Utah is a state full of natural beauty, and there are plenty of National Parks to explore. In this article, we will take you on the ultimate Utah National Parks road trip, from the famous Zion National Park to the lesser-known Bryce Canyon National Park. Along the way, we’ll provide tips on what to see and do, as well as recommendations for where to stay and eat. So, pack your bags, and let’s hit the road!
When To Take A Utah National Park Road Trip?
If you’re planning a trip to Utah’s national parks in the fall, be aware that the day and night temperatures can vary quite a bit. During the day, it may be hot and sunny, while at night it can cool down slightly but still be warm enough for comfortable outdoor activities.
September and October are generally considered the best months to visit. These days are warm but not too hot, and the nights cool down to a comfortable sleeping temperature. This is great weather for hiking, biking, camping, and other outdoor activities.
Where To Start And End Your Utah Road Trip?
If you’re planning a road trip to Utah’s “Mighty 5”, we recommend starting and finishing your journey in Las Vegas. There are several reasons for this.
Firstly, flights out of the Las Vegas airport are generally affordable and easy to find.
Secondly, visiting all those destinations in one go will save you on one-way car rental fees and plane tickets.
Finally, it can be hard to make sense of the location maps while driving – especially if you’re not familiar with the area! So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your perfect road trip now!
If you are looking to take a road trip across the United States, here is the ultimate Utah National Parks road trip that you could consider. The route begins and ends in Las Vegas.
The main attractions along this particular route are found in both Las Vegas and Salt Lake City, so it makes for a convenient stopover if desired. There are several other great destinations located along the way too.
Moreover, a camper van rental is a great option if you are feeling extra adventurous and want a bit of extra excitement during your trip!
Ideal Length Of A Utah National Parks Road Trip
Honestly, the more time you can dedicate to the ultimate Utah National Parks road trip, the better. However, since most people only have limited vacation time, we’ve created this itinerary that is 7 days long. Ideally, 10 days would be perfect so that you could spend more time in each park and also include side trips into Arizona or Nevada. If you have even more time then consider staying in some of Utah’s Mighty 5 longer!
Read More – 20 Warm Places To Visit In January In The USA
7-Day Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary
Day 1: First, arrive in Las Vegas, and head to Zion National Park
Day 2: Zion National Park
Day 3: Bryce Canyon National Park
Day 4: Capitol Reef National Park
Day 5: Arches National Park
Day 6: Canyonlands National Parks
Day 7: Drive back to starting location of Las Vegas
Stop 1: Zion National Park
Zion National Park is a world-renowned destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It contains awe-inspiring vistas, fascinating geology, and plenty of wildlife to see. Not only is it the perfect place to take a vacation, but it’s also an amazing spot for photography lovers and nature lovers alike.
There are several ways you can explore Zion National Park on your trip – by vehicle (parking fees apply), on foot or mountain biking (mountain bike rentals available at the visitor center), or by horseback riding. Just be sure to plan your itinerary carefully so that you make the most of your time in this incredible park!
Stop 2: Bryce Canyon National Park
If you’re looking for a unique national park to visit, then the next stop in The Ultimate Utah National Parks Road Trip is Bryce Canyon. This beautiful park is home to amazing geological features and awe-inspiring scenery. Not only that, but Bryce also has an abundance of natural history and recreational activities scattered throughout its boundaries.
This park is well worth the visit and will leave you feeling awestruck. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to see some of the park’s most famous sights while on this road trip.
Stop 3: Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park is a must-visit for anyone visiting Utah. It’s not as well known as some of the other parks on this road trip, but it’s definitely worth checking out.
There are a number of reasons why Capitol Reef stands out. First and foremost, it’s one of the most photogenic national parks in the state. The scenery is both stunning and varied, with everything from red sandstone cliffs to lush valleys full of waterfalls.
Secondly, Capitol reef has an abundance of hidden gems waiting to be discovered by explorers like you! Unlike many national parks where all attractions are clearly marked and easy to find, at Capitol Reef, there are lots of hidden treasures that only become apparent if you take the time to look for them. This makes it a great park for exploring on your own (or with friends) because there’s always something new hiding in plain sight!
Stop 4: Arches National Park
The next stop in the ultimate Utah National Parks road trip is Arches national park. Arches aren’t as large as some of the other “Mighty 5” parks (Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, Zion), but it still has a lot to offer visitors. The scenery here is amazing – from towering red rock formations to serene canyons and valleys filled with Monument Valley-like mesas. There are also plenty of hiking trails available that will take you through varied landscapes full of scenic wonders.
Be sure to start your day early when visiting Arches National Park – the park gets extremely busy on weekends and holidays crowds due to its close proximity to Moab, Utah’s adventure hub!
Stop 5: Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park is one of the most beautiful and amazing national parks in America. It is an area of vast open spaces, natural rock formations, and deep canyons. The park has over 500 miles of trails that allow you to explore every corner of it.
One of the best things about Canyonlands is that it’s easy to get around – there are no longer drive times or complicated visitor centers like at some other national parks. So, whether you’re a short-trip tourist or looking for a long road trip destination, Canyonlands should definitely be on your list!
This Is The End Of Your Ultimate Utah National Parks Road Trip!
If you traveled to Utah’s Mighty 5 then it is time to head back to Las vegas. If you are traveling via Escalante then take I-70/15 back to Las Vegas. If you are traveling through Salt Lake City, simply head north on Hwy 191.
