The Ultimate Utah Road Trip in 1 Week
Discover the Best of Utah in Just 7 Days
Utah is one of the most diverse and visually stunning states in the country. With five national parks, countless state parks, and scenic byways, it’s a dream for road trippers. This 7-day itinerary highlights the must-see spots across southern and central Utah, mixing iconic landscapes with a few off-the-beaten-path adventures.
Day-by-Day Itinerary Overview
Here’s how to make the most of one unforgettable week in Utah:
Day 1: Salt Lake City to Moab
Highlights: Arches National Park, Downtown Moab
Drive time: ~4 hours
Start in Salt Lake City and drive southeast toward Moab.
Stop at viewpoints along Highway 191.
Spend your afternoon hiking to Delicate Arch or exploring the Windows Section.
Grab dinner in Moab and get ready for an early start tomorrow.
Day 2: Canyonlands & Dead Horse Point
Highlights: Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park
Start with Mesa Arch at sunrise in Canyonlands (Island in the Sky district).
Drive to Dead Horse Point for panoramic views of the Colorado River.
Hike or bike if you’re feeling adventurous.
Return to Moab for a second night.
Day 3: Moab to Capitol Reef via Scenic Byway 24
Highlights: Goblin Valley State Park, Capitol Reef National Park
Drive time: ~3.5 hours
Detour to Goblin Valley and hike among the unique hoodoos.
Continue on to Capitol Reef—often the most underrated of the “Mighty 5.”
Enjoy petroglyphs, orchards, and the scenic drive through the park.
Stay overnight in Torrey, UT.
Day 4: Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon
Highlights: Scenic Byway 12, Grand Staircase-Escalante
Drive time: ~2.5–3 hours
Take the incredibly scenic Route 12—one of the most beautiful drives in the U.S.
Stop at the Escalante Petrified Forest or Calf Creek Falls.
Reach Bryce Canyon by evening and catch sunset at Sunset Point.
Overnight in Bryce or nearby Tropic.
Day 5: Bryce Canyon to Zion National Park
Highlights: Bryce Amphitheater, Zion’s East Entrance
Start the day with a hike through Navajo Loop or Queen’s Garden.
Drive ~2 hours to Zion via Highway 89 and Mt. Carmel Tunnel.
Arrive in Springdale and take the shuttle into Zion Canyon.
Overnight in Springdale.
Day 6: Explore Zion National Park
Highlights: Angels Landing, Emerald Pools, Riverside Walk
Get an early start if you plan to hike Angels Landing (permit required).
Explore other trails like Emerald Pools or Observation Point.
Cool off in the Virgin River.
Spend another night in Springdale.
Day 7: Zion to Salt Lake City (or Las Vegas)
Options:
Return to Salt Lake City (~4.5 hours).
Or end your trip in Las Vegas (~2.5 hours from Zion).
Stop at Kolob Canyons or Cedar Breaks if you have extra time.
Road Trip Tips for Utah Travelers
Timing: Spring and fall offer the best weather with fewer crowds.
Passes: Get the America the Beautiful Pass for access to all national parks.
Packing: Bring layers—temps vary widely between parks and elevations.
Water: Always carry extra water, especially when hiking in the desert.
Fuel Up: Some stretches have limited gas stations—plan accordingly.
Must-Have Stops Along the Way
Arches: Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch
Canyonlands: Mesa Arch, Grand View Point
Capitol Reef: Scenic Drive, Gifford House
Bryce: Bryce Amphitheater, Inspiration Point
Zion: Angels Landing, The Narrows
FAQs
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Yes, this itinerary covers all five of Utah’s “Mighty 5” with enough time for highlights at each.
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Most roads are accessible with a standard vehicle, but check for conditions if you plan to go off-road.
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Absolutely! Utah has abundant campgrounds, BLM land, and RV spots.
Why Choose a Utah Road Trip?
Utah delivers unmatched natural variety—from red rock arches to alpine forests, canyons to hoodoos. With easy-to-navigate roads, tons of public land, and small-town hospitality, a road trip here is one of the most rewarding travel experiences in the U.S.