10-Night Utah & Arizona National Parks Adventure Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Settle in Springdale (Zion National Park Gateway)

Morning: Arrive in Springdale, Utah, check into your accommodation, and get oriented with the town.

Afternoon: Take a gentle hike in Zion National Park, such as the Riverside Walk to get a preview of Zion’s stunning canyon vistas.

Evening: Enjoy dinner in Springdale and rest up for an active next day.

Day 2: Full Day Exploring Zion National Park

Morning: Hike the iconic Angels Landing trail or explore the Emerald Pools trails to experience Zion’s breathtaking rock formations.

Afternoon: Visit the Zion Human History Museum and relax with a scenic shuttle ride along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.

Evening: Have dinner in Springdale and perhaps enjoy stargazing with clear desert skies.

Day 3: Travel to Bryce Canyon & Explore Amphitheater

Morning: Drive to Bryce Canyon City, about 1.5-2 hours from Zion, check-in and prepare for park exploration.

Afternoon: Explore the Bryce Amphitheater viewpoints including Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, and Navajo Loop Trail.

Evening: Relax at your lodge or cabin near Bryce Canyon and enjoy the sunset glow over hoodoos.

Day 4: Bryce Canyon & Drive to Cannonville (Grand Staircase Area)

Morning: Take a scenic hike along the Queens Garden Trail to get closer views of the hoodoos and unique formations.

Afternoon: Drive south towards Cannonville, a gateway to the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, about 1 hour.

Evening: Evening at leisure in Cannonville or nearby, preparing for Grand Staircase exploration.

Day 5: Full Day Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Morning: Explore scenic drives and hikes such as Devils Garden or Peek-a-boo Gulch slot canyons.

Afternoon: Visit Escalante Petrified Forest State Park and enjoy more unique desert formations.

Evening: Return to Cannonville or nearby for a restful evening.

Day 6: Scenic Drive & Travel to Page, AZ

Morning: Drive through more Grand Staircase sights and start heading toward Page, Arizona (about 2.5 hours).

Afternoon: Arrive in Page, check into your hotel, and visit Horseshoe Bend for sunset views.

Evening: Dinner in Page and relax after travel.

Day 7: Antelope Canyon & Lake Powell

Morning: Take a guided tour of Antelope Canyon (Upper or Lower Slot Canyon).

Afternoon: Explore the shores of Lake Powell or consider a short boat tour on the lake.

Evening: Dine in Page and prepare for a river adventure the next day.

Day 8: Half-Day Motorized Raft Trip on the Colorado River

Morning: Embark on a half-day motorized raft trip on the Colorado River through Marble Canyon, experiencing dramatic cliffs and river scenery.

Afternoon: Return from rafting and relax or explore local Page attractions like the Navajo Village Heritage Center.

Evening: Enjoy dinner and reflect on the river adventure.

Day 9: Travel to Capitol Reef National Park

Morning: Drive from Page to Capitol Reef National Park (approx. 3.5-4 hours), stopping for scenic breaks.

Afternoon: Check in near Torrey, Utah and visit the Fruita Historic District in Capitol Reef for orchards and history.

Evening: Sunset at Capitol Reef’s viewpoints like Panorama Point.

Day 10: Explore Capitol Reef National Park & Return to Gateway Town

Morning: Hike the Hickman Bridge Trail or visit the Cathedral Valley (if time permits).

Afternoon: Begin return journey towards Springdale or St. George area for final night stay (approx. 2.5-3 hours).

Evening: Final dinner near Zion or Springdale, relaxing after 10 full days of adventure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Zion National Park – 2 days – $35 park entrance fee per vehicle, hiking time 4-6 hours each day
• Bryce Canyon National Park – 2 days – $35 park entrance fee per vehicle, 4-5 hours hiking/viewing
• Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument – 2 days – Free entrance, hiking and driving 5-7 hours total
• Antelope Canyon Tour – 0.5 day – $60-80 per person, 1.5-2 hour tour
• Horseshoe Bend – 1-1.5 hours including walk and visit, $10 per vehicle parking
• Motorized Colorado River Raft Trip – Half day – approx. $120-150 per person, 3-4 hours
• Capitol Reef National Park – 2 days – $20 park entrance per vehicle, hikes 3-5 hours
• Accommodation & Meals – 10 nights averaging $150 per night, meals approx. $40 per day per person

Total Estimated Cost: $2,100 - $2,500 per person (depending on lodging choices and group size)

Tips

• To extend the trip, consider adding side hikes or scenic drives like the Wave (permit required) or exploring nearby lesser-known canyons in Grand Staircase-Escalante.
• To reduce trip duration, combine park visits by prioritizing key highlights and skipping less accessible areas, and consider flying in/out from Page, AZ to cut driving times.
• Booking timed tours for Antelope Canyon and rafting well in advance is highly recommended to secure spots.