road trip colorado utah arizona

10 Days. 1,900 Miles. 9 Icons of the West.

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These stunning sites took millions of years to create, but you can see them all in just ten days. It's the Grand Circle Tour, expertly guided by Southern Utah Scenic Tours.

Did you know that between southern Utah, northern Arizona and southeast Colorado there are seven national parks? That's right — seven. And that's not including all the natural areas that are more than worthy of park-hood, like Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon, Lake Powell and the Colorado Rockies (the mountain range, not the baseball team).

Did you also know that you can see all of these parks and places in just 10 days? And you don't have to go it alone, either. Sure, you can do the tour on your own, but why spend time wondering where you’re going to stay/park/eat when you could spend that time wondering about rock formations and what it was like when dinosaurs roamed? That's where the experts at Southern Utah Scenic Tours come in.

Let them do the legwork, so you can relax and just focus on the experience. And of course, we mean the planning legwork. They’re not going to carry you on the hikes. We don't think.

Day 1: Zion National Park

Your tour begins in St. George, Utah, although many visitors to the region choose to fly into Las Vegas. When you book with SUST, your guide will happily make the two-hour drive to shuttle you from the Vegas airport to your accommodations in St. George. The next day, the official first day, you’ll explore Zion National Park, visiting landmarks like Angels Landing, the Great White Throne and the Court of the Patriarchs. That night you’ll stay in the neighboring town of Springdale, where you'll be treated to a "get-acquainted" dinner with your guide and tour mates.

Day 2: Grand Canyon National Park

Yes, the Grand Canyon is all it’s cracked up to be (get it?), and the drive from Zion is spectacular in its own right. On your way to the Grand Canyon's North Rim, you’ll drive through the Zion tunnel, see Checkerboard Mesa and pass by countless mesmerizing rock and sand formations.

Upon arrival, you’ll walk along the rim and enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic overlook (with a capital S ... and CENIC). An afternoon of exploration is followed by a trip to Page, Arizona for dinner and sleep.

Day 3: Lake Powell –Antelope Canyon – Page, Arizona

This area will add a massive splash of azure blue to all your trip’s red, orange and yellow. You’ll begin with a float trip down the Colorado River just below Glen Canyon Dam, finding a new way to appreciate the waters that carved out the Grand Canyon and look up at cliffs that start to rival it in size. Then, local Navajo guides will lead you on a trip through Antelope Canyon, the most photographed slot canyon in the world. (You know, the one from the screensaver.) Time permitting, you'll end the day with a tour of Glen Canyon Dam.

Day 4: Horseshoe Bend and Monument Valley

After breakfast, your group will walk out to Horseshoe Bend on the Colorado River. You might remember it from your float yesterday (although it looks different from above). Safety tip: be sure to emember to pick up your jaw before the walk back. Next, it’s time to drive through Monument Valley, aka the desert road Forrest Gump ran on (you can stay in the car). You’ll get a full tour of this incredible tribal park from the native Navajo, and have plenty of time to photograph the famous East and West Mittens.

Day 5: Mesa Verde National Park and Four Corners

You know it’s corny, but admit it — you still want to stand in four states at once. At the Four Corners Monument , your wish is your guide's command. Enjoy some time at this cartographic anomaly before picking a state (Colorado) and heading to Mesa Verde National Park . You’ll see the famous Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings and even tour “Cliff Palace" (depending on availability). You’ll have plenty of time to see the park's best-preserved sites and browse the museum. You’ll end the day in the quaint, mountain-meets-desert town of Durango, Colorado.

Day 6: Durango, the Silverton Railroad and Colorado's Rocky Mountains

All aboard! Day six starts with an old-fashioned steam engine train ride. You'll be treated to incredible views of the San Juan Mountains and the Animas River as you travel from Durango to Silverton, Colorado. After lunch, you’ll set out for one of the most scenic drives in the country, the Million-Dollar Highway, which travels through an area of Colorado often called "Little Switzerland" due to its sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains. Later, you'll stop in the old mining town of Ouray for ice cream before heading to Moab, Utah for the night.

Day 7: Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point

You'll start the day at Arches National Park looking at, you guessed it, arches . That includes the A-list arches of license plate and welcome sign fame, plus a bunch you never knew existed. It's all thanks to your guide , who'll be like family by now (or at the very least have a fun nickname). After Arches you’ll enjoy views of desert canyons and the Colorado River (it's like it's following you) at Dead Horse Point State Park and the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park.

Day 8: Capitol Reef National Park

From Moab, you'll drive to the sprawling, wild and uncrowded beauty of Capitol Reef National Park. At this underrated (and previously underwater) park, you'll l get a glimpse at unusual rock formations like petrified deserts and ancient sea floors. Capitol Reef might not any have iconic features like Bryce Canyon's hoodoos or Arches' arches, but it does have something no other park on the tour has — pies. That's right, the historic Gifford House in the park sells hand pies made with fruit from the park's own orchards. Snack on one after lunch or save it for a post-hike treat back at your accommodations in nearby Torrey.

Day 9: Highway 12 and Bryce Canyon

After breakfast, you'll travel through red-rock cliffs and forested mountains on world-famous Highway 12, en route to your seventh national park in nine days. The grand finale of the Grand Circle is Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah's smallest but tallest park. Your guide will take you down into the canyon to walk among the hoodoos, but only if you want to (it's a long way back up). If not, the view from the rim trail ain't half bad. And by that we mean one of the best of your life.

Day 10: Bryce Canyon and Back to Las Vegas

Day 10 begins with another optional activity — sunrise over the hoodoos and spires of Bryce Canyon. Not an early riser? Try it out this time and you might be hooked. Although you definitely don't have sunrise colors like this back home. After tearful goodbyes to the your final national park, it’s time to head back to Las Vegas (which is not a national park). You'll travel along the scenic Cedar Mountain route, a drive we like to call Slot Canyons to Slot Machines.

Sound like a plan? Book your Grand Circle Tour with Southern Utah Scenic Tours today.

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The Grand Circle is the ultimate US Southwest road trip

Sep 14, 2020 • 6 min read

White Pocket at Vermilion Cliffs National Monument in Arizona © Getty Images

Driving the Grand Circle can take up to three weeks, but a spectacular eight-to-10 day portion centers around the Grand Canyon and features bold colors, fascinating geological shapes and textures and living history of our indigenous culture at every turn. Amidst views, hikes and grandeur, it includes stops in town for local art, cuisine and culture and where to sleep at night. Here’s how to hit the road for the best of the Southwest. 

The Grand Circle consists of five Southwestern states – Arizona , New Mexico , Colorado , Utah and Nevada – and has America’s largest concentration of national parks and monuments. It’s perfect for a majestic road trip of scenic byways, sheer cliffs, and purple, orange and indigo mesas. 

Parowan & Cedar City, Utah

Parowan is home to the first pioneer settlement in Utah, heritage museums, as well as famous landmarks such as the geometric petroglyphs at Parowan Gap. These ancient symbols were carved into cliff faces along the same path that local people have used for centuries. 

Take a 23 minute drive “downtown” to Cedar City, Utah, and relax after hiking with a wine tasting at IG Winery & Tasting Room , featuring world-class signature blends. Be sure to try one of the famous cinnamon rolls in Parowan Cafe , which are made fresh every morning and can sell out by lunch.  

Kanab, Utah  

Both Parowan and Kanab, Utah, are ideal basecamps for the Grand Circle’s natural wonders. 

One of them, Peekaboo Slot Canyon is a 10-minute drive from Kanab and needs an arranged tour. It is less crowded than the more well-known slot canyon at Upper Antelope (your next stop), but requires some rock scrambling, including about a 12ft hike to enter. The narrow, swirled arches are carved out of sandstone created by centuries of water rushing and are every shade of orange, depending on the sunlight.

Head to “downtown” Kanab for dinner at Rocking V , an eclectic art gallery/cafe for creative dishes. Sleep at Red Canyon cabin, which is set in a quiet area on the edge of town, but close enough to walk to the visitor center. 

If you can afford it, splurge on a flightseeing trip in the morning to get to your next destination for an incredible air tour of Lake Powell and Horseshoe Bend and endless views of erosion-sculpted deep gorges weaving in and out of the shimmering blue lake.  

Upper Antelope Canyon: Page, AZ 

Page is located directly on Lake Powell. Just four miles out of town is the most photographed slot canyon in the world, Upper Antelope Canyon ( currently closed ). Reservations are required here with a licensed guide , and tours are limited. The soft polished red sandstone has swirls of red, white, tan and pink and the walls glow as the dust particles drift in the shafts of sunlight. It’s highly Instagrammable and simply stunning.  

Grab dinner at Lake Powell Resort and Marina’s waterfront spot, Driftwood for views, high-end burgers, and sustainable seafood. Book a lakefront room for lodging, a small Native American inspired room loaded with upscale amenities and chairs on the patio to enjoy the lake’s breathtaking sunset views. 

Grand Canyon, AZ

At last, your centerpiece. The Grand Canyon is 277 miles long and over a mile deep from the river to the rim in some spots – the largest canyon in the world. If you like, you can bicycle around the edge, or simply hike the many trails. 

Highlights on the Southern Rim include Desert View Point and Watchtower, Moran, Lipan and Grandview Point. As you gaze at the scenery, make sure to take a look around at the viewpoint buildings too, such as the 70ft tall Desert View Watchtower ( currently closed ), designed by architect Mary Colter . Arrive before 11am for cooler temperatures, less traffic and fewer lines.

Drive downtown to Grand Canyon Village and dine at the internationally recognized 117-year-old El Tovar located in the historic hotel. Many a president and celebrity has dined here. Sleep at Yavapai Lodge in the national park, which lets you walk or bus about a mile to the South Rim. 

Flagstaff, AZ

Drive 30 miles on historic Route 66 to get to the Wupatki National Monument , an old Indian cliff dwelling between the Painted Desert and Ponderosa highlands, outcropped on red rock across miles of prairie. 

Only a mile out of town is where dwarf planet Pluto was discovered, the 125-year-old Lowell Observatory ( open only to private groups ). This is the world’s first International Dark Sky City. Gaze at the sea of stars, moon and planets for night or day tours.

Just off Route 66,  grab dinner at Tourist Home All Day Cafe , a renovated 1926 house, for an upscale Hash Bowl and drive less than a mile to sleep at Hotel Monte Vista another 20’s era landmark replete with live music, all day happy hour, two swanky lounges, lots of ghost stories and a room as charming as the historic lobby.  

Sedona is a well-known crystal and art lover’s New Age healing paradise, but it’s also an outdoor haven surrounded by 1.8 million acres of national forest. Amidst red-rock buttes, steep canyon walls and pine forests are numerous trailheads in the city to access Sedona’s stunning red rocks.

Drive seven miles south of uptown Sedona and start at Bell Rock for its bell-shaped striped earth-toned mesas. There is a vortex, said to be a zone of spiritual healing energy, near the breathtaking Chapel of the Holy Cross built by owner and rancher Marguerite Brunswig Staude which sits high atop the red rocks.

Sleep at Sky Ranch Lodge for the best views of the city and walk to Mesa Grill for southwestern inspired cuisine and stellar skyline views. Don’t leave without crystals and jewelry from the outdoor mall, Tlaquepaque.   

Driving into this small town you will see some of the most spectacular views in Arizona. Then, downtown is art gallery hopping, or a juicy ghost tour as Jerome was once the “wickedest town in the West” with brothels, opium dens and saloon gun fights replete with potential paranormal phenomenon.

Founded in 1876 and once a copper mining boom town of 15,000 it turned into virtual ghost town (population: 50 people) after the mines closed in 1953. Artists moved in and now the winding switchback streets are now filled with painters, writers, musicians and historians.

Eat at the Haunted Hamburger , for local draft beers, cocktails and supposedly hammer-yielding ghosts. Stay at the perhaps spirit-filled former hospital Jerome Grand Hotel with gorgeous views, gilded artwork, burgundy walls, fine dining and captivating views. Get up in the morning for your last stop. 

Prescott, AZ

This mile-high city lies in the middle of pinon pine-covered Prescott National Forest, and has more than 15 distinctive hiking and biking trails where you can stretch your legs. Definitely hike Thumb Butte which is only a three and a half mile drive from downtown, but can get crowded. Parts are steep, but there are panoramic views of the city and neighboring mountains.

For a waterfront oasis, you can fish and boat at Watson Lake , which is only a four miles from downtown. Head back downtown for art, performances and dining – we recommend Murphy’s Prescott for elegant but moderately priced seafood. Sleep at the historic Grand Highland Hotel as it sits on Whiskey Row, which is just as famous as the town. 

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Now's the time to plan a fall road trip to these national parks The Grand Canyon: how to get the most from a short trip National Parks: Top 10 US travel experiences

This article was first published January 2020 and updated September 2020

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Perfect Arizona Utah Road Trip – Bucket List Southwest Itinerary

Nov 1, 2023

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I'm a travel creator and influencer coach based out of Arizona. This blog is where I share the best itineraries for US & beyond, 63 US National Parks , and influencer tips . Read More About Me ⟶

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Imagine a world with endless sunrises and sunsets that are so beautiful they leave you feeling enchanted and unworthy of their presence all at the same time (kidding). The only world capable of this magical kind of spell is the USA Southwest. And if you’ve never been to this part of the States before, there’s no better introduction to some Southwest magic than a proper Arizona Utah road trip. 

As an Arizona resident, I’ve done a Phoenix to Utah road trip or two or ten, and I am so excited to present you with the ultimate AZ, UT itinerary!

Who knows, maybe you’ll love it so much that you’ll find yourself moving here ;). 

This trip is special because it it comprised of a Utah National Parks road trip and a Phoenix to Sedona to Grand Canyon National Park trip—both of which I have blogs on!

Let’s not waste any more time! Before getting into the Utah Arizona road trip itinerary, I want to take a minute to discuss a few planning “must-knows.”

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Disclaimer: Hey explorer! This post contains affiliate links which means I earn a small percentage of each purchase made through my links. I only ever recommend products I believe in and appreciate your support if you decide to use my links—thank you!

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Planning Your Road Trip Itinerary

When planning, you’ll want to keep the below details in mind.

• 🌵 When to Go:  Winter to early summer is a great time to road trip Utah and Arizona. Winter may require some extra prep, but it’s a gorgeous time to visit!
• ⏰ Trip Length:  10 days
• ✈️ Fly:  For the best tickets, check  KAYAK . Fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor (a popular choice).
• 🚗 Rental Car:   KAYAK  can also help you find cheap rental cars! You will not need a 4×4 for this trip.
• 🚐 Rental Campervan: Want a campervan instead? You can rent one using Outdoorsy .
• 🏨 Stay:  We’ll cover where to stay too.
• 🎟 Park Fees:  You will be visiting national parks on this trip. The standard entrance fee is about $35 per park. To save, snag the  America The Beautiful Pass  ($79.99).

It’s worth noting that while you might be able to do this trip in less than 10 days, you’ll end up rushing through it!

A 10 day itinerary will give you enough time to actually enjoy all the attractions we discuss.

Utah Arizona Road Trip Itinerary at a Glance + Map

• Day 1 – Sedona
• Day 2 – Monument Valley and Valley of the Gods
• Day 3 – Moab, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park
• Day 4 – Moab, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park
• Day 5 – Capitol Reef National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park
• Day 6 – Zion National Park and Page, AZ
• Day 7 – Grand Canyon National Park
• Day 8 – Flagstaff and Phoenix, AZ
• Day 9 – Phoenix and Scottsdale, AZ
• Day 10 – Depart

Here’s what your route will look like!

Click here to view a live version of the map!

You will be hitting the best National Parks in Utah and Arizona, so no need to fret about that!

Below, each day is split into morning, afternoon, and evening itineraries, complete with specifics on places to see. 

Day 1 — Phoenix to Sedona, AZ

• Total Drive Time: 2 Hours
• Time Exploring: 1 Day
• Stay: Courtyard Marriott, Sedona , Baby Quail Inn
• Eat: Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Kitchen Sedona , Whole Foods, Casa Sedona , Elote Cafe
• Fees: Red Rock Pass ($5) or America The Beautiful Pass

Morning & Afternoon

Once you’ve landed in Phoenix and picked up your rental car , start making your 2 hour drive up to Sedona.

This is where you will spend the night and your first day in AZ before continuing up your road trip from Arizona to Utah!

When you get there, you can head off on a Sedona hike. There are some fantastic trails in Sedona.

Below is a quick list of my favorites:

• Birthing Cave – One of the best caves in Sedona and relatively easy to get to. The hike is 1.5 miles round trip. 
• Sugarloaf Summit – 1.6 mile round trip hike to the top of a beautiful mountain that’s perfect for sunrise!

If you want to do something a bit different, you can book a tour!

Below are some popular choices for your day in Sedona:

• Pink Jeep Tour – Go off-roading in Sedona in, you guessed it, a pink jeep!
• Hot Air Balloon Ride – Book a sunrise hot air balloon ride to see Sedona in all its golden light glory!
• Sedona Helicopter Tour – Perfect for adventure lovers and thrill-seekers who want to see Sedona from a different perspective. 

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You can certainly end your day with a Sedona sunset hike , but I say opt to watch the sunset at Airport Mesa vortex for ease.

This beautiful 360 vortex is extremely easy to get to. 

You’ll park in the designated lot and take a .1 mile (if that) path to a plateau where you’ll be greeted with a 360 view of Sedona. Pick a spot to watch the sunset and enjoy! 

Wanderer Tip: Alternatively, you can check out Cathedral Rock Vortex .

Day 2 — Monument Valley, Valley of the Gods, Moab, UT

• Total Drive Time: 6 Hours
• Stay: Under Canvas Moab
• Eat: Moab Diner , Quesadilla Mobilla , Desert Bistro
• Fees: Monument Valley entry ($20)

From Sedona, make the 3 and a half-hour drive to Monument Valley. If you’re feeling super adventurous, you can get here for sunrise, which is one of the prettiest times to be there!

Monument Valley is where you can see the famous “Forrest Gump Road.”

You can also see the large mitten-like formations towering over the Arizona Utah border.

Because Monument Valley is a Navajo Tribal Park, you must comply with park rules and regulations. 

Wanderer Tip: I recommend visiting  NavajoNationParks.org  to read into the hours and the current vehicle restrictions for the famous 17-mile loop road through the Valley!

Next up is Valley of the Gods !

Valley of the Gods is a scenic sandstone formation area located in Mexican Hat, Utah.

The drive here from Monument Valley is about an hour. 

You’ll enter a dirt road that takes you through the Valley when you arrive.

It’s a gorgeous place to explore and admire Utah’s famous views!

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The drive to Moab, Utah will be about 3 hours.

Moab is home to some Utah National Parks like Arches and Canyonlands.

Once you arrive here, you’ll stay in Moab for 2 days before setting off again!

Wanderer Tip: Spend your first evening getting something to eat and settling in.

Days 3 & 4 — Moab, Arches, Canyonlands

• Total Drive Time: You’ll be getting a break from driving!
• Time Exploring: 2 Days
• Fees: National Park entry ($35 each) or America The Beautiful Pass

Morning to Evening (Arches National Park)

A visit to Arches will be a great intro to all the UT Park goodness to come.

Here are some things to do in the park:

• Hike to Delicate Arch
• Visit the Windows Section
• Get a permit for Fiery Furnace
• Visit Sand Dune Arch

You can spend an entire day exploring these attractions and the surrounding Moab area.

Wanderer Tip: To help with your trip planning, I recommend reading my one day in Arches guide.

Morning to Evening (Canyonlands National Park)

Here are some things to do in Canyonlands:

• Visit Mesa Arch
• Catch sunset at Grand View Point Overlook
• Admire Green River Overlook

To see the “best” of the park, you really only need a day in Canyonlands .

If you want to take things a step further, you can always plan for a more “unique” adventure like a packrafting trip .

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Morning to Evening (Optional Moab Adventures)

Moab is an adventure hub full of things to do.

Aside from the parks, I recommend checking out Dead Horse Point State Park for an epic sunset or sunrise!

But here are some great tours and excursions you can embark on, too:

• Packrafting and Canyoneering
• Horseback riding
• Mountain Biking
• Rock Climbing
• Off-roading

Wanderer Tip: You might find my complete Moab Utah travel guide helpful for this portion of your trip!

Day 5 — Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon

• Total Drive Time: 4 Hours 40 Minutes
• Stay: Under Canvas Bryce Canyon , Bryce Valley Lodging
• Eat: Try to do a grocery run near Moab because there are not many food options near Bryce Canyon!

At around the 2 hours and 30-minute mark is when you’ll get to Capitol Reef National Park!

When you arrive, I recommend stopping at the Gifford House and getting a fresh-baked item.

They have bread, pies, jellies—it’s pretty amazing. 

Wanderer Tip: Then if you’re up for it, you can drive the park’s Scenic Byway and take in some of the surrounding views. 

The drive to Bryce is about 2 hours from Capitol Reef National Park.

Once you arrive in the Bryce Canyon National Park area, you’ll see towering orange hoodoo formations that let you know you’re in the right place! 

You’ll most likely arrive in Bryce National Park during the late afternoon or just in time for sunset.

If so, head to Sunset Point before going to sleep!

If you have time, you can also hike the Navajo Loop! It’s a 3-mile trail that brings you into Bryce Canyon NP to get up close and personal with some of it’s famous rock formations.

Expect it to take about 2 hours to complete.

Wanderer Tip: If you don’t have time, you can save this trail for the morning or hike part of it!

Day 6 — Zion National Park to Page, Arizona

• Total Drive Time: 2 Hours and 30 Minutes OR 4 Hours (with Zion)
• Stay: Best Western in Page
• Eat: BirdHouse, Big John’s Texas BBQ, El Tapatio, Fiesta Mexicana
• Fees: National Park entry ($35) or America The Beautiful Pass

Morning (Optional)

Along your route to Page, AZ, you’ll pass Zion National Park. You can certainly stop here, but note that doing so will make your drive to Page 4 hours. 

You may want to extend your trip a day.

In that case, you’ll want to read my 2 day Zion National Park itinerary blog. 

Wanderer Tip:  On your way down from Bryce, you can stop in Kanab, UT, and try to get permits to explore The Wave. 

Afternoon & Evening

Page is full of texture and wide-open landscapes that you can’t miss!

Some of the best activities in Page, AZ can be accessed by booking a tour .

So here are some tours in Page, AZ that are worth your time! 

• Book a Lower Antelope Canyon Tour — Explore the rainbow-colored canyon walls of Lower Antelope Canyon or Upper Antelope Canyon. 
• Horseshoe Bend Overlook — Best at sunrise or sunset. Entry is $10. You can also book a helicopter flight over Horseshoe Bend for a different perspective!
• Jeep Tour — Explore more canyons and hidden gems in Page with a Jeep tour.
• Lake Powell — While you’re up this way, you can explore the Lake Powell surrounding area or Rainbow Bridge National Monument. 

Wanderer Tip: If you only have time for one thing, my suggestion would be to check Antelope Canyon off your list!

Day 7 — Grand Canyon National Park

• Total Drive Time: 2 Hours and 30 Minutes
• Stay: Under Canvas Grand Canyon
• Eat: In the park!

Morning to Evening

The South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park will be worth the stop.

The drive from Page is about 2 hours and 30 minutes. This will be your last major stop before heading back down to Phoenix. 

Once you arrive at the Grand Canyon National Park, surely you’ll want to explore a bit!

Here are some things to do when you get there:

• Hike Bright Angel Trail
• Hike over to Ooh Aah Point
• Book a helicopter tour over the Canyon
• Watch sunrise at Hopi Point
• Book a hiking tour

Wanderer Tip: If you want more details on how to best plan your day in the Grand Canyon, I suggest reading my Phoenix to Sedona to Grand Canyon trip blog!

Day 8 — Flagstaff, AZ to Phoenix, AZ

• Total Drive Time: 4 Hours
• Stay: Royal Palms Resort and Spa ,  The Scott Resort & Spa
• Eat: Canal Club, Diego Pops

You’ll have about a 4 hour drive to PHX from the Grand Canyon, BUT as with all of the other long drive days, you’ll break it up!

At about the halfway point in your drive, you’ll reach Flagstaff .

Stop here for a coffee at Macy’s European Cafe! 

Wanderer Tip: If you’re up for a bit of detour, you can drive up the Snowbowl area to get a nice view of Flagstaff’s tallest mountain, Humphreys Peak, and the San Francisco Peaks!

Once you arrive back in the Phoenix area, you’ll probably be tired from all of your driving and might want to crash in your hotel.

BUT, if you’re up for exploring a bit more, stay in the Scottsdale area and explore some of the local outdoor spaces, hotels, and restaurants!

Scottsdale is about 15 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor airport, so staying here then flying out the next day won’t be a difficult journey!

Make sure you hit up the best Old Town Scottsdale happy hours when you arrive in the city!

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Day 9 — Phoenix & Scottsdale

• Total Drive Time: 30 to 40 Minutes

This is an optional day, but you can explore a bit before leaving while you’re back in the Phoenix area!

If you stay in here, there are some great day trips from Scottsdale that may be worth your time, like visiting Lake Pleasant, Superstition Mountains , Downtown Phoenix , and more!

These are all a 30 to 40 minute drive from the city.

Read Next: The Most Instagrammable Places in Phoenix

Day 10 — Wrapping Up Your Utah Arizona Road Trip Itinerary

Should you choose to spend a relaxing last day in Phoenix, you would then depart on day 10, concluding your Arizona Utah itinerary!

And that’s all folks! While you might not have gotten to see EVERYTHING in these Southwest states, hopefully this itinerary was enough to give you a little intro into all the amazingness just waiting for you in the desert!

If you enjoyed this blog, you’ll probably want to check out my other Southwest guides like my Phoenix Sedona Grand Canyon itinerary .

And with that, happy exploring :)!

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Planning my first trip to Utah and Arizona in April. I am from Georgia. Thanks for the great tips.

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I'm a burrito loving explorer who got fired from corporate America and turned that into my dream career as a photographer and blogger. Now I'm here to help you explore life's magic. Thanks for stopping by!

Join the Adventure: Start Your National Park Bucket List

National Park Bucket List

How to Plan a Grand Circle Road Trip to Utah and Arizona National Parks

This Grand Circle road trip features the best national parks and outdoorsy adventures in Utah and Arizona. 

The longest arch in the U.S., miles of slot canyons, winding river gorges, and otherworldly rock formations — it’s all a part of this Southwest national parks road trip. The Arizona and Utah border shares a landscape of desert plateaus, deep canyons, sandy dunes, and red rocks. Some of the best parts are preserved in over a dozen national and state parks. 

This Grand Circle road trip wraps six national parks into one epic Utah and Arizona itinerary, with tons of other recreation areas, scenic byways, and hiking trails along the way. This guide will help you map out the best route to see as much of it as possible, whether you’re planning a 7-day Southwest road trip or an extended vacation.

The included Grand Circle road trip itinerary has options for 7 to 14 days in Utah and Arizona. Plus, we’ve included a detailed bucket list of destinations you’ll want to target. After spending several weeks in the Southwest over the years, I’ve still barely scratched the surface of this breathtaking region. I know you’ll fall in love with it, too!

Southwest Grand Circle Map

This Grand Circle Map has tags for all the locations on the Southwest road trip below. Click to open a Google Map and save the destinations.

Grand Circle Road Trip Itinerary Options

These Grand Circle itineraries all start and end in Las Vegas since the city has an international airport close to the region. For more airport options, scroll down to the tips section at the end.

1 Week Grand Circle Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Las Vegas to Zion National Park Day 2: Zion to Bryce Canyon National Park Day 3: Bryce Canyon to Moab Day 4: Arches and Canyonlands National Parks Day 5: Moab to Monument Valley to Page Day 6: Page to Grand Canyon North or South Rim Day 7: Grand Canyon to Las Vegas

10 Day Grand Circle Itinerary

Day 1: Las Vegas to Zion National Park Day 2: Zion to Bryce Canyon National Park Day 3: Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef National Park via Byway 12 Day 4: Capitol Reef National Park to Moab Day 5: Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse State Park Day 6: Arches National Park Day 7: Moab to Monument Valley to Page Day 8: Page to Grand Canyon National Park Day 9: Grand Canyon South Rim or North Rim Day 10: Grand Canyon to Las Vegas

2 Week Grand Circle Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Las Vegas to Valley of Fire to Zion National Park Day 2: Zion National Park Day 3: Zion National Park or Grand Canyon North Rim Day 4: Bryce Canyon National Park Day 5: Kodachrome Basin to Capitol Reef National Park via Byway 12 Day 6: Capitol Reef National Park Day 7: Capitol Reef to Goblin Valley to Moab via Upper Colorado Scenic Byway Day 8: Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse State Park Day 9: Arches National Park Day 10: Moab to Natural Bridges National Monument to Goosenecks State Park Day 11: Valley of the Gods or Monument Valley to Page Day 12: Page to Grand Canyon South Rim or North Rim Day 13: Grand Canyon National Park Day 14: Grand Canyon to Las Vegas via Historic Route 66

The Grand Circle Road Trip Stops

These Grand Circle national parks, state parks, and scenic drives should be on your radar. While you’ll need 2 weeks to fit them all in, you can skip some on a shorter Southwest national parks road trip.

Valley of Fire State Park

Valley of Fire State Park is a must-see on the drive from Las Vegas to Zion National Park. It’s located about an hour outside the big city in Nevada.

On a short visit, drive Mouse’s Tank Road , where the pavement cuts through a red rock landscape before opening up to sweeping desert views. With a little more time, you can add on a few of the park’s short hikes. The Fire Wave Trail (1.5 miles, easy) has a huge sandstone formation with swirling stripes of red, pink, and white. The White Domes Loop (1 mile, easy) passes through a slot canyon and alongside domes and ridges splattered with colors.

Recommended time : Half to full day

Zion National Park

Zion is many people’s favorite Utah national park. It’s also the most visited one on this itinerary (yes, even more than the Grand Canyon). When you’re wading through a river staring up at soaring red and pink canyon walls, or climbing a narrow ridge that steeply drops a thousand feet to the valley below, it’s easy to see why.

Zion National Park isn’t only for adrenaline seekers, though. The scenic Zion-Mount Carmel Highway weaves through checkerboard hills and a historic tunnel before dropping to the canyon floor. And family-friendly walks along the river (try the Pa’rus Trail or Riverside Walk ) show off the landscape to mild adventurers.

If you’re able, though, don’t miss some of the bucket list hikes here. Two of the most popular are The Narrows trail (up to 10 miles, strenuous) in the Virgin River and the West Rim trail to Angel’s Landing (5.4 miles, permit required , strenuous). The Canyon Overlook Trail (1 mile, moderate) offers a view of Pine Creek Canyon. And the Emerald Pools trails (up to 3 miles, easy to moderate) lead to lower and upper waterfall basins. Most hikes are along the Floor of the Valley Road, which is closed to private vehicles from April through November. Allow extra time to park and ride the shuttle from the visitor center in Springdale.

With more than a couple of days here, don’t bypass the Kolob Canyon section of Zion. It’s 40 miles north of the Springdale entrance and less busy. Drive to the end of Kolob Canyon Road for the 1-mile Timber Creek Overlook Trail to a sweeping canyon view.

Recommended time : One to three days

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

Located near Kanab, Utah, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park makes a great stop between Zion and Bryce Canyon. The 1,200-acre park allows dune buggies and ATVs on the hills. You can also just hike and play in the soft sand.

Recommended time : One to three hours

Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its hoodoo rock spires that sometimes vaguely resemble people or objects. The sides of the main Bryce Canyon amphitheater are full of these orange stone figurines, with a forest of green to contrast the scene on the basin floor.

On a short visit, aim to catch the sunrise or sunset from a handful of lookouts along the rim. Sunset Point, Sunrise Point, Bryce Point, and Inspiration Point are the must-sees. With a half-day, you can add in a hike to the canyon floor. The Navajo Loop Trail (1.3 miles, moderate) winds down the Wall Street switchbacks and passes a hoodoo named Thor’s Hammer. The Queen’s Garden and Navajo Loop (2.9 miles, moderate) crosses through the canyon and by the regal Queen Victoria hoodoo.

For a full day of adventures in the park, start with a challenging morning hike of the Figure 8 Combination (6.4 miles, strenuous) which included the Queen’s Garden, Navajo Loop and Peekaboo Loop. Then, head down the 17-mile Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive to some lesser-visited lookouts like Rainbow Point and Bryce Natural Bridge.

Kodachrome Basin State Park

Neighboring Bryce Canyon, Kodachrome Basin State Park is known for its 67 sedimentary pipes, towering stone spires that rise from a rusty-tinted landscape. A couple of the trails here are open to hikers, bikers and horseback riders . Try the Grand Parade Trail (1.5 miles, easy) on the floor of the basin to see a pair of box canyons or the Panorama Trail (3 to 6 miles, easy to moderate) for the best overview of the park’s geological features. For an elevated view of the surroundings, hike the Angel’s Palace Trail (1.5 miles, easy to moderate) up 150 feet. Or, climb the Eagle’s View Trail (0.25 miles, strenuous) to a 500-foot-high panoramic vista.

Recommended time : Half a day

Scenic Drive: Highway 12

The dramatic landscape of Utah’s Scenic Byway 12 takes you from verdant valleys to sweeping canyons and along ridges at the tops of plateaus, covering an elevation range of 4,000 to 9,000 feet. Designated an All American Road by the U.S. Department of Transportation, the route runs for 124 miles between U.S. 89 near Panguitch and Bryce Canyon and State Road 24 in Torrey, Utah, near Capitol Reef National Park. 

Along the way are enough recreational, archaeological and scenic stops to keep you occupied for days. From here, you can access Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area , Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument , Kodachrome Basin State Park, and Anasazi State Park .

If you stretch this drive into a full day or two, some of the best destinations (besides the national parks) are Hole in the Rock Road outside Escalante for slot canyon hikes, Burr Trail Road to Singing Canyon, and the hike to Lower Calf Creek Falls (6 miles, moderate). Be sure to make a pit stop in Boulder for a burger and homemade pie at the Burr Trail Grill. 

Recommended time : Half a day to two days

Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park’s diverse features make it the perfect overview of the southern Utah landscape. Called a “wrinkle on the earth,” it’s on the Waterpocket Fold, where rock layers lift 7,000 feet to one side. The geologic features in the park include monoliths, domes, slot canyons, arches, bridges and gorges. Since the Freemont River runs through here, there’s also a contrasting verdant variety of orchards.

A day in the park is enough time for the 7-mile Capitol Reef Scenic Drive , with stops for a couple of hikes. The Capitol Gorge trail (1 to 2 miles, easy) leads to historic rock carvings. The Grand Wash trail (up to 4.4 miles, easy) winds through a narrow canyon. The Cassidy Arch trail (3.4 miles, strenuous) climbs up to a rock span. And the Cohab Canyon trail (3.4 miles, moderate) ends in a view over the orchards of Fruita. Hickman Bridge (1.8 miles, moderate) is another popular trek nearby off State Route 24.

You also don’t want to miss the historic town of Fruita , where you can see an old wooden schoolhouse dwarfed by towering canyon walls overhead, take photos of the old barn at the Gifford Homestead , taste homemade pie at the Gifford House, and seasonally pick heirloom fruit like cherries, peaches and apples from the orchards. Easy-to-reach lookouts like Sunset Point, Goosenecks Overlook and Panorama Point are the perfect spot to end the day.

With more time in the park, spend a full day driving the remote Cathedral Valley to see towering monolithic rocks. It takes about 6 to 8 hours for the full loop on an unpaved, rugged road.

Recommended time : One to two days

Goblin Valley State Park

The combination of an otherworldly landscape and remote location make Goblin Valley State Park seem like another planet. Some of the sandstone rock formations called “goblins” resemble mushrooms and others are taller hoodoos and spires.

The main feature, the Valley of Goblins , packs thousands of rocks into 3 square miles that you can explore freely. Unless you want to hike one of the four established park trails, you can spend less than a half-day here. 

But, consider staying overnight in the campground to experience the light-pollution-free Milky Way views at the certified Dark Sky Park. There are also a couple of yurts available to rent!

Recommended time : Half a day 

Scenic Drive: Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway

Spanning about 45 miles between Moab and Cisco, Utah, the Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway (State Route 128) follows the winding waterway through soaring canyons. While it’s slightly out of the way if you’re driving from Capitol Reef to Moab for Arches and Canyonlands national parks, the stunning route is worth a couple of extra hours of sightseeing.

If you have time to make stops, pause in Cisco for a ghost town, the Fishers Tower Trail (4.2 miles, moderate) for massive rock formations, JJ’s Mercantile for snacks and souvenirs, and the Moab Museum of Film and Western Heritage to see film memorabilia and backdrops. There are also spots to stop and picnic.

Arches National Park

With over 2,000 stone arches, plus pinnacles, balanced rocks, spires and other intriguing geologic features, Arches National Park outside of Moab is a must-see on a Grand Circle road trip. A timed reservation is required to visit between April and early October. Tickets open three to four months in advance.

Plan for at least a full day in the park if you like to hike. Most trailheads are along the 17-mile Arches Scenic Drive . You can pull over at lookouts like the Courthouse Towers, Balanced Rock, Panorama Point and the Fiery Furnace Overlook. 

With a full day in the park, start at the end of the road for the Devil’s Garden area hikes to Landscape Arch (1.9 miles, easy), the longest one in North America at 306 feet, or Double O Arch (4.1 miles, strenuous). You can make a few quick stops during the middle of the day to spots like Skyline Arch (0.4 miles, easy), Broken Arch (1.2 miles, easy), Sand Dune Arch (0.3 miles, easy), Double Arch (0.5 miles, easy), and the North and South Windows and Turret Arch loop (1 mile, easy). The Windows and Double Arch are in the same area and quick to see if you’re short on time.

You don’t want to leave the park without seeing the 46-foot-high Delicate Arch , freestanding on a sloping red-rock face. The accessible Lower Viewpoint and the Upper Viewpoint (0.5-mile hike, moderate) are the easiest ways to see it from afar. But, adventurous travelers should plan to hike the Delicate Arch Trail (3 miles, strenuous) to the base of the formation. This makes the perfect sunset viewing spot to end the day. Recommended time : One to two days

Canyonlands National Park

The least visited of Utah’s national parks, Canyonlands has four separate districts formed by the Colorado River and Green River. Most visitors head for the Island in the Sky district 30 miles from Moab, or the Needles , 75 miles away. The others are a bit more remote.

On a Grand Circle road trip that only allows a day for Canyonlands, stick to Island in the Sky area. Here, you can drive Grand View Point Road on the mesa top to viewpoints 1,000 feet above the river canyon. Pull over for the Shafer Canyon Overlook, Buck Canyon Overlook, Green River Overlook, and Grand View Point.

With a full day, there’s time to hit some of the park’s shorter trails to spots like the popular Mesa Arch (0.5 miles, easy), which sits on a cliff’s edge, Upheaval Dome (1 to 2 miles, moderate) to peek inside a crater, Whale Rock (1 mile, moderate), a sandstone dome, and Grand View Point (2 miles, easy), along the canyon rim.

In a four-wheel-drive vehicle, you can take the unpaved and winding Shafer Canyon Road 1,500 feet down a cliff. At the bottom, take Potash Road past a gooseneck of the Colorado River below Dead Horse Point State Park and Thelma and Louise Point (where the famous movie ending was filmed) back toward Moab. The drive takes a least a couple of hours. Recommended time : One to two days

Dead Horse Point State Park

A gooseneck wrap of the Colorado River forms the dramatic view at Dead Horse Point State Park. Located outside Moab, it’s down a side road on the way to Canyonlands and pairs well with the park.

Plan to visit around sunset to take in the view from the Dead Horse Point Overlook . Or, allow a couple of hours for trails along the rim.

Recommended time : Two to three hours

Natural Bridges National Monument

Though it’s only a couple of hours south of Arches, Natural Bridges National Monument gets less than 5% of the annual visitors that the national park does. This means far fewer crowds to see the sandstone spans at this park in southern Utah.

The main feature here is the trio of bridges named for the ancestral Puebloans who once lived in the area. Sipapu, Kachina, and Owachomo are all visible from easy-to-reach viewpoints along a 9-mile scenic drive. If you have a few hours to spend here, consider hiking to the base of a couple of them.

The path to Owachomo , the thinnest and likely oldest in the park, is only about half a mile. It’s about 1.5 miles roundtrip to 268-foot-long Sipapu and 1.4 miles on a strenuous trail to the thick Kachina . A 12-mile primitive and challenging route over mesas and through canyons connects all three. Recommended time : Half to full day

Scenic Drive: Moki Dugway

Highway 261 is both the quickest route from Natural Bridges down to Monument Valley on the Arizona border and a bucket-list drive. The Moki Dugway, a 3-mile dirt-road section carved into a cliff, narrowly twists down switchbacks at a 10% grade. 

While it sounds dangerous, the drive is doable for most smaller vehicles, but not RVs. It has a great pullout spot that overlooks the Valley of the Gods below and Monument Valley in the distance.

The road is part of the Trail of the Ancients National Scenic Byway in the Four Corners regions of southeastern Utah and southwestern Colorado.

Recommended time : Less than an hour

Goosenecks State Park

Just outside the town of Mexican Hat, Utah, Goosenecks State Park is named for a pair of U-shaped bends of the San Juan River. Standing high above the rust-tinted water on the cliff rim, you can see it twisting around the layered canyon below.

It’s a quick stop just to take in the view, but the park also has primitive campsites along the rim.

Recommended time : One to two hours

Valley of the Gods

A quieter alternative with a similar landscape to Monument Valley, Valley of the Gods is 35 miles north in Utah. The 17-mile drive here is on unpaved roads with no services. Along the way, you can witness large sandstone formations named for their shapes, like Castle Butte, Battleship Rock, and the Seven Sailors.

The monoliths and pinnacles here are a little less dramatic than the ones in Monument Valley, but there are far fewer visitors and the experience feels more wild and remote. There are a few places for primitive car camping along the way.

The drive is located within the Bear Ears National Monument , under the cooperative management of five local Tribes, the USDA Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management. 

Recommended time : Two to four hours

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

Red stone monoliths, buttes, mesas and pinnacles poke up hundreds of feet from the desert floor in Monument Valley . Hugging the border of Arizona and Utah, the park has been extensively featured in film and on social media, drawing crowds to a 17-mile driving loop on the Navajo Nation. 

Vehicles can enter on a first-come, first-served basis, or you can book a tour to go further off the beaten path. 

Recommended time : Two hours to half a day

Page and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

You could spend a whole week in Page, Arizona, hiking through slot canyons, boating on Lake Powell, and exploring the remote reaches of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. 

Aside from the lake and Glen Canyon Dam, the town is best known for Horseshoe Bend , where a short hike leads to a view of the Colorado River wrapped in a U-shape around a canyon, and Antelope Canyon , where narrow slot canyons weave through copper-colored sandstone walls. The canyons are only accessible with a guided tour, so schedule a visit in advance to Upper Antelope Canyon, Lower Antelope Canyon, or the less-crowded Antelope Canyon X. 

The 1.25 million-acre Glen Canyon National Recreation Area sweeps through this area and across the border into Utah with endless options for water activities and remote recreation in the backcountry. Rainbow Bridge National Monument , one of the more popular destinations, is about a 50-mile boat ride from Page. 

Recommended time : Half a day to two days or more

Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Circle road trip can include the northern or southern rim of the Grand Canyon (or both) to finish up a loop of Utah and Arizona national parks. The two destinations in Grand Canyon National Park are about 21 miles apart via the footpaths into the canyon, but driving from one to the next is a 220-mile trip. For this reason, most people opt for the popular South Rim, while the North Rim receives just 10% of the annual park visitors.

Grand Canyon North Rim

If you want a less crowded experience at the highest overlooks in the park, the Grand Canyon North Rim is the way to go. Start near the visitor center at Bright Angel Point , where a short but steep path leads to an overlook. You can continue from there on the Transept Trail (up to 4 miles, moderate) for more vantage points along the rim. Next, drive Point Imperial Road and Cape Royal Road to several lookouts, including the highest overlook in the park at 8,803-foot Point Imperial and a view of the Colorado River and Angel’s Window rock formation at Cape Royal (0.8 miles, easy). Other stops on the way include Roosevelt Point, the ancestral Puebloan ruins at the Walhalla Overlook, and Vista Encantada, a great picnic spot.

If you want to hike into the canyon from this rim, the North Kaibab Trail is the only path down. You should start early in the morning to avoid crowds and maximize your time. It’s 14.2 miles each way, but for a day hike you can just walk a couple of miles down or turn around at the Supai Tunnel rest stop (3.4-miles, moderate). Going back up generally takes twice as long as walking down, so plan accordingly and don’t overextend yourself.

The road to the North Rim is only open with full services between May 15 and October 15. 

Recommended time : One day

Grand Canyon South Rim

With miles of trails and overlooks along the rim, and a pair of paths stretching all the way to the canyon floor, the Grand Canyon National Park South Rim is full of things to do.

There are three primary zones in this park, the Grand Canyon Village and visitor center area near the entrance, Hermit Road to the west, and Desert View Drive to the east. For a short and low-adventure visit, you can check out the view near the visitor center from Mather Point and Yavapai Point and walk some of the Trail of Time (2.8 miles, easy), a rim route with geological exhibits. 

With at least a half or full day, you can check out the other two areas. The 7-mile Hermit Road has nine official overlooks and is closed to private vehicles for most of the year. Ride the free hop-on, hop-off shuttle and stop as many times as you want on the ride out to Hermits Rest, which has restrooms and a snack shop at the final lookout. Hopi Point and Mohave Point on this route are popular for sunset, and the final three lookouts between Monument Creek and Hermits Rest) are connected on a 2.8-mile (each way) paved trail for walking or biking. 

Desert View Drive spans nearly 25 miles between Grand Canyon Village and the East Entrance of the park. If you drive in this way from northern Arizona, you can stop at the Desert View area for a 1932 stone tower and observation deck plus amenities like a market, ice cream shop and gas station. Elsewhere along the road are about 10 designated overlooks, many with views of the Colorado River below. The shuttle does not go down this road, so it’s less crowded than other sections of the park.

Hikers should plan to spend at least two days in the park to try out parts of the Rim Trail (13 miles one way), which incorporates the trail of time and Hermit Road vistas, or to hike into the canyon on the South Kaibab Trail (6.8 miles one way) or Bright Angel Trail (9.3 miles one way). You should not attempt to make it to the floor and back in one day unless you’ve trained for it. Instead, aim for turn-around spots like Ceder Ridge (3 miles roundtrip, moderate) on the South Kaibab or Indian Garden (9 miles roundtrip, strenuous) on the Bright Angel.

Scenic Drive: Old Route 66

If you visit the Grand Canyon South Rim on this Southwest road trip, take old Route 66 back towards Las Vegas. The road diverts from Interstate 40 between Kingman and Ash Fork in Arizona and takes a couple of hours to drive. Along the historic route, you’ll pass abandoned gas stations, a couple of retro diners and saloons, and colorful roadside attractions like a giant green head sculpture.

Planning Tips for the Grand Circle National Parks

Where do you fly into for a Grand Circle road trip in Arizona and Utah?

The Grand Circle road trip loop above starts and ends from the airport in Las Vegas , Nevada, which is about 3 hours from Zion National Park and less than 5 from Grand Canyon National Park. The full 2-week southwest road trip itinerary would be approximately 23 hours of driving, not counting the scenic drives within the national parks.

Another option is to fly into Salt Lake City , Utah, and make a Grand Circle national parks loop starting in Bryce Canyon and doing the rest of the trip in order but ending in Zion for about a 26-hour Southwest road trip. 

There is also an international airport in Phoenix , which would allow you to add Sedona onto the Southwest road trip loop on the way to the Grand Canyon. That drive would be 25-plus hours.

How many days do you need for a Southwest national parks road trip? 

I recommend at least a 2-week Grand Circle road trip itinerary to hit all the destinations mentioned above. Even that amount of time will only give you a day in some parks. If you can only swing a week or 10 days, you’ll either have to cut out stops, briefly sightsee at some of the parks, or stick to shorter hikes. The Grand Circle itinerary options at the top of this post will give you an idea of what you can fit into different amounts of time.

How much does the Southwest Grand Circle road trip cost?

How much you spend on a Utah and Arizona road trip will vary widely depending on factors like flying and renting a car versus driving in your own vehicle or staying in hotels versus camping.

Grand Circle Road Trip Budget Tips

• Purchase an America the Beautiful pass for a year of admission to all the national parks. • Avoid booking hotels in the more expensive and popular areas like Springdale near Zion National Park and Moab near Arches National Park. • Rent a campervan to combine the costs of a rental car and hotel. • Book hotels and campsites a few months in advance for the cheapest options. • Look for hostels and cabins in RV parks to save on hotels. • Grocery shop instead of eating out for every meal (it’s more practical to have picnic lunches most days, anyway). 

What is the best time of year for a Grand Circle road trip?

April through October is the busy tourist season for most national parks road trips in the Southwest, with peaks in summer. Summer is also very hot at the lower desert elevations and late summer is monsoon season, a dangerous time for hiking in slot canyons.

Fall and spring are ideal for a Grand Circle road trip, with temperate conditions for hiking. To avoid the crowds, aim for March , April, October, and November and skip school holiday times like Spring Break and Memorial Day, and Labor Day weekends.

Winter can be a great time to visit for lower prices on hotels, but some roads and trails may be icy or closed. These are 10 of the best national parks in January !

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Voyages with Val

7 Day Utah Arizona Road Trip- Southwest National Parks Itinerary

When you think of an  American Southwest road trip  what comes to mind? My mind instantly goes too long stretches of highway surrounded by the beautiful desert landscape. America’s stunning natural beauty is on display all around you, and there is a feeling of pure freedom that can only come from being on a road trip with endless possibilities for adventure. Utah and Arizona contain some of the best and most unique views in all of North America, and a road trip is the best way to experience them. Plan a  7-day Utah and Arizona road trip  from Las Vegas through National and State Parks unlike anywhere else. This week-long Southwest road trip itinerary will take you from  Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon, Moab, Bryce Canyon,  and  Zion National Park. The itinerary below has a list of the best hikes, things to do, and places to stay near each of these National Parks and towns.

Map of Utah and Arizona National Parks Road Trip

The  Utah Arizona road trip map  above begins in Las Vegas and travels through the iconic sites of the Southwest. Travel from  Las Vegas  to the  Grand Canyon  to watch the sunrise over the canyon. You will then travel to  Page, Arizona  to hike through Antelope Canyon and view Horseshoe Bend. You can take a detour through Monument Valley on your way to  Moab  to spend some time in the  Arches and Canyonlands National Parks . Finally, you will head back West through  Bryce and Zion National Parks. 

The whole 7-day trip will take over  1000 miles  and  20 hours of driving , averaging around  1 to 5 hours  of driving a day. This will leave you plenty of time to hike and sightsee at each stop.  Rent a car or van  from Las Vegas to make sure you can make your days flexible.

7 Day Arizona Utah Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon National Park

• Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Distance: 279 miles
• Drive Time: 4 hours 24 minutes

Begin your Southwest Road Trip heading from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon National Park . You will likely want to head to the South Rim which is more accessible and better for a short trip than the North Rim. On your way to the Grand Canyon, you will drive parallel or on the Historic Route 66 for sections leading up to Williams, Arizona. Williams is known as the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon.” It is the last major town before you take AZ-64 the rest of the way to the Grand Canyon.

The entrance fee for the Grand Canyon is $35 per vehicle , valid for 1 week. However, if you will be visiting more than three National Park in a year (and you will be visiting 5 on this itinerary!) it is worth it to buy the $80 America the Beautiful Pass which allows entry to all National Parks and Recreational Land for one year.

Most of the parking is near the Grand Canyon Visitor Center if you are not staying at one of the lodges near the Grand Canyon Village. There are a variety of bus routes to take you from the Village and Visitor Center to the trailheads along the South Rim and the nearby community of Tusayan which has hotels and places to eat if you are not staying inside the National Park.

Sunset and Sunrise Spots at the Grand Canyon

Depending on when you arrive at the Grand Canyon you can watch the  sunset along the South Rim . If you arrive too late for sunset, you can also check out these places early in the morning to watch the  sunrise over the Grand Canyon . 

• Mather Point – This is the most popular place to watch the sunrise over the Grand Canyon. However, this place can get extremely crowded due to its proximity to the Visitor Center. If the actual point is crowded you can walk further along the South Rim Trail until you find a spot that catches your eye. 
• Yavapai Point – There is a small parking area near Yavapai Point, but you can also hike a little over half a mile from Mather Point along the Rim Trail. 
• Yaki Point – Yaki Point is another viewpoint for sunset or sunrise at the Grand Canyon. You will need to take the Kaibab Rim Shuttle Route from the Visitor Center to the overlook, which starts at 4:30 AM and runs until just after sunset. 
• Hopi Point – Hopi Point is one of the overlooks on Hermit Road. In the winter you can drive your own car to the overlooks on Hermit Road. However, from March through November, there is a shuttle route you must take along the road. 

Grand Canyon South Rim Day Hikes

The most obvious thing to do in the Grand Canyon is to go hiking! Walk along the rim or hike down partway into the canyon to see some of the best views in the US and take in the majesty of the canyon. Below are a few  trails at the Grand Canyon’s South Rim . 

• Ooh Aah Point – 1.8 miles, 684 feet
• Cedar Ridge – 2.8 miles, 1,102 feet
• Skeleton Point – 5.8 miles, 2027 feet
• Grand Canyon Rim Trail – The entire Rim Trail is  13 miles long , but many hike for just a short section to take in the magnificent views of the Grand Canyon. The Rim Trail is paved and  allows leashed dogs . 
• Bright Angel Trail –  15.3 miles, 4478 feet, Difficult – The Bright Angel Trail starts at the Grand Canyon Village and continues down to the bottom of the canyon. Like South Kaibab Trail you can hike just part of the trail and turn around. A popular route is to hike to the  1.5 Mile or 3 miles Resthouse . 
• Shoshone Point Trail –  2.2 miles, 154 feet, Easy – This is a short, easy trail that leads to a fantastic view of the Grand Canyon with some picnic tables. There is some parking right near the trailhead right off  Desert View Drive . 

Other Things To Do in Grand Canyon South Rim

There is more to do in the Grand Canyon than hiking! Below are a few more things to do on the South Rim including places to see that you don’t want to miss!

• Hermit Road Viewpoints – Take the shuttle to more jaw-dropping views including  Maricopa Point Powell Point, Mohave Point,  and  Pima Point . December through February you can drive your own car to these viewpoints. 
• Bike Along Hermit Road – Don’t feel like hiking or taking the shuttle? You can rent a bike or eBike and bike along the  7 mile  Hermit Road instead. You can bike one way and take the shuttle back. Rent your bike right next to the Visitor Center at  Bright Angel Bicycles .
• Yavapai Museum of Geology – Located in Grand Canyon Village, Yavapai Geology Museum has large panoramic windows that allow you to look out and learn about the geology of the canyon. 
• Desert View Watchtower – This  7 story watchtower  is an icon of the Grand Canyon. The parking for the tower is just past the East Entrance to the park off Desert View Road. The upper levels of the tower are closed to the public but you can take in the views around the tower and visit the trading post and market nearby. 

Where To Stay Near the Grand Canyon

Hotels near the grand canyon.

• Bright Angel Lodge
• El Tovar Hotel
• Red Feather Lodge

Camping Near the Grand Canyon

• Mather Campground
• Grand Canyon Camper Village
• Ten-X Campground

Day 2: Grand Canyon to Page, Arizona

• Grand Canyon to Page, Arizona Distance: 139 miles
• Drive Time: 2 hours 26 minutes

On the second day of your Utah and Arizona Road Trip, get up early to watch the sunrise at one of the great viewing locations along the Grand Canyon mentioned above. You can either spend more time at the Grand Canyon or head to Page Arizona to have more time to spend during your one day in Page .

To get to Page from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon , head East on AZ-64 before continuing North on US-89 for a total of 139 miles. Page, Arizona is not a large town by any means, but what it lacks in size it makes up for by the sheer number of things to do and see in the area. This is one of the only days on your Southwest Road Trip not spent primarily in a National Park, but you will still see many iconic Southwest formations from slot canyons to the iconic Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell, you will not soon forget your day in Page.

Antelope Canyon

Upper Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon should be at the top of any  itinerary for Page . There are two sections:  Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon . Upper Antelope Canyon is the more well-known one and what many prioritize in a short time frame. 

The  Upper Antelope Canyon  is located within Navajo Nation and access is only allowed with an  authorized tour guide . Tour companies include  Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours ,  Antelope Canyon Tours ,  and  Adventurous Antelope Canyon Tours . Most tours are an  hour and a half  long, although some may be longer. Prices for a tour are typically around  $100  per person (as of 2022). However, the price is well worth it to see and hike among the iconic wavy slots and gaze on the light beams that streak in.

Lower Antelope Canyon

If you want to see Antelope Canyon a little different or more adventurous way you can instead plan on visiting  Lower Antelope Canyon . Much of the Lower Canyon still is part of the Navajo Nation and requires a guide. However, there is another less-known section that can  only be accessed by a kayak  or other small boat. 

Kayaking into and then hiking the Lower Antelope Canyon is a great experience if you want to explore at your own pace with  fewer crowds . In total transparency, the views are not known for being quite as iconic as the Upper Antelope Canyon, but it is still a beautiful and unique slot canyon! This is what we did upon visiting Page, and I don’t regret it one bit. 

You are not required to book a tour guide for this, but it is still recommended if you are not experienced with the area and possible dangers.   Lake Powell Adventure Company  is one such tour company that will rent you the kayak and guide you through kayaking and hiking portion of the canyon. These tours do tend to be longer than the Upper Antelope Canyon tours (around  4 hours ) so reserve ahead of time and plan accordingly. 

Horseshoe Bend

On your way into Page from the Grand Canyon, you will drive right past  Horseshoe Bend . Stop on your way in, or backtrack later in the day to witness this Southwest landmark. The parking lot is only  5 miles  from Page so it is a quick drive from the town. 

It is important to know that there is a  $10 fee  for the parking lot to help keep the trail and viewpoint clean and maintained. The trail to the bend is only a  0.7-mile hike  on a wide, mostly paved path. There are even several small spots with overhangs if you need a short break. Despite the short distance you should still protect yourself from the sun and  bring plenty of water  since this trail is completely exposed to the elements. 

While Horseshoe Bend is worth visiting at any time of day the best time will be sunrise or sunset . At sunset, the canyon will be going into the shade, and you can see the sunset to the West. At sunrise, it will still be cool out and the bend will slowly light up. 

Other Things To Do in Page, Arizona

If you have a bit more time, there are many other things to do in Page Arizona.

• Lake Powell-  Lake Powell was formed by the  Glen Canyon Dam  and there is any number of water activities you can participate in on the lake. 
• Vermilion Cliffs National Monument – The Vermillion Cliffs are 40 miles from Page. The most famous trail here is  The Wave , which requires a lottery to obtain permits. However, there are still plenty of other hikes and trails to see. 
• Rimview Trail – The Page Rimview trail encircles much of the town of Page and is an easy  10-mile loop  that you can hike, bike, or run around. 

Read More: Best Things To Do with One Day in Page

Where to Stay Near Page

Hotels in page, arizona.

• Best Western- View of Lake Powell
• Lake Powell Resort
• Country Inn & Suites

Camping near Page, Arizona

• Camping near Glen Canyon Recreation Area
• Wahweap RV and Campground
• Page Lake Powell Campground

Day 3: Page to Moab

• Page, Arizona to Moab, Utah Distance: 269 miles
• Drive Time: 4 hours 30 minutes

Get an early start to the third day of your week-long Southwest road trip. Today you will head North from Arizona into the equally scenic Utah. The fastest route from  Page to Moab  is to head South on AZ-98 before taking US-160 and US-191 for the remainder of the drive. 

However, if you can spare a few minutes, you can take a detour on  US-163  to drive through  Monument Valley . Monument Valley is located right on the Utah-Arizona border as part of the  Navajo Nation . You may recognize this place from the iconic Forest Gump scene filmed right on US-163. 

The  17-mile long  Valley Drive   is a dirt road with many overlooks that you can stop at and enjoy the scenery. There is a small fee to take the drive, and it takes  2 to 4 hours  to complete. If you can’t make the drive, you can still get quite the view of the monuments along US-163 as you drive through. 

Once you make it to Moab, Utah, you can spend your time adventuring around Moab or hiking nearby. If you only have time for one thing in the afternoon in Moab, I would recommend heading to  Dead Horse Point State Park . Here you can hike part of the rim trail or just watch the sunset from the viewpoint. 

You can also head straight to one of the National Parks. Read below for more  things to do in Arches National Parks, Canyonlands National Park, and Moab . 

Best Moab Hiking Trails

Moab is a hiker’s paradise . Some of the best trails are obviously within the nearby Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, but there are also plenty of other hikes to explore near Moab. 

• Dead Horse State Park Rim Loop –  5 miles, 908 feet, Moderate-  This may well be the best trail near Moab not in a National Park. Dead Horse State Park is 33 miles from Moab, not far from Canyonlands. The rim trail encircles the plateau of the park. You can also drive to the overlooks for views that rival any National Park. 
• Corona and Bowtie Arch Trail –  2.4 miles, 482 feet, Moderate – This trail leads to two magnificent arches near Moab. This is slightly less crowded than some of the other arches within the National Park. Enjoy this arch at sunset for an especially beautiful view.
• Mill Creek Trail –  1.8 miles, 65 feet, Moderate –  This trail is not far at all from Moab, a bit to the South of the town. This trail follows along Mill Creek through a canyon to a small waterfall and swimming hole.

Other Things To Do in Moab

If you’ve had enough hiking on your trip, Moab has endless other outdoor activities to explore. If you leave Page early in the morning, you should have just enough time to spend an afternoon experiencing one of these other things to do in Moab .

• Off-Roading Tour–  There is so much great off-roading in Utah and the Southwest it would seem a shame not to experience it.  Highpoint Hummer   and   Moab Tour Company  are just two of the many companies in Moab that offer  rentals and guided tours  on 4WD vehicles.
• Mountain Biking – If two-wheel vehicles are more your speed, then instead go for a mountain bike ride on one of the many biking trails in Moab. Moab has everything from   easy to extremely challenging mountain bike trails for whatever your skill level.
• Drive along the Colorado River – Utah State Route 128 goes along the  Colorado River , starting near the entrance to Arches National Park. This  45-mile road  is also known as the  Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway . Drive part or all of this scenic drive and take in the red cliff walls and scenic desert views.
• Rafting – If you have had enough driving on your road trip, you can also experience the Colorado River by rafting down it!  Moab Adventure Center  has several trips from multiple days to half-day adventures.  Red River Adventures  also offers several rafting options.

Where to Stay Near Moab

Hotels in moab.

• Red Cliffs Lodge
• Sunflower Hill Inn
• Castle Valley Inn

Camping Near Moab

• Kayenta Campground  
• Wingate Campground
• Horsethief Campground

Day 4: Arches & Canyonlands National Parks in One Day

• Moab to Arches Distance: 5 miles
• Arches to Canyonlands Distance: 26 miles
• Drive Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

The fourth day of your week-long Utah-Arizona Road Trip will be one of the busiest. You can either plan to spend one day in Arches National Park or Canyonlands National Park, or you can split your time and see both  Arches and Canyonlands in one day . 

To see both parks in one day, plan on  starting at sunrise .  Delicate Arch  is one of the most popular trails, so if this is a must-see on your itinerary, plan on getting to the trailhead as soon as possible. Afterward, visit as many of the other trails on the list as you can before heading to Canyonlands.

Canyonlands National Park is less visited than Arches, but still quite popular, so be prepared to wait in a line to enter if you are visiting during a popular time of year. It is a  26-mile drive  of scenic Utah land between the parks. Below are some of the  best hikes in Canyonlands National Park  to check out. You can also drive to a lot of overlooks in the park that don’t require much hiking including  Orange Cliffs Overlook, Green River Overlook, and Shafer Canyon Overlook . 

Read More: Canyonlands vs. Arches: One Day in Arches or Canyonlands National Parks

Best Hikes in Arches National Parks

Arches National Park is one of the most recognizable National Parks in Utah. It is full of great hiking trails that lead to amazing arches in the park. Below are some of the best hikes for just one day in Arches .

• Delicate Arch –  3.2 miles, 629 feet, Moderate – Delicate Arch is undoubtedly the most popular and iconic hike in Arches National Park. Hike  Delicate Arch at sunrise  to ensure you can get a parking spot and to see the beauty of the arch. 
• Double Arch –  0.6 miles, 95 feet, Easy – You can’t miss Double Arch in Arches National Park. This is an easy trail to two of the biggest arches in the park. you can climb up between the two arches. 
• Windows and Turret Arches Trail –  1.2 miles, 154 feet, Easy-  In the same parking lot as Double Arch is the trailhead to Windows and Turret Arches. You can hike the entire loop or just the 0.5 miles to the arches. 
• Sand Dune Arch –  0.3 miles, 108 feet, Easy – Sand Dune Arch is a quick hike to one of the most unique arches in the park. 
• Landscape Arch –  1.9 miles, 252 feet, Easy-  This is part of the much longer Devil’s Garden Trail, but if you are planning to visit both Arches and Canyonlands in one day, you will likely not have time to hike the entire trail. Instead, you can hike the 1 mile each way to Landscape Arch, the longest Arch in Arches National Park

Best Hikes in Canyonlands

Canyonlands has some of the best views near Moab . There are several sections of this National Park, but the area most people visit is Island of the Sky , a plateau overlooking the surrounding canyons. Check out some of the hikes in Canyonlands for great views.

• Mesa Arch –  0.7 miles, 88 feet, Easy –  This is a great sunrise alternative to Delicate Arch if you want to start your day in Canyonlands instead of Arches. 
• Grand Viewpoint Trail  – 1.8 miles, 160 feet, Easy-  This is easily one of the best hikes in Canyonlands. The entire trail has jaw-dropping views over the canyon. 
• White Rim Overlook Trail –  1.8 miles, 160 feet, Easy-  This trail leads to a gorgeous overlook of the canyon. There are also several day-use areas at the parking lot with picnic tables for a lunch spot.

Read More: Best Hikes in Canyonlands National Park

Where to Stay Near Canyonlands & Arches

If you are staying near Moab, you can stay in the same hotel or campground for two nights. In addition to the locations above, below are a few more campgrounds near Canyonlands and Arches .

Camping Near Canyonlands & Arches

• Willow Flat
• Devils Garden Campground
• Campgrounds along the Colorado River

Day 5: Moab to Bryce National Park

• Moab to Bryce Canyon Distance: 249 miles
• Drive Time: 4 hours 13 minutes

After your day in Moab,  road trip over to Bryce Canyon National Park . This drive will take you a little over  4 hours to complete . Start early so you can maximize your  one day in Bryce!

My recommendation would be to choose a hike inside the canyon and head straight there upon arriving. For a not too long or difficult hike with amazing views, I would strongly recommend the  Queen’s Garden and Navajo Loop . If you are looking for a longer hike there are a few alternatives listed below. 

After your hike, if you have time, you can drive down the  18-mile Scenic Drive  and stop at the viewpoints that take your interest. Bryce is not a very big park, so this itinerary will let you see a lot of what the park has to offer in just one day. 

Stay for sunset  to watch the evening light make the orange and red hoodoos glow. Stay even longer to stargaze in this  International Dark Sky Park . The stars will dazzle you, uninterrupted by any significant source of light nearby. 

Read More: One Day in Bryce Canyon

Best Hikes in Bryce Canyon

Bryce is a park you absolutely must hike in. The hoodoos are beautiful to see from the viewpoints, but infinitely more impressive when you hike between them. Here are some of the  best hikes to viewpoints  and  trails into the canyon . 

• Navajo & Queens Garden Loop-   2.9 miles, 646 feet, Moderate-  This loop begins at either Sunset or Sunrise Point and travels down into the canyon. This trail features an iconic Bryce photo spot of the switchbacks leading down into the canyon and a view of  Thor’s Hammer .
• Peekaboo Loop –   5.3 miles, 1453 feet, Moderate – If you want a slightly longer hike, do the Peekaboo Loop. This starts at Bryce Point or Sunset Point. The trail ascends and descends several times and takes you through several tunnels in the rock so the views “Peekaboo” out at you. 
• Fairyland Loop –  7.8 miles, 1545 feet, Moderate – Fairyland Loop is even longer than Peekaboo Loop, beginning at Fairyland Point or Sunrise Point. This trail descends into the canyon and follows along the rim for 8 miles total.
• Lower, Mid, & Upper Inspiration Points –  0.6 miles, 134 feet, Easy – It is a stretch to call the walk to these viewpoints a hike, but the path is quite steep. You can drive or take the shuttle to the drop-off for these three lookouts, each slightly higher than the next. 
• Sunset to Sunrise Point –  1.1 miles, 82 feet, Easy – Only half a mile each way, this hike along the rim is an excellent option if you or your family members cannot hike and are limited to  paved roads . There are also several benches along the rim that you can stop at and enjoy the view. 

Scenic Drive in Bryce Canyon

After hiking, take a  scenic drive  down the length of Bryce. A shuttle will go as far as Bryce Point in the summer, but you will need your own vehicle to drive the entirety of the road. Below are a couple of the popular spots on the scenic drive. 

• Sunrise & Sunset Point
• Inspiration Point
• Bryce Point
• Swamp Canyon
• Piracy Point
• Natural Bridge
• Agua Canyon
• Ponderosa Canyon
• Rainbow Point

Where to Stay Near Bryce

Hotels near bryce.

• Stone Cany on Inn
• Bryce Canyon Lodge

Camping Near Bryce

• North Campground
• Sunset Campground
• Under Canvas Bryce Canyon

Day 6: Bryce & Zion National Parks

• Bryce to Zion Distance: 72 miles
• Drive Time: 1 hours 19 minutes

This day on your  Arizona Utah itinerary  is light on driving and heavy on hiking. Get up early and complete any last hikes or views you want to see in Bryce before driving to Utah’s most popular National Park.

The drive from  Zion to Bryce  takes about an  hour and a half  and is a distance of  73 miles . You will enter Zion through the East Entrance, and travel through the  Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel,  a one-mile tunnel through Zion’s canyon. After the tunnel, there is a series of steep switchback roads to drive down to reach the base of the canyon. 

Spend the remainder of your day hiking in Zion! There is a shuttle that travels through the canyon to a series of shuttle stops with trailheads located off them. See below for some of the best trails in Zion Canyon to hike including  Angel’s Landing, Canyon Overlook,  and  the Narrows . Choose one long hike or several small ones to trek on your first day in Zion. Alternatively, book a  horseback riding tour  or  bike rental  to travel through the canyon.

Read More:  2 Days in Zion National Park Itinerary

Best Trails in Zion Canyon

Zion is one of the best National Parks for hiking. There are so many great trails in Zion , below are just a few to consider during your two days in Zion.

• Angels Landing   Trail –  4.4 miles, 1604, Difficult – Angel’s Landing is the most popular trail in Zion. Well known for its dangerous section at the summit that requires holding onto chains. Starting in 2022, this last section will require a  lottery permit . Without a permit, you can still hike to the scenic Scout’s Landing lookout. 
• Canyon Overlook Trail –  1.0 mile, 187, Moderate – This short hike has a great payoff with a lookout over Pine Creek Canyon and Zion Canyon. 
• Riverside Walk –  1.9 miles, 193 feet, Easy – Riverside Walk is an easy paved path through the canyon, alongside the Virgin River. 
• The Narrows –  Varies, Difficult – The end of the Riverside Walk trail leads to steps down into the Narrows. This trail involves walking on the bed of the river, wading through the water. Unfortunately, it is not accessible all year round and must be hiked when the river is low and calm. Make sure to check conditions before you go, as  flash floods are very dangerous  and have the potential to kill unaware hikers.
• Watchman Trail –  3.1 miles, 1636 feet, Moderate – Watchman Trail leads to an overlook over Springfield. The trailhead is near the Watchman and South campgrounds, and it is a great hike for sunset. 
• Observation Point via East Mesa Trail –  7 miles, 702 feet, Moderate – This is an alternative to Angel’s Landing if you want the views down the canyon similar to Angel’s Landing but without the terrifying chains section. 4WD or AWD is recommended to get to the trailhead.
• Lower Emerald Pools –  1.4 miles, 127 feet, Easy – This is another easy trail that leads to some pools that have small waterfalls during the rainy season. 

Other Things to do in Zion

This is towards the end of your National Parks Road Trip, so your feet may be getting tired of hiking. In which case, check out one of the other  things to do in Zion National Park !

• Horseback Riding in Zion Canyon – For a true Western experience, reserve a  horseback riding tour  through the canyon along the Virgin River. 
• Zion Brew Pub – This is a great spot for lunch or dinner, right outside the park. You can have a beer and burger on the patio next to the river. 
• Biking the Pa’rus Trail – You can rent a bike from  Zion Outfitters  or in Springdale and bike along the 3.5-mile Pa’rus trail that follows the Virgin River from the Visitor Center.

Where to Stay Near Zion

Hotels near zion.

• SpringHill Suites by Marriott
• Flanigin’s Inn

Camping Near Zion

• Watchman Campground
• Lava Point Campground
• South Campground

Day 7: Zion to Las Vegas

• Zion to Las Vegas: 166 miles
• Drive Time: 2 hours 41 minutes

On the last day of your Utah Arizona Road Trip, you will head out from Zion back towards Las Vegas . This drive is 166 miles and takes around 2 hours and 40 minutes , so you will still have plenty of time to spend in Zion or checking out other sites on the way.

Begin your day by finishing up any last hikes you want to do in Zion. If you can get the permits, this would be a great day to hike Angel’s Landing . Start early and finish your trip strong with one of the best hikes in Utah!

There are several interesting stops between Zion and Las Vegas. Snow Canyon State Park and Valley of Fire State Park are two great stops to your itinerary and don’t add too much extra distance to the drive. Leave early to give yourself plenty of time in these State Parks.

Of course, you can also get back to Las Vegas early, and spend the day at the many restaurants, casinos, and attractions in this iconic US city. No matter how you spend it, make the most of the last day of your Southwest Road Trip!

Things to do Near Zion & Las Vegas

Zion and Las Vegas have many other scenic places between them or nearby, only requiring a slight detour. Stop by a few of these other beautiful, natural places on your road trip to Las Vegas.

• Snow Canyon State Park-  The beauty of Utah is not just limited to its National Parks. Utah’s state parks are a sight to see as well and Snow Canyon is one of the best. Snow Canyon is  only an hour  from Zion, making it a  great last stop on your   Southwest National Parks Road Trip. Admire the steep canyon walls and hike, climb, or ride on the many trails and  slot canyons  in the park.
• Kolob Canyon – While technically still part of Zion National Park, the Kolob Canyons are a much  less visited  portion of the park. It is a  43-mile drive  to get to this portion of the park from the main entrance, but well worth your time. The hikes here and nearby offer some amazing canyon views.
• Valley of Fire State Park-  The Valley of Fire State Park has some of the best views in all of Nevada. This State Park is only a short detour from the route from Zion back to Las Vegas. Some of the best trails include  White Domes Trail and Fire Wave Trail.

Alternative Itinerary- 5 Day Utah Arizona Road Trip

If you have less time you can still see a lot with only 5 days in the Southwest . Plan of leaving from Las Vegas and visiting the Grand Canyon, Bryce, and Zion on this week-long road trip. This shortened itinerary gives you one day in the Grand Canyon, and two in both Bryce and Zion. You can also make a quick stopover in Page 

• Day 1:  Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon
• Day 2:  Grand Canyon to Bryce Canyon
• Day 3:  Bryce Canyon National Park
• Day 4:  Bryce Canyon to Zion National Park
• Day 5:  Zion National Park back to Las Vegas

Alternative Itinerary 2: 5 Day Utah National Parks Road Trip

Another option for just a 5-day trip is to road trip to all of Utah’s “Mighty 5” National Parks . You will see so much of Utah’s beauty and be able to make a second trip to visit Arizona. See below for a week-long Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary : 

• Day 1:  Visit Canyonlands & Arches National Parks
• Day 2:  Moab to Capitol Reef National Park
• Day 3:  Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon
• Day 4:  Bryce Canyon & Zion National Parks
• Day 5:  Zion National Park to Las Vegas

Tips for Planning a Utah-Arizona National Parks Road Trip

• Download your maps ahead of time or print them off. There is not much service in or between many of the Southwest National Parks.
• Stay updated to park conditions!  Each National Parks website has up-to-date information on trail closings, park facilities, and health and weather warnings.
• Make your reservations ahead of time!  These National Parks are popular tourist destinations, so expect accommodations to book early, especially during the late spring, summer, and fall. Most campsites take  reservations 6 months in advance .
• Leave No Trace!  This is essential when hiking in any wilderness area, but it is especially important in National Parks, which are some of the most heavily trafficked hikes in the United States. Wandering off-trail can also  harm delicate desert landscapes  that can take many years to grow back.  Carving or vandalizing rock  is becoming increasingly common, and should not be done under any circumstance. Behavior like this leads to  increasing restrictions of national land  and damages the landscape in ways that cannot be undone,  destroying centuries-old formations .
• Enter the park early in the morning!  This is a jam-packed itinerary and entering the National Parks early will allow you to see and do as much as possible. Entering at or before sunrise is also a great way to beat the crowds and enjoy nature in relative solitude, a rarity in some National Parks. 

How Many Days for a Southwest Road Trip?

You may be wondering- How long should I plan for a Southwest National Parks Road Trip? 

I would recommend  at least a 5-day or 7-day itinerary  for your Utah and Arizona road trip, but stay longer if you can! Of course, if you only have a long weekend, you can still make a quick journey to one or two of these parks and have a great time. No matter how long you spend, you are sure to want to come back for more!

Read More: Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks

When to Road Trip to Utah and Arizona

Spring and Fall are the best time  to visit Utah and Arizona if you are wanting the  best weather . In Fall and Spring, the temperatures average in the  50s to 80s , with some variation depending on elevation. Because the weather is good at this time, you can expect  large crowds  during these times as well. 

A  winter road trip  through the Southwest will be cold, but you will also have more solitude than other times of the year. Some parks may have  areas closed based on snow , so make sure to check park conditions regularly if you visit in winter.

Summer  in Utah and Arizona is hot with temperatures exceeding  over 100 degrees ! The National Parks can also get crowded since kids are out of school for summer. If you visit in summer, be prepared for the sun and heat with lots of water and knowledge of how to avoid heatstroke!

Arizona & Utah National Parks Packing List

Below see my packing list for a Utah and Arizona Road Trip! The weather can change in an instant in the desert, and you’ll want to make sure to have clothes and equipment for all-weather, so pack properly.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

• Water-  Water is your best friend in the desert! Make sure to bring enough and then some for your group.
• Snacks – If you will be hiking all day and burning a lot of calories, make sure to bring some protein-packed snacks and lunch as well.
• Sunscreen – It is always a good idea to use sunscreen to block the harsh sun!
• Sun Shielding Hat – My hat is my favorite hiking gear. A wide-brimmed hat will help keep the sun off you.
• Winter Hat-  Morning can be cold in the desert at any time of year. A   knit hat  is great to have in your bag for early mornings or windy days.
• Moisture-Wicking Shirts – Any shirt will do, but the best  hiking shirts  are made of natural or synthetic moisture-wicking material that is breathable and dries quickly.
• Athletic Shorts/Pants – I personally tend to wear   hiking leggings   more than shorts. If you are hiking in the winter,  Carhartt  makes great thick women’s leggings.
• Lighter Jacket or Wind Jacket – Layering is always a good idea when hiking, and I put a  spare windbreaker  or   light jacket  in my backpack in case the wind picks up.
• Winter Coat – This may depend on the time of year you go, but I was glad to have my  puffy coat  when waiting for sunrise at the Grand Canyon and Bryce, even in late March.
• Hiking Boots or Trail Runner –  Hiking boots  help keep your footing on rock and reduce the impact on your feet.
• Hiking Socks – Also, bring  good socks  to reduce the risk of blisters!
• Backpack – A  good daypack  can make your hike so much more enjoyable. Properly distributing weight can ease your trip and allow you to bring all the essentials above!
• Headlamp – If you are going to be camping or hiking for sunrise, be sure to bring a  headlamp  and batteries.

You May Also Like

• How to Plan a National Parks Road Trip
• Best Canyonlands Hikes
• Sunrise at Delicate Arch
• Utah National Parks Ranking

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Where We Went Next

The Ultimate Arizona-Utah Road Trip Itinerary: 20 Stops You Can’t Miss

When asked what my favorite trip I’ve ever taken is, I always quickly respond with, “Easily, our epic three-week Arizona-Utah road trip!”

There’s something incredibly captivating about the southwest. When we were there, I’m not sure I fully understood what all the hype was about. Yet, since leaving, I can’t help but constantly be planning how I’m going to get back.

Desert dwellers will tell you that’s just the way of the desert. Upon first glance, it’s hard to see what everyone’s raving about, but if you take a closer look you’ll find you suddenly can’t un-see all the magic.

In this guide, I highlight memorable stops that can’t be missed on your Arizona-Utah road trip. For each stop, I include epic hiking trails, adrenaline-pumping activities, and off-the-beaten-path campsites in the area.

It’s your turn to finally create that trip you’ll be talking about for a lifetime.

Table of Contents

Your Guide to Taking the Most Epic Arizona-Utah Road Trip

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you click through and make a purchase (at no additional cost to you). Thank you in advance for your support!

Arizona-Utah Road Trip Map

This map highlights the exact route we took on our Arizona-Utah road trip, and the route I recommend. We flew into Las Vegas, rented a car, and drove to the first stop on this itinerary, St. George, to stock the car with road trip essentials.

I’ve included every stop we loved during our Arizona-Utah road trip. If you don’t have three weeks to explore the southwest as we did, any of these stops may be skipped to include only the destinations that interest you most.

If you only have a week, I recommend prioritizing Utah’s Mighty 5 . The Mighty 5 refers to 5 National Parks in Utah: Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Arches National Park, and Canyonlands National Park.

20 Arizona-Utah Road Trip Itinerary Stops

• #1: St. George
• #2: Toadstool Hoodoos Trail
• #3: Lake Powell
• #4: Horseshoe Bend
• #5: Cathedral Wash Trail
• #6: Antelope Canyon
• #7: Monument Valley
• #8: Goosenecks State Park
• #9: Honaker Trail
• #10: Valley of the Gods
• #11: Natural Bridges National Monument
• #12: Needless District, Canyonlands
• #14: Arches National Park
• #15: Dead Horse State Park
• #16: Island in the Sky District, Canyonlands
• #17: Capitol Reef National Park
• #18: Lower Calf Creek Falls
• #19: Bryce Canyon National Park
• #20: Zion National Park

Due to their close proximity, some of these stops can be completed on the same day, while others are all-day adventures. How much time you spend at each location is entirely up to you. You could spend a week or 6 weeks and I’m certain you’d still wish you had more time.

The desert is like that.

How Many Days Do You Need for an Arizona-Utah Road Trip?

There is no way I could possibly tell you how many days to spend on an Arizona-Utah road trip. The length of your trip is completely dependent on how much time you want to explore each location and what activities you want to prioritize.

This road trip itinerary is heavily adventure-based. We included Utah’s Mighty 5 , as well as several State Parks and National Monuments, and iconic southwest attractions.

We took an epic three-week road trip across Arizona and Utah and still wish we had more time to explore the area. My best piece of advice is to scan this itinerary, pick out the locations that appeal to you most, and create your own Arizona-Utah road trip, accordingly.

Epic Arizona-Utah Road Trip Stops

(#1) st. george.

Distance from Las Vegas Airport: 2 hours 20 minutes

St. George is a great jump-start location to help you tie up all loose ends before hitting the road. Make St. George your first stop along your Arizona-Utah road trip so you can top off on gas, car snacks, water, food, and anything else you forgot to pack.

If you have the time, consider exploring the lesser-known and nearby Snow Canyon State Park. The park is located in the heart of St. George with several trails to explore and comparatively no crowds.

Spend the day exploring Snow Canyon Overlook Trail, Petrified Dunes Trail, and Jenny’s Canyon Trail before continuing your trip east.

(#2) Toadstool Hoodoos Trail

Distance from St. George: 2 hours

En route to Lake Powell from St. George, we spotted a sign that read, “Toadstool Hoodoos Trail.” Having no expectations or context as to what was on the other side of that sign, we turned into the parking lot.

Toadstool Hoodoos Trail is a quick and easy 1.8 miles with almost no elevation change. Don’t let the short distance fool you, the trail is extraordinary with canyon views and gravity-defying geology.

As the name suggests, the trail is littered with hoodoos: pinnacle-shaped rock formations carved out by years of weathering and erosion. Their unique and odd mushroom shape is the result of two different types of sandstone stacked on top of one another.

Think Bryce Canyon, without the crowds.

There’s no better trail to kick off your Arizona-Utah road trip. This stopover doesn’t take a lot of time and is the perfect driving break between St. George and Lake Powell.

For non-Utah residents, the fee per vehicle is $15 and is good for one day. Utah residents pay $10 per vehicle.

We stumbled upon the most incredible free campsite on night one of our Arizona-Utah road trip thanks to the FreeRoam app.

Located 5 minutes down the road off Highway 89 is a secluded field known as Cat Stairs (37.127, -111.966) on FreeRoam. The field is surrounded by looming red rocks on all sides. Scattered about the area are several unmarked tent sites.

(#3) Lake Powell

Distance from Toadstool Hoodoos Trail: 27 minutes

Lake Powell is fascinating. Miles and miles of blue water carving itself through the desert canyon is incredible to witness.

To fully experience Lake Powell, I recommend getting on the water. Spend a day renting a boat, jet ski, kayak, or SUP so you can explore the area and soak in the views.

It’s one thing to witness Lake Powell from above, it’s entirely another to be in the heart of the canyon. After a day on the water, head to Wahweap Lookout for sunset to catch a panoramic view of the lake.

Before hitting up Lake Powell, make sure to read my guide, Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Lake Powell . It’s single-handily the guide I wish we had before our trip.

Lake Powell Water Crisis

In 2022, Lake Powell’s water level hit a record low of 25% capacity. While declining water levels put the summer hot spot at risk for permanent closure, it more importantly threatens the water source of more than 22 million people.

If seeing Lake Powell is on your bucket list, I suggest you make the trip sooner than later.

Lake Powell is part of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The entrance cost is $30 per vehicle and is valid for 1-7 days. Visitors with an  America the Beautiful Pass  do not have to pay the entrance fee.

There are several places to camp near Lake Powell ranging from fully serviced campgrounds to primitive camp spots. Some spots I recommend are Beehive Campground, Wahweap RV and Campground, Lone Rock Beach Campground, and primitive camping around Wahweap Bay.

It’s important to note that Lake Powell is prone to high winds. Make sure to check weather conditions for the area before attempting to set up a tent along the banks of the water at Lone Rock or before off-roading in search of a primitive spot.

(#4) Horseshoe Bend

Distance from Lake Powell: 17 minutes

Horseshoe Bend absolutely exceeded my expectations, despite already having seen thousands of photos of the canyon. While it’s unlikely you’ll have the overlook to yourself, the area is expansive and allows for people to spread out.

I recommend heading to Horseshoe Bend for sunrise . The canyon light is magical just before sunrise and there are fewer visitors. With the trail being only 1.5 miles, you have plenty of time to fit in another adventure post-hike.

There is a $10 entry fee per vehicle. The fee is paid at the drive-up ticket booth upon arrival.

Due to Horseshoe Bend’s close proximity to Lake Powell, I recommend camping at one of the aforementioned campgrounds near Lake Powell.

(#5) Cathedral Wash Trail

Distance from Horseshoe Bend: 40 minutes

Cathedral Wash Trail was another serendipitous stop we took along our Arizona-Utah road trip itinerary.

Head to Cathedral Wash Trail after watching the sunrise at Horseshoe Bend. The trail is an adventurous 3.3 miles and leads hikers through the towering canyons of Marble Canyon and onto the banks of the Colorado River.

Don’t forget to pack a bathing suit. There’s nothing more invigorating than diving into ice-cold water after a hike in the desert.

Cathedral Wash Trail is also located in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The entrance cost is $30 per vehicle and is valid for 1-7 days. Visitors with an  America the Beautiful Pass  do not have to pay the entrance fee.

Due to Cathedral Wash Trail’s close proximity to Lake Powell, I recommend camping at one of the previously mentioned campgrounds near Lake Powell.

(#6) Antelope Canyon

Distance from Cathedral Wash Trail: 40 minutes

When heading east towards Monument Valley you have to make a stop to see Antelope Canyon. Antelope Canyon is arguably one of the most iconic stops along this Arizona-Utah road trip itinerary.

Unfortunately, when we took our three-week trip, Antelope Canyon was still closed due to Covid-19 restrictions. Luckily, that will not be the case for you as tours are officially back up and running.

All areas of the canyon can be accessed only via a guided tour. When choosing a tour, keep in mind there are two sections: Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon.

The lower canyon is steeper and less crowded than the more visited and accessible upper canyon. Both Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon are beautiful and worth visiting.

You can book a variety of tours for Antelope Canyon through Navajo Nation or Get Your Guide.

Entry Fees for Antelope Canyon will vary depending on the tour you choose. Expect to pay around $100 per person, give or take some.

Due to Antelope Canyon’s close proximity to Lake Powell, I recommend camping at one of the earlier recommended campgrounds near Lake Powell.

(#7) Monument Valley

Distance from Antelope Canyon: 1 hour 53 minutes

Driving through Monument Valley is a right of passage for those traveling through Utah. When most people think of the southwest, iconic images of Monument Valley come to mind.

Visitors can explore Monument Valley via a 17-mile loop. The loop takes visitors past towering sandstone formations. In all directions, visitors can take in the sights of vibrant mesas and buttes sprawled out amongst the vast desert landscape.

If you can time it perfectly, sunrise or sunset is the most magical time of day to experience Monument Valley — or really anywhere in the desert, for that matter.

Driving the 17-mile loop in Monument Valley costs $8 per person.

40 minutes past Monument Valley is Goosenecks State Park. Most beautiful place we have ever camped? Goosenecks State Park, easily.

Snagging one of the only 8 available spots in the park requires a bit of luck, but it’s doable. Campers get to stake their tents right along the canyon rim overlooking the San Juan meander (a.k.a. gooseneck).

What the campground lacks in amenities, it makes up for in views.

If the State Park campground is full, head 30 more minutes up the road to Valley of the Gods. Think Monument Valley, but smaller. This Bureau of Land Management (BLM) camping area is primitive, free, and undesignated.

(#8) Goosenecks State Park

Distance from Monument Valley: 40 minutes

Goosenecks State Park is absolutely stunning and rivals the views of iconic Horseshoe Bend. While the park is small, the views are huge.

Visitors can walk directly up to the edge to witness the impressive river meander. One of my most memorable sunsets to date was standing on the rim of this canyon, beer in hand, watching the sun set everything in its path on fire.

Make this spot somewhere you’ll remember forever by snagging a campsite directly along the edge of the canyon.

Entry into the State Park is $5.00 per vehicle.

If you weren’t able to secure a campsite along the rim the night before, consider trying again before heading towards Valley of the Gods.

(#9) Honaker Trail

Distance from Goosenecks State Park: 12 minutes

After viewing an epic sunrise from your tent pitched along the canyon rim at Goosenecks Campground, head out towards Honaker Trail.

Honaker Trail begins along the canyon rim and, through a series of switchbacks, leads hikers down into the canyon floor. The trail culminates along the bank of the San Juan River where hikers can cool off in the water. 

My favorite part of hiking Honaker Trail was the endless, uninterrupted views. The trail is completely exposed making it extremely hot, yes, but also entirely epic from start to finish.

The pictures speak for themselves.

There are no entry fees for this hike.

Due to Honaker Trail’s close proximity to both Goosenecks State Park and Valley of the Gods, they are both great camping options.

(#10) Valley of the Gods

Distance from Honaker Trail: 37 minutes

We stumbled upon Valley of the Gods, accidentally, while scrambling to find a place to sleep for the night. All I can say is, what a serendipitous accident.

While there isn’t much to do per se in the Valley of the Gods, it makes for an incredible campsite and scenic drive-thru.

En route to Natural Bridges National Monument, consider taking the roundabout way and driving through the Valley of the Gods. The southwest views are iconic and the detour makes the drive north an adventure in itself.

There are no entry fees for Valley of the Gods

At nearly any point you can pull off the road and set up camp in the presence of looming sandstone mesas. However, if you’re looking to splurge for the night check out Valley of the Gods Bed and Breakfast .

(#11) Natural Bridges National Monument

Distance from Valley of the Gods: 1 hour 14 minutes or 1 hour 42 minutes

Want to experience the beauty of Arches National Park  without the crowds of people? Head north for one hour to Natural Bridges National Monument.

Spend the day exploring the park’s three natural bridges: Sipapu Bridge, Kachina Bridge, and Owachomo Bridge. If you’re feeling up to it, connect all three of the bridges via trail by hiking the Under the Natural Bridges Loop.

The loop is a challenging 9 miles and weaves hikers through the canyon and under each bridge. Along this trail, you can also see ancient granaries still intact on the walls of the canyon.

It costs $20 per vehicle to enter the park. Visitors with an  America the Beautiful Pass  do not have to pay the entrance fee.

Conveniently located near the Visitor Center are first come, first served campsites at Natural Bridges Campground. Although, you can continue north toward The Needles District of Canyonlands National Park and spend the night, instead, glamping .

(#12) The Needles District, Canyonlands National Park

Distance from Natural Bridges: 2 hours

The Needles District of Canyonlands National Park does not get enough credit. Somehow the district has remained untouched and unnoticed by visitors who are dead set on exploring the more popular Island in the Sky district.

Before heading more north towards Moab, make a detour to the Needles and explore my favorite trail in all of Canyonlands National Park: Elephant Hill, Chesler Park, and Druid Arch Trail .

The trail is an incredible 8.3 miles of enchanting landscapes. The trail makes you scurry over boulders, down narrow canyons, along rims, across grassy fields, between pinnacles, up slickrock, and to the edge of panoramic lookouts.

Entry into Canyonlands National Park is $30 per vehicle and can be purchased online or upon arrival. The pass is good for 7 days and includes entry into all districts. Visitors with an  America the Beautiful Pass  do not have to pay the entrance fee.

While in the Needles you can backcountry camp, glamp, or continue toward Moab.

Distance from the Needles: 1 hour 20 minutes

Moab is easily one of the top five coolest towns I’ve ever explored. Not only is Moab the launching point for Arches National Park, Dead Horse State Park, and Canyonlands National Park, but the town itself is overflowing with adventure.

While in Moab, start your day by hiking Castleton Tower Trail and end it exploring Corona and Bowtie Arch Trail for sunset.

Grab a beer at the Moab brewery and some food at the Moab Food Truck Park. If you’re hanging around Moab for a while, I highly recommend booking an adventure tour with Paddle Moab to go rafting or canyoneering.

Moab is the kind of place you never want to leave.

The camping options in Moab are endless: Jaycee Park, Castleton Tower Preserve, Kings Bottom, and Willow Springs were some of our favorites — to name a few.

However, if you’re at the point in your trip where you’re dreaming of a real bed and shower, Hideout at the Rim was spectacular and worth every penny.

(#14) Arches National Park

Distance from Moab: 10 minutes

It’s hard to choose a favorite park from Utah’s Mighty 5 , but it’s safe to say that Arches National Park is in the running.

Boasting over 2,000 natural arches, the park is packed with endless amounts of trails and sights. Jumpstart your day by beating the crowds to Delicate Arch for sunrise before hitting up a longer trail for the day.

Two of my favorite hikes in the park are Tower Arch Trail and Devil’s Garden Trail and I recommend experiencing them both before continuing on with your road trip.

Want to learn about the history of the region, but have the freedom to explore at your own pace? Consider checking out this Get Your Guide in-app guided audio.

Arches National Park entry fee is $30 per vehicle and can be purchased online or upon arrival. The pass is valid for 7 days. Visitors with an  America the Beautiful Pass  do not have to pay the entrance fee.

Plan Your Trip

In January of 2022, Arches National Park implemented a reservation system. To visit the park from April 3rd – October 3rd between the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., all visitors must have purchased an entry ticket online or by phone.

Timed entry tickets can be purchased  here .

If you are unable to secure a reservation for your date, don’t fret. A small number of next-day tickets become available every day at 6:00 p.m. MST.

Due to Arches National Park’s close proximity to Moab, I recommend choosing from one aforementioned camping areas in Moab. However, if you want to stay in Arches National Park you can do so at Devil’s Campground or by securing a backcountry permit.

(#15) Dead Horse Point State Park

Distance from Arches National Park: 37 minutes

We made a last-minute decision to sprint to Dead Horse Point State Park for sunset after a day exploring Arches National Park.

We had no idea what was in store for us and wow were we pleasantly blown away.

Add Dead Horse Rim Loop Trail to your stops along your Arizona-Utah road trip. If you’re lucky you’ll make it there by sunset, be one of the only people on the trail, and wind up creating a moment you’ll remember forever.

Dead Horse State Park is conveniently located near Moab, Arches National Park, and Canyonlands National Park, giving you a multitude of great camping options.

Additionally, the park itself has wonderful camping options: Windgate Campground, Kayenta Campground, and luxurious yurts.

(#16) Island in the Sky District, Canyonland National Park

Distance from Dead Horse Point State Park: 20 minutes

If you’re in search of the perfect spot to soak in all of the endless southwest views, Canyonland’s Island in the Sky District is your park.

We only spent one day in this district as we prioritized more off-the-beaten-path trails, but it’s absolutely worth the visit.

Some great trails and overlooks to note are Mesa Arch Trail for sunrise, White Rim Trail for incredible views, Aztec Butte Trail for Puebloan granaries, and Grand Viewpoint Overlook Trail for that cherry-on-top sunset view to wrap up a great adventure day.

Conveniently located within the park is the first come, first served Willow Flat Campground. With the park being so close to Moab, however, you could choose to stay at any of the previously mentioned Moab camping areas.

(#17) Capitol Reef National Park

Distance from Island in the Sky District: 2 hours 37 minutes

Considering Capitol Reef is one of the parks that makes up Utah’s Mighty 5 it doesn’t get near the attention or hype that the other parks receive.

While we didn’t spend as much time in Capitol Reef as we did in the surrounding parks, we had a blast romping around Sulphur Creek Trail .

Sulphur Creek is full of adventure, canyon views, and waterfalls. Think the Narrows — only smaller scale and practically no people.

While in Capitol Reef you can also check out the petroglyphs, explore Cassidy Arch, cruise the scenic highway, or make the long (albeit very worth it) drive to Cathedral Valley.

We, unfortunately, didn’t allow enough time to drive the Cathedral Valley Loop, but witnessing the Temples of the Sun and Moon is top of my list for our next trip.

Entry into Capitol Reef National Park is $20 per vehicle and can be purchased online or upon arrival. The pass is good for 7 days. Visitors with an  America the Beautiful Pass  do not have to pay the entrance fee.

There is a nice free spot along the Freemont River you can locate using the  FreeRoam  app. Additionally, check out the Fruita campground and backcountry options.

(#18) Lower Calf Creek Falls

Distance from Capitol Reef National Park: 1 hour 25 minutes

There is nothing more spellbinding than the sight of a 126-foot waterfall cascading into the desert. I laid eyes on one picture of Lower Calf Creek Falls and immediately knew I had to witness it with my own two eyes.

For the best experience, begin Lower Calf Creek Falls Trail early. Getting an early start increases your chances of beating the crowds to the waterfall. If you’re feeling brave, take a dip in the refreshing, icy-cold waters before beginning the return hike.

The trail is a relatively flat 6 miles round trip. Allot around 2-4 hours for this day’s adventure.

There is a $5 vehicle fee for day-use hikers. Due note, the parking lot for Lower Calf Creek Falls is small and fills up early.

Calf Creek Campground is located steps away from the Lower Calf Creek Falls trailhead and makes hitting the trail before the crowds that much more attainable. If they’re available, snag campsite #9 or #10.

Two unique stays nearby stood out as well: Escalante Yurts and Yonder Escalante .

(#19) Bryce Canyon National Park

Distance from Lower Calf Creek Falls: 1 hour 25 minutes

Bryce Canyon National Park absolutely exceeded our expectations. The park is fantastical. While it’s relatively small in size, it boasts miles of magical trails.

Two days in Bryce Canyon is the perfect amount of time to explore the best of the park, but it also can be squeezed into one.

Make sure to prioritize Fairyland Loop Trail for sunrise and Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail for sunset. They were our two favorite trails during our trip to Bryce Canyon.

The entrance fee into Bryce Canyon National Park is $35 per vehicle and can be purchased online or upon arrival. The pass is good for 7 days. Visitors with an  America the Beautiful Pass  do not have to pay the entrance fee.

There are two campgrounds located within the park: North Campground and Sunset Campground. Sunset campground is more wooded and private but reservation only; whereas, North Campground is first come, first served.

As far as glamping goes, Wander Camp is a must.

(#20) Zion National Park

Distance from Bryce Canyon National Park : 2 hours

Is there a more epic way to end your Arizona-Utah road trip than adventuring around Zion National Park? I vote no.

Zion is the mecca for adventure. Spend the perfect adventure day scaling the chains of Angels Landing for sunrise before wading through the ice-cold waters of the Narrows. While it’s an intimidating feat, it is possible to Hike Angels Landing and the Narrows in one day .

If you’re up for it, add even more adventure to your visit by rock climbing, canyoneering, or mountain biking. Check out the awesome adventures awaiting you in my guide, Epic Things to Do in Zion National Park (Other Than Hiking) .

Entry into Zion National Park is $35 per vehicle and can be purchased online or upon arrival. The pass is good for 7 days. Visitors with an  America the Beautiful Pass  do not have to pay the entrance fee.

In April of 2022, an Angels Landing Permit Program was implemented in hopes of controlling foot traffic on the trail. All visitors aiming to hike Angels Landing will need a permit.

When applying for a permit, you will rank seven days and times of your choosing. In the event you can’t score the day or time you’re looking for in advance, you can test your luck by applying the night before.

You can apply here .

There are two campgrounds within walking distance of the Visitor Center:  Watchman Campground  and  South Campground . Watchman Campground is open year-round and South Campground is open seasonally.

There is also plenty of BLM camping near the park, and backcountry permits are available.

Like it? Pin it!

If you have any questions about this itinerary or things to know before hitting the road on your Arizona-Utah road trip, drop me a message in the comment section below.

Happy adventuring!

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When I get back to the states, this is the first thing I’m doing 🤩

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

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Last Updated on March 18, 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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American Southwest Road Trip Guide: 8 Day Itinerary

Use this American southwest road trip guide that’s an 8 day itinerary for visiting New Mexico, Arizona, Utah and Colorado. There are so many US southwest vacation ideas to see unique deserts, mountains, and canyons carved by rivers.

You US Southwest adventure will introduce you to a land of stark contrasts, captivating landscapes, and rich cultural heritage.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a curious explorer, a road trip through the Southwest will undoubtedly present an unforgettable journey of discovery and awe.

Planning a Southwest USA road trip is by far the best way to see and experience everything this region has to offer.

This 8-day road trip guide includes things to do, what to pack, and where to stay as you travel through the southwest region of the US!

Be sure to grab the Road Trip Packing List that includes items for comfort, organization, eating, and first aid to make the family vacation a success. You’ll also receive a Road Trip Itinerary to plan the day-to-day schedule of the trip!

This site contains affiliate links which means WE may receive commissions for purchases made through these links. We only provide links to products we actually use and/or wholeheartedly recommend! As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Read the full Disclosure Policy.

Planning your southwest road trip.

This article was written by Jennifer Wolff, one of our contributing writers:

“As a school teacher from Southwest Michigan, I look forward to summer road trips exploring the US with my wonderful daughter! I’m drawn to geological features and the American Southwest has so many to admire! Here’s the 8-Day Southwest Itinerary that my daughter and I took in July.”

National Parks Pass

Our Southwest road trip itinerary has you visiting 6+ national parks, all of which charge a per-car entrance fee. The best way to save money is to buy a National Parks Pass.

You can  buy the pass through REI  before you go (they will donate 10% of sales to the National Park Foundation), or you can get it when you arrive at the first National Park.

The pass is good for one year at any site managed by the National Park Service. The US National Park pass is a good deal and will save you $50+ just on this road trip.

Water, Water, Water!

Carry plenty of water with you when traveling around the Southwest US. Dehydration is serious, especially during the summer. Keep extra water in a cooler in your car (we like the Koolatron that doubles as a fridge in our hotel room too). Use a hydration pack when hiking. Fill it every chance you get – most national parks will have water bottle filling stations.

What to Pack for a Southwest US Trip

You must be prepared for a road trip around the American Southwest. There are long stretches of road with no services for gas, food or lodging. There are sporadic small towns that may not offer services or they aren’t open at ‘normal’ hours to the public.

Cell service is random to non-existent in more remote areas around the Southwest. There are many National Parks that also don’t have cell service, gas, food or lodging.

What you pack for a Southwest road trip will depend on the time of year, the locations you visit, and the activities you will do – use our National Parks Packing Lists as a guide.

Here’s a small list of the items you really must have when driving around the Southwest US. Check out the full list of family road trip items to pack .

• Maps – download a map beforehand – cell service may not be available for long stretches of road (we use a road atlas as a backup as well)
• Water – reusable water bottles
• Food – healthy road trip snacks
• Roadside Emergency Kit
• Sunscreen & Hat
• Clothing – layers for variations of temperature and weather

USA AUDIO TOURS (GuideAlong)

“Download the app to your phone – no cell or wifi service needed. Based on your GPS location, the app takes you on a guided tour of the area and points out all the interesting features and stops. It’s like having a guide in the car with you.”

• American Southwest Road Trip Guide

You’ll find must-see Southwest National Parks and state parks to visit on this detailed vacation itinerary.

DAY 1: Albuquerque to Flagstaff

Stops along the way:

• Petrified National Park
• Winslow, Arizona

Albuquerque, NM to Petrified Forest National Park, AZ – 3 hours drive time

We decided to start and end our Southwest Road Trip in Albuquerque, New Mexico since my brother lives there.

Before arriving at Petrified Forest National Park , I had been missing the landscape of the Badlands from last summer’s vacation. The first stop at Petrified Forest reminded me of the landscape of Badlands National Park and brought the biggest smile to my face!

I had also been quite tense flying from Michigan to New Mexico and then driving from Albuquerque to Petrified National Park. Seeing the beautiful landscape of the American Southwest relaxed me immediately.

The layers of different colors making up the landscape of Petrified Forest National Park (and Painted Desert) were just beautiful. The deposited layers are quite diverse with some areas a more orange color and other areas are a more blueish color.

We spent about 3 hours exploring the park, and could’ve stayed longer, but the weather took a wicked turn so we left in an attempt to beat the oncoming monsoon. If I ever go back to Petrified Forest, I would get there earlier, hope for good weather, and hike more trails.

SOUTHWEST US ROAD TRIP TIP: Be aware of the weather during the summer monsoon season in the southwestern region of the US.

Petrified Forest to Winslow, Arizona – 1 hour drive time

One of the best parts of a road trip is stopping at fun and quirky places. When you drive through Winslow, you must take a photo on the corner. You know, for the song “Standing on the Corner in Winslow Arizona” by the Eagles.

Winslow to Flagstaff, AZ – 1 hour drive time

Our Southwest US itinerary included a stop at the Meteor Crater Natural Landmark on our way from Winslow to Flagstaff, but the monsoon storm prevented us from going.

ROAD TRIP TIP: Be flexible and prepared to make adjustments due to unexpected weather, construction, etc.

• Hotels in Flagstaff, Arizona
• Things to do in Flagstaff, Arizona

DAY 2: Flagstaff to Page, AZ

• Grand Canyon South Rim
• Grand Canyon Desert View Drive
• Little Colorado Overlook

Flagstaff, AZ to Grand Canyon National Park, AZ – 2 hour drive time

Since we were still on Michigan time, it was easy to get up early each day. We highly recommend starting out early to avoid the crowds and heat that are inevitable on an American Southwest road trip in the summer.

Our first stop today was the South Rim of  Grand Canyon National Park . The South Rim is open all year. The easiest and fastest way to get around and see the Grand Canyon is to take the scenic Kaibab Rim Shuttle Bus. It’s the only way to access the South Kaibab Trailhead and Yaki Point.

There is a Hermit Road Shuttle bus that operates most of the year. It stops at 9 canyon overlooks along the scenic 7 mile Hermit Road. We decided to spend a bit of time in the Village area to explore Mather Point and hike the rim trail for a bit.

Our itinerary for the day had us driving to Page, Arizona so we set out along Desert View Drive headed toward the Watchtower.

Mather Point to Desert View Watchtower – 35 minute drive time (with NO stops!)

Each viewpoint along Desert View Drive offers something just a bit different from all the others. It’s definitely worth the time to stop at each viewing point on Desert View Drive along the way! The watchtower is really neat inside. Be sure to climb to the top.

Desert View Watchtower to Page, AZ – 2 hour drive time

On our way to Page we stopped at the Little Colorado Overlook. It was a nice place to get out of the car to stretch our legs and enjoy the scenery.

SOUTHWEST ROAD TRIP TIP: Dehydration is serious in the summer months. Make a point to drink water at all the stops you make on your Southwest road trip. Keep water in a cooler in the trunk!

• Hotels in Page, Arizona
• Things to do in Page, Arizona

Day 3: Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon

Page, az to horseshoe bend – 10 minute drive time.

Nothing says American Southwest like a photo of Horseshoe Bend .

We got up EARLY to hike to Horseshoe Bend, arriving at the trailhead at 7 am to avoid the crowds and heat.

CARRY WATER with you on the hike since there is no shade along the 1.25 mile roundtrip hike that takes approximately 30 minutes to an hour.

Since we had a scheduled tour at Antelope Canyon the same morning, we didn’t stay long at Horseshoe Bend.

Horseshoe Bend to Antelope Canyon, AZ – 30 minute drive time

Visiting Antelope Canyon was a must on our Southwest Road Trip itinerary. We participated in the regular Dixie Ellis tour of Antelope Canyon  (they offer a teacher discount.) Even though we had made an online reservation, we still had to wait in line to check in and then again before our tour time was called.

Once our tour was called we walked over to another waiting area. The tour guides are quite knowledgeable about camera phones and gave advice on how to take the best photos. Our guide also took our photos and made sure no one was in it.

Plan on shuffling through the canyon because it is packed with people!

Be sure to LOOK UP! The canyon is so spectacular, but it’s also amazing to look up and see the height of the canyon.

I think Antelope Canyon is incredible, but be sure to pack your patience and plan on your tour time running much later than expected. It doesn’t matter which tour company you book with because they both enter from the same location.

ROAD TRIP TIP: Always be aware of the TIME ZONE as you travel. The time zone in Page, Arizona is NOT THE SAME as Antelope Canyon only 5 minutes away. 

BOOK ANTELOPE CANYON TOURS

Day 4 – Bryce Canyon National Park

Page, az to bryce canyon national park, ut- 2.5 hour drive time.

Bryce Canyon National Park , Utah was everything I thought it would be… and then some! I absolutely love the hoodoos and colors!

We arrived early and hiked the Queen’s Garden – Navajo Loop trail , starting from Sunrise Point. The trails goes past Queen’s Garden and connects with the Navajo Loop. 

Hiking UP the Wall Street switchbacks to the top of the canyon is a workout. We were pretty tired by the time we were done, but it was worth every single step!

Again…BRING LOTS OF WATER and start EARLY. It gets very hot in the summer, there is not much shade, and the end of the trail climbing those switchbacks is a workout! 

Our horseback riding experience through Bryce Canyon was the BEST horseback riding experience ever! Riding into the canyon on horseback was quite intimidating, but once I put all my confidence in that horse, I felt like I could enjoy the ride so much more!

I was surprised how different the canyon looked once we got to the bottom because it was full of trees!

WHAT I WOULD DO DIFFERENTLY: There are so many things to do at Bryce Canyon National Park  – next time, I would get to Bryce earlier and plan to spend two days to hike more trails.

I would also stay at a hotel closer to Bryce Canyon so I wasn’t driving to and from Page, Arizona. We left Bryce and went back to our hotel in Page because I wanted to drive through Monument Valley on our way to Moab, Utah.

• Bryce Canyon Places to Stay
• Bryce Canyon Hotels
• Bryce Canyon National Park Camping

BOOK BRYCE CANYON TOURS

Day 5 – Page, AZ to Moab, UT

• Monument Valley
• Goosenecks State Park
• Wilson Arch
• Hole N” The Rock

Page, AZ to Monument Valley, UT – 2 hour drive time

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is located in a remote area on the Utah/Arizona border. This destination was another must-see on our American Southwest road trip.

I am so glad I rented a Jeep because the drive through Monument Valley was rough! It’s a 14-mile graded dirt road that takes you past scenic spots like The Mittens, Three Sisters, John Ford’s Point, Totem Pole, and more.

There are also tours where Navajo guides can take you deeper into the Valley that you can’t do on your own.

We enjoyed stopping at all of the scenic spots as we drove along the road, and even ate fry bread and purchased jewelry at one location.

It took about 2 hours to drive though Monument Valley and stop at all of the scenic pullouts.

If I were to return, I would go horseback riding through Monument Valley .

BOOK MONUMENT VALLEY TOURS

After leaving Monument Valley we drove through the iconic Forrest Gump spot. I was shocked at how many people were standing in the road trying to the perfect picture.

Monument Valley to Goosenecks State Park, UT – 35 minutes drive time

Goosenecks State Park, Utah was a quick stop on our way to Moab. Driving along the road to get to Goosenecks made me wonder if I was still on Earth because it looked so different and I hardly passed a car for miles! I was happy to see a dozen cars in the parking lot when we arrived – it was nice to see people!

Take the time for the short drive to Goosenecks. It’s unlike any other stop along your road trip in the Southwest. The area is so much larger than I expected! It’s really neat to see how erosion creates incredible winding rivers.

We discovered on this trip that Utah State Parks are fun to explore and photograph.

Goosenecks State Park, UT to Moab, UT – 2+ hour drive time (with 2 stops)

When you travel around the American Southwest by car, you find gems along the way. We came across two on our drive toward the adventure town of Moab, Utah .

Wilson Arch is a fun place to stop, stretch your legs and hike around the arch. Remember to stay hydrated!

You’ll pass by Hole N” The Rock , a 5,000 square foot home home carved out of a huge rock. There’s a gift shop, trading post and small petting zoo.

It was nice to spend some down time in Moab. We really enjoyed the Buffalo Bleu Cheese pizza at Zax! BEST pizza!!

There are all types of lodging in and near Moab from budget-friendly hotels to higher-prices resorts. You’ll also find vacation rentals, a hostel, campgrounds and RV parks.

• Moab hotels
• Moab Camping
• Glamping in Moab

Day 6 – Moab, Utah

Places we visited:

• Arches National Park
• Dead Horse Point State Park
• Canyonlands National Park
• Moab Giants

Moab, UT to Arches National Park, UT – 10 minute drive time

Arches National Park  has over 2,000 natural stone arches and cool rock fins and large balanced rocks.

Out of all the  Arches National Park hiking trails , we really wanted to hike to Delicate Arch. We got up early and made it to the trailhead at 7 am.

It’s best to hike to Delicate Arch in the morning so you get a parking spot and avoid the full sun and heat as much as you can. The hike is 3.2 miles roundtrip. It took us about 1.5 hours. I think they say 1 hour per mile to hike out west due to the increase in elevation. 

Since the hike to Delicate Arch took most of our energy for the day, we didn’t attempt any more trials. Instead we drove to all the lookout points to enjoy the unique landscape of the park.

WHAT I WOULD DO DIFFERENTLY: I would plan on spending at least 2 days at Arches next time, especially to focus on the Arches National Park photography !

• Arches National Park Travel Guide
• Arches Packing List

BOOK ARCHES NATIONAL PARK TOURS

Arches National Park to Dead Horse Point State Park, UT – 35 minute drive time

Dead Horse Point State Park , Utah is located at the end of a mesa 2,000 feet above the Colorado River, on the edge of Canyonlands National Park. You can see endless views of the river and surrounding canyons.

I loved Dead Horse Point! It’s amazing to see the way water erodes at a canyon over time and creates a horseshoe-type shape.

We enjoyed walking the trails, climbing the rocks and taking photos at Dead Horse Point.

Dead Horse Point State Park to Canyonlands (Island in the Sky), UT – 15 minute drive time

Canyonlands National Park , Utah is actually comprised of three Districts. The closest one to Moab, and the one we chose to visit, is called Island in the Sky.  Needles Canyonlands is about 55 miles south of Moab.

The landscape at each viewpoint along the Island in the Sky scenic drive is different. Take the time to stop, hike and explore as many as you can.

• Grand View Point
• Green River Overlook
• Buckhorn Overlook

The trail to Mesa Arch is a quick, easy hike (.5 miles roundtrip). The arch is right on the edge of a 500-foot cliff and it’s one of the most iconic views in Canyonlands.

There are many things to do, see and photograph at Canyonlands Island in the Sky . It’s hard to narrow down your itinerary when you only have a short amount of time to explore.

BOOK CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK TOURS

Canyonlands to Moab Giants near Moab, UT – 30 minute drive time

We LOVE dinosaurs and spent about an hour at Moab Giants just outside town in the middle of a 100 degree day!

We packed lots of water, but Moab Giants clearly cares for their visitors because they have misting stations, drinking fountains, and canopies set up to give you a break from the sun . There is also a vending machine about halfway through the trail.

It’s a half mile loop trail with so much to see and learn along the way. The life-size dinosaurs and footprint castings are impressive and help you understand the incredible size of these magnificent creatures!

BOOK MOAB UTAH TOURS

Day 7 – Moab, UT to Albuquerque, NM

• Mesa Verde National Park
• Four Corners Monument

Moab, UT to Mesa Verde, CO – 2 hour drive time

One of the most amazing stops on our Southwest US road trip was visiting  Mesa Verde National Park.  The park was developed to preserve and interpret the archeological heritage of the Ancestral Pueblo people.

Mesa Verde is quite cool! I found it interesting that people decided to live at the top of the mountain.

We spent 2-3 hours at Mesa Verde stopping at all of the scenic spots. Next time I would plan to be there longer and take a guided tour of the Cliff Palace . 

• Mesa Verde Lodging and Camping

BOOK MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK TOURS

Mesa Verde, CO to Four Corners – 1 hour drive time

If you’re road trip across the US Southwest takes you close to the Four Corners Monument area, you probably should stop.

With that being said, everyone else thinks the same thing which made for a LONG line.

The line moved somewhat slow because people want to get lots of poses in all four states. We skipped the line and took a photo from one of the elevated platforms.

Four Corners to Albuquerque, NM – 4 hour drive time

We drove to Albuquerque to spend the night.

• Hotels in Albuquerque, NM

BOOK ALBUQUERUQUE TOURS

Day 8 – Albuquerque, NM Area

Places we stopped:

• Bandelier National Monument
• El Santuario De Chimayo Historic Site

Albuquerque, NM to Bandelier National Monument – 2 hour drive time

The next morning we visited Bandelier National Monument and explored the area for about 3 hours. It’s relatively small but packed with history.

I was so impressed with the landscape and wilderness in Bandelier. We loved climbing all of the ladders and looking at early civilization sites.

Half way through the Main Loop Trail, you must either turn back toward the visitor center or continue another half mile to Alcove House. We decided to walk the additional distance. In order to get to the Alcove House we had to climb 4 separate ladders 140 ft to the top.

One thing to consider when visiting Bandelier is that you can only get to it by a Shuttle bus during the summer months.

Bandelier National Monument to El Santuario De Chimayo Historic Site, NM – 1 hour drive time

After Bandelier, we drove over to El Santuario De Chimayo Historic Site .

I wanted to see the church while I was close to it since I probably won’t be in the area again any time soon.

CLICK TO SHOP FOR US NATIONAL PARK GUIDES & MAPS

Plan a Southwest US Vacation

• US Southwest Vacation Ideas
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Use our US National Park Packing List   to make sure you have the right clothing and gear for visiting any time of year! Grab your free printable packing checklist by clicking the image below!

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36 comments.

Is it worth doing this type of trip if you can do very little hiking?

Yes! Many of the National Parks and State Parks in the southwest provide “scenic drives” to see the landscape from the car, parking lot, or a short walk to the overlook.

Amazing trip, I love visiting parks.

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This trip looks amazing! Visiting from the imparting grace link up.

Oh wow! My brother lives in Albequerque and we had thought of going in spring break but with a family of 6 plane tickets right now and renting a car are too high. But seeing this, we may want to plan a road trip like this. This is amazing and my family would love it! http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com

Road trips are the perfect way to travel right now for sure! And spring is the perfect time to visit the Southwest! Enjoy your trip!

Could I make a suggestion: Your trips are super and really helps us know where and what we want to see on our trip next year. I wish you would add a map of each trip in the beginning so we can visualize the trip and see where we might make deviations. Thank you for your great work.

That’s a great idea, thank you. We’ll work on adding that!

Thank you for great trip plans.

What a perfect post at a perfect time for me to find it. We will be starting in Albuquerque for the International Balloon Festival in October and then to the Grand Canyon, to Moab and back to Albuquerque. We will not be able to hit all the spots on your trip due to time constraints but since I didn’t know anything when starting my planning-this about plans my whole trip for me. Thank you for your details, hints and tips.

Now I need to compare your recommendations to Geocaches along the way to narrow our itinerary down. Thank you-I’m so excited that October seems forever away..

You will have so much fun on this trip, and yes, October seems far away, but will be here before you know it! Let us know if you have any questions, although we aren’t geocaching experts. We appreciate you taking the time to comment.

Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon has been on my list for awhile, but I never knew about Bryce Canyon National Park. Wow it looks so beautiful. Almost reminds me of Jordan. The US has some truly fascinating sceneries

The US has such diverse landscapes to see. Hope you can make it to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend soon!

Your photos look stunning, the landscapes are really incredible! The horse riding trip looked fun too, something I’ve never tried. I’d love to do this roadtrip – as you can imagine, being from the UK, there aren’t too many long roadtrips we can do before we reach the end of the country! Teehee!

Road trips from the UK sound so exciting because you get to visit so many countries!

Your horseback ride has me totally dreaming over here!! What an awesome trip you put together!

Horseback riding among the hoodoos in Bryce Canyon is a MUST do if you ever visit this National Park!

Wow I would love to take this road trip I am obsessed with the Southwest ! So much that we are planning to move to Las Vegas soon!]

Great post and have a fabulous year of travels!

You will have so many places to explore living in Vegas – how exciting!

I could not have read this post at the most perfect time. I am doing a road trip to these same areas in 2 weeks. Thank you!

Your experience in 2 weeks might be a bit different. It won’t be hot like it is in the summer. Be prepared for cold and even snow. Have fun!

This is so helpful, thank you! My friend lives in the States and we want to go on a road trip together at some point so I will definitely be sending her this! So much great practicality advice! I love the sound of the Desert View Watchtower and Antelope Canyon looks absolutely stunning! Those rock formations! It reminds me a little bit of road tripping through Outback Australia (although very different types of rock)!

Let us know if you have any questions. We would love to take a trip to the Outback one day.

The American Southwest is easily one of my favorite places on the globe. Such rich geography and well-preserved remains of the first nations. It is such a wonderful dreamland. And how awesome that the author gets to take a roadtrip like this with her daughter.

It’s one of our favorite locations as well. Seeing the native american ruins is so amazing!

Nice post. It is very useful and informative. Thanks a lot for sharing this blog.

What a trip stunning scenery and lovely photosgraphs.

I’ve been to almost all of these places, but seeing the photos makes me ache to return to each and every one….there’s something so special about the Southwest. I was actually at the Meteor Crater this week – it’s less spectacular than other places on your list, but worth a stop if you are already passing by!

We always try to see the things near our road trip travels, and were a bit sad not to see Meteor Crater, but knew it wasn’t a deal breaker 🙂

Thank you so much for linking to our site, HorseshoeBend.com! You did exactly the right thing by going early for cooler temperatures and minimal crowds. Hope you get a chance to return to the area when you can spend more time and explore some of the area’s beautiful “alternate” slot canyons and perhaps enjoy a boat tour to Rainbow Bridge! Take care and happy travels 🙂

We hope to return to do more for sure!

Amazing! Would love to do the horse back riding tour.

Horseback riding is always a fun way to see these destinations.

Hi Jamie, what an awesome road trip! It brings back beautiful memories of our trips through Grand Canyon and many amazing parks in Utah and Arizona – Zion NP, Bryce NP, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Flagstaff, Sedona… but there a few we still need to visit. This is a great post for me to keep handy for later. Thanks for putting it together.

There is always so much to see in these states for sure! We have more to visit as well.

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Road Tripping through the American Southwest

Exploring the beauty of colorado, utah, and arizona.

by Celeste Lipford and Terry Lipford

Even though our main goal was Utah's "Mighty Five" National Parks, our itinerary research showed us that we would be able to visit a wide range of additional locations, including; 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 swatch of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado that we had never previously visited.

We were embarking upon 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!

Trip Itinerary

As you can see by the above trip flow diagram, our route 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

Glenwood Springs, CO         Map

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. 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         Map

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         Map

Day 3 - 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!

Canyonlands National Park, UT         Map

Day 4: Picked up our Jeep 4WD this morning and our off-road adventure will span two days. We will be driving across trails that are not only rough, but are pitted with arroyos and other obstacles!

Little Wild Horse Canyon, UT         Map

Day 6: 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         Map

Day 6: 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         Map

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         Map

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         Map

Day 11: Lake Powell is truly a boater's paradise in a desert setting - this lake is rapidly getting lower & smaller due to the southwest USA drought.

Mesa Verde, CO         Map

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         Map

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         Map

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.

Colorado/Utah/Arizona Adventure 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!

• Denver International Airport
• Glenwood Springs, CO
• Colorado National Monument, CO
• Arches National Park, UT
• Canyonlands National Park, UT
• Little Wild Horse Canyon, UT
• Capitol Reef National Park, UT
• Bryce Canyon National Park, UT
• Zion National Park, UT
• Lake Powell, AZ
• Mesa Verde National Park, CO
• Telluride, CO
• Royal Gorge, CO

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After road-tripping across Colorado, Arizona, Texas, and Utah nearly a dozen times, I planned the best itinerary through the Southwest

• I love the Southwest, and I planned a road trip through all my favorite destinations.
• It starts in Texas and ends in Colorado, covering 3,000 miles of forests, deserts, and mountains.
• My years of road-tripping through the American West inspired this perfect itinerary.

There's something about the American Southwest that I just can't seem to get enough of.

I've taken at least 10 road trips around western America. I've visited eight states, seven national parks, and several state parks and national forests.

Read more: Waiting on your passport? Here are 6 of the best places to visit in the US, according to a travel reporter.

From Texas to Colorado, I made a dream itinerary for the most epic Southwestern road trip adventure.

Every time I traveled west, I was on a tight budget. I used freecampsites.net to find campsites like this one each night, and I highly recommend it.

Source: Free Campsites

These are some of the most beautiful campsites I've ever seen. And I think using this site will decrease the cost of your trip without compromising your experience.

The trip would include five states and cover approximately 3,000 miles of incredibly diverse terrain, including forests, deserts, red rocks, mountains, and valleys.

Read more: I've been terrified of driving my whole life, but a recent trip to Tennessee without a car made me realize I need to get over it

Start in Austin, the easternmost point on the trip. I think it's the best city in Texas. Austin has a great sense of community and plenty of outdoor activities that are cheap or free.

Some of my favorite free hiking spots are Spicewood Springs and the cliffs next to the Pennybacker Bridge in West Austin.

Cool off from a hike at Barton Springs Pool, a gigantic 3-acre pool fed by natural springs that's typically 68-70 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the City of Austin.

Source: City of Austin

It takes about seven hours to get from Austin to the second stop: Big Bend National Park.

According to Texas Monthly, Big Bend is one of the least-visited national parks in the US. My visits have always felt quiet and peaceful.

Source: Texas Monthly

The last time I went to Big Bend, I started off the trip with a sunset hike on the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail.

This half-mile hike with almost no elevation made it really easy to relax and enjoy the sunset ...

... and to take some beautiful golden-hour landscapes, of course.

Read more: I have a degree in photography. Here's the most important thing I learned that I still use nearly a decade later.

For a more adventurous hike, check out the Lost Mine Trail. It's 4.8 miles in total, but many people turn around after the one-mile mark, where there are stunning views of Juniper Canyon.

Source: Planet Ware

But if you have the whole day, I highly recommend making the trek all the way to the top.

When I made it up there, I spent about an hour reflecting on this peaceful summit, and I was proud that I didn't turn around earlier. It felt good to work hard for this view.

Read more: I visited the Great Smoky Mountains and the best part of my trip was an unexpected discovery I made while stuck in the rain with no way to get to my Airbnb

The last time I was in Big Bend, I ended the trip at the Santa Elena Canyon Trail. This hike features some of the grandest sites I've seen at Big Bend.

This trail is absolutely gorgeous, and it's my favorite in the park. There are stunning 360-degree views throughout the entire hike.

After Big Bend, I would drive into New Mexico for a handful of epic sites — the first of which is Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

This drive will take about five hours, but the route is scenic. Be sure to make a reservation at the caverns before heading there.

Source: National Park Service

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is comprised of more than 119 limestone caves found underground below the Chihuahuan Desert. You can take an elevator down to the caverns.

Source: National Parks Service

It's cool and humid inside the caves. Although mostly dark, there are lights placed around the caves, so patrons can see the different shapes, colors, and textures.

The caves are inherently ominous and spooky thanks to the shapes found in the limestone and the overall darkness down there.

In my opinion, the best way to experience this surreal site is to have no agenda.

Just get down there with your pals and get lost.

About three hours west of the caverns, you'll find yourself in a place that is the complete opposite of these dark caves: White Sands National Monument.

This area is very bright, and the sand feels like no other. It is soft and silky to the touch, and even on a warm day, the sand was cool.

Read more: I went to Great Smoky Mountains National Park for the first time and 7 surprises made my trip harder — and better — than I expected

After an afternoon in the sand, it's only a 90-minute drive to the next destination.

Lincoln National Forest is a scenic place to set up camp.

This forest has views that overlook south-central New Mexico ...

... and there are lush trails around the campsites to explore.

After camping in Lincoln, there's only one more stop in New Mexico, and it's a pretty long drive to get there.

The next stop of the trip is approximately six hours from Lincoln in another New Mexican forest called Gila National Forest.

While it's pretty during the day ...

... the awe of this place doesn't come until nightfall. Inside Gila, there is an International Dark Sky Sanctuary, according to the USDA Forest Service. This means it's one of the best places to view the night sky.

Source: USDA Forest Service

In the morning, head to Sedona, Arizona.

It's seven hours northwest of Gila.

Once you get close to Sedona, you'll start to see houses surrounded by cliffs and trees.

Sedona is a striking town embedded in red rocks.

To me, It almost feels like being on another planet ...

... until you get to the town, which has a downtown area full of shops and restaurants.

Just a few minutes from town, there are areas to camp for free.

The next stop after Sedona is the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.

It's four and a half hours from Sedona.

The drive is this long because you have to drive north of the rim and then down to it.

But it will be worth it when you see this.

There is plenty to love about the North Rim, and the best views don't even require you to go inside the park ...

... but you'll want to pitch a tent.

Read more: Why I preferred sleeping in a glamping tent over cozy cabins during my first trip to the Great Smoky Mountains

Kaibab National Forest, which surrounds the North Rim, is home to my favorite free campsites.

The firepits are so close to the edge that you can feel the heat from a campfire while your feet hang over the side of the canyon.

There are trees all around this area — perfect for setting up a hammock.

The campsite is on Rainbow Trail, which is an ideal hike for finding spots to sit down and enjoy the view.

Sitting on the edge of the Grand Canyon makes me feel small. While staring into such a vast, epic site, it's easy to live in the moment and forget about pretty much everything else.

Leaving this campsite is the hardest part of every trip ...

... but it gets easier once you're back on the road headed towards Zion National Park. It only takes about two hours to get to Zion, which is a national park in southwestern Utah.

The free campsites just outside of the park offer starry nights.

Unlike other national parks on this trip, Zion has public transportation that goes through the park. Because of this, a day in Zion requires a little more planning.

If I had only one day in Zion, I would hike the Narrows trail.

The Narrows is a trail that leads you into the river. The river gets deeper and deeper as you go ...

... and the canyons come closing in ...

... and that's why it's called the Narrows!

After a day in Zion, another national park in Utah is certainly worth the stop. Bryce Canyon National Park is about 90 minutes northwest of Zion, and it's one of the most otherworldly destinations on this entire trip.

Hike the one-mile Bristlecone Loop for spectacular views like this one, as Trip Advisor suggests ...

Source: Trip Advisor

... or just drive around and catch the viewpoints.

Just like Zion, the free campsites outside of Bryce Canyon offer a gorgeous view of the night sky.

After spending some time in awe of Bryce Canyon, it's time for the final leg of the trip, which just happens to be the longest.

The final stop of the trip is Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado.

The coolest thing about this park is that it includes four different ecosystems.

That means there are four different groups of animals, plants, geological components, and naturally occurring cycles that work together to sustain their respective systems all in one park.

Seeing this herd of elk grazing the tundra in the Rocky Mountains was an unforgettable experience ...

... and it would be a great way to end your epic road trip through America's Southwest.

Read more: 15 photos that will transport you to the Great Smoky Mountains, from cozy cabin views to jaw-dropping landscapes

• Main content

THE ULTIMATE COLORADO TO UTAH ROAD TRIP LOOP

A Colorado to Utah road trip is the ideal way to experience the natural beauty of these two mountain states in the great American Southwest.

These road trips touch on some of the best places to see spectacular views, deep canyons, natural hot springs, the great Rocky Mountains, archeological sites and more.

Activities abound from the more strenuous including horseback riding, rock climbing and hikes and white water rafting to the more leisurely like scenic drives and picnics in beautiful national and state parks.

This road trip will take you to five national parks, numerous historic western towns and some of the most spectacular natural scenery on earth.

Table of Contents

Steamboat Springs

Start your Colorado to Utah road trip in Steamboat Springs, a friendly, northwestern Colorado town with a laid-back vibe nestled in the bucolic Yampa Valley.

It lies about 3 hours north of Colorado’s capital city, Denver.  

“The Boat” – that’s what the locals affectionately call Steamboat Springs – is an internationally renowned ski resort.

The slopes in the area are stunningly beautiful with soaring mountains and dramatic drops. Some of the best-known slopes include Mount Warner, Howelsen Hill, and the majestic Outlaw Mountain.

No matter a skier’s level of expertise, there is an appropriate slope to enjoy. Can’t ski? Tale a course at the local ski school.

 Want something more challenging? Try Alpine skiing.

Every February, Steamboat Springs celebrates the skiing season with the Winter Festival and Parade. 

This is the only parade where performers march to the music on skis! In fact, skiing is such a serious business in The Boat, that more winter Olympic athletes come from Steamboat Springs than any other city in the U.S. 

Despite the local fascination with skiing, there is plenty more to enjoy in Steamboat no matter what time of year you go.

The Steamboat Balloon Festival attracts people from around the country to witness the colorful parade in the sky, and summer is for enjoying watersports like kayaking, tubing and paddling in the town’s many cool springs and lakes.

The local downtown area around Lincoln Avenue has a Western vibe with picturesque shops lining the streets.

September offers Restaurant Week and a chance to sample the wide variety of the town’s culinary treats, a real foodie’s paradise.

Some favorites include Besame for Nuovo Latin, Mambo for an interesting take on Italian and Yampa Valley Kitchen for farm-to-table deliciousness.

You can buy the freshest produce at the regular Farmers Markets as well as partying the night away at the various music venues and bars.

Hike the beautiful Yampa Core Trail by the river, visit the Yampa River Botanical Garden, or climb to the top of Fish Creek Falls.

What’s not to love about Steamboat Springs!

Check out the different accommodation options in Steamboat Springs.

From Steamboat Springs, head southwest to kick off your Colorado to Utah road trip.

About 300 miles (480 km) southwest of Steamboat Springs is the gateway to two of the most spectacular national parks on your Colorado to Utah road trip : Arches and Canyonlands National Park in Moab, Utah.

The parks have a single-vehicle entrance fee of $ 30 USD and different fees for motorcycles, bicycles and camping. If you are over 62, you are eligible for discounts on entrance fees to all the U.S. National Parks.

The town of Moab is a quaint western-style town with shops, restaurants and hotels lining the main street.

The art galleries capitalize on the spectacular scenery of the national parks nearby and the southwestern jewelry of turquoise blue, coral red and silver is especially beautiful.

This is a great place to stock up on Western gear at reasonable prices.

Don’t miss the petroglyphs on Potash Road. These are rock art designs created by native Americans who inhabited the area between 600 and 1300 CE.

The designs represent animals, human-like figures with horns and capes as well as a line of people holding hands. These petroglyphs are right by the road and are visible from your car.

They are extremely fragile and even the oil from human hands can mar this unique and irreplaceable patrimony.

There are plenty of restaurants in Moab offering everything from Asian fusion to classic American.

On Main Street try Dewey’s Restaurant and Bar for casual, no-frills American. Josie Wyatt’s Grille has great pasta, steaks and patio seating.

A more upscale establishment is the Desert Bistro across the street from the Best Western off Main Street. This restaurant offered a dining experience way above and beyond my expectations.

Everything was excellent; the food, drinks, ambiance and service…all stellar. We’re still talking about it.

Insider tips to improve your visit to Moab:

1. Do visit the Visitor Center on Main Street to pick up brochures, maps and information from the helpful staff. Learn about evening programs, spectacular hikes, cycling, backpacking and much more.

2. Be aware of the state’s quirky liquor laws before you make a fool of yourself by complaining to the restaurant’s management that they only served you half a drink. I speak from experience.

By law, drinks can only be about 1/2 of what you would ordinarily get at a bar. You can’t order two drinks at once, or a double, and there are many, many more restrictions.

Be aware that the state’s DUI parameters and penalties are the harshest in the country. Learn about Utah’s liquor laws before you go.

Remember, this is NOT New Orleans or Las Vegas. Cheers!!

The Moab area is the ideal location to use as a base from which to explore the national parks as well as La Sal National Forest and Loop Road and the accommodations in Moab are plenty.

Arches National Park

Arches National Park is 5 miles (8 km) north of Moab and is all about…well, arches. And what arches they are!

There are over 2000 arches in the park along with many otherworldly natural sand and stone formations chiseled by nature over the millennium.

The park receives over 1.5 million visitors a year who come to bike, hike and take in the fabulous scenery.

Among the most spectacular arches are: Turret Arch, Delicate Arch, perhaps the most photographed, Landscape Arch, and Navajo Arch.

The park is open all year but fills up quickly so get there early or be prepared to wait on line until space opens up.

One activity that is unique in this part of the world is stargazing. The farther you get from Moab the darker the sky will be and the more spectacular the stargazing.

Park rangers regularly offer stargazing programs in the summer. Check the details at the visitor center and see the stars like you’ve never seen them before.

Canyonlands National Park

Canyonland National Park is another one of nature’s gems in the United States. It is 338,000 acres of the wildest land formations you’ll ever see: mesas, buttes, canyons with blazing colors and spires piercing the sky.

The area is actually four parks in one divided by the Green and Colorado Rivers:

1 Islands in the Sky is the most visited and the closest to Moab.

2 The Needles is a bit farther – but totally worth it. It’s great for a day trip from Moab and prime territory for backpacking and hiking to the spectacular land formations.

3 The Maze is the least developed section of the park and requires a four-wheel drive. Horseshoe Canyon, part of The Maze, has native-American rock markings.

4 The Rivers in Canyonlands separate the sections and offer exceptional white river rafting. Check out the various outfitters that specialize in river rafting when you visit the visitor center.

If you are short on time or simply prefer to have an outfitter show you the coolest spots in Canyonlands, I highly recommend Adrift Adventures of Moab ; professional, prompt, pleasant, knowledgeable and good value for your money.

They’ll take you places and show you sights you might not see otherwise, like the spot where Thelma and Louise was filmed when the actresses drove off a cliff into the vast canyon below.

La Sal National Forest and Loop Road

A few miles outside of Moab is the La Sal National Forest and Loop guaranteed to have scenery unlike anything you have ever seen.

The loop takes about 2 hours to complete by car but the vistas and topography will undoubtedly lure you into stretching out this drive into a much-extended road trip.

This is a spectacular drive with views of the Moab Valley and the majestic La Sal mountains. It’s fascinating to see the geography of the forest go from desert to pine forest to verdant valley all within a few minutes.

It seemed every bend was an occasion to ooohhh and aaahhh. For my money, these forest, mountain and lake views are just as amazing as the national parks.

Some of the most breathtaking sites on this loop include Kens Lake, the desert and mountain overlooks, Oohwah Lake and the scenic drive bordering the Colorado River. Don’t underestimate this scenic wonder!

Tip: Pack a picnic lunch and have a meal while viewing the multicolored horizon and snowcapped mountains.

Newspaper Rock

If you are interested in native American culture and archaeology, and even if you are not, you should schedule a stop at the intriguing Newspaper Rock, a national monument about an hour south of Moab.

This fascinating piece of history is a panel carved in sandstone representing figures created by people over the centuries to 1300 CE.

Some of the cultures that contributed to the rock are the Fremont and Pueblo people among others.

Archaeologists and other scholars are unsure what the figures; animals, human-like figures, and geometric designs represent. Are they religious symbols, artistic expressions or merely doodles and ancient graffiti?

Leave Utah behind, loop back into Colorado and head to Cortez, less than two hours southeast of Moab.

Named after the Spanish conquistador, Hernan Cortez, this pleasant little town of about 8,500 is full of lush green parks and sparkling lakes.

Many travelers opt to stay in Cortez hotels due to the town’s proximity to Mesa Verde National Park, Monument Valley National Park and other important cultural centers.

Cortez has several hotels and restaurants and is a great place for a stopover as you continue your Colorado to Utah road trip .

It is also a good destination from which to deviate from your Colorado to Utah road trip and explore some of the cutest small towns of western Colorado like Silverton, Telluride and Durango.

And don’t miss the tapas and martini happy hour at the Farm Bistro.

Mesa Verde National Park

About 10 miles (16 km) east of Cortez you’ll find the Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE site and the largest archaeological preserve in the United States. Wow! That’s a mouthful.

Established in 1906 to preserve the heritage of the original inhabitants, the Pueblo people, the park is like an outdoor museum.

Depending on what section of the park you visit, you’ll see nearly 5,000 archeological sites which include the cliff dwellings created from 600 to 1300 CE.

The dwellings are so well preserved that it almost seems like the inhabitants left them that morning only to return later that day.

Built beneath overhanging cliffs, the dwellings range from small storage units to structures with up to 150 rooms.

You can gaze at the dwellings and imagine a bustling community of villagers going about their lives centuries ago.

Make sure to stop at the visitor center at the entrance to plan your visit depending on what interests you most. There is nothing quite like this anywhere that I know of.

After visiting Mesa Verde National Park you can detour to visit the charming southwestern Colorado towns or continue on your Colorado to Utah road trip to Durango.

Just a half hour east of Mesa Verde is the town of Durango, a cute southwestern town near the New Mexico border.

Some people use Durango as a base to visit the nearby attractions like the breathtakingly beautiful San Juan Forest but there is plenty to see and do in Durango itself.

The city has a vibrant art scene – visit the Durango Arts Center – and cool restaurants with innovative cuisine.

One unique, can’t-miss activity in Durango is a ride on the vintage Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. As the name implies, the railroad connects two historic and interesting towns, Durango and Silvertown.

It chugs its way along a track that crosses the San Juan Forest so you can see the awesome views from your window. Along the way, you learn more about the town’s history.

This makes for a perfect day trip in the area and an ideal addition to your Utah to Colorado road trip.

The best place to stay in Durango is the historic Statler Hotel . It is so historic, in fact, that the hotel’s tag line is “Admit it, you’ve always wanted to spend the night in a museum.” And they’re not kidding.

The hotel was built in 1887 and has remained a hotel ever since. It is decorated in period architecture and furniture.

You truly feel like Wyatt Earp or some other character from the late 1800s will walk in the door at any minute.

Spend some time in the hotel’s period saloon where the staff is costumed in late 1800 garb.

It’s not just a hotel stay, it is an accommodation experience.

Dinner at the hotel is an excellent option, or you can choose one of the trendy eateries in town like Ken and Sue’s downtown.

Great Sand Dunes National Park

The drive from Durango to your next stop, The Great Sand Dune National Park, is a little over three hours.

The road takes you through the San Juan National Forest and Rio Grande National Forest with scenery so beautiful that the 3 1/2 hour drive will feel like minutes.

Guaranteed you’ll stop frequently at the overlooks to take photos.

Unless you’ve spent years wandering around the Sahara you have not seen anything like the Great Sand Dunes National Park.

This otherworldly park lies against the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

The dunes are North America’s highest and are only about 10% of the 330-square-mile deposit of sand. What’s the big deal about a bunch of sand, you say?

The dunes are many stories high and you can climb them!

Depending on the season, the melting snow from the mountains flows down to the dunes creating a rushing creek you need to cross in order to get to the dunes.

But don’t worry, the “creek” never get higher than your ankles. So, take off your shoes, walk to the dunes and climb them or bring a snowboard and surf the dunes.

The sight of the massive dunes against the backdrop of the snow-capped mountains makes for a great photo op. Truly one of the most spectacular and prettiest places in southwestern Colorado.

Salida is a cute little town about an hour and a half north of the Great Sand Dune National Park.

This picturesque town of slightly over 5,000 punches way above its weight when it comes to outdoor sports and adventures. It is also known as “The Heart of the Rockies.”

The other main attraction in Salida is that it is home to the state’s largest National Historic District with 136 – count them, 136 -preserved buildings representing the town’s wild-west past. Some of the hotels in Salida also have a wild-west theme.

For a hearty dinner of homemade Italian fare, you can’t beat Amica Pizza . But don’t let the name fool you. It’s more than a pizza place. Check out the tasty pasta dishes and microbrewery.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

A stellar attraction in the area and the last of the great national parks on your Utah to Colorado road trip is the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

Picture the height of the Empire State Building. Now double it.

Two Empire State buildings, one on top of the other, are still a little less than the total depth of the deepest canyon in the Black Canyon.

Edge as close to the canyon rim as you dare, peek over the top and you’ll see an abyss more than 2,700 feet deep in some places.

You might feel a bit queasy peering over the edge due to the depth.

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is small in size but more than makes up for it in spectacular views.

The park has three sections: East Portal, North Rim and South Rim. The overlook distances are short enough that you could walk through them all.

All the views are breathtaking but there are three lookout points that can’t be missed: Narrows View, Chasm View and the deepest, Painted Wall View.

The Black Canyon is home to a large variety of fauna but the coyotes are especially numerous.

They are largely nocturnal so if you spend the night in the campground, you’ll hear their eerie howls way into the night.

Now here’s a change of pace. Head over to Aspen, about 70 miles north of The Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and find yourself in a cosmopolitan, artsy, more up-market city environment.

Aspen is a great place to visit any time of year but winter is “the season” due to the excellent skiing conditions.

Nevertheless, there is plenty to do in any season.

The city is a little cultural Mecca in the heart of the Rockies with its museums, music venues, and screen and stage performances.

This town of almost 7,500 year-round inhabitants – that number swells in winter – has a beautiful old west-style town center, a nod to the city’s silver mining origins in 1879.

The cobblestone streets are lined with high-end, brand-name stores, chic restaurants and art galleries.

As can be expected in a trendy town like Aspen, the restaurant scene is varied.

There is plenty to choose from down-home western BBQ and steaks to sushi and haute cuisine…with prices to match.

One cozy, moderately priced eatery with tasty Italian fare is Brunelleschi’s conveniently located on S. Hopkins which is also Restaurant Row so, if Italian is not your thing, you have many other choices.

Choose from a wide variety of places to stay in Aspen from awesome 5-star properties to more moderately priced accommodations.

And so ends our epic Utah to Colorado road trip.

At this point you can head back to the starting point of Steamboat Springs, fly out of Aspen to connect to larger airports, or drive to Denver – the state’s capital about three and a half hours east – with an international airport for worldwide connections.

There are many ways to travel the area. Another favorite is an RV adventure across the southwest USA .

Whichever route you take, whether focusing exclusively on Colorado and Utah’s National Parks, wandering small-town America, exploring the nearby cosmopolitan, and very different, cities of Salk Lake City, Denver and Las Vegas, or a combination of all three, this Colorado and Utah road trip will be an adventure to remember.

The best time for your Colorado and Utah road trip

The best time for your Utah and Colorado road trip is the spring, April through May and the fall, September through October.

The summer months can be exceedingly hot requiring lots of water. The winter months may require snow tires and or chains depending on where you are. Stick to the spring and fall.

What Is The Most Scenic Drive From Utah To Colorado?

Looking to embark on an epic Utah to Colorado road trip filled with natural wonders and Rocky Mountain highs? Set your sights on Highway 128, voted the most scenic drive from Moab to Grand Junction.

This approximately 4-hour journey winds through the heart of Colorado National Monument, passing towering red rock canyons and the mighty Colorado River below.

Start your engines in the adventure hub of Moab, Utah, an ideal basecamp for exploring nearby Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.

Fuel up on coffee and breakfast burritos on Moab’s eclectic Main Street lined with souvenir shops and cafes.

Then head north on Highway 128 into the high desert, where the sweeping rocky cliffs and deep canyons of Colorado National Monument soon rise around you.

Pull over at overlooks like Cold Shivers Point to fully absorb the breathtaking views of the Colorado River winding through the valley below.

Continue on to the Colorado National Monument Visitor Center, perched on the edge of the plateau for panoramic vistas.

Take a short hike along the scenic Rim Rock Drive to stand atop the sandstone cliffs overlooking the canyon’s depths.

For a quick side adventure, detour into the canyons on the Liberty Cap or Serpents Trail for an up-close look at the gravity-defying rock formations before navigating back up the steep switchbacks.

Complete your journey in Grand Junction, Colorado, where the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers converge in the valley shadows of the Rocky Mountains.

This welcoming western town makes a fantastic base camp for exploring Colorado National Monument and other nearby nature escapes.

After soaking in the area’s natural grandeur, reward yourself with a craft beer at Rockslide Brewery after a spectacular scenic drive through the American West’s painted canyons or a juicy Palisade peach.

This stunning 4-hour drive from Moab to Grand Junction is guaranteed to give you a Rocky Mountain high.

So take your time and soak in the sweeping vistas of the American West’s painted desert from this front-row seat.

You’ll surely agree Highway 128 is the most scenic road connecting Utah to Colorado.

Nearby Destinations On Your Colorado To Utah Road Trip

After driving the spectacular route through the Colorado National Monument from Utah to Colorado, extend your road trip adventure by exploring these incredible nearby destinations.

This region is packed with natural wonders just waiting to be discovered.

Make sure to spend a day or two in Moab before heading out on the scenic drive.

This outdoor mecca is the perfect basecamp for exploring Arches and Canyonlands National Parks located just minutes outside town.

Don’t miss sunrise at Delicate Arch or standing on the precipice of Mesa Arch at Canyonlands.

For stunning overhead views, take a river rafting trip on the Colorado River winding past imposing 2,000-foot cliffs.

Just 30 minutes north of Moab lies Dead Horse Point State Park, an often overlooked gem with breathtaking panoramas.

Hike out to the aptly named Dead Horse Point for a vertigo-inducing view of the meandering Colorado River 2,000 feet below.

The park’s formations served as a backdrop for the final scene in the classic film Thelma & Louise.

After reaching Grand Junction, make time to explore the nearby Colorado National Monument more in-depth.

Don’t miss the trails descending 500 feet into the deep red rock canyons that look like they belong on Mars.

For a quick add-on, drive 15 minutes to Palisade for wine tasting at the area’s renowned vineyards and orchards.

On your way farther into Colorado, detour south to the spectacular Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park located in western Colorado.

Marvel at the sheer 2,000-foot cliffs plunging dramatically to the river below.

Or continue north to Vail and Rocky Mountain National Park, world-class skiing and hiking destinations with stunning mountain scenery.

No matter which direction your scenic road trip takes you, this striking landscape of the American Southwest delivers nonstop inspiration.

Revel in the natural grandeur before the road beckons you onward to the next national park adventure.

What is the most famous road in Utah?

With its amazing landscapes of sculpted canyons, arches, and hoodoos, Utah offers some of the most scenic drives in the United States.

But one red rock route stands out above the rest as the state’s most famous road – the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway.

This engineering marvel winds through towering 2,000-foot Navajo sandstone cliffs as it connects Zion National Park to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in northern Arizona.

The route offers thrilling switchbacks, panoramic vistas, and a mile-long tunnel carved through solid rock.

Going from the verdant Zion Valley to the windswept Grand Canyon is an unforgettable experience.

The journey begins in Springdale, Utah, the picturesque gateway town to Zion National Park.

After stocking up on snacks and water, enter Zion and wind upward past towering peaks and sandstone walls glowing red and orange.

Stop at scenic viewpoints like Canyon Overlook before entering the Zion-Mount Carmel tunnel.

As you emerge on the other side, the landscape transforms dramatically to the windswept vistas of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument’s plateaus and cliffs.

The remainder of the highway snakes along cliffs, dropping over 1,000 feet as you pass scenic pullouts like Checkerboard Mesa.

The final stop on this iconic Utah route is the Grand Canyon North Rim’s visitor center, located 10,000 feet above sea level on the Kaibab Plateau.

Stand in awe as the vast expanse of the Grand Canyon spreads before you.

Take the short walk out to Bright Angel Point for a fun photo op overlooking the canyon.

Spanning just over 40 miles, the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway packs unbelievable scenery into every curve and switchback as it winds through the colorful canyon country of southern Utah.

Its sheer sandstone cliffs, panoramic views, and historic tunnel make this road trip one of Utah’s most famous drives.

Want to know more about this amazing part of the world, check out these handy reference books.

What are your thoughts on this Utah to Colorado Road Trip? What suggestions do you have to improve it? Let us know in the comments.

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.

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.

Talek Nantes

8 thoughts on “the ultimate colorado to utah road trip loop”.

Hi Talek, I found you via Ann Marie on Facebook, Travel Group Women over 60 meetup Group. Thanks so much for this itinerary, as I have a friend who wants to do this area, and I am hoping to do it with her. I love our national parks and the Southwest. Saluti, Ann in NJ

I’m so happy this was useful for you. Thank you for reading and commenting.

I loved reading about your Colorado to Utah road trip experience. Your descriptions really made it come alive for me. Happy travels!

Thanks. It was a wonderful trip.

How long did this road trip take?

Hey! thanks for commenting. This trip took about 8 days. If I had the time, however, I’d make it 10 and spend it in Moab. But that’s just me.

You missed us in Monticello an hour south of Moab @ the Atomic Blue Motor-Inn on Main street. You drove through our community on the way to Cortez. Moab gets alot of hype, but it can also be extremely busy, pricey, and we are closer to Canyonlands Needles, Natural Bridges, Monument Valley, and our beautiful Abajo Mountains. We have some great restaurants in our small town, not alot of shopping, but necessities we have. We own the Atomic Blue Motor-Inn and if you come back through come stay with us! atomicblue.com

Thank you for the great tip. We’ll keep that in mind when in the area.

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The Perfect 10-Day American Southwest Road Trip Itinerary (14+ Gorgeous Desert Stops!)

Post Summary: Everything you would ever want to know about planning and executing an epic Southwest road trip itinerary.

The American Southwest.

This classic American road trip is packed full of iconic Southwest locations, Instagram-worthy stops , and incredible natural wonders.

We’d even go far enough to say that it’s a must-do for all Americans at least once in their lifetime!

Planning a route this large and complex can get a little crazy and overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created the ultimate American Southwest road trip itinerary to help set your plans in motion.

We’re sharing the best route to take and even breaking it down into smaller bite-sized trips.

No matter how many days you have for your Southwest US road trip itinerary, we’re sharing how you can still have the maximum amount of fun!

The Ultimate American Southwest Road Trip

This post is a compilation of many trips we’ve taken to some of our American Southwest bucket list destinations . We’re constantly updating this post as we explore more, so keep coming back for more Southwest USA inspiration in the future!

Where Is The American Southwest?

The American Southwest area is a broad term with borders that depend on the person you are talking to!

In a large, encompassing stroke, it would cover Southern California, Southern Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and sometimes even Western Colorado.

It’s a unique area of the United States that showcases vast deserts, red rocks, cool ecological formations, and so many unique and natural landscapes.

Covering all these areas on an American Southwest road trip would require weeks off of work and tons of planning. Stay tuned as we tell you how you can break up your trip into smaller loops for a more manageable trip!

What’s The Best Way To Get Around On My Southwest Road Trip?

The best way to plan and execute a Southwest Road Trip itinerary is certainly by car. Traveling around the Southwest by car will give you the most freedom, and the ability to change plans on a whim if you feel like it! Being one of the most famous west coast road trips , you’ll want to have the freedom to change plans on a whim and drive were you wish.

Our favorite way to get around the Southwest is by renting a campervan. If you are wanting to try our van life, we recommend renting a campervan through Outdoorsy , because it’s kind of like Airbnb but for campervans! You can pick anything from Airstreams to Sprinter Vans to Vintage VW Westfalias. There are so many to choose from, and they come fully insured so you can worry less and explore more!

Finding Camping Spots In The American Southwest

Are you planning to go camping on your Southwest road trip route? Make sure you download the #1 camping app, The Dyrt ! The Dyrt is one of the best road trip planner tools , with tons of features to help you find the perfect camping spots on your trip!

The pro membership unlocks essential tools like their Road Trip Planner (to find the best campsites along your route) and the offline search features to find camping spots without cell service. Try the pro membership for 30 days free!   Click here and use the code  Mandagies  to unlock your 30-day free trial .

Where Do I Start My Southwest Road Trip?

There are many potential starting points for a southwest road trip , and we’ve created ours to be in an enormous loop so you can really start wherever is most convenient for YOU!

However, you may not have time for a mega trip like this one. That’s why we’ve split our route into many smaller routes, to target more specific areas of the American Southwest if you choose to do so.

Here are a few options below to help you pick the best southwest road trip that’s right for you!

The Utah National Parks Trip

Starting Point:  Las Vegas, Nevada.

Total Driving Time:  19 Hours there and back – 1,082 miles

Highlights include locations like Temple of the Sun and Moon, Delicate Arch , Angeles Landing hike (Zion National Park), and more!

This trip includes five US National Parks , lots of hiking, and red rock landscape.

Don’t want to drive back the way you came? Make it a loop and make your way south through Monument Valley and Page, Arizona. This way you can see Horseshoe Bend and even Antelope Canyon!

Click here to see our full detailed road trip route to all five Utah National Parks.  

The Southern California Loop

Starting Point: Los Angeles or San Diego, California

Total Driving Time:  35 hours in a loop drive – 1,200 miles total

This Southern California road trip route includes driving parts of the iconic Highway 395 route , visiting at least two US National Parks (Death Valley and Joshua Tree).

There is also a potential extension to three more (Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park)!

This trip will bring you through major cities, scorching deserts, and incredible views of the Eastern Sierras. Best driven in the springtime to avoid super-hot days, it’s an iconic area to explore in the Southwest USA.

If you are hoping to begin your southwest road trip from Los Angeles, this route is a great place to start!

The Grand Canyon / Desert Loop

Starting Point: Las Vegas, Nevada

Total Driving Time:  18 hours 30 minutes hours in a loop, 1,100 miles total

This route is perfect for lovers of the red landscape of the American Southwest.  Some of the most popular adventures in this area are road trips to the Grand Canyon, so you’re in good company if you like this southwest road trip route!

The red rocks of Valley of Fire State Park, the deep crevasses of the Grand Canyon , and amazing hikes in Sedona are any outdoor enthusiast’s dream.

Driving the Grand Canyon and Desert Loop will have you spending a lot of time outside.

Make sure to know some camping essentials like where to find free camping spots , how to sleep in your car , and easy meals to make on the road !

The Mega American Southwest Road Trip

Total Driving Time:  37 hours in a loop, 2,144 miles total

***This is what we’ll be covering below. Keep reading!***

In this post, we’re going to cover a Southwest road trip route that covers every ‘major’ stop. (Note: We really can’t cover EVERY SINGLE STOP, so we’re trying out best to cover the highlights! 

Every major desert, national park, and hidden place we can think of will be included!

If you spent one day in each of these included locations, this Southwest USA trip would take you a little over two weeks.

We’re sharing the largest itinerary so that you can see all your options, and custom fit your route to however long and far you’d like to travel!

All The Best Stops On A Mega Southwest Road Trip Itinerary

Again, this American Southwest road trip guide below includes ALL the stops.

If you are hoping to break it down into a more in-depth trip around just one area, scroll back up to see examples of our bite-sized itineraries!

1. Alabama Hills

Alabama Hills Recreational Area is an area east of the Sierra Mountains in Southern California. It’s managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and its sole purpose is to be for the enjoyment of the people. Yay!

This place is chock-full of amazing rock climbing, desert hikes, interesting natural arches, and so much more. There are even free camping spots pretty much anywhere and everywhere, so you can sleep and play all in one place.

Alabama Hills is also the site for over 150 movie filming locations including American Westerns like Round-Up and The Long Rangers, and more recent films like Django Unchained and Iron Man.

Note: Alabama Hills is mainly dirt roads, so 4-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for travel.

Movie Flat Road is generally in acceptable condition for all vehicles, but take caution after heavy rainfall. The rain may cause ruts in the road or even wash it away completely. Check the weather before you venture out!

Read More: Exactly How To Find Movie Road – (That Famous Instagram Spot In Alabama Hills)

2. Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is not only the largest national park in the US , but it’s also the hottest, driest, and lowest elevation one too!

Despite its morbid name, Death Valley is actually home to many species of wildflowers, desert animals, and plants that can withstand the harsh environment. The Death Valley NPS Website even has a calendar for blooming wildflowers and the best times to visit to see them.

We recommend spending a night or two in the park. You can reserve traditional camping spots at Recreation.Gov or pop into the Furnace Creek Visitor Center and ask for free backcountry roads for camping.

Highlights of Death Valley National Park:

• Badwater Basin  – The lowest point in North America.
• Zabriskie Point – Colorful hills in all directions.
• Devil’s Golf Course – Rough, rocky terrain as far as the eye can see.
• Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes – The quintessential view people expect at Death Valley. A vast area of sand dunes as tall as 100 feet, perfect for wandering in the evening.
• The Racetrack – Death Valley’s most peculiar site. Stones seem to move and make tracks in the dirt.

Read More: 24 Hours in Death Valley – How To See Death Valley in One Day

3. Valley of Fire State Park

You thought Nevada was just casinos and bright lights? Think again!

Directly around Nevada (in all directions!) are incredible desert landscapes and opportunities to get outside and enjoy nature.

This part of the Southwest is particularly popular for rock climbers, so if you fancy that you should plan more time in your trip to hang around Las Vegas. Las Vegas actually has a large rock climbing community, so if you wanted to train for rock climbing in a controlled environment, this would be the place to try it!

Have a little bit more time? Consider spending a few extra days in Sin City! There are tons of adventurous  things to do in Las Vegas for couples , including romantic hot air balloon rides, attending shows, and experiencing some fine dining! You deserve it after all that time hanging out in the desert dirt!

One of these amazing state parks near Las Vegas is Valley of Fire State Park – an outcrop of fiery red Aztec sandstone jetting out of the earth. The park covers over 40,000 acres of land and is at its best and brightest during sunrise and sunset.

Some of the best attractions at Valley of Fire State Park include:

• Rainbow Vista – color-streaked rocks with a great view
• Atlatl Rock – ancient petroglyphs
• Elephant Rock – natural arch shaped like said animal
• Mouse Tank Road – epic road with surrounding red rocks (that road you see all over social media!)
• White Domes Trail – beautiful view, best at sunrise
• Fire Canyon/Silica Dome – great sunset views
• Arch Rock – natural arch, conveniently on the side of the road
• Fire Wave – beautiful streaks of color on a short, easy trail

If you find yourself driving through Las Vegas on your Southwest road trip, we highly recommend visiting Valley of Fire State Park! The entry fee per day is $10.00 per vehicle, and $20.00 for overnight camping.

4. Zion National Park

Zion National Park is one of the most popular Utah national parks to visit on any Southwest road trip.

This is because it’s usually the closest to any starting point you may have (especially if you’re starting in Las Vegas, Phoenix, or California).

With over 4.5 million visitors per year, there are tons of activities to do like biking, hiking, cave exploring, and camping!

Planning out your days in Zion National Park are of the utmost importance. Because cars aren’t allowed in the park, you’ll be riding around on scheduled shuttles with all the other crowds in the park.

If you are visiting during a busy season or busy time of day, it’s important to arrive early and avoid long queues for the buses.

Zion National Park HACK: If you want to hike in a location before the shuttle begins for the day, we know of friends who have rented bikes for the week in Zion.

Bikes will give you more freedom to come and go from trailheads without waiting for the busy shuttle times and dealing with crowds. You can easily rent bikes at Zion Outfitter.

Travelers Tip: Stay outside of the park at hotels in Hurricane, UT for a budget-friendly stay. You’ll need to drive into the park every day, but it’s not too far of a drive, and the views are great!

If you really want to stay closer to the park, we highly recommend booking accommodations in Springdale, Utah  at least 6 months in advance or booking your camping spots very early. Accommodations near the park fill up FAST in high season!

Best Hikes and Attractions In Zion National Park:

• Angels Landing Hike (Difficult To Challenging)
• The Narrows (Canyon hike)
• Emerald Pools Trail
• Canyon Overlook Trail
• Kolob Canyons
• Weeping Rock
• Riverside Walk
• West Rim Trail

Best (And Scariest) Hike in Zion National Park: Angels Landing

5. Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon is located in Utah, one of the “Mighty Five” Utah National Parks . It’s often paired with Zion National Park because of their proximity to one another.

This park is unique for its bright orange hoodoos,  which are tall skinny spires that form at the bottom of a dried up basin after thousands of years of erosion.

There are many opportunities to hike down in the basin and next to these towering hoodoos. Some of the most iconic hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park include:

• Queen’s Garden Loop  (most iconic Bryce features) – 2.6-mile loop
• Rim Trail (Best for sunrise and sunset) – entire length is 5.5-miles with multiple stopping points
• Mossy Cave Trail  – 0.9 miles out-and-back trail
• Navajo Trail  – 1.3-mile loop
• Swamp Canyon Loop – 4.1-mile loop
• Tower Bridge Trail – 3.4-mile out and back trail
• Fairyland Loop Trail – 8.0-mile loop
• Riggs Springs Loop Trail – 8.5-mile loop
• Peek-A-Boo Loop Trail – 5.5-mile loop

Because of its high elevation (8,000 to 9,000 feet depending on your location), Bryce Canyon stays cold nearly year round.

In January, temperatures barely rise above freezing at 15-37 degrees Fahrenheit, and its hottest month (July) sits between 53-80 degrees Fahrenheit.

That being said, we suggested earlier that the best time to make a southwest road trip itinerary would be between March/April or October/November. We still think this is true, but you should definitely add warm clothes to your southwest USA packing list.

If you’re packing light, here’s what we suggest you bring for warm clothes at the very minimum for visiting Bryce Canyon:

• Lightweight Down Jacket
• Thin, e-tip gloves (trust us, these are a lifesaver)
• Down-filled throw blanket

6. Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park is a hidden gem on any adventurous southwest road trip. Located in central Utah, this park’s unique feature is a wrinkle in the earth called the “ Waterpocket Fold “, which runs north to south for nearly 100 miles.

This formation has created some interesting details in the area. Deep canyons, monoliths, and rocky reefs are waiting to be explored here!

To take your trip to the next level , we suggest reading our post about getting to Cathedral Valley to visit the Temple of The Sun And Moon . It’s a journey you won’t soon forget.

These towering twin rock monoliths are a two-hour drive down a dirt road – but well worth the detour! Just make sure to have a high-clearance 4×4 vehicle, and/or very confident driving skills.

It also doesn’t hurt to stop by the ranger’s office before heading out –  the rangers can tell you about the current road conditions.

Around Cathedral Valley is also a great place to camp. BLM land surrounds most of the park, so you can find a free camping spot just outside the national park borders and wake up in the valley!

(Just remember that camping IN the park is not permitted unless you have a backcountry permit or are in a designated camping spot!)

Here are some iconic things to do in Cathedral Valley:

• Hike The Grand Wash
• Drive The Backroads to Cathedral Valley
• See The View At Gooseneck Overlook

In Capitol Reef National Park, you’ll get a good perspective of the landscape of the American Southwest!

READ MORE: What To Expect On Your Trip To Capitol Reef National Park

7. Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park is the sister park to Arches National Park . Canyonlands and Arches are right next to one another, so travelers usually come to the Moab area and visit both parks in one trip.

This park is divided up into three sections: The Island In the Sky, The Needles, and The Maze areas. Island In The Sky is the most accessible for all cars, has amenities like bathrooms and water, and has some of the park’s best overlooks.

If you’re hoping to spend one day in Canyonlands, we suggest coming to the Island In The Sky and leaving the other sections for a longer trip. There is plenty to see in this section, with tons of overlooks, short hikes, and attractions.

This part also includes the famous Mesa Arch , which looks incredible during sunrise!

It’s also important to note that there is little if any cell service in the park. Make sure to pick up a park map, or download an offline map from Google to help you get around.

Camping? Moab can be a good home base if you’re searching for an Airbnb or a hotel. However, if you want to rough it a little bit, there is tons of BLM land around the area where you can camp for free!

Read our complete guide to finding the perfect free camping spot in the USA . We’re sharing researching tips, best practices and so much more!

Highlights of Canyonlands (Must-See Spots In The Park):

• Candlestick Tower
• Grand View Point
• Green River Overlook
• Shafer Canyon Overlook
• Upheaval Dome
• Buck Canyon Overlook
• Dead Horse Point (Outside of the park but accessible from the same main road!)

Click here to find the best spot to watch the sunset in Canyonlands National Park!

8. Arches National Park

Arches National Park is one of the most visited of the “Mighty Five” Utah national parks. We also think it’s an essential stop on your Southwest road trip itinerary!

Here, you can experience iconic American landmarks like Delicate Arch, Double Arch, and the Windows Loop.

It’s possible to experience this park’s main attractions in a day, and the highway is set up to show you all the highlights. We wrote a post about the 10 best hikes to take in Arches National Park, and they are easily accessible and doable in 24 hours!

We suggest coming to this park early – the entrance line can get extremely long starting at 9:00 am!

Best Hikes In Arches National Park (See here for the complete list!) :

• Delicate Arch (least crowded during sunrise)
• Fiery Furnace (permit required)
• Double Arch
• Windows Loop
• Devil’s Garden Loop

Read More: How To Spend One Day In Arches National Park

9. Monument Valley

Monument Valley will be nearly everyone’s iconic assumption of what the landscape of the American Southwest looks like.

Want to reach that famous Forrest Gump Road? It’s a bit outside the official Oljato-Monument Valley area.

Starting from the town of Mexican Hat, drive west on Highway 163 towards Monument Valley to catch a glimpse of the towering pinnacles in the distance.

There are a few spots to pull over and snap a few pics of the road. Just be sure to look out for traffic both ways!

Camping Tip: There is BLM land all around Monument Valley, but do your research before heading out to search for your next spot. Read up on any specific rules for Native American reservation land, and what is allowed in these specific areas.

Read More:  Exactly How To Find Free Camping In The USA

10. Horseshoe Bend & Antelope Canyon

Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon are often coupled together because of how close they are to one another!

The town of Page was just a quick stop on our Southwest Road trip itinerary, but if you’re looking to spend more time here, check out these amazing things to do in Page, Arizona !

It’s important to note the time zone change from Page, Arizona. It’s very confusing – especially if you have tours reserved in the area.

Be sure to confirm any scheduled events or reservations you may have. As a last resort, consider arriving an hour early (rather than being an hour late!).

Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon in Page, Arizona. It’s split into two sections: “Upper Antelope Canyon” and “Lower Antelope Canyon”.

This place is growing in popularity, so it’s important to book Antelope Canyon tours online and reserve your spot in advance.

You can take a sightseeing tour, or spend a little more time in the canyon on a Photographer’s tour. The route is the same, the only difference is that the photography tour is longer.

Horseshoe Bend

Horseshoe Bend is an extremely picturesque bend in the Colorado River, located just outside of the city of Page, Arizona.

There is lots of grief about the Horseshoe Bend area being overcrowded. Yes, in recent years this place has received a lot of social media attention, thus creating a large and fast influx of visitors before the state could build proper infrastructure.

Regardless, we still think it’s an incredible place to see with your own eyes.

We recommend coming during sunset, even though this is by far the most popular and crowded time.

Just know that you will be sharing it with a lot of other people, and arm yourself with patience and grace. And remember, they are coming to experience its beauty just like you!

11. Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is the quintessential activity for any adventurous southwest road trip.

Spanning 277 miles long and 18 miles wide at some points, the Colorado River has been carving this canyon for thousands of years!

If you are looking to see the highlights of the Grand Canyon, we recommend visiting the South Rim. This area is the most accessible to all vehicles and includes campgrounds, visitors centers, and more accommodations nearby.

Here are some of the best viewpoints in the South Rim of the Grand Canyon:

• Mather Point
• Mohave Viewpoint
• Moran Point
• Desert View Point
• Yavapai Point

Want to stay longer in this amazing part of the southwest? Try planning an unforgettable trip to Havasu Falls ! This incredible backcountry area in the southwest requires permits and quite the hike in, but in the end you’ll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful waterfall views on earth!

Read More: Experience a Grand Canyon National Park Sunset

12. Sedona, Arizona

Love hiking in the desert? This eclectic town in the middle of Red Rock State Park is a perfect place to reconnect with your mind, body, and soul.

We’ve written an incredibly in-depth guide to hikes in Sedona and what to expect on these beautiful trails!

Soldier’s Pass Trail : This hike features lots of interesting attractions. Some highlights include the Seven Sacred Pools, Devil’s Kitchen sinkhole, and cave entrances.

Cathedral Rock Hike : One of the most popular hikes in Sedona, Cathedral Rock trail is a popular location to watch the sunset. Towering spires, sharp cliff edges, and a little climbing will bring you to some of the most incredible desert views!

Devil’s Bridge Trail : Devil’s Bridge is a natural sandstone arch that’s accessible by a 4.2-mile hike. The best time to visit is during sunrise and sunset when the red landscape glows!

The Birthing Cave Trail : This short hike leads you to one of Sedona’s beautiful caves on the side of a mesa!

Trail Tip: These southwest hikes can get really hot in the middle of the day! We recommend taking on these trails in the early morning, or during sunset/late evening for some cooler weather. See our Sedona packing list for seasonal tips and tricks!

Read More: 5+ Incredible Hikes In Sedona, Arizona You Need To Experience

13. Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park has it all – desert vibes, interesting landscape, beautiful cholla gardens, and so much more.

It’s located east of Los Angeles, neighboring with the resort town of Palm Springs.

It’s most well known for its namesake, the Joshua Tree , which cover much of the park’s landscape. Unique boulder piles like Skull Rock (see photo below) combined with the high desert shrub make this place a unique part of any southwest road trip.

There are several types of accommodations near Joshua Tree National Park.

You can find tons of free camping spots around the park, wilderness areas within the park (with the proper permits) and campgrounds to be as close as possible to the attractions.

If you are into glamping, you’ve got to check out the insta-famous Joshua Tree House by Sara and Rich. Their picture-perfect home is close to the park, with all the luxurious amenities of a desert oasis. (Also, get $40 off your first booking with this code!)

Read More: Gorgeous Places To See In The American Southwest

14. San Diego, California

Oh, the options are endless in San Diego! This is where we began our Southwest road trip itinerary, but this is not where we ended it. However, if you want to drive all the way up the coast on a California Coast road trip , this is a great place to start that journey.

With the endless cafes, ice cream shops and restaurants to discover, there’s also a ton of amazing natural beauty to explore around San Diego .

Here are a couple of spots we were lucky to see on our latest trips:

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve (La Jolla, California)

With over 8-miles of trails in this park by the ocean, you can explore as much or as little as you’d like. Torrey Pines is a preserved site with rugged cliffs, rare pine trees, and incredible views of the Pacific Ocean.

You can come to join a 1-hour ranger-guided tour of the park on weekdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Visitors Center. Spaces are limited to 10 people per day!

California State Beaches

What’s a trip to sunny California without visiting the Pacific Ocean? Below are some of our favorite beaches to explore. Call it a last hurrah or celebration on finishing your epic Southwest road trip! Congratulations, you!

• Moonlight State Beach
• Cardiff State Beach
• Torrey Pines State Beach (North and South Shore)
• South Carlsbad Beach
• Coronado Beach and Dog Park

Nearby: How To Spend A Fun Weekend In West Hollywood, California

Our 10-Day Southwest Road Trip Route

Looking for a day-by-day itinerary through the southwestern region of the US? Here’s what our exact southwest road trip itinerary looked like during our last journey around this corner of the USA.

Again, driving around the southwest US can be as short or as long as you want it to be! There are endless things to explore, so if your time is limited here’s a 10-day southwest road trip itinerary we suggest you follow.

This way, you can dip your toes in a ton of different areas, and then return to your favorites on a future trip!

Day 1: Alabama Hills, California

Day 2: Death Valley National Park (See our 24 Hours In Death Valley Itinerary !)

Day 3: Valley of Fire, Nevada

Day 4: Zion National Park

Day 5: Bryce Canyon National Park

Day 6-8: Sedona, Arizona

Day 9: Joshua Tree National Park

Day 10: Torrey Pines, San Diego, California

Frequently Asked Questions About Driving Around The Southwest USA

Still have questions about your upcoming road trip? Here are some of the most common questions around planning a southwest road trip itinerary:

How Do I Get Around On A Trip In The American Southwest?

Unfortunately, we don’t live in any of those Southwest cities listed above. If you’re like us, you’ll probably be flying into the cheapest airport you can find, which will depend on the type of route you want to take!

If you need help finding cheap flight deals, you can track destinations with Skyscanner and buy when tickets are the cheapest!

We suggest flying into large airports to get the best deals on flights. Large airports mean there are more flights coming in per day, which means more people can book and they won’t be in such high demand.

Here are the major cities this mega Southwest itinerary will pass through – all are great starting points for your road trip around the American Southwest.

• Phoenix, Arizona (Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport – PHX)
• Las Vegas, Nevada (McCarran International Airport – LAS)
• Los Angeles, California (Los Angeles International Airport – LAX)
• San Diego, California (San Diego International Airport – SAN)

RENTAL CARS:

Looking to go camping during your Southwest road trip? We did too! There are TONS of areas in the southwest perfect for free camping , so you can have an epic trip on an epic(ly cheap) budget!

To make your car camping adventure as cozy as possible, we’d suggest renting a car that can fold the backseats down completely flat.

That way, you can pack your sleeping bag and sleeping pad and snuggle up in the back for a cozy (and free) place to sleep on your southwest road trip.

Looking For A Camper Van or RV?

One of our favorite places to look for RVs for rent is a place called Outdoorsy . It’s kind of like Airbnb for recreational vehicles. People will lend their camper vans, mobile homes, and more for travelers like you!

It’s fully insured, and an awesome way to save money on the road and get the full road trip experience. Click here to browse their huge selection!

What’s The Best Time Of Year For A Southwest Road Trip?

In our opinion, we think the best time of year for a perfect Southwest road trip would be between the months of March and April.

This is when most of the snow has melted in the spring (except for in Bryce Canyon !) but the desert weather is not yet too hot.

We also think that between October and November is a good time to plan your southwest road trip itinerary.

The weather is getting cooler from the summer, and most families have children back in school, so crowds are less than the peak summer season.

This Isn’t The End…

Didn’t see your favorite American southwest destination in this blog post? That’s because we haven’t explored there yet!

We can’t wait to do some more driving around the Southwest US. As we explore more destinations, we’ll be updating this post with more information. Keep coming back!

Are you planning your own amazing Southwest road trip? Tell us about the stop you are looking forward to the most!

10 Amazing Destinations in the American Southwest

The Ultimate Utah National Parks Road Trip

How To Spend One Day In Death Valley National Park

5 Amazing Hikes In Sedona, Arizona You Need To Explore

How To Find Movie Road In Alabama Hills, California

The Ultimate Pacific Coast Road Trip Itinerary

How To See Big Sur, California In One Day

After way too many years of working and raising children I have the opportunity to do something I love and travel the country. All back roads and amazing places. Just found your blog and most of my planning is very similar to what you do. After reading about your adventures, my biggest concern is being shut out of places I want to see because my trip will be fluid and I really don’t want to rush to a place. There is no way I can set something up six months in advance. Maybe a month would work do me. I plan on going for two years. Entire country except for the heartland. Any advice? Below you ask for a website. I’m just getting to it.

Hi Eric! Thanks for the comment! What do you meaning being shut out of places?

We are planning on doing part of this in September. So so excited! One thing we did notice is a lot of campsites close from mid/late September for the winter.

Hi Nicola! I hope you have the best time! And depending on the parks, the campsites are generally open through October, especially in the warmer southwest climates. You could also try apps like iOverlander that show you forest roads to camp for free, year-round if the road conditions permit!

Our Adventure Journal

The Ultimate Itinerary for a Road Trip to Utah and Arizona

Last Updated on January 15, 2024 by Kelly

The American southwest is the perfect destination for a long road trip. You’ll find canyons, arches, waterfalls, and unique rock formations. We recently completed an epic 3-week road trip to Utah and Arizona . We drove 3,590 miles and spent over 50 hours on the road. In this post, we’re sharing our complete itinerary for Utah and Arizona!

The trip was everything we hoped for more and more. During our trip, we visited 5 national parks . Some of our favorite experiences were actually off the beaten path, like our excursion to a remote slot canyon and our hike to a desert waterfall . We even walked backwards in time and found the best pie of our lives.   We hope you will feel inspired to plan an epic road trip of your own through the American Southwest!

3 Week Itinerary for Utah and Arizona

Before we share our impressions of each destination, what we would have changed about our road trip, and our essential travel tips, here’s an  overview of our itinerary . (Keep in mind we were traveling with a toddler so we took it slow. You might be able to combine driving days!)

Canyonlands National Park

Once we reached Utah, we made the city of Moab our home base for several nights. Moab is conveniently located by both Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park, so it’s an ideal place to stay during a road trip to Utah. (And since we were traveling with our toddler, staying in the same hotel for both parks kept us from having to pack everything up multiple times.) From Moab, it was approximately a 35 minute drive to Canyonlands National Park and a 9 minute drive to Arches National Park.

We planned on spending one day at Canyonlands National Park . We woke up early to beat the crowds and the heat. It was Memorial Day Weekend, so we expected it to be very busy. We arrived to the park around 8am and we were able to breeze through the entrance gate. By the time we were leaving in the early afternoon, the entrance line stretched for miles! Our biggest tip is to just make yourself get there early . No one wants to spend their vacation sitting in their car for half the day!

Canyonlands is actually much bigger than Arches, so there is a lot to see! There are several distinct districts, and we chose to visit the most popular: Island in the Sky . Most of the major attractions are located closely together, so it made it an ideal place to visit for a one-day visit. 

We thought the hike to Mesa Arch was beautiful. This was the first arch we had ever seen in person, so we were already impressed, but the view behind the arch was equally spectacular. Mesa Arch made the perfect window frame to see the canyon below and the La Sal mountains in the distance.

We also really enjoyed the Green River Overlook , which we weren’t really expecting. We hadn’t seen too many travel blogs mention this viewpoint, but the view was incredible. It was one of the most expansive views we have seen, and it was super cool being able to see the river and canyon from above. This was also a very easy scenic point to reach, as the walk was only 1/10th of a mile long.

Arches National Park

We spent the next day at Arches National Park . Our neighbor’s alarm woke us up at 4am, so we decided to get up too because we knew Arches was going to be busy. 

We drove in the dark and arrived to the Delicate Arch parking lot by 6am. The lot was full by 6:20am. We couldn’t believe it! Thankfully we secured a parking space in time. We recommend that you also go to the park early, especially if you are visiting during peak season. The park was so busy that it was closed to visitors for several hours each day. You can speak with a park ranger or your hotel front desk staff to see what time you should plan on arriving to beat the crowds.

Be sure to check out all of our posts on Arizona and all of our posts on Utah !

The hike up to Delicate Arch was a dream. We got to watch the sunrise over the rocks and it was totally worth the early wake-up time.

There was a very long line to take photos by the arch, even though we arrived early. We decided it wasn’t worth it to us to wait for an hour to take a photo.

We also really enjoyed Balanced Rock . Balanced Rock is 128 feet tall and you can see it easily from the road. There’s a small trail that loops around it, and the parking lot had lots of open spaces when we went.

Moab Giants

If you have children in your group, you’ll definitely want to add a stop at Moab Giants . It’s located on the way to Canyonlands from Moab, so it’s conveniently on the way to the park. You might not know this, but Utah is famous for its dinosaur discoveries. The Moab Giants is an attraction that covers all things dinosaurs. There’s a museum, a virtual aquarium, a dinosaur walk, a 3D theater, and more!

For our toddler, this was probably one of the highlights of our entire trip! She loved “digging for fossils” and seeing the life-like dinosaurs along the trail.

Zion National Park

This is the park that started the whole road trip for me. I have always wanted to visit Zion National Park , so we booked our stay there first and then built our road trip to Utah around our time in Zion. We planned for three days at the park which I think was the perfect amount of time to spend there. 

One of our favorite trails was the Pa’rus Trail . You don’t need to use the park shuttle to access it, as the entrance is located right by the Visitor Center. The trail went directly through the canyon and along a stream.

The Lower Emerald Pool  was also a very cool hike. It’s not often that you can say that you hiked behind a waterfall!

We also completed the Riverside Walk , which is the gateway to the famous Narrows hike. Even though it was a hot day, it was nice and cool following the river through the canyon.

Because we were traveling with our toddler, we didn’t complete the famous Angel’s Landing or The Narrows hikes. It’s always good to have a reason to go back!

Peekaboo Canyon

On our way from Zion to Page, Arizona, we stopped in Kanab for one of our favorite decisions from the trip: An excursion to Peekaboo Canyon with Dreamland Safari Tours ! Peekaboo Canyon is a slot canyon that is only accessible by driving through deep sand. (Or hiking I suppose, although I would not recommend it unless you are familiar with the area because the sand trails can be difficult to navigate!)

The canyon was much less crowded than some of the more well-known slot canyons (like Antelope Canyon), and we could explore it at our own pace. 

Our guide offered to take lots of photos of us, which was a nice treat since there is usually one of us behind the lens.

If you are going to be anywhere near Kanab, we highly recommend that you reach out to Dreamland Safari Tours to visit this gem!

Horseshoe Bend

After visiting Peekaboo Canyon, we stayed the night in Page, Arizona. If you have time, check out Antelope Canyon or Lake Powell. (Both of which are located near Page.) We visited another popular landmark near Page: Horseshoe Bend .

This was easily one of my favorite scenic views of the entire trip!

Tip: When traveling from Utah to Arizona, please be aware that Arizona does not practice daylight savings time. Any reservations or sunset times will shift when you cross state lines.

Grand Canyon National Park

We planned to spend two full days at Grand Canyon National Park , but because of car trouble, we really only had one day there. That was okay, though, because we saw so many things in just one day!

One of the main highlights for us was walking the Rim Trail . The park shuttle has nine different stops along the route, and we enjoyed hopping off the shuttle to see a new viewpoint. (Or walking the trail between viewpoints!) We were able to cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time, plus we were able to see the canyon and its features from multiple angles. 

In the late afternoon we completed the Trail of Time, which was one of the most unique trails we have ever been on! The entire trail is along the canyon rim, so you have stunning views of the Grand Canyon every step of the way. The cool thing about this trail, though, is that it takes you “back in time” as you walk along it. Each meter represents one million years of geological history, and there are bronze markers along the trail telling you how far back in time you have gone. It really helped us to wrap our heads around how long it took for the Grand Canyon to be formed!

Bryce Canyon National Park

My husband’s favorite park of the entire trip was Bryce Canyon National Park . Nothing can prepare you for your first look at the canyon – your breath will be taken from you when you first see it! Tourists are drawn to Bryce Canyon to see the hoodoos, which are tall columns of weathered rocks. The entire canyon is filled with them! Bryce Canyon actually has the largest concentration of hoodoos in the entire world.

We recommend that you walk along the Rim Trail from Sunrise Point to Sunset Point . If you have some time and want to walk through the Hoodoos, we recommend you complete either the Queens Garden Trail or the Navajo Loop Trail.

We also highly recommend that you make time for the Mossy Cave Trail. The entire trail is less than a mile long (so it’s an easy one to complete), and you’ll be rewarded with hoodoos, a stream, a waterfall, a turret arch, two bridges, and a grotto. 

And definitely stop by Bryce Canyon Pines for the best pie of your life. (Seriously try the banana blueberry cream pie!) It was the best way to complete our road trip to Utah!

What We Would Do Differently On Our Road Trip to Utah and Arizona

• We would include Capitol Reef National Park. Seriously why didn’t we do that? We completed 4 of the “Mighty 5” parks, so we definitely have to go back! We had planned to stop by on one of our travel days, but we were scheduled to drive over 5 hours that day and just did not have time with our toddler’s schedule. Next time!
• We would add in a couple of extra rest days just in case we needed to use them to see the national parks. We had an unexpected car problem that took one day away from the Grand Canyon, and we had an injury that took a day away from Arches. More than anything, we are grateful for what we got to see no matter what, but it would have been easier for us if we had a bit more downtime scheduled into our trip.
• Even though we “traveled slow” and broke up the drive time, in hindsight we wish we would have broken it down even further. 

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases.

Our Essential Tips for a Road Trip to Utah and Arizona

• Pack a cooler : Bring a cooler and have a lot of extra water in your car. If your car breaks down or if you are stranded, you’ll be stuck in the heat. We loved using our Yeti cooler because it kept food and beverages cold for several days without the need to constantly re-stock on ice. 
• Buy a pass: If you’re visiting more than one national park, you should consider buying an America the Beautiful annual parks pass . You’ll save money instead of paying for separate entrance fees.
• Build in some free days: Build in an extra day or two into your schedule for rest. (You might need to use that extra day for any unforeseen issues!)
• Keep a full tank of gas: Make sure you are starting your day with a full tank of gas. There are some stretches of highway where there are no services for at least 100 miles. 
• Plan out your meals: Research the best restaurants ahead of time! Eating out is one of our favorite parts of travel, so we like to make each meal count. We wrote specific posts about where to eat in Moab and Springdale. It’s helpful to make reservations in advance for some restaurants, especially during peak season.
• Time zone changes : Be aware of the time change when you drive between Utah and Arizona. 

Summary: Planning a Road Trip to Utah and Arizona

We were so grateful for the opportunity to take a road trip through Utah and Arizona. Although we spent 3 weeks traveling through both states, we feel like we barely scratched the surface. We would love to return to spend more time in Utah and Arizona. We hope this post was helpful as you plan your own road trip!

Disclaimer: We always strive for content accuracy. Since the time of publishing, travel-related information regarding pricing, schedules, and hours may have changed. Please look up such information directly from each vendor or institution for the most current information.

Hi, I’m Kelly!

After studying abroad in Spain, I became passionate about international travel. Since then, I’ve traveled to 6 continents and 36 states within the United States. When I’m not travel blogging, you can find me hiking, reading books in Spanish, or playing cribbage. I hope my blog inspires you to see the world!

Utah and Arizona Road Trip Itinerary + Planning Tips

A road trip through Utah and Arizona might be just what you need to satisfy your craving for an epic adventure. After spending a little bit of too much time on Instagram and seeing the red sandstone of the National Parks light up my Instagram timeline feed… I knew it was time we went west.

We decided to get down and dirty and live in a van for a week as we drove 1,300 miles over seven days through Utah and Arizona . This road trip was a life changing experience for both of us! It was our first time visiting any National Parks.. and can’t say that we have lived in a van before!

Our Utah and Arizona road trip itinerary was perfect as is and we wouldn’t change a thing, so keep reading to see where our seven day road trip took us!

Utah and Arizona Road Trip Itinerary

The starting point for our road trip is in Las Vegas because it was a more central destination to all of the places on our list, the airport was there, and we rented our Escape Campervan from Las Vegas as well!

We loved that all of the destinations on our Utah and Arizona road trip were only about 1.5 to two hours apart. It made the drive from park to park really easy and you’ll see some of the most incredible scenery of your life.. it won’t even feel like two hours!

We have never seen so many wilds animals! Coyotes, skunk, elk, lizards, jack rabbits, cows roaming freely, and at one point we had about 100 deer darting back and forth across the street in front of our van… it was insane!

Zion National Park

Zion National Park is 2 hours, 35 minutes away from Las Vegas.  We arrived here around 5:00 p.m., found a free camping spot about 20 miles outside of Zion National Park, and then hiked Zion the following day when we woke up, before we headed to Bryce Canyon National Park.

It’s crazy to think that Zion National Park was our very first National Park to visit! It really set the tone for the rest of the trip — one of our best trips ever.

Sleeping Options

There are a lot of sleeping options around and in Zion National Park , but let me tell ya: I did not think we would be sleeping in a van when we started planning our Utah and Arizona trip (lol). I personally thought we would be staying in a cozy lodge… but once a friend of mine recommended Escape Campervans to me I felt like it was a NO BRAINER. A van trip would give us the whole experience of exploring our National Parks.

The Zion National Park Lodge  is just 4.3 miles (~10 minutes) from the Zion National Park Visitor Center and has two restaurants, Red Rock Grille and Castle Dome Cafe.

I am always so jealous of people who book far enough out to camp inside the National Parks. Zion has a couple campgrounds inside the park! You should definitely book campsites well in advance! This is a hot commodity. 

• South Campground – 1/2 a mile from the south entrance and has 117 campsites. $20 per night (tent only).
• Watchman Campground – 1/4 a mile from the south entrance and has 190 campsites. $20 per night (tent only).

There are a handful of other campgrounds only a short drive from Zion – details can be found here:  campsites near Zion National Park. 

BLM – Bureau of Land Management [free camping]

Camping somewhere that is designated as BLM means that it’s public land and that you can camp there for free. It’s really a crazy experience being so isolated when you’re camping in BLM areas. It’s not always easy finding campsites on BLM and there’s no one to call – we solely relied on websites that had coordinates (Chase did all of the campground findings). Sometimes we would drive for hours to an area only to find that it was no longer operating for a place to sleep!

Okay, so I really want to glamp near Zion! When we were looking for our campsite we drove past Under Canvas , a luxury lodging experience in the middle of no where (but only about 20 miles from Zion) that seemed to be tranquil. The stars and the sunset out there is seriously amazing!

Bryce Canyon National Park

I’ve been to a handful of National Parks now and Bryce Canyon National Park is my all time favorite, especially in the snow! We loved being surrounded by the big hoodoos — you’ll seriously think you’re on a different planet…

Bryce Canyon is 1 hour, 30 minutes from Zion National Park and it is a wild drive out of Zion, to Bryce. It was actually really stressful, the drive has a lot of steep drop offs and such a small “railing,” that was more like a curb.

We camped in Hatch, Utah, about 30 minutes away from Bryce Canyon National Park at Riverside Ranch Campground – highly recommend! We were the only ones camping there (in our van), probably because it was six degrees (OMG.. a night I will never forget).

Thankfully, Escape Campervans let us borrow a space heater and Riverside Ranch gave us free firewood. They were so nice there!

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

The crazy, most exciting surprise was the Coral Pink Sand Dunes… not part of our original itinerary at all. I don’t even think we knew it existed until the day we were driving south. We were just so cold after sleeping and hiking in Bryce Canyon that we were desperate to head south.

The Coral Pink Sand Dunes are definitely worth a stop! You can walk out on the dunes and the sand is so fine and soft. We have never seen anything like it! It’s just 1 hour, 30 minutes from Bryce Canyon.

Next up, you’re heading to Page, Arizona , the home of Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, and Lake Powell.

Page, Arizona

If there’s anything you take away from this blog post, let it be this : Page, Arizona is SMALL. You won’t need more than a day here! That includes you seeing Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, and Lake Powell. We were here for almost two days because we didn’t time it right and you need to book an Antelope Canyon tour well in advance to get your time slot preference.

I would get to Page, Arizona the night before (or wake up at 4:00 a.m. that morning), so you can get to Horseshoe Bend as early as possible.

Horseshoe Bend

We woke up early and arrived to Horseshoe Bend at about 7:00 a.m. Horseshoe Bend should be the first stop of the three because:

• Even at 7:00ish a.m. there were several bus loads of tourists getting dropped off here
• We were there for about an hour taking in the views and walking around, so we left around 8:00 a.m.

Leaving at 8:00 a.m. means we had the whole day ahead of us.

Antelope Canyon

Visiting Antelope Canyon requires planning far in advance! Did you know you have to book a tour to explore Antelope Canyon? Not only that but it’s a group tour and they run from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

If you’re anything like us, you want to make the most of your trip and savor every minute. On our road trip itinerary we were heading to the Grand Canyon next, but since we booked our tour so last minute, we were stuck aimlessly wandering around this small town in Arizona until the tour started.

Tip: book it early, around 9:30 a.m. that way you can hit the road to the Grand Canyon around 1:00 p.m. (after the tour) and after you have seen Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell.

Lake Powell

All three destinations are located within five miles of each other in Page, Arizona. Page is 1 hour and 40 minutes from Coral Pink Sand Dunes. Page is pretty small and my recommendation would be to spend half a day there. You’ll have time to do all of these in the first part of the afternoon. Then head straight to the GRAAAND CANYON!

Grand Canyon

I could not WAIT to get to the Grand Canyon! It lives up to ALL the hype you have heard about it and it is truly a jaw dropping destination. It was a pretty easy drive from Page, Arizona and only about 2.5 hours.

Not part of our itinerary at all, but we had seen all that we could before having to go back to Las Vegas. Everywhere else was just far enough that it wasn’t possible. This was 3 hours and 35 minutes. We didn’t get out, just drove through to take a peek.

Your van will more than likely be inspected by security. I was like WTF is going on?!

Rainbow Mountain

Back to Vegas for a night! We technically still had the van for one more night, but we were ready to take a SHOWER! and sleep in a bedroom. Went to some tasty restaurants in Las Vegas and gambled more.

I would love to talk about your upcoming trip out west – let me know if you have any questions!

Gonna have to save this blog for when (if) I get out there!!

Hi Sarah!! You should definitely get out there 🙂 Let me know if you have questions!

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Arizona Utah Road Trip: 30 of the BEST Stops & Sample Itineraries

If you’re planning an Arizona Utah road trip, look no further! I’m spilling all the best spots, both well known and the hidden gems.

Arizona and Utah are the two states that just keep giving. I swear I could spend a lifetime in the Southwest revisiting all my favorite spots and finding new amazing places to explore. 

I’ve personally been to every one of these spots and would only recommend it if I loved it!

Between both Arizona and Utah there are 8 National Parks and countless national monuments and state parks. Plus, if you’re willing to go down a few dirt roads you’re sure to find some epic, out of this world landscapes. 

There are so many options through these two states. In this post I’ll break down all the best stops in both Arizona and Utah, and 1, 2, or 3 week road trip options! 

You can always pick and choose and create your own trip depending on how much time you have. Plus I’ve got maps and budget tips for your next Arizona-Utah road trip!

kateroamstheworld.com contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I believe in. Read my disclaimer for more information.

Planning your trip? Use my favorite resources!

Accommodation – Booking.com to find the best deals on hotels. Flights – Skyscanner to look for the best prices and deals on flights. Rental cars – DiscoverCars to shop around at multiple car rental agencies. Travel insurance – Safety Wing ; keep your trips insured to protect yourself while traveling. Tours/experiences – Viator or Get Your Guide for the best tours.

Best airport to fly into for an Arizona-Utah Road Trip

If you want to go to both Arizona and Utah, the easiest airport to fly into will be Las Vegas Henry Reid International Airport. 

Las Vegas is located just a few hours away from many of Utah and Arizona’s best stops, including Zion and Bryce National Parks, Page, AZ, the Grand Canyon, Sedona , and Monument Valley.

If you plan on spending 2-3 weeks on your road trip, maybe consider flying into Las Vegas and flying out of Salt Lake City, UT or Phoenix , AZ to not backtrack along your route and fit the most stops in. 

30 of the Best Stops on an Arizona-Utah Road Trip at a Glance

• Zion National Park
• Bryce Canyon National Park
• Mystic Hot Springs near Monroe, UT. 
• Capitol Reef National Park
• Goblin Valley State Park . 
• Little Wild Horse Slot Canyon .
• Arches National Park
• Canyonlands National Park
• Dead Horse State Park
• Fifth Water Hot Springs near Salt Lake City, UT.
• Cutler Point near Kanab, UT. (4×4, high clearance required)
• Buckskin Gulch Slot Canyon near Kanab, UT.
• The Wave near Kanab, UT. (Permits needed)

15. White Pocket, AZ near Kanab, UT. (4×4, high clearance required) 16. Lake Powell 17. Page 18. Alstrom Point near Page (4×4, high clearance required) 19. Monument Valley 20. Valley of the Gods 21. Goosenecks State Park 22. Grand Canyon National Park 23. Flagstaff 24. Edge of the World Campsite 25. Sedona 26. Prescott 27. Phoenix 28. Tuscon 29. Saguaro National Park 30. Organ Pipe National Monument

Arizona Utah Road Trip Maps

How many days do you need in Utah and Arizona?

You could spend as little as 5 days, or 5 weeks traveling through Utah and Arizona. There are so many various and diverse landscapes from mountains to canyons to red rocks to cacti to lakes and so much more. 

But, to explore a little bit of each state along the Arizona- Utah border, I think 7-12 days is perfect to hit a lot of stops without feeling rushed.

The purpose of listing all the best stops in both Utah and Arizona is so that you can get a feel of all the best stops in each state.

Then pick out the destinations that suit you best and make the most sense depending on where you’re coming from.

How to take an Arizona-Utah road trip on a budget

It’s not hard to save money while taking your Arizona-Utah road trip, so it’s a great trip to take while being on a lower budget!

If you like camping , there is a ton of dispersed camping throughout both states. Dispersed camping is on public land that is free for you to use. Using apps such as The Dyrt, iOverlander, and Freeroam are all great for finding free camping spots near your destinations.

Another easy way to save money is to buy food from grocery stores and make your own meals as often as you can. Some quick and easy meal and snack ideas are: peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, lunch meat sandwiches, protein bars, protein shakes, apples, bananas, trail mix, dried fruit, and nuts.

If you do splurge on a hotel instead of camping, try to book one that has breakfast included. You can save an easy 20$ on food for that morning by doing this!

Get an America the Beautiful National Parks pass . If you plan on visiting 3 National Parks in a year- get the annual pass. Paying one fee each time you enter a park really adds up so you’ll end up saving money by getting the annual pass!

Planning tips for your Arizona-Utah road trip

• Check road & trail conditions : The desert is a place of extremes and things like flash foods, rockfall, and more can cause trail and road closures. Check conditions before embarking.
• Reservations & permits : For camping and lodging reservations, you’ll want to book far in advance especially during peak season. And check to see if you need a timed reservation to get into one of the parks. Keep in mind that permits are sometimes required for hikes.
• Keep your gas tank full : Sometimes you may not see your next gas station for 100+ miles, so it’s always a good idea to keep your tank at least half full at all times.
• Have a first aid kit & roadside kit : Safety first! Have a first aid kit for your hikes and roadside kit for your car. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, especially when in the middle of the desert!
• Know the road conditions before driving & your car’s capabilities : Does this road require 4×4, AWD, or high clearance? Be aware of rain in the desert. Those dirt roads can become mud quickly and be impassible,- even in the most equipped vehicles.

Best stops in Utah

1. zion national park.

Zion National Park is located in Southwestern Utah, a little over 2 hours from Las Vegas International Airport. A small park that is so diverse and deserves 2 full days to explore all the best parts and hike the infamous trails of The Narrows and Angels Landing.

Best things to do in Zion National Park:

• Hike The Narrows : Walk through a slot canyon in the Virgin River. Moderate difficulty due to the fact you walk through the river the entire time. You can walk as far as you’d like- so it could be anywhere from 2-10 miles round trip. No permits needed.
• Hike Angels Landing : Permits needed, apply for a lottery on a 3 month rolling basis or try your luck one day before. Hard difficulty, this is not for those afraid of heights. 4.5 miles round trip & 1,600 ft elevation gain.
• Observation Point Hike : Just outside the park in East Zion. Fantastic views of the park. Moderate difficulty. 7 miles round trip & 700 ft elevation gain. A great alternative to Angel’s Landing if you don’t like heights or couldn’t get permits. Read more about this hike on my post here !
• The Watchman trail : Great for sunset. Moderate difficulty. 3 miles roundtrip & 635 ft elevation gain.
• The Canyon Overlook Trail : The perfect short trail located in the Eastern side of the park.

2. Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon, a 1 ½ hour drive from Zion, is a truly unique park, full of orange ‘Hoodoos’. These hoodoos are rock that have formed over thousands of years from erosion and are in the shape of spires. Spending one half or one full day is a good amount of time to see all the best sights.

Best things to do in Bryce National Park:

• Watch the sunrise : Walk around the rim right by the main parking area of the park, or set up your tripod to watch the sunrise at the aptly named Sunrise Point .
• Hike the Navajo & Queens Gardens Loop : Walk down into the hoodoos themselves and take a picture of yourself for scale! Moderate difficulty. 3 miles round trip & 650 ft elevation gain.
• Hike the Fairyland Loop Trail : A longer walk into the hoodoos to experience more of the park. Moderate difficulty. 7.8 miles round trip and 1,550 ft elevation gain. 

3. Escalante, UT

Since Escalante is not a part of a National Park, it’s left out a lot by roadtrippers around Utah. But make sure you don’t skip out on this beautiful area! The Grand Staircase- Escalante National Monument is an incredible area that literally stretches over 1 million acres. There is lots of great hiking around Escalante.

Escalante is one hour from Bryce Canyon and 2 hours from Capitol Reef National Park.

Best things to do in Escalante, UT:

• Hike to Lower Calf Creek Falls : A waterfall in the desert- yup you heard that right. And a beautiful one at that. Moderate difficulty. 6.7 miles roundtrip & 850 ft elevation gain.
• Hike to Zebra Slot Canyon : Truly unique and stunning slot canyon. It’s a narrow one though and getting through some parts are difficult; I wouldn’t go alone. Moderate difficulty. 6.5 miles roundtrip & 450 ft elevation gain.
• Coyote Gulch backpacking trip : Hike to the incredible Jacob Hamblin Arch and camp down in Coyote Gulch. Most accessible trailhead is at Hurricane Wash. Pick up a permit at the Escalante Visitor Center and pack out all waste. ~20 miles roundtrip with minimal elevation gain/loss. Involves stream crossing and trail finding at times.
• Reflection Canyon backpacking trip : You’ll need high clearance and at least AWD to get to this trailhead. It’s a very difficult hike but worth it. No water sources along the route. Trail finding needed. 15 miles roundtrip & 1,500 ft elevation gain.

4. Mystic Hot Springs

If you fancy a dip at a hot spring resort, take a detour on your way to Capitol Reef at Mystic Hot Springs. The nearest town is Monroe, Utah. You will have to account for a few extra hours of driving. Find multiple tubs and baths here for soaking.One of the most unique and interesting hot springs you’ll find out West. Reservations are needed to soak here.

5. Fifth Water Hot Springs

By far one of the dreamiest hot springs I’ve ever been to – and I’ve been to quite a few around the U.S.! Fifth Water Hot Springs is about an hour outside of Salt Lake City. The pools are a vibrant light blue color, it honestly looks exactly how it does in person as in the photos!

The hike to reach the springs is 4.5 miles roundtrip with 600 feet elevation gain. If you go in the winter, the last 1.2 miles of the road is closed to get to the trailhead. So add an additional ~2.5 miles roundtrip to your hike. I went in winter and the extra miles were well worth it to see the springs with a blanket of snow!

6. Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef has a little something for everyone. The park is full of red rock walls & cliffs, arches, canyons, and large rock monoliths. If you have a full day to spend in Capitol Reef I highly recommend it. Located 2 ½ hours East from Bryce Canyon.

Best things to do in Capitol Reef National Park:

• Hike to Hickman Bridge : Beautiful hike where you can walk under a huge arch. Moderate difficulty. 1.7 miles roundtrip & 415 ft elevation gain.
• Hike to Cassidy Arch : A hike where the journey is just as beautiful as the destination! The hike to Cassidy Arch takes you through Capitol Reef’s red rock country and to a huge arch you can walk over. The scale here is truly epic. Moderate difficulty. 3.1 miles roundtrip & 650 ft elevation gain.
• Drive to the Temple of the Sun & Moon : I visited this part of the park on my third time in Capitol Reef and my only regret is that I hadn’t seen it sooner! It is stunning here and something you will not see in any other part of the park. AWD, high clearance recommended for this drive due to sandy and rocky/rutted parts of the road. Expect the 35 mile drive to take about 2 hours; access the road off of Highway 24 near Hanksville.

7. Goblin Valley State Park

One of the many interesting places in the Southwest that leaves you scratching your head- ‘How in the heck did this form?!” Goblin Valley is a fun quick stop where you can see these funky rock formations that are really called ‘goblins’. You’ll feel like you stepped off a spaceship at this state park.

Goblin Valley is 1 hour East of Capitol Reef. It is about halfway between Capitol Reef and Moab, UT.

Best things to do in Goblin Valley State Park:

• Walk around the Goblins: You don’t have to do a full hike here, you can simply get out and walk down into the goblins for a little while near the visitor center.
• Hike the Goblin’s Lair: A hidden gem trail to a slot canyon and caverns. Moderate difficulty. 2.3 miles roundtrip & 165 ft elevation gain.

8. Little Wild Horse Slot Canyon near Goblin Valley

One of my favorite slot canyon hikes ever! After your time at Goblin Valley, drive another 45 minutes West to find Little Wild Horse Canyon.

The hike is moderate in difficulty and just under 4 miles roundtrip with 500 ft elevation gain if you only go to the slot canyon. You can also do the full Little Wild Horse Bell Canyon trail that is 8 miles roundtrip and 785 ft elevation gain.

9. Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands is often overlooked compared to its neighbor of Arches National Park. But don’t sleep on this incredible place! There are 4 districts in this park, with Island in the Sky and the Needles being the most popular and accessible. You can easily visit Island in the Sky with just half a day.

Canyonlands is located 2 ½ hours from Capitol Reef, 1 hour from Arches, and 4 hours from Salt Lake City.

Best things to do in Canyonlands National Park:

• Hike to Mesa Arch for sunrise : Infamous spot for sunrise, you can get a glimpse of the rising sun through the arch. Easy difficulty. 0.7 miles roundtrip & 85 ft elevation gain. 
• Green River Overlook at sunset: A stunning location in general but a sunset here is not to be missed. This is a simple overlook, no hiking needed.
• Visit The Needles district : Head over to the Needles district for quieter trails and solitude. Hike the 5 mile moderate trail to Chesler Park or go all the way to Druid Arch for a 10 mile roundtrip hike.

10. Dead Horse State Park

This state park is pretty small but worth the stop. If you’re coming to Canyonlands National Park, the detour to Dead Horse State Park is along the way and only takes an extra 25 minutes. You do not have to do any hiking to see the major viewpoint at Dead Horse. An hour at this spot is all you need.

Best things to do in Dead Horse State Park:

• Watch the sunrise or sunset at the Dead Horse Point Overlook .

11. Arches National Park

Home to over 2,000 arches , Arches National Park is the perfect place to spend a day on your Arizona-Utah road trip. Start your day by hiking to Delicate Arch to beat the crowds, hike to Sand Dune Arch and Devil’s Garden, and end your day at the Windows section.

Arches National Park is located just 15 minutes from the town of Moab and 4 hours from Salt Lake City. You do have to get reservation time slots April- October.

Best things to do in Arches National Park:

• Hike to Delicate Arch : The infamous arch that is on the license plates of Utah drivers, Delicate Arch is a sight to behold. Hike at sunrise to beat the crowds. Moderate difficulty. 3.2 miles roundtrip & 630 ft elevation gain.
• The Windows & Turret Arch : Also makes for a beautiful sunrise spot. Simple walk up sight easy to access from the parking lot.
• Double Arch : Across the parking lot from the Windows is Double Arch. Another walk up spot, the scale of this arch is truly incredible.
• Hike the Devil’s Garden trail : This hike will take you half a day but you will pass many arches and sights throughout. Moderate- hard difficulty. 8 miles roundtrip & 1,100 ft elevation gain.
• Hike to Sand Dune Arch & Broken Arch : Worth the quick stop to these 2 beautiful arches. Easy difficulty. 1.4 miles roundtrip & 150 ft elevation gain. 
• Hike to Corona Arch just outside of Arches : This amazing arch is just 15 minutes outside of the national park and definitely worth the stop. Sunset makes this arch glow. Moderate difficulty. 2.4 miles roundtrip & 480 ft elevation gain.

12. Valley of the Gods

Valley of the Gods is in Southeastern Utah, just 1 hour north of Monument Valley in Arizona. Valley of the Gods is known as a mini Monument Valley. While it doesn’t have the same “wow” factor that Monument Valley does, it is still worth the stop if you’re in the area!

Best things to do in Valley of the Gods:

• Go camping : One of Utah’s best free, dispersed camping sites is here at Valley of the Gods. Set up camp and watch the buttes and canyons glow orange with the setting sun.
• Do the 17 mile drive : When the road is dry, any car can make this drive. It is a scenic 17 mile drive through Valley of the Gods to see all the best sights.

13. Goosenecks State Park

Just 30 minutes down the road from Valley of the Gods is Goosenecks State Park. The overlook largely resembles that of Horseshoe Bend in Page, AZ. Except Goosenecks is like 2 of those bends and this park is not nearly as crowded!

Best things to do in Goosenecks State Park:

• Goosenecks Viewpoint : You can easily park and walk right up to the viewpoint to see the Goosenecks. The canyon is carved by the San Juan River.
• Go camping : There are 8 campsites here, first come first serve, that sit right along the rim overlooking the goosenecks and the San Juan River.
• Hike the nearby Honaker trail : This rugged hike takes you down to the San Juan river. There are many switchbacks and some spots that those fearful of heights wouldn’t enjoy! Hard difficulty. 4 miles roundtrip & 1600 ft elevation gain.

Hidden gems in Utah

14. cutler point aka the great chamber.

The Great Chamber is located closest to the town of Kanab, UT. A 4×4 high clearance car is absolutely needed to get here. The road has very deep sand at times. 

From the main road it will take about 45-60 minutes to reach the trailhead to get to the Great Chamber. From that trailhead is only a 0.3 mile uphill walk through sand up to the large cave.

Since this place is hard to reach and off the radar, it makes one of the best hidden gems! It’s also a simple picture spot so you don’t need a large amount of time here.

Best stops in Arizona

15. buckskin gulch slot canyon.

The Buckskin Gulch to Wire Pass trail is an absolutely amazing slot canyon. The trailhead is located about 1 hour outside of Page, AZ. You will actually go North and cross into Utah for a bit.

It’s one of the longest slot canyons in the entire world! The trail also features some petroglyphs and a cool rock formation at the start that resembles The Wave.

The trail is about 12 miles long, with almost all of it being in the slot. However, you don’t have to hike the entire trail. Feel free to just do a few miles and turn back around.

16. The Wave

You must have a permit to visit The Wave, that are pretty competitive to win. There is a lottery drawing for them that you can apply for at recreation.gov . I applied for permits for the first and only time in the month of January and got them on the first try!

Once you have scored your permits, the hike to this magnificent area is 6.7 miles roundtrip with 1200 feet of elevation gain. It is fully exposed in the sun and requires a bit of route finding, so download an offline trail map.

17. Page , AZ

Page is located in Northern Arizona, right before the Utah border. Page is a 2 hour drive from Zion, and 4 hours from Phoenix.

There is so much to do around the town of Page, it would be easy to spend 2 days here, especially if you want to get out on Lake Powell. If not, 1 day would suffice by hiking Horseshoe Bend and going to Antelope Canyon.

Best things to do in Page, AZ:

• Hike to Horseshoe Bend : This is the famous overlook of the Colorado River where the canyon looks like a horseshoe. Go during sunrise for the least crowds. Easy- moderate difficulty. 1.5 miles roundtrip & 135 ft elevation gain.
• Kayak Horseshoe Bend : If you’d like to see and experience Horseshoe Bend from a different perspective, consider kayaking the Colorado River and even camping down on the shores! There is a backhaul ferry that takes you up river and then you kayak back. It is a unique experience and gorgeous down there.
• Hike in Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon on Navajo land: An experience not to be missed. I’ve been to many, many slot canyons, but truly none measure up to the beauty that is Antelope Canyon. The canyon is really a work of art, looking like it was hand sculpted instead of the effects of thousands of years of nature just doing its job. You’ll need timed reservations for both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon. 

18. Lake Powell

Lake Powell, truly one of my favorite spots in the Southwest. The blue- green waters of the lake just look so magical next to the orange and yellow canyon walls. I could easily spend a week on a houseboat just exploring! Lake Powell is right on the outskirts of the town of Page, AZ.  

Best things to do in Lake Powell:

• Kayak to lower Antelope Canyon . Take a guided kayak tour and paddle to the entrance of Lower Antelope Canyon. There is a portion of this canyon you can access via Lake Powell and is not on Navajo land. 
• Rent a boat for the day . A boat day on Lake Powell in the warmer months is really spectacular. Gaze up at the canyon walls as you cruise by. Renting a boat gets pricey, so visiting in the spring and fall months is better for those on a budget. 
• Camp at Lone Rock Beach . Right on the shores of Lake Powell you’ll find the large expanse that is Lone Rock Beach. There is plenty of room to spread out, and it makes for great stargazing at night. There are no real ‘sites’ and it is first come first serve.

19. Monument Valley

Monument Valley is right at the border of Utah in Northern Arizona, 2 hours East of Page, AZ. 

This huge valley is chock full of red sandstone buttes, some that tower over 1,000 feet tall! The sunrises and sunsets here are truly something special. Plus, there’s an amazing hotel that sits right at the foot of the valley with the best view! If the hotel doesn’t suit your budget needs, there is a campground there too with great views. One day in Monument Valley will suffice.

Best things to do in Monument Valley:

• Do the scenic drive : This is a 17 mile loop road that is the main attraction at Monument Valley. The best part is you can see pretty much all of this right from your car, with no need to go hiking. When the road is dry, any car can make the drive. You’ll see all the top sights on this drive, such as John Ford Point, The Mittens, Elephant Butte, Three Sisters, and much more. Make a half day out of this drive.
• Book a night at The View Hotel : I can’t imagine a better view of Monument Valley than at the View Hotel . If you can get a room facing the valley, it is definitely worth it. There are also cabins and a campground that they manage as well with amazing views!

20. Grand Canyon National Park

No trip to Arizona could be complete without a stop at the Grand Canyon! As Ron Swanson says, ‘Crying: Acceptable at funerals and the Grand Canyon.’

The Grand Canyon is truly a wonder, and if you physically can make it down below the rim I highly recommend it. I feel like you can really appreciate its depth and grandeur when you leave the rim. I hiked Rim to River with a stay at Phantom Ranch in May 2023, and while it was difficult it was SO worth it!

Best things to do at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon:

• Hike South Kaibab trail to Cedar Ridge . 3 miles round trip with 1,180 ft of elevation gain.
• Hike to the 1.5 mile Resthouse via Bright Angel trail . 3 miles round trip with 1,180 ft of elevation gain.
• Stay at Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the Grand Canyon; advanced reservations required
• Best viewpoints of the Grand Canyon : Hopi Point, Mather Point, Grandview Point, Mohave Point, Yavapai Point, and Desert View for a view of the Colorado River.

21. Flagstaff, AZ

Flagstaff is a cute little town in between Sedona and the Grand Canyon and makes for a great stop. There is a nice downtown area with some breweries, coffee shops, and local stores.

Best things to do in Flagstaff, AZ:

• Climb Humphrey’s Peak , the highest point in Arizona . 
• See the Aspen trees turn to gold in October. Take the gondola ride up during the fall season to see the Aspens from above.

22. Sedona, AZ

A crowd favorite, you have to make time on your Arizona-Utah road trip for Sedona . Red rock mountains closely surround the town and you can get jaw dropping views just while walking downtown! There are many amazing hiking trails in Sedona that will take you into the red rocks themselves, my favorites are below.

Best hikes in Sedona, AZ:

• Cathedral Rock . 1.2 miles & 740 ft elevation gain
• Bell Rock . 1.8 miles & 200 ft elevation gain
• Keyhole Cave . 2.2 miles & 470 ft elevation gain
• Merry Go Round Rock . 6.5 miles & 1100 ft elevation gain
• Subway Cave via Boynton Canyon . 6.1 miles & 825 ft elevation gain
• Shaman’s Cave or Robbers Roost . 3 miles & 460 ft elevation gain
• Red Rock Crossing . Walk up, no hike needed.

23. Prescott, AZ

Prescott is a small town about an hour and a half North of Phoenix and still holds onto its Wild West vibes. There’s also Watson Lake there, a lovely lake that makes for a great sunset spot or to paddle out on.

Best things to do in Prescott, AZ:

• Kayak or paddle board on Watson Lake .
• Eat at El Gato Azul , a tapas style eatery with a great happy hour.
• Walk down Whiskey Row downtown.

24. Phoenix, AZ

Of course we can’t leave Phoenix out of an Arizona Utah road trip. There are many state parks and mountains in the Phoenix area. Some of my favorites below are Lost Dutchman State Park, hiking to the Wave Cave, and kayaking the Salt River.

Best things to do in Phoenix, AZ :

• Lost Dutchman State Park . come at sunset, no hike needed!
• Visit the Desert Botanical Garden . Open daily, adult tickets are $16.95 each.
• Hike to the Wave Cave . 3 miles & 870 ft elevation gain. A hike that ends with a cool rock formation that resembles a wave!
• Hike Camelback Mountain . 2.5 miles roundtrip & 1420 elevation gain. The highest peak in the Phoenix area!
• Hike Peralta Trail to Weaver’s Needle . 8 miles roundtrip & 2500 ft elevation gain. Hike to an amazing butte in the mountainous desert.
• Hike Piestewa Peak for sunrise. 2.1 miles roundtrip & 1150 ft elevation gain. Stairclimber style hike, great for sunrise!
• Visit Saguaro Lake and stay at Saguaro Lake Ranch in nearby Mesa. Kayak the Salt River while there.

25. Tucson, A Z

Tucson and the rest of Southern Arizona is often overlooked by travelers visiting the state since most head North to the Grand Canyon and Sedona. But Southern Arizona has its’ own desert charm and scenery that I highly recommend checking out.

Best things to do in Tucson, AZ:

• Hike to Seven Falls . An 8 1/2 mile round trip hike with 1,000 ft in elevation gain. Located in Sabino Canyon Recreation Area. The trail features a tiered waterfall, small pool of water, and plentiful cacti along the way.
• Hike Blackett’s Ridge . 5.7 miles round trip with 1,800 ft in elevation gain, rated as hard. Amazing mountain views.
• Hike Tumamoc Hill.  Easy paved walk on a hill, 3 miles round trip with 700 ft of elevation gain. You’ll get city and mountain views.

26. Saguaro National Park

On the East and West side of the city of Tucson there is Saguaro National Park; they are split into two different sections. The East side is more rugged and mountainous but the Cactus Forest Drive there is worth the trip. While the West side of the park has more beginner friendly trails and is where the visitor center is located.

Visit in May and June to see the Saguaro bloom with flowers. I saw these cactus blooms for the first time in May 2023 after it being on my bucket list for so long and it was really unique and beautiful.

Best things to do in Saguaro National Park:

• Drive the Cactus Forest Drive . In East Saguaro, a paved 8 mile loop road that takes you through amazing cacti with mountain views.
• Drive the Bajada Loop Drive.  In West Saguaro, a graded dirt road that makes for a great scenic drive.
• Hike to Signal Hill.  In West Saguaro, a quick 0.3 mile walk to see petroglyphs.
• Sunset at Valley View Overlook. In West Saguaro. An amazing West facing view where you can get a great shot of cacti with the changing sky at sunset.

27. Organ Pipe National Monument

Organ Pipe is about 3 hours Southwest of Phoenix, right near the Mexican border. It is an UNESCO biosphere reserve and the only place that organ pipe and the senita cacti grow together in the wild. You’ll see the most insane desert landscape with all the cacti you can imagine. Think ocotillo, cholla, organ pipe, senita, and saguaro cacti all in one view- pretty amazing!

Best things to do in Organ Pipe National Monument:

• Ajo Mountain Drive . Any passenger car can make this drive. Highly recommend doing this drive if it’s the only thing you do here! We spent a solid 3 hours doing this taking our time.
• Puerto Blanco Drive . Only 4×4 vehicles recommended.
• Arch Canyon trail . 3 miles & 1250 ft elevation gain. Very steep hike to a huge arch.
• Desert View trail . Short flat walk around the visitor center to learn more about the unique desert plants and wildlife.

Hidden gems in Arizona

28. edge of the world campsite.

My favorite camping spot in Arizona is at the Edge of the World , also called East Pocket. It is located in between Flagstaff and Sedona up a long dirt road that takes a few hours to drive up. You get absolutely amazing views of Sedona from far above, and the sunrises and sunsets are stunning.

You can camp here for free, just remember to be respectful, clean up after yourself, and leave no trace!

29. White Pocket

White Pocket is in Northern Arizona, near Kanab, Utah and is off of the same road as The Wave and Buckskin Gulch. To get to White Pocket you must have a 4×4, high clearance vehicle. The last ~10 miles of the road are in deep sand and many people get stuck trying to get out here all the time.

You are hours away from the closest town, so imagine how expensive that tow would be! Be smart and drive the right car, or book a tour to get there. It is a truly amazing sight here, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to another planet. While it is out of the way and quite the trek to get there, the scenery is 100% worth it! You do not need a permit to go to White Pocket.

30. Alstrom Poin t

Alstrom Point is another iconic spot in Northern Arizona that you will need a 4×4 high clearance vehicle. The last few miles of the road are extremely rocky and steep. We had a Jeep which was more than capable, but I was still a bit nervous on this road!

Alstrom Point overlooks Lake Powell and is closest to the town of Page. It will take you at least 2 hours of offroading to get here from Page. You can camp at Alstrom Point for free, no permit needed. And as stated before, be sure to leave no trace and pack out all trash. The view here is really incredible; I had been wanting to go here for years and it definitely delivered!

One week Arizona-Utah Road Trips

• Las Vegas to Zion to Bryce Canyon to Page, AZ
• Las Vegas to Zion to Bryce Canyon to Page, AZ to the Grand Canyon
• Las Vegas to Zion to Bryce Canyon to Escalante
• Las Vegas to Zion to Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef
• Phoenix to Tucson to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
• Salt Lake City to Arches to Canyonlands to Capitol Reef
• Hidden gem road trip: Las Vegas to the Great Chamber to White Pocket to Alstrom Point

Two week Arizona-Utah Road Trips

• Las Vegas to Zion to Bryce to Capitol Reef to Canyonlands to Arches
• Las Vegas to Zion to Bryce to Page, AZ to the Grand Canyon to Sedona
• Las Vegas to Zion to Bryce to Page, AZ to Monument Valley 
• Las Vegas to Zion to Bryce to Page, AZ to the Grand Canyon to Sedona to Phoenix to Tucson. [Fly out of Phoenix.]
• Phoenix to Tucson to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument to Sedona to the Grand Canyon

Three week Arizona-Utah Road Trips

• Las Vegas to Zion to Bryce to Page, AZ to Monument Valley to Canyonlands to Arches to Capitol Reef to Escalante, UT
• Las Vegas to Zion to Bryce to Page, AZ to Monument Valley to the Grand Canyon to Sedona to Phoenix to Tucson. [Fly out of Phoenix.]

Wrap up: Arizona-Utah Road Trip

In conclusion, an Arizona and Utah road trip is a perfect way to explore the beauty of these two states. 

From the stunning landscapes of Monument Valley and Bryce Canyon to the unique charm of Sedona and Moab, there’s something for everyone on this adventure. 

Whether you’re interested in hiking, photography, or simply soaking up the natural wonders around you, this road trip offers endless opportunities for fun and exploration. 

So pack your bags, grab your camera, and hit the open road – Arizona and Utah are waiting to be discovered!

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See 9 Different National Parks On This Incredible Western US Road Trip

T he American Southwest is known for its incredible national parks and stunning views. For travelers looking to explore this part of the country, there's no better way than taking a road trip through the Grand Circle. Depending on your location and starting point, this route travels through nine different national parks in five states — Utah, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Nevada. Though there are shorter versions and iterations of the trip that skip over some of the parks, visiting all nine parks in order gives you an efficient itinerary and ample time to explore each park.

With parks in Utah, Colorado, and Arizona, the trip will take at least 15 days, but additional time at each park will allow you to explore even deeper. A well over 1,500-mile journey, the Grand Circle adventure typically begins in Las Vegas. Vegas is a popular starting point because of its large airport, rental car options, and its close distance to Arizona and Western Utah.

Though you can take the Grand Circle in reverse order, heading east to Zion National Park is a closer option and an easier start to the trip. Zion is just a short, two-hour drive east of Las Vegas. Home to the famous Angel's Landing hike, Zion offers steep, distinctly red, towering cliffs and deep, carved canyons to explore. Because each park requires an entrance fee, stop at the entrance to Zion to purchase the $80 America the Beautiful Interagency Annual Pass, which is good for all national parks.

Read more: The Most Beautiful Places In America's State And National Parks

Utah's Remaining Mighty 5 In Four Days

After a day or two in Zion, head another two hours northeast to the otherworldly landscape of Bryce Canyon. Set aside at least one to two full days to hike along the Bryce Canyon Rim Trail , camp overnight, or venture down into the canyons for an up-close look at the iconic hoodoos— natural rock formations shaped by erosion over thousands of years.

Next, head another two hours east to Capitol Reef, known for its rugged terrain and historic fruit orchards. Take the scenic drive through the Waterpocket Fold, or take the day to hike through one of the many slot canyons or camp under the stars. Capitol Reef's petroglyphs along State Route 24 and Fremont culture artifacts at the visitor center are a must-see for history buffs.

Moab, Utah, is home to the next two national parks on the Grand Circle road trip: Canyonlands and Arches National Park. Arches is home to over 2,000 sandstone arches, like the iconic Delicate Arch, set against a stunning desert backdrop. Arches National Park is also one of the best rock-climbing destinations in the country. A mere 26 miles from Arches, Canyonlands offers a landscape shaped by the mighty Colorado River. The park is divided into four districts, giving visitors access to views of nearby mesas at the Island in the Sky, massive red rock spires in the Needles district, and more.

Cliff Dwellings And Canyons In Colorado

A three-hour drive from Moab's two National Parks, Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a dramatic canyon featuring the state's highest cliffs and plunging depths. Carved over millions of years by the relentless Gunnison River, the Black Canyon's steep walls plunge to depths of over 2,000 feet, creating dark, black canyon walls. Take the day to explore the park's Painted Wall, the Narrows, and many overlooks, or grab a wilderness use pass to hike down into the canyon.

Due to the distance between Colorado's two parks on the Grand Circle road trip, it is best to divide these two among at least two days each. Continuing three hours south to Cortez, Colorado, explore the archaeological wonders of Mesa Verde National Park, like the ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings.The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that details the lives of ancient Puebloans who thrived in the area for centuries. 

Visitors can explore remarkably intricate stone structures tucked into the cliffsides, like the iconic Cliff Palace. Beyond the archaeological wonders, Mesa Verde provides multiple campgrounds, and the surrounding area has plenty of lodging options before heading on to the next leg of the Grand Circle. Touring the park's cliff dwellings will provide a deeper understanding of how these ancient people lived, their innovative building techniques, and their relationship with the land.

Arizona's Grand Canyon And Petrified Forest

Arizona's Petrified Forest National Park is just a three-hour trip south of Mesa Verde. Visitors can hike through the otherworldly landscape of ancient petrified trees, some dating back over 200 million years. The park also boasts colorful badlands, backcountry hiking opportunities, and the Puerco Pueblo ruins. Petrified Forest National Park is also a designated International Dark Sky Park, offering stargazing opportunities in the clear Arizona night skies.

Because of the three-hour distance between Arizona's two parks on the Grand Circle road trip, taking at least one to two days at each park is recommended. The Grand Canyon is the Grand Circle's ninth and final National Park and one of the World's Seven Natural Wonders. The canyon measures a mile deep and up to 18 miles wide, the largest canyon in the United States.

Visitors can explore the canyon's vastness by foot on the Bright Angel Trail with a backcountry permit. The Grand Canyon's South Rim is also home to the historic Grand Canyon Village, where visitors can learn about the area's geological and cultural history at the visitor center or stroll along one of the many scenic trails. Whether you end your adventure at the Grand Canyon or opt for a reverse order of the Grand Circle road trip, the Grand Canyon is integral to American history and a must-see destination on any Southwest road trip.

Read the original article on Explore .