Redmond to Cedar Breaks National Monument National Parks Road Trip

Morning Drive

Leave Redmond around 6:00 AM via US-97, connecting with I-84 east toward Boise and Twin Falls. Plan on roughly 10½–11½ hours of driving, including breaks; this is a long first day, so treat the schedule as a framework rather than a race. Bend is a convenient early fuel and coffee stop, while Boise makes a good lunch or fuel break. Keep water and snacks in the car, and watch for construction, wind, and agricultural traffic along I-84.

Late Morning Stop

Around late morning, take the short detour to Shoshone Falls Park in Twin Falls for about 45 minutes. The overlook is close to the parking area, making it an easy leg stretch after several hours on the road. The falls’ flow can vary considerably in September, and the park generally charges a modest seasonal vehicle entrance fee; check the city’s current hours and fee before leaving. Afterward, continue east on I-84, with Twin Falls also offering a practical lunch and fuel stop before the final stretch through southern Idaho and northern Utah.

Evening in Salt Lake City

After arriving in Salt Lake City, park at your lodging and give yourselves time to settle in rather than adding another major sightseeing stop. If you still have energy, spend about an hour strolling The Gateway, an open-air downtown district near the Delta Center with shops, public art, and casual places to pause. It is easy to reach from central lodging by car or TRAX, and evening parking is generally simpler than daytime parking, though garage rates and hours vary.

For dinner, head to Red Iguana north of downtown, a local favorite known for its broad selection of traditional Mexican dishes and rich, distinctive moles. Expect generous portions and roughly $20–35 per person before drinks; waits are common at peak dinner time, so arriving early or joining the waitlist before driving over is wise. Keep the evening relaxed and turn in early—the next morning’s drive toward Moab and the national parks starts best before sunrise.

Early Morning: Arches National Park

After the early drive from Salt Lake City, go straight to Arches National Park and aim to arrive around 9:00–9:30 AM. September is still busy, and the park’s entrance road can back up later in the morning; check the official park website for any timed-entry or reservation requirements before leaving. Follow the scenic road first, stopping at Balanced Rock, then continue along Windows Road toward the Windows Section. The park is about 5 miles from central Moab, but allow extra time for overlooks, shuttle-free parking, and slow traffic. Carry at least two liters of water per person, as shade is scarce and temperatures can remain hot well into the afternoon.

Late Morning: Windows Loop Trail

Park at the Windows Section and take the approximately 1-mile Windows Loop Trail, allowing about 1½ hours with photo stops. The route is short but includes uneven slickrock, steps, and a few sloping sections, so sturdy shoes and trekking poles can be helpful. Afterward, drive to the Delicate Arch Viewpoint rather than attempting the longer Delicate Arch hike today; the lower viewpoint is an easy, worthwhile stop and keeps the morning manageable. For a quick picnic, use the shaded tables near the Devils Garden area only if you still have energy; otherwise, return toward town for a late lunch and a cooler break.

Afternoon and Evening: Dinosaurs and Dinner

Head north on US-191 to Moab Giants, roughly 15 minutes from central Moab. Set aside about an hour for the outdoor dinosaur trail and indoor exhibits; it is a relaxed change of pace after the exposed park trails, though bring sun protection because portions are outside. The museum’s hours can vary seasonally, so verify them before departing Arches. Return to town and have dinner at Moab Brewery on South Main Street, where burgers, salads, sandwiches, and locally brewed beer generally run about $20–35 per person before drinks and tip. It is casual and usually busy around 6:00–7:30 PM; arriving a little earlier avoids the longest wait. After dinner, keep the evening easy—tomorrow’s drive toward Cedar Breaks National Monument is another substantial travel day.

Morning Drive and Goblin Valley State Park

Leave Moab around 7:00 AM on US-191 south, I-70 west, US-89 south, and I-15 south toward Cedar City. With the stop included, expect a full travel day—roughly 7½–8½ hours overall—so fill the tank before leaving town and carry lunch, water, and snacks. About 1½ hours into the drive, detour south from I-70 to Goblin Valley State Park for a quick, wonderfully strange walk among the orange hoodoos. Allow about 90 minutes here; the main valley is an easy wander rather than a formal hike, but footing is uneven and shade is scarce. The park is generally open from sunrise to sunset, with a day-use fee of roughly $20 per vehicle; check road and weather conditions before committing, since thunderstorms can make the access roads slick.

Afternoon Arrival in Cedar City

Continue west and south to Cedar City, allowing extra time for fuel and a simple roadside lunch. After checking in, confirm the next day’s conditions at Cedar Breaks National Monument: the rim sits above 10,000 feet, and September evenings can be surprisingly cold even when Cedar City feels mild. Late afternoon is a good time for an easy orientation walk along Cedar City Main Street, where historic brick buildings, small galleries, and local shops make a pleasant one-hour stretch after the long drive. Park once near the downtown blocks and explore on foot rather than moving the car; most storefronts close around 5:00–6:00 PM.

Evening Dinner

Have dinner at Centro Woodfired Pizzeria downtown, a convenient and relaxed choice after the drive. Expect about $20–35 per person for pizza, salad, and a drink; their wood-fired pies are easy to share, and the menu has lighter salad options if you do not want a heavy meal. Hours can vary by season, so check the current schedule and reserve or arrive early if possible. Keep the evening short—tomorrow’s high-elevation trails are best tackled rested, with warm layers, sunscreen, and plenty of water.

Morning

Start at Cedar Breaks National Monument Visitor Center, ideally around 8:30–9:00 AM, before the high-elevation weather becomes unpredictable. The center is beside the rim near Point Supreme; seasonal hours can change, so check the monument’s official status before driving up. Allow about 45 minutes to speak with rangers, confirm trail conditions, and ask about lightning, wind, smoke, or early snow—at nearly 10,000 feet, conditions can feel more like autumn than late summer. Bring layers, water, lunch, and sun protection, and remember that the entrance fee is generally covered by an America the Beautiful pass or otherwise modest per-vehicle admission.

From the visitor center, walk the Spectra Point/Ramparts Overlook Trail, an approximately 3.5-mile moderate out-and-back. Give yourselves 2½–3 hours, taking the steep elevation and thin air slowly; the trail follows the rim through bristlecone pine country, with wide amphitheater views and several natural places to pause. There is no dependable food service at the monument, so eat the lunch you brought after the hike or keep it simple with snacks at an approved overlook—avoid leaving food unattended, and carry all trash out. The drive from Cedar City to the monument takes about 40–45 minutes via UT-14 and UT-148, with limited services once you leave town.

Afternoon and Evening

After returning to the car, spend about 30 minutes at Point Supreme Overlook. It is an easy, low-effort way to enjoy the monument’s signature panorama after the longer hike, and the late-afternoon light often brings out the reds and purples in the amphitheater. Allow roughly 45 minutes to drive back to Cedar City; fuel up there rather than waiting for services near the monument. For dinner, head to The French Spot on West Center Street, a relaxed French-inspired choice with entrées typically around $25–45 per person. Dinner usually takes about an hour, but reservations are sensible if available, especially for an early evening seating; after a high-altitude hike, arriving around 5:30–6:00 PM leaves a comfortable margin before the restaurant gets busy.

Morning

Leave Cedar City around 7:00 AM on Utah Route 14 and UT-143 toward Bryce Canyon National Park; the drive takes about 2½ hours, with excellent high-country scenery as you climb through the Dixie National Forest. Top off the tank before leaving—fuel is noticeably more limited and expensive near the park. Park at the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center or use the park shuttle if operating; arrive by about 9:30 AM. Spend 30 minutes checking trail conditions, shuttle information, weather, and any closures. September mornings can be chilly at this elevation, even when the afternoon feels warm.

From the visitor center, continue to Bryce Amphitheater for the Queen’s Garden and Navajo Loop Trail, an approximately 3-mile moderate loop that usually takes 2½–3 hours. This is the best time to hike: the hoodoos glow beautifully in the morning, and you avoid the strongest sun and heaviest foot traffic. Walk at an easy pace and carry at least one liter of water per person; the return climbs steadily out of the amphitheater. If the full loop feels strenuous, shorten it rather than rushing—the views near the upper portion are already excellent.

Afternoon and Evening

After lunch, spend about an hour at Sunset Point and Inspiration Point, which are close together by car or shuttle but show the amphitheater from noticeably different angles. Sunset Point gives the classic view down into the hoodoo-filled basin, while Inspiration Point layers the formations across the horizon and involves a somewhat steeper approach. Allow extra time simply to sit at the railings; Bryce is one of those places that rewards lingering more than collecting overlooks. Before leaving, check the next day’s weather and road conditions, since storms can move quickly across the plateau.

For dinner, drive into Bryce Canyon City for Stone Hearth Grille, a polished local restaurant serving regional American dishes. Expect roughly $30–50 per person before drinks and tax, and call ahead or arrive early because dining choices in the gateway area are limited and September evenings can be busy. A light jacket is useful for the short drive and any after-dinner stroll—the temperature drops quickly after sunset at Bryce Canyon.

Morning

Leave Bryce Canyon City around 7:00 AM for Capitol Reef National Park via scenic UT-12, allowing about 2½–3½ hours with brief stops. This is one of Utah’s finest driving days: the road crosses open ranch country, the Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument, and the Boulder Mountain highlands. Keep breakfast and water in the car, and check road conditions before leaving; services are limited between Escalante and Torrey. On arrival, stop first at the Capitol Reef Visitor Center in the Fruita District for about 30 minutes. It is generally open during daytime park hours, but verify September hours and trail conditions before departure. The park entrance has no staffed gate, though the national-park pass applies; parking near the visitor center can fill by late morning.

From the visitor center, drive the short distance to the Capitol Gorge Trailhead. The roughly 2-mile round trip takes about two hours at an easy, steady pace and leads into a narrow, colorful canyon beneath the Waterpocket Fold. Bring at least two liters of water per person, wear shoes with good traction, and turn around if flash-flood clouds build; never enter a canyon during rain upstream. Afterward, return toward the Fruita Historic District, where the shaded picnic area and historic buildings make a pleasant, unhurried break. The orchards are especially inviting in September, although fruit-picking dates and availability vary; follow posted rules and carry cash or a card for any seasonal orchard purchase.

Afternoon and Evening

Spend about an hour wandering through the Fruita Historic District, including the preserved pioneer structures and orchards along the Fremont River. Then drive back toward the visitor-center area for the Hickman Bridge Trail. This approximately 1.7-mile hike is shorter than the morning walk but has a steeper climb, so allow around two hours with pauses. The trail reaches a striking natural arch framed by sandstone cliffs; start no later than mid-afternoon so you have comfortable daylight and cooler temperatures. After hiking, return to Torrey—roughly 15–20 minutes from the visitor center—for dinner at Hunt & Gather Restaurant. Its seasonal, contemporary menu is a good fit after a hiking day, with entrées typically about $25–45 per person. Reservations are sensible in September, and hours can change seasonally, so confirm before setting out; if it is full, ask about the wait rather than driving around, since Torrey’s dinner options are limited.

Early Morning: Goblin Valley State Park

Leave Torrey by about 6:30 AM, following UT-24 west toward I-70; if you did not manage this stop on the outbound journey, make Goblin Valley State Park your first break. From the highway, allow roughly 45 minutes each way, plus about an hour to wander among the hoodoos in Goblin Valley itself. The Valley of Goblins is an easy, mostly level walk, but uneven ground and loose sand make sturdy shoes helpful. Arrive with water, snacks, and a full tank—services are limited, the park entrance is generally open during daylight, and the entrance fee is about $20 per vehicle. If you already visited Goblin Valley, skip this detour and use the extra time for a relaxed breakfast stop in Salina.

Midday Drive and Meal Stops

Return to I-70 and continue west, then take US-6 north through central Utah before joining I-84 toward Boise. This is a very long driving day—roughly 8½–10 hours of wheel time—so trade drivers regularly and stop every couple of hours. Salina is a practical early fuel and coffee stop; later, Provo has the widest choice of quick lunches, while Twin Falls is the best place to pause before the final leg. Keep water and food in the car, since long stretches between exits are normal, and check UDOT and Idaho 511 for construction, wind, or weather delays.

Late Afternoon: Twin Falls Snake River Canyon Rim Trail

Plan to reach Twin Falls in the late afternoon, traffic permitting, and take about 45 minutes for the Snake River Canyon Rim Trail. Park near Shoshone Falls Park or one of the signed rim access points, depending on your chosen section, and walk an easy stretch for expansive canyon views and a look toward the Perrine Memorial Bridge. This is an excellent leg-stretcher rather than a strenuous hike; stay well back from unfenced edges and allow extra time if the light is good for photographs. From here, Boise is about two hours by I-84, so expect to arrive in the evening.

Evening in Boise

After checking in, head downtown to Bar Gernika on Grove Street for a casual Basque-inspired dinner. Order a few small plates to share—croquetas, chorizo, or a lamb grinder are the sort of hearty choices that suit a road-trip arrival—and expect roughly $15–30 per person before drinks. It is generally open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday, but hours can shift, so confirm before setting out; arriving before the busiest dinner period is useful after a long drive. Boise’s Basque Block is compact and walkable, but after this mileage it is perfectly reasonable to park once and keep the evening close to the restaurant.

Morning

Leave Boise around 8:00 AM for Redmond, taking US-20 west through Mountain Home, Craters of the Moon National Monument, and Burns if road and weather conditions are favorable. Allow about 5½–6½ hours of driving, plus fuel and meal stops. Since this is a long rural stretch, fill the tank before leaving Boise and carry water and snacks; services become sparse after Mountain Home. A worthwhile morning break is Craters of the Moon National Monument, near Arco. Allow roughly 1½ hours for the visitor center and a short paved walk across the lava fields—comfortable shoes and a light jacket are useful, even in September. The monument generally opens from sunrise to sunset, while visitor-center hours vary seasonally; check conditions before setting out. The standard vehicle entrance fee is typically around $15, unless covered by an America the Beautiful Pass.

Afternoon and Evening

Continue west toward Burns, then on US-20 toward central Oregon. Rather than pushing straight through, plan a relaxed final break at Sunriver Village, about 20 minutes south of Bend. Park in the central village lot and spend an hour browsing the small shops or walking the paved paths along the Deschutes River. For coffee or a light meal, Hot Lava Baking & Coffee Co. is a convenient choice, while Sunriver Brewing Co. works better if you want a substantial late lunch or early dinner; expect roughly $12–25 per person. From Sunriver, allow about 30–40 minutes to Redmond, depending on traffic around Bend. If arriving after dark, stay on the main highway rather than taking unfamiliar forest shortcuts, and check Oregon road conditions before choosing the Burns route—construction, smoke, or early-season snow can affect the timing.