national park tour of utah

Scenic Tours of Utah

10 day grand circle national parks tour.

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Experience Overview

10 grand circle national park tour.

Our most popular tour since 1998,  the tour provides an excellent opportunity to experience up close and personal seven National Parks (Zion, Bryce, Capital Reef, Arches, Canyonlands, Mesa Verde, and the Grand Canyon), plus Monument Valley and Antelope Canyon. The tour involves driving through 1,900 miles of beautiful mountains, deserts, and mountain valleys, and includes two of America’s most scenic highways.

This ten-night, ten-day tour includes 9 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners. The tour is loaded with activities that complement the beautiful national parks we visit. Key activities include Four-hour Narrow-Gauge Railroad ride from Durango to Silverton, Colorado;  Navajo-led Monument Valley back-country tour; Navajo-led Antelope Canyon tour; and a sunset Hummer tour.  Our tour includes many more activities than most tours visiting Southern Utah.

We look forward to touring with you,

Areas Visited

We begin and end the tour in Las Vegas and visit the states of Utah, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado. We pass through three Native American reservations as well. Our guides are the best in the area. They usually are natives of Southern Utah and have a lifetime of stories and insights to draw upon. There is no substitute for experience. They provide a comprehensive overview of the history, geology, plant life, and culture of the West.

Our guides are the best in the area. They usually are natives of Southern Utah and have a lifetime of stories and insights to draw upon. There is no substitute for experience. They provide a comprehensive overview of the history, geology, plant life, and culture of the West.

The Itinerary

We limit our group size to 10 passengers to ensure a personalized and uncrowded experience. Our comfortable, modified raised roof vans, designed to accommodate 15 passengers, are not filled to capacity.

Our tours include activities or points of interest that are not included in many other tours. We strive to provide variety and fresh experiences.

Why choose us:.

First class feel

Customized tours

Local guides

Las Vegas, and St George

(This is the day before the tour start date.) After you arrive in Las Vegas and collect your luggage, you will connect with a shuttle which will then transport you to St George, UT for your overnight stay. Get settled in, enjoy the beauty of the city of St George. There are several restaurants in the nearby area including an excellent one located at the hotel.

Get Settled In

Enjoy the beauty of St. George city

Zion National Park

After breakfast, we depart St George for Zion National Park. Zion is one of nature’s greatest wonders. Gigantic red and white rock monoliths tower around you like a skyscraper city of stone, concealing pockets of abundant flora and fauna. See the Great White Throne, Angel’s Landing, the Court of the Patriarchs, and the Narrows where the Virgin River has carved out a narrow canyon with 2,000-foot cliffs on each side.

After checking into our hotel in nearby Springdale, there is a welcome and get-acquainted dinner for all to attend.

Gigantic red and white rock monoliths

Great White Throne

Grand Canyon

After breakfast, we drive from the depths of the canyon up the switchbacks and climb 3,000 feet in just three miles to the Zion Tunnel. Once through this mile-long tunnel, we emerge into a fascinating world of rock and sand formations that extend on each side of us. We like to stop at Checkerboard Mesa for pictures. From there, we depart for the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

This drive is truly amazing. The North Rim is a thousand feet higher than the more popular South Rim, is less crowded and, for many of us, more beautiful.

Words cannot describe, and pictures cannot capture the impressive spectacle of this majestic site. The Grand Canyon has always been known as one of the seven wonders of the world, and we can’t agree more. We visit the most spectacular sites, pausing to get out, walk along the rim and enjoy the beauty of the place. A picnic lunch will be enjoyed at one of the sites overlooking the Canyon.

Afterward, we visit the North Rim Lodge. One of our favorite things to do is to sit back on one of the rocking chairs in the Lodge’s indoor and outdoor sun porches and take in the grandeur of all that surrounds us. A gift shop is located nearby for those who want to purchase souvenirs. From there, we continue to Page, Arizona, for dinner and lodging.

Checkerboard Mesa

North Rim of Grand Canyon

Picnic at rim of Gran Canyon

Lake Powell, Antelope Canyon, and Page, Arizona

In the morning we will make a visit to Horseshoe Bend One of the most iconic views of the Colorado River. Here we will take a short hike out to the viewpoint and enjoy the sites.

We will then make a visit to the Grand Staircase Escalante Paleontology Visitor Center where we will see some of the amazing research and finds in the surrounding area, before returning to town for Lunch. That afternoon, we are taken to nearby Antelope Canyon for a guided tour by local Navajos. Indeed, this is one of the most beautiful slot canyons in all of America and a morning experience that our guests will be discussing for a very long time.

If time permits, we also take a tour of the Glen Canyon Dam, the dam on the Colorado River that created Lake Powell, the second- largest reservoir in the United States.

Dinner and lodging are in Page, Arizona.

Horseshoe Bend

Glen Canyon Float Trip

Witness other-worldly Antelope Canyon

Horseshoe Bend and Monument Valley

After breakfast, we like to walk out to Horseshoe Bend on the Colorado.

After we return to our vehicle, we drive to Kayenta, Arizona, and then enter Monument Valley, made famous in movies and commercials. Once we arrive, Navajo guides will escort us into this beautiful and historic valley in modified pickups. (The road is bumpy, and there is some jostling around, so those with bad backs or other physical restrictions, please let us know before participating in this activity.)

The guides will show us many of the more famous landmarks, as well as where John Ford and John Wayne made many of their well-known movies like “Stagecoach” and “She Wore a Yellow Ribbon.” They also take us into the seldom-visited backcountry for a look at some fantastic rock formations.

We continue to Bluff, Utah, for dinner and lodging.

Photograph beautiful Horseshoe Bend

Be amazed at Monument Valley

Navajo guided tour of Monument Valley

Four Corners and Mesa Verde National Park

After breakfast, we continue our drive through the Navajo Indian Reservation, stopping briefly at the famous “Four Corners” Visit Mesa Verde landmark. Here, four states (Utah, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico) come together in one place (no similar situation exists anywhere else in the USA). At this site, one can literally put our hands and feet in four different states at once. Local vendors selling many kinds of native handicrafts and jewelry are located nearby.

As we head into Colorado, we pass through the Ute Indian Reservation and soon find ourselves in Mesa Verde National Park the world famous Anasazi “Cliff Dwellings”. For those who are physically able, we tour Cliff Palace. This is one of the largest and best ruins in the park. We take a driving tour and see several of the best-preserved ruins.

We also stop at the museum, which has a wonderful array of ancient crafts, pottery, etc. of the Anasazi. Later that afternoon, we make our way to Durango, Colorado. After checking into our hotel, you are free to enjoy the many restaurants and shops located nearby.

Anasazi Cliff Dwellings

Tour Cliff Palace

Famous "Four Corner"

Colorado Rockies and the Durango and Silverton Railroad

After breakfast, we take the morning Durango and Silverton Railroad to Silverton, Colorado. Built-in 1895 to carry gold and passengers, this old-time steam engine and railroad experience offers a fun and scenic view of the San Juan Mountains, the Animas River, and is a tremendously enjoyable experience.

Once the train arrives in Silverton, we will have lunch in one of the local restaurants.

After lunch, we continue our adventure by driving over one of the most beautiful mountain highways in America, the “Million Dollar Highway”. You will love the stunning views that are offered and become very aware of the scary drop-offs located near the road. This highway is always in the top ten roads to see in the USA. Some call this part of Colorado “little Switzerland” as there are a number of 14,000-foot mountains in the area that offer some of the best mountain scenery in all of Colorado.

We stop in Ouray, a quaint old mining town, for ice cream. We then begin our drive to Moab, Utah, and check into our hotel in the late afternoon. The hotel is next to restaurants. Dinner is on your own.

Silverton railroad ride

See Million Dollar Highway

Visit Ouray mining town for ice cream

Moab, Arches National Park, and Dead Horse Point

We begin the day in nearby Arches National Park where we walk to see some of the best large and small arches in one of Utah’s most famous national parks.

Later, we drive to Dead Horse Point State Park for a spectacular overlook of the Colorado River, one of our favorite places to visit in the whole Southwest. From there, we tour the “Island in the Sky” section of Canyonlands National Park. Then, return to Moab in the late afternoon for a sunset Hummer tour!

Visit Arches National Park

Island in the Sky

Dead Horse State Park

Capital Reef National Park

In the morning, we will leave Moab and make our way to Capital Reef National Park. The drive will take us through several unusual formations including ancient sea bottoms and petrified deserts. We will be stopping briefly to see the Fremont Indian petroglyph site inside the park and then on to the Visitors’ Center. Afterward we will take the scenic drive to view the park. A stop at the Gifford House for pie or a cinnamon roll and then rest under the giant cottonwood trees. There are a few hiking options here and your guide will select an appropriate hike for the group.

After we have finished in Capitol Reef we will make our way to the town of Torrey UT, 5 miles away for Dinner and lodging.

Sea Bottoms and Petrified Desserts

Fremont Indian Petroglyph site

Highway 12, Grand Staricase-Escalante National Monument and Bryce

After breakfast we will make our way over the Famous Highway 12 viewing some of the most beautiful and expansive vistas we have seen to this point. As we travel, we will pass by red rock cliffs, climb our way into the high mountain pine and aspen forests, descend again into petrified sand dunes and finally make our way to the towering hoodoos of Bryce Canyon.We will arrive in Bryce in the early afternoon. This will allow time to visit several of the beautiful lookouts and possibly a two-hour walk down into the beautiful hoodoos from Sunrise to Sunset Point. Anyone else who doesn’t take the hike can take the scenic walk along the rim. Some say this is the most beautiful walk they have ever taken.

Overnight in Bryce.

Famous Highway 12

Bryce Canyon hoodooes and lookout

Sunrise at Sunset Point

Bryce Canyon and Return To Las Vegas

For those who want to get up early and see the sunrise at Bryce, you are in for a real treat. The early morning sun lights up the pink cliffs and hoodoos and offers a stunning visual experience.

We will then return to our hotel to have breakfast and pack our things for the final leg of our trip to Las Vegas.

We will take the scenic Cedar Mountain route, which offers a great view of Zion National Park from a distance, as well as several high alpine meadows. We will take a brief lunch stop in St. George, Utah. From there we travel the last few miles to Las Vegas, generally arriving around 5:00 pm.

Scenic drive back through Cedar Mountain

Views of Zion National Park

Stunning Mountain Meadows

Popular Sights/Events

Double arch - arches.

The River Walk - Zion

Sunrise in Bryce Canyon

10 day grand circle tour national park tour.

The Grand Circle Tour is one of our best and most expansive tours of the south national parks.

• Double Occupancy
• Single Occupancy
• Triple Occupancy
• Quadruple Occupancy
• Professional and Expert Guides
• Guided Hiking Throughout Your Tour
• Maximum of 10 Guests Per Guide and Vehicle
• All National and State Park Entry Fees
• Two Dinners, 1 Lunch, 10 Breakfasts and Associated Tips*
• 10 Nights of Lodging (3-Star or Better Lodging)
• All activities including; Train in Colorado, Tour of Antelope Canyon and Monument Valley, and the sunset Hummer tour
• Ground Transportation Starting and Ending in Las Vegas
• Guided Hiking throughout the Tour
• Snacks and Water Provided on the Vehicle

*Does not include gratuity for your tour guide.

• Alcohol, room service or items of a personal nature
• Any meals not listed
• Activities not included above
• Gratuity for your tour guide or the activity guides.
• Guests need to be able to walk on uneven terrain for a minimum of 2 miles at a time with a daily average of 3-5 miles of walking/hiking.    Elevation gains range between 50 ft (15 m) and 300 ft (90 m) over the course of the hikes.
• Must be able to board and deboard van at each viewpoint.    A step or step stool will be available at each location.
• Elevations on the tour will range between 1,500 ft (460 m) and 10,000 ft (3,050 m) with sleeping accommodations as high as 7,000 ft (2130 m).
• Please let us know if you have any physical/health limitations or other requirements.  Private tours can be customized to guests’ abilities.

Arrival Day

Things to do/see.

Majestic Lake Powell

Sunset Hummer Tour

Chat with our booking team

Or contact us below and we'll be in touch shortly, schedule availability.

April 30 - May 11

May 28-June 8

June 18 - 29

July 16 - 27

Sept 10 - 21

Set 24 - Oct 5

Oct 15 - 26

Deposit and Cancellation Policies

Deposit: A deposit of 25% of the total tour cost is due upon booking. The remaining balance of 75% is due 60 days prior to departure. Tours booked 60 days or less prior to departure require full payment at the time of booking. Any bookings made 45 days or less prior to departure are subject to confirmation of hotel availability and require full payment by credit card or debit card at the time of booking.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations made more than 61 days prior to the tour departure will receive a refund, less 10% of the total tour cost. Cancellations made between 60 and 46 days prior to the tour departure are eligible for a 50% refund. Cancellations made by the client 45 days or less prior to the tour departure are not eligible for a refund. Cancellations due to COVID-19 concerns will be subject to the same policy as any other cancellation.

Travel insurance: We do not offer travel insurance, which typically covers situations such as missing part or all of the tour due to health reasons, family emergencies, flight delays, or lost luggage. However, we strongly recommend that you obtain such insurance independently. Please note that in the event of a cancellation, we will strictly enforce the cancellation policy as detailed above.

Signature Tours

• Yellowstone American West Tour (Summer)
• Alaska: The Last Frontier Tour
• NEW! Trail of the Ancients (Ancient Native Cultural Sights Tour)
• Utah 5 Parks Tour (The Mighty Five)
• NEW! The Canyons 4 Day Tour (Utah and Arizona National Parks)
• 7 National Parks Grand Circle Tour
• Route 66 Southwest Tour
• Yellowstone Winter Wonderland
• The Adventure Mighty Five
• California Adventure
• Group Tours

Have a chat with our team

• California Adventure Tour
• Snow Canyon-Petroglyphs
• Valley of fire
• Antelope Canyon
• Self Drive Tours
• Private & Group Tours
• Custom Tours
• Luxury Tours

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Rock formations in Bryce Canyon

The landscapes of arches national park, welcome to zion national park, double arch, arches national park, waterpocket fold, capitol reef, large group tours:, mighty 5 utah from salt lake city, 7-days from $2,275pp.

By going on one of our most popular tours, Southwest Adventure Tours will show you Utah’s Mighty 5 national parks in 7-days. Those parks are Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion. Each park will enable you to see spectacular scenery and unique geological formations all within the southern half of Utah.

We love to show off our home State of Utah, so guiding your tour in these parks and the other scenic areas we cover is our specialty. All of our tour guides have been to these places many, many times. We know all these places like the backs of our hands. We’ll show you all the places that other people don’t know about!

This tour is purposely designed to begin in Salt Lake City and end in Las Vegas. Our tour is also customizable, including running it in either direction. It can include more physical and adventurous activities, more leisurely sightseeing, or more days to do both! It can also be modified to spend more time in specific places. Contact us for further details.

Tour Highlights:

• See all of Utah’s 5 national parks
• Overnight stays in the towns of Moab, Torey, and Las Vegas
• Goblin Valley State Park
• Grand Staircase-Escalante Monument
• Scenic Highway 12, All-American Road

Inclusions:

• Airport Transfers
• Services of a Southwest Adventure Tours tour director – a professional tour guide
• Comfortable transportation by motorcoach
• 6 nights hotel accommodations
• 6 breakfasts
• Park entrance fees
• Gratuities for included meals
• Baggage handling (1 suitcase per person, where available)

Daily Breakdown:

• Day 1: Arrive Salt Lake City, UT
• Day 2: Salt Lake City to Canyonlands National Park (Overnight Moab)
• Day 3: Arches National Park & Surrounding Areas (Overnight Moab)
• Day 4: Goblin Valley and Capitol Reef (Overnight Torrey)
• Day 5: Highway 12, Grand Staircase-Escalante, Bryce Canyon (Overnight Bryce Canyon City)
• Day 6: Zion National Park & Las Vegas (Overnight Las Vegas)
• Day 7: Journey Home

Arrive at the SLC Airport and enjoy a group transfer to your hotel in Salt Lake City .  The rest of the day is free to explore on your own.

Courtyard by Marriott Downtown or similar, Salt Lake City, UT

Depart Salt Lake City, UT at 7:00 am and travel to Canyonlands National Park . After an included lunch, enjoy sightseeing of Canyonlands including the Visitors Center, Green River Overlook and Grand View Point with a chance to and hike along the rim of the Island in the Sky. This evening, arrive in the town of Moab and check in for a 2-night stay.  Evening free to explore and have dinner on own.

Hyatt Place or similar, Moab, UT | Meals: B, L

This morning enter Arches National Park for sightseeing and short hiking. Hike to Landscape Arch, one of the longest natural arches in the world. Stop at Delicate Arch Viewpoint and visit the Windows Section and Double Arch. Lunch is included today. In the afternoon, a scenic drive along the Colorado River showcases ancient petroglyphs depicting animals, humans, and geometric patterns carved onto red-rock walls. Return to Moab with the evening free to explore and have dinner on own.

Explore the mystical landscape of Goblin Valley State Park . Delve into the narrows of Sulphur Creek or Grand Wash at Capital Reef National Park . Hike to the Hickman Bridge, a 133-foot natural bridge, or go down to the Grand Wash to explore the park’s deep canyons and narrows. Hike to Sulphur Creek Overlook and enjoy Panoramic Point. Arrive in Torrey for an included dinner and overnight.

Capitol Reef Resort or similar, Torrey, UT | Meals: B, L, D

Depart Torrey for a wonderful drive on Scenic Highway 12 , an All-American Road, over Boulder Mountain and through Grand Staircase and Escalante National Monument.  Then arrive Bryce Canyon National Park for sightseeing and hiking in this unique geologic wonder. Arrive at your hotel just outside the park, dinner is on own this evening.

Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel or similar, Bryce Cyn City, UT | Meals: B, L, D

Rise early to watch the sun rise over Bryce Canyon from one of its many viewpoints.  Next take a scenic drive from Bryce Canyon to Zion National Park for a day of sightseeing and hiking. Experience massive 2,000-foot-high formations and towers, the Mt. Carmel Tunnel, Zion Canyon and the Virgin River. In the late afternoon, depart Zion and cross the Nevada Dessert on your way to Las Vegas for a final night. Join the group for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant to celebrate your Mighty 5 experiences.

Hampton Inn Airport or similar, Las Vegas, NV | Meals: B, L, D

A group transfer to the Las Vegas Airport will be provided for your departure flight home.

Meals: B

Tour Details:

Not included:.

• Items of a personal nature (alcohol, room service, etc.)
• Meals (other than listed in the itinerary)
• Gratuities for the Southwest Adventure Tours tour director and driver

Arrival / Departure Info:

• Arrival Location: Salt Lake City Airport (SLC)
• Arrival Time: Any time on day 1
• Departure Location: Las Vegas Airport (LAS)
• Departure Time: Any time on day 7

Southwest Adventure Tours is an authorized permittee of the following parks:

• Arches National Park
• Bryce Canyon National Park
• Capitol Reef National Park
• Canyonlands National Park
• Zion National Park

Contact Us For More Information

Please fill out the form below with as much information as possible, such as the tour or tours you are working on developing, and we'll be in touch. You may also simply call us at  800-970-5864 .

From the Blog

Zion entrance project, meet our guide haydee schabelski, meet our guide kim palmer, meet our guide wayne parker.

NATIONAL PARK TOURZ

Making the parks personal with small group experiences & passionate guides, explore america's iconic national parks in a meaningful way.

• Users Maximum of 10 People
• Clock 5 Days & 4 Nights

Best of the Southwest

Explore the wonders of the Southwest on our 5-day trip, featuring the Zion River Hike, the unique Bryce Canyon program, the Lake Powell Cruise, and the majestic Grand Canyon. Designed for maximum comfort in a small, friendly group, our house is the perfect option for an unforgettable few days.

• Users Maximum of 11 People
• Clock 6 Days & 5 Nights

Animal Lovers Tour

Join National Park Tourz adventure that blends your love of animals and nature! Volunteer at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary and explore four amazing national parks, from Zion’s River Hike to the Grand Canyon, all included in this comprehensive package with lodging, meals, transportation and an owned guide friendly atmosphere.

• Users Maximum of 4 People
• Clock 7 Days & 6 Nights

Alaskan Adventure Tour

Explore the great Northwest with us as we glide through glaciers and hike through the Denali region, famous for the highest mountain in North America! Driving through this vast region will expose our eyes to majestic mountains and crystal clear lakes.

Arches National Park Tour

Take an exciting 7-day trip to explore Arches National Park, home to over 2,000 distinctive sand dunes. With everything covered, from accommodation to food, soak in the fun and beauty of every season without worry. Book online today!

Yellowstone National Park Tour

Join an intimate tour from Salt Lake City through Yellowstone National Park, with exciting experiences like whitewater rafting, western entertainment provided by Bar J Wranglers, and an aerial tram ride through the Grand Tetons Range Dive. Book online!

• MOST POPULAR TOUR!

Best Friends Volunteer Tour

Best Friends Animal Sanctuary seeks help to “Rescue Them All”. We offer trips packed with volunteer opportunities from landscaping to dog walking at Angels Rest. This all-inclusive experience is perfect for animal lovers! Book your Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, Utah volunteer experience online.

ABOUT OUR NATIONAL PARK TOURS

Welcome to National Park Tourz! We are a team who loves showing friends the beauties found in our big backyard! We are lucky enough to be passionate about what we do — sharing our love and endless wonder of the natural beauty found throughout the iconic National Parks of The West .

If you’re looking for a vacation that will stay with you for years to come, you can feel confident in choosing our company.  Our goal is to give you a  beautiful experience that will leave you feeling inspired! We consider each guest a new found friend, and once you tour with us, chances are high that you will return. At National Park Tourz, we love to make the parks personal.

KANAB TOUR COMPANY

If you are looking for more fun and adventure during your stay in Kanab, check out our sister company,  Kanab Tour Company!  We have a fantastic range of day tours to the iconic National Parks, as well as awesome ATV tours! If  racing over sand dunes  and  scrambling over rock formations  sounds like your kind of adventure, then come say hi,  we’d love to hear from you!

BEYOND ZION TOURS & RENTALS

Beyond Zion Tours & Rentals aims to provide customers with  high-adventure ATV tours   of East Zion  and  top of the line ATV rentals . With a location right outside of Zion National Park, Beyond Zion is perfectly situated to handle all of your ATV tours and rentals in Southern Utah. If you’re ready to get Beyond Zion, check them out today!

See What Past Guests Have Said! ★★★★★

Words cannot express how much we enjoyed the natural beauty, the stress free travel arrangements, the accommodations, the food, the friendliness of everyone and especially our wonderful guide,Trevor. He made sure we saw all the beauty, while focusing on what was important to us and keeping us safe. Thank you Tiffany for giving us a lifetime of beautiful memories.

Having never been to the national parks of southern Utah, this was an amazing trip. From accommodations to meals to adventure guide/driverTrevor. — all exceeded expectation. Wonderful group, accommodation, allowing privacy and social interaction, home, cooked breakfast daily, incredible restaurants, and so much to see! Of course for dog lovers. Going to Best Friends Sanctuary is certainly a highlight complete with a VIP tour. We certainly will look at National Park Tourz and Trevor for another vacation.

Fantastic tour at Best Friends and National Parks!! Tiffany, Pam and Jeff, the guide were so helpful, caring, knowledgeable, willing to go the extra mile to help, etc….can’t say enough positive things about them! Loved Lake Powell, Bryce, Zion and Peekaboo Canyon! Volunteering at Best Friends was fun and enlightening.

I was on a tour with eight other people and we volunteered at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in the morning and went to various National Parks in the afternoon. It was one of the best tours I have ever been on. We were very well taken care of and our guide, Nick, couldn’t have been nicer or more informative. It was just the right balance of fun, education and exposure to the wonders of southern Utah.

Wow! Wow! Wow! Everything about the Animal Lovers Tour was amazing! My fiend Kelly and I went on this adventure together and met the best housemates on our tour. Our tour guide, Dan, was so knowledgeable, funny, kind and accommodating. Trevor, another guide, was also amazing! He took us on an ATV ride that was incredible! This trip was a trip of a lifetime that has left us with the most beautiful memories possible!

An extraordinary week with great guides (Trevor and Jeff were both knowledgeable, flexible and fun), amazing food and the perfect combination of Best Friends Sanctuary volunteering and exploring beautiful southern Utah!

The Best Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary: The Mighty 5

Posted on Last updated: October 6, 2023

Home » Utah » The Best Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary: The Mighty 5

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Many things make this Utah National Parks Road Trip a must on any avid traveler’s bucket list !

Maybe it’s the dramatic red rock landscapes that will make you feel like you’re walking on Mars, the whacky-looking rock formations that pierce the sky, the unparalleled hiking opportunities, and the adventures through the desert.

If you’re currently in the plotting stages of your Utah Mighty 5 road trip, chances are you’re feeling super overwhelmed trying to fit everything in. 

Whether you’ve already decided to focus on the state’s national parks or are simply looking for a truly epic guide, we’ve put together the ultimate 8-day itinerary so you can relax and simply focus on enjoying the scenery rather than planning!

Starting in Salt Lake City or Las Vegas (whatever works better for you), this road trip through Utah will have you exploring the contrasting scenery of Zion National Park, traversing the sweeping canyons of Canyonlands National Park, gawking at massive natural arches at Arches National Park, and so much more!

Table of Contents

The Best Time to Go on a Utah National Parks Road Trip

Even though you can do this Utah national parks itinerary any time of the year, it’s important to remember that the weather changes can get pretty drastic.

As a rule of thumb, the best time to go on a Utah road trip is either in spring or fall , as both seasons bring in excellent weather. 

The downside to spring is that the national parks get pretty crowded for that very same reason, so if you’re the type of traveler who prefers a bit more solitude, then fall is your go-to!

Avoid planning a Utah national parks road trip during the summer vacation at all costs, especially if you’re keen to do some hiking. 

Most parks get scorching hot, making hiking a true challenge (we’re talking temperatures over 100 degrees!). Also, three of these parks are among the most visited national parks .

If you don’t mind the cold, winter is also another lovely time to visit. Crowds become almost non-existent. 

While it’s not a guarantee, you may even get to see snow at some of the parks – the red tones look absolutely stunning when contrasted with white! 

Temperatures during the day are bearable if you bring the right gear, but nights do get pretty chilly, so make sure you prepare for that!

Where to Stay on Your Mighty 5 Utah Road Trips

• Zion National Park: Zion Lodge
• Bryce Canyon National Park: Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn
• Capitol Reef National Park: Capitol Reef Resort
• Arches National Park: Fairfield Inn Moab
• Canyonlands National Park: Fairfield Inn Moab

How to Get Around

Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas is 167 miles from Zion National Park or a 3-hour drive. Alternatively, you can also land at Salt Lake City International Airport, but this one is a bit farther away: a 4.40-hour drive.

(Unless you want to start your road trip in Arches. Its visitor center is only three and a half hours southeast of Salt Lake City’s airport.)

Either way, the best way to get to the park from the airport is by car. You can choose from several rental car companies and snag good deals at Discover Cars .

Admission to Utah’s Mighty 5

Before you pack your bags, roll down your windows, and venture out on this incredible Utah road trip, we strongly advise you to buy the America the Beautiful Pass to save quite some money.

This pass covers entrance fees for a carload of people or up to 4 adults (depending on whether the park charges admission per person or vehicle). 

To give you an idea of how much you can save, here are the entrance fees for Utah Mighty 5 for a private vehicle:

• Zion National Park: $35
• Bryce Canyon National Park: $35
• Capitol Reef National Park: $20
• Arches National Park: $30
• Canyonlands National Park: $30
• TOTAL: $150

However, the national park pass gives you access to all parks above (plus all the rest of the National Park Service) for only $80. That means the pass saves you $70!!

Don’t miss out! Click here to buy your national park pass!

Tips for Your Utah National Parks Road Trip

• Book ahead: always book accommodation early to snag better deals. Many attractions, including national parks, are crowded these days, so the demand for nearby lodges is high. We use Booking.com and Hotels.com to book our lodging because of their easy cancellation policies.
• Buy the pass: the national park pass can save you a nice amount of money, not only on this road trip but on any other trips to national parks you will make within 12 months. It’s a no-brainer!
• Get up early: you’ll want to arrive early at the national parks to avoid the crowds. Remember, the early bird catches the worm!
• Bring plenty of water: it’s crucial to stay well-hydrated, so pack enough water for each hike (as well as snacks and sun protection).

Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary

Here’s our itinerary for a road trip to Utah national parks (Utah Mighty 5 road trip):

• Day 1: Drive from Las Vegas (or Salt Lake City) to Zion National Park

Day one is all about getting from the airport (Las Vegas or Salt Lake City) to the starting point of your Mighty 5 road trip: Zion National Park. 

This gem of a park is a wonderland of soaring cream and red-toned cliffs, a congregation of desert wildlife like no other, hanging gardens, striking rock formations, hidden grottos, and lush meadows above mesa tops.

Zion National Park’s unique contrast in landscapes makes it a truly unique place to visit on a Utah national parks road trip, and there’s a little something for everyone, no matter the type of trip you’re planning. 

If you’re into hiking, you’ll find plenty of trails all over, many of which you can also explore on a bike if you wish to. 

Scenic driving is also a dream here, and thanks to the park’s brims with Native American history, you’re also guaranteed to leave with a lot of newfound knowledge!

When you arrive at Zion, visit the Zion Human History Museum, where you’ll get a pretty well-rounded introduction to the indigenous Paiute who once inhabited the area. 

As you leave, you’ll find some of the most iconic rock formations in Zion right outside the museum (including the Watchman and the Tower of the Virgin). Take both the museum and these sights as a window of what’s coming next!

• Drive time from Salt Lake City to Zion National Park: 5 hours

Where to Stay in or near Zion National Park

There are three campsites available within the park. If you’d like a bit more comfort, you can find a few accommodation options nearby. 

For glamping-style tents, you may want to go to Zion Wildflower Resort , or if you’re going to stay in the park, check out the Zion Lodge !

• Day 2: Zion National Park

After learning about the Pauite people to understand better the land you’re walking on, tie up your shoelaces and head out to explore the park on foot. 

Most of the trails at Zion National Park are pretty short and sweet, so you’ll be able to kick several of them in just a few hours.

• Canyon Overlook Trail: A super easy hike that will take you to a viewpoint that overlooks Zion Canyon. (1 mile)
• Emerald Pool Trail: This trail will lead you to beautiful natural pools, Lower Emerald Pools, and Upper Emerald Pool. (3 miles)
• Riverside Walk: A super flat trail that follows the Virgin River and ends near the Narrows. (2.2 miles round trip)
• The Watchman Trail: A short trail that heads up to a viewpoint on the cliffs above the canyon floor. This trail doesn’t take you to the top of Watchman Mountain, but you’ll be able to get a pretty clear view of it! (3 miles round trip)

After exploring Zion National Park’s trails, it’s time to find the best spot in the park for a seriously epic sunset. 

Hop on your car and drive to Kolob Canyon, a relatively unknown park section. 

Here, you’ll find the trailhead to Timber Creek Overlook at Kolob View Point, where you’ll get the most awe-inspiring 360-degree views of the surrounding rock formations and, on a clear day, you may even get a glimpse of the Grand Canyon’s North Rim section!

• Zion Wildflower Resort

Attractions Near Zion National Park

These attractions are within drivable distances from Zion, but keep in mind you might need extra days to visit them.

• North Rim Grand Canyon
• Lake Powell
• Sand Hollow State Park
• Snow Canyon State Park
• Valley of Fire State Park
• Kodachrome Basin State Park
• Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
• Day 3: Zion National Park & Drive to Bryce Canyon National Park

Day three will have an early start as it’s a pretty action-packed one! If you’re up for a challenge, you can fit in the Angels Landing hike to end your time at Zion National Park in a truly epic way. 

Angels Landing is by far the most popular trail in Zion, so you need a permit now. The hike is pretty strenuous and usually takes around 4 hours to complete (although it may take 3 hours if you’re experienced).

The hike starts at the Grotto Trailhead and follows the West Rim Trail to take you to a superb viewpoint that stands 1,500 feet above the canyon floor. 

In addition, this hike is guaranteed to test your skills, so if you don’t consider yourself experienced enough or are afraid of heights, you can do a short walk instead or have a lazy morning.

Some More Favorite Hikes in Zion National Park Worth Checking Out:

• Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail – challenging
• Observation Point via East Mesa Trail – moderate
• Pa’rus Trail – easy

Pssst: You can also give your legs a break and go on the 12.6-mile Zion National Park Scenic Drive!

After some serious desert hiking, it’s time to head to Bryce Canyon National Park, where you’ll be greeted with a sea of striking red rock hoodoos. 

Bryce Canyon happens to be home to the most extensive collection of red rock hoodoos in the entire world, so right there is all the inspiration you need to convince yourself to drive over.

Once you arrive, the first thing you’ll want to do is drive Highway 12, a scenic route that cuts right through the park and provides some of the most scenic viewpoints that will give you a pretty well-rounded introduction to some of the most iconic vistas here.

For sunset, head to Sunset Point, where you’ll get the chance to see the sun go down over an amphitheater of red rock hoodoos, an experience like no other and the most epic way to end the third day of your Utah National Parks road trip.

• Drive time from Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon: 1 hour and a half

Where to Stay near Bryce Canyon

Most people stay in Bryce, just a few minutes’ drive from Bryce Canyon’s park entrance.

• Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn

More Attractions in Bryce Canyon National Park

• Sunrise Point: arrive at dawn to take in the last few minutes of the starry night sky
• Rainbow Point: beautiful views from the highest point in the park. Rainbow Point is one of our favorite vantage points in Bryce Canyon.
• Fairyland Point: epic views of hoodoos, natural bridges, and more.
• Bryce Point: Bryce Point is a must-see highlight within Bryce National Park. It gives panoramic views of a massive amphitheater of red rock formations and grottoes long ago carved out by ancient rivers.

Day 4: Bryce Canyon & Drive to Capitol Reef National Park

Today, we’ll be getting more personal with Bryce Canyon and the Bryce Amphitheater area. 

As we’ve mentioned before, bright red hoodoos make Bryce Canyon’s landscapes such a treat, and one of the best trails to see them is the Queens Garden to Navajo Loop Trail.

Throughout the hike, you’ll be weaving your way through rock tunnels, red rock limestone walls, and pine forest. 

You’ll also get access to some of the best lookout points in the park and stand in front of unparalleled vistas of the sandstone hoodoos that make Bryce Canyon so strikingly beautiful. 

This loop is a combination of two different trails. We recommend hiking it clockwise, starting at the Queens Garden Trail before going up the Navajo Loop Trail.

After hiking the Queens Garden Trail, you may have some time to spare to explore further afield. You can pick from the many short hiking trails on offer. Here are a few for you to choose from:

• Mossy Cave Trail: A hike that feels more like a stroll into a world of pinnacles before ending at a small cave covered in moss. (0.8 miles)
• Navajo Loop Trail: A loop from Sunset Point that will take you down to the floor of Bryce Canyon. This trail passes some of the most iconic formations in the park, including Twin Bridges, Thor’s Hammer, and Wall Steet. (1.4 miles)
• Bristlecone Loop Trail: A pretty sweet loop above the canyon rim. As you hike, you’ll get to traverse a subalpine forest and see lots of bristlecone pine trees, the oldest tree species in the world! (1 mile)

Once you’re back, leave Bryce Canyon National Park and drive two hours to Capitol Reef National Park. 

Get a good night’s sleep here to gear up for another day spent adventuring in the desert!

• Drive time from Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef: 2 hours

Where to Stay in Capitol Reef National Park

There are campsites available within Capitol Reef National Park. Alternatively, you can stay at the Capitol Reef Resort , located right at the doorstep of the park’s entrance and provides several lodging options ranging from guestrooms to luxurious cabins and even Conestoga wagons and teepees!

• Day 5: Capitol Reef National Park

Today, we’ll be exploring Utah’s most underrated national park. 

Capitol Reef is a little less popular than the other ones in this Utah national parks itinerary, but trust us when we tell you you’ll be in for a real treat!

What makes the landscape at Capitol Reef National Park so insanely unique among the rest of the national parks in Utah is the Waterpocket Fold, a “wrinkle” on the surface of the earth that was formed millions of years ago. 

This warp created a dramatic landscape of rugged canyons, massive cliffs, and striking rock formations that will make you feel like you’re on Mars.

After breakfast, start your day by hiking your way to Hickman Bridge, a classic 2-mile hike (round trip) that will have you seeing some of the most emblematic landmarks in Capitol Reef National Park.

After hiking, rest your legs by hopping on your car and driving down Highway 24, which will allow you to check out a unique petroglyph panel. These petroglyphs provide an excellent insight into the indigenous people that once called the area their home.

Next, drive along the park’s 8-mile long scenic road, which provides access to unparalleled viewpoints as well as some of the most symbolic sights in Capitol Reef. 

Depending on how much energy you have left, you can wrap up your visit by hiking to Cassidy Arch, which takes just under 2 hours to complete and ends at one of the most iconic spots in the park (and a perfect place to watch the sun go down!).

• Capitol Reef Resort

More Attractions in Capitol Reef National Park

• Panorama Point: viewpoint with beautiful views over Highway 24
• Goosenecks Overlook: easy round trip to a stunning overlook
• Sunset Point: easy round trip to THE perfect spot to catch a sunset at Capitol Reef National Park
• Fruita and Cathedral Valley Districts: historical district and remote, rugged scenery with beautiful views.
• Day 6: Drive to Arches National Park

Today, you’ll drive to Arches, but on the way there, you might want to make a stop at Goblin Valley State Park for massive mushroom-like sandstone formations. It’s an incredible sight!

Moving on to Arches, the park is home to over 2,000 natural arches and a variety of whacky-looking rock formations, meaning a visit to Arches National Park is an experience like no other. 

Thanks to the fact that the park is relatively small, it’s pretty easy to check out the top highlights (Skyline Arch, Sand Dune Arch, Broken Arch, and more) quickly.

Your legs will probably be pretty tired at this point, so we’ll take things slowly today. 

Hop on your car to drive down the Arches Scenic Ride, which provides access to some of the best viewpoints in the park, to get a pretty well-rounded introduction to what it has to offer.

For an epic sunset at Arches National Park, head to The Windows, which you can find by hiking the Double Arch Trail and detouring a bit at the very end – here, you can find yourself a cozy spot with a bit more solitude than the more popular Delicate Arch!

• Drive time from Capitol Reef to Arches National Park: 3 hours

Where to Stay in Moab

Devils Garden Campground is the only campground available in Arches National Park, so it may be difficult to snag a spot. 

For more lodging options, you’ll need to head to the closest town of Moab, which is only 10 minutes away. 

Once in Moab, you’ll find plenty of options for every budget. The Fairfield Inn Moab is located right by the entrance of Arches, or you can stay in the center of town to be close to amenities ( Hoodoo by Hilton or Cottonwoods 57 are both excellent choices).

• Day 7: Arches National Park

In 2022, you need a timed entry ticket for Arches.

To start the day at Arches National Park, hike for 1.5 miles to Delicate Arch, one of the most iconic landmarks in Utah (so much that Delicate Arch is featured on the state’s license plates!). 

As a spectacular sunrise spot, expect to share the views with many people, so try to get there as early as possible.

After experiencing the most epic way to start a day, it’s time to see the largest natural arch in the world: Landscape Arch. 

To get there, you’ll need to hike for about an hour. The trail begins in the Devil’s Garden area of the park, where you’ll find many other formations to check out in case you want to extend your hike.

After Landscape Arch, you’ll have some time to spare to explore further afield. There are many easy (and absolutely epic) day hikes to tackle. Here are a few for you to choose from:

• Balanced Rock: A super short hike that will take you to Balanced Rock, a super unique rock formation that stands above the crowds at Arches because it’s not, well, an arch! (0.3 loop)
• Double Arch: A trail that will take you to two massive arches that share the same rock as a foundation (they’re the tallest in Arches National Park!) (0.6 miles)
• Tower Arch: A moderate hike that’s perfect for those who would rather stray from the crowds. The trail is pretty rugged, but the views of Tower Arch and the Klondike Buffs make it worth it! (3.4 mikes)

Tomorrow you’ll be visiting Canyonlands National Park, close to Moab, so there is no need to change lodging.

• Fairfield Inn Moab
• Hoodoo by Hilton
• Cottonwoods 57

More Attractions in Arches National Park

• La Sal Mountains Viewpoint: panoramic view of the La Sal Mountains and Arches National Park
• Garden of Eden: lots of hoodoos and sandstone rock formations
• Park Avenue Trail: easy and short hike with epic views
• Fiery Furnace: beautiful views of non-arch landscapes
• Day 8: Canyonlands National Park & Las Vegas (Or Salt Lake City)

Sweeping canyon views that seem to last forever, Mars-like landscapes, and striking red rock formations that look as though they pierce the skies – that’s Canyonlands National Park in a nutshell.

Because the park is massive, you could virtually dedicate an entire year to exploring it and still not get to cover it completely. 

Since we only have a day at Canyonlands National Park, we’ll focus our time on exploring the Island in the Sky district. This section is the most frequently visited one of Canyonlands National Park and where you’ll find the most iconic highlights.

Hike the short trail to Mesa Arch to greet the day as soon as you get to Island in the Sky. 

Make sure you start hiking right before sunrise to get there just in time to see the sun rising directly underneath the arch, creating a landscape that looks like it belongs in a painting!

Next, choose from a few of the hiking trails on offer. The trails here are relatively short and sweet, so you’ll get enough time to cover quite a bit of ground in just a few hours.

• Upheaval Dome: It is a pretty entertaining trail that ends at a whacky-looking landmark whose colors contrast with the cliffs. No one knows exactly how this strange dome was created, but it sure is pretty to look at! (1.3 miles)
• Aztec Butte Trail: A moderate trail to Aztec Butte, a rock outcropping that boasts spectacular 360-degree views of Island in the Sky. (1.6 miles)
• Murphy Point Trail: A pretty gentle trail that will take you right to the edge of the canyon, where you’ll get sweeping views of the White Rim Canyon. (3.6 miles)
• Grand View Trail (one of the most popular trails at Canyonlands National Park): This trail leads to the southern tip of Island in the Sky and provides epic panoramic views of the White Rim and the river canyons below. (1 mile)
• Whale Rock Trail: A short and easy path to Whale Rock. Along the route, you’ll ascend the slick rock slope of a sandstone outcrop, which provides incredible vistas of the dome. (0.8 miles)
• White Rim Overlook Trail: This trail provides the most striking views of the White Rim as well as Monument Basin and Gooseberry Canyon. (0.9 miles)

After hiking, drive the main road that serves the district to Upheaval Dome. This short but highly scenic drive is just around 34 miles round trip, but it will have you hitting all the main viewpoints of Island in the Sky in one go!

For a truly epic sunset, make your way to Green River Overlook (a 15-minute drive from Syncline Loop Trailhead), which provides sweeping vistas of the canyons that look even more strikingly beautiful when the last rays of sunshine on the walls and make the rocks pop with bright colors!

Ahh, isn’t Canyonlands National Park incredible?

From here, start making your way to Las Vegas (about 7 hours) or to Salt Lake City (about 4 hours) to catch your flight back home!

• Drive time from Arches National Park to Canyonlands National Park: 30 minutes

Pssst: Dead Horse Point State Park is right next to Canyonlands National Park.

Summary of Your Utah National Parks Road Trip

Be sure to bookmark this page so you can easily find information while planning your trip.

• Day 4: Bryce Canyon National Park & Drive to Capitol Reef National Park

Map Utah National Parks

The map below shows the route from Las Vegas to Zion National Park and beyond. Still, if it’s easier for you, you can kick off your road trip in Salt Lake City and then head south to Zion National Park.

FAQ About the Mighty 5

What is the might 5 in utah.

The mighty five are all five national parks in Utah, known for their striking natural beauty: Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, and Zion National Park.

Which of the mighty 5 is the best?

That’s a difficult question! Each of Utah’s national parks has its unique features and colorful scenery. Still, Zion is Utah’s first national park, established in 1919, and ranks as the state’s most-visited park today.

How many days do you need for the mighty 5?

The more, the merrier. Still, we know vacation days are limited, and that’s why we recommend 8 days for this Utah national parks road trip.

Final Thoughts on this Road Trip to Utah National Parks

Among the best scenic drives, iconic hikes, beautiful red rock canyons, and spectacular viewpoints in the United States—that’s a shy summary of this fantastic Utah road trip.

We hope this Utah National Parks road trip helped you plot the perfect itinerary for your trip. 

Planning a route is a pretty difficult feat when it comes to going on a Utah road trip because there’s so much to do. 

If it’s your first time, though, focusing on its national parks is a pretty darn good way to get introduced to the best the Beehive State offers in terms of natural goodness!

Are you currently plotting a national parks road trip through Utah? I’d love to know which one you’re most excited about visiting, so let us know all about your plans in the comment section below!

Brenda Bursack

Monday 18th of September 2023

We are looking at taking a trip to Utah mid-March and are looking for an itinerary for the Grand 5 and recommendations on where to stay. We are looking at flying to Vegas and driving to Salt Lake City or vice versa.

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This private, guided 7-day tour of Utah’s Mighty 5® national parks allows you to experience the magnificence of Utah’s geologic wonders. Having the luxury of a private-custom tour, adjust the pace for your group that’s just right for you.

6 Day Triple Canyon Private Custom Tour

Pricing:  $5,400.00 per person   – This tour price shown is assuming two guests book this tour with double occupancy lodging. Please call  (435) 940-4212  for a personal quote for your specific group size.

Your adventure. Your way.

Reserve a private, guided Triple Canyon tour for an unforgettable experience at some of the nation’s most well-known national parks. Stand at the rim of the Grand Canyon, meander through the narrow slot canyons of Zion National Park and Antelope Canyon and wonder at the sight Bryce Canyon’s unique amphitheaters.

Are you a traveling couple or traveling solo? Consider booking the   Grand Canyon, Zion, and Bryce 6 day Triple Canyon Scheduled Departure Tour.

Tour price includes 3-star lodging in the cost and   any lodging upgrades will be an additional charge.

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Utah Luxury Tours offers completely private and customizable tours. You determine the pace of the tour, where you want to go, and what you want to see.

Specialty Tours

Specialty Tours with Utah Luxury Tours allow you to dive deeper and immerse yourself into a specific experience while still exploring the amazing national parks the west has to offer.

The Mighty 5 ®️ Private Custom Tour

Pricing:  $6,373.00 per guest   – This tour price shown is assuming two guests book this tour with double occupancy lodging. Please call   (435) 940-4212   for a personal quote for your specific group size.

This private, guided 7-day tour of Monument Valley and Utah’s Mighty 5® national parks allows you to experience the magnificence of Utah’s geologic wonders. Having the luxury of a private-custom tour, adjust the pace for your group that’s just right for you. Add a day and a couple of extra adventures to the list or with those who have limited time, make this tour shorter by skipping Monument Valley. If you love photography, native culture, and old Westerns, this is the tour for you.

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Are you a traveling couple or traveling solo? Consider booking   The Mighty 5®️ Scheduled Departure Tour.

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Breathtaking Destinations

Winter in wyoming.

Yellowstone National Park, and Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Triple Canyon

Grand Canyon, Zion, and Bryce Canyon.

Yellowstone and Grand Teton

National Parks and Mountain Range.

Wonders of the West

National Parks, Grand Canyon, Goblin Valley.

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Our outstanding guides are the heart of Utah Luxury Tours. With a combined 124 years of guiding experience in Utah and the surrounding National Parks, our guides are ready to help you make the most of your time with us.

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I am writing this review for my recent trip through Utah Luxury Tours; specifically, I took the Wonders of the West tour in September and it truly was one of...

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We took the 3-park 4 day tour with Jameson and it was great! We consider Jameson a friend now and are blown away by his knowledge, energy and passion...

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• Places To Go
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The Mighty 5

Prepare to Visit National Parks in Winter

National Parks

Utah's national parks.

Arches National Park

Arches National Park contains more than 2,000 natural arches—the greatest concentration in the country. Find places to stay, itineraries, reservation info and weather for Arches, Moab and Canyonlands National Park.

Bryce Canyon National Park

An alpine forest with as many red rock hoodoos as trees. At dawn and dusk, mule deer graze the forested plateau along the road into Bryce Canyon.

Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands is home to many different types of travel experiences, from sublime solitude in the more remote stretches of the park to moderate hikes through the Needles district to the opportunity to create your own version of one of the West's most photographed landforms, Mesa Arch.

Capitol Reef National Park

Even considering Utah’s many impressive national parks and monuments, it is difficult to rival Capitol Reef National Park’s sense of expansiveness, of broad, sweeping vistas, of a tortured, twisted, seemingly endless landscape, or of limitless sky and desert rock.

Zion National Park

Springdale, UT

Whether you are trying to catch your breath while climbing the trail to Angel's Landing or watching the shadows constantly change the mood of the Court of the Patriarchs, Zion National Park is always ready to quench your appetite for outdoor wonder.

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How to Visit Utah's National Parks

Written By Ryan Coons

3 minute read

Get the most out of a visit to Utah’s parks and monuments, while also ensuring they stay Forever Mighty, by following these tips.

Support Local, Responsible Travel

Remember to Leave No Trace

1. Know Before You Go

2. Stick to Trails and “Overnight Right”

3. Trash Your Trash

4. Protect Indigenous Cultural Heritage

5. Minimize Campfire Impacts

6. Keep Wildlife Wild

7. Share Our Parks, Trails and Roads

Plan your trip, forever mighty.

As you plan your travels, have you considered ways you can visit more thoughtfully? There are lots of ways to minimize your impact, while maximizing your experience. This is a shared travel ethos we call Forever Mighty.

Utah is a hard state to beat when it comes to scenic road trips. Find breathtaking routes and gorgeous backroads in this guide to Utah road trips.

State Parks Near The Mighty 5

Utah’s natural beauty extends well beyond the borders of the Mighty 5. Visit some of the best state parks in Southern Utah.

Travel Guides & Maps

Let resources such as the Utah Travel Guide and scenic byways maps help you plan your travels to Utah.

Winter in the National Parks

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Winter in Arches National Park

Skip the crowded peak season and embrace the quiet of a winter visit to Arches National Park. Enjoy winter hikes, scenic drives and some of the best stargazing in the world.

Winter in Bryce Canyon National Park

See red rock hoodoos coated with a dusting of snow against a stunning scenic backdrop on an unforgettable winter visit to Bryce Canyon National Park.

Winter in Canyonlands National Park

As the largest national park in Utah, Canyonlands provides a variety of winter adventures, including winter hiking and stargazing.

Winter in Capitol Reef National Park

Towering red rocks dusted in snow, often set against bright blue skies, welcome winter visitors to Capitol Reef National Park. Soak up incredible views along the park’s scenic drive or gear up and head out on a wintry hike.

Winter in Zion National Park

Winter visitors to Zion National Park will find plenty to do, including hiking, photography and gazing up at the wonders of the night sky.

"Nobody can discover the world for somebody else. Only when we discover it for ourselves does it become common ground and a common bond and we cease to be alone."

– Wendell Berry

Find Itineraries By

The Complete Zion Trip

Tucked into the southwest corner of Utah, Zion National Park is the centerpiece for a 6-day red-rock vacation that includes a little bit of everything that makes the state such a marvel to experience.

Ghost Towns, Hiking, Scenic Drives/Road Trips

See Itinerary

The Complete Capitol Reef Trip

Planning a trip to Capitol Reef National Park? Explore these local-favorite destinations in the Capitol Reef region to make the most of your trip!

Hiking, Scenic Drives/Road Trips

The Complete Canyonlands Trip

The Canyonlands Region of Utah combines the best of the Moab area's easy proximity to Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park's most accessible district with some of the United State's most remote and culturally significant landscapes.

The Complete Bryce Canyon Trip

Planning a trip to Bryce Canyon National Park? Explore these local-favorite destinations in the Bryce Canyon region to make the most of your trip!

The Complete Arches Trip

Discover a new side of Arches National Park with this four day itinerary. Start exploring the hidden gems in the Arches region today.

Well-prepared travel is responsible travel.

Do your part by planning ahead

Utah's Mighty 5 National Parks Tour

Marvel at the surreal tableau of unforgettable landscapes exploring utah’s mighty five national parks… cruise route 66, take a leisurely cruise on scenic lake powell, experience navajo culture, step into a painting at antelope canyon and unwind at a bbq under the stars… experience the west on this tour like never before..

Why you’ll enjoy this tour:

Day 1 - arrive las vegas, nv, day 2 - grand canyon village, az, day 3 - lake powell, ut, day 4 - monument valley, day 5 - arches national park, day 6 - canyonlands national park, day 7 - bryce canyon national park, day 8 - zion national park - depart las vegas, want more time, tour details, best western premier squire inn grand canyon, lake powell resort, hampton inn kayenta, best western greenwell inn, best western plus bryce canyon grand hotel, transportation, trip highlights, upcoming departures, if you like this tour, you may also like..., music cities usa tour featuring memphis, nashville & the biltmore, national parks of america's west, sunsets & southern charm.

“We had an amazing time! Loved the trip. It was relaxing knowing that all the details were taken care of. My husband drives professionally so to take a trip where he could relax was awesome!! I would like to do it again!! Thank you!”

“Had a great flight home, perfect end to a great trip! Such fantastic weather and the scenery was superb! A great group of people that are now friends. I will do more trips like this with Tours of Distinction in the future.”

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Guided Tours

Learn about Utah’s national parks and the Grand Canyon, history, culture, and landscapes from the rangers, guides and concessionaires.

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Grand Circle travel begins and ends in Utah! Visitors have a unique chance to experience all five Utah national parks, in addition to the Grand Canyon, Mesa Verde, Monument Valley and Lake Powell (Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. During a one-week trip you have time for a short stop in each location, but we recommend taking your time so you have plenty of opportunity to enjoy and learn about each unique destination.

The American Southwest is famous for incredible scenery, red rock pinnacles and formations, brilliant sunsets, and deep canyons. It is uncommon land, for an uncommon experience, and it's all within a stone's throw of Utah. Few states can boast of so much!

Maintained highways run between these destinations and access is possible year-round. Some of this country is remote and rugged, with many miles between gas stations, so plan your trip carefully.

Want to check out the Grand Circle Tour for yourself?

Find the 11 day, 10 night Itinerary here.

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"I love introducing our guests to my big outdoor playground of Utah and watching them reconnect with nature among all the towering mesas, rugged mountains, giant canyons and magical rock formations".

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Take a scenic drive along an "All American Road"

Embark on the road trip of a lifetime on our Utah trips when we journey to the hiking haven of Kodachrome Basin State Park along the legendary Scenic Byway 12. This All American Road is one of the world’s most beautiful on earth, lined with orange hoodoos, rock archways, pine forests and sweeping vistas at every twist and turn. 

Visit the Canyonlands National Park

You’ll feel like you’re dreaming as you look out over the Colorado River carving through the surreal desert landscape and flat-topped mesas of Canyonlands National Park. We’ll head to the top of the Island in the Sky for spectacular views over the landscape, plus take on the scenic hikes to Whale Rock, Grand View Point Overlook and Green River Overlook.

Explore the Bryce Canyon National Park

Filled with vast amphitheatres and ethereal hoodoos, Bryce Canyon National Park must be Mother Nature’s showground. We’ll venture into the otherworldly landscapes of rusty red spires and carved plateaus, with plenty of stunning hiking paths and viewpoints to choose from like the Rim Trail hiking path that takes you deep into this gravity-defying world.

Hike to Grand View Point Overlook

As you look out over the incredible red rock formations of Arches National Park, you can’t help but wonder if this was once a giant’s sculpture playground. We’ll take you deep into these striking landscapes, embarking on a scenic hike to reach one of the most iconic Utah attractions - the Delicate Arch - so beautifully carved out by nature’s magic touch.

Wander around the Zion National Park

You’ll tick off one of the very best destinations in Utah on our trip to Zion National Park, an enchanting land of soaring red cliffs, lush forest trails, coursing rivers and the fairytale oasis of waterfalls and hanging gardens at Emerald Pools. We’ll let you in on all the best hikes in the park, including the Watchmen Trail, Angel’s Landing and Hidden Canyon.

Our top 5 things to do in Utah

The whole state is an incredible natural paradise, and we’ll show you all the best things to do in Utah from the national parks to the top scenic drives and hikes.

Natural History Museum of Utah

This incredible museum tells the story of Utah’s natural history through more than 1.5 million objects and specimens, starting at the prehistoric bedrock and moving on to giant dinosaur fossils and fascinating artefacts from the first peoples. The museum building is an architectural marvel in itself, and you can’t miss this museum when in Salt Lake City.

Utah Museum of Fine Arts

This superb museum of fine arts showcases nearly 20,000 original works of art and you can spend hours wandering the halls with everything from ancient artifacts to modern masterpieces. Discover artworks from India, Mesoamerica and Polynesia and marvel at a Europe collection of works from the 14th to 19th centuries.

Church History Museum

Dedicated to the spiritual and cultural legacy of the Latter-day Saints Church, this Utah museum is filled with artworks, photographs, clothing, tools and furniture spanning almost two centuries of Mormon church history. You can even view the seer stone used by Joseph Smith to produce the Book of Mormon and the first edition printing press.

Best museums in Utah

It may be big on the outdoors, but some of the best places to visit in Utah are its museums, with everything from centuries-old church history to a superb collection of fine art.

Utah scones

Move over dainty British scones, and say hello to Utah scones, the deep-fried puffy delights smothered in powdered sugar and honey butter. Similar to beignets or Native American fry bread, these little pillows of hot fried dough are absolutely delicious, and they get even better when you dip it in the liquified butter melded with honey. Bliss!

Pastrami burger

Made from a beautiful blend of Greek, Jewish and American food cultures, the Pastrami burger is all Utah. Made with a charbroiled beef patty, shaved pastrami, melted cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions and fry sauce (another local specialty), this is one of the best burgers you’ll taste in the whole country. 

Green Jello

Utah loves Jell-O. As the official state snack of Utah, the locals here eat more Jell-O than any other state in the US, and it’s renowned as a beloved dessert of the Mormons. Utah even holds a statewide Jell-O week every year to celebrate the jiggly treat, and you’ve just got to try some green Jell-O on your Utah vacations. 

Best food in Utah

After days spent hiking the stunning landscapes, your Utah travel guide will show you how to refuel Utah-style, from indulgent burgers to fried scones.

What to pack for Utah

Hiking shoes

With some of the country’s best hiking paths and national park trails, a reliable pair of hiking boots is a necessity for your Utah trip.

Home to some of the world’s darkest skies and several designated Dark Sky Parks, you’ll love stargazing in Utah and a star chart will help identify the twinkling constellations.

Camera & extra SD card

You’ll need your camera when you meet Tom Till, a renowned national park photographer, who will show you how to take the best photos to remember your Utah vacations.

Portable charger

With hours spent exploring the spectacular Utah national parks, be sure to bring a portable charger to keep your devices going all day.

Bring a lightweight backpack to store your water bottle, snacks, sunscreen and keep your hands free on all your incredible Utah hikes.

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Utah National Parks Sample Tour

• Bryce Canyon
• Capital Reef
• High Adventure Tours
• Zion National Park

Utah National Parks Tour

The ‘Mighty Five’ as they are known are some of the crown jewels of America’s national park system. We are the premiere guides to introduce clients to these special places and creating epic experiences that will never be forgotten.

With our headquarters in Salt Lake City, these parks are quite literally in our backyard. We used our homegrown connections and years of local knowledge to build an all-inclusive trip that will immerse you in the best these parks have to offer. From the towering cliffs of Zion and the Hoodoos of Bryce to the slot canyons of Escalante and the soaring spans of red rock in Arches, you will be part of the best the west has to give.

What’s Included

We build our itineraries as all inclusive. Unless arranged otherwise, the prices quoted include all activities, transportation, lodging, meals, trail snacks & drinks, day packs and other equipment needed for special excursions.

Our Philosophy

Epic One Adventures is built around the idea that there are people out there, like us, who want a more memorable, challenging and epic experience while exploring the world. This is an incredible way for you to thank your best clients and staff and there may be no better way to reward yourself and family. You can choose from one of our itineraries, or we can create a custom trip for you. If you’re up for an adventure, make it an Epic One.

Where We Stay

We want our clients to have incredible experiences while enjoying comfortable and luxurious accommodations. Where possible, we book only 4-5 star lodging. For camping tours we provide all tents, and clients bring their sleeping bags and inflatable pads & pillows.

How We Travel

We maintain our own luxury vehicles for our clients including Yukon Denali’s and Acura MDX’s. For groups of 10 clients or more, we also use our Mercedes Sprinter.

Customize Your Tour!

Custom trips and dates available upon request. Call or Contact us today for more information!

DAY 1: DEPART FROM LAS VEGAS

Each client needs to check in any time at the fabulous Aria Hotel located in the heart of Las Vegas. We will meet at 6pm for a one hour orientation explaining the schedule and activities. The rest of the night is yours.

DAY 2: ZION NATIONAL PARK

We will leave Las Vegas by 8am and head to Zion National Park. Once we get checked in to our hotel, we will head in to the park and enjoy our first hike together up to Emerald Pools. This mild hike is a beautiful single track trail that will take us past waterfalls and pools of cool blue water all nesting beneath the massive monolith cliffs of Zion. Afterward we will head into Springdale, enjoy dinner and walk the many galleries and shops along main street.

Later in the evening for anyone who is interested, we can give a tour of an authentic 1800s ghost town with pioneer cabins and its own cemetery, or return to the park for a sunset hike.

DAY 3: ANGEL'S LANDING

Today we will tackle one of the most spectacular hikes in the world known as Angels Landing. In order to beat the crowds and heat of the day, we will start at 6am and head into the park. The trail to Angels Landing is 2.4 miles long. It begins at the Grotto drop off point roughly following the path of the Virgin River for some time while slowly gaining elevation. As the trail gets steeper and leaves behind the river, it becomes paved. After a series of steep switchbacks, the trail is literally cut into the cliff face. But don’t worry, the trail is wide here and you’ll feel safe. Once we pass through refrigerator canyon we reach Walter’s Wiggles, a series of 21 short switchbacks that are the last hurdle before Scout Lookout. Scout Lookout is a great viewpoint and waiting area for those who are unwilling to make the final summit push to the top of Angels Landing. The last half-mile of the trail is the most famous section with narrow sections and chains to grip, but it’s well worth it for the thrill and views.

After stopping in Springdale for lunch, we will drive to one of Utah’s most iconic National Parks, Bryce Canyon. It feels like you have entered an other worldly landscape. We park on top of the canyon, and as you approach, the entire area stretches out below, full of incredible formations. Hoodoo’s, cliffs, mini arches and canyons painted in hues of red, orange and cream with tall pinion pines adding a splash of green. We will enjoy a sunset hike as we descend into the canyon on the Queens Garden Trail. As we wind through areas such as Queens Garden, Wall of Windows and The Cathedral, you will be in awe. After our hike we will stay at a Bed & Breakfast in the near by town of Escalante.

DAY 4: GRAND STAIRCASE & LOWER CALF CREEK

Now that we are in the Grand Staircase National Monument, we will show you what it’s like to explore a true slot canyon. Heading down the ‘Hole In The Rock’ road, we pull into an area that contain a few distinct slots known as ‘Spooky’ and ‘Peek a Boo’. We will slide up one and down the other, navigating its tight channels carved out by eons of wind and water. After these slots, we will take a short drive to the Calf Creek trailhead and walk the gentle path until we reach the dramatic Lower Calf Creek Falls complete with it’s own beach. Along the way we will pass a massive cliff face containing some of the largest American Indian petroglyphs in the area. From here we take the ‘Hells Backbone’ road, stopping along the way for a late lunch, until we head over Boulder Mountain and in to the quaint town of Torrey.

DAY 5: CAPITOL REEF

It’s always a good idea to start early, so we will begin at 6am and drive in to Capitol Reef National Park. As we enter the park we pass by beautiful cliffs and the famous Gifford farmhouse and orchard, an early Mormon homestead from the late 1800‘s. We will then hike to the massive Cassidy Arch that begins at the Grand Wash trailhead and ascends steeply at first to the bench area above the canyon rim. From there it follows the rim on a moderately easy trail as it snakes around several side canyons before crossing an expanse of slickrock where it comes out above the arch.

After Capitol Reef, and on our way to Canyonlands National Park, we will stop at Goblin Valley State Park for a brief break to walk among the odd formations. Evidence of Native American cultures, including the Fremont, Paiute, and Ute, is common throughout the San Rafael Swell in the form of pictograph and petroglyph panels. Goblin Valley is noted for several rock art panels, as well as its strange rock formations.

We arrive at Canyonlands National Park just in time to enjoy the sunset from the incredible vantage point of Mesa Arch. After which we will enjoy a late dinner in Moab and prepare for our time in Arches National Park.

DAY 6: ARCHES NATIONAL PARK

We will begin our time in one of Utah’s most famous parks with a sunrise hike through the Devils Garden. This trail, best enjoyed early, is full of hoodoos, cliffs and hidden arches. The seven mile, relatively flat loop will thrill you with countless natural features. After the hike, we will stop at a few of the most well known features in the park such as Double Arch and Balanced Rock. We will then head back into Moab and give everyone a chance to enjoy dinner and a walk around this vibrant town.

In the evening, we will then hike to the most famous image of the entire southwest, Delicate Arch. We hike over sandstone while enjoying the unique red rock scenery. We traverse along a path marked by free standing cairns then approach the final rise, cresting over a massive sandstone bowl with Delicate Arch standing high above. If there is no cloud cover, we will stay until after sunset and enjoy the brilliant stars and moon far from any city lights.

DAY 7: SLICKROCK TRAIL

Moab has come to be known as Utah’s playground and you can’t come to Moab and not do some off-roading. After breakfast, we will pick up our rental Jeeps or Razors and tackle the infamous Slick Rock Trail. Nothing can prepare you for the extreme inclines and declines we will traverse as we crawl along this 15 mile sandstone trail. After Slick Rock, we will then head out to the Rim Trail and enjoy the views while driving along the rim top of a deep canyon. After a late lunch, we will leave the incredible redrock country and drive to Salt Lake City for your departure.

Download the Itinerary

This is a sample tour only. Rates vary based on activities, lodging and time. Epic One will supply the rate for this tour once it’s customized for you.

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Utah National Park Road Trips With Scenic Stops

• There are plenty of scenic Utah national park road trip routes, especially since the state offers unique national parks with dramatic formations like arches, bridges, and canyons.
• Invest in an America the Beautiful Parks pass for $80 to save on entry fees at multiple park sites.
• Explore themed national park road trip itineraries in Utah, with routes featuring multiple park stops all in one trip.

Utah is one of the top destinations in the US for outdoor adventurers, home to many of America's bucket list hiking trails . With five national parks and 11 other national park sites (including national monuments, recreation areas, and conservation areas), it's no surprise some of the most bucket-list-worthy national park road trips take place in Utah.

Utah's national park sites protect some of the most unusual formations in the world. Hoodoos, natural bridges, mineral caves, and sheer canyon walls are just some of the dramatic structures road trippers can expect to find on a trip around Utah. From weekend loops to treks across the state, these Utah national park road trip routes are excellent ways to explore the national park sites in the Beehive State.

For those worried about the price tag of a national park road trip, consider investing in an America the Beautiful Parks pass , one of the best ways to visit national parks for cheap all year long. At $80, the pass grants free entry for the pass holder and their passengers to all NPS, BLM, and USDA Forest Service sites for one year, which can save a lot for those who visit parks often.

10 Dog-Friendly State Parks In Utah

Arches & bridges of utah, national park sites visited: 4.

Arches National Park may host the highest concentration of natural arches and bridges in the world, but there are actually three national park sites in Utah dedicated to these natural formations. Both Natural Bridges National Monument and Rainbow Bridge National Monument also protect one-of-a-kind arch formations, and they combine nicely with Arches National Park for a themed Utah national park road trip itinerary.

Starting in Moab with Arches National Park, Utah road trippers move south towards Natural Bridges National Monument. This is where the road trip takes a bit of a turn. Rainbow Bridge National Monument is part of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, meaning that guests can enjoy two national park sites at once.

However, while this may be a road trip, getting to the Rainbow Arch itself won't be that easy. The only way to see one Rainbow Bridge National Monument, one of the world's largest natural bridges , is to catch a boat ride from Lake Powell or take the multi-day 14-mile (each way) hike through the Navajo Nation . As the last stop of this national park road trip route in Utah, these exhausting excursions may be the perfect escape from the car for a grand road trip finale.

• Road Trip Route: Moab → Arches National Park → Natural Bridges National Monument → Glen Canyon National Recreation Area/Rainbow Bridge National Monument
• Recommended Time: 3–4 days

Arches National Park is one of several US national parks that require reservations in 2024 . Be sure to visit the National Park Service website to get a timed entry reservation made ahead of time.

The Alpine Loop

National park sites visited: 2.

The Alpine Loop is a favorite for local Utahns looking for an afternoon drive, but with the right stops, this drive can easily become an exceptional national park road trip in Utah.

The entirety of the Alpine Loop is, in fact, in Uinta National Forest. Camping opportunities along the Loop, which stretches from American Fork Canyon to Provo Canyon, are plentiful, as are scenic hiking trails through the Aspen trees. The steep canyon walls also lend themselves to dramatic waterfalls, like the scenic Stewart Falls Trail .

As a Utah national park road trip, however, there is one more can't-miss stop on this weekend getaway. Timpanogos Caves National Monument in American Fork Canyon is one of Utah's most unique national park sites, requiring a moderate hike up switchbacks before reaching the caves themselves. Timpanogos Cave can only be explored as part of a tour, but the stalactites and stalagmites in the damp mountain caves are well worth the effort.

• Road Trip Route: Alpine Loop Byway (American Fork Canyon to Provo Canyon)
• Recommended Time: 1–2 days

10 Affordable Small Towns To Retire In Utah

Southeastern utah road trip, national park sites visited: 3.

There are countless scenic Utah road trips , ranging from just a few miles to all-day drives across the state. If even exploring half of the state isn't quite possible, one of the shorter Utah national park road trip itineraries through a small region may be the perfect solution. The Southeastern portion of Utah is rich in national and state park sites, ideal for a smaller-scale road trip.

Moab makes an excellent home base for this road trip, sitting just outside Arches National Park and just an hour from Goblin Valley State Park, one of the many Utah state park alternatives to Zion National Park and the perfect substitute for making the drive to the other side of the state.

At just 370 miles to drive, this loop is far more manageable for those looking for a long weekend-length road trip through Utah's national parks.

• Road Trip Route: Moab → Arches National Park → Canyonlands National Park → Goblin Valley State Park → Natural Bridges National Monument → Moab

Utah National Monuments Road Trip

National park sites visited: 8.

Utah has eight dedicated national monuments, in addition to the famous national parks. Seven of these national monuments work nicely to create one of the most unique and varied national park road trips in Utah from Salt Lake City. Following I-15 from Salt Lake to American Fork, road trippers will first detour to the Alpine loop to explore Timpanogos Cave National Monument in Uinta National Forest. A challenging hike to a mountain cave, Timpanogos Cave is the perfect first stop before heading to the rocky terrain of the rest of the trip.

The other four national monuments are in the southern portion of the state. From the ancient structures of Hovenweep National Monument to the red rocks of Cedar Breaks National Monument, this expansive road trip is a chance to explore the hidden gems of Utah, with fewer crowds but plenty of scenic national park views.

• Road Trip Route: Salt Lake City → Timpanogos Cave National Monument → Bears Ears National Monument → Hovenweep National Monument → Natural Bridges National Monument → Rainbow Bridge National Monument/Glen Canyon National Recreation Area → Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument → Cedar Breaks National Monument → Cedar City
• Recommended Time: 7–10 days

Zion National Park & Dixie National Forest Road Trip

Zion National Park is the most-visited national park in Utah and was one of the most visited national parks in the US in 2023 . Many travelers recommend spending two or even three days exploring this spectacular park, including taking several scenic drives (or hopping on the eco-friendly shuttle) through the park.

Given the time spent in Zion National Park itself, limiting additional road trip stops might be necessary. By starting in Saint George in southwestern Utah, adventurers on a Utah national park road trip itinerary with scenic stops can stop in Red Cliffs National Conservation Area and Snow Canyon State Park on their way to Zion. After spending the desired time in Zion, and potentially even taking on one of America's most dangerous hikes (Angel's Landing), the road heads north to Dixie National Forest.

One of the numerous hidden gem destinations in Utah, Dixie National Forest is full of unique attractions of its own, including an arch that travelers can drive through and Red Canyon, one of the most underrated and worthwhile places to visit in Southern Utah.

• Road Trip Route: Saint George → Snow Canyon State Park → Red Cliffs National Conservation Area → Zion National Park → Dixie National Forest
• Recommended Time: 4–6 days

Got more time? By ending in Dixie National Forest, Utah national park road trip travelers are well-positioned to add Capitol Reef and even Canyonlands National Park to the road trip itinerary.

10 Hiking Capitals Of America

Route 89 road trip: the utah stretch.

Route 89 is often considered America's most scenic road trip , and for good reason. In its entirety, Route 89 visits seven national parks and 14 national park sites between Montana and Arizona. The Utah stretch of this picturesque drive takes travelers from Kanab in Southern Utah all the way to Bear Lake on the Utah-Idaho border.

The main national parks along this road are Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park, both of which have their own scenic drives and hiking trails. For those interested in going further north, views of national forests as well as opportunities to detour to major cities like Provo and Salt Lake City help balance the attractions along this one-of-a-kind Utah national park road trip route.

• Road Trip Route: Kanab → Zion National Park → Bryce Canyon National Park → Provo → Salt Lake City → Logan → Garden City/Bear Lake

Mighty 5 Utah Road Trip

National park sites visited: 5.

The five national parks in Utah are perfectly spaced for one of the best national park road trips in the US with scenic stops , and it is arguably the most popular road trip route in Utah.

Starting in Salt Lake City, travelers can point their loop toward either Zion National Park or Arches National Park. For those starting in Zion National Park, road trippers will slowly move east across Southern Utah before moving north, ending at Arches National Park and returning to Salt Lake City.

One of the great advantages of the Mighty Five road trip is the ability to add plenty of additional stops, including Snow Canyon State Park near Zion and Goblin Valley State Park near Moab and Arches.

• Road Trip Route: Salt Lake City → Zion National Park → Bryce Canyon National Park → Capitol Reef National Park → Canyonlands National Park → Arches National Park → Salt Lake City
• Recommended Time: 5–8 days

There are a variety of ways to enjoy the Mighty 5 Utah road trip. For a more linear route, travelers can start in Salt Lake and go towards Arches National Park, moving westward and ending in Zion National Park. This opens the possibility of heading to Las Vegas, Nevada instead of simply returning to Salt Lake at the end of the trip.

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VP Kamala Harris will be in Utah on Friday

She will be attending a fundraiser in park city in the late afternoon.

By Gitanjali Poonia

Vice President Kamala Harris plans to be in Utah on Friday. She will be accompanied by her husband, second gentleman Doug Emhoff.

She is expected to arrive on Air Force Two, landing at approximately 2 p.m. and will depart close to 5 p.m. During this window, Harris will travel to a Park City home for a fundraiser.

“We are happy to host Vice President Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff in our state, and we hope that they’ll appreciate the beauty, which I know they do already,” Scott Howell, the former Utah State Senate minority leader and the Biden-Harris surrogate in Utah, told the Deseret News.

But more importantly, he said, Harris and Emhoff will be “at the home of where the 2034 Olympics will be in Park City.”

Howell expects prominent Democrats and a few Republicans to attend. He said it remained unclear whether the event will have any media access. Additional details weren’t released for security reasons. The former state senator warned Parley’s Canyon might be blocked off to drivers during some times Friday afternoon.

The Deseret News reported two weeks ago of the possibility of Harris coming to Utah.

Her visit comes a day after the presidential debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump in Atlanta.

“Most of the questions that are going to come (Friday) will be based upon the performance of the president in the debate,” Howell predicted. This means showcasing mental acuity, touching on the most pressing issues — the crisis at the southern border and the economy — while touting a low unemployment rate. Not only does Biden’s performance affect securing votes, it also impacts the outcomes of the fundraiser, Howell said.

“He cannot let President Trump get under his skin,” Howell said.

Trump was scheduled to visit Utah for a fundraiser on June 27, but it was postponed due to a scheduling conflict with Thursday’s debate.

This marks the third Biden-Harris campaign fundraiser in Utah. The first one with Biden was held last August. In January, first lady Jill Biden attended another Park City fundraiser.

These events raised more than a million dollars , outpacing Trump, who has raised $750,461 in the state.

Harris’ last visit to Salt Lake City was in 2020, a month before the presidential election. She participated in a vice presidential debate at the University of Utah and toured This Is the Place Heritage Park.

Her husband, Emhoff, was in town in March and unveiled the Biden-Harris administration’s investment in Utah’s water infrastructure at the City Creek water treatment plant. Before this, Emhoff, while on a tour of southwestern states, traveled to Bryce Canyon National Park in southern Utah in 2021.

Harris has a low favorability rating in Utah. In the latest Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics poll from early June, roughly 22% of Utahns approve of her performance.

According to KTNV , Las Vegas, Harris also plans to stop by another Las Vegas campaign event Friday to bolster Latino voters’ support.

From Acadia to Zion: What travelers should know about each of America's national parks

Two of the most commonly asked questions about any national park are "What makes it so special?" and "Is it worth visiting ?"

All 63 of America's national parks are special, and each one is worthwhile.

Over the course of more than a year, USA TODAY is unpacking why. Join us as we spotlight a different destination each week and share helpful travel tips like how to get there, when to visit and what not to miss.

We began with Acadia during National Park Week last April and are gradually making our way through the alphabet to Zion. Click on the name of each park linked below to learn more about these national treasures.

Quiz: See how well you know America's national parks

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• Acadia National Park in Maine
• Arches National Park in Utah
• Badlands National Park in South Dakota
• Big Bend National Park in Texas
• Biscayne National Park in Florida
• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado
• Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah
• Canyonlands National Park in Utah
• Capitol Reef National Park in Utah
• Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico
• Channel Islands National Park in California
• Congaree National Park in South Carolina
• Crater Lake National Park in Oregon
• Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio
• Death Valley National Park in California and Nevada
• Denali National Park in Alaska
• Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida
• Everglades National Park in Florida
• Gates of the Arctic National Park in Alaska
• Gateway Arch National Park in Missouri and Illinois
• Glacier National Park in Montana
• Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska
• Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona
• Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming
• Great Basin National Park in Nevada
• Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee
• Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Texas
• Haleakalā National Park in Hawaii
• Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park in Hawaii
• Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas
• Indiana Dunes National Park in Indiana
• Isle Royale National Park in Michigan
• Joshua Tree National Park in California
• Katmai National Park in Alaska
• Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska
• Kings Canyon National Park in California
• Kobuk Valley National Park in Alaska
• Lake Clark National Park in Alaska
• Lassen Volcanic National Park in California
• Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky
• Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado
• Mount Rainier National Park in Washington
• National Park of American Samoa in American Samoa
• New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia
• North Cascades National Park in Washington
• Olympic National Park in Washington
• Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona
• Pinnacles National Park in California
• Redwood National Park in California
• Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado
• Saguaro National Park in Arizona
• Sequoia National Park in California
• Shenandoah National Park in Virginia
• Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota
• Virgin Islands National Park in the U.S. Virgin Islands
• Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota
• White Sands National Park in New Mexico
• Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota
• Wrangell-St. Elias National Park in Alaska
• Yellowstone National Park in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming
• Yosemite National Park in California
• Zion National Park in Utah