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16-Day Epic National Parks Road Trip from Indiana to Utah and California

Viewed by 321 travelers

Day 1: Travel & Zion National Park

Indiana, USA to Springdale, Utah, USA on July 23, 2025

7:00am

Departure from Indiana

Begin your journey early to cover the long drive towards Zion National Park in Utah.
USD0, 7h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Oscar's Cafe, Springdale

Enjoy Southwestern American dishes in this highly-rated local favorite near Zion National Park.
USD15, 1h0m

3:30pm

Zion National Park - Canyon Overlook Trail

A short 1-mile hike offering spectacular views of Zion Canyon. Great introduction to Zion's stunning geology. Open 8am - 8pm.
USD35 per vehicle, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Bit & Spur Restaurant & Saloon

Dining on southwestern cuisine with vegetarian options in Springdale, perfect for winding down your day.
USD25, 1h0m
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Day 2: Bryce Canyon National Park

Springdale, Utah, USA to Bryce Canyon, Utah, USA on July 24, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Deep Creek Coffee Co.

Grab coffee and fresh pastries before hitting the road to Bryce Canyon. Opens at 6:30am.
USD10, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive to Bryce Canyon National Park

A scenic 2.5-hour drive from Zion to Bryce, embed yourself in the hoodoos landscape.
USD0, 2h30m

11:00am

Bryce Canyon - Navajo Loop Trail

Explore one of Bryce’s most famous hikes winding through hoodoo formations. Park open 6am-10pm.
USD35 per vehicle (Pass valid for both Zion and Bryce), 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Bryce Canyon Lodge

Convenient historic lodge with a fine selection of American meals in the park.
USD18, 1h0m

3:00pm

Sunset Point

Watch the magical sunset over Bryce Canyon’s amphitheater for excellent photo opportunities.
USD0, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Lodge's restaurant

Enjoy a hearty dinner inside Bryce Canyon National Park to rest and prepare for the next day.
USD30, 1h0m
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Day 3: Capitol Reef National Park

Bryce Canyon, Utah, USA to Torrey, Utah, USA on July 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Bryce Canyon Coffee Co.

Light breakfast before driving to Capitol Reef National Park, with great coffee and pastries.
USD10, 0h30m

8:30am

Drive to Capitol Reef National Park

Enjoy scenic 2-hour drive across southern Utah’s beautiful landscapes to Capitol Reef.
USD0, 2h0m

10:30am

Capitol Reef - Scenic Drive and Fruita Historic District

Explore Capitol Reef’s scenic drive, orchards, and historic sites. Park access 7am - 8pm.
USD20 per vehicle, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Cafe Diablo in Torrey

A great stop offering southwestern and pub-style dishes in Torrey town.
USD20, 1h0m

3:00pm

Hike Hickman Bridge Trail

Short, scenic 2-mile hike to a natural arch in the park, a must-see feature.
USD0, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Slackers in Torrey

Enjoy casual and friendly American comfort food to refuel after your hike.
USD22, 1h0m
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Day 4: Arches National Park

Torrey, Utah, USA to Moab, Utah, USA on July 26, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at local bakery in Torrey

Pick up fresh pastries and coffee before a longer day exploring Arches National Park. Opens 7am.
USD10, 0h30m

7:00am

Drive to Arches National Park

About a 2.5-hour drive northeast to Moab, base for Arches National Park visits.
USD0, 2h30m

10:00am

Arches National Park - Delicate Arch Trail

Hike the iconic and moderately challenging 3-mile roundtrip to the famous Delicate Arch. Park open 7am - 8pm.
USD30 per vehicle, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Moab Brewery

Enjoy local brews and hearty pub fare in the vibrant town of Moab.
USD20, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Windows Section & Double Arch

Short walks to see large arch formations and enjoy scenic views, perfect afternoon visit.
USD0, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Desert Bistro

Upscale dining featuring southwestern-inspired cuisine, perfect for an elegant night out in Moab.
USD35, 1h30m
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Day 5: Canyonlands National Park

Moab, Utah, USA on July 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Love Muffin Cafe

Famous for hearty breakfasts and fresh baked goods, ideal before a day in Canyonlands.
USD12, 0h45m

8:00am

Canyonlands National Park - Island in the Sky District

Visit Mesa Arch early morning for sunrise photos, then drive and explore overlooks like Grand View Point. Park open 24/7.
USD30 per vehicle (valid for both Arches and Canyonlands), 5h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Airborne BBQ

Enjoy authentic barbecue specialties locally loved in Moab town.
USD18, 1h0m

3:00pm

Optional short hikes: Upheaval Dome or Whale Rock

Explore more geological wonders with short, moderate hikes within Canyonlands.
USD0, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Miguel's Baja Grill

Enjoy Mexican food with a vibrant atmosphere to end your Utah adventure.
USD22, 1h0m
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Day 6: Mesa Verde National Park

Moab, Utah, USA to Cortez, Colorado, USA on July 28, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Moab Diner

Start with classic American breakfast fare before the drive to Colorado.
USD12, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive to Mesa Verde National Park

Drive about 2.5 hours from Moab to Mesa Verde in southwestern Colorado.
USD0, 2h30m

11:00am

Mesa Verde Visitor Center and Guided Cliff Dwelling Tours

Begin with visitor center exhibits to understand Ancestral Pueblo culture, then join ranger-led cliff dwelling tours (access dependent on reservation). Park open 8am - 6pm.
USD30 per vehicle + tour fee USD10-15, 4h0m

3:00pm

Lunch at Far View Terrace Cafeteria

Located inside the park, great spot for a quick and convenient meal.
USD15, 1h0m

5:00pm

Mesa Verde Scenic Drive

Drive scenic roads for overlooks and archaeological sites with short walks.
USD0, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner in Cortez at The Rock Shop

A unique place offering good food and Native American craft shopping.
USD20, 1h0m
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Day 7: Drive to Sequoia Nat Park

Cortez, Colorado, USA to Sequoia National Park, California, USA on July 29, 2025

6:00am

Early breakfast at local Cortez cafe

Fill up before embarking on a long drive to California’s Sequoia National Park.
USD10, 0h30m

6:30am

Drive to Sequoia National Park

Approximately 9-hour scenic drive through several states with rest stops en route.
USD0, 9h0m

3:30pm

Arrival at Sequoia National Park

Check into your accommodation within or near the park.
USD0, ---

5:00pm

Dinner at Wuksachi Lodge Restaurant

Historic lodge restaurant offering comfort food and spectacular forest views inside the park.
USD30, 1h0m
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Day 8: Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park, California, USA on July 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Wuksachi Lodge

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the lodge inside the park.
USD18, 1h0m

8:30am

Visit General Sherman Tree and Giant Forest

See the world’s largest tree by volume and explore the surrounding giant sequoias. Park open 8am - 7pm.
USD35 per vehicle, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch Picnic at Giant Forest Museum Area

Enjoy packed or purchased picnic lunch amidst giant trees.
USD15, 1h0m

1:30pm

Hike Moro Rock Trail

Short, steep climb with panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
USD0, 1h0m

3:00pm

Tunnel Log and Crescent Meadow

Drive through the famous fallen sequoia log and stroll Crescent Meadow for wildflowers and wildlife.
USD0, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Grant Grove Restaurant (nearby Kings Canyon)

Dinner option slightly outside Sequoia NP with good variety of food.
USD25, 1h0m
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Day 9: Sequoia Nat Park & Travel

Sequoia National Park, California, USA to Denver, Colorado, USA on July 31, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at your lodge

Enjoy your final breakfast in Sequoia before heading back east.
USD18, 0h45m

8:00am

Morning short trail: Big Trees Trail

A gentle loop showcasing spectacular giant sequoias.
USD0, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive back towards Indiana via Denver, Colorado

Begin your longest non-stop leg of about 15 hours with rest stops along the way.
USD0, 15h0m
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Day 10: Rest in Denver

Denver, Colorado, USA on August 1, 2025

10:00am

Check-in and Brunch at Denver Biscuit Company

Famous for large biscuit sandwiches to fuel up after long drive, opens 8am.
USD15, 1h0m

11:30am

Denver Botanic Gardens

Relax and stroll through beautiful themed gardens showcasing flora from around the world. Open 9am - 7pm.
USD15, 2h0m

2:00pm

Explore Larimer Square

Historic block with boutique shopping and coffee shops.
USD0, 1h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Rioja

Enjoy Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in one of Denver's top restaurants.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 11: Drive Indiana

Denver, Colorado to Indiana, USA on August 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Snooze, an A.M. Eatery

Start your return with a flavorful and hearty breakfast in Denver. Opens 6:30am.
USD15, 0h45m

8:00am

Long drive back to Indiana

Approximate 12-hour drive with breaks, heading back home.
USD0, 12h0m
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Day 12: Arrival and Rest

Indiana, USA on August 3, 2025

8:00am

Rest and recover

Spend the day relaxing from an epic journey with optional light activities or visiting local sites.
USD0, All day
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