road trip map of utah national parks

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

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

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

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

Plus a few other awesome stops on your trip!

Table of Contents

Map Of The Ultimate Utah National Park Road Trip

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

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

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

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

Things To Do

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

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

Rent An OHV

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

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

Mountain Biking

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

Take a half day mountain bike tour!

Rock Climbing

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

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

Take a rock climbing trip in Moab!

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

You can also kayak and SUP the river.

Helicopter Tour

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

Sound and Light Show with Dinner

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

Corona Arch

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

Highway 128 Scenic Drive

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

Dead Horse Point State Park

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

Arches National Park

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

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

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

Best Hikes in Arches National Park

Delicate Arch

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

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

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

Fiery Furnace

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

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

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

Check out these great tips on hiking with kids .

Canyonlands National Park

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

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

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

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

Where To Stay In Moab

RV Options:

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

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

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

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

Hotel Options:

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

VRBO Options:

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

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

Where To Eat In Moab

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

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

Goblin Valley State Park

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay

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

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

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

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

Where to Eat

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

Capitol Reef National Park

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

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

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

Best Hikes in Capitol Reef National Park

Cassidy Arch

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

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

Capitol Gorge Trail

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

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

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

Hickman Bridge

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

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

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

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

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

Camping Near Capitol Reef National Park

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

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

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

Hotel Options Near Capitol Reef National Park

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

Town of Torrey

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

Where to Eat Near Capitol Reef National Park

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

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

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

Bryce Canyon National Park

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

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

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

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

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

Best Hikes in Bryce National Park

Navajo loop trail/queens garden trail.

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

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

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

For more information on this combo hike click here.

Mossy Cave Waterfall

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

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

View Points

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

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

RV/Camping Near Bryce National Park

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

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

For more information on camping in Bryce Canyon click here.

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

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

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

Hotel Options Near Bryce National Park

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

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

Where to Eat Near Bryce National Park

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

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

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

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

Zion National Park

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Hikes in Zion National Park

The narrows.

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

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

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

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

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

Learn more about the Narrows hike here.

Book your own sessions with Arika from Zion Adventure Photog !

Emerald Pools

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

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

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

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

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

Camping Near Zion National Park

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

Learn more about lodging options here .

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

Hotels Near Zion National Park

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

Where To Eat Zion National Park

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other places to visit in Utah:

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

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

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

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

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

To learn more about us, Start Here !

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

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

11 Utah Mountain Biking Trails Youll Want To Check Out

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

Best Hikes In Canyonlands National Park [Maps Included]

8 Of The Best Hikes In Capitol Reef National Park

Top 11 Awesome Things To Do in Bryce Canyon National Park

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

12 Amazing Things To Do In Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument

12 Epic Things To Do In Page, AZ

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

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

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

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

Thank you! It really is a beautiful state!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Awesome! Glad you found the map useful!

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

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

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

It is an amazing state!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for checking it out. Those parks are excellent!

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

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

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

Awesome! Enjoy your trip!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks! It is such a cool area!

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

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

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

That’s awesome! Have a great trip!

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

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

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

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

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

Awesome! Have a great trip!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our 2 Utah National Parks road trips

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

We loved it!

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

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

Utah National Parks Road Trip Map + PDF

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

Best Utah Road Trip Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bryce Canyon National Park

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

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

Check the Bryce Canyon National Park website for visitor information

Bryce Highlights:

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

Best Hikes in Bryce:

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

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

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

Recommended Accommodations for Bryce Canyon:

TIP : 🛏️ When it comes to accommodations, finding the right balance between cost, location, and comfort is worth getting right. But it doesn’t have to take hours of online searching!

I’ll teach you how to pinpoint your own perfect accommodations efficiently and avoid disappointing stays in my Smart Stay Finder course .

Bryce Activities:

Zion national park.

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

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

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

Check the Zion National Park website for visitor information

Zion Highlights:

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

Best Hikes in Zion:

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

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

Recommended Accommodations for Zion National Park:

Zion activities:.

Capitol Reef National Park

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

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

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

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

Check the Capitol Reef National Park website for visitor information

Capitol Reef Highlights:

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

Best Hikes in Capitol Reef:

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

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

Recommended Accommodations for Capitol Reef:

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

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

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

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

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

Check the Park website for visitor information

Grand Staircase Highlights:

– Scenic Byway 12 viewpoints and overlooks – Hiking diverse terrains

Best Hikes in Escalante:

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

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

Recommended Accommodations:

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

Canyonlands National Park

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

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

Check the Canyonlands Park website for visitor information

Canyonlands Highlights:

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

Best Hikes in Canyonlands:

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

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

Canyonlands campgrounds

See Arches accommodations below for more options outside the park.

Canyonlands Activities:

Arches national park.

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

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

Arches Highlights:

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

Best Hikes in Arches:

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

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

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

Arches Activities:

Utah national park road trip itinerary tips.

How many days do you need to visit Utah Parks?

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

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

Best Time to Visit Utah Parks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alos, don’t forget your National Parks Pass !

Do you need bug spray for mosquitos in Utah?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Utah Mighty 5 Road Trip Map + 1 Week Itinerary

The Most Incredible National Parks Road Trip in America

Breathtaking hikes, expansive landscapes of red-rock formations, and unbeatable adventures in the desert are just a few of the aspects that make a road trip through Utah the insanely magical experience that it is and one of the best American road trips for nature-lovers.

If you’re currently in the planning stages of your road trip to Utah , chances are one of the things you’re most excited to do is to visit all its national parks. Luckily, they’re not too spread apart, so you can easily see them all in a short amount of time!

Starting in Salt Lake City and ending in the alluring Needles district in Canyonlands National Park, this southern Utah road trip itinerary will have you checking out some of the biggest highlights Utah has to offer in terms of nature and grandiose scenery, all in just a week!

Day 1: Drive to Zion National Park

Day 2: zion national park, day 3: bryce canyon, day 4: capitol reef, day 5: arches national park, day 6: canyonlands national park, day 7: canyonlands national park, variations to our utah mighty 5 one week road trip itinerary, best time for a utah mighty 5 road trip, mighty 5 in utah national parks cost, more tips for road tripping in utah & the southwest.

This page may contain affiliate links to third-party tour operators and booking platforms. Should you make a qualifying booking after using our affiliate link, we make a commission.

Utah Mighty Five Road Trip Map & Itinerary

• Driving Distance: 308 miles

From Salt Lake City, start making your way to Zion National Park , the first stop on your Utah Mighty Five road trip.

Zion offers many contrasts in scenery, ranging from white and red-toned cliffs, peculiar-looking rock formations, hanging gardens, and verdant meadows.

Aside from its beautiful landscape, Zion also boasts Native American history that dates back to prehistoric times. To understand the land, you’ll be walking a little better; the first thing you need to do is check out the Zion Human History Museum , where you’ll get to learn all about the Pauite people who once inhabited the area.

If you arrived early enough, you may also have a bit of time to spare to hike a few of the short trails of Zion.

A few recommended ones include Canyon Overlook Trail, Riverside Walk, The Emerald Pool Trail, and the Watchman Trail. 

Where Should I Stay visiting Zion National Park?

Staying inside the park, then  Zion National Park Lodge  is your best option. Nearby, Springdale hotels and motels make for an affordable option, or for a luxury experience, try glamping at Zion Wildflower !

Learn more about the closest airports to Zion to start your Mighty 5 Utah road trip. We also have plenty of ideas on places to stop between Salt Lake City and Zion National Park if you want to extend your Utah road trip .

• Driving Distance: 75 miles

Day two will be all about going on in and braving the world-famous Angel’s Landing trail. This is a pretty challenging hike that can take around four hours to complete and will have you see some of the best landscapes the park has to offer. At the end of the hike, you’ll be standing a whopping 1500 feet above the canyon!

As a note, take into account that Angel’s Landing is pretty strenuous and not recommended if you have a fear of heights (or tiresome little legs!). Moreover, you’ll also need to secure a permit to hike the trail in advance.

If Angel’s Landing doesn’t sound right for you, there are plenty of other amazing hikes in Zion you can do instead, or opt to take a scenic drive around the park. You can easily fill two days at Zion even without the more strenuous hikes.

Do be aware a shuttle bus is required throughout most of the year to get you from the Zion National Park visitor center and into the depths of the park. If you’re not early risers, do expect queues by mid morning.

After hiking and exploring, hop back in your car to drive Zion to Bryce Canyon National Park , your next stop in your Utah Mighty 5 road trip itinerary!

Where Should I Stay Visiting Bryce Canyon National Park?

Campers will find two established campgrounds within Bryce Canyon National Park , or Bryce Canyon Lodge is the only other accommodation inside the park. Nearby the town of Bryce Canyon is not far from the park’s entrance, try Best Western PLUS Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel .

• Start and end your day in Bryce Canyon

Home to the largest collection of hoodoos in the world, Bryce Canyon’s unique landscape is guaranteed to please even the fuzziest of travelers.

The ultimate way to see as much of Bryce Canyon on foot is by hiking the Queen’s Garden to Navajo Loop trail . Throughout the hike, you’ll be weaving your way through limestone walls, hiking through tunnels, and even crossing a pine forest before getting to the main viewpoint in the park, which offers 360-degree views of the largest amphitheater of hoodoos!

After hiking, you can check out the rest of the park by driving over Highway 12, a road that provides access to some of the best lookout points of Bryce Canyon.

When sunset arrives, put your hiking shoes back on and make your way to Sunset Point, a splendid place to watch the sun go down over glowing red rock hoodoos!

Bryce Canyon sits at a higher elevation than the other Utah National Parks so gets much colder in winter ! Gorgeous for those snow fall photos but be prepared with lots of layers.

Stay: As per night 3, stay in the park or nearby at Bryce Canyon

Alternatively, if you wont an early start on Day 4, you can stay overnight close to Capitol Reef, try the Capitol Reef Resort  in the nearby town of Torrey, or Cathedral Valley Inn , Caineville with basic accommodation. Campers, you can try pre-booking Fruita Campground inside Capitol Reef National Park.

• Driving Distance: 114 miles + 137 miles to Moab

Today, you’ll start the day by driving two hours to Capitol Reef National Park , the most underrated park on the itinerary.

Even though it’s not as popular as the other “Mighty 5”, Capitol Reef offers landscapes like no other. You’ll find three distinct areas to explore: the Waterpocket Fold, the historic Fruita district, and Cathedral Valley. 

The park is located on the Waterpocket Fold, a gigantic “wrinkle” on the earth’s surface that created a landscape as dramatic as it can get. Here, you’ll be gawking the entire time as you pass views of enormous cliffs, rugged canyons, natural bridges, and so much more.

Grab a quick lunch and hike to Hickman Bridge, a pretty short trail that will get you to see some of the most iconic views in the park.

Next, grab your car keys and drive the 8-mile scenic road to get access to some of the best viewpoints in the park (this is the only part of the park you’ll be charged an entry fee). Even though the drive is pretty short, there’s a ton to see on the way, so plan at least a few hours to complete the drive without rushing your way through.

After completing the park’s main scenic drive, you can continue toward Highway 24. This road will take you to a petroglyph panel created by the indigenous people who lived in the park’s area thousands of years ago.

After admiring the panels, continue the adventure by driving to Moab, the gateway to Arches and Canyonlands national parks!

If you want less time in Moab for hiking, you can extend your trip between Capitol Reef and Moab with a stop in the fascinating and surreal Goblin Valley State Park .

Where Should I Stay Visiting Moab?

We’ll be pulling up here for the next few nights as we complete the second half of this incredible road trip. Basing yourself in Moab, you are about 10-15 minutes from Arches National Park and 40 minutes from Canyonlands – Island in the Sky Visitor Center.

A few options to try in Moab to suite different budgets:

• Expedition Lodge
• Comfort Suites Moab
• Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton

You can search further Moab accommodation options, including VRBO options for your dates here:

• Driving Distance: 10 miles

Arches National Park is exactly what it sounds like: A sea of natural arches (it has over 2000 of them!).

Despite the huge amount of arches and rock formations, it’s home to, Arches national park is actually pretty small, which means you can easily see the highlights in just a day.

Very Important Note: From April 2022 the park introduced a new timed entry system to cope with crowds. It will be ESSENTIAL from April to October to pre-book your entry to Arches National Park .  

To start the adventure, rise early and drive to Arches from Moab to hike to Delicate Arch. This is one of Utah’s most emblematic landmarks (so much it’s actually depicted on its license place), and sunrises here are an absolute treat, especially when the sun’s rays pass right through the arch.

Next, drive down the Arches Scenic Ride, which will have you making several stops at some of the best viewpoints in the park to get a pretty good introduction to the landscapes it offers.

After driving, you can choose from a few of the many short hiking trails on offer. We recommend starting out with the Landscape Arch hike. It takes just under an hour and will get you to see the longest natural arch in the country! Other note-worthy hikes to consider are The Windows, Double Arch, Sand Dune Arch, and Skyline Arch.

Where Should I Stay Visiting Arches National Park?

Note that, because there is no lodging at Arches, you will need to drive back to Moab or camp at the Devils Garden Campground (you need to make advanced reservations).

Moab is located just 15 minutes away from Arches, so you’ll have plenty of options if you don’t manage to snag a spot at the campsite, or why not try this glamping experience ?

• Driving Distance: 32 miles to the entrance + 34 mile scenic drive

While Arches National Park is all about arches and rocks, Canyonlands is a bit different as it is home to expansive canyons, enormous rock formations, and spires.

Canyonlands National Park is absolutely huge (over 330,000 acres!), and seeing everything in just a day is impossible.

To make things less overwhelming, day six of your Mighty Five road trip will be all about settling into the park by exploring Island in the Sky, the most popular district in the park where the most iconic highlights are found.

• To put the size of Canyonlands in perspective, it’s about a 2-hour drive between Island in the Sky and The Needles. The Maze is even more remote again, and only accessible by 4WD. Whilst the best hikes for families are in Island of the Sky, you will want a full final day to tackle the Needles as well , we wouldn’t attempt both in one day.

Start the day by hiking the Mesa Arch Trail for sunrise (yes, you’ll need to start hiking in the dark!). Once you get there, though, the views are absolutely worth the early wake-up call. 

After hiking, you can drive the 16-mile scenic drive up to Upheaval Dome. From there, start driving back slowly and make stops at the many viewpoints scattered all over, where you’ll be able to see some of the most beautiful views of Island in the Sky.

After completing the drive, you can choose from the many hiking trails on offer. The hikes at Island in the Sky are pretty short and not very strenuous, so you’ll have enough time to tackle plenty of them.

A few must-do hikes, which most families should be capable of completing, include the White Rim Overlook Trail (0.9 miles), Murphy Point (3.6 miles), and Aztec Butte (1.6 miles).

Where Should I Stay Visiting Canyonlands National Park?

Same as night 4 in Moab, or if you’re looking for a change, why not try this glamping experience ?

We can’t think of a better way to finish a road trip through Utah than exploring the Needles District in Canyonlands.

Even though Island in the Sky is simply fantastic, the Needles offers a much more rugged landscape, quieter trails, and hikes that are considered a bit more challenging. This day is really for your more experienced hikers!

As you make your way to The Needles, make sure you make a quick stop at Newspaper Rock, where you’ll be able to see prehistoric petroglyphs. It’s right outside the park.

From here on, get prepared to do a ton of hiking as we’ll go all in by hiking the Druid Arch to Chesler Loop Trail. While not extremely challenging, this hike is 11.2 miles long, so you’ll need to plan all day for it. 

Throughout the hike, you’ll get the chance to see two of the best landmarks in The Needles District. Druid Arch is a beautiful arch with two narrow openings that offer amazing views of the entire area around it.

Chesler Park, on the other hand, is an open area that features a large collection of sandstone spires that look as though they’re piercing the sky!

Day 7 Alternatives + Additions!

If you’re not huge hikers – or with extra time – a Day 7 alternative close to Moab is Dead Horse Point State Park .

Some of the most simply breathtaking viewpoints in Utah – in fact, in the country! – can be found here. Watch the Colorado River snaking its way through the vast red canyons from the Dead Horse Point Overlook.

If little legs can muster some more enthusiasm, there are several more hikes within the park, though even just a walk to the viewing point for sunset would be the most spectacular way to end your Utah Mighty 5 road trip.

Although the Mighty 5 in Utah have undoubtedly earned their reputation, don’t dismiss the Utah state parks, too. Often less crowded but just as awe-inspiringly beautiful. A state parks passes are $10-$20 valid for 2 days or annual passes $100.

• We have a detailed guide here to more family-friendly activities to enjoy around Moab

As you can see Day 7 here is quite strenuous, we would not recommend this for families with young children and inexperienced hikers.

As an alternate with younger children, we suggest you take a little longer on your way from Salt Lake City to Zion as there are plenty of incredible national monuments and state parks that can be added to the Mighty 5 (with less walking).

We would suggest instead:

Alternatively, if you’re heading onward to Arizona, skip the second day in Canyonlands and keep driving onwards to Monument Valley for some serious desert magic !

A Longer South West National Parks Road Trip

Another alternative itinerary, particularly if your plan is to continue onward to Arizona and Nevada , is to tackle all of the above in reverse. We would start the Mighty 5 driving from Salt Lake City to Moab, or Denver to Moab then finish the Utah portion of your journey in Zion. Try this version instead:

• We explain in a lot more detail how to fit the Utah Mighty 5 into an epic Denver to Grand Canyon road trip across the highlights of southwest USA

Utah’s desert environment means the summers can be sweltering hot, whilst the winters can be cold – even attracting snow! Whilst this can be a photographer’s dream, for most, the peaks of summer and winter aren’t ideal.

Despite the often oppressive heat, summer remains the busiest time for visitors; expect queues, crowds, full parking lots, and sky-high accommodation costs.

However, Spring and fall bring ample opportunities to go and explore – we love early May. The closer to summer you get, you’ll need to think carefully about the amount of hiking you can do.

October is a real sweet spot for mild weather and low crowds, with the added element of fall colors.

For the most part, though, the Mighty 5 in Utah can be visited year-round with some planning.

Aside from fuel and accommodation for your national parks road trip in Utah, you need to factor in national park fees.

You will find it’s very much worth investing in getting your family an America the Beautiful annual pass , which will cover you not just for the Mighty 5 but entrance fees at national forests, wildlife refuges, and more. It’s only $80 and valid for 12 months.

If you are just visiting Moab – Arches & Canyonlands, a Southeast Utah Parks Annual Pass is $55.

Check if your family may be eligible for the 4th Grader Pass – Every Kid Outdoors pass; there’s no better time to explore the natural beauty of the country.

And don’t forget peak season reservations for Arches National Park! Bookings open three months in advance. Like many of the country’s most popular national parks , it’s likely these summer reservation systems are here to stay.

• If you want more desert action in the Southwest, then why not extend your trip further into Arizona , or mountain lovers keep heading east for the magic of Colorado and some seriously scenic mountains.
• You can find our suggested itinerary for combining the best of Utah’s National Parks with Grand Canyon National Park over here .
• Utah observes Mountain Daylight Time (MDT) – daylight savings – from roughly mid-March to Mid-November.
• Summers in the desert can be brutally hot. Always set out with plenty of water and observe our desert driving tips .
• Wifi and internet connectivity beyond the small towns is scary in Utah! Make sure you download any maps you want in advance for offline use, or consider paper maps as a backup.
• Pack yourselves plenty of snacks ! You’ll find roadside stops along the way, but once you’re in the national parks, beyond visitor centres you won’t find much in the way of food.
• Never forget a road trip essential again with our downloadable family road trip checklist .

We hope this simple Utah Mighty Five itinerary helped you plot the perfect road trip through the Beehive State. Prepare to do a lot in just a week, all while knowing your efforts will be well worth your while, as this is easily one of the most beautiful routes in the entire world .

© Family Road Trip 2024

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AMAZING Utah National Parks Road Trip (Map, Best Hikes, Scenic Route Between Parks + More)

Posted on Published: November 2, 2022  - Last updated: July 7, 2023

The landscape in southern Utah is unlike any you’ve ever seen! Jaw-dropping canyons and incredible arches will wow you while lush valleys make way to funky hoodoos. A Utah National Parks road trip is an adventure of a lifetime!

This is the ultimate guide to a Utah National Parks road trip – everything you need to know before you go.

This post may contain affiliate links. For more info, see my  disclosures .

Whether Zion has been on your bucket list or hiking in Canyonlands National Park is drawing you in, there’s so much to see and do in southern Utah!

At times the landscape is barren. You wonder how anything survives in the mix of sand and rock.

Then you’ll see a riverbed and the lush, green life that surrounds it. Those rivers have carved some incredible canyons over the millions of years, making way to some of the most impressive views in the US!

If you’re wondering just how to see the Mighty 5 in Utah, this mega guide will help you plan your trip!

Utah National Parks road trip guide

It’s an adventure of a lifetime! And honestly, planning it can be overwhelming. This guide covers…

• Utah national parks map, including where to start and which scenic drives to take between parks
• How much time you’ll need to visit the Mighty 5
• When to take a Utah big 5 road t rip
• Detailed itinerary for a Utah national parks tour, including which parks and attractions you’ll need reservations for🎟
• Highlights of each park: Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon and Zion
• Where to stay along the way
• Which of the parks have shuttles, and when you have to use them🚐
• What route to take between the parks, including the some of best scenic byways in Utah
• Things you’ll need to pack for a Utah national parks trip
• Tips for an incredible trip

Must-watch video: Utah national parks road trip

Where to start your national parks road trip Utah

If you’re driving to the area, then this is an easier decision. 🙂 Living in Omaha, I’ve done the Denver to Moab road trip a few times, and therefore I usually start on the east side of Utah.

If you’re flying to start this west coast road trip , there’s a great route to start and end your trip without having to backtrack.

Fly into Salt Lake City, see the Mighty 5 in Utah, depart from Las Vegas

Flying into Salt Lake City and leaving from Las Vegas (or vice versa) allows you to see each park in the most efficient way possible.

After leaving Salt Lake City, you’ll see Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon then Zion.

Of course, you could start and end in Salt Lake City or Las Vegas and drive a loop through the Mighty 5, if flight prices are cheaper for round trip.

Arriving in Salt Lake City and departing from Las Vegas, it’s 878 miles or 17 hours and 34 minutes…if you made no other stops or drove through the parks at all. So consider this when planning your trip. It’s a lot of driving, and tons of sightseeing!

Utah national parks map

The map below follows the route from Salt Lake City then making your way from Arches National Park to Zion National Park and ending in Las Vegas.

The map of Utah national parks includes the scenic byways between the parks. Southern Utah has such incredible scenery, and taking the scenic route will only provide more adventure on this trip. More details below on the routes between parks!

Pro tip: download this map to your phone while you’re on good wifi. Because there’s not much service while in southern Utah!

Rent a car, campervan or RV

This is one of the best road trips USA and you’ll need to be able to get from one park to the next for this epic road trip! The easiest way is to rent a car and get hotels along the way. (See recommendations on where to stay below.) 

If you can, get a 4-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle. Some of the scenic routes and hikes are accessible via a non-paved road and the extra clearance will help. Most car companies will allow you to rent from one city and drop off at another, for a (typically small) additional fee.

Renting a car in Salt Lake City or Las Vegas, I recommend using Discover Cars . It’s an easy (and free) way to search the major car carriers for the cheapest rate. I typically save 10-30% using Discover Cars .

Of course, if you’re feeling adventurous, you could try a campervan or RV for a fun journey between. That involves more planning for campsites, food, gas and extra caution for driving conditions. Plus you’ll want to know how to drive and operate the vehicle.

As someone who’s done a Southwest RV road trip, I highly recommend that route if you’re up for the adventure! It’s certainly one of the best RV vacations in the US !

Utah national parks road trip: how many days?

If you’re wondering how many days you need to see the Mighty 5 in Utah, it’s simple: as many as you can!

You’ll want at least 1 day in each park.

With 1.5 – 3 hours driving between each park (except Canyonlands and Arches), t he most efficient way to hit the 5 parks is to drive to the next after seeing the park for the day . Of course that means getting to your accommodations late, but there’s so much to do at these parks it’s worth it. 😉

7 day itinerary Utah national parks 

Here’s a sample of what a 7-day itinerary for a Utah national parks road trip might look like for you…

• Day 1: fly into Salt Lake City in the morning and drive to Moab
• Day 2: Arches National Park
• Day 3: Canyonlands and drive to Capitol Reef
• Day 4: Capitol Reef and drive to Bryce Canyon
• Day 5: Bryce Canyon and drive to Zion
• Day 6: Zion National Park
• Day 7: Drive to Las Vegas and catch an evening flight out

Obviously this is a very simplified version, and honestly it only gives you time to see the park highlights. But it definitely gets you a starting point.

If you have 10 days for a Utah Mighty 5 road trip, you could add a day in the parks that interest you most!

For the best hiking, I’d recommend adding a day to Canyonlands, Zion and Bryce Canyon. If you’d rather spend your time sightseeing and have a few days to add, you might consider spending more time in Capitol Reef, Arches and Canyonlands.

If you have even more time, consider seeing The Needles District of Canyonlands, Goblin Valley State Park near Moab or Valley of Fire State Park between Zion and Las Vegas.

Continue reading the guide for the must-see’s in each park.

One of the biggest things when planning a Utah national parks road trip is where you’ll stay between each park. If you’re traveling during the summer or over holidays, accommodations will fill up fast! Check out the recommendations for the closest hotels and campgrounds to each park throughout the guide.

Best time to take a Utah national parks road trip

If you’re wanting to know the best time to make this epic journey, there’s a lot to consider! Between work and school schedules, weather and crowds, each season brings something different to these amazing national parks.

• Spring is a great time for a Utah mighty 5 road trip! Waterfalls should be gushing, although there could be ice or snow on some trails, and others may be closed if it’s not safe. There are certainly less crowds in the spring!
• Summer is the most busy, and the hottest time of year. But if you’re traveling with kids in school or you’re in college, this may be the easiest option! You’ll find longer lines pretty much everywhere, however the trail and roads are the most likely to be open!
• Fall is another ideal time to take a Utah big 5 road trip. With less people traveling, accommodations could be more affordable. Early fall tends to still be hot, so watch the heat when planning your days.
• Winter is a gorgeous time in southern Utah. Light snow is certainly possible and ice can build up, creating some closures for road and hiking trails. If you go in winter, be sure to pack the right winter hiking gear!

Note: getting into the parks is obviously essential! Be sure to read the guide below in detail to determine which parks need reservations!🎟

If life were perfect, I’d recommend May or October for a national parks road trip Utah. In fact, Bryce Canyon is one of the best national parks to visit in October ! Although each time I’ve visited the Utah mighty 5 it’s been in summer so obviously it’s doable, even in the busy season. 🤣

Utah national parks itinerary

This is a guide of what to see at each park, where to stay and the best routes to take in between.

You could honestly spend a week (or more!) exploring each of these incredible parks! The scenery is simply amazing, and each offers unique features. But if you’re only on this Utah road trip for a week, here are the must-do’s in each park.

Arches National Park: must-do’s

🎟 Arches National Park requires a timed ticketed entry reservation from April to October from 6am to 5pm. Reserve your timed entry ticket up to 3 months in advance to get the day and time you want!

If you’re traveling during the summer months and wish to enter the park before 6:00am or after 5:00pm, you won’t need a reservation.

One day in Arches National Park is best spent seeing some of the coolest arches on the planet! Delicate Arch is the most popular arch, as seen on the Utah license plate, murals around Moab and souvenirs throughout Utah.

Coming in at 3.0 miles with 629 feet in elevation gain, the hike to get to Delicate Arch is rated as moderate. The parking lot fills up quickly, and the trail gets quite crowded so be prepared for that. Sunrise is a popular time for this hike, if you have a head lamp handy!

Note:  I’ve done this hike with and without kids. I’d highly recommend it for older kids, or if you can really have a good handle on your younger kids as there are steep cliffs near the arch.

As you go through the park, the Arches Scenic Drive is really cool. Soak in the unique, natural rock formations that have been carved over millions of years. See Balance Rock, the Fiery Furnace and arches along the way.

Devil’s Garden is another fun area, with Landscape Arch, Pine Tree Arch and several others worth seeing. Some of the best Arches National Park hikes are in the Devil’s Garden area, so if you’re into hiking, don’t miss it!

Moab accommodations

There’s probably the most options in Moab compared to the other national parks on the list. Moab is a hub for not only Arches and Canyonlands, but also the Colorado River and Dead Horse State Park, which provide a ton of recreational opportunities.

• Hyatt Place Moab for convenient location close to the parks
• Homewood Suites by Hilton Moab for families or groups
• Sun Outdoors Canyonlands Gateway for a campsite near both parks

If you’ve got extra time in the area, be sure to check out all the fun things to do in Moab !

Canyonlands National Park: what to see

Fun fact: Canyonlands National Park is the largest national park in Utah, and the 23rd largest park in the USA with 3 distinct divisions: The Needles, The Maze and Island in the Sky.

Island in the Sky is the most popular area based on it’s proximity to Moab. If you want to see the The Needles District , you’ll want to extend your Utah national parks itinerary for at least one more day as its 2 hour drive south of Island in the Sky.

The Maze is an extremely remote area of Canyonlands, and takes about 5.5 hours drive from Island in the Sky, requiring 4-wheel drive. You’ll need to be completely self-sufficient with the proper equipment or gear for self-rescue.

The Island in the Sky district has massive canyons, incredible overlooks and fun hikes, Canyonlands is an amazing destination, that’s for sure.

Be prepared for the views to literally take your breath away! A few popular sights in the Islands in the Sky region of Canyonlands are Mesa Arch, Grand View Point Overlook and Green River Overlook.

The Mesa Arch is a quick hike, at just 0.5 miles its doable for almost any skill level. (Note it’s not accessible or stroller friendly, based on the rocky terrain). The arch sits right at the edge of the cliff, so use caution when taking photos!

Another favorite hike is Grand View Point. Relatively flat, it provides epic views of the White Rim and the Upper West Basin Zone, for minimal effort of just 2.0 miles. Try Aztec Butte, Upheaval Dome, White Rim, or more of the best hikes in Canyonlands if you have the time on your Utah national parks road trip!

Accommodations near Canyonlands

You’ll likely want to stay in the same accommodations in Moab as while visiting Arches National Park. See the list above for recommendations.😊

Up next – let’s hit the road!

Canyonlands to Capitol Reef via Utah Scenic Byway 24

Journey time: the drive from Arches/Canyonlands to Capitol Reef should take you a little over 2 hours.

Southern Utah is truly stunning! The variety of landscapes are impressive, to say the least. This drive from Arches National Park to Zion National Park is as much fun as visiting the parks themselves!

From Moab to Capitol Reef National Park, the scenes start out relatively flat, but continue to build as you go along highway 24.

Pro tip: remember to fill up on gas, ice or any other essentials while in Moab. There’s not much for services for a long time!

Refer to the Utah national parks map above, but basically you’ll need to backtrack along I-70 for a bit, then turn southwest on Scenic Byway 24. As you approach the official entrance to Capitol Reef National Park, the surroundings will turn more orange and red. You know you’re getting close!

Highway 24 runs right through the park, so you technically don’t even need a park pass to visit Capitol Reef, as long as you stay along Highway 24 (see more recommendations below off the highway).

Note: if you have an extra day in your Utah mighty 5 road trip itinerary, you might want to consider visiting Goblin Valley State Park , which is just about 30 miles off Scenic Byway 24! It’s a true hidden gem in Utah, and a park all ages will enjoy.

Capitol Reef National Park: highlights

As you make your way through a Utah national parks road trip, Capitol Reef provides beautiful views along many scenic drives and hikes. This is a park that’s easy to see the highlights in one day.

One of the most unique things about Capitol Reef National Park is the impressive cliffs that tower over 7,000 feet taller on one side of the park than the other. This ‘step up’ in rock is over 100 miles long!

Known as a geologic wrinkle in the earth’s crust, the official term is a waterpocket fold . As you drive through the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive, you’ll see magnificent scenery. It’s quite impressive!

Be sure to stop by the Fruita Historic District, too. Check out the visitor center and the orchards, which happen to be one of the largest historic orchards in the National Park System. Enjoy samples of the fruits grown in the orchard, including pear, peach, apple, apricot, cherry and plum.

If you’re up for a hike, the Hickman Bridge Trail , Cassidy Arch Trail and Grand Wash Trails are worth considering. 

Where to stay near Capitol Reef National Park on this Utah national parks road trip adventure

As you make your way further into Southwest Utah, you’ll start to see more small towns and the options are limited for accommodations. However, these areas rely on tourist dollars, so there’s definitely plenty of places to stay. Once again, plan many months in advance for the widest variety.

The small town of Torrey, Utah is the closest town on the west side of Capitol Reef National Park.

• Red Sands Hotel just 3 miles from the park, includes an indoor pool and hot tub
• Days Inn by Wyndham Capitol Reef , a great budget-friendly option including breakfast
• Wonderland RV Park , for tent, cabin or RV camping

Within the park, Fruita Campground is in the middle of the action. Perfect for tent or RV camping.

Next, continue your Utah national park itinerary by making your way to Bryce Canyon.

Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon: take Scenic Byway 12 through Dixie National Forest

Journey time: the drive from Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon is a little under 2.5 hours.

Okay, this is important: GPS will likely want to take you west on Highway 24 from Capitol Reef then southwest on Highway 62 to Bryce Canyon. Don’t do it! For just 15 more minutes, you can take an incredibly scenic road that you won’t want to miss!

Refer to the Utah mighty 5 road trip map above.

From Torrey, Utah just outside of Capitol Reef National Park, take Scenic Byway 12 until just before Bryce Canyon City, where it merges with Highway 63. This is one of the most stunning drives on this Utah national parks road trip!

Scenic Byway 12 weaves through Dixie National Forest. This dense forest is nestled amongst the otherwise desert terrain that you’ll find in much of southern Utah. Be sure to stop at the Larb Hollow Overlook, which is at 9,200 feet in elevation and provides stunning views!

You’ll also drive through lush river valleys, rolling meadows, drive on top of plateaus and through some crazy rock formations, all on Scenic Byway 12.

About half way through your drive from Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon is the town of Boulder, Utah. It’s a great spot to make a stop and enjoy some dinner at Hell’s Backbone Grill . With a fun menu with offerings like Smoked Chimayo Chicken, Handmade Pappardelle and Baby’s Got the Blues Fudge Brownie, you’re sure to find something you’ll love!

Bryce Canyon National Park: what not to miss on this Utah national parks road trip

This is one of those national parks where you could take it easy and see the amazing sights by just visiting overlooks. Or you can grab your grippy hiking shoes and trekking poles and enjoy weaving through the hoodoos!

Bryce Canyon National Park is a really large park with many access points along Highway 12 and Highway 63. If you’re only spending a day in the park, I’d recommend to visit see the Bryce Amphitheater as the main attraction, located near the Visitor Center. There’s still a lot to do in this area of the park alone!

First, let’s cover something important: What is a hoodoo?

Bryce Canyon National Park is full of hoodoos, which are irregularly-eroded rock spires. In fact, this area is densely filled with hoodoos and holds the largest collection of hoodoos in the world. And they’re insanely cool to see up close.😎

Bryce Point, Inspriration Point, Sunrise Point and Sunset Point offer phenomenal views of the famous amphitheater views.

If you’re up for a hike, the Queens Garden Trail to the Navajo Loop is a fun, interactive hike with views worth every step! Coming in at 3.2 miles, with an elevation increase of 643 feet, it’s a decent hike that’s doable for most skill levels and abilities, especially if you take breaks often.

🚐 Note: from April to October there’s a free shuttle through Bryce Canyon National Park. It’s convenient and easy to use, and helps with park congestion. I’d highly recommend hopping on the shuttle when visiting the main area of the park.

Accommodations near Bryce Canyon

Fun fact: Bryce Canyon City was established recently, in 2007. Hotels, campgrounds and restaurants can be found in this tiny town of 200 year-long residents, just outside the national park boundary.

• Under Canvas Bryce Canyon for a fun glamping experience near the park
• Best Western PLUS Ruby’s Inn , which is pet-friendly with a pool
• Ruby’s Inn RV Park and Campground , right outside the park boundary with a pool, laundromat and more

Up next: driving to yet another incredible park – Zion!

Bryce Canyon to Zion via Mt. Carmel Scenic Byway/Highway 89 and Zion Park Scenic Byway/Highway 9

Journey time: it’s about 1.5 hours drive from Bryce Canyon to Zion , which is the shortest on this Utah national parks tour.

Leaving Bryce Canyon National Park, you’ll head west on Highway 12 to Highway 89, also known as Mt. Carmel Scenic Byway. As you head south on 89, you’ll run into Highway 9 at Mt. Carmel Junction. Of course, refer to the map of Utah national parks above for details .😊

Another spectacular adventure through southern Utah, you’ll be amazed at the sights along the way!

Glendale and Orderville are places to stop and get gas, ice or other essentials to get you to Zion. The scenery changes quite a bit along the way, and as you approach the east entrance of Zion National Park, you’ll start seeing more of the iconic cliffs of Zion.

Enjoy the curvy roads and the crazy mix of landscapes that southern Utah offers as you make your way from Bryce Canyon to Zion. It seems around every curve, you’re surprised with yet another incredible scenic view!

Note: if you’re taking an adventurous RV on your Utah big 5 road trip, you’ll need to obtain a permit to drive through the Carmel Tunnel on Highway 9. When you enter the park, you’ll pay a $15 fee (on top of any park fees, although by now you’ll have the America the Beautiful pass).

That will allow park rangers to close down the tunnel to allow your larger RV to drive down the center of the historic tunnel. It’s quite the adventure!😉

Zion National Park: what to see and do

Experience the magic of Zion! Massive cliffs that climb over 2,000 feet from the ground are awe-inspiring to say the least! This is your final stop on your Arches National Park to Zion National Park road trip. Eeeek!

For most people, there are 2 things that come to mind when you’re considering a trip to Zion National Park: hiking The Narrows and hiking Angels Landing. They’re popular for good reason, too!

🎟 You have to apply for a permit to hike Angels Landing , and it’s a lottery system so you’ll want to apply as soon as you can so you know the dates of your trip. If you don’t get selected for the date of your choice and still want to go to Zion, there’s also a day-before lottery. Best of luck to you!🤞

If you’re lucky enough to hold a reservation, celebrate first and be sure to train and prepare for this strenuous hike. Coming in at 4.4 miles with 1604 feet of elevation gain, it’s no joke. The chained section is especially difficult. The views are absolutely worth it, though! 

The Narrows at Zion is where the Zion Canyon narrows and the Virgin River flows. It’s a much easier hike than Angel’s Landing…depending on the water and weather! The hike to get to The Narrows entrance is 2 miles round trip on a paved path. You can then walk as far into the canyon as you’d like, up to 5 miles in.

The hike through the canyon where the water can be as high as an adult’s chest. You’ll want to wear the right shoes, clothing and bring a hiking pole.

These are my favorite water shoes that travel everywhere with me (including my Utah national parks road trip). And this dry bag has a carrying strap, perfect for throwing your gear over your shoulder during this hike.

If you’re looking for an easier or less crowded hike than either of these, consider hiking the Canyon Overlook Trail . It’s just 1 mile round trip with 187 feet elevation gain. It’s rated as moderate, based on the tricky (at times) terrain.

The Canyon Overlook Trail is one of the best hikes if you’re traveling to Zion with kids . The views are spectacular and worth every step!

🚐 Note: most of the year the Zion shuttles will be running, and you’ll be required to take the shuttle. It’s free, easy to navigate and reduces congestion in the park. Yay for not having to find a parking spot at a trailhead! 🎉

Where to stay near Zion National Park

Zion is one of the most popular national parks in the country, with over 5 million visitors per year . So of course there’s places to stay nearby. The town of Springdale is practically on the doorstep of the national park, and has lots of accommodations really close.

• Cliffrose Springdale, Curio Collection By Hilton for one of the closest hotels to Zion entrance and spectacular views
• Flanigan’s Resort and Spa for a nice pool and spa services to find your zen
• Zion Canyon Campground and RV Park for tent and RV camping, with river-front views and recreation

There’s also the Watchman Campground inside Zion, as well as the Zion National Park Lodge . Be sure to book those wayyy far in advance as they both fill up many months out!

Whew! Now that you’ve seen the park highlights and the Utah national parks map with best scenic route between parks, let’s review some more essentials to making this a successful trip!

What to pack for your national parks road trip Utah

It’s essential to be prepared in these national parks. Whether you’re flying and renting a car or driving a Utah mighty 5 road trip starting at home, pack everything you need. Services are limited in the parks, and even between parks at times.

Here are the best things to pack for this amazing adventure!

Hiking essentials for Utah national parks tour

• Layers! Clothing needs will vary by season. Be sure to wear moisture-wicking material for hiking and in the summertime so you’re not overheated. This is my favorite hiking jacket and medium hiking coat that travel with me.
• Rain gear. The desert has crazy rain that sometimes appears out of nowhere. Bring a poncho , rain jacket or other protective rain apparel.
• Hiking boots. If you plan to get out of your vehicle at all in any of these national parks, then a good pair of hiking boots will serve you well! These are my favorite pair of hiking boots that have come with me to Grotto Falls in Smoky Mountain National Park , Calico Tanks Trail in Red Rock Canyon , Nevada, Inspiration Point in Grand Teton National Park and sooo many more spots!
• Hiking socks. My first trip to Arches and Canyonlands I didn’t have the right hiking socks and got blisters every day for a week. Don’t make that mistake! Get moisture-wicking hiking socks to go with your shoes. You won’t regret it!
• Trekking poles. Great to keep your balance, take pressure off your knees and give you a bit of motivation when you’re tired, trekking poles are an essential hiking item from Arches National Park to Zion National Park!
• Hiking backpack. Get yourself a magical backpack that takes the weight off your shoulders! My husband and I both use  Osprey Sirrus 24 backpacks  and we love them, especially the extra air flow they provide for sweaty environments!
• Water! Fill your hydration bladder in a hiking backpack with ice and water at the beginning of the day. Always take more water than you think you’ll need on hikes, especially during the summer.
• Sun protection. Pack earth-friendly sunscreen , sun glasses, sun hat , long sleeves or other ways to protect your skin. Being outside any time of year you can get sun damage. Here’s your reminder to re-apply frequently.☀️

Food, road trip and safety essentials for your Arches National Park to Zion National Park adventure

• Water, water, water. Always pack more than you need. Each adult needs one gallon per day when visiting and hiking in the desert climate like Utah. Fill up reusable water bottles or water hydration system for a hiking backpack at hotels, restaurants or park hydration stations to avoid buying too much single-use plastic.
• Satellite communicator. National parks typically lack cell phone service, and the mighty 5 in Utah is no exception. A satellite communicator allows you to call for help (for yourself or someone else) when an injury unexpectedly occurs. I love my Garmin InReach Mini , which traveled with me to all 5 Utah national parks.
• Collapsible cooler. Perfect for your road trip, load a cooler with ice and lunches in the morning as you explore each park. I love this collapsable cooler because it folds down great for travel.
• Snacks! Speaking of food, you’ll want plenty of food and snacks throughout your trip. Think high protein and salt to replace your sweat and provide energy. My favorite hiking snacks are these protein bars , beef jerky and trail mix .
• Head lamp. Whether you’re camping, doing a sunset or sunrise hike or just as a part of the 10 essentials , a head lamp is a great item to pack!
• Go Pro. This one is a fun-to-have on this epic road trip! Capture incredible footage as you glide through the scenic byways in Utah, hike to awesome viewpoints and see beautiful overlooks! This GoPro travels with me on all my travels!

Final tips for your Utah Mighty 5 road trip

Before wrapping this up, here are the last few tips that will make planning a trip to Utah national parks and your experience within the parks go smoothly!

• America the Beautiful pass is a must! This pass gets you into national parks and federally protected lands, and will save you a lot of money on this trip!
• Be sure to get timed entry passes and permits in advance. Start researching those now – and be sure you can visit each park and attraction when you want, before booking everything else. (Note the entry requirements are current as of the publication date, but could change at any time.)
• Plan extra time. These parks are simply magnificent! You could get caught up with phenomenal views and lose track of time easily. Or let’s be honest, long lines and traffic takes extra time, too!
• Pack enough food and water. Be prepared as you hike and explore these parks by packing adequate food and water. Trails often times take longer than you think, there are long lines at food spots or even closed restaurants throughout the parks. Always have a back up plan!
• Leave no trace. Don’t step off the trail, stack rocks, disturb or feed wildlife, leave food (even composable scraps), or anything else that indicates you’ve been there. These ecosystems are precious and are taxed by all of us humans visiting them. Be kind to the earth.
• Figure out your gas plan. You really don’t want to run out! Use the (free) GasBuddy app to find affordable gas along the way.
• Download offline Google Maps , download AllTrails maps for each trail you plan to hike and grab paper copies of the national park maps as you go through the entrance.
• Don’t overextend yourself on hikes. Know your limitations and don’t take on more than you can handle. It’s okay to turn back if it’s too much! The NPS has to rescue far too many people that aren’t adequately prepared or have enough training for the hiking trails they are stuck on.
• Be patient. Not everything will go as planned. Remember to be kind to others and yourself in times of stress.💛

Oh, and above all else – have fun!

Utah national parks road trip

It’s an adventure of a lifetime! From Arches National Park to Zion National Park, this journey is quite literally filled with highs and lows!

It’s mother nature at her finest! Stunning canyons, incredible cliffs, crazy rock formations and so much more await for you on a national parks road trip in Utah!

Related content you might like: Zion with Kids: 12 Fun Things to Do You’ll Love (Plus Tips, Pics & Video) Canyon Overlook Trail: Gorgeous Zion Hike You Gotta See to Believe Queens Garden Trail + Navajo Loop Bryce Canyon: Epic Hike You’ll Love Hickman Bridge Trail: Fun Capitol Reef Hike You Don’t Want to Miss

Love a good road trip? Check out these guides! Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive from Vegas: 10 Amazing Stops, Hikes + Tips 12 Epic Scenic Drives in Colorado 32 Amazing Stops on a San Francisco to San Diego Road Trip 16 Best Midwest Road Trips – Scenic Routes You Can’t Miss

Find this post helpful? Save it for later or share it on social media!

Chelsea Messina

Wednesday 9th of November 2022

This has been my dream trip for longer than 10 years. The closest I've gotten to it was when me and my friend did Zion, Bryce, and the Grand Canyon out of Vegas. Then I planned this exact trip for me and my fiance, but we had to cancel because of COVID. But... ONE DAY I WILL make it there.

Sunday 27th of November 2022

Ack Chelsea! You've gotta get there! It's an incredible journey. Hoping you can make it happen in 2023❤️

Saturday 5th of November 2022

This is a super helpful post to hit the Mighty 5, thanks for the comprehensive information. Saving for our Utah trip.

So glad you found it helpful, Jenn! 🏜

A Capone Connection

This looks amazing. Saving it because my son is in the Air Force and he is going to be relocated in April. Utah is on the list of possible places. So exciting!!

Oh wow! Crossing my fingers for you - this is one incredibly diverse state and you'd have a fabulous time on a Mighty 5 road trip!

Thursday 3rd of November 2022

Thank you for the amazing guide. I’ve been to Bryce Canyon before and loved it. I would love to take a road trip and visit your other recommendations.

You're so welcome Karen! I hope you make it to the other 4 sometime soon :)

So much information here! Thank you! It is everything I would need to plan a trip!

Sounds like a road trip is in your future ;)

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National Parks

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

Mar 16, 2022

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I'm a travel creator and influencer coach based out of Arizona. This blog is where I share the best itineraries for US & beyond, 63 US National Parks , and influencer tips . Read More About Me ⟶

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

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

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

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

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

• Arizona Utah Road Trip Itinerary

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Planning Your Utah National Parks Road Trip

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

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

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

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

Where to Start Your Big 5 Utah Road Trip

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

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

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

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

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

Utah National Parks Itinerary at a Glance + Map

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

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

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

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

8-Day Utah National Parks Itinerary

Day 1 — las vegas to zion national park.

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

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

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

Morning — Entering the Park

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

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

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

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

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

Afternoon — Emerald Pools or Narrows

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

Here are some notable ones to consider:

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

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

Evening — The Watchman Trail

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

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

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

The trailhead can be accessed by the Visitor center!

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

Day 2 — Zion National Park

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

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

Morning — Angels Landing Sunrise

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

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

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

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

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

Afternoon — Scenic Drive or Bike Ride

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

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

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

Evening — Canyon Overlook Trail Sunset

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

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

After your sunset mission, head back to your accommodations!

Tomorrow you’ll be driving to Bryce.

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

Day 3 — Bryce Canyon National Park

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

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

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

Morning — Sunrise Point

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

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

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

Afternoon — Navajo Loop Trail

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

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

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

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

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

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

Evening — Sunset Point

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

Sunset point is located near Sunrise Point.

About 0.6 miles of sidewalk separates them.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Morning — Gifford House for Pie

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

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

Yes. PIES. Like rhubarb and strawberry.

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

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

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

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

Afternoon — Capitol Reef Scenic Drive or Hike

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 5 — Canyonlands National Park & Moab, UT

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

Today you’ll be exploring Canyonlands National Park!

This park is known for its scenic overlook and adventure.

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

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

Morning — Mesa Arch

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

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

But, the view is worth it!

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

Afternoon — Excursion

Canyonlands is an adventure hub.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Afternoon — Explore Moab, UT

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

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

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

Evening — Broken Arch Sunset

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

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

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

Day 7 — Arches National Park

• Time Exploring: 3 days (Day 3 of 3)

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

So let’s end it with some more adventure.

Morning — Windows Section

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

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

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

Afternoon — Park Avenue & Devil’s Garden Loop

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

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

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

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

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

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

Evening — Dead Horse State Park

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to Bring on Your Utah Mighty 5 Trip

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

Keen Targhees

Trekking Poles

Osprey Pack

Sony a7RIII

16-35mm f/4

Overall Thoughts on a Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy exploring :)!

© Dani Rodriguez LLC 2024. All rights reserved. | Legal

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

The Ultimate Utah Road Trip (National Parks + Itinerary)

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

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

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

10-Day Utah Road Trip Itinerary

Jump Ahead To:

Best Month to Visit Utah

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

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

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

Utah Road Trip Map

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

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

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

Getting Around Utah – Rent an RV

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

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

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

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

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

Flying Into Salt Lake City

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

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

Flying Into Denver, Colorado

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Arches National Park

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

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

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

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

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

Canyonlands National Park

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

The park is divided into four districts:

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

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

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

Dead Horse State Park

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

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

Where To Stay in Moab, Utah

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

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

Day 5. Experience Capitol Reef National Park

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

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

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

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

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

Where To Stay Near Capitol Reef

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

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

Day 6: Adventure Through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument 

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

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

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

Where To Stay in Escalante

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

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

Day 7: Explore The Hoodoos of Bryce Canyon

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

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

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

Check out our one day in Bryce Canyon Itinerary here!

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

Where To Stay Near Bryce Canyon

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

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

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

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

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

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

Learn how to spend 2 days in Zion National Park !

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

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

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

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

Where To Stay Near Zion

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

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

Day 10: Your Utah Road Trip Comes To An End

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

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

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

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

Tips for Visiting Utah National Parks

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

Camping In Utah & Its National Parks

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

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

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

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

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

WANT MORE INFORMATION?!

One Day in Arches National Park

How to Spend 1 to 2 Days in Zion National Park

One Day In Bryce Canyon

How To Spend 2-3 Days in Moab

Arches National Park in One Day

Road Trip Essentials

Tips & Essential Gear for Camping

PIN IT FOR LATER!

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

Happy Travels,

– Lauren & Jesse Stuart (The Stüs)

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

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

Jun 2, 2024 • 12 min read

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

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

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

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

Where should you start a Utah national parks road trip?

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

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

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

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

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

Stop 1: Zion National Park

The vibe: Awesome canyon and iconic hikes

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

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

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

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

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

Stop 2: Bryce Canyon National Park

The vibe: Alien rock formations

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

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

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

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

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

Stop 3: Capitol Reef National Park

The vibe: Hikes through history

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

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

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

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

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

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

The vibe: Epic views

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

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

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

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

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

Stop 5: Arches National Park

The vibe: Arches galore

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

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

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

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

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

Tips for EV drivers

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

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

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Ultimate Utah National Parks Road Trip: Explore Utah’s Mighty 5

One of the best and most classic American vacations is a Utah National Parks road trip . Utah’s ‘ Mighty 5 ’ consists of five absolutely incredible national parks: Zion , Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands. Each park is bursting with natural beauty and ample things to do.

This Utah national parks itinerary can be catered to a 7-day or 10-day vacation, or adjusted even further to suit your needs. Keep reading to find out all the best things to do in each national park, where to stay, places to eat, what to pack, and which side trips are worthwhile.

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Ultimate Utah National Parks Road Trip

I’ve visited each of these Utah national parks numerous times now. In fact, in 2017 my husband and I took a road trip to every single US national park. ( Click here to see our epic national parks route! ) So I guess what I’m trying to say is that I know a thing or two about visiting US national parks, including Utah’s ‘Mighty 5’! All these recommendations come from firsthand experience and if you follow this itinerary I guarantee you will have an amazing trip!

Best Utah National Parks Road Trip Route

Where to start and end your utah road trip.

There are a few options for where to start and end your road trip of Utah’s ‘Mighty 5’. The most common choices are Las Vegas and Salt Lake City. But cities such as Flagstaff and Denver are also options. I personally recommend starting and finishing your road trip in Las Vegas . This is for a few reasons. Firstly, you won’t have to worry about extra costs from one-way car rental and flights. Secondly, it’s generally easy to find affordable and regular flights out of the Las Vegas airport. 

In saying that, you could choose to start in Las Vegas and end in Salt Lake City , or vice versa. The route I am suggesting starts and ends in Las Vegas, but you could very simply switch the last location to Salt Lake City and avoid back-tracking to Las Vegas (see example below). You can also jump on this itinerary at any point if you are traveling from Flagstaff or Denver. 

If you fly in and rent a car I recommend using Kayak to compare the best deals on your car rental. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, consider renting a camper van for a truly epic road trip!

How To Get to Utah’s National Parks

You will need a car for this Utah national parks road trip itinerary. Many of Utah’s ‘Mighty 5’ are relatively remote and public transportation can be challenging or non-existent. So I recommend driving your own car or renting one from your starting destination.

Car, Camper, or RV?

This Utah national parks road trip itinerary is very conducive to a camper or RV style trip. The USA Southwest has plenty of free camping and is very welcoming to this kind of travel. If you are looking to rent a camper or RV then I would recommend checking out Outdoorsy or RVshare to find an RV to rent just the same as you would rent a car or book a hotel.

Not a fan of sleeping in vehicles? You can absolutely drive a regular vehicl e and stay in hotels or even consider tent camping . For rental cars, I typically use Kayak to research the best deals at my chosen destination. You can also book your campground on The Dyrt for members’ deals. Use my code reneeroaming for a free 30-day trial here .

Will I need a 4×4 Vehicle?

There are some roads in the Southwest that require 4×4 access, but I have made sure this itinerary is accessible to all types of vehicles . So if there is a side trip that requires 4×4 I will be sure to mention that.

If you’re worried about breaking down or getting stuck while you’re exploring Utah’s ‘Mighty 5’, I would recommend having AAA . It gives us peace of mind when traveling and the annual cost is really affordable (starting at $56 a year).

The Best Months to Take a Utah National Park Road Trip

You can technically follow this Utah national parks road trip itinerary any time of the year. In saying that though, there are definitely better months to explore the ‘Mighty 5’. In my opinion, spring and fall are the best seasons as they bring milder temperatures, snow-free trails, and often less crowds. Here’s an idea of what to expect from each season when exploring Utah’s national parks.

Spring is my favorite season to explore Utah’s national parks. The temperatures are usually warm during the day but cool off at night. And it’s such a nice sunny escape from winter which tends to linger in the Pacific Northwest. Keep in mind that you can get a little bit of snow in some areas during early spring, especially at higher elevations. It’s also one of the busiest times to explore the Southwest, given how great the conditions are. So expect larger crowds, especially during April and May. Another downside of this time of year can be the “spring winds” , especially in April.

I would suggest avoiding Utah’s national parks during summer (particularly July and August). It’s just too hot in my opinion. But if you’re okay with temperatures above 100°F / 38°C, then go for it! Just be prepared with ample water and sun protection .

Similar to spring, fall is a great time to visit Utah’s national parks. The days are warm but not too hot. And the nights also cool down to a comfortable sleeping temperature. Because of these ideal conditions, you can expect large crowds in fall, especially during September and October.

Just because it’s nearly always sunny in the Southwest doesn’t mean it’s always warm! Winter can be freeeeezing in Utah’s national parks, especially at higher elevations. So expect temperatures between 30°F – 50°F during the day and well below freezing at night. Some trails and roads may also be inaccessible due to snow and ice. You can travel to these parks in winter but be sure to do ample research of conditions and come prepared with adequate cold-weather gear.

How To Find Free Utah Campsites

There are loads of free camping options across Utah, which can really help you cut down on road trip costs. In fact, I have an entire blog post on how to find free campsites in the USA – check it out! It is particularly so easy to find free campsites near Utah’s Mighty 5. On my most recent road trip I stayed in free camping spots 95% of the time!

My favorite resources to find free campsites:

• iOverlander App – free ( iOS / Android ): You can also use their interactive map on their website . 
• FreeCampsites.net – free ( Android ): Their app and their website both have an interactive map that you can also use.
• The Dyrt  – free or  pro for $35.99 / year : The Pro Membership Perks include a camping road trip planner, free dispersed camping with map layers, offline access anywhere, and camping and gear discounts. You can also find free campsites and get a free 30-day trial for your next trip using code reneeroaming .

Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary

This Utah road trip itinerary is based on my own personal experiences visiting each park numerous times. You will find I have included many of the “popular” things to do because they are well-known for a reason… they are so incredible! But I have also tried to suggest some less crowded viewpoints and hikes, so that you can have some peaceful moments too.

Ideal Length of a Utah National Parks Road Trip

Honestly, the more time the better for a Utah national parks road trip! But seeing as most people have limited vacation time, I have made this itinerary 7 days long (see below). Ideally, you would opt for 10 days to allow for more time in each park and for side trips. If that’s an option for you, I have included a 10 day itinerary below. If you have even more time then I would consider adding on some stops in Arizona (like visiting Grand Canyon National Park or Antelope Canyon) or staying in each of Utah’s Mighty 5 longer.

7 Day Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary

• Day 1 : Arrive in Las Vegas, head to Zion National Park
• Day 2 : Zion National Park
• Day 3 : Bryce Canyon National Park
• Day 4 : Capitol Reef National Park
• Day 5 : Arches National Park
• Day 6 : Arches and Canyonlands National Parks
• Day 7 : Drive back to Las Vegas

10 Day Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary

• Day 1 : Arrive in Las Vegas, head to Valley of Fire State Park
• Day 2 : Valley of Fire State Park & Zion National Park
• Day 3 : Zion National Park
• Day 4 : Bryce Canyon National Park
• Day 5 : Escalante 
• Day 6 : Capitol Reef National Park
• Day 7 : Arches National Park
• Day 8 : Arches & Canyonlands National Parks
• Day 9 : Canyonlands National Park
• Day 10 : Drive back to Las Vegas

As mentioned earlier, you could also consider starting or ending your Utah Mighty 5 road trip in Salt Lake City to cut off some driving hours. But keep in mind that could mean additional costs for one-way car rental and flights.

Stop 1: Zion National Park

First up on this Utah national parks road trip itinerary is Zion National Park . In fact, Zion is one of the best parks in the whole country. I guarantee its beauty will blow you away! When spending 1-2 days in the park you will need to be selective about your adventures and be sure to maximize time wisely. If you’re like me, you’ll probably leave already wanting to plan your next trip here.

Best Things To Do in Zion National Park

If you only have time to do one hike in Zion National Park, I would choose either Angel’s Landing or Observation Point . They are both challenging hikes but the views are absolutely worth it and highlight the best parts of the park. A less challenging option is to visit Canyon Overlook . In fact, the Canyon Overlook trail is a particularly good “easy option” for a sunset adventure. Just be sure to arrive early to ensure you get a parking spot.

What about hiking The Narrows ? Exploring The Narrows is an amazing experience hiking in the Virgin River, though I wouldn’t say that it’s better than the hikes mentioned above. If you’re looking for a more secluded hiking experience then I would suggest looking into hiking The Subway Trail . During most of the year, the National Park Service runs free shuttles throughout the canyon, which makes getting around the park really easy! It’s a fun way to link up multiple hikes, too. If you feel like splurging, you can take a Sunset UTV Tour to explore the local rugged terrain in a more adventurous way!

Where To Stay Near Zion National Park

There are a few campgrounds within Zion National Park. The most popular are Springdale Watchman Campground and South Campground . There is also another campground near the less popular eastern entrance called Lava Point Campground . Book these campgrounds with The Dyrt and use my code reneeroaming for a free 30-day trial. Find out more here .

For hotel style accommodation, consider staying in the town of Springdale or at Zion Lodge (within the park) .

Places To Eat Near Zion National Park

The town of Springdale will be your best bet with plenty of places to eat. It’s located just by the southern park entrance and has numerous cafes, restaurants, and a grocery store. Be sure to check out Oscar’s Cafe, Deep Creek Coffee Co, and Cafe Soleil. Then for groceries and snacks stop by Sol Foods.

Amazing Stops Nearby Zion National Park

If you’re looking for a similar type of landscape to Zion Canyon but want to avoid crowds, check out nearby Snow Canyon State Park . Some popular things to do in Snow Canyon include hiking the Petrified Dunes and Lava Flow trails.

Another fun spot close to Zion is Scout Cave . This triangular cave is located near the town of St George and can also be accessed via a 3.6 mile out-and-back hike.

You can also book an incredible helicopter tour over Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon to see the landscape from the sky. Well worth the stop! Book here.

Add on for 10 day itinerary: Valley of Fire State Park

If you’re opting for the 10 day itinerary, then you will be stopping at Valley of Fire State Park before reaching Zion. Or you could leave Valley of Fire until the end of your trip right before flying out of Las Vegas. There are some great guided hikes that leave from Las Vegas that let you explore the area’s petroglyphs, rock formations, and plateaus.

Valley of Fire State Park is relatively small but packed with opportunities for adventure. The best hikes to check out are The Fire Wave Trail, White Domes Trail, and Rainbow Vista Trail. But if you only have time for one then I would suggest The Fire Wave Trail. 

Stop 2: Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon is often overlooked when it comes to other Utah national parks. Because of that, my expectations weren’t super high the first time I visited. Well, I was very wrong! Bryce Canyon National Park is a true gem of the Southwest and should be on everyone’s bucket list. In fact, you don’t need a whole lot of time to explore the best sights of Bryce Canyon. Which makes it the perfect addition to this whirlwind Utah national parks road trip.

Best Things To Do in Bryce Canyon National Park

Sunrise and sunset are the best times to witness Bryce Canyon’s beauty. There are also numerous viewpoints to watch sunrise and sunset, including Inspiration Point, Sunrise Point, and Sunset Point. In fact, my favorite is watching the sunrise from Sunset Point … confusing I know haha. This Bryce Canyon Guided Tour hits all the highlights of the national park in 3 hours. A great option if you’re on a time crunch.

The best hike in Bryce Canyon is the Navajo Loop Trail , paired with the Queen’s Garden Trail . Begin hiking right after sunrise and start from Sunset Point on the Navajo Trail. Then connect counterclockwise around to the Queen’s Garden Trail and finish at Sunrise Point. Walk back along the Rim Trail to your car at Sunset Point. The whole hike is approximately 2.9 miles (4.6 km) and has an elevation change of 600 feet (183 m).

But if you’re looking for an extra challenge, check out the Peek-A-Boo Loop Trail . This 5.5 mile (8.85 km) trail can also be connected to the Navajo Loop Trail for one much bigger day hike. So make sure to pack plenty of water , sun protection , and snacks .

Where To Stay Near Bryce Canyon National Park

The Lodge at Bryce Canyon is open from May through December and is a good option if you’re hoping to stay within the park. There are also two campgrounds within the park, North Campground and Sunset Campground . Lastly, you can opt to stay in the nearby town of Bryce Canyon City , which is just a 5-minute drive from the park. In addition, there are a few good options here including Ruby’s Inn RV Park and Campground , Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn , and Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand . 

Places To Eat Near Bryce Canyon National Park

Within the park you can eat at The Lodge at Bryce Canyon (yummy breakfast!) or opt for choices in nearby Bryce Canyon City. Ruby’s Inn has three dining options, the Cowboy’s Buffet & Steak Room, Canyon Diner, and Ebenezer’s Barn and Grill. All the food is fairly basic but hits the spot after a day of exploring!

Amazing Stops Nearby Bryce Canyon National Park

If you have time on your Utah national parks road trip, Red Canyon is a worthwhile side trip. You’ll find it when driving from Zion to Bryce Canyon along Scenic Byway 12. Red Canyon is part of Dixie National Forest (free entrance) and not technically part of Bryce Canyon, though they are very close to each other. Check out the .7-mile Arches Trail where you will walk by hoodoos, arches, and other interesting red rock formations.

Another detour between Zion and Bryce Canyon is Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park . At the Mount Carmel Junction you can choose to drive 20 minutes south to access the park.

There are also a few great activities you can book to enjoy more of the areas near the park. You can go horseback riding in Dixie National Forest or in Red Canyon , or if machines are more your style go on an ATV adventure within Bryce National Park .

Add on for 10 day itinerary: Escalante 

If you’re opting for the 10 day ‘Mighty 5’ itinerary, then you will be stopping to explore the Escalante area on your way from Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef National Park. Note that you have to take the route along UT-12 E instead of UT-24 E, otherwise you won’t go through Escalante.

There are also numerous things to do in the Escalante area. If you have a regular vehicle then opt for the Lower Calf Creek Falls Trail as it’s right off the highway. Then if your vehicle can deal with washboard dirt roads, head down Hole-In-The-Rock-Road and explore Devil’s Garden and/or Zebra Slot Canyon.

For those with higher clearance vehicles, consider taking a scenic drive further on and explore Peekaboo Gulch or Spooky Gulch . You can also rent 4×4 vehicles in the area or consider booking a guided tour. 

Stop 3: Capitol Reef National Park

Next up on this Utah national parks road trip itinerary is Capitol Reef National Park . I’ll be honest, Capitol Reef is a park I initially wasn’t that hyped on visiting. I hadn’t seen that many amazing photos and overall the park just doesn’t get as much exposure as the rest of the Utah ‘Mighty 5’. But don’t let that deter you from visiting. In fact, Capitol Reef is bursting with hidden gems if you’re willing to look for them!

Best Things To Do in Capitol Reef National Park

Right at the entrance of the Capitol Reef is a roadside pull-off known as the ‘ Petroglyph Panel ‘. From here you can take a short walk to view incredible rock drawings that date back to between 300 – 1300 A.D. Then after this you can stop by the Visitor Center to get the latest park information, use the restroom, and check out the gift store.

Head further into the park and check out the historic Gifford Farm (built in 1908) and enjoy some delicious home-made pie from the Gifford House store. Also be sure to get a side of home-made ice cream too! They have some of the best pies I have ever tasted and also sell other baked goods, snacks, salsa, spreads, coffee, tea, etc.

Next up, consider hiking the Cassidy Arch Trail . This 3.1-mile trail is a great way to see the natural beauty of Capitol Reef National Park. If you’re looking for something a bit longer, the Navajo Knobs Trail is 9.1-miles with 2100 feet of elevation gain. This will get you to a more elevated view of the park, with beautiful ridgeline and mountain views. Another hike to check out in that general is Hickman Bridge Trail (1.7 miles roundtrip).

Finally, I highly recommend checking out the Cathedral Valley District of Capitol Reef National Park. It’s more remote, and sometimes requires a high clearance vehicle (check at the Visitor Center). So if you can, drive all the way to the Temple of the Sun and spend a sunrise or sunset exploring that beautiful area of the park. You can book this tour for a guided exploration of Cathedral Valley .

Where To Stay Near Capitol Reef National Park

There isn’t any hotel-style lodging within Capitol Reef National Park, but those who are camping can stay at Fruita Campground . Alternatively, the nearby town of Torrey has a few hotel options, including Capitol Reef Resort and Red Sands Hotel .

Places To Eat Near Capitol Reef National Park

As mentioned above, you absolutely need to try the homemade pie and ice cream from Gifford House store . Some other places to eat near Capitol Reef include Castlerock Coffee, Austin’s Chuckwagon Deli, and Capitol Burger. 

Amazing Stops Nearby Capitol Reef National Park

If you don’t mind dirt roads or some washboarding, nearby Factory Butte is a unique place to explore. There are endless scenic drives and tons of hiking opportunities. Just be sure to pack out all your trash, follow signed recreation guidelines, and be respectful of others.

Stop 4: Arches National Park

The next Utah ‘Mighty 5’ is Arches National Park . Arches is a relatively small national park but has tons of things to see and do. One downside is that due to its closeness to the adventure hub of Moab, the park can get very busy, especially on weekends and holidays. Plan to start your days early when visiting Arches and enter the park as close to sunrise as possible. 

Best Things To Do in Arches National Park

Hikers love Arches National Park, and for good reason! Hiking to Delicate Arch (3.4-miles) is a very popular thing to do on any Utah national parks road trip. It’s such an iconic experience and worth braving the crowds for. Go at sunset and watch the arch glow with the fading afternoon light. On a clear night it is worth staying after dark and spending some time star gazing under the moon (trust me, it will blow your mind!)

Be sure to explore The Windows area of Arches National Park. You can take a short walk between all the windows, arches, and other rock formations. My favorites are Double Arch and Turret Arch. For a different view that you can’t get from the ground, book a helicopter flight .

Another short must-do walk is Sand Dune Arch Trail (0.3-mile). And if you’re looking for a bigger adventure, check out the Devil’s Garden Primitive Loop Trail . This 8.1-mile loop is absolutely gorgeous and along the way you will encounter beautiful arches, desert plants, and rock gardens. My favorites were Landscape Arch and Double O Arch. Warning: be sure you take loads of water and a hat … 8 miles hiking in the hot desert is no joke!

As a break from the hiking you can take part in an ATV adventure from Moab across the park and the Colorado River. I also like to use a self-guided audio tour when visiting new parks because it lets me explore at my own pace.

Where To Stay Near Arches National Park

Arches National Park has one lodging option, Devils Garden Campground . It’s hard to secure a reservation so you’re probably best to look into nearby options. The town of Moab has numerous hotels to choose from, as well as campgrounds and RV parks. You can also use this guide to help find free campsites in the greater Moab area.

Places To Eat Near Arches National Park

Moab has a wide range of dining options. If you’re a fan of burgers, definitely check out Milt’s Stop and Eat Diner . They have a bunch of yummy burger options (including veggie and fish), fries, and shakes. For coffee and brunch, you can’t go wrong with Moab Garage Co . We also like the smoothies from Moab Coffee Roasters. Another good choice is Moab Brewery as they have a substantial beer list and a nice range of food options.

Amazing Stops Nearby Arches National Park

If you have time to add to your Mighty 5 road trip, Fisher Towers is a worthwhile place to check out while you’re in the Moab area. It’s a well known spot for climbers but many other visitors don’t know about its beauty or hiking opportunities. Take the Fisher Towers Trail for some spectacular views and a good workout. You can also camp there if you are lucky and get one of the 5 car camping sites.

Corona Arch is another amazing spot close by to Arches National Park. Located about 1 hour from the Arches Visitor Center, Corona Arch is an easy 2.3 mile hike that offers stunning views of a massive arch (140 feet across by 105 feet high).

Stop 5: Canyonlands National Park

No Utah national parks road trip itinerary would be complete with a stop at Canyonlands National Park ! The Island in the Sky section of Canyonlands is the most visited and it’s a distance of about 35-40 minutes driving time from Arches National Park.

If you have a short amount of time to visit Canyonlands, then I recommend sticking to the Island in the Sky area. If you have longer, then you could consider checking out the other three areas: Maze District, Needles District, and the Colorado and Green Rivers District. Keep in mind that these areas are much more remote and best suited for experienced travelers and backpackers. 

Best Things To Do in Canyonlands National Park

These recommendations are all for the Island in the Sky area, as that is what I recommend visiting on such a short Utah national parks road trip. Drive the entirety of Grand View Point Road , stopping at all the different lookouts along the way: Shafer Canyon Overlook, Green River Overlook, Buck Canyon Overlook, and ending at Grand View Point. My favorite of the overlooks is probably Green River, especially at sunset.

I recommend walking the 2-mile Grand View Point trail for incredible panoramic views. Some other short trails to check out include White Rim Overlook (1.8-mile), and Mesa Arch (0.7-mile). Keep in mind that Mesa Arch Trail can be VERY busy at sunrise, as that is when photographers like to capture the fiery red glow on the arch. It’s worth braving the crowds but my top recommendation would be to stick around until after sunrise. All the photographers peace-out fairly quickly and then you will have the arch all to yourself! Remember to never walk or climb on arches .

Another worthwhile sight in the park is Upheaval Dome Trail (1.7-mile). To get there, drive down Upheaval Dome Road and park at the end (you will get to a turn-around loop). From there you should spot the trailhead and can follow signs to both the first Upheaval Dome overlook and the second. 

For a birds-eye view of Upheaval Dome, the Arches District, and the Needles District you can book a scenic airplane tour , your pilot will be your guide of the incredible scenery cruising beneath you. If you prefer to stay at ground level you can take this 4×4 tour followed by white water rafting in the Colorado River.

Where To Stay Near Canyonlands National Park

There is one lodging option in the Island in the Sky area of Canyonlands National Park, Willow Flat Campground . It has 12 first-come-first-served sites and the campground is open year-round. A nearby BLM camping spot is Horsethief Campground , which has 85 first-come-first-served campsites at $20 a night. Your other option will be to stay in nearby Moab , where there are plenty of lodging options (you could stay at the same place while exploring both Arches and Canyonlands). You can also use this guide to find free campsites in the greater Moab area.

Places To Eat Near Canyonlands National Park

There isn’t anywhere to eat inside Canyonlands National Park, so you will have to bring your own food or eat in nearby Moab. As mentioned above, Moab has a wide range of dining options. If you’re a burger lover, definitely check out Milt’s Stop and Eat Diner . For delicious coffee and brunch, I highly recommend Moab Garage Co . Another good choice is Moab Brewery as they have a substantial beer list and a nice range of food options.

Amazing Stops Nearby Canyonlands National Park

About 9 minutes before arriving at the Island in the Sky Visitor Center, you will pass a junction to Hwy 313. Turning left will take you to Dead Horse Point State Park . Stopping here is highly recommended if you have the time! The main overlook (at the end of the road) has stunning views of steep canyon walls, the Colorado River snaking below, and distant mountain peaks. You could take a picnic dinner and watch sunset here after exploring Canyonlands National Park. Alternatively, take the view from the river on a scenic jet boat tour along the Colorado river.

This is the end of your Utah national parks road trip! 

You’ve seen all of Utah’s Mighty 5! It’s now time to head back to Las Vegas. If you traveled via Escalante then you could take I-70/15 back, just for some change of scenery (and I think it’s technically shorter). If you are opting to finish in Salt Lake City, then simply head north on Hwy 191. 

Map of Ultimate Utah National Parks Road Trip

Things To Know Before You Go On a Utah Road Trip

Before setting off, below are a few more key things to know about taking a Utah national parks road trip. 

How To Avoid National Park Crowds

Utah national parks can get busy! Especially on weekends and holidays. I have an entire guide on how to avoid crowds in national parks , but here are my top tips to consider when visiting Utah’s Mighty 5:

• Visit mid-week and during off-peak seasons.
• Be self sufficient and prepared (e.g. your own food, water, supplies).
• Start your day at sunrise. Exploring late in the afternoon can also be quieter than in the middle of the day.
• Explore less popular parts of the park.
• Hit the trails and go hiking. Overlooks/viewpoints are always much busier than the trails.

Buy a National Parks Pass

You 100% should buy an annual national parks pass if you’re taking a road trip through Utah’s Mighty 5. The America The Beautiful Pass is a one-time fee of $80 and it allows for unlimited entry into federally operated recreation sites across the United States. The pass covers both the owner and up to three accompanying adults aged 16 years and older (children 15 and under are free).

Not only will it save you money in the long run to buy an annual pass, but 100% of the proceeds will go back to improving the national park system’s facilities and services. You can pick up a national park pass at any entrance station or park visitor center. If you already have one, don’t forget to pack it!

How To Plan Utah National Park Hikes

Hiking trails are often the most beautiful parts of a national park and should definitely be explored if you are physically capable. Here are my top tips for planning national park hikes when visiting Utah’s Mighty 5:

• Look at the national park map and other information you are provided on entrance to the park. These brochures often have recommendations for hiking in the different park sections.
• Drop into the visitor center and ask about trail conditions and what is/isn’t accessible at that time of year. You can also double-check whether or not you need a permit to take a particular hike. Park rangers are a great resource for trip planning
• If you’re planning hikes before arriving at the park then you can refer to the National Park Service website and All Trails (website or app) for current conditions.
• Be sure to read up on that particular park’s local hiking guidelines.
• Research any gear you may need for hiking in your chosen terrain/conditions. My beginner’s guide to hiking covers the basics and I also have a women-specific guide on what to wear hiking . Curious about what shoes to wear? Check out my guide to the best hiking shoes for women and men .

Need a refresher on hiking trail etiquette? Read my guide on the Hiking Trail Etiquette Rules You Should Know and Follow .

Can You Take Pets to National Parks?

This is a common question to ask when planning a Utah national parks trip. Each national park has its own rules when it comes to pets. You can check on NPS.gov (select your park > plan your visit > basic information > pets) or call ahead and ask a ranger. In my experience, most national parks do not allow pets on trails but do often allow them in rest areas. Remember to always follow park regulations, keep your pet leashed, and clean up after them. And please do not leave animals in cars on hot days!

Always Follow Leave No Trace Principles

It’s important that you follow Leave No Trace principles when visiting national parks, and anytime you are out in nature. Please be sure to educate yourself before heading out to explore Utah’s Mighty 5. Find out more information via the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics , the National Park Service , or by reading my in-depth blog post on How To Leave No Trace . 

What To Pack For a Utah National Parks Road Trip

What you pack for your Utah national parks road trip will depend on what time of year you choose to visit. Seeing as it’s the most common time to visit, this packing guide will be tailored to spring and fall travel. If you choose to visit Utah’s Mighty 5 in summer, maybe leave some of the heavier items at home and definitely bring extra sunscreen. And if you visit during winter then definitely bring more layers. 

This packing guide is also tailored towards people who enjoy hiking. If you don’t plan to hit the trails, simply leave off the hiking-specific items when using the guide. For those choosing to camp, I have an entire guide and packing list for car camping essentials , so make sure to check that out!

Don’t forget to use code RENEE15 to get 15% off your first Backcountry.com order! (some exclusions apply) Click here to shop my favorites .

Hiking shoes:

If you’re visiting in spring or fall then a pair of trail runners or lighter hiking boots should do the trick, such as the La Sportiva Bushido II Trail Running Shoe . If visiting during the winter months or if you plan to hike muddy trails, it’s best to bring a pair of waterproof hiking boots. The Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boots are a great choice. We also have a guide on all the best hiking shoes , so don’t forget to check that out when shopping for new hiking boots!

Merino wool socks :

Wool socks are the best for preventing blisters and also letting your feet breathe. Recommended hiking socks .

Hiking pants, leggings, shorts, Skorts , Dresses:

I generally reach for leggings and I have also been loving skorts lately, but choose whatever feels comfortable and practical for you! Recommended hiking pants ; hiking shorts ; hiking skort , hiking dress , hiking leggings .

Quick-dry top :

Merino wool tops are my favorite due to their breathability and odor resistance. Recommended short-sleeve hiking top ; long-sleeve hiking top .

Day pack/hiking backpack :

Choose something with hip and chest straps for optimal comfort and practicality. Recommended backpack .

When taking short walks or exploring roadside stops I often prefer to opt for a small hip pack instead of a backpack. Just something to fit my phone, lip balm , sunglasses , and any other essentials. Recommended hip pack .

Trekking poles :

Optional but I personally swear by them for hiking! Recommended trekking poles .

Mid-layer :

Perfect for chilly mornings and evenings. So opt for something lightweight like a fleece or pullover. Recommended mid-layer .

Insulated jacket :

You will want something warmer for chilly days and during the mornings and evenings when visiting in summer. Recommended insulated jacket .

Rain jacket :

The weather can change quickly in the desert! Be sure to pack a rain jacket and/or windbreaker, even during summer. These ones are lightweight and barely take up any space in your pack. Recommended rain jacket , recommended windbreaker .

Casual clothes :

Pack some casual and/or nicer outfits if you plan to eat out at restaurants. This is of course optional though! Check out my Favorites page on Backcountry for some recommendations.

Navigation :

When driving, have Google Maps or Maps.Me handy. For hiking, carry a physical map and a compass , and download offline maps onto your phone. I use Gaia GPS – click here to get 20% off a Premium membership!

Emergency beacon :

Optional, but can give you and your loved ones some peace of mind when hiking or traveling without phone service. Recommended emergency device .

Headlamp + batteries :

For hiking in the dark, camping, or in emergency roadside situations. Recommended headlamp .

Drink bottle + Water Jug:

Pack a reusable water bottle and you could also consider using a water bladder inside your backpack when hiking. I like to keep a larger water jug in my car so that I don’t have to rely on finding water fillup stations. Lastly, I also like to hike with a lightweight water filter to ensure I don’t get sick when drinking from streams.

Bring along either a cap, bucket hat, or wide brim hat to protect your face from the sun. Recommended cap ; bucket hat ; wide brim hat .

Sunscreen :

Self-explanatory. This one is reef safe and doesn’t contain any chemicals that will harm you or the environment. Don’t forget a lip balm with sunscreen too.

Sunglasses :

Polarized sunglasses are best for eye protection.

First aid items :

Always carry a small first aid kit with essential items like blister plasters and emergency supplies. Recommended lightweight first aid kit .

Phone + driver’s license/ID :

Always best to keep these on you in case your car is broken into. Recommended lightweight wallet (or you can simply use a small binder clip!)

Camera + batteries :

Optional but trust me, you will want a camera to capture these beautiful parks! Check out the camera gear I use to capture my travel photos and the camera bag I pack it all in!

Packing a cooler to bring along your own food and drinks is a good way to help stick to your budget on road trips and avoid unnecessary stops. You can opt for a smaller size for a day trip or a larger cooler that’s more conducive to car camping and longer road trips. Recommended day trip cooler ; larger cooler .

Every road trip requires snacks! Bring whatever your favorite snacks are or factor in time to stop at a grocery store / gas station. My go-to snacks .

Reusable coffee mug :

If you enjoy drinking coffee then it’s best to bring along a reusable mug or tumbler. Recommended mug ; insulated tumbler .

Reusable utensils :

Similar to above, having your own travel utensils / cutlery is a great way to cut down on single-use plastics when ordering take-out food.

National Parks Pass :

A national parks pass is a must for this trip! Make sure to pack your pass if you already have one. If not you can buy one when you arrive at the parks or online before you go .

Road trip playlist + Podcasts:

Don’t forget to download some good tunes and podcasts for your road trip. For music, check out my playlists on Spotify . For podcasts, we have an entire guide on the best road trip podcasts !

Want more packing & gear tips?  Check out our guides on what to wear hiking , car camping gear essentials , how to plan a national parks trip , and the best hiking shoes .

Final Thoughts On Taking a Utah National Parks Road Trip

I hope this guide helped you plan an incredible Utah national parks road trip itinerary! If you have any other Utah Mighty 5 recommendations to share, please leave them below in the comments. If you’re looking for more national park inspiration, be sure to check out our full range of guides .

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Related Guides

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Best Things To Do In White Sands National Park: Epic 1 Day Itinerary

6 Absolute Best Hikes in Redwood National Park

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SO much helpful info! Thank you! I’m hoping to rent a camper van in late April to do this trip (7-day version). How did you find places to park the van overnight to sleep? Is it necessary to rent a camp site in advance? Also, how was it trying to find parking during the day while hiking?

Hi, my wife is handicapped and needs to use a scooter (can’t walk on trails, etc.) Where areas are handicap accessible that we can go to w/o any major hassles? Thanks

beautiful place, thank you for creating this article

WOW! This is and will be sn Incredible assist as I plan my national parks trip to Utah! THANK YOU THANK YOU!!

This is a great summary of all the awesome spots in Utah. You certainly got some beautiful photos!

Used http://www.reneeroaming.com to plan a tour of the 5 Utah national parks this past October. An absolute and unequivocal endorsement of this website !! The sequencing of the park visits, recommendations of hotels, places to eat and suggestions of hikes were all spot on. One of the best trips I have ever taken.

Wow this amazing blog and learning this information about me thanks sharing this lovely and great article

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

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

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

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

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

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

This post may contain affiliate links.

What are the Mighty 5?

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

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

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The Best Times to Visit Utah’s National Parks

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

Spring and Fall

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Start and End your Mighty 5 Road Trip

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

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

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

Helpful Tip

Book a one-way car rental.

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

Utah National Parks Road Trip at a Glance

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

Where you will visit

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

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Day 1: Drive to Zion National Park & Hike Angel’s Landing

Day 1 overview.

• DRIVING DISTANCE – 308 miles (from SLC), 160 miles (from Las Vegas)
• DRIVE TIME – 2.5 hours to 4+ hours
• CAMPING OPTION – Zion National Park Campground
• LODGING OPTIONS – Zion National Park Lodge or hotels in Springdale

Zion was Utah’s first National Park, and you’ll see why. The park features high plateaus, a maze of sandstone canyons, and incredible trails with easy access. If you have time, I recommend checking out the Visitor Center and Human History Museum to learn more about the park.

Hike Angel’s Landing

Arriving post-lunch or early afternoon, head straight through the south entrance parking area and hop on a shuttle to Angel’s Landing (the shuttle is free and stops right at the trailhead).

Climbing Angel’s Landing (5 miles round trip) is a bucket list item for most Zion visitors but it is not for the faint of heart. It’s a strenuous trail with almost 2,000 feet of elevation gain. But your hard work is paid off with spectacular 360 views of the entire canyon from high above. However, it’s important to note that there is extreme exposure on Angel’s Landing that some people might find too scary .

Be sure to bring your daypack filled with plenty of water and your hiking essentials .

Day 2 – Explore the Narrows & Drive to Bryce Canyon

Day 2 overview.

• DRIVING DISTANCE – 72 miles from Zion
• DRIVE TIME – 1 hour 30 minutes
• CAMPING OPTION – Bryce Canyon Campgrounds
• LODGING OPTIONS – The Lodge at Bryce Canyon, hotels nearby

Spend your second day in Zion exploring The Narrows , one of the top highlights of Zion National Park, especially if you visit in the warmer months. The Narrows is a slot canyon that was formed over centuries from the Virgin River and is still continuously changing today.

This is a great hike to keep you cool since much of the hike requires wading through a river. If you want to hike the entire Narrows from the top-down as a long single-day hike or as an overnight, you’ll need a permit. Alternatively, if you want to explore at your leisure from the bottom-up, no permit is needed. Check out our Narrows hiking guide  for more information.

Updated February 2024: There is a toxic cyanobacteria bloom in the Virgin River (where The Narrows is located) so you should not submerge your head or filter drinking water here. Check current updates for Zion National Park before heading out here .

Post-hike, pack up the car and head through the 1.1-mile Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel and continue driving towards Bryce Canyon National Park which is 1.5 hours away.

If you can get to Bryce by sunset we recommend heading straight to Sunset Point!

Have more time to spend in Zion?

If you are staying another day or you’ve previously visited Zion and done the things we’ve mentioned, I recommend trying to get a permit to hike The Subway or backpacking the West Rim Trail .

For The Subway top-down route, you’ll need some canyoneering skills, as it requires route finding, rappelling, and swimming skills. The bottom-up route, which leads to a series of beautiful turquoise pools, is non-technical. You will need a permit for both of them.

Check out our Zion Travel Guide for more things to do in the park.

Days 3-4: Bryce Canyon National Park

Days 3-4 overview.

• DRIVING DISTANCE – NA
• DRIVE TIME – NA

Prepare yourself for Bryce Canyon: it is like nothing you’ve ever seen before! Bryce Canyon is famous for its hoodoos – sandstone columns each uniquely shaped by erosion – and it has more hoodoos than anywhere else in the world.

Hike Fairyland Loop Trail

Whether you arrived in Bryce Canyon National Park last night for sunset at Sunset Point or you are arriving this morning we recommend you start the day by heading to the visitor’s center . The park has only one visitor’s center which features a must-see film showcasing Bryce in the winter.

Then skip the crowds and head for adventure on the  Fairyland Loop Trail . This trail is an 8-mile route in the northern area of the park, away from the crowds that will guide you past incredible hoodoos and scenery similar to the more crowded Queen’s Trail. If you want to do a slightly shorter loop, the Peek-a-Boo Loop is a similarly spectacular 5-mile loop.

Sunset Point to Sunrise Point Trail

If you’re looking for a more relaxed visit, we recommend the wheelchair-accessible, paved 1-mile Sunset Point to Sunrise Point Trail.  This is also the only trail in the park where leashed pets are allowed. Be prepared, though, as this paved path is often VERY crowded.

Navajo Trail

If you have the time and energy we recommend the Navajo Trail for a quick 1.3-mile walk. The trail begins at Sunset Point, goes down into the Bryce Amphitheater, and meanders alongside large Douglas Fir trees. You could also combine it with Queens Garden Trail for a 3-mile loop .

If Bryce Canyon’s Wall Street is on your list, you can climb it via the end of the Navajo Loop Trail.

Have more time to spend in Bryce?

There is no shortage of things to see and do in Bryce Canyon National Park. If you have more time to explore, head over to our post on the Best Things to do in Bryce Canyon for ideas on how to extend your visit.

You can also check out our top picks for the Best Hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park .

Bonus Option: Escalante National Monument

Day 4 alternative.

• DRIVING DISTANCE – 49 miles from Bryce
• DRIVE TIME – 55 minutes
• CAMPING OPTION – Escalante-Grand Staircase National Monument campgrounds or dispersed camping
• LODGING OPTIONS – Hotels in Escalante

If you’re completely captivated by Bryce Canyon you can always spend the day exploring more, but I recommend heading to Escalante National Monument for a visit.

While not a National Park, it is an incredible place to visit with amazing hikes and fewer crowds.

Escalante is also halfway to Capitol Reef – your next National Park – so it’s a great hiking pit stop. Make sure you drive UT-12 E vs. Johns Valley Road/UT-24 E so you pass the town of Escalante.

Hike Lower Calf Creek Falls

The 6.7-mile Lower Calf Creek Falls is one of our favorite (and easily accessible) hikes that is right off the highway. It ends at a beautiful waterfall where you can take a dip if you’re brave (the water is freezing!) or enjoy a picnic lunch.

If you have a high-clearance vehicle and an appetite for a little more adventure, head down Hole-In-The-Rock Road to Peekabo and Spooky Slot Canyon .

For other options and trail details, check out five of our favorite hikes in Escalante .

Day 5: Capitol Reef National Park

Day 5 overview.

• DRIVING DISTANCE – 112 miles (from Bryce), 57 miles (from Escalante)
• DRIVE TIME – 1.5 – 2 hours+
• CAMPING OPTION – Capitol Reef National Park campground or Moab camping if you want to continue your drive
• LODGING OPTIONS – Hotels in Torrey or hotels in Moab

Capitol Reef is known for its remote and sprawling backcountry. The park is set up nicely so you can easily drive through it while continuing on to Moab . If you have ample time to explore, there are numerous hikes in Capitol Reef that lead you through gorges and slot canyons to incredible viewpoints.

If you plan to camp in Capitol Reef be sure to pick up a free backcountry camping permit at the visitor’s center.

Drive through Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park has a paved scenic drive as well as two unpaved loops. There is a free online guide  that includes information about the 11 stops along the paved drive. The scenic drives are especially nice if you are road-tripping during the hotter months or just want to drive through the park and sightsee from the car. 

If you have a high-clearance vehicle, I highly recommend the dirt road drive to the Temple of the Sun and Moon if you have time (or do an overnight bikepacking trip through this remote area!).

Hike to Hickman Bridge

To stretch your legs, hike the Hickman Bridge Trail (2-mile roundtrip) to a 133-foot natural bridge. This is a nice hike for cooling down as it runs along the Fremont River.

Have more time to spend in Capitol Reef?

If you decide to camp in Capitol Reef and are looking for a full-day hike, the Rim Overlook Trail to Navajo Knobs is a great 9+ mile route that offers 360 panoramic views of the Fruita and Waterpocket Fold area.

Another cool opportunity is to head out to Moonscape Overlook , which is about 40 minutes from Capitol Reef. It does require a high-clearance 4×4 vehicle to get out there, though.

Day 6: Drive to Arches National Park & Hike to the Arches

Day 6 overview.

• DRIVING DISTANCE – 132 miles from Capitol Reef
• DRIVE TIME – 2 hours
• CAMPING OPTION – Arches National Park
• LODGING OPTIONS – Hotels in Moab

Arches National Park is a beautiful and easy National Park to visit. The entrance to Arches is stunning as you’ll climb 1,000 feet and then descend into an almost “Mars-like” world. Navigation is easy also here. There is one visitor’s center right next to the only park entrance on the main park road.

Important Note: During peak season (usually April through October), visitors will need to obtain a timed entry reservation to visit Arches National Park between the hours of 7am-4pm. A limited number of next-day tickets will be available at 6pm the night before. Reservations cost $2 and you will still need a park pass or annual pass to enter.

Explore the Arches

There are some great hikes in Arches for all levels. If temperatures aren’t too hot and you have a full day, the hike to Landscape Arch & Devils Garden (7.8-mile loop) is a must.

If you arrive in the late afternoon, head straight to Delicate Arch (3 miles roundtrip) for a sunset hike you’ll never forget. Or, if this is your second visit to Arches or you’re looking for something off the beaten path, try to grab a permit to explore the Fiery Furnace .

Day 7 – Whitewater Rafting!

Day 7 overview.

• CAMPING OPTION – Arches National Park or Dead Horse State Park

Today, we recommend switching it up so you really get a sense of what southern Utah has to offer. Whitewater rafting on the Colorado River, which flows between Moab, UT and Arches National Park through deep red rock canyons, is an unforgettable and unique experience. Numerous rafting outfitters in town offer half-day, full-day, and multi-day rafting trips on the river.

If hopping on the water doesn’t sound exciting, and you’ve seen all of Arches that you’d like to experience, then head for Dead Horse State Park which is on the way to Canyonlands National Park. Dead Horse State Park even has yurts if you are looking to skip tent set-up for the evening.

Day 8: Canyonlands National Park

Day 8 overview.

• DRIVING DISTANCE – 30 miles from Arches
• DRIVE TIME – 35 minutes
• CAMPING OPTION – Canyonlands National Park

The last on the list of our Utah National Park road trip itinerary is Canyonlands National Park. Canyonlands was made famous by the movie 127 Hours, in which Aron Ralston becomes injured and survives in the backcountry for five days. It’s an extreme park, especially the remote area where Ralston was exploring, known as The Maze.

As you enter Canyonlands, you can drive around and check out the overlooks or you can pick a hike on our Best Hikes in Canyonlands National Park list.

Canyonlands National Park is huge, so to help you get your bearings, here are the four main sections of the park:

• The Island in the Sky area is excellent for those looking for a day hike. Driving time is roughly 40 minutes from Moab. I recommend visiting Island in the Sky if you are short on time.
• The Maze area is very remote and isn’t easily accessible from Moab. Most people who visit the Maze are experienced in the backcountry and have excellent off-road driving skills. If you’re considering heading to the Maze area, I recommend reviewing information & trails on Canyonland National Park’s hiking website .
• The Needles area offers great overnight beginner backpacking options as well as a few short day hikes. The Needles area is about 40 miles south of Moab.
• The Colorado and Green Rivers , as well as numerous tributaries, are considered a separate 4th area of the park. Beginner and relaxed casual float trips through the canyon are available on either river, including Labyrinth Canyon . Downstream of The Confluence, where the Colorado and Green Rivers meet, there is whitewater for adventure seekers.

Both the Island in the Sky and Needles areas have Visitor Centers where you can learn more about what to do in these areas of Canyonlands National Park.

Hike the Island of the Sky area

When you leave Moab, head to the Island in the Sky area of Canyonlands. Peek in at the Visitor’s Center for your first stop and then head to the Grand View Point trailhead and hike to  Grand View Point.  It is an easy 2-mile walk along the canyon edge to the mesa with incredible panoramic views.

Afterward, challenge yourself on the Aztec Butte Trail,  which includes a steep climb that takes you to ancestral Puebloan granaries.

Post-hike, pitch your tent and get ready for an incredible last evening of stargazing . Canyonlands National Park is an International Dark-Sky Park meaning its isolation from city lights makes conditions for viewing the night sky excellent.

This is true for all Utah National Parks, but there is no better way to spend your last Utah National Parks road trip evening than stargazing. During spring & fall, there are frequent stargazing events led by park rangers. Inquire at the visitor center for more information.

Day 9 – Mesa Arch and Return Home

Day 9 overview.

• DRIVING DISTANCE – 244 miles (to SLC), 468 miles (to Las Vegas)
• DRIVE TIME – 3 hours 45 minutes to 6.5 hours

Make the most of your final day! Wake up super early and make an early morning sunrise hike out to Mesa Arch (trust me, it’s worth it).

Then, it’s time to pack up and return home after (hopefully) an unforgettable Mighty 5 road trip!

Have more time to spend in Canyonlands?

lf you enjoy biking, plan ahead and bring mountain bikes for an awesome backcountry road exploration. My first overnight mountain biking experience was a supported trip in Canyonlands National Park on the White Rim Trail . Biking the White Rim Trail requires a permit and campsite reservations can be competitive, so you’ll need to plan ahead.

What to Pack for Your Utah National Parks Road Trip

Your packing list will vary depending on whether you plan to stay in hotels, you want to car camp, or even backpack through some of the parks .

However you decide to explore the Might 5, here are some packing lists to help you gear up for your adventure:

• Car Camping Packing Checklist
• Road Trip Essentials Packing Checklist
• 3 Day Backpacking Checklist
• What To Wear Hiking in the Desert

I also recommend picking up these two resources to help you navigate on your Utah National Parks road trip:

• Utah Benchmark Road and Recreation Atlas : A lot of areas in Southern Utah are void of cell service, so I recommend carrying a paper atlas on your road trip. This atlas shows all of the dirt roads and points of interest.
• Wow – Hiking Utah Canyon Country : This is an excellent hiking book that has helped me discover the best hikes in Southern Utah. Again, with gaps in cell service, a hiking book means you’ll be able to plan on the fly.

Want to explore outside the National Parks in Utah? Check out some of these adventures:

• Best Things to do in Kanab, Utah
• Plan an Overnight Float Through the Ruby-Horsethief Canyon
• Paria Canyon Backpacking Guide
• Packrafting the Escalante River
• Coyote Gulch Backpacking Guide

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Have you done a Utah National Parks road trip? What are your favorite things to do and see in the Mighty 5? Share your experience in the comments below!

With two decades of hiking and seven years of van life under her belt, Kristen has dedicated her life to helping people experience the positive effects of nature. As a pioneer in the outdoor blogging space, she founded Bearfoot Theory in 2014 and has since authored more than 350 blog posts about outdoor travel, hiking, camping, and van life. Her work has been featured in National Geographic, Outside Magazine, and Backpacker, and when she’s not on the road, she lives in Park City, Utah with her partner Ryan, their son, and two adventure pups.

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35 Comments

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

Great timing!! I am planning a trip for this spring and will be hiking in these areas. Thanks for the info and helping with the planning. You have a great site!

This is an absolutely great post. Thank you for including such information which can really help our beloved adventurers who wants to wander the wonders of Utah. Hiking and camping on any of these sites can be the best option too.

I actually did this trip almost exactly 4 years ago. It was the best thing I’ve ever done. The scenery and hiking are amazing. I suggest flying out of Grand Junction, CO airport, however. It is less than a 2 hour drive.

Thanks, Lynn! So neat to hear about your trip. Thanks for the rec! Hope you have some great upcoming adventures planned.

We just finished this trip plus Grand Canyon and Sedona (12 days)- unfortunately I just now came across this while dreaming of our next adventure! We traveled with two adventurous kids (age 10 and 12) so I’ll add what we enjoyed the most. Zion- swap out Angel’s Landing for a more kid friendly hike and we followed this. LOVED the Narrows (rented neoprene socks and shoes- very glad we did), and Observation Point. Bryce- we did a 3 hour horseback ride in the park- amazing! Capitol Reef- Cassidy Arch trail! It was incredible and you can walk out onto the arch- definitely the highlight of this park. Arches- Delicate Arch hike was awesome. The Windows area is a great stop to see 4 popular arches with little hiking. Canyonlands- we did both Island in the Sky and Needles (not in same day)- we’d skip Needles next time. Lots of great short hikes at Island though. We also stopped at Dead Horse. If we go again we’ll raft in Moab but instead we headed to Arizona for a few days. Did Page-GCNP-Sedona- flew out of Phoenix.

Suzanne, what time of year did you take this trip? BearFoot Theory – how are the crowds in midApril? Is Zion a park that should be done midweek and not on a weekend? Moab parks are they ok to do Jeep Week or will the crowds be unbearable? Thanks in advance! In early stages of planning.

I’m planning to visit in the Christmas this year! Going to keep all these things in mind while I travel. Thank you very much for sharing..:)

Hello, thanks a lot for a great blog! I am planning this trip for next year. When do you think is the best time to visit and, any suggestions for additional places to visit if we have about 3 week? Thanks Yana

Hi Yana, that is awesome to hear you are planning to visit the parks. The best time of year is late Spring or in the Fall. So I would plan for April/May or September/October. You will want to check the weather to make sure it isn’t too cold but try to avoid the crowded and busy summer season. You can easily add on the Grand Canyon to a Utah NP Roadtrip. Arizona also has the Wave and some other great hiking places.

Thanks so much for this post. It makes planning our Utah NP trip so much easier! We’re looking at visiting for 7-8 days at the beginning of March 2019. Any thoughts on what type of weather we can expect? I’ve looked at a bunch of weather websites, but first hand knowledge would be great. We’re hoping to camper van. Thanks so much for the helpful post.

Hey Sherry! We’re glad it helps! The beginning of March can still be pretty cold and potentially a little bit rainy. It’s hard to say this far out but global warming might be on your side to help it not be too cold. Definitely want to make sure you have plenty of layers, beanies and warm blankets if you’re going to camp.

Very well written, thanks for the info. Don’t Forget about Brian Head. Enjoy the off-road trails for ATVs and snow mobiles, Skiing, and much more. Don’t forget to rent a cabin while exploring Brain Head, Utah.

Absolutely AMAZING blog! Thank you to the beautiful Tara for sharing it with me! 😉 I have a question that I’m hoping you can answer! When it comes to hygiene, are there shower areas in any of the camping sites that you could see?

Hi Josh, thanks for dropping us a comment. I don’t recall necessarily seeing any shower areas in the camping sites BUT there are definitely shower facilities in the area. For example, in Zion there are NOT any showers but in Springdale, which is just outside of the park there are pay showers. You can do a simple search on Google for each park to find shower facilities that are nearby.

We have 10 days for a Utah adventure coming up in May. We fly in and out of Las Vegas. I’m considering pretty much your exact itinerary OR, simply exchanging Arches for several days on a houseboat on Lake Powell. What are your thoughts on that?

Hi Maureen, thanks for reaching out! Lake Powell and Arches are both equally incredible–could you split the time & do both? It really depends on what your interested are. You’re going to have an incredible trip no matter what–Utah in May can be absolutely lovely.

hi there,we`re planning our very first american roadtrip next year and this blog is a godsend!! Just amazing!! one question-are the views while you`re driving between the parks better when you start from a particular direction ( if we were to reverse the suggested intinerary and finish in zion )? Or is it good both ways? Thank you for any advice.P.

How exciting! I don’t think you can go wrong, the views all around are fabulous. Make sure to stop at the designated viewpoints to take it all in too. Enjoy your trip 🙂

This is beyond helpful! Thanks for the info. I was hoping to make the trip mid/end Feb and ring in a 40th birthday. Any thoughts on road conditions or accessibility? My map shows some minor route closures in winter. (Won’t be camping).

It really depends on the year and whether storms are passing through. Check the weather and forecast before you head out! That being said, Utah’s National Parks are beautiful in snow 🙂

I was going in circles trying to plan a family hiking trip to southern Utah until I found your advice. I plan to follow it precisely. Thank you so much for your guidance. The extra advise on lodgings and restaurants and driving times is terrific for someone is blindly trying to fit in all five national parks.

Glad you found it helpful, Elizabeth. Have a great trip!

Hi, I’m planning a trip to all of the Parks listed in September. I camped and hiked in all of them as a 20 year old. I want to go back, as a 67 year old! Physically, I’m in good shape but there will be a difference from 40 years ago. Any thoughts on trails. We hike hilly 5-8 mile trails now. We want to walk and take great pictures. Thoughts?

Many of the hikes we listed in this post are great for easy-to-moderate hiking. If you want more suggestions, we have detailed guides on many of the Utah National Parks with additional hiking options.

How crowded and how hot is it to visit all the National Parks in early June? We probably wouldn’t do much hiking- mainly explore with our car.

It really depends on which National Parks you plan on visiting. Most National Parks can get pretty busy during the summer months and temperatures fluctuate greatly depending on the location of the Park.

Thank you so much for all of this valuable information! We plan to pretty closely follow this itinerary this July. My 15 yo son really wants to be able to bike at some of the places. My husband, myself, and kids (ages 15 and 17) would like to do some (easy) mountain biking during the trip. Could you please offer some insight as to which parks we could do this at and perhaps places we could rent bikes? We will be traveling in an RV. Thank you!!!

Hi Amy – mountain biking isn’t allowed in National Parks, but Utah has great mountain biking outside the parks. Hurricane and St. George are popular areas outside Zion (Over The Edge Sports in Hurricane rents bikes) and Moab outside of Aches is also an amazing place to mountain bike with plenty of places for bike rentals.

I really like your itinerary. Do you think it is worth it to add Antelope Canyon? We are thinking of doing that as a loop back to Las Vegas instead of driving up to SLC.

Antelope Canyon is currently closed with no date for reopening as of now. If it does open before your trip, it’s definitely worth checking out.

Hello Kristen Great information! Very helpful! We hope to follow it almost exactly. We have two questions: One is about time in Zion and other is more delicate 🙂 First question: We plan to do Angel Trial, Narrows and Observation Point and then try to make Bryce sunset point to watch sunset. Question is should we plan on 3 days at Zion–a day each for the three things or can we do in 2 days — and leave for bryce. Second Question: We are in our early 70’s and sometime nature calls unexpectedly….are bathrooms frequent along the trials…??

Angels Landing should definitely be one day. Depending on how much time you spend at the Narrows (hiking from the bottom up), you could combine that with the 8-mile Observation Point hike. For bathrooms, there’s usually always a bathroom at the trailhead. There’s one near the top of Angel’s Landing as well.

Planning a trip much like you have here 9-10 days late April- early May. You mention crowds, how crowded is what you call crowded??? like a tourist trap town, dodging people every few steps? or is there room to move without running into someone and waiting for them to move so we can view what they are blocking?

Hi Dennis, it really depends on the park and what hike(s) you plan on doing. The most popular spots will likely be very crowded (lines to take photos at Delicate Arch, for example) but there are always areas where you can find fewer people and more solitude – especially if you go on weekdays or at sunrise. Also, something to keep in mind – Arches National Park is requiring timed entry permits starting April 2nd, which should help with overcrowding. I hope this helps & enjoy your trip!

The Ultimate Road Trip to Utah’s “Mighty 5” National Parks

By: Author Bram Reusen

Posted on Last updated: August 27, 2023

You won’t have any trouble finding great road trips in the USA . Especially the American West is crisscrossed by numerous scenic highways and byways, stringing together some of the world’s greatest national parks.

One of the finest examples of a classic road trip state is Utah, home to five spectacular national parks.

Beautifully lined up across the southern part of the state, this quintet of Utah national parks is known as the “Mighty 5” —and rightly so.

I road tripped through all five national parks in Utah myself, a 10-day journey through both time and space, from ancient rock formations and imposing canyons to fascinating historic sites and glorious sunsets.

This Utah national parks road trip itinerary post contains affiliate links. You can read more about our Terms of Use / Disclosure here .

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

Map of Utah National Parks

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In this post, I’ll tell you what to expect from a southern Utah national parks road trip.

Since most people start their road trip to the epic national parks of Utah from either Las Vegas or Salt Lake City, you’ll find them listed from west to east—from Zion to Arches.

The cliffs of Zion Canyon rise up monumentally alongside the meandering, gem-blue Virgin River, while the leaves of cottonwood trees rustle in the gentle breeze.

Zion Canyon is the creation of this seemingly calm river. Many plants and animals that live in Zion National Park rely in some way or another on the life-giving waters of the Virgin River.

Even people found livelihood in this unforgiving landscape because of the river’s endless, if sometimes scarce, flow of clear water.

The first people who lived in Zion Canyon, thousands of years ago, hunted camels and mammoths in sheltered canyons and open desert. They also developed agricultural practices and settled down in Zion Canyon.

These were the Ancestral Puebloans, a group of Native Americans that occupied much of the Colorado Plateau, from the Grand Canyon to their wonderful cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde .

After they eventually moved out of the canyon, a completely different group of people moved into the region in the mid-19th century—European settlers and pioneers.

The first Euro-American settlers to enter what is now Zion National Park were Mormon pioneers . They gave many landmarks in Zion National Park their modern names, including the name “Zion” itself, but also places such as the Court of the Patriarchs and Kolob Canyon.

Zion National Park, established in 1919, is now one of the most-visited national parks in America. It attracts more than four million people each year, tourists and adventurers looking to explore some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes.

The park is a superb place for outdoor activities, from rock climbing and canyoneering to amazing hiking , including Angels Landing, one of the best day hikes in America’s national parks .

Adrenaline junkies will find sanctuary—”Zion” is a biblical term for a place of refuge—at various places in the park, while more low-key attractions like hanging gardens, weeping rocks, shimmering ponds, and roadside viewpoints in Zion are popular spots among families and day visitors.

Top Zion National Park Attractions

• Angels Landing
• Observation Point
• The Watchman
• Emerald Pools
• The Narrows
• Echo Canyon
• Weeping Rock

A short distance east of Zion National Park lies Bryce Canyon National Park . These two Utah national parks are often combined with the Grand Canyon to create short excursions from nearby major cities.

The highest of all Utah national parks, Bryce Canyon National Park forms the upper step of what’s known as the “Grand Staircase.”

Bryce Canyon is the highest step of this majestic geological stairway, its elevation between 8,000 and 9,000 feet.

Going down, you’ll pass successively through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument , Zion National Park and Grand Canyon National Park, which is the lowest step of the Grand Staircase.

This vast part of the Colorado Plateau is sculpted by water and characterized by canyons, river systems, rock formations and valleys.

Note that, although its name has the word “canyon” in it, Bryce Canyon isn’t actually a canyon at all. Instead of canyons, the park’s landscapes consist of several natural amphitheaters, filled with rock formations, situated on the edge of a desert plateau.

Unlike the iconic deep canyons elsewhere in Utah and Arizona, the flowing water that creates them isn’t present in Bryce Canyon.

However, water still is the sculptor in the park . Over countless centuries, it has chiseled the park’s iconic rock formations through chemical weathering and a physical event called “frost-wedging”.

The majority of highlights in Bryce Canyon National Park are in and around Bryce Amphitheater, the park’s largest and most famous natural amphitheater, and its star attraction. This is where you’ll find most of the hoodoos that so typify this remarkable Utah national park.

You’ll see hundreds of these towering, narrow pinnacles and pillars of red rock, which are best explored on one of the numerous Bryce Canyon hiking trails .

Top Bryce Canyon National Park Attractions

• Queens Garden
• Thor’s Hammer
• Wall of Windows
• Wall Street
• Two Bridges
• Sunrise and Sunset Point overlooks

All Utah national parks are phenomenal in their own right, but I have to say that I liked Capitol Reef National Park best.

It’s possibly the most underrated of the “Mighty 5”. Highway 24, a public and a beautiful national park road , cuts right through the park, which means that many travelers often simply drive through the park without really exploring it, maybe quickly stopping in the historic Mormon town of Fruita.

As the middle one of the five national parks in Utah, Capitol Reef is sometimes nothing more than a passing-through park on people’s way between more famous ones like Zion and Arches National Park. This is an absolute shame, since Capitol Reef National Park is amazing.

I recommend taking your time and spending at least two days and one night in Capitol Reef National Park. It deserves it .

Millions of years of geological activity paired with erosion by water and ice created various remarkable rock formations.

Slot canyons, arches and bridges, tall pillars, domes and cliffs sweep across this vast desert landscape, its colors ever-changing as the sun arches its way across the sky.

Capitol Reef National Park is at its prime early in the morning and late in the evening, when the sun’s low angle casts long shadows across the desert floor.

This is a hot and dry place, best explored just after sunrise or just before sunset, which is why I recommend spending the night in this underrated southern Utah national park.

Protecting a 100-mile monocline known as the Waterpocket Fold, Capitol Reef is a large park. There’s one main tourist area, though, which makes visiting the park super-easy.

In Fruita, you’ll find the Visitor Center, as well as a number of preserved historic homes and barns , beautiful fruit orchards , picnic areas, and Capitol Reef hiking trails . Just south of Fruita is the Scenic Drive, which takes you deeper into the park’s desert landscapes.

Unlike all of Utah national parks, there’s still plenty of solitude, remoteness and quietness to be found in Capitol Reef. That, combined with its uniquely spectacular landscapes, is really what sets it apart from all other  U.S. national parks .

Top Capitol Reef National Park Attractions

• Fruita orchards
• Gifford Homestead
• Hickman Bridge
• Chimney Rock
• Native American petroglyphs
• Cathedral Valley (4WD vehicle needed)

It’s impossible to exaggerate the magnificence and sheer vastness of Canyonlands National Park , in the southeastern corner of Utah.

Situated on the Colorado Plateau and bisected by both the Colorado and Green Rivers, this almost incomprehensibly wild park protects literally hundreds of canyons, as well as countless spires, mesas, buttes and arches.

The two rivers that cut through Canyonlands National Park, the Colorado River and the Green River, divide the park into three distinct districts. The rivers themselves are classified as the fourth district.

Together, the districts encompass more than 350,000 acres of rugged canyon wilderness.

Those four different Canyonlands National Park districts are:

• The Island in the Sky
• The Needles

The Island in the Sky is the one that’s easiest to visit, and probably the only one you’ll have time for on your Utah national parks road trip. Located a short drive from the town of Moab and also near Arches National Park, it can be explored on a scenic drive and on various short hiking trails.

The district gets its name from its geographical location. Surrounded on both sides by the canyons of the Colorado and Green Rivers, the area appears to be a floating plateau.

This large mesa is perched more than 1,000 feet above the innumerable canyons and rock formations below. Needless to say, the views are mind-blowing.

Although the Grand Canyon is obviously a bigger canyon and a lot more famous, I personally was actually more impressed by the canyons of Canyonlands National Park .

With its sheer vertical cliffs, boulder-covered mesas as far as the eye can see, a seemingly endless stairway of canyons and plateaus, and awe-inspiring night skies, Canyonlands National Park is truly America at its very wildest.

It might just be the most objectively spectacular park on this Utah national parks road trip itinerary. Popular activities range from hiking and camping to stargazing and mountain biking .

Top Canyonlands National Park Attractions

• Upheaval Dome
• Green River Overlook
• Shafer Canyon
• White Rim Road

Home to the world’s densest concentration of natural rock arches, Arches National Park is one of the most photogenic national parks in America .

The park is home more than 2,000 cataloged rock arches. They range in size from three feet, which is the minimum required length of an arch, to almost three hundred feet.

The easternmost of the five Utah national parks, Arches National Park is an extremely accessible park, located just 5 miles from adventure-focused Moab .

Spectacular Canyonlands National Park lies right next door as well.

Begin your visit by stopping at the Arches visitor center to pick up a map and park newspaper, before exploring the park on its only road—the amazing Arches Scenic Drive .

It’s not the largest of parks and the Scenic Drive allows you to get to many places effortlessly.

I recommend that you allow plenty of time to do a few of the wonderful hikes in Arches National Park , some of which are truly spectacular.

The Delicate Arch Trail, for instance, is an almost-mandatory hike in Arches National Park. This 3-mile roundtrip hike takes you to the park’s (and Utah’s) most famous rock arch.

Another hike I particularly enjoyed is the Devils Garden Loop , a 7.9-mile circuit to no fewer than seven stunning arches .

Snaking its way for 19 miles through a desert landscape of rock spires and arches, fins, cliffs, boulders and monoliths, the park road takes you past essentially all the best things to see in Arches National Park . Or at least, it brings you within hiking distance of them.

Top Arches National Park Attractions

• Park Avenue
• The Windows and Double Arch
• Balanced Rock
• Landscape Arch
• Delicate Arch
• Devils Garden

The two most popular cities to start a Utah national parks road trip are Las Vegas, with Salt Lake City as a close second.

I’d personally recommend starting in Las Vegas—there are several other parks all around Las Vegas , too—because flights are generally pretty cheap and it’s the nearest major city to Zion, the first park on this Utah national parks tour itinerary.

Salt Lake City is a good alternative, though. When you fly into Salt Lake City, situated in northern Utah, the drive is just a little bit longer before you get to the southern Utah parks.

Utah National Parks FAQs

There are five national parks in Utah, all of which are in the southern part of the state. From west to east, they are:

Additionally, there are also several other National Park Service sites in Utah. Not surprisingly, all but one are natural areas, often preserving extraordinary geological formations.

• Cedar Breaks National Monument
• Dinosaur National Monument
• Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
• Golden Spike National Historical Park
• Hovenweep National Monument
• Natural Bridges National Monument
• Rainbow Bridge National Monument
• Timpanogos Cave National Monument

On top of that, no fewer than four national historic trails run through Utah as well, all of which were important routes during the pioneering era and the settling of the American West. Those are:

• California National Historic Trail
• Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail
• Old Spanish National Historic Trail
• Pony Express National Historic Trail

Because most of the national parks in Utah are located at a high elevation, snowfall is quite common here in winter. In fact, both Zion and Bryce Canyon are great parks for snowshoeing , while Arches is, if possible, even more beautiful when covered in a dusting of snow .

Summers, on the other hand, are dry and hot, which might not be ideal for long hikes—and I assure you you’ll want to do some hiking during your Utah national parks road trip.

So, the best time for a road trip to the national parks of Utah is either spring or fall.

I did this road trip in April and the weather was glorious . Moreover, as this is well before the peak tourist season, you’ll get to enjoy these parks when they’re much quieter.

Fall, too, is a beautiful time of year for a national parks road trip in Utah. Especially Zion National Park, with its woodland foliage is breathtaking in the fall .

Although myriad tour companies offer (day) trips to famous parks like Zion and Bryce Canyon (as well as the Grand Canyon) from places like Las Vegas, those tours pale in comparison with the freedom that your own wheels can provide.

A Utah national parks road trip is, in my opinion, the only way to really discover and explore these majestic parks in Utah.

With your own vehicle, whether it’s a regular car or an RV, you’re 100% flexible. Where you stop, how long you stay, what you do,… It’ll all be up to you!

I’d suggest at least 10 days for this Utah national parks road trip itinerary.

For each park, this is the minimum amount of time you should spend there for a complete, all-round and unrushed experience:

• Zion National Park – 3 days / 2 nights
• Bryce Canyon National Park – 2 days / 1 night
• Capitol Reef National Park – 2 days / 1 night
• Canyonlands National Park – 1 day / 1 night
• Arches National Park – 2 days / 1 night

Have You Ever Gone on a Utah National Parks Road Trip? Which Was Your Favorite Park and Why? Tell Us in the Comments Below!

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ajay rastogi

Monday 3rd of February 2020

Such a nice road trip itinerary. They are very helpful content. I will visit national park in next month. Thank for sharing.

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Bucket-List Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary

February 6, 2024 //  by  Follow Me Away //   18 Comments

Are you trying to plan the best Utah road trip possible? I am here to help!

I have done road trips in Utah both as a kid and an adult and absolutely love this state! With five epic national parks and otherworldly landscapes, Utah is a nature lover’s dream come true.

My Utah itinerary is unique since it is full of tips from someone who has spent months road-tripping the state and slow traveling through Utah’s Mighty 5.

A Utah national parks road trip includes Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion. I highly suggest purchasing a National Park Pass beforehand to save money on entrance fees.

Along with the national parks, this itinerary for Utah will feature other beautiful nature spots!

For this Utah road trip itinerary, I am not going to specify an amount of time so you can make the drive as time allows for your schedule.

Don’t forget to check out my detailed road trip packing list so you don’t forget any essentials!

Now, let’s look at my top Utah road trip ideas!

Utah Road Trip Map

Some of us are more visual and that is okay! I’ve created this Utah national parks road trip map so you can see where everything is located across the state.

As you can see, once you drive away from Salt Lake City, everything is only within 30-120 minutes of each other. This means more time to enjoy everything on your Utah road trip and fewer hours in the car!

Click Here For The Utah Road Trip Map

Stop 1: Begin Your Utah Road Trip In Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is the largest city in Utah and the most accessible to fly into to begin your Utah road trip. Both affordable international and domestic flights fly into this city.

I recommend checking out Skyscanner to find the best and most affordable flights. I use this tool to discover the best flights because you can easily compare rates.

When you fly into SLC, consider buying a one-way ticket. Depending on how you structure your Utah road trip, you may want to fly into Salt Lake City and fly out of Las Vegas.

This itinerary will end at Zion National Park so I recommend flying out of Las Vegas which is closer.

If you choose to follow this itinerary exactly, all you have to do is decide if you want to drive 2.5 hours to Las Vegas or 4.5 hours to Salt Lake City.

Compare prices on flights out of both cities so you can find a deal that is best for you!

Best Hotels In Salt Lake City:

• Affordable: Holiday Inn Express Downtown . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Mid-Range: Hilton Garden Inn . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 2: Moab, Arches, and Canyonlands National Parks

I have so many memories surrounding Moab from growing up traveling around that area! It is a truly fantastic little city and a family favorite. It has only gotten better over the past few decades.

Moab is around a 4-hour drive from Salt Lake City. It is a bit of a drive but that is okay! This is hands down the best place to start your Utah road trip!

I recommend spending 2 to 3 days in Moab if you have the chance. Utilize Moab as a home base to explore the nearby Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park.

These are two of the best national parks in all of the United States and you will NOT be disappointed. They are family-friendly with many things to do and will transport you to an otherworldly landscape.

The Moab area is one of the best stops on your Southwest USA road trip itinerary!

Best Hotels In Moab:

• Affordable: Moab Valley Inn . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Mid-Range: Holiday Inn Moab. Check Rates: Booking.com
• Family Fun: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Moab . Check Rates: Booking.com

Visiting Arches National Park

Arches National Park is the ultimate way to begin your Utah road trip. Arches is just outside of Moab and is ideal for your first national park of the trip.

The arches are beyond incredible and visiting will not disappoint!

I would like to caution you to please be careful and NEVER carve your name into the arches or take rocks. Please think of the future and REFRAIN from harming this beautiful nature in any way!

There is one road in and out of Arches National Park and it is 18 miles long. This means you can easily see Arches in one day on your Utah Road trip.

That being said, if you can spend more than one day here, I highly recommend it. It is very close to Moab so you can always come back if you missed something! This region is one of the best places in Utah !

Best Hikes In Arches National Park

If you can only do one thing at Arches National Park, I suggest hiking to Delicate Arch . This outstanding rock formation is the icon of the park. You will see photos and imagery of it all over the place.

This Utah hike is family-friendly and is around 3 miles round trip. If you are hiking during the heat of the day, make sure to wear sun protection and take plenty of water!

Delicate Arch is something I remember from growing up and now is your chance to make family memories too!

I also highly recommend the Windows Hike . It is shorter than the Delicate Arch hike and will get you up close and personal with many arches.

This hike is short, easy, and very rewarding. It is a 1.2-mile loop trail and the most popular in the park.

Another favorite is Double Arch which is a really short and fun trail! The trail to Double Arch is an easy 0.5-mile, well-maintained loop. It is accessible from the parking lot of the Windows Hike.

Finally, you must pay a visit to  Landscape Arch as it is the longest natural arch in the entire world! It spans a whopping 306 feet long!

You can reach Landscape Arch from the Devil’s Garden Loop Trail. It is on an easy, maintained part of the trail so don’t go past Landscape Arch unless you want to embark on a harder 7-mile hike.

Visiting Canyonlands National Park

While I love the Grand Canyon, Canyonlands National Park is just so incredibly special! The canyon formations are beyond insane and will blow your mind.

Canyonlands National Park is located 36 minutes away from Moab so it is a tad bit further than Arches but the drive is worth it!

Canyonlands is divided into four distinct sections. These include the Green and Colorado Rivers, the Maze, the Needles, and the Island in the Sky districts.

Having a basic understanding of how Canyonlands National Park is laid out will help you see the “big picture” when planning your Utah road trip.

Best Canyonlands Scenic Drives

If you aren’t the hiking type, don’t worry! Canyonlands is home to some wonderful scenic drives!

Island in the Sky  offers some amazing Utah road trip sightseeing by car. The overlooks and pull-outs along this 34-mile scenic drive are not to be missed!

It is perched 1000 feet above the canyon floor and offers breathtaking, memorable views! If you want to drive this route, plan for at least an hour.

If you want to hike some short trails and picnic, plan longer! This is the perfect thing to do if you don’t want to do a lot of hiking!

Another great scenic drive in Canyonlands is  the Needles.  It begins at the Canyonlands Visitor Center and is 6.5 miles long. It concludes at the Big Spring Canyon Overlook.

As with Island in the Sky, there are multiple pullouts and picnic spots along the way. It is also the way to access several of the more popular Canyonlands hikes.

It is important to note that Island in the Sky and the Needles are about two hours apart from each other. Keep this in mind when planning how much time to spend in Moab on your Utah national parks trip.

Best Hikes In Canyonlands National Park:

If you can only do one thing during your Utah road trip in Canyonlands, make sure you hike to Mesa Arch . It is located in the Island in the Sky district.

It is an easy 0.6-mile round-trip trail and is perfect for families. If you are a photographer looking for some fantastic sunrise or sunset photos, make sure to prioritize Mesa Arch!

The arch is located on the rim of the Plateau so you will have some incredibly stunning viewpoints.

Another one of our favorite easier hikes is the Cave Spring Hike. This hike is located in the Needles district. It is an easy 0.6-mile loop and provides some incredible views.

You will see prehistoric rock art, a cowboy camp, and more. The trail is easy, but you have to climb two short, wooden ladders.

If you are looking for some of the best canyon views, the Aztec Butte Trail is the perfect trail for you. It is an easy 2-mile loop trail and provides outstanding views of the surrounding canyons once you arrive!

The hike will end at Butte Summit which is where you can see these fantastic views. This hike is located in the Island in the Sky area of Canyonlands.

Stop 3: Goblin Valley State Park

Goblin Valley State Park is one of the lesser-known stops on this Utah road trip itinerary. It is located roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes away from Moab.

The landscape will make you feel like you have entered another planet. The formations create small structures that look like goblins, hence the name!

Goblin Valley State Park is home to the incredibly unique valley itself as well as some easier hikes, a disc golf course, and plenty of pullouts for viewing.

This state park can be a day stop along your Utah itinerary or you can choose to spend the night. If you want to stay here, you will have to camp as the only hotel options are around 45 minutes away.

This stop can also be done as a day trip from Moab if you want to wake up early and drive. Using Moab as your home base is an easy possibility.

If you could choose one thing to do here, I recommend the easy Three Sisters Hike.  It brings you to the most iconic “goblin” formation in the entire park.

Most people view Three Sisters from the road, but if you pull off, there are small trails that go up to it.

You can also see down into the Carmel Canyon Drainage System 100 feet below from this hike too so it is two for the price of one hike!

The beauty of Goblin Valley State Park is that you can drive around and explore at will. It is a beautiful and unique stop to add to your Utah road trip itinerary and you won’t want to miss it.

Best Hotels Near Goblin Valley:

• Cute Cabin: Duke’s Slickrock Cabins . Check Rates: Hotels.com
• Mid-Range: Pet-Friendly Cabins in Hanksville Utah . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 4: Capitol Reef National Park

When my family visited Capitol Reef National Park a few times in the early 2000s it was the “weird” thing to do and a strange national park to visit.

Now, Capitol Reef is all over Instagram and social media, and for a good reason! It is pretty neat to see a remote national park surge into the limelight in the past 20 years!

Although it has become more popular lately, it is still off the main tourist trail when compared to places like Arches and Zion. I suggest checking it out if you want to complete your Utah Mighty 5 road trip.

This national park is defined by the “Waterpocket Fold” which is essentially a 100-mile warp in the Earth’s crust. This is an incredible and unique feature!

There are various things to do in Capitol Reef National Park on your road trip in Utah. You can choose to hike, explore by car, pick fruit like apples, or go on a tour. There is truly an option for everyone!

Best Hotels At Capitol Reef National Park:

• Affordable: Days Inn Capitol Reef . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Affordable: Capitol Reef Resort . Check Rates: Booking.com

Best Capitol Reef Hikes

One thing I remember from childhood is the Capitol Gorge Trail . This trail is incredible and the views are breathtaking. You will have to exit the main road and then turn onto a dirt road to get here.

On this trail, you’ll walk along a dried-up river bed through a massive gorge. The rock walls tower on either side and it really makes you feel small among nature.

If you want to see yet another arch,  Hickman Bridge  is one of the more popular hikes in Capitol Reef.

It is a moderate hike with an elevation gain of 400 feet, but it is still easy for families or amateurs to complete. It is a 1.8-mile hike round trip. Once you reach Hickman Bridge, you will love the views!

If you want to walk on an arch without going hiking in Sedona , I recommend Cassidy Arch Hike. This is one of the hikes in Utah where you can walk on top of the arch itself, instead of just walking under it!

Of course, this is a very unique feature and it makes the hike worth it. It is 1.7 miles each way and there is a 700-foot elevation gain.

The gain comes from the fact that you have to climb up on top of the rocks to walk across the arch. It is totally worth it and still an easy-to-moderate hike with some incredible payoff at the end!

Stop 5: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Another awesome memory from my childhood and teen years? Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument!

It is only 1 hour away from Capitol Reef yet many people don’t even know about it or decide to skip it on their Utah road trip. I am here to tell you that is a huge mistake!

First off, the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument covers an absolutely HUGE expanse of land. You could take a week just to explore this area alone.

I will narrow it down to the best things to see. For example, did you know you can see slot canyons in Utah? You don’t have to go to Arizona to see these incredible features!

Want more arches? Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is at your service there too!

I really can’t recommend this national monument enough if you are looking to get off the main tourist trail during your Utah road trip. You are going to love it!

Best Hotels In Grand Staircase Escalante:

• Affordable: The Inn At Escalante . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Unique: Escalante Yurts . Check Rates: Booking.com

Best Hikes In Grand Staircase-Escalante 

If you want to visit slot canyons in Utah , the Zebra Canyon Hike is the place to be! It is an easy 5.3 miles round trip and takes around 3 to 4 hours to complete.

There is another slot called Tunnel Slot that you can continue on to if you want but then the hike will take around 5 to 6 hours.

Zebra Canyon is epic enough as it is! This hike is in the northern part of the national monument so it is easy to reach on your Utah road trip.

There are two more slot canyons you can visit! Peek-a-boo and Spooky Gulches are just 3.5 miles round trip, perfect if you are looking for a shorter hike.

These slot canyons are near Zebra Canyon so you can easily do them both in a day. This is one of the more surreal hikes in Grand Staircase!

If you are a serious hiker and plan to trek or camp during your Utah road trip, this next hike is for you.

Coyote Gulch Hike is around 12 miles round trip and generally takes between 8 to 12 hours depending on how fast you walk and how many times you stop. You will see some stunning and remote scenery.

It is entirely possible to hike this trail in a single day, as long as you start early and pay attention to the weather.

Stop 6: Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is still one of the most incredible landscapes I have EVER visited in my entire life. You are going to agree! Do NOT skip Bryce Canyon. It will not let you down!

Hoodoos are rock formations formed by erosion. In Bryce Canyon, they are formed by winter frost eating away at the rock.

The rocks are weathered and eroded to create the incredible formations known as hoodoos. They are tall and thin and unique to arid areas such as the desert. They are fantastic to behold!

One of the best parts about seeing Bryce on your Utah road trip is that many areas are accessible by car. You can drive throughout the whole park and see stunning views!

If you have accessibility challenges, this is a wonderful Utah national park to visit as you can still experience a lot of what it offers because you don’t have to hike to see many things!

Bryce Canyon is one of the most popular stops on this itinerary for Utah’s national parks. You can park your car and take the shuttle if you want.

If you go during the off-season, you can find parking more easily. If you are completing this Utah road trip during the summer or high season, I recommend taking advantage of the shuttle.

Best Hotels Near Bryce Canyon:

• Affordable: Bryce Canyon Pines . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Luxury: Best Western PLUS Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel . Check Rates: Booking.com

Best Hikes In Bryce Canyon 

Possibly the most famous hike in Bryce Canyon is the Navajo Loop/Queens Garden Trail . This takes you down into the canyon so you can walk among the hoodoos.

There is one switchback area of this trail called ‘Wall Street.” I highly recommend walking DOWN this section. You get a better view and the experience is just better overall.

Most people don’t know this and do the opposite. This is the premier hike in Bryce, so do it while you are here! It is a 2.5-mile heavily trafficked loop trail and it is popular for a good reason!

If the park is busy and you want to do something fun, I love the Mossy Cave Waterfall hike. You must leave the park a tiny bit, but you get to see a waterfall and a sleeping bear cave.

This is a slightly different landscape than you are used to seeing in Utah so it is something fun and different to do. It is an easy, 1-mile trail.

I also recommend Bryce’s Rim Trail. It is 0.5 miles to 5.5 miles one way and is located above Bryce Canyon. It connects all the scenic overlooks from Fairyland to Bryce Point.

If you do NOT want to hike, many of these viewpoints are accessible by car too!

If you want an accessible trail, there is a 0.5-mile section of trail between Sunrise Point and Sunset Point that is wheelchair accessible.

I love the Rim Trail because you can choose to do as much or as little hiking as you want without missing out on epic views!

Stop 7: Zion National Park

Zion National Park is easily the most famous and popular stop on this Utah Mighty 5 itinerary and for a good reason!

Often, you cannot drive in Zion unless you are staying in the campground. There is a shuttle that will take you in and out of the park. This is very important to know.

Many people do not know about the shuttle until they arrive and are in for a surprise. If you know about the shuttle, you can be prepared for your experience.

March through November, access to the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is by free shuttle bus only. Private vehicles are allowed to access the Scenic Drive only when the shuttle system is not in operation.

If you are visiting in say, January, you will be allowed and able to drive your vehicle. This is one reason why I love doing a trip to Utah national parks in winter! Zion National Park in winter is a great time to visit.

The thing I love about Zion National Park is that it blends the red rocks with greenery! This is a sight for sore eyes after days of being in the desert.

There are very many cool things to see and do here during your trip to Utah.

While you end your road trip with Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park, they are some of the highlights of the vacation.

Best Hotels Near Zion National Park:

• Affordable: Zion Park Motel . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Mid-Range: Zion Mountain Ranch . Check Rates: Booking.com

Best Hikes In Zion National Park

One of the most memorable hikes from my childhood is the Narrows Hike . It is very long and involved, but you can choose to just do the beginning portion of it which is what I did as a kid.

It is about 16 miles round trip and you must walk through the river and even swim at some points!

If you aren’t doing the whole 16-mile hike, you can go to the beginning and have fun walking through the water in the canyon for as long as you want. This is what I did and it was such a wonderful experience!

If you want to do the most popular hike in Zion, that is the Angels Landing Hike . People do this with kids quite often, but it is strenuous and around 5 miles long.

This takes you to the peak of Zion National Park and the views are beyond incredible! If you do one hike during your Utah road trip, choose this one! I recommend budgeting around 3 to 5 hours.

The Canyon Overlook Trail is another great option. This is only a 1-mile trail and provides stunning views. It is easy and you can access it to see some of the best views in the park.

Since it is so short and easy, it makes a great beginner hike for all ages when visiting Southern Utah’s national parks. This is the perfect introductory hike to do when you arrive in Zion!

Stop 8: Valley Of Fire And Fly Out Of Las Vegas

Once you finish in Zion, I suggest flying out of Las Vegas, Nevada, since it is just over a two-hour drive from the park.

As I mentioned in the beginning, though, you can also fly out of Salt Lake City which is 4.5 hours away from Zion. Choose whichever fits your needs or budget best.

If you choose to go to Las Vegas, I highly recommend stopping by Valley of Fire State Park on the way. I absolutely love this park’s landscapes and photography opportunities.

The deep red rocks and gorgeous scenery make the park one of the best things to do in Nevada!

How Long To Spend On This Utah National Parks Road Trip

You should take as much time as you can for this Utah trip itinerary since there is so much to see and do. I understand, though, that not everyone has the chance to take over a week off for a vacation.

When planning a trip to Utah, I suggest a minimum of 7 to 10 days to see everything on this itinerary without rushing. With more time, you can also easily fly roundtrip from Salt Lake City.

If you have less time, you can cut out anywhere you have been before or that does not strike your fancy. I recommend focusing on the five national parks and saving the other spots for next time.

Best Time To Visit Utah National Parks

You can do a national parks road trip in Utah at any time of the year, but each season does have its pros and cons.

Personally, I love to road trip Utah in winter! This is when I did my last Utah parks road trip and it was great! It can be cold, but the white snow adds a beautiful contrast to the red rocks.

I think national parks are best during the off-season. Winter means fewer crowds and cheaper accommodations and car rentals. Camping is easier with less competition at campgrounds.

Plus, in winter you do not have to deal with the shuttle in Zion and can drive through the park on your own.

Summer in Utah is hot and the national parks are crowded with families and other tourists. Spring and fall are shoulder seasons with the best weather for hiking in Utah national parks.

No matter when you road trip through Utah, you will love the amazing landscapes and the chance to make memories with family and friends.

I hope you have a fantastic time visiting national parks in Utah!

I am happy to answer any questions you may have about planning your Utah Big 5 itinerary in the comments below!

Please let me know how you got on and if you went to any of the places I suggested in this itinerary for Utah national parks!

Next, check out more of the best Southwest road trip itineraries .

Reader Interactions

October 1, 2019 at 11:56 pm

Many thx for all ur tips

it was perfect

best regards,

October 8, 2019 at 7:19 pm

I live in SLC and have only visited Zion NP and Goblin Valley. I am going to steal your list! Except I’ll just take I-15 home at the end instead of heading to Vegas.

October 9, 2019 at 2:46 pm

Yessss have fun!!!!!! Def head back home!

April 23, 2021 at 1:07 pm

This is an amazing itinerary. Based on the road conditions do I need a special vehicle (4WD) in order to do this route? Are the roads paved or gravel? Can this be done with a standard sedan?

June 3, 2020 at 2:58 pm

We have never been to Utah. Family of 4. I’m planning our whole trip based off of this. Thank you!

November 10, 2020 at 8:38 am

My wife and I just completed a 2 week trip through Big 5 Utah National Park and it was spectacular! We followed your itinerary and continued on to The Grand Canyon after a 2 night so over in Las Vegas. We turned 2020 into a trip of a lifetime!

November 10, 2020 at 1:51 pm

Thank you for sharing!!!! I am so glad you had an amazing time despite 2020!!!

February 2, 2021 at 11:06 pm

This looks amazing, and so helpful. Do you know how this would be traveling with a dog? I have heard that taking dogs hiking in National Parks can be very restrictive. Thanks in advance!

February 7, 2021 at 4:27 pm

Depends on the park! I just got back from Utah! Arches allows and Zion doesn’t allow! So weird! You just have to look!

March 9, 2021 at 5:49 pm

Soooo I have an adventurous husband that would like to do some ATVing. We are following your itinerary. Any spot along the way you could suggest to rent some equipment and have some fun?

March 29, 2021 at 10:49 pm

I love this itinerary. Would you be so kind to let me know how many nights and in which location(s) you recommend booking if I were to follow all of your stops? Would it just be Moab and Zion area for the hotels / accommodations or would you suggest another location as well in between, etc. Thanks again.

March 29, 2021 at 11:03 pm

Oh goodness! how many nights is up to you and how much time you have off!! If you want to do capitol reef, I would stay in that area too for sure! It is a long drive! I would do 3-4 in Moab and 2-3 in Zion at minimum, depending on the length of time you have!

April 30, 2021 at 10:24 am

HI- My husband and I had been talking about such a trip- he had some 1200 mile trip planned but I want to do more than just drive. This came up on my pinterest feed and I am SOOOOOO excited (we really enjoy hiking). I think we are looking at 2 weeks. We are thinking September – would that be a good time?

April 30, 2021 at 2:17 pm

Yes!!! September will be a great time to go!!! Enjoy!!!!

March 3, 2021 at 1:15 pm

is all this doable in 7 days?

March 3, 2021 at 1:56 pm

Yes it is doable, but we recommend a bit longer! With 7 days we recommend arches and canyonlands, bryce and zion! That way you can do what you want without rushing too much!!

March 14, 2021 at 11:53 pm

This is great! We are heading out on Thursday and using your itinerary for our first 10 day family trip to Utah with our teenagers. Sooo excited!

March 15, 2021 at 2:06 pm

It is so fun!!!

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Utah National Parks Road Trip Map

This meticulously crafted interactive Google Map showcases an extensive  7-day itinerary through Utah ’s 5 national parks , featuring over 50 handpicked locations, along with detailed information about each site. 

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Stop-by-stop itinerary through all 5 Utah National Parks.

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The Ultimate Road Trip Guide to Utah’s National Parks

With the Utah National Parks Map, your exploration becomes a curated and unforgettable experience, guiding you through the awe-inspiring landscapes of  Arches , Bryce Canyon , Canyonlands , Capitol Reef , and Zion National Parks.  

As soon as you click buy, you’ll receive a link to download the step-by-step instruction guide and Google Map. You will also receive an email with links to access your purchase.

We create our maps using Google MyMaps. This allows us to add helpful information and links to every destination, as well as create groupings that reflect the way we organize our trips. MyMaps allows you to save all of the locations and information in our maps to your own Google account. Our step-by-step instructions show you exactly how to do it!

Yes, our Google Maps can be used on mobile and desktop devices! We recommend using the desktop version when researching and planning your trip, and using the mobile version on the road.

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The Complete Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary (Hikes, Photo Spots + MORE!)

Post Summary: The Best Utah National Park Road Trip Route + Tips For An Epic Trip!

Cleverly marketed as “The Mighty 5”, the collection  Utah national parks are pretty much a staple on any adventure-lovers bucket list. From the towering hoodoos of Bryce Canyon to the deep valleys of Canyonlands , the possibilities and activities are endless!

There is everything from hiking, camping, kayaking, climbing and so much more to do in Utah.

Berty and I wanted to experience everything the state had to offer, so we mapped out the perfect Utah national parks road trip to see everything along the way!

The Ultimate Road Trip To All 5 Utah National Parks

This post contains affiliate links, chosen and vetted by yours truly at no extra cost to you!

Note: If you are coming from the Pacific Northwest (like we did) you will most likely start near Salt Lake City.

If you live south of Utah, like in big cities like Las Vegas, Phoenix, or Albuquerque you can do a smaller loop by taking Highway 70 that goes East-West to shorten your trip but still see all the parks! Here’s another example of a Utah National Parks road trip route starting in the Southwest:

UTAH ROAD TRIP MAP STARTING IN LAS VEGAS

When Is The Best Time To Take A Utah National Parks Road Trip?

Each season brings its own unique take on a Utah National Parks road trip. Depending on the activities you’d like to do, there may be an ideal season to go for you and your group! Read below for a quick summary 0f what you might expect on a Utah road trip during each season:

Visit Utah National Parks in Winter: Taking a Utah road trip in the winter will provide you with the opportunity to have plenty of peace and quiet! You’ll run into very few crowds, but many of the popular attractions ( like Angels Landing Trail in Zion ) will likely still be closed because of snow.

Visit Utah National Parks in Spring: We think springtime is the best season to take a Utah National Parks road trip. This is because the weather is mild and the crowds are few, so you’ll have places like Delicate Arch Trail to yourself! The downside is that things still might be closed because of snow, and nights can still be very cold!

Visit Utah National Parks in Summer: This is the most popular time to visit Utah National Parks, because you’ll have the most daylight hours, and nearly every attraction in the park is open. The downside? You’ll be sharing it with the largest visitors crowds the parks will see all season!

Visit Utah National Parks in Fall: In our opinion, a Utah road trip in the Fall is the second best option! The family crowds have dissipated in anticipation for school starting, so you’ll have fewer people to share it with. Unfortunately, you may run into very cold nights and a high chance of bad weather at the end of the season.

The Best Car Rentals For Your Utah National Parks Road Trip

One of the most important aspects of your Utah National Parks road trip is picking the right car for your adventure. Your set of wheels can determine where you will be staying, how much money you spend overall, and which parts of the parks you can access. Here are our suggestions for each level of adventure:

For Convenience And Comfort (Staying In Hotels/Airbnbs):   We recommend a regular , full-sized sedan  to fit in hotel parking lots and small spaces! These types of cars should give you plenty of room for those long drives, and plenty of trunk space between hotels and resorts! Looking for inspiration? Here are some charming cabins for rent in Utah !

For Budget Savvy Travelers And Campers: We highly recommend checking out campervan rentals at Outdoorsy . Think of it like Airbnb but for recreation vehicles! You can choose anything from cool vintage VW buses to tricked-out Sprinter Vans for a big dose of van life for your Utah road trip.

For Adventure and Thrill-Seekers: If you’re trying to explore deep into BLM land around the parks or off-road adventures like in the MAze in Canyonlands, you’ll want to make sure you have a high-clearance vehicle like a Jeep . 

Where To Stay On Your Utah National Parks Road Trip

Throughout this Utah National Parks road trip post, we’re giving suggestions to nearby camping spots around each national park. 

However, if you are looking for a way to keep track of all your camping reservations or need help finding spots along your route, we recommend planning out your trip with The Dyrt’s Road Trip Planner !

The Dyrt is the largest campground database, and with their Road Trip planner tool on the pro membership, you can mark your route and find the best campgrounds on the way. We’ve used it to plan our last trip to the Pacific Northwest and we loved discovering new spots along the way!

The Dyrt gave us a code for you, our epic reader, to try the pro membership for 30 days free!  Click here and use the code  Mandagies  to unlock your 30-day free trial!

Utah National Park Stop 1: Zion National Park

Established in 1919, Zion is one of the most popular parks in the US , and naturally so! Its red cliffs, slot canyons, and amazing hikes will keep you busy for weeks.

Best Hikes In Zion National Park

It’s important to plan to give yourself adequate time and preparation for some of these epic hikes in Zion National Park. Some of the most popular trails in Zion are  Angels Landing  Trail, Observation Point, hiking through The Narrows, the Court of the Patriarchs and Towers of the Virgin.

One Day In Zion National Park

Being one of the most visited parks in the United States, be prepared for crowds and reserve accommodations and activities EARLY to avoid last-minute stress!

If you have only one day in Zion National Park, consider taking the shuttle bus on its full route through the park loop, and stop to see the attractions in each area. An easy hike would be the Pa’rus Trail, which is . 3.5 mile paved bike/walking path along the river.

Have Some Extra Time?

If you are looking for more solitude, come during the off-peak months (November – March) or explore Kolob Canyons, which is a lesser-known area of the park. 

Where To Stay Near Zion National Park

For the most convenience to the park, book your hotel in Springdale, Utah . From the city, you can easily take a shuttle bus into the park to maximize your time in Zion.

To save a little money, consider booking a place on Airbnb ( and if it’s your first time booking, get $40 off here! )

Looking for a little backcountry camping in Zion? Check out the The West and East Rim Trails, which offer incredible opportunities to stay in the wilderness of Zion.

Best Photo Spots In Zion National Park

Nearly every corner of Zion National Park is photo-worthy! However, some of the best spots for photos in Zion include The Watchman, the view from the top of Angels Landing, The Narrows, Observation Point, and anytime during sunrise!

Read More: Hike Zion’s Dangerous Angels Landing Hike

Utah National Park Road Trip Stop 2: Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park was created (and is still being formed) by a combination of ice, weather, and erosion. Bryce Canyon has the largest assortment of hoodoos in the world, which makes this place an iconic stop on any Utah national parks road trip.

Best Hikes In Bryce Canyon

Here, there are lots of hikes within the canyon and several scenic overlooks to keep you busy for a long time. Try taking the Queen’s Garden Loop, Mossy Cave Trail, and Bristlecone Loop Trail for easy and beautiful ways to get up close to the Bryce Canyon hoodoos.

One Day In Bryce Canyon National Park 

You can easily see Bryce Canyon in one day! You may have to prioritize one hike (or maybe two) but prepare to spend plenty of time in the car, stopping at various points along the 30 mile stretch of the canyon rim drive.

Coming To Bryce Canyon In The Shoulder Season? 

If you’re visiting Bryce Canyon in the shoulder season or off-season (Fall, Winter or Spring), make sure to pack warmer clothes when visiting here – the high elevation causes this area to have variable conditions, on top of already having an average of 200 days per year with a chance of below-freezing weather.

If you decide to take a winter road trip to Utah , you might be able to see Bryce Canyon is a beautiful blanket of snow!

Where To Stay Near Bryce Canyon National Park

The most convenient place to stay near Bryce Canyon is at Bryce Canyon City . Here there are tons of hotels to choose from!

If you want to stay in the park, consider the two campgrounds in Bryce Canyon, North Campground and Sunset Campground . They are first-come-first-serve in for the tent sites, so come early to claim a spot!

Best Photo Spots In Bryce Canyon National Park

For some of the best photo spots in Bryce Canyon, watch the sunrise/sunset on the Canyon Rim trail!

Read More: 5 Things To Do at Bryce Canyon National Park

Utah Road Trip Stop 3: Capitol Reef National Park

The underdog of the five parks, still, Capitol Reef National Park shouldn’t be missed! It’s one of the most beautiful photography locations in the American Southwest!

Best Hikes In Capitol Reef National Park

• Cassidy Canyon
• The Grand Wash
• Chimney Rock
• Frying Pan Trail
• Capitol Gorge

One Day In Capitol Reef National Park

If you have only one day in Capitol Reef National Park, we suggest sticking to the main roads to see the most attractions in the shortest amount of time. You can easily visit the main attractions right off Highway 24. 

Some of these attractions include the Gifford Homestead in the Fruita Historic District, Hickman Natural Bridge, the Grand Wash, Capitol Reef Visitor Center, and Panorama Point.

This is the least visited of the Utah national parks, so if you are looking for solitude, you’ve found it here at Capitol Reef. To venture out even further into the park, consider taking the off-road adventure the Cathedral Valley, a section of the park with towering structures that very few see with their own eyes! 

Where To Stay Capitol Reef

For the comfort of a warm bed in a hotel, consider staying in the nearby town of Torrey  near Capitol Reef National Park. 

Looking for a bit more adventure under the stars? There are plenty of backcountry dirt roads ready for the most adventurous of visitors! If you want to camp, there is plenty of BLM lands to spend the night near the park borders.  Make sure to read our guide to free camping in the USA here!

Best Photo Spots In Capitol Reef

With its own unique set of natural arches, petroglyphs, canyon hikes, and more, this area of Utah has some of the most spectacular photo opportunities in the state.

Some other beautiful photo spots in Capitol Reef include Hickman Natural Bridge, Cassidy Arch, Capitol Dome, and Chimney Rock.

Read More: Discover Capitol Reef National Park’s Hidden Gems

Utah National Parks Road Trip Stop 4: Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park is exactly what it sounds like. The main part of the park consists of a few roads on a long mesa which towers above the enormous surrounding canyons. There is very little light pollution within the park, so we actually suggest visiting Canyonlands in the day AND night!

Officially named a “Dark Sky Park” by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) this place is world-renowned for its summertime Milkyway viewing and star-gazing.

Best Hikes In Canyonlands National Park

There are some incredible hiking trails in Canyonlands National Park! The most popular would be the short trail to Mesa Arch, but other great trails include Aztec Butte Trail, Gooseberry Trail, Wilhite Trail, and Grand View Trail.

Make sure to pack a sun hat and wear plenty of sunscreen – there is absolutely NO shade in this park!

One Day In Canyonlands National Park

The park is divided into four areas – The Island In The Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the rivers themselves. Each has its own unique set of activities, but the one with the most accessibility would be the Islands In The Sky. 

If you only have one day to spend in Canyonlands National Park, we highly suggest spending your time in the Island In The Sky Section. This section brings you to some of the most iconic views in the park, as well as the most easily accessible places.

Try checking out the nearby Dead Horse Point State Park. Here, you can find iconic views of the Colorado River that winds through the canyon. 

Where To Stay Near Canyonlands National Park

The easiest and most convenient place to stay near Canyonlands National Park is in the nearby town of Moab, Utah . 

Best Photo Spots In Canyonlands National Park

If you’re looking for iconic photos spots in Canyonlands National Park, Mesa Arch during sunrise can’t be missed. Additionally, Candlestick Tower during sunset and Grand View Point during the day are excellent options for photos.

Read More: Sunset At Canyonlands National Park

Utah Road Trip Stop 5: Arches National Park

With over 2,000 natural stone arches in the park, there won’t be a dull moment during your time in Arches National Park. Whether you are taking a day hike, overnight camping, or simply just passing through, Arches is guaranteed to leave an impression on any adventurous spirit.

We’ve created a 24-hour guide  for those who have just a short amount of time to spare, a hiking guide , and a photo journal of Delicate Arch during sunrise !

Best Hikes In Arches National Park

There are plenty of amazing hiking trails in Arches National Park to choose from! Some of our favorite hikes include a sunrise hike to Delicate Arch , Fiery Furnace, Double Arch, Park Avenue Trail and the Windows Loop.

One Day In Arches National Park

Only have one day in Arches National Park? Spend some time driving the Arches Scenic Drive , the 36-mile round trip road. This road connects nearly all the major sections of the park, so you can easily stop to quickly explore a section, or pull over for a photo. We also made a 24-hour guide to Arches National Park!

If you have a little extra time to spend in the park, consider taking the Devil’s Garden Loop trail , a 7.5-mile path that connects seven iconic arches, including Landscape Arch (the longest one in the park), Navajo Arch, Double Arch, and more!

Where To Stay Near Arches National Park

Similar to Canyonlands, the most convenient place to stay near Arches National Park is in the nearby town of Moab, Utah . 

Best Photo Spots In Arches Canyon National Park

Some of the most iconic photo spots in Arches National Park include Delicate Arch, the Windows Loop, Balanced Rock, the Courthouse Towers, and Park Avenue.

Read More: How To Spend 24 Hours In Arches National Park

UTAH NATIONAL PARKS ROAD TRIP FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the best utah national parks.

Ranking the Utah National Parks form best to worst isn’t quite a fair comparison, because it implies we think some are bad. That’s certainly not the case! Here they are in order of popularity, according to PlanetWare .

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

What Else Is There To See Beyond The Utah National Parks?

Want to see more than just the stops on your Utah National Parks road trip? There are plenty of other amazing Utah and Arizona features to discover! We connect nearly everything in our Southwest Road Trip Itinerary  here, which we highly recommend if you’ve got some extra time.

In the meantime, here are some other amazing places to see in the American Southwest , near Utah National Parks:

• Goblin Valley State Park
• Corona Arch near Moab, Utah
• Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
• The Grand Canyon
• Page, Arizona
• Monument Valley
• Amazing Hikes In Sedona, Arizona
• …or take several other west coast road trips nearby!

Have you ever taken a Utah National Parks road trip? What was your experience like? Tell us about it in the comment section below!

Read more utah / road trip posts.

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Want more inspiration for your Utah National Parks road trip? Follow our Southwest board for more ideas and tips for your journey!