7-Day Road Trip from Yorba Linda, CA to Moab, UT and Back (Oct 1-7, 2025)

Day 1: Yorba Linda to Flagstaff, AZ

Morning: Depart from Yorba Linda early in the morning and begin your drive eastward, enjoying the scenic views of Southern California. Make a quick stop in Palm Springs for a coffee break.

Afternoon: Continue your journey towards Flagstaff, AZ, stopping at Sedona for a short visit and to explore its famous red rocks and vibrant arts community.

Evening: Arrive in Flagstaff, check into your accommodation, and relax after a long day of travel. Take a leisurely walk around the historic downtown area.

Day 2: Flagstaff to Flagstaff Area Attractions

Morning: Visit Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument to see the volcanic cones and learn about volcanic activity in the region.

Afternoon: Head to Walnut Canyon National Monument to explore ancient cliff dwellings and walk along scenic trails.

Evening: Enjoy dinner in Flagstaff and prepare for an early start the next day.

Day 3: Flagstaff to Monument Valley & Moab, UT

Morning: Drive east towards Monument Valley, stopping en route at Holbrook for a quick break. Visit the iconic Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park for stunning vistas and photography.

Afternoon: Continue north into Utah and arrive in Moab, check into your hotel, and relax from the day’s drive.

Evening: Explore downtown Moab, enjoying local cuisine and preparing for upcoming adventures.

Day 4: Exploring Arches National Park

Morning: Spend the day at Arches National Park, hiking iconic trails and seeing famous formations such as Delicate Arch and Balanced Rock.

Afternoon: Continue exploring lesser-known arches and enjoy scenic drives through the park.

Evening: Return to Moab for dinner and relaxation.

Day 5: Caves and Volcanic Features in Utah and Arizona

Morning: Visit Blue Belly Cave in Utah for a guided spelunking experience. Afterward, head south to Arizona to see volcanic formations such as Fuller Cave.

Afternoon: Explore the volcanic cones and caves in areas like Sunset Volcano Field or nearby lava tubes.

Evening: Return to Moab or stay overnight near the volcanic sites.

Day 6: Return Journey – Moab to Flagstaff

Morning: Start your drive back westward, heading through scenic Utah landscapes. Consider stopping at additional points of interest like Dead Horse Point State Park.

Afternoon: Arrive back in Flagstaff, enjoy a relaxed afternoon and perhaps visit local museums or shops.

Evening: Rest up for the final day of the trip.

Day 7: Flagstaff to Yorba Linda, CA

Morning: Begin your drive back to California, taking a leisurely route and stopping for breaks as needed.

Afternoon: Continue the drive west, with optional stops along the way for sightseeing or meals.

Evening: Arrive in Yorba Linda, concluding your adventurous road trip.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument: 1 hour, $10 parking fee
• Walnut Canyon National Monument: 2 hours, $10 entrance fee
• Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park: 2 hours, $20 permit
• Arches National Park: 4-6 hours, $30 entrance fee
• Blue Belly Cave spelunking tour: 3 hours, $80 per person
• Various scenic stops and dining: Approx. 4 hours, variable costs
• Accommodation: 6 nights, $150 per night average
• Fuel: Estimated $300 total for the round trip
• Total Estimated Cost: Approximately $900

Tips

If you'd like a more relaxed trip, consider extending your stay at key attractions like Arches or Monument Valley. To save costs, you can reduce the number of cave visits or stay in more budget-friendly accommodations. Conversely, for a more comprehensive experience, add additional national parks or outdoor activities along the route.