Collect luggage and pick up your rental car at SLC; confirm GPS route and allow a little time for a bathroom/coffee break before heading north for a short detour or south for your planned scenic drive.
Fast, classic West Coast burger stop to refuel before exploring—quick service and easy to get on the road. Expect a short wait around midday; drive-thru or dine in if available.
Drive the causeway onto Antelope Island for sweeping salt‑lake panoramas, bison sightings, and a short shoreline stroll; great for unique photos and a quick wildlife stop. State park generally open daylight hours—check gate/visitor center times before you go (visitor center hours vary seasonally).
Head south and pick up UT‑92/Timpanogos Highway for a scenic, slower route toward southern Utah — this drive climbs through Provo/Heber and offers several great stops along the way.
Short stop at Bridal Veil Falls and overlooks in Provo Canyon — an easy walk from parking and a classic Utah waterfall photo opportunity. Falls are visible from the roadside; park nearby and enjoy the cool canyon air.
If tours are running and you reserved ahead, the Timpanogos Cave tour is a guided cavewalk into beautiful formations; otherwise enjoy canyon viewpoints and short hikes. Cave tours are seasonal and require reservations—check the NPS site for availability and times (tours often run May–Oct).
Stop at a Heber or Midway viewpoint to admire the valley and reservoirs (Deer Creek/Heber area). If you need a snack or restroom, Midway has a few cafés and markets to grab supplies.
Continue south toward Brian Head; expect the last portion of the trip to be mountain driving with switchbacks — take it slow and enjoy the sunset. Arrive at Hilton at Brian Head mid-to-late evening and check in.
If you want convenience, the Hilton at Brian Head typically has on-site dining (check kitchen hours). Alternatively, stop at a nearby pub or pizza place in Brian Head Village for a relaxed meal; many places close earlier in the mountains—call ahead if you have a late arrival.
Settle into your room at the Hilton and charge devices for an early start tomorrow. High-elevation nights can be cool—pack a light layer for outdoor photos or a short walk after dinner.
Grab an early hot breakfast at your hotel so you can arrive at Bryce Canyon for morning light; the hotel restaurant typically opens early but check times. Alternatively pack oats/fruit for the drive if kitchen service starts later.
Depart Brian Head for the ~50–75 minute drive to the Bryce Canyon entrance; morning arrival helps avoid crowds and gives the best lighting for hoodoos. Park roads are well maintained but can have single-lane stretches — drive carefully.
Stop at the Visitor Center for maps and current trail/road conditions, then walk Sunrise Point for classic hoodoo views — the light is dramatic in the morning. Visitor Center hours are commonly ~8am–5pm; confirm seasonal hours.
Do the popular Navajo Loop to Queen's Garden (moderate 1.8–2.5 miles depending on combination) to descend into the amphitheater and experience hoodoos up close — one of the best, time-efficient hikes in Bryce. Trail can be steep in places; allow 1.5–2.5 hours depending on pace and stops for photos.
Eat at Bryce Canyon Lodge (lunch service typically midday) or grab sandwiches at the general store for a picnic with a view; both are close to the rim overlooks. Kitchen/restaurant hours vary seasonally—check ahead for availability.
Drive the park scenic road stopping at key viewpoints like Inspiration Point and Bryce Point; if time allows continue to Rainbow Point at the road end for a wider perspective. Road open year-round but some viewpoints are a drive from the main amphitheater—plan for up to 2 hours round trip.
If you want a different scene, drive to the Mossy Cave trail (outside the main amphitheater, short ~1 mile) for a water pathway and small waterfall—nice contrast to hoodoos. Mossy Cave parking and trail are open daylight hours; it’s a good late-afternoon option.
Head back up toward Brian Head; evening light in the mountains is pleasant and roads are typically quiet. Allow time to relax at the hotel before dinner.
Try Stone Hearth Grille (Tropic) or Bryce Canyon Pines for hearty local dinners; these local spots are popular so check current opening hours and consider reservations. If you prefer convenience, the Hilton restaurant in Brian Head may serve dinner—verify hours.
Bryce is a certified Dark Sky area—if skies are clear, step out after dinner for excellent stargazing and Milky Way viewing. Dress warmly and bring a headlamp with red filter; sunset and astronomical twilight times vary—check local sunset time.
Grab a quick hotel breakfast or pack snacks to leave Brian Head early; the drive to Zion's Springdale entrance takes roughly 1.5–2 hours depending on stops. Early arrival helps you get ahead of crowds and secure parking in Springdale if you're driving into the canyon area.
Arrive at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center to get maps and current trail/shuttle status — during peak season the Zion Canyon Shuttle runs and personal-vehicle access in the main canyon is limited. Visitor Center hours typically start early; shuttle info is posted there and on the NPS site—check on run times and first shuttle departures.
Take the shuttle to the Temple of Sinawava stop and walk the paved Riverside Walk for excellent canyon views—the trail ends at the point many people enter The Narrows (wading hike). If you plan to hike The Narrows, check water levels and rent dry suits/water shoes in Springdale if needed; slot canyons are water-dependent and conditions change quickly.
Choose Emerald Pools for an easy, shaded hike with waterfalls, or the short Canyon Overlook Trail (off Zion-Mt. Carmel Hwy) for dramatic canyon vistas—both are efficient ways to experience different canyon landscapes in a single morning. Emerald Pools trailheads are usually open; Canyon Overlook is short but may have limited parking.
Return to Springdale for a well-earned lunch—Oscar’s Cafe is a popular, reliably good option; several restaurants also offer quick sandwiches or pizzas for takeout to the park. Most downtown Springdale restaurants open mid-morning and stay open through dinner; check each restaurant's hours.
Use the shuttle to hop between Temple of Sinawava, Zion Lodge, and Weeping Rock (Weeping Rock may be seasonal or intermittently closed); if you have permits for Angels Landing, note it requires a permit and can take several hours—many visitors instead enjoy the River Walk and other accessible viewpoints. Confirm current trail closures/permit info at the Visitor Center before heading out.
Begin the drive north on I‑15 back to Salt Lake City; the route is straightforward freeway driving with gas/food stops available in Cedar City or Beaver depending on timing. Estimated driving time ~4.5–5 hours—plan for traffic near SLC and allow time for comfort stops.
Arrive in SLC, check into your downtown or airport hotel, and choose a downtown restaurant for dinner if you have energy—The Copper Onion and Red Iguana are popular picks (check reservation needs). If you prefer convenience, most airport hotels have an on-site restaurant open late.
Organize luggage and check flight details for tomorrow; set an alarm and confirm hotel shuttle or airport transfer if required. Rest up for travel home.
Have an early hotel breakfast or grab coffee and a light bite from the hotel lobby/café before heading to the airport. Confirm hotel-to-airport transfer time if you’re using a shuttle service.
Depart for the airport allowing at least 90 minutes for car return and 2 hours for domestic check-in/security—SLC is efficient but security lines can vary. If you stayed downtown, allow extra time for traffic.