Planning your Utah National Parks road trip can feel overwhelming.

From choosing the best routes to prioritizing must-see spots, organizing accommodations, and packing essentials, there’s a lot to think about.

This comprehensive 7+ day itinerary simplifies the process and ensures a stress-free journey through Utah’s Mighty 5: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands National Parks.

Why choose this itinerary?

Based on multiple road trips though Utah’s National Parks this itinerary will give you time savings for everything you need to plan your trip in one place.

It is also customizable with flexible options with those with more or fewer days. Let’s get started!

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Day 1: Arrival in Salt Lake City

Flight and Rental Vehicle Tips

• Fly into Salt Lake City International Airport.
• Rent a car or campervan:
  • Passenger Car Rental: Suitable for this itinerary, but consider a 4×4 if you want to explore unpaved roads.
  • Campervan Rental: Adds flexibility and adventure; consider options like Escape Campervans.

Where to Stay (if arriving late)

If you are driving straight to the park move to Day 2. If your flight is late here are my recommendations.

• Hotels:
  • Budget: 
    • Best Western Mountain View Inn
    • Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham
  • Mid-Range: 
    • Residence Inn by Marriott
    • Hampton Inn & Suites
• Campgrounds:
  • Utah Lake State Park Campground
  • Springville / Provo KOA Holiday

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Day 2: Zion National Park

Drive Time

• Salt Lake City to Zion: 275 miles (~4 hours)
• Provo to Zion: 225 miles (~3 hours)

Entry Information

• Fee: $35 per vehicle (7-day pass) or use the America the Beautiful Pass ($80 annually).

Best Experiences for First-Timers

Hikes

• Pa’rus Trail
• Angels Landing Hike
  • 5.4 miles round trip
  • Estimated time 4 hours
  • Permits required
  • Shuttle stop #6 The Grotto
• Emerald Pools Trail (2.2 miles round trip | family friendly)
  • 3.0 miles round trip
  • Estimated time 2 hours
  • Shuttle stop #6 The Grotto
• Riverside Walk (2.2 miles round trip | paved | family friendly)
  • 2.2 miles round trip
  • Estimated time 1.5 hours
  • Shuttle stop #6 The Grotto
• Weeping Rock
  • 0.4 miles round trip (short but steep)
  • Estimated time 30 minutes
  • Shuttle Stop #7 Weeping Rock
• The Narrows Bottom-Up Hike
  • 5-10 miles out and back
  • Estimated time up to 8 hours
  • Shuttle stop #9 Temple of Sinawava
• Canyon Overlook Trail
  • 1.0-mile round trip
  • Estimated time 1 hour
  • No shuttle requires personal transportation
• Observation Point (from East Mesa Trailhead)
  • 7 miles
  • Estimated time 4-6 hours
  • East Mesa Trailhead (Outside park at Zion Ponderosa Resort)

Scenic Drives

• Zion Canyon Scenic Drive: Shuttle access March-November (December holiday season).
  • The Zion Canyon scenic drive spans 17.5 miles (28.6 km) round trip and treats you to jaw-dropping vistas.
• Zion-Mount Carmel Highway: A stunning route to Bryce Canyon.
  • The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, also known as Highway 9, is a scenic 12-mile route (including the iconic 1.1 miles Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel) that connects the South Entrance of Zion National Park to the park’s eastern boundaries.
  • Completed in the 1930s, this road winds through some of the most stunning landscapes and provides direct travel access to Bryce Canyon.

Where to Stay

• Hotels: 
  • Zion Park Lodge (in the park)
  • Springhill Suites, Springdale
  • The Cliffrose Springdale, Curio Collection by Hilton, Springdale
  • Best Western Plus Zion Canyon Inn & Suites, Springdale
  • Flanigan’s Resort and Spa, Springdale
• Campgrounds: 
  • Watchman Campground (located in the park)
  • South Campground (located in the park)
  • Zion Canyon Campground and RV Resort (closest private campground)

One-Day Itinerary Recommendation

1. Shuttle (March through November) the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
   • Riverside Walk stop #9 (1.5 hours)
     The Narrows Hike stop #9 (3 hours)
     Weeping Rock Hike stop #7 (30 minutes)
     Emerald Pools Hike stop #5 (1 hour)
     Court of the Patriarchs Viewpoint (15 minutes)
     Zion Human History Museum stop #2 (optional)
2. Enjoy Springdale for a nice dinner and shopping
3. Stargaze (Zion is a Dark Sky Park) – Visitor Center or Par’us Trail (bring your headlamp)

The next day on the drive to Bryce take Zion-Mt Carmel Highway and Tunnel

1. Sunrise at Canyon Overlook Trail (1-mile round trip)
2. Checkerboard Mesa View
3. Canyon Junction Bridge View
4. Great Arch View
5. Look for Big Horn Sheep

*On your way to Bryce stop at Utah’s famous Thunderbird Restaurant (family-owned since 1931) in Mt Carmel for breakfast and splurge and get a piece of the famous “Ho-Made Pie”.

Additional Activities for 2 Days

• Hike Angels Landing

• Hike Observation Point

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Day 3: Bryce Canyon National Park

Drive Time

• Zion to Bryce Canyon: 72 miles (~1.5 hours)

Entry Information

• Entry Fee: $35 per vehicle (valid for 7 consecutive days)
• America the Beautiful Pass: $80.00 (annual pass)

Best Experiences for First Timers

Hikes

• Sunset Point to Sunrise Point Paved Walk
  • 1.0-mile round trip
  • Estimated time 1 hour
  • Parking either Sunrise or Sunset Point parking lots
• The Rim Trail
  • 1.0. mile to 11.0 miles
    • Bryce Point to Inspiration Point 1.5 miles
    • Inspiration Point to Sunset Point 0.7 miles
    • Sunset Point to Sunrise Point 0.5 miles
    • Sunrise Point to Fairyland Point 2.8 miles
  • Estimated time 1 – 7 hours
  • Parking at Bryce, Inspiration, Sunset, Sunrise, or Fairyland Point
• Queen’s Garden Trail
  • 1.8 miles round trip
  • Estimated time 1-2 hours
  • Parking Sunrise Point
• Navajo Loop Trail
  • 1.3 miles
  • Estimated time 1-2 hours
  • Parking Sunset Point
• Queen’s/Navajo Combination Loop
  • 2.9 miles
  • Estimated time 2-3 hours
  • Parking Sunrise or Sunset Point
• Fairyland Loop Trail
  • 8 miles
  • Estimated time 4-5 hours
  • Parking Sunrise Point

Southern Scenic Drive

• A 38-mile round trip stopping at many different viewpoints.
• Recommend driving to Rainbow and Yovimpa Points at the end of Bryce Canyon’s scenic drive and stop at the remaining viewpoints on your way back.
• Tip: Get the free National Park Official App

Where to Stay

• Hotels
  • The Lodge at Bryce Canyon (inside the park)
  • Stone Canyon Inn, Tropic
  • Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel, Bryce, just outside park

• Campgrounds
  • Sunset Campground (located in the park)
  • North Campground (located in the park)
  • Ruby’s Inn RV Park & Campground: Bryce, just outside the park

One-Day Itinerary Recommendation

1. Hike Queen’s/Navajo Combination Loop from Sunrise Point (2.5 hours) – Don’t miss Thor’s hammer!
2. Take Southern Scenic Drive (3 hours)
   • Rainbow and Yovimpa Point
   • Natural Bridge
   • Farview Point
   • Paria View
   • Bryce Point
   • Inspiration Point
   • Sunrise and Sunset Point
   • Fairyland Point
3. Enjoy the town of Bryce for dinner and shopping
4. Sunset at Sunset or Inspiration Point
5. Stargaze (Bryce is a dark sky park) – Head to Whiteman Bench Picnic Area one of the darkest places in the park!

The next day enjoy sunrise at Sunrise Point before heading to Capitol Reef

Additional Activities for 2 Days

• Hike the Fairyland Loop Trail (4-5 hours)

• Explore or hike nearby Panorama Trail or/and Angel’s Palace at nearby Kodachrome Basin State Park (32 minutes from Bryce) – On the way to Capitol Reef via Highway 12.

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Day 4: Capitol Reef National Park

Drive Time

• Bryce to Capitol Reef: 119 miles (~2.5 hours)

Entry Information

• Entry Fee: $20 per vehicle (valid for 7 consecutive days)
• America the Beautiful Pass: $80.00 (annual pass)

Best Experiences for First Timers

Hikes

• Grand Wash Trail
  • 4.4 miles round trip
  • Estimated time 2-3 hours
  • Parking – see map
• Capitol Gorge Trail
  • 2 miles round trip
  • Estimated time 1-2 hours
  • Parking – see map
• Hickman Bridge Trail
  • 2 miles round trip
  • Estimated time 1-2 hours
  • Parking- see map
• Cassidy Arch Trail
  • 3.4 miles round trip
  • Estimated time 2-3 hours
  • Parking – see map
• Chimney Rock Loop
  • 3.6 miles round trip
  • Estimated time 2-3 hours
  • Parking – see map
• Navajo Knobs Trail
  • 9.4 miles round trip
  • Estimated time 4 -5 hours
  • Parking – see map

Scenic Drive

• The Scenic Drive in Capitol Reef National Park is a 7.9-mile paved road and two dirt spur roads, Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge.
• Scenic drive guide

Fremont Petroglyphs

• The Freemont Petroglyphs, located along Utah State Route 24 about 1.1 miles east of the Visitor Center are reachable by two boardwalks.
• These petroglyphs offer a glimpse into the life and culture of the Fremont people who inhabited the region from approximately 300-1300 Common Era.
• Fremont Petroglyphs guide

Pie at Gifford Homestead

• The Gifford Homestead, within Capitol Reef National Park, is a historical site that offers visitors a peek into the pioneer lifestyle of the 20th century.
• This restored farmhouse, originally settled by Mormon pioneers in the late 1800s, is located in the Fruita Historic District.
• One of the highlights of visiting Gifford Homestead is the opportunity to taste their famous homemade pies. These delicious pies, made from traditional recipes and often featuring local fruit, have become a must for park visitors.

Where to Stay

• Hotels
  • Torrey is the closest town to Capitol Reef National Park (15-minute drive)
  • Red Sands Hotel and Spa
  • Capitol Reef Resort
  • Broken Spur Inn
  • Chuck Wagon Lodge
  • Casitas at Capitol Reef

• Campgrounds
  • Fruita Campground (in the park)
  • Alternative campgrounds (primitive and developed)

One-Day Itinerary Recommendation

1. Hike Cassidy Arch Trail (2.5 hours)
2. Scenic Drive (2 hours)
3. Pie at the Gifford Homestead (30 minutes)
4. Petroglyphs ( located 1.1 miles east of the Visitor Center – State Route 24) (30 minutes)
5. Hike Hickman Bridge (1.5 hours)
6. Dinner in Torrey
7. Sunset at Sunset Point & Goosenecks
8. Stargazing Panorama Point

Additional Activities for 2 Days

• Cathedral Valley | Temple of the Moon ( 6 – 8 hours)
  • This area is remote but has towering monoliths and vast valley views that are a landscape photographer’s dream.
  • This is mostly dirt roads, and in good condition, a passenger car with high clearance will be fine, though if the weather isn’t conducive, a 4WD vehicle may be necessary.
• OR take time to do things near Capitol Reef (See my Capitol Reef Guide – Things to Do Near Capitol Reef Section)
  • Goblin Valley
  • Little Wild Horse Canyon
  • Temple Mountain Wash Pictograph Panel
  • Hanksville, Utah
  • End in Moab Utah (late)

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Day 5: Arches National Park

Drive Time

• Capitol Reef to Arches: 135 miles (~2.5 hours)

Entry Information

• Entry Fee: $30 per vehicle (valid for 7 consecutive days)
• America the Beautiful Pass: $80.00 (annual pass)
• Arches National Park Timed Entry Ticket:
  • Arches has set up a timed entry system, so you must reserve a time and enter the park during your one-hour entry window, after that, you can exit and re-enter the park anytime for the remainder of the day.
  • The park will release tickets in blocks, 3 months in advance at 8 AM MDT. A limited number of tickets will be available one day before entry at 6 PM MDT.
  • These will sell out quickly so plan ahead! Tickets are required daily between 7 AM to 4 PM April 1st through October 31st. Reserve at recreation.gov.

Best Experiences for First Timers

Hikes

• Park Avenue Trail
  • 1.9 miles
  • Estimated time: 50 minutes
• Balanced Rock Loop Trail
  • 0.3 miles
  • Estimated time: 15-30 minutes
• The Windows and Turret Arch
  • 1.2 miles
  • Estimated time: 30-60 minutes
• Double Arch Trail
  • 0.6 miles
  • Estimated time: 15-30 minutes
• Delicate Arch Trail
  • 3.0 miles
  • Estimated time: 2-3 hours
• Fiery Furnace
  • 2 miles
  • Ranger-guided or permit-required
  • Estimated time: 2.5 hours
• Sand Dune Arch Trail
  • 0.3 miles
  • Estimated time: 15 -30 minutes
• Landscape Arch
  • 1.8 miles
  • Estimated time: 45 minutes – 1 hour
• Devil’s Garden Primitive Loop Trail
  • 7.9 miles
  • Estimated time: 3-4 hours
    

Scenic Drive

• The Arches Scenic Drive is 18 miles long and you will see some of the park’s most iconic natural wonders.
• I recommend downloading the NPS App for Arches; they have a map for the scenic drive.

Where to Stay Arches & Canyonlands

• Hotels
• Below are some of the recommended places to stay, there is no lodging directly in the park
• Check here for options. Some favorites below that are closest to the park:
• Red Cliffs Lodge
• Aarchway Inn
• Best Western Plus Canyonlands
• Moab Springs Ranch
• The Gonzo Inn
• Hyatt Place Moab
• Springhill Suites by Marriot
• Element Moab

• Campgrounds

• Devils Garden Campground ( in the park)
• Campgrounds along the Colorado River:
  • Heading east from Moab on Highway 28, you will discover a collection of BLM-operated campgrounds along the Colorado River.

One-Day Itinerary Recommendations

• If you opted to get to Moab late the day before here is the itinerary.
• If driving the same day, start a Devil’s Garden Area and do The Windows Section for Sunrise the next day before heading to Canyonlands.

1. The Windows Section (Sunrise) – (2 hours)
   • The Windows and Turret Arch
   • Double Arch
2. Devil’s Garden Area ( 2 hours) – this is at the end of the park and then work your way back
   • Landscape Arch Hike
3. Skyline Arch Viewpoint (15 min)
4. Fiery Furnace Viewpoint (15 min)
5. Sand Dune Arch (30 min)
6. Balanced Rock (15 min)
7. Courthouse Towers Viewpoint (15 min)
8. La Sal Mountains Viewpoint (15 min)
9. Park Avenue (1 hour)
10. Visitor Center (30 mins)
11. Delicate Arch (Sunset) – get there early! (3 hours)

Additional Activities for 2 Days

• Hike Devil’s Primitive Loop Trail (7.9 miles)
• Hike Fisher Towers Trail (4.4 miles) – 23 miles east of Moab along the Colorado River. It is a beautiful hike and drive.

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Day 6: Canyonlands National Park Island in the Sky District

Drive Time

• Arches to Canyonlands: 26 miles (approx. 30 minutes)

Entry Information

• Entry Fee: $30 per vehicle (valid for 7 consecutive days)
  
• America the Beautiful Pass: $80.00 (annual pass for ALL National Parks)

Best Experiences for First Timers

Hikes

• Mesa Arch
  • 0.5 miles
  • Estimated time 30 minutes
• Grand View Point Hike
  • 1.8 miles
  • Estimated time 1.5 hours
• White Rim Overlook Hike
  • 1.8 miles
  • Estimated time 1.0 hour
• Upheaval Dome Hike
  • 2 miles
  • Estimated time 1.5 hours
• Whale Rock Hike
  • 1 mile
  • Estimated time 1.0 hour
• Aztec Butte Hike
  • 2 miles
  • Estimate time 1.5 hours
• Syncline Loop
  • 8.3 miles
  • Estimated time 5-7 hours

Scenic Drive

• 34-mile round trip with beautiful scenery and overlooks.

Where to Stay

Stay in the same location for both Arches and Canyonlands, see above recommendations under Arches.

One-Day Itinerary Recommendation

• Visitor Center and Overlook (30 mins)
• Shafer Canyon Overlook (15 mins)
• Mesa Arch ( if not doing for sunrise) (45 mins)
• Green River Overlook (30 mins)
• Whale Rock Hike (1 hour)
• Upheaval Dome First Overlook (30 minutes)
• White Rim Overlook Trail (1.5 hours)
• Grand View Point Overlook – Sunset and Stargazing

Mesa Arch (Sunrise) (1 hour) the next morning before heading to Salt Lake City

Additional Activities for 2 Days

Syncline Loop Hike (5 -7 hours) Strenuous

Take a 4×4 Tour

Dead Horse Point State Park (Sunrise or Sunset)

Day 7 Return to Salt Lake City

Drive Time

• Moab to Salt Lake City Airport: 237 miles (~3.5 hours)

Utah National Parks Road Trip – Travel Tips

• Book Early: Lodging and campsites fill up fast.
• Pack Smart: Layers for unpredictable weather, hiking boots, and plenty of water.
  Download the NPS App: Created by the National Park Service staff to help make the most of your visit. Includes interactive maps, self-guided park tours, park amenities, accessibility, things to do, news, alerts, events, and more.
• Pack Smart: Layers for unpredictable weather, hiking boots, and plenty of water.
• Start Early: Avoid crowds by hitting popular spots at sunrise.
• Get a National Park Pass $80.00 – Good for a year’s worth of visits, covers day-use fees at federal recreation sites across the country, including US national parks.
• Patience – Visiting Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks is an amazing experience, but it’s important to prepare for a high volume of visitors, especially during peak seasons.
  • Patience and flexibility are a must. Expect delays on scenic drives, popular trails, and visitor centers. Allow extra time for parking, shuttles, and popular viewpoints. Be prepared to adjust your plans based on crowd levels, having alternate activities or trails in mind can help.
  • Remember that everyone is there to enjoy the natural beauty, being patient and courteous to fellow visitors can enhance everyone’s experience.
• Start Early (Sunrise at Location) | End Late – When creating your plan make sure you plan for early morning and evenings when the parks are a little less crowded.
• Create a Trip Plan – Map out your itinerary, including driving distances, lodging, and must-see places. Plan carefully as traffic and parking can be frustrating during peak season and peak hours. By taking the itinerary less traveled you will be more likely to avoid this and not circling around for parking. Ensure you have a flexible plan to accommodate spontaneous adventures.
• Pack Food and Drinks – many parks do not have food amenities inside the park and if they do, be prepared to wait. I recommend planning meals and snacks to take with you, so no time is wasted driving outside the park to find food.
• Hydration and Sun Protection– Carry plenty of water, and wear sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses to protect against the sun, especially in the summer.
• Leave No Trace – Enjoy but protect our natural spaces.

Planning your trip to Utah’s Mighty 5 doesn’t have to be stressful. Follow this itinerary for a perfect road trip.

Ready to hit the road? Check out our related guides for even more inspiration!

Zion National Park: A Comprehensive Guide to Exploring and Photography

Bryce Canyon National Park: A Comprehensive Guide to Travel, Hiking, and Photography

Capitol Reef National Park Guide: Top Photography, Hiking Spots, and Travel Tips

Arches National Park: Your Complete Travel, Hiking, and Photography Guide

Canyonlands National Park Guide: Island in the Sky Top Photography, Hiking Spots, and Travel Tips

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