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Winter Road Trip from Las Vegas to Salt Lake City: A 1-Week December Itinerary

Viewed by 189 travelers

Day 1: Las Vegas to Zion National Park

Las Vegas, Nevada to Zion National Park, Utah on December 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Bagel Cafe

Enjoy a hearty breakfast to start your day with fresh-baked bagels and coffee. The cafe is open from 7:00am and offers a great selection for early travelers.
USD15, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Zion National Park

Set out on a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Zion National Park, a stunning winter wonderland in December with fewer crowds and beautiful snowy landscapes.
USD35 Park Entrance Fee, 2h30m

12:00pm

Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and Hiking

Explore Zion Canyon via the park shuttle; hike the easy Riverside Walk or opt for the more challenging Angels Landing if weather permits. Note the shuttle runs 8:00am-5:00pm.
Included in park fee, 3h

3:30pm

Lunch at Zion Lodge Red Rock Grill

Dine with views of the surrounding cliffs at the Red Rock Grill, offering seasonal dishes. Open 11:00am to 7:00pm.
USD25, 1h

5:00pm

Drive to Bryce Canyon City

Drive about 1.5 hours to Bryce Canyon City to rest for the night, ideal for starting early the next day.
Free drive, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Bryce Canyon Pines

Enjoy classic American comfort food in a cozy setting near Bryce Canyon National Park. Open until 9:00pm.
USD30, 1h
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Day 2: Bryce Canyon Exploration

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah on December 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bryce Canyon Coffee Co.

Start your day with good coffee and breakfast pastries at this local favorite open from 7:00am.
USD12, 1h

9:00am

Bryce Canyon National Park Scenic Drive

Drive the 18-mile scenic loop, stopping at viewpoints such as Sunrise Point and Inspiration Point to admire the hoodoos coated in snow for a magical winter scene.
USD35 Park Entrance (valid for 3 days), 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at the Lodge at Bryce Canyon

Grab lunch at the historic Bryce Canyon Lodge, which offers rustic dining with hearty dishes. Open 11:00am to 4:30pm in winter.
USD20, 1h

2:00pm

Snowshoeing or Winter Hike

Rent snowshoes nearby or join a guided winter hike to explore the quiet snowscape of Bryce Canyon. This activity depends on snow conditions but is rewarding in December.
USD25 for rental, 2h

5:00pm

Drive to Salt Lake City

In late afternoon, begin the roughly 4-hour drive north to Salt Lake City to avoid icy night roads where possible.
Free drive, 4h

9:30pm

Dinner at The Red Iguana

On arrival in Salt Lake City, enjoy flavorful Mexican cuisine at this popular restaurant known for its moles. Opens until 9:00pm - best to call ahead or dine early if you arrive earlier the next day.
USD30, 1h
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Day 3: Salt Lake City Culture

Salt Lake City, Utah on December 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Eva

Enjoy a cozy breakfast with creative dishes at Eva, open from 7:30am and a local favorite for fresh, seasonal ingredients.
USD18, 1h

9:30am

Temple Square Visit

Tour the famous Temple Square to see the historic Salt Lake Temple, visitor centers, and enjoy December holiday light displays. Open 9:00am to 9:00pm.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Lucky 13

Savor unique burgers and comfort food at this casual spot open 11:00am to 10:00pm, perfect for refueling midday.
USD20, 1h

1:30pm

Natural History Museum of Utah

Discover Utah's geology, dinosaur exhibits, and native cultures at this engaging museum. Open 10:00am to 5:00pm.
USD15, 2h

4:00pm

Explore City Creek Center

Stroll the downtown shopping center with festive holiday decorations and maybe some early gift shopping. Stores generally open until 9:00pm.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Valter's Osteria

Indulge in upscale Italian cuisine at this well-rated restaurant renowned for its elegant atmosphere. Reservations recommended. Open until 10:00pm.
USD45, 1h30m
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Day 4: Winter Outdoor Adventure

Salt Lake City, Utah on December 18, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at The Park Cafe

Fuel up early with hearty American breakfast in a cozy setting famous for comfort food. Open at 6:00am.
USD15, 1h

8:00am

Day Trip to Snowbird Ski Resort

Drive 45 minutes to Snowbird for a day of skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing in top winter conditions. Lifts run 9:00am to 4:00pm in December.
USD150 for lift ticket, 7h

4:30pm

Drive back to Salt Lake City

Return to the city for a relaxing evening after an active day.
Free drive, 45m

6:00pm

Dinner at Current Fish & Oyster

Enjoy fresh seafood and seasonal dishes in a stylish modern setting. Open until 10:00pm.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 5: Historic and Art Exploration

Salt Lake City, Utah on December 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Creekside Cafe

Relax with a peaceful breakfast by the creek, serving fresh and organic options. Open at 7:00am.
USD20, 1h

9:30am

Visit Utah Museum of Fine Arts

Explore diverse collections of contemporary and classic art. Open 10:00am to 5:00pm Tuesday through Saturday.
USD10, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana

Savor authentic Neapolitan pizza at this highly rated eatery open from 11:00am to 9:00pm.
USD18, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Capitol Hill & State Capitol Building

Take a guided tour of the beautifully restored Utah State Capitol and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Open 9:00am to 5:00pm weekdays.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Holiday Market Visit (Seasonal)

Browse the local holiday markets, featuring crafts, food, and gifts. Market hours vary but typically close by 8:00pm in December.
Free entry, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Pago

Dine at this farm-to-table restaurant emphasizing local ingredients and seasonal menus. Reservations recommended. Open until 9:00pm.
USD50, 1h30m
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Day 6: Relax and Indoor Fun

Salt Lake City, Utah on December 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ruth's Diner

Enjoy a classic diner breakfast in a historic silver mining town nearby, open from 7:00am.
USD18, 1h

9:30am

Visit Hogle Zoo or Tracy Aviary

Spend the morning indoors or in light winter conditions at Hogle Zoo (open 9:30am-4:30pm) or Tracy Aviary (open 9:00am-5:00pm). Both offer engaging experiences for animal lovers.
USD18 for zoo, USD12 for aviary, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Red Rock Brewery

Enjoy local brews paired with pub favorites at this popular spot open from 11:00am to 10:00pm.
USD20, 1h

2:30pm

Relax at Hotel or Visit the Utah Olympic Park (Indoor Museum)

Explore the Utah Olympic Park Museum in Park City (about 30 min away), open 9:00am to 6:00pm, or enjoy downtime at your hotel spa.
USD20 for museum, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Copper Onion

Finish your trip with contemporary American cuisine at this popular downtown restaurant open until 10:00pm.
USD45, 1h30m
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Day 7: Departure Day

Salt Lake City to Las Vegas on December 21, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Spitz

Grab a quick and healthy breakfast with Mediterranean flavors before your departure. Opens at 7:00am.
USD15, 1h

8:00am

Drive back to Las Vegas

Start your approximately 6-hour drive back south to Las Vegas, allowing stops as needed along the way.
Free drive, 6h

2:00pm

Lunch on the Road

Stop at Beaver, Utah for lunch at a local cafe such as Buckhorn Grill to break up the drive. Open 11:00am-4:00pm.
USD20, 1h
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