road trip colorado and utah

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Utah and Colorado National Parks Road Trip

Explore some of the country's most amazing red-rock landscapes and soaring granite peaks including 5 national park sites..

Trace the mighty Colorado River from eastern Utah to its headwaters in Rocky Mountain National Park on this Utah to Colorado road trip.

Snowcapped peaks and evergreen trees might comprise your mental image of Colorado, but gorgeous rivers and mesmerizing sandstone canyons also wind their way through the state. “Colorado” is a Spanish adjective meaning “ruddy.” It’s the color of the walls that guard the Yampa River in Dinosaur National Monument and the sandstone spires that rise from Colorado National Monument. It’s also often the color of the storied Colorado River as it flows through the southwestern U.S., eventually forming the Grand Canyon.

On this road trip, you’ll trace the river and its tributaries across Utah and Colorado, seeing all the ways in which water has shaped the land. Start in Salt Lake City before heading to Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area where the Green River has been dammed to form a reservoir that’s ideal for paddleboarding. Further west, raft the Yampa River through Dinosaur National Monument and discover wild horses near Craig.

Visit Colorado’s incredible state parks, like Steamboat Lake, as you make your way to Rocky Mountain National Park’s western side where the Colorado River’s headwaters are found. Learn to capture the state’s most popular national park away from the crowds with our photography guide. Then, trace the river across the Rockies as it picks up tributaries and steam, flowing past beautiful Colorado National Monument before it crosses into Utah. Swing south to Moab, where two incredible national parks await.

Along the way you’ll find every shade of red, from deep tones that are almost purple to bright oranges. When you scroll through your camera roll, you’ll quickly realize that while mountain blues and spruce greens also make up the state’s color palette, there’s a reason it was named for its reds.

Road Trip Map

Start: Salt Lake City

Flaming gorge national recreation area.

Desert Oasis Straddling the Utah and Wyoming border, Flaming Gorge truly is an oasis amid red-rock cliffs, towering ponderosa pine forests and groves of aspen trees. Just below the dam on the Green River is “The Aquariumn” named so because the green waters are so clear you can see rainbow trout swimming past you to depths as great as 15 or so feet.

Dinosaur National Monument

Wall of Dinosaur Bones on the Colorado-Utah Border A massive piece of protected land at the northern state border of Colorado and Utah, sits one of the world’s richest dinosaur deposits .

Roam Around in Rangely, Colorado Explore the high desert in northwest Colorado from this charming town, renowned for its exceptional landscape, thrilling adventures and ancient history.

Jurassic Journey in Moffat County Rugged and wild, Moffat County is Colorado’s Last Frontier where wide open spaces hold treasures too rare to be missed. Raft the Yampa past Steamboat Rock or watch wild horses in Deerlodge Park .

Raft the Desert West’s Best River Stretches with OARS Read these tips to incredible rafting trips for families, thrill seekers and those just looking for relaxation amid some of the country’s best scenery in Utah and Colorado.

Steamboat Lake State Park

This alpine park 29 miles north of Steamboat Springs has so much to offer year round, but winter might just be the best time to visit. Read more about Steamboat Lake and other Colorado State Parks worth a stop on your road trip.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Grand Adventures Leaning up against Rocky Mountain National Park’s west side, Grand County, home to Winter Park Mountain Resort and Grand Lake, offers unparalleled outdoor opportunities. See our list of thrilling, nature and water adventures .

48 Hours in Rocky Mountain National Park Only have 48 hours? Make the most of your time by following our itinerary covering both sides of the park .

Alpine Start Photographer Mike Kvackay is one of Denver’s most adventurous photographers, capturing stunning images of Rocky Mountain National Park from 14,000-foot peaks and frozen alpine lakes. Here’s how he does it , plus tips on getting the perfect sunrise shot from our friends at Tamron.

GuideAlong Audio Driving Tour Download the Rocky Mountain National Park tour app that’s like having a tour guide in your car. GuideAlong automatically plays interesting and entertaining commentary as you go.

Colorado National Monument

On the central edge of Colorado sits Colorado National Monument , a spectacular, crumbling stretch of land filled with decaying red rock and deep canyons.

Singletrack, World-Famous Pizza and a Headless Chicken in Fruita The charming city of Fruita is the place to headquarter your trip to Colorado National Monument. An outdoor adventurer’s paradise, it’s still held on to its small-town feel. And, best yet, its vibrant downtown is located just minutes from the monument’s entrance.

Arches and Canyonlands National Parks

5 Stops on Arches National Park’s Scenic Drive Don’t miss the best roadside stops inside this national park filled with natural stone arches. Here are five awe-inspiring formations that can be seen from the road or after a short stroll.

2 Days in Canyonlands See stone arches, hike amongst rock spires and go on a four-wheel-drive adventure in Canyonlands National Park. Read more on our Utah Parks website .

End: Salt Lake City

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Denver, Colorado to Utah National Parks Road Trip

One of our favorite road trips takes you from denver’s lively urban scene in colorado to the red rock wilderness of zion national park, utah’s first national park. from ancient native american rock drawings to incredible hikes through red-rock country, this unforgettable road trip takes you through some of the country’s least inhabited areas and offers something fun for for everyone..

Start: Denver International Airport

From DIA, visit Rocky Mountain National Park to the north, or Pike’s Peak to the south. Or explore Denver, known as the Mile High City, and its vibrant downtown full of great places to eat, stay and feed your cultural soul.

Denver, Colorado

Make advanced reservations for tea or have lunch in Denver’s beautiful historic Brown Palace Hotel built in 1892 in the Italian Renaissance style. The Brown Palace has attracted many notable guests over time, including the “Unsinkable Molly Brown” who reportedly stayed there one week after surviving the Titanic disaster, the Beatles, President Harry Truman and President Dwight Eisenhower, among many others.

Afterwards, make your way to the Denver Art Museum. It’s 2006 addition was designed by world-renown architect Daniel Libeskind and is fascinating to look at from the outside since the museum’s exterior features geometric angles made from titanium.

The Denver Art Museum has an incredible permanent collection and great temporary exhibits. When you need a break, try your own hand in creating masterpieces in the Paint Studio, a beautiful room full of easels, which is free to all museum patrons.

Within a five-minute walk is the fascinating History Colorado Center , which offers great, interactive exhibits for families to learn more about Colorado. Don’t miss the Howelsen Hill ski jump simulator that makes you feel like you are skiing off an extremely high jump and landing in front of a crowd of spectators in Steamboat Springs, Colo.

Glenwood Springs, Colorado

I-70 is the quickest way to travel west, punching through the spine of the Continental Divide via the Eisenhower Tunnel, and taking you past many of Colorado’s famed ski towns like Vail. Wilderness areas and ritzy ski towns abound throughout the central Rockies of Colorado. If you want to take a break and swim, the hot spring pools in Glenwood Springs will relax sore muscles and rejuvenate you for the next leg of your trip.

Grand Junction, Colorado

As you approach Grand Junction, keep an eye out for fresh peaches in local orchards, or find one of the growing number of vineyards and buy a bottle of wine. Wine, food and plenty of life’s finer things flow freely at the Colorado Mountain Winefest held annually.

Nearby is Colorado National Monument — a glimpse of the redrock country you’ll see in abundance in the Four Corners area and beyond into Utah. The monument has spectacular views of the valley floor and great ranger talks in the evenings, if you plan on camping at one of the scenic campgrounds in the monument.

Take I-70W at Grand Junction and continue to the Moab exit. Be sure to fill up your gas tank in Grand Junction as this route offers very few services.

Two must-see national parks along this route are Arches and Canyonlands located near Moab, Utah. Moab is a fantastic town to spend time in as it is a true adventurer’s town. It’s an 80-mile drive from Dove Creek, Colo., to Moab via US Hwy. 491. At Monticello, take US 191 N. to Moab, a fantastic town for outdoor enthusiasts to spend time.

From multiple bike rental shops, river-rafting companies and a main street full of restaurants for all budgets, Moab makes it easy to explore the incredible red-rock canyons around it. There are a variety of places to camp for the night or stay indoors at one of the myriad of hotels there. Plus, you’ll have all the energy in the world to see it all after drinking a fantastic latte in the morning at one of the town’s fantastic breakfast and coffee shops.

Read more about Moab.

Arches National Park

Several minutes from the heart of Moab is the entrance to Arches National Park . Stop at the visitor center to learn more about the park’s fascinating history before you drive up the steep road to the park. To really experience the park, get out of your car and hike the three-mile roundtrip trail to Delicate Arch, the arch on Utah’s license plates. Be sure to start early and bring a lot of water with you as there is no shade on this route.

A longer but thrilling hiking experience is the Devils Garden Primitive Loop. It’s over seven miles in length and has narrow ledges with a rocky surface that requires scrambling on slickrock. You pass by eight arches along the way, making the trail worth the effort.

Dead Horse Point State Park

Further beyond Arches, drive 40 minutes to Island in the Sky District along US 191 until you get to UT-313. On your way to Canyonlands’ Island District, stop by the state park where the final scene in the movie “Thelma and Louise” was shot.  Dead Horse Point State Park was named after a tragic event at one of the natural rock corrals back in the 1800s.

Canyonlands National Park’s Island in the Sky District

Resting on a mesa 1,000 feet above the canyon floor in Canyonlands National Park , Island in the Sky District overlooks the Green River, the White Rim Trail and a crater as well as offers glimpses of an ancient granary and evidence of a historic ranch. Stay on UT-313 for 22 miles until you get to the visitor center. This district offers incredible scenic views of the park via a great paved road, but there are also a number of hikes you can do to explore by foot. Stop at the visitor center to find the hike the best suits your abilities. Head back to Moab.

Dinosaurs and History

Make your way south to Blanding, Utah on UT-191. On your way, stop at the Newspaper Rock State Historical Monument , a famous petroglyph panel. Ancient Puebloan people who lived in the area from 100 B.C, to 1540 A.D. carved many of the symbols, animals and figures into the rock. You will notice some of the art is lighter in color. It’s different because it is more recent, having been created by the Ute people who still live in the Four Corners region. There are toilet facilities here, as well as plenty of parking, including for RVs.

The Canyonlands Needles District is an additional 22 lonely but scenic miles past Newspaper Rock to the park. To see an ancestral Puebloan ruin in the Needles District, take Roadside Ruin, a .3-mile hike that takes about 20 minutes. For a 40-minute hike, check out Cave Springs, which will bring you by a historic cowboy camp and prehistoric petroglyphs. There are two ladders to climb on this hike. Check in with the visitor center there for more strenuous day hikes. The Needles District is a beacon for backpackers, so a number of people in this district are there for overnight trips.

Loop back to UT-191 and head south to Monticello. A half-mile before town, stop at the Canyon County Discovery Center of the Four Corners School of Outdoor Education . Explore hands-on learning stations and exhibits about the Colorado Plateau. Afterwards, stretch your legs on a leisurely hike on the campus trails.

Continue south on UT-191. In Blanding, stop at the Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum  which invites visitors to understand the life and culture of the ancient Puebloans. A restored site includes pathways through ruins as well as the chance to enter a kiva the old way, via ladder. Rare artifacts are housed in the museum.

Also in Blanding is  The Dinosaur Museum where exhibits invoke the question, did all dinosaurs have feathers? The museum also has an extensive collection of dinosaur movie posters from around the world.

Monument Valley

Continue on UT-191 South and turn west on UT-163 at the city of Bluff. Located in Southeast Utah and the Northern border of Arizona, the drive through Monument Valley has been called the most scenic in America by many and it’s no wonder why. To get a closer view, stop by the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park Visitor Center to browse the museums and get a guided jeep tour. The View Hotel and its restaurant have spectacular views of the rock formations.

Page and Lake Powell

Continue south on UT-163 then turn west on Highway 160, and west on AZ-98 to Lake Powell . It’s the ultimate playground with nearly 2,000 miles of shoreline, perfect weather and some of the west’s most spectacular scenery. Rent a houseboat or enjoy our resorts and take a guided tour at Lake Powell Resorts & Marina, and explore the Glen Canyon Dam and slot Canyons near Page, Arizona . Nearby take a photography tour of famous Antelope Canyon , accessible only by Navajo Guide.

Kanab, Utah

To the northwest of Page, travel on UT-89 to  Kanab, Utah . Its location allows you to stay in one place while visiting a many parks: Grand Canyon North Rim, Zion, Grand Staircase-Escalante, Bryce Canyon, Cedar Breaks, Lake Powell. There are many pro tour guides in Kanab, so you may consider making it your basecamp for a couple of days.

Zion National Park

Drive north of Kanab on UT-89 and take a west turn at Mt. Carmel Junction on UT-9. You arrive at Zion National Park through the Mount Carmel Tunnel  and drive the Mount Carmel Highway to Zion Canyon. Along the drive you will see and learn why people have been coming to this striking geologic area for thousands of years from ancient peoples to the Paiute Indians to Mormons, frontier explorers and tourists. Start your exploration at Zion Canyon Visitor Center. Here you can get recommendations from park rangers and hop on a park shuttle . Bucket-list activities include wading the Virgin River thorugh the Zion Narrows and climbing to Angel’s Landing . Lodging can be found in the gateway towns of Springdale or further to the west in St. George. A unique overnight experience can be had with Zion Backcountry Yurts .

From Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon is only 1.5-hour drive away. Head east on UT-9 and north on US-89, then east on UT-12.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Famous for its weird and wonderful hoodoos—bulbous rock pillars— Bryce Canyon National Park in southwestern Utah park also offers hiking, horseback riding , camping, and some of the country’s darkest skies for stargazing. Drive the park’s scenic road for access to a dozen stunning overlooks. Head to Ruby’s Inn for an out-of-the-ordinary night in a tipi, or rustic cabin.

From Bryce Canyon, take the incredibly scenic 2 hour-and-30-minute (with no stops) route on UT-12W. From the park, head east on UT-24 to Torrey, Utah.

Capitol Reef National Park

Walk by 200 million years of geologic history at Capitol Reef Country  in Torrey, Utah, as you check out Capitol Reef National Park ‘s scenic domes and narrow valleys. Its human history is much shorter, although humans have inhabited this area for more than 7,000 years, first as hunter and gatherers and much later as Mormon settlers. A mile or two of the park’s visitor center, you will see evidence of the Mormon setters who planted the apple, peach, pear, apricot and cherry trees growing alongside the road.

Stay the night at the Broken Spur Inn and wake up to a hot breakfast buffet with fresh-baked pastries and rolls.

Back to Denver

From Capitol Reef National Park, head northeast to join I-70 East. Skip over any Colorado attractions on the way? Now’s your second chance to explore the Rockies.

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Best Colorado To Utah Road Trip Itinerary With Scenic Stops – Perfect Southwest Itinerary

A Colorado to Utah road trip on the Southwest road trip has stunning landscapes, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences. 

👉🏼12 Best Weekend Getaways In Colorado – Vacation In Colorado With Things To Do + Activities

Ultimate Colorado To Utah Road Trip Itinerary – Southwest Road Trip Scenic Stops & Activities

This detailed itinerary includes the best scenic stops, must-do activities, overnight stays, and valuable Colorado to Utah road trip tips.

Day 1 Of Southwest Itinerary: Denver, Colorado to Glenwood Springs, Colorado

Your road trip from Colorado to Utah starts in Denver. You will make many scenic stops and overnight in Glenwood Springs. 

Distance:  157 miles (approximately 2.5 hours)

Scenic Stops and Activities:

• Red Rocks Amphitheatre : Just 15 miles from Denver, this iconic outdoor concert venue is worth a visit for its stunning rock formations and panoramic views. This spot combines natural beauty with entertainment.
• Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park : Located in Glenwood Springs, this unique amusement park lies on a mountain and features cave tours, thrilling rides, and beautiful vistas. It has exceptional natural wonders and fun activities for all ages.

Overnight Stay:   Hotel Colorado – A historic hotel with charm and comfort.

Pro Tip:  Book cave tours in advance at Glenwood Caverns to ensure availability.

Day 2 Of Southwest Road Trip: Glenwood Springs to Grand Junction, Colorado

Distance:  90 miles (approximately 1.5 hours)

Day two of your Colorado to Utah road trip starts at Glenwood Springs with many unique stopovers and overnight night-stay in Grand Junction.

• Hanging Lake  is a short but steep hike that leads to this pristine lake with turquoise waters and cascading waterfalls. It is an excellent spot for hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers.
• Colorado National Monument : Explore this park’s towering monoliths, deep canyons, and breathtaking viewpoints.

Overnight Stay:   Hotel Maverick – Modern amenities with a local touch.

Pro Tip:  Start your hike to Hanging Lake early in the morning to avoid crowds and the midday heat.

Day 3 Colorado to Utah Road Trip : Grand Junction, Colorado to Moab, Utah

Day three of your scenic Colorado to Utah drive starts from Grand Junction. You will visit a stunning national park overnight in Moab.

Distance:  113 miles (approximately 2 hours)

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• Fruita, Colorado : Stop by the Dinosaur Journey Museum to explore fossils and exhibits on local paleontology. You would love to experience prehistoric areas at this spot. 

Overnight Stay:   Moab Springs Ranch – Comfortable lodging with scenic views and access to outdoor activities.

Pro Tip:  Visit Arches National Park either early in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds.

12 Best Utah Road Trips – Scenic Drives In Utah With Stops

Day 4 Of Road trip from Colorado to Utah : Moab, Utah

As Moab has many attractions, your day four will also experience attractions in and around Moab.

• Dead Horse Point State Park : Visit this place for stunning views of the Colorado River and surrounding canyon country. It is worth visiting for its jaw-dropping, panoramic views of the Colorado River from a dramatic cliff edge. It is one of the most stunning and easily accessible overlooks in the Southwest.

Overnight Stay:  Same as the previous night for convenience and relaxation.

Pro Tip:  Bring plenty of water and snacks, as services are limited within the parks.

Day 5: Moab to Monument Valley, Utah

Your day five road trip from Colorado to Utah journey starts from Moab with many must-do stopovers and overnight stays near Monument Valley, Utah.

Distance:  147 miles (approximately 2.5 hours)

• Goosenecks State Park  is worth visiting for its dramatic and picturesque views of the deeply entrenched meanders of the San Juan River, showcasing millions of years of geological activity.
• Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park  is worth visiting for its iconic towering sandstone buttes and rich cultural history. You can enjoy some of the Southwest’s most breathtaking and recognizable landscapes.

Overnight Stay:   The View Hotel —Situated within Monument Valley, the hotel offers rooms with stunning landscape views.

Pro Tip:  Consider booking a guided jeep tour in Monument Valley to understand the area’s history and geology better.

Day 6: Monument Valley to Page, Arizona

Your day six road trip from Colorado to Utah journey starts from Monument Valley with many must-do stopovers and overnight stays near Page, Arizona.

Distance:  123 miles (approximately 2.5 hours)

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• Navajo National Monument : Explore ancient cliff dwellings and learn about the area’s history. You will learn about ancient cultural insights into the ancestral Puebloan people (Native American cultures).

Overnight Stay:   Lake Powell Resort – Located on the shores of Lake Powell, offering comfort and convenience.

Pro Tip:  Visit Horseshoe Bend early in the day or late afternoon for the best lighting and to avoid the heat.

Day 7: Page, Arizona, to Zion National Park, Utah

👉🏼12 Best Utah Road Trips – Scenic Drives In Utah With Stops

Your day six road trip from Colorado to Utah starts from Page, Arizona, with many must-do stopovers and overnight stays near Zion National Park, Utah.

Distance:  117 miles (approximately 2 hours)

• Antelope Canyon is worth visiting for its mesmerizing light beams and beautifully sculpted narrow passageways. This spot offers you a surreal and unforgettable photography experience. 

Overnight Stay:   Zion Lodge – The only in-park lodging, providing easy access to the park’s attractions.

Pro Tip:  Book Antelope Canyon tours in advance as they often sell out, especially during peak seasons.

Valuable Tips for Your Colorado To Utah Road Trip

• Plan Ahead : Make reservations for popular attractions and accommodations well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
• Pack Smart : Bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, hats, and comfortable clothing for hiking and exploring.
• Stay Flexible : While having an itinerary is excellent, be open to spontaneous stops and changes based on weather and road conditions.
• Check Road Conditions : During winter, verify road conditions and closures before setting out each day.
• Respect Nature : Follow Leave No Trace principles to help preserve the natural beauty of the parks and landscapes you visit.

FAQs – Colorado To Utah Road Trip( road trips in the Southwest)

• How long does it take to drive from Colorado to Utah?

Driving time varies depending on your starting point and destination within each state. Still, typically, it takes around 8-10 hours to drive from major cities like Denver, Colorado, to Salt Lake City, Utah, without taking any stopovers.

• What is the best time of year to go on a road trip from Colorado to Utah?

The best times to go are  spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) , with mild weather and vibrant landscapes. Summers can be hot, especially in the desert areas, while winters bring cold temperatures and possible snowstorms, so plan accordingly.

• What are some must-see attractions along the way?

Some must-see attractions include Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Arches National Park, Zion National Park, and Monument Valley. Stops like Glenwood Springs, Moab, and Page offer unique experiences worth exploring.

• How many days should I plan for the road trip?

It depends on your pace and the attractions you want to visit, but a minimum of 7-10 days is recommended to experience the diverse landscapes and activities along the route. If you feel some days are hectic, you can add a couple of days more to the above Southwest road trip itinerary.

• What should I pack for the road trip?

Essentials include comfortable clothing, sturdy shoes for hiking, sunscreen, water bottles, snacks, a road map or GPS device, a camera, and any necessary camping or outdoor gear if you plan to camp.

• Are there any entry fees for national parks or attractions?

• Are there accommodations available along the route?

Yes, numerous hotels, motels, campgrounds, and vacation rentals are available in towns and near popular attractions. However, booking accommodations in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons.

• Can I rent an RV or camper for the road trip?

Yes, many rental companies offer RVs, campers, and trailers suitable for road trips. Make sure to research rental options, availability, and policies ahead of time.

• What are some alternative routes or side trips I can consider?

You can also explore Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, or the Grand Canyon or take scenic detours, such as the Million Dollar Highway or the San Juan Skyway in Colorado.

• Are there toll roads along the route?

While most routes do not have toll roads, checking for any tolls or fees on specific highways or bridges along your route is always a good idea.

This Colorado to Utah road trip offers a mix of natural wonders, adventure, and relaxation, ensuring a memorable experience for all travelers. 

Enjoy the Southwest road trip with breathtaking sights along the way!

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Ultimate Colorado Utah Road Trip Itinerary – 10 Days, 8 National Parks

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Last Updated on May 27, 2024 by Sarah Puckett

Imagine: Seeing Delicate Arch with your own eyes. Exploring the largest Native American archeological site in the US. Driving on one of the highest roads in North America. All of these adventures and more await you on this epic Colorado Utah road trip!

Planning a Colorado to Utah road trip means planning a road trip to one of the most captivating regions of the United States. This 10-day Colorado-Utah road trip itinerary will have you going from alpine lakes to Mars-like desert scapes as you adventure from Denver, Colorado to Moab, Utah, and back to Denver, exploring 8 national parks and monuments along the way.

As a Colorado resident and annual southwest snowbird, I know this region of the United States inside and out. I have spent the last several winters based in Utah, Nevada, and Arizona, and have driven the route from my home base near Denver, Colorado to Utah, and back again, countless times. This Colorado Utah road trip itinerary reflects the most efficient route for visiting 8 national parks and national monuments throughout Colorado and Utah. I’m also including all sorts of hidden gems and awe-inspiring add-ons along the route. While this itinerary is written with 10 days in mind, I wanted to give you plenty of options for extending your Colorado Utah trip and seeing the most spectacular sites of the US Southwest!

So here it is, the perfect Colorado Utah road trip itinerary!

Table of Contents

Colorado Utah Road Trip Itinerary Map

Get this Colorado to Utah itinerary as an interactive map you can access through Google Maps to make planning your road trip a breeze! It contains over 100 locations from this Colorado Utah road trip itinerary. Save the locations, loaded with helpful tips and links, to your own map for easy reference during your trip.

>> Buy the interactive Colorado Utah Road Trip map

Day-by-Day Colorado Utah Road Trip Itinerary

Note that this is a fast-paced itinerary 10 day itinerary through Colorado and Utah. If you have more time, I recommend spending additional days in Rocky Mountain National Park, Moab, and southern Colorado. I’ll point out the best add-ons throughout this Colorado Utah road trip itinerary!

Day 1: Arrive in Denver

Fly into denver.

Unless you live in Colorado or are road tripping to Colorado from elsewhere, you will most likely be flying into Denver International Airport to start your Colorado Utah trip. You could also fly in and out of Salt Lake City, Utah, and I will provide directions below on how to start and end your road trip in SLC instead of Denver. Flying into Salt Lake City will require longer driving time at the start and end of your tip, so keep fuel cost for the extra miles in mind when deciding which airport will be best for you!

Pick up a rental car

You will need your own vehicle for this road trip, so plan to rent a car at the airport if you are flying in.

Explore Denver (Time Permitting)

If your schedule allows, here are some rewarding things you can do in Denver to get a taste of the city.

Stroll 16th Street Shops and Restaurants

If you only have time for one activity in Denver, make it this one. Walking down the pedestrian-only 16th Street in the heart of downtown Denver is the best way to get a feel for the city. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops lining the street.

Visit the Denver Art Museum

If you are an art enthusiast, don’t miss the Denver Art Museum, which houses a collection of art from around the world. The 7th floor is devoted to southwest art, and you will see many paintings featuring some of the peaks and landscapes you will get to experience for yourself on this road trip! Standard admission for non-resident adults is $19. Discounted tickets are available for residents, students, and seniors over the age of 65. Kids under 18 are free every day! Book your tickets online in advance.

Visit Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater

If you want to escape the city right away, head to Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater. The best way to experience Red Rocks is by going to a concert there, where the unique geology creates an incredible acoustic experience. Check out the concert schedule before your trip to see if any upcoming performances pique your interest.

If a concert isn’t your jam, take a hike in Red Rocks Park or join the locals for a sunset stair run or yoga session.

Drive to Estes Park

From Denver, drive to Estes Park, about 2 hours away. Estes Park (or simply “Estes”) is a small town at the east entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. This is the most popular town to stay in when visiting the park given its proximity to Denver and the airport. The second most popular town to stay in is Grand Lake, near the west entrance of the park, and where you’ll stay after tomorrow’s adventures in the park.

Once you get to Estes, check into your hotel and grab a bite at one of the many recommended local restaurants. See my recommendations below!

Where to Eat:

• Bird & Jim
• Claire’s Restaurant and Bar
• SEASONED – An American Bistro
• Smokin’ Dave (local bbq chain)

Where to Sleep:

• Stanley Hotel
• The Ridgeline Hotel
• The Estes Park Resort
• The Historic Crag’s Lodge
• Silver Moon Hotel
• Best Western Plus Silver Saddle Inn
• 4 Seasons Inn on Fall River
• Hotel Estes
• YMCA of The Rockies Estes Park

Day 1 At a Glance:

• Fly into DIA
• Pick up your rental car
• Time permitting, explore Denver
• Drive to Estes Park and check into your accommodation (2 hours)

Day 2: Rocky Mountain National Park

Since you only have one day in Rocky Mountain National Park on this Colorado Utah road trip, you need to make the most of it! That’s why I am including the park’s best hike AND best scenic drive in this itinerary.

Rocky Mountain National Park Entrance Information

Between May and October, unless you plan to enter the park before 5 am, you will need to obtain a timed entry reservation for Bear Lake Road (“Park Access+”). You can read more about the timed entry requirements on the official park website here.

During weekends or peak summer days, parking can be very challenging at Bear Lake Trailhead, where today’s hike will begin. Consider reserving a spot on the park shuttle to avoid the hassel of waiting for parking at the trailhead. You can find more information about the Rocky Mountain National Park hiker’s shuttle here.

In addition to your timed entry reservation, you will also need to pay the entrance fee for the park, which is a separate process from the timed entry permit. Because this 10-day Colorado Utah road trip itinerary has you visiting 8 national parks and monuments, I recommend buying a National Park Pass   (also called the America the Beautiful Pass   or interagency pass). The pass is good for a full year from the time you order it and gives you access at no additional cost to over 10,000 NPS-managed sites across the United States. The pass is $80, so it will pay for itself during this road trip.   >> Buy your National Parks Pass on REI here.

Hike the Lake Haiyaha and Emerald Lake Trail

Drive or take the shuttle to the Bear Lake Trailhead. This is where your hike to five (yes, I said FIVE) alpine lakes begins! The Lake Haiyaha and Emerald Lake Loop combines the most popular hike in the park (Emerald Lake) with the park’s most hyped hike (Lake Haiyaha).

What makes the hike to Lake Haiyaha unique is that in summer 2022 a landslide deposited so much silt into the lake that it turned the water a milky green. Now, in 2023, it is a tropical blue hue. I expect in 2024 and beyond, it will continue to return to its normal color (which is similar to that of any of the other alpine lakes on this hike).

During this hike, you will see Bear Lake (directly to your right when you start the hike), Nymph Lake (with its iconic lilypads), Dream Lake, Emerald Lake, and Lake Haiyaha. Note that accessing Lake Haiyaha will require climbing over large boulders as you near the lake shore. If you are not interested in making the longer hike to Lake Haiyaha, you can stick to the standard out-and-back hike to Emerald Lake and back.

Lake Haiyaha and Emerald Lake Hike

• 1085 feet elevation gain
• AllTrails Link
• >>Read more about the Lake Haiyaha Hike here

Emerald Lake Hike only

• 702 feet elevation gain
• >>Read more about the Emerald Lake Hike here

Drive Trail Ridge Road to Grand Lake

After your hike, return to your vehicle and drive scenic Trail Ridge Road. This 48-mile road is only open in summer and connects the east and west sides of Rocky Mountain National Park. Along the way, there are several scenic overlooks, trailheads, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Tim and I have driven Trail Ridge Road several times and each time we have seen something new and different. As the highest altitude continuous paved road in North America, you can imagine the views of the surrounding mountains and the continental divide are going to be epic!

By the way, “continuous paved road” means that the road goes up to a high point and down the other side. It can be used to get from point A to point B. The highest paved (non-continuous) road in North America is Mount Evans, which goes from Point A to the top of the mountain and back down to Point A the same way you came.

While I think every overlook on Trail Ridge Road is worth stopping at, here are the ones you should absolutely not miss!

• Forest Canyon Overlook – one of the first VERY BIG views you will come to on Trail Ridge Road
• Gore Range Overlook – one of my favorite views on the road
• Alpine Visitor Center – get lunch at the cafe and hike the short but steep Alpine Ridge Trail
• Medicine Bow – look for elk and marmots in the meadow!
• Milner Pass and the Continental Divide – look for moose by the lakes
• Holzwarth Historic Site – stretch your legs on this short historic walk

>>Read more about Trail Ridge Road and see photos of each stop here.

Note: This itinerary will only work if Trail Ridge Road is open (summer and early fall). If you are visiting any other time of the year, you will skip Trail Ridge Road and stay a second night in Estes Park. Check Trail Ridge Road open/closed status on the official park website here.

Arrive at Grand Lake

Your drive on Trail Ridge Road will end in the isolated mountain town of Grand Lake, Colorado. Check into your accommodation, grab a bite to eat, and stroll the charming downtown street before resting up for tomorrow. You’ll be starting the day with a longer drive, so get some sleep!

Where to Eat

• Sagebrush BBQ and Grill
• Grand Pizza
• One Love Rum Kitchen
• Firefly Pizza

Where to Sleep

• Grand Lake Lodge
• Lone Eagle Lodge
• Gateway Inn

>> Read all of our Rocky Mountain National Park guides

Day 2 At a Glance:

• Hike Lake Haiyaha and Emerald Lake
• Drive Trail Ridge Road
• Check into your accommodation in Grand Lake

Day 3: Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Fuel up (both your car and yourself) before departing Grand Lake this morning. It’s 5.5 hours of driving to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park! Black Canyon of the Gunnison is one of the deepest (2,722 feet), narrowest (40 feet), and steepest canyons in the United States. The views are wildly dramatic as a result of the extreme geological forces of the fast-flowing Gunnison River which carved out this foreboding canyon. Here are some more fun facts about Black Canyon to get you stoked for this portion of your Colorado Utah road trip.

Drive to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (5.5 hours)

The drive from Grand Lake to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison traverses some spectacularly scenic landscapes through the Rocky Mountains. Buckle up and enjoy the views. Next stop, Black Canyon!

Drive the South Rim Scenic Drive

When you arrive at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, you will need to pay the entrance fee ($30 per vehicle, or use your National Park Pass ).

Here are all of the scenic overlooks and viewpoints on the South Rim of Black Canyon. There is an asterisk (*) indicating the ones I recommend most! But, if you have time, they are all worthwhile! Read more details about the South Rim drive here. Note that the South Rim Drive past the Visitor Center is closed during the winter.

• Tomichi Point
• Gunnison Point (Visitor Center)*
• Pulpit Rock Overlook*
• Cross Fissures View
• Devil’s Lookout
• Chasm View (South Rim)
• Painted Wall View*
• Cedar Point
• Dragon Point
• Sunset View*

• Drive to Grand Junction (1.5 hours)

After you’ve had your fill of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, it’s time to drive just 1.5 hours more to Grand Junction. I know, I know, this day has been a long driving day (7 hours total!), but trust me, it’ll all be worth it! And you can’t be mad about the views from the road, either.

Once you arrive in Grand Junction, grab a bite to eat and settle in for the night. My recommendations below!

Where to Eat in Grand Junction

• Bin 707 Foodbar
• Guru’s Kitchen
• Handlebar Tap House
• Trail Life Brewing

Where to Sleep in Grand Junction

• Hotel Maverick
• Grand Junction Palomino Inn (adults only)
• SpringHill Suites by Marriott Grand Junction Downtown/Historic Main St.
• Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Grand Junction Downtown
• Days Inn by Wyndham Grand Junction

>>Read all of our Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Guides here.

Day 3 At a Glance

• Drive from Grand Lake to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (5.5 hours)
• Drive the South Rim scenic drive

Day 4: Colorado National Monument

Today you will explore Colorado National Monument before crossing the state line from Colorado into Utah on your way to Moab! Colorado National Monument is a red-rocks paradise of unique geology and astounding cliff views. You’ll notice this part of Colorado is much more desert-like than higher up in the mountains.

With just a day at Colorado National Monument, you can see a lot of the highlights, and even fit in a short hike.

As with the other national parks and monuments on this itinerary, you will need to pay the entrance fee to Colorado National Monument, which is $25 per vehicle, or you can, of course, use your National Park Pass .

Drive the scenic route through Colorado National Monument

Start your visit by driving Rim Rock Drive. If you don’t mind an early wake-up, we recommend catching the sunrise at Grand View and then doubling back on Rim Rock Drive to start the scenic route from the beginning once the sun is up. Yes, this means you’re backtracking, but it’s not a long detour, and we think sunrise is worth it!

Here are the noteworthy stops I recommend seeing on Rim Rock Drive:

• Balanced Rock Overlook
• Fruita Canyon Overlook
• Window Rock Trail (0.5-mile round trip from the parking area)
• Otto’s Trail (1-mile round trip from the parking area)
• Independence Monument View
• Coke Ovens Trail (1-mile round trip from the parking area)
• Fallen Rock Overlook
• Ute Canyon Overlook

Hike the Devils Kitchen Trail

One of the last parking areas on Rim Rock Drive is the trailhead for Devils Kitchen. This 2-mile round trip hike explores No Thoroughfare Canyon before arriving at a unique cluster of tall boulders known as the Kitchen. The trail can be tricky to follow, even with the AllTrails map downloaded, so be sure to check out our detailed blog post about the Devils Kitchen Trail so you don’t get lost!

Devils Kitchen Trail

• 403 feet elevation gain
• >>Read more about the Devils Kitchen Trail here

>> Read all of our Colorado National Monument Guides here.

Drive to Moab, Utah

After you’ve thoroughly explored Colorado National Monument, it’s time to drive just 2 hours more to Moab, Utah! YES – we are entering the Utah portion of this Colorado Utah road trip! Woo!

Once you arrive in Moab, pick up dinner at one of the local restaurants and settle into your accommodation.

• Sabaku Sushi
• Quesadilla Mobilla
• Desert Bistro
• Field Station Moab
• Sorrel River Ranch Resort and Spa
• Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton
• Radcliff Moab
• Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown

>>Read our review from our stay at Sorrel River Ranch Resort and Spa

Day 4 At a Glance

• Sunrise at Grand View in Colorado National Monument
• Drive Rim Rock Drive
• Hike Devils Kitchen
• Drive to Moab (2 hours)

Day 5: Arches National Park

With one day in Arches National Park , you can explore all of the best hiking trails to unique arch formations, and catch a bucket-list-worthy sunrise and sunset. Make sure you have a timed entry permit if you are visiting during peak season and if you plan to enter the park after 7 am. As of 2023, timed entry permits are not required for entering Arches National Park before 7 am. All visitors must pay the $30 per vehicle entrance fee OR have a National Park Pass .

• Sunrise Hike to Delicate Arch

Kick off your visit to Arches National Park with a hike to the iconic Delicate Arch! Sunrise here is worth the early wake-up call. Plus, if you enter the park before 7 am, you don’t need a timed-entry reservation. By hiking to Delicate Arch for sunrise, you can beat the crowds (a little bit) and avoid having to have a timed entry permit! 

If sunrise isn’t an option for you, make your timed entry reservation here.

Delicate Arch Trail

• 629 feet elevation gain
• Hike to Sand Dune Arch and Broken Arch

After sunrise, drive back onto the Arches Scenic Drive and head to Sand Dune Arch trailhead. There are three arches you can see here, all on a short hike! 

Broken Arch Trail

• 165 feet of elevation gain
• Hike Devil’s Garden

Devil’s Garden is a very arch-dense area of the park where you can see several arches of various shapes and sizes! This is one of the best low-effort/high-reward hikes in the park, because you can hike as far as you’d like all the way to Double O Arch, or explore the arches closer to the trailhead like Tunnel Arch or Pine Tree Arch. 

Devil’s Garden Loop

• 1085 feet of elevation gain
• Walk the Windows Trail

The arches on Windows Trail are particularly photogenic and worth the short walk! 

Windows Trail

• 154 feet of elevation gain
• Hike to Double Arch

Your last arch hike in Arches National Park is to Double Arch. This impressive and unique two-banded arch is a must-see in the park. 

Double Arch Trail

• 95 feet of elevation gain
• Visit the Park Avenue Viewpoint

Cap off your visit to Arches National Park with sunset at Park Avenue. Enjoy the view from the viewpoint, or hike down along the rock formations. 

Park Avenue Trail

• 298 feet of elevation gain

Day 5 At a Glance

Day 6: canyonlands national park.

One day is plenty of time to see the main highlights of Canyonlands National Park. We recommend three short hikes, that each provide a different experience and perspective over the canyon. The Entrance Fee for Canyonlands National Park is $30 per vehicle, or free with your National Park Pass .

• Sunrise at Mesa Arch

Start your Canyonlands National Park visit with sunrise at Mesa Arch. It will likely be crowded (yes, even at sunrise), but when the light’s rays hit the canyon below it will all be worth it. It is just a short walk from the parking area to Mesa Arch. 

Mesa Arch Trail

• 98 feet of elevation gain

Grand View Point

After sunrise, drive to Grand View Point and then walk the short trail to the Overlook. We absolutely cannot get over this view over the canyon because you can see a lot of the ridges and crevasses which highlight how dramatic this landscape is! 

Grand View Point Overlook Trail

• 3 feet of elevation gain

White Rim Overlook Trailhead

For another short but highly rewarding hike in Canyonlands National Park , check out the White Rim Overlook trail. This trail provides a different view and perspective over the canyon that the others you have seen so far today. 

White Rim Overlook Trail

• 160 feet of elevation gain
• Sunset at Dead Horse Point State Park

For sunset, visit Dead Horse Point State Park for one of Utah’s most iconic views. 

The entrance fee is $20 per vehicle. Note that National Parks Passes do NOT work at Dead Horse Point State Park (or any other state park). State parks are not part of the National Park Service and are not covered by the America the Beautiful Pass.

>> Do you want to explore ALL of Utah’s National Parks? Check out our Utah National Park Itinerary and Map here!

Day 6 At a Glance

• Hike Grand View Point
• Hike White Rim Overlook

Day 7: Hovenweep National Monument

Hovenweep National Monument protects 6 pueblo communities, the remains of homes, ceremonial kivas, and mysterious towers whose functions are still unknown to archaeologists. It’s a 2-hour drive from Moab, Utah to Hovenweep. If you have a National Park Pass , you can enter for free, otherwise, it’s $20 per vehicle.

Named after the Ute word “Hovenweep,” meaning “deserted valley,” the monument is renowned for its remarkable prehistoric Puebloan ruins. The ancestral Puebloans settled in this area around 800 AD and flourished for several centuries, creating a network of multi-story towers, pueblos, and cliff dwellings. These structures, showcasing exceptional stone masonry and architectural prowess, served both as living spaces and defensive fortifications. By the late 1200s, the ancestral Puebloans abandoned Hovenweep for reasons still debated by archaeologists. In 1923, Hovenweep was designated as a national monument, preserving its enigmatic past and allowing modern-day visitors to marvel at the ingenuity and cultural heritage of the ancient Puebloans.

If the crowds in Moab overwhelm you, you’ll be especially appreciative of the relative solitude you’ll experience while exploring Hovenweep.

• Visit the Square Tower Group

A two-mile paved path along the rim of Little Ruin Canyon reveals the largest collection of ancestral Pueboloan buildings in all of Hovenweep National Monument. The highlights of the group are the three-story Square Tower and Hovenweep Castle.

Optional: Explore more of Hovenweep’s Pueblos

Enquire at the visitors center about road conditions to the other pueblos at Hovenweep. They are accessed by dirt roads and primitive hiking trails, so conditions can vary. Make sure you have plenty of water (with electrolytes!) to stay hydrated if you decide on a hike.

Drive to Cortez, Colorado

After you visit Hovenweep National Monument, drive 3 hours east, crossing the Utah-Colorado border, to Cortez . This will be your base for exploring Mesa Verde National Park tomorrow!

Where to Eat in Cortez

• The Farm Bistro
• Gustavo’s Mexican Restaurant and Bar
• Loungin’ Lizard

Where to Sleep in Cortez

• Retro Inn (where we stayed!)
• Holiday Inn Express Mesa Verde-Cortez, an IHG Hotel
• Hampton Inn Mesa Verde/Cortez CO

Day 7 At a Glance

• Drive to Hovenweep National Monument
• Drive to Cortez

Day 8: Mesa Verde National Park

Today you will explore Mesa Verde National Park , the largest Native American archaeological site in the United States. Like the other national parks in this Colorado-Utah itinerary, Mesa Verde charges an entrance fee of $30 per vehicle. Of course, you can also use your National Park Pass and I strongly recommend that you do!

Inhabited by ancestral Puebloans for over 700 years, Mesa Verde National Park showcases some of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in North America. These ancient people first settled in the region around 550 AD, constructing remarkable stone structures atop the mesa’s cliffs to protect themselves and their resources. The peak of their civilization occurred between 1200 and 1300 AD, when the cliff dwellings flourished. However, by the late 13th century, the ancestral Puebloans mysteriously abandoned the area, leaving behind a complex network of dwellings and artifacts that would later captivate the world. In 1906, recognizing its historical significance, President Theodore Roosevelt designated Mesa Verde as the first national park of its kind, preserving its cultural treasures and offering visitors a glimpse into the rich heritage of the region’s ancient inhabitants.

Take a Ranger-Guided Tour of the Mesa Verde Ruins

The highlight of a visit to Mesa Verde National Park is a ranger-led tour of the ruins. There are three tour options available: Cliff Palace , Balcony House , and Square Tower House . Pick the one that best aligns with your interests and timeline for the day, but be sure to book in advance! Tour tickets go on sale 2 weeks prior to the tour date.

Pro Tip: It’s possible to tour both the Cliff Palace and the Balcony House on the same day as long as you allot two hours between each tour’s start time!

• Hike the Petroglyph Point Trail

If you only do one of the guided tours, you will have time for other activities in the park, like the self-guided Petroglyph Point Trail. This 2.4-mile walk leads to one of Mesa Verde National Park’s largest petroglyph panels, 12 feet wide! This is the ONLY trail in Mesa Verde from which you can see petroglyphs.

Petroglyph Point Trail

• 328 feet of elevation gain

Drive the Mesa Top Loop and Chapin Mesa Roads

End your explorations of Mesa Verde National Park with two short scenic drives. Start with the Mesa Top Loop Road for overlooks to the Square Tower House and Cliff Palace. Then, drive the Chapin Mesa Road to see the self-guided Far View Sites complex and Cedar Tree Tower and Kiva. Note: you will have already driven Cliff Palace Loop if you toured Cliff Palace and/or Balcony House.

• Drive to Alamosa

After thoroughly exploring Mesa Verde National Park, drive 4 hours east to Alamosa, Colorado , which will be your launching point for exploring Great Sand Dunes National Park tomorrow!

• The Friar’s Fork & Sanctuary (our favorite! a delicious Italian restaurant and cafe inside a historic church)
• Woody’s Q Shack BBQ
• The Rubi Slipper
• The Sunset Inn
• Fairfield Inn & Suites Marriott Alamosa
• Hampton Inn Alamosa

Day 8 At a Glance

• Take a ranger-led tour at Mesa Verde
• Drive the Mesa Top and Chapin Road drives

Day 9: Great Sand Dunes National Park

Watch the sunrise over the dune field.

Once again I’m making you get up for sunrise, this time over the tallest sand dunes in North America, right here in Great Sand Dunes National Park . Trust me, it will be worth it!

The best way to watch the sunrise at Great Sand Dunes National Park is by getting out onto the dune field itself. This means hiking up the dunes a bit, which, I should warn you, can be quite exhausting. You know how sand moves out from under your feet whenever you step on it? Well imagine that happening but as you are going uphill. The result is that you slide back a bit with every step. It’s literally two steps forward and one step back. Keep this in mind but don’t feel discouraged if hiking up the dunes makes you huffy!

If you’re feeling ambitious and energetic, hike all the way to High Dune (3 miles round trip), or just hike until you find a view you like , and enjoy as the sun illuminates the landscape around you.

High Dune Trail

• 629 feet of elevation gain
• Splash in Medano Creek

In late May and early June every year, Medano Creek reaches its peak flow. Medano Creek is the water force that basically allows the dunes to exist, depositing sand into the dune field after its annual journey down the Sangre De Cristo Mountains.

Most people park at the Great Sand Dunes Parking area down Medano Creek Road and walk out into Medano Creek from there. If you have a 4×4 high clearance vehicle, however, we recommend going to the Sand Pit Picnic Area instead and following the short sandy trail into the creek from there. The crowds are far fewer and you’re more likely to see the creek’s iconic “waves” here where the creek’s width varies.

>>Want to spend more time in Great Sand Dunes National Park? Check out all of our Great Sand Dunes National Park Guides here.

• Hike Zapata Falls

One of my personal favorite stops, whenever I am in the Great Sand Dunes area, is Zapata Falls . This short, but challenging, trail leads to a beautiful waterfall inside a cave. You do have to get wet on this hike because you literally will need wade into the cave at the end of the trail to see the falls. The water is icy cold, so I don’t recommend lingering too long in the water, but it’s an exhilarating and beautiful adventure if you’re up for it!

Zapata Falls Trail

• 213 feet of elevation gain
• Drive to Colorado Springs

In the afternoon, drive to Colorado Springs 2.5 hours away. Check into your accommodation, and then get ready for a sunset hiking excursion!

Where to Eat in Colorado Springs

• The Rabbit Hole
• Shuga’s
• Carlos’ Bistro
• Milagro’s Cocina Mexicana

Where to Sleep in Colorado Springs

• The Broadmoor
• The Academy Hotel
• The Mining Exchange, A Wyndham Grand Hotel & Spa
• Mel Haven Motel
• Buffalo Lodge
• Mecca Motel

Visit Garden of the Gods for Sunset

For sunset, drive to the Garden of the Gods , a free public park renowned for its red rock formations. I recommend a short and scenic trail like the Siamese Twins, which beautifully frames a view of Pike’s Peak.

Siamese Twins Loop Trail

• 104 feet of elevation gain

Day 9 At a Glance

• Sunrise over the sand dunes
• Sunset at Garden of the Gods

Day 10: Return to Denver

Today your Colorado Utah road trip comes to an end, but if you have time this morning, consider driving or taking the cog train to the summit of Pikes Peak, to cap off your road trip from the top of the world. Don’t miss the world’s highest altitude donuts in the Visitor’s Center at the top!

It’s a 1.5 hours drive back to the Denver International Airport from Colorado Springs.

Day 10 At a Glance

• Drive or take the train to the Pikes Peak summit
• Return to Denver

Alternative Colorado Utah Road Trip Route Starting and Ending in Salt Lake City

If you find better flight options in and out of Salt Lake City instead of Denver, here is an alternative sequence for this itinerary that covers all the same locations!

• Day 1: Salt Lake City
• Day 2: Arches
• Day 3: Canyonlands
• Day 4: Hovenweep National Monument
• Day 5: Mesa Verde National Park
• Day 6: Great Sand Dunes National Park
• Day 7: Rocky Mountain National Park
• Day 8: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
• Day 9: Colorado National Monument
• Day 10: Return to Salt Lake City

Colorado Utah Road Trip FAQs

What is the distance from colorado to utah.

From Denver, Colorado to Moab, Utah is about 6 hours of driving straight through on I-70. However, this itinerary deviates from this path in order to show you the best national parks and monuments in Colorado and Utah! The total mileage and driving time from town to town for this itinerary is 1,180 miles and 21.5 hours. This averages to about 2 hours of driving per day, but some days will be longer drives than others.

When is the best time for this Colorado Utah road trip?

This itinerary works best during the summer months, but can be done any time of the year! Note that some of the items on this itinerary are only available in the summer, such as tours of Mesa Verde, most of the scenic drive in Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain. However, most of the activities are great year-round!

Summer is of course the hottest time of the year to visit the desert, and many of these national parks are known for being summer scorchers. That’s why we designed the itinerary with an emphasis on sunrise and sunset experiences, as well as light, easier hikes.

Is this Colorado Utah road trip pet friendly?

Because this Colorado Utah road trip itinerary has a heavy emphasis on national parks and monuments, I don’t consider this to be a particularly pet-friendly trip. Pets are not generally allowed on trails in national parks, so unless you can leave your fur baby in your hotel every day (and keep in mind check-in/check-out times!), we recommend leaving your pet at home for this trip.

What kind of vehicle do I need for this Colorado Utah road trip?

Any vehicle is suitable for this road trip! If you can rent at an airport car rental, it can make this road trip. You do not need high-clearance or 4×4 for the basic activities in this itinerary. Of course, this is Utah and Colorado we’re talking about, however, so while not necessary, you do have a lot of exciting off-road and dirt-road options in a 4×4!

Final Thoughts on Colorado Utah Road Trip Itinerary

There you have it! In 10 days, you have explored 8 incredible national parks and national monuments throughout Utah and Colorado!

This Colorado Utah road trip is one of my favorite routes through the iconic Southwest USA, and I hope now you see why!

Don’t forget that this road trip is available as an interactive Google Map. You can buy the Colorado Utah Road Trip map to access all of the info presented in this blog post, and more. This map features over 100 hand-picked locations to make your trip perfect!

What do you think of this itinerary? Let me know in the comments, and feel free to reach out with any questions!

Exploring more of the US Southwest? Check out these additional guides:

• Best Things to do in Capitol Reef National Park
• Ultimate Guide to Cathedral Valley
• Hiking the Wave in Arizona
• Unique Things to do in Sedona
• Sedona Hiking Itinerary
• Easy Sedona Hikes
• Ultimate Guide to Havasu Falls

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The Ultimate Colorado-Utah National Parks Road Trip

The national parks in Colorado and Utah are bucket list destinations for many travelers, and for good reason! The rugged terrain, inspiring views, rich histories and vibrant communities will create memories for you and your family that will last a lifetime. 

We’ve put together the ultimate 17 day Colorado-Utah national parks road trip itinerary, with an extra stop at Grand Canyon National Park for good measure. Take your time on this road trip of a lifetime, and enjoy immersing yourself in the colorful landscapes and stories of the American Southwest. 

While this is the route we recommend, you can always skip or add days as you see fit. If you don’t have enough time to see it all, please come and visit again!

Day 1: Denver to Great Sand Dunes National Park [4 hours]

To begin your national parks road trip start in Denver and head south toward Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Wed recommend taking CO Highway 285 so that you can stop for a short break in Salida . This river-centric little town is the perfect place to stop for lunch (we’d recommend Sweeties for sandwiches or Moonlight Pizza & Brewery for local pizza and beers), do a little shopping in the Creative District, and watch rafters, kayakers, and surfers enjoy the town whitewater park. 

After exploring Salida, finish the drive to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve ! The NPS here doesn’t rent out any sand boards, so you’ll need to make a stop before you enter Great Sand Dunes. Just four miles from the Visitor Center, visit Great Sand Dunes Oasis to rent sand boards or sand sleds then head into the park for an afternoon of fun on the dunes! In addition to the sandy fun and hiking found in the park, Great Sand Dunes is an International Dark Sky Park, making it an excellent spot to stargaze. You can camp in the park at Piñon Flats Campground (we’d recommend booking this campsite in advance, as it can fill up quickly), or any of the campsites surrounding the park for maximum stargazing exposure! 

Day 2: Great Sand Dunes National Park to Mesa Verde National Park [4 hours]

On your way to Mesa Verde National Park, stop by Root House in Pagosa Springs for your morning coffee. If you are feeling a little stiff from the day before (too much sand boarding?), take a quick soak in one of the many hot springs right in town. Once you feel refreshed and revived, keep on heading to Mancos . We’d recommend spending a full day in Mesa Verde National Park, so today would be a great day to explore the arts scene in downtown Mancos, grab a local cider at Fenceline Cider or dive into the outdoor recreation surrounding the neighboring town of Dolores . There are so many amazing places to stay in Mesa Verde Country, from historic bed and breakfasts to guest ranches, campgrounds and RV parks. Whatever your lodging preferences are, you’ll be sure to find something just right for you.

Day 3: Mesa Verde National Park

There’s so much to see and do in Mesa Verde National Park , so we’d recommend getting an early start with exploring today! Make sure to stop by the Visitor and Research Center on your way in, grab a map and some insights from park rangers about the Indigenous history that makes this area so special. Mesa Verde is the first national park created to “preserve the works of man”, and the cliff dwellings, petroglyphs and other archaeological sites will truly blow your mind! In addition to the incredible living history, this park will wow you with sweeping views, unique interesting wildlife and if you stay late enough, stargazing. 

If you are visiting from mid-May to mid-October, we’d highly recommend you take a guided tour of one of the cliff dwellings for the most intimate and hands-on experience! For an adventurous option, we’d recommend touring Balcony House —get ready to climb some ladders, squeeze through tunnels and explore ancient passages. Cliff dwelling tours do fill up quickly, so book in advance! You can reserve your spot 14 days before your visit. 

After a day of exploring the Indigenous heritage and history of the park, you’ll probably be ready to do a little rest! There are plenty of great spots to stay in the park—if camping is your thing, check out the Morefield Campground , and if you are looking for a comfy mattress and the luxury of sleeping indoors, head to the Far View Lodge for the evening. Either way, be sure to take some time to stargaze in the evening, and enjoy a sky very similar to the one the Ancestral Puebloans gazed up at thousands of years ago. Mesa Verde National Park is a certified International Dark Sky Park, and it sits at the center of the darkest skies remaining in the lower 48. The high elevation, arid climate, sparse population and clear skies will give you a stargazing experience like no other. 

Day 4: Canyons of the Ancients National Monument and Cortez

Mesa Verde National Park is a world-class destination, but don’t sleep on the surrounding sites in the area! On day four of your road trip, be sure to check out Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. This rugged landscape contains the highest known density of archaeological sites in the United States, more than 6,000! Stop by the Visitor Center and Museum to begin your day and to get some pointers from the knowledgeable staff. Head to Lowry Pueblo for a family-friendly experience walking through ancient buildings and around sacred kivas, or enjoy a picturesque hike or mountain bike ride in Sand Canyon complete with views of cliff dwellings and Sleeping Ute Mountain.

After a fun-filled day exploring the quieter side of Mesa Verde Country, stop for dinner and a place to sleep in Cortez. The Farm Bistro offers incredible farm-to-table style dining with local meat and produce, and WildEdge Brewing Collective offers delicious and unique local brews. To further dive into the Indigenous heritage in the area, we recommend staying at Ancient Echoes at Kelly Place , a lodge and retreat tucked into McElmo Canyon surrounded by orchards, just a few minutes outside of Cortez.

Day 5: Mesa Verde Country to Canyonlands National Park [2 hours]

On your way out of town today be sure to grab a coffee and a pastry from the Silver Bean , plus groceries and water for the day. There are limited amenities in Canyonlands National Park , so be prepared to cook your own meals. 

 It’s just a short drive to Canyonlands from Cortez, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the views and experiences in this immense and inspiring national park. Canyonlands has an astounding amount of potential for the adventurous traveler, and there are plenty of guided tour options for everything from mountain biking to rafting, horseback riding and four-wheeling. For this itinerary, we will be focusing on the Needles area in the southeast corner of the park. There are plenty of paved lookouts here and even more hiking opportunities. For a moderate hike with great views, head to Chesler Park Viewpoint . Be sure to bring lots of water and sunscreen on your adventure! 

You can camp in the Needles Campground after a day spent exploring, but for a more unique experience, we’d recommend staying at Glamping Canyonlands , just outside of the park. They offer astronomy tours in the evenings, and who wouldn’t want to relax in a sauna after a day spent hiking in the desert? 

Day 6: Canyonlands National Park to Monument Valley [2-3 hours]

For day six of your road trip extravaganza, you are headed to Arizona! The iconic Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is open to the public from 8am to 5pm, so make sure to give yourself enough time to explore. We highly recommend taking a guided tour from a Diné-owned and operated tour guide for the ultimate experience and Indigenous perspective of this sacred landscape. 

To immerse yourself even further into the local culture and cuisine, stay at the View Hotel , the only lodging available inside of the park. There are hotel rooms, snug cabins, and RV park and camping options available, as well as a restaurant on-site serving traditional Diné dishes.

Day 7: Monument Valley to Page [2 hours, 15 minutes]

Today you are going to head to Page, Arizona, and will have some time to take photos at the picture-perfect Horseshoe Bend and even take a dip in Lake Powell! If you are feeling extra adventurous, you could take an Antelope Canyon tour as well—the options are endless. For a quick lunch stop (and potentially the best fried chicken in the West), stop at BirdHouse before you continue to explore the canyons around Page. 

For a water-based activity, we’d recommend taking a half-day Horseshoe Bend rafting trip to get a different perspective on the iconic viewpoint and then visiting the lookout at sunset for those Instagram-worthy photos. 

After a fun-filled day enjoying the red-rock wonderland surrounding Page, stay at the Shash Diné Eco Retreat for another culturally immersive experience. You can stay in a traditional Navajo Hogan or a more modern glamping tent or cabin. They also offer tours of Antelope Canyon and other luxury tours, and traditional Navajo storytelling and meals.

Day 8: Page to Grand Canyon National Park [2 hours, 30 minutes]

For the eighth day of your national parks road trip, you are going to head to Grand Canyon National Park ! For this itinerary, we are sending you to the North Rim for a quieter, less-visited and no less majestic experience. Keep in mind, this side of the canyon is only open from mid-May to mid-October, so plan accordingly.

Enjoy a scenic drive with panoramic views and hike along the North Kaibab Trail and down into the canyon. Please do not attempt to hike all the way to the river and back in one day, this full round trip is 28 miles. Be sure to bring plenty of water, and don’t hike during the hottest part of the day. Remember to pace yourself and be prepared. There are no easy hiking trails in and out of the canyon. If you’d like an even more unique experience, consider a mule tour ! 

End your grand day with camping at the North Rim Campground or staying at the Grand Canyon Lodge. The Dining Room at the Lodge offers panoramic views of the canyon, so we’d highly recommend grabbing a meal here. 

Day 9: Grand Canyon to Zion National Park [3 hours]

Head out bright and early to give yourself plenty of time to enjoy Zion National Park today! If you need a coffee or a snack before your day in the park, stop by Deep Creek Coffee Company in Springdale, UT, just outside the entrance to Zion National Park. The National Park Service also offers a free shuttle service from town into the park, which is a great way to save yourself some time trying to find parking. For the majority of the year, Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is only open to shuttle buses or with a special permit (your park entrance pass is not a permit). Because of this, we recommend you plan on using the shuttle bus to get to your destination in the park (or if you’d just like to take a ride for the scenic views!).  

There are wheelchair accessible paths with great views near the Visitor Center, and at the final stop of the shuttle bus, Temple of Sinawava. For a moderate hike, we’d recommend the Watchman Trail . Hiking the Narrows or to Angels Landing are both very strenuous adventures, and require a bit more planning. Because of the popularity of Angels Landing, you will need a permit , and since the Narrows does go through the river, it’s important to check water levels and flash flood potential before you attempt this hike. 

After a day exploring Zion, camp at South Campground or Watchman Campground near the mouth of Zion Canyon by the Visitor Center, or head back into Springdale for dinner at one of the many amazing restaurants in town. If you’d prefer sleeping in a bed over camping, there are plenty of great lodging options right in town as well. 

Day 10: Zion to Bryce Canyon National Park [2 hours]

Today you are headed north to Bryce Canyon National Park , home of the largest concentration of hoodoos found on Earth! After your drive, grab a coffee and a breakfast burrito at Bryce Canyon Coffee Co. before heading into the park. There are plenty of amazing hikes in the park, but for an even more unique experience we recommend you go horseback riding into the famous Bryce Amphitheater! 

Once you’ve had your fill of red and pink cliffs and vivid blue skies, head out of the park and toward Escalante, UT where you’ll spend the evening. Stop for dinner at 4th West Pub , and then check into Yonder Escalante for a fun and unique stay in an Airstream! Jumping into the hot tub after a day of adventuring will really hit the spot, and finishing the day off enjoying their drive-in movie theater is the icing on the cake.

Day 11: Escalante to Capitol Reef National Park [1 hour, 30 minutes]

For your 11th day on this whirl-wind national parks road trip, head to the heart of red rock country, Capitol Reef National Park ! Lace up your hiking boots and head out on the Chimney Rock Loop for stunning panoramic views of Waterfold Pocket cliffs, and afterward pick some apples , peaches or apricots (season-dependent) from the historic orchards surrounding the Visitor Center. 

The stargazing opportunities around Capitol Reef are truly incredible, so we’d recommend camping and really enjoying the night sky. The Fruita Campground is often referred to as an oasis in the desert, and for good reason. The campground is adjacent to the Fremont River, and is surrounded by the historic orchards mentioned above. 

Day 12: Capitol Reef to Moab [2 hours]

You’ve been traveling for almost two weeks now on your national parks road trip, so when you get to Moab take a little time to relax! Explore the shops and restaurants around town, enjoy a massage and the stunning views surrounding the town. Have some energy to spare? Head out for a hike or a mountain bike ride on one of the many nearby trails. For dinner, check out the Desert Bistro and if you are craving something sweet, make sure to get a milkshake from Milt’s !

For a unique sleeping experience, try out Under Canvas Moab , a truly luxurious glamping experience. Located just a few miles out of town, this is a great spot to kick back and relax surrounded by the rugged red rocks and starry skies. Since you’ll be in the Moab area for two days, it may be just the spot to post up for tonight and tomorrow night.  

Day 13: Arches National Park

For your 13th day, head to Arches National Park to explore fantastic stone arches, towering pinnacles and giant rocks balanced precariously. On your way to the park, make sure to grab a coffee and a muffin from Red Rock Bakery and Cafe in town. Because of Arches’ popularity, you will need a reservation to get into the park between April and October, so plan ahead for today! 

For a short, wheelchair accessible hike (with some assistance) with views of the tallest arch in the park, head to the Double Arch Viewpoint and Trail . There are so many incredible trails and views in the park, but if you feel the need to visit Delicate Arch (understandably so), be prepared, understand your own fitness and health levels, and be ready to share the view with other visitors, especially if you decide to visit around sunset. Because Arches has become such a popular destination, it’s very important to practice Leave No Trace principles, never climb on the arches or scratch, carve or paint on the rocks (this is still a form of graffiti and requires an immense amount of work to remove). 

After your day of exploring some of the most iconic landscapes in the American West, you can either head back to town for a bit to eat and a second night at Under Canvas Moab, or you may want to camp in the park at the Devils Garden Campground . This is another very popular campground, so you will need to make reservations well in advance. There are plenty of other incredible campsites outside of the park if you can’t secure a spot in the park.

Day 14: Arches to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park [3 hours]

Today you are headed back to Colorado! It’s a little bit more of a drive today, so get an early start and stop at Backstreet Bagel for a bite in Montrose before heading to the South Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park . This park is an underrated gem with mind-blowing views of some of the steepest cliffs, oldest rock and craggiest spires in North America. 

The South Rim Road is a scenic drive with 12 overlooks and can easily take between 2 and 3 hours to fully enjoy all the stops. This is a great way to see the majestic canyon walls from multiple viewpoints. For a good moderate hike, walk the Rim Rock Nature Trail . You’ll have great views of the Gunnison River, the local flora, and potentially some of the local wildlife as well! Camp at the South Rim Campground or head to Paonia for the evening (about an hour away), grab a delicious hard cider from Big B’s , and then camp or stay in a cabin in their orchard for the night.  

Day 15: Paonia to Grand Lake and Rocky Mountain National Park [4 hours]

You’ve got a longer drive today, so we have a few stops to break it up. Enjoy a scrumptious breakfast at Sweetgrass Paonia then head north, soaking in the views over McClure Pass and stopping in Glenwood Springs for a soak in one of the hot springs right in town and some lunch at Slope & Hatch .

Once you’ve refueled and replenished, keep heading north to Grand Lake and the western side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Spend the afternoon stand-up paddle boarding on the gorgeous Grand Lake or Shadow Mountain Lake, then get your fix of Caribbean cuisine at One Love Rum Kitchen . For a convenient and cozy hotel, look no further than Western Riviera Lakeside Lodging . You’ll be able to walk anywhere in town from here and you’ll be able to enjoy stunning views of the lake right from your room’s balcony! 

Day 16: Grand Lake to Estes Park through Rocky Mountain National Park [1 hour, 30 minutes]

Today on your national parks road trip you are going to drive Trail Ridge Road through Rocky Mountain National Park , all the way over to Estes Park (with some fun stops in between!). Trail Ridge Road winds through mountain forests all the way up to alpine tundra, and you can expect spectacular views the entire time. This road is not open year-round, so make sure to check conditions before you head out. Rocky Mountain also requires a reservation during peak season, so plan accordingly.

Along Trail Ridge Road, stop for a hike on Tombstone Ridge . This hike usually takes around 2 hours and will give you sweeping alpine views. You will be hiking at elevation, so be sure to bring plenty of water and be ready for rapid changes in weather. 

Once you’ve gotten your fill of fresh mountain air, head down to your last stop on your national parks road trip, Estes Park. There are plenty of adorable shops in town, so we recommend exploring a bit before you head to dinner at one of the many locally-owned restaurants in town. If you want to camp, head to Mary’s Lake Campground for the evening, or spend the night at the historic Stanley Hotel , the inspiration for Stephen King’s The Shining. 

Day 17: Estes Park to Denver [1 hour, 30 minutes]

Grab a morning beverage and maybe a new book from Inkwell and Brew before heading to Denver, the finale of your national parks road trip extravaganza. We hope you enjoyed all the sights and experiences along the way! 

Please note that this national parks road trip itinerary is a rough guide, and you may need to adjust the number of days spent at each location based on your interests and pace of travel. Additionally, availability of accommodations and camping sites may vary, so it’s a good idea to make reservations in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. Enjoy your adventure!

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The Ultimate Utah and Colorado Road Trip – For Travelers Seeking Unrivaled Western Wanderlust

By Kim Cassels    •    April 30, 2020

The Ultimate Utah and Colorado Road Trip – For Travelers Seeking Unrivaled Western Wanderlust   

If you’ve never made your way out West, or you live in the great mammoth of the Colorado Plateau but haven’t hit some of its major hot spots, get ready for this loop of a lifetime. This Utah and Colorado road trip hits two national monuments, two national parks, three famous mountain towns, and plenty of remote wilderness in between. Mazes of slender slots canyons and alpine meadows swept with wildflowers are just the beginning of the wonder that waits along the way. 

So get ready to get a face full of sunshine and air so fresh you’ll wish you could drink it. Keep in mind the West’s sunsets and sunrises come in pigments so saturated they might break your camera and simultaneously your sense of reality. The landscapes here are wild, where even the rocks have grooves that undulate with the rhythm of Mother Nature’s beat-dropping finesse. Love it, respect it, and explore the wide open spaces of it. Check out this loose itinerary for roadtrippers of all archetypes with highlights of each destination and little local insights along the way. 

Where the Journey Begins – Salt Lake City, UT

Salt Lake City is surrounded by humongous parks in need of constant ego boosts. The Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest sits along this loop with quintessential Utahn mountain terrain. Dozens of lakes, rare wildflowers, thriving wildlife, snow capped peaks, and dense forests will keep you busy more than you have time for. Whether you decide to start your trip off with an epic wilderness right away, or round your journey out with this as the final cherry on top, spend some time here either way. 

Take I-80 E, then hop on US-189 until Park City (stop in for some skating at the Park City Ice Arena and Sports Complex if you feel so inclined) where you’ll take UT-248 E until Kamas, then UT-150 E.   

Dinosaur National Monument UT/CO

Eastbound across northern Utah, the scenery unravels into drier valleys filled with farmland until reaching the Uinta Mountain range again near Vernal. Utah and Colorado are exceptional Jurassic burial grounds, and this particular river canyon system is significant for its wealth of jumbo skeletons. Major excavations of this area began in 1909, which can still be given a good ogle today at the park’s quarry.  

Two ancient rivers collide in the park that both offer blue-ribbon, multi-day wilderness extravaganzas. Hands down, the best way to experience Dinosaur National Monument is by raft. The Green River takes the float through the Gates of Lodore , a crimson crevice littered with silky beaches and historical significance. The Yampa River cuts through a blonde, tiger striped canyon, and is unique for it’s no-dams-given environment, making it an incredibly special river for its wild nature. 

On your way in or out of the monument, get some fries with that shake at Bedrock Depot just off US-40 in the town of Dinosaur. The deli counter sits among a bounty of porcelain trinkets, children’s books, rocks with fishes and glitter, jewelry— sky’s the limit here! The sandwiches come hot (the reuben may result in transcendence) and the malts are made with homemade ice cream. 

The nuance of quixotic probably started here in the bedrock of geological wonder, or maybe how Big Horned sheep on cliff walls balance better than most circus animals. If you’re itching to see both, don’t miss Jones Hole, a lush side canyon accessible both from the Green River or by Harpers Corner road.  

Grand Junction, CO

Heading south out of Dino, take CO-139 (Douglas Pass) to experience this mini mountain range on the way into Grand Junction. While the town itself isn’t necessarily “happening’” aside from the super friendly locals, what makes this area lit is the surrounding terrain.

Colorado National Monument is just half an hour out of Junction and offers pristine hiking, biking and climbing. Don’t miss the Devil’s Kitchen Trail and Kissing Couple, and Independence monument for climbers. Not so down for any of those things? Hop on Rim Rock drive and enjoy the astounding views via air conditioning.    

This is considered some of the best mountain biking country around for it’s sandstone staircases and sweaty-palm-making exposure. Whether you’re into pedaling your calves into swoll heifers, or you’re just getting started, there’s a swath of stellar trails here. For experienced riders, don’t miss the Ribbon.  

Grand Junction doesn’t offer many campgrounds, but in the next town over in Fruita travelers can find some dispersed camping on BLM land. Head north on 18 road and keep left at the fork to reach some peaceful camping near plenty of mountain biking trails.  

Also, if you’re here between June and October, do not, we repeat, DO NOT! miss your chance to get half your face around a Palisade peach. You can find them at the farmer’s market , or just keep your eyes peeled for charming road signs. 

It’s time for Rocky Mountain righteousness. Head out of Junction on US-50 E until Montrose (stop at Heidi’s Brooklyn Deli for lunch) then hop on US-550 S where you’ll reach “America’s Switzerland” within the hour. This precious civilization below a fortress of fourteeners is known for its world-class ice climbing and exceptional good looks. Also, it’s pronounced Your-Ray , not Oooo, Ray or Our Ray, it’s everybody’s ray. 

Box Canyon Falls park is just the start of incredible hikes in and around town. This steel walkway floats above a ferocious mountain stream that continuously shapes this narrow quartzite passage. It’s a rare opportunity to explore a box canyon of this grandeur, so get there first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon to enjoy these misty hallways in peace. 

Speaking of waterfalls, ever looked at one and thought, “You know what that thing needs? Me falling inside of it on a rope.” Ouray is balls to the wall for outdoor adventure, so it’s natural that repeling into Earth’s flooded basements comes with a demented touch here. Canyoning first timers will never feel more alive while simultaneously praying their hooks hold (they will, get over it!)  Book a tour and make a memory you’ll be bragging about for the rest of your life. 

Ouray’s hot springs are steamy, soothing, and a little busy. To discover natural hot springs in their primitive form, check out Chattanooga on the way to Silverton. Pull off US-550 onto Forest Road 679, then right onto 820 to head toward Columbine Lake trailhead. It’s not marked, so if you find them, you’ve earned it. If you’re down for a strenuous day hike with an immense reward, it’s a strongly suggested to trek the Columbine Lake trail. 

Silverton, CO

This next stretch of US-550 S, the “Million Dollar Highway”, is one of the most mug-gaping routes in North America. Stop along the way over Red Mountain Pass for a peek over a cliff’s edge (it lets the driver understand their responsibility in completion) and to explore waterfalls like Bear Creek Falls and rickity mines from the 19th century at Ironton and Yankee Girl. 

Silverton’s surrounding peaks were once mining hubbubs where bearded boys in suspenders went blasting and digging into mountain sides in search of lucrative minerals. Their century old routes touch 13,000 foot peaks, and pass through Victorian ghost towns, blossom covered meadows and looming waterfalls. Get up there with an OHV or take a jeep tour for a legit Silverton experience.  

While you’re there, you’ll see one of the most righteous rivers of Colorado. You can think of the Upper Animas River less like a dulcet tributary and more like a whitewater breathing dragon. Naturally, someone has to fight the beast, so why not in an inflatable boat with a couple paddles for weaponry? Rafting the upper Animas is the ride of all rides to have ever… ridden, which also comes with a ride on the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge train to transport you back to civilization.  

Silverton is totally nostalgic for its well-preserved 19th century vibes, but luckily the food has come a long way from slapping boiled meat on alum toast here. Get some fried treasures from the very cozy Rocky Mountain Funnel Cake Factory and a brewski from Avalanche Brewing (heads up, drinking at 9,300 ft brings a buzz on pretty quick). 

Also, if you love autumn like 100% of the population does, this area turns to El Dorado in late September to early October. It’s also moose mating season! So, pretty romantic all around.  

Durango, CO

The next section of US-550 S drops down into the Animas Valley, where the Rockies begin to mingle with high desert mesas. If you’re interested in primo camping and taking a gander at the Colorado Trail, stop at Molas Lake at least for a full day. Once you cruise into Durango, you’ll find it’s a bit bigger than the previous mountain towns and Colorado culture at its crunchiest.  

The Animas River runs right through Durango, where rafting , kayaking , and SUPing are some of the best ways to spend the afternoon here. In between your runs at Smelter Whitewater Park, grab your grub from downtown Main. It’s hard to go wrong on this street as the heated competition for best burgers, tacos, pizzas and enchiladas keeps every spot on point. Grass Burger locally sources all its mouth-watering beef, or if no one can make a decision, hit up 11th Street Station for bomb diggity food truck heaven. 

If you’re here during the not-so-snowy months, Purgatory Ski Resort still has opportunities to shred. The Alpine Slide and the Inferno Mountain coaster are both easy breezy tracks that induce plenty of chuckles as you max out at 25 mph. If you want to join a cult of mountain biking fanatics for the day, the slopes are covered with single tracks that start ala chairlift— yew baby, yew. 

If you decide to take a staple experience on the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Train , ride it only one way. Otherwise, enjoy 6 hours chug-a-lugging less than 30 mph.

During Labor Day Weekend, this town sounds like one big throttle as the Four Corners Motorcycle Rally fills the valley with awesome events. Even if you’re not traveling this loop on two wheels, it’s an incredible tradition to witness. 

The entire town is connected by the Animas River trail, so if you want to take a break from being in the car (also, parking here from spring to fall is a doozy and complete p.i.t.a) you’ll look like a local anyway. 

After your day out exploring Durango, stop by Steamworks Brewing for a refreshing pint of Colorado Kolsch and their famous Cajun Boil!

Mesa Verde, CO

Head west on US-160 along the La Plata mountains. You’ll be getting into OG Colorado country home to long-term ranchers. Mancos remains an undiscovered gem, so enjoy it while you pass through. 

Mesa Verde National Park is an archaeological dreamscape of ancient palaces resting inside the overhangs of sandstone cliffs. A guided tour offers more access to the park along with impactful insight into the Puebloans who thrived throughout this area 700 years ago. Tours traverse the high hanging dwellings by multiple ladder systems that are closed to general hikers. For those who want to explore the area on their own, there are tens of miles of trails to see this enormous historical park. 

Local Tips 

Staying inside the park is easy at Morefield campground. Free camping is nearby on County road 34 off US-160, but if you’re looking for some amenities, Mancos State Park is also a great option especially for RVs. This area occupies an incredible surrounding wilderness, so practice bear safety no matter where you camp. 

Don’t underestimate the small town scene here. Stop at Fenceline for the best ciders you’ll probably ever try and Chavolos Mexican Restaurant for table-smacking good carne asada tacos.  

From Mancos, turn at the only light in town onto CO-184 W. Follow 184 until US-491 N. Don’t worry if you get a little deja vu, that really is an identical Conoco station on the corner like the one outside Dolores.

Also, the hole in the wall next door, Bubba’s, is more than worth the stop for smothered burritos and homemade pie. This two-lane highway does get busier as you start to near Moab both with drivers and pull offs for easily accessible photo ops, so drive mindfully as this landscape from Mars unfolds. 

It’s not really allowed to not stop by Arches National Park while you’re in Moab. Since the park has the highest concentration of arches in the entire world, it’s easy to see plenty even when visiting for just a couple hours. A great way to spend an entire day here away from the crowds is in the Fiery Furnace .  

The best way to beat the heat is to blanch it, take it from the paddlers in Castle Valley. The Colorado River flows past monumental, sunburnt beauties while churning out universally loveable class III rapids. Soak in the scenery quite literally from the banks, or raft through it like a boss on the Moab daily .   

Unless you’re here between November to May, the temperatures will test you by late morning to sunset with 90° F averages. Bring more water than you think you need, and start early or go late. This is applicable for Arches National Park as well as it tends to get a line of cars back to the highway entrance between 9 AM to 2 PM.  

This town is poppin’ with visitors, loud OHV drivers and outdoor enthusiasts of every endeavor— it will be busy no matter where you’re at unless you take to longer trails and the boonies. If you’re trying to get truly immersed in this vast landscape, consider staying in Canyonlands National Park’s Maze or Needles districts, or take one of the most famous adventures of all time through Cataract Canyon .  

Meet the Journey’s End back in Salt Lake City, UT

Out of Moab, take US-191 N to Castle Gate, then continue on to US-6 W. If you’re not in a hurry to get back to SLC, pay the Manti-La Sal National Forest a visit, even if it’s just for a cruise on the Energy Loop. This detour is two hours from Price if you take UT-10 S then UT-29 W. When leaving, both US-89 N and UT-139 N will take you through the mountains in under three hours back to Salt Lake City. 

Last boxes to check off

If you’re not already en route for the terminal or a station to head home, there’s a few ways to round out this road trip. Depending on how much footwork you put in on this 900 mile journey, you and your dogs might enjoy The Kura Door , an SLC favorite japanese spa that also offers a life-changing Ofuro bath of teas and essential oils.

Another relaxing way to enjoy the end of the journey is browsing the Spiral Jetty at the Great Salt Lake, a natural art installation from 1970. If you’re exploring downtown, go for the Living Room trail for the best view of the city. 

More Reading 

6 Reasons to Consider a Multi Rafting Trip for this Year’s Vacation

Sustainable Practices You Need to Know to Care for Colorado

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A UTAH AND COLORADO ROAD TRIP: 16 MOST BEAUTIFUL SPOTS

A Utah and Colorado road trip will reward you with some ferociously beautiful nature views. The area is packed with unusual rock formations, national forests, snow-capped mountains, rushing rivers, archeological sites and more. There are quaint western towns and activities that run the gamut from high-end spas and gourmet cuisine to camping by a peaceful lake. These spectacular states have everything you could want to create a perfect road trip .

Table of Contents

Arches National Park

Arches National Park is one of the “Mighty Five” national parks in the southern Utah area along with Zion, Canyonlands, Bryce Canyon and Capital Reef National Park. The park is home to more that 2,000 natural arches. The most spectacular of these are Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch both pictured here.

The town of Moab is a great starting point for your road trip in these majestic states because it is just a few minutes from Arches and Canyonlands.

Canyonlands

This remarkable national park is so otherworldly and representative of the west that it has been the site of many movies. Here is the cliff that Thelma and Louise drove off in their eponymous movie. Canyonlands is bursting with buttes, rivers, mesas, ancient native American carvings and so much more.

La Sal National Forest Loop

Travelers are likely to miss this attraction because it is frequently overshadowed by the spectacular national parks nearby. Take the time to locate and enjoy the views on this loop. Pack a picnic lunch, find an overlook and take in the views of the La Sal National Forest Loop.

Mesa Verde National Park

For over 700 years, the Pueblo peoples lived in these mesas and built their homes on the cliffs. Today this precious cultural heritage is protected so it can be enjoyed by all. This is the most extensive archeological site in the United States. Mesa Verde National Park is a can’t miss destination on your Utah and Colorado road trip.

Telluride, CO

Telluride is famous as a ski resort in winter, but did you know it is also known as an ideal destination year round?

Ridgeway, CO

This cute Old West town nestled in a mountain valley is a “foodie” culture and arts center. Whether you’re looking for summer water sports or winter skiing, Ridgeway has a little bit of everything for all. It’s a great stopover on your Utah and Colorado road trip to enjoy their western hospitality.

Great Sand Dune National Park

I can guarantee this is something you have never seen (unless you’re familiar with deserts). The Great Sand Dune National Park is massive sand dunes, some several stories tall, surrounded by snowcapped mountains, wetlands, crystalline mountain lakes. Don’t be afraid to take off your shoes and walk through the little creek to get to the dunes. You can climb them or bring a snowboard to slide down a dune. A unique experience!

Salida, Colorado

Salida, Colorado bills itself as the Heart of the Rockies. It is the quintessential western-mining-town-turned-uber-cool-outdoor- adventure center. Founded in 1880, the town boasts 136 historically significant buildings from the late 1800s, the most of any town in Colorado. Salida does all it can to get visitors to stay a while offering art galleries, foodie destinations, outdoor adventure outfitters, wine festivals and hot springs to mention just a few delights. It’s the perfect place to chill out for a couple of days on your Utah and Colorado road trip.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison

What the Black Canyon of the Gunnison lacks in size – it’s one of the smallest national parks – it more than makes up for in spectacular views. Some of the canyons are so deep you could fit two Empire State Buildings one on top of the other and they still wouldn’t reach the top. The canyons are so steep and deep that you may feel queasy peeking over the rim…but peek anyway for the thrill. At the bottom of the canyon are rivers creating scenes so bucolic and beautiful they are dreamlike.

Chic and trendy Aspen is not all about skiing and shopping although there’s plenty of that. It is also well-known for the natural beauty of the surrounding area. This is prime hiking territory among the aspen trees that give the town its name. Hike in the forest then chill at a luxury spa (granted, they ARE pricey). That’s a great combination of activities on the perfect Utah and Colorado road trip .

Did these photos make you want to go and start planning your Utah and Colorado road trip? Learn more about the area with these handy guides.

Let us know if we missed a beautiful spot on this Utah and Colorado road trip .

BTW, if you are getting ready for your trip, make sure to take advantage of these useful,  money-saving links  to book your trip:

• Research and  book your flight  with  Skyscanner . I have found them to be the best because they list all airlines including the budget ones. You are always sure of having researched all options.
• For  car rental around the world, Discover Cars has flexible pickup and drop-off options, I recommend   Discover Cars .
• Book your accommodation  with  Booking.com . I find they have a wide selection and a nice, user-friendly, transparent website.
• Protect your trip  and, more importantly, protect yourself with travel insurance. I use  Travelinsurance.com  and have been very happy with them.
• Looking for a  small group tour  to unforgettable destinations with top professionals?  Intrepid Trave l is your choice.
• For more  general tours  to any destination or attraction,  book with   Viator . Check them out.
• Need a visa?   Get your visa  for all countries with   Passport Visa Exp ress.
• Looking for a cool walking tour to explore a city? My favorite walking tours are offered by Take Walks.
• Food and drink tours are the best way to enjoy a city. And Devour Tours are my favorite.
• Looking for a good VPN to protect your security, privacy and freedom online while traveling? Nordvpn is your best option.
• The best and most economical way to stay connected while traveling is with an Airalo eSIM.

I personally use, and can recommend, all the companies listed here and elsewhere on my blog. By booking through these sites, the small commission we earn – at no cost to you – helps us maintain this site so we can continue to offer our readers valuable travel tips and advice.

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Colorado and Utah Epic 10-day Road Trip Itinerary

Be awed in colorado & utah.

Want to be awed and amazed? Head out to Colorado and Utah. The sweeping vistas of Canyonlands, the Mesa Verde cliff dwellings, the sand dunes, and the curious rock formations in Needles and Arches are phenomenal. Rent a car at the Denver airport and set off on a  1,100 mile adventure .

Hanging Lake

Hanging Lake is a stunning waterfall cascading into a crystal clear turquoise lake. The trail is a little over a mile but quite steep and rocky in some places. The last part before you hit the lake is very steep. There are stairs with a railing but if you struggle with heights this may be tough for you. It’s a 2-3 hour loop at an easy/ moderate pace. There’s an additional waterfall if you follow the path to the left before reaching Hanging Lake.

There is a parking lot, but it was filled by the time we got there at noon. Consider arriving early to have a better shot at getting a spot.

Spend the night in Glenwood Springs. Take a nice long soak in the hot springs , the world’s largest outdoor mineral pool.

Arches National Park

Arches is a wonderland of unique red rock structures with over 2,000 natural stone arches just outside of Moab, Utah. There’s a paved two way road to easily drive through the park and plenty of walking trails.

Go to Delicate Arch for sunset. It’s breathtaking. The three mile loop takes about 2-3 hours. Bring a flashlight/headlamp for the walk back. Consider staying out to watch the star drenched night sky. Perhaps you could plan your trip to coincide with a  meteor shower .

Fee : $10/ vehicle

Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands is a wild phenomenon of canyons and buttes formed by the Colorado River and its tributaries 30 miles north of Moab. An easy drive through the park will awe you with stunning vistas.

Check out Mesa Arch, Island in the Sky for sunrise and Grand View Point, Island in the sky for sunset. I didn’t plan well enough to make it to either but heard they were spectacular.

Fee: $10/ car

Needles National Park

74 miles south of Moab, Needles is an immense expanse filled with colorful spires of Cedar Mesa Sandstone. The day I was there the park was practically empty. Magical and eerie would be the two words that come to mind. Bring water and snacks. The Needles is in the middle of nowhere.

If you have some extra time this would be an excellent place to go hiking and camping in the back country.

Fill up on gas before you go. The closest town, Monticello, is 48 miles away.

Fee: $10/ car

Mesa Verde (UNESCO)

In the southwestern corner of Colorado, from AD 600-1300, Ancestral Pueblo people built incredible dwellings nestled in alcoves in cliff faces. Over 600 remain. The ruins are fascinating to walk through.

Fee : $15/car (summer), $10/ car (winter)

Pagosa is halfway to the sand dunes and has hot springs. Consider stopping to take a dip.

 Great Sand Dunes

The last thing I expected in Colorado were sand dunes. They’re vast and brilliant, reaching a towering 750 feet. Take a walk through the dunes or rent a board and cruise down.  The night time astronomy program is supposed to be incredible.

Fee: $3/ adult

Garden of the Gods 

Enjoy a leisurely stroll on a paved pathway through striking sandstone formations. Allow an hour or two.

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Road Tripping through the American Southwest

Exploring the beauty of colorado, utah, and arizona.

by Celeste Lipford and Terry Lipford - last updated on 5/6/2024

Even though our main goal was Utah's "Mighty Five" National Parks (Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park), our itinerary research showed us that we would be able to visit a wide range of additional locations, including; Little Wild Horse Canyon Park, various Indian Reservations, the Four Corners area, the largest man-made Lake in the Southwest (Lake Powell), the largest collection of cliff dwelling sites (Mesa Verde, CO) in the United States and a huge swathe of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado that we had never previously visited.

We embarked on a journey through three of the most visually stunning states in the American Southwest. This road trip took us from the majestic peaks of Colorado to the red rock canyons of Utah and Arizona, promising breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences at every turn. To say we were excited by this trip would be a gigantic understatement!

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In the sections below, we've detailed our itinerary along with specific information about each location we visited. You'll find a map and links to our individual subpages for further reading.

Colorado, Utah, Northern Arizona Loop Trip Route Map/Itinerary 

As you can see by the this map, our trip covered 3 different states, approximately 1,600 road miles and allowed us to see some spectacular geography. You might think that a trip of this distance would be something that would result in a "tired of driving" mood - but our stops were so diverse with such incredible geography and fun things to do, that we found that we looked forward to each morning to where we could continue our adventures!

Click any link below to go directly to that page;

 1 - Denver International Airport

 2 - Glenwood Springs, CO

 3 - Colorado National Monument, CO

 4 - Arches National Park, UT

 5 - Canyonlands National Park, UT

 6 - Little Wild Horse Canyon, UT

 7 - Capitol Reef National Park, UT

 8 - Bryce Canyon National Park, UT

 9 - Zion National Park, UT

 10 - Lake Powell, AZ

 11 - Mesa Verde National Park, CO

 12 - Telluride, CO

 13 - Royal Gorge, CO

Southwest Road Trip Planning 

The advantages of having a packed cooler in the car:

• Protected our well being by allowing us to stay hydrated in the hot dry climate.
• Stored ice allowed us to cool down our bodies if we got overheated.
• Saved money by being able to store food and limit eating out.
• Allowed us to not stress about finding places to eat along the way. Especially when there were long stretches with nowhere to stop.
• Allowed us to eat healthier. We could eat “real” food and have fruits and vegetables available especially when food on the road can be so unhealthy.

We have since found a cooler at REI that can be packed in our luggage so that we can easily bring it with us and reuse it. Check it out! It is the perfect travel companion for exploring the vast and remote landscapes of the American West. It is designed to fit seamlessly in luggage and with ice packs will keep things cool throughout the day. I don’t expect it to keep things as cool as a hard sided cooler but it gets good reviews and is a reasonably priced and a convenient pack for bringing with you on road. Click on the product image above to check it out or explore other options at REI.

Glenwood Springs, CO

Day 1 - 2: Arrived at Denver International Airport, picked up our rental vehicle and drove to the Modern Market Eatery on Colfax to have some lunch at one of our favorite Denver eateries. After lunch, jumped back onto I-70 and drove west to Glenwood Springs, CO. On the way we drove through Glenwood Canyon; it is a rugged scenic 12.5 mile long canyon and it's walls climb as high as 1,300 feet above the Colorado River. It is the largest such canyon on the Upper Colorado and it made for a beautiful drive.

Colorado National Monument

Day 3: Got up early to start the drive west from Glenwood Springs, decided that we needed to visit the Colorado National Monument on the way to Moab, UT. We calculated that a drive through the monument would allow us to have lunch in Grand Junction prior to continuing our drive to Moab, UT.

Arches National Park

Day 3 through 5: Arrived in Moab in the afternoon, checked into our motel and did a bit of research on where to eat dinner that night. Our 4WD adventure starts early on day 4 - and we are looking forward to it!

Dead Horse Point State Park, UT

Day 4 & 5: Picked up our Jeep 4WD this morning and our off-road adventure will span two days. This off-roading adventure is a one-day loop tour. Starting with Gemini Bridges, then catch a glimpse of Canyonlands' Island in the Sky district before descending the legendary Shafer Trail and return via Potash Road. Don't forget to explore Dead Horse State Park to see these amazing views of the Colorado River. An amazing day in Moab.

Little Wild Horse Canyon, UT

Day 6 AM: We depart Moab this morning headed for Capitol Reef National Park. We decide to stop at Little Wild Horse, which is a classic slot canyon located near Goblin Valley. It is a popular hiking spot for families and youth groups. The main attraction is a the hike through a long stretch of "narrows," where the canyon walls are so close you have to turn sideways to get through.

Capitol Reef National Park, UT

Day 6 PM: Arrived in Torrey, UT early afternoon and checked into our motel. Capitol Reef National Park is located in Utah's south-central desert near Torrey. It surrounds a long wrinkle in the earth known as the "Waterpocket Fold", with layers of golden sandstone, canyons and striking rock formations.

Bryce Canyon National Park, UT

Day 7 - 8: Departed Torrey, UT and headed to Tropic, UT (near Bryce Canyon) where our motel awaits. A typical high desert drive, but we are excited about our visit to Bryce Canyon National Park; a beautiful area, forests, unusual rock formations and challenging hikes. The above image is the Queens Garden trail where it merges into the Navajo Loop trail.

Zion National Park, UT

Day 9 - 10: Drove south to get to our next pit stop in Springdale, UT. Different geography than we saw in Bryce Canyon, but beautiful in different ways. Tropic, UT to Springdale, UT is only 90 miles, but we drove west into Zion for the final 20 miles and it was spectacular.

Lake Powell, Page, AZ

Day 11: Lake Powell is a massive lake; 162,595 acres, 1,960 miles of shore line and contains water at 7.198 cubic miles in volumn - it is truly a boater's paradise in a desert setting. However, this lake is rapidly getting lower & smaller due to the southwest USA drought.

Mesa Verde National Park, CO

Day 12 - 13: Mesa Verde is an amazing Indian cliff-dwelling site, and we visited there as a day-trip from Durango, CO. It has over 4,700 archaeological sites including 600 cliff dwellings and the mesa top sites of pithouses, pueblos, masonry towers, and farming structures.

Telluride, CO

Day 14 - 15: The drive north from Durango to Telluride was exciting as it passes through some amazing mountains & passes - the route we used (route 550) is 120 miles in length and included the Million Dollar Highway.

Royal Gorge, CO

Day 16: While driving east on route 50 to Colorado Springs, we saw a billboard sign describing Royal Gorge and decided that it looked like something we ought to visit. Since we did not have to be in Colorado Springs until early afternoon, we decided to go exploring.

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Trio of Fantastic Four Corners Road Trips

December 25, 2023 By //  by  Christa Sadler

In the late summer and early fall, it’s hard to beat a road trip through the four Corners region, the place where the states of Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah meet. In one loop, you can experience everything from Rocky Mountain vistas to red rock canyon country and crazy weird badlands, and from historic mining towns to native villages, ancient archeological sites, and even river rafting if you feel like it.

Any time of the year is great to visit this area, but late summer and early fall are fantastic; you might be lucky enough to experience a desert monsoon storm sweeping over the landscape, and the temperature has usually cooled down from summer.

In the high country, you might catch the fall colors starting and the air just seems clearer and the sky bluer than at other times of the year. There is abundant camping, as well as some great lodges and hotels to stay in throughout the region.

4 Corners: Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah

Travel in the 4 corners region is generally remote and secluded, with sweeping vistas, mesa tops, historic sites and culture to soak in along the way. There are attractions worth checking out throughout Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah. It all comes together at the 4 corners monument where the states join together.

There are a lot of routes you can take through this region depending on your interests, how much time you have, and what kind of vehicle you’re driving. And since all four states have a huge number of incredible natural and cultural sites to visit , limiting yourself to an area within roughly a 100-mile radius of the actual Four Corners is a good way not to get started on a six-month adventure—unless of course that’s what you’re after!

The following three suggested loops focus on different aspects of the region, but obviously, you should mix and match as you like. Each loop takes a minimum of about a week, and longer is definitely better so you can see more. Each loop starts in Durango, Colorado , but you can start from many other places.

The Crazy Cool Natural Wonderland Loop

Approximately 750 miles (not including side trips or the durango-silverton railroad).

The Four Corners region is known for unbelievable landscapes and natural features, and this loop focuses on these areas. Beginning in Durango, you should definitely start with a ride up the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad . This 3.5-hour (one way) ride takes you along the Animas River Gorge through some of the most spectacular Rocky Mountain scenery anywhere. You can take a bus back down if you don’t want to ride the train both ways (and save some time).

If you have a chance, stay at the old Strater Hotel in downtown Durango—it was built in 1887 and it’s pretty cool—and it has a great hot tub.

From Durango, head south on Highway 550 to Aztec, New Mexico and continue on 371 to the Bisti Badlands . This weird and wonderful badland landscape is a great place to just wander and enjoy the crazy rock shapes against the sky.

From Bisti, head back north on 371 to Farmington, and west on Highway 64 across the Navajo Indian Reservation to Kayenta, Arizona (along the way, make sure you take a short detour at Teec Nos Pos to visit the actual Four Corners Monument Tribal Park ). The landscape along this drive is arid and stark, but it has a beauty all its own. Red mesas hover in the distance, and you’ll pass the impressive spire of Shiprock, an ancient volcanic neck that juts from the earth west of Farmington.

At Kayenta, turn north on Highway 163. In less than an hour, you reach Monument Valley, the landscape where numerous John Wayne westerns were filmed. You can stop for food and shopping (or the night) at the old Goulding’s Lodge (affiliate link), and take a tour through Monument Valley with a Navajo guide. This iconic landscape is world-famous, and definitely not to be missed.

At the northern end of Monument Valley, you cross the San Juan River at the little town of Mexican Hat, Utah. The San Juan Inn (affiliate link) is a great place to stop for a Navajo taco or even to stay the night. Definitely take pictures of “the Hat,” as it’s called, which looks like an upside-down sombrero in stone, and take a short drive on 316 to Goosenecks State Park .

The view from this overlook is of the San Juan River in a canyon far below, curving back on itself in several huge “goosenecks.” In this strange place the river travels eight miles but uses only about two miles to do it.

From here, you can drive north on Highway 261, using the famous “Moki Dugway” to get to the top of massive Cedar Mesa. The Moki Dugway is not for the faint of heart! It’s an extraordinary dirt road that switchbacks steeply up the side of the mesa until it reaches a breathtaking view of the landscape at the top. It’s great for passenger cars, but a little unnerving for cars towing trailers (although not impossible).

From here, head north across the top of Cedar Mesa to Highway 95. At the junction, you can take a short detour to the left to visit Natural Bridges National Monument, where you can hike around some of the most beautiful natural stone bridges (basically arches that span a creek) in the region.

From here, head east on 95 past the famous Bears Ears to Blanding, Utah, where you’ll turn north on Highway 191. If you don’t want to drive the Moki Dugway, just take the loop through the gorgeous red rocks and strange shaped stone spires of Valley of the Gods , which will drop you back out on Highway 163, and you can head north to 191 and Blanding that way.

At Blanding, be sure and stop at The Dinosaur Museum on the south edge of town, and then head north on 191. You’ll pass the high peaks of the Abajo Mountains near Monticello, and then drop into a breathtaking red-rock landscape from which you can access Canyonlands National Park at the Needles Outpost.

There’s great camping at the Needles, and the landscape can’t be beat. It’s a maze of red canyons with the Colorado and Green Rivers far below. If you have the energy, definitely hike out to the Confluence Overlook, where you can see the two great rivers join.

Back on 191, head north to Moab. From Moab, you can access Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, and take the gorgeous La Sal Mountain Loop Road through the La Sal Mountains and over to Castle Valley, and back to town along the River Road. There are so many things to do in Moab that it’s hard to pick only one or two. Plan on spending at least a couple days here!

From Moab, head south again on 191 to La Sal Junction, then east on Highway 46. This keeps you off of the main interstates, and accesses more amazing landscapes. You’ll drive across the Paradox Valley at the Colorado towns of Paradox and Bedrock , then over to Naturita on Highway 90.

Pick up Highway 145 near Redvale and drive southeast to Telluride , another jaw-dropping landscape where you can do everything from hike and ski to enjoy the town’s day- and nightlife. At the right time of year, generally in mid to late September, the aspens on the slopes of the mountains here are glorious, and well worth a picnic in the trees.

From Telluride, drive through the mountains on Highway 145 to Dolores and then down to Mancos and back to Durango that way. It’s a gorgeous drive, with plenty of opportunities to get out and walk, or just stop and enjoy the breathtaking views. If you have a high clearance four-wheel drive vehicle, you can try the amazing Ophir Pass , which drops you out on Highway 550 just north of Silverton , and you can drive south to Durango that way.

The Adrenaline Loop

Approximately 460 miles (not including side trips and depending on which roads you choose).

There are a lot of opportunities to do some very fun recreating in the Four Corners region, some of it pretty heart-pounding. Whether it’s hiking, canyoneering, river running, mountain biking or something else, you’ll find plenty of chances to get your adrenaline level up on this loop.

In Durango, wet your feet with a day trip rafting on the Animas River , which runs right through town. This river has super fun little rapids and you’ll be in a paddle boat, so you’ll be involved!

From Durango, drive west on Highway 160 to Cortez . Along the way, there is some great mountain biking at Phil’s World —a super fun 18-mile course filled with lots of character.

From Cortez, continue over to Bluff, Utah. At this little town, you can start a San Juan River trip of anywhere from one to 10 days, depending on the time you’ve got. The San Juan is a great river, and even if you only do the 26-mile day trip, you’ll see some incredible scenery.

Once you get off the San Juan, head north on highway 191 to Moab. Stop along the way at the Needles Outpost for some hiking or backpacking in the bizarre and beautiful landscape there. From Moab you can hike long miles in Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, mountain bike the famous Slickrock or Porcupine Rim trails (among many others), or jump on the Moab Daily on the Colorado River .

If you are a climber, there’s Fisher Towers east of town, and Indian Creek has world-famous crack climbing. The La Sal Mountains have wonderful hiking, and gorgeous colors in the autumn.

Follow the previous loop’s route back through Naturita and Norwood to Telluride, where you can work on climbing some of the 14ers nearby, including Mount Sneffels, often considered Colorado’s most beautiful mountain. Then you can head back to Durango and go sit in that hot tub at the Strater Hotel!

The Meet the Neighbors Loop

Approximately 550 miles (not including side trips and depending on the roads you choose).

The Four Corners is an important landscape for the ancient peoples of the region, and is currently home to the Navajo and the Ute Mountain Ute tribes . You could spend years exploring the archeology and culture of the area, so this loop is designed to give you a taste of what the region has to offer.

From Durango, head west on Highway 160 to Mesa Verde National Park . Mesa Verde is home to dozens of archeological sites dated from about 11,000 years ago to about 700 years ago. Most famous are the spectacular cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloans, ancestors of today’s Pueblo Indians of New Mexico.

You can also visit Ute Mountain Tribal Park , part of the Ute Mountain Ute Reservation. This less-visited park also has impressive cliff dwellings, and you can spend some time with Ute Mountain Ute tour guides and get to know the land through their eyes.

From Mesa Verde, head to Cortez and visit the Crow Canyon Archeological Center . They have abundant information on the archeology of the Cortez and Mancos Valleys, which were heavily occupied hundreds of years ago.

From Cortez, head north and west to Canyons of the Ancients National Monument . The Monument contains the highest known density of archeological sites in the United States, with an estimated 30,000 sites stretching back 10,000 years. Be sure to visit the Canyons of the Ancients Museum in Dolores before you head to the monument itself.

Just west of Canyons of the Ancients is Hovenweep National Monument , a group of five Ancestral Puebloan villages that were occupied between 700 and 800 years ago. It’s famous in the region for the incredible craftsmanship of the stone walls of the buildings and towers. You can get to it by driving through Canyons of the Ancients from Pleasant View , CO on Highway 491.

From Hovenweep’s west entrance, make your way towards Bluff, Utah (there are a few different routes, all of them fun). You can stop at the Sand Island Campground just outside of Bluff to dip your toes in the San Juan River and explore an extensive wall of ancient rock art behind the campground.

Stay on 191 and head south to Mexican Water, and continue down 191 to the town of Chinle, Arizona, gateway to Canyon de Chelly National Monument . Canyon de Chelly is cooperatively managed by the National Park Service and the Navajo Nation. It is a spectacular landscape of sheer-walled canyons and cottonwood-lined washes that house rock art panels and ancient dwelling sites.

The region has been occupied without interruption for around 5,000 years and your Navajo guides will tell you the stories of their people, the most recent arrivals to the canyons. It is a great place to learn about Navajo culture as well as the ancient inhabitants of the region.

From Chinle, continue south on Highway 191 to Highway 264 and head east towards Ganado, where you should definitely check out Hubbell Trading Post National Historical Site , another important part of the Navajo culture in the area.

From here, you will make your way east towards Chaco Culture National Historical Park , New Mexico. There are several ways to get to the south end of the park, which is the main entrance, but it’s easy to stay off Interstate 40 and use the back roads through the Navajo Nation .

At Chaco, you can spend quite a while exploring this important ancient city. Chaco was the center of population in the region, with many outlying towns built to support the religious and cultural happenings there.

From Chaco, you can drive north to Aztec Ruins National Monument near the town of Aztec. This site was one of the many outlying villages that supported Chaco, and archeologists have found ancient roads that run between them.

From Aztec, it’s a straight shot up 550 back to Durango and that hot tub…or the  hot springs resort .

These routes are best to travel in the late summer or fall, since some of them include high passes that are closed or hard to travel in the winter, or you may want to wander off on dirt roads that are impassable in the rainy season. Please adjust your schedule according to the season, and make sure you check road conditions before you leave!

Also remember that Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and the Navajo Reservation are on Daylight Savings Time, while any part of Arizona outside the Navajo Nation is not. This can mess with your schedule if you don’t find out which time zone you are in!

Whatever the season, it’s hard to beat a trip through the Four Corners region; all you really need is a tank of gas and a sense of adventure. And maybe a camera.

After you’re finished road tripping through the Four Corners region, consider planning a trip to one of Colorado’s other surrounding states , 7 in total that border Colorado (including the 4 Corners). Other neighbor states include Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Wyoming.

About Christa Sadler

Christa Sadler is an author, geologist, and wilderness and river guide, who writes from Flagstaff, Arizona—when she's actually at home.

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Utah To Colorado: The Most Scenic Road Trip Route

Utah To Colorado road trip presents enthralling discoveries that make up for a vivid and fascinating travel experience.

When on a plane, the geographical size between Utah and Colorado seems small. And the lack of up-close views of the natural sights may not arouse curiosity as much. With scenic road trips, every mileage presents enthralling discoveries that make up for a vivid and fascinating travel experience. Each route has outstanding topography for avid adventurers to explore.

From preserved footprints of humongous dinosaurs to spectacular rock formations, these roads never cease to leave tourists in awe. There are numerous viewpoints where hikers can admire the never-ending beauty for as long as they wish. Let’s explore some road trip routes that help vacationers understand how majestic the world is.

Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Byway

This awe-inspiring 512-mile byway cruises through eastern Utah and western Colorado. While it may seem like a tedious journey, there’s a lot to admire on this road. From deep canyons to monolithic formations, everything is guaranteed to give adventurers a lifetime experience. The discoveries are almost endless, all promising to leave tourists in wonder and contentment.

One of the most thrilling viewpoints is the Dinosaur National Monument. Besides offering fascinating information about the gigantic creatures, travelers can see and touch dinosaur fossils. The landscape that makes up this park contains mountains, canyons, and rivers, which are home to some stunning wildlife. Tourists with a watchful eye can get clear views of white-tailed prairie dogs, mountain lions, and coyotes. Peregrine falcons may be seen towering up in the blue sky, searching for their next prey.

Related: Great Salt Lake, Utah: What To Do At This Unusual Waterway

Vernal, also known as the heart of ‘Dinosaurland,’ exhibits dinosaur skeletons that act as a perfect backdrop for epic selfies. Its surrounding area has a myriad of activities for every outdoor enthusiast. Whether traversing up the mountains with ATVs or bikes, there are tons of things for beginners and extreme adventurers. To uncover more fossils, hikers can take a short trip off the main loop and head to Cleveland Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry. It’s known for its comprehensive collection of Jurassic-era dinosaur fossils and bones. The entire excursion may take around three to four days. But it can go for more days as there are many picturesque spots to see.

Trail Of The Ancients National Scenic Byway

Covering over 480 miles, this byway is a thrilling mix of fascinating sandstones, historic sites, snow-capped mountains, and thousands of archeological remains. The road ushers adventurers into the captivating world of southwest American history. The Mesa Verde National Park is a major point of interest. It unlocks the secrets of what life seemed like centuries ago with its breathtaking archeological sites and cliff dwellings. Several of them are open for public viewing, giving nature lovers an intriguing chance to explore the raw natural beauty of the Anasazi people.

The El Morro National Monument is another fascinating site that appears over the horizon while driving. Years ago, it was home to a dependable borehole or pool, which forced weary travelers to stop and quench their thirst. Water sources were pretty scarce, the reason why this spot attracted lots of history makers. Hikers also marvel at over 2,000 carved signatures, petroglyphs, and dates.

Located in southwest Colorado, Hovenweep National Monument is another gem that’s worth the long drive. It’s home to oddly shaped towers, including the Square Tower, Cutthroat Castle, Cajun, Holly, and Horseshoe & Hackberry. The off-roads leading to these ruins aren’t fully developed, but most cars can take in the challenge. Vacationers with more time to explore can engage in other activities, like hiking and camping.

Related: Top 8 Parks To Add To Your Utah Bucket List Right Now

Another significant archeological site is the Yucca House National Monument. However, it’s not the easiest spot to find since it’s surrounded by private land. In addition, there are no interpretive signs, a visitor’s center, or public facilities, making it one of the most puzzling National Monuments . The site is undeveloped, but sightseers can take pictures to take down the memory lane. It takes around nine hours to complete the loop, but travelers can stay for at least three days to explore the entire beauty.

While these scenic roads offer all the charms that seem out of this world, there are some tips adventures should apply. They should:

• Start early to experience tranquil sunrise views and avoid large crowds on viewpoints
• Ensure their automobile has a full tank of gas, a proper amount of engine oil, and enough windshield washer fluid since there aren’t any gas stations along most routes
• Have spare tires and mechanical tools
• Carry binoculars to bring wildlife and distant scenes to a closer view
• Avoid close contact with animals when taking pictures. Most species are pretty aggressive and may charge or attack when provoked
• Pack plenty of snacks and water. This ensures maximum hydration and energy, especially after hiking along the trails
• Follow speed limit signs to avoid missing out on pull-outs. It also helps maintain the safety
• Bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, headlamps, and comfortable hiking boots. Warm clothes shouldn’t be left behind too as the weather may change abruptly
• Keep their cameras ready as things happen swiftly
• Follow the lines and be extra observant while driving on steep

These routes offer the most picturesque views to keep the road trip memorable. Tourists can also engage in enthralling outdoor recreational opportunities that will have them craving more drives. Buckle up and get the fascinating tour started!

1 Week, 5 Utah National Parks: A Curated Road Trip Itinerary

In just one eye-popping, mind-blowing, camera-clicking week, experience all of utah’s mighty 5..

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You may have heard, Utah is home to some pretty amazing national parks. And by amazing we mean jaw-dropping, breathtaking, heart-racing stuff. Cliffs, hoodoos and pillars made of candy colored rock; slot canyons, natural arches and verdant valleys. The scenery goes on and on and on. 

So obviously you’d like to see for yourself, did nature really design a valley of castle turrets? Can a bridge of rock be held up by sheer willpower? Yes and yes, and we have a customizable Utah national parks itinerary to prove it. Use our free PDF map download to navigate your road trip through Utah’s Mighty 5 in one fell swoop. Well, a 1,000-mile scenic drive, gallons of drinking water and miles of hiking swoop. Tuh-MAY-toe, tuh-MAH-toe.

What's so great about that arch on Utah license plates? See for yourself in Arches National Park.

Travel tips

Before throwing your hiking shoes and sunhat into your carry-on, take care of a few details.

• Buy an America the Beautiful park pass; the $80 fee covers entrance to all the national parks, saving you some cash for souvenir T-shirts. Get your pass through the National Park Service .
• Make park reservations. Arches requires a timed-entry ticket from April through October; visit Recreation.gov to make your vehicle reservation. Some hikes in Zion have a permit lottery; sign up at Recreation.gov . 
• April to October is peak season: Make camping or hotel reservations well in advance.
• Check the weather . It gets HOT during the summer months; pack appropriate clothing, sturdy footwear, reusable water bottles and plenty of sunscreen.
• Plan to start your days early. Most people visit the park between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; go during the off hours for cooler temps and fewer crowds. Plus, the lighting is better for your Insta pics.
• Remember, you can come back! It’s impossible to hike every trail in one park in just a day or two, let alone all five. So plan what you can reasonably do this time around. And don’t worry, the scenery has been around for thousands of years, it’ll be here for you next time.

Accommodations

You can experience the outdoor wonders in three ways: fully immersive, semi-immersive and I-need-a-good-night’s-sleep immersive. If you want the deep dive experience — dirt in your shoes, campfire smell in your clothes — you can set up a tent in or near the national parks.

If you want to dip your toes in the wilderness but still want a mattress, consider renting an RV, campervan or camper trailer . But, if you’re more of a hot shower, hot tub kind of traveler, there are hotels and cabins , either inside the parks or in nearby towns. Can’t decide? Try glamping , camping-like lodging with some luxury hotel amenities.

Arrivals and Departures

The national parks are located in the southern half of Utah, so the two closest international airports are in Salt Lake City and Las Vegas. Plan your travel as a round trip, or fly into one city and leave from the other. Pick up your rental vehicle and let your Utah national parks road trip begin.

Introduce yourself to Zion along the Riverside Walk.

Day One: Airport to Zion National Park

• Salt Lake City to Zion: 313 miles, 4.5 hours
• Las Vegas to Zion: 168 miles, 3 hours
• Lodging: Camping (spots inside the park fill quickly), hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, glamping

We suggest starting your Utah national parks road trip at Zion , when your legs are the freshest; there are some serious hikes here. In fact, there are so many swoon-worthy hikes at this park, it’s hard to choose just one. Or two. Or three. There’s a reason Zion sees some 5 million visitors every year. Plan on spending at least two days, if you can, to soak up all the scenery. And hey, if you decide to stay even longer, we totally get it.

Temple of Sinawava

After checking into your accommodations, head over to the park to stretch your legs on a warmup hike. Catch a free shuttle at the Visitor Center; it travels the length of Canyon Scenic Drive, with stops at the Zion Lodge and the trailheads.

Stay on until the last stop, Temple of Sinawava, and take the Riverside Walk for the perfect introduction to the park. The paved, 2-mile (round trip) walk takes you along the Virgin River and into a canyon. You’ll see hanging gardens, weeping walls and maybe some wildlife.

This trail ends where the Narrows hike begins. If it’s open and you have sturdy shoes, step into the river and walk the first portion of the hike. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to catch the shuttle back or you’ll be walking an extra nine miles. Fuel up for tomorrow at one of Springdale’s many eateries.

• Grilled grub: Camp Outpost, Whiptail Grill
• Fancy fixin’s: Spotted Dog, King’s Landing Bistro
• Family fare: Zion Pizza & Noodle, Porter’s

Get the best view in Zion National Park from Angels Landing.

Day Two: Zion

If you can get a permit, hike Angels Landing . It has a lot of uphill, steep switchbacks and some sheer drop-offs, but the view of the canyon from way up there? Matchless. Plan on taking several hours for the 5-mile hike. Pack a lunch to enjoy at the top; it’s definitely a better view than any rooftop restaurant can offer. Be sure to pack out all your trash. Register for permits with the National P ark Service .

If you didn’t get a permit, there are plenty of other (and easier) hikes . We recommend Emerald Pools . You’ll see three natural ponds and some waterfalls, separated by a short climb through desert vegetation. The lower pool is a fairly easy hike; it’s a bit more work to get to the other two, but the trail is easy to follow. At the upper pool, cool off in the grotto surrounded by enormous, weeping rock walls.

If you still have some energy, you may want to try another short but noteworthy hike . When you're properly worn out for the day, head back to Springdale for dinner, then maybe catch a show at the Bumbleberry Inn .

Day Three: Zion to Bryce Canyon

• Zion to Bryce: 2 hours, 84 miles
• Lodging : Campgrounds, cabins, B&Bs, glamping

Next stop, Bryce Canyon . Drive back into Zion, heading east on scenic Highway 9 toward Mt. Carmel. You’ll drive through the mile-long Zion-Mt. Carmel tunnel. In addition to gaining a mad respect for 1920s sandstone blasters, you may catch a glimpse of some bighorn sheep through the built-in windows.

Make one last stop before you leave the area: Checkerboard Mesa . Imagine a giant sat down to do his math homework and got a bit carried away drawing lines. Then, on to Bryce.

Note: Oversize vehicles, such as RVs, are only allowed through the tunnel during limited hours and must pay an additional fee. Read more about restrictions at the National Park Service .

Walk among sandstone towers in Bryce Canyon.

Bryce is Nice

Remember when you tried to make an epic sandcastle? Well, Bryce Canyon did it first. See an entire valley of the tallest, coolest, colorfulest hoodoos on a walk from Sunset Point to Sunrise Point. 

If your legs are still a bit wobbly from Zion, take the Mossy Cave Trail , an easy 1-mile round trip among the spires. Another option is the Bristlecone Loop Trail , which will give you a bird’s-eye view. A little more challenging, the Navajo Loop is the most popular trail in the park; you’ll descend 800 feet into the heart of the hoodoos.

Got more stamina than that bighorn sheep you saw on the drive over? Try the 8.3-mile Fairyland Loop . You’ll hike down into the pink and white canyons, see natural amphitheaters and be surrounded by hoodoos. No need for wings, but you may wish you had some.

Park your tired puppies back in the car and head over to the tiny town of Tropic for some tasty respite. Steaks, house specials, lavender sponge cake and a wine menu await you at Stone Hearth Grille . For more casual fare, stay in Bryce Canyon City for Ruby’s Inn Cowboy’s Buffet and Steak Room .

The vistas are wide and grand in Canyonlands. Photo by Chad Hurst

Day Four: Canyonlands

• Bryce to Canyonlands: 4 hours 20 minutes, 256 miles
• Lodging : camping, hotels, cabins, glamping

Are you ready to mumble? Under your breath in awe, that is. Definitely not because your quads and hammies are jiggly; they can rest on the drive. Pull out our map of Utah national parks and head toward Moab. It’s the home base for Canyonlands and Arches.

Where Bryce seems like fine handiwork, Canyonlands was made with broader strokes. Get an overview of Utah’s largest national park from the Grand View Overlook . The easy hike takes you up a 1-mile sandstone stairway — to heaven? Just about. It ends at a mesa with an unobstructed view of Monument Basin. Be aware, while the path is wide, there are sheer cliffs.

Catch a perfectly framed sunrise at Mesa Arch.

Mesa Arch is another sweet spot for sweeping vistas, evident by the dozens of photographers shooting here at sunrise. The 27-foot long arch is so obliging, it perfectly frames your photos of the La Sal mountains. It’s worth squeezing into your day no matter the hour, since the trail is only 0.6 miles round trip. Hint: Walk to the arch clockwise, then retrace your steps back to avoid some of the stone steps.

If you’re visiting Canyonlands in the spring or winter, consider hiking the Confluence Overlook Trail , a moderate, 11-mile round trip. You’ll do some scrabbling up and down rocky slopes but it’s mostly flat. The payoff is the vista, 1,000 feet above the spot where the Green River and Colorado River come together. We don’t recommend it for a summer’s day; the trail is fully exposed — no shade — and the heat can be brutal.

The Confluence Overlook Trail is long, but the views are unparalleled. Photo by Chad Hurst

Even if you’re camping, head to Moab for some dinner and a casual walk down its charming Main Street. For a small town, there’s a surprisingly large assortment of dining options, from traditional kebabs at Sultan Mediterranean Grill to curry from Thai Bella Moab.

Day Five: Arches

• Canyonlands to Arches: 29 minutes, 26 miles

Just half an hour away from Canyonlands, Arches has mesas, buttes and some wiiiide, gravity defying arches. The most popular — so popular it can be seen on one-third of Utah’s license plates — is Delicate Arch. It’s not an easy hike to see it; there are some steep stretches on the 3-mile trip. But you’ll be rewarded by a magnificent, solitary arch standing in a bowl of sandstone. Wax as poetic as you like, it’ll be fitting.

Visit one of the world's longest natural bridge in Arches.

Actually, rare beauties are a thing for Arches. You’ll understand what we mean when you head over to Landscape Arch ; it’s the fifth longest natural bridge in the world. The slab of rock spans 290 feet, but it is only 18 feet wide. How does it stay up? No idea.

Day Six: Canyonlands or Arches

Have time to stick around for another day? You could take another hike in Arches, or head back to Canyonlands. Or consider some activities nearby such as white-water rafting , kayaking and off-roading . 

Drive on to the town of Torrey, just outside Capitol Reef, for the night so you can get an early start in the morning.

Day Seven: Capitol Reef and Home

Park logistics.

Arches to Capitol Reef: 2 hours, 133 miles

Lodging : camping, glamping, hotels

The final stop on our Utah national park itinerary is Capitol Reef National Park . This compact park is no slouch in rock sculptures, either. 

Reach for the stars at Cassidy Arch, named for a local outlaw.

First hike: A moderate 3.5 mile climb to Cassidy Arch . It’s a big one — standing 400 feet tall. It’s pretty photogenic, too, much like the movie star who played the arch’s namesake, Butch Cassidy. 

Next up, a moderately easy jaunt up to the Hickman Bridge . The 2-mile round trip trek includes fantastic scenery along the way, culminating in not just one, but TWO arches.

Grab a late lunch outside the park at Capitol Burger, a food truck serving gourmet burgers (find its exact location for the day on its Facebook page). Then settle your trail-worn body into your vehicle, crank up the air, choose your playlist and head back to the airport.

Home Logistics

Capitol Reef to Salt Lake City: 3 hours 23 minutes, 218 miles

Capitol Reef to Las Vegas: 5 hours, 327 miles

On the long drive back, make your case for which national park deserves a second, longer look. Utah.com will be here to help you plan your next trip and all your other excursions around our state.

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The Ultimate Colorado Road Trip Itinerary

From hiking in national parks to exploring charming towns, here's what to see and do on a road trip through Colorado.

To experience the best of the U.S. via the great open road, look to Colorado. This picturesque state straddling the Rocky Mountains is home to some of the most astounding stretches of highway in the country, connecting mountain resorts and artists' colonies to pioneer towns. In short, it's the perfect place for the ultimate road trip. With that in mind, we've devised a route that hits plenty of spots that make the Centennial State so special.

Our itinerary takes you through three spectacular national parks: Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde, and Great Sand Dunes. While the last one doesn't require an admission fee, the first two do ($30 per car, including entry for all passengers, for one day or $35 per car for seven days of access). As of May 24, 2024, you must reserve a timed pass to enter Rocky Mountain National Park. If you're interested in purchasing an America the Beautiful annual pass, which gets you into all U.S. national parks and federal recreational lands, check each park's website below for more information about discounts for seniors, military members, and those with permanent disabilities.

Without further ado, here's our handy guide to everything you should do on a Colorado road trip.

iStockphoto / Getty Images

Colorado's capital and biggest city is inevitably where any road trip should start. Not only is Denver home to the state's largest and busiest airport, and therefore where most travelers arrive, it also acts as a gateway from the plains in the east into the Rocky Mountains. There's plenty to do here before you start your journey: Grab some green chiles at El Taco de Mexico, explore historic Larimer Square, go to one of the city's great museums — the Denver Art Museum and Denver Museum of Nature & Science are great places to start — and perhaps buy yourself a pair of cowboy boots. Whatever you do, make sure your last activity is getting in your car and driving northwest.

Denver's smaller, more free-spirited sibling Boulder is home to the University of Colorado's main campus, which means you can expect a whole lot of restaurants and businesses catering to college students. You'll also find some sublime hiking on and around the Flatirons , an iconic formation formed by dramatic, diagonally tilted slabs of rock.

Tanya Nikolic / Travel + Leisure

Your journey northwest continues to Estes Park, the first destination on this route wholly within the Rocky Mountains. This quaint town has become a popular tourist stop, due to its proximity to some of the region's best rock climbing and mountain trails. Estes Park is also considered the jumping-off point for much of Rocky Mountain National Park , where you can easily spend several days exploring backwoods trails, finding waterfalls, and spotting wildlife. This part of the itinerary is optional, but definitely encouraged if you have the time.

Trail Ridge Road

If you're road-tripping between May and October, you're in luck. The next portion of the route contains what is considered to be one of the most beautiful drives in America: Trail Ridge Road , a switchback-saturated stretch of U.S. Highway 34 that crosses over the Continental Divide and is closed during the fall and winter. In the spring and summer, you can pass through some of the region's highest mountains. Witness the sun glinting off glaciers as you weave through dramatic passes and drive along impossibly blue ponds until you reach Grand Lake. Refuel, then it's onto the next oasis.

Glenwood Springs

The aptly named Glenwood Springs is the hot spring capital of the area, with huge natural hot springs bubbling up from the earth. It's just what you want to see after a long drive from Grand Lake, and a particularly scenic remedy for driving-related cramps. The town is located right where the Colorado and Roaring Fork Rivers meet, in a valley cradled by steep mountain faces.

Telluride and Ouray

Gallo Images / Getty Images

Drive a few hours from Glenwood Springs and you'll enter gold rush territory. Sure, you can try panning in the Uncompahgre or San Miguel Rivers — it's a good way to cool off, but maybe not to get rich — though the real draw in Telluride and Ouray is the history. These little mountain villages are chock-full of relics from the area's Wild West days, from museums like the Ouray Alchemist Pharmacy Museum to mining tours in Telluride. They're also both tucked away in furtive, but gorgeous, canyons. You can hit Telluride, which is larger, more bustling, and artsier (it's also home to the Telluride Film Festival ), or Ouray, which is smaller and more rustic. Either way, we're venturing south.

Mesa Verde National Park

Continuing south, you'll trade the gold rush era for more ancient times at Mesa Verde National Park . These lands in Montezuma County were once inhabited by the cliff-dwelling ancestors of the Pueblo people, who constructed homes out of the sandstone from the cliffs and mesas on which they were built. The result is extraordinarily dramatic and incredibly enlightening. While there are hundreds of these sites throughout the park, the most impressive is Cliff Palace, pictured above, which lies in the shadow of a magnificent rock arch. Check out its elaborate rooms and the decorative plasters, all of which have withstood erosion and time.

Michael Snell / Robert Harding World Imagery / Getty Images

Beginning our turn east, Durango is the first major town on the map after leaving Mesa Verde. It's a great place to stop and rest for a while, combining the laid-back charm of small-town America with a rich history rooted in its importance as a railroad hub. It has also served as the backdrop in many Hollywood Western films , and you can visit several shooting locations from "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid."

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Visuals Unlimited / Getty Images

Drive three hours down Route 160 and you'll arrive in a place that feels so otherworldly, you'll feel like you're on another planet. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve seems totally incongruous with the landscape around it, but that's what makes it so enticing — towering, ivory-colored dunes up to 750 feet tall are an echo of the nearby mountains. Camping here is the move, as the effect of the clear night sky over the dunes is a popular astronomical phenomenon that must be seen to be believed.

There's no better place in Colorado to witness the awe-inspiring force of water than Cañon City, so named for the steep cliffs carved by the Arkansas River. Whether you're looking for a gentle, comfortable sightseeing experience like the Royal Gorge Route Railroad or a more extreme method like rafting, you'll find it here, in addition to plenty of wineries and restaurants where you can luxuriate after feasting your eyes.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is the last stop on your vehicular journey, and it's a bit of a doozy. Not only is this the second-largest city in the state, it's also a stone's throw from two of Colorado's most impressive natural landmarks: Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods . The first can be easily ascended by car via Pikes Peak Highway, and the views from its 14,115-foot summit are truly magnificent — they actually inspired Katharine Lee Bates to write " America the Beautiful ." The second, Garden of the Gods, is a gorgeous public park that combines strikingly red rocks with lush forest scenery.

After indulging in your outdoor activity of choice, end your trip with green chiles at King's Chef Diner and bask in the success of a road trip well spent. If you're returning to Denver to fly home, it's just an hour's drive or so north to reach the airport.

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How to Pull Off the Perfect Utah National Parks Road Trip

A s the morning’s first rays beam through windows encasing my comfy bed in an Adventure Wagon Sprinter 144 van, the feeling hits me again. Parked on the edge of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument —on a Utah national parks road trip—we've arrived in our personal oasis. The van’s cool air, a stark contrast to the bone dry heat already warming this rocky, desolate landscape in the heart of Southwest Utah, makes me want to hunker down in our little Sprinter sanctuary, but only for a few extra moments. Soon enough, we’re naturally drawn out into yet another spectacular scene during our week-long Utah national parks road trip. 

Related: These Lesser-Known Scenic Drives Roll You Way Beyond the Crowds

Sliding open the van’s door, I emerge into a massive amphitheater perched above sandstone cliffs dropping into a twisty brown river. Steaming French press coffee awaits on a sleek wooden Dometic table overlooking the desert vista. It’s a breakfast vista that conjures comparisons to Horseshoe Bend, which is not far from here, and even the Grand Canyon to a degree.

From Moab to Grand Staircase-Escalante, Bryce Canyon National Park , and Capitol Reef , here remains one of the more rugged and remote regions left in the old American Southwest. It’s reminiscent of classic road trip scenes described in Edward Abbey’s Desert Solitude and Kerouac’s On The Road , which described this part of the country as a “road to heaven.” Indeed, it’s a place where you can insert many a mile and acre between you and anywhere else. Southern Utah is still one of the best places on Earth to just disappear for awhile, in the best sense. Here’s how we pulled off a fantastic week-long Utah parks road trip from Denver to Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in the perfect vehicle with spectacular stops along the way. 

How to Choose the Right Vehicle for a Utah National Parks Road Trip

When it comes to a road trip in these parts, the vehicle is everything. It’s more than just your mode of conveyance. It’s where you spend much of your days, and it can make or break a trip accordingly. The mix of comfort and reliability all in one vehicle is key.

Thankfully, the days of the family Griswold station wagon are long gone. Today, when it comes to cross-country trips, the van life movement has revolutionized road travel. These large vans are outfitted with everything from plush beds to kitchen sinks, making your home for the night wherever you decide to park.

Related: Complete Guide to Zion National Park: Hikes, Hotels, and Tips

For our cross-country trip, we opted for an Adventure Wagon , made by a company which specializes in modular van setups to accommodate a variety of adventures and lifestyles. More than just a barebones “home on the road,” it’s an all-purpose home base for mobile adventures.

The modularity of the Adventure Wagon's system allows users to configure seating, sleeping, and storage based on their activity in a matter of minutes. Our van setup includes a bed, a pullout tray bike rack, and a galley with sink, stove, and fridge. Add plenty of ingeniously placed storage room for gear, bags, and a pile of firewood, and you’re fully equipped and prepared for wherever the road takes you.

Day 1: Denver to Rabbit Valley, CO

We hit the highway with the Utah/Colorado border in mind for our first stop. On a holiday weekend in late spring, the majority of campgrounds and dispersed camping between the Front Range and the Western Slope of Colorado are unsurprisingly packed. Rolling onwards under a crystal clear Milky Way lighting up the cool desert evening, we park the large yet maneuverable Sprinter in Mesa County’s Rabbit Valley region—swiftly shifting from driver’s seat to bed without leaving the vehicle.

As the name implies, Rabbit Valley is a valley located in northwestern Mesa County best known for its mountain biking and OHV trails. Located within McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, there are five established campgrounds available for camping with easy access to trails in the area. I rode my bike right out of camp hitting Trails 2 and 3, which provide stellar views of the surrounding region including the Colorado River and La Sal Mountains. 

Day 2: Moab, Monument Valley, and Goosenecks State Park

After some crisp morning mountain biking the next day we press on toward Utah, finding ourselves driving through Castle Valley and Moab. Other vanlifers wave as we pass. Officially in the club, we wind along the swollen chocolate milk-hued banks of the Colorado River, churning its way through the red rocks surrounding Moab. The town and area surrounding Moab is best known as a mountain biking mecca, featuring famed trails such as Slickrock and The Whole Enchilada. Located in eastern Utah, it also serves as the gateway to Arches National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, and Canyonlands National Park. Each of these special places is worth its own trip, offering otherworldly desert vistas and landscapes.

Soon, we’re ensconced in iconic Monument Valley Navajo Park , forever immortalized in Forrest Gump and numerous old Westerns. This majestic landscape is on the Arizona and Utah border and is literally right out of a John Wayne classic ( The Searchers ). The red sand desert’s flat valley gives way to a geological masterpiece as sandstone buttes and towers reaching 1,000 feet jet out of the dirt. The drive through this landscape is about 17 miles and may take an hour with all the photo opportunities along the way. 

Pulling into Goosenecks State Park just before sunset, we enjoy a night in this convenient state park tucked away in Mexican Hat, UT, with desert scenery that foreshadows what’s to come. A campsite here will set you back just $10 and comes with a fire pit and solid park amenities. Some sites offer sun shades with relief from the harsh Utah rays, as there are no trees to be seen here. The main attraction at Goosenecks is the view. While there’s no access to the river below, you can take a great walk along the cliffside filled with panoramic views below and dark, starry-strewn skies above.

We park near a span of cliff overlooking the San Juan River as it snakes its way through the canyon. The massive vista reveals rock that has eroded for an estimated 300 million years, according to geologists. Every bit as magnificent as the canyon below are the countless constellations flickering above the chasm. We sit by the crackling fire sipping Smokewagon Small Batch Bourbon while watching rafters navigate the river by headlamps to their camp far below. 

Days 3 to 5: Entering and Exploring Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

By day three of the trip, we’ve reached our final destination. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is so massive that we’ll be driving around and through it for the next four days. Located in Southern Utah, Grand Staircase-Escalante is ideal for desert hiking, biking, canyoneering, off-roading, and camping.

Three distinct areas make up the monument: Escalante Canyons, Grand Staircase, and the 1,600-square-mile Kaiparowits Plateau situated between the two. In all, the region covers 1.7 million acres of slot canyons, arches, slick rock, hoodoos (eroded red and white columns of rock that branch into the sky), and even massive waterfalls. The otherworldly landscape spans sedimentary rock and fossil records covering 30 million years.

Traversing the area clockwise in the Adventure Wagon, we inch as close to the massive rock monoliths as the road will allow. The monument is so big we even dip into Arizona at one point, traveling through Page —home to Coyote Buttes and The Wave , Horseshoe Bend , and Antelope Canyon . Looping past the Pink Sand Dunes , we head north toward Bryce Canyon National Park , celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. The remote area is home to the largest concentration of hoodoos on the planet, offering breathtaking views of the 8,000-foot Paunsagunt Plateau.

Related: Lesser-Known National Parks, Forests, and Wilderness Areas

Soon, we’ll be deep in these clefts, hiking through canyons filled with vivid red and yellow cactus flowers to Lower Calf Creek Falls . We’ll swim in the frigid cold water as a massive waterfall spills over the slick rock above us. A relatively easy six-mile, out-and-back hike will offer more spectacular views of surrounding canyons and jagged cliffs. We’ll also venture out to Zebra Slot Canyon , filled with water from recent spring rains. The unique cream-colored striations on the sandstone impart a zebra-like quality to the spectacular canyon, while the rocks reflect a stunning mirror image in the water.

After living out of a van for the better part of a week, we’re more than ready for a shower and a bigger bed. The nearby towns of Bryce, Escalante, and Boulder can accommodate travelers in the area. We opt for a unique desert retreat that just opened called Yonder Escalante , tucked within Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument on the grounds of an old drive-in movie theater.

Days 6 & 7: Discovering Yonder Escalante—a Slice of Modern Luxury in the Western Desert

A former RV campsite, Yonder Escalante launched three years ago with the spirit of the American road trip at its core as a stylish lodging and camp spot. Yonder offers food, drinks, bathhouses, pool, hot tub, laundry and is pet friendly. Visitors can relax by the fire with majestic views of Southern Utah in every direction.

Yonder Escalante can be uniquely summed up as an adventure campsite melded with a luxury hotel in one of the most dramatic outbacks of the American Southwest. The juxtaposition of luxury and wilderness is so seamlessly meshed together here, it appears like a mirage as we pull through the gates. Paying close attention to detail and intimate connection to nature, the property lets visitors choose between tent or van/RV campsites, custom-designed cabins, and newly-renovated vintage Airstreams.

We settle into a deluxe cabin furnished with an outdoor shower, soft bed, and about as much window as wood—making it feel like there’s nothing but air between us and the Utah desert. It’s the perfect base camp for exploring slot canyons and expansive vistas in Escalante—and also for some welcome respite after trekking and biking our way across a good chunk of Southern Utah.

An array of amenities at Yonder includes an inviting pool and hot tub, a general store stocked with meal kits and cocktail coolers, an open-air lounge with fire pits, luxury bathhouses, an onsite food truck, and a drive-in movie theater equipped with nine stationary restored classic cars.

After a soak in the hot tub, we dine that evening on tasty cheeseburgers and ice cream from the food truck. Then a beer or two by the fire before slipping into a vintage blue truck with some popcorn to enjoy tonight’s movie, Willy Wonka .

All too soon, it’s time to pile back into the Sprinter van and head home. Our journey east passes through Capitol Reef National Park, where massive rock formations inspire more marveling—and consensus that this stellar road trip will definitely be getting a sequel. 

How to see Utah's "Mighty 5" national parks on an epic road trip

Jun 2, 2024 • 12 min read

Link up Utah's "Mighty 5" national parks with this epic driving route © Peter Unger / Getty Images

Utah might not have the most national parks of any state – that honor goes to California – but it certainly has the highest concentration.

All of Utah’s "Mighty 5"  are within easy driving distance of one another, meaning that the state is prime for an epic national parks road trip that you can even squeeze into a short amount of vacation time. With only a week to spare, it's possible to get to know the distinct personalities of each of the state's national parks.

Here's how to plan an unforgettable drive in Utah .

Where should you start a Utah national parks road trip?

You can tackle Utah’s national parks west to east or vice versa, depending on your starting destination. Going from west to east is generally the most popular option because Zion National Park is just a few hours from the international airport in Las Vegas . You could also start this road trip in Salt Lake City , heading for either Zion or Arches first.

Where should I rent a car for a Utah road trip?

If you’re flying in to visit Utah’s national parks, it’s easiest to rent a car at your arrival airport. After picking up the car, head to the grocery store to buy water, snacks and other supplies before you hit the road, especially if you’re looking for something specific. The gateway towns to Utah’s national parks are small, and their stores often don’t have as wide of a selection. 

When is the best time to drive between Utah's national parks?

Late spring and early fall are the best seasons for road tripping in Utah. Summer is a popular time, but that means more cars on the road and more hikers on the trails. Winter is great for solitude seekers, but make sure you have the know-how to drive on snowy roads and a backup plan in case of closures or worse. State highways in some areas might be shut down until May because of heavy snowfall, particularly in the high elevations around Brian Head, north of Zion National Park.

Stop 1: Zion National Park

The vibe: Awesome canyon and iconic hikes

What to do: Zion Canyon is one of the most intriguing natural wonders in the country, and it chalks up the visitor numbers to prove it. See what makes Zion so extraordinary by taking on the national park’s two iconic hikes: Angels Landing ( permit required ), a chain-assisted white-knuckle climb to a lofty narrow plateau, and the Narrows, where the trail is the Virgin River and you wade through the water as it churns through a towering slot canyon.

What to eat: In the heart of the canyon, the historic Zion Lodge has two places to eat: a small cafe and a full-fledged restaurant. The food isn’t particularly memorable, but the setting certainly is, and it’s the only place to eat inside the national park if you don’t bring your own supplies. Just outside Zion National Park’s south entrance, Zion Canyon Brew Pub was the first microbrewery in southern Utah and serves up pub grub that pairs perfectly with its beers. More restaurants, coffee shops and small grocery stores abound in Springdale, the gateway town hugging Zion’s south entrance.

Where to stay: Zion National Park has two in-park accommodation options: camping or Zion Lodge . You need to book months in advance to get a reservation for either. Springdale has lots of excellent places to stay. See if rooms are available at Under the Eaves Inn , Red Rock Inn or Desert Pearl Inn , or head a bit further from the canyon. In East Zion, Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort is ideal for families, with tons of activities for all ages. To the west, AutoCamp Zion offers a hip stay in Airstream trailers, and Under Canvas has set up gorgeous luxury glamping tents on Kolob Terrace Road.

The drive (75 miles, 1 hour and 25 minutes): Leave Zion National Park through the east entrance, driving through the tight-squeeze Zion–Mt Carmel Tunnel, which was the longest tunnel in the country when it opened in 1930. Continue on Hwy 9 to Mt Carmel Junction and then head north on Hwy 89. Turn east on Scenic Byway 12, nationally recognized as an "All-American Road" for its history and landscapes. You get a taste of what’s in store at the next national park as you drive through redrock arches and past intriguing rock formations shaped like Crayola crayons – and colored just as brightly.

Want to know more about Zion? Here's our guide

Stop 2: Bryce Canyon National Park

The vibe: Alien rock formations

What to do: Bryce Canyon hides its treasures from view when you first enter the park, but as soon as you reach the rim of the plateau, an army of rock spires called hoodoos stands at attention in the bowl of the natural amphitheater. The paved road through the national park is sprinkled with scenic overlooks where you can stop and gawp at these mesmerizing formations. Inspiration Point and Rainbow Point are wow-worthy pull-off points. But getting in among the hoodoos is a must. Hike the Navajo Loop from Sunset Point, book a horse ride on Peekaboo Loop or find a quieter collection of hoodoos on the Fairyland Loop.

What to eat: Bryce Canyon is Utah’s only other national park (besides Zion) that has a historic lodge inside the park, which has a restaurant (don’t miss the elk chili). There’s also a park general store that sells pizza, craft beer, ice cream and snacks. Bryce Canyon City is just outside the national park gates, but the restaurants in the small town of Tropic, a short drive to the southeast, are better. Try the pulled pork at IDK Barbecue or have a classy white-tablecloth dinner at Stone Hearth Grille .

Where to stay: Book far in advance to snag a place to sleep inside the park, either a campsite or a room at Bryce Canyon Lodge . Bryce Canyon City has several options near the park entrance, but it’s worth driving a little further to Bryce Glamp & Camp , a scenic, secluded spot where you can watch the night sky from your bed in a bubble dome.

The drive (125 miles, 2 hours and 40 minutes): Continue on Scenic Byway 12, which gets even more beautiful as you crest the rollercoaster hills and sail down the switchbacks. Much of the surrounding land is part of Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument , which covers nearly 2 million acres. Tempting trailheads beckon, particularly around the towns of Escalante and Boulder – pull over and hike if you have time. Scenic Byway 12 ends at Hwy 24 near Torrey, the gateway town to Capitol Reef National Park.

First time in Bryce Canyon? Here's what you need to know

Stop 3: Capitol Reef National Park

The vibe: Hikes through history

What to do: Capitol Reef wears its past on its sleeve, and when hiking in this national park, you’re following in the footsteps of many generations past, from the little-understood Native Fremont people to Mormon settlers. Don’t miss the petroglyphs east of the Capitol Reef Visitor Center (accessible via a boardwalk) and on the hike through Capitol Gorge, where ancient Native rock art is carved a short distance from the Pioneer Register, recording the names and dates of 19th-century settlers who passed through this slot canyon. In the center of the park, Fruita was a Mormon settlement established in 1879 and is well known for its orchards, which the National Park Service still maintains. Pick up one of the famous fruit pies from Gifford Homestead , where Fruita's last inhabitants lived.

What to eat: Torrey is a short drive from the entrance to Capitol Reef National Park, and for such a small town, it has some impressive food options. At Torrey Grill & BBQ , a Culinary Institute of America graduate makes magic with smoked meats, while adorable Wild Rabbit Cafe serves phenomenal all-day breakfasts and sandwiches. Hunt & Gather is a surprising spot for fine dining, showcasing lovingly plated dishes of local ingredients.

Where to stay: Capitol Reef has one developed campground , as well as free primitive sites in the backcountry ( free backpacking permit required ). If you’d rather stay within four walls, try Torrey Schoolhouse B&B , a 1914 schoolhouse brought back to life as an elegant bed and breakfast. One of the best places to stay in Torrey is Skyview , which has rooms with hot tubs that look out on the redrock scenery, geodesic domes with skylights over the bed for nighttime stargazing, and a rooftop terrace.

The drive (155 miles, 2 hours and 30 minutes): Head east on Hwy 24, called the Capitol Reef Scenic Byway, which turns north at Hanksville. If you have time, detour west of Hwy 24 to Goblin Valley State Park to wander among its bizarre rock formations. On the east side of Hwy 24, Horseshoe Canyon is part of Canyonlands National Park and has one of the most significant Native rock art sites in North America – it’s nicknamed the "Louvre of the Southwest." The road to Horseshoe Canyon is not paved, and a high-clearance 4WD vehicle is recommended. When Hwy 24 comes to an end near Green River, join Interstate 70 east and carry on until the Moab turnoff at Hwy 191. Turn west on Hwy 313 to reach another area of Canyonlands National Park.

Hanging around in Capitol Reef? Here's what to do there

Stop 4: Canyonlands National Park: Island in the Sky district

The vibe: Epic views

What to do: Canyonlands is Utah’s largest and least-visited national park. Few travelers venture to its most remote areas (and those who do require suitable vehicles and self-sufficiency), and Canyonlands’ quieter nature can be a welcome break from Utah’s busier parks. It is divided into four districts, the most accessible of which is Island in the Sky, near Moab . This area stretches out atop a majestic mesa thousands of feet above the Colorado and Green Rivers, the powerful forces that sculpted this land into sheer canyons and needle-like pinnacles. The scenic drive through the Island in the Sky district dawdles past a number of overlooks. Get a 360-degree bird’s-eye view of the landscape from the humbly named Grand View Point where the paved road ends.

What to eat: Moab’s main street is lined with great restaurants where you can fuel up for a day out, and the town is just a 40-minute drive from the Island in the Sky Visitor Center. In the northern part of Moab, Proper Brewing has an excellent beer garden where you can kick back and enjoy a burger and a Utah-made brew.

Where to stay: The Island in the Sky district has one campground . More campsites on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land are scattered along Hwy 313, the main road into the national park, as well as along Hwy 128 and the Colorado River south of Arches National Park. For hotel accommodations, stay in Moab for an easy journey. Field Station is one of our top picks for location, price and adventure-seeking atmosphere, housed in a well-renovated roadside motel.

The drive (29 miles, 40 minutes): Canyonlands and Arches are about as close as two national parks can be, and it’s just a 30-minute drive from the Island in the Sky Visitor Center to Arches Visitor Center. If you can’t get enough of the views, take a detour to Dead Horse Point State Park for even more memorable vistas. Take Hwy 313 to Hwy 191 and drive south for a few miles to the turnoff for Arches National Park.

Want to see even more of Canyonlands? Here's what you need to know

Stop 5: Arches National Park

The vibe: Arches galore

What to do: The main draw of Arches is right in its name, and nowhere on Earth has more of this type of rock formation than this national park. Delicate Arch is the most iconic, enshrined on Utah’s license plates, and many more can be seen along the park’s main paved road on short hikes and from easy-to-reach viewpoints. At the end of the road, the Devils Garden Trail packs several arches into an easy or adventurous hike, depending on how far you want to go, including 306ft Landscape Arch, one of the longest in the world.

What to eat: There’s nowhere to eat inside Arches National Park, so bring in supplies from Moab or fuel up in town before or after a day of arch admiring. Find a variety of crowd-pleasing, budget-friendly options at Moab Food Truck Park or reserve a table at Desert Bistro , one of the best restaurants in this part of the state, for game and seafood in an 1892 former dance hall.

Where to stay: Arches has one campground inside the park (book far in advance), and campers can also find lots of sites on BLM land just outside the park boundaries. Otherwise, Moab makes for an excellent base camp, with plenty of hotels along its main street and beyond. Secluded south of town, ULUM Moab offers luxury glamping tents with views of its very own arch.

The drive: Round off your Utah national parks road trip by heading back to Salt Lake City (235 miles from Moab) or Las Vegas (460 miles from Moab). The fastest but least interesting way to get to Las Vegas is to take the interstates (I-70 north of Moab and then I-15 south), but if you have time, take the long road south from Moab, stopping at the Needles district of Canyonlands National Park, checking out film-famous Monument Valley on Navajo land and testing your luck by trying to get a permit for the Wave – one of the most sought-after hikes in the Southwest – in Kanab.

Need more info about Arches? Here's our guide for first-time visitors

Tips for EV drivers

Despite how remote some parts of the state are, Utah is an excellent place for an EV road trip, especially to the national parks. Some campgrounds and many hotels, including Zion Lodge inside the national park, have EV chargers for guests. Tesla has several Superchargers across the state, particularly along I-15 and I-70, including in St George (about 45 miles from Zion National Park’s south entrance), Green River and Moab (close to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks) and Blanding (about 70 miles from Canyonlands’ Needles district). 

A tricky stretch for EV drivers is the journey between Capitol Reef National Park and Moab. The Capitol Reef gateway town of Torrey has chargers, as does Green River, but you might need to be careful about how many places you explore in between.

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