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

Viewed by 132 travelers

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
Find Hotels in Zion National Park

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
Find Hotels in Bryce Canyon National Park

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
Find Hotels in Arches National Park

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
Find Hotels in Canyonlands National Park

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
Find Hotels in Salt Lake City
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