Ultimate National Parks Road Trip: A Journey through Badlands, Utah, and Arizona's Natural Wonders

Day 1: Badlands Exploration

Badlands National Park, South Dakota

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Cedar Pass Lodge

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Cedar Pass Lodge, renowned for its scenic views and delicious breakfast options including buffalo sausage.
Located near the park entrance.
USD15, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive the Badlands Loop Road

Take a scenic drive through Badlands Loop Road, stopping at viewpoints like Big Badlands Overlook and Pinnacles Overlook to soak in the awe-inspiring landscapes.
Use the park map for marked viewpoints.
USD30 (park entrance fee, valid for 7 days), 2 hours

11:00 AM

Hike the Notch Trail

Hike the Notch Trail, a 1.5-mile round trip with thrilling views and a couple of ladders near the end for a bit of adventure.
Start at the Notch Trailhead off the loop road.
USD0, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Badlands Saloon

Savor a local meal at The Badlands Saloon, known for its classic burgers and farm-fresh salads.
Located near the park visitor center.
USD20, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Travel to Hanksville, Utah

Drive approximately 5 hours to Hanksville, where stunning red rock formations await.
Follow US-90 W and UT-24 W through beautiful landscapes.
USD0 (depending on personal vehicle), 5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at The Hanksville Inn Restaurant

Enjoy dinner featuring local favorites at The Hanksville Inn Restaurant with classic American diner fare.
Located in Hanksville, easy access from hotels.
USD20, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Bryce Canyon Adventure

Hanksville, Utah to Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Grab breakfast at the hotel, where simple yet satisfying meal options await.
Hanksville Inn or nearby options.
USD10, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Bryce Canyon

Drive about 2 hours to reach Bryce Canyon National Park and prepare for an unforgettable vista.
Follow UT-24 E and UT-12 S to the park entrance.
USD30, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Explore Sunset Point

Arrive at Bryce Canyon and walk to Sunset Point for breathtaking views of the iconic hoodoos.
Follow trail signs from the visitor center.
USD0 (with park entrance fee), 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at Bryce Canyon Lodge

Dine at Bryce Canyon Lodge, offering local dishes like Navajo tacos and exquisite sandwiches.
Located within Bryce Canyon National Park.
USD25, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Hike the Queen's Garden Trail

Experience a short, scenic hike on Queen's Garden Trail that leads you down into the amphitheater with incredible geological formations.
Start from Sunrise Point.
USD0, 2 hours

3:00 PM

Travel to Zion National Park

Drive about 2 hours to Zion National Park, entering through the East Entrance.
Follow UT-12 S and US-89 S.
USD20 (for park entrance), 2 hours

5:00 PM

Sunset at Canyon Junction

Catch the sunset at Canyon Junction, a prime spot offering scenic views of the towering cliffs of Zion.
Park at the designated viewing area near the river.
USD0 (with valid park entry), 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Zion Canyon Brew Pub

Savor a delightful dinner featuring locally sourced ingredients at Zion Canyon Brew Pub, known for its craft beers.
Located in Springdale, adjacent to the park.
USD30, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Zion Exploration

Zion National Park, Utah

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Spotted Dog Cafe

Indulge in a scrumptious breakfast at The Spotted Dog Cafe, known for its delectable coffee and breakfast options.
Located in Springdale, easily accessible.
USD20, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Hike The Narrows

Experience the stunning beauty of The Narrows, walking through the Virgin River and marveling at the towering canyon walls.
Take the Zion Shuttle to Temple of Sinawava.
USD10 (shuttle fare), 3 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Zion Pizza & Noodle Co.

Enjoy a casual lunch with options like wood-fired pizza and hearty pasta dishes at Zion Pizza & Noodle Co.
Just off the main street in Springdale.
USD25, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Riverside Walk

Stroll along the lovely Riverside Walk, an accessible trail leading along the river with beautiful scenery.
Start from the same shuttle stop as The Narrows.
USD0, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Travel to Arches National Park

Depart for Arches National Park, a drive of approximately 4 hours across beautiful landscapes.
Head northeast via UT-9 and US-191 N.
USD20 (for park entrance), 4 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Moab Brewery

End the day at Moab Brewery, a local favorite for its craft beers and delicious pub-style food, perfect after a day of exploring.
Located in Moab, just outside Arches.
USD25, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Arches Adventure

Arches National Park, Utah

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Jailhouse Cafe

Start your day with breakfast at Jailhouse Cafe, where you can savor hearty breakfast options and fresh-baked goods.
Located in Moab and known for unique breakfast dishes.
USD15, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Delicate Arch Trail

Hike the iconic Delicate Arch Trail, a 3-mile round trip that brings you stunning views of one of Utah's most recognized landmarks.
Drive to the Wolfe Ranch parking area, the trailhead for Delicate Arch.
USD0 (with park entry), 2-3 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at The Red Rock Bakery

Enjoy a refreshing lunch featuring sandwiches and pastries at The Red Rock Bakery back in Moab.
Just a short drive from the park.
USD20, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Visit Landscape Arch

Explore the easy hike to Landscape Arch as you witness one of the longest natural stone arches in the world.
Trail begins at the Devils Garden parking area onsite.
USD0 (with park entry), 1 hour

3:00 PM

Travel to Goblin Valley State Park

Drive to Goblin Valley State Park, roughly a 2-hour drive southwest.
Follow US-191 S to UT-24 W and finally to the park.
USD15 (for state park entry), 2 hours

5:00 PM

Explore Goblin Valley

Discover the unique and whimsical goblin-like rock formations that the park is famous for; hiking around is welcomed.
Park at the designated areas to explore the valley.
USD0 (with park entry), 1.5 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at The Tamarisk Restaurant

Enjoy dinner at The Tamarisk Restaurant known for their traditional American cuisine with a cozy atmosphere.
Located just outside of the park at the nearby town of Green River.
USD30, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Mesa Verde Magic

Goblin Valley State Park, Utah to Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Start the day with a quick breakfast at your hotel before heading to Mesa Verde.
Grab and go options available.
USD10, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Mesa Verde

Drive approximately 2 hours to reach the stunning Mesa Verde National Park, home to ancient cliff dwellings.
Follow US-6 E and US-160 E.
USD20 (entrance fee), 2 hours

11:00 AM

Visit Cliff Palace

Take a guided tour to Cliff Palace, the largest cliff dwelling in the park, and learn about the Ancestral Puebloans.
Shuttle services from the visitor center are available.
USD5 (for the guided tour), 1.5 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at the Mesa Verde Cafe

Enjoy lunch with views at the Mesa Verde Cafe, offering a casual dining experience with tasteful options.
Located within the park.
USD20, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Explore Spruce Tree House

Self-guided exploration of Spruce Tree House, another impressive cliff dwelling, which can be reached by a short hike.
Follow signs to Spruce Tree House trailhead.
USD0 (with park entry), 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Travel to Monument Valley

Drive approximately 2.5 hours to the iconic Monument Valley, one of the most photographed locations in the world.
Follow US-160 W and then US-163 N.
USD0 (personal vehicle), 2.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at The View Hotel Restaurant

Feast on dinner at The View Hotel Restaurant, featuring Native American cuisine with spectacular views of the valley.
Located at the Monument Valley entrance.
USD30, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Monument Valley Marvels

Monument Valley, Utah

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The View Hotel

Enjoy breakfast with panoramic views of Monument Valley at The View Hotel.
Just downstairs from your accommodation.
USD20, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Monument Valley Scenic Drive

Take a self-guided scenic drive through Monument Valley to capture majestic views and stop at iconic formations.
Follow the marked dirt road through the park.
USD20 (vehicle permit) , 2 hours

11:00 AM

Cultural Tour with a Local Guide

Join a Navajo-guided tour to learn about the culture and history of the area while experiencing its beauty up close.
Book the tour through The View Hotel concierge.
USD50, 3 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at The Navajo Taco Stand

Savor a traditional Navajo taco and fry bread at the Navajo Taco Stand for an authentic experience.
Located just outside Monument Valley.
USD15, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Travel to Capitol Reef National Park

Drive approximately 2.5 hours to Capitol Reef National Park, characterized by striking rock formations and historic orchards.
Follow US-163 S and UT-62 W.
USD20 (for park entrance), 2.5 hours

5:30 PM

Scenic Drive through Capitol Reef

Enjoy a scenic drive through Capitol Reef’s unique geology while stopping at viewpoints along the way.
Follow the scenic drive route within the park.
USD0 (with entry fee), 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at The Capitol Reef Cafe

Wrap up the day with dinner at The Capitol Reef Cafe, featuring dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
Located within Torrey, Utah.
USD25, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Antelope Canyon Adventure

Capitol Reef, Utah to Antelope Canyon, Arizona

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Your Lodging

Have a quick breakfast at your lodging before heading out.
Grab and go options are available.
USD10, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Antelope Canyon

Drive approximately 2.5 hours to Antelope Canyon, renowned for its stunning slot canyons.
Follow UT-24 E and US-89 S.
USD30 (for entry to the canyon), 2.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Antelope Canyon Cafe

Grab a quick lunch at Antelope Canyon Cafe, known for its tacos and burgers.
Just outside the Antelope Canyon entrance.
USD15, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Guided Tour of Antelope Canyon

Join a guided tour to explore the mesmerizing beauty of Upper Antelope Canyon and capture stunning photos.
Book online for guided access to the canyon.
USD50, 2 hours

3:00 PM

Explore Lower Antelope Canyon

Continue your adventure in Lower Antelope Canyon with its unique narrows and vibrant colors.
Follow the signs for guided access.
USD50, 1.5 hours

4:30 PM

Travel to Page, Arizona

Drive approximately 15 minutes to Page where you can spend the night.
Follow AZ-98.
USD0 (personal vehicle), 15 minutes

6:00 PM

Dinner at Big John's Texas BBQ

Enjoy dinner at Big John's Texas BBQ, known for its smoked meats and southern-style sides.
Located in Page, easily accessible.
USD25, 1.5 hours
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