7-Day Utah National Parks Road Trip

The complete itinerary to hit all five Utah national parks in one week. Optimized routes, permit tips, where to stay, and daily hike recommendations.

The Route Overview

The classic Utah National Parks loop runs approximately 740 miles starting and ending in Las Vegas (most convenient airport) or Salt Lake City. The optimal order — minimizing backtracking — is: Zion → Bryce Canyon → Capitol Reef → Arches/Canyonlands → back.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1–2: Zion National Park

Arrive via St. George or Las Vegas. Stay in Springdale (gateway town — walkable to the park entrance). Day 1: Canyon Overlook Trail + Emerald Pools. Day 2: The Narrows or Angels Landing (if you have the permit). Book the Zion Lodge or Canyon Ranch Motel for best walkability.

Day 3: Bryce Canyon National Park

2.5-hour drive from Zion. Arrive early for sunrise at Bryce Point — nothing compares. Hike the Navajo Loop + Queen’s Garden combo (2.9 miles, moderate). Descend into the hoodoos. Stay in Bryce Canyon City or Tropic.

Day 4: Capitol Reef National Park

2-hour drive from Bryce. Capitol Reef is Utah’s most underrated park — no shuttles, no permit queues, stunning scenery. Hike the Cassidy Arch Trail and stop at the historic Fruita orchards (free fruit in season). Stay in Torrey.

Day 5–6: Arches + Canyonlands

3.5-hour drive to Moab. Day 5: Arches National Park — Delicate Arch hike (3 mi RT) at sunset is iconic. Reserve your timed entry permit at recreation.gov. Day 6: Canyonlands Island in the Sky — Mesa Arch at sunrise, then the Grand View overlook. Stay in Moab both nights.

Day 7: Return

From Moab: 3.5 hours to Salt Lake City, or 4.5 hours back to Las Vegas via I-15. Consider a stop at Goblin Valley State Park (2 hours from Moab) if routing through central Utah.

Permits to Book in Advance