7 Day Utah Arizona Road Trip- Southwest National Parks Itinerary
When you think of an American Southwest road trip what comes to mind? My mind instantly goes too long stretches of highway surrounded by the beautiful desert landscape. America’s stunning natural beauty is on display all around you, and there is a feeling of pure freedom that can only come from being on a road trip with endless possibilities for adventure. Utah and Arizona contain some of the best and most unique views in all of North America, and a road trip is the best way to experience them. Plan a 7-day Utah and Arizona road trip from Las Vegas through National and State Parks unlike anywhere else. This week-long Southwest road trip itinerary will take you from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon, Moab, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Park. The itinerary below has a list of the best hikes, things to do, and places to stay near each of these National Parks and towns.
Map of Utah and Arizona National Parks Road Trip
The Utah Arizona road trip map above begins in Las Vegas and travels through the iconic sites of the Southwest. Travel from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon to watch the sunrise over the canyon. You will then travel to Page, Arizona to hike through Antelope Canyon and view Horseshoe Bend. You can take a detour through Monument Valley on your way to Moab to spend some time in the Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Finally, you will head back West through Bryce and Zion National Parks.
The whole 7-day trip will take over 1000 miles and 20 hours of driving, averaging around 1 to 5 hours of driving a day. This will leave you plenty of time to hike and sightsee at each stop. Rent a car or van from Las Vegas to make sure you can make your days flexible.
7 Day Arizona Utah Road Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon National Park
- Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Distance: 279 miles
- Drive Time: 4 hours 24 minutes
Begin your Southwest Road Trip heading from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon National Park. You will likely want to head to the South Rim which is more accessible and better for a short trip than the North Rim. On your way to the Grand Canyon, you will drive parallel or on the Historic Route 66 for sections leading up to Williams, Arizona. Williams is known as the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon.” It is the last major town before you take AZ-64 the rest of the way to the Grand Canyon.
The entrance fee for the Grand Canyon is $35 per vehicle, valid for 1 week. However, if you will be visiting more than three National Park in a year (and you will be visiting 5 on this itinerary!) it is worth it to buy the $80 America the Beautiful Pass which allows entry to all National Parks and Recreational Land for one year.
Most of the parking is near the Grand Canyon Visitor Center if you are not staying at one of the lodges near the Grand Canyon Village. There are a variety of bus routes to take you from the Village and Visitor Center to the trailheads along the South Rim and the nearby community of Tusayan which has hotels and places to eat if you are not staying inside the National Park.
Sunset and Sunrise Spots at the Grand Canyon
Depending on when you arrive at the Grand Canyon you can watch the sunset along the South Rim. If you arrive too late for sunset, you can also check out these places early in the morning to watch the sunrise over the Grand Canyon.
- Mather Point– This is the most popular place to watch the sunrise over the Grand Canyon. However, this place can get extremely crowded due to its proximity to the Visitor Center. If the actual point is crowded you can walk further along the South Rim Trail until you find a spot that catches your eye.
- Yavapai Point– There is a small parking area near Yavapai Point, but you can also hike a little over half a mile from Mather Point along the Rim Trail.
- Yaki Point– Yaki Point is another viewpoint for sunset or sunrise at the Grand Canyon. You will need to take the Kaibab Rim Shuttle Route from the Visitor Center to the overlook, which starts at 4:30 AM and runs until just after sunset.
- Hopi Point– Hopi Point is one of the overlooks on Hermit Road. In the winter you can drive your own car to the overlooks on Hermit Road. However, from March through November, there is a shuttle route you must take along the road.
Grand Canyon South Rim Day Hikes
The most obvious thing to do in the Grand Canyon is to go hiking! Walk along the rim or hike down partway into the canyon to see some of the best views in the US and take in the majesty of the canyon. Below are a few trails at the Grand Canyon’s South Rim.
- South Kaibab Trail– The South Kaibab Trail is one of the trails that leads from the Rim of the Grand Canyon down to the Colorado River. It is a full 6.7 miles and 4751 feet one way if you hike all the way to the Kaibab Suspension Bridge at the bottom of the canyon. However, you can also hike on the trail to a few popular turnaround points. The South Kaibab Trailhead is accessible from the Kaibab Rim shuttle route or from hiking along the Rim Trail to the trailhead.
- Ooh Aah Point– 1.8 miles, 684 feet
- Cedar Ridge– 2.8 miles, 1,102 feet
- Skeleton Point– 5.8 miles, 2027 feet
- Grand Canyon Rim Trail– The entire Rim Trail is 13 miles long, but many hike for just a short section to take in the magnificent views of the Grand Canyon. The Rim Trail is paved and allows leashed dogs.
- Bright Angel Trail– 15.3 miles, 4478 feet, Difficult– The Bright Angel Trail starts at the Grand Canyon Village and continues down to the bottom of the canyon. Like South Kaibab Trail you can hike just part of the trail and turn around. A popular route is to hike to the 1.5 Mile or 3 miles Resthouse.
- Shoshone Point Trail– 2.2 miles, 154 feet, Easy– This is a short, easy trail that leads to a fantastic view of the Grand Canyon with some picnic tables. There is some parking right near the trailhead right off Desert View Drive.
Other Things To Do in Grand Canyon South Rim
There is more to do in the Grand Canyon than hiking! Below are a few more things to do on the South Rim including places to see that you don’t want to miss!
- Hermit Road Viewpoints– Take the shuttle to more jaw-dropping views including Maricopa Point Powell Point, Mohave Point, and Pima Point. December through February you can drive your own car to these viewpoints.
- Bike Along Hermit Road– Don’t feel like hiking or taking the shuttle? You can rent a bike or eBike and bike along the 7 mile Hermit Road instead. You can bike one way and take the shuttle back. Rent your bike right next to the Visitor Center at Bright Angel Bicycles.
- Yavapai Museum of Geology– Located in Grand Canyon Village, Yavapai Geology Museum has large panoramic windows that allow you to look out and learn about the geology of the canyon.
- Desert View Watchtower– This 7 story watchtower is an icon of the Grand Canyon. The parking for the tower is just past the East Entrance to the park off Desert View Road. The upper levels of the tower are closed to the public but you can take in the views around the tower and visit the trading post and market nearby.
Where To Stay Near the Grand Canyon
Hotels Near the Grand Canyon
Camping Near the Grand Canyon
Day 2: Grand Canyon to Page, Arizona
- Grand Canyon to Page, Arizona Distance: 139 miles
- Drive Time: 2 hours 26 minutes
On the second day of your Utah and Arizona Road Trip, get up early to watch the sunrise at one of the great viewing locations along the Grand Canyon mentioned above. You can either spend more time at the Grand Canyon or head to Page Arizona to have more time to spend during your one day in Page.
To get to Page from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, head East on AZ-64 before continuing North on US-89 for a total of 139 miles. Page, Arizona is not a large town by any means, but what it lacks in size it makes up for by the sheer number of things to do and see in the area. This is one of the only days on your Southwest Road Trip not spent primarily in a National Park, but you will still see many iconic Southwest formations from slot canyons to the iconic Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell, you will not soon forget your day in Page.
Antelope Canyon
Upper Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon should be at the top of any itinerary for Page. There are two sections: Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon. Upper Antelope Canyon is the more well-known one and what many prioritize in a short time frame.
The Upper Antelope Canyon is located within Navajo Nation and access is only allowed with an authorized tour guide. Tour companies include Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours, Antelope Canyon Tours, and Adventurous Antelope Canyon Tours. Most tours are an hour and a half long, although some may be longer. Prices for a tour are typically around $100 per person (as of 2022). However, the price is well worth it to see and hike among the iconic wavy slots and gaze on the light beams that streak in.
Lower Antelope Canyon
If you want to see Antelope Canyon a little different or more adventurous way you can instead plan on visiting Lower Antelope Canyon. Much of the Lower Canyon still is part of the Navajo Nation and requires a guide. However, there is another less-known section that can only be accessed by a kayak or other small boat.
Kayaking into and then hiking the Lower Antelope Canyon is a great experience if you want to explore at your own pace with fewer crowds. In total transparency, the views are not known for being quite as iconic as the Upper Antelope Canyon, but it is still a beautiful and unique slot canyon! This is what we did upon visiting Page, and I don’t regret it one bit.
You are not required to book a tour guide for this, but it is still recommended if you are not experienced with the area and possible dangers. Lake Powell Adventure Company is one such tour company that will rent you the kayak and guide you through kayaking and hiking portion of the canyon. These tours do tend to be longer than the Upper Antelope Canyon tours (around 4 hours) so reserve ahead of time and plan accordingly.
Horseshoe Bend
On your way into Page from the Grand Canyon, you will drive right past Horseshoe Bend. Stop on your way in, or backtrack later in the day to witness this Southwest landmark. The parking lot is only 5 miles from Page so it is a quick drive from the town.
It is important to know that there is a $10 fee for the parking lot to help keep the trail and viewpoint clean and maintained. The trail to the bend is only a 0.7-mile hike on a wide, mostly paved path. There are even several small spots with overhangs if you need a short break. Despite the short distance you should still protect yourself from the sun and bring plenty of water since this trail is completely exposed to the elements.
While Horseshoe Bend is worth visiting at any time of day the best time will be sunrise or sunset. At sunset, the canyon will be going into the shade, and you can see the sunset to the West. At sunrise, it will still be cool out and the bend will slowly light up.
Other Things To Do in Page, Arizona
If you have a bit more time, there are many other things to do in Page Arizona.
- Lake Powell- Lake Powell was formed by the Glen Canyon Dam and there is any number of water activities you can participate in on the lake.
- Vermilion Cliffs National Monument– The Vermillion Cliffs are 40 miles from Page. The most famous trail here is The Wave, which requires a lottery to obtain permits. However, there are still plenty of other hikes and trails to see.
- Rimview Trail– The Page Rimview trail encircles much of the town of Page and is an easy 10-mile loop that you can hike, bike, or run around.
Read More: Best Things To Do with One Day in Page
Where to Stay Near Page
Hotels in Page, Arizona
Camping near Page, Arizona
Day 3: Page to Moab
- Page, Arizona to Moab, Utah Distance: 269 miles
- Drive Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Get an early start to the third day of your week-long Southwest road trip. Today you will head North from Arizona into the equally scenic Utah. The fastest route from Page to Moab is to head South on AZ-98 before taking US-160 and US-191 for the remainder of the drive.
However, if you can spare a few minutes, you can take a detour on US-163 to drive through Monument Valley. Monument Valley is located right on the Utah-Arizona border as part of the Navajo Nation. You may recognize this place from the iconic Forest Gump scene filmed right on US-163.
The 17-mile long Valley Drive is a dirt road with many overlooks that you can stop at and enjoy the scenery. There is a small fee to take the drive, and it takes 2 to 4 hours to complete. If you can’t make the drive, you can still get quite the view of the monuments along US-163 as you drive through.
Once you make it to Moab, Utah, you can spend your time adventuring around Moab or hiking nearby. If you only have time for one thing in the afternoon in Moab, I would recommend heading to Dead Horse Point State Park. Here you can hike part of the rim trail or just watch the sunset from the viewpoint.
You can also head straight to one of the National Parks. Read below for more things to do in Arches National Parks, Canyonlands National Park, and Moab.
Best Moab Hiking Trails
Moab is a hiker’s paradise. Some of the best trails are obviously within the nearby Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, but there are also plenty of other hikes to explore near Moab.
- Dead Horse State Park Rim Loop– 5 miles, 908 feet, Moderate- This may well be the best trail near Moab not in a National Park. Dead Horse State Park is 33 miles from Moab, not far from Canyonlands. The rim trail encircles the plateau of the park. You can also drive to the overlooks for views that rival any National Park.
- Corona and Bowtie Arch Trail– 2.4 miles, 482 feet, Moderate– This trail leads to two magnificent arches near Moab. This is slightly less crowded than some of the other arches within the National Park. Enjoy this arch at sunset for an especially beautiful view.
- Mill Creek Trail– 1.8 miles, 65 feet, Moderate– This trail is not far at all from Moab, a bit to the South of the town. This trail follows along Mill Creek through a canyon to a small waterfall and swimming hole.
Other Things To Do in Moab
If you’ve had enough hiking on your trip, Moab has endless other outdoor activities to explore. If you leave Page early in the morning, you should have just enough time to spend an afternoon experiencing one of these other things to do in Moab.
- Off-Roading Tour– There is so much great off-roading in Utah and the Southwest it would seem a shame not to experience it. Highpoint Hummer and Moab Tour Company are just two of the many companies in Moab that offer rentals and guided tours on 4WD vehicles.
- Mountain Biking– If two-wheel vehicles are more your speed, then instead go for a mountain bike ride on one of the many biking trails in Moab. Moab has everything from easy to extremely challenging mountain bike trails for whatever your skill level.
- Drive along the Colorado River– Utah State Route 128 goes along the Colorado River, starting near the entrance to Arches National Park. This 45-mile road is also known as the Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway. Drive part or all of this scenic drive and take in the red cliff walls and scenic desert views.
- Rafting– If you have had enough driving on your road trip, you can also experience the Colorado River by rafting down it! Moab Adventure Center has several trips from multiple days to half-day adventures. Red River Adventures also offers several rafting options.
Where to Stay Near Moab
Hotels in Moab
Camping Near Moab
Day 4: Arches & Canyonlands National Parks in One Day
- Moab to Arches Distance: 5 miles
- Arches to Canyonlands Distance: 26 miles
- Drive Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
The fourth day of your week-long Utah-Arizona Road Trip will be one of the busiest. You can either plan to spend one day in Arches National Park or Canyonlands National Park, or you can split your time and see both Arches and Canyonlands in one day.
To see both parks in one day, plan on starting at sunrise. Delicate Arch is one of the most popular trails, so if this is a must-see on your itinerary, plan on getting to the trailhead as soon as possible. Afterward, visit as many of the other trails on the list as you can before heading to Canyonlands.
Canyonlands National Park is less visited than Arches, but still quite popular, so be prepared to wait in a line to enter if you are visiting during a popular time of year. It is a 26-mile drive of scenic Utah land between the parks. Below are some of the best hikes in Canyonlands National Park to check out. You can also drive to a lot of overlooks in the park that don’t require much hiking including Orange Cliffs Overlook, Green River Overlook, and Shafer Canyon Overlook.
Read More: Canyonlands vs. Arches: One Day in Arches or Canyonlands National Parks
Best Hikes in Arches National Parks
Arches National Park is one of the most recognizable National Parks in Utah. It is full of great hiking trails that lead to amazing arches in the park. Below are some of the best hikes for just one day in Arches.
- Delicate Arch– 3.2 miles, 629 feet, Moderate– Delicate Arch is undoubtedly the most popular and iconic hike in Arches National Park. Hike Delicate Arch at sunrise to ensure you can get a parking spot and to see the beauty of the arch.
- Double Arch– 0.6 miles, 95 feet, Easy– You can’t miss Double Arch in Arches National Park. This is an easy trail to two of the biggest arches in the park. you can climb up between the two arches.
- Windows and Turret Arches Trail– 1.2 miles, 154 feet, Easy- In the same parking lot as Double Arch is the trailhead to Windows and Turret Arches. You can hike the entire loop or just the 0.5 miles to the arches.
- Sand Dune Arch– 0.3 miles, 108 feet, Easy– Sand Dune Arch is a quick hike to one of the most unique arches in the park.
- Landscape Arch– 1.9 miles, 252 feet, Easy- This is part of the much longer Devil’s Garden Trail, but if you are planning to visit both Arches and Canyonlands in one day, you will likely not have time to hike the entire trail. Instead, you can hike the 1 mile each way to Landscape Arch, the longest Arch in Arches National Park
Best Hikes in Canyonlands
Canyonlands has some of the best views near Moab. There are several sections of this National Park, but the area most people visit is Island of the Sky, a plateau overlooking the surrounding canyons. Check out some of the hikes in Canyonlands for great views.
- Mesa Arch– 0.7 miles, 88 feet, Easy– This is a great sunrise alternative to Delicate Arch if you want to start your day in Canyonlands instead of Arches.
- Grand Viewpoint Trail – 1.8 miles, 160 feet, Easy- This is easily one of the best hikes in Canyonlands. The entire trail has jaw-dropping views over the canyon.
- White Rim Overlook Trail– 1.8 miles, 160 feet, Easy- This trail leads to a gorgeous overlook of the canyon. There are also several day-use areas at the parking lot with picnic tables for a lunch spot.
Read More: Best Hikes in Canyonlands National Park
Where to Stay Near Canyonlands & Arches
If you are staying near Moab, you can stay in the same hotel or campground for two nights. In addition to the locations above, below are a few more campgrounds near Canyonlands and Arches.
Camping Near Canyonlands & Arches
- Willow Flat
- Devils Garden Campground
- Campgrounds along the Colorado River
Day 5: Moab to Bryce National Park
- Moab to Bryce Canyon Distance: 249 miles
- Drive Time: 4 hours 13 minutes
After your day in Moab, road trip over to Bryce Canyon National Park. This drive will take you a little over 4 hours to complete. Start early so you can maximize your one day in Bryce!
My recommendation would be to choose a hike inside the canyon and head straight there upon arriving. For a not too long or difficult hike with amazing views, I would strongly recommend the Queen’s Garden and Navajo Loop. If you are looking for a longer hike there are a few alternatives listed below.
After your hike, if you have time, you can drive down the 18-mile Scenic Drive and stop at the viewpoints that take your interest. Bryce is not a very big park, so this itinerary will let you see a lot of what the park has to offer in just one day.
Stay for sunset to watch the evening light make the orange and red hoodoos glow. Stay even longer to stargaze in this International Dark Sky Park. The stars will dazzle you, uninterrupted by any significant source of light nearby.
Read More: One Day in Bryce Canyon
Best Hikes in Bryce Canyon
Bryce is a park you absolutely must hike in. The hoodoos are beautiful to see from the viewpoints, but infinitely more impressive when you hike between them. Here are some of the best hikes to viewpoints and trails into the canyon.
- Navajo & Queens Garden Loop- 2.9 miles, 646 feet, Moderate- This loop begins at either Sunset or Sunrise Point and travels down into the canyon. This trail features an iconic Bryce photo spot of the switchbacks leading down into the canyon and a view of Thor’s Hammer.
- Peekaboo Loop– 5.3 miles, 1453 feet, Moderate– If you want a slightly longer hike, do the Peekaboo Loop. This starts at Bryce Point or Sunset Point. The trail ascends and descends several times and takes you through several tunnels in the rock so the views “Peekaboo” out at you.
- Fairyland Loop– 7.8 miles, 1545 feet, Moderate– Fairyland Loop is even longer than Peekaboo Loop, beginning at Fairyland Point or Sunrise Point. This trail descends into the canyon and follows along the rim for 8 miles total.
- Lower, Mid, & Upper Inspiration Points– 0.6 miles, 134 feet, Easy– It is a stretch to call the walk to these viewpoints a hike, but the path is quite steep. You can drive or take the shuttle to the drop-off for these three lookouts, each slightly higher than the next.
- Sunset to Sunrise Point– 1.1 miles, 82 feet, Easy– Only half a mile each way, this hike along the rim is an excellent option if you or your family members cannot hike and are limited to paved roads. There are also several benches along the rim that you can stop at and enjoy the view.
Scenic Drive in Bryce Canyon
After hiking, take a scenic drive down the length of Bryce. A shuttle will go as far as Bryce Point in the summer, but you will need your own vehicle to drive the entirety of the road. Below are a couple of the popular spots on the scenic drive.
- Sunrise & Sunset Point
- Inspiration Point
- Bryce Point
- Paria View
- Swamp Canyon
- Piracy Point
- Natural Bridge
- Agua Canyon
- Ponderosa Canyon
- Rainbow Point
Where to Stay Near Bryce
Hotels Near Bryce
Camping Near Bryce
Day 6: Bryce & Zion National Parks
- Bryce to Zion Distance: 72 miles
- Drive Time: 1 hours 19 minutes
This day on your Arizona Utah itinerary is light on driving and heavy on hiking. Get up early and complete any last hikes or views you want to see in Bryce before driving to Utah’s most popular National Park.
The drive from Zion to Bryce takes about an hour and a half and is a distance of 73 miles. You will enter Zion through the East Entrance, and travel through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, a one-mile tunnel through Zion’s canyon. After the tunnel, there is a series of steep switchback roads to drive down to reach the base of the canyon.
Spend the remainder of your day hiking in Zion! There is a shuttle that travels through the canyon to a series of shuttle stops with trailheads located off them. See below for some of the best trails in Zion Canyon to hike including Angel’s Landing, Canyon Overlook, and the Narrows. Choose one long hike or several small ones to trek on your first day in Zion. Alternatively, book a horseback riding tour or bike rental to travel through the canyon.
Read More: 2 Days in Zion National Park Itinerary
Best Trails in Zion Canyon
Zion is one of the best National Parks for hiking. There are so many great trails in Zion, below are just a few to consider during your two days in Zion.
- Angels Landing Trail– 4.4 miles, 1604, Difficult– Angel’s Landing is the most popular trail in Zion. Well known for its dangerous section at the summit that requires holding onto chains. Starting in 2022, this last section will require a lottery permit. Without a permit, you can still hike to the scenic Scout’s Landing lookout.
- Canyon Overlook Trail– 1.0 mile, 187, Moderate– This short hike has a great payoff with a lookout over Pine Creek Canyon and Zion Canyon.
- Riverside Walk– 1.9 miles, 193 feet, Easy– Riverside Walk is an easy paved path through the canyon, alongside the Virgin River.
- The Narrows– Varies, Difficult– The end of the Riverside Walk trail leads to steps down into the Narrows. This trail involves walking on the bed of the river, wading through the water. Unfortunately, it is not accessible all year round and must be hiked when the river is low and calm. Make sure to check conditions before you go, as flash floods are very dangerous and have the potential to kill unaware hikers.
- Watchman Trail– 3.1 miles, 1636 feet, Moderate– Watchman Trail leads to an overlook over Springfield. The trailhead is near the Watchman and South campgrounds, and it is a great hike for sunset.
- Observation Point via East Mesa Trail– 7 miles, 702 feet, Moderate– This is an alternative to Angel’s Landing if you want the views down the canyon similar to Angel’s Landing but without the terrifying chains section. 4WD or AWD is recommended to get to the trailhead.
- Lower Emerald Pools– 1.4 miles, 127 feet, Easy– This is another easy trail that leads to some pools that have small waterfalls during the rainy season.
Other Things to do in Zion
This is towards the end of your National Parks Road Trip, so your feet may be getting tired of hiking. In which case, check out one of the other things to do in Zion National Park!
- Horseback Riding in Zion Canyon– For a true Western experience, reserve a horseback riding tour through the canyon along the Virgin River.
- Zion Brew Pub– This is a great spot for lunch or dinner, right outside the park. You can have a beer and burger on the patio next to the river.
- Biking the Pa’rus Trail– You can rent a bike from Zion Outfitters or in Springdale and bike along the 3.5-mile Pa’rus trail that follows the Virgin River from the Visitor Center.
Where to Stay Near Zion
Hotels Near Zion
Camping Near Zion
Day 7: Zion to Las Vegas
- Zion to Las Vegas: 166 miles
- Drive Time: 2 hours 41 minutes
On the last day of your Utah Arizona Road Trip, you will head out from Zion back towards Las Vegas. This drive is 166 miles and takes around 2 hours and 40 minutes, so you will still have plenty of time to spend in Zion or checking out other sites on the way.
Begin your day by finishing up any last hikes you want to do in Zion. If you can get the permits, this would be a great day to hike Angel’s Landing. Start early and finish your trip strong with one of the best hikes in Utah!
There are several interesting stops between Zion and Las Vegas. Snow Canyon State Park and Valley of Fire State Park are two great stops to your itinerary and don’t add too much extra distance to the drive. Leave early to give yourself plenty of time in these State Parks.
Of course, you can also get back to Las Vegas early, and spend the day at the many restaurants, casinos, and attractions in this iconic US city. No matter how you spend it, make the most of the last day of your Southwest Road Trip!
Things to do Near Zion & Las Vegas
Zion and Las Vegas have many other scenic places between them or nearby, only requiring a slight detour. Stop by a few of these other beautiful, natural places on your road trip to Las Vegas.
- Snow Canyon State Park- The beauty of Utah is not just limited to its National Parks. Utah’s state parks are a sight to see as well and Snow Canyon is one of the best. Snow Canyon is only an hour from Zion, making it a great last stop on your Southwest National Parks Road Trip. Admire the steep canyon walls and hike, climb, or ride on the many trails and slot canyons in the park.
- Kolob Canyon– While technically still part of Zion National Park, the Kolob Canyons are a much less visited portion of the park. It is a 43-mile drive to get to this portion of the park from the main entrance, but well worth your time. The hikes here and nearby offer some amazing canyon views.
- Valley of Fire State Park- The Valley of Fire State Park has some of the best views in all of Nevada. This State Park is only a short detour from the route from Zion back to Las Vegas. Some of the best trails include White Domes Trail and Fire Wave Trail.
Alternative Itinerary- 5 Day Utah Arizona Road Trip
If you have less time you can still see a lot with only 5 days in the Southwest. Plan of leaving from Las Vegas and visiting the Grand Canyon, Bryce, and Zion on this week-long road trip. This shortened itinerary gives you one day in the Grand Canyon, and two in both Bryce and Zion. You can also make a quick stopover in Page
- Day 1: Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon
- Day 2: Grand Canyon to Bryce Canyon
- Day 3: Bryce Canyon National Park
- Day 4: Bryce Canyon to Zion National Park
- Day 5: Zion National Park back to Las Vegas
Alternative Itinerary 2: 5 Day Utah National Parks Road Trip
Another option for just a 5-day trip is to road trip to all of Utah’s “Mighty 5” National Parks. You will see so much of Utah’s beauty and be able to make a second trip to visit Arizona. See below for a week-long Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary:
- Day 1: Visit Canyonlands & Arches National Parks
- Day 2: Moab to Capitol Reef National Park
- Day 3: Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon
- Day 4: Bryce Canyon & Zion National Parks
- Day 5: Zion National Park to Las Vegas
Tips for Planning a Utah-Arizona National Parks Road Trip
- Download your maps ahead of time or print them off. There is not much service in or between many of the Southwest National Parks.
- Stay updated to park conditions! Each National Parks website has up-to-date information on trail closings, park facilities, and health and weather warnings.
- Make your reservations ahead of time! These National Parks are popular tourist destinations, so expect accommodations to book early, especially during the late spring, summer, and fall. Most campsites take reservations 6 months in advance.
- Leave No Trace! This is essential when hiking in any wilderness area, but it is especially important in National Parks, which are some of the most heavily trafficked hikes in the United States. Wandering off-trail can also harm delicate desert landscapes that can take many years to grow back. Carving or vandalizing rock is becoming increasingly common, and should not be done under any circumstance. Behavior like this leads to increasing restrictions of national land and damages the landscape in ways that cannot be undone, destroying centuries-old formations.
- Enter the park early in the morning! This is a jam-packed itinerary and entering the National Parks early will allow you to see and do as much as possible. Entering at or before sunrise is also a great way to beat the crowds and enjoy nature in relative solitude, a rarity in some National Parks.
How Many Days for a Southwest Road Trip?
You may be wondering- How long should I plan for a Southwest National Parks Road Trip?
I would recommend at least a 5-day or 7-day itinerary for your Utah and Arizona road trip, but stay longer if you can! Of course, if you only have a long weekend, you can still make a quick journey to one or two of these parks and have a great time. No matter how long you spend, you are sure to want to come back for more!
Read More: Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks
When to Road Trip to Utah and Arizona
Spring and Fall are the best time to visit Utah and Arizona if you are wanting the best weather. In Fall and Spring, the temperatures average in the 50s to 80s, with some variation depending on elevation. Because the weather is good at this time, you can expect large crowds during these times as well.
A winter road trip through the Southwest will be cold, but you will also have more solitude than other times of the year. Some parks may have areas closed based on snow, so make sure to check park conditions regularly if you visit in winter.
Summer in Utah and Arizona is hot with temperatures exceeding over 100 degrees! The National Parks can also get crowded since kids are out of school for summer. If you visit in summer, be prepared for the sun and heat with lots of water and knowledge of how to avoid heatstroke!
Arizona & Utah National Parks Packing List
Below see my packing list for a Utah and Arizona Road Trip! The weather can change in an instant in the desert, and you’ll want to make sure to have clothes and equipment for all-weather, so pack properly.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
- Water- Water is your best friend in the desert! Make sure to bring enough and then some for your group.
- Snacks– If you will be hiking all day and burning a lot of calories, make sure to bring some protein-packed snacks and lunch as well.
- Sunscreen– It is always a good idea to use sunscreen to block the harsh sun!
- Sun Shielding Hat– My hat is my favorite hiking gear. A wide-brimmed hat will help keep the sun off you.
- Winter Hat- Morning can be cold in the desert at any time of year. A knit hat is great to have in your bag for early mornings or windy days.
- Moisture-Wicking Shirts– Any shirt will do, but the best hiking shirts are made of natural or synthetic moisture-wicking material that is breathable and dries quickly.
- Athletic Shorts/Pants– I personally tend to wear hiking leggings more than shorts. If you are hiking in the winter, Carhartt makes great thick women’s leggings.
- Lighter Jacket or Wind Jacket– Layering is always a good idea when hiking, and I put a spare windbreaker or light jacket in my backpack in case the wind picks up.
- Winter Coat– This may depend on the time of year you go, but I was glad to have my puffy coat when waiting for sunrise at the Grand Canyon and Bryce, even in late March.
- Hiking Boots or Trail Runner– Hiking boots help keep your footing on rock and reduce the impact on your feet.
- Hiking Socks– Also, bring good socks to reduce the risk of blisters!
- Backpack– A good daypack can make your hike so much more enjoyable. Properly distributing weight can ease your trip and allow you to bring all the essentials above!
- Headlamp– If you are going to be camping or hiking for sunrise, be sure to bring a headlamp and batteries.
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