10-Day Utah 5 National Parks, Antelope Canyon AZ & Colorado Motorized Raft Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Zion National Park Exploration

Morning: Arrive in Las Vegas or Salt Lake City and drive to Zion National Park. Settle into your accommodation near the park.

Afternoon: Take the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, explore easy trails like the Riverside Walk, and enjoy views of the iconic red cliffs.

Evening: Dinner in Springdale and relax with a sunset view of the Zion cliffs.

Day 2: Full Day at Zion National Park

Morning: Hike the famous Angels Landing or the more moderate Observation Point for panoramic views.

Afternoon: Explore the Emerald Pools Trail and visit the Zion Human History Museum for cultural insights.

Evening: Stargazing near the park or enjoy a quiet evening at your lodge.

Day 3: Bryce Canyon National Park

Morning: Drive to Bryce Canyon National Park and stop at viewpoints like Sunrise Point and Bryce Point.

Afternoon: Hike through the hoodoos on the Navajo Loop Trail and explore the amphitheater.

Evening: Watch the sunset over Bryce Canyon and camp or stay nearby.

Day 4: Capitol Reef National Park

Morning: Drive to Capitol Reef National Park via scenic routes, stop at Scenic Drive and Gifford Homestead.

Afternoon: Explore the Fruita Historic District and take a hike to the Hickman Bridge.

Evening: Relax with a sunset picnic or dining in Torrey town.

Day 5: Arches National Park

Morning: Arrive early at Arches National Park. Visit Delicate Arch and hike the trail to get up close.

Afternoon: Explore Landscape Arch, Double Arch, and the Windows Section.

Evening: Enjoy a scenic sunset drive and photography near Garden of Eden.

Day 6: Canyonlands National Park & Dead Horse Point

Morning: Head to Canyonlands National Park (Island in the Sky District). Visit Mesa Arch for sunrise views.

Afternoon: Explore overlooks such as Grand View Point and visit Dead Horse Point State Park nearby.

Evening: Return to Moab for dinner and leisure time.

Day 7: Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend, Arizona

Morning: Drive to Antelope Canyon near Page, AZ. Take a guided tour exploring the stunning slot canyon.

Afternoon: Visit the nearby Horseshoe Bend for incredible views of the Colorado River bend.

Evening: Overnight in Page with local dining options.

Day 8: Colorado Motorized Raft Trip - Preparation & Intro

Morning: Drive to your Colorado rafting trip start location. Attend safety briefings and gear up for the motorized rafting adventure.

Afternoon: Begin your guided motorized raft trip on the Colorado River, enjoying thrilling rapids and scenic canyon views.

Evening: Camp or lodge riverside, share stories around the campfire.

Day 9: Full Day Rafting on Colorado River

Morning: Continue your rafting journey through spectacular canyons with expert guides, spotting wildlife and geological marvels.

Afternoon: Enjoy lunch onshore, swim, and explore sandy beaches along the riverbanks.

Evening: Set up camp and relax under starry skies with fellow rafters.

Day 10: Return & Departure

Morning: Complete your rafting trip and head back to your vehicle or accommodation.

Afternoon: Drive back towards Las Vegas or Salt Lake City, stopping for scenic breaks.

Evening: Departure or overnight stay depending on flight schedules.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Zion National Park: 2 days, Entry $35 per vehicle, Activities Mostly Free
• Bryce Canyon National Park: 1 day, Entry $35 per vehicle
• Capitol Reef National Park: 1 day, Entry $35 per vehicle
• Arches National Park: 1 day, Entry $35 per vehicle
• Canyonlands National Park & Dead Horse Point: 1 day, Entry $35 per vehicle
• Antelope Canyon: Half day tour, Approx. 2-3 hours, Tour Cost $60-$80 per person
• Horseshoe Bend: 1-2 hours, Free (parking fee approx. $10)
• Colorado Motorized Raft Trip: 2 days, Estimated $500-700 per person including equipment and guides
• Total Estimated Cost: $800 - $950 per person (excluding accommodation and meals)

Tips

For travelers wanting to extend their trip, consider adding extra days at each national park to explore less visited trails or add a day for horseback riding or canyoneering activities in Utah.

To reduce the trip duration, focus on 3-4 national parks—perhaps Zion, Arches, and Antelope Canyon—and plan a shorter rafting trip or swap it for a scenic rafting float to fit within 7 days.