Oregon to Utah National Parks and South Oregon Coast Road Trip

Early Morning–Afternoon: Redmond to Salt Lake City

Leave Redmond around 6:00 AM for the approximately 10½–11½-hour drive to Salt Lake City. Take US-97 through Bend, then I-84 east via Ontario and Twin Falls, continuing on I-84/I-15. This is a long but straightforward day: plan fuel and coffee in Bend, lunch and another break around Ontario, and a final stretch or rest stop near Twin Falls. Carry snacks and water, and expect roughly $90–130 in fuel depending on your vehicle. Once in Salt Lake City, use your hotel garage or designated overnight lot rather than hunting for street parking downtown.

Evening: Temple Square and Dinner

After checking in and freshening up, take an easy 45-minute walk through Temple Square, where the gardens and historic buildings are especially pleasant in the evening. Some interiors may have limited access because of ongoing redevelopment, but the grounds and surrounding downtown streets still make for a gentle first outing after the drive. From your hotel, walk if you are staying downtown; otherwise, the TRAX light rail is convenient, with downtown service generally running into the evening. For dinner, head to The Copper Onion at 111 East Broadway, a polished neighborhood restaurant known for seasonal American cooking. Allow about $35–55 per person before drinks and tip, and reserve ahead if possible—after such a long drive, it is worth having a table waiting.

Morning

After breakfast in Salt Lake City, take a restorative one-hour walk at Red Butte Garden, on the east side of town near the foothills. The garden generally opens at 9:00 AM; allow about an hour and wear shoes with good grip, since some paths are gently sloped. A 9:00 AM visit keeps you on schedule for the drive to Moab. Admission is typically around $14–$18 per adult, with parking on site. Before leaving, fill the tank—services become less frequent once you are east of Price.

Midday–Afternoon

Leave around 10:00 AM via I-15, US-6, and US-191, allowing roughly 4½ hours of driving plus a fuel and lunch stop. Helper or Price are practical places to pause; keep water in the car, as this is an exposed high-desert route. After checking in and dropping bags at your Moab lodging, continue a few miles north on US-191 to Moab Giants, an easygoing arrival stop with dinosaur tracks, fossil displays, and outdoor exhibits. Plan about an hour; check the September closing time before setting out, since hours can vary late in the season.

Evening

Return to downtown Moab for dinner at the Moab Food Truck Park, where several casual vendors make it easy to choose something without committing to a long meal. Budget approximately $15–$30 per person, and expect a relaxed, outdoor setting rather than full table service. Afterward, stroll Moab Main Street for about 45 minutes: the galleries and small shops are pleasant after dark, and the pace is much quieter than during the daytime. Most shops close around 8:00 or 9:00 PM, so aim to arrive before then; this is also a good night to turn in early before tomorrow’s national-park day.

Morning

Start early for Arches National Park, ideally leaving Moab around 6:30–7:00 AM to beat the heat and secure parking. The drive to the park entrance takes roughly 10–15 minutes, then allow another 35–45 minutes to reach the first stop at Delicate Arch Viewpoints. The lower viewpoint is a short, easy walk; the upper viewpoint adds distance and elevation. If temperatures are comfortable and footing is good, the famous Delicate Arch Trail is about 3 miles round trip, but it is exposed with slickrock sections and little shade. Bring at least two liters of water per person, a hat, and sturdy shoes. The park entrance fee is typically about $30 per private vehicle, and timed-entry reservations may be required during the busy season—check the official Arches National Park website before the morning of your visit.

Continue deeper into the park to Windows and Turret Arch, one of the best compact walks in the park. The approximately 1-mile loop involves uneven rock and a few steps but is manageable at a relaxed pace. Plan about 1½ hours, including time to look up into the massive North and South Windows and photograph Turret Arch. Parking can fill quickly, so if the lot is full, continue along the loop rather than waiting in the traffic lane; return later only if needed. A picnic lunch is more practical than trying to leave the park and re-enter—pack sandwiches, fruit, and plenty of water from Moab, since food and drink are not sold inside the park.

Afternoon and Evening

After lunch, drive north to Devils Garden, the park’s farthest major area. The accessible portion of the trail toward Landscape Arch is an excellent choice for a 1½–2-hour afternoon walk: the surface is mostly firm but uneven, and the trail offers shade in places beneath the pinyon and juniper. Go only as far as feels comfortable; the longer primitive loop becomes considerably more strenuous and exposed. Before returning to Moab, refill water and fuel in town rather than relying on services near the park. For dinner, settle in at Moab Brewery on South Main Street, a casual local pub with generous burgers, sandwiches, salads, and rotating house beers; expect roughly $20–35 per person before drinks and tip. It is popular after a park day, so arriving around 5:00–5:30 PM usually makes seating easier. If you still have energy afterward, take an easy stroll along Main Street, but keep the evening low-key—tomorrow’s Canyonlands National Park outing will be another early start.

Early Morning

Leave Moab around 6:00–6:30 AM for Canyonlands National Park’s Island in the Sky district, about 35 minutes away via US-191 and UT-313. Bring breakfast, water, and a full tank—services are absent inside the park. The entrance fee is generally about $15 per person or $30 per private vehicle unless you have an America the Beautiful pass. Start at Mesa Arch, where the 0.7-mile round-trip trail is short but uneven in places; allow about an hour and arrive early for cooler temperatures and easier parking.

Late Morning–Midday

Continue north on the park road to Grand View Point, roughly 25 minutes from Mesa Arch. The paved overlook and short rim walk deliver enormous views across the canyon country without requiring a strenuous hike; spend around 45 minutes here. Then drive back toward Green River Overlook, one of the easiest places to appreciate the layered landscape of the Green River and surrounding mesas. Allow about 30 minutes, and pack a picnic lunch to eat at a designated picnic area rather than returning to Moab during the busiest part of the day.

Afternoon and Evening

Return toward Moab and continue about 30 minutes to Dead Horse Point State Park. The park entrance is separate from Canyonlands and usually costs approximately $20 per vehicle for out-of-state visitors. Walk a manageable section of the East Rim Trail for about 1½ hours, turning around whenever the heat or footing becomes tiring; the overlooks above the Colorado River are especially beautiful in the late afternoon. Back in town, freshen up before dinner at Desert Bistro in downtown Moab. Reserve well ahead—this is one of the town’s most sought-after dinners—and expect roughly $40–65 per person before drinks and gratuity. Allow about 1½ hours, then keep the evening quiet: tomorrow’s drive toward Grand Staircase-Escalante is scenic but long, so top off the fuel tank tonight and have water and snacks ready.

Morning: Scenic approach to Capitol Reef and Torrey

Leave Moab around 7:30 AM with breakfast and plenty of water in the car. The route along US-191, UT-24, and UT-12 is one of the finest drives of the trip, so allow closer to five hours with pauses rather than treating it as a direct transfer. Stop briefly near Capitol Reef National Park for the red-rock views, and take care on the winding section toward Boulder, where travel is slower than the map suggests. Fuel up before leaving Torrey; services become limited farther along UT-12.

Early Afternoon: Hickman Bridge Trail

After reaching Capitol Reef National Park, hike the Hickman Bridge Trail, about 1.8 miles round trip and usually 1–1½ hours. The trail climbs steadily over exposed slickrock to a natural bridge, with rewarding views despite its short length. Carry at least one bottle of water per person, wear shoes with firm traction, and avoid lingering on the open rock during thunderstorms. Park at the signed trailhead along UT-24; space is limited, so arriving in the early afternoon is preferable. There is an entrance fee of roughly $20 per vehicle unless you have an America the Beautiful pass.

Mid-Afternoon: Torrey historic district

Drive about 15 minutes west to Torrey and spend 45 minutes strolling its compact historic district. The galleries and small shops along UT-24 are easy to browse on foot, and this is a good low-key break after the morning’s driving and hike. Check opening signs as you go—many independent businesses keep shorter hours late in the season. If the day is running late or you are tired, make this your final walk before continuing toward Grand Staircase–Escalante.

Late Afternoon and Dinner

Continue east on UT-12 to the Lower Calf Creek Falls Trailhead. The full hike is roughly six miles round trip and commonly takes 2½–4 hours, making it longer than your preferred range; only attempt it if you still have good daylight, energy, and ample water. Otherwise, enjoy the trailhead scenery and walk a short distance along the canyon before turning back. The trail is sandy and exposed in places, and there is a fee of approximately $5 per vehicle at the recreation area. Finish in Tropic with dinner at Stone Hearth Grille, a welcoming local choice where entrées generally run about $30–50 per person. Reservations are wise if available, especially after a long scenic-drive day; expect roughly 1½ hours for dinner.

Morning

After breakfast in Tropic, drive about 15 minutes along UT-12 to Bryce Canyon National Park. Aim to enter around 7:30–8:00 AM; the entrance station can be busy later, and September mornings are wonderfully cool. Begin at Bryce Point, where the amphitheater opens out in its most dramatic sweep—orange-and-pink hoodoos layered below you. The national-park entrance fee is typically about $35 per private vehicle, valid for seven days; an America the Beautiful pass is worthwhile if you have one. Parking is generally easier early, but keep valuables out of sight and bring a light jacket—the rim can feel cold even when the afternoon is warm.

From there, drive a few minutes to Sunrise Point for the Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail combination, roughly 3 miles and about 2½–3 hours at an easy sightseeing pace. Descend through Queen’s Garden first, then return via the Navajo Loop if Wall Street is open; park trail notices sometimes close one side because of rockfall, in which case follow the signed alternate. This is a beautiful but strenuous outing for the knees: the return is uphill, with many switchbacks, so carry at least one liter of water per person and use trekking poles if you have them. There are restrooms and water near the visitor center, but not along the trail.

Afternoon and Evening

After lunch near the park—either a picnic or something casual in Bryce Canyon City—take the Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive south toward Rainbow Point. Allow about two hours for the out-and-back, stopping at overlooks such as Natural Bridge, Agua Canyon, and Ponderosa Point rather than trying to see every pullout. The road ends at Rainbow Point, nearly 18 miles from the main amphitheater; afternoon light brings out the red and cream layers nicely. In September, the park shuttle is usually operating around the amphitheater area, but it does not serve the full scenic drive, so your car is useful here. Return to Bryce Canyon City before dusk, when deer are often active along the roadside.

For an easy, hearty dinner, go to Ruby’s Inn Cowboy’s Buffet & Steak Room, near the park entrance. Expect roughly $25–45 per person, depending on whether you choose the buffet or a steak entrée; dinner service commonly begins around 4:00 PM and winds down by 9:00 PM, but confirm hours locally because seasonal schedules change. It is deliberately casual and convenient after a trail day—exactly the sort of place where you can eat early, avoid a late drive, and be back at your lodging with your feet up.

Early Morning

Begin with a final quiet look over the amphitheater at Sunrise Point in Bryce Canyon National Park. Arrive around 7:30–8:00 AM, when the hoodoos are still cool-toned and the overlook is much calmer than later in the day. Allow about 30 minutes, then return to the car and depart near 9:00 AM. Your drive to Cedar City takes roughly two hours via UT-12, US-89, and I-15; roads are easy, though allow extra time for wildlife and the winding section below the plateau. Fuel up before leaving the Bryce Canyon City area, and plan to go directly to your Cedar City lodging to drop bags and park.

Late Morning–Afternoon

After checking in or leaving your luggage, continue up to Cedar Breaks National Monument near Brian Head, generally about an hour from Cedar City. The overlook sits above 10,000 feet, so bring a light layer even if Cedar City feels warm; afternoon clouds and thunderstorms can develop quickly in September. Spend about 1½ hours taking in the amphitheater and walking the easy Spectra Point area trail. Check the monument’s current road and visitor-center status before setting out, as seasonal hours can vary; the standard park pass or entrance fee is modest, while an America the Beautiful pass is accepted.

A short drive brings you to Brian Head Resort. If the scenic chairlift is operating, it is an easy way to enjoy the high-country views without committing to another long hike; confirm the day’s operating hours and weather before relying on it. If the lift is closed, simply wander around the village and mountain viewpoints, keeping the afternoon relaxed. The elevation can make even gentle walking feel surprisingly tiring, so carry water and take your time.

Evening

Return to downtown Cedar City for dinner at Centro Woodfired Pizzeria, a comfortable choice for wood-fired pizza, salads, and a casual glass of wine. Expect roughly $20–35 per person before drinks and tip; dinner service is usually busiest around 6:00–7:30 PM, so an early arrival or reservation is sensible. It is an easy stop from the lodging area, with nearby downtown street parking generally available. After dinner, take a brief stroll around Cedar City’s Main Street if you still have energy, then turn in early—the next day’s long drive is best started with a full tank and breakfast packed or arranged ahead of time.

Morning: Cedar City to Ely

Leave Cedar City around 7:00 AM with a full tank and a cooler of water and snacks. Follow I-15 north, then US-93 toward Ely; expect a long, mostly open drive of roughly 3½–4 hours to Ely, with limited services between towns. Ely is the sensible first substantial break: refuel, stretch, and have lunch before continuing north on US-93 and west on I-80. Check Nevada road conditions before departure, and download maps in advance—cell service can be intermittent across this high-desert stretch.

If you are running close to schedule, spend about an hour at the Nevada Northern Railway Museum during your Ely stop. The historic rail yard and restored locomotives are the main attraction, though train rides and museum hours vary by date; confirm the September 21 schedule before counting on a full tour. Admission is commonly in the roughly $10–25 range depending on what is operating. If your drive is slower than expected, prioritize lunch and the road rather than rushing the museum.

Afternoon and Evening: Winnemucca

Continue through the wide-open Great Basin landscape, allowing another 4–5 hours to Winnemucca. After checking into your hotel, take a gentle 30–45-minute walk through downtown Winnemucca, particularly along Winnemucca Boulevard and the surrounding historic commercial blocks. It is a modest, practical town rather than a sightseeing center, but the walk is a good way to loosen up after the drive; go before dusk, when the streets are liveliest and temperatures are more comfortable.

For dinner, settle in at The Martin Hotel, a long-running Basque restaurant in the heart of Winnemucca. Expect generous family-style portions, hearty traditional dishes, and a relaxed atmosphere—budget approximately $25–45 per person before drinks and tip. Arrive early or call ahead if possible, since it is one of the town’s best-known dining stops. After such a long day, keep the evening simple and make sure the car is fueled for tomorrow’s departure.

Morning: Winnemucca to Medford

Leave Winnemucca around 7:30 AM for the drive west on US-95 and OR-140 to Medford, allowing roughly 7–8 hours including fuel and meal stops. This is a beautiful but sparsely serviced stretch through high desert and mountain country, so start with a full tank and carry water, coffee, and snacks. Plan a proper fuel stop before leaving McDermitt or Denio Junction, and expect stretches with little cell service. A picnic-style lunch is easiest; if you prefer a sit-down meal, Lakeview is the most practical larger stop along the way. On arrival, park at your Medford lodging and take at least 30 minutes to settle in before sightseeing.

Afternoon: East Medford

Head to RoxyAnn Winery in East Medford for a relaxed late-afternoon tasting, usually about an hour. Check the winery’s current September hours before setting out, as tasting-room schedules can vary by weekday; tastings generally run roughly $15–25 per person, with bottles and small snacks available. Afterward, drive a few minutes to Medford Railroad Park, where a level path winds among historic locomotives and railway equipment. Allow about 45 minutes, and go before dusk—the park is primarily an outdoor attraction and is best enjoyed in daylight. Both stops have straightforward parking, and this gentle pairing is a good way to unwind after the long desert drive.

Evening

For dinner, drive into central Medford to Porters Dining at the Depot, housed in the city’s restored former railway depot. The setting is atmospheric without being formal, and the menu typically includes steaks, seafood, pasta, and regional ingredients; budget about $30–50 per person before drinks. Reservations are sensible, especially on a Friday or Saturday, and an early dinner around 5:30–6:00 PM will leave you rested for tomorrow’s drive toward Bandon. Ask your server about Rogue Valley wines if you enjoyed the afternoon tasting.

Morning: Medford to the coast

Leave Medford around 8:00 AM for Bandon, allowing 3½–4 hours via OR-42 and US-101, plus a fuel and roadside lunch stop. This is a winding, lightly serviced drive through forest and logging country, so fill the tank before leaving and keep water and snacks handy. Arriving around noon gives you time to settle into the coast without rushing; coastal weather can be cool and breezy even when inland Oregon is warm.

Early Afternoon: Bandon Beach

Start at Bandon State Natural Area, at the north end of Bandon Beach. Spend about 1½ hours walking south along the broad beach, where offshore sea stacks, driftwood, and changing tides create some of the coast’s best scenery. Wear shoes that can handle wet sand and check the tide tables before venturing around rocky points; parking is generally free, but lots can fill on sunny afternoons. Keep the walk as an out-and-back rather than trying to cover the entire beach.

Midafternoon: Face Rock and Old Town

Drive a few minutes south to Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint for an hour of short beach paths and overlooks toward the distinctive rock formations. The paths are easy but can be uneven, and windproof layers are useful. From there, continue about 10 minutes into Old Town Bandon, where you can spend an unhurried hour browsing small galleries, local craft shops, and harbor-front stores along the waterfront. Many businesses close around 5:00 PM, so arrive by midafternoon; parking is usually straightforward along the Old Town streets.

Evening: Seafood in Old Town

Have dinner at Bandon Fish Market, a casual local favorite in Old Town known for fish and chips, chowder, and freshly prepared seafood. Expect roughly $20–35 per person, with counter service and a relaxed atmosphere rather than a formal dining room. Go before the evening rush if you prefer an easy table, and confirm the day’s hours before setting out since coastal restaurant schedules can vary by season. After dinner, take a short harbor walk—especially lovely if the fog lifts—then return to your Bandon lodging.

Morning

After breakfast in Bandon, drive a few minutes north on US-101 to Bullards Beach State Park. Allow about 1½ hours for the broad, uncrowded beach and the short walk toward Coquille River Lighthouse. The lighthouse itself may have limited seasonal access, but the beach and surrounding dunes are the main attraction. Oregon State Parks day-use parking is typically around $5 unless covered by an annual pass; bring a jacket, since morning wind can be surprisingly brisk. Continue north on US-101 for roughly 35 minutes to Cape Blanco State Park, allowing about 1½ hours for the lighthouse area and westernmost-cape viewpoints. Check the lighthouse’s seasonal opening schedule before counting on an interior tour, and be prepared for a short walk from the parking area.

Afternoon

From Cape Blanco, it is about 15 minutes to Port Orford Heads State Park. This is a good place to slow the pace: choose one of the shorter coastal trails for elevated views over the ocean and harbor rather than trying to cover every spur. Give yourselves around 1½ hours, with sturdy shoes and water—the trails can be uneven and exposed even when the walking distance is modest. Afterward, continue north through Port Orford, Bandon, and Coos Bay toward Cape Arago State Park, a scenic detour west of Charleston. Allow roughly an hour for rocky shoreline viewpoints, but check the access road and parking conditions locally; fog, wind, and seasonal closures can affect the final approach. This coastline is best enjoyed without rushing, so consider arriving in Florence later than originally planned rather than sacrificing the cape stops.

Evening

Return to Coos Bay for an early, casual dinner at Fishermen’s Seafood Market. It is a working waterfront-style stop rather than a polished restaurant: expect fresh seafood, straightforward portions, and approximately $20–35 per person. Hours can vary by season, so call ahead or check the same day, especially if you arrive after 6:00 PM. From Coos Bay, allow about 1½–2 hours on US-101 to reach Florence, depending on construction and fog. Fill the tank before leaving the Coos Bay area, and avoid making the final drive too late—this stretch is winding, dark, and occasionally affected by coastal mist.

Morning

Leave Bandon around 8:30 AM on US-101 toward Florence, allowing about 1½ hours of driving plus brief stops at the pullouts along the coast. This stretch is especially pretty near Cape Arago and Coos Bay, where forested headlands, sandy coves, and open ocean appear in quick succession. Keep a light jacket handy—the coast can be cool and windy even when inland Eugene is warm. Near Florence, spend about 1½ hours at the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Choose one of the signed access points around South Jetty Road for an easy walk where coastal forest gives way to broad, sculpted dunes; stay off steep dune faces if footing feels loose, and bring water because shade is limited.

Afternoon

After lunch in Florence, continue north on US-101 for roughly 12 miles to Heceta Head Lighthouse. The parking area fills quickly, so aim for early afternoon and allow about an hour for the short uphill access trail and views across the headland. The lighthouse is generally viewed from outside, with tours dependent on the seasonal schedule; check the current access notice before setting out. From there, drive a few minutes to the Hobbit Trail trailhead and allow about an hour for the approximately one-mile round trip through mossy coastal forest to the beach. It is short but can be muddy, rooty, and slippery, so shoes with good traction are worthwhile. Return to Florence Old Town afterward, a relaxed 15–20-minute drive south, with time to stroll along Bay Street and the Siuslaw River before dinner.

Evening

Have dinner at Waterfront Depot Restaurant in Florence Old Town, where the dining room occupies a former depot beside the river. Expect roughly $30–50 per person for seafood, salads, and entrées; reservations are sensible in September, particularly for an earlier waterfront table. Afterward, take an easy walk along the nearby riverfront rather than adding another drive. If you are continuing to Eugene tonight, the direct route is OR-126 east—about 1¼ to 1½ hours—but staying overnight in Florence makes the next morning far less rushed and leaves the scenic coast day feeling complete.

Morning

Leave Florence around 8:00 AM on US-101, then take OR-126 east toward Eugene; the drive is about 1¼ hours without stops. Because you have an afternoon drive ahead, park once in the downtown/university area rather than moving the car repeatedly. Begin at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art on the University of Oregon campus, where a compact but thoughtful collection makes a good final cultural stop without feeling overwhelming. Allow about 1½ hours. Check the museum’s 2026 hours before leaving—campus museums commonly open later on some weekdays—and expect roughly $10–15 per adult if admission is not covered by a current free-admission program. Campus parking is easiest in a visitor garage or paid lot; allow 10–15 minutes to walk to the museum.

Midday

From the university, drive or walk toward downtown for the Eugene Saturday Market, held near 8th Avenue and Oak Street when operating that Saturday. Browse the handmade jewelry, ceramics, textiles, and food stalls for about an hour; it is a pleasant, distinctly Eugene way to finish the trip, though vendors and hours can vary, so verify the market calendar before relying on it. Then continue a few blocks to 5th Street Public Market, where the covered market hall and surrounding businesses provide an easy lunch choice—allow about 1½ hours and budget $15–30 per person. Restaurants and counters vary, but you will find everything from sandwiches and salads to coffee, pastries, and more substantial sit-down meals. Paid parking is available in the market area, and the short drive between the two stops is simpler than trying to carry bags across downtown.

Afternoon

Leave Eugene around 2:00 PM for Redmond, following OR-126 through the McKenzie River corridor and over the Cascades. Allow 2½–3 hours, with a full tank before departure and a little extra time for mountain traffic or road work. Check the route that morning: if the preferred McKenzie Pass alignment is seasonally restricted, use US-20 through Santiam Pass instead. If you want one final break, Sisters is a convenient place for coffee or a short stroll before the last leg to Redmond; otherwise, continue home and expect to arrive in the late afternoon.