The Best Utah Road Trip Itinerary: Top Places to Visit, Stay and Eat in the Mighty 5
Our Utah road trip took us through Utah’s Mighty 5 where we hiked, biked, rode horses and drove ATVs on an amazing adventure through the heart of America’s southwest.
Utah’s Mighty 5 – the apt name given to the famous Utah’s National Parks, was on my bucket list for a long time. I watched countless videos of Utah’s towering red-rock cliffs and narrow slot canyons, as well as the iconic landscape of Monument Valley, and couldn’t wait to explore them. So when Aer Lingus launched direct flights to nearby Las Vegas, I didn’t hesitate – I booked a Utah road trip for a family adventure through the heart of America’s southwest.
Utah surpassed all of my expectations. We had an incredible journey through some of the most dramatic landscapes in the United States. However, its not just the Mighty 5 Utah National Parks that impressed me, we visited some of Utah’s 40 State Parks too, stayed in wonderful towns and met the friendliest people.
About Utah
Utah is 84,900 square miles and the 11th largest state in the U.S. It is a landlocked state located in America’s Southwest and borders Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Wyoming, Idaho and New Mexico. Utah is famous for its diverse landscape, stunning National Parks and adventure capital Salt Lake City, which has some of the best ski resorts in the US. Two-thirds of its three million population live in the capital Salt Lake City, so we found the areas surrounding the National Parks unspoilt and traffic free.
Utah has been inhabited by various indigenous groups including the Navajo and the Ute, and throughout our journey we heard many interesting stories of times past. The majority of the population are Mormans, which greatly influences Utah’s culture. We were told prior to our visit that many restaurants and shops close on Sundays and that Utah had strict liquor laws, although during our 10 day trip we found most places to be open in tourist areas and almost all bars and restaurants served alcohol.
Best Utah Road Trip Itineraries
Our Utah road trip took us from Las Vegas to Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, Canyonlands, Monument Valley and Knab, over 10 glorious days. We booked our Utah holiday with Travel Counsellor Katrina McMullan, Katrina planned an amazing itinerary for us and as always, she provides a super service.
You can see the the route we took in the map of Utah National Parks above, and I have listed my top places to visit in Utah below, in the same order as we drove it. However, if you are short on time and can only visit some of Utah’s Mighty 5, it is possible to visit many of highlights over 4 -5 days. I suggest either of the following routes if you have a shorter trip in mind:
- From Las Vegas – Visit West Utah: Stay in Springdale or Kanab for Zion, Bryce Canyon, Peekaboo Slot Canyon.
- From Denver – Visit East Utah: Stay in Moab for visit Canyonlands, Arches, Monument Valley.
5 Top Tips for Holidays in Utah
Plan, Plan, Plan and Plan Some More!
There are so many top attractions in Utah and it is impossible to see them all on one trip. Depending on how much time you have, decide whether you want to see all the Mighty 5 or just visit two or three parks, and use my itinerary suggestions above. Note: this Utah travel guide is written from my own experience – and I didn’t do ANY long hikes. If you are planning on doing a lot of hiking – which you should if you have time, you will need to allow extra time in each place.
1. Rent a Good Car!
You will be doing A LOT of driving, so the car you choose is extremely important. We rented a large premium SUV with Hertz – this is the third time renting a car in the US with Hertz and they always deliver!
They have fully-inclusive rates so you don’t need to worry about mileage, insurance or roadside assistance – it is always a seamless experience. If visiting Utah with kids, having comfortable car is paramount – drives can be long, and they can stretch out and sleep in the back if necessary.
2. Buy an America The Beautiful Pass
Entrance fees to most National Parks are approximately $35 per vehicle. However, if you purchase an annual America the Beautiful Pass for $80 in the first park you enter, this will give you free entry into all other parks. This equates to a saving you $95 if you visit 5 Utah National Parks.
3. Pre-book Entry to Arches National Park
All of the National Parks in Utah can be entered during opening hours, except Arches. You need to pre book a timed entry to Arches in advance. It only costs $2 so I booked a few different times, just in case the weather was poor. Coincidentally it was! We had the worst weather of the whole trip when we visited Arches, with 56km gusts. I was delighted we were able to return the following morning for a few hours. Pre book entry here.
Pack layers
Utah’s weather can vary dramatically. We were sunbathing by the pool one day and had snow the next. Temperatures can be cold inside the canyons, particularly in the morning or evening, and get quite warm during the day. The elevations vary dramatically too – Bryce Canyon tends to be a lot cooler than Zion as it is 5,000 ft higher, although only two hours away.
Our 10 Night Utah National Parks Itinerary:
1. Zion National Park ( 229 square miles )
We began our Utah road trip at Zion National Park as it is only 2 hours and 30 minutes drive from Las Vegas airport. It turned out to be one of our favourite parks, and it is a great place to start your epic adventure.
You would want to be made of stone if Zion didn’t impress you. Its stunning scenery is made up of towering red rocks, deep canyons and the famous Virgin river. There are so many places to visit in Zion National Park, whether you are just there for the scenery or want to hike the thrilling Angel’s Landing – there is something in Zion for everyone.
Top things to do in Zion National Park
On our first day we rented e-bikes and cycled along the scenic drive and it was a fabulous experience. Only walkers, cyclists and the park’s own shuttle bus are allowed on this 11 km trail, so it is a safe relaxing experience.
There are 9 scenic stops along the route that take you to various viewing points or hiking trails, but you can decide where or when to stop. The drive finishes at a 3.5km (round trip) riverside walk that leads you to one of the top things to do in Zion National Park – hiking the Narrows.
As the name suggests the Narrows is a part of Zion National Park where the canyon narrows abruptly. There is a 25 km hike through a dramatic slot canyon that is usually covered in water. However, the majority of people, including us, turn back after about an hour if water levels are high. It can be challenging in parts, depending on the time of year and water levels, but you can choose to turn back at any time.
I highly recommend it as it is one of the most unique things to do in Utah and an exhilarating experience. However, if you don’t want to wade through the water, I still suggest walking the scenic Riverside walk to the start of the Narrows to see it.
Top Tips for hiking the Narrows:
- Rent waders to and boots to hike the Narrows from one of the many shops in Springdale.
- Size up in the boots and make sure to wear socks that cover your ankles.
- Bring a back pack and plenty of water, there are no lockers or places to leave clothing or bags before the hike.
- Bring a sweater as it can get cold in the canyon.
There are many other hiking trails in Zion National Park including the Canyon Overlook Trail which is a 1.6km easy hike that offers stunning views. For serious hikers or thrillseekers, don’t miss Angels Landing – this is not only one of the top things to do in Utah but it is one of the best hiking trails in the USA.
It is also possible to explore Zion by car. There is a 41km National Scenic Byway that winds through the park and is a must do in Zion. The landscape is completely different here with lots of scenic overlooks and layered strata in orange tones.
Top Tips: Make sure to drive through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, and plan to drive this way on your way to Bryce Canyon as it is on the same route.
Where to stay in Zion National Park
The pretty town of Springdale is the gateway to the park and a great place to stay. There are plenty of accommodation options as well as places to rent bikes and equipment for hiking the Narrows.
We stayed in the Watchman Villas and can highly recommend them for location, comfort and price. They are extremely well equipped and have a choice of one, two and three bedroom apartments / villas.
2. Bryce Canyon ( 56 Square Miles )
Bryce Canyon National Park is located just two hours from Zion National Park and is the ideal second stop on your Utah road trip itinerary. It is much more compact than Zion, so you could see most of the top attractions in one day, unless you want to hike some of the longer trails.
Bryce is famous for its expansive amphitheatres that are filled with unique geological formations known as hoodoos, these are tall, thin spires of rock that create an almost supernatural type landscape. It was almost surreal when we stood at Sunrise Point for the first time – the view is incredible.
Top things to do in Bryce Canyon
Unlike Zion, many of the famous viewing points are along the Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive and are easily reached by car. Must visit viewpoints are Bryce Point, Sunrise Point, Natural Bridge and Inspiration Point – they are all stunning and can all be visited on one day.
However, if time allows I suggest you hike around the rim. The Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail are the top things to do in Bryce Canyon and I wish we made time to hike them, they only take about 90 minutes in total.
We booked a horse riding trip, which we thought was along the rim, ( hence the reason we didn’t do the hike ) but it turned out to be outside the National Park. It was a 90 minute activity but only 10 minutes were close to the canyon, the rest was through a forest. I suggest booking a horseback ride in Bryce canyon, for the ultimate bucket list experience – see details here.
Top Tip: Bryce ( 9,000ft ) has a much higher elevation to Zion ( 4,000 ft ) so make sure you bring layers. We were in shorts in Zion and found snow in Bryce!
Where to stay in Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon is the only one of the National Parks that doesn’t have an inviting town close by. Bryce Canyon City and Tropic are only a short drive from the park entrance, but accommodation options are basic and limited.
We stayed at the show-stopping domes at Clear Sky Resort, which is located 25 minutes from Bryce Canyon. Bryce Canyon, and all of Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks, are certified International Dark Sky Parks, so they offer amazing opportunities for star gazing. And the unique bubble domes are the perfectly placed to admire the night sky.
While Clear Sky Resort offered a unique experience and is the best place to stay near Bryce Canyon, I didn’t think the expensive price tag reflected the location or service.
3. Drive the Scenic Byway 12 Through Capitol Reef National Park to Moab
This Scenic Byway 12 is one of the top things to do on a Utah road trip, so for our next trip we drove from Bryce to Moab via this Byway. You need to take the road from Bryce through Bolder to Capitol Reef National Park, and then over to Moab via Goblin Valley State Park and Green River. It is a slightly longer drive, about 4.5 hours to reach Moab, but definitely worth it.
Top Tips: Make sure to stop at Kiva Koffeehouse when driving the Scenic Byway 12. This pretty coffee shop overlooks a canyon and offers epic views along with great coffee. The Wild Rabbit Café in Torrey is a great stop for lunch – we enjoyed delicious wraps and sandwiches here.
Capitol Reef National Park is the only National Park we didn’t visit extensively, we merely stopped on our way from Bryce to Moab. If time allows, you could spend a night or two in the town of Torrey to explore the park properly.
Capitol Reef has less crowds than the other parks and offers a more off the beaten track experience. I’m told it doesn’t have the same wow factor as the others, but still boasts striking rock formations, great hiking trails and interesting pioneer history.
Top things to do in Capitol Reef National Park ( 378 Square Miles )
Like most parks, there is a popular Scenic Drive, this goes through towering canyons of Capitol Gorge and Grand Wash. Hikers can hike Hickman Bridge, a moderate hike to a natural rock arch, and the Cassidy Arch Trail, which offers dramatic views from the top of the arch.
The 200 acre historic Fruita District is at the heart of Capitol Reef National Park, where pioneers and other settlers arrived in the 1800s. You can pick fresh fruit from orchards and visit the Gifford Homestead for homemade pies.
However, the park is probably most famous for being home to the Waterpocket Fod, a 100-mile long warp in the Earth’s crust that was formed between 50 and 70 million years ago. Rocks have been pushed upward and erosion has cut through the layers, creating deep narrow canyons and interesting formations.
4. Spend a few nights in Moab
Moab is a lively town in Eastern Utah that offers easy access to Arches National Park ( 10 minutes drive ), Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park ( both 35 minutes drive ). Despite being a large town, it has a small town feel and has a casual sporty vibe with good dining options. I really liked Moab, it reminded me of a surf town in Australia, albeit it is surrounded by canyons!
Top things to do in Moab
As well as being the gateway to the National Parks, I highly recommend booking a half-day rafting trip on the Colorado River. Depending on the time of year, the rapids can be mild or strong.
During our trip they were particularly mild, but we really enjoyed the experience and the scenery. It was one of our favourite family activities in Utah and gave us a nice break from the parks.
Where to stay in Moab
We stayed in the Hoodoo Moab by Hilton and it was the best accommodation of the trip. The hotel has regular rooms and suites, but also large 2-bedroom casitas ( small houses ) where we stayed. They offered the benefits of self-catering with hotel facilities on site including a pool, bar and restaurant. We loved the space and comfort here and enjoyed pool days, and even ordered Uber Eats one evening for a night in.
Top Tip: After a two-night stay in Zion and Bryce we opted to spend three nights in Moab. In hindsight, I would spend one night in Bryce and four nights in Moab – mainly due to the lack of accommodation or dining options at Bryce, and it being a smaller National Park. This would allow more time to explore Canyonlands, Arches, Dead Horse Point State Park and enjoy some pool time.
Where to eat in Moab
One of the best meals of our trip was in Desert Bistro. Everything we ate from scallops, mushroom and agnolotti pasta to bison steak was delicious. Moab Garage Co serves up tasty sandwiches and Southwest salads too and is a great spot for lunch.
5. Arches National Park ( 120 square miles )
Arches National Park is home to over 2,000 natural stone arches, making it one of the most visually striking landscapes in the American Southwest and a must visit in Utah. The red rock formations appeared even stronger in colour here, despite the weather not being in our favour when we visited.
As well as dramatic arches, you will find towering fins, balanced rocks, and a host of hiking trails. Although Arches is only 120 square miles, there are many hiking trails and attractions here, so I would allow at least two days to explore it.
Top Tip: You need to pre book entry into Arches National Park – see my top tips for holidays to Utah above.
Top things to do in Arches National Park
The Delicate Arch is Arches top attraction so make time for the 2-3 hour hike it takes to see it. I’m told sunset is the optimum time, but I’m sure it is worth it at any time of day. There were 56km wind gusts during our visit so we had to settle for the viewing point – which is extremely underwhelming!
Other top attractions include the Landscape Arch which is one of the longest natural arches in the world, and has a shorter hike to get to it, and The Devils Garden which offers longer, more strenuous hikes.
If hiking is not for you, or if you are visiting Utah with children, there are many accessible places to explore off the main scenic drive, including the Windows section, which has easy walks and multiple arches – we loved exploring here.
Top Tip: Don’t miss the first stop on the scenic drive as you enter the park – Park Avenue Viewpoint and Trail, although you won’t find arches here, the view is stunning.
6. Canyonlands National Park ( 528 Square Miles )
Canyonlands National Park covers a whopping 528 square miles – it is almost 10 times larger than Bryce Canyon, and has a completely different feel to the other parks! It is raw, not touristy, and perfect for those seeking a more off the beaten track experience. However, it is impossible to see it all during a Utah road trip.
Top things to see in Canyonlands National Park
The park is divided into four districts and each offers a unique experience: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the Rivers – Colorado and Green Rivers. Hikers should try to visit The Needles district, while adventurous visitors can try The Maze, one of the most remote areas that requires 4WD and self-sufficiency. River rafting and mountain biking are also popular attractions here.
The Mesa Arch is of the top things to see in Canyonlands National Park, but because of the sheer size of the park, we didn’t manage to see it. The most accessible and popular district is Island in the Sky which we visited. We took a half-day guided tour in a 4X4 and we were able to get up close to the Colorado River.
We stood at the very point where Thelma and Louise drove off the cliff, and we saw this point from the higher elevation at Dead Horse Point State Park (see below).
We then took the thrilling drive up Shafer Hill – a drive we would not have been able to do without a guide. The tour also includes stops at Musselman Arch and at the Petroglyphs – it is a niche tour and more suited to adults than children.
7. Dead Horse Point State Park
Dead Horse Point is a State Park rather than a National Park, so entry is not included in the America the Beautiful Pass. However, it is definitely worth the $20 entry fee, if for no other reason than to stand at Dead Horse Point and take in the epic views over Canyonlands National Park and the Colorado River.
There are numerous hiking trails, but we enjoyed the 30-minute loop cliff walk which is suitable for all fitness levels and has fabulous look out points.
Fun Facts: The opening rock climbing scene in Mission Impossible 2, and the location where Thelma & Louise drove off the cliff can be seen from the lookout points.
8. Monument Valley
We then drove 2.5 hours from Moab to Monument Valley, which was one of the highlights of our Utah road trip. The iconic landscape with towering red sandstone buttes and vast desert plains came to life before my eyes. Monument Valley is located within the Navajo Nation, which adds a deep cultural and spiritual significance.
Top things to do in Monument Valley
Featured in countless Western films and photographs, the valley’s striking scenery offers a truly cinematic experience and is a must see in Utah. If you are approaching Monument Valley from Moab, you will probably drive past the iconic Forrest Gump Point – the location where Forrest Gump stops running and decides to go home. It is definitely worth a stop for the photo opportunity alone!
Once you reach Monument Valley, it is possible to admire the scenery by driving the 17-mile Valley Drive, a dirt road loop that takes you past famous formations like the Mittens, Three Sisters, and Totem Pole – this is one of the top things to do in Monument Valley.
However, for a deeper connection to the land, I highly recommend taking a guided Navajo tour. We did this at sunrise and it was one of those travel experiences I will never forget. Our guide, Ritchie played ‘The Last of the Mohicans’ theme tune on a flute as the sun was coming up over Monument Valley. I still have goosebumps thinking about it.
Our tour was 2.5 hours long and we were brought to restricted areas where we heard Navajo stories from the past. Monument Valley is more than a scenic stop, it is a powerful, cultural landscape that left a lasting impression on all of us.
Where to stay in Monument Valley
We stayed in the iconic Gouldings Lodge which has a remarkable history and the best views of Monument Valley. While the lodge itself is basic, the location is unbeatable.
The original trading post is over 100 years old. During the Great Depression the owners went to Hollywood to entice a production company to film there, in order to bring the Navajo much needed income. Within weeks, John Ford started filming ‘Stagecoach’ starring John Wayne with many more movies filmed there after that. The original trading post is now a small museum with memorabilia – a must visit.
There is a restaurant on site which serves up typical American burgers, but make sure to have the Navajo Tacos made with delicious Navajo bread. A word of warning though, the portion sizes are huge!
Top Tip: Gouldings was the only place we found where alcohol was not served. So if you want to enjoy a beer on your balcony, bring your own!
9. Kanab
Our last stop on our Utah road trip itinerary brought us to Kanab, a three-hour drive from Monument Valley. Kanab was another Utah town that we really enjoyed. It is smaller than Moab but has the same relaxed atmosphere with cool cafés and great dining options. We stayed here for two nights, before driving the three hour journey back to Las Vegas.
Kanab is located 35 minutes from Zion National Park and 90 minutes from Bryce Canyon, so if you were unable to visit the Eastern side of Utah, Knab would be a good option to stay for a longer duration.
Top Tips: When driving from Monument Valley to Kanab, you will pass through a town called Page ( Arizona ). If time allows, I suggest you stop here to visit Horseshoe bend ( 5 miles away ) and / or Antelope Canyon ( 9 miles away ). Although, I did find what I think is a better experience than Antelope Canyon in Utah – see 10 below.
Where to stay in Kanab
We stayed in Canyons Lodge, a basic Inn that offers lovely rooms at a great price. There is a small pool open during the summer months and a cosy firepit if you want to relax in the evening. It is an ideal location for a short stay, and the owner is extremely helpful.
Where to eat in Kanab
We found some great restaurants in Kanab. Both the Rocking V Cafe and Wild Thyme (try the cowboy ribs and Wild Thyme pasta) serve up tasty American fare with a twist, Brown Box is a great lunch stop, while Sego offers delicious tapas-style Asian food.
10. Peekaboo Slot Canyon
Out of all the top Utah attractions, Peekaboo Slot Canyon surprised me the most. I had wanted to visit Antelope Canyon in Arizona, but it was difficult to fit everything in our 10 day Utah itinerary, so we made a decision to visit Peekaboo instead, and I was delighted that Katrina McMullan, our Travel Counsellor recommended it. The entrance point to the drive is located just 10 minutes from Kanab.
Peekaboo is a smaller and lesser known canyon than Antelope Canyon but has a LOT less crowds and offers much more time to enjoy it. We booked an ATV tour with Kanab Tour Company which brought us directly to Peekaboo and it was a fabulous experience. My children loved it, it was one of the highlights of the trip and one of the top things to do in Utah with kids.
The journey is about 30 minutes to get to Peekaboo and we had 45 minutes to walk to the end of the canyon and back again. The way the light changes during every twist and turn is remarkable and I was told that regardless of when you visit morning or afternoon you are still guaranteed to get great light.
Our guide was extremely helpful and showed us the best places for photos and there was plenty of time to explore the canyon before driving our ATV back again to Kanab. The whole tour took 2.5 hours and it is one I would highly recommend for adults or families. It is suitable for children aged 5 and above.
I hope our Utah road trip will inspire you to visit this beautiful state soon. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, prices and descriptions are subject to change. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, where we receive a small commission if a booking is made.
