Epic 7-Day Road Trip through Utah's National Parks

Day 1: Explore Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Rose Establishment

Start your day with a delicious locally-sourced breakfast at this trendy coffee shop known for its artisan pastries and specialty brews.
Park your car nearby and walk to the café.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Temple Square

Explore the iconic Temple Square with its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens.
It’s a short walk from the café.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Red Iguana

Indulge in authentic Mexican food at this famous spot known for its mole sauces.
Drive to the restaurant (15 minutes).
USD20, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Explore Natural History Museum of Utah

Discover fascinating exhibits on Utah’s unique geology and paleontology.
Drive from the restaurant to the museum (20 minutes).
USD15, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Drive to Zion National Park

Hit the road to Zion with an increasingly scenic drive that sets the tone for the adventure ahead.
Drive (about 4 hours).
Gas USD30, 4 hours

8:30 PM

Dinner at Spotted Dog Cafe

Enjoy a delightful dinner with a farm-to-table menu featuring local flavors.
Located in Springdale right outside Zion.
USD25, 1.5 hours

10:00 PM

Rest at Zion National Park Lodge

Check in and relax at your lodge for an inspiring night's rest.
Located within the park.
USD200, N/A
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Day 2: Adventuring through Zion

Zion National Park, USA

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Zion Lodge

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at the lodge surrounded by breathtaking views.
On-site dining at the lodge.
USD20, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Hike the Angels Landing Trail

Challenge yourself on the iconic Angels Landing, offering breathtaking views of Zion Canyon.
Start at the Grotto Parking Area.
Free, 4-5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Oscar's Cafe

Treat yourself to delicious Southwestern-style cuisine amidst the beautiful Zion backdrop.
Drive to nearby Springdale (15 minutes).
USD15, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit the Zion Human History Museum

Learn about the diverse human history of Zion with engaging exhibits.
Located inside the park (5 minutes drive).
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Scenic Drive through Zion Canyon

Experience the stunning views of towering cliffs and colorful rock formations along the scenic drive.
Drive routes within the park.
Free, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at The Spotted Dog Cafe

Enjoy the evening meal with a variety of local options and great ambiance.
Return to Springdale.
USD25, 1.5 hours

8:00 PM

Stargazing in Zion National Park

End the day by marveling at the night sky, filled with stars due to minimal light pollution.
Find a dark spot at the park.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 3: Discovering Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon National Park, USA

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Zion Lodge

Enjoy breakfast with more incredible mountain views to start your next adventure.
On-site dining.
USD20, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Drive to Bryce Canyon National Park

Head north towards Bryce through scenic routes and landscapes.
Drive (approximately 2 hours).
Gas USD20, 2 hours

10:30 AM

Explore Bryce Canyon Visitor Center

Stop by for park information and exhibits that highlight the park's unique formations.
Located at the park entrance.
Free, 1 hour

11:30 AM

Hike the Queen's Garden Trail

Experience the stunning scenery and unique rock formations on this moderate trail.
Start at Sunrise Point (short drive).
Free, 2.5 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at Bryce Canyon Lodge

Dine at this cozy lodge restaurant that offers seasonal specialties.
On-site at the park.
USD20, 1 hour

3:30 PM

Drive along Scenic Rim Road

Take a leisurely drive while stopping at overlooks for breathtaking views of the canyons.
Drive through the park.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Photography at Sunset Point

Capture stunning photos of the colors and formations as the sun begins to set.
Short drive to Sunset Point.
Free, 1 hour

6:30 PM

Dinner at The Pizza Place

Have a laid-back dinner with pizza and salad options, enjoyed in a casual atmosphere.
Drive to nearby Tropic.
USD15, 1 hour

8:00 PM

Camping at Bryce Canyon Campground

Set up camp and enjoy the sounds of nature under the starry skies.
Back to the campground.
USD20, N/A
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Day 4: Journey to Capitol Reef

Capitol Reef National Park, USA

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Bryce Canyon Campground

Prepare a hearty breakfast of your choice surrounded by nature.
On-site camping site.
USD10, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Drive to Capitol Reef National Park

Enjoy a scenic drive as you head towards Capitol Reef, filled with stunning landscapes.
Drive (about 2 hours).
Gas USD20, 2 hours

10:00 AM

Stop at the Capitol Reef Visitor Center

Learn about the park’s geology, history, and hiking trails from park rangers.
Located at the park's entrance.
Free, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Hike to Cassidy Arch

Take the trail to Cassidy Arch for stunning views and unique rock formation.
Trail begins nearby.
Free, 3 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at The Soda Shop

Refuel with a quick lunch of sandwiches and drinks in a laid-back atmosphere.
Short drive to Torrey (15 minutes).
USD15, 1 hour

3:30 PM

Visit Fruita Historic District

Explore the orchard and historic buildings in this charming area of Capitol Reef.
Located within the park.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Drive to the Goosenecks

Witness the incredible Goosenecks geology at sunset.
Short drive in the park.
Free, 1 hour

6:30 PM

Dinner at Capital Reef Cafe

Enjoy a meal at this cafe that serves local comfort food.
Drive back to Torrey.
USD20, 1 hour

8:00 PM

Rest at Capitol Reef Resort

Stay at this hotel that features great views and amenities.
Located just outside the park.
USD150, N/A
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Day 5: Exploring Arches

Arches National Park, USA

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Capitol Reef Resort

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel with a view of the park's landscapes.
On-site dining.
USD20, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Drive to Arches National Park

Set out to explore the iconic arches in this stunning landscape.
Drive (about 2 hours).
Gas USD20, 2 hours

10:00 AM

Visit the Arches Visitor Center

Gather information and guide yourself on the best trails to explore.
Located at the park entrance.
Free, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Hike to Delicate Arch

Embark on a trail to the iconic Delicate Arch and marvel at its beauty.
Short drive to the trailhead.
Free, 3 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at Pack Creek Cafe

Refuel with light options and great atmosphere at this nearby cafe.
Drive back to Moab (20 minutes).
USD15, 1 hour

3:30 PM

Explore Landscape Arch

Hike to this unique arch, one of the longest natural stone arches in the world.
Drive to the trailhead in the park.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Visit Fiery Furnace

Join a ranger-led tour and navigate through this stunning section of the park.
Tours operate from the Visitor Center.
USD10, 2 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at Moab Brewery

Relax with a hearty meal and local brews with a beautiful view of the surroundings.
Located in Moab.
USD25, 1.5 hours

9:00 PM

Stay at Moab Valley Inn

Enjoy a comfortable stay at this hotel conveniently located near the national parks.
Short drive from the brewery.
USD150, N/A
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Day 6: Adventure in Canyonlands

Canyonlands National Park, USA

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Moab Valley Inn

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel for a fulfilling meal.
On-site dining.
USD20, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Drive to Canyonlands National Park

Set out to explore the beauty of Canyonlands, famed for its dramatic canyons.
Drive (about 30 minutes).
Gas USD10, 30 minutes

8:30 AM

Visit the Island in the Sky

Head up to the Island in the Sky, easy access to panoramic views.
Drive from the entrance to the viewpoint.
Free, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Hike to Mesa Arch

Hike to the iconic Mesa Arch for breathtaking views, especially in the morning light.
Drive to the trailhead (15 minutes).
Free, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Hike the Grand View Point Trail

Take this trail offering spectacular views of the canyons and terrain.
Begin at the Grand View Point Overlook.
Free, 2 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at the Island in the Sky Café

Enjoy a light lunch at the café while taking in the remarkable views.
Located at the visitor center.
USD15, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Explore White Rim Overlook

Drive to this overlook for stunning views of the Colorado River and the canyon landscape.
Access by vehicle in the park.
Free, 1 hour

3:30 PM

Return to Moab

Head back to Moab for the evening.
Drive(30 minutes).
Gas USD10, 30 minutes

5:00 PM

Dinner at Desert Bistro

Experience an upscale dining option featuring an inventive menu and local ingredients.
Located in Moab.
USD40, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Return to Moab Valley Inn

Head back to your hotel and relax after an adventurous day.
Short drive from the restaurant.
USD0, 10 minutes
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Day 7: Return to Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Moab Valley Inn

Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel as you prepare for the journey back.
On-site dining.
USD20, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive back to Salt Lake City

Make your way back to Salt Lake City, reflecting on all the stunning parks.
Drive (around 4 hours).
Gas USD30, 4 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Copper Onion

Savor your last meal in Utah with New American cuisine at this acclaimed restaurant.
Located in downtown Salt Lake City.
USD25, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Explore the Hogle Zoo

Visit the zoo for a fun and relaxing afternoon before your trip ends.
Drive from the restaurant (15 minutes).
USD20, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Shopping at City Creek Center

Take in some last-minute shopping at this stunning shopping center.
Short drive from the zoo.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Farewell Dinner at The Roof Restaurant

Enjoy a final meal with stunning views of the Salt Lake Valley to celebrate a wonderful adventure.
Located atop the Joseph Smith Memorial Building.
USD45, 1.5 hours

8:00 PM

Depart Salt Lake City

Reflect on the incredible memories made on this unforgettable Utah national parks road trip.
Return your rental car if needed.
Varies, N/A
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