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Epic National Parks Road Trip: From Badlands to Antelope Canyon

Viewed by 97 travelers

Day 1: Badlands Adventure

Badlands National Park, South Dakota

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Cedar Pass Lodge

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Cedar Pass Lodge, famous for its view of the Badlands and delicious breakfast burritos.
Located just outside the park entrance.
USD15, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Scenic Drive on Badlands Loop Road

Embark on a scenic drive along Badlands Loop Road, stopping at key viewpoints like Big Badlands Overlook to capture stunning photo opportunities.
Access the road from Cedar Pass.
USD30 (park entrance fee, valid for 7 days), 2 hours

11:00 AM

Hike Notch Trail

Hike the Notch Trail, a thrilling 1.5-mile round trip with ladders and breathtaking views at the top.
Trailhead is located off the Badlands Loop.
USD0, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Badlands Saloon

Enjoy a lunch break at The Badlands Saloon, offering comforting American diner fare in a rustic setting.
Located near the park visitor center.
USD20, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Travel to Hanksville, Utah

Drive approximately 5 hours to Hanksville, Utah, enjoying the changing landscapes on the way.
Follow I-90 W and UT-24 W.
USD0 (personal vehicle), 5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at The Hanksville Inn Restaurant

Savor dinner featuring local southwestern dishes at The Hanksville Inn, a cozy spot for travelers.
Located in Hanksville, easily accessible after the drive.
USD20, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Badlands National Park

Day 2: Bryce Canyon Wonders

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Start with breakfast at your hotel to energize for the day of exploration.
Grab and go options available in Hanksville.
USD10, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Bryce Canyon

Drive about 3 hours to reach Bryce Canyon National Park, home to its stunning hoodoos.
Follow UT-24 E and US-89 S.
USD30 (park entrance fee, valid for 7 days), 3 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Bryce Canyon Lodge

Enjoy lunch at Bryce Canyon Lodge that serves delicious burgers, salads, and more.
Located inside the park.
USD25, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Visit Sunset Point

Walk to Sunset Point for breathtaking views and photo opportunities of the canyon.
Follow trail signs from the visitor center.
USD0 (with park entry), 1 hour

2:00 PM

Hike Queen's Garden Trail

Experience the beautiful Queen's Garden Trail, a 1.8-mile round trip offering stunning views of the unique rock formations.
Start from Sunrise Point.
USD0 (with park entry), 2 hours

4:00 PM

Travel to Zion National Park

Drive approximately 2 hours to the famous Zion National Park.
Take US-89 S to UT-9 W.
USD20 (for park entrance, valid for 7 days), 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Zion Canyon Brew Pub

Savor dinner at Zion Canyon Brew Pub, known for its locally sourced ingredients and craft beers.
Located in Springdale, just outside the park.
USD30, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Bryce Canyon National Park

Day 3: Zion Experiences

Zion National Park, Utah

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Spotted Dog Cafe

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at The Spotted Dog Cafe, a local favorite for its delicious coffee and breakfast.
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, surrounded by 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 pasta dishes at Zion Pizza & Noodle Co.
Just a short drive from the shuttle stop.
USD25, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Riverside Walk

Take a leisurely stroll along the Riverside Walk, offering beautiful scenery and a relaxing atmosphere.
Start from the same shuttle stop as The Narrows.
USD0 (with park entry), 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Travel to Arches National Park

Drive approximately 5 hours to Arches National Park, setting the stage for more iconic landscapes.
Follow US-89 N and then US-191 N.
USD20 (for park entrance, valid for 7 days), 5 hours

8:00 PM

Dinner at Moab Brewery

Enjoy dinner at Moab Brewery, a local favorite for its craft beers and collard greens quesadilla.
Located in Moab just outside Arches.
USD25, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Zion National Park

Day 4: Arches National Park Exploration

Arches National Park, Utah

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Jailhouse Cafe

Begin the day at Jailhouse Cafe, known for its unique breakfast dishes and fresh-baked goods.
Located in Moab, convenient before entering the park.
USD15, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Delicate Arch Trail

Hike the iconic Delicate Arch Trail, a 3-mile round trip offering incredible views of one of Utah's most famous formations.
Drive to the Wolfe Ranch parking area, the trailhead.
USD0 (with park entry), 2-3 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at The Red Rock Bakery

Refuel with lunch options at The Red Rock Bakery, known for homemade pastries and sandwiches.
Just a short drive from the park.
USD20, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Browse Devils Garden

Explore Devils Garden, hike to Landscape Arch, one of the longest stone arches in the world.
Access via the Devils Garden parking area onsite.
USD0 (with park entry), 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Travel to Goblin Valley State Park

Drive about 2 hours to Goblin Valley State Park to experience its enchanting rock formations.
Follow US-191 S to UT-24 W.
USD15 (for state park entry), 2 hours

5:00 PM

Explore Goblin Valley

Stroll among the whimsical goblin-like rock formations that the park is known for; exploring is highly encouraged.
Park at designated areas to explore freely.
USD0 (with park entry), 1.5 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at The Tamarisk Restaurant

Savor dinner at The Tamarisk Restaurant, offering a range of traditional American dishes.
Located in Green River, just outside the park.
USD30, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Arches National Park

Day 5: Mesa Verde Highlights

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

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Start your day with 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 2.5 hours to reach Mesa Verde National Park, home to ancient cliff dwellings.
Follow US-6 E and US-160 E.
USD20 (entrance fee), 2.5 hours

11:30 AM

Visit Cliff Palace

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

1:00 PM

Lunch at the Mesa Verde Cafe

Refuel with lunch at the Mesa Verde Cafe, offering a casual menu with beautiful views.
Located within the park.
USD20, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Explore Spruce Tree House

Self-guided exploration of Spruce Tree House, reached via a short hike, showcasing yet another impressive cliff dwelling.
Follow trail signs to the Spruce Tree House trailhead.
USD0 (with park entry), 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Travel to Monument Valley

Drive about 2.5 hours to iconic Monument Valley, famous for its dramatic landscapes.
Follow US-160 W and US-163 N.
USD0 (personal vehicle), 2.5 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at The View Hotel Restaurant

End your day with dinner at The View Hotel Restaurant, offering Native American cuisine and views of the valley.
Located near the Monument Valley entrance.
USD30, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Goblin Valley State Park

Day 6: Monument Valley Exploration

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 for excellent photo opportunities of iconic formations.
Follow the marked dirt road through the park.
USD20 (vehicle permit) , 2 hours

11:00 AM

Cultural Tour with a Local Guide

Take a Navajo-guided cultural tour to learn about the heritage and history of the area while exploring its stunning beauty.
Book the tour through The View Hotel concierge.
USD50, 3 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at The Navajo Taco Stand

Experience traditional Navajo tacos and fry bread at The Navajo Taco Stand located just outside Monument Valley.
Quick and easy to get to.
USD15, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Travel to Capitol Reef National Park

Drive about 2.5 hours to Capitol Reef National Park, known for its striking rock formations and historic orchards.
Follow US-160 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, 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 your day with dinner at The Capitol Reef Cafe featuring dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
Located in Torrey, Utah.
USD25, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Monument Valley

Day 7: Antelope Canyon Discovery

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 available.
USD10, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Antelope Canyon

Drive approximately 2.5 hours to Antelope Canyon, famous 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 lunch at Antelope Canyon Cafe, known for its hearty 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 by exploring Lower Antelope Canyon with its unique lighting and narrow passageways.
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 a dinner at Big John's Texas BBQ, famous for its smoked meats and southern-style sides.
Located in Page, easily accessible.
USD25, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Capitol Reef
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