There is nothing like hitting the road to see Utah National Parks, they are really just that special and a road trip allows you to fully experience them in all their glory!
Utah’s National Parks will grip you by the hand and lead you through landscapes of green valleys to towering sandstone formations, deep canyons and wide open panoramas that speak volumes in terms of natural wonder.
They could take you enchanted days to explore, and still leave wanting for more. But if you give it a week (or maybe just over) then you get to experience this stunning scenery and hit the open road in another unforgettable driving destination.
From my extensive travels in Utah and the Southwest, this is a definitive guide to planning your own perfect road trip through the Utah National Parks. Once inside, you will find maps and must-read info on driving in each park as well as lodging, eating suggestions for the hotel rooms around them plus what to do and see within every popular attraction.
And, I added in several Utah National Park itinerary possibilities so you can customize your trip based on what most interests you.
Crafting Your Ultimate Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary
Over the years I have driven this loop countless times, exploring all of southern Utah as well as much of it’s neighboring states in Colorado and Arizona and so on; This guide is a product of them. There is no place in this great country, quite like the paradise that lies on America’s High Five.
The natural scenery is absolutely breathtaking here, with landscapes that make for plenty of outdoor adventure — whether hiking and ATV riding or spotting wildlife on scenic drives.
Although Utah National Parks steal the show, when you vacation near these wonders of nature, be sure to carve out time for a few visits to some equally impressive State Parks and National Monuments. Well, If you are like me Then the problem is not just about planning for a road trip but how to cover all those must see places!
Here are different ways of structuring your itinerary to help you through this process. Note that these parks are huge For example, if you are interested in a certain park and want to do multiple activities or go hiking then by all means dive deep!
No matter if your Utah National Park plan is to see the Mighty 5 or you are splitting up time between other nearby State Parks and Monuments, everyone will want to come back. Just remember to have fun, wherever the adventure takes you (you really can’t screw this part up!
Choosing the Best Starting Point for Your Utah National Parks Road Trip
Traveling to any of the Utah National Parks is easiest from Salt Lake City or Las Vegas, both located about 5 hours by car. Each city has a hub with several major airlines from around the U.S. Keep in mind: Delta runs many flights through Salt Lake City, but Southwest Airlines has a big presence at the Vegas airport.
This helps because you can now be opportunistic and find a cheap flight out of either city or better yet maximize your miles/points! This potentially means that if one city is sold out, the other may still have great availability.
Tip: Do a successive one-way (fly into LAX, fly out of SFO). Most airlines don’t add any cost to multi-city flights but do check. For some, it might actually be as cheap to fly in to Vegas and out of Salt Lake City as a traditional round-trip.
When it comes to rental cars, there are some one-way fees but they can differ based on a lot of different things. Rates will vary, but you could find out that your selected dates have no extra fee or a small one and avoid the return drive.
For my inaugural Utah National Parks excurision, I started in Salt Lake City and made a headway to Moab a route i would gladly do again.
Securing the Right Rental Car for Your Utah National Parks Road Trip
Salt Lake City or Las Vegas, a car is an absolute necessity for your Utah National Parks trip. Similarly, as for rental cars companies located at both airports it is also dependant on which one best meets your travel requirements.
I have always used Kayak for booking car rentals to check the price from multiple websites so you can get a good deal.
The season will dictate the kind of vehicle you want to have. Some parks include steep, narrow roads so if you plan on hitting the dirt it might be worth considering a 4WD for more ground clearance. My first time to Utah, which was in the spring as well, I rented a regular four wheeled vehicle and it got me around just fine.
Your vehicle choice can differ greatly depending on the season and what you want to do. While having the right car will clearly make the experience of racing better, it should not be in an overly large scale. Choose whichever is most in line with your plans, but know that an ordinary car can get you to much of what Utah has going for it.
How Long Should Your Utah National Parks Trip Be?
This trip is perfect for exploring the National Park in Utah and ideally take 7 days. You could see all of Utah’s epic five parks or combine them with either Monument Valley or Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument if you had a week to spare.
If you can stretch your itinerary to 10 days, then more the merrier in all of Utah’s natural beauty. It was developed with more time for stopovers, making it perfect to ensure you enjoy the stunning landscapes of this region fully.
And when you’re down in southern Utah, mean come on it’s just a short trip up the road to the Grand Canyon. Only about 2.5 hours away from Grand Staircase-Escalante, the South Rim contains some of the most incredible views in Big Ditch. It is about a 4.5-hour drive from Zion National Park if you are planning on visiting the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
So whether you come for a week or stretch it to 10 days as we did, the Utah National Parks has enough depth — and enough around every corner — that there will always be more to explore.
Ways to Save on Utah National Parks Admission
One of the easiest and cheapest ways to save on National Park fees is by buying the America The Beautiful Pass ahead of your vacation. This offers a free year to all of the National Parks.
This pass is valid not only for National Parks, but also permits entry to areas managed by the Forest Service, National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management as well as a number of other federal agencies. It pretty much pays for itself after a few parks.
Finally, National Parks often have lines for pass holders that let you skip the much longer line of people buying tickets at the gate. This gets a driver and everyone in the car they came with into the park plus if it’s an attraction that has per person entry, then 4 adult passes are included. Free admission always for under 15.
And keep in mind, the America the Beautiful Pass will cover admission only—any extra fees for campsites or RV hookups still apply.
And also be sure to ask about age, veteran or other rebate before your trip. These are some ways you might also discover to Save At The Park on fees!
1 Week Road Trip Itinerary for Utah’s National Parks
This 7-day Utah National Parks Itinerary to the national parks of Southern and Eastern Utah, will keep you moving at a regular but relaxed pace. Efficiently manage time The trucking skills road trip map above allows you to accomplish this by optimizing, and sometimes even completely eliminating, any extra backtracking between parks all while consolidating the entry / exit points of your journey.
It will even start as far away as Salt Lake City and flying back home from Las Vegas. It also allows you to avoid having to drive all the way back through Salt Lake City, which shaves almost two hours off of your driving time and that is a lot more time better spent down in these parks.
Consider this: You drive away from Las Vegas in the afternoon, having awakened at Zion National Park. The night before you sleep near Zion being able to enjoy everything there without rushing. Conversely an extended day of driving could necessitate you stopping sooner and repositioning to the airport. You would probably also have to spend the night at an airport hotel, which is way shittier.
The adventure starts in Moab with Arches and Canyonlands, serves up a middle portion that somehow still feels like the meat of it all—and then there’s Zion: The Grand Finale.
You know what this plan doesn’t include any extra time for National Monuments or State Parks, and it also does not account for all of the stops at Monument Valley with extended stay as well as Grand Canyon. You could adjust the schedule to have one of these, though with just 7 days you would need to scratch at least one out Utah’s National Parks.
Well, here they are— a blow-by-blow of this Utah National Parks itinerary.
Day 1: Arrive in Salt Lake City –> Drive to Moab
Driving Time: 3 Hours 44 Minutes / 239 Miles
Okay, so you’ve landed in Salt Lake City and picked up your rental car; go southeast for the nearly four hour drive to Moab. Check your fuel gauge and fill up at one of the sparse services early on—you won’t find many more thereafter. It’s also their chance to go visit the restroom, get a snack or drink because there are few stops available until you’re almost at Moab.
Moab is the only place you’ll need for food, fuel and a bed. If the sun is still up, you should start to be able see large red rock formations from a distance as they form the backdrop of this little town.
Spend the rest of your evening, check into hotel and get yourself ready for a happening day.
Where to Stay in Moab
Day 1 Moab Night at Distant Utahereum Recommended places I stayed — Hyatt Place Moab. This budget friendly option in town is up the main drag and close to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, plus provides a continental breakfast which makes it easy for guests squeeze in some fuel before heading out into nature.
Hyatt Place Moab is a part of the loyalty program, allowing you to use Hyatt points if that’s your preferred form of travel rewards. No matter which hotel you pick, book it for two nights so that your stay in Moab is longer.
Day 2: Exploring Arches National Park
Important Info About Arches:
- Timed-entry permits are now generally required to visit Arches National Park beginning on April 1, staying in effect over the busy season until as late Oct. Book as soon as they go live on your travel dates(concatenate).
- The park is less than a 5-10 minute drive away from downtown Moab illustrious main road.
- Entrance fee: $30 per private vehicle, 15 passengers max
- Be sure to visit the Park Arches official website for current conditions and updates.
You’re in for a treat if you could only make it to moab after the sun went down! In the light of day you see that the town is surrounded by stunning orange and red rock formations. These formations are but a taste of what awaits you in Arches National Park.
Remember to bring a lot of water and some snacks or lunch with you when heading out for the day. You can re-supply in lots of places around Moab but once you are out on the trail, your only option is water from a fountain at the visitor centre.e inside the park, there’s very little shade and limited water sources, so preparation is key. Arrive on time for your reserved entry slot—luckily, the park is only a short drive from downtown Moab.
Top Highlights of Arches National Park
Arches National Park is a visual wonder with over 2,000 natural arches and other inspiring geological formations such as balanced rocks and soaring cliffs. In one day you will not have time to hike all trails but with early start, it is possible visiting most amenities and vistas in the park.
The Highlights for One Day in Arches
- Scenic Drive Road: offers beautiful views of the park as you drive through
- Delicate Arch: Get there early enough to avoid the crowds or, better yet (if you’re just arriving), head on up around sunset.
- Balanced Rock: A short walk to see this huge rock sitting precariously on the side of a cliff edge.
- Devil’s Garden Trail: Four-mile round trip to Double O Arch, via the striking Landscape Arch
- Short & Easy: Windows Section & Turret Arch (iconic rock formations accessed by short hikes).
- Park Avenue Trail: Take the 1-mile round-trip walk through spectacular canyon views.
- Eden Garden — Great to capture some dramatic rocks.
- Sand Dune Arch – a children’s favorite with an in-situ sand pit.
- Double Arch- Yes another classic formation that is a great spot for pictures.
Moab Travel Tips
- If you do something fun, have Mexican for dinner at Fiesta Mexicana.
- Getting ready to explore the wilderness? For popular activities like Hell’s Revenge, book well in advance.
- There is also the Corona Arch Trail which takes about 15 minutes from Moab so if you have time this hike won’t be a bad idea.
There are a few things that I definitely recommend including in your plans for Arches so you can see everything, and have great adventure time to keep it interesting without getting bored.
Day 3: Canyonlands National Park –> Capitol Reef Area
Driving Time:
- Moab to Canyonlands: 35 minutes / 31.5 miles
- Canyonlands to Capitol Reef: 2 Hours 50 Minutes / 167 Miles
Important Info About Canyonlands:
- No timed-entry reservation required.
- Admission is $30 per private vehicle (up to 15 passengers).
- Always check the official Canyonlands National Park website for updates.
This morning, you are going to check out from your Moab hotel and then proceed towards Canyonlands National park. Less than an hour drive, it’s a good way to spend some of the day in Joffre Lakes if you had time. If you are at Moab, stock up on fuel and food/drinks as there is no services inside Canyonlands except for a water station near the visitor center.
Canyonlands has three districts, of which the Island in the Sky is by far the most accessible for day visitors. Among the Needles but even more so for extensive backcountry adventures in The Maze and farther cona on down. And before you even head into the park, make a quick pitstop at Dead Horse Point State Park to check out its killer overlook at Dead Horse Point.
Canyonlands National Park Highlights
Canyonlands National Park, A wilder, more rugged edge to the beauty of such places at Grand Canyon with its dramatic canyons, mesas and rock formations that have been carved out by nature over millions of years. Arches National Park can feel prim and proper, whereas Canyonlands is a wilder place.
Island in the Sky is one of the most visited districts, however you can technically hit all points of interest here on a single day visit. In addition to some of our favorite multi-day and off-roading opportunities, the park also has a wide variety of hikes from easy scenic viewpoints up to tough climbs. Thankfully, you can still see some of the incredible scenery on display in The Island In The Sky mesa without having venture further out across Canyonlands.
Best Things to Do at Canyonlands:
- From the visitor centre, follow a 34-mile scenic drive with several outstanding viewpoints.
- Shafer Canyon Viewpoint — another favorite with far-reaching views
- Grand View Point and the hike to Mesa Arch for sweeping views
- Do Donuts at Green River Overlook and Buck Canyon.
- Shafer Canyon Road- Some nerves of steel drivers can try this one, only for high-clearance vehicles.
Canyonlands Travel Tips
- There is little to no shade, and you will need a lot of water and sunblock.
- The scorching summer temperatures can make this challenging—so if you’re not equipped with ample water, consider visiting in the spring or fall. Or brave it when there is snow on high (just confirm conditions before trekking in).
- Kayaking and rafting are possible on the Colorado River and Green Rivers.
Where to Stay Tonight
Head to Capitol Reef National Park: If you spent the day in Canyonlands, then get into CRNP late afternoon. Torrey: Located close to Capitol Reef, it is a small town with lots of dining and lodging options. Skyridge Inn, 7 miles outside Capitol Reef (with comfy rooms and a substantial breakfast), butting right up to the rocks.
If you prefer to visit Monument Valley, it’s a 3.25 hour drive from CanyonlandsrichTextPanel Located in southern Utah and northern Arizona, Monument Valley is one of the most picturesque natural landmarks in the United States. Monument ValleyThe View Hotel and Goulding’s Lodge offer convenient overnight lodging in Monument Valley.
Day 4: Capitol Reef National Park –> Drive to Bryce Canyon
Driving Time: Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon: 2 hours 13 minutes / 117 miles
Important Info About Capitol Reef:
- No timed-entry reservation required.
- Admission is $20 per private vehicle (up to 15 passengers).
- Check the official Capitol Reef National Park website for updates.
Where the Water Flows Capitol Reef National Park is located atop a massive wrinkle in the Earth’s crust that extends for over 100 miles, and LakePowell sits perched above this crinkled landscape. This particular “folding” stretches 100 miles long, resulting in some of the most remarkable geological formations including domes and canyons as wellas fossils that have emerged over multiple millions years through thousands upon tens of thousands centuries worth or erosion. The park is actually 60 miles long, but only a mere six miles wide – so we’re talking quite the blend of natural beauty/mechanical marvel right here!
The problem is, as you wander around Capitol Reef trying to get your head round this extraordinary terrain forged by forces from the dawn of Earth’s history. Over time the crust of Earth has been slowly but unevenly rising, revealing the park’s breathtaking detritus as erosion uncovered rock that contrasts with millions-of-year-old bands.
Capitol Reef Highlights
Some of the best hikes in all of Southern Utah are within Capitol Reef, from some unforgettable towering rock formations along HWY24 that traverses through the heart of this park. The towering rock formations against the sprawling desert make a few of the most beautiful sights in Utah’s Mighty 5, you can skip right on past them all day except for Arches which draws bigger crowds.
The park includes the Fruita District, a Mormon settlement. It is possible to do Capitol Reef in a day, or even half-day and still check all of the national park boxes – from natural wonders to historical markers.
Top Things to Do at Capitol Reef:
- Colorful Layers of Highway 24 we assume fans drive by in each time lapse.
- Visit Panorama Point for panoramic views.
- A different view of the canyons in the park is Goosenecks Overlook.
- Take a hike to the Hickman Bridge, another well known natural arch in this park.
- Observe the ancient Native American petroglyphs on rocky canyon walls.
- Visit the historical settlement of Fruita.
- Or traverse the Scenic Drive and Capitol Gorge Road for even more gorgeous views.
- Back to the 10 best places: For a little solitude and some scenic walking, try hiking along the Grand Wash Trail.
After a day exploring Capitol Reef, begin the drive to Bryce Canyon, where more awe-inspiring scenery awaits you.
Day 4 Alternative: Monument Valley –> Drive to Bryce Canyon
Driving Time: Monument Valley to Bryce Canyon: 4 hours 33 minutes / 274 miles
The open landscape extends into the distance where tumbleweeds roll through and the sandstone monoliths loom higher from the floor below. It will seem like you are in a cowboy, outlaw movie scene. The Experience that Gave you Flack from the Movie Forest Gump and a Picture at Forrest Point of your Favorite Run,
The most famous mesas, buttes and spires are located on a 17-mile loop through the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. You will have the choice to either drive yourself or opt for a guided tour. The road is unpaved and bumpy but I had no problems with normal sedan rental car by driving slowly enough to enjoy the amazing views whenever a nice scene popped up.
Through Navajo-guided tour, you can visit more place beyond the touristy areas and learn about how important these rock formations are to cultural identity.
Best Things to Do in Monument Valley:
- Take the Navajo Tribal Park Loop Drive (or hire a guide).
- Make a short stop for the ultimate Forrest Gump experience.
- Photographers: Definitely do a sunrise tour with a Navajo guide for great lighting.
- Mexican Hat Rock
Where to Stay Tonight: Bryce Canyon
Overnight in Bryce Canyon It’s not a huge town so you need to book your accommodation in Bryce Canyon early, as there isn’t alot of options right next door. I stayed in the Best Western Plus Ruby Inn and it was fine. The Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand is also a nice choice, and it’s just across the street.
Drive to Bryce Canyon; dusk is a good time, especially if you’re coming from Capitol Reef (or Monument Valley), and should get you there by late afternoon/early evening. If you’re really lucky, perhaps they will be illuminated as the sun sets.
If you’re driving from Monument Valley, stop at Horseshoe Bend in Page Arizona. Located just about halfway between Monument Valley and Bryce Canyon, the 1.4 mile round trip trek to get out to this overlook is a perfect place to stop off and stretch your legs before continuing on with your journey.
Return to your hotel in Bryce Canyon and spend the evening planning for what you hope will be an amazing day of exploring within the park tomorrow.
Day 5: Bryce Canyon National Park –> Zion National Park
Driving Time: Bryce Canyon to Zion: 1 hour 45 minutes / 82 miles
Important Info About Bryce Canyon:
- No timed-entry reservation required.
- Admission is $35 per private vehicle (up to 15 passengers).
- Check the official Bryce Canyon National Park website for updates.
Bryce Canyon looks other-worldy with it’s towering sandstone hoodoos that seem to sprout from a natural amphitheater painted in hues of orange, pinks and reds. Bryce has the largest hoodoo gathering in one place than anywhere else on Earth.
And no matter how many parks you have visited, look at the landscape of Brynn Canyon to labor interfered. And the hoodoo amphitheater is so visually striking it will be an experience you just won’t get anywhere else!
Bryce Canyon Highlights
Bryce Canyon was named for the hoodoos — an astonishing range of tall, thin spires that jut out from the arid ground and seem to loom over anyone who comes within gazing distance. The park itself is small but contains several massive amphitheaters full of these natural surprises; Scoresby said his favorite overlooks are Inspiration Point, which “overlooks a huge expanse,” and Bryce Point at another end of the main road: Utah State Route 63 (breathtaking views here can be had by hiking less than one mile). The layout at Bryce Canyon is also convenient for visitors, whether driving the park or hiking along the rim to catch some of these stunning vistas.
Afterward, inspire your imagination to life by spending half a day or linger for the full day depending on hiking and general interests. Even if you do some of the shorter hikes, it will allow time to explore a variety of viewing points and still be on your way by early afternoon. But remember how many days you want to spend in Zion National Park, especially if your trip finishes on Day 7/8.
Top Things to Do in Bryce Canyon:
- Enjoy the sunrise make hoodoos glow.
- Take the Southern Scenic Drive to Rainbow Point.
- Go to Sunrise Point (Thor’s Hammer!).
- Sunset Point, Inspiration Point and the upper view point.
- do the Queen’s Garden Trail or Navajo Loop Trail process
- Hike the Rim Trail from Sunrise to Sunset Points
- Take a selfie at Natural Bridge
- For a bit more adventurous exploration, try the Peekaboo Loop Trail.
Bryce Canyon Travel Tips
- Bryce Canyon’s higher elevation keeps it cooler than other Utah parks, even in summer.
- Hiking into the amphitheater requires climbing back up, so pace yourself for the return.
- Arrive early to enjoy a quieter experience before the park gets busier.
Where to Stay Tonight: Springdale, Zion National Park
From Bryce Canyon, drive to the base of Zion National Park in Springdale, Utah. The drive leads you over the Mount Carmel Highway and Tunnel, a awe inspiring work of road building art with vistas in every direction.
The gateway town to Zion is Springdale and it boasts loads of lodging, eateries, and shops. Holiday Inn Express: So, this was our lodging recommendation because of the clean comfortable rooms with complimentary breakfast and pool -and a shuttle stop just outside that gets you into town as well to pick up the Zion Park shuttles.
For most of the year, private cars are not allowed in Zion so the shuttle system within the park is vital. The shuttle outside the Holiday Inn Express goes directly to Zion, which means you don’t have hassle finding parking at the entrance.
The main street in Springdale is full of hotels, so check which one looks better for your dates and stay 2–3 nights (you have to be back depending on when your flight leaves).
Days 6 & 7: Zion National Park
Important Info About Zion:
- No timed-entry reservation required to enter Zion
- You will need a permit to hike Angels Landing.
- Entry costs $35 per vehicle (must have 1 to 15 passengers).
- Remember to bring your America the Beautiful pass if you use it.
- Refer to the Zion National Park website for updates.
Entering Zion National Park on the Mount Carmel Scenic Highway, giant rock faces fill both side of your convoy as soon you can see IOU have been captured! Despite the stunning red rock landscapes you have seen thus far, Zion’s crimson monoliths – that massive Grand Staircase of cliffs reaching down and away toward mesas flecked with yucca stalks as hand-tufted in time to thumbprint shadows across scarlet plateaus —towers will make your jaw drop.
Formed by erosive forces over millions of years, Zion’s rugged landscape is home to a variety of plant and animal species. I spotted more wildlife here in spring than at any other Utah National Park, so watch for critters while driving or hiking and be respectful of the natural environment.
Zion National Park Highlights
From the time you start driving along Mount Carmel Scenic Highway until long after, Zion National Park captivates with each turn in towering red rock that surround you. After seeing all the other jaw-dropping red rock landscapes, this mix of enormous cliff walls and towering sandstone cliffs capped with lush greenery above the Virgin River just kind of hits you in a different way.
Over the millennia, Zion has taken its current shape and supports a diverse community of plants and animals. I was met with more wildlife here than in any of the other Utah National Parks during my visit this spring so pay attention to the scenery along roadsides or hiking trails but always, be respectible towards your natural environment.
Top Things to Do in Zion National Park:
- Go for the scenic drive on Zion-Mount Carmel Scenic Highway.
- Marvel at Checkerboard Mesa.
- Fall hike Angels Landing (or Canyon Overlook Trail)
- Stop at weeping rock and emerald pools.
- Hiking The Narrows
- Go for a peaceful Riverside Walk.
- Stop to view the Court of the Patriarchs
- Catch the sunset at Canyon Junction Bridge
- Kolob Canyons for a more peaceful side to Zion
Zion National Park Travel Tips
- Best time to visit Zion spring and autumn, mild weather. Summers are very hot, and winters can be wet.
- You don’t have to get a permit for the hike out of Scout’s Lookout, which is right before Angels Landing.
- Summer is the most common time to hike The Narrows and make sure you are looking at water levels and conditions first.
Zion represents the climactic conclusion to your Utah National Parks experience, with unforgettable scenery and activities that are just challenging enough to be rewarding. But whether you are hiking to Angels Landing or just taking in the beauty from the shuttle Zion will most likely be a place that stays with you forever.
Day 7-8: Zion National Park –> Las Vegas Airport
Driving Time: Zion to Las Vegas Airport: 2 hours 35 minutes / 170 miles
Like myself, I almost guarantee that you will not want to ever leave Zion after making the drive on an epic hike up Angels Landing and taking in those awesome views from above. However, the time comes after all too quickly to tear down camp whenever that is over with and check out of your hotel in Springdale bringing things full circle.
On Day 7, if you have a late night flight then you may consider spending this almost half day in further exploration of Zion before heading to Las Vegas. If you can, plan to fly out early in the day on Day 8—the better for you to spend all of Day ZION-ing.
After saying a heartfelt so long to Zion, begin your 2.5-hour drive back again east to Las Vegas When you get to the airport, turn in your rental car there and head back home with unforgettable memories from the epic Utah National Park Road Trip.
Long Utah National Parks Trip?
For those who have a bit more time, Utah is replete with possibilities for tacking on to this adventure. With more to offer per National Park than can be explored in a week, the Utah/Arizona borderlands may contain some of best known natural landmarks on earth.
You might be happy to spend some extra time in one or more of the parks mentioned above, and another national park will surely have been added to your southwestern star chart by now (or at least you can plan it). Here are a few things you could try to boost extended stay.
Additional Ideas to Expand Your Road Trip Through Utah & Beyond
A great number of visitors turned this into a much longer travel, taking some time to explore Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon. Combine these with Monument Valley and Zion National Park (as long as you have the time) or stay in Utah.
Another wonder of nature between the Monument Valley, Bryce and Zion National Parks is Antelope Canyon.
TIP: Plan to spend an extra few days seeing this gorgeous slot canyon with a tour. While you are in the area, don’t miss a visit to Horseshoe Bend!
Arizona and Utah offer the best of both worlds for a long road trip. Just add in a portion of an Arizona holiday and mix it with trips to National Parks in Utah, or keep on heading further south if you still want more from Tempe and nearby Tucson!
Spending 1–2 days in Las Vegas If you want a mix of outdoor adventure and relaxation. A stay at a fancy Vegas hotel, overpriced dinners and some nice shows when it stops snowing could also be the way to wrap up your trip after traipsing around Utah’s National Parks.
Far longer road trip out west? Sure, if you love the outdoors and want to see some of Mother Nature’s finest work. To get started in Colorado before crossing over into Moab for a Utah visit is definitely one good starting point. If you can fly into Denver and out of Salt Lake City, this could be a good chance to drive between: — Utah’s Mighty National Parks AND Monument Valley Imagine the above in both directions.
Utah National Parks Road Trip Summary
A road-trip through Utah just has to be on your bucket list! The United States is home to some of the most iconic National Parks, natural wonders and scenic landmarks Tags best national park camping in utah.
Whether you are coming for just a week or 10 days, even more exploring Utah travel plans is infinite. Having visited the area many times, a Utah road trip always delivers and no matter how you plan your escape to this amazing part of USA impact will be guaranteed. Ready to start planning? Let’s dive in!