steep five-minute climb to the caves.

BUY ON AMAZON

Afternoon: Toadstools or Antelope canyon

After lunch, you have a couple of options. You can either go to Toadstools Trail (1.8 miles) to walk on Mars and witness hoodoos like the ones you’ll see later in the week at Goblin Valley State Park . Or, you can drive straight to Page, Arizona , to visit Antelope Canyon .

Although Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend (which we’ll discuss next) are technically in Arizona, these landmarks are still very close to Utah . Their innate beauty and bucket-list draw make the relatively short drive across the boarder very worthwhile.

Ultimately, though, the choice is up to you on whether you go to Toadstools, Antelope Canyon or just relax during this time.

Evening: Horseshoe Bend

Afterward, get ready for another epic canyon sunset; this time, over the legendary Horseshoe Bend . Plan to arrive at Horseshoe Bend at least 45 minutes before sunset , as there is about a mile walk from the parking lot to the canyon.

Also, bring bug spray ! There will likely be swarms of gnats at the canyon in the evening. Even though the gnats are basically harmless, they are really annoying.

Shortly after sunset, head back to your car and drive toward Monument Valley . Find a place to stay the night (campsite or hotel) as close to Monument Valley as possible. You’ll begin day five here bright and early.

(Note, there are not many free campsites near Monument Valley , so it may be in your best interest to find a hotel or paid campsite for the night.)

Utah Road Trip Itinerary Day 5

Morning: monument valley.

Another early morning awaits on day five, but, trust me, it’s worth it.

Drive into Monument Valley , specifically to Forest Gump Point (GPS coordinates 37°06’09.5″N 109°59’21.1″W), early and plan to arrive about 10 minutes before sunrise .

When the sun rises over this region of Monument Valley, famously known as the road from the movie Forest Gump , the massive red rock formations glow bright orange. This is what makes sunrise the best time of day to visit Monument Valley .

Plus, you’ll beat the crowds and get to take some incredible travel photos .

Afternoon: Moab Arches National Park

Because you started your day pre-sunrise, you’ll likely be able to make it Moab midmorning. Head straight to Arches National Park to begin exploring the last city of this Utah road trip itinerary .

Once you enter the park, head straight to the Delicate Arch trailhead to (hopefully) beat the midday crowds. Delicate Arch is one of the most heavily trafficked trails in Arches National Park , but, even with crowds, the views are so rewarding.

On your way to Delicate Arch, you’ll also pass Twisted Doughnut Arch toward the end of the trail, so keep a look out for it.

Then, treat yourself to a picnic lunch inside the park. Or, leave the park to grab a quick lunch in Moab city.

Afternoon: Arches National Park

One of the best parts of Arches National Park is that it is non-hiker-friendly . There are numerous insanely easy hikes in Arches National Park , so indulge yourself in them this afternoon.

First, head to Double Arch and Cove Arch . Take a brief two minute walk from the parking lot to the arches, and take 20 minutes or so to explore.

Then, drive to the Landscape Arch trailhead to begin your journey to the longest arch in the Arches National Park . This hike is longer than the walk to Double Arch and Cove Arch, but the trail is flat and mostly paved, which makes it easy.

Lastly, if time allows, head to the Instagram-worthy Sand Dune Arch . Here, you’ll find a hidden gem of an arch tucked inside, you guessed it, a sand dune.

Evening: Moab Dinosaur Tracks & Petroglyphs

Sometime in the late afternoon, leave Arches for one of the many free Moab adventures : hunting for roadside dinosaur tracks and petroglyphs .

To find Moab’s free dinosaur tracks and petroglyphs , drive down Potash Road until you get to Poison Spider BLM site and parking lot (past the rock climbers). Follow the BLM sign directions to the short hike that will take you up to both the dinosaur tracks and petroglyphs.

(Hint: the dinosaur tracks are on a massive boulder about 3/4 up the trail, and the petroglyphs are on the red rock wall near on top of the trail.)

Afterward, find a campsite or hotel in Moab . As opposed to Monument Valley, there are a ton of free campsites in Moab, so you shouldn’t have any issues finding a site.

Utah Road Trip Itinerary Day 6

Morning: canyonlands national park.

To continue exploring Moab, you’re starting off your day in Canyonlands National Park .

The best, most popular place to watch sunrise in Canyonlands National Park is at Mesa Arch , so if you have enough energy to make the short 0.7-mile hike before the sun rises, definitely take the hike.

If not, still start your day at Mesa Arch to try to beat the crowds. Afterward, drive to Shafer Canyon Overlook , Buck Canyon Overlook and Candlestick Tower Overlook . For details about each of these stops (and more), see my half day in Canyonlands National Park itinerary .

Afternoon: Rainbow Mountains

Around 11:00 a.m., depart from Canyonlands to see what is, in my opinion, the most epic part of this entire Utah road trip itinerary : Utah’s rainbow mountains .

Yes, you read that right. Rainbow mountains.

Believe it or not, there are rolling hills — also known as the Bentonite Hills — tucked in the middle of the Utah desert that boast bright red, pink, blue and purple rings.

I know this road trip stop sounds too good to be true, but, believe me, the two-hour drive is so worth it. You can read everything you need to know about where to find these otherworldly mounds in my free rainbow mountains, Utah, guide .

Evening: Moab

After journeying through metaphorical Mars, stop by Goblin Valley State Park on your way back to Moab if you have time.

You can fully experience Goblin Valley in an hour or two , which makes it a perfect stop to end the day. Then, when you’re finished exploring this unique valley of hoodoos , head back to Moab for the night.

Utah Road Trip Itinerary Day 7

Morning: corona arch, bowtie arch & arches national park.

It’s your final day on this Utah road trip , and we’re ending with a bang. For starters, head to the Corona Arch and Bowtie Arch trailhead located just outside of Arches National Park .

Corona Arch in particular is one of the best arches to see in Moab . And, it’s free to visit.

However, note that there is a moderate hike to the arch that is often very busy, so it’s best to start the hike as early as possible. We began the hike around 6:30 a.m., and we had the entire hike and arch to ourselves for at least an hour. Plus, we got to witness sunrise from a massive arch in solitude.

Afternoon & Evening: Free Time In MOAB

For your very last afternoon in Moab, I’ve left this itinerary space open for free time . Often times, road trip stops and driving times take more time than planned . And, even though I’ve purposefully overestimated drive and stop times, it is likely that something will come up and put you “behind” schedule.

That being said, use your last afternoon and evening to visit any destinations you missed or would still like to visit .

Or, if you’ve managed to stay on schedule (kudos, by the way), take this afternoon to relax and shop for souvenirs in and around Moab.

Which part of this Utah road trip itinerary are you most excited for? Let me know by leaving a reply below or sending me a message on Instagram . My DMs are always open!

More Utah Destinations

18 Moab Instagram Spots For Epic Photos (With Map) 10 Day Trips From Salt Lake City That Are Out Of This World How To See The Rainbow Mountains In Utah Pink Lake Utah: Directions, Address & What To Know

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About Indigo Sahara, M.A.

Indigo Sahara, M.A., is the founder and CEO of the Indigo Sahara travel blog. Since earning her master's degree in global leadership, she has traveled to more than 20 countries. Now, her goal is to make travel accessible to all by teaching others how to travel on a budget. She writes world travel guides and travel hacking tips weekly.

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10 Best Utah Road Trips: Unique Itineraries + Maps

by Mark and Kristen Morgan

Published: July 16, 2020

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

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

Our Utah Road Trip Experience

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Choosing Where To Visit

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

So where should you visit on your Utah road trip?

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

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

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

Further Reading: The 20 best places to visit in Utah

About Our Itineraries

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

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

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

Let’s get into the first itinerary!

1. Utah Mighty 5 National Parks Road Trip

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

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

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

Utah Mighty 5 Road Trip Map

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

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

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

2. Utah State Parks Road Trip

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

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

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

Utah State Parks Road Trip Map

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

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

3. Zion To Bryce Canyon Road Trip

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

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

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

Zion To Bryce Canyon Road Trip Map

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

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

4. Arches And Canyonlands Road Trip

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

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

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

Arches To Canyonlands Road Trip Map

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

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

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

5. Kanab HQ Road Trip

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

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

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

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

Kanab HQ Road Trip Map

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

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

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

6. Kanab To Moab Road Trip

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

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

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

Kanab To Moab Road Trip Map

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

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

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

7. Utah Hiking Road Trip

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

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

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

Utah Hiking Road Trip Map

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

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

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

8. Utah Photography Road Trip

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

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

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

Utah Photography Road Trip Map

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

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

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

9. 4×4 Adventure Utah Road Trip

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

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

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

Utah 4×4 Road Trip Map

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

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

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

10. Salt Lake City To Yellowstone Road Trip

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

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

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

SLC To Yellowstone Route Map

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

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

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

Planning Tools

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

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

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

Tips to save on flights to Las Vegas or SLC:

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

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

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

Tips for booking hotels:

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

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

3. Hire Car

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

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

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

Tips for hiring a car:

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

4. National Parks

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

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

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

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

What To Pack For Utah Road Trips

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

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

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

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

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

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

Further Reading: The essential road trip packing list

Where To Stay On Your Utah Road Trip

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

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

Springdale (Zion)

• Cable Mountain Lodge
• Red Rock Inn
• Watchman Villas

Further Reading: The best hotels in Springdale UT

Bryce Canyon City and Tropic (Bryce Canyon)

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

Further Reading: Where to stay near Bryce Canyon National Park

Torrey (Capitol Reef)

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

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

Moab (Arches and Canyonlands)

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

Further Reading: Where to stay in Moab Utah

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

Further Reading: Best places to stay in Kanab UT

Camping Special

Are you planning to camp during your Utah road trip?

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

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

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

In Conclusion

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

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

More Road Trips

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

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

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

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

Happy Travels ,

Mark and Kristen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We will appreciate any advice that you can give us!

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

To answer you final questions first:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Utah Road Trip Itinerary: 3 Days of Hidden Gems

BY JARED DILLINGHAM

The Beehive State is high on my list of “under-rated states” for so many reasons.  Each visit has been such an amazing adventure, and this Utah road trip is the latest!

We found a series of lesser-known “hidden gems” in south-central Utah, which were stunning to explore, beautiful to photograph, and …. UNCROWDED!   In fact, at several of the spots on our Utah road trip itinerary, we were the only ones there.   

With that said, we’re not going to Zion or St. George or Kanab or Arches or Moab or Glen Canyon on this trip (though you can certainly add them to your itinerary, since they’re all in Southern Utah.

Instead, we’ll be hitting a diverse series of landscapes, which you really can’t find anywhere else!

Car rentals are relatively cheap and easy from Salt Lake City, so we’ll start and end our drive in SLC.

You can see the map of our Utah road trip itinerary loop down below. It’s more than 500 miles on the road, over the course of three days.

Utah Road Trip Day 1: Salt Lake City to Goblin Valley State Park

We left Salt Lake City in the morning, and drove the 220 miles (about 3 hours 30 minutes) to Goblin Valley.  It took a bit longer since we stopped off the highway, south of Provo, to buy food and supplies.

What You’ll find in Goblin Valley

Goblin Valley State Park is remote, but worth the drive for its unique collection of odd-shaped (almost mushroom-like) sandstone rock formations.  They’re known as hoodoos, or goblins.

The park itself isn’t large, and the only road is less than two miles long.  It leads to one large parking area, overlooking a valley full of hoodoos.   

It’s easy to walk down and explore.  There are no real trails, and the only rule is: you’re not supposed to climb on the hoodoos.

I’d recommend a hike to the cavernous Goblin’s Lair.  Find the start of the Carmel Canyon Trail (behind the smaller bathroom in the parking lot) and follow the stakes through the rocks to the cave.  

Bring a lot of water with you on your hike!  The heat can be scorching in the summer, and Goblin Valley has no concessions, water fountains, or vending machines.

Goblin Valley Blog

Everything you need to know about the state park!

Goblin Valley to Hanksville

From Goblin Valley, you’ll drive 32 miles (just over half an hour) south to Hanksville, Utah.

It’s a small town, known for its dinosaur fossils, and I’d suggest staying here for night one.

BUT!   The day isn’t over just yet.

Hanksville to Bentonite Hills (Rainbow Hills)

We’re pushing on to shoot Bentonite Hills before sunset.  These are the mountains made “Insta-famous” for their rings of rainbow colors.

Ideally, you’ll be traveling during the summer, so the extra sunlight can extend your days. The sun will set at 8:00pm or later for much of the summer. 

I’d suggest arriving at Bentonite an hour or two before sunset to scout out the right location for photos.

No matter what time of year, as long as Bentonite isn’t covered in snow, the sunset will beautifully illuminate the rainbow rings in the clay.

The GPS location for Bentonite Hills is:   38.412254120909765, -110.78372334805105

Drones are allowed, and provide amazing views:

Bentonite Hills Blog

Click here for everything you need to know about Bentonite!

MARS Desert Research Station

For easy directions to Bentonite Hills, on Google Maps, you can search for MARS Desert Research Station .    The environment here is said to be close to that of Mars. The government leases land here for various Mars simulations.

You’ll drive right by the MARS Desert Research Station on your way to Bentonite Hills.  It’s a quick trip down the dirt road.

You’ll turn off Highway 24 onto Cow Dung Road .  Don’t look for a sign – it’s not marked.  (Unfortunate, since that would be a great memento from the road trip!)

Again, I’d suggest arriving at Bentonite well before sunset, so you can plan your photography for “blue hour,” which is when the light really brings out the rich colors in the mountains.  

During daylight hours, Bentonite looks mostly reddish-orange.  The purples and blues reveal themselves around sunset, especially from above with a drone.

Despite Bentonite Hills’ new(ish) social media fame, it’s likely you’ll very few (if any) other people on your visit.

Tread lightly on the hills.  You’ll notice a crunchy topsoil, which is formed over the course of wet/dry cycles.

You should be able to walk in wash areas, and on already-worn trails.  People in Hanksville told us they’ve seen visitors slide down the striped hills, ruining their natural beauty, but we didn’t see any evidence (thankfully) on our visit.

Spend the night in Hanksville

Speaking of Hanksville, I’d recommend a stay at the Whispering Sands .  It’s a clean, convenient hotel.

I’d recommend Duke’s Slickrock Grill , for both the great hamburgers and friendly staff who are full of advice on visiting the sites in the area.

It’s open late, too, so you’ll still have time to eat after your sunset photos at Bentonite.

Utah Road Trip Day 2: Hanksville to Capitol Reef

Our Utah road trip itinerary continues with a VERY early morning.

Trust me: you need to get up early for this one.

Before Sunrise: Moonscape Overlook

You should aim to be at Moonscape Overlook well before sunrise.   The colors and shadows are amazing for the pre-sunrise glow hour.   As soon as the sun starts to peak above the landscape in the distance, it changes the experience.

GPS location for Moonscape Overlook:   38.45197598410084, -110.83801979553097

It’s a short drive from Hanksville.  You might see a few other people in the parking lot, and some people opt to camp in the area. We saw two other vehicles on our visit.

Moonscape Overlook is another site in this part of Utah where you’ll truly feel like you’re on a different planet.

Factory Butte

Nearby (and in my opinion, not as impressive) you’ll find Factory Butte, a large stand-alone sandstone mountain, surrounded by an area popular for off-roading.

GPS for Factory Butte:  38.43699155490701, -110.91327605314584

Since you got up before dawn, you’ll still have plenty of daylight left to continue on your road trip.

Capitol Reef National Park

We drove on to Capitol Reef National Park , which is only a half-hour drive west, down Highway 24 toward Torrey, Utah.

The afternoon was dedicated to Capitol Reef.  Again, you could camp here and spend days exploring the national park, but we were on a tight road trip schedule!

Capitol Reef is the only national park without an entrance fee, because the highway runs right through the park.   If you’d like to go deeper into the park, you’ll have to pay a fee for that.

Be aware: there’s no cell service at all here!   You might be able to connect to the weak WiFi at the visitor center (GPS:  38.2914220760231, -111.26203857308657 )

If you were disappointed to have missed Arches National Park, Capitol Reef has its own arch, just east of the visitor center.  Park in the lot for Hickman Natural Bridge, and hike in!   

It’s hot in the summer, so bring plenty of water!

Capitol Reef is also full of history , including remnants of its roots with Mormon settlers.   You’ll see old homes and a lot of old fruit trees, which they still use for pies and other products today.

By the time you’re done with Capitol Reef, you’ll need a rest!   I’d stay in Torrey on night two of the Utah road trip.

May I suggest The Wild Rabbit Cafe for breakfast? Five stars!

Utah Road Trip Day 3: Capitol Reef to Salt Lake City

From Torrey, it’s a 3-hour, 30-minute drive up to Salt Lake City.

You’ll pass other interesting things to stop and check out along the way, so the 200+ mile return drive will likely take longer to cover.

Wildflower Hike

It’s summer, so we’re veering east off the interstate in Salt Lake City toward Alta Ski Area .

The resorts along the canyons always have something going on, and when we were there in July it was primetime for wildflowers!

Aim for Catherine Pass Trail and the Albion Meadows Trail.   You’ll have to pay a $10 fee to enter the property. 

If the flowers are in bloom, you’ll spot sunflowers, lupine, Indian paintbrush, fireweed, and more!   If it’s not wildflower season, you’ll still enjoy a beautiful hike through lush, green hillsides to end your road trip.   

Spend the Night in SLC

In Salt Lake City, we stayed in the new Evo Hotel .   Evo renovated an old warehouse, leaving the historic beams and bricks alone, and incorporating them into the design. 

It’s a beautiful place, with a rooftop bar, and the biggest hotel gym I’ve ever seen.  

Add-Ons to the Utah Road Trip Itinerary

Moab is about 110 miles from Hanksville, which would add almost another two hours (each way) to our road trip.  If you have more extra days, it’s definitely worth the time!

It’s a base for both Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park.

If this is more of a spur-of-the-moment road trip, make sure you’ll be able to get into Arches.  They started a permit and reservation process, which grants a timed entry to cut down on traffic congestion.

Canyonlands is the largest National Park in Utah, but Arches and Zion seem to get all the glory.  It’s definitely worth a visit, if time permits!

Canyonlands is a 120-mile drive from Hanksville, so it’ll take you roughly two hours to get there from that point of our road trip.

On the return drive to Salt Lake City, I wish we had time to check out Red Hill Hot Springs near Monroe, or Meadow Hot Spring near Fillmore. 

They’re in my next Utah road trip itinerary!  

Little Blue Backpack

chase what's fun.

Destinations , Vacations , West Coast · June 18, 2021

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

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

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links that earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Who Should Go on a Southern Utah Road Trip?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where Does This Southern Utah Road Trip Itinerary Take Me?

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

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

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

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

How Can I Spend 7 Days in Utah?

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

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

The Best Southern Utah Road Trip Itinerary: One Week

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

Before Your Southern Utah Road Trip

Do your research.

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

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

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

Annual Park Pass

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

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

What to Pack for a Southern Utah Road Trip

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1: Travel Day

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

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

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

Pick Up Your Rental Car

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

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

Places to Stop between Las Vegas and Springdale

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

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

Where to Stay in Springdale, Utah

Best western plus (night 1/1).

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

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

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

Day 2: Zion National Park (East)

Hike: observation point via east mesa trail.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

* This Hike Takes 3-4 Hours *

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Hatch, Utah

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

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

Day 3: Bryce Canyon National Park

Hike: the figure 8.

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

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

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

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

Hike the Figure 8 Hike

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

*This Hike Takes 3-4 Hours*

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 4: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Hike: peekaboo gulch & spooky gulch slot canyons.

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

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

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

Hike Peekaboo Gulch + Spooky Gulch

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

*This Hike Takes 2-3 Hours*

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

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

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

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

Circle D Eatery

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

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

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

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

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

Day 5: Zion National Park (South)

Hike: rest day or your choice.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Zion Pizza & Noodle Co

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

Townhouse Airbnb (Night 1/2)

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

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

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

Day 6: Zion National Park (South)

Hike: the narrows.

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

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

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

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

Zion Shuttle Buses

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

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

Hike The Narrows

Shuttle bus stop 9: temple of sinawava.

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

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

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

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

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

Townhouse Airbnb (Night 2/2)

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

Day 7: Travel Day

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

Mix-and-Match + Additions

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

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

One Last Thought…

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

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

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

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

Happy travel! 🙂

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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Spontaneous 4 Day Utah Road Trip: a travel guide

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Summary: camping spots, hiking, National parks and more on this spontaneous Utah Road trip.

My friends and I had permits to Havasupai in Arizona…that is until the flash flooding that shut it down. It left us scrambling to figure out what the heck we were going to do with our plane tickets into Las Vegas. Luck obviously wasn’t on our side, so we weren’t about to hit up the Vegas Strip. So, why not wing it on a spontaneous Utah Road trip ?!

We created a loose itinerary a couple days before we left, having no idea this would end up being one of our favorite trips of the summer.

Thursday Night:

Arriving in Las Vegas late Thursday night, we grabbed our rental SUV and headed towards our first camping spot. We used this website to find free camping at Bureau of Land Management (BLM) sites.

We stayed at Leeds Canyon HERE .

At this point it was almost 2:00 am and we were exhausted. This put us a couple hours from Bryce Canyon the next morning. It was also one of my favorite sunrises of the trip.

1. Bryce Canyon National Park

I have been to Bryce Canyon National Park before and it is definitely one of my top 5 favorite national parks. Two of the four of us had never been to Bryce Canyon, so we made a stop at Inspiration Point to give them a taste of what Bryce Canyon was like. This viewpoint allows you to see expansive views of Bryce Canyon National Park and the various rock formations. We spent an hour here.

2. Zebra Slot Canyon

This was a contender for my favorite spot on our spontaneous Utah road trip. I had never spent time in the Grand Staircase- Escalante area and was excited to spend some time exploring – especially since Trump has downsized the National Monument.

This was a scorcher. I recommend doing this hike earlier in the morning to avoid some of the heat. Also, be prepared for the possibility of flooding. There was chest deep water in the canyon when we hiked in.

Along the trail, we passed a couple groups that were having trouble finding their way to the canyon. My group used the All Trails App to have access to a map/GPS while having no phone service. We spent roughly 4 hours total with the hike and time in the canyon.

Being in the heat drained us. We stopped at 4 th West Pub in Escalante where we had some delicious tacos. There was also a great Natural/organic grocery store called ‘Escalante Mercantile & Natural Grocery’ where we stocked up on healthy snacks for lunch earlier.

4. Camping 

We found a spot that was only a 15 minute drive from where we wanted to hike the next day and had expansive canyon views for the sunset. We enjoyed dinner, sunset, boxed wine and a fabulous star show. I believe this is the spot we camped at HERE .

1. Lower Calf Creek Falls

This was the crowd pleaser. A mild hike in of 5.5 miles with a 214-foot waterfall waiting for you at the end? Yes, please.  This was our first “shower” of the Utah Road trip. Lord knows we needed it. We hung out at the falls for a while and had some snacks. It began to get crowded as we were packing up to head back.

2. Capitol Reef Visitors Center.

We then made the gorgeous drive into Capitol Reef National Park . We hit up the Visitors Center to get maps and plan out our time there. We decided on the Temple of the Sun and Moon for night one and obtained backpacking permits for Cathedral Valley for the second night (that we didn’t end up using).

3. Gifford House

We drove a few minutes from the Visitors Center to a historic house in Fruita where we purchased an obnoxious amount of pickled foods. The apple orchards nearby are self-serve and you can eat any apples you want for free in the orchard.

4. Scenic Drive.

Yes, the road is called Scenic Drive . Named well. This is an out and back road that we spent a good hour on. The rock formations vary throughout the drive. Perfect Utah Road trip add on. Especially if it’s mid day and it is too hot to hike. 

5. Capitol Gorge Hike.

In search of water, we completed the Capitol Gorge hike (Located at the end of Scenic Drive) where we ended at some water pockets. Swimming was prohibited, and they were too nasty for it to be appealing anyway. It was a warm 4.5 mile hike with a lot of history as it was the gateway for pioneers. Petroglyphs were still visible from the pioneers etching their name and the year they came through.

When plans for Havasupai fall through due to flash flooding…just wing it with the best spontaneous Utah roadtrip with the best girls. Crew: Laura, Brenna, Rachel

6. Temple of the Sun and Moon.

Cathedral road was something wild. We thankfully rented a large SUV with decent clearance. This rough dirt road was loaded with potholes and obstacles.

The drive itself took at least an hour to get to the Temple of the Sun and Moon. Dispersed BLM camping is nearby. Because of the intensity of the drive, a lot of people go without seeing this part of Capitol Reef. This was my favorite night, and it happened to land on the Perseid Meteor shower, as we were conveniently in one of the darkest parts of the USA.

1. Sulphur Creek Trail.

Located right behind the visitor’s center, this was an easy 3-5ish mile hike (depending on how far you go). We hiked to the first waterfall and turned around and felt good about that.

Check with the visitor’s center for the  flash-flood risk before going out. It felt so good to hike in the creek as the desert was starting to get to us.

2. Mystic Hot Springs.

We were ready for water. We drove a couple hours to Monroe where we landed at the quirkiest hot spring spot. Bathtubs that are continuously filling full of hot springs water. $16 per person for the day. There were shower houses, so we were finally able to have a real shower. Cabins and camping are available at the hot springs, but we decided to get some miles under our belt and drove back to our first camp spot from Thursday night.

We held out until Maria’s Cocina in Beaver, Utah. It was a quirky restaurant located in an RV park. No alcohol, but we smashed some large quantities of very tasty Mexican food.

4. Camping.

We made it to our Thursday night camping spot in Leeds at dark, set up camp, and watched more of the meteor shower. We counted 40 shooting stars.

1. Breakfast

We drove into Saint George for a real breakfast. We grabbed food at The Egg & I Restaurant, which appeared to be a chain. It was perfect for what we needed.

2. The Narrows.

We hiked the Saint George Narrows. I shouldn’t say “hiked”. It was more of a drive up. We took our coffee while we checked out our last Utah nature spot before heading back to Vegas.

3. Las Vegas. Luxor Hotel & Casino

One of the group members were flying out the next morning and booked a room at the Luxor (as it was the cheapest she could find). This gave us access to a hotel room and a pool to hang out and relax in until our flights. We were all pretty worn out by this point and it felt great to soak and nap and watch Keeping up with the Kardashians haha.

Utah will always be one of my favorite States to visit. I have yet to go to Canyonlands, and will be back next May for a second attempt at Havasupai.

What are your favorite spots in Utah??

Click to see how my Havasupai trip went HERE

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Hello Miss Rover. I was trying to find the exact camping spot that you camped on the Thursday night (Leeds Canyon). I tried to click on the hyperlink you gave but it gave me a combination of campgrounds. But other hyperlinks were directly open the exact one except the Leeds. Thank you in advance and I really love your all your works!

Hey!! I believe this is the camping area we stayed at! I wish I would have saved the exact coordinates but this was years ago unfortunately. Let me know if this works: https://freecampsites.net/#!10015&query=sitedetails

Sounds like such a fun weekend! We’re going to be getting our carpets cleaned soon. Taking a trip to explore southern Utah while the carpets dry sounds like a perfect weekend! We’ll definitely check out some of the spots you visited, thanks for the great post!

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The Best Southern Utah Road Trip Itinerary You Will Find

This article will prepare you for an epic southern Utah road trip, one of the most fascinating landscapes on the planet. I lived in the desert Southwest for a few years and explored this incredible region up and down. 

What makes southern Utah so special? You’ll find out in this post, but it’s really the openness of the land and beauty of the colorful rock formations that form the desert floor. Barely anyone actually lives there, a testament to the harshness of the desert. 

Sandstone rocks of all shapes and sizes dominate the landscape and there are more canyons than humans in some parts. So buckle up and hit the road for one of the best road trips the USA has to offer!

Why Should I Listen to You? 

The main sites you will hit, southern utah road trip – the basics , day 1: las vegas to bryce canyon national park, day 2: bryce canyon to capitol reef national park, day 3: capitol reef to moab, day 4: arches national park , day 5: canyonlands national park, day 6: moab to monument valley , day 7: monument valley to page, az, day 8: page to zion national park, day 9: zion national park, day 10: zion to las vegas, southern utah road trip: faqs, southern utah road trip: the end.

Note: this article contains affiliate links, which means that should you purchase something or get a quote through them I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps keep the site running with up to date information. I do not represent GetYourGuide, Insubuy, Booking.com, or Rentalcars.com. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy the product mentioned in this article.

Anybody can write anything these days. Especially with travel blogs, where you can be an “expert” in something after one visit. But I lived in Las Vegas and extensively explored the desert southwest, so you can be sure you’re getting tips from a local.

While I no longer live in Vegas, my experiences during my time there led me to fall in love with southern Utah. I’ve been to all seven continents, over 60 countries, and southern Utah still remains one of my favorite places on earth. You will fall in love with it too after this road trip!

We will go through all the sites in detail in the itinerary below but let’s start with an outline of all the amazing places you’re going to see. On top of Utah’s 5 incredible national parks, you’ll be exploring some state parks and other landmarks. You’ll also dip into Arizona for a bit to see some of the most Instagrammable places in the US. 

National Parks:

• Bryce Canyon
• Capitol Reef
• Canyonlands
• Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

State Parks:

• Dead Horse 
• Valley of Fire (NV)

Other main attractions:

Monument Valley

• Valley of the Gods
• Antelope Canyon
• Horseshoe Bend (part of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area)

This road trip assumes you will start and end in fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada . Las Vegas is the gateway to the southwest and has some amazing natural wonders in its immediate vicinity. You could also start from Salt Lake City, UT or Flagstaff, AZ with a little extra driving. 

To car of campervan? That is the question! 

You will need your own vehicle for this road trip. It’s very easy to do the trip in a normal, 2-wheel-drive car. However, if you want to do some of the more difficult unpaved roads in Canyonlands or some of the other places you’ll need a 4×4. That being said, there’s really not a lot of time for off-road driving in this itinerary so a regular car is just fine. 

You can find the best deals on rental cars from Las Vegas here at rentalcars.com . 

You can also rent a campervan from one of the many providers in Las Vegas that cater to travelers like you.  Most of Utah allows freedom camping, meaning you can park really anywhere that is off the road and spend the night. So it’s a great place to drive a campervan around. The developed campsites in the national and state parks have excellent services though, so car camping is fairly easy. 

The landscape of southern Utah 

Southern Utah and Northern Arizona are classified as high desert. This means that you’re in the desert, but the elevation is actually pretty high. Most of this trip you’ll be over 4000 feet and you’ll get above 8000 in some places.

The landscape is barren and inhospitable. Red sandstone rocks are everywhere and vegetation is few and far between. The earth cracks here and there forming giant canyons every way you look, and distant snow-capped mountains form the background of many of your views.

It’s quite unlike anything else on earth. Not even Petra in Jordan or the Australian Outback can quite compare. 

Total mileage covered on the road trip

This road trip covers about 1200 miles and takes 20 hours over the course of 10 days. But that doesn’t count any side trips or any driving around the parks themselves. All in all plan on spending an average of about 2-3 hours a day in the car. 

Cost of the road trip 

How much does this southern Utah road trip cost? Well that’s entirely up to you and depends on where you want to stay and where you live. If you’re from Southern California you can avoid the flight to Vegas and the rental car by adding a few hundred miles to your road trip. If you’re from New York you’ve gotta fly and rent a car. 

This trip can also be really, really cheap if you camp instead of staying in hotels. Standard tent campsites at national and state parks in Utah will run you $20-$30 per night.

Want to stay in a hotel? Good luck finding something less than $200/night outside the national parks. And I mean like a La Quinta will cost you $200. If you want to stay somewhere nice, well, I hope you have a good job and make good money.

Airbnb has some options between these two extremes. If you’re looking for more like $100/night Airbnb can be a good option in Utah. 

Best time of year for a southern Utah road trip

You will ideally want to make this road trip in either spring or fall. Summer is possible, but southern Utah can get pretty damn hot in the summer and that can make camping uncomfortable.

Winter is also possible – and hotels will be much cheaper – but it can get pretty cold in the high desert in the middle of winter. Spring and fall offer great weather, long days (spring better than fall for that), and ideal conditions all around.  

National Park Pass

You will want the America the Beautiful Interagency Pass for this trip. This pass is more commonly known as the “national park pass” and gets you into any national park, monument, historical site, etc in the US for one year.

The pass, amazingly, still costs only $80 and seems to be inflation-proof. It’s been $80 since the 2000s (and for senior citizens it’s free!). The pass will pay for itself after visiting just three of the five national parks on this itinerary. 

The national park pass will not get you into state parks or parks on Navajo Nation land (i.e. Antelope Canyon and Monument Valley Tribal Park). Be sure to order it well over a month in advance of your trip, as it can take a while to arrive in the mail. 

Popularity and crowds

Make no mistake, the national parks in Utah are incredibly popular with Americans and international tourists alike. Zion and Arches are two of the most visited parks in the US, and you can reasonably expect to encounter massive crowds unless you go in the winter. If you plan on camping within the parks, you will have to reserve campsites months – possibly even up to a year – in advance. 

Of the parks you’ll visit, only Arches requires timed entry permits. This means you have to pre-book entry into the park and is done to control crowds and traffic. But there can still be major backups to get into the other parks. 

Capitol Reef is the anomaly, being much less visited than the other four. Outside the national parks, you probably won’t encounter too many crowds, though the other destinations on this itinerary are becoming more and more popular these days.  

Where to stay

As mentioned before, the cost of the trip varies greatly on whether you plan on camping or staying in hotels. If you do plan on camping, it’s best to download the Campendium app. It has every campsite in Utah mapped and tells you what type of campsite it is.

On top of the campsites in the national parks, there are tons of privately run campsites all over Utah as well as basic campsites in national forests. It even will tell you all the locations of dispersed camping, which is essentially just a flat area with no services that it’s free to camp. The app is vital for this road trip if you’re going to camp. 

If you’re staying in hotels there are quite a lot of options in Moab, Springdale, and Page, AZ but far less options between these main towns. You will want to book hotels in advance, but you don’t need to book months out like a national park campground. Each day of the itinerary below has detailed recommendations for hotels each night.

Travel insurance

Americans, you can skip this section. But if you are an international visitor it is vital that you have travel insurance for your trip to the States. The insurance must cover medical expenses.

If you don’t have medical insurance for your trip, you are putting yourself at risk of great financial consequences should you suffer an accident or have a medical emergency. We don’t have universal healthcare here in the US and an overnight hospital stay can easily cost $100,000 that you probably don’t have. 

Insubuy provides medical travel insurance for international visitors to the US. You can get a quote for travel insurance and book your coverage using the link below.

Get a great deal on travel insurance for the USA here .

The Perfect Southern Utah Desert Road Trip 

Without further ado let’s get into it! You can see a visual of the southern Utah road trip itinerary in the Google Maps view below to follow along with the text.

After an epic buffet breakfast at your Las Vegas hotel, it’s time to say goodbye to that hangover and hit the road. It’s about a four hour drive to Bryce Canyon National Park. Most of the 260 miles are on I-15, so you’ll be moving quickly today. Though once you exit just after Parowan, UT, you’ll wave goodbye to interstate highways. Other than a brief stint near Moab, you won’t see one again till you’re almost back to Las Vegas.

Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the most unique landscapes in the world. Sharp columns of red sandstone rocks – known as “hoodoos” – protrude from the earth like giant needles as the canyon descends from the cliff above.

Bryce Canyon itself is quite small, and if you arrive early in the afternoon you’ll have plenty of time for a hike down into the canyon to admire the hoodoos up close. But first, start with a short stop at the Visitor’s Center to learn a little more about the crazy geology of the area.

There are a few observation points along the canyon rim that are connected by a series of roads. Start by hitting all the viewpoints to find your favorite view of the canyon. When you’re satisfied with the incredible views, it’s time to hike into the canyon.

Park at the end of Sunrise Point Road and embark on a leisurely hike down into the canyons known as the Wall Street and Queen’s Garden Loop Trail. The hike is only a little more than 3 miles, but you’ll stop so many times to admire the hoodoos that it will take a while. 

End your day with dinner in the nearby village of Bryce to celebrate a great first day of the road trip.

Where to stay in Bryce

Camping: There are two campgrounds within the park, North Campground and Sunset Campground. North requires reservations from May 19 – Oct 7 and Sunset is always first come first served, but closed in winter. Tent sites are $20 per night per site. 

Mid Range: There are not a lot of options for hotels outside the park that are not expensive and not downright awful at the same time. Consider the Best Western PLUS Ruby’s Inn or Bryce Canyon Pines . 

High End: For the most comfortable stay, opt for a room at the Lodge at Bryce Canyon in the park. Don’t expect to find a room for under $300 though. Book well in advance. 

If you’re not too tired, wake up for sunrise over Bryce Canyon. Head back to the same sunrise viewpoint you were at yesterday and bask in the beauty. If you’re up for a morning hike, head into the canyon again to catch the morning sun on the hoodoos. 

It’s about a 2.5 hour drive on Utah’s back roads to Capitol Reef National Park with no stops, so allow about 3 hours. Plan to arrive in time for lunch at the Wild Rabbit Cafe just before the entrance to the park.  

Capitol Reef is by far the least visited of Utah’s five national parks. But while it doesn’t hold the same grandeur as the others, it’s still a beautiful region of red sandstone mountains and desolate canyons. If you’ve been to Petra in Jordan, the rock formations are pretty similar, just without the ancient Nabatean buildings carved into the cliffsides. 

There is one scenic drive in the park and it takes you about 10 miles off the main road to the south. It ends at Capital Gorge trailhead, the start of one of the most popular hikes in the park. It’s an easy walk through a gorge so plan on doing the full out and back Capitol Gorge hike in the afternoon. The rocks will help protect you from that desert sun if it’s a hot day. 

If you have time and you’re up for it you can also do the short Cassidy Arch trail on your way back to the main road. After catching the sunset, enjoy a relaxing night in one of the most underrated places in Utah. 

Where to stay at Capitol Reef

Camping: The Fruita campground in the park has 71 sites. The sites are $25/night and must be reserved in advance. 

Mid Range: The nearby town of Torrey has a few lodging options. The Broken Spur is your best bet for affordability if you want a bed to sleep in. 

High End: Cougar Ridge is where you want to stay if you’re looking for a little luxury. 

Take it easy this morning and sleep in. Take your time packing up and hit the road for Moab, Utah’s desert playground. It’s another 2.5 hours drive to Moab.

Spend the afternoon exploring the little city of Moab, which is full of shops where you can buy local arts and crafts. As much as you’re itching to get to Arches, don’t even bother in the middle of the afternoon. It will just be too crowded. 

If you want an afternoon adventure consider a river rafting tour with Moab Adventure Center . If not, take it easy and check into your hotel or campground. 

As evening sets in, the day trippers to Arches leave. This is when you’ll enter. Between April and October Arches requires timed entry passes – since it can get so ridiculously busy – but those are only required between 7 AM and 4 PM. Following this plan here, you won’t need to get a timed entry pass, as you’ll enter after 4 PM today and before 7 AM tomorrow. 

Depending on what time of year it is and when sunset is, you might want to grab dinner in the city first. Make sure to get to the park at least an hour before sunset. Golden Hour in Arches National Park is simply stunning.

The rocks appear shades of orange and red that you didn’t even know existed. Watch the sunset over this magical landscape of giant rock bridges, but don’t stay up too late, because you have an early morning tomorrow. 

Set your alarm for 2 hours before sunrise – yes that’s right 2 hours before sunrise. If you’re visiting in June that’s 4 AM. So better get to bed. 

Where to stay in Moab

Camping: There are literally dozens of independent campsites in and around Moab. There is one campground in Arches National Park and two small campgrounds in Canyonlands. All sites require reservations, however for the campsites outside the parks it’s possible to just show up and book something.  

Mid Range: There are many options in Moab for motels and mid-range hotels, like the Red Stone Inn . 

High End: At the north end of town you’ll find the Springhill Suites by Marriott and the Hyatt Place Moab . I stayed at the Hyatt Place on my most recent trip to Moab and had a lovely stay. 

You’ll awake well before the crack of dawn for one reason and that is to be the first person at Delicate Arch, the most iconic landmark in the park and one of the most iconic places in the United States. 

The Delicate Arch Trail parking lot is about a 30-minute drive from central Moab. Get to the parking lot no later than one hour before sunrise. It will be dark and you’ll need a headlamp or a flashlight for the hike. The Delicate Arch hike itself is pretty relaxed, about 1.6 miles with a mild elevation gain. It should take no more than 45 minutes but a half hour or so if you’re fit. 

You’ll arrive at Delicate Arch right as the sky starts to get light. Relax and watch the sunrise over the arch, one of the highlights of your trip! Just note that to get the famous photo under Delicate Arch, you will have to wait in line. 

Spend the rest of the day exploring Arches National Park. There are many other trails to hike and viewpoints to observe. It’s one of America’s treasures and you’ll want to soak up every last bit of it that you can. 

Spend the night in Moab again. If you like Thai food, be sure to check out Arches Thai just off the main road. 

Today is for canyons. Start the morning by driving about 45 minutes into the northern unit of Canyonlands National Park (there are three separate sections of the park), known as Island in the Sky. 

Canyonlands is mostly known for its collection of epic canyons, mesas, buttes, arches and other rock formations, as well as endless miles of hiking trails and 4×4 roads.

Depending on how much hiking you want to do, getting down to the bottom of one of the canyons can be your goal for the day. A great trail to get into the canyons is the Gooseberry Trail, which drops you about 1500 feet into the canyon before you climb your way back out. 

Be sure to drive the entire length of the paved road down to Grand View Point, stopping at all the other viewpoints on the way. Many viewpoints require short walks along the canyon rim to get to, so you’ll have plenty of time outside the car. 

There are no restaurants or shops in the park so be sure to pack your lunch with you. On your way back to Moab stop at Dead Horse State Park for some epic views – some would say even better than Canyonlands – of the Colorado river as it snakes through the canyons.

Since Dead Horse is a Utah state park you’ll have to pay $20 per vehicle for access. The park is considerably smaller than Canyonlands and there are not many trails, so you really only need less than an hour in Dead Horse to appreciate it. 

Last night in Moab. If you’re a fan of craft beer check out the Moab Brewery on the south side of town. The food is nothing to rave about, but decent pub fare for the middle of the desert.

Today is a choose your own adventure day. There is a lot of good stuff to see between Moab and Monument Valley and it depends on how ambitious you want to be. If you want to hit the Needles District of Canyonlands (the south unit), you’ll want to leave Moab before 7 AM. It’s about a 2-hour drive to the best part of the Needles District, and over an hour of that is off the highway – I.e. out of your way. 

If you do go there though, you’ll be oohed and aahed by the needle-like rock formations. They are different from the hoodoos in Bryce Canyon, more pancake-like with different layers. This part of Canyonlands looks nothing like the Island in the Sky district you were at yesterday. 

Valley of the Gods and Goosenecks State Park

If going out of the way like that is a bit too much then your first stop of the day will be Valley of the Gods, about 2.5 hours south of Moab between Bluff and Mexican Hat. Valley of the Gods is a small valley between high plateaus that has some buttes and other interesting rocks. It’s kind of like a baby Monument Valley. 

There’s a dirt road that forms a loop that spits you out on a side road. The drive will take you about an hour total, including stops. A 2WD drive vehicle is adequate, so long as you don’t mind the car getting a bit dirty. The best thing about Valley of the Gods is that it is not super popular so you will have some solitude. 

Just south of Valley of the Gods you’ll stop by Goosenecks State Park. This is another Utah state park that is worth visiting just to look at the San Juan river “gooseneck” though the canyon. Visiting the park will take no more than a half hour and can literally be done in a few minutes. Admire the views from above the canyon, then continue your drive south. 

After you pass Mexican Hat, a town named after a rock that looks like a sombrero, you’re officially in Monument Valley, one of the most unique places on the planet. The region is essentially a relatively flat high desert with giant sandstone rock buttes that stick out of the desert floor. 

For fans of the movie Forrest Gump, it’s important to stop by Forrest Gump Point to take a photo of yourself running on the road like Forrest did in the movie. From there you’ll head south into Oljato-Monument Valley, what can only be described as a tiny village of a few houses and a grocery store. You’re in Navajo Nation here, a sovereign Native American land. 

The Navajo Nation owns and operates Monument Valley Tribal Park, which is just across the state border in Arizona and contains the most spectacular collection of rock formations in Monument Valley. If you’re there early enough, hit the tribal park before the day is over. If not, you can do it in the morning before heading out. 

There’s only one restaurant in Monument Valley and that’s the Stagecoach Restaurant at Goulding’s Lodge. Many accommodations will come with a kitchen for you to cook yourself though. 

WHERE TO STAY IN MONUMENT VALLEY

Camping: Monument Valley KOA has plenty of sites for your camping needs. Tent sites are not cheap though, at about $60 per night per night. Goulding’s – the only hotel in town – also operates a campsite near their hotel. 

Mid Range: There are only two hotels in town, Gouldings and The View Hotel , the latter which is run by the Navajo Nation at the entrance to Monument Valley Tribal Park. They are no frills accommodations, but they’re not exactly cheap. 

High End: There are various other cabins and Airbnbs available in the region, but nothing really “luxury.”

If you didn’t make it to Monument Valley Tribal Park yesterday, time to hit it this morning. If you did, then you can get going and head towards Page, Arizona, home to some of the most famous sites in the Southwest. You’ll actually be in Arizona all day today, so technically this road trip is not entirely in southern Utah. 

It’s a two hour drive to Page, home to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. Antelope Canyon is a narrow slot canyon with beautiful red colors that has become famous in the Instagram Age. In order to visit Antelope Canyon you must book an organized tour. It is not possible to visit on your own, as the Navajo Nation forbids that.

There are numerous tour operators and you can check out various Antelope Canyon tours on getyourguide here .

After lunch in Page, head to Horseshoe Bend just outside of town. Horseshoe Bend is one of the most iconic locations on the Colorado River and is located in Glen Canyon Recreation Area, which is managed by the National Park Service.

Your national park pass covers Glen Canyon, but the city of Page charges extra for parking at Horseshoe Bend. It’s only about a 20-minute walk from the parking lot to the canyon, so you don’t need too much time there. Horseshoe Bend is an amazing place to watch the sunset though, should you wish to come here for that instead.  

With the rest of your afternoon you can check out Wahweap Bay in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, though you probably won’t have time to get out on a boat. There are also some neat views of the Glen Canyon Dam on the bridge over the river. End the day with some excellent Mexican food at Fiesta Mexicana. 

Where to stay in Page, AZ

Camping: There are numerous campsites in and around Page. Within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area the biggest campsite is Lake Powell Wahweap Marina RV Park and Campground .

Mid Range: There are plenty of mid-range hotels in Page, as the town is really catered to tourists. The Best Western View of Lake Powell is a good option, and where we stayed when we were in town.  

High End: There is a Hyatt Place and a Courtyard by Marriott in Page, but nothing that is overly luxurious. 

Today you’ll head back into Utah to visit Zion National Park, one of the most beautiful places in the United States. It’s only about a 2.5 hour drive from Page, but you also have the option today to catch a glimpse of the Grand Canyon.

If you don’t think you’ll be coming back to the American Southwest any time soon, it’s worth it to add three hours onto your day to see the Grand Canyon. 

The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is far less visited than the South Rim, where just about everyone goes. This makes it less crowded, but it’s also much less developed and there is only one viewpoint. It’s also closed yearly from Dec 1 to May 15, so don’t drive all the way there just for it to be closed. 

If you choose the Grand Canyon option, you won’t get to Zion till late in the afternoon most likely. If you’re heading straight from Page, however, you can be there before lunch. With nearly two day in the park you’ll have sufficient time to explore the entire region and go on numerous hikes.

You’ll enter the park from the east entrance, which takes you on a stunning scenic drive through insane red, orange, and white rock formations. This is the only part of the park that you can drive yourself, with the exception of Kolob Canyons, which is a completely separate section of the park not connected by road to the main park. 

The main park road is limited to the Zion shuttle service. You’ll park your car at the visitors center in Springdale and hop on the shuttle from there. It’s first come, first served, and on busy summer days you can expect to have to wait to board the shuttle. 

What to do in Zion

There are endless things to do in Zion National Park and we can’t describe them all in detail here. Spend the afternoon hitting some of the main spots on the Zion Canyon Road and stopping for a few short hikes. Some short hikes to consider:

• Zion Narrows Riverside Walk 
• Emerald Pools Trail
• Lower Emerald Pools Trail
• Kayenta Trail
• Court of the Patriarchs

There are many other viewpoints you’ll see on the side of the road so it never hurts to hop off the shuttle and explore. For sunset, head to Zion Canyon Overlooks Trail on the road leading back to the east entrance. It’s only about a half mile to the viewpoint and it’s mostly flat.

Where to stay in Zion National Park

Camping: There are three designated campsites within Zion National Park. Reserve campsites well in advance. 

Mid Range: There are mid-range holes in Springdale, UT, but they don’t have mid-range prices. Hope you don’t mind paying $300/night for a Holiday Inn Express . If that sounds crazy to you, check options in nearby Hurricane, UT .  

High End: Unlike most of the other stops on this road trip, you can really live in luxury outside of Zion if you want to. Check out LaFave Luxury Rentals , the Cable Mountain Lodge , or the Cliffrose Springdale by Hilton . 

Another day in Zion National Park. If you’re an avid hiker today is your day. And if you’re not an avid hiker, today is the day you become one. There are a few famous hikes in the park. The most notable is the Angels Landing hike, with the Zion Narrows hike being a close second. Both of these hikes require planning. Angels Landing requires permits , as it got so popular in recent years that it became unsafe. 

Zion Narrows is a hike through a narrow gorge with thousand-foot cliffs on either side. The catch here is that most of the hike is on a riverbed and you’re pretty much guaranteed to get your feet wet at some point. It takes careful planning, as after heavy rains the water level can be too high. 

If all that sounds a little daunting then you can opt for my personal favorite hike in the park: Observation Point. Unfortunately the main trail to Observation Point has been closed since 2019 due to a major rockfall.

To reach the viewpoint, you’ll have to drive about 45 minutes to the East Mesa Trailhead and hike about 9 miles round trip from there. It’s worth it, though. The view from up Observation Point is the best view in Utah. 

Your big hike will take up most of the day. Spend the rest of your day stopping at any other viewpoints you want to hit. If a big, strenuous hike doesn’t sound too appealing after a week of desert hiking, consider checking out the other region of Zion, Kolob Canyons, which is about an hour drive from Springdale. 

The final day of the road trip. You’ve seen plenty of Zion National Park and now it’s time to head back to Las Vegas. It’s only about a 2.5 hour drive back to Vegas, but you’ll be stopping in Nevada’s Valley of Fire State Park along the way. 

Valley of Fire is one of the most underrated places in the desert Southwest. The park contains a collection of unique sandstone rock formations. By now you’ve seen a ton of red rocks, but Valley of Fire is special.

While it is certainly loaded with fabulous red rocks, the park contains some of the most colorful sandstone rocks you’ll ever see. Shades of pink, purple, yellow, green, and white rocks dot the landscape. It’s something that you really have to see to believe. 

Spend a solid 4-5 hours in Valley of Fire, stopping at all the viewpoints and doing a few short walks. The best hike in the park is the White Domes Fire Wave trail at the end of the park road. This hike covers about 3 miles through slot canyons and over the colorful rocks I just mentioned. The trail is a bit hard to follow so it’s useful to have AllTrails or Maps.me loaded on your phone for the hike.

Before leaving, be sure to stop at this spot along Mouse Tank Road for the most famous mountain view in Nevada. The road winding through the red rock cliffs with the mountains in the background is truly a sight to behold! From the viewpoint it’s about a 75-minute drive back to Las Vegas, where you can indulge in whatever sort of debauchery your heart desires to celebrate an amazing road trip through southern Utah!

You can read more about Valley of Fire in my guide to the natural side of Las Vegas here .

If you have more time in Vegas consider adding on a day trip to Death Valley National Park in Southern California. Death Valley is a whole different landscape than you’ll see in Utah and one of the most underrated national parks in the US . It’s a 2 hour drive from Las Vegas and east to see the highlights in one day. 

What is the best time of year to visit southern Utah?

The best time of year to visit southern Utah is either spring or fall. This allows for pleasant days while avoiding the summer heat and crowds. Winter can be nice too, but the Moab Desert is often covered in snow and higher elevation places like Bryce Canyon can be difficult to access due to heavy snowfall.

What is the prettiest area of Utah?

The prettiest area of Utah is open to interpretation and could be just about anywhere! The entire state is stunning, from the alpine mountains in the north to the Moab Desert in the south. For many people, the uniqueness of the landscapes in the national parks like Zion and Arches make those the prettiest.

What is the most beautiful park in Utah?

The most beautiful part in Utah from top to bottom is open to debate. Most consider either Zion or Bryce Canyon the most beautiful parks, with Arches and Canyonlands trailing close behind. Capitol Reef is often the afterthought, though in any other state it would be possibly the most beautiful place in the state.

Should I go on a road trip through Utah?

Yes, you absolutely should go on a road trip through Utah! From top to bottom Utah is one of the most, if not the most, beautiful states in the United States and features some of the most impressive and unique landscapes on the planet. Anyone who loves nature and the outdoors will love Utah.

How to see all 5 national parks in Utah?

The easiest way to see all 5 of Utah’s national parks is to drive between them. The closest major airports are Las Vegas or Salt Lake City. Though it’s also possible from Phoenix and a few other smaller regional airports in Utah, Colorado, and Arizona.

That was an epic trip, wasn’t it? You’ve seen the very best that the southwestern United States has to offer on this epic southern Utah road trip. The only downside of this trip is that you’re going to have such an amazing time that returning to your everyday life might be too difficult to handle! 

Chris Heckmann

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Incredible article with all the details I was seeking for planning our trip to Utah from Canada. I can’t thank you enough sharing! We’ve been wondering about driving or camping, where to start, what’s the best stops, etc. and you covered it all. Amazing!

Thanks Candice! Hope you guys enjoy Utah, it really is the best. Feel free to contact me if you have more questions.

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In total, Utah’s distinct topography provides the surface for 28 scenic byways, which add up to hundreds of miles of vivid travel experiences wherein the road trip is as memorable as the destination.

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Boulder Mountain

La Sal Mountains Highway 191

A mountainous, snow-capped backdrop sets downtown Salt Lake City apart.

Salt Lake City

Photo: Rosie Serago

The Complete Arches Trip

Discover a new side of Arches National Park with this four day itinerary. Start exploring the hidden gems in the Arches region today.

Hiking, Scenic Drives/Road Trips

The Complete Bryce Canyon Trip

Planning a trip to Bryce Canyon National Park? Explore these local-favorite destinations in the Bryce Canyon region to make the most of your trip!

The Complete Canyonlands Trip

The Canyonlands Region of Utah combines the best of the Moab area's easy proximity to Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park's most accessible district with some of the United State's most remote and culturally significant landscapes.

The Complete Capitol Reef Trip

Planning a trip to Capitol Reef National Park? Explore these local-favorite destinations in the Capitol Reef region to make the most of your trip!

The Complete Zion Trip

Tucked into the southwest corner of Utah, Zion National Park is the centerpiece for a 6-day red-rock vacation that includes a little bit of everything that makes the state such a marvel to experience.

Ghost Towns, Hiking, Scenic Drives/Road Trips

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A Quick Guide to the Bonneville Salt Flats

Written By Matcha

Here's everything you need to know to visit and plan for Salt Lake City's nearby Bonneville Salt Flats.

A Van Lifer’s Guide to Responsible Travel in Southern Utah

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When Utah’s dirt roads are calling you, it’s time to plan your van life road trip. Here’s what you need to know to travel safely, support Utah’s rural communities, and help preserve the delicate desert landscapes.

A Visitor's Guide to Zion's Kolob Canyons

In the Kolob Canyons section of Zion National Park, you’ll find a scenic wonderland with an adventure for everyone. Learn more about this unforgettable attraction and plan a visit.

Ancient Pictographs, Petroglyphs and Timeless Mysteries

Exploring Horseshoe Canyon isn’t for everyone. First of all, the effort to get there is an adventure in itself, but those efforts make the reward — namely, the chance to see up close some of the most significant pictograph panels in North America — even more noteworthy.

Arrive by Train

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Follow author Tim Sullivan and his eight-year-old daughter as they travel by train, bus and bike on a "pilgrimage" to Golden Spike National Historic Site.

Boomer Travel: 76 Hours in Moab

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Moab, Utah is a prime destination for Baby Boomer travel. Check out our specially-designed itinerary and plan your visit!

Chasing John Wesley Powell: Six Places to Explore Utah's Green and Colorado Rivers

Written By Heather May

One hundred and fifty years ago a one-armed Civil War veteran set off with nine mountain men on a scientific expedition to map one of the last blank spaces left on the U.S. map: The Green and Colorado rivers. Much of the river remains wild today. Follow Powell's journey here.

Hidden Secrets of the Jurassic National Monument's Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry

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The Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry of Jurassic National Monument is an opportunity to learn about prehistoric animals and see a working archaeologists’ dig.

Hole N'' the Rock

Your road trip in Moab might call for a stopover at the famous Hole N” The Rock.

Kiva Koffeehouse

Kiva Koffeehouse is a welcome stop for fresh food and espresso tucked on a hillside down a dirt driveway near milepost 73 on the scenic byway.

Mesa Farm Market

Best local shops and healthy eats near Moab and Capitol Reef. Try the goat cheese!

Moonscapes, Marscapes and More

If you want to know what Mars looks like — then the dramatic terrain of Capitol Reef National Park and the surrounding lands are a good place to start.

Movies Filmed in Utah: Plotting a Cinematic Drive-Through

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Follow a Germany-based film enthusiast on an extended road trip to discover the rich history of Utah cinematography.

Reef Walking, Petroglyphs and Bones

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Check out the world’s densest concentration of dinosaur bones at Cleveland Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry and explore other prehistoric wonders around Utah.

Riding the Arapeen OHV Trail of Central Utah

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Roaming Grand Staircase–Escalante

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San Rafael Swell Throughout the Seasons: 4 Reasons to Visit

From narrow slot canyons to grand sweeping vistas, sandstone plateaus to meandering rivers, San Rafael Country and the San Rafael Swell are home to some of the most spectacular scenery in Utah.

See the Fall Leaves Near Utah's National Parks

Sure, any of Utah’s Mighty 5 national parks are spectacular year round — covered in snow, peppered with spring wildflowers, and baked in sunshine. But find them exponentially special when the changing fall leaves are in juxtaposition to the immaculate red rock cliffs.

Serenity Found in Torrey and Capitol Reef’s Cathedral Valley District

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The All-American Road: Scenic Byway 12

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This is 122.863 miles (to be exact) of pure driving bliss. Welcome to Utah’s Scenic Byway 12, a designated All-American Road.

The Story of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

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Touring the Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway

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Discover dinosaurs in Utah. The Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway is one of the best places to see dinosaurs in Utah.

Utah’s Unexpected Pit Stops

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You’re doing it wrong if you think road trip pit stops are boring layovers on your way to more exciting destinations. How many of these hidden gems have you been to? Here are 11 mini-adventures to check off your list next time you’re road-tripping through Utah.

Winter Wonders in Greater Zion

As you’re mapping out your winter trip through southeastern Utah, consider adding the following parks and natural wonders to your itinerary.

Year-round Vibrance on the Nebo Loop Byway

A National Scenic Byway that Enchants at High Elevations, by Road or Trail

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This 10-Day Road Trip Through Utah Is a Hiker’s Dream

Slot canyons, auburn cliffs, alpine lakes, and more: you can experience the best utah has to offer on this 10-day road trip just for hikers..

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Utah is a land of hiking wonders. Within its borders, mountain peaks tower into the expansive blue sky, golden dunes shift in the wind, and rock sculptures and slot canyons become mesmerizing works of art.

Most visitors to the state unfortunately tend to stick to one route that ping-pongs between five national parks. And while destinations like Capitol Reef, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, and Arches are indeed worth the trip, there’s so much more to discover in the Beehive State.

So pack your backpack, dust off your tent, and hit the road for a road trip you won’t forget, complete with challenging dayhikes that can often be turned to overnighters, quiet campsites, and all the beauty you expect from such a geographically diverse state. Here is our itinerary for a seven-to-10-day hiker’s road trip through Utah .

First Stop: Ben Lomond

Camp: north fork campground, eden.

Sites at North Fork Park are first come, first serve (except for group sites, which require reservations ). There are fire pits, toilets, and running water at or near all of the 132 available sites that are scattered around the park—many of which are flanked by leafy deciduous trees. This campground not only offers a relaxing place to overnight before or after your hike, but also impressive views of the surrounding Wasatch mountains. Sites cost $30 per night for up to eight people. Read more about the campground here.

Hike: Ben Lomond via Cutler Trail, 9.4 miles

The trailhead for this steep, challenging hike is just a few minutes drive from your North Fork campsite. At 9.4 miles, the hike might not sound too intimidating, but this out-and-back trail is all uphill (for just over 3,600 feet), then all back down again, so don’t forget your trekking poles. Along the way you’ll get big views of surrounding peaks, including Mt. Ogden, soft valleys, rocky climbs, and emerald pines, plus rainbows of wildflowers in the spring. Much of the trail is exposed, but boy is it a sight to behold.

Second Stop: Mt. Timpanogos

Camp: mt. timpanogos campground, provo.

Located right off of State Route 92 (also known as the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway), this Provo campground is home to hundreds of aspen and fir trees. There are toilets, but no water or trash collection on site, so come prepared to leave no trace. Only 27 sites exist in this campground, so weekends can get crowded, and sites are first come, first serve from May 31 to June 7 in 2024, but stays on or after June 7 are reservable in advance on recreation.gov ($25 plus a reservation fee and taxes). The trailhead is mere steps away, meaning that early a.m. start or late finish won’t require any commute or parking stress.

Hike: Mt. Timpanogos Trail, 13.9 miles

Located in Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest , this lengthy and often steep hike (expect close to 4,900 feet of elevation gain) can either be done as a dayhike if you manage to get an early start or as an overnight if you’d prefer to take your time and pitch a tent alongside one of the picture-perfect alpine lakes. On your way to the top, expect plenty of switchbacks, stream crossings, a waterfall, and maybe even a mountain goat or two if you’re lucky. You’ll hike past aptly named Emerald Lake and be treated to deep and wide views of the surrounding Wasatch mountains. During shoulder seasons, bring spikes as the summit—located at 11,749 feet—sees snow well before lower elevations and hangs onto it longer.

Third Stop: San Rafael Swell, Little Wild Horse Canyon

Camp: dispersed blm camping, hanksville.

From the Provo area, head south toward the San Rafael Swell and Goblin Valley State Park. But just before you get to the entrance station of the state park, turn east onto Wild Horse Road to stay in the Swell. There are several free dispersed BLM camping areas that are easily accessible without 4WD (no services) along the road leading to the trailhead parking lot, many of which are marked with informational signs and that offer very convenient—if fairly exposed—places to pitch your tent and relax post-hike. When camping in BLM lands, always leave no trace and pack out what you packed in.

Hike: Little Wild Horse Canyon and Bell Canyon Loop, 8.1 miles

Little Wild Horse Canyon, in conjunction with Bell Canyon, offers a scenic, 8-mile loop through slot canyons, along washes, and below colorful rock structures that rise to meet the clouds on every side. The whole hike will take between four to five hours to complete, leaving enough time to explore Goblin Valley State Park, too, if you’re feeling energetic. Or take your time and enjoy the unique photo ops between the frequently narrow canyon walls.

Fourth Stop: Bryce Canyon National Park, Riggs Spring Loop

Camp: dispersed camping, bryce canyon city.

From the Swell, travel south. (Take Route 12 for a very minor but extremely picturesque scenic detour through the pines and aspens of Dixie National Forest, above and through epic and expansive rocky canyons, and past dozens of dayhike options.) Once you reach Bryce Canyon, you can check out Sunset Campground within the park, but there are also at least half a dozen dispersed camping options nearby, including John’s Valley and Tom’s Best Spring, which offer free sites sans services. 

Hike: Riggs Spring Loop, 8.6 miles

Start at Rainbow Point at the very end of Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive to hike this banger of a trail full of views that will have you stopping to marvel at the landscape far more often than you ever thought possible. You’ll hike through a bit of pine forest, but mostly alongside majestic red-streaked cliffs, towering hoodoos, and expansive tree-carpeted valleys. Designated campgrounds are scattered along the trail, so if you want to split the hike into a multi-day adventure, you can ( permits required ).

Additional Recommendations:

Looking for more places to explore while you’re in Utah? These areas offer even more stunning views and experiences.

• Devil’s Garden Trail, Arches National Park : This 8-mile trail offers some challenging terrain and impressive views of less-visited arches throughout the national park.
• Death Hollow and Escalante River Trail, Box-Death Hollow Wilderness : For a 35-plus-mile hike that wends between canyons, along the river, and over rock formations, this challenging multi-day trail won’t disappoint.
• Navajo Lake Loop, Dixie National Forest : Hike around the lake among aspens and pines for 8.6 miles over an afternoon or make an overnight of it.
• Escalante, Utah : Stop in the town of Escalante on Route 12 for coffee and to stock up on supplies at Utah Canyon Outdoors and indulge in freshly made pizza at Escalante Mercantile.

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Traveling The World Through Nature

The perfect 4 day southern utah road trip itinerary.

Every year millions of visitors explore the natural beauty that Utah has to offer. The vast landscape has many different types of geographic structures depending upon the region you are in. Utah is renowned for the “Mighty 5,” which are the 5 national parks that the state offers. All the parks are amazing and should be on your list to see, however they are not all located next to each other.

If you’re limited on time, consider this great southern Utah road trip itinerary, which lets you visit 2 of the 5 national parks that comprise the Mighty 5, along with a state park that many people often choose to skip.

The Perfect Time to Head on a Southern Utah Road Trip

I would argue that this itinerary could work year-round, however the winter months can make some of the trails in the following destinations inaccessible due to snow and cold temperatures.

The best time to visit is between late spring and early fall, this is also the time that most tourist flock to the southern region of Utah. Holiday weekends can be some of the worst time for traffic and trails can be heavily crowded.

If you can be flexible with time, I would suggest going on the shoulder seasons. The shoulder seasons are early May and October and early November. These months offer perfect hiking temperatures during the day with it cooling off at night (perfect for campfires). You are also a lot less likely to deal with crowds and it will feel less chaotic.

Southern Utah Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1 - southern utah road trip itinerary.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park is a great destination to start your southern Utah road trip at. This park is great for everyone from families just looking to hang out to adventure seekers that want to conquer some of the most popular hikes in the world.

The park is full of trails that will allow you to see so many different types of landscape.

To start the day take the shuttle to the Zion Lodge and get off. From here you will be able to do your first hike of the day, the Emerald Pools. You have a few options, there is the lower, middle, and upper Emerald Pools. Each hike has varying difficulty and length. I would suggest doing either the lower or middle Emerald Pool. Depending upon the time of year you are visiting the pools may have little to no water, this is okay! The hike is still worth it to see the amazing structure. This hike should only take an hour or so.

Once you have finished and are back at the lodge get back on the shuttle and head upwards, you are going to want to get off at stop #6, the Grotto. This is where you will start the ascent to Angels Landing, one of the most well known hikes in Zion National Park and a must do on a Southern Utah road trip. Make sure you are prepared for this hike with plenty of water and snacks. It is 5 mile hike round-trip with steep inclines and a chain section at the top. This trail is heavily trafficked, so do not be shocked to see many others. It takes around 4 to 5 hours to complete to do this hike.

Once you’re back down its time to head back to your accommodations, but first stop at the Zion National Park Visitor Center. It has a lot of interesting history about the back.

Day 2 - Southern Utah Road Trip Itinerary

Zion National Park 

For the second day at Zion National Park, you will want to get up early and take the shuttle to the last stop where you will be at the start of “The Narrows”, one of the most iconic hikes that can be found in the park. I have also published a in-depth guide to hiking The Narrows , but here are a few quick tips;

• The bus ride will take longer than you think, about 45 minutes to the top.
• Rental gear is overpriced and not noncapillary needed.
• Pack plenty of snacks because you will use a lot of energy hiking up stream.

This hike will most likely take you all day! So be prepared to spend your time wading through water. At the beginning of the hike, you can expect it to be very crowded, but as you proceed farther up, you are less likely to encounter people.

When coming back down, you’ll likely be exhausted. However, if you still have the energy, another hike is a must. Canyon Overlook Trail is a one mile hike that is outside of the valley. It offers stunning views looking into Zion National Park.

Accommodations Near Zion National Park

There are plenty of accommodation options when visiting Zion National Park during your Southern Utah road trip. Most people, myself include would like to stay within Zion National Park. There are a few campsite options , or even the Zion Lodge that you can stay in. Both of these are popular and will fill up fast during the busy season, so grab a reservation as soon as you can.

If you are wanting to stay outside the park or the reservations are full there is the town of Springdale. Located just minutes from the entrance there are plenty of hotels, inns, and even a few campgrounds. If you are a points member the Springhill Suites by Marriot is a great option.

Day 3 - Southern Utah Road Trip Itinerary

Coral Pink Sand Dune State Park

[Drive Time: 35 minutes /28 miles]

Located just 35 minutes from Zion National Park is Coral Pink Sand Dune State Park. This is a destination that you might not have heard of before, at least I had never heard of it. I discovered the park by mistake, when I was driving, I happened to notice a sign saying only 5 miles to the park entrance. I decided I would stop and check out the park and visit for a little bit, I ended up spending the rest of my day here.

The park features sand dunes covered in stunning pink-toned sand that will leave you in awe, both figuratively and literally. The hike to the top of these sand dunes can be strenuous, especially in the heat. Prepare to allocate more time here than you initially think you’ll need.

Make sure to take advantage of all the fun activities you can do here, one of my favorites is sandboarding. This is a rare activity to find in the United States and there are not many other places that you are able to do this in.

While there are not many designated hiking trails, there are plenty of dunes to roam around in, or even ATV if you are up for it.

Overshadowed by both Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park this is a hidden gem that must be on your road trip itinerary.

Accommodations Near Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

There is a campground located at the Coral Pink Sand Dunes which is nice, however there is not too many other accommodations nearby. If you are planning on trying to stay at a hotel, continue up towards Bryce Canyon National Park as this will be the destination for Day 4.

Day 4 - Southern Utah Road Trip Itinerary

Bryce Canyon National Park

[1 hour 30 minutes/74 miles]

Bryce Canyon National Park is a relatively small National Park, however, do not let the size fool you because it is full of beautiful trails. This is a great destination to end your southern Utah road trip on because the hikes are mellow and not as strenuous.

These giant red-orange hoodoos will have you staring in awe, especially during sunrise or sunset.

If you are a morning riser plan on starting your day early by heading to sunrise point. The sunrise will give you the perfect picture opportunities, during the shoulder months it can be quite cold so dress warm.

Once the sun has risen and you are ready to start your day plan on hiking the Navajo Loop and Queen Garden Trail. This hike will take you down over 500 feet into the canyon below. This is one of the most common hikes because of the hoodoos. While hiking, you’ll witness the progression of how a hoodoo forms. This hike starts and Sunrise Point and ends at Sunset Point, and takes about 3 hours to complete.

From here you will then drive out of the park and head to do Mossy Cave Trail. This trail is on the shorter side, only about 0.8 miles round trip. Over the past few years this hike has become more popular. The hike does not have much elevation change, but ends at a really cool cave with a small waterfall inside.

Accommodations Near Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is similar to Zion National Park. A lot of people will either try to stay at the campsites, or the lodge. Especially if they are planning on doing an early morning hike.

Right outside of Bryce Canyon National Park is Ruby’s. Ruby’s has both a campsite and hotel. There is even a shuttle stop right outside of the campsite making it easy to get to the park.

Day 5 - (Optional) Southern Utah Road Trip Itinerary

[1 hour 30 minutes/78 miles]

If you have the chance and the opportunity an extra day to dedicate to hiking The Wave is worth it. You can enter this spectacular hike through a lottery system, and there are two different methods to participate. The first is online, the lottery opens 4 months prior to the actual hike date, so plenty of time to plan if you do win. The lottery cost is $9 and can be found on recreation.gov

The second option to getting permits is by visiting in person. I would only suggest doing this if you are in the area, because the chances of winning are still pretty slim. They have recently allowed more hikers to visit every day, increasing from 16 to 64 people.

This is another hike for which you need to ensure you’re well-prepared. There’s very limited shade, and there isn’t really a designated “trail,” so it’s crucial to bring a map or GPS with you.

 This adventurous road trip through the captivating landscapes of Bryce Canyon National Park, the distinctive beauty of Pink Coral Sands State Park, and the grandeur of Zion National Park proved to be an extraordinary experience.

The journey led us through the enigmatic hoodoos, the surreal pink sand dunes, and the towering red rock canyons. The enduring memories, conquered challenges, and the awe-inspiring scenery have left an indelible mark on the soul. This road trip was not merely a physical voyage but a profound adventure that ignited the spirit, leaving an indelible chapter in our lives.

4 Replies to “The Perfect 4 Day Southern Utah Road Trip Itinerary”

[…] Although now one of the busier trails in the park, I had no time finding parking in the winter. I visited Bryce Canyon National Park for two days in the winter, and thought that this was the perfect amount of time. There are many other National Parks to visit in Utah and they can be combined into one trip. If you are interested in seeing more check out my Perfect 4 Day Southern Utah Road Trip. […]

[…] There are several ways to enjoy a trip to Bryce Canyon in the winter. One option is to stay overnight, another would be to take a day trip from Las Vegas, or you could try my favorite way to travel and make it a National Park road trip. […]

[…] The Perfect 4 Day Southern Utah Road Trip […]

[…] The Perfect 4 Day Southern Utah Road Trip Itinerary  […]

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Utah Tours for Solo / Single Travelers

22 utah tours for singles / solo travelers with 122 reviews.

Best of the West Road Trip: California, Utah & Vegas Bright Lights

• Hiking & Trekking

Hiking Utah's National Parks

Prior to the start of my tour radar trip, it was difficult to communicate or ask questions. Once I met to tour guide Ally it was an excellent experience. Ally was information on the next step and reviewed what was needed on a daily basis. The schedule was busy, the hikes were mostly moderate as expected… She was able to direct all hikers on the trails. She assured that I was always able to complete each trail. We instructed to have and were prepared with plenty of water,

• Christmas & New Year

Mighty 5 From Las Vegas

A great tour! One day in each park was just enough to give us a sense of the grandeur of each of them. People taking the tour with us were great, and our guide was very knowledgeable. We were given options so that those who wanted to do things on their own could do so, while those that remained with the group stayed with the guide and learned about the history, geology, etc. This was the first time I took a vacation with a tour group, and I was very glad that I did because I learned more than I would have if I had explored the parks on my own.

USA – 5 Days Chasing Slot Canyons in Utah

5 Utah National Parks in 5 Days Lodging Tour

Hiking Utah's Mighty 5

Rachel De Genaro -our guide was excellent. It is unbelievable how well she preformed all the roles of a guide, cook, shopper, driver and care taker to all of us. She was phenomenal! She was calm and organized. She as well as the people in our group made the trip more fun and enjoyable. Thumbs up!!!! G adventures though could have been a better communicator as to what to expect and prepare

Zion and Bryce Lodge Based Tour

We really Loved Bob! He clearly knows his stuff, and was a real pleasure to have leading us for four days. Meals were also excellent. Really some great dining options. Who knew!

Utah's Mighty Five National Parks (10 Days)

This was my first time going on a group tour. I was a little concerned that traveling with a group might be difficult dealing with 32 different personalities. The group was wonderful, we had great camaraderie, everyone was very inclusive. Our tour guide randy was awesome. Extremely knowledgeable and helpful with directing us to the variety of hikes that we could choose. Michael was wonderful and our bus driver Russell was awesome. Overall it was a wonderful experience and would consider doing another group tour.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Utah Parks Circuit

It was a great fun trip. I was moved to see many wonderful views. I was not good at English, but everyone was very kind and I was able to spend a good time everyday. Especially the tour leader explained carefully.

Mighty 5 From Salt Lake City

Guide was knowledgeable and helpful. It was a good group

5 Utah National Parks in 5 Days Camping Tour

Nick was also our guide. They both did a great job of taking care of the group and making the best decisions on the fly so everyone had a great experience.

Hiking and Camping in Utah

Hiking the Best of Moab: Arches and Canyonlands

Painted Canyons of the West featuring Utah’s Five National Parks (Denver, CO to Las Vegas, NV)

Mighty 5 Canyons Adventure (from Las Vegas) 5D/4N

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

What people love about Utah Solo Tours

Great people , Great time. First meal together in los Vegas was awful. It was slimy Thai with NO VEGETABLES. We had to walk across a four lane highway in Los Vegas! I think a great and inexpensive restaurant is Ping Pang Pong.or what ever. Horrible stay in Bluff behind a gas station. No lobby, no restaurant, and no room to move around. Put suitcases on table. Change stay to town of Bland.

Excellent tour of the Mighty 5 in Utah. Our guide Robin was knowledgeable and accommodating throughout the tour. Just enough time was allocated for hiking the trails, viewing the sites in the distance and even visiting the Visitor Centers in each park. Hotel/motel accommodations were good and chosen for access to restaurants. Lunch stops with corresponding places to eat were well planned and the food and service was good. We thoroughly enjoyed our time.

the best way to explore the vastness and glory of the Utah desert is by camping and hiking in small groups. I enjoyed this trip immensely, it was challenging enough but not too much. Our guide was a brave and resourceful powerful woman. I am planning my next trip with you already!

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Travel Styles

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• Seniors (34)

• Bryce Canyon
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• River Rafting in Moab
• Anasazi State Park

Utah Trip Itineraries

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We've developed itineraries to help people plan and enjoy trips to the best destinations in Utah and the surrounding area. We live in Utah and we know these areas . Our itineraries are based on our own experiences, with input from many travelers and tour operators. They will help you enjoy our scenic attractions, byways, accommodations and restaurants.

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Itineraries, 5-day national park itinerary.

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Zion/Bryce itinerary and hotels - Zion National Park Forum

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Zion/Bryce itinerary and hotels

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We'd like to hike the day we arrive in Springdale, but realize we won't get a full day in. Would you suggest we stay there 3 nights so we can get 2 additional days in? Also, in looking at hotels, I am undecided between The Best Western Plus Zion or the Bumbleberry Inn . BW is about $60 a night higher as well as charging $8 a night parking. Would you say BW is worth the difference? I appreciate your feedback.

2 replies to this topic

They are equally convenient to the town shuttle and walkable to Springdale restaurants and shops.

If you will be out most of the day hiking, I think Bumbleberry should suit you.

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The Ultimate Utah to Arizona Road Trip Itinerary

Take the ultimate Utah to Arizona road trip to explore the beauty of the American Southwest!

If hiking through red rock canyons and exploring national parks are your idea of a good time, you’re in for 2 weeks of adventure.

You’ll start in Salt Lake City, Utah, and wind your way through all 5 of Utah’s national parks before heading south to Arizona, where you’ll visit 2 more national parks, a state park, and more.

There’s paddleboarding on Lake Powell, photo ops at Horseshoe Bend, and sand caves in Kanab, Utah.

We’ve also included recommended hotels, campgrounds, and restaurants to help you plan every perfect minute.

Let’s pack your bags and head to Utah and Arizona!

• Why Should You Take a Utah to Arizona Road Trip?

What You Should Know about Road Tripping through Utah and Arizona

• 2-Week Utah and Arizona Road Trip Itinerary
• Salt Lake City, UT to Moab, UT
• Arches National Park
• Canyonlands National Park
• Moab, UT, to Torrey, UT
• Capitol Reef National Park
• Torrey, UT, to Bryce Canyon City, UT
• Bryce Canyon City, UT, to Springdale, UT
• Zion National Park
• Springdale, UT, to Page, AZ
• Page, AZ, to Grand Canyon
• Grand Canyon National Park
• Grand Canyon to Flagstaff, AZ
• Petrified Forest National Park
• Leave Flagstaff, AZ
• Utah to Arizona Road Trip FAQs

This post contains affiliates. If you purchase through the links, I will receive a commission at no charge to you.

Why Should You take a Utah to Arizona Road Trip?

Simply put: this part of the United States is beautiful, thanks to its otherworldly landscapes, incredible hiking, and colorful red rocks.

The suggested 2 week itinerary below will take you through the heart of both Utah and Arizona, allowing you to see the vast canyons, rivers, and hills that make up this area.

This road trip is also fantastic for those looking to hike and camp as there are SO many gorgeous places to spend your time.

In fact, there is so much hiking and outdoor activity on this route that you’ll be spending most of the days outside discovering new trails, learning about each area, paddleboarding, and more.

If you’re a beginning hiker, I’d still encourage you to go on this trip!

All of my suggestions are made with families in mind, and the trails, parks, and activities below can all be done by kids and adults of a wide variety of ages and fitness levels.

This road trip truly is one that you and your family will remember forever.

These areas can be remote.

There are only a few gas stations in some of the longer stretches—like between Page, AZ, and the Grand Canyon, for example—so don’t wait until your gauge is on empty.

Keep plenty of water and snacks with you, too.

On the up side, these remote areas are amazing for photos since you’re unlikely to have other cars or people in them.

You will need a rental car, preferably one with 4-wheel drive and good gas mileage.

There is little in the way of public transport for 99% of this trip, so you’re going to need a rental car.

If you plan to dive into some of the more remote areas of Utah and Arizona (like Monument Valley or Canyonlands National Park, for example), you’ll need to have a vehicle with high clearance and, preferably, 4 wheel drive.

Doing so means that you won’t have to worry about bottoming out on any dirt roads post-rain storms.

>> Select a rental car for your trip here . <<

There are few stores between stops—and even then, supplies can be expensive.

Don’t assume that you’ll be able to pick up groceries on the way, as there often aren’t any stores between these stops.

When you do arrive in some of the smaller towns like Springdale or Moab, the grocery stores that are available are at a premium.

Aim to stock up before you leave Salt Lake City, where you can find all of the usual big box stores (Walmart, Target, Costco, etc.).

Then, refill your supplies in Hurricane, UT, when you’re in Springdale visiting Zion National Park. Hurricane is about 30 minutes west of Springdale, and it has a Walmart Supercenter.

Page, Arizona, is also large enough for regular grocery stores and big box stores.

Flagstaff is a great place to get those remaining items before your trip ends.

The climate tends to be hot and dry.

Be prepared for both high elevation and windy conditions by bringing plenty of moisturizer and lip balm.

If you’re visiting between May and September, take precautions against the sun by wearing sunscreen, a sun shirt, and a hat.

You can easily get dehydrated in the hot, dry air, so take a filled water bottle everywhere. Keep a gallon or two of reserves in your car.

You’ll hop on and off of historic Route 66 on this trip.

Embrace the nostalgia by stopping for a milkshake at a soda shop in Winslow, AZ, picking up a themed keychain in Williams, AZ, or shopping in Holbrook, AZ.

You’ll pass through or near several Native American reservations.

Be respectful of these locations, and support them by shopping at native-owned boutiques or attending local events where possible.

2 Week Utah and Arizona Road Trip Itinerary

To truly appreciate this road trip through 2 of my favorite states, you’ll need at least 2 weeks.

Over the 14 day itinerary outlined below, you’ll explore 2 major cities, 7 national parks, parts of Route 66, and more.

For each day, I’ve shared suggestions on what to do, where to stay, where to camp, and where to eat.

To make this itinerary even more customizable, I’ve also included optional add-ons and day trips if you’d like to extend your stay in each area.

For those travelers who are flying in, I’ve shared our favorite kid-friendly cabins and hotels along the way.

For others who prefer to haul their campers, I’ve recommended campsites at each stop.

Day 1: Salt Lake City, Utah to Moab, Utah

Driving time and distance today : 3 hours 42 minutes // 234 miles

I’d suggest getting as early of a flight as possible so you arrive in Salt Lake City before noon.

Once on the ground, pick up your rental car and head southeast to Moab, Utah, where you’ll spend your first 3 nights.

>> Select your rental car and pick-up time here . <<

If you’re driving or pulling your camper, aim to be in Moab for an early afternoon check-in, preferably around 1-2 PM.

Settle into your cabin or campsite, then head out for some souvenir shopping on Main Street in Moab.

For dinner, I recommend Zax’s on Main, which has a big menu filled with burgers, salads, and wraps.

Head back to your accommodations for some stargazing before bed.

Where to stay in Moab: cabins at Sun Outdoors Canyonlands Gateway

On our kids’ first trip to the southwest, we stayed in one of the cabins here. Our experience helped us fall in love with Moab!

There are 3 different types of cabins here:

the deluxe cabins with kitchens and bathrooms,

the smaller casitas with shared bathhouse, and

the caravans (which are parked Airstreams with attached porches).

While you can’t go wrong with any of these options, I have a soft spot for the casitas since they are Wild West themed and come with bunk beds and a queen bed, perfect for traveling with kids.

Where to camp in Moab : campground at Sun Outdoors Canyonlands Gateway

When I say we loved this property, I’m not kidding.

The attached campground is large but manageable with a pool, splash pad, and playground.

The individual sites are standard for a private campground, and each comes with a picnic table and fire ring.

There’s also a gas station and convenience store on-site with s’mores kits, hot dogs, and other camping must-haves.

How to extend your trip : if you have an extra day or two, I’d suggest staying in Salt Lake City.

This large city is known for its thriving arts scene, beautiful outdoor spaces, and world-class museums.

You can take a one-of-a-kind comedy and history trolley tour through the city or learn about local wildlife and conservation on a tour of Great Salt Lake and Antelope Island .

Day 2: Arches National Park

Driving time and distance today : 11 minutes// 5 miles

Today, you’ll be exploring the incredible Arches National Park!

While your time is limited, there’s still plenty to do if you only have 1 day in Arches National Park .

Plan to arrive early—and DON’T forget to make a reservation if you’re visiting during the peak times of April to October .

If you get to the park as soon as it opens, you’ll have plenty of time to do a couple shorter hikes before the day begins to heat up.

You should aim to visit a couple of the arches: Sand Dunes Arch and Windows Arch were my kids’ favorites.

That being said, the entire park is gorgeous, so you can’t go wrong with anything you choose.

Stop and start this self-guided Arches National Parks tour as much as you need for a great way to learn more about what you’re seeing at every turn.

I’d bring a picnic with you so you can stay in the park as long as possible.

If you’d prefer a guided tour of Arches National Park, this sunset tour takes visitors to some of the most popular hiking areas right at sunset for incredible photos.

NOTE: I strongly recommend purchasing the Utah Mighty 5 tour bundle in the GuideAlong app .

For less than the cost of dinner, you’ll get 5 complete tours of the 5 national parks on this road trip: Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Capitol Reef.

We love the GuideAlong tours as they are GPS-based, meaning that the tour audio automatically starts whenever we hit one of the viewpoints, trailheads, or interest areas.

You’ll learn about each park’s history, geology, wildlife, and more.

It’s just like having a live guide in the car with you for a much more reasonable price.

Where to stay and camp in Moab : Sun Outdoors Canyonlands Gateway RV Park (see notes during Day 1 for specifics)

FREE U.S. National Parks Checklist

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Day 3: Canyonlands National Park

Driving time and distance today : 35 minutes // 30 miles

Today, let’s explore Canyonlands National Park on a different side of Moab, Utah.

This vast, remote national park has three main areas: the Needles, Island in the Sky, and the Maze.

Since the Maze is the most remote and has the least amenities, so we don’t recommend that for a first time, single day visit.

Instead, focus on either the Needles or Island in the Sky.

The two areas don’t connect to one another, so you’ll need to be intentional with your selection.

If you choose Island in the Sky, this Canyonlands 4x4 tour is a great way to cover plenty of area.

Island in the Sky also has the closest visitors center to Moab, making it the most accessible for first time visitors.

How to extend your stay in Moab : if you love this area as much as I do, you’ll want to explore even more!

You could easily spend your entire 2-week vacation in Moab, doing hikes along Potash Road, exploring dinosaur bones at Mill Canyon Dinosaur Tracksite, and more.

See all of our suggestions for a longer stay in our 3 days in Moab itinerary !

Day 4: Moab, Utah, to Torrey, Utah

Driving time and distance today : 2 hours 36 minutes // 156 miles

Today, you’re heading west from Moab, Utah, to the small town of Torrey, Utah. Capitol Reef.

Spend the morning doing a half-day Colorado river rafting excursion , which will take from roughly 9 AM to noon.

Grab some lunch as you head out of Moab and make your way towards Torrey, Utah.

Torrey itself is only a few blocks wide, but you’ll instantly fall in love with the towering red rock cliffs surrounding the town.

Settle into your accommodations in Torrey (see recommendations below) and do a little stargazing before heading to bed.

Where to stay in Torrey : Capitol Reef Resort has so many amazing accommodations (including cabins and hotel rooms), but the real stars of the show are the Conestoga wagons and teepees.

Kids will love the onsite pool, and parents will adore the proximity to Capitol Reef National Park.

Where to camp in Torrey : Wonderland RV Park is one of the closest to the Capitol Reef National Park entrance, and it offers full hook-ups and a dog park.

There’s a pasture next to the campground that has horses, cows, and a buffalo in it, and your kids will love checking in on their neighbors!

There are campgrounds in the national park itself, but none have sites with hookups of any kind (plus, the bathrooms don’t have showers, which is a must-have when traveling with our kids).

Day 5: Capitol Reef National Park

Driving time and distance today : 15 minutes/ 10.5 miles

Time to explore the often-overlooked Capitol Reef National Park, which has incredible hiking, ranger programs, and even an apple pie or two!

Hop on a guided 4x4 tour of the Temples of the Sun and Moon , in the northern part of the park near Cathedral Valley.

Elsewhere in your day exploring the national park, stop by the visitors center to grab a souvenir, take a scenic drive, or explore the historic district in Fruita.

How to extend your trip : Torrey, UT, Capitol Reef, and the surrounding area truly needs more than one day.

If you include another day or two here, you can explore more hiking in the park, as well as a day trip to the beautiful Lower Calf Creek Falls or Escalante.

Escalante is located on one of Utah’s scenic roads, Highway 12, which is well worth an entire day on its own.

There’s also Escalante Petrified Forest State Park, which doesn’t have the density of Petrified Forest National Park (below), but is still worth a visit.

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is also filled with hikes and outdoor experiences, and would be great for a day trip.

Day 6: Torrey, Utah, to Bryce Canyon City, Utah

Driving time and distance today : 1 hour 57 minutes // 106 miles

Get an early start today, and you’ll arrive in Bryce Canyon City before most people have finished with breakfast.

This early start will allow you to spend most of your day in Bryce Canyon National Park, hiking and exploring.

Bryce Canyon’s towering spires remind us a lot of when we went hiking in Providence Canyon State Park in Georgia—but even bigger!

You’ll want to focus your time near the Bryce Canyon ampitheatre, where most of the easy to moderate day hikes are.

For families with older and more experienced kid hikers, try out the Queen’s/Navajo combination loop trail, which is just under 3 miles.

For families with younger hikers, stick to the Mossy Cave Trail or Bristlecone Loop Trail.

End your day with a huge meal and country entertainment at Ebenezer’s Barn and Grill Dinner Show in Bryce Canyon City.

Tuck into steak, fish, or chicken alongside baked beans, cole slaw, and dessert before a dinner show your entire family will love.

Where to stay in Bryce Canyon City : The Best Western Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel is located in the heart of the town, so anything you’d want to do in this area is less than 15 minutes away by car.

Where to camp in Bryce Canyon City : We preferred the private campgrounds outside of Bryce Canyon National Park to the ones inside of the park.

This is in large part due to the amenities that the private campgrounds had.

Our choice would be Ruby’s RV Park and Campground, thanks to its proximity to the national park entrance and wide, level sites.

The campground also offers tipi rentals and rustic cabins if you want that camping feel but don’t own an RV or tent.

Day 7: Bryce Canyon City, Utah, to Springdale, Utah

Driving time and distance today : 1 hr 52 minutes // 83.5 miles

Before you head to your next destination, take an ATV tour through Bryce Canyon for an experience that your family will never forget.

This hour-long tour will get you out onto off-road trails that offer spectacular views of the Bryce Canyon rim.

Say goodbye to Bryce Canyon National Park and head over to its more well-known cousin, Zion National Park, located near Springdale, Utah.

Aim to get to Springdale in the early afternoon, so you’ll have time to check into your chosen accommodations.

Spend the afternoon exploring Springdale’s cute bistros and boutiques, or allow your kids to splash in the Virgin River in the George Barker River Park.

Where to stay in Springdale, UT : Cable Mountain Lodge is the most conveniently located hotel in the town—it’s literally right across the street from the Zion National Park visitors center!

This means that you can walk to the visitors center and use the internal shuttle to get around the park, and you won’t have to worry about where to leave your car in the often filled up lots.

Plus, there’s a pool and hot tub for relaxing post-hikes.

Where to camp in Springdale, UT : For the same reasons as noted above in Bryce Canyon City, we prefer a private campground over those available in the national park.

Zion Canyon Campground and RV Park is pricier than most of the campground on this list, but it’s also incredibly convenient to the national park. Also, it has full hookups and a free shuttle into Springdale.

For the perfect campsite, snag one of the riverfront sites!

How to extend your trip : If you’d like some additional adventuring in this area, stay another night to explore Kodachrome Basin State Park.

Day 8: Zion National Park

Driving time and distance today : 15 minutes// 5 miles

Zion National Park is magical and unforgettable—and this is why it is so incredibly popular.

While the national park doesn’t require reservations for entrance, the most popular parking spots near trailheads can fill up quickly.

NOTE: when this happens, use the free shuttle system to get to your trailhead.

Get going early today so that you can maximize your time in Zion National Park.

For first time visitors, I’d suggest doing part of the iconic Narrows hike. The full hike is more than 9 miles, so unless you’re a very fast hiker, don’t spend all day doing this.

Add in a couple of shorter, easier hikes like the Grotto Trail or the Pa’Rus Trail.

Kids should grab a Junior Ranger booklet so they can add another badge to their collection.

How to extend your trip : There’s plenty more to do in and around Zion National Park if you have extra time.

The Grafton Ghost Town near Virgin, UT, is a great way to get your kids excited about history.

Near Springdale, your entire family can try canyoneering through a kid-friendly tour experience .

Day 9: Springdale, Utah, to Page, Arizona

Driving time and distance today : 2 hours 23 minutes // 117 miles

It’s another busy day on our Utah-Arizona road trip!

Make it an early morning as we’ve got so many cool things to see today.

After leaving Springdale, UT, we recommend stopping at Kanab on the border of Utah and Arizona.

From Springdale to Kanab is about an hour’s drive through some beautiful country.

Kanab has the incredible Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, where you can sledding or ride an ATV on the rose-hued dunes.

If you’re feeling particularly lucky, you can get a very early start to see if you can nab one of the coveted daily permits to hike the Wave in Vermillion Cliffs National Monument .

For a much more accessible (but still amazing) stop in Kanab, head over to the Kanab Sand Caves , which is easy enough for kids of all ages to explore.

From Kanab, Page, AZ, is about an hour away.

When you’re done exploring Kanab, head southeast to Page.

End your day by renting paddle boards on Lake Powell. This is a great way to explore the beauty of this area.

Where to stay in Page, AZ : The Lake Powell Best Western is budget friendly and less than 10 minutes from Antelope Canyon.

The standard rooms are clean and comfortable, and many come with views of the lake.

Relax by the small pool at night, and wake up to a hot breakfast buffet each morning.

Where to camp in Page, AZ : Wahweap RV Park and Campground is located just north of the town of Page, but it is incredibly convenient to the water sports and hiking in this area.

Here, you’ll find full hook-ups and pull through spots. The most coveted are those right by Lake Powell which offer unprecedented views.

It doesn’t have a pool or playground, but your kids will love the onsite beach.

Day 10: Page, Arizona, to Grand Canyon National Park

Driving time and distance today : 2 hours 29 minutes // 131 miles

Start today with one of Page’s most amazing sites: Antelope Canyon.

Take the 6:30 AM guided tour of Antelope Canyon to see how the sunlight shifts inside the colorful slot canyon.

After your guide has shown you to the best of this area, head to Canyon Crepes Cafe in Page for breakfast.

Then, it’s time to hit the road again!

We’re headed south through the remote northern part of Arizona to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

As you head out of Page, stop for a quick photo at the famed Horseshoe Bend.

Along the way, you’ll see glimpses of the Painted Desert, which stretches all the way to Petrified Forest National Park.

Aim to arrive at Grand Canyon National Park in early afternoon, so you’ll have time to orient yourselves.

With your afternoon, you can choose to hike part of the Rim Trail, or join an evening Ranger program.

As the sun goes down, rock in one of the chairs near the Bright Angel Lodge.

Where to stay in the Grand Canyon: We loved the rustic feel of the Bright Angel Lodge , which is literally about 30 steps from the South Rim.

This historic property has both traditional guest rooms as well as rustic cabins.

Note that some of the guest rooms utilize a shared shower room; however, each of these rooms does have its own private toilet and sink.

Where to camp in the Grand Canyon : The only full hookup sites in the national park are available at the Trailer Village RV Park , about half a mile from Grand Canyon Village.

While these sites are incredibly convenient to the park, there aren’t any amenities in the way of a pool, game room, or playground for kids.

Still, we don’t think your family will miss those too much when one of the natural wonders of the world is just outside the camper door!

How to extend your trip : If you have an extra day to tour in this area, I highly recommend that you head over to Monument Valley.

Located in the Navajo Nation, this iconic site has been featured in dozens of Westerns and Forrest Gump .

Here’s how to visit Monument Valley with kids for a wonderful day trip.

Day 11: Grand Canyon National Park

Driving time and distance today : 0 miles

Experience one of the most incredible natural wonders in the world with a stop at Grand Canyon National Park!

Experienced hikers and adventurers might try out the overnight hike to Phantom Ranch or the difficult but gorgeous South Kaibab Trail.

Just remember to start early, wear proper hiking gear, and take plenty of water.

If you’re visiting the Grand Canyon with kids , there’s plenty to do, too. Try out the Junior Ranger program for just a few dollars, take a ranger hike to learn about fossils, or walk along the Rim Trail.

Day 12: Grand Canyon National Park to Flagstaff, Arizona

Driving time and distance today : 1 hour 32 minutes // 79 miles

Linger for a last minute hike in the Grand Canyon before heading due south into Williams, Arizona.

Here, you can learn about wildlife conservation at the drive-through Bearizona, or spend the day riding thrill rides at Canyon Coaster Adventure Park.

If your family is interested in learning more about historic Route 66, there are several ways to do that here, including Pete’s Route 66 Gas Station Museum.

Then, head over to Walnut Canyon National Monument just outside of Flagstaff.

Your family will learn about the native people who created and lived in these fascinating cliff dwellings.

End your day with a fun (and not-too-spooky) family friendly ghost tour of Flagstaff .

Where to stay in Flagstaff : The Little America Flagstaff Hotel is a serene escape just minutes from everything that Flagstaff has to offer.

The landscaping and decor make it feel more like a luxury hotel, but the amenities—including a large pool—make it perfect for families.

Where to camp in Flagstaff : We seek out KOA campgrounds on our trips, thanks to their kid-friendly amenities and activities.

The Flagstaff KOA offers all of these perks, including my kids’ favorite, a jump pillow. You’ll also find a pool, dog park, breakfast cafe, barrel train, and on-site farmers market.

Day 13: Day Trip to Petrified Forest National Park

Driving time and distance today : 1 hour 48 minutes // 113 miles

Petrified Forest National Park is well worth your time while you’re in this area.

Plan to be in the park around opening time (typically 8 AM, but verify on the park’s official website), so that you have plenty of time to experience our full 1 day in Petrified Forest National Park itinerary.

As you traverse Main Park Road over the course of the day, you’ll be treated to vistas of the colorful Painted Desert, fun hikes for the entire family, Route 66 history, and more.

Do at least 1 or 2 of the best hikes in Petrified Forest National Park to get up close to the huge logs of petrified wood—and stretch your legs from all of that driving.

How to extend your trip : Instead of rushing back to Flagstaff, stay for a night or two in Holbrook, Arizona.

There’s plenty to see and do here from the adorable Winslow, AZ, on historic Route 66 to the awe-inspiring Meteor Crater.

If you’re camping in Holbrook, we recommend the Holbrook KOA as the best camping hear Petrified Forest National Park .

Day 14: Leave from Flagstaff, Arizona

Sadly, the trip has come to an end—but look at how much you’ve seen and done!

Head to the airport to return your rental car, and head back home.

It’s time to start dreaming of your next vacation! Might we suggest a tour of New Mexico’s best campgrounds or a Santa Fe to White Sands road trip ?

Utah and Arizona Road Trip FAQs

What is the best time of the year to go on a utah and arizona road trip.

We prefer to travel to this area in the late spring or early fall.

These are considered shoulder seasons for Utah and Arizona, so you’re less likely to run into crowds while you still have full access to sites, parks, and accommodations.

Plus, the weather is warm without being overbearing during the day, and the nights are cool.

What will I see in Utah and Arizona?

These two states are PACKED with geological wonders, expansive desert vistas, hidden waterfalls, and sandstone arches.

You’ll visit 7 national parks and Route 66 with the option of adding on several more national monuments and state parks.

Will I need reservations for any of the national parks on this trip?

So far, Arches National Park is the only national park in Utah and Arizona requiring reservations.

However, Arches NP only requires those reservations between April and October, so if you’re visiting in the late fall or winter, you can just show up.

Keep in mind that the peak summer season sees many families visiting this area, so even the parks without reservations will be very busy by mid-day.