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Perfect Arizona Utah Road Trip – Bucket List Southwest Itinerary

Nov 1, 2023

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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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Imagine a world with endless sunrises and sunsets that are so beautiful they leave you feeling enchanted and unworthy of their presence all at the same time (kidding). The only world capable of this magical kind of spell is the USA Southwest. And if you’ve never been to this part of the States before, there’s no better introduction to some Southwest magic than a proper Arizona Utah road trip. 

As an Arizona resident, I’ve done a Phoenix to Utah road trip or two or ten, and I am so excited to present you with the ultimate AZ, UT itinerary!

Who knows, maybe you’ll love it so much that you’ll find yourself moving here ;). 

This trip is special because it it comprised of a Utah National Parks road trip and a Phoenix to Sedona to Grand Canyon National Park trip—both of which I have blogs on!

Let’s not waste any more time! Before getting into the Utah Arizona road trip itinerary, I want to take a minute to discuss a few planning “must-knows.”

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Planning Your Road Trip Itinerary

When planning, you’ll want to keep the below details in mind.

• 🌵 When to Go:  Winter to early summer is a great time to road trip Utah and Arizona. Winter may require some extra prep, but it’s a gorgeous time to visit!
• ⏰ Trip Length:  10 days
• ✈️ Fly:  For the best tickets, check  KAYAK . Fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor (a popular choice).
• 🚗 Rental Car:   KAYAK  can also help you find cheap rental cars! You will not need a 4×4 for this trip.
• 🚐 Rental Campervan: Want a campervan instead? You can rent one using Outdoorsy .
• 🏨 Stay:  We’ll cover where to stay too.
• 🎟 Park Fees:  You will be visiting national parks on this trip. The standard entrance fee is about $35 per park. To save, snag the  America The Beautiful Pass  ($79.99).

It’s worth noting that while you might be able to do this trip in less than 10 days, you’ll end up rushing through it!

A 10 day itinerary will give you enough time to actually enjoy all the attractions we discuss.

Utah Arizona Road Trip Itinerary at a Glance + Map

• Day 1 – Sedona
• Day 2 – Monument Valley and Valley of the Gods
• Day 3 – Moab, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park
• Day 4 – Moab, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park
• Day 5 – Capitol Reef National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park
• Day 6 – Zion National Park and Page, AZ
• Day 7 – Grand Canyon National Park
• Day 8 – Flagstaff and Phoenix, AZ
• Day 9 – Phoenix and Scottsdale, AZ
• Day 10 – Depart

Here’s what your route will look like!

Click here to view a live version of the map!

You will be hitting the best National Parks in Utah and Arizona, so no need to fret about that!

Below, each day is split into morning, afternoon, and evening itineraries, complete with specifics on places to see. 

Day 1 — Phoenix to Sedona, AZ

• Total Drive Time: 2 Hours
• Time Exploring: 1 Day
• Stay: Courtyard Marriott, Sedona , Baby Quail Inn
• Eat: Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Kitchen Sedona , Whole Foods, Casa Sedona , Elote Cafe
• Fees: Red Rock Pass ($5) or America The Beautiful Pass

Morning & Afternoon

Once you’ve landed in Phoenix and picked up your rental car , start making your 2 hour drive up to Sedona.

This is where you will spend the night and your first day in AZ before continuing up your road trip from Arizona to Utah!

When you get there, you can head off on a Sedona hike. There are some fantastic trails in Sedona.

Below is a quick list of my favorites:

• Birthing Cave – One of the best caves in Sedona and relatively easy to get to. The hike is 1.5 miles round trip. 
• Sugarloaf Summit – 1.6 mile round trip hike to the top of a beautiful mountain that’s perfect for sunrise!

If you want to do something a bit different, you can book a tour!

Below are some popular choices for your day in Sedona:

• Pink Jeep Tour – Go off-roading in Sedona in, you guessed it, a pink jeep!
• Hot Air Balloon Ride – Book a sunrise hot air balloon ride to see Sedona in all its golden light glory!
• Sedona Helicopter Tour – Perfect for adventure lovers and thrill-seekers who want to see Sedona from a different perspective. 

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You can certainly end your day with a Sedona sunset hike , but I say opt to watch the sunset at Airport Mesa vortex for ease.

This beautiful 360 vortex is extremely easy to get to. 

You’ll park in the designated lot and take a .1 mile (if that) path to a plateau where you’ll be greeted with a 360 view of Sedona. Pick a spot to watch the sunset and enjoy! 

Wanderer Tip: Alternatively, you can check out Cathedral Rock Vortex .

Day 2 — Monument Valley, Valley of the Gods, Moab, UT

• Total Drive Time: 6 Hours
• Stay: Under Canvas Moab
• Eat: Moab Diner , Quesadilla Mobilla , Desert Bistro
• Fees: Monument Valley entry ($20)

From Sedona, make the 3 and a half-hour drive to Monument Valley. If you’re feeling super adventurous, you can get here for sunrise, which is one of the prettiest times to be there!

Monument Valley is where you can see the famous “Forrest Gump Road.”

You can also see the large mitten-like formations towering over the Arizona Utah border.

Because Monument Valley is a Navajo Tribal Park, you must comply with park rules and regulations. 

Wanderer Tip: I recommend visiting  NavajoNationParks.org  to read into the hours and the current vehicle restrictions for the famous 17-mile loop road through the Valley!

Next up is Valley of the Gods !

Valley of the Gods is a scenic sandstone formation area located in Mexican Hat, Utah.

The drive here from Monument Valley is about an hour. 

You’ll enter a dirt road that takes you through the Valley when you arrive.

It’s a gorgeous place to explore and admire Utah’s famous views!

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The drive to Moab, Utah will be about 3 hours.

Moab is home to some Utah National Parks like Arches and Canyonlands.

Once you arrive here, you’ll stay in Moab for 2 days before setting off again!

Wanderer Tip: Spend your first evening getting something to eat and settling in.

Days 3 & 4 — Moab, Arches, Canyonlands

• Total Drive Time: You’ll be getting a break from driving!
• Time Exploring: 2 Days
• Fees: National Park entry ($35 each) or America The Beautiful Pass

Morning to Evening (Arches National Park)

A visit to Arches will be a great intro to all the UT Park goodness to come.

Here are some things to do in the park:

• Hike to Delicate Arch
• Visit the Windows Section
• Get a permit for Fiery Furnace
• Visit Sand Dune Arch

You can spend an entire day exploring these attractions and the surrounding Moab area.

Wanderer Tip: To help with your trip planning, I recommend reading my one day in Arches guide.

Morning to Evening (Canyonlands National Park)

Here are some things to do in Canyonlands:

• Visit Mesa Arch
• Catch sunset at Grand View Point Overlook
• Admire Green River Overlook

To see the “best” of the park, you really only need a day in Canyonlands .

If you want to take things a step further, you can always plan for a more “unique” adventure like a packrafting trip .

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Morning to Evening (Optional Moab Adventures)

Moab is an adventure hub full of things to do.

Aside from the parks, I recommend checking out Dead Horse Point State Park for an epic sunset or sunrise!

But here are some great tours and excursions you can embark on, too:

• Packrafting and Canyoneering
• Horseback riding
• Mountain Biking
• Rock Climbing
• Off-roading

Wanderer Tip: You might find my complete Moab Utah travel guide helpful for this portion of your trip!

Day 5 — Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon

• Total Drive Time: 4 Hours 40 Minutes
• Stay: Under Canvas Bryce Canyon , Bryce Valley Lodging
• Eat: Try to do a grocery run near Moab because there are not many food options near Bryce Canyon!

At around the 2 hours and 30-minute mark is when you’ll get to Capitol Reef National Park!

When you arrive, I recommend stopping at the Gifford House and getting a fresh-baked item.

They have bread, pies, jellies—it’s pretty amazing. 

Wanderer Tip: Then if you’re up for it, you can drive the park’s Scenic Byway and take in some of the surrounding views. 

The drive to Bryce is about 2 hours from Capitol Reef National Park.

Once you arrive in the Bryce Canyon National Park area, you’ll see towering orange hoodoo formations that let you know you’re in the right place! 

You’ll most likely arrive in Bryce National Park during the late afternoon or just in time for sunset.

If so, head to Sunset Point before going to sleep!

If you have time, you can also hike the Navajo Loop! It’s a 3-mile trail that brings you into Bryce Canyon NP to get up close and personal with some of it’s famous rock formations.

Expect it to take about 2 hours to complete.

Wanderer Tip: If you don’t have time, you can save this trail for the morning or hike part of it!

Day 6 — Zion National Park to Page, Arizona

• Total Drive Time: 2 Hours and 30 Minutes OR 4 Hours (with Zion)
• Stay: Best Western in Page
• Eat: BirdHouse, Big John’s Texas BBQ, El Tapatio, Fiesta Mexicana
• Fees: National Park entry ($35) or America The Beautiful Pass

Morning (Optional)

Along your route to Page, AZ, you’ll pass Zion National Park. You can certainly stop here, but note that doing so will make your drive to Page 4 hours. 

You may want to extend your trip a day.

In that case, you’ll want to read my 2 day Zion National Park itinerary blog. 

Wanderer Tip:  On your way down from Bryce, you can stop in Kanab, UT, and try to get permits to explore The Wave. 

Afternoon & Evening

Page is full of texture and wide-open landscapes that you can’t miss!

Some of the best activities in Page, AZ can be accessed by booking a tour .

So here are some tours in Page, AZ that are worth your time! 

• Book a Lower Antelope Canyon Tour — Explore the rainbow-colored canyon walls of Lower Antelope Canyon or Upper Antelope Canyon. 
• Horseshoe Bend Overlook — Best at sunrise or sunset. Entry is $10. You can also book a helicopter flight over Horseshoe Bend for a different perspective!
• Jeep Tour — Explore more canyons and hidden gems in Page with a Jeep tour.
• Lake Powell — While you’re up this way, you can explore the Lake Powell surrounding area or Rainbow Bridge National Monument. 

Wanderer Tip: If you only have time for one thing, my suggestion would be to check Antelope Canyon off your list!

Day 7 — Grand Canyon National Park

• Total Drive Time: 2 Hours and 30 Minutes
• Stay: Under Canvas Grand Canyon
• Eat: In the park!

Morning to Evening

The South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park will be worth the stop.

The drive from Page is about 2 hours and 30 minutes. This will be your last major stop before heading back down to Phoenix. 

Once you arrive at the Grand Canyon National Park, surely you’ll want to explore a bit!

Here are some things to do when you get there:

• Hike Bright Angel Trail
• Hike over to Ooh Aah Point
• Book a helicopter tour over the Canyon
• Watch sunrise at Hopi Point
• Book a hiking tour

Wanderer Tip: If you want more details on how to best plan your day in the Grand Canyon, I suggest reading my Phoenix to Sedona to Grand Canyon trip blog!

Day 8 — Flagstaff, AZ to Phoenix, AZ

• Total Drive Time: 4 Hours
• Stay: Royal Palms Resort and Spa ,  The Scott Resort & Spa
• Eat: Canal Club, Diego Pops

You’ll have about a 4 hour drive to PHX from the Grand Canyon, BUT as with all of the other long drive days, you’ll break it up!

At about the halfway point in your drive, you’ll reach Flagstaff .

Stop here for a coffee at Macy’s European Cafe! 

Wanderer Tip: If you’re up for a bit of detour, you can drive up the Snowbowl area to get a nice view of Flagstaff’s tallest mountain, Humphreys Peak, and the San Francisco Peaks!

Once you arrive back in the Phoenix area, you’ll probably be tired from all of your driving and might want to crash in your hotel.

BUT, if you’re up for exploring a bit more, stay in the Scottsdale area and explore some of the local outdoor spaces, hotels, and restaurants!

Scottsdale is about 15 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor airport, so staying here then flying out the next day won’t be a difficult journey!

Make sure you hit up the best Old Town Scottsdale happy hours when you arrive in the city!

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Day 9 — Phoenix & Scottsdale

• Total Drive Time: 30 to 40 Minutes

This is an optional day, but you can explore a bit before leaving while you’re back in the Phoenix area!

If you stay in here, there are some great day trips from Scottsdale that may be worth your time, like visiting Lake Pleasant, Superstition Mountains , Downtown Phoenix , and more!

These are all a 30 to 40 minute drive from the city.

Read Next: The Most Instagrammable Places in Phoenix

Day 10 — Wrapping Up Your Utah Arizona Road Trip Itinerary

Should you choose to spend a relaxing last day in Phoenix, you would then depart on day 10, concluding your Arizona Utah itinerary!

And that’s all folks! While you might not have gotten to see EVERYTHING in these Southwest states, hopefully this itinerary was enough to give you a little intro into all the amazingness just waiting for you in the desert!

If you enjoyed this blog, you’ll probably want to check out my other Southwest guides like my Phoenix Sedona Grand Canyon itinerary .

And with that, happy exploring :)!

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Planning my first trip to Utah and Arizona in April. I am from Georgia. Thanks for the great tips.

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© 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!

Where We Went Next

The Ultimate Arizona-Utah Road Trip Itinerary: 20 Stops You Can’t Miss

When asked what my favorite trip I’ve ever taken is, I always quickly respond with, “Easily, our epic three-week Arizona-Utah road trip!”

There’s something incredibly captivating about the southwest. When we were there, I’m not sure I fully understood what all the hype was about. Yet, since leaving, I can’t help but constantly be planning how I’m going to get back.

Desert dwellers will tell you that’s just the way of the desert. Upon first glance, it’s hard to see what everyone’s raving about, but if you take a closer look you’ll find you suddenly can’t un-see all the magic.

In this guide, I highlight memorable stops that can’t be missed on your Arizona-Utah road trip. For each stop, I include epic hiking trails, adrenaline-pumping activities, and off-the-beaten-path campsites in the area.

It’s your turn to finally create that trip you’ll be talking about for a lifetime.

Table of Contents

Your Guide to Taking the Most Epic Arizona-Utah Road Trip

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you click through and make a purchase (at no additional cost to you). Thank you in advance for your support!

Arizona-Utah Road Trip Map

This map highlights the exact route we took on our Arizona-Utah road trip, and the route I recommend. We flew into Las Vegas, rented a car, and drove to the first stop on this itinerary, St. George, to stock the car with road trip essentials.

I’ve included every stop we loved during our Arizona-Utah road trip. If you don’t have three weeks to explore the southwest as we did, any of these stops may be skipped to include only the destinations that interest you most.

If you only have a week, I recommend prioritizing Utah’s Mighty 5 . The Mighty 5 refers to 5 National Parks in Utah: Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Arches National Park, and Canyonlands National Park.

20 Arizona-Utah Road Trip Itinerary Stops

• #1: St. George
• #2: Toadstool Hoodoos Trail
• #3: Lake Powell
• #4: Horseshoe Bend
• #5: Cathedral Wash Trail
• #6: Antelope Canyon
• #7: Monument Valley
• #8: Goosenecks State Park
• #9: Honaker Trail
• #10: Valley of the Gods
• #11: Natural Bridges National Monument
• #12: Needless District, Canyonlands
• #14: Arches National Park
• #15: Dead Horse State Park
• #16: Island in the Sky District, Canyonlands
• #17: Capitol Reef National Park
• #18: Lower Calf Creek Falls
• #19: Bryce Canyon National Park
• #20: Zion National Park

Due to their close proximity, some of these stops can be completed on the same day, while others are all-day adventures. How much time you spend at each location is entirely up to you. You could spend a week or 6 weeks and I’m certain you’d still wish you had more time.

The desert is like that.

How Many Days Do You Need for an Arizona-Utah Road Trip?

There is no way I could possibly tell you how many days to spend on an Arizona-Utah road trip. The length of your trip is completely dependent on how much time you want to explore each location and what activities you want to prioritize.

This road trip itinerary is heavily adventure-based. We included Utah’s Mighty 5 , as well as several State Parks and National Monuments, and iconic southwest attractions.

We took an epic three-week road trip across Arizona and Utah and still wish we had more time to explore the area. My best piece of advice is to scan this itinerary, pick out the locations that appeal to you most, and create your own Arizona-Utah road trip, accordingly.

Epic Arizona-Utah Road Trip Stops

(#1) st. george.

Distance from Las Vegas Airport: 2 hours 20 minutes

St. George is a great jump-start location to help you tie up all loose ends before hitting the road. Make St. George your first stop along your Arizona-Utah road trip so you can top off on gas, car snacks, water, food, and anything else you forgot to pack.

If you have the time, consider exploring the lesser-known and nearby Snow Canyon State Park. The park is located in the heart of St. George with several trails to explore and comparatively no crowds.

Spend the day exploring Snow Canyon Overlook Trail, Petrified Dunes Trail, and Jenny’s Canyon Trail before continuing your trip east.

(#2) Toadstool Hoodoos Trail

Distance from St. George: 2 hours

En route to Lake Powell from St. George, we spotted a sign that read, “Toadstool Hoodoos Trail.” Having no expectations or context as to what was on the other side of that sign, we turned into the parking lot.

Toadstool Hoodoos Trail is a quick and easy 1.8 miles with almost no elevation change. Don’t let the short distance fool you, the trail is extraordinary with canyon views and gravity-defying geology.

As the name suggests, the trail is littered with hoodoos: pinnacle-shaped rock formations carved out by years of weathering and erosion. Their unique and odd mushroom shape is the result of two different types of sandstone stacked on top of one another.

Think Bryce Canyon, without the crowds.

There’s no better trail to kick off your Arizona-Utah road trip. This stopover doesn’t take a lot of time and is the perfect driving break between St. George and Lake Powell.

For non-Utah residents, the fee per vehicle is $15 and is good for one day. Utah residents pay $10 per vehicle.

We stumbled upon the most incredible free campsite on night one of our Arizona-Utah road trip thanks to the FreeRoam app.

Located 5 minutes down the road off Highway 89 is a secluded field known as Cat Stairs (37.127, -111.966) on FreeRoam. The field is surrounded by looming red rocks on all sides. Scattered about the area are several unmarked tent sites.

(#3) Lake Powell

Distance from Toadstool Hoodoos Trail: 27 minutes

Lake Powell is fascinating. Miles and miles of blue water carving itself through the desert canyon is incredible to witness.

To fully experience Lake Powell, I recommend getting on the water. Spend a day renting a boat, jet ski, kayak, or SUP so you can explore the area and soak in the views.

It’s one thing to witness Lake Powell from above, it’s entirely another to be in the heart of the canyon. After a day on the water, head to Wahweap Lookout for sunset to catch a panoramic view of the lake.

Before hitting up Lake Powell, make sure to read my guide, Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Lake Powell . It’s single-handily the guide I wish we had before our trip.

Lake Powell Water Crisis

In 2022, Lake Powell’s water level hit a record low of 25% capacity. While declining water levels put the summer hot spot at risk for permanent closure, it more importantly threatens the water source of more than 22 million people.

If seeing Lake Powell is on your bucket list, I suggest you make the trip sooner than later.

Lake Powell is part of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The entrance cost is $30 per vehicle and is valid for 1-7 days. Visitors with an  America the Beautiful Pass  do not have to pay the entrance fee.

There are several places to camp near Lake Powell ranging from fully serviced campgrounds to primitive camp spots. Some spots I recommend are Beehive Campground, Wahweap RV and Campground, Lone Rock Beach Campground, and primitive camping around Wahweap Bay.

It’s important to note that Lake Powell is prone to high winds. Make sure to check weather conditions for the area before attempting to set up a tent along the banks of the water at Lone Rock or before off-roading in search of a primitive spot.

(#4) Horseshoe Bend

Distance from Lake Powell: 17 minutes

Horseshoe Bend absolutely exceeded my expectations, despite already having seen thousands of photos of the canyon. While it’s unlikely you’ll have the overlook to yourself, the area is expansive and allows for people to spread out.

I recommend heading to Horseshoe Bend for sunrise . The canyon light is magical just before sunrise and there are fewer visitors. With the trail being only 1.5 miles, you have plenty of time to fit in another adventure post-hike.

There is a $10 entry fee per vehicle. The fee is paid at the drive-up ticket booth upon arrival.

Due to Horseshoe Bend’s close proximity to Lake Powell, I recommend camping at one of the aforementioned campgrounds near Lake Powell.

(#5) Cathedral Wash Trail

Distance from Horseshoe Bend: 40 minutes

Cathedral Wash Trail was another serendipitous stop we took along our Arizona-Utah road trip itinerary.

Head to Cathedral Wash Trail after watching the sunrise at Horseshoe Bend. The trail is an adventurous 3.3 miles and leads hikers through the towering canyons of Marble Canyon and onto the banks of the Colorado River.

Don’t forget to pack a bathing suit. There’s nothing more invigorating than diving into ice-cold water after a hike in the desert.

Cathedral Wash Trail is also located in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The entrance cost is $30 per vehicle and is valid for 1-7 days. Visitors with an  America the Beautiful Pass  do not have to pay the entrance fee.

Due to Cathedral Wash Trail’s close proximity to Lake Powell, I recommend camping at one of the previously mentioned campgrounds near Lake Powell.

(#6) Antelope Canyon

Distance from Cathedral Wash Trail: 40 minutes

When heading east towards Monument Valley you have to make a stop to see Antelope Canyon. Antelope Canyon is arguably one of the most iconic stops along this Arizona-Utah road trip itinerary.

Unfortunately, when we took our three-week trip, Antelope Canyon was still closed due to Covid-19 restrictions. Luckily, that will not be the case for you as tours are officially back up and running.

All areas of the canyon can be accessed only via a guided tour. When choosing a tour, keep in mind there are two sections: Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon.

The lower canyon is steeper and less crowded than the more visited and accessible upper canyon. Both Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon are beautiful and worth visiting.

You can book a variety of tours for Antelope Canyon through Navajo Nation or Get Your Guide.

Entry Fees for Antelope Canyon will vary depending on the tour you choose. Expect to pay around $100 per person, give or take some.

Due to Antelope Canyon’s close proximity to Lake Powell, I recommend camping at one of the earlier recommended campgrounds near Lake Powell.

(#7) Monument Valley

Distance from Antelope Canyon: 1 hour 53 minutes

Driving through Monument Valley is a right of passage for those traveling through Utah. When most people think of the southwest, iconic images of Monument Valley come to mind.

Visitors can explore Monument Valley via a 17-mile loop. The loop takes visitors past towering sandstone formations. In all directions, visitors can take in the sights of vibrant mesas and buttes sprawled out amongst the vast desert landscape.

If you can time it perfectly, sunrise or sunset is the most magical time of day to experience Monument Valley — or really anywhere in the desert, for that matter.

Driving the 17-mile loop in Monument Valley costs $8 per person.

40 minutes past Monument Valley is Goosenecks State Park. Most beautiful place we have ever camped? Goosenecks State Park, easily.

Snagging one of the only 8 available spots in the park requires a bit of luck, but it’s doable. Campers get to stake their tents right along the canyon rim overlooking the San Juan meander (a.k.a. gooseneck).

What the campground lacks in amenities, it makes up for in views.

If the State Park campground is full, head 30 more minutes up the road to Valley of the Gods. Think Monument Valley, but smaller. This Bureau of Land Management (BLM) camping area is primitive, free, and undesignated.

(#8) Goosenecks State Park

Distance from Monument Valley: 40 minutes

Goosenecks State Park is absolutely stunning and rivals the views of iconic Horseshoe Bend. While the park is small, the views are huge.

Visitors can walk directly up to the edge to witness the impressive river meander. One of my most memorable sunsets to date was standing on the rim of this canyon, beer in hand, watching the sun set everything in its path on fire.

Make this spot somewhere you’ll remember forever by snagging a campsite directly along the edge of the canyon.

Entry into the State Park is $5.00 per vehicle.

If you weren’t able to secure a campsite along the rim the night before, consider trying again before heading towards Valley of the Gods.

(#9) Honaker Trail

Distance from Goosenecks State Park: 12 minutes

After viewing an epic sunrise from your tent pitched along the canyon rim at Goosenecks Campground, head out towards Honaker Trail.

Honaker Trail begins along the canyon rim and, through a series of switchbacks, leads hikers down into the canyon floor. The trail culminates along the bank of the San Juan River where hikers can cool off in the water. 

My favorite part of hiking Honaker Trail was the endless, uninterrupted views. The trail is completely exposed making it extremely hot, yes, but also entirely epic from start to finish.

The pictures speak for themselves.

There are no entry fees for this hike.

Due to Honaker Trail’s close proximity to both Goosenecks State Park and Valley of the Gods, they are both great camping options.

(#10) Valley of the Gods

Distance from Honaker Trail: 37 minutes

We stumbled upon Valley of the Gods, accidentally, while scrambling to find a place to sleep for the night. All I can say is, what a serendipitous accident.

While there isn’t much to do per se in the Valley of the Gods, it makes for an incredible campsite and scenic drive-thru.

En route to Natural Bridges National Monument, consider taking the roundabout way and driving through the Valley of the Gods. The southwest views are iconic and the detour makes the drive north an adventure in itself.

There are no entry fees for Valley of the Gods

At nearly any point you can pull off the road and set up camp in the presence of looming sandstone mesas. However, if you’re looking to splurge for the night check out Valley of the Gods Bed and Breakfast .

(#11) Natural Bridges National Monument

Distance from Valley of the Gods: 1 hour 14 minutes or 1 hour 42 minutes

Want to experience the beauty of Arches National Park  without the crowds of people? Head north for one hour to Natural Bridges National Monument.

Spend the day exploring the park’s three natural bridges: Sipapu Bridge, Kachina Bridge, and Owachomo Bridge. If you’re feeling up to it, connect all three of the bridges via trail by hiking the Under the Natural Bridges Loop.

The loop is a challenging 9 miles and weaves hikers through the canyon and under each bridge. Along this trail, you can also see ancient granaries still intact on the walls of the canyon.

It costs $20 per vehicle to enter the park. Visitors with an  America the Beautiful Pass  do not have to pay the entrance fee.

Conveniently located near the Visitor Center are first come, first served campsites at Natural Bridges Campground. Although, you can continue north toward The Needles District of Canyonlands National Park and spend the night, instead, glamping .

(#12) The Needles District, Canyonlands National Park

Distance from Natural Bridges: 2 hours

The Needles District of Canyonlands National Park does not get enough credit. Somehow the district has remained untouched and unnoticed by visitors who are dead set on exploring the more popular Island in the Sky district.

Before heading more north towards Moab, make a detour to the Needles and explore my favorite trail in all of Canyonlands National Park: Elephant Hill, Chesler Park, and Druid Arch Trail .

The trail is an incredible 8.3 miles of enchanting landscapes. The trail makes you scurry over boulders, down narrow canyons, along rims, across grassy fields, between pinnacles, up slickrock, and to the edge of panoramic lookouts.

Entry into Canyonlands National Park is $30 per vehicle and can be purchased online or upon arrival. The pass is good for 7 days and includes entry into all districts. Visitors with an  America the Beautiful Pass  do not have to pay the entrance fee.

While in the Needles you can backcountry camp, glamp, or continue toward Moab.

Distance from the Needles: 1 hour 20 minutes

Moab is easily one of the top five coolest towns I’ve ever explored. Not only is Moab the launching point for Arches National Park, Dead Horse State Park, and Canyonlands National Park, but the town itself is overflowing with adventure.

While in Moab, start your day by hiking Castleton Tower Trail and end it exploring Corona and Bowtie Arch Trail for sunset.

Grab a beer at the Moab brewery and some food at the Moab Food Truck Park. If you’re hanging around Moab for a while, I highly recommend booking an adventure tour with Paddle Moab to go rafting or canyoneering.

Moab is the kind of place you never want to leave.

The camping options in Moab are endless: Jaycee Park, Castleton Tower Preserve, Kings Bottom, and Willow Springs were some of our favorites — to name a few.

However, if you’re at the point in your trip where you’re dreaming of a real bed and shower, Hideout at the Rim was spectacular and worth every penny.

(#14) Arches National Park

Distance from Moab: 10 minutes

It’s hard to choose a favorite park from Utah’s Mighty 5 , but it’s safe to say that Arches National Park is in the running.

Boasting over 2,000 natural arches, the park is packed with endless amounts of trails and sights. Jumpstart your day by beating the crowds to Delicate Arch for sunrise before hitting up a longer trail for the day.

Two of my favorite hikes in the park are Tower Arch Trail and Devil’s Garden Trail and I recommend experiencing them both before continuing on with your road trip.

Want to learn about the history of the region, but have the freedom to explore at your own pace? Consider checking out this Get Your Guide in-app guided audio.

Arches National Park entry fee is $30 per vehicle and can be purchased online or upon arrival. The pass is valid for 7 days. Visitors with an  America the Beautiful Pass  do not have to pay the entrance fee.

Plan Your Trip

In January of 2022, Arches National Park implemented a reservation system. To visit the park from April 3rd – October 3rd between the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., all visitors must have purchased an entry ticket online or by phone.

Timed entry tickets can be purchased  here .

If you are unable to secure a reservation for your date, don’t fret. A small number of next-day tickets become available every day at 6:00 p.m. MST.

Due to Arches National Park’s close proximity to Moab, I recommend choosing from one aforementioned camping areas in Moab. However, if you want to stay in Arches National Park you can do so at Devil’s Campground or by securing a backcountry permit.

(#15) Dead Horse Point State Park

Distance from Arches National Park: 37 minutes

We made a last-minute decision to sprint to Dead Horse Point State Park for sunset after a day exploring Arches National Park.

We had no idea what was in store for us and wow were we pleasantly blown away.

Add Dead Horse Rim Loop Trail to your stops along your Arizona-Utah road trip. If you’re lucky you’ll make it there by sunset, be one of the only people on the trail, and wind up creating a moment you’ll remember forever.

Dead Horse State Park is conveniently located near Moab, Arches National Park, and Canyonlands National Park, giving you a multitude of great camping options.

Additionally, the park itself has wonderful camping options: Windgate Campground, Kayenta Campground, and luxurious yurts.

(#16) Island in the Sky District, Canyonland National Park

Distance from Dead Horse Point State Park: 20 minutes

If you’re in search of the perfect spot to soak in all of the endless southwest views, Canyonland’s Island in the Sky District is your park.

We only spent one day in this district as we prioritized more off-the-beaten-path trails, but it’s absolutely worth the visit.

Some great trails and overlooks to note are Mesa Arch Trail for sunrise, White Rim Trail for incredible views, Aztec Butte Trail for Puebloan granaries, and Grand Viewpoint Overlook Trail for that cherry-on-top sunset view to wrap up a great adventure day.

Conveniently located within the park is the first come, first served Willow Flat Campground. With the park being so close to Moab, however, you could choose to stay at any of the previously mentioned Moab camping areas.

(#17) Capitol Reef National Park

Distance from Island in the Sky District: 2 hours 37 minutes

Considering Capitol Reef is one of the parks that makes up Utah’s Mighty 5 it doesn’t get near the attention or hype that the other parks receive.

While we didn’t spend as much time in Capitol Reef as we did in the surrounding parks, we had a blast romping around Sulphur Creek Trail .

Sulphur Creek is full of adventure, canyon views, and waterfalls. Think the Narrows — only smaller scale and practically no people.

While in Capitol Reef you can also check out the petroglyphs, explore Cassidy Arch, cruise the scenic highway, or make the long (albeit very worth it) drive to Cathedral Valley.

We, unfortunately, didn’t allow enough time to drive the Cathedral Valley Loop, but witnessing the Temples of the Sun and Moon is top of my list for our next trip.

Entry into Capitol Reef National Park is $20 per vehicle and can be purchased online or upon arrival. The pass is good for 7 days. Visitors with an  America the Beautiful Pass  do not have to pay the entrance fee.

There is a nice free spot along the Freemont River you can locate using the  FreeRoam  app. Additionally, check out the Fruita campground and backcountry options.

(#18) Lower Calf Creek Falls

Distance from Capitol Reef National Park: 1 hour 25 minutes

There is nothing more spellbinding than the sight of a 126-foot waterfall cascading into the desert. I laid eyes on one picture of Lower Calf Creek Falls and immediately knew I had to witness it with my own two eyes.

For the best experience, begin Lower Calf Creek Falls Trail early. Getting an early start increases your chances of beating the crowds to the waterfall. If you’re feeling brave, take a dip in the refreshing, icy-cold waters before beginning the return hike.

The trail is a relatively flat 6 miles round trip. Allot around 2-4 hours for this day’s adventure.

There is a $5 vehicle fee for day-use hikers. Due note, the parking lot for Lower Calf Creek Falls is small and fills up early.

Calf Creek Campground is located steps away from the Lower Calf Creek Falls trailhead and makes hitting the trail before the crowds that much more attainable. If they’re available, snag campsite #9 or #10.

Two unique stays nearby stood out as well: Escalante Yurts and Yonder Escalante .

(#19) Bryce Canyon National Park

Distance from Lower Calf Creek Falls: 1 hour 25 minutes

Bryce Canyon National Park absolutely exceeded our expectations. The park is fantastical. While it’s relatively small in size, it boasts miles of magical trails.

Two days in Bryce Canyon is the perfect amount of time to explore the best of the park, but it also can be squeezed into one.

Make sure to prioritize Fairyland Loop Trail for sunrise and Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail for sunset. They were our two favorite trails during our trip to Bryce Canyon.

The entrance fee into Bryce Canyon National Park is $35 per vehicle and can be purchased online or upon arrival. The pass is good for 7 days. Visitors with an  America the Beautiful Pass  do not have to pay the entrance fee.

There are two campgrounds located within the park: North Campground and Sunset Campground. Sunset campground is more wooded and private but reservation only; whereas, North Campground is first come, first served.

As far as glamping goes, Wander Camp is a must.

(#20) Zion National Park

Distance from Bryce Canyon National Park : 2 hours

Is there a more epic way to end your Arizona-Utah road trip than adventuring around Zion National Park? I vote no.

Zion is the mecca for adventure. Spend the perfect adventure day scaling the chains of Angels Landing for sunrise before wading through the ice-cold waters of the Narrows. While it’s an intimidating feat, it is possible to Hike Angels Landing and the Narrows in one day .

If you’re up for it, add even more adventure to your visit by rock climbing, canyoneering, or mountain biking. Check out the awesome adventures awaiting you in my guide, Epic Things to Do in Zion National Park (Other Than Hiking) .

Entry into Zion National Park is $35 per vehicle and can be purchased online or upon arrival. The pass is good for 7 days. Visitors with an  America the Beautiful Pass  do not have to pay the entrance fee.

In April of 2022, an Angels Landing Permit Program was implemented in hopes of controlling foot traffic on the trail. All visitors aiming to hike Angels Landing will need a permit.

When applying for a permit, you will rank seven days and times of your choosing. In the event you can’t score the day or time you’re looking for in advance, you can test your luck by applying the night before.

You can apply here .

There are two campgrounds within walking distance of the Visitor Center:  Watchman Campground  and  South Campground . Watchman Campground is open year-round and South Campground is open seasonally.

There is also plenty of BLM camping near the park, and backcountry permits are available.

Like it? Pin it!

If you have any questions about this itinerary or things to know before hitting the road on your Arizona-Utah road trip, drop me a message in the comment section below.

Happy adventuring!

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When I get back to the states, this is the first thing I’m doing 🤩

YES. Highly recommend 😊 I hope we can meet up in the southwest one day!

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The Ultimate Arizona & Utah Road Trip Guide: 15 Days Of Scenic Byways, Canyons, Hiking And Exploring

Arizona and Utah are amongst my favourite places on Earth.

The stunning natural beauty speaks for itself. Jaw-dropping canyons, snaking rivers, rusty red cliffs and scenic roads in every direction. It’s raw, majestic, inspiring and yet peaceful. And the best way to explore this magical land is by road. 

I started this loop-style road trip in Phoenix , Arizona. This has a major international airport and flights are relatively affordable (check out latest flight prices on Skyscanner ). But you could alternatively start the route in Las Vegas , Nevada however I feel that the bright lights and energy of that city would tend to detract from the tranquil and nature-centric vibe of this road trip. If you follow my route and do all the hiking (make sure you have proper gear for the hikes you'll be doing and the seasonal conditions at the time), you’ll probably be pretty tired after this trip and the last thing you’ll want is bright flashing lights in your face. But hey, that’s your call. 

The advantage of the same starting and end point is that rental cars are usually cheaper, avoiding a 1-way fee (check out latest car rental prices ). 

I’ve packed this article with links to Google Maps so you can find each location easily, and follow in my footsteps. I’ve done all the hard work for you – route planning, activities, hikes, hiking tours , food and accommodation. All you have to do is enjoy it!

Did you know: The region surrounding my road trip is dubbed “ Grand Circle ” and contains America’s largest concentration of national parks and monuments. 

Tip: A lot of national parks and national monuments are included in this itinerary, so I recommend picking up an National Parks Annual Pass to save money. However, keep in mind most State Parks don’t accept this annual pass. 

Tip: Bring good quality hiking boots – the terrain on this trip can be rough. I choose Dunham Simon which are durable, waterproof and also available in my whopping shoe size – 15!

Tip: The weather in the desert can fluctuate greatly between summer and winter – with scorching summer days above 100°F (38°C) and dropping down to 10°F (-12°C) at night in winter. The altitude in locations like Bryce Canyon, UT causes notably cooler temps than lower elevations like Sedona, AZ. I travelled in early December and just missed the start of snow season, but still experienced dry, bone-chilling temperatures. Bring suitably warm jackets , gloves , beanies , neck gaiter and socks  such as those found on Addnature .

Phoenix to Page, AZ

Accommodation: Lake Powell Resort ( check prices in area… )

Distance: 608 kms (378.4 miles)

View driving map…

I planned a lot of driving today, starting late morning, driving north out of Phoenix along Interstate 17. The first port of call was Montezuma Castle National Monument . This abandoned limestone cliff dwelling is over 800 years old, and was occupied by Sinagua native Americans. Of particular significance, this location was one of the first National Monuments, protected by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906. A 1-hour stroll around the easy paved path and visitors centre was plenty of time.

After a picnic lunch I continued north to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon . There’s no shortage of lookouts here, but I chose Yavapai Point as one of the best for stellar sunsets.

As the sky darkened I drove east out of the park and spotted a deer crossing the road, so drive carefully! After 2.5 hours I pulled into Page, Arizona and grabbed a quick bite to eat before checking into Lake Powell Resort .

Lunch recommendation: bring your own sandwiches or picnic to Montezuma Castle – there’s a couple shady benches near the parking lot.

Dinner recommendation: 48 Tavern in Page. The décor isn’t inspiring but the food is pretty decent. 

Distance: 70 kms (43.6 miles)

No rest for the wicked! This morning I woke up early and drove 20 minutes south to Horseshoe Bend to watch the sunrise. Hands down, definitely one of the best sunrises I’ve ever witnessed.

There’s a 1-mile hike from the carpark to the lookout, so allow enough time for that. 

I stopped at the supermarket in Page for a simple takeaway breakfast, water top-up and sandwiches for lunch later. Next was check-in for the Upper Antelope Canyon photography tour at the aptly named Antelope Canyon Tours across the road. It’s not a cheap tour but on the “regular” tour (which I took last time I was here several years ago) you’re not allowed to bring a tripod. I wasn’t going to make that mistake this time! If you visit in summer, aim for the tour that takes place around the middle of the day if you want to capture the iconic light shafts in the canyon. My guide, Sunny, was fantastic. In addition to his explanation of the slot canyon’s geology, he walked the tour group into “rooms” that looked best based on the time of day. He said every 20 minutes the lighting changes as the sun rises higher. He was kind enough to recommend angles and threw sand onto rocks to create an amazing waterfall effect.

After being dropped off back in Page, I drove out to Lower Antelope Canyon to take another photography tour with Ken’s Tours . This one is a bit cheaper as it’s not as popular as Upper Antelope Canyon and requires a bit more physical exertion. This slot canyon was just as beautiful, if not more so. But the final steps up out of the canyon at the end of the tour were a lung buster. I think the altitude finally caught up with me.

Tip: If you do 2 tours in the same day, hold onto your receipt so you don’t have to pay the Navajo park entry fee twice. And make sure you wear suitable footwear. 

Tip: Both of these canyons can only be explored with a local tour guide.

Next, I drove back to the resort for lunch at Wind Café and a quick rest before returning to Horseshoe Bend for a spellbinding sunset. 

Dinner recommendation: Driftwood Lounge at Lake Powell Resort.

Page, AZ to Monument Valley

Accommodation: The View Hotel ( check prices in area… )

Distance: 284 kms (176.8 miles)

After breakfast at the resort and a quick stroll around the resort complex, I drove east for 1.75 hours reaching Navajo National Monument . Entry is free and a 1-mile round trip hike to the main lookout point was very worthwhile. I also suggest watching the introduction movie in the visitors centre. 

Continuing east for about an hour, I checked into The View Hotel just in time to catch the sunset over Monument Valley. As far as I’m concerned this is the crowning jewel of this road trip. Nothing compares. 

Later that night after dinner, I came back out to the hotel carpark to capture the brilliant Milky Way.

Tip: There’s a $20 entry fee per vehicle as Monument Valley is a Navajo Tribal Park. 

Lunch recommendation: pick up a takeaway lunch from the supermarket in Page so you can drive and eat. There’s not a lot out here in the desert.

Dinner recommendation: The View Restaurant – it’s pretty much the only option in Monument Valley. Try the Navajo Taco or Green Hatch Chilli Stew.

Monument Valley to Moab, UT

Accommodation: Best Western Plus Greenwell Inn ( check prices in area… )

Distance: 249 kms (154.8 miles)

I woke up before the crack of dawn to photograph The Mittens. Utterly amazing! 

Breakfast at The View Restaurant was straightforward, but the views over Monument Valley captivated my attention. That scene is forever etched in my mind. I picked up a map from the hotel front desk and took a self-guided driving tour along the Valley Road of Monument Valley for about 3 hours, stopping at the signed rock formations. Eventually I was sad to say goodbye, but continued north along highway 163. About 12 minutes from the hotel, I jumped out of the car to photograph this iconic stretch of asphalt. It’s like a postcard.

The next stop, half an hour later, was the little known Goosenecks State Park . Entry is only $5 per car, but the view of the double bend in the San Juan River is priceless. I stayed here about 30 minutes drinking in that view.

The cruisy drive north to Moab took just over 2 hours and I stopped in Bluff for lunch. After the last 3 days of jam-packed exploring and early mornings, this was a much-needed day of recuperation and I was happy to see that comfy hotel bed. 

Safety Tip: Regularly letting friends or family back home know that you’re ok while on a road trip is a very smart idea. A brand new service from Tep Wireless called Kitestring makes this completely effortless. The customisable service will send you an SMS to check in on you, and if you don’t respond within a given time, it will automatically notify your pre-configured contacts. Its free for up to 10 texts, and only £2/mo above that. A very small cost for peace of mind.

Lunch recommendation: Twin Rocks Cafe in Bluff, UT. There’s not a lot of dining options out here in the middle of nowhere.

Dinner recommendation: There’s no shortage of restaurants in Moab. Zax Restaurant is almost across the road from the hotel and the all-you-can-eat pizza cures all ails. Well, that’s what I tell myself.

Location tip: If you enjoy getting off-road, have a look at these ideas for mountain bike trails in Moab . You'll find a range of trails from beginner to advanced.

Distance: less than 50 kms

I took it easy in the morning, making use of the hotel’s hot tub. After lunch it was time for one of the Mighty 5 … Arches National Park . Located just 5 minutes’ drive north of Moab, this is one of my favourite US national parks. I stopped at the visitors centre before continuing to formations like Courthouse Towers and Balanced Rock before taking the 3-mile (4.8km) roundtrip hike to Delicate Arch , reaching it just in time for sunset.

Once the stars came out, I climbed up Double Arch to capture this image. It’s one of my favourite moments in almost 6 years of travelling the globe. This evening was completely silent, there was no wind, no animal noises, no rustling trees. Just pure silence.

Gear Tip: The secret to amazing night shots is a sturdy yet easy-to-carry tripod. I use the Vanguard VEO 2 235CB .

Lunch recommendation: The Spoke on Center in Moab hasdelicious gourmet burgers, shakes, and funky bicycle-themed décor.

On the way back to the hotel I stopped at the supermarket in Moab to pick up breakfast burritos and sandwiches for the following day. 

Distance: 217 kms (135 miles)

While it was still dark, I drove out to Canyonlands National Park for 50 minutes to witness the sunrise through Mesa Arch . This was pure magic. The golden hues reflecting on the inside of the arch were so vivid, it looked like a painting come to life.

I drove 45 minutes north to the Canyonlands Field Airport for a scenic flight by Moab Adventure Centre over Canyonlands National Park. My pilot, Larry, worked for the National Parks service for 37 years, with the last 7 years as chief ranger at Canyonlands. So this guy knew his stuff! And he was hilarious to boot. He flew over areas that were so remote less than 3% of visitors to Canyonlands will ever see it – including The Needles and The Maze. The highlight was seeing Angel Arch , towering 300 feet, which would typically require a 16-mile hike (each way) to access on foot. This scenic flight is the best way to witness beautiful, remote landscapes, and to fully appreciate the huge scale of this park. 

As an alternative to the flight, you could explore Island In The Sky within Canyonlands by road. While in the “neighbourhood” I explored Dead Horse Point State Park ($15 entry per car) for about an hour and enjoyed a picnic lunch at tables near Basin Overlook parking lot.

The rest of the afternoon was spent in the hotel hot tub and having an afternoon nap, catching up on the lack of sleep from the early mornings. 

Lunch recommendation: If you make it back to Moab in time, Eklecticafe is delicious!

Dinner recommendation: Pasta Jay’s in Moab is a tasty low-key Italian restaurantand is walking distance from the hotel. And after all that hiking, the carbs sure hit the spot.

Moab to Torrey, UT

Accommodation: The Noor Hotel ( check prices in area… )

Distance: 385 kms (239.6 miles)

Driving about 1.5 hours east, I arrived at Goblin Valley State Park ($13 entry per car). Here are 3 valleys of hoodoos – rock pillars worn by erosion. The first valley is easily accessible via car, and the two others require a more vigorous hike. So I opted for valley #1, spending a total of 1.5 hours here before taking scenic byway 24 to the next town, Torrey. If you want to hang around longer, Goblin Valley is known to have the darkest skies in the continental USA making it an astrophotography or astronomy lover’s paradise. 

Between Hanksville and Fruita there were countless rock formations that had me pulling the car over again and again. Varying colours and contours spoke of the dance between tectonic forces and erosion over millennia.

Just before reaching Fruita I stopped on the north side of the highway to hike the Hickman Bridge Trail located within Capitol Reef National Park . Even though it’s relatively short in length at 1.7 miles, there’s a 426 foot elevation gain classifying it as a “moderate” trail. It took me about 1.5 hours which included time for photography. 

Safety Tip: Hiking with friends and family in remote areas has its risks. I use goTenna Mesh to transform my phone into an advanced walkie-talkie. This clever gadget creates its own “mesh” network, without relying on phone networks so it works everywhere. Save 25% on your own goTenna Mesh with my unique coupon code BENDER25 . Read my review for more details…

Dinner recommendation: I wish I brought my own dinner as I went to bed hungry that night. The few restaurants in the area were closed as I was travelling off-season. 

Torrey to Escalante, UT

Accommodation: Escalante Cabins & RV Park ( check prices in area… )

Distance: 131 kms (82 miles)

This day didn’t go as planned. I had anticipated exploring Zebra Slot Canyon Trail but realised I forgot my passport at the hotel back in Moab! Ugh. That was most of the day gone down the drain. But if you have a chance, I suggest checking out this slot canyon that is on par with Antelope Canyon in terms of natural beauty, but much less trafficked. It requires just over 2 hours of hiking with 400 feet of elevation gain, so it’s not for the faint of heart. 

Escalante to Bryce, UT

Accommodation: Best Western PLUS Bryce Grand Hotel ( check prices in area… )

Distance: 138 kms (86.1 miles)

After breakfast in the cabin, I drove less than 1 hour west along highway 12 to Bryce. After checking into the hotel and dropping off bags, I took a preliminary drive through Bryce Canyon National Park . I stopped at the lookout points around Bryce Amphitheatre ( Bryce Point , Inspiration Point , Sunrise Point ) for about an hour.

I drove back into the town of Bryce for a lunch break, then returned to the national park to complete the 19-mile drive to Rainbow Point over the course of 2 hours, stopping frequently along the way. As I was visiting in winter, the cold, biting wind made long stops a little uncomfortable so I limited my time at Bryce Canyon. 

After a short rest (and warming up) at the hotel, I made my 3 rd visit to the national park that day to watch the sunset at Sunset Point .

Lunch & Dinner recommendation: As it was off-season, a few of the restaurants in Bryce were closed so I had 2 meals at the restaurant in Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn (not to be confused with the other Best Western property I was staying it). Food quality was pretty decent.

Bryce to Springdale, UT

Accommodation: La Quinta, Springdale ( check prices in area… )

Distance: 214 kms (133 miles)

After breakfast at the hotel, I left at 7am for the 1 hour 20 minute drive to the BLM Kanab Visitor Centre . Every weekday at 8:30am, The Wave lottery is held . Only 20 permits are issued per day, 10 of them online and the other 10 are a random draw from visitors who attend this lottery. 54 people turned up and I was one of the lucky winners! The permit was valid for the following day, so I hit the road again and drove 30 minutes to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park ($8 entry per car). This place was beautiful! I tried sliding down a dune on a cardboard box which was a total fail, so I suggest renting a sled from the ranger at the entry for $25. 

Even though I’d have to return to The Wave (east of Kanab) the following day, I headed to the south entrance of Zion National Park , a 1 hour drive west, stopping for lunch along the way at Mt Carmel Junction. The scenery along highway 9 was spellbinding, and I was compelled to stop the car at least half a dozen times to capture the landscapes.

I was lucky that the bus system was down for maintenance – usually it’s the only way to explore the park (aside from long hikes). So cars were allowed to traverse the scenic drive. My favourite location was this little pull-off , with a brilliant view of Great White Throne and Angels Landing . If you want a casual experience with little planning, just stop at each bus stop along the route. But if you want to hike, then most trails are lengthy (over 1 hour) and require decent planning . Only attempt the strenuous hikes if you're experienced. 

Once I was worn out from hiking, I retreated to Springdale for dinner.

Safety Tip: There’s not a lot of easily accessible drinkable water in the desert. If your car breaks down or you get lost on a hike, this revolutionary new filter could save your life. The Grayl is a simple, safe way to convert any fresh water source into pure, clean water in 15 seconds. 

Lunch recommendation: Thunderbird Café in Mt Carmel Junction. It’s pretty much the only place for food between Kanab and Springdale, but the American diner cuisine is pretty good.

Dinner recommendation: Jack's Sports Grill in Springdale - excellent food and a vibrant sport-themed décor. 

Springdale to St George

Accommodation: Red Mountain Resort ( check prices in area… )

Distance: 358 kms (223 miles)

The big day finally arrived. At the crack of dawn I drove 2.5 hours east to The Wave trailhead . The last portion of the road (leaving highway 89) was all dirt and very bumpy which meant slow going. The hike is a 6-mile (9.7kms) round trip in open desert without any signage or established trail path. Hikers have died out here and it’s very easy to take the wrong turn if you’re not following the map (provided by the BLM visitor centre the previous day). It’s possible to follow Google Maps but also a bit risky as there’s no cell coverage out there and the iron deposits in the rock can mess with compasses.

Regardless, The Wave was absolutely beautiful. Everything I was hoping it would be. A landscape lover’s dream come true. If I had more time I would recommend going a little further to other rock formations: The Second Wave , Melody Arch and The Big Mac .

If you’re not lucky enough to win a permit, I suggest staying another day around Zion National Park and exploring that further. 

As the sun set I drove 2.5 hours to the resort at St George. 

Gear Tip: I use the versatile Peak Design Everyday Backpack to carry camera gear, clothing and water. It’s a flexible day bag that looks stylish too. Read my full product review.

Lunch recommendation: If you’re hiking The Wave, bring your own food and at least 4 litres of water (per person).

Distance: 80 kms (50 miles)

Breakfast at Red Mountain Resort was delicious. The food here is so fresh and healthy, you can’t help but feel better for eating it. I spent the morning relaxing in the resort, making use of the pool and facilities. After such a strenuous hike, physically and mentally, the previous day, I needed half a day to recuperate. 

Red Mountain Resort is a quiet, peaceful retreat focused on health and wellness. Calming desert scenery, self-improvement activities, and healthy food. Everything your body and mind needs at the end of this road trip.

After lunch at the resort, I drove out to Sand Hollow State Park to take an adrenaline-packed tour with ATV & Jeep Adventure Tours . This is the best way to experience a state park that I consider even more beautiful than its neighbouring Zion National Park. I took the half-day “Sunset Adventure” tour so I could watch the golden sunset over the rolling sand dunes. One of the most beautiful scenes in the entire US! 

By the end of the day, I was ready for a hearty dinner at Red Mountain Resort’s Canyon Breeze Restaurant before collapsing into bed.

St George, UT to Sedona, AZ

Accommodation: Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock ( check prices in area… )

Distance: 487 kms (303 miles)

After breakfast at Canyon Breeze Restaurant, I spent another hour chilling in a hammock at the resort unwinding my mind for the long day ahead. The drive to Sedona took 5 hours and 20 minutes. There wasn’t a lot of exciting eateries along the way so I suggest bringing your own packed lunch or picking up something in St George on the way out of town. The US has so many adorable  small towns to visit , so if you have time, have a pitstop in Flagstaff, AZ.

Once I reached the resort in Sedona I put up my feet and had dinner in the newly revamped hotel restaurant, The ShadowRock Tap + Table . 

Dinner recommendation: The recent $2 million renovation at The ShadowRock sets the Hilton head and shoulders above the competition in Sedona. There’s plenty of cosy nooks to create intimate settings, beautiful outdoor water features and outdoor fire pits. I found attention to detail at every turn – the carpet looks like a river bed, wood details in the furniture, cabinets have rustic burnt trims and more. And the food is out of this world! Executive Chef Jason Flores has made his mark with flair and passion, elevating familiar fare with sophisticated flavours and clever techniques. His love of food is palatable, making the dining experience utterly unforgettable. 

After a mesmerising breakfast at ShadowRock, I took an iconic Pink Jeep tour to explore the hard-to-reach places around Sedona. They have a few routes available, but I chose the Broken Arrow tour. My driver and guide, Scott, was very humorous and held more information than an encyclopaedia. I was also fond of Scott’s straight shooter panache – he said it like it was. We stopped at 2 panoramic lookouts (“chicken point” and “submarine”).

Tip: If you prefer a bumpier ride, sit further in the back or for a smoother ride (if that’s actually possible), the front seat is better.

I was in love with ShadowRock and returned there for lunch, followed by a self-guided driving tour around Sedona. The stops included: Bell Rock lookout , Chapel of the Holy Cross , downtown (for a little shopping, with free parking here ), Sedona Airport Vortex , and another view of Bell Rock at sunset. Sedona is thought to have 4 popular locations that contain swirling centres of energy coming into and out of the earth. While vortex energy hasn’t been scientifically proven, I could sense something at Airport Vortex when I placed my hand on the rock. It felt like a gentle vibration and an electric current running up my arm, and a slightly elevated sense of peace. I’m told the experience is different for each person – often the results are uplifting, inspiring, or healing. While I can’t put my finger on it, I can see why thousands of tourists are drawn to Sedona every year.

Back at the resort I enjoyed a massage at Eforea Spa . Featuring beautiful décor with very relaxing tones and colours, my mind and body slipped into a state of total relaxation. My tired muscles relished the steam room and Jacuzzi. This is exactly what I needed after an adventure-packed two-week road trip through Arizona and Utah.

Sedona to Phoenix, AZ

Distance: 191 kms (119 miles)

After breakfast at the resort, the final drive back to Phoenix took 2 hours. Make sure you leave plenty of time to return your rental car before your outbound flight. 

All good things must come to an end, and I was sad to wrap up this adventure. As Dr Seuss said “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”

Lunch recommendation: if you have enough time before getting to the airport, I suggest a detour to Barrio Queen in Gilbert for delicious street-inspired Mexican food.

Ninja Road Trip Tips: All I can say is these lessons were learned the hard way. You’ll be wise to heed these suggestions:

• Bring plenty of water (large gallon bottles/jugs) and keep it in the car. Top up your water bottles from that.
• Use chap stick and hand lotion daily. Even though I travelled in winter, my lips started to peel after a few days due to the dry desert air and high altitude. Prevention is the best medicine.
• If you have 2 phones (travelling in a group/family), set your Google Map route on both phones in case one goes flat or the app crashes - there's little cell coverage outside large towns. Google Maps also supports downloading offline maps – these are your friends.
• Due to the remoteness, finding places to eat can be tricky along parts of this road trip route, so bring along a hefty selection of non-refrigerated snacks and easy-to-eat meals.

I hope my Arizona & Utah road trip has inspired you to set out on your own adventure. Get out there and enjoy the wonders nature has to offer! Go ahead and share your experiences in the comments below. What’s places in Arizona and Utah do you want to see the most?

Road Trip Tally

Total Days: 15

Total Distance: 2,911 kms (1,809 miles)

Total Driving Time: 35 hrs (not including exploring national parks)

Total Flat Tyres: 0

Total Minds Blown: 1

If you enjoyed this article, you might also like...

• How To Road Trip The Pacific Northwest In 14 Days
• Road Trip Along The East Coast of USA
• The Ultimate Alberta Road Trip Guide: How To See Alberta In 14 days
• Prince Edward Island Road Trip: More Than Just Anne Of Green Gables
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• The Ultimate Florida Road Trip Guide: North To South In 2 Weeks

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Reader Comments...

This is so full of information, I can't even take it all in. What an amazing and dream trip (I'm dying to go to Utah, now might as well add in AZ!) Thanks for the info, I'm saving this one for sure!

Wow this is a really impressive, through and practical summary. I really hope it gets noticed and appreciated as widely as possible! I'm sure it was so much work and time to put it all together. Do you repackage or repurpose any of your material?

I love this post, I'm planning my trip and this is so helpful. Can you name your photos with the exact names of the locations. It's hard to tell where each site is located. Thanks!

As I'm planning my own trip at the moment I want to take a short moment and say Thank You for this fantastic guide!

Awesome post, I love your photos! Definitely, I'm looking for a destination for my long trip next year. =) excursioniledespins

I live in St. George, Utah, and have to admit, the Four Corners region of the U. S. is incredibly beautiful. The state and federal parks in the four states contain some of the most extraordinary geographical formations in the world. I've lived in nearly every part of this country (I was born and raised in the state of Maine) and can speak with some authority. I love day-tripping in this area.

Amazing! Very informative.

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Our Adventure Journal

The Ultimate Itinerary for a Road Trip to Utah and Arizona

Last Updated on April 22, 2024 by Kelly

We had the best time on our 3-week road trip through the American southwest! We saw canyons, arches, waterfalls, and tons of unique rock formations. We drove 3,590 miles and spent over 50 hours on the road. In this post, we’re sharing our complete itinerary for Utah and Arizona!

The trip was everything we hoped for more and more. During our trip, we visited 5 national parks . Some of our favorite experiences were actually off the beaten path, like our excursion to a remote slot canyon and our hike to a desert waterfall . We even walked backwards in time and found the best pie of our lives.   We hope you will feel inspired to plan an epic road trip of your own through the American Southwest!

3 Week Itinerary for Utah and Arizona

Before we share our impressions of each destination, what we would have changed about our road trip, and our essential travel tips, here’s an  overview of our itinerary . (Keep in mind we were traveling with a toddler so we took it slow. You might be able to combine driving days!)

Canyonlands National Park

Once we reached Utah, we made the city of Moab our home base for several nights. Moab is conveniently located by both Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park, so it’s an ideal place to stay during a road trip to Utah. (And since we were traveling with our toddler, staying in the same hotel for both parks kept us from having to pack everything up multiple times.) From Moab, it was approximately a 35 minute drive to Canyonlands National Park and a 9 minute drive to Arches National Park.

We planned on spending one day at Canyonlands National Park . We woke up early to beat the crowds and the heat. It was Memorial Day Weekend, so we expected it to be very busy. We arrived to the park around 8am and we were able to breeze through the entrance gate. By the time we were leaving in the early afternoon, the entrance line stretched for miles! Our biggest tip is to just make yourself get there early . No one wants to spend their vacation sitting in their car for half the day!

Canyonlands is actually much bigger than Arches, so there is a lot to see! There are several distinct districts, and we chose to visit the most popular: Island in the Sky . Most of the major attractions are located closely together, so it made it an ideal place to visit for a one-day visit. 

We thought the hike to Mesa Arch was beautiful. This was the first arch we had ever seen in person, so we were already impressed, but the view behind the arch was equally spectacular. Mesa Arch made the perfect window frame to see the canyon below and the La Sal mountains in the distance.

We also really enjoyed the Green River Overlook , which we weren’t really expecting. We hadn’t seen too many travel blogs mention this viewpoint, but the view was incredible. It was one of the most expansive views we have seen, and it was super cool being able to see the river and canyon from above. This was also a very easy scenic point to reach, as the walk was only 1/10th of a mile long.

Arches National Park

We spent the next day at Arches National Park . Our neighbor’s alarm woke us up at 4am, so we decided to get up too because we knew Arches was going to be busy. 

We drove in the dark and arrived to the Delicate Arch parking lot by 6am. The lot was full by 6:20am. We couldn’t believe it! Thankfully we secured a parking space in time. We recommend that you also go to the park early, especially if you are visiting during peak season. The park was so busy that it was closed to visitors for several hours each day. You can speak with a park ranger or your hotel front desk staff to see what time you should plan on arriving to beat the crowds.

Be sure to check out all of our posts on Arizona and all of our posts on Utah !

The hike up to Delicate Arch was a dream. We got to watch the sunrise over the rocks and it was totally worth the early wake-up time.

There was a very long line to take photos by the arch, even though we arrived early. We decided it wasn’t worth it to us to wait for an hour to take a photo.

We also really enjoyed Balanced Rock . Balanced Rock is 128 feet tall and you can see it easily from the road. There’s a small trail that loops around it, and the parking lot had lots of open spaces when we went.

Moab Giants

If you have children in your group, you’ll definitely want to add a stop at Moab Giants . It’s located on the way to Canyonlands from Moab, so it’s conveniently on the way to the park. You might not know this, but Utah is famous for its dinosaur discoveries. The Moab Giants is an attraction that covers all things dinosaurs. There’s a museum, a virtual aquarium, a dinosaur walk, a 3D theater, and more!

For our toddler, this was probably one of the highlights of our entire trip! She loved “digging for fossils” and seeing the life-like dinosaurs along the trail.

Zion National Park

This is the park that started the whole road trip for me. I have always wanted to visit Zion National Park , so we booked our stay there first and then built our road trip to Utah around our time in Zion. We planned for three days at the park which I think was the perfect amount of time to spend there. 

One of our favorite trails was the Pa’rus Trail . You don’t need to use the park shuttle to access it, as the entrance is located right by the Visitor Center. The trail went directly through the canyon and along a stream.

The Lower Emerald Pool  was also a very cool hike. It’s not often that you can say that you hiked behind a waterfall!

We also completed the Riverside Walk , which is the gateway to the famous Narrows hike. Even though it was a hot day, it was nice and cool following the river through the canyon.

Because we were traveling with our toddler, we didn’t complete the famous Angel’s Landing or The Narrows hikes. It’s always good to have a reason to go back!

Peekaboo Canyon

On our way from Zion to Page, Arizona, we stopped in Kanab for one of our favorite decisions from the trip: An excursion to Peekaboo Canyon with Dreamland Safari Tours ! Peekaboo Canyon is a slot canyon that is only accessible by driving through deep sand. (Or hiking I suppose, although I would not recommend it unless you are familiar with the area because the sand trails can be difficult to navigate!)

The canyon was much less crowded than some of the more well-known slot canyons (like Antelope Canyon), and we could explore it at our own pace. 

Our guide offered to take lots of photos of us, which was a nice treat since there is usually one of us behind the lens.

If you are going to be anywhere near Kanab, we highly recommend that you reach out to Dreamland Safari Tours to visit this gem!

Horseshoe Bend

After visiting Peekaboo Canyon, we stayed the night in Page, Arizona. If you have time, check out Antelope Canyon or Lake Powell. (Both of which are located near Page.) We visited another popular landmark near Page: Horseshoe Bend .

This was easily one of my favorite scenic views of the entire trip!

Tip: When traveling from Utah to Arizona, please be aware that Arizona does not practice daylight savings time. Any reservations or sunset times will shift when you cross state lines.

Grand Canyon National Park

We planned to spend two full days at Grand Canyon National Park , but because of car trouble, we really only had one day there. That was okay, though, because we saw so many things in just one day!

One of the main highlights for us was walking the Rim Trail . The park shuttle has nine different stops along the route, and we enjoyed hopping off the shuttle to see a new viewpoint. (Or walking the trail between viewpoints!) We were able to cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time, plus we were able to see the canyon and its features from multiple angles. 

In the late afternoon we completed the Trail of Time, which was one of the most unique trails we have ever been on! The entire trail is along the canyon rim, so you have stunning views of the Grand Canyon every step of the way. The cool thing about this trail, though, is that it takes you “back in time” as you walk along it. Each meter represents one million years of geological history, and there are bronze markers along the trail telling you how far back in time you have gone. It really helped us to wrap our heads around how long it took for the Grand Canyon to be formed!

Bryce Canyon National Park

My husband’s favorite park of the entire trip was Bryce Canyon National Park . Nothing can prepare you for your first look at the canyon – your breath will be taken from you when you first see it! Tourists are drawn to Bryce Canyon to see the hoodoos, which are tall columns of weathered rocks. The entire canyon is filled with them! Bryce Canyon actually has the largest concentration of hoodoos in the entire world.

We recommend that you walk along the Rim Trail from Sunrise Point to Sunset Point . If you have some time and want to walk through the Hoodoos, we recommend you complete either the Queens Garden Trail or the Navajo Loop Trail.

We also highly recommend that you make time for the Mossy Cave Trail. The entire trail is less than a mile long (so it’s an easy one to complete), and you’ll be rewarded with hoodoos, a stream, a waterfall, a turret arch, two bridges, and a grotto. 

And definitely stop by Bryce Canyon Pines for the best pie of your life. (Seriously try the banana blueberry cream pie!) It was the best way to complete our road trip to Utah!

What We Would Do Differently 

• We would include Capitol Reef National Park. Seriously why didn’t we do that? We completed 4 of the “Mighty 5” parks, so we definitely have to go back! We had planned to stop by on one of our travel days, but we were scheduled to drive over 5 hours that day and just did not have time with our toddler’s schedule. Next time!
• We would add in a couple of extra rest days just in case we needed to use them to see the national parks. We had an unexpected car problem that took one day away from the Grand Canyon, and we had an injury that took a day away from Arches. More than anything, we are grateful for what we got to see no matter what, but it would have been easier for us if we had a bit more downtime scheduled into our trip.
• Even though we “traveled slow” and broke up the drive time, in hindsight we wish we would have broken it down even further. 

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases.

Our Essential Tips

• Pack a cooler : Bring a cooler and have a lot of extra water in your car. If your car breaks down or if you are stranded, you’ll be stuck in the heat. We loved using our Yeti cooler because it kept food and beverages cold for several days without the need to constantly re-stock on ice. 
• Buy a pass: If you’re visiting more than one national park, you should consider buying an America the Beautiful annual parks pass . You’ll save money instead of paying for separate entrance fees.
• Build in some free days: Build in an extra day or two into your schedule for rest. (You might need to use that extra day for any unforeseen issues!)
• Keep a full tank of gas: Make sure you are starting your day with a full tank of gas. There are some stretches of highway where there are no services for at least 100 miles. 
• Plan out your meals: Research the best restaurants ahead of time! Eating out is one of our favorite parts of travel, so we like to make each meal count. We wrote specific posts about where to eat in Moab and Springdale. It’s helpful to make reservations in advance for some restaurants, especially during peak season.
• Time zone changes : Be aware of the time change when you drive between Utah and Arizona. 

We were so grateful for the opportunity to take a road trip through Utah and Arizona. Although we spent 3 weeks traveling through both states, we feel like we barely scratched the surface. We would love to return to spend more time in Utah and Arizona. We hope this post was helpful as you plan your own road trip!

Disclaimer: We always strive for content accuracy. Since the time of publishing, travel-related information regarding pricing, schedules, and hours may have changed. Please look up such information directly from each vendor or institution for the most current information.

Hi, I’m Kelly!

After studying abroad in Spain, I became passionate about international travel. Since then, I’ve traveled to 6 continents and 36 states within the United States. When I’m not travel blogging, you can find me hiking, reading books in Spanish, or playing cribbage. I hope my blog inspires you to see the world!

Voyages with Val

7 Day Utah Arizona Road Trip- Southwest National Parks Itinerary

When you think of an  American Southwest road trip  what comes to mind? My mind instantly goes too long stretches of highway surrounded by the beautiful desert landscape. America’s stunning natural beauty is on display all around you, and there is a feeling of pure freedom that can only come from being on a road trip with endless possibilities for adventure. Utah and Arizona contain some of the best and most unique views in all of North America, and a road trip is the best way to experience them. Plan a  7-day Utah and Arizona road trip  from Las Vegas through National and State Parks unlike anywhere else. This week-long Southwest road trip itinerary will take you from  Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon, Moab, Bryce Canyon,  and  Zion National Park. The itinerary below has a list of the best hikes, things to do, and places to stay near each of these National Parks and towns.

Map of Utah and Arizona National Parks Road Trip

The  Utah Arizona road trip map  above begins in Las Vegas and travels through the iconic sites of the Southwest. Travel from  Las Vegas  to the  Grand Canyon  to watch the sunrise over the canyon. You will then travel to  Page, Arizona  to hike through Antelope Canyon and view Horseshoe Bend. You can take a detour through Monument Valley on your way to  Moab  to spend some time in the  Arches and Canyonlands National Parks . Finally, you will head back West through  Bryce and Zion National Parks. 

The whole 7-day trip will take over  1000 miles  and  20 hours of driving , averaging around  1 to 5 hours  of driving a day. This will leave you plenty of time to hike and sightsee at each stop.  Rent a car or van  from Las Vegas to make sure you can make your days flexible.

7 Day Arizona Utah Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon National Park

• Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Distance: 279 miles
• Drive Time: 4 hours 24 minutes

Begin your Southwest Road Trip heading from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon National Park . You will likely want to head to the South Rim which is more accessible and better for a short trip than the North Rim. On your way to the Grand Canyon, you will drive parallel or on the Historic Route 66 for sections leading up to Williams, Arizona. Williams is known as the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon.” It is the last major town before you take AZ-64 the rest of the way to the Grand Canyon.

The entrance fee for the Grand Canyon is $35 per vehicle , valid for 1 week. However, if you will be visiting more than three National Park in a year (and you will be visiting 5 on this itinerary!) it is worth it to buy the $80 America the Beautiful Pass which allows entry to all National Parks and Recreational Land for one year.

Most of the parking is near the Grand Canyon Visitor Center if you are not staying at one of the lodges near the Grand Canyon Village. There are a variety of bus routes to take you from the Village and Visitor Center to the trailheads along the South Rim and the nearby community of Tusayan which has hotels and places to eat if you are not staying inside the National Park.

Sunset and Sunrise Spots at the Grand Canyon

Depending on when you arrive at the Grand Canyon you can watch the  sunset along the South Rim . If you arrive too late for sunset, you can also check out these places early in the morning to watch the  sunrise over the Grand Canyon . 

• Mather Point – This is the most popular place to watch the sunrise over the Grand Canyon. However, this place can get extremely crowded due to its proximity to the Visitor Center. If the actual point is crowded you can walk further along the South Rim Trail until you find a spot that catches your eye. 
• Yavapai Point – There is a small parking area near Yavapai Point, but you can also hike a little over half a mile from Mather Point along the Rim Trail. 
• Yaki Point – Yaki Point is another viewpoint for sunset or sunrise at the Grand Canyon. You will need to take the Kaibab Rim Shuttle Route from the Visitor Center to the overlook, which starts at 4:30 AM and runs until just after sunset. 
• Hopi Point – Hopi Point is one of the overlooks on Hermit Road. In the winter you can drive your own car to the overlooks on Hermit Road. However, from March through November, there is a shuttle route you must take along the road. 

Grand Canyon South Rim Day Hikes

The most obvious thing to do in the Grand Canyon is to go hiking! Walk along the rim or hike down partway into the canyon to see some of the best views in the US and take in the majesty of the canyon. Below are a few  trails at the Grand Canyon’s South Rim . 

• Ooh Aah Point – 1.8 miles, 684 feet
• Cedar Ridge – 2.8 miles, 1,102 feet
• Skeleton Point – 5.8 miles, 2027 feet
• Grand Canyon Rim Trail – The entire Rim Trail is  13 miles long , but many hike for just a short section to take in the magnificent views of the Grand Canyon. The Rim Trail is paved and  allows leashed dogs . 
• Bright Angel Trail –  15.3 miles, 4478 feet, Difficult – The Bright Angel Trail starts at the Grand Canyon Village and continues down to the bottom of the canyon. Like South Kaibab Trail you can hike just part of the trail and turn around. A popular route is to hike to the  1.5 Mile or 3 miles Resthouse . 
• Shoshone Point Trail –  2.2 miles, 154 feet, Easy – This is a short, easy trail that leads to a fantastic view of the Grand Canyon with some picnic tables. There is some parking right near the trailhead right off  Desert View Drive . 

Other Things To Do in Grand Canyon South Rim

There is more to do in the Grand Canyon than hiking! Below are a few more things to do on the South Rim including places to see that you don’t want to miss!

• Hermit Road Viewpoints – Take the shuttle to more jaw-dropping views including  Maricopa Point Powell Point, Mohave Point,  and  Pima Point . December through February you can drive your own car to these viewpoints. 
• Bike Along Hermit Road – Don’t feel like hiking or taking the shuttle? You can rent a bike or eBike and bike along the  7 mile  Hermit Road instead. You can bike one way and take the shuttle back. Rent your bike right next to the Visitor Center at  Bright Angel Bicycles .
• Yavapai Museum of Geology – Located in Grand Canyon Village, Yavapai Geology Museum has large panoramic windows that allow you to look out and learn about the geology of the canyon. 
• Desert View Watchtower – This  7 story watchtower  is an icon of the Grand Canyon. The parking for the tower is just past the East Entrance to the park off Desert View Road. The upper levels of the tower are closed to the public but you can take in the views around the tower and visit the trading post and market nearby. 

Where To Stay Near the Grand Canyon

Hotels near the grand canyon.

• Bright Angel Lodge
• El Tovar Hotel
• Red Feather Lodge

Camping Near the Grand Canyon

• Mather Campground
• Grand Canyon Camper Village
• Ten-X Campground

Day 2: Grand Canyon to Page, Arizona

• Grand Canyon to Page, Arizona Distance: 139 miles
• Drive Time: 2 hours 26 minutes

On the second day of your Utah and Arizona Road Trip, get up early to watch the sunrise at one of the great viewing locations along the Grand Canyon mentioned above. You can either spend more time at the Grand Canyon or head to Page Arizona to have more time to spend during your one day in Page .

To get to Page from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon , head East on AZ-64 before continuing North on US-89 for a total of 139 miles. Page, Arizona is not a large town by any means, but what it lacks in size it makes up for by the sheer number of things to do and see in the area. This is one of the only days on your Southwest Road Trip not spent primarily in a National Park, but you will still see many iconic Southwest formations from slot canyons to the iconic Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell, you will not soon forget your day in Page.

Antelope Canyon

Upper Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon should be at the top of any  itinerary for Page . There are two sections:  Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon . Upper Antelope Canyon is the more well-known one and what many prioritize in a short time frame. 

The  Upper Antelope Canyon  is located within Navajo Nation and access is only allowed with an  authorized tour guide . Tour companies include  Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours ,  Antelope Canyon Tours ,  and  Adventurous Antelope Canyon Tours . Most tours are an  hour and a half  long, although some may be longer. Prices for a tour are typically around  $100  per person (as of 2022). However, the price is well worth it to see and hike among the iconic wavy slots and gaze on the light beams that streak in.

Lower Antelope Canyon

If you want to see Antelope Canyon a little different or more adventurous way you can instead plan on visiting  Lower Antelope Canyon . Much of the Lower Canyon still is part of the Navajo Nation and requires a guide. However, there is another less-known section that can  only be accessed by a kayak  or other small boat. 

Kayaking into and then hiking the Lower Antelope Canyon is a great experience if you want to explore at your own pace with  fewer crowds . In total transparency, the views are not known for being quite as iconic as the Upper Antelope Canyon, but it is still a beautiful and unique slot canyon! This is what we did upon visiting Page, and I don’t regret it one bit. 

You are not required to book a tour guide for this, but it is still recommended if you are not experienced with the area and possible dangers.   Lake Powell Adventure Company  is one such tour company that will rent you the kayak and guide you through kayaking and hiking portion of the canyon. These tours do tend to be longer than the Upper Antelope Canyon tours (around  4 hours ) so reserve ahead of time and plan accordingly. 

Horseshoe Bend

On your way into Page from the Grand Canyon, you will drive right past  Horseshoe Bend . Stop on your way in, or backtrack later in the day to witness this Southwest landmark. The parking lot is only  5 miles  from Page so it is a quick drive from the town. 

It is important to know that there is a  $10 fee  for the parking lot to help keep the trail and viewpoint clean and maintained. The trail to the bend is only a  0.7-mile hike  on a wide, mostly paved path. There are even several small spots with overhangs if you need a short break. Despite the short distance you should still protect yourself from the sun and  bring plenty of water  since this trail is completely exposed to the elements. 

While Horseshoe Bend is worth visiting at any time of day the best time will be sunrise or sunset . At sunset, the canyon will be going into the shade, and you can see the sunset to the West. At sunrise, it will still be cool out and the bend will slowly light up. 

Other Things To Do in Page, Arizona

If you have a bit more time, there are many other things to do in Page Arizona.

• Lake Powell-  Lake Powell was formed by the  Glen Canyon Dam  and there is any number of water activities you can participate in on the lake. 
• Vermilion Cliffs National Monument – The Vermillion Cliffs are 40 miles from Page. The most famous trail here is  The Wave , which requires a lottery to obtain permits. However, there are still plenty of other hikes and trails to see. 
• Rimview Trail – The Page Rimview trail encircles much of the town of Page and is an easy  10-mile loop  that you can hike, bike, or run around. 

Read More: Best Things To Do with One Day in Page

Where to Stay Near Page

Hotels in page, arizona.

• Best Western- View of Lake Powell
• Lake Powell Resort
• Country Inn & Suites

Camping near Page, Arizona

• Camping near Glen Canyon Recreation Area
• Wahweap RV and Campground
• Page Lake Powell Campground

Day 3: Page to Moab

• Page, Arizona to Moab, Utah Distance: 269 miles
• Drive Time: 4 hours 30 minutes

Get an early start to the third day of your week-long Southwest road trip. Today you will head North from Arizona into the equally scenic Utah. The fastest route from  Page to Moab  is to head South on AZ-98 before taking US-160 and US-191 for the remainder of the drive. 

However, if you can spare a few minutes, you can take a detour on  US-163  to drive through  Monument Valley . Monument Valley is located right on the Utah-Arizona border as part of the  Navajo Nation . You may recognize this place from the iconic Forest Gump scene filmed right on US-163. 

The  17-mile long  Valley Drive   is a dirt road with many overlooks that you can stop at and enjoy the scenery. There is a small fee to take the drive, and it takes  2 to 4 hours  to complete. If you can’t make the drive, you can still get quite the view of the monuments along US-163 as you drive through. 

Once you make it to Moab, Utah, you can spend your time adventuring around Moab or hiking nearby. If you only have time for one thing in the afternoon in Moab, I would recommend heading to  Dead Horse Point State Park . Here you can hike part of the rim trail or just watch the sunset from the viewpoint. 

You can also head straight to one of the National Parks. Read below for more  things to do in Arches National Parks, Canyonlands National Park, and Moab . 

Best Moab Hiking Trails

Moab is a hiker’s paradise . Some of the best trails are obviously within the nearby Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, but there are also plenty of other hikes to explore near Moab. 

• Dead Horse State Park Rim Loop –  5 miles, 908 feet, Moderate-  This may well be the best trail near Moab not in a National Park. Dead Horse State Park is 33 miles from Moab, not far from Canyonlands. The rim trail encircles the plateau of the park. You can also drive to the overlooks for views that rival any National Park. 
• Corona and Bowtie Arch Trail –  2.4 miles, 482 feet, Moderate – This trail leads to two magnificent arches near Moab. This is slightly less crowded than some of the other arches within the National Park. Enjoy this arch at sunset for an especially beautiful view.
• Mill Creek Trail –  1.8 miles, 65 feet, Moderate –  This trail is not far at all from Moab, a bit to the South of the town. This trail follows along Mill Creek through a canyon to a small waterfall and swimming hole.

Other Things To Do in Moab

If you’ve had enough hiking on your trip, Moab has endless other outdoor activities to explore. If you leave Page early in the morning, you should have just enough time to spend an afternoon experiencing one of these other things to do in Moab .

• Off-Roading Tour–  There is so much great off-roading in Utah and the Southwest it would seem a shame not to experience it.  Highpoint Hummer   and   Moab Tour Company  are just two of the many companies in Moab that offer  rentals and guided tours  on 4WD vehicles.
• Mountain Biking – If two-wheel vehicles are more your speed, then instead go for a mountain bike ride on one of the many biking trails in Moab. Moab has everything from   easy to extremely challenging mountain bike trails for whatever your skill level.
• Drive along the Colorado River – Utah State Route 128 goes along the  Colorado River , starting near the entrance to Arches National Park. This  45-mile road  is also known as the  Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway . Drive part or all of this scenic drive and take in the red cliff walls and scenic desert views.
• Rafting – If you have had enough driving on your road trip, you can also experience the Colorado River by rafting down it!  Moab Adventure Center  has several trips from multiple days to half-day adventures.  Red River Adventures  also offers several rafting options.

Where to Stay Near Moab

Hotels in moab.

• Red Cliffs Lodge
• Sunflower Hill Inn
• Castle Valley Inn

Camping Near Moab

• Kayenta Campground  
• Wingate Campground
• Horsethief Campground

Day 4: Arches & Canyonlands National Parks in One Day

• Moab to Arches Distance: 5 miles
• Arches to Canyonlands Distance: 26 miles
• Drive Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

The fourth day of your week-long Utah-Arizona Road Trip will be one of the busiest. You can either plan to spend one day in Arches National Park or Canyonlands National Park, or you can split your time and see both  Arches and Canyonlands in one day . 

To see both parks in one day, plan on  starting at sunrise .  Delicate Arch  is one of the most popular trails, so if this is a must-see on your itinerary, plan on getting to the trailhead as soon as possible. Afterward, visit as many of the other trails on the list as you can before heading to Canyonlands.

Canyonlands National Park is less visited than Arches, but still quite popular, so be prepared to wait in a line to enter if you are visiting during a popular time of year. It is a  26-mile drive  of scenic Utah land between the parks. Below are some of the  best hikes in Canyonlands National Park  to check out. You can also drive to a lot of overlooks in the park that don’t require much hiking including  Orange Cliffs Overlook, Green River Overlook, and Shafer Canyon Overlook . 

Read More: Canyonlands vs. Arches: One Day in Arches or Canyonlands National Parks

Best Hikes in Arches National Parks

Arches National Park is one of the most recognizable National Parks in Utah. It is full of great hiking trails that lead to amazing arches in the park. Below are some of the best hikes for just one day in Arches .

• Delicate Arch –  3.2 miles, 629 feet, Moderate – Delicate Arch is undoubtedly the most popular and iconic hike in Arches National Park. Hike  Delicate Arch at sunrise  to ensure you can get a parking spot and to see the beauty of the arch. 
• Double Arch –  0.6 miles, 95 feet, Easy – You can’t miss Double Arch in Arches National Park. This is an easy trail to two of the biggest arches in the park. you can climb up between the two arches. 
• Windows and Turret Arches Trail –  1.2 miles, 154 feet, Easy-  In the same parking lot as Double Arch is the trailhead to Windows and Turret Arches. You can hike the entire loop or just the 0.5 miles to the arches. 
• Sand Dune Arch –  0.3 miles, 108 feet, Easy – Sand Dune Arch is a quick hike to one of the most unique arches in the park. 
• Landscape Arch –  1.9 miles, 252 feet, Easy-  This is part of the much longer Devil’s Garden Trail, but if you are planning to visit both Arches and Canyonlands in one day, you will likely not have time to hike the entire trail. Instead, you can hike the 1 mile each way to Landscape Arch, the longest Arch in Arches National Park

Best Hikes in Canyonlands

Canyonlands has some of the best views near Moab . There are several sections of this National Park, but the area most people visit is Island of the Sky , a plateau overlooking the surrounding canyons. Check out some of the hikes in Canyonlands for great views.

• Mesa Arch –  0.7 miles, 88 feet, Easy –  This is a great sunrise alternative to Delicate Arch if you want to start your day in Canyonlands instead of Arches. 
• Grand Viewpoint Trail  – 1.8 miles, 160 feet, Easy-  This is easily one of the best hikes in Canyonlands. The entire trail has jaw-dropping views over the canyon. 
• White Rim Overlook Trail –  1.8 miles, 160 feet, Easy-  This trail leads to a gorgeous overlook of the canyon. There are also several day-use areas at the parking lot with picnic tables for a lunch spot.

Read More: Best Hikes in Canyonlands National Park

Where to Stay Near Canyonlands & Arches

If you are staying near Moab, you can stay in the same hotel or campground for two nights. In addition to the locations above, below are a few more campgrounds near Canyonlands and Arches .

Camping Near Canyonlands & Arches

• Willow Flat
• Devils Garden Campground
• Campgrounds along the Colorado River

Day 5: Moab to Bryce National Park

• Moab to Bryce Canyon Distance: 249 miles
• Drive Time: 4 hours 13 minutes

After your day in Moab,  road trip over to Bryce Canyon National Park . This drive will take you a little over  4 hours to complete . Start early so you can maximize your  one day in Bryce!

My recommendation would be to choose a hike inside the canyon and head straight there upon arriving. For a not too long or difficult hike with amazing views, I would strongly recommend the  Queen’s Garden and Navajo Loop . If you are looking for a longer hike there are a few alternatives listed below. 

After your hike, if you have time, you can drive down the  18-mile Scenic Drive  and stop at the viewpoints that take your interest. Bryce is not a very big park, so this itinerary will let you see a lot of what the park has to offer in just one day. 

Stay for sunset  to watch the evening light make the orange and red hoodoos glow. Stay even longer to stargaze in this  International Dark Sky Park . The stars will dazzle you, uninterrupted by any significant source of light nearby. 

Read More: One Day in Bryce Canyon

Best Hikes in Bryce Canyon

Bryce is a park you absolutely must hike in. The hoodoos are beautiful to see from the viewpoints, but infinitely more impressive when you hike between them. Here are some of the  best hikes to viewpoints  and  trails into the canyon . 

• Navajo & Queens Garden Loop-   2.9 miles, 646 feet, Moderate-  This loop begins at either Sunset or Sunrise Point and travels down into the canyon. This trail features an iconic Bryce photo spot of the switchbacks leading down into the canyon and a view of  Thor’s Hammer .
• Peekaboo Loop –   5.3 miles, 1453 feet, Moderate – If you want a slightly longer hike, do the Peekaboo Loop. This starts at Bryce Point or Sunset Point. The trail ascends and descends several times and takes you through several tunnels in the rock so the views “Peekaboo” out at you. 
• Fairyland Loop –  7.8 miles, 1545 feet, Moderate – Fairyland Loop is even longer than Peekaboo Loop, beginning at Fairyland Point or Sunrise Point. This trail descends into the canyon and follows along the rim for 8 miles total.
• Lower, Mid, & Upper Inspiration Points –  0.6 miles, 134 feet, Easy – It is a stretch to call the walk to these viewpoints a hike, but the path is quite steep. You can drive or take the shuttle to the drop-off for these three lookouts, each slightly higher than the next. 
• Sunset to Sunrise Point –  1.1 miles, 82 feet, Easy – Only half a mile each way, this hike along the rim is an excellent option if you or your family members cannot hike and are limited to  paved roads . There are also several benches along the rim that you can stop at and enjoy the view. 

Scenic Drive in Bryce Canyon

After hiking, take a  scenic drive  down the length of Bryce. A shuttle will go as far as Bryce Point in the summer, but you will need your own vehicle to drive the entirety of the road. Below are a couple of the popular spots on the scenic drive. 

• Sunrise & Sunset Point
• Inspiration Point
• Bryce Point
• Swamp Canyon
• Piracy Point
• Natural Bridge
• Agua Canyon
• Ponderosa Canyon
• Rainbow Point

Where to Stay Near Bryce

Hotels near bryce.

• Stone Cany on Inn
• Bryce Canyon Lodge

Camping Near Bryce

• North Campground
• Sunset Campground
• Under Canvas Bryce Canyon

Day 6: Bryce & Zion National Parks

• Bryce to Zion Distance: 72 miles
• Drive Time: 1 hours 19 minutes

This day on your  Arizona Utah itinerary  is light on driving and heavy on hiking. Get up early and complete any last hikes or views you want to see in Bryce before driving to Utah’s most popular National Park.

The drive from  Zion to Bryce  takes about an  hour and a half  and is a distance of  73 miles . You will enter Zion through the East Entrance, and travel through the  Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel,  a one-mile tunnel through Zion’s canyon. After the tunnel, there is a series of steep switchback roads to drive down to reach the base of the canyon. 

Spend the remainder of your day hiking in Zion! There is a shuttle that travels through the canyon to a series of shuttle stops with trailheads located off them. See below for some of the best trails in Zion Canyon to hike including  Angel’s Landing, Canyon Overlook,  and  the Narrows . Choose one long hike or several small ones to trek on your first day in Zion. Alternatively, book a  horseback riding tour  or  bike rental  to travel through the canyon.

Read More:  2 Days in Zion National Park Itinerary

Best Trails in Zion Canyon

Zion is one of the best National Parks for hiking. There are so many great trails in Zion , below are just a few to consider during your two days in Zion.

• Angels Landing   Trail –  4.4 miles, 1604, Difficult – Angel’s Landing is the most popular trail in Zion. Well known for its dangerous section at the summit that requires holding onto chains. Starting in 2022, this last section will require a  lottery permit . Without a permit, you can still hike to the scenic Scout’s Landing lookout. 
• Canyon Overlook Trail –  1.0 mile, 187, Moderate – This short hike has a great payoff with a lookout over Pine Creek Canyon and Zion Canyon. 
• Riverside Walk –  1.9 miles, 193 feet, Easy – Riverside Walk is an easy paved path through the canyon, alongside the Virgin River. 
• The Narrows –  Varies, Difficult – The end of the Riverside Walk trail leads to steps down into the Narrows. This trail involves walking on the bed of the river, wading through the water. Unfortunately, it is not accessible all year round and must be hiked when the river is low and calm. Make sure to check conditions before you go, as  flash floods are very dangerous  and have the potential to kill unaware hikers.
• Watchman Trail –  3.1 miles, 1636 feet, Moderate – Watchman Trail leads to an overlook over Springfield. The trailhead is near the Watchman and South campgrounds, and it is a great hike for sunset. 
• Observation Point via East Mesa Trail –  7 miles, 702 feet, Moderate – This is an alternative to Angel’s Landing if you want the views down the canyon similar to Angel’s Landing but without the terrifying chains section. 4WD or AWD is recommended to get to the trailhead.
• Lower Emerald Pools –  1.4 miles, 127 feet, Easy – This is another easy trail that leads to some pools that have small waterfalls during the rainy season. 

Other Things to do in Zion

This is towards the end of your National Parks Road Trip, so your feet may be getting tired of hiking. In which case, check out one of the other  things to do in Zion National Park !

• Horseback Riding in Zion Canyon – For a true Western experience, reserve a  horseback riding tour  through the canyon along the Virgin River. 
• Zion Brew Pub – This is a great spot for lunch or dinner, right outside the park. You can have a beer and burger on the patio next to the river. 
• Biking the Pa’rus Trail – You can rent a bike from  Zion Outfitters  or in Springdale and bike along the 3.5-mile Pa’rus trail that follows the Virgin River from the Visitor Center.

Where to Stay Near Zion

Hotels near zion.

• SpringHill Suites by Marriott
• Flanigin’s Inn

Camping Near Zion

• Watchman Campground
• Lava Point Campground
• South Campground

Day 7: Zion to Las Vegas

• Zion to Las Vegas: 166 miles
• Drive Time: 2 hours 41 minutes

On the last day of your Utah Arizona Road Trip, you will head out from Zion back towards Las Vegas . This drive is 166 miles and takes around 2 hours and 40 minutes , so you will still have plenty of time to spend in Zion or checking out other sites on the way.

Begin your day by finishing up any last hikes you want to do in Zion. If you can get the permits, this would be a great day to hike Angel’s Landing . Start early and finish your trip strong with one of the best hikes in Utah!

There are several interesting stops between Zion and Las Vegas. Snow Canyon State Park and Valley of Fire State Park are two great stops to your itinerary and don’t add too much extra distance to the drive. Leave early to give yourself plenty of time in these State Parks.

Of course, you can also get back to Las Vegas early, and spend the day at the many restaurants, casinos, and attractions in this iconic US city. No matter how you spend it, make the most of the last day of your Southwest Road Trip!

Things to do Near Zion & Las Vegas

Zion and Las Vegas have many other scenic places between them or nearby, only requiring a slight detour. Stop by a few of these other beautiful, natural places on your road trip to Las Vegas.

• Snow Canyon State Park-  The beauty of Utah is not just limited to its National Parks. Utah’s state parks are a sight to see as well and Snow Canyon is one of the best. Snow Canyon is  only an hour  from Zion, making it a  great last stop on your   Southwest National Parks Road Trip. Admire the steep canyon walls and hike, climb, or ride on the many trails and  slot canyons  in the park.
• Kolob Canyon – While technically still part of Zion National Park, the Kolob Canyons are a much  less visited  portion of the park. It is a  43-mile drive  to get to this portion of the park from the main entrance, but well worth your time. The hikes here and nearby offer some amazing canyon views.
• Valley of Fire State Park-  The Valley of Fire State Park has some of the best views in all of Nevada. This State Park is only a short detour from the route from Zion back to Las Vegas. Some of the best trails include  White Domes Trail and Fire Wave Trail.

Alternative Itinerary- 5 Day Utah Arizona Road Trip

If you have less time you can still see a lot with only 5 days in the Southwest . Plan of leaving from Las Vegas and visiting the Grand Canyon, Bryce, and Zion on this week-long road trip. This shortened itinerary gives you one day in the Grand Canyon, and two in both Bryce and Zion. You can also make a quick stopover in Page 

• Day 1:  Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon
• Day 2:  Grand Canyon to Bryce Canyon
• Day 3:  Bryce Canyon National Park
• Day 4:  Bryce Canyon to Zion National Park
• Day 5:  Zion National Park back to Las Vegas

Alternative Itinerary 2: 5 Day Utah National Parks Road Trip

Another option for just a 5-day trip is to road trip to all of Utah’s “Mighty 5” National Parks . You will see so much of Utah’s beauty and be able to make a second trip to visit Arizona. See below for a week-long Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary : 

• Day 1:  Visit Canyonlands & Arches National Parks
• Day 2:  Moab to Capitol Reef National Park
• Day 3:  Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon
• Day 4:  Bryce Canyon & Zion National Parks
• Day 5:  Zion National Park to Las Vegas

Tips for Planning a Utah-Arizona National Parks Road Trip

• Download your maps ahead of time or print them off. There is not much service in or between many of the Southwest National Parks.
• Stay updated to park conditions!  Each National Parks website has up-to-date information on trail closings, park facilities, and health and weather warnings.
• Make your reservations ahead of time!  These National Parks are popular tourist destinations, so expect accommodations to book early, especially during the late spring, summer, and fall. Most campsites take  reservations 6 months in advance .
• Leave No Trace!  This is essential when hiking in any wilderness area, but it is especially important in National Parks, which are some of the most heavily trafficked hikes in the United States. Wandering off-trail can also  harm delicate desert landscapes  that can take many years to grow back.  Carving or vandalizing rock  is becoming increasingly common, and should not be done under any circumstance. Behavior like this leads to  increasing restrictions of national land  and damages the landscape in ways that cannot be undone,  destroying centuries-old formations .
• Enter the park early in the morning!  This is a jam-packed itinerary and entering the National Parks early will allow you to see and do as much as possible. Entering at or before sunrise is also a great way to beat the crowds and enjoy nature in relative solitude, a rarity in some National Parks. 

How Many Days for a Southwest Road Trip?

You may be wondering- How long should I plan for a Southwest National Parks Road Trip? 

I would recommend  at least a 5-day or 7-day itinerary  for your Utah and Arizona road trip, but stay longer if you can! Of course, if you only have a long weekend, you can still make a quick journey to one or two of these parks and have a great time. No matter how long you spend, you are sure to want to come back for more!

Read More: Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks

When to Road Trip to Utah and Arizona

Spring and Fall are the best time  to visit Utah and Arizona if you are wanting the  best weather . In Fall and Spring, the temperatures average in the  50s to 80s , with some variation depending on elevation. Because the weather is good at this time, you can expect  large crowds  during these times as well. 

A  winter road trip  through the Southwest will be cold, but you will also have more solitude than other times of the year. Some parks may have  areas closed based on snow , so make sure to check park conditions regularly if you visit in winter.

Summer  in Utah and Arizona is hot with temperatures exceeding  over 100 degrees ! The National Parks can also get crowded since kids are out of school for summer. If you visit in summer, be prepared for the sun and heat with lots of water and knowledge of how to avoid heatstroke!

Arizona & Utah National Parks Packing List

Below see my packing list for a Utah and Arizona Road Trip! The weather can change in an instant in the desert, and you’ll want to make sure to have clothes and equipment for all-weather, so pack properly.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

• Water-  Water is your best friend in the desert! Make sure to bring enough and then some for your group.
• Snacks – If you will be hiking all day and burning a lot of calories, make sure to bring some protein-packed snacks and lunch as well.
• Sunscreen – It is always a good idea to use sunscreen to block the harsh sun!
• Sun Shielding Hat – My hat is my favorite hiking gear. A wide-brimmed hat will help keep the sun off you.
• Winter Hat-  Morning can be cold in the desert at any time of year. A   knit hat  is great to have in your bag for early mornings or windy days.
• Moisture-Wicking Shirts – Any shirt will do, but the best  hiking shirts  are made of natural or synthetic moisture-wicking material that is breathable and dries quickly.
• Athletic Shorts/Pants – I personally tend to wear   hiking leggings   more than shorts. If you are hiking in the winter,  Carhartt  makes great thick women’s leggings.
• Lighter Jacket or Wind Jacket – Layering is always a good idea when hiking, and I put a  spare windbreaker  or   light jacket  in my backpack in case the wind picks up.
• Winter Coat – This may depend on the time of year you go, but I was glad to have my  puffy coat  when waiting for sunrise at the Grand Canyon and Bryce, even in late March.
• Hiking Boots or Trail Runner –  Hiking boots  help keep your footing on rock and reduce the impact on your feet.
• Hiking Socks – Also, bring  good socks  to reduce the risk of blisters!
• Backpack – A  good daypack  can make your hike so much more enjoyable. Properly distributing weight can ease your trip and allow you to bring all the essentials above!
• Headlamp – If you are going to be camping or hiking for sunrise, be sure to bring a  headlamp  and batteries.

You May Also Like

• How to Plan a National Parks Road Trip
• Best Canyonlands Hikes
• Sunrise at Delicate Arch
• Utah National Parks Ranking

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An Epic 12 Day Arizona to Utah Road Trip Itinerary

Due to the global pandemic, travel looks different right now depending on where you're going from/to. Please check for travel restrictions and adhere to all local guidelines before planning a trip to any destination you may read about on this site.  Please note: this post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something by clicking the links, I will get a small compensation, at no extra cost to you.

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It’s no secret that the Southwest United States is one of the most rugged, beautiful areas in the country with red rocks, historic canyons, and a vibrant population celebrating diverse Native American, Mexican, and Western cultures.

Not only that, but the Southwest makes for one of the best road trips in the US! In this travel guide, I’m sharing my Arizona to Utah road trip itinerary complete with where to stop, places to stay, and other useful travel tips.

I lived in Arizona for 4 years and certainly made my way across the Southwest, so I know this road trip itinerary will have you on the right path!

Before we dive into the specific itinerary, let’s tackle some FAQ’s.

How many days do you need to drive this Arizona to Utah route?

For this exact itinerary, you’ll need 12 days and here’s why. Arizona and Utah are some of the most densely beautiful states in the Southwest. There’s 8 national parks and many more national monuments and historic sites. The cities are culturally diverse and the landscapes are varied.

You need time to see this region properly, and honestly even 12 days is rushing through, allowing one day per national park.

However, if you’re short on time, I’ll share some recommended things to cut out. If you have more time, I’ll give my recommendations for other sights to see and more activities to fill your days.

What’s the best starting point?

There are two major airports in Arizona: Phoenix and Tucson. I have you starting in Phoenix and heading north. However, if you’re interested in exploring the southernmost part of Arizona, there’s lots do to near Tucson including the Tombstone ghost town and Saguaro National Park, so you’ll want to start there. It will add a full day, so take that into account when travel planning.

Is a rental car necessary?

If you are flying in, yes , you’ll definitely need a rental car. Because the Southwest spans multiple states, there isn’t public transportation that can reliably take you to all the stops on this itinerary.

When is the best time to travel Arizona to Utah and back?

With school schedules, it can be mighty tempting to do this itinerary during summer breaks. However, if possible, I encourage you to try this itinerary during spring or fall .

Summer not only brings crazy crowds, but also intense heat. The kind of heat that can make the trip unbearable and stop you from completing hikes…around 100 degrees Fahrenheit or more!

In winter, roads especially within the national parks may be closed making the journey more challenging.

Spring and fall have great weather, fewer crowds and are the perfect time to visit. That said, if you are visiting in summer, be sure to pack accordingly. Check out my downloadable and printable summer packing list below (it’s free!).

What should you pack on this road trip?

Aside from road trip essentials , you’ll need lots of water, snacks, comfortable shoes or hiking boots, possibly a rain jacket (did you know Arizona gets monsoons in the summer?), and lots of sunscreen.

I’ve made this handy winter packing list that you can tweak accordingly. It’s free, just tell me where to send it!

How much does this AZ to UT itinerary cost?

Expected cost of your trip

for one person for 12 days

America the Beautiful Pass: $80

Gas: $150 (for ~1500 miles) depending greatly on your vehicle and MPG

Food: $450 per person assuming breakfasts are at hotels or brought from home

Hotels: $1,800 (assuming $175 per night)

Activities/tours: $50

Rental car: $500

*You can save most by reducing your accommodation costs by camping, couch-surfing, or redeeming credit card points. Consider saving on food costs as well, by packing your lunches. Even buying a cooler, ice and groceries can be cheaper than paying for lunches every day!

Map of your Arizona to Utah road trip

Day 1: PHX to Montezuma Castle and Well to Sedona

On your first day, after flying into Phoenix, head north to Montezuma Castle and Well. These are actually in two separate locations, but part of one national historic site.

The Castle is closer to Phoenix, so head there first. Driving time is an hour and a half.

Montezuma Castle is a limestone cliff dwelling of the Sinagua culture. It’s over 800 years old and while you used to be able to climb up to it via ladders (in the 1950s), you can now only view it from the ground to preserve the structure.

This is a great first stop because you’ll be immersed in the unique Southwest culture, rocks, and plants all in one go!

There is a 1/3 mile loop trail to follow and signs to learn more about the Castle.

After, keep heading north a bit (about 20 minutes drive) to Montezuma Well. This is a natural well that was used for irrigation for the Sinagua People. It receives a natural 1.5 million gallons of warm water daily!

You can also walk the short 1/3 mile trail here past the well and into the back to see the irrigation ditches, that are still used.

Keep driving north to Sedona (only 35 minutes), where you’ll be stopping for tonight.

If you have time for a short afternoon activity, I recommend visiting Chapel of the Holy Cross. This church is embedded into the red rocks and is quite the sight. It’s free to visit and makes for a no-hiking-necessary activity.

For dinner, I recommend The Hudson or Hideaway House for some great food and gorgeous mountain views!

Recommended stay: Sky Ranch Lodge (mid-luxury at $260+ per night) or Sedona Village Lodge (budget at $90+ per night)

Day 2: Sedona exploration by day and Flagstaff by night

Good morning and hello Sedona in the day time!

For breakfast, try Casa Sedona Restaurant , specializing in brunch with a relaxing atmosphere.

Sedona is one of the best places to hike in Arizona! Red Rock State Park is one of the most popular spots (and for good reason, it’s beautiful!).

Eagles Nest Loop is a good choice if you’re looking for high reward, lower effort. It’s a 2.8 mile loop with ~300 ft elevation gain.

Another very popular hike is Cathedral Rock, which is a 1.2 mile roundtrip trail with panoramic views of Sedona.

There is a parking lot on Back O Beyond, that can get extremely full if you’re not there at the crack of dawn. If you can’t find parking Thursday through Sunday, there is a shuttle that drops hikers off at the trailhead that picks up at SR 179 Park and Ride.

One final recommendation is Slide Rock State Park. This is for my families or travelers who aren’t hikers or get hot easily.

Slide Rock State Park has a small trail that leads to a river that passes through the red rocks. People swim in the water often and there are even natural slides (hence the name)!

I recommend packing a lunch, if possible, so as not to disrupt your hiking day. There are plenty of grocery stores in Sedona so you can stock up accordingly.

For dinner, head to Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village , which also has a range of restaurants and eateries. El Rincon Mexican Restaurante features Arizona-style Mexican cuisine. Oak Creek Brewery is great for a post-hike meal and drink.

Don’t miss the sweet shops for dessert – Cream for ice cream or How Sweet It Is In Sedona for fudge!

At the end of your day, head to Flagstaff to crash for the night. Driving time is only 45 minutes. Tomorrow is Grand Canyon day!

Recommended stay: Bespoke Inn (mid-luxury at $200+ per night, but in a stellar location) or Little America (budget at $150+ per night)

Day 3: Grand Canyon

Good morning. Grab some coffee and breakfast in town. My local favorites are The Place and Northern Pines for their amazing cinnamon roll French toast!

Today is Grand Canyon day! Head to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim about an hour and a half from Flagstaff and explore the breathtaking views of the canyon. There are many overlooks, but a couple favorites include Mather Point and Yavapai Point. At Yavapai, there’s an Observation Station with educational exhibits to learn more about the canyon.

Hiking the canyon is possible, but it can be dangerous. 250 people are rescued each year, so do your research and trust your gut!

I recommend the Rim Trail which starts at the viewpoints in the Village and is one of the easiest hikes.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try the Grand Canyon Skywalk, a glass bridge that takes you directly over the Grand Canyon! It is a separate ticketed experience, so keep that in mind.

Another memorable tour is seeing the Grand Canyon by helicopter or on a mule trip. Mule trips can sell out 15 months in advance and you need to be at least 9 years old, 57 inches tall, and less than 200 lbs.

If you’re looking for a unique way to experience the Grand Canyon, especially for families, take a ride on the historic Grand Canyon Railway , which leaves from Williams, Arizona (just 30 minutes from Flagstaff). The train ride is complete with old timey Western musicians and cowboy characters!

Inside the Visitor Center, there’s a grab-and-go café where you can purchase sandwiches for lunch. Alternatively, pack your lunch to save a bit.

When you’ve finished at the Grand Canyon, head back to Flagstaff for the night.

For dinner, I highly recommend Lumberyard for American fare and their craft beer (their cheese fries with ranch are my FAVORITE). NiMarco’s Pizza is also one of my favorites for their amazing pesto pizza.

At night, you may be tempted to hit the hay. However, Flagstaff is the first ever dark sky city so I urge you to drive to Buffalo Park or Lowell Observatory to stargaze! It’s unreal!

Recommended stay: same as Day 2 above!

Recommended read >> Guide to stargazing in Flagstaff

Day 4: Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, and Lake Powell or Grafton Ghost Town

Drive north from Flagstaff to Page, Arizona (driving time is just over 2 hours). Here, stop at Horseshoe Bend, a natural bend in the Colorado River. The trail is only ¾-mile long but it is unshaded for the entire way, so bring the proper gear and plenty of water. Horseshoe Bend is free to visit, so don’t miss it!

The other must-do in Page is Antelope Canyon. You’ll definitely want to secure these reservations ahead of time as they can sell out, especially during the most popular times of day (mid-day, when the sun is center in the sky).

Antelope Canyon is a narrow slot canyon that is illuminated by the sun and simply put, stunning. It is located on the Navajo Reservation, which is why you have to book a guided tour. But, they are truly amazing tour guides. They will drive you to and from the canyon, give a brief history pointing out important formations, and even take your photos, which is great because they know all the best angles!

When booking a tour you can take your pick between Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon , where each has stunning views but different formations to see.

Grab lunch in town. El Tapatio comes highly recommended on Google! I brought my own lunch, so I don’t have a personal recommendation, unfortunately.

At this point, there are a couple options for your itinerary. Either way, you’ll be ending the night at Zion National Park, which is just over 2 hours from Page.

You can either go kayaking at Lake Powell in Page or head straight to Springdale, Utah and then some to see the ghost town, called Grafton, outside of Zion.

Whatever you choose, make sure you end your day in Springdale, Utah, the closest town to Zion National Park. There are a few places to stay, but because this town is small and Zion is a very popular national park, you’ll want to book early!

For dinner, Bit and Spur Restaurant and Saloon is a good option for Southwestern food or Zion Pizza and Noodle Co for pizza, pasta, and an outdoor beer garden!

Recommended stay: Zion Canyon Lodge (budget at $150+ per night) or Driftwood Lodge (mid range at 250+ per night)

Day 5: Zion National Park

To start your day, grab breakfast in town from The Park House or pack some protein or granola bars.

Before we start on the day’s itinerary, be sure to pack a backpack with ample water, lunch, snacks, sunscreen, and all the other 10 hiking essentials .

A note on Zion National Park, most of the park is only accessible by tram, which you can access from the Visitor Center in Springdale.

It feels almost criminal that I’m only giving you one day in Zion National Park, but here are the activities I recommend.

Some of the United States’s best hikes are in Zion including Angels Landing and the Narrows, each of which have their challenges – Angels Landing is famously treacherous and the Narrows can flood so it can only be hiked during specific times and days. You need permits for each of these, so some proper planning is required.

For an easy, reliable hike, Emerald Pool Trail is my favorite. It offers amazing views of Zion with reprieves of water, either falling from cave-like overhangs or in actual pools. Water shoes are helpful here if you plan on swimming in the pools. You can get there via the tram at the Zion Lodge stop.

The other activity I recommend is driving the scenic road that passes through the park, Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. It will take you through tunnels where you pop out to magnificent views of the mountains.

This evening, feel free to stay in Springdale for one less accommodation booking. Or, drive to Brian Head, Utah, which sits between Zion and Bryce, for a cheaper lodging option tonight and good positioning for tomorrow.

Recommended stay: same options for Springdale, or Brian Head Lodge (budget at $50+ per night)

Day 6: Bryce Canyon National Park

Drive to Bryce Canyon this morning, which is 2 hours from Zion National Park or an hour and 45 minutes from Brian Head. Bryce Canyon National Park has only one road and no gas services, so be sure to fill up your tank before going in!

Bryce Canyon National Park is great because you can drive the one road and pull over frequently at the overlooks. A guided itinerary isn’t super necessary here, but if you want one, here’s a great one day Bryce iti nerary .

If you want to hike, Queen’s Garden/Navajo Combination Loop is the most popular! It descends through the hoodoos on switchbacks and is just beautiful. You can start at Sunrise or Sunset Point.

I also highly recommend driving to some neighboring hikes just outside the bounds of the National Park. My favorite was Mossy Cave, which is a one-mile stroll through a canyon to a waterfall and small cave. This can be a great option if the summer crowds are getting to you in the park.

Drive 2 hours to Torrey, Utah, the closest city to Capitol Reef National Park, which is tomorrow’s activity!

Recommended stay: Red Sands Hotel (budget at $150+ per night) or Capitol Reef Resort (mid range at $225+ per night)

Day 7: Capitol Reef National Park and Moab

Capitol Reef National Park is known for its geologic features (yay science ), including the Waterpocket Fold, which is a ~100-mile-long wrinkle in the earth’s crust. Cool, right?!

Some popular things to do include hiking Capitol Gorge, driving the Scenic Drive, an 8-mile drive, or driving Cathedral Valley loop. The loop drive is 58 miles and take the whole day to complete because of all the stops and side trips, so consider that in your planning process.

At the end of the day, drive approximately 2 hours toward Arches National Park to the city of Moab to crash for the night. Moab is a larger town and there are lots of accommodation options. I recommend staying here for 3 nights to explore this area over the next two full days.

For dinner, I recommend The Broken Oar for hearty American fare.

Recommended stay: Wingate by Wyndham (budget at $150+ per night) or Hoodoo Moab (mid-luxury at $250+ per night)

Day 8: Arches National Park

For breakfast in Moab, Moab Diner comes highly recommend and they serve breakfast all day, perfect for my late-risers.

Arches National Park is known for its ( drumroll, please ) arches. Ooh ahh. Okay, really, the arches are spectacular.

You’ll want to visit Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, Double Arch, and Windows Section.

As of 2023, you’ll need to secure a reservation for Arches National Park in addition to your entry ticket (or America the Beautiful pass) if you are visiting from April 1 to October 31. To do so, you can call or follow the steps on Recreation.gov .

Timed entries are available from 7am to 4pm daily and are per vehicle. You don’t need a timed entry if you already have a permit for Devils Garden campground, backcountry camping, Fiery Furnace, Special Use, or if you arrive on foot or bike.

I recommend packing your lunch and even dinner to spend the most time in the park.

There’s one reason to stay in the park past nightfall and that’s because Arches National Park is one of the only dark sky parks, so stargazing is incredible here. The farther you go from the Moab city lights the better. Some recommended stargazing spots are Garden of Eden Viewpoint, Panorama Point, The Windows Section.

Since Moab is such a prominent town on this itinerary, I recommend staying here a second night.

Day 9: Canyonlands National Park and Dark Canyon Wilderness

Good morning! For breakfast, try Love Garden in Moab for breakfast burritos and sunrise paninis!

From Arches, head south on US-191 for only 30-45 minutes to Canyonlands National Park. Here, you’ll see incredible canyons, mesas, and buttes carved by the Colorado River.

There are several trails to explore including the Island in the Sky Trails which consist of many short trails around the mesa top. White Rim Overlook (1.8-miles) has views of the Colorado River, Monument Basin, and La Sal Mountains while Grand View Point (1.8-miles) is an out-and-back trail with panoramic views of the surrounding canyon and landscapes.

If you have time, check out Dark Canyon Wilderness, where you’ll get some stellar views without the national park crowds. It’s only 75 miles from Canyonlands National Park, but the drive can take up to 3.5 hours to travel between the parks and the main highway.

You can skip Dark Canyon Wilderness if you’re short on time or are looking for something to trim from this itinerary.

Again, I recommend keeping Moab as your base camp for these days, so continue wherever you’ve been staying tonight. Alternatively, camping is available inside and outside the national parks, so you can move around if you like.

Recommended read >> Essential travel apps to help you plan camping, road tripping, and more!

Day 10: Monument Valley and Four Corners

Located 3 hours southwest of Moab is Monument Valley.

Monument Valley is a must-see stop on your Arizona to Utah trip. With buttes that look like mittens, you can easily spend hours discovering this area. Make the drive to Monument Valley earlier in the morning so you can spend the majority of your morning here leaving some time in the afternoon for one more stop.

What makes this spot so unique is that the red rock towers of Monument Valley are made from sandstone at sit at up to 1000 feet tall!

Monument Valley is located on the Navajo Reservation and so access is limited and regulated. Entry is $8 and there is a Visitor Center with restrooms, shopping, and food offerings.

There are a couple things to do at Monument Valley so you can take your pick. From the Visitor Center, you get great views of the valley so be sure to stop by the observation deck.

There is a hiking trail called the Wildcat Trail, which is a 4-mile loop. You do need to sign in and out at the Visitor Center if participating in this hike. It will take you to more remote areas of Monument Valley with stunning views.

Monument Valley 17-mile loop is a scenic drive that you can take through the valley. However, during peak season (March-August), the wait times can be high. Instead, consider taking a guided tour via vehicle or horse.

Before departing the area, grab some food from the visitor center because our next stop is pretty isolated!

Continue to Four Corners, an hour and 45 minutes from Monument Valley, which is another spot on the Navajo Reservation. The entry fee is also $8 per person and National Park passes are not accepted. Before you visit, be sure to check their hours as they do change seasonally.

Four Corners is the one and only location where four state borders meet! You can stand in Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico all at once – although you’ll need to get down on all fours!

The area itself is definitely a tourist attraction with not much else to do in the area. There are vendors selling beautiful native artwork and often they have a food vendor selling Navajo tacos or fry bread (my favorite!).

Four Corners is very isolated, so plan accordingly. Bring A LOT of water and fill up on gas before visiting.

This evening, I recommend making the trek to Holbrook, Arizona (3 hours away from Four Corners). It’s a small town with good restaurants, recognizable hotel chains like the La Quinta Inn (budget at $125+ per night), and will put you in a good position for tomorrow! For dinner, try Sombreritos Mexican Food or Mesa Italiana Restaurant.

Day 11: Petrified Forest National Park and Meteor Crater

It’s the final full day so let’s make the most of it! Grab some breakfast from your hotel, make your own, or try Camaleon Cafe in Holbrook.

Drive 20 minutes from Holbrook to Petrified Forest National Park. In my opinion this is one of the most underrated and slept on national parks, especially for Arizona!

Petrified Forest National Park has a 28-mile main road with many viewpoints along the way, where the road connects US-180 to I-40 and travels just north of I-40. You can drive it either direction, but here are some recommended things to do.

On the north end, visit the Painted Desert Visitor Center and Painted Desert Inn National Historic Landmark, both of which have exhibits relevant to the park highlighting the history, Route 66, and paleontology.

Drive Petrified Forest Road and stop along the way. Tiponi Point is one of the closest to the entrance of the park on the north end and will give you views of the “painted” nature of the park. Some other stops on the north side include Pintado Point, Whipple Point, and Lacey Point.

Be sure to see Newspaper Rock State Historic Monument in the park. This is an archeological site with over 650 petroglyphs created by ancestral Puebloan people between 650 and 2000 years ago!

The Tepees are also a must-see along the main road. They’re triangular painted rocks and are truly other-worldly.

While there are plenty of hiking trails in the park, the 0.4-mile loop, Giant Logs, is a classic because it takes you around some of the most colorful petrified logs in the park! You’ll also see some of the largest with Old Faithful at almost 10 feet wide!

The other to consider is Crystal Forest, which is a 0.75-mile loop, where the petrified logs have crystals inside the wood deposits.

For lunch, you can grab something from Holbrook or try the Painted Desert Diner in the park for a meal.

Next on your itinerary is a fun science site – Meteor Crater , Arizona. It is indeed the site of a meteor impact and is an hour from Petrified Forest National Park.

The crater is a 50,000-year-old meteorite crater that’s almost ¾-mile in diameter! Be sure to visit the interactive discovery center, explore all the lookouts, and watch the educational film to learn about the site.

Tickets cost $18 for adults and includes a guided rim tour!

The meat and potatoes of the trip is now over! However, depending on your timing of leaving whether by car or plane, you might want to spend one more night nearby before driving to Phoenix to end the trip.

I recommend driving the 45 minutes to Flagstaff and staying there . If you have the time, Flagstaff has some great things to do like Lowell Observatory, the lava tubes, hiking Humphrey’s Peak, exploring downtown, catching a show at The Orpheum Theater, hiking around Arizona Snowbowl, or stargazing at Buffalo Park.

Day 12: Return to Phoenix and Depart

Head south to Phoenix to spend the day there or kill some time before your flight if you have it.

In Phoenix, there’s lots to do. I highly recommend purchasing a Tonto Pass (the parking pass for Arizona’s recreational parks), and tubing at Salt River. Bring water shoes and marshmallows – people throw them at each other as they pass fellow tubers. You can rent tubes and arrange transportation at Salt River Tubing .

Also in Phoenix, the Heard Museum houses a great collection of American Indian art and the Desert Botanical Garden is perfect for families who want to spend the day outside.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this Arizona to Utah road trip itinerary! I know it’s a lot but there’s truly so much wonderfulness to see in the Southwest, so I’m so glad you’re taking the time to explore it!

Extra time?

If you have some spare days in your travel plans, I recommend dedicating a day to Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. It’s a popular stop in Utah just 25 minutes from Bryce Canyon and given our crunched timeline, I skipped over it.

Some of the best things to do there are Toadstools Trail, a 1.5-mile round-trip hike that takes you through toadstool-esque rock formations, Grosvenor Arch, a 0.1-mile “hike” to a natural arch, and Willis Creek Slot Canyon, a longer, but still easy hike at around 5-miles out-and-back, but inanely beautiful!

You can also drive Hole-in-the-Rock Road or Cottonwood Canyon Road for scenic drives!

Finally, if you have multiple days, you can make the drive down to Tucson. In this area you’ll find Saguaro National Park, a lively ghost town (Tombstone), and one of the most southern located small towns, Bisbee. A personal favorite of mine is Kartchner Caverns State Park!

Short on time?

Yeah, I know there’s a lot to see and you might not have 12 days. Some of the activities on this last can be trimmed down, so here’s what I recommend skipping if you must:

• Montezuma Castle and Well
• Dark Canyon Wilderness
• Four Corners
• Meteor Crater
• National Parks as you see fit

My Travel Essentials

• Travel Insurance  – Going on an international trip? Don’t forget travel and medical insurance with SafetyWing .
• Travel Card  – If you’re new to travel hacking, fear not! My favorite card for beginners gives you $750 in rewards when you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months, plus lounge access, 10x points on hotel bookings, and free TSA pre-check!
• Get Your Guide  – Check out Get Your Guide for a one-stop-shop for booking travel activities.
• Booking.com  – This is my favorite hotel search aggregator, specifically for reading reviews. On Booking.com , the reviews can be searched for keywords like WiFi, breakfast, pool, amenities, etc.! So helpful!
• Anti-pickpocket bag – Worried about having your valuables swiped? PacSafe makes the best travel bags with zippers and straps that lock and with mesh steel enforced fabric.
• Give the Gift of Travel  – This is the perfect gift for travelers in your life! Tinggly allows you to gift experiences around the world, perfect for birthdays, weddings, or anniversaries.
• Staycation Idea  – Check out Resort Pass , which gives you day passes to resorts so you can use their pool, spa, and fitness center, a great staycation idea!
• Guide to Montezuma Castle and Well
• Guide to Page, Arizona
• Places to visit near Tucson
• Tips for visiting Flagstaff in the fall
• Where to stargaze in Flagstaff
• Weekend guide to Zion and Bryce Canyon
• West Coast bucket list
• Most famous places in America

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Alanna Koritzke

Recent PhD graduate and hyper-planner of Periodic Adventures, my goal is to share travel inspiration, budget tips, detailed guides, and fun travel stories!

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The Ultimate 4 Arizona to Utah Road Trip itineraries For Epic Adventures with your Partner in 2024! (10 days, 7 days and 4 days in Arizona and Utah)

Save to Find It Later!

Are you looking for the best Arizona to Utah Road Trip? Stop looking, you’ve found it! Actually, you have found 4 different Arizona to Utah road trips to ensure you can make the most out of your time travelling regardless of where you are based and how much time off you have!

I, Marie, have travelled throughout Arizona and Utah twice once on a one month road trip across the USA from Nashville to Hawaii and once on a 2 week West Coast road trip itinerary and this section of the trip was one of my favorites!

What you’ll find in this Arizona to Utah Road Trip post:

• One 10 day Arizona to Utah Road Trip itinerary from Phoenix with several options to finish in Salt Lake City, Las Vegas or Phoenix
• One 7 day Arizona to Utah Road Trip itinerary from Phoenix to Salt Lake City
• One 4 day Arizona to Utah Road Trip itinerary from Las Vegas to Salt Lake City
• One 4 day Arizona to Utah Road Trip itinerary looping from and back to Las Vegas
• The total distance for each itinerary
• The total driving time for each itinerary
• The pace of each itinerary
• Where we stayed and where we recommend you stay at
• Activities we recommend 
• Fees and budget for each stop
• A Utah and Arizona national parks road trip map for each of the four itineraries
• Everything you need to know about Arizona and Utah national parks

What you will see on your Arizona and Utah road trip

• 2 to 3 USA States, including Utah and Arizona
• 1 to 2 main USA cities
• Up to 6 National Parks
• Up to 6 State Parks and Recreational Areas
• Scenic American drives such as Route 66
• A couple of highlights that remain under the radar (yay for less crowds!)

How to browse these itineraries

• Use this page to compare the four itineraries between Utah and Arizona
• Each itinerary is based on the number of days and the starting and arrival points
• Click each preferred itinerary for more day-by-day details

10 day Arizona to Utah Road Trip

• Total distance: 1127 miles/1813 km
• Driving time: 20 hours
• Pace: Moderate
• Departure: Phoenix
• Arrival: Las Vegas ( Option A) , Salt Lake City ( Option C ) or back to Phoenix ( Option B )
• What you’ll see: Mostly National Parks and Recreational Areas including canyons and famous landmarks like Monument Valley
• Ideal for: Couples looking for a Phoenix to Utah road trip that they can turn into a 10 day adventure. This is the ideal itinerary to include in a road trip across the USA as well. 

10 day Utah Arizona road trip map

Overview of the route

Full 10 Day Arizona to Utah Itinerary Here

7 day Arizona to Utah Road Trip

• Total distance: 1,120miles/1803km
• Arrival: Salt Lake City
• What you’ll see: A mix of national parks, recreational areas, canyons, wildlife and cities.
• Ideal for: This 7 day Arizona to Utah road trip is full of Utah and Arizona trip ideas for couples with a limited amount of time. Although this itinerary is similar than the pervious one, we have removed a few stops and tailored it to the 7 day length so the pace is not as fast. You’ll first be spending 3 days in Arizona before heading to Utah and finishing in Salt Lake City.

7 day itinerary map

Full 7 Day Arizona to Utah Itinerary Here

4 day Arizona to Utah Road Trip

• Total distance: 819 miles/1318 km
• Driving time: 14 hours
• Pace: Fast-paced
• Departure: Las Vegas
• What you’ll see: A mix of national parks, canyons, famous landmarks, cities and wildlife
• Ideal for: Couples travelling from Arizona to Utah who don’t need to come back to Arizona and are looking to turn the long driving hours into an  adventure . Salt Lake City has an international airport so you can go anywhere from your last stop. 

4day Utah Arizona road trip map

Full 4 Day Arizona to Utah Itinerary Here

Alternative 4 day Arizona to Utah Road Trip: A looping Las Vegas Utah road trip to Arizona

• Total distance: 779 miles/1254 km
• Driving time: 13 hours
• Arrival: Las Vegas
• What you’ll see: A mix of national parks, canyons, famous landmarks, and cities
• Ideal for: Couples based in Las Vegas who want to travel around Arizona and Utah. Las Vegas has an international airport so you can come and go anywhere from there.

4 day loop to Vegas road trip map

Full alternative 4 Day Arizona to Utah Itinerary Here

Budget for your Arizona to Utah road trip

As this post contains 4 different road trip itineraries to explore Utah and Arizona, we thought it would be easier to give you an estimate of cost for each travel expense category rather than for each itinerary.

Road trip Utah Arizona Hotel cost

Hotel costs greatly vary depending on the standing you’re going for. In this post, we have recommended hotels that we have stayed at and hotels that we have heard good things about. For each stay, you’ll find at least one budget-friendly option, usually under $100 and closer to $70, and one high-end option around $200. On average, one night of hotel usually costs around $100 . 

Car Rental for 10 days

• From Phoenix to Salt Lake City: About $1200
• From Phoenix to Las Vegas: About $1000
• From Phoenix back to Phoenix: About $890
• From Las Vegas to Las Vegas: About $900
• From Las Vegas to Salt Lake City: About $1273

This brings the average to $1053 for a car for a 10 day Arizona and big 5 Utah road trip. It will be lower if you are doing the 7 day or 4 day itineraries. 

To that cost, you will need to add the cost of gas and the possible additional cost if you’re under 25 years old. Although 

Road trip Arizona Utah Food cost

It is no secret that food prices have gone up all over the world and the USA is no exception. As of 2024, a bag of chips costs about $5 and McDonald’s Big Mac is at $6. What we did to save money on food during our month long road trip was to buy a cheap cooler and grocery shop. Foods we would buy including tomatoes, peaches, chips, ham, cheese and bread. We would made sandwiches and salads ourselves which reduces the food cost drastically! 

Is an Arizona to Utah road trip good for couples?

An Arizona to Utah road trip is one of the top road trips for couples ! Imagine driving across some of the most sunning geological formations with your partner, while you’re listening to some of your favourite songs! Imagine horseback riding in Monument Valley, galloping together in parts of the park that very few get to see! This Arizona Utah national parks road trip is made for you to have the best memories together. From romantic activities to outworldly sceneries, this road trip will stop time and really make you appreciate your partner and the present time together. 

Along the way, we have also added recommendations for stunning luxurious hotels where you and your partner can relax and treat yourselves , along with recommendations for unique stays near the national parks , where you can spend a night in a luxurious tent and look at the stars together!

Planning a trip to Utah from Arizona

To help you plan a trip to Utah from Arizona or vice versa, we included in this section, all of the links we used to book our road trip across the USA. 

• Hotels: We book hotels with Booking and you can use this link to book yours . We love Booking as anyone can join the Genius program and obtain 10% discounts on selected hotels. This has helped us save a lot of money on our trips around the world!
• Activity: We love to use GetYourGuide to find activities in the destinations we are at. Throughout this post, you’ll find recommendations of activities at each stop, some that we have done and some that we have on our bucket list!
• Flights: We compare our flights using Skyscanner but we try to always book directly with the airlines as it is easier to deal with airlines in case of an issue. 
• Rental Car: We book cars either through Booking or through Expedia 
• Park Fees: Planning a trip to Arizona and Utah involves paying entrance fees for the national parks. As there are more than 3 national parks in these Arizona to Utah road trip itineraries, we recommend buying the National Park Pass for $80 here . 
• Best time to go: The best time to go on your Arizona to Utah road trip is between May and September. Although summer is peak season with the most crowds, it’s also the time that everything is open and operating at full capacity and speed. These itineraries would also be beautiful in the winter but winter weather can be hard to handle. Parts of the national parks are closed during winter so you will be missing out on some experiences. You will also need to add chains on your tyres. Most activities in these itineraries take place outside so it wouldn’t be ideal to be in the cold all day every day! 
• Website to check before going: Before visiting the national parks, we recommend checking the National Park Service website as they give updates on the road and weather conditions.
• Our Arizona and Utah trip planning experience: I actually went on a Colorado Utah Arizona road trip as part of my month long road trip across the USA. I also visited the Grand Canyon and cities around it on a separate trip. I’ve always visited Arizona and Utah in the summer and these states really shine at this time of the year. I never found the sites too crowded as I would expect to not be alone during peak season anyway. Between the sights, experiences and drives, summer is definitely a lovely time to go on a Utah and Arizona road trip! 
• Road trip games: Driving accross Utah and Arizona can take a while so don’t forget to bring some road trip games to pass time!

Where should I stop between Phoenix and Salt Lake City?

Grand Canyon National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park and Horseshoe Bend are all beautiful nature landmarks right between Phoenix, Arizona and Salt Lake City, Utah that you should stop at. That said, there is a lot more to do and see between the two cities. From Monument Valley to other national parks like Zion, the itineraries in this post will cover all the most famous and underrated stops that you should add to your Utah and Arizona road trip, including some in Nevada even in winter !

Are Utah and Arizona pretty much the same?

No, Utah and Arizona are quite different in climate, geography, and religion though they share similarities in rock formations. You can see the differences between Arizona and Utah in the table below:

Arizona to Utah Road Trip Q&As

The distance from Arizona to Utah depends on what location you’re looking at. Utah and Arizona share a border so the two states are right next to each other. The distance from Phoenix to Salt Lake City is 662.6 miles/1065 km and takes about 10 hours to complete by car. 

In Arizona and Utah, you should go to the 5 national parks in Utah and the 3 national parks in Arizona, including to the Grand Canyon. You should also visit recreational areas like Antelope Canyon or State Park like Red Rock State Park. Other points of interest include: Page, AZ Monument Valley, AZ Canyonlands National Park, UT Arches National Park, UT Capitol Reef National Park, UT Lower and Upper Antelope Canyon, AZ Horseshoe Bend, AZ Zion National Park, UT Bryce Canyon National Park, UT Goblin Valley State Park, UT and more!

Geographically, Arizona is closer to Las Vegas although the distance by road to both Utah and Arizona is equivalent.

Between one or two days in each Utah National Park is enough though it is usually possible to see the main landmarks in half a day. Some people also slow travel and stay up to a week in each, which can be good if you love hiking.

Utah has lots of national parks called the mighty 5 which you should definitely include in your Utah road trip. 

Kanab and St George are the biggest towns closest to Arizona State. 

Yes, absolutely and this is why we have included it in the above itineraries. 

Utah is often considered cooler in temperature compared to Arizona but both are just as cool to visit from an interest point of view. With the Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and Monument Valley, the North side of Arizona is quite epic! With 5 gorgeous national parks and incredible scenarios like Bryce Canyon or Arches National Park, Utah is just as cool as Arizona!

Check out our 7 day Arizona to Utah road trip itinerary above. It will give you the perfect itinerary from Phoenix to Utah to visit all of them. If you have 7 days and you would prefer to pick between Bryce, Zion, Arches, Canyonlands or Monument Valley, then Arches, Monument Valley and Bryce Canyon are our favourite!

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Mary and Eric

We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home.

We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home. With over 10 years of experience in dating and traveling to romantic places, we share our favorite date ideas and romantic destinations to help couples level up their relationships. Having lived in and traveled through the USA, we also share our favourite things to do in the States.

With 70,000 monthly readers and 16,000 followers on social media, Be Right Back is your go-to resource for romantic trip ideas and couple activities at home and abroad.

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Ultimate Arizona + Utah 9-Day Road Trip Itinerary for Desert Lovers

This Utah-Arizona itinerary is perfect for first-timers looking for epic scenery, breathtaking trails, and active adventures on their family road trip.

There are plenty of ways you can tackle this journey, depending on where you need to arrive and leave.

For this family road trip itinerary, we’re starting at Moab and meander our way south through the Utah Mighty 5 to end at the Grand Canyon.

From there, you can continue onwards through more of Arizona’s incredible natural wonders and desert reserves or head west towards Nevada and Las Vegas .

Suggested 9-Day Desert Lovers Itinerary

Days 1 and 2: Canyonlands National Park (Island in the Sky and The Needles)

Canyonlands National Park is so vast that a lifetime can be spent exploring it without getting to see everything. Seriously, you could come back many times and never repeat the same experience twice! If you’re new to Moab, though, the best way to go is to explore the Island in the Sky section of the park, which is easier to tackle and will give you a good introduction to the area.

Get an early start by catching one of the most spectacular sunrises in your lifetime at Mesa Arch, one of the most iconic spots in Utah. Next, you can hit a few of the hiking trails on offer to get a good feel of the place. Grand View Point Trail, Gooseberry Canyon, and Upheaval Dome are great options!

To finish off the day in the same but opposite way that you started it, head to Green River Viewpoint and catch an epic sunset with spectacular vistas of the iconic canyons below. At this point, the sun’s rays fall on the canyon walls, bringing the red hues on the rocky surface to life, a splendid spectacle you won’t soon forget.

The next day, you can explore Island in the Sky further or choose to dive deeper into Canyonlands by heading to The Needles district, another amazing spot that offers amazing panoramic views of the canyon and features some off-the-beaten-path, more challenging hikes.

• Got a little longer to spend in Moab? Then get beyond the national parks and check out these other family-friendly hikes and activities around Moab .

Day 3: Arches National Park

Arches National Park is pretty small as far as national parks go, but this doesn’t mean that it’s short on fabulous things to do and wonderful desert adventures!

Delicate Arch is an excellent place to start the day. This is probably the most iconic sight in Utah, to the point that it’s the arch depicted on their license plates! Next, take on the Landscape Arch trail , which will lead you to the largest natural arch in the USA and the entire world!

Afterwards, hop on your car and drive down the Arches Scenic Drive, a stunning road that offers a lot of great viewpoints where you can absorb spectacular, sweeping desert vistas.

At this point, it’ll be time for sunset. For a truly epic one, we recommend hiking up to Double Arch and continuing onwards until you reach The Windows, a perfect place to watch the sun go down and bid the day goodbye!

Note that timed reservations have been introduced for Arches National Park. From April to October, you’ll need to reserve your arrival time in advance to ensure entry and beat the summer queues.

Day 4: Capitol Reef National Park

Time to visit Capitol Reef, where the surest way of getting the most out of your stay here is by hiking to Hickman Bridge, a classic trail (2 miles round trip) that will take you to some of the most iconic spots in the park.

After hiking, hop back in your car and take Highway 24 to see the park’s impressive petroglyph figures that can be appreciated along a sheer cliff that runs parallel to the highway. These figures cover several rock panels and provide a wonderful insight into Capitol Reef’s indigenous heritage.

Next, drive along the 8-mile long scenic road, where you’ll catch some of the most famous sights in the park. Then, hike to Cassidy Arch, one of the most exciting trails here and the most iconic spot for photos in the entire park!

Days 5 and 6: Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the smallest national parks in the USA, so a day and a half is plenty to see all of its highlights. Just make sure you start the day as early as possible so you can explore as much as possible and make the most out of your visit.

The highlight of Bryce Canyon are red rock hoodoos, so I recommend packing a lunch and driving the park’s own scenic road first. Feel free to stop by at some of the park’s most scenic overlooks to get a mind-boggling “trailer” of some of the best vistas Bryce Canyon has in store for you.

In the afternoon, pick a short hiking trail so you can continue exploring and getting to know the park a little better. Afterward, get ready for the most epic sunset you’ve ever seen by heading to Sunset Point, where you’ll see the sun going down and the red rock hoodoos changing colors.

Day 6 is all about getting personal with Bryce Canyon. Hoodoos are what make Bryce Canyon so special and unique, so the best way to get more personal with the park is by seeing them up close.

There’s no better way to do that than by taking on the challenge of the Queen’s Garden to Navajo Loop and Wall Street trail. As you move through quirky rock tunnels and aromatic pine forests, you’ll get the best views of the park’s distinctive sandstone hoodoos that will make you feel like you’ve walked into a completely different world!

Come evening, you can drive to Springdale, adjacent to Zion National Park to get a good night’s sleep so you can prepare for another day full of desert wonders.

Day 7: Zion National Park

Begin the day early by heading from Bryce Canyon to Zion National Park . You can start by checking out the Zion Human History Museum , which tells the story of the indigenous Paiute who once lived here. The Towers of the Virgin and Watchman, plus other famous rock formations of Zion, sit right outside the museum, so take advantage of the opportunity to visit them.

Next, your best bet is to tie your shoelaces and explore the park on foot. There are many trails here that are pretty short and gentle, so you can do several of them on the same day.

When you’re done hiking, get back in your car and drive to Kolob Canyon, the best place in the park to watch a sunset. If you want to catch the exact spot for seeing the sun go down, where you’ll get a panoramic vista of the rock formations surrounding you, go up to Timber Creek Overlook at Kolob ViewPoint. You’ll even get some glimpses of the Grand Canyon on a clear day!

If you want to extend your Zion trip visiting Angel’s Landing, be aware you’ll need a permit only available by applying in the seasonal and daily ballot system. Also be mindful of the need to catch a shuttle into the parks popular trailheads when working out your timings.

Days 8 and 9: Grand Canyon National Park

Finish off an epic desert road trip by taking on the Bright Angel Trail, a 9.5-mile-long trail that begins at the rim of the Grand Canyon at Bright Angel Lodge and goes down all the way to the Colorado River at the bottom, ending in Phantom Ranch, where you can spend the night inside the canyon before heading back the next day!

If that sounds a bit much, there are plenty of shorter trails and scenic drives to experience within the country’s most famous national park to complete your Southwest desert adventure – and several interesting stops you can make along the way from Zion National Park to Grand Canyon without needing extensive hikes.

Book well in advance if you wish to stay at any of the Grand Canyon lodges or popular camping grounds within the national park.

Your Utah-Arizona Desert Road Trip Planned

Top Tips For A Utah-Arizona Desert Road Trip

• You’ll be covering several National Parks, so it is well worth investing in your America the Beautiful annual pass, which covers entrance fees at national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, and more. At just $80 for 12 months of visits, it’s one of the best investments a traveling family can make.
• We have shown this route as a one-way trip, but you could join at any point and complete it as part of “The Grand Circle,” incorporating Glen Canyon Monument Valley, too (though we’d suggest up to 2 weeks to cover the highlights of this epic road trip route thoroughly).
• You could be crossing between time zones! Arizona observes Mountain Standard Time (MST) throughout the year, while Utah observes Mountain Daylight Time (MDT) – daylight savings – from mid-March to Mid-November.
• Summer in the desert can be brutally hot. Always set out with plenty of water and observe our desert driving tips .
• Never forget a road trip essential again with our downloadable family road trip checklist .

© Family Road Trip 2024

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Arizona Utah Road Trip: 30 of the BEST Stops & Sample Itineraries

If you’re planning an Arizona Utah road trip, look no further! I’m spilling all the best spots, both well known and the hidden gems.

Arizona and Utah are the two states that just keep giving. I swear I could spend a lifetime in the Southwest revisiting all my favorite spots and finding new amazing places to explore. 

I’ve personally been to every one of these spots and would only recommend it if I loved it!

Between both Arizona and Utah there are 8 National Parks and countless national monuments and state parks. Plus, if you’re willing to go down a few dirt roads you’re sure to find some epic, out of this world landscapes. 

There are so many options through these two states. In this post I’ll break down all the best stops in both Arizona and Utah, and 1, 2, or 3 week road trip options! 

You can always pick and choose and create your own trip depending on how much time you have. Plus I’ve got maps and budget tips for your next Arizona-Utah road trip!

kateroamstheworld.com contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I believe in. Read my disclaimer for more information.

Planning your trip? Use my favorite resources!

Accommodation – Booking.com to find the best deals on hotels. Flights – Skyscanner to look for the best prices and deals on flights. Rental cars – DiscoverCars to shop around at multiple car rental agencies. Travel insurance – Safety Wing ; keep your trips insured to protect yourself while traveling. Tours/experiences – Viator or Get Your Guide for the best tours.

Best airport to fly into for an Arizona-Utah Road Trip

If you want to go to both Arizona and Utah, the easiest airport to fly into will be Las Vegas Henry Reid International Airport. 

Las Vegas is located just a few hours away from many of Utah and Arizona’s best stops, including Zion and Bryce National Parks, Page, AZ, the Grand Canyon, Sedona , and Monument Valley.

If you plan on spending 2-3 weeks on your road trip, maybe consider flying into Las Vegas and flying out of Salt Lake City, UT or Phoenix , AZ to not backtrack along your route and fit the most stops in. 

30 of the Best Stops on an Arizona-Utah Road Trip at a Glance

• Zion National Park
• Bryce Canyon National Park
• Mystic Hot Springs near Monroe, UT. 
• Capitol Reef National Park
• Goblin Valley State Park . 
• Little Wild Horse Slot Canyon .
• Arches National Park
• Canyonlands National Park
• Dead Horse State Park
• Fifth Water Hot Springs near Salt Lake City, UT.
• Cutler Point near Kanab, UT. (4×4, high clearance required)
• Buckskin Gulch Slot Canyon near Kanab, UT.
• The Wave near Kanab, UT. (Permits needed)

15. White Pocket, AZ near Kanab, UT. (4×4, high clearance required) 16. Lake Powell 17. Page 18. Alstrom Point near Page (4×4, high clearance required) 19. Monument Valley 20. Valley of the Gods 21. Goosenecks State Park 22. Grand Canyon National Park 23. Flagstaff 24. Edge of the World Campsite 25. Sedona 26. Prescott 27. Phoenix 28. Tuscon 29. Saguaro National Park 30. Organ Pipe National Monument

Arizona Utah Road Trip Maps

How many days do you need in Utah and Arizona?

You could spend as little as 5 days, or 5 weeks traveling through Utah and Arizona. There are so many various and diverse landscapes from mountains to canyons to red rocks to cacti to lakes and so much more. 

But, to explore a little bit of each state along the Arizona- Utah border, I think 7-12 days is perfect to hit a lot of stops without feeling rushed.

The purpose of listing all the best stops in both Utah and Arizona is so that you can get a feel of all the best stops in each state.

Then pick out the destinations that suit you best and make the most sense depending on where you’re coming from.

How to take an Arizona-Utah road trip on a budget

It’s not hard to save money while taking your Arizona-Utah road trip, so it’s a great trip to take while being on a lower budget!

If you like camping , there is a ton of dispersed camping throughout both states. Dispersed camping is on public land that is free for you to use. Using apps such as The Dyrt, iOverlander, and Freeroam are all great for finding free camping spots near your destinations.

Another easy way to save money is to buy food from grocery stores and make your own meals as often as you can. Some quick and easy meal and snack ideas are: peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, lunch meat sandwiches, protein bars, protein shakes, apples, bananas, trail mix, dried fruit, and nuts.

If you do splurge on a hotel instead of camping, try to book one that has breakfast included. You can save an easy 20$ on food for that morning by doing this!

Get an America the Beautiful National Parks pass . If you plan on visiting 3 National Parks in a year- get the annual pass. Paying one fee each time you enter a park really adds up so you’ll end up saving money by getting the annual pass!

Planning tips for your Arizona-Utah road trip

• Check road & trail conditions : The desert is a place of extremes and things like flash foods, rockfall, and more can cause trail and road closures. Check conditions before embarking.
• Reservations & permits : For camping and lodging reservations, you’ll want to book far in advance especially during peak season. And check to see if you need a timed reservation to get into one of the parks. Keep in mind that permits are sometimes required for hikes.
• Keep your gas tank full : Sometimes you may not see your next gas station for 100+ miles, so it’s always a good idea to keep your tank at least half full at all times.
• Have a first aid kit & roadside kit : Safety first! Have a first aid kit for your hikes and roadside kit for your car. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, especially when in the middle of the desert!
• Know the road conditions before driving & your car’s capabilities : Does this road require 4×4, AWD, or high clearance? Be aware of rain in the desert. Those dirt roads can become mud quickly and be impassible,- even in the most equipped vehicles.

Best stops in Utah

1. zion national park.

Zion National Park is located in Southwestern Utah, a little over 2 hours from Las Vegas International Airport. A small park that is so diverse and deserves 2 full days to explore all the best parts and hike the infamous trails of The Narrows and Angels Landing.

Best things to do in Zion National Park:

• Hike The Narrows : Walk through a slot canyon in the Virgin River. Moderate difficulty due to the fact you walk through the river the entire time. You can walk as far as you’d like- so it could be anywhere from 2-10 miles round trip. No permits needed.
• Hike Angels Landing : Permits needed, apply for a lottery on a 3 month rolling basis or try your luck one day before. Hard difficulty, this is not for those afraid of heights. 4.5 miles round trip & 1,600 ft elevation gain.
• Observation Point Hike : Just outside the park in East Zion. Fantastic views of the park. Moderate difficulty. 7 miles round trip & 700 ft elevation gain. A great alternative to Angel’s Landing if you don’t like heights or couldn’t get permits. Read more about this hike on my post here !
• The Watchman trail : Great for sunset. Moderate difficulty. 3 miles roundtrip & 635 ft elevation gain.
• The Canyon Overlook Trail : The perfect short trail located in the Eastern side of the park.

2. Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon, a 1 ½ hour drive from Zion, is a truly unique park, full of orange ‘Hoodoos’. These hoodoos are rock that have formed over thousands of years from erosion and are in the shape of spires. Spending one half or one full day is a good amount of time to see all the best sights.

Best things to do in Bryce National Park:

• Watch the sunrise : Walk around the rim right by the main parking area of the park, or set up your tripod to watch the sunrise at the aptly named Sunrise Point .
• Hike the Navajo & Queens Gardens Loop : Walk down into the hoodoos themselves and take a picture of yourself for scale! Moderate difficulty. 3 miles round trip & 650 ft elevation gain.
• Hike the Fairyland Loop Trail : A longer walk into the hoodoos to experience more of the park. Moderate difficulty. 7.8 miles round trip and 1,550 ft elevation gain. 

3. Escalante, UT

Since Escalante is not a part of a National Park, it’s left out a lot by roadtrippers around Utah. But make sure you don’t skip out on this beautiful area! The Grand Staircase- Escalante National Monument is an incredible area that literally stretches over 1 million acres. There is lots of great hiking around Escalante.

Escalante is one hour from Bryce Canyon and 2 hours from Capitol Reef National Park.

Best things to do in Escalante, UT:

• Hike to Lower Calf Creek Falls : A waterfall in the desert- yup you heard that right. And a beautiful one at that. Moderate difficulty. 6.7 miles roundtrip & 850 ft elevation gain.
• Hike to Zebra Slot Canyon : Truly unique and stunning slot canyon. It’s a narrow one though and getting through some parts are difficult; I wouldn’t go alone. Moderate difficulty. 6.5 miles roundtrip & 450 ft elevation gain.
• Coyote Gulch backpacking trip : Hike to the incredible Jacob Hamblin Arch and camp down in Coyote Gulch. Most accessible trailhead is at Hurricane Wash. Pick up a permit at the Escalante Visitor Center and pack out all waste. ~20 miles roundtrip with minimal elevation gain/loss. Involves stream crossing and trail finding at times.
• Reflection Canyon backpacking trip : You’ll need high clearance and at least AWD to get to this trailhead. It’s a very difficult hike but worth it. No water sources along the route. Trail finding needed. 15 miles roundtrip & 1,500 ft elevation gain.

4. Mystic Hot Springs

If you fancy a dip at a hot spring resort, take a detour on your way to Capitol Reef at Mystic Hot Springs. The nearest town is Monroe, Utah. You will have to account for a few extra hours of driving. Find multiple tubs and baths here for soaking.One of the most unique and interesting hot springs you’ll find out West. Reservations are needed to soak here.

5. Fifth Water Hot Springs

By far one of the dreamiest hot springs I’ve ever been to – and I’ve been to quite a few around the U.S.! Fifth Water Hot Springs is about an hour outside of Salt Lake City. The pools are a vibrant light blue color, it honestly looks exactly how it does in person as in the photos!

The hike to reach the springs is 4.5 miles roundtrip with 600 feet elevation gain. If you go in the winter, the last 1.2 miles of the road is closed to get to the trailhead. So add an additional ~2.5 miles roundtrip to your hike. I went in winter and the extra miles were well worth it to see the springs with a blanket of snow!

6. Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef has a little something for everyone. The park is full of red rock walls & cliffs, arches, canyons, and large rock monoliths. If you have a full day to spend in Capitol Reef I highly recommend it. Located 2 ½ hours East from Bryce Canyon.

Best things to do in Capitol Reef National Park:

• Hike to Hickman Bridge : Beautiful hike where you can walk under a huge arch. Moderate difficulty. 1.7 miles roundtrip & 415 ft elevation gain.
• Hike to Cassidy Arch : A hike where the journey is just as beautiful as the destination! The hike to Cassidy Arch takes you through Capitol Reef’s red rock country and to a huge arch you can walk over. The scale here is truly epic. Moderate difficulty. 3.1 miles roundtrip & 650 ft elevation gain.
• Drive to the Temple of the Sun & Moon : I visited this part of the park on my third time in Capitol Reef and my only regret is that I hadn’t seen it sooner! It is stunning here and something you will not see in any other part of the park. AWD, high clearance recommended for this drive due to sandy and rocky/rutted parts of the road. Expect the 35 mile drive to take about 2 hours; access the road off of Highway 24 near Hanksville.

7. Goblin Valley State Park

One of the many interesting places in the Southwest that leaves you scratching your head- ‘How in the heck did this form?!” Goblin Valley is a fun quick stop where you can see these funky rock formations that are really called ‘goblins’. You’ll feel like you stepped off a spaceship at this state park.

Goblin Valley is 1 hour East of Capitol Reef. It is about halfway between Capitol Reef and Moab, UT.

Best things to do in Goblin Valley State Park:

• Walk around the Goblins: You don’t have to do a full hike here, you can simply get out and walk down into the goblins for a little while near the visitor center.
• Hike the Goblin’s Lair: A hidden gem trail to a slot canyon and caverns. Moderate difficulty. 2.3 miles roundtrip & 165 ft elevation gain.

8. Little Wild Horse Slot Canyon near Goblin Valley

One of my favorite slot canyon hikes ever! After your time at Goblin Valley, drive another 45 minutes West to find Little Wild Horse Canyon.

The hike is moderate in difficulty and just under 4 miles roundtrip with 500 ft elevation gain if you only go to the slot canyon. You can also do the full Little Wild Horse Bell Canyon trail that is 8 miles roundtrip and 785 ft elevation gain.

9. Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands is often overlooked compared to its neighbor of Arches National Park. But don’t sleep on this incredible place! There are 4 districts in this park, with Island in the Sky and the Needles being the most popular and accessible. You can easily visit Island in the Sky with just half a day.

Canyonlands is located 2 ½ hours from Capitol Reef, 1 hour from Arches, and 4 hours from Salt Lake City.

Best things to do in Canyonlands National Park:

• Hike to Mesa Arch for sunrise : Infamous spot for sunrise, you can get a glimpse of the rising sun through the arch. Easy difficulty. 0.7 miles roundtrip & 85 ft elevation gain. 
• Green River Overlook at sunset: A stunning location in general but a sunset here is not to be missed. This is a simple overlook, no hiking needed.
• Visit The Needles district : Head over to the Needles district for quieter trails and solitude. Hike the 5 mile moderate trail to Chesler Park or go all the way to Druid Arch for a 10 mile roundtrip hike.

10. Dead Horse State Park

This state park is pretty small but worth the stop. If you’re coming to Canyonlands National Park, the detour to Dead Horse State Park is along the way and only takes an extra 25 minutes. You do not have to do any hiking to see the major viewpoint at Dead Horse. An hour at this spot is all you need.

Best things to do in Dead Horse State Park:

• Watch the sunrise or sunset at the Dead Horse Point Overlook .

11. Arches National Park

Home to over 2,000 arches , Arches National Park is the perfect place to spend a day on your Arizona-Utah road trip. Start your day by hiking to Delicate Arch to beat the crowds, hike to Sand Dune Arch and Devil’s Garden, and end your day at the Windows section.

Arches National Park is located just 15 minutes from the town of Moab and 4 hours from Salt Lake City. You do have to get reservation time slots April- October.

Best things to do in Arches National Park:

• Hike to Delicate Arch : The infamous arch that is on the license plates of Utah drivers, Delicate Arch is a sight to behold. Hike at sunrise to beat the crowds. Moderate difficulty. 3.2 miles roundtrip & 630 ft elevation gain.
• The Windows & Turret Arch : Also makes for a beautiful sunrise spot. Simple walk up sight easy to access from the parking lot.
• Double Arch : Across the parking lot from the Windows is Double Arch. Another walk up spot, the scale of this arch is truly incredible.
• Hike the Devil’s Garden trail : This hike will take you half a day but you will pass many arches and sights throughout. Moderate- hard difficulty. 8 miles roundtrip & 1,100 ft elevation gain.
• Hike to Sand Dune Arch & Broken Arch : Worth the quick stop to these 2 beautiful arches. Easy difficulty. 1.4 miles roundtrip & 150 ft elevation gain. 
• Hike to Corona Arch just outside of Arches : This amazing arch is just 15 minutes outside of the national park and definitely worth the stop. Sunset makes this arch glow. Moderate difficulty. 2.4 miles roundtrip & 480 ft elevation gain.

12. Valley of the Gods

Valley of the Gods is in Southeastern Utah, just 1 hour north of Monument Valley in Arizona. Valley of the Gods is known as a mini Monument Valley. While it doesn’t have the same “wow” factor that Monument Valley does, it is still worth the stop if you’re in the area!

Best things to do in Valley of the Gods:

• Go camping : One of Utah’s best free, dispersed camping sites is here at Valley of the Gods. Set up camp and watch the buttes and canyons glow orange with the setting sun.
• Do the 17 mile drive : When the road is dry, any car can make this drive. It is a scenic 17 mile drive through Valley of the Gods to see all the best sights.

13. Goosenecks State Park

Just 30 minutes down the road from Valley of the Gods is Goosenecks State Park. The overlook largely resembles that of Horseshoe Bend in Page, AZ. Except Goosenecks is like 2 of those bends and this park is not nearly as crowded!

Best things to do in Goosenecks State Park:

• Goosenecks Viewpoint : You can easily park and walk right up to the viewpoint to see the Goosenecks. The canyon is carved by the San Juan River.
• Go camping : There are 8 campsites here, first come first serve, that sit right along the rim overlooking the goosenecks and the San Juan River.
• Hike the nearby Honaker trail : This rugged hike takes you down to the San Juan river. There are many switchbacks and some spots that those fearful of heights wouldn’t enjoy! Hard difficulty. 4 miles roundtrip & 1600 ft elevation gain.

Hidden gems in Utah

14. cutler point aka the great chamber.

The Great Chamber is located closest to the town of Kanab, UT. A 4×4 high clearance car is absolutely needed to get here. The road has very deep sand at times. 

From the main road it will take about 45-60 minutes to reach the trailhead to get to the Great Chamber. From that trailhead is only a 0.3 mile uphill walk through sand up to the large cave.

Since this place is hard to reach and off the radar, it makes one of the best hidden gems! It’s also a simple picture spot so you don’t need a large amount of time here.

Best stops in Arizona

15. buckskin gulch slot canyon.

The Buckskin Gulch to Wire Pass trail is an absolutely amazing slot canyon. The trailhead is located about 1 hour outside of Page, AZ. You will actually go North and cross into Utah for a bit.

It’s one of the longest slot canyons in the entire world! The trail also features some petroglyphs and a cool rock formation at the start that resembles The Wave.

The trail is about 12 miles long, with almost all of it being in the slot. However, you don’t have to hike the entire trail. Feel free to just do a few miles and turn back around.

16. The Wave

You must have a permit to visit The Wave, that are pretty competitive to win. There is a lottery drawing for them that you can apply for at recreation.gov . I applied for permits for the first and only time in the month of January and got them on the first try!

Once you have scored your permits, the hike to this magnificent area is 6.7 miles roundtrip with 1200 feet of elevation gain. It is fully exposed in the sun and requires a bit of route finding, so download an offline trail map.

17. Page , AZ

Page is located in Northern Arizona, right before the Utah border. Page is a 2 hour drive from Zion, and 4 hours from Phoenix.

There is so much to do around the town of Page, it would be easy to spend 2 days here, especially if you want to get out on Lake Powell. If not, 1 day would suffice by hiking Horseshoe Bend and going to Antelope Canyon.

Best things to do in Page, AZ:

• Hike to Horseshoe Bend : This is the famous overlook of the Colorado River where the canyon looks like a horseshoe. Go during sunrise for the least crowds. Easy- moderate difficulty. 1.5 miles roundtrip & 135 ft elevation gain.
• Kayak Horseshoe Bend : If you’d like to see and experience Horseshoe Bend from a different perspective, consider kayaking the Colorado River and even camping down on the shores! There is a backhaul ferry that takes you up river and then you kayak back. It is a unique experience and gorgeous down there.
• Hike in Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon on Navajo land: An experience not to be missed. I’ve been to many, many slot canyons, but truly none measure up to the beauty that is Antelope Canyon. The canyon is really a work of art, looking like it was hand sculpted instead of the effects of thousands of years of nature just doing its job. You’ll need timed reservations for both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon. 

18. Lake Powell

Lake Powell, truly one of my favorite spots in the Southwest. The blue- green waters of the lake just look so magical next to the orange and yellow canyon walls. I could easily spend a week on a houseboat just exploring! Lake Powell is right on the outskirts of the town of Page, AZ.  

Best things to do in Lake Powell:

• Kayak to lower Antelope Canyon . Take a guided kayak tour and paddle to the entrance of Lower Antelope Canyon. There is a portion of this canyon you can access via Lake Powell and is not on Navajo land. 
• Rent a boat for the day . A boat day on Lake Powell in the warmer months is really spectacular. Gaze up at the canyon walls as you cruise by. Renting a boat gets pricey, so visiting in the spring and fall months is better for those on a budget. 
• Camp at Lone Rock Beach . Right on the shores of Lake Powell you’ll find the large expanse that is Lone Rock Beach. There is plenty of room to spread out, and it makes for great stargazing at night. There are no real ‘sites’ and it is first come first serve.

19. Monument Valley

Monument Valley is right at the border of Utah in Northern Arizona, 2 hours East of Page, AZ. 

This huge valley is chock full of red sandstone buttes, some that tower over 1,000 feet tall! The sunrises and sunsets here are truly something special. Plus, there’s an amazing hotel that sits right at the foot of the valley with the best view! If the hotel doesn’t suit your budget needs, there is a campground there too with great views. One day in Monument Valley will suffice.

Best things to do in Monument Valley:

• Do the scenic drive : This is a 17 mile loop road that is the main attraction at Monument Valley. The best part is you can see pretty much all of this right from your car, with no need to go hiking. When the road is dry, any car can make the drive. You’ll see all the top sights on this drive, such as John Ford Point, The Mittens, Elephant Butte, Three Sisters, and much more. Make a half day out of this drive.
• Book a night at The View Hotel : I can’t imagine a better view of Monument Valley than at the View Hotel . If you can get a room facing the valley, it is definitely worth it. There are also cabins and a campground that they manage as well with amazing views!

20. Grand Canyon National Park

No trip to Arizona could be complete without a stop at the Grand Canyon! As Ron Swanson says, ‘Crying: Acceptable at funerals and the Grand Canyon.’

The Grand Canyon is truly a wonder, and if you physically can make it down below the rim I highly recommend it. I feel like you can really appreciate its depth and grandeur when you leave the rim. I hiked Rim to River with a stay at Phantom Ranch in May 2023, and while it was difficult it was SO worth it!

Best things to do at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon:

• Hike South Kaibab trail to Cedar Ridge . 3 miles round trip with 1,180 ft of elevation gain.
• Hike to the 1.5 mile Resthouse via Bright Angel trail . 3 miles round trip with 1,180 ft of elevation gain.
• Stay at Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the Grand Canyon; advanced reservations required
• Best viewpoints of the Grand Canyon : Hopi Point, Mather Point, Grandview Point, Mohave Point, Yavapai Point, and Desert View for a view of the Colorado River.

21. Flagstaff, AZ

Flagstaff is a cute little town in between Sedona and the Grand Canyon and makes for a great stop. There is a nice downtown area with some breweries, coffee shops, and local stores.

Best things to do in Flagstaff, AZ:

• Climb Humphrey’s Peak , the highest point in Arizona . 
• See the Aspen trees turn to gold in October. Take the gondola ride up during the fall season to see the Aspens from above.

22. Sedona, AZ

A crowd favorite, you have to make time on your Arizona-Utah road trip for Sedona . Red rock mountains closely surround the town and you can get jaw dropping views just while walking downtown! There are many amazing hiking trails in Sedona that will take you into the red rocks themselves, my favorites are below.

Best hikes in Sedona, AZ:

• Cathedral Rock . 1.2 miles & 740 ft elevation gain
• Bell Rock . 1.8 miles & 200 ft elevation gain
• Keyhole Cave . 2.2 miles & 470 ft elevation gain
• Merry Go Round Rock . 6.5 miles & 1100 ft elevation gain
• Subway Cave via Boynton Canyon . 6.1 miles & 825 ft elevation gain
• Shaman’s Cave or Robbers Roost . 3 miles & 460 ft elevation gain
• Red Rock Crossing . Walk up, no hike needed.

23. Prescott, AZ

Prescott is a small town about an hour and a half North of Phoenix and still holds onto its Wild West vibes. There’s also Watson Lake there, a lovely lake that makes for a great sunset spot or to paddle out on.

Best things to do in Prescott, AZ:

• Kayak or paddle board on Watson Lake .
• Eat at El Gato Azul , a tapas style eatery with a great happy hour.
• Walk down Whiskey Row downtown.

24. Phoenix, AZ

Of course we can’t leave Phoenix out of an Arizona Utah road trip. There are many state parks and mountains in the Phoenix area. Some of my favorites below are Lost Dutchman State Park, hiking to the Wave Cave, and kayaking the Salt River.

Best things to do in Phoenix, AZ :

• Lost Dutchman State Park . come at sunset, no hike needed!
• Visit the Desert Botanical Garden . Open daily, adult tickets are $16.95 each.
• Hike to the Wave Cave . 3 miles & 870 ft elevation gain. A hike that ends with a cool rock formation that resembles a wave!
• Hike Camelback Mountain . 2.5 miles roundtrip & 1420 elevation gain. The highest peak in the Phoenix area!
• Hike Peralta Trail to Weaver’s Needle . 8 miles roundtrip & 2500 ft elevation gain. Hike to an amazing butte in the mountainous desert.
• Hike Piestewa Peak for sunrise. 2.1 miles roundtrip & 1150 ft elevation gain. Stairclimber style hike, great for sunrise!
• Visit Saguaro Lake and stay at Saguaro Lake Ranch in nearby Mesa. Kayak the Salt River while there.

25. Tucson, A Z

Tucson and the rest of Southern Arizona is often overlooked by travelers visiting the state since most head North to the Grand Canyon and Sedona. But Southern Arizona has its’ own desert charm and scenery that I highly recommend checking out.

Best things to do in Tucson, AZ:

• Hike to Seven Falls . An 8 1/2 mile round trip hike with 1,000 ft in elevation gain. Located in Sabino Canyon Recreation Area. The trail features a tiered waterfall, small pool of water, and plentiful cacti along the way.
• Hike Blackett’s Ridge . 5.7 miles round trip with 1,800 ft in elevation gain, rated as hard. Amazing mountain views.
• Hike Tumamoc Hill.  Easy paved walk on a hill, 3 miles round trip with 700 ft of elevation gain. You’ll get city and mountain views.

26. Saguaro National Park

On the East and West side of the city of Tucson there is Saguaro National Park; they are split into two different sections. The East side is more rugged and mountainous but the Cactus Forest Drive there is worth the trip. While the West side of the park has more beginner friendly trails and is where the visitor center is located.

Visit in May and June to see the Saguaro bloom with flowers. I saw these cactus blooms for the first time in May 2023 after it being on my bucket list for so long and it was really unique and beautiful.

Best things to do in Saguaro National Park:

• Drive the Cactus Forest Drive . In East Saguaro, a paved 8 mile loop road that takes you through amazing cacti with mountain views.
• Drive the Bajada Loop Drive.  In West Saguaro, a graded dirt road that makes for a great scenic drive.
• Hike to Signal Hill.  In West Saguaro, a quick 0.3 mile walk to see petroglyphs.
• Sunset at Valley View Overlook. In West Saguaro. An amazing West facing view where you can get a great shot of cacti with the changing sky at sunset.

27. Organ Pipe National Monument

Organ Pipe is about 3 hours Southwest of Phoenix, right near the Mexican border. It is an UNESCO biosphere reserve and the only place that organ pipe and the senita cacti grow together in the wild. You’ll see the most insane desert landscape with all the cacti you can imagine. Think ocotillo, cholla, organ pipe, senita, and saguaro cacti all in one view- pretty amazing!

Best things to do in Organ Pipe National Monument:

• Ajo Mountain Drive . Any passenger car can make this drive. Highly recommend doing this drive if it’s the only thing you do here! We spent a solid 3 hours doing this taking our time.
• Puerto Blanco Drive . Only 4×4 vehicles recommended.
• Arch Canyon trail . 3 miles & 1250 ft elevation gain. Very steep hike to a huge arch.
• Desert View trail . Short flat walk around the visitor center to learn more about the unique desert plants and wildlife.

Hidden gems in Arizona

28. edge of the world campsite.

My favorite camping spot in Arizona is at the Edge of the World , also called East Pocket. It is located in between Flagstaff and Sedona up a long dirt road that takes a few hours to drive up. You get absolutely amazing views of Sedona from far above, and the sunrises and sunsets are stunning.

You can camp here for free, just remember to be respectful, clean up after yourself, and leave no trace!

29. White Pocket

White Pocket is in Northern Arizona, near Kanab, Utah and is off of the same road as The Wave and Buckskin Gulch. To get to White Pocket you must have a 4×4, high clearance vehicle. The last ~10 miles of the road are in deep sand and many people get stuck trying to get out here all the time.

You are hours away from the closest town, so imagine how expensive that tow would be! Be smart and drive the right car, or book a tour to get there. It is a truly amazing sight here, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to another planet. While it is out of the way and quite the trek to get there, the scenery is 100% worth it! You do not need a permit to go to White Pocket.

30. Alstrom Poin t

Alstrom Point is another iconic spot in Northern Arizona that you will need a 4×4 high clearance vehicle. The last few miles of the road are extremely rocky and steep. We had a Jeep which was more than capable, but I was still a bit nervous on this road!

Alstrom Point overlooks Lake Powell and is closest to the town of Page. It will take you at least 2 hours of offroading to get here from Page. You can camp at Alstrom Point for free, no permit needed. And as stated before, be sure to leave no trace and pack out all trash. The view here is really incredible; I had been wanting to go here for years and it definitely delivered!

One week Arizona-Utah Road Trips

• Las Vegas to Zion to Bryce Canyon to Page, AZ
• Las Vegas to Zion to Bryce Canyon to Page, AZ to the Grand Canyon
• Las Vegas to Zion to Bryce Canyon to Escalante
• Las Vegas to Zion to Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef
• Phoenix to Tucson to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
• Salt Lake City to Arches to Canyonlands to Capitol Reef
• Hidden gem road trip: Las Vegas to the Great Chamber to White Pocket to Alstrom Point

Two week Arizona-Utah Road Trips

• Las Vegas to Zion to Bryce to Capitol Reef to Canyonlands to Arches
• Las Vegas to Zion to Bryce to Page, AZ to the Grand Canyon to Sedona
• Las Vegas to Zion to Bryce to Page, AZ to Monument Valley 
• Las Vegas to Zion to Bryce to Page, AZ to the Grand Canyon to Sedona to Phoenix to Tucson. [Fly out of Phoenix.]
• Phoenix to Tucson to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument to Sedona to the Grand Canyon

Three week Arizona-Utah Road Trips

• Las Vegas to Zion to Bryce to Page, AZ to Monument Valley to Canyonlands to Arches to Capitol Reef to Escalante, UT
• Las Vegas to Zion to Bryce to Page, AZ to Monument Valley to the Grand Canyon to Sedona to Phoenix to Tucson. [Fly out of Phoenix.]

Wrap up: Arizona-Utah Road Trip

In conclusion, an Arizona and Utah road trip is a perfect way to explore the beauty of these two states. 

From the stunning landscapes of Monument Valley and Bryce Canyon to the unique charm of Sedona and Moab, there’s something for everyone on this adventure. 

Whether you’re interested in hiking, photography, or simply soaking up the natural wonders around you, this road trip offers endless opportunities for fun and exploration. 

So pack your bags, grab your camera, and hit the open road – Arizona and Utah are waiting to be discovered!

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Road trips, outdoor adventures, and dog-friendly travel.

The Perfect 7 Day Road Trip through Utah and Arizona’s Parks

You wanted to squeeze Valley of Fire State Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, and Zion National Park all into one road trip? You’ve come to the right place. This road trip through Utah and Arizona was the perfect mix of desert reds, forest greens, and ice cold blue streams. Every landscape is stunning in its own way, and totally unforgettable. You’ll never get bored staring out the car window on the drives between parks.

Here’s how we did it. If you have a week, this is the perfect itinerary for you to drive out from LA or Vegas and road trip through Utah and Arizona.

Valley of Fire is only a five or six hour drive from LA (longer if you leave on a Friday evening, since you’ll be joining the weekend in Vegas crowd on the freeways).

It’s a state park with a $10 entrance fee, and frankly it doesn’t look like much when you first drive up. Trust me, this place is more than worth it. The drives and the hikes are both out of this world.

Stay at Atlatl Campground. Drive the Scenic Loop Road and White Domes Road. Both windy and rollercoaster-y and wildly photogenic. Eat food you brought with you (there’s literally no food here). Hike the Fire Wave trail. Climb a bunch of other giant red rocks because, well, it’s just fun.

Drive to Bryce Canyon (approximately four hours). Make sure to get there before sunset, because sunset light over the canyon is pretty unbeatable.

Stay at Sunset Campground. Drive to each viewpoint. Walk to the rim. Stand in awe. Take a selfie. Hike the Navajo Loop & Queen’s Garden Trails (~3 mi down into the canyon and back up) Watch sunrise at Bryce Point. Nap in your hammock (because obviously you brought a hammock, right?)

Head to Page, AZ after you’ve finished exploring all of Bryce Canyon’s viewpoints. It’s a quick three hour drive, and you can make it just in time for sunset at Horseshoe Bend!

OK SHHH here’s the secret for Horseshoe Bend: literally every spot is a good one. There’s an entire ridge around the bend and everyone crowds up right in the middle. Walk thirty feet to the left or right, and you’ve got yourself a empty rock to take some incredible photos from.

Hike the one mile uphill to Horseshoe Bend. Don’t do it in the rain. (Trust me.) Stay in Page, AZ for easy access to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. Eat at River’s End Cafe. They make a mean breakfast sandwich and breakfast burrito.

Book   way ahead for Antelope Canyon tours. We took the Adventures Antelope Canyon Photo Tour  because they were the only one not booked up last minute, but had a great experience. Be patient. If you wait for the right moments, even at peak times, you’ll find a moment around a curve for the perfect shot. Prepare for the crowds at Antelope Canyon. Prepare to be amazed at the view, despite the crowds.

Once you’re done with the tour, get back on the road to Zion National Park to continue your road trip through Utah!

Day 5 + 6: 

Zion National Park boasts some of the most stunning views in the country. The rugged red rocks covered in surprisingly lush greenery, with the  ice cold Virgin River running through the canyon. It is always packed with people, cars, and shuttle busses, but it is well worth it.

Book a campsite early or get ready to arrive before 7AM and wait in line for a couple hours to get a first come, first serve site at South Campground. Park your car at the campsite or in town (Springdale) and take the shuttle in. Hike the one mile Canyon Overlook hike at sunset, sunrise, or even at night. Hike Upper Emerald Pools, Angel’s Landing, The Narrows, or Observation Point if you’re looking for a little bit more of a challenge. Eat at King’s Landing in Springdale. It is the best meal you’ll have in town, and probably the state, for that matter. Sit on the back patio to see the horses roam in the field. Dip your toes in the Virgin River (the Pa’rus trail has easy access points to the river)

Spend your last day in Zion National Park taking in the sunrise, making a campfire breakfast, and brewing some strong cowboy coffee. Finish up any last hikes or viewpoints you haven’t seen yet (and keep an eye out for wild deer, mountain goats, and way-too-friendly chipmunks!).

Breathe it all in. Get ready to drive home and plan your next road trip through Utah and Arizona.

Was this helpful? Let me know in the comments if you try this road trip through Utah and Arizona! It’s one of my favorites.

Want to save this itinerary for later? Pin it by clicking one of the images below!

All photos by Andy Fortson Photography.

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Utah and Arizona Road Trip Itinerary + Planning Tips

A road trip through Utah and Arizona might be just what you need to satisfy your craving for an epic adventure. After spending a little bit of too much time on Instagram and seeing the red sandstone of the National Parks light up my Instagram timeline feed… I knew it was time we went west.

We decided to get down and dirty and live in a van for a week as we drove 1,300 miles over seven days through Utah and Arizona . This road trip was a life changing experience for both of us! It was our first time visiting any National Parks.. and can’t say that we have lived in a van before!

Our Utah and Arizona road trip itinerary was perfect as is and we wouldn’t change a thing, so keep reading to see where our seven day road trip took us!

Utah and Arizona Road Trip Itinerary

The starting point for our road trip is in Las Vegas because it was a more central destination to all of the places on our list, the airport was there, and we rented our Escape Campervan from Las Vegas as well!

We loved that all of the destinations on our Utah and Arizona road trip were only about 1.5 to two hours apart. It made the drive from park to park really easy and you’ll see some of the most incredible scenery of your life.. it won’t even feel like two hours!

We have never seen so many wilds animals! Coyotes, skunk, elk, lizards, jack rabbits, cows roaming freely, and at one point we had about 100 deer darting back and forth across the street in front of our van… it was insane!

Zion National Park

Zion National Park is 2 hours, 35 minutes away from Las Vegas.  We arrived here around 5:00 p.m., found a free camping spot about 20 miles outside of Zion National Park, and then hiked Zion the following day when we woke up, before we headed to Bryce Canyon National Park.

It’s crazy to think that Zion National Park was our very first National Park to visit! It really set the tone for the rest of the trip — one of our best trips ever.

Sleeping Options

There are a lot of sleeping options around and in Zion National Park , but let me tell ya: I did not think we would be sleeping in a van when we started planning our Utah and Arizona trip (lol). I personally thought we would be staying in a cozy lodge… but once a friend of mine recommended Escape Campervans to me I felt like it was a NO BRAINER. A van trip would give us the whole experience of exploring our National Parks.

The Zion National Park Lodge  is just 4.3 miles (~10 minutes) from the Zion National Park Visitor Center and has two restaurants, Red Rock Grille and Castle Dome Cafe.

I am always so jealous of people who book far enough out to camp inside the National Parks. Zion has a couple campgrounds inside the park! You should definitely book campsites well in advance! This is a hot commodity. 

• South Campground – 1/2 a mile from the south entrance and has 117 campsites. $20 per night (tent only).
• Watchman Campground – 1/4 a mile from the south entrance and has 190 campsites. $20 per night (tent only).

There are a handful of other campgrounds only a short drive from Zion – details can be found here:  campsites near Zion National Park. 

BLM – Bureau of Land Management [free camping]

Camping somewhere that is designated as BLM means that it’s public land and that you can camp there for free. It’s really a crazy experience being so isolated when you’re camping in BLM areas. It’s not always easy finding campsites on BLM and there’s no one to call – we solely relied on websites that had coordinates (Chase did all of the campground findings). Sometimes we would drive for hours to an area only to find that it was no longer operating for a place to sleep!

Okay, so I really want to glamp near Zion! When we were looking for our campsite we drove past Under Canvas , a luxury lodging experience in the middle of no where (but only about 20 miles from Zion) that seemed to be tranquil. The stars and the sunset out there is seriously amazing!

Bryce Canyon National Park

I’ve been to a handful of National Parks now and Bryce Canyon National Park is my all time favorite, especially in the snow! We loved being surrounded by the big hoodoos — you’ll seriously think you’re on a different planet…

Bryce Canyon is 1 hour, 30 minutes from Zion National Park and it is a wild drive out of Zion, to Bryce. It was actually really stressful, the drive has a lot of steep drop offs and such a small “railing,” that was more like a curb.

We camped in Hatch, Utah, about 30 minutes away from Bryce Canyon National Park at Riverside Ranch Campground – highly recommend! We were the only ones camping there (in our van), probably because it was six degrees (OMG.. a night I will never forget).

Thankfully, Escape Campervans let us borrow a space heater and Riverside Ranch gave us free firewood. They were so nice there!

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

The crazy, most exciting surprise was the Coral Pink Sand Dunes… not part of our original itinerary at all. I don’t even think we knew it existed until the day we were driving south. We were just so cold after sleeping and hiking in Bryce Canyon that we were desperate to head south.

The Coral Pink Sand Dunes are definitely worth a stop! You can walk out on the dunes and the sand is so fine and soft. We have never seen anything like it! It’s just 1 hour, 30 minutes from Bryce Canyon.

Next up, you’re heading to Page, Arizona , the home of Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, and Lake Powell.

Page, Arizona

If there’s anything you take away from this blog post, let it be this : Page, Arizona is SMALL. You won’t need more than a day here! That includes you seeing Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, and Lake Powell. We were here for almost two days because we didn’t time it right and you need to book an Antelope Canyon tour well in advance to get your time slot preference.

I would get to Page, Arizona the night before (or wake up at 4:00 a.m. that morning), so you can get to Horseshoe Bend as early as possible.

Horseshoe Bend

We woke up early and arrived to Horseshoe Bend at about 7:00 a.m. Horseshoe Bend should be the first stop of the three because:

• Even at 7:00ish a.m. there were several bus loads of tourists getting dropped off here
• We were there for about an hour taking in the views and walking around, so we left around 8:00 a.m.

Leaving at 8:00 a.m. means we had the whole day ahead of us.

Antelope Canyon

Visiting Antelope Canyon requires planning far in advance! Did you know you have to book a tour to explore Antelope Canyon? Not only that but it’s a group tour and they run from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

If you’re anything like us, you want to make the most of your trip and savor every minute. On our road trip itinerary we were heading to the Grand Canyon next, but since we booked our tour so last minute, we were stuck aimlessly wandering around this small town in Arizona until the tour started.

Tip: book it early, around 9:30 a.m. that way you can hit the road to the Grand Canyon around 1:00 p.m. (after the tour) and after you have seen Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell.

Lake Powell

All three destinations are located within five miles of each other in Page, Arizona. Page is 1 hour and 40 minutes from Coral Pink Sand Dunes. Page is pretty small and my recommendation would be to spend half a day there. You’ll have time to do all of these in the first part of the afternoon. Then head straight to the GRAAAND CANYON!

Grand Canyon

I could not WAIT to get to the Grand Canyon! It lives up to ALL the hype you have heard about it and it is truly a jaw dropping destination. It was a pretty easy drive from Page, Arizona and only about 2.5 hours.

Not part of our itinerary at all, but we had seen all that we could before having to go back to Las Vegas. Everywhere else was just far enough that it wasn’t possible. This was 3 hours and 35 minutes. We didn’t get out, just drove through to take a peek.

Your van will more than likely be inspected by security. I was like WTF is going on?!

Rainbow Mountain

Back to Vegas for a night! We technically still had the van for one more night, but we were ready to take a SHOWER! and sleep in a bedroom. Went to some tasty restaurants in Las Vegas and gambled more.

I would love to talk about your upcoming trip out west – let me know if you have any questions!

Gonna have to save this blog for when (if) I get out there!!

Hi Sarah!! You should definitely get out there 🙂 Let me know if you have questions!

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The Wandering Homemaker

Travel and Lifestyle Blog

2-Week Arizona Utah Road Trip Itinerary

April 29, 2023 · Arizona , Road Trip , United States , US National Parks , Utah

My very first road trip was through the American Southwest. I probably never would have gone on this trip if my best friend Emilie had not insisted on visiting the Grand Canyon. Little did I know this road trip would be the catalyst for my obsession with travel. It was also the beginning of many yearly, best-friend road trips throughout Europe and the United States . I caught the travel fever as we drove hundreds of miles through the dry, sandy deserts of Arizona and shrubby plains of New Mexico. In March of 2021, we returned to the Southwest and road tripped through Utah’s Mighty 5 . I designed this Southwest itinerary by combining the best of Arizona and Utah into one perfect road trip. Here’s what you should expect to see on this epic 2-week trip:

Day 1 – Phoenix, AZ

Day 2 – sedona, az, day 3 – sedona, az, day 4 – slide rock state park, day 5 – grand canyon national park.

• Day 6 – Page, AZ

Day 7 – Zion National Park

Day 8 – zion national park & kanarra falls.

• Day 9 – Bryce Canyon

Day 10 – Capitol Reef National Park

Day 11 – dead horse point state park & canyonlands national park, day 12 – arches national park, day 13 – monument valley, day 14 – drive/ fly home, no time to read pin it for later.

Phoenix is the perfect place to begin your Arizona Utah road trip. It is home to Phoenix International Airport and features great proximity to major Southwest attractions. Depending on what time you land, you may have enough time to spend some time in Phoenix and even do a short hike up Superstition Mountain. There you’ll find countless Saguaro cacti and great views of the valley. If you lack the time to explore Phoenix, you can head straight to Sedona, AZ. The drive from Phoenix to Sedona is about 2 hours.

If you have additional time to spend in Phoenix or would rather substitute a day in Sedona to spend more time in Phoenix, here are some of the best things to do in Arizona’s state capital.

• Roosevelt Row Art District
• Hot air balloon ride
• Desert Botanical Gardens
• Musical Instrument Museum
• Goldfield Ghost Town
• Stay in Scottsdale, AZ

If you arrive early and would rather check another national park off your bucket list, head to Saguaro National Park in Tucson, AZ. Saguaro is about 1h30 to 2h south of Phoenix. Click here for my Saguaro National Park guide.

For your first morning in Sedona, I suggest visiting the Chapel of the Holy Cross and exploring the spiritual side of Sedona. In downtown Sedona, you’ll find lots of places to shop and eat. Enjoy walking around Sedona’s commercial district then head to lunch

If you’re looking for great food with even greater views, I recommend the northern section of AZ-89A. Canyon Breeze, 89 Agave Cantina, and Open Range are all solid options. These restaurants offer great views of the Sedona red rocks, especially late fall during peak foliage.

Sedona is also heaven for vegans and vegetarians with tons of meatless options. Sedona’s Pizza and Pasta Company , one of the most popular pizza restaurants in Sedona, is actually vegan and features the same amazing views as the non-vegetarian options mentioned above.

In the afternoon, I recommend heading to Mescal Trailhead and going on a hike. Late afternoon is the best time to hike Devil’s Bridge. You will get incredible views of the surrounding vista as well as much lower crowds than other times of day.

If you’re looking to splurge on accommodations, we recommend the  Enchantment Resort  located in the heart of Boynton Canyon. However, if you are passing through Sedona on a budget, we recommend staying at  Harmony House , an Air BNB style rental. We loved our stay there. The host was very friendly, and the room was comfortable, clean, and quiet. We had our own parking spot right outside our bedroom, and a small kitchen area with tea and coffee.

For your second day in Sedona, I recommend hiking a few trails and enjoying some R&R among the beautiful red rocks. Some of my favorite hikes in Sedona include Subway Cave, Seven Sacred Pools, and Birthing Cave. See the link below for detailed directions for each trail.

Related – 6 Best Hikes in Sedona

For your third day in Sedona, I recommend driving up AZ-89A to Slide Rock State Park to take a dip. Make sure to arrive early as it can get quite crowded in the summer. The cool oasis of Oak Creek attracts loads of locals and tourists alike.

Slide Rock State Park is one of Arizona’s most popular swimming holes and perfect for families. This former apple farm is open 8am to 6pm from February 1st to November 30th and 9am to 5pm the rest of the year. The park is closed for holidays. The entrance fee is $10-$30 per vehicle depending on the time of year. National park passes are not accepted at this Arizona state park. Click here for hours of operation, fees, and information regarding swimming.

When you get ready to leave Slide Rock, head north on AZ-89A and make sure to stop at the top for breathtaking views of Sedona’s alpine hills. After snapping a few pictures, continue driving to Williams, AZ better known as the Gateway to the Grand Canyon. Stop at Goldies Route 66 Diner for some delicious food and get a good night’s rest before visiting one of America’s most famous natural wonders.

Today, your road trip through Arizona and Utah will take you to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, the 4th most visited national park in the United States with 4.5 million visitors in 2021.

US NATIONAL PARKS  – Read all national park guides

With one day in GCNP

When we first visited the Grand Canyon, I thought it would take us several days to see it all, but the truth is it is absolutely possible to admire all the viewpoints along the South Rim in just one day. The National Park Service provides four free shuttle lines that stop several times per hour at nearly all the viewpoints along the South Rim with the exception of the easternmost points – Grand View, Lipan, Navajo, and Desert View Points.

• The purple line runs from early spring to fall and shuttles visitors from Tusayan into Grand Canyon Village. There are two lines on the purple shuttle: north bound and south bound.
• The blue line circulates year round within Grand Canyon Village. There are two blue lines: east bound and west bound.
• The orange line runs year round as well and will take you to Mather and Yavapai Points on its west-bound line and to the South Kaibab trail, Yaki Point, and Pipe Creek Vista on its east-bound line.
• Finally, the red line runs from March 1st to November 30th and will take you all the way to Hermit’s Point, the westernmost viewpoint on the south rim of GCNP. It is important to note that all of the red-line viewpoints located west of Grand Canyon Village are accessible by shuttle only.

WINTER NATIONAL PARKS – 15 Best National Parks to Visit in the Winter

What we did

We parked our car at the Yavapai Geology Museum and walked from Yavapai to Mather Point and back. You could also visit the points using the orange line. Then we stopped for lunch in Grand Canyon Village and then used the red line to explore the viewpoints from Grand Canyon Village to Hermit’s Point. As the evening approached, we got back in the car and headed to Desert View to watch the sunset. We stopped at Grand View, Lipan and Navajo Points on the way.

With two or more days in GCNP

If you are lucky enough to have more time to spend in Grand Canyon National Park, I recommend spending some time canoeing/ rafting down the Colorado River or hiking one of the trails down into the canyon. The Bright Angel Trail is a popular option. It is a strenuous hike with multiple stopping points from 4.6 mi/ 7.4 km to 9.3 mi/ 15 km one way . A majority of those who hike all the way down do so on a multi-day hike and either camp down at Bright Angel Campground or stay at Phantom Ranch Lodge, both of which require permits.

Another popular option is to hike Rim-to-Rim starting from the North Rim. Unless you are an extremely fit, marathon-running hiker, you will need to hike Rim to Rim on a multi-day hike as well. The hike from the north to the south rim of the Grand Canyon is approximately 24 miles/ 38.6 km and one of the most strenuous hikes in the world. No permits are required for parties of 11 or less. However, always check with the National Park Service prior to your visit as hiking conditions and permit requirements may change. It is highly recommended to begin your rim-to-rim hike at the North Kaibab trailhead and make your way to Phantom Ranch where the trail turns into Bright Angel Trail right before crossing the Colorado River. This is because the elevation gain is nearly 1,400 ft higher when hiking from the south to the north rim.

ATTENTION! The activities mentioned above are suitable for more adventurous travelers and experienced hikers only. Please always check weather conditions before going out on a hike in Grand Canyon National Park. During the winter time, temperatures can drop quickly while summertime can be unforgiving to those who set off on a hike unprepared.

Day 5 – Page, AZ

Page, Arizona is located near the border between Arizona and Utah and is one of the greatest stops on this road trip. It is home to a multitude of geological gems including Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, and Lake Powell.

Horseshoe Bend

Horseshoe Bend is located within the Glen Canyon National Recreational Area. Though there is no entrance fee, the city of Page charges $5 per motorcycle and $10 per vehicle. The park is open from sunrise to sunset. I recommend visiting during sunrise and sunset for lower crowds, but around noon to photograph the bend in full sunlight. The hike to the viewpoint is about 1.5 mi/ 2.4 km and requires close-toed shoes. I walked to the viewpoint in my sandals, and they broke. 0/10 would not recommend. Please be mindful of your surroundings and windy conditions as you approach the edge for a photo op. A visitor had died just a few days prior to our visit after falling from the cliff edge.

Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon was Garrett’s favorite part of the trip. There are two ways to visit Arizona’s most famous slot canyon: the Lower and Upper route. Upper Antelope Canyon features the unique light beams you see in many photographs while Lower Antelope Canyon is brighter. However, travelers on a budget might prefer Lower Antelope Canyon as it offers cheaper tours. Antelope Canyon is located on Najavo land, and only a few companies are authorized to provide guided tours for visitors. Dixie Ellis and Ken’s are the only two companies that tour Lower Antelope Canyon. Their prices are identical, and they share the same parking lot. Tours depart every 30 minutes and last around 1 hour.

We visited Lower Antelope Canyon with Dixie Ellis and thoroughly enjoyed our time. I was nowhere near as experienced in trip planning back in 2018 and had not made reservations ahead of our visit at Antelope Canyon. To this day, I do not know how we managed to score three permits during peak daytime on a holiday weekend, but somehow we did. I highly recommend making reservations ahead of time and visiting during a weekday in low season to avoid the crowds. When we visited, there were hundreds of people in the canyon at once, which slightly tarnished our experience.

Lake Powell

After spending your day exploring the rock formations of Page, AZ, head to Lake Powell to lay on the beach and relax. Like Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell is located within the Glen Canyon National Recreational Area. Straddled on the border between Arizona and Utah, it is a must see on a Southwest road trip. There is a $30 entrance fee per vehicle, but you get in free with your national park pass. I highly recommend purchasing a national park pass if you plan on visiting 3 or more national park sites within the next 12 months.

There are several beaches along the shore of Lake Powell though no lifeguard is on duty. Lake Powell is also a water sports enthusiast’s paradise. During our visit, we saw people paddling, kayaking, swimming, boating, fishing, etc… The heartbreaking truth about Lake Powell is that it is in danger of disappearing due to increasingly dry climate in the area. In 2021, Lake Powell hit its lowest water level, and experts have warned that the lake may disappear in the next decade.

You have now entered the Utah portion of your Arizona Utah road trip. There is so much to do in Zion National Park. To help you plan your visit, I designed the perfect itinerary for your first day in Utah’s most popular national park. I recommend starting the day with either Angel’s Landing or Observation Point. Both offer stunning views of Zion Canyon. Angel’s Landing is more thrilling but also more difficult to plan for. You will need to ride the shuttle and enter the Angel’s Landing Permit Lottery . If you are prone to acrophobia (fear of height) or don’t want to deal with the hassle of planning this hike, I recommend hiking to Observation Point via East Mesa Trail. This hike doesn’t require shuttle tickets or a permit of any kind and offers even better views of Zion Canyon.

Click here for my detailed guide on the best things to see in the Mighty 5.

Angel’s Landing

Angel’s Landing is a strenuous 5.4 mile (8.7 km) out-and-back trail. It takes approximately 4 hours to complete and feature about 1500 ft of elevation. It is one of the most popular hikes in the United States but also one of the most dangerous. During our visit in March 2021, we took one of the very first shuttles of the day at 7:15am, and every single passenger (around 30 people) stopped at the Grotto to begin hiking up Angel’s Landing. We were the only ones left in the shuttle for our Narrows hike. Keep in mind this was prior to the lottery system implementation.

However, this trail isn’t for everyone. The last portion of the trail consists of walking along a narrow footpath with 1,000 ft drop-offs on both sides. Seventeen people have lost their lives on Angel’s Landing, including a teenage girl. As you will be reminded throughout your visit; your safety is your responsibility. Always avoid hiking alone and let people know where you are headed.

Observation Point

Though Angel’s Landing offers a unique and thrilling experience with breathtaking views of Zion Canyon, the views at Observation Point are unmatched. From the top of Observation Point, you can see all of Zion Canyon, including the narrow trail at the end of Angel’s Landing, which doesn’t even seem walkable in the distance. I recommend getting to the viewpoint at sunrise or around lunch time to enjoy less shadow on the canyon.

The hike to Observation Point is 6.7 miles (10.8 km) long and moderate. The only way to currently access Observation Point is through the East Mesa Trail near the East Entrance along Zion-Mt Carmel Highway, 45 minutes away from the main entrance. The road to the trail head can get very muddy and requires a vehicle with high clearance and 4-wheel drive on days following precipitations. If you do not have 4-wheel drive, it is recommended that you park your car and walk to the trailhead. If you are unable to access Observation Point or are looking for a shorter hike but still want to enjoy breathtaking views of Zion Canyon, check out Zion Canyon Overlook Trail. It is a moderate out-and-back 1 mi/ 1.6 km trail. Neither of these trails requires riding the shuttle.

Enjoy lunch at the Zion Lodge or picnic in the park at one of the many designated picnic areas. After enjoying the views of Zion Canyon, I recommend heading back to Canyon Junction Bridge (shuttle required) to enjoy the sunset then into Springdale, UT for dinner.

The Narrows

The Narrows is another strenuous hike of Zion National Park but oh so worth it. There are two ways to hike the Narrows: bottom up (up to 9 mi/ 14.5km) and top down (17 mi/ 27.3 km). Hiking the Narrows top down requires a permit and is an all-day hike with an option to camp overnight up the canyon. Hiking from the bottom up and back does not require any additional permit, is much shorter, and the path we chose for our hike.

The hike begins at the Temple of Sinawava (Shuttle Stop #9). The first mile (1.6km) of the trail consists of walking along the Riverside Walk. I highly recommend starting this hike as early as possible. We got on the shuttle at 7:15am, and there were swarms of people at the entrance of the canyon when we finished our hike around 2pm. Our hike lasted 6 hours for a total of 8 miles (13km) in the freezing Virgin River surrounded by sandstone walls a thousand feet (300m) tall. We had to stop at Wall Street due to rising water levels. Hiking back is usually easier as you are hiking with the current and no longer against it.

Before heading to the Narrows, check current conditions (the trail often closes during April and May due to high water levels) and make sure you have the appropriate equipment. There are many outfitters in town offering Narrows hiking gear packages for each season. We chose to rent from  Zion Outfitters  because they had the best prices and refund policy. While waterproof shoes may be fine in the summer, you will need waders in the winter. We hiked the Narrows mid-march, and the water was just a few degrees above freezing.

CYANOBACTERIA WARNING following a pet death in july 2020, zion national park has issued a warning for high levels of cyanobacteria in the virgin river. toxins enter the body through the nose, mouth, or open cuts, so do not submerge your head in the water or drink it even if it has been filtered.

Kanarra Falls

After leaving Zion National Park, head to Kanarra Falls in Kanarraville right off I-15. Make sure to follow the signs once you get to Kanarraville because your Google Maps GPS may take your to a residential area 2 blocks down from the actual trailhead. There are free parking and bathrooms available in the parking lot below the entrance booth. This hike requires a $12 hiking permit, and the number of visitors is limited to 150 per day. These tickets can go fast, so I recommend getting them ahead of time if you can but keep in mind that they are non refundable.

The hike to the falls is 3.7 miles out and back and follows Kanarra Creek. The trail can be difficult to locate in places, so simply make sure to stay near the river. If you hike this trail during shoulder season when the water temperatures are low, I highly recommend getting a pair of neoprene socks to keep your feet warm and dry as hiking in the river can save a lot of time. Make sure to watch your step to avoid disrupting the ecosystem and potential falls. The rocks can be slippery, and I fell in the water twice during our hike. In case I did not make this obvious enough, this trail requires water shoes and cannot be done in flip flops or other loose-fitting shoe. Also keep in mind that, like the Narrows, this hike may close in April and May due to high water levels.

Day 9 – Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon is located approximately 1.5 to 2 hours (85 mi/ 137 km) away from Zion National Park. The very last portion of the drive will take you on a scenic route through the red rocks and cedar trees of Dixie National Forest. Bryce Canyon got its name from Ebenezer Bryce, a Scottish immigrant sent to the region for his carpentry skills by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The locals began calling the impressive collection of hoodoos “Bryce’s Canyon,” and the name stuck. Bryce Canyon National Park is the highest of all of Utah’s Mighty 5 with an average elevation of around 8,000ft (2500m), which also makes it the coldest. Be advised that road closures are frequent October to May, so make sure to check the national park service website before your visit.

WHAT IS A HOODOO? Hoodoos are tall, thin rocks that rise from the bottom of an arid basin. They form when a plateau slowly erodes into a wall, which then erodes into a window with a central cavity. As the eroding process goes on, it slowly eats away the bottom of the window, and finally the top of the now bridge-like formation collapses, leaving only the sides and forming individual hoodoos.

Queen’s Garden/ Navajo Loop Trail

I recommend you begin your day in Bryce by hiking the Queen’s Garden/ Navajo Loop Trail, starting at Sunrise Point. Most hikers choose to hike counterclockwise from Sunset Point to Sunrise Point. I would highly recommend hiking counterclockwise if the weather is warmer to avoid having to climb up the switchbacks. However, when the switchbacks are covered in ice as they were when we hiked, it is much easier and much safer to hike uphill than downhill. Bryce Canyon National Park is covered in snow over 200 days out of the year. If that is the case during your visit, consider purchasing a pair of traction cleats for snow and ice. They are available at the visitor center during the winter season.

The Queen’s Garden trail begins by taking you down and into the hoodoos. Always stay on trail to avoid weakening the fragile base of the hoodoos. As you near the junction with Navajo Loop Trail, you’ll be greeted by majestic conifers and blankets of moss.

Going up the Navajo Loop Trail, you’ll get a peek at Two Bridges from a distance (Two Bridges and Wall Street are both closed during winter) before climbing up the switchbacks to Sunset Point. Near Sunset Point is Thor’s hammer, one of the most famous hoodoos in the park. The trail then continues on the paved Rim Trail back to Sunrise Point.

Once you get back in your car, continue driving down Main Park Rd to Rainbow Point stopping at the many overlooks in Bryce’s Amphitheater and beyond.

Where to stay and where to eat?

For dinner, check out Bryce Canyon Inn and Pizza Place just minutes from the park’s entrance. Their hand-tossed pizzas are homemade with fresh, high-quality ingredients. You won’t be disappointed! We stayed at  Red Ledges Inn  in Tropic, UT, 10 miles from Bryce Canyon. It was surprisingly cheap, and the rooms were very nice and clean. I highly recommend.

Capitol Reef is the second-least visited of the Mighty 5. This can be explained by its location, a longer distance (about 2h15 minutes) from the other 2 pairs. The park is still worth the detour as it features geological formations that are among the most unique in all Southern Utah.

For the perfect day in Capitol Reef, I recommend enjoying your drive down scenic UT-24, making sure to stop at the many roadside pullouts. Because it is a state highway, no entrance fee or permit is required to drive down UT-24.

Cassidy Arch Trail

As you keep driving, you’ll arrive at the Visitor Center. There you can get a map or advice from the park rangers and purchase souvenirs. There you’ll turn right onto Capitol Reef Scenic Drive that is just 7.9 mi/ 12.7 km long. This road does require you to pay the entrance fee ($20) or show your national park pass. Down this road, you will find the Fruita Barn, Gifford Farm, and Cassidy Arch trailhead. The Gifford Homestead offers delicious farm-fresh pie year round. Consider stopping by the orchard to see the trees in full bloom in the spring or pick your own fruits in the summer. The Cassidy Arch Trail is moderate 3.1 mile out and back and features a beautiful imposing arch you can stand on.

Hickman Natural Bridge Trail

After hiking the Cassidy Arch, drive back up Capitol Reef scenic drive and turn right when you reach UT-24. On this section of the highway, you will come across the Fruita Schoolhouse, a historic structure nestled below the Wingate Sandstone Cliffs and just a few hundred yards down the road, the Petroglyph Panels featuring bighorn sheep and other symbols of the Fremont Culture.

Your last stop of the day will be one of the most popular hikes in Capitol Reef National Park. Hickman Natural Bridge is a 1.8 mile hike out and back trail that features moderate inclines and begins along the Fremont River before ending with breathtaking views of Hickman Natural Bridge.

The drive out of Capitol Reef on UT-24 was one of the most scenic I have ever taken. The 2.5 hour drive to Moab will take you through the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) past countless multi-colored layered rocks. I highly suggest doing this section of your Arizona Utah road trip during the day not to miss out on those gorgeous views.

Dead Horse Point State Park

As you carry on through your Utah and Arizona road trip, I recommend setting your alarm early and heading to Dead Horse Point State Park for sunrise. I had to drag my husband out of bed that day, but when we arrived on the edge of the canyon and watched the rock walls bathe in fiery red light, we knew it had been more than worth it. There is a $20 entrance fee per vehicle to enter the state park, but discounts are available for seniors, walk ins, or motorcycles. Click here for more information on entry and camping fees. The park is open year round from 6am to 10pm.

According to the legend, Dead Horse Point was once used by cowboys as a corral for captured wild mustangs. One day, for unknown reasons, the unwanted horses were left abandoned in the corral and died of thirst 2,000 feet above the Colorado River. Dead Horse Point was also the filming location for Thelma & Louise (1991) starring Susan Sarandon, Geena Davis, and Harvey Keitel.

Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park is the most overlooked of Utah’s Mighty 5 , which is a pity. The park can be visited in as little as half a day and is located just 45 minutes from Arches National Park. I recommend combining your visit with Dead Horse Point State Park. Both parks are extremely popular locations to watch the sunrise, but if I had to pick one, it would be Dead Horse. Another option could be to watch the sunrise at Mesa Arch in Canyonlands and the sunset at Dead Horse. Whichever location you choose for sunrise or sunset, make sure not to miss the views at the different overlooks in the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park. If you have additional time, consider going off-roading into Shafer Canyon.

Many people skip Canyonlands on their road trip through Arizona and Utah, but I strongly recommend against. The scenic 45-minute drive from Canyonlands to Arches is well worth your time. I suggest staying in Moab, UT tonight as it is close to both Canyonlands and Arches National Park.

For your last national park of this Arizona Utah road trip, you’ll be headed to Arches National Park, one of the most popular national parks in Utah and the Southwest. So much so, that the National Park Service piloted a timed-entry system. Starting in 2023, the timed entries must be reserved online on recreation.gov and costs $2 per slot. Vehicles can enter the park any time during their 1-hour time slot and remain as long as they wish. No reservation is required for entry before 7am or after 4pm. Click here for more information. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds and heat, consider visiting during low season in January or February.

Related – 15 Best National Parks to Visit in the Winter

As you make your way up Arches National Park Rd, you’ll drive through Courthouse Towers. Further down the road, you’ll find the Windows. I highly recommend spending some time walking around the Windows. The hikes are all under a mile and feature unique views. If your legs don’t give out by then, I recommend hiking to Landscape Arch in Devil’s Garden and Delicate Arch for sunset. If you must choose one of the two, make it Delicate Arch. It offers the most license-plate worthy view in the country!

For a more complete guide to Arches, check out my Arches National Park – One Day Itinerary .

If you are looking for  a place to eat   in Moab , I highly recommend the  Spoke on Center  for great food, great service, and an eclectic downtown setting. Give the huckleberry ice cream a try for a delicious local specialty.

No Arizona Utah road trip would be complete without this iconic view of the Southwest. It’s so iconic it even has its own emoji.  Monument Valley , like many other tourist attractions in the area, is located within the boundaries of the Navajo Nation and has a fee of $8 per person. Make sure to put the correct address in Google Maps to avoid getting lost. The exact coordinates for Monument Valley are N 37.00414 W 110.09889. The 17-mile loop through Monument Valley is open 8am to 4pm during winter time, 8am to 5pm during summer time, and closed on holidays.

After exiting Monument Valley, make your way back to Phoenix, AZ.

Headed East?

If you are heading east or continuing on from your Arizona Utah road trip through New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma, here are a few locations I recommend stopping by. These locations are listed from westernmost to easternmost.

• Petrified Forest National Park in AZ
• Sandia Peak Tramway in Albuquerque, NM
• Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, TX
• Eiffel Tower in Paris, TX
• Beavers Bend State Park in OK

Headed West

If you are heading east or continuing on from your Arizona Utah road trip through Nevada and California, here are a few locations I recommend stopping by.

• Las Vegas, NV
• Death Valley National Park
• Joshua Tree National Park

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5 Utah National Parks Plus Grand Canyon Road Trip

Opportunities for adventure are endless in utah when you explore its five national parks on the way to the grand canyon..

Red rock arches silhouetted against a bluebird sky. Mighty rivers winding their way through steep canyons. Aspen leaves quaking in a mountain breeze. This is Utah, where public lands comprise 70% of the state. It’s a nature lover’s dream with plenty of space to find solitude and soak in the quiet beauty of the desert and mountains. On this route, you’ll explore six national parks along with countless national monuments, state parks and other public lands in between.

This road trip takes you from the capital of Salt Lake City to the red rock country near Moab, where Arches and Canyonlands national parks display some of the most stunning rock formations and incredible whitewater in the West. Continuing south into Arizona, drive through the Navajo Nation and Hopi Reservation to learn more about whose homelands you’re recreating on. Visit the Grand Canyon’s less-crowded North Rim before heading back into Utah to explore stunning views in Zion and Bryce Canyon national parks, and natural beauty in Cedar Breaks National Monument. Finally, head north towards Torrey, Utah, to check Capitol Reef, the final of the state’s national parks, off your bucket list. Between the ochre-colored rock, the impossibly blue skies and the snowcapped peaks, you won’t be able to take your eyes off the view.

Take the Under Canvas Glamping Version of this Trip Want to do a similar road trip but go glamping at every stop? Do the Best Southwest Glamping Road Trip .

Road Trip Map

Before You Go

Download the GuideAlong App Enjoy the freedom of driving your own car while traveling with an entertaining guide that doesn’t take up space. There are driving tours for Arches, Canyonlands, Zion, Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. Learn more at guidealong.com .

Start: Salt Lake City, Utah

The New Salt Lake Discover an eclectic ecosystem that involves unique coffee houses, artisan cocktails and a short hike that gives you fantastic views of the city.

Natural Retreats Park City Stay in a beautifully appointed vacation rental on your way to the parks.

The Carbon Corridor

4 Uncrowded Gems in Utah’s Heartland From the world’s longest art gallery to a revitalized historic main street, Utah towns like Helper, Price and Wellington offer a chance to experience mining and Indigenous history and take in the incredible scenery.

Arches and Canyonlands National Parks

We’ll start off this Utah national parks road trip with two parks in the southeastern part of the state. Arches National Park , Canyonlands National Park  and  Dead Horse Point State Park are neighbors. Sitting next to the cool waters of the Colorado River, is the nearest town of Moab with a wide choice of hotels and campgrounds.

Moab’s Top 7 Things to Do with Family With so many things to do in Moab, choose among our favorite seven things to do with family including a boat tour with Canyonlands by Night & Day, seeing life-sized dinosaurs at Moab Giants, and five more.

Basecamp at Field Station Moab This new hotel in Moab is a hub for adventurers where you can set up rentals, relax with new friends after a day exploring and learn new skills.

Guided Bike and Rafting Trips in Canyonlands National Park Mountain bike through stunning canyon country and raft some of the nation’s biggest whitewater on a combination ride and raft trip with Holiday River Expeditions .

Push Your Limits Check out these three heart-pounding adventures in Arches and Canyonlands national parks.

Raft the Desert West’s Best River Stretches with OARS Read these tips to incredible rafting trips for families, thrill seekers and those just looking for relaxation amid some of the country’s best scenery in Utah and Colorado.

Top 4 Campgrounds in Moab These campgrounds by Sun RV Resorts offer extraordinary amenities, including pools, dog parks, cabins and more near two of Utah’s national parks, Arches and Canyonlands.

Monument Valley, Navajo Nation and Hopi Nation

An iconic stretch of land, the Monument Valley is part of the Navajo Indian Nation and home to the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. This drive has been called the most scenic in America by many and it’s no wonder why.

Take an Experience Hopi Day Tour People have been living in Old Oraibi for nearly 1,000 years. Tour this ancient village as well as other significant Hopi sites, and conveniently stay at the Moenkopi Legacy Inn.

Page, Arizona

Hit the Trail and Then Find Out Which Beer Pairs With Your Hike Discover the best trails in Page and then enjoy a beer and dinner at Grand Canyon Brewing + Distillery .

Grand Canyon National Park

North Rim vs. South Rim From Tuba City, Ariz. choose to visit the Grand Canyon’s North or South Rim . What’s the difference? A 277-mile-long (446 km) canyon separates the national park. The South Rim is the area is far more popular than the quiet North Rim. It’s more developed with multiple hotels, restaurants and campgrounds. It’s just 60-miles from Tuba City, Ariz. to the Desert View East Entrance near Cameron, Ariz. The North Rim gets far fewer visitors each year, is home to just one hotel and is closed from November to May every year because of snow. The North Rim is 150-miles from Tuba City, Ariz., but brings you closer to your next stop on this road trip.

Grand Canyon North Rim

Offering fantastic views with less congestion, the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park offers those willing to drive five hours and 212 miles from the South Rim a chance to see the canyon without the crowds. There are places like Point Imperial where you can watch the distant rising sun gradually spread a blanket of warm red and gold light across the giant walls of rock and the singular spire of Mount Hayden.

There are places like Point Imperial where you can watch the distant rising sun gradually spread a blanket of warm red and gold light across the giant walls of rock and the singular spire of Mount Hayden. You might even hear the evocative song of a canyon wren rising and falling in crescendo, just eight or 10 clear notes. It is, perhaps, the most memorable bird song of the West.

The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is an experience wholly separate from the South Rim. A more remote, rugged and individual opportunity to see what John Wesley Powell described as, “ledges and cliffs where the soaring eagle is lost to view before it reaches a summit.”

Top 4 North Rim Viewpoints – One is only a half-mile on a paved trail from the lodge.

Top 5 North Rim Day Hikes

Kanab is Utah’s Best-Kept Secret

Best Four in Kanab Avoid the crowds, enjoy fantastic food and discover the hidden gems along the way to the Southwest’s most popular national parks including Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

White Pocket vs. The Wave Most travelers have heard of “The Wave” but are unaware of the surrounding canyons that are just as jaw-dropping such as White Pocket. Find out which one to visit.

Best Southwest National Park Photography Itinerary for Bryce Canyon, Zion and Grand Canyon From sunrise to sunset to the Milky Way, capture incredible photos of Utah and Arizona’s national parks .

Zion National Park

Head to the most popular Utah park on this Utah national park road trip: Zion National Park . As visitors drive through the park, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the size and vertical orientation of the canyon walls that are all around you.

7 Top Things to Do in Zion National Park This gorgeous national park offers breathtaking views, lodging and great educational stops. Here are our top seven .

Adrenaline-Fueled Zion Adventures Looking to physically challenge yourself and find world-class adventure in Utah’s most popular park? Here are four of our favorite ways to spend an active day in Zion.

Glamp in a Modern Airstream Near Zion This luxurious resort is just 20 minutes from the park and lets you fall asleep to the sound of the Virgin River from a renovated Airstream trailer or your own private cabin.

Cedar Breaks National Monument

Not only is this national park site considerably less crowded than its nearby sister national parks, it’s also filled with an incredible array of vibrant wildflowers.

Look down into a half-mile deep geologic amphitheater, wander among timeless bristlecone pines, stand in lush meadows of wildflowers, ponder crystal-clear night skies and experience the richness of the subalpine forest in Cedar Breaks National Monument in Utah .

Elevate Your Experience in Cedar City and Brian Head While southwest Utah is known for its amazing red-rock landscapes, there’s a pocket of mountains topped by aspen trees, wildflowers and pine trees. Here are four reasons to stop and stay in the Cedar City area .

Bryce Canyon National Park

Compared to Utah’s other national parks, Bryce Canyon feels like a totally different world. For one, its mesmerizing hoodoos ranging from white to pink to red feel like you might just be on Mars. For another, the canyon’s rim sits at between 8,000 and 9,000 feet in elevation, making it cooler and allowing pine and spruce forests to flourish. And lastly? It sees a fraction of the crowds.

Maximize your experience at Bryce Canyon National Park by driving to Sunrise, Sunset, Inspiration and Bryce viewpoints. These are all spectacular overlooks of the park’s red hoodoos shooting up against evergreen forests in the background.

3 New Ways to Experience Bryce Canyon Country See the stars, squeeze through a slot canyon or visit in the winter near these little towns along Hwy. 12 .

Capitol Reef National Park

A diversity of landscape like no other in Utah, Capitol Reef National Park and surrounding area has red rock formations, arches, plateaus, meadows, forests, lush green valleys and astounding deserts.

Remote Beauty in Utah’s Capitol Reef Country Take in Utah’s stunning color palette in and around Capitol Reef National Park. But the national park is just the beginning of what this scenic part of Utah has to offer .

Great Basin National Park

Just over the Utah border, visit Nevada’s Great Basin National Park, where you can explore the inside of the Earth and the top of a 13,000-foot peak on the same day.

Silver State Stopover at Great Basin National Park In the Great Basin National Heritage Area , you’ll find Nevada’s less-known national park and surprising history.

End: Salt Lake City, Utah

Make Your National Park Memories Last Commemorate your favorite trails, most exciting wildlife encounters and million-dollar views with a hand-illustrated Xplorer Map of your favorite park on coffee mugs, coasters, neck gaiters to keep you warm on your next adventure and even jigsaw puzzles.

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A Road Trip Guide to Southern Utah and Northern Arizona

A road trip that will leave you with wanting more.

By: Brayden Weeks + Save to a List

When deciding to go on a road trip, it can be a daunting thing to plan. You have so many options of places to see and so many new roads to take. When traveling down to Southern Utah and Northern Arizona, it is no different. With all the national parks, hikes, and landmarks, it can become overwhelming to pick and choose. This story is here to help you decide the best places to go as well as the best route to take in order to make the most of your road trip of the Wild Southwest. 

Destination 1: Arches National Park 

Arches National Park is a great way to start your trip, located in Moab, Utah. Arches National Park is a perfect introduction to what you are about to experience on this trip. From the awe-inspiring arches to the towering red rock structures, it is a great launching point. Note: visit NPS.Gov to make your timed entry reservation.  

I recommend hiking to Delicate Arch  and staying until it gets completely dark to experience a sky full of stars. Then go to Double Arch for sunrise to experience this place by yourself or at least with very few people.

Destination 2: Monument Valley

Everybody knows the famous Monument Valley from the famous long road and the towering monoliths. It is a truly spectacular place that is a must for your road trip. Sure, it may be a widely popular spot, especially on Instagram, but it's for a good reason. Make sure to stop at the long road (you'll know it when you see it). 

Next, continue your drive for a bit longer until you reach the border of Arizona, and then enter the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park where you can camp and experience this place fully. When in the park, make sure to take the 17-mile scenic drive that takes you all over the valley. Make sure to be respectful and follow the rules; there are people out in the valley who call it home. 

In the park, you have some options for hiking that will take you to some unique spots as well. 

Note: Make sure you visit  NavajoNationParks.org  for more info about entry fees, booking permits, and guides. 

Must Do's:  

For this destination, I suggest you get up early enough to catch sunrise so that you can experience the sun rise above the horizon and burst through the beautiful monoliths. 

Destination 3: Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell (Page, Arizona)

Another famous Instagram spot,  Horseshoe Bend is an amazing spot to see a unique formation that you can't find anywhere else. I will admit though, as much as I loved it, it is the most crowded spot that I stopped at. Luckily, it is a very short and easy hike to the spot, so the trail itself doesn't feel too crowded. 

Lake Powell is a spot you will want to make sure you have a whole day to spend exploring. From swimming, to paddle boarding, and renting boats, there are countless things to do there. The water is surprisingly warm for being a lake which makes it all the more enjoyable for water activities. 

For Horseshoe Bend, I recommend getting there right before sunset for a beautiful view, and getting there before sunrise if you would like to experience it with fewer people.

If you are planning on camping at Lake Powell (which I recommend), I would suggest you camp down at Lone Rock for a spectacular view. It is my favorite spot in the area because it feels a bit more secluded and it's just a great overall camping spot.

Destination 4: Zion National Park

Zion National Park is probably the most well-known spot in Southern Utah. Expect this to be the busiest national park of the three you visit. Also, be prepared for the fact that this park is run a little bit differently than others. To get to many of the hikes and landmarks in the park, you will need to take a shuttle because all of these areas are restricted to civilian vehicles. At first, I wasn't sure how I felt about it, but it was a nice change due to the fact you can just sit there and look out the window at all of the beautiful scenery. 

While on the shuttle, make sure to watch the towering mountains for any rock climbers. It is truly an awesome thing to see someone scaling these massive walls. 

When it comes to camping, make sure to get a campsite early because they will fill up very quickly. 

Note: Visit NPS.Gov for permit and reservation info as well as up-to-date closures. 

Hike the Narrows . I am sure you have heard of it a million times, but it is a refreshing and unique hike, unlike any other. 

If you are wanting a photo of the unique mountain called The Watchman , I would suggest getting to the bridge where you get the photo about an hour before the sun sets because you will end up being shoulder-to-shoulder with other photographers.

Destination 5 (The Finale): Bryce Canyon National Park

In my opinion, Bryce Canyon is the perfect way to end your trip. For me, this place was just unreal and definitely my favorite of the whole trip. I have never seen anywhere else like it in person or in photographs. This canyon is hidden behind a forest, essentially. You would never even know it existed beyond all of the trees you have to drive through to get there. 

Bryce Canyon offers some of the best hiking trails I have ever been on. Being able to actually go down into the canyon and experience it from that level is just something else. It is a reminder of how lucky we are to live on this planet. 

Bryce Canyon is known for having some of the darkest skies in the world. Staying out until it is completely dark makes you feel so small compared to all of the stars that are above you. It is something you don't want to miss out on.

Hike any of the trails! I don't really have a recommendation for a specific hike because at one point they all kind of connect together and they are all amazing. 

Make sure to stay out and experience the Milky Way Galaxy at night time and then get up for sunrise to watch this beautiful canyon light up again.

Final Words

These destinations are in, my opinion, the best way to experience the Wild Southwest. If you don't feel like starting with Arches National Park, you can always start with Bryce Canyon and work your way backward. The nice thing about this certain route was that each time I had to pack up and leave it was no more than a two-hour drive to the next stop. 

Along this road trip, there are plenty of other places to add to your list such as Canyonlands National Park , Capitol Reef National Park , Antelope Canyon , Pink Sand Dunes , and many more. I think the destinations I featured are the best way to make the most of your road trip, especially if you want more of a quick one. 

If you follow this guide when going on a road trip into Southern Utah and Northern Arizona, I promise it will be one heck of an adventure, one that will leave you wanting to come back as well as wanting to explore new places.

We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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10 Day Road Trip Nevada, Utah, Arizona

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Last Updated on May 29, 2024 by Sarah Puckett

Planning a road trip through the southwest US states of Nevada, Utah, and Arizona, but feel overwhelmed by all the options and how best to see them all in a short time? Well you’ve come to the right place, because this guide serves up the ideal 10-day road trip itinerary through Nevada, Utah, and Arizona.

Picture yourself cruising down endless highways, surrounded by vast deserts and towering mesas, the horizon stretching out before you in a mesmerizing display of nature’s grandeur. This is a road trip like no other, where the rugged beauty of Nevada’s desertscapes seamlessly transitions into the iconic red rock canyons of Utah, before giving way to the enchanting landscapes of Arizona.

In this blog post, we’ll be your virtual tour guide, unveiling the hidden gems and must-see attractions that pepper this epic journey. From the glittering lights of Las Vegas to the ethereal glow of Antelope Canyon, every stop is a brushstroke in the masterpiece that is the Nevada, Utah, and Arizona road trip.

Keep reading to discover your perfect Nevada, Utah, and Arizona road trip!

Follow the seven Leave No Trace principles: plan your hike in advance, stick to designated trails, carry out all your belongings, dispose of waste properly, leave natural areas untouched, minimize the impact of campfires, show consideration for fellow hikers, and avoid approaching or feeding wildlife.

Table of Contents

Why Listen to Us? Our Experience Roadtripping Nevada, Utah, and Arizona

We love road tripping in Nevada, Utah and Arizona so much that we visit the Southwest every winter, and return often throughout the year. We’ve explored this region of the U.S. extensively and are thrilled we can bring you our expertise. We’ve taken our 3+ years of intensive experience in the southwest and condensed it into an efficient 10-day itinerary that will check off many bucket list experiences and expose you to new places you maybe haven’t heard of before.

Let us do the hard work for you of planning a 10-day Nevada, Utah, and Arizona road trip. This itinerary can be taken as is or modified to meet your needs.

Nevada, Utah, Arizona Road Trip At-A-Glance

• Visit Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
• Explore the Las Vegas Strip
• Visit Seven Magic Mountains
• Visit Valley of Fire State Park
• Visit Bryce Canyon National Park
• Visit Zion National Park
• Explore Kanab’s best short hikes (Sand Caves, Dinosaur Tracks, etc.)
• Explore North or South Coyote Buttes or White Pocket
• Visit Highway 89’s most iconic sites between Kanab and Page
• Tour Antelope Canyon
• Sunset at Horseshoe Bend
• Explore Monument Valley
• Sunrise hike at Devil’s Bridge
• Morning hike to Birthing Cave
• Afternoon hike on Soldier Pass
• Sunrise at Yavapai Point
• Hike the South Kaibab Trail
• Drive Desert View Drive
• Drive Hermit Road to Hermit Point
• Visit the Hoover Dam
• Hike the Railroad Tunnel Trail
• Kayak to Emerald Cove
• Return to Las Vegas

Day 1 – Las Vegas, Nevada

Welcome to fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada ! Not only is this dopamine-inducing city of lights and sounds a worthwhile road trip stop in Nevada in its own right, but it’s also the best base for flying in and out of the southwest in our opinion. Within just a few hours’ drive of over 5 national parks and situated near the Utah and Arizona state borders, Las Vegas is the perfect launchpad for our southwest road trip through Nevada, Utah, and Arizona!

Note: You can also fly into Phoenix and start this itinerary in Sedona (Day 8). The drive from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to Sedona is about 2 hours and 10 minutes.

>>  Search flights to Las Vegas for your Nevada, Arizona, Utah Road Trip here.

Once at the airport, you’ll need to rent a car for your Nevada, Arizona, and Utah road trip.

>> Search rental cars from Las Vegas here.

Wondering what kind of vehicle to rent for your road trip through the southwest US states of Nevada, Arizona, and Utah? Here’s our take: while a 2-wheel-drive vehicle is completely sufficient for this road trip if you are able to rent an all-wheel-drive or 4-wheel-drive vehicle, you will have more options for some offroading adventures and side quests down dirt roads.

How to Spend a Half Day in Las Vegas, Nevada

After you check into your hotel in Las Vegas, head out for an afternoon of exploration. Here’s how we recommend spending a half-day in Las Vegas:

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Explore Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area . This incredible hiking destination is only 20 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip. Some recommended hikes are Calico Tanks , Ice B ox Canyon , and Lost Creek Trail . Note that a timed entry permit is required to access the main road in Red Rock Canyon NCA. You can make your reservation here .

Las Vegas Strip

Walk the the Las Vegas Strip . Our favorite area to explore is between Planet Hollywood and Treasure Island because there are many casinos and resorts close by and you can see several iconic casinos like the Bellagio and the Venetian . But for the ultimate Las Vegas Strip adventure, we recommend walking the 5-mile urban hike along Las Vegas Boulevard from the Stratosphere to Mandalay Bay , popping into any casinos, restaurants, or attractions that catch your eye as you go!

Seven Magic Mountains

Drive Las Vegas Boulevard approximately for about 30 minutes south of the Las Vegas Strip to the Seven Magic Mountains , a unique art installation in the desert by Ugo Rondinone in collaboration with the Nevada Museum of Art. These colorful stacked rock towers are a popular photography spot. Even better – Seven Magic Mountains is free to visit.

Where to Sleep in Las Vegas

• Treasure Island – TI Las Vegas
• The Venetian

Where to Eat in Las Vegas

• Sapporo Revolving Sushi
• Secret Pizza
• Gorden Ramsey Burger
• Black Tap Craft Burgers and Beer

Day 1 At-A-Glance

• Arrive in Las Vegas, Nevada
• Explore Las Vegas for an afternoon

Day 2 – Valley of Fire State Park and Bryce Canyon National Park

On Day 2 of your Nevada, Utah, Arizona road trip, I recommend spending the morning at Valley of Fire State Park, about an hour east of Las Vegas, and then crossing the state line into Utah to spend the afternoon in Bryce National Park.

Morning (Half Day) in Valley of Fire State Park

Make sure to bring plenty of water and stay hydrated while traveling in the southwest and especially while hiking in Valley of Fire State Park!

Valley of Fire State Park Entrance Information

When embarking on an adventure to the stunning Valley of Fire State Park, it’s important to have all the practical details at your fingertips. Here’s a quick rundown of the entrance information you’ll need to make the most of your visit:

Admission Fee : As you arrive at the park, be prepared to pay an admission fee. The standard fee for a Nevada-plated vehicle is $10, and $15 for non-Nevada vehicles. However, please note that fees can change, so it’s a good idea to check with official sources for the most current information before your visit.

Operating Hours : Valley of Fire State Park is open year-round. However, it’s always wise to double-check current operating hours and any potential closures or restrictions before planning your trip. This way, you can ensure a seamless experience.

Payment Methods : Whether you’re a fan of good old-fashioned cash or prefer the convenience of plastic, you’re in luck. The park accepts both cash and credit cards for entry fees, providing you with flexibility in how you settle your admission. Note, it’s always a good idea to bring cash just in case there are any issues with the credit card system.

Visitor Center Resources : As you enter the park, swing by the Visitor Center. Here, you can grab a park map and any pertinent information that will enhance your exploration. It’s a valuable pit stop for getting oriented and making the most of your visit.

Armed with this essential entrance information, you’re ready to embark on a memorable adventure through Valley of Fire State Park.

1. Atlatl Rock

Atatl Rock is a popular stop within the park, known for its petroglyphs (ancient rock carvings). The Atlatl Rock itself has a staircase leading to a viewing platform, allowing visitors to get a closer look at the intricate carvings depicting prehistoric life.

2. Fire Wave Trail

This is a relatively short 1.3 mile hike that leads to one of the park’s most iconic and photographed spots, the Fire Wave. This incredible wave-like sandstone formation is a kaleidoscope of reds, oranges, and creams. It’s especially stunning in the early morning light.

3. White Domes Trail

This short 1-mile trail takes you through a diverse range of landscapes, including narrow canyons, dramatic sandstone formations, and even a short slot canyon. The colors and textures here are mesmerizing!

4. Elephant Rock

This is another famous rock formation in the park that’s aptly named due to its resemblance to an elephant. It’s a fun spot for photos, and it’s easily accessible from the main road. Elephant Rock is fragile, so please do not climb it!

Afternoon (Half Day) in Bryce Canyon National Park

Here’s how we recommend spending an afternoon and evening in the park as part of your Utah National Parks road trip from Las Vegas.

Bryce Canyon National Park Entrance Information

Welcome to Bryce Canyon National Park! The entrance fee to Bryce Canyon National Park is $35 per vehicle, or free if you have the  America the Beautiful National Parks Pass.

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1. Scenic Drive to Bryce Point

Drive the Bryce Canyon Road from the Visitor Center to Bryce Point. We recommend driving all the way to Bryce Point first and then stopping at each of the overlooks and viewpoints that will be along the right-hand side of your vehicle as you drive back towards the Visitor Center. 

2. Lower Inspiration Point

Stop here on your drive back in the direction of the Visitor Center for a view over Lower Inspiration Point and the Grand Staircase! It’s also worth the short walk on the Rim Trail to Upper Inspiration Point nearby. 

3. Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail

The 3.1-mile Navajo and Queens Garden Loop Trail is our favorite for seeing the highlights of Bryce Canyon National Park’s iconic orange hoodoos. It’s short and easy enough for families with kids with 649 feet of elevation gain, and makes the most of an afternoon visit to the park! 

4. Sunset at Sunrise Point

After your hike, catch the sunset at either Sunrise Point or Sunset Point. Both are near each other, just a short walk apart from the same parking lot, and provide slightly different views and angles.

Altitude Sickness at Bryce Canyon National Park

Note that Bryce Canyon National Park sits between 8,000 and 9,000 feet of elevation above sea level, which means you will likely feel the impacts of the altitude. Symptoms most frequently include shortness of breath, headache, and fatigue. Drink a lot of water and take your hike slow and steady if you find you’re feeling altitude sickness! And don’t worry, your symptoms should recede as your body adjusts or when you descend back down to lower elevations.

Where to Sleep in Tropic, Utah

• Best Western PLUS Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel
• Best Western PLUS Ruby’s Inn
• Bryce Canyon Pines

Where to Eat in Tropic, Utah

• IDK Barbecue
• Stone Hearth Grille
• Rustler’s Restaurant
• Cowboy Ranch House at Bryce Canyon

Day 2 At-A-Glance

• Drive from Las Vegas to Valley of Fire State Park (1 hour)
• Explore Valley of Fire State Park (4 hours)
• Drive to Bryce Canyon National Park (3.5 hours)
• Explore Bryce Canyon National Park (4 hours)
• Overnight in Tropic, Utah

Day 3 – Zion National Park

On the morning of Day 3 of your Nevada, Utah, Arizona road trip, drive from Bryce Canyon City to Zion National Park, about 1 hour and 50 minutes apart.

Spend a Day Exploring Zion National Park

Zion national park entrance information.

Today you will be adventuring into Zion National Park! The park entrance fee is $35, but we recommend buying an America the Beautiful National Park Pass, which will save you money if you go to every park on this road trip through Nevada, Utah, and Arizona.

  >>> Buy your National Parks Pass from REI here

Getting Around Zion National Park

While you can drive your own vehicle on the Zion Scenic Byway and the Kolob Canyons regions of Zion National Park, private vehicles are NOT allowed in Zion Canyon itself during the shuttle season. The shuttle season, according to the National Park Service, is generally May through November and during the holiday season. When we visited in April of 2023, the shuttle was running, however. So, if you plan on visiting Zion National Park most times of the year, you will need to plan for one of two options for getting around Zion Canyon: taking the shuttle, or renting an e-bike (electronic bike).

Zion Canyon Shuttle Option

The free Zion National Park shuttle is the most popular way to get around Zion Canyon. It makes multiple stops throughout the canyon and runs every few minutes. 

The shuttle system consists of two main routes:

• Zion Canyon Shuttle:  This route takes visitors along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, stopping at key trailheads, viewpoints, and attractions. It runs from the park’s south entrance through the main canyon to the Temple of Sinawava, where you can access the trailhead for The Narrows hike.
• Springdale Shuttle:  This route connects various lodging properties and campgrounds in the town of Springdale to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, providing visitors with convenient access to the park’s entrance and shuttle system.

Shuttles run frequently throughout the day, allowing visitors to hop on and off at different stops. The system operates from early morning until evening, accommodating both early birds and those who prefer to explore during the cooler hours of the day.

The shuttle system is designed to accommodate visitors with disabilities. Accessible shuttle buses equipped with ramps or lifts are available to ensure that everyone can enjoy the park’s attractions.

If you plan to use the shuttle system, park your vehicle in Springdale’s designated parking areas or at the Visitor’s Center in Zion Canyon (but note parking fills up quickly). Many accommodations in Springdale also offer shuttle service to the park entrance.

You can find more information about the Zion National Park shuttle here.

E-Bike Option

Our favorite way to explore Zion Canyon is renting an e-bike in Springdale and biking into Zion National Park. Because private vehicles are not allowed in the canyon, the only vehicles you have to worry about sharing the road with are the shuttles. Each trailhead has a bike rack you can lock your e-bike to, so you can thoroughly explore each stop the shuttle goes to, plus any other location you feel inspired to check out during your ride!

We rented e-bikes from  Zion Adventures  on our most recent trip to Zion National Park and it was the PERFECT way to spend the day. 

1. Rent an e-bike and explore Zion Canyon

This is the best way to see Zion Canyon in my opinion, as it allows you to explore independently of the shuttle system. You can still do all the activities listed in this itinerary via the shuttle.

2. Bike the Pa’rus Trail

This 1.6-mile one-way trail starts at the Visitor’s Center and provides a great overview of Zion’s unique landscapes. This is also the route you should take to bike into Zion Canyon.

3. Hike the Emerald Pools Trail

Bike or ride the shuttle to Stop 6: The Grotto t o hike the 3-mile round trip Emerald Pools Trail to see several waterfalls. The best time to see the waterfalls is in the spring when the snow is melting.

3.1 Hike Angel’s Landing (by permit lottery only)

If you have a permit to hike Angel’s Landing, you’ll start your hike at Stop 6: The Grotto. You can find more information about obtaining a permit to hike Angels Landing here.

4. Stop at Weeping Rock

Bike or ride the shuttle to Stop 7: Weeping Rock. The short path to Weeping Rock is one of our favorite spots in the park because you get to go behind the waterfall! The paved trail leading up to the waterfall is steep but short.

5. Visit the Temple of Sinawava

Bike or ride the shuttle to Stop 9: The Temple of Sinawava. This is where the popular full-day Narrows hike starts, as well as the short and pleasant Riverside Walk trail. In spring, look for the ribbon waterfall on the cliffs! 

6. Stroll the Riverside Walk

With only one day in Zion National Park, you don’t have enough time to hike the Narrows, but the 1.9-mile round trip paved Riverside Walk is a good alternative since you can still get a sense of what the canyon is like as it narrows around the Virgin River. If you are able to extend your Nevada, Utah, Arizona road trip at all, I definitely recommend spending an extra day in Zion National Park!

Where to Sleep in Springdale

• Driftwood Lodge
• Flanigan’s Resort and Spa
• AutoCamp Zion
• SpringHill Suites by Marriott Zion National Park

Where to Eat in Springdale

• Oscar’s Cafe : big portions and local favorite
• Camp Outpost : rotisserie and veggies served fast in a charming outdoor space
• Cafe Soleil : great sandwich choice and located right next to the park entrance

Day 3 At-A-Glance

• Drive from Bryce Canyon City to Zion National Park (1 hour 50 minutes)
• Explore Zion National Park (all day)
• Overnight in Springdale

Day 4 – Kanab, Utah

On the morning of Day 4, drive from Springdale, Utah, towards nearby Kanab, just an hour away. The route between the two towns offers unique hikes, slot canyons, state parks, and even dinosaur footprints!

Kanab is one of our favorite destinations in the southwest, and we keep coming back year after year since there is so much to see and do here!

How to Spend a Day in Kanab, Utah

1. belly of the dragon.

Start your adventure at the Belly of the Dragon, just 17 miles northwest of Kanab. It will be on your route from Springdale to Kanab. This short (1.8 miles round trip), unique hike goes through a dark manmade drainage tunnel underneath Highway 89 called Belly of the Dragon. The hike itself is easy, but there is a bit of a scramble you have to make down into the drainage wash at the start of the tunnel. There are some footholds that make this easier.

2. Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon

Peek-A-Book Canyon (aka Red Canyon) is one of the most popular slot canyons to hike in Utah, since it’s short at just 0.7 miles round trip, fairly easy, and close to the town of Kanab. What is a slot canyon, you may be wondering? It’s a narrow canyon carved out by water over millions of years. Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon is a photographer’s dream, with the curvy canyon walls creating unique textures and angles. Deep sand can make the road to the start of the canyon impassable at times, and a 4WD high-clearance vehicle is recommended if you want to drive. Alternatively, just park in the lot called “Red Canyon Slot Aka Peek A boo trailhead” on Google Maps, right off of Highway 89, and hike the 4×4 road 4 miles to the mouth of the canyon. This makes the hike about 9 miles round trip, so plan your day accordingly.

Note: We’ll be visiting Antelope Canyon, which is much more beautiful in my opinion, later in this itinerary, so don’t worry if you have to skip this one due to timing or vehicle constraints!

3. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park in Utah is a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. Unlike the towering red rock canyons for which Utah is famous, this park offers a unique landscape of rolling sand dunes, tinged with a soft coral hue. The dunes stretch as far as the eye can see, creating a surreal and mesmerizing vista.

The main attraction here is, of course, the dunes themselves. These wind-sculpted formations offer a playground for adventure seekers, whether you’re into sandboarding, off-roading, or simply hiking along the sandy ridges.

Entrance to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park requires a fee of $10 per vehicle.

4. Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

Spread across thousands of acres in one of the most scenic parts of Utah, the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of animals, including dogs, cats, horses, pigs, birds, and even wildlife. The sanctuary’s mission is to provide a safe and loving environment for animals in need, whether they’ve been rescued from shelters, have special needs, or are simply looking for a forever home.

You can participate in guided tours, where you’ll learn about the individual stories and personalities of the animals, and even have the chance to spend quality time with them. For animal lovers, this experience is truly heartwarming and unforgettable.

The sanctuary also offers a variety of programs and workshops, including adoption events. On a recent visit to Kanab, we played Kitten Bingo, where adoptable kitties roamed around while players got to compete for fun prizes. It was as cute as it sounds.

5. Sand Caves

Located near the Moqui Caverns on Highway 89, the Sand Caves are what remain from the location’s former life as a sand mine. The tunnels are visible from the highway, and there’s a large parking area in front of them. Be careful on the rock as you climb up to the caves – it can be slick. Once in the caves, explore the tunnels and have fun with the cool photo opportunities!

6. Dinosaur Tracks

Step back in time at the Dinosaur Tracks site, where ancient history comes to life. Preserved in the rock are the footprints of creatures that roamed this area millions of years ago. This is one of my favorite short hikes in Kanab because you are able to see an incredibly rare remnant of the past on a short and not-too-strenuous hike. The trailhead is located on Highway 89, and the parking lot is shared with the Utah Port of Entry and Nomad Cafe. If you visit, please do not deface or remove the tracks. Always practice leave-no-trace principles, especially in fragile locations like the Kanab dinosaur tracks.

Where to Sleep in Kanab

• Best Friends Roadhouse
• Quality Inn Kanab National Park Area
• Canyons Boutique Hotel – A Canyons Collection Property

Where to Eat in Kanab

• Rocking V Cafe
• Wild Thyme Cafe
• Sego Restaurant
• Big Al’s Burgers

Day 4 At-A-Glance

• Drive from Springdale to Kanab (1 hour)
• Visit Belly of the Dragon (1 hour)
• Hike to Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon (1 hour to 4 hours depending on the distance hiked)
• Visit Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park (1 hour)
• Visit Best Friends Animal Sanctuary (1 hour)
• Explore the Sand Caves (30 minutes)
• Hike to Dinosaur Tracks (1 hour)
• Overnight in Kanab

Day 5: Vermillion Cliffs National Monument

Kanab is one of the best towns to stay in when visiting the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, located in northern Arizona. The Vermillion Cliffs are best known for the otherworldly rock formations that comprise this vast wilderness.

The Wave (North Coyote Buttes)

The Wave is the most famous feature of Vermillion Cliffs National Monument. This curvy, textured sandstone rock formation is only accessible by a permit, which is issued via lottery by the Bureau of Land Management. If this place is on your bucket list, check out our detailed blog post about how to get permits for the Wave and what to expect on the ~7 mile hike. Note that permits are very difficult to get yearround, so we recommend visiting South Coyote Buttes (permit also required, but easier to get) or White Pocket (both described below) as alternatives.

South Coyote Buttes

Like it’s sibling to the north, South Coyote Buttes is an area of unique sandstone rock formations, including petrified sand dunes ( Cottonwood Teepees ) and delicate towers. And, like North Coyote Buttes, South Coyote Buttes requires a permit to visit. This one is easier to obtain since the demand is lower than for the Wave. Plus, South Coyote Buttes actually has a lot more to see, with two distinct areas ( Cottonwood Cove and Paw Hole ). Note that you will need a 4×4 high clearance vehicle and experience driving in deep sand to get to to South Coyote Buttes. If you do not have one, you can arrange a guided tour with Dreamland Safari Tours .

White Pocket

Tucked away in the remote Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, White Pocket is a geological wonder that feels like a landscape from another planet. The swirling, marbled sandstone formations create a dreamscape of surreal beauty. Think Dr. Seuss meets Candy Land . The vivid contrasts of red, white, and yellow rock, combined with the smooth, undulating patterns, make this a photographer’s paradise. A permit is NOT required to visit White Pocket, however, you will need to drive through deep sand in a high-clearance 4×4 vehicle to get to White Pocket. No 4WD? No problem – book a tour with Dreamland like we did! You can read about our White Pocket guided tour experience here .

Day 5 At-A-Glance

• Explore Vermillion Cliffs National Monument (all day)

Day 6 – Page, Arizona

Today, drive east on Highway 89 from Kanab, Utah, to Page, Arizona. Along the way, you’ll be stopping at a few hikes and scenic spots!

How to Spend a Day in Page, Arizona

1. toadstool hoodoos.

The Toadstool Hoodoos hike is a captivating adventure in the Utah desert. This trail leads to a collection of sandstone formations that resemble toadstools, shaped by years of natural erosion. It’s a relatively short hike, just over a mile each way, making it accessible for hikers of different skill levels. The trailhead is conveniently located off Highway 89, near the renowned Vermilion Cliffs. As you walk through this distinctive landscape, you’ll encounter towering sandstone pillars with mushroom-like caps. The interplay of light and shadow on the textured surfaces offers great photo opportunities.

2. Paria Townsite

The Paria Townsite is one of our favorite locations Tim and I have ever been to. If you’ve seen photos of or visited the “ Rainbow Mountains ” of Peru , imagine a mesa with horizontal rainbow-colored stripes. That’s what Paria Townsite looks like. Plus, this spot has remains of an old settlement (the townsite) which makes it fun to explore against the colorful backdrop. While any vehicle can make the dirt road to Paria Townsite, you should not attempt the drive if it’s rained recently.

3. Glen Canyon Dam

An engineering marvel standing tall against the backdrop of the Colorado River, Glen Canyon Dam is second only to the Hoover Dam in impressiveness. The museum is worth a visit to learn the history of the dam, its construction, and its uncertain future.

4. Take a tour of Antelope Canyon

A world of ethereal beauty awaits in Antelope Canyon , a slot canyon sculpted by the gentle touch of water. As sunlight filters through the narrow passages, it paints the sandstone walls with a palette of soft, shifting hues. This is why Antelope Canyon is considered one of the most beautiful slot canyons in the world.

Antelope Canyon is part of the Navajo Nation and all visitors must be accompanied by a Navajo guide. You should book your tour in advance to ensure your spot. You have the option to tour Upper Antelope Canyon or Lower Antelope Canyon . We toured Upper Antelope Canyon, and plan to visit Lower Antelope Canyon on a future trip so we can compare the experiences!

5. Sunset at Horseshoe Bend

Horseshoe Bend is a must-see natural wonder located near Page, Arizona. This iconic formation is a U-shaped curve in the Colorado River that has been carved over millennia. The hike to Horseshoe Bend is relatively short, about 0.7 miles each way, making it accessible for most visitors. The trailhead is well-marked and easily accessible from U.S. Route 89. Standing at the edge, you’ll be awe-struck by the sheer scale of the canyon and the emerald waters below – but be careful and keep an eye on kids! There are no guardrails and a misstep near the edge could have fatal consequences.

Where to Sleep in Page

• Hampton Inn & Suites Page Lake Powell
• Hyatt Place Page Lake Powell
• Best Western View of Lake Powell Hotel
• La Quinta by Wyndham Page at Lake Powell

Where to Eat in Page

• Big John’s Texas BBQ
• State 48 Tavern

Day 6 At-A-Glance

• Hike Toadstool Hoodoos (2 hours)
• Visit Paria Townsite (1 hour)
• Visit Glen Canyon Dam (45 minutes)
• Take a tour of Antelope Canyon (2 hours)
• Watch the sunset at Horseshoe Bend (2 hours)
• Overnight in Page, Arizona

Day 7 – Monument Valley

From Page, drive 2.5 hours to Monument Valley . Here, you can take a Navajo-guided tour of Monument Valley, or drive the scenic route through Monument Valley in your own vehicle. We recommend going with a Navajo guide, however, so that you can learn more about the significance and history of the place to the Navajo people. Additionally, there are several sites that can only be visited with a Navajo guide, and in my opinion, these are some of the most interesting and unique in all of Monument Valley. We booked a Delux Tour with Goulding’s Monument Valley to see these additional locations, which is $89 compared to $77 for the Standard Tour.

Admission to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is $8 per person per day. If you are self-driving the scenic loop, you’ll just pay when you enter through the gate.

Tip: After exploring the Monument Valley scenic loop, head a bit further east to Forrest Gump Point for an iconic view you’re sure to recognize from the movie!

From Monument Valley, it’s a scenic 3.5-hour drive to Sedona where you’ll spend the night!

Where to Sleep in Sedona

• Residence Inn by Marriott Sedona
• Arroyo Pinion Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
• Sedona Pines Resort
• Element Sedona

Where to Eat in Sedona

• Elote Cafe (reservations required, book 60 days in advance)
• Hideaway House
• Red Rock Cafe
• Coffee Pot Restaurant

Day 7 At-A-Glance

• Drive from Page to Monument Valley (2.5 hours)
• Self-drive or take a Navajo-guided tour of Monument Valley (3 hours)
• Visit Forrest Gump Point (30 minutes)
• Drive to Sedona (3.5 hours)
• Overnight in Sedona

Day 8 – Sedona, Arizona

Sedona is a hiker’s paradise, and for your full day in Sedona, we recommend three different hikes that will give you a great taste of the red rock landscape for which Sedona is famous.

How to Spend 1 Day Hiking in Sedona, Arizona

1. Sunrise hike at Devil’s Bridge

Devil’s Bridge is one of the most popular hiking trails in Sedona, Arizona, and for good reason. The 4-mile hike leads to a natural sandstone arch that spans over 50 feet.

We recommend tackling Devil’s Bridge trail for sunrise because that will give you the best chance of having some relative solitude on the trail. Devil’s Bridge stays busy pretty much constantly, but sunrise will be somewhat less crowded.

The trail itself is well-maintained and easy to follow, but it can get steep at times.

If you’re feeling bold, and the line isn’t too long, you can walk out onto Devil’s Bridge for the ultimate Sedona hiking photo op. We waited in line for about an hour for this photo, which is the most we’ve ever waited for a picture. But, to us, it was worth it! Also, the. bridge is not as scary or narrow as it looks in photos. However, definitely avoid the edges because a fall would be deadly.

2. Morning hike to Birthing Cave

After your sunrise hike at Devil’s Bridge, the next stop on your Sedona hiking itinerary is the iconic Birthing Cave! This is one of the most picturesque caves in Sedona, and it’s only a 2-mile roundtrip hike!

This cave gets very busy, and although it is large, there is very little actual surface that is flat enough to sit or stand on. The cave is essentially an oval, so most of the cave wall is curved at a steep grade. Definitely be careful where you walk inside the cave and wear grippy hiking boots so you don’t slip and fall!

3. Afternoon Soldier Pass Hike

 In the afternoon, hike my FAVORITE hike in the Coconino National Forest: Soldier Pass! This 4.5-mile round-trip trail features several landmarks you will want to stop and take photos or simply admire. First, you’ll come across the Sinkhole , also known as Devil’s Kitchen. This geological wonder is a collapsed underground chamber, creating a deep opening.

Approximately halfway through the hike, you’ll reach the Seven Sacred Pools . These natural pools, carved into the red rocks, offer a peaceful oasis amidst the desert landscape. Take a moment to relax and appreciate the tranquility of these serene pools. If you’re lucky, you will see them filled with water!

Our favorite highlight of the Soldier Pass hike is the Soldier Pass Cave . This hidden gem tucked away amidst the rocks offers a fascinating exploration opportunity. It’s a bit of a scramble to get up inside the cave, but once you’re in, it feels like a hidden world. The photo opportunities are absolutely mindblowing here too.

After your hike on the Soldiers Pass Trail, drive 2 hours north to Tusayan, the gateway to Grand Canyon National Park.

Additional Sedona Resources:

• 35+ Unique Things to Do in Sedona
• 1 Week Sedona Hiking Itinerary
• Best Easy Hikes in Sedona

Where to Sleep in Tusayan

• Holiday Inn Express Grand Canyon
• Squire Resort at the Grand Canyon
• The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon
• Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel

Where to Eat in Tusayan

• Plaza Bonita Mexican Restaurant
• Foodie Club
• We Cook Pizza and Pasta

Day 8 At-A-Glance

• Sunrise hike at Devil’s Bridge (2 hours)
• Morning hike to Birthing Cave (1 hour)
• Afternoon hike on Soldier Pass (3 hours)
• Drive to Tusayan (2 hours)
• Overnight in Tusayan

Day 9 – Grand Canyon

On the morning of Day 9 of your Nevada, Utah, and Arizona road trip, drive north from Tusayan to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, about 20 minutes away.

Grand Canyon National Park Entrance Information

The entrance fee for Grand Canyon National Park is $35 per vehicle. You can purchase your entrance in advance or in person when you arrive. There are no timed entry reservations required at this time. You can read more about the entrance to the park on the NPS website.

Grand Canyon National Park Shuttle System

To manage traffic and the flow of visitors at this popular national park, there is a shuttle system on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. There is no parking available at certain trailheads, so you’ll need to park at the Visitor’s Center in Grand Canyon Village and take the shuttle from there. You can f ind out more about the shuttle program, including the shuttle stops and timetable, on the NPS website.

What to Do in One Day in Grand Canyon National Park

1. sunrise at yavapai point.

Start your day by driving to Yavapai Point and parking in the lot there. We think Yavapai Point is the best place to enjoy the sunrise in the Grand Canyon, because it’s a spacious overlook where other visitors can spread out, and there are some really cool photo opportunities.

2. Hike the South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point

After sunrise, you can leave your car at the Yavapai Point parking lot and hop the shuttle to the South Kaibab Trailhead . From here, hike about 2 miles round trip to Ooh Aah Point , one of the most impressive (and best-named) viewpoints in the park. Note that this trail goes below the canyon rim, and there is a considerable amount of elevation loss (and then gain) on the round-trip hike. Bring lots of water and salty snacks so you are prepared!

3. Desert View Drive

Return to your car on the shuttle, and then drive east along the South Rim on Desert View Drive. This scenic drive is a great way to get a sense of the park’s scale, compare viewpoints, and search for unique shapes in the rocks! We recommend stopping at as many stops as you can, and going all the way to the historic Desert View Watchtower .

4. Drive Hermit Road to Hermit Point

From the Desert View Watchtower, retrace your route all the way back to the Visitor’s Center and take Hermit Road to explore the western half of the South Rim. Stop at the viewpoints that lead to Hermit’s Rest , another historic location in the park where you can get a sense of what early tourist visits to the Grand Canyon might have been like.

Day 9 At-A-Glance

Day 10 – hoover dam and return to las vegas.

From Tusayan, it’s a 4 hours drive to return to Las Vegas. Leave Tusayan in the morning and spend the afternoon exploring Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

What to Do in a Half Day at Lake Mead National Recreation Area

With a half-day at Lake Mead National Recreation Area, you have time for two of the below ideas, maybe all three if you can time it well. We’ve done all three and think history buffs will love visiting the Hoover Dam and hiking the Railroad Tunnel Trail, while nature enthusiasts will love hiking the Railroad Tunnel Trail and kayaking to Emerald Cave.

1. Visit the Hoover Dam

The Hoover Dam stands as a testament to human ingenuity and a marvel of modern engineering. Located on the border of Arizona and Nevada, this colossal structure harnesses the power of the mighty Colorado River. Visitors to the Hoover Dam can embark on a comprehensive tour that offers a fascinating look into its construction and operation. The guided tours provide insights into the history, engineering feats, and the dam’s critical role in supplying power and water to the region. As you stand atop the dam, the view of Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the United States, stretches out before you. The visitor center provides educational exhibits, detailing the incredible efforts that went into building this iconic structure during the Great Depression.

2. Hike the Railroad Tunnel Trail

You can start the hike of the Railroad Tunnel Trail from the Hoover Dam Visitor’s Center. This trail takes you through the historic railroad tunnels that were in use during the time of the dam’s construction. It’s a fun, easy walk along an elevated path next to Lake Mead , providing great water views throughout. The hike is about 8 miles round trip and with the exception of the tunnels themselves, there is little shade on the trail, so bring a hat and sunscreen!

3. Kayak to Emerald Cave (aka Emerald Cove)

For a cool kayak excursion to some of the greenest waters you’ll ever see, take a guided paddle tour to Emerald Cave (sometimes also called Emerald Cove). Tours start at Willow Beach and from there, it’s a 4-mile round-trip kayak paddle to the cove. This spot is very popular, so expect to deal with other kayakers and tour groups.

Day 10 At-A-Glance

When is the best time to go on a nevada, utah, arizona road trip.

We recommend exploring the southwest and roadtripping Nevada, Utah, and Arizona in the fall, winter, and early spring months. As long as you aren’t here in the summer when temperatures are dangerously hot, you can’t go wrong!

Another thing to know is that the weather varies greatly across all of these destinations based on elevation and climate. For example, it can be 70 degrees and sunny in Las Vegas, but 30 degrees and snowy in Bryce Canyon National Park.

Final Thoughts on Nevada, Utah, Arizona Road Trip

This 10-day road trip itinerary through the best sights of the US Southwest is designed to maximize your adventures! In just 10 days, you can visit several national parks, hike some of the most scenic areas of the desert, and explore three otherworldly states.

To help you further plan your trip to the US Southwest, don’t miss these blogs!

• Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary
• Colorado Utah Road Trip Itinerary
• Best Things to do in Capitol Reef National Park

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Check out our ultimate Road Trip packing list!

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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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1 Week, 5 Utah National Parks: A Curated Road Trip Itinerary

In just one eye-popping, mind-blowing, camera-clicking week, experience all of utah’s mighty 5..

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You may have heard, Utah is home to some pretty amazing national parks. And by amazing we mean jaw-dropping, breathtaking, heart-racing stuff. Cliffs, hoodoos and pillars made of candy colored rock; slot canyons, natural arches and verdant valleys. The scenery goes on and on and on. 

So obviously you’d like to see for yourself, did nature really design a valley of castle turrets? Can a bridge of rock be held up by sheer willpower? Yes and yes, and we have a customizable Utah national parks itinerary to prove it. Use our free PDF map download to navigate your road trip through Utah’s Mighty 5 in one fell swoop. Well, a 1,000-mile scenic drive, gallons of drinking water and miles of hiking swoop. Tuh-MAY-toe, tuh-MAH-toe.

What's so great about that arch on Utah license plates? See for yourself in Arches National Park.

Travel tips

Before throwing your hiking shoes and sunhat into your carry-on, take care of a few details.

• Buy an America the Beautiful park pass; the $80 fee covers entrance to all the national parks, saving you some cash for souvenir T-shirts. Get your pass through the National Park Service .
• Make park reservations. Arches requires a timed-entry ticket from April through October; visit Recreation.gov to make your vehicle reservation. Some hikes in Zion have a permit lottery; sign up at Recreation.gov . 
• April to October is peak season: Make camping or hotel reservations well in advance.
• Check the weather . It gets HOT during the summer months; pack appropriate clothing, sturdy footwear, reusable water bottles and plenty of sunscreen.
• Plan to start your days early. Most people visit the park between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; go during the off hours for cooler temps and fewer crowds. Plus, the lighting is better for your Insta pics.
• Remember, you can come back! It’s impossible to hike every trail in one park in just a day or two, let alone all five. So plan what you can reasonably do this time around. And don’t worry, the scenery has been around for thousands of years, it’ll be here for you next time.

Accommodations

You can experience the outdoor wonders in three ways: fully immersive, semi-immersive and I-need-a-good-night’s-sleep immersive. If you want the deep dive experience — dirt in your shoes, campfire smell in your clothes — you can set up a tent in or near the national parks.

If you want to dip your toes in the wilderness but still want a mattress, consider renting an RV, campervan or camper trailer . But, if you’re more of a hot shower, hot tub kind of traveler, there are hotels and cabins , either inside the parks or in nearby towns. Can’t decide? Try glamping , camping-like lodging with some luxury hotel amenities.

Arrivals and Departures

The national parks are located in the southern half of Utah, so the two closest international airports are in Salt Lake City and Las Vegas. Plan your travel as a round trip, or fly into one city and leave from the other. Pick up your rental vehicle and let your Utah national parks road trip begin.

Introduce yourself to Zion along the Riverside Walk.

Day One: Airport to Zion National Park

• Salt Lake City to Zion: 313 miles, 4.5 hours
• Las Vegas to Zion: 168 miles, 3 hours
• Lodging: Camping (spots inside the park fill quickly), hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, glamping

We suggest starting your Utah national parks road trip at Zion , when your legs are the freshest; there are some serious hikes here. In fact, there are so many swoon-worthy hikes at this park, it’s hard to choose just one. Or two. Or three. There’s a reason Zion sees some 5 million visitors every year. Plan on spending at least two days, if you can, to soak up all the scenery. And hey, if you decide to stay even longer, we totally get it.

Temple of Sinawava

After checking into your accommodations, head over to the park to stretch your legs on a warmup hike. Catch a free shuttle at the Visitor Center; it travels the length of Canyon Scenic Drive, with stops at the Zion Lodge and the trailheads.

Stay on until the last stop, Temple of Sinawava, and take the Riverside Walk for the perfect introduction to the park. The paved, 2-mile (round trip) walk takes you along the Virgin River and into a canyon. You’ll see hanging gardens, weeping walls and maybe some wildlife.

This trail ends where the Narrows hike begins. If it’s open and you have sturdy shoes, step into the river and walk the first portion of the hike. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to catch the shuttle back or you’ll be walking an extra nine miles. Fuel up for tomorrow at one of Springdale’s many eateries.

• Grilled grub: Camp Outpost, Whiptail Grill
• Fancy fixin’s: Spotted Dog, King’s Landing Bistro
• Family fare: Zion Pizza & Noodle, Porter’s

Get the best view in Zion National Park from Angels Landing.

Day Two: Zion

If you can get a permit, hike Angels Landing . It has a lot of uphill, steep switchbacks and some sheer drop-offs, but the view of the canyon from way up there? Matchless. Plan on taking several hours for the 5-mile hike. Pack a lunch to enjoy at the top; it’s definitely a better view than any rooftop restaurant can offer. Be sure to pack out all your trash. Register for permits with the National P ark Service .

If you didn’t get a permit, there are plenty of other (and easier) hikes . We recommend Emerald Pools . You’ll see three natural ponds and some waterfalls, separated by a short climb through desert vegetation. The lower pool is a fairly easy hike; it’s a bit more work to get to the other two, but the trail is easy to follow. At the upper pool, cool off in the grotto surrounded by enormous, weeping rock walls.

If you still have some energy, you may want to try another short but noteworthy hike . When you're properly worn out for the day, head back to Springdale for dinner, then maybe catch a show at the Bumbleberry Inn .

Day Three: Zion to Bryce Canyon

• Zion to Bryce: 2 hours, 84 miles
• Lodging : Campgrounds, cabins, B&Bs, glamping

Next stop, Bryce Canyon . Drive back into Zion, heading east on scenic Highway 9 toward Mt. Carmel. You’ll drive through the mile-long Zion-Mt. Carmel tunnel. In addition to gaining a mad respect for 1920s sandstone blasters, you may catch a glimpse of some bighorn sheep through the built-in windows.

Make one last stop before you leave the area: Checkerboard Mesa . Imagine a giant sat down to do his math homework and got a bit carried away drawing lines. Then, on to Bryce.

Note: Oversize vehicles, such as RVs, are only allowed through the tunnel during limited hours and must pay an additional fee. Read more about restrictions at the National Park Service .

Walk among sandstone towers in Bryce Canyon.

Bryce is Nice

Remember when you tried to make an epic sandcastle? Well, Bryce Canyon did it first. See an entire valley of the tallest, coolest, colorfulest hoodoos on a walk from Sunset Point to Sunrise Point. 

If your legs are still a bit wobbly from Zion, take the Mossy Cave Trail , an easy 1-mile round trip among the spires. Another option is the Bristlecone Loop Trail , which will give you a bird’s-eye view. A little more challenging, the Navajo Loop is the most popular trail in the park; you’ll descend 800 feet into the heart of the hoodoos.

Got more stamina than that bighorn sheep you saw on the drive over? Try the 8.3-mile Fairyland Loop . You’ll hike down into the pink and white canyons, see natural amphitheaters and be surrounded by hoodoos. No need for wings, but you may wish you had some.

Park your tired puppies back in the car and head over to the tiny town of Tropic for some tasty respite. Steaks, house specials, lavender sponge cake and a wine menu await you at Stone Hearth Grille . For more casual fare, stay in Bryce Canyon City for Ruby’s Inn Cowboy’s Buffet and Steak Room .

The vistas are wide and grand in Canyonlands. Photo by Chad Hurst

Day Four: Canyonlands

• Bryce to Canyonlands: 4 hours 20 minutes, 256 miles
• Lodging : camping, hotels, cabins, glamping

Are you ready to mumble? Under your breath in awe, that is. Definitely not because your quads and hammies are jiggly; they can rest on the drive. Pull out our map of Utah national parks and head toward Moab. It’s the home base for Canyonlands and Arches.

Where Bryce seems like fine handiwork, Canyonlands was made with broader strokes. Get an overview of Utah’s largest national park from the Grand View Overlook . The easy hike takes you up a 1-mile sandstone stairway — to heaven? Just about. It ends at a mesa with an unobstructed view of Monument Basin. Be aware, while the path is wide, there are sheer cliffs.

Catch a perfectly framed sunrise at Mesa Arch.

Mesa Arch is another sweet spot for sweeping vistas, evident by the dozens of photographers shooting here at sunrise. The 27-foot long arch is so obliging, it perfectly frames your photos of the La Sal mountains. It’s worth squeezing into your day no matter the hour, since the trail is only 0.6 miles round trip. Hint: Walk to the arch clockwise, then retrace your steps back to avoid some of the stone steps.

If you’re visiting Canyonlands in the spring or winter, consider hiking the Confluence Overlook Trail , a moderate, 11-mile round trip. You’ll do some scrabbling up and down rocky slopes but it’s mostly flat. The payoff is the vista, 1,000 feet above the spot where the Green River and Colorado River come together. We don’t recommend it for a summer’s day; the trail is fully exposed — no shade — and the heat can be brutal.

The Confluence Overlook Trail is long, but the views are unparalleled. Photo by Chad Hurst

Even if you’re camping, head to Moab for some dinner and a casual walk down its charming Main Street. For a small town, there’s a surprisingly large assortment of dining options, from traditional kebabs at Sultan Mediterranean Grill to curry from Thai Bella Moab.

Day Five: Arches

• Canyonlands to Arches: 29 minutes, 26 miles

Just half an hour away from Canyonlands, Arches has mesas, buttes and some wiiiide, gravity defying arches. The most popular — so popular it can be seen on one-third of Utah’s license plates — is Delicate Arch. It’s not an easy hike to see it; there are some steep stretches on the 3-mile trip. But you’ll be rewarded by a magnificent, solitary arch standing in a bowl of sandstone. Wax as poetic as you like, it’ll be fitting.

Visit one of the world's longest natural bridge in Arches.

Actually, rare beauties are a thing for Arches. You’ll understand what we mean when you head over to Landscape Arch ; it’s the fifth longest natural bridge in the world. The slab of rock spans 290 feet, but it is only 18 feet wide. How does it stay up? No idea.

Day Six: Canyonlands or Arches

Have time to stick around for another day? You could take another hike in Arches, or head back to Canyonlands. Or consider some activities nearby such as white-water rafting , kayaking and off-roading . 

Drive on to the town of Torrey, just outside Capitol Reef, for the night so you can get an early start in the morning.

Day Seven: Capitol Reef and Home

Park logistics.

Arches to Capitol Reef: 2 hours, 133 miles

Lodging : camping, glamping, hotels

The final stop on our Utah national park itinerary is Capitol Reef National Park . This compact park is no slouch in rock sculptures, either. 

Reach for the stars at Cassidy Arch, named for a local outlaw.

First hike: A moderate 3.5 mile climb to Cassidy Arch . It’s a big one — standing 400 feet tall. It’s pretty photogenic, too, much like the movie star who played the arch’s namesake, Butch Cassidy. 

Next up, a moderately easy jaunt up to the Hickman Bridge . The 2-mile round trip trek includes fantastic scenery along the way, culminating in not just one, but TWO arches.

Grab a late lunch outside the park at Capitol Burger, a food truck serving gourmet burgers (find its exact location for the day on its Facebook page). Then settle your trail-worn body into your vehicle, crank up the air, choose your playlist and head back to the airport.

Home Logistics

Capitol Reef to Salt Lake City: 3 hours 23 minutes, 218 miles

Capitol Reef to Las Vegas: 5 hours, 327 miles

On the long drive back, make your case for which national park deserves a second, longer look. Utah.com will be here to help you plan your next trip and all your other excursions around our state.

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How to Pull Off the Perfect Utah National Parks Road Trip

A s the morning’s first rays beam through windows encasing my comfy bed in an Adventure Wagon Sprinter 144 van, the feeling hits me again. Parked on the edge of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument —on a Utah national parks road trip—we've arrived in our personal oasis. The van’s cool air, a stark contrast to the bone dry heat already warming this rocky, desolate landscape in the heart of Southwest Utah, makes me want to hunker down in our little Sprinter sanctuary, but only for a few extra moments. Soon enough, we’re naturally drawn out into yet another spectacular scene during our week-long Utah national parks road trip. 

Related: These Lesser-Known Scenic Drives Roll You Way Beyond the Crowds

Sliding open the van’s door, I emerge into a massive amphitheater perched above sandstone cliffs dropping into a twisty brown river. Steaming French press coffee awaits on a sleek wooden Dometic table overlooking the desert vista. It’s a breakfast vista that conjures comparisons to Horseshoe Bend, which is not far from here, and even the Grand Canyon to a degree.

From Moab to Grand Staircase-Escalante, Bryce Canyon National Park , and Capitol Reef , here remains one of the more rugged and remote regions left in the old American Southwest. It’s reminiscent of classic road trip scenes described in Edward Abbey’s Desert Solitude and Kerouac’s On The Road , which described this part of the country as a “road to heaven.” Indeed, it’s a place where you can insert many a mile and acre between you and anywhere else. Southern Utah is still one of the best places on Earth to just disappear for awhile, in the best sense. Here’s how we pulled off a fantastic week-long Utah parks road trip from Denver to Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in the perfect vehicle with spectacular stops along the way. 

How to Choose the Right Vehicle for a Utah National Parks Road Trip

When it comes to a road trip in these parts, the vehicle is everything. It’s more than just your mode of conveyance. It’s where you spend much of your days, and it can make or break a trip accordingly. The mix of comfort and reliability all in one vehicle is key.

Thankfully, the days of the family Griswold station wagon are long gone. Today, when it comes to cross-country trips, the van life movement has revolutionized road travel. These large vans are outfitted with everything from plush beds to kitchen sinks, making your home for the night wherever you decide to park.

Related: Complete Guide to Zion National Park: Hikes, Hotels, and Tips

For our cross-country trip, we opted for an Adventure Wagon , made by a company which specializes in modular van setups to accommodate a variety of adventures and lifestyles. More than just a barebones “home on the road,” it’s an all-purpose home base for mobile adventures.

The modularity of the Adventure Wagon's system allows users to configure seating, sleeping, and storage based on their activity in a matter of minutes. Our van setup includes a bed, a pullout tray bike rack, and a galley with sink, stove, and fridge. Add plenty of ingeniously placed storage room for gear, bags, and a pile of firewood, and you’re fully equipped and prepared for wherever the road takes you.

Day 1: Denver to Rabbit Valley, CO

We hit the highway with the Utah/Colorado border in mind for our first stop. On a holiday weekend in late spring, the majority of campgrounds and dispersed camping between the Front Range and the Western Slope of Colorado are unsurprisingly packed. Rolling onwards under a crystal clear Milky Way lighting up the cool desert evening, we park the large yet maneuverable Sprinter in Mesa County’s Rabbit Valley region—swiftly shifting from driver’s seat to bed without leaving the vehicle.

As the name implies, Rabbit Valley is a valley located in northwestern Mesa County best known for its mountain biking and OHV trails. Located within McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, there are five established campgrounds available for camping with easy access to trails in the area. I rode my bike right out of camp hitting Trails 2 and 3, which provide stellar views of the surrounding region including the Colorado River and La Sal Mountains. 

Day 2: Moab, Monument Valley, and Goosenecks State Park

After some crisp morning mountain biking the next day we press on toward Utah, finding ourselves driving through Castle Valley and Moab. Other vanlifers wave as we pass. Officially in the club, we wind along the swollen chocolate milk-hued banks of the Colorado River, churning its way through the red rocks surrounding Moab. The town and area surrounding Moab is best known as a mountain biking mecca, featuring famed trails such as Slickrock and The Whole Enchilada. Located in eastern Utah, it also serves as the gateway to Arches National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, and Canyonlands National Park. Each of these special places is worth its own trip, offering otherworldly desert vistas and landscapes.

Soon, we’re ensconced in iconic Monument Valley Navajo Park , forever immortalized in Forrest Gump and numerous old Westerns. This majestic landscape is on the Arizona and Utah border and is literally right out of a John Wayne classic ( The Searchers ). The red sand desert’s flat valley gives way to a geological masterpiece as sandstone buttes and towers reaching 1,000 feet jet out of the dirt. The drive through this landscape is about 17 miles and may take an hour with all the photo opportunities along the way. 

Pulling into Goosenecks State Park just before sunset, we enjoy a night in this convenient state park tucked away in Mexican Hat, UT, with desert scenery that foreshadows what’s to come. A campsite here will set you back just $10 and comes with a fire pit and solid park amenities. Some sites offer sun shades with relief from the harsh Utah rays, as there are no trees to be seen here. The main attraction at Goosenecks is the view. While there’s no access to the river below, you can take a great walk along the cliffside filled with panoramic views below and dark, starry-strewn skies above.

We park near a span of cliff overlooking the San Juan River as it snakes its way through the canyon. The massive vista reveals rock that has eroded for an estimated 300 million years, according to geologists. Every bit as magnificent as the canyon below are the countless constellations flickering above the chasm. We sit by the crackling fire sipping Smokewagon Small Batch Bourbon while watching rafters navigate the river by headlamps to their camp far below. 

Days 3 to 5: Entering and Exploring Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

By day three of the trip, we’ve reached our final destination. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is so massive that we’ll be driving around and through it for the next four days. Located in Southern Utah, Grand Staircase-Escalante is ideal for desert hiking, biking, canyoneering, off-roading, and camping.

Three distinct areas make up the monument: Escalante Canyons, Grand Staircase, and the 1,600-square-mile Kaiparowits Plateau situated between the two. In all, the region covers 1.7 million acres of slot canyons, arches, slick rock, hoodoos (eroded red and white columns of rock that branch into the sky), and even massive waterfalls. The otherworldly landscape spans sedimentary rock and fossil records covering 30 million years.

Traversing the area clockwise in the Adventure Wagon, we inch as close to the massive rock monoliths as the road will allow. The monument is so big we even dip into Arizona at one point, traveling through Page —home to Coyote Buttes and The Wave , Horseshoe Bend , and Antelope Canyon . Looping past the Pink Sand Dunes , we head north toward Bryce Canyon National Park , celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. The remote area is home to the largest concentration of hoodoos on the planet, offering breathtaking views of the 8,000-foot Paunsagunt Plateau.

Related: Lesser-Known National Parks, Forests, and Wilderness Areas

Soon, we’ll be deep in these clefts, hiking through canyons filled with vivid red and yellow cactus flowers to Lower Calf Creek Falls . We’ll swim in the frigid cold water as a massive waterfall spills over the slick rock above us. A relatively easy six-mile, out-and-back hike will offer more spectacular views of surrounding canyons and jagged cliffs. We’ll also venture out to Zebra Slot Canyon , filled with water from recent spring rains. The unique cream-colored striations on the sandstone impart a zebra-like quality to the spectacular canyon, while the rocks reflect a stunning mirror image in the water.

After living out of a van for the better part of a week, we’re more than ready for a shower and a bigger bed. The nearby towns of Bryce, Escalante, and Boulder can accommodate travelers in the area. We opt for a unique desert retreat that just opened called Yonder Escalante , tucked within Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument on the grounds of an old drive-in movie theater.

Days 6 & 7: Discovering Yonder Escalante—a Slice of Modern Luxury in the Western Desert

A former RV campsite, Yonder Escalante launched three years ago with the spirit of the American road trip at its core as a stylish lodging and camp spot. Yonder offers food, drinks, bathhouses, pool, hot tub, laundry and is pet friendly. Visitors can relax by the fire with majestic views of Southern Utah in every direction.

Yonder Escalante can be uniquely summed up as an adventure campsite melded with a luxury hotel in one of the most dramatic outbacks of the American Southwest. The juxtaposition of luxury and wilderness is so seamlessly meshed together here, it appears like a mirage as we pull through the gates. Paying close attention to detail and intimate connection to nature, the property lets visitors choose between tent or van/RV campsites, custom-designed cabins, and newly-renovated vintage Airstreams.

We settle into a deluxe cabin furnished with an outdoor shower, soft bed, and about as much window as wood—making it feel like there’s nothing but air between us and the Utah desert. It’s the perfect base camp for exploring slot canyons and expansive vistas in Escalante—and also for some welcome respite after trekking and biking our way across a good chunk of Southern Utah.

An array of amenities at Yonder includes an inviting pool and hot tub, a general store stocked with meal kits and cocktail coolers, an open-air lounge with fire pits, luxury bathhouses, an onsite food truck, and a drive-in movie theater equipped with nine stationary restored classic cars.

After a soak in the hot tub, we dine that evening on tasty cheeseburgers and ice cream from the food truck. Then a beer or two by the fire before slipping into a vintage blue truck with some popcorn to enjoy tonight’s movie, Willy Wonka .

All too soon, it’s time to pile back into the Sprinter van and head home. Our journey east passes through Capitol Reef National Park, where massive rock formations inspire more marveling—and consensus that this stellar road trip will definitely be getting a sequel.