This Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary will start from Salt lake city as I am from the area and will end in southern Utah, but if you’re coming from Las Vegas you can do this itinerary in the opposite order.

Entrance Fees for Utah National Parks Road Trip

If you’re planning on visiting all 5 national parks, you will definitely want to purchase the U.S. Parks Pass as entrance fees seriously add up.  The U.S Parks Pass gives you access to all 133 national parks for an entire year and two people may share it.  The pass is only $80 and valid for 12 months starting when you buy the pass. I will include the price of each National Park entrance fee and let you decide if buying a pass is worth it or not.

Make sure to download some offline maps whether google or maps.me as you will not have much if any signal while in the national parks.

How to get to the Utah National Parks

The best way to get around on your Utah National Parks road trip is either by car or motorcycle (season dependent). You don’t need a 4WD vehicle to visit any of the Utah National Parks, but if you want to visit some areas off-the-beaten-path you will definitely want a 4WD and high-rise vehicle (especially if you want to visit Cathedral Valley in Capitol Reef National Park).

You can do this road trip with any kind of car, but it is recommended to take a high-rise vehicle with 4WD so you can truly see all that there is to offer.  I unfortunately did this 1-week road trip in a Volkswagen Golf and so I couldn’t get off the beaten path as much as I would have liked.  That being said, if I could explore all these national parks in my volkswagen, you should be able to make the trip in just about any other car.

Another great option is to rent a camper van so you can save money on accomodation as you hop from one place to the next.

What to bring on the Utah Roadtrip

Prepare for your Utah National Parks Road Trip with our must-have travel essentials. (Click for prices)

• Walkie Talkie Radios
• Lantern
• Microfiber Travel Towel
• Insulated Water Bottle
• Hiking Sandals
• Hiking Bakcpack
• Snacks

If you’re interested in photography and/or videography this is the gear we can’t live without: (click for price)

Professional camera: Sony A7iv
Best travel tripod: Peak Design Travel Tripod
Action camera: GoPro HERO10 Black
Drone: DJI Air 2s (Only Use Outside Of National Parks)

Day 1 – Canyonlands National Park

 Entrance Fee: Included in $80 U.S Parks Pass OR  $30/vehicle $25/motorcycle

Leave Salt Lake City in the morning and head to Moab, Utah.  Without any stops, the trip should take you about 3 hours and 45 minutes, and 4 hours to Island in the Sky Visitor Center, where Canyonlands National Park begins. That being said, you’ll likely want to stop somewhere along the road for some lunch so expect around 4.5 hours.  

If you leave in the morning, you should still have plenty of day time left to explore Canyonlands National Park when you arrive. Here is a list of some awesome places to visit while in the area.

There are two Shafer Canyon viewpoints which you should definitely visit in Canyonlands National Park.  The first viewpoint is for those who aren’t terrified of heights. If you have reached the Island in the Sky Visitor Center, you’ll need to turn around and head back about 1 mile until you reach Shafer Basin Road on the right and head to the viewpoint located at this pin.

The road to the viewpoint eventually turns into dirt but like i mentioned, my tiny Volkswagen Golf didn’t have any problems getting there.

You will drive on top of winding, rocky cliff tops that are some of the most amazing views I have seen in the national park. Like I mentioned earlier, if you are terrified of heights, this drive might be a little scary for you.

Once you reach the viewpoint you can get out of your car and enjoy the views from on top of the cliff.  If you want to continue down the road, I recommend only doing so with a high-rise, 4WD vehicle. You will need one of these vehicles to safely descend and later ascend up the iconic, winding road at Shafer Canyon.  

If you do not have a high-rise, 4WD vehicle, you can return back to where you came from and head to the Shafer Trail Viewpoint about a mile past the Island in the Sky Visitor Center.  From here you will get an amazing view of the winding road below.

Five miles down Grand Viewpoint Road you’ll end up at one of the most famous and iconic arches in Canyonlands, Mesa Arch.

In the early morning you will find a lot of photographers lined up for sunrise. If you are not a photographer trying to catch the epic photo of the sunrise in the background, then visiting this arch just after sunrise might be the perfect time to visit in order to avoid the crowds.

Photo by Intricate Explorer on Unsplash

I purposely chose to visit the Green River Overlook last as this is the ultimate location for sunset. If you arrive here for golden hour (the hour before sunset), you’ll will witness the amazing canyon light up.

There are also many amazing spots around the overlook area where you can capture some epic photos on top of some cliffs. Get creative with your surroundings but always make sure you are being smart and safe with where you choose to stand.

Day 2 and 3 – Arches National Park

Entrance Fee: Included in $80 U.S Parks Pass OR  $30/vehicle $25/motorcycle 

If you plan on visiting Arches National Park from April 3 – October 3, you will now need a reservation to enter the park. You can make your reservations here.

There is so much to see in Arches National Park and definitely one I recommend visiting more than once to make sure you experience all that this Utah national park has to offer. If you are not on a time crunch, I recommend spending two days here so you’re not too rushed or burned out going from one arch to another.

Below are some of my all time favorite arches in Arches National Park and ones I think you should definitely add to your Utah National Park Road Trip bucket list.

Delicate Arch is easily the most famous Arch in Arches National Park, and for good reason. This is definitely one arch that you must visit otherwise your trip would not be complete.

If you visit in the summer time, I highly recommend visiting really early in the morning as there isn’t a lot of shade on the trail to hide from the scorching sun, and it can get incredibly hot.

This hike takes about 2-3 hours round trip, depending on how fast you are at hiking. It is a pretty steep hike with 480 ft of elevation gain. Once you reach the arch you will be blown away at the art that mother nature has created. 

Sand Dune Arch is a short 5-10 minute walk from the parking area and is definitely worth the stop over. If you get to this arch early in the morning you’ll likely have the area to yourself, or share it with only a few other people.

As the day goes on, you’ll have to share just about every arch with a crowd of people as this Utah national park has became incredibly popular within the last decade. For this very reason they have recently implemented the reservation requirement to help control the crowds in this Utah national park.

If you decide to skip Delicate Arch or have split your visit to Arches National Park into two days, you may want to hike Devils Garden Loop. This 7.8 mile loop is one of my favorite hikes in the national park with so much beauty to be seen.

If you don’t want to visit every stop in the Devils Garden Loop, I recommend at least visiting Landscape Arch not too far from the entrance, as well as Double O arch further up the hike.

The Windows hold some of the most unique and incredible arches in the entire national park. The first arch worth visiting is called Turret Arch. If you hike up to the top of what looks like the shape of an eye, you will be able to see an arch framed within the eye.

The next arch worth visiting down the road is called Double Arch.  If you have time and strength at this point, it is worth hiking into the arch to see the amazing view from beneath.

Just 17 minutes (11 miles) out from Arches National Park is Corona Arch. There is no entrance fee and it is one of the best hikes around Moab. This hike is 3 miles and is a very impressive arch for not being included in any national park.

Corona Arch – Utah National Parks Road Trip

Day 4  – Capitol Reef National Park

After stopping by Capitol Reef Visitor Center early in the morning to get a free map, I drove to the parking lot of Cassidy Arch Trailhead. This hike takes around 2 hours and I recommend going first thing in the morning as the weather can get quite hot during the day. This hike is not that difficult and has some of the most amazing views in Capitol Reef. 

Cassidy Arch – Utah National Parks Road Trip

Once I reached the top, I met a couple that were preparing to repel down the arch using ropes.  If you have the equipment and know what you’re doing, you may want to consider this as it looks extremely fun.

At the entrance of Cassidy Arch trailhead is also the entrance to The Narrows.  This is a chill hike where, if you’re lucky, you can see some goat climbing the rocks above. This winding hike is between some big canyon walls which gives you plenty of shade depending on the time of day.

Gifford Farm – Utah National Parks Road Trip

Gifford Farm is a perfect place to rest after morning hikes and eat some lunch. I recommend packing some lunch for Capitol Reef as there aren’t a lot of food options. Gifford Farm is known for its famous homemade pies, something you definitely need to try when you’re visiting. You can also buy different types of jams to take home as a souvenir as well.

Gifford Farm – Utah National Parks Road Trip

Since you’ve done most of the hiking in the morning, you can relax and enjoy the views from the comfort of your car. Just drive down Scenic Rd to the end of Capitol Gorge Road and check out the amazing landscape formations on the way.

Capital Gorge Road – Utah National Parks Road Trip

Located just outside of the Capitol Reef National Park entrance are some amazing Petroglyphs, amazing artwork from the Native Americans that inhabited the land years ago.

Petroglyphs – Utah National Parks Road Trip

As you’re leaving Capitol Reef National Park, you can make a quick stop at Panorama Point Overlook for one last view of these unique landscapes.

Panorama Point – Utah National Parks Road Trip

Photo by Brady Stoeltzing on Unsplash

If you have a high-rise 4WD vehicle, you should definitely consider visiting Cathedral Valley. I unfortunately was not able to access this road as my car would have definitely gotten stuck in the sand, but from the photos I have seen and what my friends have told me, this is the best part of the national park.

If you decide not to spend time in Cathedral Valley and only explore the main areas I have mentioned above, you can spend the latter half of the day driving to Bryce Canyon if you feel comfortable doing so. The drive to Bryce Canyon from Capitol Reef should take you around 2 – 2.5 hours.

Day 5  – Bryce Canyon National Park

Navajo Loop Trail – Utah National Parks Road Trip

Navajo Loop Trail is one of our all-time favorite hikes in the entire world. The landscapes are like nothing I have ever seen before and so diverse. I would highly recommend doing this loop early in the morning, starting at sunrise or just after. 

This hike covers both Sunrise and Sunset Point, which are two spots you’ll definiely not want to miss on your visit to Bryce Canyon National Park.

2. Upper & Lower Inspiration Point

Lower & Upper Inspiration Point – Utah National Parks Road Trip

Lower & Upper Inspiration Point – Utah National Parks Road Trip

Day 6 & 7  – Zion National Park

Angels Landing hike in Zion National Park, Utah is a must-do for any outdoor enthusiast visiting the area. The trail is a 5.4-mile round trip hike that leads to one of the most breathtaking views in the park.

Angel’s Landing – Utah National Parks Road Trip

The hike begins at the Grotto trailhead and takes you along the Virgin River before climbing steeply up a series of switchbacks known as Walter’s Wiggles.

Once you reach Scout Lookout, the trail becomes more strenuous as you make your way up the narrow and steep path to Angels Landing. The last half-mile of the hike is a narrow and exposed path that requires hikers to hold onto chains for support.

Angel’s Landing – Utah National Parks Road Trip

The reward for completing the Angels Landing hike is an unparalleled view of the park, including the Virgin River and the surrounding mountains. It’s an incredible feeling to stand on top of Angels Landing and take in the natural beauty that surrounds you.

It’s important to note that the hike is not recommended for those who are afraid of heights. However, if you are up for the challenge, Angels Landing is an incredible hike that will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

The Narrows hike in Zion National Park is one of the most popular and iconic hikes in the park. This hike takes you through a narrow canyon filled with towering walls of sandstone and crystal clear water.

The Narrows – Utah National Parks Road Trip

The trail is mostly a river hike, with hikers wading through the water and climbing over rocks and boulders. As you hike deeper into the canyon, the walls become more and more spectacular, reaching heights of up to 1,500 feet.

The Narrows Alex Azabache on Unsplash– Utah National Parks Road Trip

The Narrows hike can be done as a day hike or an overnight backpacking trip. The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow, making it a great option for hikers of all skill levels.

However, it is important to note that the water can be cold and deep in some areas, so hikers should be prepared with proper footwear and a hiking stick for balance. 

Photo by Karan Chawla on Unsplash

The Narrows is also a popular spot known for its epic canyoneering experience, making it a great destination for adventure seekers. Overall, the Narrows hike is a must-do for anyone visiting Zion National Park and offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

The Narrows – Utah National Parks Road Trip

Zion Highway – Utah National Parks Road Trip

Zion Highway – Utah National Parks Road Trip

Zion Highway – Utah National Parks Road Trip

Zion Canyon Junction – Utah National Parks Road Trip

And there you have it, our guide to the epic Utah National Park Roadtrip. We hope you’ve enjoyed reading and that it has inspired you to explore the natural beauty of this state. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time visitor, Utah’s national parks offer something for everyone.

So pack your bags, grab your hiking boots, and get ready for an unforgettable trip to Utah’s national parks. Happy travels!

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