Omaha → Zion National Park & Redwest Music Festival Adventure (Oct 6‑13)

Day 1: Oct 6 – Epic Road‑Trip to Zion

Morning: Depart Omaha before dawn and hit I‑80 west, then I‑15 south. Enjoy the rolling Nebraska Sandhills and the high plains as you cover roughly 650 miles.

Afternoon: Continue through Colorado, crossing the majestic Rocky Mountain foothills. Stop briefly for fuel and snacks in Grand Junction before a long stretch to Utah.

Evening: Arrive at Springdale RV Park just outside Zion National Park, set up your popup camper, and unwind with a sunset view of the towering red cliffs.

Day 2: Oct 7 – Zion Canyon Highlights

Morning: Take the free Zion Canyon Scenic Drive to the trailhead of Angels Landing and enjoy the panoramic vistas.

Afternoon: Hike the iconic Riverside Walk into the The Narrows, wading through cool river water framed by sheer walls.

Evening: Return to camp, relax by the fire pit, and dine at the nearby Spotted Dog Café for a hearty meal.

Day 3: Oct 8 – Deeper Into Zion

Morning: Explore the less‑crowded Kolob Canyons section, driving the scenic 5‑mile road and taking a short hike to Timber Creek Overlook.

Afternoon: Head back to the main canyon for the moderate Emerald Pools Trail, visiting lower, middle, and upper pools with waterfall views.

Evening: Enjoy stargazing from your camper site; Zion’s dark skies make for spectacular constellations.

Day 4: Oct 9 – Journey to Salt Lake City via Great Salt Lake

Morning: Pack up and drive north on I‑15, stopping at the Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve for a quick walk among brine shrimp‑rich wetlands.

Afternoon: Continue to Antelope Island State Park for a brief wildlife sighting of bison and antelope, then head into Salt Lake City.

Evening: Check into Salt Lake City RV Resort, close to the Redwest Music Festival grounds, and prepare for the festival weekend.

Day 5: Oct 10 – Redwest Music Festival Day 1

Morning: Sleep in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the campsite; optional sunrise walk around Liberty Park.

Afternoon: Dive into the festival’s lineup, catching headliners on the main stage and exploring food vendors.

Evening: Stay late for the fireworks finale, then retreat to your camper for a restful night.

Day 6: Oct 11 – Redwest Music Festival Day 2

Morning: Recharge with coffee and a quick jog along the Jordan River Trail before the day’s performances.

Afternoon: Continue enjoying live music, checking out the art installations and pop‑up markets.

Evening: Experience the festival’s night‑time ambient sets, then unwind at the campground with fellow attendees.

Day 7: Oct 12 – Redwest Music Festival Day 3

Morning: Take a relaxed start, maybe a yoga session in the campsite’s open area.

Afternoon: Catch the final performances, snap photos, and browse the merch booths for souvenirs.

Evening: Celebrate the festival’s closing ceremony, then pack up gear for the journey home.

Day 8: Oct 13 – Return to Omaha

Morning: Early departure from Salt Lake City, retracing I‑15 south and I‑80 east.

Afternoon: Quick lunch stop in Cheyenne, Wyoming, before the final stretch across Nebraska.

Evening: Arrive back in Omaha late evening, concluding an action‑packed week of nature and music.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Fuel (Omaha → Zion → Salt Lake → Omaha) – Approx. 2,800 miles @ $3.70/gal, 25 mpg: ~$416
• Springdale RV Park (2 nights) – $55/night: $110
• Salt Lake City RV Resort (4 nights) – $50/night: $200
• Zion National Park Entrance – $35 per vehicle (7‑day pass): $35
• Great Salt Lake / Antelope Island State Park – $10 vehicle fee: $10
• Redwest Music Festival Ticket – $250 (3‑day pass): $250
• Meals & Groceries – Approx. $40/day × 8 days: $320
• Optional Activities (Angels Landing permit, guided hikes) – $70: $70
• Total Estimated Cost: $1,411

Tips

If you’d like to shorten the trip, consider skipping the Kolob Canyons day and heading straight to Salt Lake City on Day 3, saving a night of camping. To extend the adventure, add a day in Moab, Utah, to explore Arches and Canyonlands before returning to Omaha; both parks are a short detour from I‑70 and offer spectacular desert scenery that complements Zion’s red cliffs.