Ultimate 1-Day Road Trip: 5 National Parks in Utah

Day 1: National Park Adventure

Utah, USA

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Oscar's Café

Fuel up for your adventure with a hearty breakfast at Oscar's Café in Springdale, known for their delicious huevos rancheros and fresh smoothies.
Begin your day early for a grand exploration of Utah's national parks.
USD15, 1 Hour

8:00 AM

Explore Zion National Park

Start your adventure by hiking the breathtaking Angels Landing or walking the Riverside Walk along the Virgin River to appreciate the unique rock formations and lush environment.
Drive from Springdale to Zion National Park Entrance (about 5 minutes).
USD35 (vehicle pass), 3 Hours

11:30 AM

Drive to Bryce Canyon National Park

Enjoy the scenic drive through Utah's breathtaking landscapes towards Bryce Canyon, known for its stunning hoodoos.
Take US-89 North from Zion, approximately 1.5 hours drive.
USD0, 1.5 Hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Bryce Canyon Lodge

Enjoy a quaint lunch at the Bryce Canyon Lodge where you can indulge in their seasonal salad and a hot bowl of chili.
Dining is convenient inside the park, located near the Visitor Center.
USD20, 1 Hour

2:00 PM

Hike the Rim Trail in Bryce

Post-lunch, embark on an easy hike along the Rim Trail with stunning panoramic views of the canyon – don't forget your camera!
The Rim Trail is easily accessible from the lodge.
USD0, 1.5 Hours

3:30 PM

Travel to Capitol Reef National Park

After exploring Bryce, set off to Capitol Reef, famous for its unique rock formations and fruit orchards, taking a scenic drive along UT-12.
It's about a 2-hour drive to Capitol Reef National Park.
USD0, 2 Hours

5:30 PM

Explore Capitol Reef

Visit the park's Fruita Historic District to see its historic buildings and orchards; consider tasting the famous fruit pies from the bakery.
Visitors can drive the scenic loop within Capitol Reef Park after entrance.
USD20 (vehicle pass), 1 Hour

6:30 PM

Drive to Arches National Park

Continue your journey to Arches National Park, where natural stone arches await your arrival, taking the US-191 North route.
This final drive is about 2.5 hours.
USD0, 2.5 Hours

9:00 PM

Dinner at Moab Brewery

Wind down your day enjoying dinner at the local Moab Brewery, where you can savor their famous green chili and fresh-brewed beer.
After exploring Arches, easily head into the nearby town of Moab for dinner.
USD25, 1.5 Hours
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