Utah National Parks Road Trip and Map

Utah is home to some of the most stunning national parks in the United States, often referred to as the “Mighty 5.” Here’s a suggested road trip itinerary that covers these incredible parks.

Utah National Parks Road Trip

• Fly to St. George Regional Airport (SGU)
• Zion National Park
• Bryce Canyon National Park
• Capitol Reef National Park
• Arches National Park
• Canyonlands National Park
• Fly home from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)

Map of Utah National Parks Road Trip

Best Time to Visit

• Spring (April-May): Mild temperatures, wildflowers
• Fall (September-October): Comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds
• Avoid summer if possible due to extreme heat and crowds

Travel Tips

• Purchase an America the Beautiful Pass ($80) for entry to all parks
• Book accommodations well in advance, especially in high season
• Carry plenty of water, sunscreen, and snacks
• Download offline maps as cell service is limited in many areas
• Consider staying in Moab when visiting Arches and Canyonlands

Suggested Itinerary (10-13 days)

Day 1: Arrival at St. George

• Fly into St. George Regional Airport (SGU). It’s the nearest airport to Zion National Park
• Pick up rental car
• Overnight in St. George
• Optional: Visit Snow Canyon State Park if time allows

Days 2-3: Zion National Park

• Drive to Springdale (~45 minutes from St. George)
• Use the park shuttle system during busy seasons
• Must-see attractions:
  1. Angels Landing hike (permit required)
  2. The Narrows (water shoes recommended)
  3. Emerald Pools
  4. Canyon Overlook Trail
• Overnight in Springdale

Days 4-5: Bryce Canyon National Park

• Drive from Zion to Bryce (~2 hours)
• Must-see attractions:
  1. Navajo Loop/Queen’s Garden combination trail
  2. Sunset Point and Sunrise Point
  3. Thor’s Hammer
  4. Rainbow Point scenic drive
• Stargazing opportunities (Dark Sky Park)
• Overnight in Bryce Canyon City or Tropic

Days 6-7: Capitol Reef National Park

• Drive from Bryce to Capitol Reef (~2.5 hours)
• Must-see attractions:
  1. Scenic Drive
  2. Hickman Bridge hike
  3. Cassidy Arch
  4. Fruita Historic District (try the fresh pie!)
  5. Petroglyph Panel
• Overnight in Torrey

Days 8-9: Arches National Park

• Drive from Capitol Reef to Moab (~2.5 hours)
• Must-see attractions:
  1. Delicate Arch (sunset hike)
  2. Devils Garden Trail
  3. Windows Section
  4. Park Avenue
  5. Landscape Arch
• Overnight in Moab

Days 10-11: Canyonlands National Park

• Short drive from Moab (~30 minutes to Island in the Sky district)
• Must-see attractions:
  1. Mesa Arch at sunrise
  2. Grand View Point
  3. Upheaval Dome
  4. White Rim Overlook
  5. Shafer Canyon Overlook
• Overnight in Moab

Day 12: Travel to Salt Lake City

• Drive from Moab to Salt Lake City (~4 hours)
• Optional stops:
  1. Dead Horse Point State Park
  2. Helper Mining Museum
  3. Price Prehistoric Museum
• Overnight in Salt Lake City

Day 13: Departure

• Fly home from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). It’s the closest international airport to Canyonlands National Park

Utah National Parks Road Trip Map

Utah National Parks Road Trip with Kids

Taking a Utah national parks road trip with kids is an awesome idea. The Mighty 5 parks are full of family-friendly adventures, and with the right planning, you can make it a fun and memorable experience for everyone. Here’s a kid-friendly itinerary:

Day 1-2: Zion National Park

• Riverside Walk (paved, stroller-friendly trail leading to the Narrows)
• Lower Emerald Pool Trail (easy 1.2-mile round trip)
• Zion Nature Center (ranger programs for kids)
• Ride the free shuttle through the scenic canyon

Day 3: Bryce Canyon National Park

• Rim Trail (partially paved with stunning viewpoints)
• Queens Garden Trail (easier portion of trails down among the hoodoos)
• Junior Ranger program
• Stargazing programs (Bryce has incredible dark skies)

Day 4-5: Capitol Reef National Park

• Fruita orchards (seasonal fruit picking)
• Petroglyph Panel viewing (short walk)
• Hickman Bridge (moderate 1.8-mile round trip)
• Historic Gifford Homestead (pioneer history and homemade pies!)

Day 6-7: Arches National Park

• Windows Section (short trails to spectacular arches)
• Sand Dune Arch (kids love playing in the sand)
• Double Arch (easy 0.5-mile round trip)
• Junior Ranger program

Day 8-9: Canyonlands National Park

• Island in the Sky district (most accessible with kids)
• Mesa Arch (easy 0.5-mile loop)
• Whale Rock (fun scramble for energetic kids)

Tips for Road Tripping with Kids:

• Plan for shorter driving days (max 3-4 hours)
• Visit parks in the early morning and late afternoon to avoid crowds and heat
• Pack plenty of water, snacks, sun protection, and first aid supplies
• Download offline maps, as cell service is limited in many areas
• Consider staying in towns like Springdale, Moab, or Torrey rather than moving every night
• Build in pool time at hotels for afternoon breaks
• Bring binoculars, field guides, and nature journals for kids

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