The Ultimate 10-Day Southern Utah Road Trip
In our opinion, a road trip is the BEST way to explore Utah. If you’re dreaming of Utah’s iconic red rock landscapes, slot canyons, and towering hoodoos, this 10-day road trip is for you! In this post, we will lay out trip logistics, a detailed road trip itinerary, safety tips, and more.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
Where should I fly in?
This depends on where you want to start the road trip! In this guide, we have you flying into Las Vegas, Nevada and starting the trip in Zion National Park. Alternatively, you can fly into Salt Lake City, Utah (where this route ends) and begin the road trip in Moab - essentially reversing the route we laid out below.
Do I need a rental car?
Yes! There is no public transportation through Utah. We often recommend renting a van or RV to make travel easier, especially since many parks are remote with limited lodging options. This allows for greater flexibility, reduces the need to rely on hotel accommodations, and can reduce the costs associated with eating out.
Do I need a 4x4 vehicle?
In this road trip, everything is accessible and you should not need a high-clearance vehicle. That being said, if there was recent rain, it is possible some roads can become rough and 4x4 vehicles are safer for conditions like that. We always say if you have access to a 4x4 vehicle, use it, but it is not necessary to spend extra money and rent one for this trip.
What is the best time of year to take this road trip?
Utah can be great to visit year-round. Winter and early spring offer fewer crowds, though conditions can be colder, cloudier, or wetter—balanced by occasional sunny, beautiful days. May, June, September, and October are ideal for hiking, with comfortable temperatures and longer daylight hours. Summer can be extremely hot in some parks, making hiking uncomfortable or even unsafe - if visiting in the summer we advise visiting higher-elevation areas like Bryce Canyon or sticking to northern Utah.
Is this road trip dog-friendly?
Yes and no.
National parks for the most part are not dog-friendly - however, there are sometimes dog-friendly trails in them. For example, the Rim Trail in Bryce Canyon is dog-friendly because it is near the parking lot and it is paved. If you travel with dogs, always stop by the visitor center to see what your options are. Often times, you can find dog-friendly trails just outside national parks too - like Red Canyon near Bryce Canyon National Park.
All of the state parks and other areas listed in this guide ARE dog-friendly. Always abide by trail signage, keep your dogs on leash, and pick up after them.
How do National Park vs. State Park Fees Differ?
National Parks almost always require an entrance fee!
You can pay a daily entrance fee for a single park, or use broader passes. The most common pass is the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, which covers entrance or day‑use fees at 2,000+ federal recreation sites (including national parks, monuments, forests, wildlife refuges, BLM lands, etc.). These can be purchased online or at the park entrances.
2026 updates: Starting January 1st, 2026, America the Beautiful passes cost $80 for U.S. residents, but non‑U.S. residents pay $250 for an annual pass, and nonresidents without a pass will pay an additional $100 per person surcharge at 11 major parks in addition to regular fees.
State parks often require their own fee as they are managed by different entities than the national parks.
Fees vary widely: Many state parks charge per‑vehicle or per‑person day fees, and others are free; the exact cost depends on the state and sometimes even the individual park. You can pay at park kiosks or entrance stands.
State passes: Many states offer their own annual passes that provide unlimited access to most parks in that state. An annual pass typically pays for itself if you use it to visit 3+ parks in one trip.
Federal/national park passes do not normally work at state parks, and state park passes generally aren’t accepted at national parks (though a few special joint federal/state sites may offer exceptions).
Resident discounts: Many states offer lower fees for in‑state residents compared to out‑of‑state visitors.
Corona Arch near Moab, Utah
Introduction to the Road Trip:
This road trip takes you to some of Utah’s BEST outdoor destinations! You will visit all 5 national parks plus epic state parks, scenic viewpoints, and more along the way.
You may be thinking - 10 days is not enough for a trip to Utah and WE AGREE but this timeline is feasible for most people who have to plan trips with PTO. Also….we hate to break it to you but you cannot see everything there is to see in one trip to Utah.
Day 1: Las Vegas → Zion National Park
Drive: ~2.5–3 hours
What to Do
Grab lunch in St. George at Oscar’s Café, a local favorite for hearty Southwestern fare.
Take the Zion Canyon Shuttle for a great overview of the park - can stop at overlooks or short trails, like Emerald Pools or the Riverside Walk, if time.
Hike Canyon Overlook Trail for an easy sunset view over the canyon.
Insider Tips
Pull off at Red Cliffs Desert Reserve for possible desert wildlife spotting.
Stop by the visitor center for park maps, shuttle schedules, and more.
If hiking the Narrows tomorrow, rent gear in Springdale today so you can get an early start in the morning.
If you do not have a national parks pass yet, buy an America the Beautiful Pass at the ranger station when entering the park. This way your entry fees will be covered for the rest of the trip.
Stay: Springdale hotels or Watchman Campground.
If you’re staying at Zion Lodge, request a room facing the Virgin River — you can fall asleep to the sound of flowing water.
Day 2: Zion National Park
What to do
Go on an epic hike!
Angels Landing (permit required) or The Narrows (check water conditions) are the two most iconic hikes in the park - choosing just depends on what you want to see. For epic views and a thrill, hike Angel’s Landing. For a unique hike through a river in a canyon, choose The Narrows.
If you are unable to get permits for Angels Landing but want to prioritize hiking for epic views - consider hiking the Observation Point trail.
Insider Tips
Try to go out on the first shuttle of the day for Angels Landing and The Narrows to avoid crowds.
Consider using or buying a waterproof or dry pack if hiking The Narrows, water levels can vary.
Do NOT hike The Narrows if rain is forecasted, flash flooding can occur.
Views from Angels Landing in Zion National Park
Day 3: Zion → Bryce Canyon National Park
Drive: ~2–2.5 hours via Red Canyon
What to do
Explore viewpoints along the Rim Trail
Hike the 3-mile Queen’s Garden + Navajo Loop to see the famous Wall Street
Drive to Bryce Point and Inspiration Point
Sunset at Sunset Point
Insider Tips
Stop at Red Canyon on the way for a short 1-mile loop hike — fewer tourists than Bryce but stunning hoodoos.
Consider the Bryce Canyon Ranger Program in summer evenings for astronomy talks — the dark skies are incredible.
Stay: Bryce Canyon Lodge or Ruby’s Inn.
Sunrise from Sunset Viewpoint (yes you read that correctly) in Bryce Canyon National Park
Day 4: Bryce → Escalante
Drive: ~ 1 hour
What to do
Drive the scenic Highway 12 and stop at overlooks and pull-offs.
Take a small detour off HWY 12 to explore Kodachrome Basin State Park’s colorful spires.
The best trail in the park is Angel’s Palace.
Hike to Calf Creek Falls (a little outside of Escalante) - a beautiful desert waterfall accessed by a 6-mile out-and-back trail.
Insider Tips
Kodachrome Basin is great at sunset — the spires glow orange and red, perfect for photos.
In Escalante, eat at Escalante Outfitters for a hearty meal.
Stay: Ofland Escalante or Escalante Petrified Forest Campground.
Day 5: Escalante → Capitol Reef National Park
Drive: ~ 1.5 hours
What to do
Pull off at the Hogback section of Highway 12 for panoramic views — often overlooked.
Explore Capitol Reef National Park
Do a short hike to Hickman Bridge
Explore the Grand Wash - you can walk as far back in the wash as you want, the most scenic section is the first mile.
Drive the scenic Capitol Reef Scenic Drive
Stop at Gifford Homestead for homemade pies — strawberry rhubarb is legendary.
Insider Tips
Stop by the visitor center when arriving to check trail conditions
Plan to pack a lunch, food options near this park are limited
Stay: Fruita Campground or Capitol Reef Resort.
Hickman Bridge in Capitol Reef National Park
Day 6: Capitol Reef → Moab
Drive: 3–4 hours
What to do
Stop to explore Goblin Valley’s “goblins” hoodoos
Short hike through Little Wildhorse Canyon - a family-friendly slot canyon hike.
Explore the town of Moab
Sunset hike to Corona Arch (15 minutes from Moab)
Insider Tips
Sunrise at Goblin Valley is surreal — few people and soft morning light.
For photography, look for goblins with long shadows
Download offline maps if you do Corona Arch - the trail can be hard to follow at times.
Stay: Moab is where you will base yourself for the rest of the trip.
Budget hotels: Expedition Lodge or Big Horn Lodge
Mid-range: Hyatt Place or Aarchway Inn
Luxury: Hoodoo Moab by Hilton
Dining: Moab has a great food scene with plenty of options to fuel your adventures.
Moab Diner – Classic diner fare, big breakfast burritos, burgers, and comfort food with a local vibe.
Trailhead Public House & Eatery – Casual pub eats, sandwiches, burgers, and hearty plates perfect after a day of exploring.
Antica Forma – Wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas and Italian dishes with great flavor and relaxed atmosphere.
The Blu Pig – Barbecue classics and smoked meats with generous portions and hearty sides.
Double Arch in Arches National Park
Day 7: Arches National Park
Drive: 10-15 minutes from Moab
What to do
Sunrise hike to Delicate Arch.
Drive around the park and explore easy-to-see arches like Landscape Arch, Windows Arch, Double Arch, and Sand Dune Arch.
Visit notable sights including Balanced Rock and La Sal Mountains Viewpoint
Consider watching sunset at Park Avenue Viewpoint
Insider Tips
Hike Delicate Arch early - the trail is the most popular in the park and sunrise is best to escape the crowds.
Check if timed-entry permits are required; plan ahead (this varies year to year)
Day 8: Canyonlands National Park + Dead Horse Point
Drive: 30-45 minutes from Moab
What to do
Sunrise at Mesa Arch
Do short hikes to some stunning viewpoints in the park like Grand View Point, Upheaval Dome, Shafer Canyon Overlook, and Green River Overlook.
Sunset at Dead Horse Point State Park - there is a great 4-mile loop trail here or you can drive right up to beautiful viewpoints and avoid hiking.
Insider Tips
Mesa Arch can be crowded, even at sunrise, but it is still beautiful. Pack your patience :)
Pack a lunch for this day, food options are scarce in/near these parks.
If you travel with dogs, consider spending more time at Dead Horse State Park. This park is dog-friendly and Canyonlands is not.
Dead Horse Point State Park
Day 9: Fisher Towers & HWY 128
Drive: ~1-2 hours depending on how far you drive along HWY 128
What to do
Drive the scenic HWY 128 stopping at viewpoints along the way
Hike Fisher Towers Trail
This would be a great day for a half-day guided tour out of Moab if interested:
NAVTEC Expeditions – Half-day Colorado River rafting trips (family-friendly, scenic floats or mild whitewater).
Adrift Adventures – Guided kayak/canoe or calm water river tours and other half-day outdoor activities.
Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours – Afternoon half-day Jeep or rafting combo tours exploring Moab’s red-rock backcountry.
Moab Grand Tours – Short guided sightseeing tours around scenic points near Arches, Canyonlands and local geology.
Desert Highlights – Guided half-day rock climbing or canyoneering tours - perfect for adventurous explorers who want technical fun in the desert.
Insider Tips
Fisher Towers is best early to mid-morning - avoid harsh midday light.
Fisher Towers in Utah
Day 10: Moab → Salt Lake City
Drive: ~4 hours
What to do
Today is your travel day home! We have you leaving from Salt Lake City since it is closer to Moab but if you want to leave from your arrival airport, Las Vegas, it is a 6-7 hour drive from Moab.
Safety Tips for Utah Travel
Utah is a rugged desert - even when visiting national parks or hiking near towns, you must ALWAYS be prepared with water, sun protection, and safety gear. Check out the 10 recommended essentials for hiking here.
Check road conditions prior to leaving for a destination, especially when traveling along HWY 12.
Consider carrying an SOS device with you while traveling - cell service can be limited especially in the national parks.
Stay hydrated and pack plenty of water on hikes.
What to Wear in Utah
The weather across this road trip can vary greatly depending on the time of year you visit and the elevation of the park. In the summer months, temperatures can reach 100 degrees or more and in the winter months, temperatures can drop below freezing.
If you visit in the winter, layers are key:
Waterproof rain shell (pro tip: wear a bright shell, pink or blue, to stand out in photos)
If you visit in the warmer months, sun protection is key:
Other hiking gear you may need includes:
Microspikes (if you visit in the winter)
Headlamp (for sunrise or sunset hikes)
Delicate Arch in Arches National Park
Leave No Trace
How would you feel arriving to a beautiful outdoor destination only to find trash, graffiti, etc. ruining the view and experience? Please respect these outdoor places when visiting them! Pack out ALL trash, including food scraps, do not feed wildlife, stay on designated trails, and respect posted rules. Do your part to keep these places stunning and accessible for years to come!
Final Thoughts
A Utah road trip is ALWAYS a good idea :) You will never visit this beautiful state and regret it! This 10-day southern Utah road trip combines the beautiful scenery of the national parks while also taking you to more remote, quiet outdoor destinations that are arguably just as, if not more beautiful than the national parks. We hope this road trip goes on the tip top of your bucket list because it is certainly worthy of a spot!
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