10-Night Utah & Arizona National Parks & Colorado River Adventure

Day 1: Arrival in Salt Lake City & Travel to Moab

Morning: Arrive at Salt Lake City. Pick up rental vehicle and prepare for scenic drive to Moab.

Afternoon: Check into accommodation in Moab. Brief exploration of Downtown Moab and local gear shops.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and relax after travel. Early rest for next day's adventures.

Day 2: Arches National Park Exploration

Morning: Visit iconic arches like Delicate Arch and Balanced Rock in Arches National Park.

Afternoon: Hike the Devils Garden Trail, exploring multiple arches and rock formations.

Evening: Return to Moab for dinner and to rest after full day hiking.

Day 3: Canyonlands National Park – Island in the Sky

Morning: Drive to Canyonlands National Park (Island in the Sky). Visit Mesa Arch at sunrise for stunning views.

Afternoon: Explore overlooks like Grand View Point and short trails around the mesa.

Evening: Evening drive back to Moab. Optional stargazing near park boundaries.

Day 4: Motorized Rafting Trip on the Colorado River

Morning: Depart early for a motorized rafting trip on the Colorado River, starting near Moab.

Afternoon: Continue river journey enjoying canyon views and rapids. Picnic lunch on riverbank.

Evening: Return to Moab and relax after an active day.

Day 5: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Exploration

Morning: Travel south to Kanab, UT—gateway to the Grand Staircase. Begin with Little Hollywood walk.

Afternoon: Scenic drives through Grand Staircase-Escalante, stopping at viewpoints like Scenic Byway 12 and Calf Creek Falls.

Evening: Check into accommodations in Kanab and enjoy a quiet evening downtown.

Day 6: Zion National Park

Morning: Early drive to Zion National Park. Hike the famous Angels Landing or stroll the Riverside Walk.

Afternoon: Explore Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and visit the Emerald Pools.

Evening: Stay overnight in the nearby town of Springdale. Dinner with views of Zion cliffs.

Day 7: Bryce Canyon National Park

Morning: Drive to Bryce Canyon National Park. Explore viewpoints like Sunrise Point and Thor’s Hammer.

Afternoon: Hike part of the Navajo Loop Trail among the hoodoos.

Evening: Overnight near Bryce Canyon lodge or in Bryce town.

Day 8: Capitol Reef National Park

Morning: Travel to Capitol Reef National Park. Visit Fruita Historic District and sample local orchard fruit if in season.

Afternoon: Scenic drive on Hickman Bridge Trail and visit petroglyph panels.

Evening: Overnight in nearby Torrey, UT and enjoy a small-town dinner.

Day 9: Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend, Arizona

Morning: Depart towards Page, AZ. Take a guided tour inside the stunning Antelope Canyon (either Upper or Lower Canyon).

Afternoon: Visit Horseshoe Bend for breathtaking Colorado River views.

Evening: Stay overnight in Page. Dinner and rest after canyon tour.

Day 10: Return to Salt Lake City via Scenic Route

Morning: Begin drive back north to Salt Lake City, taking scenic routes through southern Utah.

Afternoon: Stop at small towns or viewpoints such as Goblin Valley State Park if time permits.

Evening: Arrive in Salt Lake City. Final dinner and prepare for departure.

Day 11: Departure from Salt Lake City

Morning: Return rental vehicle and check in for flight home.

Afternoon: Optional last-minute shopping or sightseeing near airport.

Evening: Departure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Arches National Park: 6 hours, $30 per vehicle entrance fee
• Canyonlands National Park: 5 hours, included with Arches National Park pass
• Motorized Rafting on Colorado River: 6 hours, approx. $150 per person
• Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Scenic Drives & hikes: 6 hours, free
• Zion National Park: 8 hours, $35 per vehicle entrance fee
• Bryce Canyon National Park: 6 hours, $35 per vehicle entrance fee
• Capitol Reef National Park: 5 hours, $20 per vehicle entrance fee
• Antelope Canyon Guided Tour: 3 hours including travel, $65 per person
• Horseshoe Bend: 1.5 hours, $10 parking fee
• Rental Car & Gas: 10 days, approx. $600 total

Total Estimated Cost: ~$1100 - $1200 per person (excluding flights and accommodation)

Tips

For travelers wanting a shorter trip, consider skipping Capitol Reef National Park and allocating more time to Zion and Bryce Canyon, reducing total days to 7 or 8. For travelers looking to extend the trip, add more hiking days within Grand Staircase-Escalante or rent a 4WD vehicle for remote backcountry exploration. Also consider adding extra days in Moab or Page for photography and relaxation.