Wondering “How do I plan a trip to all 5 Utah national parks?” Ayyy, don’t stress, we have you covered. Our 10 day Utah road trip will take you through some of the best things to see in Utah, along with the Mighty 5 National Parks.
Utah happens to be one of our absolute favorite states in America. Once you explore Utah for yourself, you’ll soon see why. It’s amazing, it’s diverse and it’s full of adventure. Now, let’s get you prepped, you have a Utah road trip to get to!
Don’t forget to check out our road trip essentials packing list!
10-Day Utah Road Trip Itinerary
Jump Ahead To:
Best Month to Visit Utah
Ok, let’s set the record straight…Utah is amazing all year round. No lie.
- Utah In The Winter: Winter is cold, but it’s perfect for skiing the slopes around Salt Lake City. Another perk is fewer crowds on the hiking trails in the State Parks and National Parks.
- Utah In The Spring: The spring months tend to be the busier months to visit Utah due to milder temps and springtime blooms. Be prepared to deal with large crowds around Spring Break time and Memorial Day weekend.
- Utah In The Summer: Depending on which part of the state you are in, Utah can be hot, hot, hot. The summer is a popular time as school is out so lots of families can be seen exploring the state. However, the sun stays out much longer so you have longer days which is really nice.
- Utah In The Fall: Considered one of the best times to visit Utah, the fall months are great. Changing of the leaves, milder temps but with great weather usually means more crowds.
For us, we visited Utah in late September / early October and it was perfect. Mild to chilly temps, bright sunshine, and nothing was too crowded. If you were to ask us, we say aim to visit Utah during September or October.
Utah Road Trip Map
The Mighty 5 in Utah is something everyone should see in their lifetime. Scattered throughout the state of Utah, the Mighty 5 (sometimes known as the Big 5) refers to the 5 National Parks that are found within the state of Utah. Yes, Utah is so awesome that it’s home to 5 amazing National Parks.
- Arches National Park (Located near Moab, Utah)
- Canyonland National Park (Located near Moab, Utah)
- Capitol Reef National Park (Located near Torrey, Utah)
- Bryce Canyon National Park (Located near Tropic, Utah)
- Zion National Park (Located near Springdale, Utah)
Our Utah road trip will take you on some of the best scenic byways in the country, through some of the best National Parks in America, and give you too many adventures to count.
Getting Around Utah – Rent an RV
One of our favorite ways to a road trip is by RV! It’s your one-stop-shop for everything you need – shelter, food, and clothes. An RV gives you the flexibility to change direction and not have to worry about canceling a hotel reservation and booking a new one. Making it a great “car” to take on your Utah road trip.
It’s a perfect road trip companion and a great vehicle to consider when exploring Utah. From large rigs to camper vans, there is something out there for everyone.
Day 1: Get Yourself To Utah (Salt Lake City or Denver)
To start your Utah road trip, you have to get to the state, right? Two popular jumping-off points to explore Utah tend to be flying into Salt Lake City (airport code: SLC) or Denver, Colorado (airport code: DEN).
Note: While our route takes you from North to South through the state of Utah, you can easily do our route in reverse by flying into Las Vegas and starting South, and working your way North. Totally up to you.
Flying Into Salt Lake City
Once you land in Salt Lake City, plan to pick up your car or RV rental and head south toward Moab, Utah. Moab is located about 3 hours and 40 minutes (234mi / 377km) away from Salt Lake City and where our Utah road trip itinerary begins from.
It’s worth noting that Salt Lake City airport is the closest airport to Moab, Utah.
Flying Into Denver, Colorado
The second closest airport to Moab is Denver International Airport located 5 hours and 30 minutes (355mi / 571km) away. Once at the Denver Airport, plan to pick up your rental car and/or RV rental and head west until you reach Thompson Springs where you’ll take 182 straight-ish into Moab.
Tip: If you don’t feel like driving back to either Denver or Salt Lake City, buy a one-way ticket into either of these airports for your arrival and then a one-way ticket out of Las Vegas for your departure.
Day 2 – 4: Explore Moab, Canyonlands and Arches National Park
Welcome to Moab. Home to two of the Mighty 5 National Parks, a quaint little downtown, and loads of outdoor adventure. Whether you’re looking for a 4×4 off road adventure, white water rafting down the Colorado River or just some epic trails to bike or hike through, Moab is the PERFECT jumping-off point for all of it.
After a day of adventure and outdoor fun, you can mosey through the shops, downtown cafes, and bars. Grab some breakfast and coffee at Jailhouse Cafe or Moab Garage Co., some lunch or dinner at Moab Food Truck Park or Sunset Grill, and finally, a beer at Moab Brewery.
Perfect for a few day’s stay, you’ll find becoming bored in Moab is next to impossible.
Check Out our Perfect 2-3 Day Moab Itinerary here!
Arches National Park
The first National Park on our Utah road trip is located 5 miles from Moab (about a 9-minute drive). It is here where you’ll find the entrance to Arches National Park. Some 2,000 natural stone arches along with endless, towering desert landscapes can be found here.
Check out Arches National Park in One Day to help you make the most of your time!
Costing $15/vehicle to get in, you can easily spend a day driving the 36-mile (round trip) road through Arches National Park, hiking Arches’ most popular trails like “The Devils Garden Loop” and “The Double Arch Trail” or watching the sunset from the Delicate Arch Viewpoint.
However you choose to spend your time, be it a few hours or a full day, Arches National Park will not disappoint.
TIP: If you want a truly unique experience within Arches National Park, consider booking the “Fiery Furnace” tour.
Canyonlands National Park
About a 35-minute drive from Moab and Arches, you’ll find the second of Mighty 5 National Parks, Canyonlands National Park. The expanse of this park is something to see. Canyonlands is the largest of the National Parks in Utah offering dramatic, staggering views of canyons below.
The park is divided into four districts:
- The Island in the Sky: The most popular district offering rim views of the expansive canyons below, pull-offs for photo ops, and trailheads. This district is home to the famous “Mesa Arch”.
- The Needles: Home to popular hiking trails (great for overnight backpacking) and desert landscapes with rock spires.
- The Maze: The most remote of the districts requires a several-day commitment and should only be visited and trekked by experienced hikers.
- The Rivers (Colorado and Green): For those wanting to get down into the canyon, the river’s section is great for kayaking, guided boat tours, etc.
Whichever district you decide to visit the entrance fee for Canyonlands is $30/vehicle.
Get our complete guide to spending one day in Canyonlands National Park!
Dead Horse State Park
Ok, ok, so yes, not a National Park but Dead Horse State Park is spectacular and since you’re in the area, it should not be missed! Dead Horse State Park is about a 15-minute drive from Canyonlands National Park and about a 35-minute drive from Arches National Park.
A popular choice is to spend the majority of the day in Canyonlands and finish your day (a couple of hours) at Dead Horse State Park. Costing $20/vehicle, Dead Horse State Park is located atop a mesa offering incredible vista views of the land and canyons below.
Where To Stay in Moab, Utah
- The Luxury Inclined |Hoodoo Moab
- The Budget Conscious |Rustic Inn
- Something in Between | Moab Springs Ranch
For more places to stay in Moab, you cancheck out the latest places and prices here.
Day 5. Experience Capitol Reef National Park
With Moab in your rearview mirror, your sights should be set on the next National Park, Capitol Reef National Park. Located a little over 2 hours away from Moab, Capitol Reef is the least visited of the 5 National Parks within Utah, but don’t let that statement think this park is worth skipping.
TIP: As you leave Moab, be sure to take Highway 24 to Highway 12 as Utah State Highway 12 is considered one of the most scenic drives in Utah.
Costing $15/vehicle for the park entrance fee, Capitol Reef has some amazing hikes like Hickman Natural Bridge or the Cassidy Arch. If you’re short on time or just feel like taking in the sights, we suggest driving the paved Capitol Reef Scenic Drive that winds through some of the best areas of the National Park.
If you’re looking for something more adventurous, canyoneering in Capitol Reef’s slot canyons should be added to your list. However you choose to spend your time, the sights and landscape of Capitol Reef are well worth the visit.
TIP: On your way to Capitol Reef National Park, you’ll pass by Goblin State Park. It’s definitely worth stopping to check out if you have the time. A few hours will give you a taste of what Goblin State Park has to offer.
Where To Stay Near Capitol Reef
- The Luxury Inclined |Courage Ridge Lodge
- The Budget Conscious |Austin’s Chuckwagon Motel
- Something in Between | Capitol Reef Resort
For more places to stay near Capitol Reef, you cancheck out the latest places and prices here.
Day 6: Adventure Through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
From Capitol Reef, continue on Highway 12 (the scenic byway) for about 1.5 hours, until you reach the town of Escalante. If you find yourself hungry along the way, we highly suggest stopping atHell’s Backbone Grill.
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is nearly one million acres of public land that offers endless beauty and loads of outdoor adventures. Whether you’re exploring the Petrified Forest State Park, exploring the Peekaboo, Spooky, and Zebra slot canyons, or hiking to Lower Calf Creek Falls and Devil’s Garden, your day will be well spent.
After a day of exploring, plan to grab a bite to eat at Esca-latte Restaurant, Nemo’s Drive Thru or Circle D Eatery. Oh, and if you need a coffee pick-me-up, make a pitstop at Kiva
Where To Stay in Escalante
- The Luxury Inclined |Escalante Yurts
- The Budget Conscious |Prospector Inn
- Something in Between | The Inn of Escalante
For more places to stay in Escalante, you cancheck out the latest places and prices here.
Day 7: Explore The Hoodoos of Bryce Canyon
Your next stop is the magnificent Bryce Canyon, located about an hour east of Escalante. Known for its vast views and spire-shaped rock formations called hoodoos, Bryce Canyon is truly something to behold.
Costing $35/vehicle to enter the park, that entrance fee is well worth it once you set your sights on the views that await you. Plan to hike the Queens Garden/Navajo Trail Loop to see the hoodoos up close. Then, head up to the canyon rim and walk to a few outstanding viewpoints such as Sunrise Point, Inspiration Point, and Sunset Point.
You can also drive the 18-mile scenic drive that will allow you to get out at the numerous viewpoints that surround the rim of Bryce Canyon. If you love stars, plan to stay after sunset as Bryce is a certified Dark SkyPark, making it perfect for star gazing.
Check out our one day in Bryce Canyon Itinerary here!
Really and truly, it’s impossible to not become smitten with Bryce Canyon. It’s a true gem.
Where To Stay Near Bryce Canyon
- The Luxury Inclined |Bryce Country Cabins
- The Budget Conscious |Red Ledges Inn
- Something in Between | Happy Trails BnB
For more places to stay near Bryce Canyon National Park, you cancheck out the latest places and prices here.
Day 8 – 9: Stand in Awe at Zion National Park
From Bryce Canyon, you’ll head 1.5 hours southeast to what some consider to be the “mecca” of Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks, Zion National Park.
Steep red cliff canyon with a flowing cool river and vivid green foliage that lays atop rugged rocks and dirt all set the stage for the awe-filled scenery that makes up the landscape that is Zion National Park.
Costing $35/vehicle to enter the park, Zion is one of the most visited parks in the United States. Once you arrive, you’ll soon see why.
Learn how to spend 2 days in Zion National Park!
The signature sites of Zion National Park are without a doubt Angels Landing and The Narrows. However, some other popular hiking outings to add to your “to-do list” are Observation Point Trail, Watchman Trail, and Overlook Trail.
If you’d like to take a break from hiking drive the scenic Zion-Mount Carmel Highway or hit the cliff side for some canyoneering and rock climbing fun.
After a day of amazing views and fresh air, head out into Springdale (the town that butts up to the entrance of Zion National Park) for some much-needed food.
Bit & Spur, Kings Landing Bistro and Oscars Cafe are great options for dinner and drinks. For breakfast, stop at Cafe Soleil or Deep Creek Coffee Company.
Where To Stay Near Zion
- The Luxury Inclined |Cable Mountain Lodge
- The Budget Conscious |Zion Park Motel
- Something in Between | Best Western Plus
For more places to stay near Zion National Park, you cancheck out the latest places and prices here.
Day 10: Your Utah Road Trip Comes To An End
A sad day. Your Utah road trip has come to an end. As you leave Zion National Park, the closest airport to Zion National Park is McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada – about 2 hours and 45 minutes (172mi / 275 kms) away.
If you have a flight to catch out of the airport you came into (Salt Lake City or Denver), you have a little bit (or should we say a lotta bit) of a drive. From Zion National Park, Salt Lake City is a 4-hour and 20-minute drive (312mi / 502km). Whereas Denver is about 10 hours (628mi / 1010km) away.
If you’re wanting to keep exploring the beautiful southwest of the United States, consider extending your stay to explore some nearby places and National Parks.
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Antelope Canyon
- Monument Valley
- Havasu Falls Hike
- Taos, New Mexico
- Great Sand Dunes National Park
Tips for Visiting Utah National Parks
- National Parks Pass: A great idea if you plan on visiting multiple National Parks throughout the year.
- Get To The Parks Early: Some of the most beautiful and quiet times at any National Park is sunrise. Plus, starting to hike before the heat of the day is always a good idea.
- Pack Your Lunch: Make your lunch and bring it with you. By not having to leave the park to find a place to eat, you get to spend more time in the park. Oh, and pack snacks in your daypack too!
- Come Prepared: If you’re going during the spring and fall months, pack accordingly. The weather can change so make sure you have a jacket. Oh, and protect that skin of yours by applying sunscreen.
- Bring a Reusable Water Bottle: It’s important to stay hydrated and not use single-use plastic water bottles. Another great option is to have a camelbak.
Camping In Utah & Its National Parks
Utah is home to some amazing campsites. You can find campsites scattered about outside and inside the National Parks. For any campsites located within the National Parks, where you are able to, reservations are highly recommended.
If the campsites are first come, first serve, we highly suggest getting to the campground as early as possible to secure a spot.
Be sure to check out our camping tips and essential gear list!
- Arches National Park Camping: Devils Garden Campground
- Canyonlands Camping: Island in the Sky (Willow Flat) Campground, The Needles Campground
- Capital Reef Camping: Fruita Campground, Cathedral Valley Campground, Cedar Mesa Campground
- Bryce Canyon Camping: North Campground, Sunset Campground
- Zion National Park Camping: South Campground, Watchman Campground
For campsites located outside and near Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks, some require a reservation whereas others are first come first serve. We recommend the app Dyrt to help you pinpoint campgrounds in the area that you can call home for the night.
WANT MORE INFORMATION?!
One Day in Arches National Park
How to Spend 1 to 2 Days in Zion National Park
One Day In Bryce Canyon
How To Spend 2-3 Days in Moab
Arches National Park in One Day
Road Trip Essentials
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Happy Travels,
– Lauren & Jesse Stuart (The Stüs)
