Utah National Parks Road Journey and Chart: Travel through the magnificent Utah national parks, including Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion, with this detailed road map as your guide.

Utah National Parks Road Journey and Chart: Travel through the magnificent Utah national parks, including Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion, with this detailed road map as your guide.

Exploring Utah's Stunning National Parks: A Road Trip Itinerary

With its breathtaking landscapes and unique attractions, Utah is home to the "Mighty 5" national parks—Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands. To help you plan your journey, we've put together a suggested road trip itinerary that covers these natural wonders.

Utah National Parks Road Trip

Start your adventure by flying into St. George Regional Airport (SGU), the nearest airport to Zion National Park. Pick up a rental car and spend your first night in St. George. If time allows, visit Snow Canyon State Park.

Day 2: Discover Zion

Travel from St. George to Springdale (approximately 45 minutes) and prepare to be amazed by this incredible park. Use the park shuttle system during busy seasons, and don't miss attractions such as the Angels Landing hike (permit required), The Narrows, Emerald Pools, and Canyon Overlook Trail.Overnight in Springdale.

Day 3: Bryce Canyon National Park

Begin the drive from Zion to Bryce (around 2 hours) and be captivated by the striking hoodoos. Recommended must-see attractions include the Navajo Loop/Queen's Garden combination trail, Sunset Point and Sunrise Point, Thor's Hammer, and Rainbow Point scenic drive. Overnight in Bryce Canyon City or Tropic.

Day 4: Capitol Reef National Park

Drive from Bryce to Capitol Reef (approximately 2.5 hours) and immerse yourself in the park's unique beauty. Don't miss scenic drives, the Hickman Bridge hike, Cassidy Arch, Fruita Historic District (try the fresh pie!), and the Petroglyph Panel. Overnight in Torrey.

Day 5: Arches National Park

Journey from Capitol Reef to Moab (around 2.5 hours) and prepare for an unforgettable experience at Arches National Park. Must-see attractions include Delicate Arch (sunset hike), Devils Garden Trail, the Windows Section, Park Avenue, and Landscape Arch. Overnight in Moab.

Day 6: Canyonlands National Park - Island in the Sky District

Just Half an hour drive from Moab, explore Island in the Sky district—one of the most accessible areas of Canyonlands National Park with Mesa Arch at sunrise, Grand View Point, Upheaval Dome, White Rim Overlook, and Shafer Canyon Overlook. Overnight in Moab.

Day 7: Return to Salt Lake City

Drive from Moab to Salt Lake City (approximately 4 hours). En route, you might stop at Dead Horse Point State Park, Helper Mining Museum, or Price Prehistoric Museum. Overnight in Salt Lake City.

Day 8: Departure

Fly home from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). This airport is the closest international airport to Canyonlands National Park.

Tips for Visiting Utah National Parks

• Buy an America the Beautiful Pass ($80) for entry to all parks.
• Book accommodations well in advance, especially during high season.
• Always 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.

The best time to visit Utah's national parks is during spring (April-May) for mild temperatures and wildflowers or fall (September-October) for comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer should be avoided due to extreme heat and crowds.

Visiting with Kids

Exploring Utah's national parks with kids is a great idea, as each park offers family-friendly adventures. Enjoy activities such as the Riverside Walk (paved, stroller-friendly trail leading to the Narrows) and the Junior Ranger programs in Zion National Park.

Stay tuned for more articles on Utah national parks and road trips!

[1] Bryce Canyon National Park[2] Zion National Park[3] Arches National Park[4] Canyonlands National Park[5] Capitol Reef National Park

1. Utah is home to the "Mighty 5" national parks, which include Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands.
2. To start your road trip, you can fly into St. George Regional Airport (SGU), the nearest airport to Zion National Park.
3. For your first night, consider staying in St. George and if possible, visit Snow Canyon State Park.
4. On Day 2, travel from St. George to Springdale (approximately 45 minutes) and explore the amazing attractions in Zion National Park like Angels Landing hike, The Narrows, Emerald Pools, and Canyon Overlook Trail.
5. Heading towards Bryce Canyon National Park from Zion on Day 3 will astound you with its striking hoodoos. Attractions like Navajo Loop/Queen's Garden combination trail, Sunset Point, Sunrise Point, Thor's Hammer, and Rainbow Point scenic drive are must-sees.
6. On Day 4, venture into Capitol Reef National Park, known for its unique beauty. Scenic drives, Hickman Bridge hike, Cassidy Arch, Fruita Historic District, and the Petroglyph Panel should not be missed.
7. Journey to Arches National Park on Day 5, where Delicate Arch (sunset hike), Devils Garden Trail, the Windows Section, Park Avenue, and Landscape Arch await you.
8. On Day 6, explore the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park, which can be reached in half an hour from Moab, featuring attractions like Mesa Arch at sunrise, Grand View Point, Upheaval Dome, White Rim Overlook, and Shafer Canyon Overlook.
9. On Day 7, drive from Moab to Salt Lake City (approximately 4 hours) and en route, you might choose to stop at Dead Horse Point State Park, Helper Mining Museum, or Price Prehistoric Museum.
10. On Day 8, fly home from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), which is the closest international airport to Canyonlands National Park.
11. Consider buying an America the Beautiful Pass ($80) for entry to all parks before your trip.
12. Book accommodations well in advance, especially during high season and always carry plenty of water, sunscreen, and snacks for your adventures.
13. Utilize offline maps since cell service might be limited in many areas, and consider staying in Moab when visiting Arches and Canyonlands for convenience. The best time to visit Utah's national parks is during spring (April-May) or fall (September-October), while summer should be avoided due to extreme heat and crowds.

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