Redmond to Utah National Parks and Crater Lake Road Trip

Morning to Afternoon

Leave Redmond around 6:00 AM for the long drive to Salt Lake City, following US-97 south toward Bend, then I-84 east through Ontario, Boise, and across southern Idaho. Expect roughly 10–11 hours behind the wheel, plus breaks; this is best treated as a travel day rather than a sightseeing day. Rotate drivers, fuel in or near Boise, and plan a simple lunch stop along I-84. Traffic is usually manageable, but leave extra time for construction and the final approach into Salt Lake City. After checking in, park at the hotel and use downtown parking or walk rather than moving the car again.

Evening Walk

If you arrive early enough—and if it is still operating on your arrival date—spend about 45 minutes browsing The Salt Lake City Farmers Market around Pioneer Park. The market is primarily a weekend event, so verify the 2026 schedule before relying on it; if it is closed, simply continue downtown. From there, take an easy walk around Temple Square, where the landscaped grounds and historic buildings are pleasant in the cooler evening light. Some buildings may have limited access because of ongoing redevelopment, but the outdoor campus remains worthwhile. Pioneer Park and Temple Square are about a mile apart; a short rideshare is easiest if your legs are tired after the drive.

Dinner

Have dinner at The Copper Onion downtown, a polished but relaxed choice known for regional ingredients and well-prepared American fare. Dinner generally runs about $35–$60 per person before drinks and tip, and reservations are sensible after a long driving day. It is within the central downtown area, so you can walk from Temple Square if convenient or use a brief rideshare. Check the restaurant’s current Tuesday hours and reserve ahead, then return to the hotel for an early night—tomorrow’s drive south to Cedar City is another substantial travel day.

Morning to Early Afternoon

Leave Salt Lake City around 8:00 AM for Cedar City, allowing about four hours on I-15 plus a fuel and coffee stop. The highway is straightforward, but southern Utah’s scenery becomes more dramatic after Beaver; keep some flexibility for construction or a slower lunch stop. After checking in at the Cedar Breaks Hilton, have lunch and a short rest before heading back north toward Parowan Gap, roughly a 25-minute drive from Cedar City. The gap is free to visit and usually open during daylight; allow about an hour to walk the short roadside area, see the Fremont petroglyphs, and take in the unusual red-rock formations. Bring water and shoes with decent traction, although this is an easy stop rather than a strenuous hike.

Late Afternoon

Return to Cedar City Historic Downtown, about 20 minutes south of Parowan Gap, and park along Main Street or on one of the nearby side streets. Spend roughly 45 minutes browsing the compact collection of local shops and historic buildings; the area is pleasant in the late afternoon when the heat begins to ease. If you arrive before dinner, check whether the Southern Utah Museum of Art is open—hours vary by day, and it is generally closed in the evening—though the downtown stroll itself is the more dependable plan. September evenings can cool quickly, so a light layer is useful.

Evening

Walk or drive a few blocks to Centro Woodfired Pizzeria for dinner. Expect approximately $20–$35 per person before drinks, with wood-fired pizzas, salads, and a relaxed atmosphere that suits an unhurried first evening in town. Dinner service is popular, so arriving around 5:00–5:30 PM or calling ahead is wise, especially on a theater or university event night. Afterward, return to the hotel and prepare day packs, water, and layers for tomorrow’s early outing at Cedar Breaks National Monument; the rim is much cooler than Cedar City, even in September.

Morning

Start at Cedar Breaks National Monument soon after the gates and visitor facilities open—typically around 9:00 AM, though hours can change late in the season. The drive from Cedar City takes about 35 minutes via UT-14 and UT-148; fill the tank and bring water, since services on the rim are limited. Begin at the visitor center, then walk the nearby amphitheater overlooks for an easy introduction to the red-and-white formations. At nearly 10,000 feet, temperatures can be surprisingly cool even in September, and early snow or frost is possible.

From the rim area, take the Spectra Point/Ramparts Overlook Trail, roughly 2 miles round trip. It is a beautiful moderate outing with open views and ancient bristlecone pines, but the elevation and uneven surface make it feel more strenuous than the distance suggests. Allow about 1½ hours, carry water, and turn around whenever the altitude begins to tell. Afterward, drive a few minutes to Brian Head for lunch and a relaxed look at the high-elevation scenery. Panguitch Lake Resort is a practical choice if you are continuing north, while The Lift in Brian Head is convenient for a casual meal; check September hours before setting out, as shoulder-season schedules can be limited.

Afternoon and Evening

Return to Cedar Breaks National Monument for the Bristlecone Pine Trail, an easy 1-mile loop through some of the world’s oldest trees. The trail is a good, unhurried follow-up to the morning hike, with interpretive signs and wide views rather than steep climbing. Keep your park entry receipt, since you can use it for the return visit, and check the National Park Service road and trail updates before leaving—UT-148 can close temporarily with early snowfall. Drive back to Cedar City in late afternoon, allowing about 40 minutes, then have dinner at Sushi|Bistro. Expect approximately $25–$45 per person for sushi and cooked Japanese dishes; reservations or an early arrival are wise, especially on a busy evening. Conclude with a short stroll around downtown Cedar City if you still have energy, but keep the evening restful before tomorrow’s early drive toward Bryce Canyon National Park.

Morning

Leave Cedar City around 6:30–7:00 AM for Bryce Canyon National Park, allowing about 2–2½ hours via UT-14, US-89, and UT-12. Arriving early makes parking at Bryce Amphitheater much easier and gives you the best cooler temperatures and softer light. Start with the overlooks at Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Inspiration Point, and Bryce Point; allow roughly two hours, with short walks from the parking areas. The park entrance fee is generally about $35 per private vehicle unless you have an America the Beautiful pass. Bring water, layers, and sun protection—the rim is high and September mornings can feel surprisingly cool.

Late Morning and Afternoon

From Sunset Point, begin the Queen’s Garden Trail, a beautifully framed 1.8-mile round trip descending among the hoodoos. It is one of the gentler ways to experience the amphitheater, though the return climb is steady; take your time and use trekking poles if helpful. Afterward, keep the afternoon unhurried: browse the historic Bryce Canyon Lodge area, rest at your lodging, or revisit a favorite rim viewpoint. The park shuttle normally operates through the busy season and is useful when lots are full, but confirm the September schedule at the visitor center; otherwise, the short drives between overlooks are straightforward.

Evening

Have dinner at the Bryce Canyon Lodge Dining Room, a convenient historic-park setting near the amphitheater. Expect approximately $25–$50 per person, and check the current September hours or reserve ahead if possible, since dining choices inside the park are limited. After dinner, return to Bryce Point for sunset—arrive 30–45 minutes early for parking and a good rim position. The changing light across the amphitheater is especially striking here, but bring a jacket and a small flashlight for the walk back to the car.

Morning

Leave Bryce Canyon City around 8:00 AM on Scenic Byway 12, allowing roughly 2–3 hours to reach Escalante with viewpoints and photo stops. This is one of Utah’s finest drives: watch for pullouts along the higher stretches of Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument, and take the climb toward Powell Point slowly—grades and bends are easy in a normal car but can be distracting. Your first stop is Mossy Cave Trail, just north of Tropic on US-12. The easy 0.9-mile round trip takes about an hour; wear shoes with traction, since the area around the grotto can be damp. Parking is limited, so arriving before late morning is worthwhile. There is no reliable food service at the trailhead—carry water and a snack.

Afternoon

Continue toward Kodachrome Basin State Park, near Cannonville, where the red-and-cream sandstone chimneys make a striking contrast with the surrounding plateau. Allow about two hours, including the easy Angel’s Palace Trail; it has a few exposed edges and uneven surfaces, so poles may be reassuring. The park generally opens around sunrise and closes around sunset, with a day-use fee commonly around $10–$15 per vehicle; confirm the current rate and road conditions before leaving. Afterward, drive to the Escalante Interagency Visitor Center in Escalante for about 30 minutes. It is the best place to check current conditions for tomorrow’s route, ask about flash-flood risk, and verify whether any unpaved roads are suitable for your rental car. Hours are seasonal, so aim to arrive during the afternoon operating window and do not count on late-evening access.

Evening

Finish in Boulder at Hells Backbone Grill & Farm, about 40 minutes east of Escalante on US-12. The restaurant serves thoughtful seasonal Southwestern food, much of it tied to its own organic farm; expect approximately $30–$55 per person before drinks and tip. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for the earlier dinner seatings, and hours can be limited outside the busiest season. After dinner, return to Escalante rather than driving farther—the dark skies along Byway 12 are beautiful, but deer and cattle can be active near the roadway after sunset.

Morning

Leave Escalante around 7:30 AM with a full tank and plenty of water. Follow Utah Scenic Byway 12 east toward Boulder, then continue on UT-24 toward Hanksville before joining I-70 and US-191 for Moab. Allow four to five hours of driving with stops; this is a spectacular but remote route, and cell service is intermittent. Fuel and food options become limited outside the towns, so carry lunch, snacks, and at least two liters of water per person.

Near Boulder, stop at Calf Creek Recreation Area for the Lower Calf Creek Falls trail if temperatures are comfortable and you are feeling fresh. The hike is about six miles round trip—longer than your usual target—and takes roughly three hours, with some sand and uneven footing. The recreation area typically charges a small day-use fee, and parking can fill by late morning. If it is hot, simply enjoy the drive and save your energy for the shorter walk at Goblin Valley State Park.

Afternoon

Continue through the broad desert scenery of Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument, making brief pullouts where safe; do not count on reliable toilets or shade between communities. Reach Goblin Valley State Park near Hanksville in the afternoon and spend about 90 minutes wandering among the rounded hoodoos. The park’s informal trails let you choose an easy distance and turn around whenever you like. Bring sun protection and avoid climbing unstable formations; the entrance fee is generally around $20 per vehicle, though rates and hours can change.

From Goblin Valley, continue west on UT-24 to I-70, then south on US-191 into Moab. Check in and take a little time to cool down before dinner. In downtown Moab, Moab Diner is a relaxed, reasonably priced choice for a hearty meal, with most entrées around $15–$30 per person. It is popular with hikers and road-trippers, so arriving before the main dinner rush—around 5:00–5:30 PM—is wise; allow roughly 20–30 minutes for the final drive from the central Moab hotels, depending on your lodging location.

Morning

Enter Arches National Park around 6:30–7:00 AM, when temperatures are more comfortable and parking is much easier. From central Moab, allow about 20 minutes to the entrance; the park is open 24 hours, but you’ll need a timed-entry reservation if the system is operating on your date, along with the standard vehicle entrance fee of about $30. Bring at least two liters of water per person, snacks, sun protection, and sturdy shoes—there is little shade. Drive directly to the Wolfe Ranch area for Delicate Arch Viewpoints. The full trail to the arch is approximately 3 miles round trip and includes exposed slickrock with a steep final section; allow about two hours and turn around comfortably if the heat or footing feels demanding. The lower viewpoint is a much shorter alternative and still provides a worthwhile look at the arch.

Afternoon

Continue to the Windows and Double Arch area, roughly 15 minutes farther into the park. The compact loop takes about 1½ hours and gives you several major formations without a long, strenuous hike; the surfaces are uneven, so trekking poles can be useful. Have a packed lunch or substantial snacks rather than planning on buying food inside the park—there are no restaurants, and water availability is limited. On the way out, stop at Park Avenue Viewpoint near the entrance for an easy 30-minute finish among towering sandstone walls. If you still have energy, linger for photographs rather than adding another hike; afternoon shadows make this one of the best places to appreciate the scale of the canyon.

Evening

Return to downtown Moab and allow at least 30–45 minutes to freshen up before dinner. Your reservation at Desert Bistro is the right choice for a special evening: it is a small, popular restaurant on Main Street, with entrées typically around $45–$75 per person before drinks and gratuity. Confirm the reservation and arrival time, and plan to walk or use a short rideshare/taxi trip from your lodging rather than searching for parking at the last minute. After dinner, keep the evening quiet—you have a long drive tomorrow—and fill the car with fuel tonight, since an early departure from Moab will make the trip to Twin Falls much more comfortable.

Morning to Midafternoon

Leave Moab around 7:00 AM with fuel, water, and breakfast for the long drive to Twin Falls—roughly 6½–7½ hours, depending on stops. Follow US-191 toward Green River, then I-70 west and I-15 north before taking US-93 into Idaho. This is primarily a travel day, so plan a proper lunch and fuel stop around the Salt Lake City area rather than trying to push straight through. You should reach Twin Falls in the mid- to late afternoon; check in, stretch your legs, and avoid packing the schedule too tightly after the drive.

Late Afternoon

Once settled, spend about 30 minutes at the Twin Falls Visitor Center on the canyon rim. It is a useful first introduction to the Snake River Canyon, with maps and local information, and it helps orient you to the viewpoints around town. From there, drive east to Shoshone Falls Park, usually about 15 minutes depending on traffic. Allow an hour for the overlooks and the short walks along the rim; September water flow can be lighter than spring runoff, but the canyon setting is still impressive. The park may charge a seasonal vehicle fee—typically around $5 per car—and hours can vary, so check locally if arriving near sunset.

Evening

For an easy dinner, head back toward downtown and eat at The Buffalo Café, a longtime casual choice with hearty American plates, burgers, sandwiches, and breakfast-style favorites. Expect roughly $20–$35 per person before drinks and tip. After dinner, take a relaxed stroll through downtown Twin Falls if you still have energy, then turn in early; tomorrow’s route toward Klamath Falls is another full driving day.

Morning Drive and Craters of the Moon National Monument

Leave Twin Falls around 7:30 AM with a full tank, breakfast, water, and lunch supplies. Follow US-93 south toward Arco, then US-20 west; the drive to Klamath Falls is about 6½–7½ hours before stops. Plan roughly 1½ hours at Craters of the Moon National Monument, arriving around late morning or midday. The short, accessible walk near the visitor center gives you a good introduction to the black lava fields without committing to a strenuous trail; wear shoes with solid soles, as the volcanic surface is uneven. Check the monument’s current road and visitor-center status before leaving—hours can change in September—and expect a modest entrance fee unless your federal recreation pass covers it.

Afternoon at Link River Trail

Continue west to Klamath Falls, arriving in the mid- to late afternoon after a long travel day. After checking in and taking a short break, drive to the Link River Trail for an easy, approximately one-hour lakeside walk. The path is a pleasant way to stretch your legs, with open views toward Upper Klamath Lake and good bird-watching opportunities; bring a light jacket, since the lakeshore can feel cool even when town is mild. Parking is generally straightforward near the trail access, but allow extra daylight in late September and avoid wandering onto muddy edges after rain.

Evening Dinner

For a relaxed dinner, head to Wubba’s BBQ Shack, where plates generally run about $15–$30 per person. It is a casual, counter-service-style stop suited to a night when you have spent most of the day driving; arrive before the dinner rush if possible, and verify the evening hours because local restaurant schedules can change seasonally. Afterward, keep the evening quiet—tomorrow’s drive to Crater Lake National Park is much more enjoyable with an early start.

Morning

Leave Klamath Falls around 7:00 AM with a full tank, breakfast, water, and lunch snacks. Follow OR-140 toward the North Entrance Road to Crater Lake National Park, allowing about 1½ hours. Before setting out, check the National Park Service road-status page: September weather can bring temporary closures, and some rim roads or facilities may operate on reduced late-season schedules. The entrance fee is generally about $30–$35 per private vehicle unless you have an America the Beautiful pass. At Rim Village, park near the visitor facilities and spend roughly 1½ hours at Sinnott Memorial Overlook; the paved access is short but includes some downhill and uphill sections, so take it slowly and use the benches. This is your best chance for clear morning views of the lake, and the café or gift shop may have limited seasonal hours, so don’t count on them for a full meal.

Late Morning to Afternoon

Drive west along the accessible portion of West Rim Drive to Discovery Point, about 15–20 minutes from Rim Village depending on road conditions. Allow 45 minutes for the short walk from the pullout and time to enjoy the broad view across the caldera. Rim roads can be narrow, with bicyclists, wildlife, and sudden photo stops, so treat the drive as scenic rather than quick. Continue to the Plaikni Falls Trail on the south side of the park; it is approximately 2 miles round trip through cool forest and is a good moderate outing for your preferred hiking distance. Wear sturdy shoes, carry water, and expect some uneven ground; the trailhead may have limited parking, so avoid arriving during the busiest midday period.

Evening

After the hike, begin the return drive toward Union Creek and stop at Beckie’s Café for an early dinner, usually around 4:30–5:30 PM to avoid a late arrival and possible seasonal closing. Plan on roughly $15–$30 per person for a casual meal; hours can change after summer, so confirm before leaving the park. The café is a relaxed, rustic stop rather than a destination for a rushed dinner, and it makes sense to linger briefly before continuing back toward Klamath Falls. Expect the return to take roughly 1½–2 hours depending on the route and road conditions, with very limited cell service in sections of the forest—download maps and keep the fuel tank comfortably above half full.

Morning

Leave Crater Lake National Park around 8:00 AM with a full tank and breakfast packed. Follow OR-138 toward US-97, then continue north through Klamath Falls and Bend; from the rim area, allow roughly 3½–4½ hours of driving before stops. Check road conditions first, as September frost or early snow can affect the park roads. Your first planned stop is Lava Lands Visitor Center, just south of Bend off US-97. Allow about an hour to see the exhibits and get a final look at the lava fields of Newberry National Volcanic Monument; seasonal hours can change, and a small federal recreation fee may apply. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water—the black volcanic ground holds heat even on a cool day.

Afternoon

Continue into Bend for lunch, then spend about an hour on the Deschutes River Trail. The riverside sections near Old Mill District are an easy, pleasant choice after the long drive, with benches, bridges, and good views of the water; parking is generally available in the Old Mill area, though midday can be busy. A casual lunch at Jackson’s Corner or The Lot works well if you want something quick without turning the stop into a full restaurant outing. After lunch, return to US-97 North for the roughly 30-minute drive to Redmond. Keep the afternoon flexible for traffic around Bend, and stop for fuel before leaving town if needed.