Leave Los Angeles around 7:30 AM and take the straightforward I-10 East to CA-62 into Joshua Tree; with normal traffic you’re looking at about 2.5–3 hours, a little longer if you’re pushing out of the basin late. Top off gas before the high desert, fill a cooler, and carry more water than you think you need — once you’re past Yucca Valley, services thin out fast and summer heat sneaks up on you. Pull into Joshua Tree Visitor Center first in Joshua Tree town for a current park map, road and trail updates, and a quick restroom break; it’s usually open daily, and the ranger info can save you time if any trailheads or roads are crowded.
Head into the park for Hidden Valley Nature Trail, one of the easiest “this is Joshua Tree” introductions: boulders, scrub, and that weirdly beautiful mix of desert and granite. It’s a short loop, but give yourself about an hour because you’ll stop for photos and shade whenever you can find it. From there, continue the scenic drive north-central for the Cap Rock / Skull Rock scenic loop — both are quick, iconic stops, and they work well together as a relaxed midday wander. Expect a little parking shuffle at Skull Rock on busy days, and don’t overcommit to hiking in peak sun; short walks, sunscreen, and lots of water are the move here.
By late afternoon, point the car toward Pioneertown for Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace, the kind of desert dinner stop locals actually recommend instead of just tolerating. It’s hearty, a little rowdy, and usually busy, so arriving early helps you avoid the longest wait; plan roughly $20–40 per person depending on drinks and how hungry you are. After dinner, drive back into the park for Keys View — the road is worth the extra few minutes because sunset from the ridge gives you the whole sweep over the Coachella Valley, the Salton Sea haze on a clear day, and the mountains stacked in layers. It’s one of those places where you can just sit in the car a minute after the sun drops, let the temperature fall, and feel like the day ended exactly where it should.
Leave Joshua Tree around 5:30 AM and aim to have the bulk of the long haul done before lunch. You’ll want to make your first real break somewhere around Barstow and then again after Las Vegas or St. George for gas, snacks, and a bathroom stop; that keeps the day from feeling endless and gives you a cushion if traffic slows on I-15. Expect to roll into Springdale in the mid-to-late afternoon, and try to arrive with enough daylight to handle parking, check-in, and a quick reset before heading into the park.
Start at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center as soon as you get in. It’s the best place to confirm shuttle status, trail conditions, and any closures, and in June the lot can be a headache, so if you have a place to park in Springdale, consider using the Zion Canyon Shuttle instead of hunting for a spot inside the canyon. After that, keep it simple with the Pa’rus Trail — it’s paved, flat, and exactly what you want after a long drive. The walk from the visitor center area down along the river takes about an hour at an easy pace, with big canyon walls, cottonwoods, and lots of space to just decompress. If you still have energy, swing by the Zion Human History Museum overlook on the way back for a short, low-effort view of the canyon; it’s a great sunset-adjacent stop without committing to another hike.
For dinner, head back to Springdale and grab a table at Oscar’s Cafe on the main strip. It’s one of the most dependable post-drive options here, with Southwestern plates, burgers, salads, and enough variety that everyone can find something decent; plan on roughly $18–35 per person depending on drinks and whether you go all-in. In June, dinner can run busy, so going a little earlier or being open to a short wait helps. After that, keep the evening loose — Springdale is nice for a short stroll, and tomorrow is your real Zion day, so the win tonight is simply getting fed, hydrated, and close to the park.
Catch the Zion Canyon Shuttle early and ride it all the way to Temple of Sinawava before the canyon starts filling up; if you’re boarding from Springdale, get to the stop a little before the first wave so you’re not waiting in the sun. The shuttle itself is free with park entry, and in June the whole transfer is usually about 30–45 minutes once you factor in boarding and the line. Once you’re at the trailhead, ease in with the The Narrows Riverside Walk — it’s the perfect warm-up, mostly flat, and gives you those big-wall Zion views without committing to river wading right away. Expect about 1.5–2 hours at a relaxed pace, especially if you stop for photos and just let the canyon do its thing.
From there, move into The Narrows bottom-up hike proper and spend the main part of the day in the river as far as conditions and your energy allow. June water is usually cold even when the air is warm, so having proper shoes with grip and a walking stick makes a huge difference; if you didn’t bring gear, rent it in Springdale the night before or first thing in the morning. Plan roughly 3–5 hours total for the full hiking block, but don’t treat it like a race — the best part is the rhythm of the river, the shaded walls, and those quiet side pockets where you can step out and rest. Afterward, drift back to the canyon core and take a break on the Zion Lodge lawn or in the shaded picnic areas nearby; it’s one of the nicest places in Zion Canyon to sit down, refill water, and let your legs recover for about 45 minutes.
For dinner, head back to Springdale and settle in at Bit & Spur Restaurant & Saloon — it’s a strong post-hike choice and exactly the kind of place you want after a long river day, with comforting Mexican-Southwestern plates, cold drinks, and a relaxed patio feel. Figure on around $20–40 per person, and if you’re hungry after the hike, don’t hold back. If you’re staying in Springdale, this is a very easy finish to the day; if you’re inside the park, leave enough time to catch the shuttle back before evening crowds thin out and service gets less frequent.
Leave Springdale around 7:00 AM and make the long haul east to Ouray via US-89, UT-24, US-191, and US-550. This is one of those drives where an early start really pays off: you’ll want a couple of quick fuel-and-coffee stops and at least one real lunch break, and the final stretch into the San Juan Mountains gets slower and prettier as the road starts climbing. Plan on arriving in Ouray by late afternoon, then park once and keep the rest of the day walkable from town.
Start with Box Canyon Falls Park while you still have daylight. The walk in is short and easy, but the payoff is huge: the gorge funnels the water into a tight, thunderous slot, and the viewing areas give you a real feel for how dramatic this little canyon is. Expect a modest entrance fee, usually around $8–10 per adult, and figure 1 to 1.5 hours if you’re lingering for photos. From there, it’s an easy stroll to the Ouray Riverwalk—a gentle, scenic path that gives you mountain views, river sounds, and a nice reset after the drive. If you want a quick caffeine or snack stop en route, Artisan Bakery & Café is a good local pivot before dinner.
For dinner, settle into Brickhouse 737 on Main Street. It’s exactly the right kind of mountain-town spot after a long driving day: relaxed, lively, and broad enough that everyone can find something decent, with entrees typically landing in the $20–40 range. Afterward, finish at the Ouray Hot Springs Pool—go later in the evening when it’s cooler and the crowds thin out, and bring a towel plus sandals if you have them. It’s the best possible exhale after a day on mountain roads, and a very Ouray way to end the night.
Leave Ouray by around 6:00 AM and treat this as a true transfer day rather than a sightseeing drive: you’re aiming to get up to West Yellowstone with enough daylight left for a quick town stop and an easy dinner, and that means keeping the early part of the route moving. Expect a long haul on US-191/US-89 with a few fuel-and-bathroom breaks, some big empty stretches, and changing scenery that goes from red-rock country to high plains and then into the edge of the Rockies. If you can, keep snacks and water within arm’s reach so you’re not forced into extra stops when you don’t need them.
Once you roll into West Yellowstone, keep it simple: this is a tiny, practical gateway town, not a place you need to “do” all evening. Park once, walk a few blocks through the town center, and use the time to top off the tank, grab any forgotten supplies, and get oriented for tomorrow. The main drag around Yellowstone Avenue and Canyon Street is where you’ll find the useful stuff — small markets, gear shops, coffee, and a cluster of motels and outfitters — so it’s easy to do in 30–45 minutes without overthinking it. In June, businesses are usually open late enough for arrivals in the evening, but don’t count on a leisurely pace after a 10-plus-hour drive.
For dinner, Wild West Pizzeria & Saloon is exactly the right call: casual, fast enough for a tired road-tripper, and hearty without being precious. Expect about $15–30 per person, depending on whether you go simple or split a few things, and figure roughly an hour if it’s busy. It’s the kind of place where you can decompress, charge your phone, and make a rough game plan for Yellowstone tomorrow. If you still have energy after eating, take a short walk around town and then turn in early — you’ll be much happier at the park gate at sunrise than trying to “make up” for the drive tonight.
From West Yellowstone, roll into Yellowstone National Park as early as you can—around 6:30 AM is the sweet spot—because once the day gets going, bison jams and road pull-offs can slow everything to a crawl. Head in through the West Entrance and stay loose with timing; this park is all about slow driving and spontaneous stops. The first stretch toward Madison Junction is your warm-up: keep an eye on the river meadows and thermal steam, and don’t be surprised if you spend more time parked behind wildlife than moving. For coffee or a quick bite before you enter, Ernie’s Bakery and Deli in West Yellowstone is an easy grab-and-go option, and parking inside the park at the first big stops is generally straightforward if you arrive early.
Make Old Faithful your first marquee stop and give yourself about 1.5–2 hours here, including time to wander the boardwalks around the geyser basin. The visitor area is built for easy logistics: park once, then walk. Check the eruption board on arrival, because the timing can shift a bit, and the main viewing area fills fast on summer days. After that, continue to Grand Prismatic Spring overlook / boardwalks in Midway Geyser Basin—this is one of those stops where patience pays off. If you want the classic aerial view, do the short uphill walk to the overlook; if your knees are tired or you’re short on time, the boardwalks still deliver plenty of color and steam. Plan on roughly 1.5 hours here, and bring water plus sun protection—the exposed paths get hot fast.
Keep moving north to Norris Geyser Basin, which feels hotter, rawer, and a little more lunar than the previous basins. It’s a good contrast stop and usually takes 1–1.5 hours if you do the main loops without rushing. From there, continue to Mammoth Hot Springs for the late-afternoon light, when the terraces look especially textured and the steam hangs low. The upper and lower boardwalk areas are easy to combine into a relaxed walk, and you can spend about 1.5 hours here without feeling rushed. Finish the day with an uncomplicated dinner at the Mammoth General Store cafe or a simple meal in one of the Mammoth Lodge dining spots; expect roughly $15–35 per person depending on what’s open and whether you’re doing breakfast-for-dinner style. If you’re staying nearby, this is the easiest place in the park to land for an early night before tomorrow’s onward drive.
Leave Grand Teton absurdly early — think 5:00 AM — because this is basically a full-day repositioning across the map, not a sightseeing crawl. The goal is to keep moving while the road is empty, grab fuel whenever it’s convenient, and avoid trying to “make up time” with heroic detours. If you can, eat a quick breakfast before you roll so the first few hours are just coffee, open road, and occasional bathroom stops.
Aim to reach Page, Arizona around lunch and keep it simple: a quick, no-drama stop in town for sandwiches, burritos, or a diner plate, then back on the road within 45 minutes. Around this stretch, the best move is not overthinking it — there are enough long, empty miles ahead that a solid meal, a cold drink, and a full tank matter more than finding the “perfect” lunch spot. Budget roughly $15–30 per person and use the stop to check road conditions, especially if any dirt access to Shell Cave looks sketchy after wind or rain.
From Page or the Marble Canyon side, head out for Shell Cave only if the access road is in decent shape and you’re comfortable with an isolated detour; this is the kind of scenic stop that can turn from “fun little side trip” into “slow crawl over rough ground” fast. Give yourself about an hour on-site, keep water in the car, and don’t push farther than the surface allows — that red-rock country is beautiful but unforgiving if you’re late in the day or underprepared. Afterward, cruise back toward town and keep the rest of the afternoon loose; if you have daylight to spare, a slow drive through the Page rim area is better than trying to squeeze in anything ambitious.
End with an easy Page dinner — think a casual Mexican or Southwest place off Lake Powell Blvd or near the main drag — somewhere you can get in, eat, and collapse. This is the night to keep expectations low and recovery high: hydrate, refill snacks, and get to bed early, because tomorrow is another long-haul day. If you’re checking in late, parking in Page is usually straightforward, and most places are built for road-trippers coming in after dark.
From Shell Cave, Arizona, leave around 7:00 AM and aim to be rolling into Moab with enough daylight left to enjoy the red-rock drive instead of racing sunset. Once you’re in town, swing west onto UT-279 / Potash Road and let the road do the work: the cliffs rise fast, the river runs close, and the whole corridor feels like Moab’s “you really should have brought a second camera battery” side of town. Plan on about 2 hours with stops, a little longer if you keep pulling over for photos, and remember there’s basically no services once you’re on the byway—fill up in town, bring water, and don’t count on cell service at every bend.
Make the Ancient Petroglyph pullouts your slow-burn highlights, not a checklist. The best approach is to stop at the obvious signed panels, park fully off the lane, and spend a few quiet minutes actually looking rather than just snapping and moving on; these sites are small, so the whole series can be done in 30–45 minutes total. The light gets especially good later in the afternoon, when the sandstone warms up and the river feels even more dramatic against the cliff walls. If you want a low-key add-on, keep an eye out for any safe pullout where you can just sit for a minute—this road rewards lingering more than rushing.
Back in town, have dinner at Moab Brewery on Main Street—it’s one of the most reliable post-road-trip stops in town, with hearty burgers, sandwiches, and house beer that feels earned after a long scenic day. Figure on $20–40 per person, and it’s easiest to go a little earlier than the dinner rush if you want a shorter wait in summer. After that, take a relaxed downtown Moab stroll: the core is compact, walkable, and good for browsing outdoor shops, grabbing a snack for tomorrow, or picking up coffee and breakfast before you head out again. If you still have energy, just wander Main Street for 30–45 minutes and let the day wind down naturally.
Leave Moab around 6:00 AM and head north on US-191 before turning onto UT-24 toward the Hanksville/Torrey side of the Bentonite Hills. This is a remote stretch, so top off gas in Moab and carry plenty of water; if you’re taking any dirt access roads, a high-clearance vehicle is strongly preferred and 4WD is even better if recent rain has softened the clay. Aim to arrive while the light is still low and warm, because the whole point here is the color and texture of the hills — those pink, white, and rust bands look best when the sun is raking across them.
Spend a couple of unhurried hours wandering the Bentonite Hills viewpoint and nearby backroads, keeping an eye on road conditions and not pushing too far if the surface starts getting slick or rutted. This is more of a slow look-and-see stop than a hike; bring snacks, a hat, and a willingness to just pull over, walk a little, and keep moving. If you want a polished contrast after the badlands, continue into Capitol Reef National Park for the scenic drive near Torrey — the red cliffs and orchard valley feel like a different planet, and the paved loop is an easy, low-effort way to round out the landscape shift. Park entry is typically around $35 per vehicle for 7 days.
By late morning or early afternoon, swing into Hanksville or Torrey for lunch at a no-fuss roadside spot like Kiva Koffeehouse near Boulder if you’re coming that direction, or a simple diner/cafe in town such as The Rim Rock Patio in Torrey or Stan’s Burger Shak in Hanksville when it’s open. Expect roughly $15–30 per person depending on whether you keep it light or make it a proper meal. The nice thing about this area is that nobody is in a hurry, so it’s easy to grab food, refill water, and let the day breathe before the long drive home.
Start the return toward Los Angeles as early as you can once you’re topped off on fuel and water, since the drive is long and the desert roads get less forgiving after dark. A practical route is back via UT-24 and US-191 to the main highway network, with one last gas stop before you fully commit to the southbound push. If you’re timing it right, you can get through the more scenic stretches in daylight and then just settle in for the long haul home.