7-Day Autumn Adventure in Utah: Explore Canyons, Parks, and Scenic Beauty

Day 1: Salt Lake City Arrival

Salt Lake City, Utah on October 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Eva's Bakery

Start your day with fresh artisanal pastries and coffee at Eva's Bakery, a beloved local spot open from 7am to 3pm.
USD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Temple Square

Explore the iconic 10-acre Temple Square with historic buildings and beautiful gardens, open daily and free to the public.
USD0, 1h30m

11:30am

Lunch at Red Iguana

Enjoy flavorful Mexican cuisine with famous mole dishes at Red Iguana, open from 11am to 9pm.
USD25, 1h0m

1:00pm

Visit Utah State Capitol

Tour the stunning Utah State Capitol building and grounds, open 8am to 5pm daily with free admission.
USD0, 1h0m

3:00pm

Drive to Moab

Begin the scenic 4-hour drive to Moab to prepare for next day’s national parks exploration.
USD0, 4h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Moab Brewery

Relax and enjoy hearty meals and local craft beer at Moab Brewery, open from 11am to 9pm.
USD30, 1h0m
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Day 2: Arches National Park

Moab, Utah on October 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Love Muffin Cafe

Fuel up with fresh breakfast sandwiches and coffee, open from 7am weekdays.
USD15, 1h0m

8:30am

Explore Arches National Park

Spend the morning hiking and sightseeing Arches National Park, known for its stunning natural sandstone arches. Park hours are 7am to sunset, entrance fee applies.
USD30, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Quesadilla Mobilla

Enjoy tasty gourmet quesadillas and fresh ingredients from this food truck, open 11am to 3pm.
USD12, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Moab Giants Dinosaur Park

Explore life-size dinosaur replicas and interactive exhibits. Open 9am to 5pm daily.
USD25, 1h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Desert Bistro

Savor fine dining with southwestern flair at Desert Bistro, open 5pm to 9pm.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 3: Canyonlands National Park

Moab, Utah on October 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Eklecticafe

Grab a wholesome breakfast with organic options from 7am to 2pm.
USD15, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Canyonlands National Park

Explore the vast landscapes of Canyonlands, focusing on Island in the Sky district. Park hours are 7am to sunset, entrance fee applies.
USD30, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch picnic at Grand View Point

Enjoy a scenic packed lunch with views overlooking the canyonlands.
USD0, 1h0m

2:30pm

Drive to Capitol Reef National Park

Travel about 2.5 hours to Capitol Reef to explore the scenic drives and historic orchards.
USD0, 2h30m

5:30pm

Check in and Dinner at Capitol Reef Resort

Dine on local dishes with beautiful red rock views, resort dining opens at 5pm.
USD35, 1h30m
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Day 4: Capitol Reef Exploration

Torrey, Utah on October 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Capitol Reef Resort

Enjoy a hearty breakfast on-site with fresh ingredients, served from 7am.
USD15, 1h0m

8:30am

Explore Capitol Reef National Park

Hike the Hickman Bridge trail and visit the historic Fruita orchards. Park open 7am to sunset, entrance fee applies.
USD15, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Cafe Diablo

Relish southwestern fare and tacos, open 11am to 9pm.
USD20, 1h0m

1:30pm

Drive to Bryce Canyon National Park

Travel the 2.5-hour scenic drive to Bryce Canyon for evening viewpoints.
USD0, 2h30m

4:00pm

Sunset at Bryce Amphitheater

Watch the sunset light up Bryce Canyon’s famous hoodoos, park open until sunset, entrance fee applies.
USD35, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Bryce Canyon Lodge

Enjoy classic American fare in the historic lodge dining room, open until 8pm.
USD40, 1h0m
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Day 5: Bryce Canyon to Zion

Bryce Canyon to Zion National Park, Utah on October 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Bryce Canyon Lodge

Start early with a delicious lodge breakfast, served from 7am.
USD15, 1h0m

8:30am

Morning hike in Bryce Canyon

Explore the Queens Garden or Navajo Loop trail for stunning hoodoo formations.
USD0, 3h0m

12:00pm

Drive to Zion National Park

Head 1.5 hours south to Zion, preparing for afternoon exploration.
USD0, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Zion Canyon Brew Pub

Refuel with burgers and craft beer in Springdale, open noon to 9pm.
USD25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Ride Zion Shuttle and explore Scenic Drive

Use the free shuttle to access trailheads and scenic viewpoints; shuttle runs April to November.
USD0, 3h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Bit & Spur Restaurant & Saloon

Dine on southwestern cuisine with a cozy atmosphere, open 5pm to 9pm.
USD35, 1h30m
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Day 6: Zion Hiking Day

Zion National Park, Utah on October 6, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at Oscars Cafe

Fuel up early with hearty breakfast options open from 6am.
USD15, 1h0m

7:30am

Hike The Narrows

Experience one of Zion’s most iconic hikes through the Virgin River, shuttle access and permit required. Morning is best to avoid crowds.
USD0, 5h0m

1:00pm

Lunch in Springdale

Grab sandwiches or salads at Deep Creek Coffee Co, open 7am to 6pm.
USD15, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Emerald Pools Trail

Hike to beautiful pools and waterfalls, ideal for a relaxing afternoon stroll.
USD0, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Switchback Grille

Enjoy upscale steaks and southwestern dishes with excellent service, open till 9pm.
USD45, 1h30m
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Day 7: Return Home

Zion to Salt Lake City, Utah on October 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Deep Creek Coffee Co

Grab a quick coffee and pastry before departure, open from 7am.
USD10, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive back to Salt Lake City

Complete the approximately 4.5-hour drive north to Salt Lake City for your departure or onward travels.
USD0, 4h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Red Iguana (optional)

If time permits before your flight, enjoy one last meal of authentic Mexican food.
USD25, 1h0m
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