1 Week Utah road trip
Driving a Utah National Parks road trip have always been high on my bucket list. There’s just something about the towering slabs of red rock, the narrow slot canyons, and the shimmering orange arches that fascinate me.
There are so many beautiful places to see in Utah. The best way to explore this state is by going on an Utah road trip. Plus there are some unique Airbnbs in Utah that you’ll want to drive to just so you can experience this epic stay.
For the purpose of this article we’ll start from in southern Utah and work our way up north. If you’re coming from the north just reverse the order.
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the ultimate utah road trip in 1 week
utah national parks itinerary
WARNING: PREPARE FOR LOTS OF HIKING
- 2 Days : Zion National Park
- 1 Day: Bryce Canyon
- 2 Days: Capitol Reef/ Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
- 2 Days: Arches/Moab
Day 1: Hike Angel’s Landing
Hike Angels Landing or Observation Point as each give extraordinary views of the canyon. Angels Landing takes a little more courage as the last half mile is narrow and has 1,000 foot drop offs on each side. There are chains to grab a hold of that provide support for you ascent but be warned that there are only one set of chains, hikers coming down and going up use the same ones so on a busy day it becomes a little more hectic as you maneuver around each other.
If Angels Landing doesn’t sound like your cup of tea then Observation Point trail will provide you the same views, if not better as it is 500 feet higher in elevation and you look down on Angels Landing. Both Zion hikes are strenuous and require 4-6 hours to complete.
You’ll be beat after one of these hikes so hop on the free park shuttle and enjoy the scenic tour of the park. It takes about 40 minutes and you can sight see and rest your tired legs. Hop off at the Zion Lodge to grab some lunch or a victory beer.
Enjoy dinner and your hotel after a successful and tiring day of hiking.
ZION NATIONAL PARK TRAVEL GUIDES:
The Best Places to Stay in Zion
How to Spend 2 Days in Zion National Park
The Best Hikes of Zion National Park
The Best Airbnbs in St. George, Utah
Day 2 on the Utah Road Trip
Hike the Narrows, this trail requires you to get wet as you’ll be hiking through the river most of the time. The park recommends that you use water shoes (there are places to rent them) but I did it in an old pair of sneakers and I was fine.
The trail is in total 12 miles one way and you can go as far or as little as you want. The farther you go, the thinner the crowds get. It’s definitely an experience you shouldn’t pass up.
Depending on how long you spent hiking the Narrows will determine if you have time for another hike. I personally spent most of the day (7 hours) romping around the Narrows and didn’t leave myself much time for anything else. If you only dabbled in the Narrows you’ll have time for another easy hike such as Emerald Pools, Weeping Rock, or Canyon Overlook.
If you wore yourself out, enjoy dinner in Springdale and get to bed early as you’ll want an early start as you drive to Bryce Canyon.
Day 3 of the Utah Road Trip
Arrive in Bryce Canyon in the morning as it only takes a little over an hour to travel from Zion. Take in the views from Sunset and Sunrise Points and began your decent down into the canyon. Hike down Queens Garden Trail and up the Navajo Loop Trail to get up and close with the hoodoos and to get a real feel of the canyon. The looped trails take about 3 hours and is only gets difficult when your ascending out of the canyon but overall is a easy hike.
Jump in your car and drive to the end of the scenic road and enjoy a picnic at Yovimpa or Rainbow Point. On your way back stop at all the view points along side the road like Natural Bridge, Paria, Inspiration and Bryce points as they’ll all be on the right side of the road. Once you feel satisfied with Bryce head up to Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (GSENM) and base yourself out of Escalante.
Day 4 in utah
Pack a lunch and get an early start. Hike Lower Calf Creek Falls, an easy 5.5 miles round trip that ends at a 126-foot-high waterfall where you can enjoy your lunch. In the afternoon head to Dry Fork of Coyote Gulch to experience some slot canyons.
Peek-a-boo, Spooky, or Dry Creek are all relatively assessable and you can explore all of them or just one. Or take a drive to Hell’s Backbone to get see some outstanding vistas. Grab dinner in Escalante and get some rest as you’ll have a long day of driving and sight seeing on your Utah road trip.
Day 5 of the utah road trip
Day 6
Explore Arches National Park, the drive through the park is beautiful with plenty of places to pull over, stretch your legs on the path and get some good photos. Hike Delicate Arch, it may be crowded but well worth the hike.
Relax in the town of Moab for the evening, grab some beer (as you deserve it) at the Moab brewery and find a place for dinner that is desirable to your tastebuds.
Day 7 Explore Moab
This is your final day on the Utah road trip intinerary and your FREE day of hiking! Rent a RZR or a mountain bike to get your adrenalin rush in and explore the desert from a different perspective.
Extra Days on this utah road trip itinerary
If you have more time to explore Utah I would spend some time in Lake Powell and check out Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe bend.
READ NEXT: Southern Utah Road Trip
where to stay in Utah
ZION Lodging
Zion Park Motel
The Zion Park Motel is located 1 mile away from Zion National Park and 300 feet from the free Zion shuttle this motel has an outdoor swimming pool and barbecue facilities. Prices start at $114 a night.
Flanigan’s Inn
Flanigan’s has amazing views, an outdoor pool, bar on site, plus breakfast is good and cheap. Prices start at $239 a night.
Spring Hill Suites by Marriott
Top Pick
The SpringHill Suites by Marriott Springdale Zion National Park comes with amazing views. I love the red rocks that tower all around Zion. Not only is the location perfect but so is the pool.
There’s nothing better than hiking Zion all morning and spending the rest of the day relaxing by the pool to escape the summer heat of Zion. There’s also a fitness center and pool table! I love a good game of pool when I’m traveling.
Zion Lodge
This is the only accommodations and food options within the National park.
GSENM LODGING
Bedrock Homestead
Get your inner cave man on and stay in the Bedrock Homestead. Located in Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument (GSENM) this is a unique and eco friendly stay.
The cave runs on hydroelectricity which comes from a nearby river. You won’t be left wanting as all your modern comforts are provided. Stay at this unique Utah Airbnb to unplug and be with your surroundings.
Escalante Outfitters
The Escalante Outfitters offers small comfy log cabins with a shared men’s and women’s bathroom. Barbecue and picnic areas. This is a great option for the budget traveler. Prices start at $55 per night.
Escalante Outfitters
If you want to feel like you are in nature and camping, but we also want comfort after a long day of hiking and exploring than stay at these Escalante Yurts. Kitchenette in every yurt, coffee machine, private bathroom and a bbq area. This is the definition of glamping.
Bryce Canyon LODGING
Best Western PLUS Ruby’s Inn
Best Western PLUS Ruby’s Inn is located 1 mile from Bryce Canyon National Park. Convenient and comfortable amenities. Restaurant and large gift shop at the hotel. Prices start at $140 for a double room.
Bryce Canyon Log Cabins
All cottages at Bryce Canyon log cabins feature a balcony with a view. Located 15 minutes away from Bryce Canyon. Each equipped with a mini fridge, micro wave and has barbecue facilities. Prices start at $149 per cottage.
Moab LODGING
Rustic Inn
The Rustic Inn is well-equipped, spacious rooms with a huge TV, 2 Queen beds and a nice kitchenette. Heated pool and free coffee in the lobby. This is a perfect mid range accommodation. Prices start at $140 a night.
The Lazy Lizard Hostel
The Lazy Lizard Hostel is simple dorm-style accommodations. All guests have access to a hot tub, kitchen, showers, common area with TV, bbq area, and a coin operated laundry machine. Ideal for someone on a budget wanted to explore this beautiful part of the country. Prices start at $11 per bed per night.
Gonzo Inn
The Gonzo Inn can be found 5 miles from the entrance to Arches National Park. This colorful southwest-style hotel features a courtyard with a pool and whirlpool, free Wi-Fi and a daily breakfast are provided. Prices start at $210 a night.
Camping in Utah
ZION
- Watchman Campground
- South Campground
- Zion Canyon Campground
MOAB
- Devils Garden Campground
- Up the Creek Campground
GSENM
- Shooting Star RV Resort
- Calf Creek Campground
BRYCE
- North Campground
- Sunset Campground
- Bryce Canyon Pines Campground
I hope this post was helpful if your planning an Utah road trip. Have you been to Utah? Where is your favorite place?
XX Jess
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