Road Trip through Utah – Five Days Exploring Utah’s Best National Parks!
Some of the most breathtaking, and I don’t use that word lightly, landscapes in all of the U.S. are located in southern Utah. I’m talking about bucket list quality experiences, truly. If you’re thinking of a quick getaway, and Utah is on the list of possibilities, you absolutely have to go. I promise spending any time here will not disappoint you. I haven’t been since 2018, yet it feels like yesterday I was roaming around and getting into all kinds of adventures, it’s that special!
This five-day itinerary is dedicated to exactly that! In it, I’ll go over my top three national parks in southern Utah – Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Capitol Reef and all their highlights. Most five-day itineraries you’ll find online will feature “The Mighty 5”, adding Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park to the journey, however, trying to fit all that in within five days is a mistake. You’ll be doing a disservice to Zion and Capital Reef, as well as wasting precious hours driving all over the place. Let’s avoid that.
Instead, how about maximizing every second you can exploring Zion’s awe-inspiring cliffs, Bryce’s confusing hoodoos, and Capitol Reef’s rugged desert scenery? They all offer a beautiful blend of incredible hiking, relaxing scenic drives, and various activities for all ages and body types. As a bonus for adventurers with extra time, I’ll also tell you about a lesser-known local favorite – Goblin Valley State Park – It’s perfect for adding an unforgettable twist to your trip!
So, if you’re on the fence or need an added boost of motivation, stick around and check out this quick and dirty guide to the American Southwest. The best nature reserves in Utah, what to do in and around them, where to eat and stay, and some of the best hiking you simply cannot miss out on.
Ok, enough chit-chat, let’s get into it!
**This itinerary’s approach will be based on starting from Las Vegas since it’s the closest airport or hub. If you’ll be traveling from Salt Lake City or Denver, complete this road trip in reverse.**
Itinerary For Days 1 and 2: Zion National Park – Red Cliffs and River Canyons
View at Angels Landing
Let’s start at the most famous National Park in Utah, Zion. If you’ve never been, you’re in for a thrill! As soon as you drive the main road through the southern entrance, you’re immediately greeted with towering rusty cliffs, slot canyons, multicolored jagged rock formations, plops of green shrubs, and, if you’re lucky, bighorn sheep or a mighty condor. It’s no surprise Zion has a reputation as one of the most beautiful stops in the state.
A little farther Inside you’ll find riverside strolls, challenging cliff-side scrambles, narrow sandstone canyon treks, towering buttes, gorgeous vistas, crystal clear rivers, and sweeping mesas. Unquestionably, it’s the perfect starting point for adventurers of all levels.
You’ll likely use Springdale as your gateway town or overnight lodging option, especially the night before your 2-day stay. It’s a small and charming community that provides good food, basic motels, and simple gear rentals such as hiking shoes or trekking poles. Use it to recharge after long days on the trails.
Day 1: Zion National Park – Zion Canyon and Riverside Adventures
No trip to Zion is complete without tackling its most famous pathway, Angels Landing. An absolute must for hikers and explorers. It’s pretty steep, so take your time ascending and watch your step once at the top. Also, if you have a healthy fear of heights, you might want to avoid the last few hundred feet. It gets pretty daunting!
Morning (7:00 AM – 11:30 AM)
- Angels Landing (4-5 hours, 4.4 miles) (permit required)
- It’s considered difficult and strenuous, and not recommended for children.
- The earlier you start, the better. You’ll avoid both the heat and crowds, plus you’ll have better photography opportunities at the summit.
- Alternative: If Angels Landing is closed, too busy, or too scary, check out Observation Point (7 miles, 4 hours). It’s far less crowded, better for younger children, and easier to complete, but full of equally stunning viewpoints!
Lunch Break (11:30 AM – 12:30 PM)
- Enjoy a meal at Zion Lodge’s Red Rock Grill
- Your basic salad and burger joint. Grab an order of the firecracker rolls. A fun chicken twist on jalapeño poppers. They’re a popular favorite and so delicious!
- OR Pack sandwiches/wraps and enjoy them with friends and family at the Grotto picnic area.
Next up is The Narrows, an incredible river walk you’ll never forget. Depending on when you go and the flow rate, the waters can reach chest-high, so bring a bathing suit! Inside, you’ll find quite the contradiction since some sections of the gorge are no wider than 20 feet across yet dwarfed by canyon walls towering as high as 2,000 feet above. Talk about an alien world!
Afternoon (1:00 PM – 4:30 PM)
- The Narrows (2-3 hours for the bottom-up section)
- Walk through the Virgin River in one of Zion’s most unique landscapes. Be sure to rent water shoes and a walking stick if you don’t have suitable footwear or if the water levels are sufficiently high enough.
- Family Option: Stroll the Riverside Walk (2.2 miles), an easy, paved path that leads up to The Narrow’s entry point.
If you still have energy after such a physical day, rent a bicycle and mosey around the park, ideally on the Pa’rus Trail. Bicycles are allowed on most sections of the paved roads, but this is the only walking path available for 2-wheels.
Evening (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
- Ride bikes along the Pa’rus Trail during sunset.
- Watch out for others since it’s a multi-use path full of twists, turns, and blind corners.
- Dinner: For a hearty meal, head over to Oscar’s Café in Springdale.
- Serves a wide variety of entrées ranging from grilled fish and enchiladas to pork chops and Philly cheesesteaks. The prices are decent, and the drinks are plenty!
Day 2: Zion National Park – Kolob Canyons and Emerald Pools
View of Kolob Arch
For day 2, I highly recommend spending time wandering around the Kolob Canyons in the northern section of Zion. It’s about an hour from Springdale and right off the 15 interstate. The best thing about it? There’s usually nobody around. Most tourists don’t know to come, and even the locals are few and far between. If you’re visiting during the busy season, or want a serene and peaceful experience, this is where you should go next.
Here, you’ll find some of the most incredible sandstone cliffs and canyons, as well as the Kolob Arch! One of the largest free-standing stone arches in the world. If you do nothing else, seeing this with your own eyes is worth the trip. I do have to warn you though, that getting to it isn’t easy. It’s about a 14-mile hike with roughly 1,700 feet of elevation gain, so if you decide to attempt this, bring a lot of water and snacks!
The canyons are a great spot for overnight backpackers/campers, but there are no official campgrounds, just rugged wilderness campsites. In addition, you’re going to need a wilderness permit, but they’re easily obtainable at either the Zion Visitor Center or the Kolob Canyon Visitor Center.
Morning (8:00 AM – 11:00 AM)
- Drive to Kolob Canyons and hike the Taylor Creek Trail (5 miles, 3-4 hours).
- This trail offers peaceful hiking with fewer tourists than Zion Canyon, but you still might run into a few here or there.
- Be sure to snap some photos of the Larson homestead, a hundred-year-old log cabin that has been turned into a national monument.
- If you feel up to it, hike the La Verkin Creek Trail (6 hrs) to the Kolob Arch. An awe-inspiring feat of Mother Nature. Always respect nature and follow leave-no-trace principles.
Lunch Break (11:30 AM – 12:30 PM)
- Unfortunately, there aren’t many places to eat nearby, in fact, practically 0, so definitely pack a lunch before heading into the Canyons.
- OR stop at a local restaurant in Cedar City after you’re finished for the morning. A quick 20-minute drive away.
If you’ve gotten your fill of the Kolob Canyons, a great choice for the afternoon is heading back to the main park and dipping your toes into the fresh and cool waters of the Emerald Pools. It’s a refreshing way to finish the day and prepare you for what’s to come!
Afternoon (1:00 PM – 3:30 PM)
- Explore Emerald Pools Trail (easy-moderate, 2 miles) and cool off by the waterfalls.
- It’s shady and full of wildlife. Expect to bump into a lizard or two!
- If you still need one more bit, scramble up the Canyon Overlook Trail (1 mile, 30 mins) and snap some Instagram-worthy pics. It’s a quick and easy jaunt that’ll fill your camera’s storage in a flash!
By now, you’ll be fairly exhausted, but if there’s still some gas in the tank, see what the rangers are doing and join one of their talks or tours. They’re free and last anywhere between 20 minutes to 2 hours. Afterward, grab some dinner at the King’s Landing Bistro in Springdale and enjoy the rest of your night.
Evening (4:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
- Join a ranger-led program
- A variety of options like quick 20 to 25-minute ranger talks, hour-long ranger hikes, and 2-hour ranger shuttle tours.
- Dinner: Reward yourself with a fancy dinner at Kings Landing Bistro in Springdale.
- Top choices include the Duck Leg Confit, Pork Porterhouse, or the Fettuccini Bolognese!
Where to Stay: Pick a historic cabin or modern hotel room at the Zion Lodge, or choose a cheap and convenient hotel in Springdale. Prices range from $150 – $250 per night, depending on the time of the year.
Additional Things to Do in and around Zion
If all of that isn’t enough, here are a few extras that you can’t go wrong with.
- Canyoneering and Rappelling: Book a guided tour for an unforgettable adventure scrambling up and down the rocky cliffs around Zion. Children as young as five are invited to participate and rappels can get as high as 175 feet!
- Have a Yoga Session: One of the most serene places for private or communal yoga is on the plateau with views of Zion Canyon. It’ll surely capture your interest and melt every ounce of stress away.
- Camping: There are a few designated campsites within the park, so if you’d rather rough it “old-school style,” make sure to book your spot as soon as you can. Sites fill up six months in advance, so plan accordingly. Pro Tip: Bring some fun campfire games since the cell service can be spotty!
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall offer mild temperatures, while summer can be hot and crowded. Shoot for September or October to take advantage of cool weather, fewer crowds, and Autumn colors.
Itinerary For Day 3: Bryce Canyon National Park – Hoodoo Heaven
View at Bryce Canyon
One of the most surreal locations in the entire country has to be Bryce Canyon. It’s famous for oddly shaped hoodoo formations, rich and colorful layers of rock strata, and an impressive mix of Fir, Pine, Aspen, and Bruce trees, all of which coalesce into an other-worldly fantasy environment.
I swear, it feels like you’re in some sort of Lord of the Rings movie walking around this place. The incredible stone spires rise and blanket the cliffs like some sort of magical, dreamy castle, and the footpaths connecting it all feel like ancient medieval thorough-ways. It’s one of the most gorgeous spots I’ve ever been to. Words and photos do not do this place any justice!
Besides all of that, this park is relatively compact, making it perfect for a one-day adventure. The first thing you’ll notice when you arrive is the sweeping vistas above the canyon and the distinctive rock formations below you. Usually, it’s the other way around. A nice change of pace that sets the mood from the get-go.
**Even though this schedule is tight, I must mention the amazing stargazing opportunities at Bryce. If time permits, or you’d like to adjust your timetable, consider sticking around after the sun goes down for some of the clearest views of the night sky you’ll ever see!**
Hiking trails at Bryce Canyon
Morning (7:30 AM – 10:00 AM)
- Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail Combination (2-3 hours)
- This moderate loop showcases the very best of Bryce’s crazy hoodoo formations and switchbacks through the famous Wall Street section. Take your time, soak it in, and watch your step!
After your hike, jump in the car for a broader view of the area. There’s a lot more hiking to come, so optimize this time for both rest and entertainment.
Late Morning (10:30 AM – 12:30 PM)
- Scenic Drive along the park road, stopping at viewpoints like Rainbow, Yovimpa, and Bryce Points for the best panoramic views you can imagine! Don’t forget your camera!
Lunch (12:30 PM – 1:30 PM)
- Eat at Bryce Canyon Lodge
- Pizza lovers should grab a slice at Valhalla Pizzeria
- You can also grab some tacos or nachos at the taco truck at Farview Point.
- OR bring packed food to enjoy in a picnic area of your choosing.
Once your belly is full, burn up those newly acquired calories with some more trekking around the park. You have a few options, depending on how much you can or want to handle.
Afternoon/Evening (2:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
- Fairyland Loop Trail (4 hrs)
- For seasoned hikers, this 8-mile trail offers quieter, scenic views, but it’s moderately to highly difficult with 1,600 feet of elevation gain.
- OR Leisurely roam the Mossy Cave Turret and Little Windows Trail (1-2 hrs)
- An underrated hike, about a mile long, with a small waterfall at the end.
- Perfect for families with small children or groups with members who have slight mobility issues.
- Dinner: I recommend grabbing a quick bite at Ruby’s Inn Cowboy Buffet and Steak Room.
- Order traditionally or serve yourself with their family-style all-you-can-eat buffet. Their pot roast and BBQ are to die for!
**Hit the road as early as you can if you’re not going to stay for the stars. You’re going to need to recuperate after three full days of physical activity, especially since you’re not finished yet! **
Where to Stay: If you’ll be staying overnight, you should book a night at the Bryce Canyon Lodge. Choose between a western cabin (complete with porch and fireplace) or a lodge room (standard hotel room).
Other local options:
- Ruby’s Inn or Bryce Canyon Pines (Both just outside the park)
If you’d rather get the drive over with, book at the Capitol Reef Resort, where you can pick from staying in a luxurious hotel room, an old-fashioned wagon, or a natively inspired teepee! A glamper’s paradise!
Additional Things to Do in and around Bryce Canyon
Those who need a break from their feet should try one of the following.
- Stargazing: As previously mentioned, this is a top spot in the country for checking out the Milky Way. Go at it alone or attend a ranger-led astronomy program that you’ll never forget!
- Horseback Riding: Explore the hoodoos on a guided horseback tour inside and/or outside the park.
- Off-Road ATV: See more by zipping around in an all-terrain motor vehicle!
- Visit the Bryce Canyon gift shop: A great place to pick up a knickknack or adventure gift for friends or family back home!
Best Time to Visit: May through October; mornings are cool, and summer offers comfortable weather. June through September is the busiest with 60 percent of all guests arriving during this period.
Itinerary For Days 4 and Day 5: Capitol Reef National Park – Desert Landscapes and Historic Orchards
View of Hickman Bridge
Before arriving in Utah, I’d never heard of Capitol Reef. It’s not a big name that usually gets thrown around in a conversation about the country’s famous preserves. I guess it’s understandable since Utah is full of stunning locations, but don’t let its unrecognizable name fool you. Walking amongst the vast geological formations found here is a captivating treat for both your eyes and spirit.
Even though it’s a hidden haven often overshadowed by other Utah parks, the colorful cliffs, deep canyons, and overpowering stillness you’ll experience here will infect you with a special sense of wonder. The entire area fills you with a deep appreciation for nature, and spending quality time here leaves you feeling refreshed and invigorated.
It’s not just rocks, either. The historic Fruita District is full of enduring attractions like the petroglyphs of the Fremont People, century-old orchards that you can still pick fresh fruit from, and the 1800s-era Fruita Schoolhouse, where students of all ages piled in together under one roof. Imagine what teaching was like back then! How far we’ve come!
It’s a setting like no other, and the park’s remote location ensures plenty of space to explore without the crowds. It’s the most underrated park on the list, and in my opinion, all of Utah!
Day 4: Capitol Reef National Park – Fruita District and Scenic Drive
The first thing you have to see when visiting Capitol Reef is its main attraction, the Hickman Bridge. The 125-foot tall, 133-foot long naturally formed rock bridge took its shape after eons of continuous water erosion. Eventually, after many millennia, the soft underbelly of shale gave way, resulting in a gigantic stony arch. You’ll never guess when. 65 million years ago! Amazing!
Morning (8:00 AM – 11:00 AM)
- Hike Hickman Bridge Trail (2 miles, 2 hours) to see one of the park’s famous natural arches.
- Sections at the beginning are steep, so hike with care.
- There’s little to no shade, so bring plenty of water.
- Family Option/fun add-on: Walk along the Fruita Petroglyph Panel trail (.3 miles) to spot ancient rock carvings.
- Easy. Great for groups with very small children.
Lunch (11:30 AM – 12:30 PM)
- Unfortunately, like many remote locales, there is very little dining within the park. I highly recommend stopping in Torrey or Bicknell for Lunch. Here are all the restaurant options around!
- If you aren’t very hungry, have packed a lunch, or want a sweet dessert before the second half of your day, stop by the Gifford Homestead in the Fruita District and enjoy a delicious fruit pie!
- No sugary or gooey fillings here, just loads of fresh apples and peaches inside a golden, flakey crust. Delicious!
By day 4, your legs might need a break, so give them one with a nice joy ride down the southern end of the park. Along the way, you’ll see odd rock formations, wind-swept dunes, interesting vegetation, and a whole lot more! Start at the visitor center for an overview before heading out.
Afternoon (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
- Take the Scenic Drive (2 hours) through Capitol Reef’s colorful desert canyons.
- Make sure to stop at the few dirt spur roads (Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge). They lead to some stunning canyons and trailheads only accessible by foot.
- Add on a short hike to either of these for a closer look at some amazing sandstone cliffs!
That should be enough to fill your day! Now it’s time for some good eats, but before you do, try and catch an amazing sunset at a few different hot spots! Afterward, depending on where you’re staying, pick from the many tasty dinner options around. My favorites are listed below.
Evening (4:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
- Snap photos or live in the moment, witnessing the day turn to dusk at popular sunset viewing locations.
- Dinner: If you’re staying at the Capitol Reef Resort, your best option is the Pioneer Kitchen. A wonderful western diner packed with flavorful fair!
- My top picks are the Orange Peel Grilled Trout, Chicken Pot Pie, or the Philadelphian Steak Sandwich! All incredible!
- Most visitors will be staying in Torrey, and if this is you, my favorite spot is the Hunt and Gather Restaurant! A regional delight offering both animal and plant-based meals of the highest quality! Just check out this menu!
Day 5: Capitol Reef National Park – Backcountry Hikes and Final Exploration
View at Capitol Reef
Last day, but by no means any less impressive. Today, you’ll have the option of one last challenging hike or an off-roading extravaganza with a 110-mile jeep tour! Both pack a memorable punch that’ll stay with you for life. I know the Jeep tours might seem a bit pricey, but with these, you get what you pay for. No doubt worth it! Enjoy!
Morning (7:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
- Challenge yourself with the Navajo Knobs Trail (9 miles, 5-6 hours) for incredible diverse views throughout the desert.
- Again, there isn’t much shade, so bring lots of water and pace yourself!
- Alternative: Explore Cathedral Valley via a guided Jeep or ATV tour, as it’s only accessible with a 4WD vehicle.
- The top companies are – Sleeping Rainbow Adventures, Backcountry Safaris, and the Waterpocket Adventures Company. All provide stellar service and impeccable records. You can’t go wrong with any!
Lunch Break (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM)
- Again, nothing within the park. Either relax at a picnic spot in Fruita with food of your own or grab lunch back in Torrey, Bicknell, or Hanksville.
You have a few options for your final hours at Capitol Reef. You can either book a 1, 2, or 4-hour horseback ride, hike one of the last remaining trails, bird watch near the Fremont River or find hidden photography spots for those last-minute selfies! Or any combination of the 4!
Afternoon/Evening (1:30 PM – 7:00 PM)
- Discover parts of the park, and surrounding area, on horseback. Normally, most of these areas are inaccessible by car or foot so you’ll see many parts most don’t!
- Capitol Reef Resort has the nearest and highest-rated stable around.
- Backcountry Outfitters is also a great choice!
- Burn the rest of your energy on one of the last remaining trails!
- Observe falcons, eagles, blue jays, owls, and many others around the park.
- Snap your last photos at various picture-perfect settings. Use the park’s photo gallery for inspiration!
- Dinner: For your last meal of the trip, indulge in a generous steak at Broken Spur Steakhouse.
- This place has it all. Rack of lamb, filets, chicken-fried steak, tuna, pasta, ribs, wings, and burgers. The perfect way to end a mind-blowing adventure!
Where to Stay: If you want to rough it with a tent inside the park, your only option is the Fruita Campground, the lone developed campsite available. It’s open from March to October and has limited space, so book early!
If not, the nearest hotel is the Capitol Reef Resort, as previously mentioned. It’s full of additional glamping-style accommodations sure to leave a lasting impression.
Other Local Options in Torrey:
- Austin’s Chuckwagon Lodge or Casitas at Capitol Reef. Both offer comfortable stays well within reason, particularly Casitas. Their tiny homes are perfect for couples or small groups!
Additional Things to Do in and around Capitol Reef
Some other great options for your stay at the park.
- Go Rock Climbing or Bouldering: Generally, the park isn’t a top site for technical or advanced climbers, but it’s growing in popularity for novices and beginners. Make sure you get a permit at the visitor center before scaling the walls!
- Biking: Road cycle enthusiasts can and should take advantage of the usually bare roads throughout the park. Sadly, there aren’t many mountain biking opportunities, but experiencing the natural beauty in the open air can be a nice addition to your stay.
- Join a Ranger Program: This is a great way to learn more about the park, especially if you have very young children. They cover a wide array of topics ranging from archeology, geology, and astronomy. Informative and entertaining!
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall offer the best mild weather and blooming orchards but early winter can be a nice alternative as well. Summer is going to be the hottest and most crowded.
Bonus Road Trip: A Stop at Goblin Valley State Park
One of the strangest and eeriest places I’ve ever been has to be Goblin Valley State Park. A fun and quirky park located about two hours from Capitol Reef. It’s full of mushroom-shaped rock formations (nicknamed “goblins”) that look straight out of a science fiction movie. Quite the site!
**If you don’t have an additional day but want to check out this amazing place, consider cutting your day two short at Capitol Reef and heading over here for a quick stop. It’s not exactly next door, but believe me, the drive and walk around will be well worth your time!**
What to Do:
- Wander freely among the goblin-shaped rocks—there are no set trails.
- Explore nearby Little Wild Horse Canyon, a family-friendly slot canyon.
- Stay overnight in a yurt or campground for a unique experience.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for cooler weather. Summers can be extremely hot. Winter can be quite nice since there’s not much elevation gain at the park and it’s quite low in altitude.
Final Thoughts on this 5 day Utah road trip
So what do you think? Excited to check out some of the best Utah has to offer? I surely hope so! This Hiking trails at Bryce Canyon road trip guide is but a scratch on the surface of what’s possible in the region. Even though main draws like the Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, or Antelope Canyon are but a stone’s throw away, these few stops are guaranteed to be a highlight in your overall vacation repertoire.
When you do have the time, definitely try and visit Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park (the Grand View Point and Island in the Sky Mesa are straight out of a dream), Dead Horse Point State Park, Lake Powell, and every other main draw in the greater Arizona and Utah territory. One could easily spend a year sightseeing in this part of the world and never get bored. Such magnificent land!
Anyway, I hope this article has given you a jumping-off point and you’re now ready to set forth into the wilderness!
I wish you the best of luck, and as always, be safe and happy hiking!
Author Bio
James Ryan is a seasoned hiker and adventurer who loves to travel and experience new things. An extrovert and creative at heart, James is most definitely a “People Person”. He started his blog – thejamesguide.com – in the hopes of sharing his knowledge and expertise. Look him up and give him a shout today!
