Red rock arches silhouetted against a bluebird sky. Mighty rivers winding their way through steep canyons. Aspen leaves quaking in a mountain breeze. This is Utah, where public lands comprise 70% of the state. It’s a nature lover’s dream with plenty of space to find solitude and soak in the quiet beauty of the desert and mountains. On this route, you’ll explore Utah’s Mighty 5 and the Grand Canyon along with countless national monuments, state parks and other public lands in between.
This road trip takes you from the capital of Salt Lake City to the red rock country near Moab, where Arches and Canyonlands national parks display some of the most stunning rock formations and incredible whitewater in the West. Continuing south into Arizona, drive through the Navajo Nation and Hopi Reservation to learn more about whose homelands you’re recreating on. Visit the Grand Canyon’s less-crowded North Rim before heading back into Utah to explore stunning views in Zion and Bryce Canyon national parks, and natural beauty in Cedar Breaks National Monument. Finally, head north towards Torrey, Utah, to check Capitol Reef, the final of the state’s national parks, off your bucket list. Between the ochre-colored rock, the impossibly blue skies and the snowcapped peaks, you won’t be able to take your eyes off the view.
Take the Under Canvas Glamping Version of this Trip
Want to go on a similar road trip but would rather cozy up in safari-inspired tents every night? Try this Southwest national park glamping road trip instead.
Road Trip Map
Before You Go
Download the GuideAlong App
Enjoy the freedom of driving your own car while traveling with an entertaining guide that doesn’t take up space. Find driving tours for Arches, Canyonlands, Zion, Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. Learn more at guidealong.com.
Start: Salt Lake City, Utah
The New Salt Lake
Discover an eclectic ecosystem that involves unique coffee houses, artisan cocktails and a short hike that gives you fantastic views of the city.
Stay in Your Home Away From Home in Park City
Stay in a beautifully appointed vacation rental on your way to the parks.
Arches and Canyonlands National Parks
Start in Moab, home to two of Utah’s coolest national parks, Arches (don’t forget, you’ll need a timed entry permit April through October) and Canyonlands plus Dead Horse Point State Park. Gaze up at huge natural arches, wind your way through canyons and gaze up at the stunning night skies.
Moab’s Top 7 Things to Do with Family
With so many things to do in Moab, choose among our favorite seven things to do with family including a boat tour with Canyonlands by Night & Day and seeing life-sized dinosaurs at Moab Giants.
Take a Guided Mountain Bike or Rafting Trip in Canyonlands National Park
Mountain bike through stunning canyon country and raft some of the nation’s biggest whitewater on a combination ride and raft trip with Holiday River Expeditions.
Push Your Limits
Check out these three heart-pounding adventures in Arches and Canyonlands national parks.
Raft the Desert West’s Best River Stretches with OARS
Read these tips to incredible rafting trips for families, thrill seekers and those just looking for relaxation amid some of the country’s best scenery in Utah and Colorado.
Top 4 Campgrounds in Moab
These campgrounds by Sun RV Resorts offer extraordinary amenities, including pools, dog parks, cabins and more near two of Utah’s national parks, Arches and Canyonlands.
Monument Valley, Navajo Nation and Hopi Nation
An iconic stretch of land, Monument Valley is part of the Navajo Nation and home to the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. This drive has been called the most scenic in America by many and it’s no wonder why.
Catch a Rare Glimpse Into Hopi Culture on a Day Tour
People have been living in Old Oraibi for nearly 1,000 years. Tour this ancient village as well as other significant Hopi sites, and conveniently stay at the Moenkopi Legacy Inn.
Grand Canyon National Park
North Rim vs. South Rim
From Tuba City, Arizona choose to visit the Grand Canyon’s North or South Rim. What’s the difference? A 277-mile-long (446 km) canyon separates the national park. The South Rim is far more popular than the quiet North Rim. It’s more developed with multiple hotels, restaurants and campgrounds. It’s just 60-miles from Tuba City to the Desert View East Entrance near Cameron. The North Rim gets far fewer visitors each year, is home to just one hotel and is closed from November to May every year because of snow. The North Rim is 150-miles from Tuba City, but brings you closer to your next stop on this road trip.
Best North Rim Viewpoints
Check out these iconic spots for gorgeous sunrises, sunsets and photo ops.
Our Favorite North Rim Day Hikes
Hit the trails on these hikes that leave from Grand Canyon’s less-crowded rim.
Kanab is Utah’s Best Kept Secret
Four Best Things to Do in Kanab
Base out of Kanab, Utah to enjoy magical landscapes, fantastic food and local charm on the doorstep of Zion, Bryce Canyon and Grand Canyon national parks.
White Pocket vs. The Wave
Most travelers have heard of “The Wave” but are unaware of the surrounding canyons that are just as jaw-dropping, like White Pocket. Find out which one to visit.
Best Southwest National Park Photography Itinerary for Bryce Canyon, Zion and Grand Canyon
From sunrise to sunset to the Milky Way, capture incredible photos of Utah and Arizona’s national parks.
Zion National Park
Head to Utah’s most popular national park, Zion. From towering canyon walls to pretty waterfalls and adrenaline-inducing hikes, there’s a reason why so many visitors flock to this park. Find out how to avoid the crowds.
10 Things to Do in Zion National Park
This gorgeous national park offers breathtaking views, lodging and great educational stops. Here are our top 10.
Adrenaline-Fueled Zion Adventures
Looking to physically challenge yourself and find world-class adventure in Utah’s most popular park? Here are four of our favorite ways to spend an active day in Zion.
Cedar Breaks National Monument
Not only is this national park site considerably less crowded than its nearby sister national parks, it’s also filled with an incredible array of vibrant wildflowers.
Elevate Your Experience in Cedar City and Brian Head
While southwest Utah is known for its amazing red-rock landscapes, there’s a pocket of mountains topped by aspens, wildflowers and pine trees. Here are five reasons to visit the Cedar City area.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Compared to Utah’s other national parks, Bryce Canyon feels like a totally different world. For one, its mesmerizing hoodoos ranging from white to pink to red feel like you might just be on Mars. For another, the canyon’s rim sits at between 8,000 and 9,000 feet in elevation, making it cooler and allowing pine and spruce forests to flourish.
Find Wonder Along Scenic Byway 12
Experience an uncrowded national monument, state parks and more near these little towns along Highway 12 connecting Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks.
Catch up with the Cosmos at Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon
Situated along Scenic Byway 12, Clear Sky Resorts offers unique luxury glamping from you own glass Sky Dome, perfect for stargazing in comfort. By day, explore the wondrous hoodoos of nearby Bryce Canyon National Park.
Capitol Reef National Park
A diversity of landscape like no other in Utah, Capitol Reef National Park and the surrounding area has red rock formations, arches, plateaus, meadows, forests, lush green valleys and astounding deserts.
Remote Beauty in Utah’s Capitol Reef Country
Take in Utah’s stunning color palette in and around Capitol Reef National Park. But the national park is just the beginning of what this scenic part of Utah has to offer.
Great Basin National Park
Just over the Utah border, visit Nevada’s Great Basin National Park, where you can explore the inside of the Earth and the top of a 13,000-foot peak on the same day.
Silver State Stopover at Great Basin National Park
In the Great Basin National Heritage Area, you’ll find Nevada’s only national park and surprising history.
End: Salt Lake City, Utah
Make Your National Park Memories Last
Commemorate your favorite trails, most exciting wildlife encounters and million-dollar views with a hand-illustrated Xplorer Map of your favorite park on coffee mugs, coasters, neck gaiters to keep you warm on your next adventure and even jigsaw puzzles.