The Complete 7-Day Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary

One of the top items on our USA bucket list is visiting the national parks in the United States – and my goodness does this country have some great ones! When I first started to do research, I kept coming back to the national parks in one state: Utah. With five national parks in Utah, epic scenery and plenty of outdoor activities, it wasn’t long until I was planning a Utah national parks road trip.

The Utah road trip we ended up doing remains one of my favourite adventures in the United States. All up, we spent seven days on the road in Utah visiting the so-called Utah Mighty 5 – with a quick side trip into Arizona – and couldn’t believe how different and beautiful each national park was.

Here’s how you can also plan a trip to Utah national parks and do the same trip we did (the best Utah itinerary, if I may say so myself!!). I’d recommend at least a week – but if you have two weeks to road trip Utah’s national parks, that would be even better so that you can really explore all the natural beauty this state has to offer.

I’ve created a printable planner so that you can plot out your own Utah national parks road trip itinerary, so download a copy here.

This Utah itinerary 7 days post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).

How many national parks are in Utah?

So, we’ve already established this – there are 5 national parks in Utah. And they’re all equally spectacular. Here are some of the highlights of each.

Zion National Park

Utah’s first national park is also the state’s most popular. There are hikes here for everyone, from family-friendly strolls to demanding multi-day treks. It’s one of the most beautiful places to visit in the United States.

Check the latest Zion National Park information here, including visitor hours, alerts and COVID updates.

Entry fees: $35 per vehicle, valid for 7 days

Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon is famed for its towering hoodoos, the largest concentration found anywhere else on Earth. These spires give the atmosphere an almost otherworldly feel, and you could be forgiven for thinking you’re on Mars. There are great hikes through and above the hoodoos.

Check the latest Bryce Canyon National Park information here, including visitor hours, alerts and COVID updates.

Entry fees: $35 per vehicle, valid for 7 days

Arches National Park

With more than 2,000 stone arches, it’s not hard to guess how this national park got its name. Arches National Park is known for great hikes, as well as plenty of other adventures in and around the park, including mountain biking and rafting.

Check the latest Arches National Park information here, including visitor hours, alerts and COVID updates.

Entry fees: $30 per vehicle, valid for 7 days

Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park is actually made up of four separate districts. Island in the Sky is closest to Moab and is the easiest part to visit, while The Needles has a remote feel to it. The Maze is indeed remote and can only be accessed by 4WD. The final district is the Colorado and Green Rivers.

Check the latest Canyonlands National Park information here, including visitor hours, alerts and COVID updates.

Entry fees: $30 per vehicle, valid for 7 days

Capitol Reef National Park

The smallest of Utah’s national parks, Capitol Reef is still worth a visit. There’s a great scenic drive through the park, which means you can combine driving with a few hikes in a day. The park is also home to a historic homestead that serves up fresh fruit pies.

Check the latest Capitol Reef National Park information here, including visitor hours, alerts and COVID updates.

Entry fees: $20 per vehicle, valid for 7 days

Tips for planning a Utah national parks road trip itinerary

Before we dive into the Utah itinerary, here are some tips for visiting the national parks in Utah.

Buy a national parks pass

If you’re planning to road trip to Utah national parks, buy the America the Beautiful annual pass, which costs $80. Each national park costs between $20 and $35 to visit, so if you visit three or more parks on this Utah mighty 5 road trip, this pass will save you a tonne of money!

The pass is also valid at any national park in the entire United States so you can use it at other parks for the rest of the year.

How to get around Utah

You’ll definitely need your own wheels for this 7 day Utah road trip. A standard car (no 4WD necessary) is fine. Check out all the available vehicles for rent at RentalCars.com.

But, what really made this trip fun for us was renting a campervan! We combined both our transport and accommodation costs and had so much fun camping around Utah. We rented our wheels through Lost Campers but there are plenty of campervan rental options, including Escape Campervans and Jucy Rentals.

Our van, named Rachel, was our home for the week. She was kitted out with a mini kitchen (everything AND the kitchen sink!), a portable gas stove, a surprisingly comfortable mattress, and cutlery, crockery and cooking utensils. It was great value, particularly if you consider that we had transport and accommodation all sorted.

If I did this trip again (or any RVing trip through the United States), I’d probably rent an RV through RVshare. This company is like the Airbnb of RVs, where RV owners connect with renters. There are so many types of RVs available to rent for as long as you need, and at very affordable rates. Many have ensuite bathrooms for that extra level of comfort. RVshare is definitely an option you should consider for this Utah national parks road trip, so check RV rental Salt Lake City online. You can book online here!

Book accommodation in advance

Hotels, lodges and camping sites around the national parks can be booked out months – even a year – in advance in high season, so book accommodation in advance. (I use Booking.com or HotelsCombined to book accommodation.)

Each campsite has different processes for booking. Some can be booked online in advance, others can only be booked in person on the day.

Research each park before you visit

Do your research on each park’s website in advance – there’s a huge amount of information available online. This will help you plan your days to get the most out of each park. And when you arrive at each park, stop by the visitor centre to pick up a map and talk to the rangers. They know the best time to visit each location for the perfect photos and which hikes to do to maximise the time you have.

Utah mighty 5 road trip routes

There are several ways you can visit all five Utah national parks in a week, depending on where you’re starting from.

All these Utah routes also include a side trip into Arizona to Monument Valley, so if you’re short on time, you can cut this out of your Utah itinerary.

We did option number 1, but if I was doing this trip again, I’d probably take the Las Vegas to Salt Lake City (or vice versa) route.

For option #2, check that your rental company allows you to return a vehicle to another location (there may be an additional charge).

For option #3, you could even add in a side trip to the Grand Canyon if you have one or two extra days.

Utah national parks road trip map

Before I get into the nitty gritty of the Utah national parks road trip itinerary, here’s a map of where you’ll be going if you follow the route we took. You can download a map of national parks in Utah on the Visit Utah website.

National parks road trip itinerary

As mentioned earlier, we did a loop starting and ending in Salt Lake City, so that’s what I’ll get into in this blog post. You can easily take the information here and adapt it to the alternative routes listed above.

This 7-day Utah road trip itinerary that loops from Salt Lake City is:

• Day 1: Salt Lake City to Zion National Park
• Day 2: Zion National Park
• Day 3: Bryce Canyon National Park
• Day 4: Monument Valley
• Day 5: Canyonlands National Park and Moab
• Day 6: Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park
• Day 7: Back to Salt Lake City via Capitol Reef National Park

Alright, it’s time to hit the road!

Day 1: Salt Lake City to Zion National Park

Driving time: 4.5 hours / 308 miles

First up on this 7 day Utah national parks itinerary: pick up your campervan. Stop by Walmart or another supermarket to pick up supplies. Then, hit the road and head toward Zion National Park, about a 4.5-hours drive from Salt Lake City.

Alternatively, plan to spend some time in Salt Lake City before you head to the national parks – here’s a guide to the best things to do in Salt Lake City.

When you arrive in Springdale, the town just outside of the entrance to Zion, the first thing you want to do is sort out where you’ll be parking your van.

Zion National Park has three campgrounds: South, Watchman and Lava Point. You can reserve South and Watchman in advance (campsites are $20 per night); Lava Point only has six primitive campsites. If you can’t reserve in advance, you can still plan to arrive at the campgrounds at around 10 or 11 a.m. just in case there’s a site that’s become available.

In our case, it was late in the afternoon when we drove into town and all the campsites in Zion National Park were already fully booked. If you find yourself in the same situation, ask at one of the visitor’s centres about the free BLM campsites in the area. They’ll direct you to a couple of locations outside of town.

You’ll want a car with a high clearance as you may need to make your way along some bumpy roads to access free camping sites in Utah. Keep in mind there are no facilities on the free BLM sites (no toilets, no showers, no running water) so come prepared with everything you need. The upside is that you’ll probably have a spectacular sunset all to yourself.

Hotels near Zion National Park

Zion is one of the best national parks in Utah, and you can’t miss it on your trip. If you’re looking for a hotel near Zion National Park, here are a few recommended options:

• Zion Lodge is the only lodging inside Zion National Park. Rooms are simple but you’ll be staying in the park, so you can be the first and last to hike each day. Check prices and read reviews online
• For something partway between a hotel and camping, try the luxury, safari-style tents at Under Canvas Zion. Check prices online | Read reviews
• Cliffrose Lodge – so close to Zion National Park you could walk in! Book a room online with Booking.com | Check reviews online
• Best Western Plus Zion Canyon Inn & Suites – the views from this hotel are worth booking here! Comfy rooms with mini fridges and coffee makers. Check rates and availability online | Read reviews online

Airbnbs near Zion National Park

Springdale also has several Airbnb properties. My picks for an Airbnb near Zion National Park:

• This cute studio with lovely high ceilings
• This small cottage (with epic views) if there’s just 2 or 3 of you
• This townhouse for larger groups

READ NEXT: The coolest things to do in West Texas

Day 2: Zion National Park

Zion National Park is the busiest Utah national park, with more than 4.5 million visitors each year. Despite the crowds, it’s a must-visit on a Utah parks road trip.

Access to cars is limited during high season (March to November), but the park has a fantastic shuttle bus system to get around. The shuttle stops at all the key trailheads and loops around fairly frequently. There’s also a shuttle bus that links to the Zion Canyon Shuttle from Springdale, which is convenient if you’re staying in town.

Wake up early (yes, maybe even 5am) to get a head start on the Angel’s Landing hike. This hike is very popular on most people’s Zion national park itinerary, and starting early helps to avoid both the crowds and the heat of the day. It’s a beautiful but fairly strenuous hike with some pockets of shade.

The final ascent to Angel’s Landing is a narrow ridge with steel chains as the only barrier to keep you falling hundreds of metres off the side. I’m not shy in admitting that I just couldn’t bring myself to do this final section – it was too scary for me. I stayed below while my husband did the final section. He said that it was hairy in some parts, but the views are worth it if you don’t have a fear of heights.

Later in the afternoon, take off on your next hike along the Riverside Walk. If you can brave the icy water, end the day by wading through the start of The Narrows hike. We only did a small portion of this, and I would love to come back and do it completely. If you want to do The Narrows, plan for a whole day (you’ll also need a permit).

Best hikes in Zion National Park

• Angel’s Landing (5.4 miles, strenuous)
• Observation Point (8 miles, strenuous)
• Canyon Overlook Trail (1 mile, moderate; easier alternative to Angel’s Landing)
• Riverside Walk (2.2 miles, easy)
• Weeping Rock Trail (0.4 miles, easy)
• The Narrows (9.4 miles, strenuous; high water levels can mean this is closed at some times during the year)

Day 3: Bryce Canyon National Park

Driving time: 1.5 hours / 75 miles

Leaving Zion National Park on your way to Bryce Canyon, traverse the scenic 12-mile Zion-Mt Carmel Highway, passing through the historic tunnel. It’s a beautiful, winding road that exposes the red rocks of Zion.

When you arrive at Bryce Canyon National Park, the first thing you need to do is nab a campsite. There are two campgrounds in Bryce Canyon: North Campground and Sunset Campground (campsite, $20 per night). Both are close to the visitor centre.

The campsite booking system here is a little different to Zion. Here, you pick up an envelope from the registration kiosk at the campground entrance, deposit your money in a locked box and then find an available campsite. Park rangers drive around regularly to check each site, making sure there are no freeloaders.

Outside of Bryce Canyon, Ruby’s Inn has an RV park and campground.

Now it’s time to see just how different Bryce Canyon National Park, with its orange and white hoodoos, is to the deep red rocks of Zion National Park. In my opinion, Bryce Canyon is the best national park in Utah. The landscape is out of this world and it was far quieter than Zion.

Hike the Navajo Loop / Queen’s Garden trails which take you down into and back up the canyon and past Thor’s Hammer. Later, hike a section of the Rim Trail, and stand above the hoodoos to get an idea of what Mars surely must look like.

Sunset at Inspiration Point is a must, watching the colours of the hoodoos change as the sun goes down.

Best hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park

• Navajo Loop / Queen’s Garden (2.9 miles combined, moderate)
• Rim Trail (up to 11 miles, easy; paved from Sunset to Sunrise Points)
• Fairyland Loop (8 miles, strenuous)

Hotels near Bryce Canyon National Park

If you’re not camping, try one of the hotels near Bryce Canyon National Park.

• The Lodge at Bryce Canyon is located inside the park. It has 114 rooms and an on-site restaurant. Read reviews online and check availability
• Stone Canyon Inn has front-row seats to Bryce Canyon. There are several cabins onsite plus two very cool treehouses. There’s a huge deck for alfresco dining during the warmer months. Read reviews online and check availability
• Ruby’s Inn Best Western Plus is a popular option outside Bryce Canyon National Park. Book online with Booking.com | Check reviews

Airbnbs near Bryce Canyon National Park

For Airbnbs near Bryce Canyon National Park, I’d choose any of these ones:

• This home with a huge outdoor area and fire pit
• This 2-bedroom apartment has a lovely gazebo
• This stylish apartment is perfect for two people

Day 4: Monument Valley

Driving time: 4.5 hours / 275 miles

On day four of the Utah national parks road trip, we’re heading into another state: Arizona!

It’s a long day of driving from Bryce Canyon south into Arizona. Stop for pie at the retro Thunderbird Restaurant at Mt Carmel Junction. This place is exactly how I always pictured American diners to be!

Stop at Page, home to the highly Instagrammed Horseshoe Bend, and nervously watch everyone as they perch on the edge to get the perfect selfie.

It’s a hot and dusty walk to the viewpoint, so bring adequate shoes and lots of water and sunscreen. To manage the huge influx of visitors that Horseshoe Bend has recently experienced, you’ll now need to pay an entrance fee of $10 per passenger vehicle.

Another popular site in Page is Antelope Canyon. Here you can visit Upper Antelope Canyon, an incredible slot canyon. Reservations are a must. We unfortunately didn’t have time, but photos I have seen are spectacular. If you can make the time, here are tours of the Lower Antelope Canyon and Upper Canyon.

If you have even more time, many people add on a trip to the Grand Canyon to their Utah national parks road trip itinerary. You’ll need at least two days, though, to see the park properly.

Continue on to Monument Valley, famous from oh-so-many movies. Drive through the valley ($25 per vehicle, note that Monument Valley is not covered under the America the Beautiful national parks annual pass) in the late afternoon as the sun is going down for some spectacular silhouettes of the buttes. Early morning is another option for nice light.

You need two to three hours to do the 17-mile self-guided driving tour through Monument Valley (maps available at the Information Center). Stop at John Ford’s Point for a great view over the valley or for $5 you can channel your inner cowboy or cowgirl and have your photo taken on a horse.

There are a few hiking trails (permit required) or you can take an organised tour which will allow you access to a traditional Navajo “hogan”, a small house. Here’s a good option for a sunset tour, or a 2-5-hour trip with backcountry access where you’ll learn more about Navajo culture.

Be respectful of the land at all times and stick to the trails – this is Navajo land.

Hotels near Monument Valley

There are a couple of hotels near Monument Valley:

• We parked our campervan at Goulding’s Lodge, which has both a hotel and campground. It’s also got a restaurant, gas station, laundry, trading post and a museum highlighting the history of the area, including about the films that have been shot there. The theatre shows John Wayne movies nightly. Check availability online at Booking.com | Read reviews online
• The View Hotel is located within Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. As the name suggests, it has great views over the valley. Check prices and read reviews online

Airbnbs near Monument Valley

There are Airbnbs near Monument Valley. My picks would be:

• This “Dream Catcher” house in the shadow of buttes
• This hogan for something very unique

Day 5: The Needles, Canyonlands National Park

Driving time: 5.5 hours / 238 miles

Day five will see you heading back into Utah on your way to Moab. Before you get too far, stop at mile marker 13 on highway 163 for the classic road jumping shot with Monument Valley in the background. This is where Forrest Gump decided he’d had enough of running.

Before getting to Moab, take the long detour to The Needles area of Canyonlands National Park. It’s a side trip off the main road and does add extra time to this Utah road trip itinerary, but it’s worth it. If you’re short on time, then you can skip this and head straight to Moab.

Canyonlands National Park is actually split into three distinct areas: The Needles, Island in the Sky and the Maze. The Maze is only accessible by 4WD and is very remote. I haven’t included it in this Utah national parks itinerary because we didn’t visit it.

The Needles is far less touristy than the other national parks in Utah. To get a taste of the park, hike the Slickrock trail, which will take you over smooth, mustard-coloured rocks as you follow the cairns-marked trail.

After that, hit up another hike like the Cave Spring trail. This one winds through old cowboy hangouts and up ladders. Again, you’ll be marvelling at just how different the landscape is compared to the other national parks visited on this trip. We only wish we’d had more time to do some of the longer, more challenging hikes. Unfortunately, there was a spectacular lightning storm starting up as we began hiking, and we didn’t want to be out and exposed.

Continue on to Moab and have a late lunch of burgers and peanut butter milkshakes at Milt’s Stop and Eat. Next, find a campground – preferably one with a pool and bathrooms. This could be your first shower of the week – it was for us! We stayed at the KOA campground in Moab. Staff were friendly and they have a pool and shop onsite.

Best hikes in The Needles, Canyonlands National Park

• Chesler Park Viewpoint (6 miles, strenuous)
• Slickrock Trail (2.4 miles, short)
• Big Spring Canyon to Squaw Canyon (7.5 miles, strenuous)
• Cave Spring (0.6 miles, short)

Hotels in Moab

Moab is a small town, but its reputation as an action hub means that it’s full of hotels and campgrounds.

• The Gonzo Inn is a popular place to stay in Moab. There’s an outdoor pool which will be a huge relief in the heat of the afternoon – Moab gets really hot. Check prices and book online | Read reviews online
• Red Cliffs Lodge has 115 simple rooms, some with balconies with great views over the river. Book a room online with Booking.com | Read other travellers’ reviews online

Airbnbs in Moab

There are plenty of Airbnbs in Moab, so you’ll have lots of choices. I like the look of:

• This colourful flat that’s just a short walk from downtown Moab
• This light-filled cabin with a great patio with grill (and it’s dog friendly!)
• This property would be good for groups of up to 6 people

Day 6: Arches National Park and Island in the Sky

Arches National Park is just outside of Moab, and is famous for its variety of sandstone arches. We weren’t able to do a lot of the hikes I had on my list, because the Devil’s Garden section of the park was closed for construction. Instead, we tackled some of the shorter hikes to Broken Arch and Sand Dune Arch.

In the afternoon, hike to Delicate Arch. This is a must-do on your visit to Arches National Park. Be aware that this hike has no shade, and the last part is around a cliff face with a sharp drop off. It’s one of the most photographed spots on any trip to Utah.

Best hikes in Arches National Park

• Delicate Arch (3 miles, strenuous)
• Double O Arch Trail (4.2 miles, strenuous)
• Park Avenue Trail (1 mile one-way, moderate)
• Devil’s Garden (7.2 miles, strenuous)
• Windows Trail (1 mile, easy)
• Fiery Furnace (reservation necessary, guided by Park Ranger)

Before sunset, drive out to the other section of Canyonlands National Park, the Island in the Sky. From the viewpoint, gaze out over the land, which looks like a giant dinosaur has left its footprint behind.

If you’re in luck, you might even have Mesa Arch all to yourselves for a few minutes. Most people recommend to visit Mesa Arch at dawn, but we found it to be just as beautiful at sunset.

Moab is one of the best places to visit in Utah for adventure lovers, so if you’ve had enough of hiking, you can try mountain bike riding, offroading, canyoneering or rafting on the Colorado River. There are companies throughout Moab that offer all sorts of outdoor adventures. This jetboat tour looks fun, as does this dinner cruise.

Best hikes in Island in the Sky, Canyonlands National Park

• Mesa Arch (0.5 miles, easy)
• Grand View Point Trail (2 miles, easy)
• Neck Spring (5.8 miles, moderate)
• Gooseberry Trail (5.4 miles, strenuous)

Day 7: Capitol Reef National Park and back to Salt Lake City

Driving time: 5.5 hours / 369 miles

On the last day of this Utah national parks road trip, return to Salt Lake City via Capitol Reef National Park. As the smallest of the five Utah national parks, you can easily drive through it via the 9-mile scenic drive and stop off to do shorter hikes. We only spent a few hours here, the shortest visit of our trip.

The park also has an old Mormon mission and you can stop by the historic Gifford Homestead to enjoy a fruit pie in the shaded grounds. The perfect sweet way to finish your Utah national park itinerary!

Best hikes in Capitol Reef National Park

• Sunset Point Trail (0.4 miles one-way, easy)
• Hickman Bridge Trail (0.9 miles one-way, moderate)
• Chimney Rock Trail (3.6 miles, strenuous)
• Rim Overlook Trail (2.3 miles, strenuous)

Hotels near Capitol Reef National Park

If you do decide to stay longer than a few hours or one day, there are a few hotels near Capitol Reef National Park.

• For something truly unique, book a night in a Conestoga wagon! Peek out your wagon at Capitol Reef Resort in the morning for stunning red rock views. Or, choose from luxury teepees and cabins. There’s also a heated pool and hot tub, and Capitol Reef National Park is only 5 miles away. Check prices and availability | Read reviews online
• Broken Spur Inn and Steakhouse (located in Torrey) is a simple hotel only a 10-minute drive to the entrance of Capitol Reef National Park. Check availability and make a booking online | Read reviews online

Airbnbs near Capitol Reef National Park

There are Airbnbs near Capitol Reef, including:

• This cute cabin is great for couples or small families
• This spacious house in the nearby town of Teasdale

Finally, return your campervan in Salt Lake City – 7 days in Utah goes by quickly! Now, go make your friends jealous with all your stunning photos of your Utah national parks road trip!

Best time to visit Utah national parks

We visited in early June and found it to be a great time to visit the Utah Mighty 5 – just before school vacation so the crowds were not quite in full force, and the weather was warm and sunny, but not yet suffocatingly hot. When planning your Utah national parks itinerary, keep the following in mind:

Spring and autumn / fall

These are the best seasons to visit the national parks in Utah – but also the most popular. Temperatures are milder, so hikes will be more manageable, but you’ll have to battle the crowds.

Summer

It goes without saying that summer is the hottest time to visit the national parks of Utah, with temperatures creeping toward 100 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius). If you must visit during these months, plan your visit carefully and aim to hike either early in the morning or late in the afternoon. And always have plenty of water with you.

Winter

The winter months can bring temperatures below freezing at night – and snow. I’ve seen photos of some of the national parks during winter and it looks stunning with snow-dusted peaks and few crowds, but make sure to come with adequate winter clothing.

What to pack for a Utah national parks road trip

When you’re visiting the national parks in Utah, come prepared. Here are a few items I’d recommend packing, and I have a longer road trip packing list guide with more ideas:

• I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again – an America the Beautiful annual pass to save you tonnes of money!
• A cell phone mount will be helpful for navigating. Remember to download maps as you’ll encounter areas without service.
• Alternatively, order a hard copy of a Utah national parks road trip map via the Visit Utah website
• Bring a good backpack for all your gear, and a daypack for hiking.
• Use a water bladder to stay hydrated while tackling the hiking trails.
• Pack sturdy hiking boots or trail running shoes (my preference). 
• Don’t forget plenty of sunscreen! It gets hot out here, and the sun can be brutal, even in winter.
• If you’re travelling in a campervan like we did or camping in Utah national parks, you may go several days without a shower (pee-yew!). Pack some body wipes to stay fresh.
• If you’re camping or in an RV, pack a power inverter to keep your electronics charged while you’re driving.
• Don’t forget a good first aid kit.
• Pick up a copy of the Lonely Planet guide to Southwest USA or Lonely Planet’s national parks guidebook so that you can learn more about Utah. 
• You’ll need a great camera for all the photos you’ll be taking. Check out this Sony A6300 which takes amazing photos and videos. (I bought this camera after our Utah road trip, though, so you’ll need to look at other blog posts (like this one) to get an idea of the quality of photos it takes.)

For everything else you’ll need to bring, check out this packing list for camping in the national parks.

Have you visited Utah? Which is your favourite national park? Let me know in the comments below.

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