Utah is known as the state of the Mighty 5. The landlocked U.S. state calls itself home to the county’s most popular national parks that cover almost 2 percent of the state’s total land. From the famous arches of Arches National Park to the well-known otherworldly hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, one of the best ways to see the beauty of these stunning parks is to embark on a Utah national parks road trip. In this article, we will offer you a detailed guide on Utah national parks road trip.
So, buckle up and hold your breath as we are about to venture into a realm that will blow your mind, leaving your jaws hanging.
Best Utah National Parks Road Trip: 8 Day Itinerary
Best Utah National Parks Road Trip
Route to the Utah National Parks
You can start your Utah national parks road trip either from Salt Lake City or Las Vegas. This road trip can be done from either airport, so pick the one that has the cheaper flights or the one that appeals to you the most. The first national park on our road trip itinerary is Zion National Park which lies 3 hours away from Las Vegas and about 4 and a half hours away from Salt Lake City.
The last park on our Utah National Parks road trips is the Canyonlands National Park from where it will take you six and a half hours to return to Las Vegas or if you are going to Salt Lake City, from the national park it will take you about four hours to reach your destination.
On this loop, you will visit all of Utah national parks in a span of 8 days. The road trip that will start in Zion will continue on to Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches National Park, and end in Canyonlands. Given below are maps of both routes of the Utah national parks road trip. If choose to start from Salt Lake City you will have to drive a lot less, however from Las Vegas you will be able to find cheaper flights as well as cheaper car rentals.
Accommodations Near the National Parks in Utah
There is a plethora of great accommodations available near the national parks in Utah. Given below is the list of best places where you can stay during your Utah national park road trip:
- Zion Lodge – Zion National Park
- Driftwood Lodge – Springdale just outside Zion National Park
- Cliffrose Lodge – Springdale just outside Zion National Park
- Best Western Plus Zion Canyon Inn & Suites – Springdale just outside Zion National Park
- Pioneer Lodge – Springdale just outside Zion National Park
- Flanigan’s Inn – Springdale just outside Zion National Park
- The Lodge at Bryce Canyon – Bryce Canyon National Park
- Bryce Canyon Inn – Lies in Tropic just outside Bryce Canyon National Park
- Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn – Found in Bryce just our Bryce Canyon National Park
- Bryce Valley Lodging – Lies in Tropic just outside Bryce Canyon National Park
- Bryce Country Cabins – Lies in Tropic just outside Bryce Canyon National Park
- Capitol Reef Resort – Found in Torrey outside of Capitol Reef National Park
- Austin’s Chuckwagon Lodge – Found in Torrey outside of Capitol Reef National Park
- Broken Spur Inn & Steakhouse – Found in Torrey outside of Capitol Reef National Park
- Red Sands Hotel – Found in Torrey outside of Capitol Reef National Park
- Hoodoo Moab – Lies in Moab outside of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks
- Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn – Found in Moab outside of the Arches and Canyonlands National Parks
- Red Cliffs Lodge – Lies in Moab outside of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks
- Wingate by Wyndham Moab – Found in Moab outside of the Arches and Canyonlands National Parks
- Archway Inn – Found in Moab outside of the Arches and Canyonlands National Parks
- Hotel Moab Downtown – Found in Moab
Getting Around on Utah National Parks Road Trip
The first of your Utah national parks road trip will start either from Salt Lake City or Las Vegas, depending on where you find the cheapest flight. Consider booking the earliest possible flight as it will give you enough time to relax as well as explore as you drive to Zion National Park. Rent a car from the airport to get to and from the Utah national parks. The recommended vehicle for this road trip is an AWD vehicle. Before starting your road trip take a moment to download Google Maps Offline so that you can navigate even when you do not have cell service as most of south Utah lies outside of cell signal range.
Best Time to Embark on a Utah National Parks Road Tirps
Utah is the kind of state that changes its character year-long and offers a different vibe and atmosphere for every season. The Might 5 remain open throughout the year and are even accessible during the winter months.
Therefore, there is no solid answer to what the best time to visit the national parks is, as it all comes down to your interests in the end.
Spring – Spring in Utah brings with it warm temperatures that are not unbearably hot and offer perfect weather for hiking. Moreover, the parks are also not crowded as spring is the low season in Utah and you won’t have to brush shoulders with hordes of crowds to explore the park. All in all, spring is the best season to embark on a Utah national parks road trip.
Summer – When summer rolls around, the temperature in Utah gets hot and often reaches to 80s or 90s. this is also the season that sees the most crowd, especially in the Arches National Park and Zion National Park. Even though in summer you will have to battle with waves of crowds and heat, this is the season when all the park amenities are open, and the children are out of school.
Winter – Winter in Utah is absolutely breathtaking but freezing temperatures and snow do cause a hindrance in hiking plans. But of course, winter comes with its own perks and one of the main ones is that during winter the crowds at the park shrink significantly.
Fall – Fall is the season in which the crowds decline with the temperatures. The weather in Utah during fall is impeccable and is a deal for hiking.
If you are the kind of person who hates crowds and doesn’t do well in heat, then it is best to plan your Utah national parks road trip around the months of April to May or from September to October.
What to Pack on Your Road Trip to National Parks of Utah
Even in the warm season, the Utah National Parks exhibit varying weather with cold mornings and occasional thunderstorms. To be prepared for every element on your road trip make sure to pack the following essentials:
Hiking Boots – The best thing to do in the Mighty 5 is hike, and to do that you need sturdy and comfortable hiking boots or trail runners that offer solid traction. Therefore, pack the best hiking boots and if they are new don’t forget to break in your shoes before the trip.
Merino Wool Socks – Good hiking boots won’t do you any good if you aren’t wearing the proper socks. Therefore, invest in a pair of merino wool socks that are a tad bit expensive but so much worth it. They will not only last a long time but will also keep your feet dry and protect them from blisters.
Hiking Backpack and Other Essentials – When going hiking it’s best to carry safety gear especially if you are going along in the off-season. Therefore, make sure to pack a hiking backpack with all the essentials. Don’t forget to pack lots of water and tons of protein bars.
Headlamp – Sunsets and sunrises in the national parks of Utah are not to be missed. But in order to catch them you will have to hike in the dark. Therefore, make sure to pack a powerful headlamp to stay safe as you explore in the dark.
Layers – As mentioned before the weather of the Mighty 5 varies from day to night, especially in the Spring and Fall season. The mornings start off cool, while the afternoons get hot, and the evenings are mild. Therefore, pack with you moisture-wicking hiking shirts and warm fleece layers to stay comfortable throughout the day.
Rain Jackets – In the summer season, thunderstorms can start brewing at any time therefore it is best to be prepared. Always make sure to carry with you either a poncho or a rain jacket.
Sunscreen and Sun Hat – Sun damage is no joke and as most of Utah’s hiking trails are unshaded, the sun shines will all its might. Therefore, it is best to carry with you sunscreen and a sun hat to protect yourself from scorching sun rays.
Utah National Parks Road Trip 8-Day Itinerary
Day 1 – Drive to Zion National Park
Day 2 – Explore Zion National Park
Day 3 – Wrap up Zion National Park exploration and head to Bryce Canyon
Day 4 – Explore Bryce Canyon and make your way to Capitol Reef
Day 5 – Visit and tour Capitol Reef National Park
Day 6 – Make your way to Arches National Park
Day 7 – Explore Arches National Park
Day 8 – Explore Canyonlands National Park and make your way back home
Day 1 to 3 of Utah National Parks Road Trip – Exploring Zion National Park the First of the Utah National Parks
Total Drive Time – Three hours from Las Vegas and about four and a half hours from Salt Lake City
Zion National Park was established 100 years ago and was the first national park of Utah’s Mighty 5. Every year this grand park attracts a crowd of more than 4 million that flock to its vast expanse for its exemplary hiking trails. Even if hiking is not your thing, Zion National Park is sure to have something in store for you. From bicycling to canyoneering to rock climbing to scenic drives, Zion National Park offers fun opportunities and activities to everyone.
Top Activities in Zion National Park
- Hiking the Angels Landing or the Observation Point
- Hiking the Canyon Overlook
- Trip to Emerald Pools
- Hike The Narrows
- Visit Canyon Junction Bridge to see the sunset
- Take a drive along Zion Mt. Camel Scenic Highway
Zion National Park Fees
| Weekly Passes (Grants entry for seven consecutive days) | Price |
| Private Vehicle | $35 |
| Motorcycle | $30 |
| By Foot or Bicycle | $20 (free for 14 and under) |
| Other Passes | Price |
| Annual Pass | $80 |
| 4th Grade Annual Pass | Free |
| Military Annual Pass | Free |
| Lifetime Senior Pass (62 and older) | $80 |
| Annual Senior Pass (62 and older) | $20 |
| Lifetime Access Pas (Available for those with a permanent disability) | Free |
| Zion Annual Pass (Zion only) | $70 |
Fee-Free Days for 2024
- January 15, Monday — Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- April 20, Saturday — First Day of National Park Week
- June 19, Wednesday — Juneteenth
- August 4, Sunday — The Great American Outdoors Act
- September 28, Saturday — National Public Lands Day
- November 11, Monday — Veterans Day
Day 1
Most of day 1 of your Utah national parks trip will be spent getting to Zion National Park. In case you arrive in Las Vegas or Salt Lake City on an early flight, you might have some time on your hands to explore the park in the afternoon. However, it’s best to spend the first day getting settled in your accommodation.
Day 2
Day 2 is the day that you will dedicate yourself to exploring Zion National Park to the fullest. From Spring to Fall Zion requires that all visitors take a shuttle throughout the park. The only problem is that in Summer sometimes the shuttle lines can reach an hour long. Therefore, it is best to start your day as early as possible.
Start your second day in Utah right after sunrise and hike The Narrows. The Narrows is a famous hiking trail that is actually not a trail, and you will spend most of the hike waddling between canyon walls, up the Virgin River. The trail is 9.4 meters, and many hikers just traverse as far as they want upstream and then turn back.
In case you are visiting Zion in Late Spring you will have to rent boots and wading overalls from Zion Outfitter if the water levels are low enough to hike this trail. However, in Summer and Early fall, you can hike in waterproof shoes and shorts easily. End your day of exploring and hiking Zion National Park by witnessing a splendid sunset at Canyon Junction Bridge. As the sunsets at Canyon Junction Bridge are quite famous among tourists and photographers it is best to reach it early to find the perfect vantage point.
Day 3
Day 3 is the day when you will explore Zion from above. On this day you will have to make a choice between the national park’s two best elevation-gaining hikes which are Angel’s Landing and Observation Point. The most popular hike in Zion National Park is Angel’s Landing which is not for those who have a fear of heights or unsure footing. On this hike, hikers navigate sheer 1,200-foot drop-offs as they hold on to a chain bolted into the rock. This trail is also the most congested one in the park.
On the other hand, if dangerous drop-offs and crowds are not really your thing, you can consider hiking the Observation Point instead. The peak of Observation Point stands another thousand feet above Angel’s Landings and from this vantage point, you can glimpse the southern part of the park in its full glory.
After taking your fill of ion, say goodbye to the national park and make your way to Bryce Canyon National Park. On your way out of Zion, traverse the steep switchbacks all the way up to Zion-Mount Camel Tunnel which is a historic landmark built around the 1920s. Shortly after exiting the tunnel, you will come across the trailhead for the Canyon Overlook Trail which is a quick one-mile hike and ends at a view of Zion Canyon. As you traverse through the rust-red rocks of the picturesque Zion-Mt Camel Highway, make sure to keep your eyes peeled for Checkerboard Mesa and mountain goats.
Follow the road, all the way out to Highway 89, then drive up to Highway 12. As you drive to Bryce Canyon which is the highest elevation park among Utah national parks, you will gain over 4,000 feet. It takes less than 2 hours to drive from Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon.
Where to Eat When in Zion – Utah National Parks
Given below is a list of places where you can calm your grumbling belly when on a trip to Zion National Park.
- Café Soleil
- The Parkhouse Café
- Oscar’s Café
- Whiptail Café
- King’s Landing Bistro
- Deep Creek Coffee Company
- The Spotted Dog Café
Day 4 of Utah National Parks Road Trip – Exploring Bryce National Park
Total Drive Time – Under two hours from Zion National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park is home to the most unique landscapes in the world and is known for its famous hoodoos which are rock formations formed by erosion. Even though these hoodoos can be found in several other places around the world, Bryce Canyon National Park is the one that has the most concentration of them. Every year millions of people from all around the country and the world come to see these otherworldly formations. Moreover, Bryce Canyon is also one of the most ideal places in the U.S. to stargaze and glimpse the Milky Way.
Top Notch Activities in Bryce Canyon National Park
- Visit the Sunrise Point to see the stunning sunrise
- Hike Queen’s Garden/Navajo Loop
- Take a drive around Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive
Bryce National Park Fees
Entrance Passes
- Standard Entrance Pass – $20 to $35
- Annual Entrance Pass – $70
Fee-Free Dyas of 2024
- January 15, Monday — Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- April 20, Saturday — First Day of National Park Week
- June 19, Wednesday — Juneteenth
- August 4, Sunday — The Great American Outdoors Act
- September 28, Saturday — National Public Lands Day
- November 11, Monday — Veterans Day
Day 4
Day four is all about exploring Bryce Canyon National Park and as you get only one day to do so, make sure to start your day bright and early. Sunrise in Bryce Canyon is unlike anything you will ever see. Therefore, get up when the sky is dark make your way to the Sunrise Point just before dawn, and take in the starry sky as you wait for the sun to rise. As the sun peeks its head over a distant plateau, the park’s hoodoos come to life as they are illuminated with oranges, pinks, and purples of the rising sun.
Once you have witnessed the best sunrise of your life, take a hike along the Queen’s Garden/Navajo Loop trail that stretches about 2.9 miles and see the hoodoos from up close. Make sure to observe the park’s famous formations like Wall Street, Queen Victoria, and Thor’s Hammer as you traverse this trail. When you are done with the hike, get in your vehicle to take a scenic drive and see the rest of the park. One main road goes through the Bryce Canyon National Park starting at the visitor center and ending at Rainbow Point.
The drive stretches 36 miles, taking about 3 hours to complete with stops, and gains an elevation of over 1.200 feet. Start your drive from the visitor center and go all the way to Rainbow Point. After you have had your fill of the highest point in the national park, make your way down the drive and stop at each of the 12 scenic vantage points along the way.
When you are done exploring all the highlights of Bryce Canyon, turn your car towards Capitol Reed National Park. The Highway 12 will take you from Bryce Canyon all the way to Capitol Reef.
Where to Eat When in Bryce National Park – Utah National Parks
- Head the call of your grumbling stomach by grabbing a bite at the following restaurants:
- Stone Hearth Grille
- Escalante Outfitters
- Bryce Canyon Pines Restaurant
- The Lodge at Bryce Canyon Dining Room
Day 5 and 6 of the Utah National Parks Road Trip – Capitol Reef National Park
Total Drive Time – Two and a half hours from Bryce Canyon National Park
Among Utah National Parks, Capitol Reef is the one that is the least popular. However, the park is unique in its own right and offers a wonderful mix of stunning landscapes and historic landmarks. The Capitol Reef surrounds a georgical landmark, the Waterpocket Fold which was some of the last lands in the contiguous 48 states to be carted by cartographers. Moreover, Mormon Settlers also found their home in Capitol Reef and built a town in Fruita District. In the Fruita Rural Historic District, you will find historic buildings, a schoolhouse, and also a functioning orchard.
Top Activities to Take Part in Capitol Reef
- Visit Goosenecks Overlook
- If you are visiting during Spring Bloom and Fall Harvest, explore Fruita Orchards
- Take a drive along the scenic Fruita District
- Trail Capitol Gorge
- Take a drive to the temple of the Sun and Moon
- Witness Sunset at Panorama Point
Capitol Reef Fee
Entrance Fee (Standard Entrance Pass)
| Type | Dates | Cost |
| Private Vehicle | Year-round | $20.00 |
| Motorcycle | Year-round | $15.00 |
| Per Person | Year-round | $10.00 |
| Commercial Sedan (1-6 seats) | Year-round | $30.00 |
| Commercial Van (7-15 seats) | Year-round | $40.00 |
| Commercial Mini-bus (16-25 seats) | Year-round | $40.00 |
| Commercial Motor Coach (26+ seats) | Year-round | $100.00 |
Other Entrance Passes
- Annual Park Fees – $35
Fee-Free Days for 2024
- January 15, Monday — Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- April 20, Saturday — First Day of National Park Week
- June 19, Wednesday — Juneteenth
- August 4, Sunday — The Great American Outdoors Act
- September 28, Saturday — National Public Lands Day
- November 11, Monday — Veterans Day
Day 5
Start your day five of Utah National Park’s road trip with a drive out to Goosenecks Overlook, a viewpoint that offers expansive and stunning views of the valley and creek that carved it. From there make your way to Fruita District which is absolutely stunning in Spring and Fall seasons. In March and April, you can witness the Fruita Orchard in full bloom while in late Summer and Fall, you can harvest your own apricots, pears, peaches, apples, and cherries. You can tour the rest of the Fruita District via the Capito Reef’s main scenic drive which is an 8-mile road and stretches from Waterpocket Fold which is the park’s most famous geological feature.
When you have reached the end of the paved scenic drive, take the last stretch of the unpaved road all the way to the Capitol Gorge Trail. This hiking trail will take you along the historic pathway that the settlers used in the late 1800s to early 19000s to pass through the Waterpocket Fold. The hallmark of the Cathedral Valley is the Temple of Moon and Stone which can be reached by taking a remote dirt road that lies 17 miles away from civilization. As the road is quite rugged and bumpy you will need an AWD vehicle. Once you have explored the temple, go back to the way you came from.
At the end of the day visit Panorama Point to witness the stunning sunset. As the sun sets it casts its ethereal golden hue on the red, striped rocks before it fades into darkness and gives way to a stellar night sky that you can gaze for hours on end.
Day 6
Day 6 of your Utah national parks road trip should be dedicated to sleeping in, taking it to show, and recovering as wellness and health are of optimal importance as you travel. After spending back-to-back days hiking, day 6 will come as a much-needed reprice and your sore muscles will thank you gladly. Once you have restored your energy, leave Capitol Reef and make your way to Moab which will be your home base for exploring the last two of Utah national Parks that are Arches and Canyonlands national parks.
The drive to Moab takes about two and a half hours and you traverse through Utah’s arid desert terrain. As this area is quite remote make sure to fill up on gas in either Torrey or Hanksville. Along the way make sure to stop in Goblin Valley State Park which harbors aorta and mushroom-shaped hoodoos that are nicknamed goblins. From the Goblin Overlook take a 1-mile loop hike to explore the goblins. As the train is unshaded and hot make sure to pack water and sunscreen.
Once you reach Moab, settle in your accommodation, and around sunset make your way to Corona Arch which lies outside the parks to bask in the purple, pink, and orange glow of the sun. The enormous Corona Arch can be found lying along the Colorado River about 20 minted from Moab.
Where to Eat When in Capitol Reef – Utah National Parks
- Red Cliff Restaurant
- Capitol Reef Inn & Café
- Capitol Burger
Day 7 and 8 of Utah National Parks Road Trip – Visiting Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park
Total Drive Time – two and a half hours from Capitol Reef National Park
End your Utah National Parks road trip at Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Parks which lie 1 hour away from each other. The perfect home base to visit both of these Utah national parks is Moab which is one of the largest towns in the state of Utah.
In Arches National Park you will come across over 2,000 arches formed from the area’s signature red rock. Unlike the other Utah national parks, the main attractions of the Arches can be reached easily just off the main park road which makes it a great destination for families.
Forty-five minutes south of Moab lies Canyonlands National Park which is the biggest one among the national parks in Utah. The most easily accessible region of Canyonlands is the island in the Sky District that is reminiscent of the Grand Canyon and also calls itself home to the famous Mesa Arch.
Top Activities in Arches National Park
- Opt for the Fiery Furnace Ranger-Led Tour
- Hike the Windows Loop
- Take a scenic drive through the park to the arches
- Visit Delicate Arch to see the sunset
Arches National Park Fee
- Standard Entrance Pass – From $15 to $30
- Annual Entrance Pass – $55
Fee-Free Days for 2024
- January 15, Monday — Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- April 20, Saturday — First Day of National Park Week
- June 19, Wednesday — Juneteenth
- August 4, Sunday — The Great American Outdoors Act
- September 28, Saturday — National Public Lands Day
- November 11, Monday — Veterans Day
Day 7
As you have only one day to explore the Arches National Park, You have to make the most of it by starting your day early and beating the crows. Embark on a ranger-led tour of Fiery Furnace the tickets for which you can reserve via Recreation.Gov from May to September. Keep in mind that the ranger-led tour is the only way to access the Fiery Furnace without a permit due to which its tickets are in high demand so make sure to book yours in time at least 4 to 6 months prior to the trip. An hour before the hike begins, clock in for the Fiery Furnace Tour at the Arches Visitor Center.
Once you are done with the hike take a scenic drive along the main road through the park to view its beautiful arches and be sure to make some pit stops along the way. Afterwards, make your way to the Delicate Arch which is the crown jewel of the Arches National Park.
The hike to it is grueling if you are taking it in midday as the heat is absolutely scorching, therefore it’s better to hike an hour before sunset to avoid the heat. The trail stretches about 1.5 miles, and you gain nearly 500 feet of elevation. When you arrive at the Delicate Arch, take a breather, and wait for the sun to set. If you are visiting the park during a full moon, stick around for a few hours to stargaze and see the Milky Way.
Top Notch Activities in Canyonlands National Park
- Visit Mesa Arch and see the sunrise
- Take a scenic drive through Islands in the Sky District
- Take a short hike on the Grand View Point Trail
Canyonlands National Park Fees
- Standard Entrance Pass – $15 to $30
- Annual Entrance Pass – $55
Fee-Free Days in 2024
- January 15, Monday — Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- April 20, Saturday — First Day of National Park Week
- June 19, Wednesday — Juneteenth
- August 4, Sunday — The Great American Outdoors Act
- September 28, Saturday — National Public Lands Day
- November 11, Monday — Veterans Day
Day 8
On the last day of your road trip, get up bright and early and make your way to the Mesa Arch which lies 45 minutes from Moab. When the sun rises, it casts its golden glow on the expansive canyon floor in the background, and its rays burn bright orange on the underside of the Mesa Arch. Even though the trail to the Mesa Arch is an easy hike of about 0.5 miles, make sure to bring a headlamp as you will be hiking in the dark. Afterward, embark on a scenic drive to explore the Island in Sky District.
From Mesa Arch, make your way south on Grand View Point Road, and don’t stop until you reach Grand View Point. A 2-mile easy hike will take you around the rim of the canyon all the way to the Grand View Point Overlook.
Where to Eat in Moab – Utah National Parks
- 98 Center
- El Charro Loco
- Desert Bistro
- Love Muffin Cafe
- Sweet Cravings Bakery + Bistro
- Milt’s Stop & Eat
- Quesadilla Mobilla
- Jailhouse Cafe
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