EPIC 10-Day SLC and Utah National Parks Road Trip

This post contains affiliate links which means that I will make a small commission if you purchase a product after clicking on any of them, at no extra cost to you.

A Utah national parks road trip had been on my bucket list for years—and after finally doing a 10-day adventure starting in Salt Lake City and winding through some of the most unreal landscapes I’ve ever seen, I can confidently say it was one of the best road trips I’ve ever taken.

From the red rock canyons of Zion to the arches in (you guessed it) Arches, every stop had me in total awe.

If you’re dreaming up your own Utah adventure, this post is going to give you a full breakdown of the route we took, the parks we explored, and everything I learned along the way to help you make the most of your trip. Whether you’re renting a van, hopping between hotels, or doing a mix of both—trust me, this is one road trip you’re not going to forget!

10-day SLC and Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Fly into SLC and Explore the City

Flying into Salt Lake City is the way to go for this trip—it’s the perfect hub to kick off your Utah national parks road trip. Plus, SLC itself is totally worth a little exploring before you hit the road!

I was honestly so impressed with the Salt Lake City airport. It was clean, organized, and all of the rental car companies are just a 5-minute walk from baggage claim. We found the best prices with this tool and paid around $400 for 9 days through Thrifty (wild, considering we once paid half that for 2 days in Seattle!).

If you’ve got some time after checking into your hotel (I recommend the Kimpton Hotel Monaco—such a cute spot), here are a few places you might want to explore:

• Temple Square
• Red Butte Garden
• Capitol Building
• Salt Lake City Public Library

And please, treat yourself to a nice dinner before the go-go-go of the parks begins! We had dinner at White Horse, and it was seriously one of the best meals I’ve had in a long time. The vibe was cozy and elevated—such a perfect way to kick off the trip and ease into vacation mode.

Day 2: Explore SLC or Take a Day Trip

Day Trip

This day is totally up to you! You can get a head start on the National Parks if you’re itching to dive right in—or take one more day to soak up the Salt Lake City vibes.

If you stick around, there’s tons to do in the city, or you can venture out on one of these super fun day trips. We did the Bonneville Salt Flats, and it was EPIC—such a surreal experience, and totally worth it if you have the time.

Not into a long drive? Knock out more SLC spots from yesterday’s list, or chill and take it easy. Either way, start your morning with coffee from Three Pines or Beans & Brews—both are so good and perfect for fueling your day.

Dinner + Drinks

After your day of adventuring (whether near or far), head to Red Iguana for dinner. Literally everyone raves about this place, and it did not disappoint. We’re talking amazing Mexican food and delicious mezcal cocktails.

If you’re not ready to call it a night just yet, hit up:

• Quarters Arcade Bar – fun games + great drinks
• The Rest at Bodega – a speakeasy tucked away beneath a dive bar (you know I’m a sucker for a good hidden spot)

Check out my full Salt Lake City guide if you want even more recs!

Day 3: Salt Lake City to Zion (Optional Hot Spring Pit Stop)

Wake up, grab your coffee, and let’s hit the road—Zion, here we come! But first, you’ve got a couple of fun options depending on how you’re feeling.

If you’re up for a little side adventure, stop at Fifth Water Hot Springs! It’s just under 2 hours from SLC, and the hike is about 5 miles round trip. It’s moderate, nothing too crazy, but definitely give yourself some time. We spent about 3.5 hours total, and that included soaking in the hot springs for a bit (which was so relaxing!).

Just a heads-up: the water is HOT, so if you’re road tripping in the middle of summer, it might not be the move. But if the weather’s right and you’re down to unwind in nature before diving into Zion, it’s totally worth it. You can check out more details here if you want to add this to your route!

If you’d rather skip the springs, head straight to Zion—it’s about a 4-hour drive either way, whether you’re coming from SLC or the hot springs. Get there with enough time and you can catch sunset on the Canyon Overlook Trail. It’s just a 1-mile round trip and such a beautiful way to start your Zion experience.

Day 4-5: Explore Zion National Park

Zion National Park is hands down one of the most incredible stops on any Utah National Parks road trip. It’s also the most popular national park in Utah, and once you’re there, it’s super easy to see why! With its dramatic canyons, insane views, and unreal hiking trails, it honestly feels like stepping into another world.

From the breathtaking views at Angels Landing to the lush vibes of Emerald Pools, there’s truly something for every type of adventurer here—whether you’re up for a challenge or just want to take in the scenery.

The entrance fee is $35, but if you’re hitting multiple parks (which I totally recommend), it’s worth grabbing the National Parks Pass for $80. It’ll save you money after just a couple stops.

Getting Around Zion

Zion has two free shuttle routes that make getting around super easy. One runs through Springdale, the charming little town right outside the park, and drops you off right at the pedestrian entrance. The other is the park shuttle, which cruises along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and takes you to all the main trailheads and viewpoints, including the Zion Lodge.

When you arrive, or even before you go, check out their trail guide. It sorts hikes by difficulty—easy, moderate, and strenuous—and gives you all the deets like which shuttle stop to use, round-trip time estimates, elevation changes, and a quick trail description. It’s such a helpful way to plan out your day and figure out what kind of adventure you’re in the mood for!

Where to Stay in Zion National Park

We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express St. George North – Zion the first night and the Holiday Inn Express Springdale National Park Area on the second. Especially on trips like this, where you’re waking up early and trying to make the most of every moment, I love staying somewhere that includes a continental breakfast. It’s one less thing to think about, and you can usually grab a muffin or granola bar to throw in your hiking pack—such a win.

Springdale has a handful of great options, but keep in mind they book up quickly, especially during peak seasons. If you want to lock in a good rate, definitely book in advance!

Hikes in Zion

While I’m all in on the hiking life, Remi’s still warming up to it, so I tried not to go too hard on him this trip—I want him to want to come on more of these adventures with me! We kicked things off with the Emerald Pools Trail, which was perfect. It’s a 3-mile loop with cascading waterfalls, tons of greenery, and just really peaceful vibes. We were in and out in a little over an hour, and it didn’t totally wipe us out.

If you’re in the mood for something more challenging, Angels Landing is one of Zion’s most iconic hikes. It’s 5 miles round trip, includes steep drop-offs, and the views are unreal—but just a heads-up, you now need a permit to hike it.

Another major one is The Narrows, which takes you deep into the canyon along the river. It’s definitely more strenuous and you’ll be walking through water, so bring water shoes and a walking stick. If you don’t have gear, you can rent everything you need at Zion Outfitters.

Since the Emerald Pools Trail wasn’t too intense, we also had time to check out Big Bend and the Canyon Overlook Trail for sunset. Big Bend is more of a scenic stop—you walk down to the river and get this insane perspective looking up at Angels Landing. Canyon Overlook is just a mile round trip, and it’s such a stunning sunset spot. We took our time soaking it all in at the top.

And if you’re looking to mix things up a bit, I totally recommend looking into a UTV tour in Zion—it’s such a fun way to explore a different side of the park!

Where to Eat in Zion

• Feellove Coffee – Start your morning with their lemon white mocha (it’s life-changing). They have two convenient locations just 10 minutes apart.
• Deep Creek Coffee Co – Another great option for coffee lovers. Chill vibe and a solid menu to fuel your adventure day.
• Zion Canyon Brew Pub – Located just south of the park entrance, this is the perfect post-hike hangout spot. They have burgers, wings, salads, live music, a beer garden patio, and events happening year-round.
• Oscar’s Cafe – Great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner with tons of options like seafood, sandwiches, salads, and tacos. But the real star? Kathy’s famous carrot cake—seriously, don’t skip it!

Day 6: Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park

Depending on traffic, Bryce Canyon National Park is about 2 to 2 ½ hours from Zion. On our way out, we made a quick little stop to snap some photos with the Mt. Carmel Tunnel—just a heads up, if you do this, be super cautious and aware of cars. It’s a beautiful photo spot, but safety first!

Bryce Canyon was actually my favorite of the Mighty Five! It’s famous for its hoodoos, which are those tall, thin rock spires you’ve probably seen in photos. Bryce actually has the highest concentration of hoodoos in the entire world, and seeing them in person is unreal.

Just like Zion, Bryce Canyon has a park shuttle, but here’s the difference—it’s optional. You can totally drive to each viewpoint and trailhead if you’d rather. That’s what we did since the park wasn’t too crowded, and it gave us more flexibility. The shuttle is free and comes around about every 15 minutes.

It’s seriously such a great park no matter your age or hiking ability. There are plenty of viewpoints you can drive right up to, with just a short walk to soak in the views. There are 13 viewpoints total along the park’s 38-mile scenic drive, and if you want to do them all, plan for at least 3 hours. Beyond the drive, there are also hiking and horseback riding trails if you want to explore a bit deeper.

Where to Stay in Bryce Canyon National Park

To explore Bryce, you’re most likely going to want to stay in Tropic, which is just outside the park. There honestly aren’t a ton of options when it comes to where to stay near Bryce Canyon, so I’d definitely recommend booking in advance.

We stayed at Bryce Valley Lodging and really liked it. The location was super convenient—only 15 minutes from the park entrance—and we loved having our own little canyon out back. The ratings are great, and it felt peaceful and tucked away while still being close to everything.

Check out the other accommodation options for Tropic here.

Hikes in Bryce Canyon

For hikes in Bryce Canyon, we made the most of our one day by checking out Sunrise, Sunset, Inspiration, and Bryce Point. We drove to each viewpoint since we were short on time, but if you’ve got more flexibility, you can hike the Rim Trail, which connects them all. The full trail is 11 miles, but you can totally just do smaller sections of it.

Inspiration Point was a favorite—it’s one of the best places to really take in those iconic hoodoos. The hike is super short (less than an hour), and at 8,000 feet elevation, the views are absolutely insane. It’s also one of the best places for stargazing in Bryce Canyon. At night, the sky lights up like something out of a movie! The stars were unreal and the Milky Way was so clear it looked like it had been painted across the sky.

Sunrise Point is exactly what it sounds like—get there early and watch the light slowly spread over the hoodoos in those gorgeous warm tones. Sunset Point gives you a whole different kind of glow, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a rainbow. And Bryce Point gives you that big, sweeping panoramic view that really puts into perspective just how massive and magical this place is.

Bryce also has free ranger-led programs like full moon hikes and constellation tours. We did the constellation tour and I was blown away. We couldn’t get over how clear the sky was without all the light pollution. It felt so surreal! Bring a blanket to lie on, and make sure to sign up in advance at the Visitor Center because spots are limited!

Where to Eat in Bryce Canyon

• IDK BBQ – Right across the street from our cabin in Tropic, this spot hit the spot after a day of exploring. The meat was super tender and packed with flavor, but the real star for me was the mac and cheese—so gooey and delicious, I’m still dreaming about it.
• Bryce Canyon Inn Pizza Place – We went here for dinner and it was amazing. Even though we weren’t hiking nonstop, we were definitely in a carb-loading kind of mood. The pizza was solid and comforting after a long day.
• Bryce Canyon Coffee Co – We swung by here the next morning on our way out of town to fuel up for the drive. Great little spot to grab a coffee before hitting the road.

Day 7: Bryce Canyon National Park to Capitol Reef National Park

We started the day bright and early to catch a little more of Bryce before moving on to the next stop—Capitol Reef National Park. Our morning began at Sunrise Point, and it was absolutely worth the early wake-up. The colors were unreal, and we spotted a ton of wildlife while taking it all in. After soaking up the magic, we headed back to our cabin for a much-needed nap before continuing our adventure.

Once we were rested, we went back into the park to hike one of Bryce’s most popular trails—the Navajo Loop Trail. This trail lets you get up close to the hoodoos, and the rock formations are incredible. Thor’s Hammer, Wall Street, and Twin Bridges were all part of the journey, and seeing them in person was such a cool experience!

The trail is a 1.5-mile loop and starts from the Sunset Point parking area. It’s a moderate hike and typically takes 1–2 hours to complete. If you’re feeling up for a little more of a challenge and have extra time, you can combine it with Queens Garden for a 2.5-mile route or do the full Navajo/Peekaboo Loop at 4.5 miles.

Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park is about a 2 ½ hour drive from Bryce Canyon, and fun fact—it’s actually the quietest and least visited of the Mighty 5 Utah National Parks! But don’t let that fool you—Capitol Reef still has so much to see, from overlooks and canyons to petroglyphs, arches, and some seriously striking rock formations.

It honestly worked out perfectly that we ended up here on a Saturday—while the other parks were likely packed, Capitol Reef was super peaceful. If you can time your trip so that you’re hitting this park on a weekend instead of the more crowded ones, highly recommend!

We didn’t have a ton of time here, but that was totally okay—you can see a lot in just a few hours. One of the things I really appreciated is that you can drive to several of the most popular overlooks, which is great if you’re feeling a little worn out from hiking.

Of course, if you’re up for it, there are tons of amazing hikes in Capitol Reef! Stop by the Visitor Center and grab a map and trail guide—they break everything down by difficulty level, distance, elevation, and what you’ll see along the way so it’s super easy to choose something that fits your vibe.

Note: Because Capitol Reef is less trafficked, the Visitor Center has shorter hours, but even if it’s closed when you arrive, they keep maps and guides outside so you can still grab what you need!

Hikes + Viewpoints at Capitol Reef

The main road through Capitol Reef National Park is Highway 24, and it’s seriously such a pretty drive! You’ll cruise past these insane red rock formations and the famous Waterpocket Fold (basically a giant wrinkle in the earth—so cool).

If you have a little time, I definitely recommend doing the Scenic Drive—it’s about 8 miles each way, and if you make all the recommended stops, plan for about 1.5 hours round trip. Totally worth it.

Some of my favorite easy stops:

• Panorama Point – quick pull-off with those jaw-drop views
• Sunset Point – just a 0.8-mile round-trip walk and the colors at golden hour? Unreal
• Goosenecks Overlook – only 0.2 miles, but the view of the canyon is amazing and feels like a hidden little gem

Make sure you swing by the Fremont Petroglyphs too. These are ancient carvings literally etched into the rock—super cool and kind of mind-blowing to think how long they’ve been there.

And if you’re a snack girlie like me, don’t skip the Gifford Homestead! Their fruit pies are famous for a reason—grab one if they’re open, thank me later.

If you’re up for a hike:

• Hickman Bridge – a 1.7-mile hike that leads to a massive natural arch and gorgeous views
• Cassidy Arch – this one’s a bit tougher at 3 miles, but it’s so worth it
• Chimney Rock – 3.3 miles, great if you want a little challenge with some amazing lookout points

Honestly, whether you want to do a chill drive, snap some photos, or go full hiking mode, Capitol Reef has way more to see than people give it credit for.

Where to Stay in Capitol Reef

If you’re planning to stay overnight near Capitol Reef National Park, you’ll most likely end up in Torrey—it’s the closest town and pretty much your main option out here. Heads up: it’s slim pickings when it comes to lodging, but since Capitol Reef is the least visited of the Mighty 5, you probably won’t have too much trouble finding a spot.

We went with the cheapest option we could find—the Days Inn—since we were really just using it to crash for the night. Totally fine for what we needed!

BUT—if you’re planning to actually enjoy your stay and hang out at your accommodation, Capitol Reef Resort looked so dreamy. They’ve got teepees, wagons, and cozy cottages, and the views from the property are absolutely next level.

Day 8: Capitol Reef to Moab and Canyonlands

Before you leave Capitol Reef National Park, do not skip a stop at Dark Sky Coffee—seriously, it’s a must! Just a heads up though, they close during the colder months, so check before you go. We got a blended caramel macchiato with pumpkin and oh my gosh y’all… life-changing.

As you’re driving through Capitol Reef, you might also notice a U-pick fruit area depending on the season. It’s such a cute little stop and a fun way to stretch your legs.

From there, it’s about a 2.5-hour drive to Moab, which makes the perfect home base for visiting both Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park.

Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park is a local favorite. It’s absolutely massive (we’re talking over 200,000 acres!) and made up of four different districts: Island in the Sky, The Maze, The Needles, and Rivers. Each area has its own vibe, but if you only have one day like we did, I definitely recommend sticking to Island in the Sky—it’s the closest to Moab and super easy to navigate.

This park has insane desert views, deep canyons, mesa-top overlooks, and some truly wild rock formations that feel like they belong on another planet.

One thing to note—Canyonlands doesn’t have a shuttle service, but we had no issues finding parking at the overlooks or trailheads.

Some of the best hikes and viewpoints in Island in the Sky include:

• Mesa Arch (a classic—go early if you want it to yourself!)
• Gooseneck Overlook
• White Rim Overlook
• Grand View Point

If you’re feeling up for more of a challenge, there are also some longer full-day hikes that take you even deeper into the park’s rugged beauty.

Districts at Canyonlands

One of the coolest things about Canyonlands National Park is that it’s actually divided into four totally unique districts—each one has its own vibe and feels like a completely different park. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you figure out which ones to check out:

Island in the Sky

This is the most visited and easily accessible district—especially if you’re staying in Moab, since it’s only about 32 miles away. You’ll get breathtaking panoramic views from the edge of a 1,000-foot cliff, and there are tons of viewpoints and trails that are quick and easy to reach. Popular stops:

• Mesa Arch Trail (a must!)
• Upheaval Dome
• Whale Rock
• Buck Canyon Overlook

Perfect if you want incredible views without too much effort!

The Needles

This district feels a lot more rugged and remote, with towering red rock spires, narrow canyons, and (if you time it right) desert wildflowers! Top trails:

• Chesler Park Loop
• Joint Trail
• Druid Arch

If you’re up for longer hikes and a more adventurous experience, The Needles will totally deliver.

The Maze

Okay, this one’s for the true backcountry folks—The Maze is the most remote district of Canyonlands. It’s not easy to get to and requires serious planning, but you’ll find crazy-cool landscapes like twisting canyons and towering buttes. Highlights:

• The Doll House
• Orange Cliffs Overlook

Definitely bucket list territory if you’re into off-the-grid exploration.

The Rivers

This district follows the Colorado and Green Rivers and has some of the most dramatic landscapes in the park. It’s also home to ancient Native American sites and is super popular for rafting. If you want to experience Canyonlands from the water, this is the spot!

Hikes + Overlooks at Canyonlands

Start your day with Mesa Arch. This is the classic sunrise spot and for good reason. The hike is only 0.7 miles round-trip, so even if you’re not a morning person, you can still make it happen.

You’ll find the trailhead right off the Mesa Arch parking lot, and once you get to the arch, you’ll be standing on the edge of a 500-foot cliff, looking through that perfect keyhole view into Buck Canyon and the expansive White Rim below!

If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, consider driving the White Rim Road. This isn’t just any road—it’s a 100-mile loop that takes 2–3 days to complete and winds you through the base of the Island in the Sky district. You’ll need a permit and a high-clearance vehicle, but if you’re up for it, the scenery is absolutely unreal.

One of the most iconic viewpoints in the entire park is Grand View Point. It seriously lives up to the name. From up here, you can see all of Canyonlands National Park—including both the Green River and the Colorado River snaking their way through the canyons!

If you want to keep the views going, head to White Rim Overlook. It’s just 1.8 miles from Grand View Point and takes about an hour to hike round-trip. The trail is super scenic, taking you past mesas, canyons, and all that gorgeous desert landscape that Canyonlands is known for. From the overlook, you get incredible views of Buck Canyon, Green River Overlook, and Shafer Canyon Viewpoint all in one place.

Where to Stay in Moab

If you’re planning on staying overnight in Moab, we went with the Holiday Inn Express Moab. We’re IHG cardholders, so we got some nice perks and upgrades, and the free breakfast didn’t hurt either. If you’re just looking for something clean and convenient, this spot gets the job done.

If you want something with a little more personality, check out Scenic View Inn and Suites. It’s another popular option that also comes with free breakfast—you know I’m always down for a good breakfast situation.

Looking to go all out? Hoodoo Moab by Hilton and Moab Springs Ranch are both amazing if you’re in the mood for something more luxurious and upscale. Think beautiful design, great amenities, and views that make you want to stay forever.

Where to Eat in Moab

Moab may be a small town, but the food scene here is so worth checking out. Here are a few spots you’re gonna want to bookmark:

• Moab Coffee Roasters – This is your go-to spot for breakfast and coffee. Their brews are made with premium beans, and they’ve got a solid selection of breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and bagels to fuel your adventures.
• Thai Bella – Y’all, this one came highly recommended as one of the best restaurants in Moab. If you’re craving authentic Thai food packed with flavor, this place has an extensive menu and everything we tried was fresh and delicious.
• Moab Brewery – In the mood for a cold drink? Moab Brewery is the place to go. They’ve got homemade beers brewed on-site, plus a full menu of pub-style eats if you’re hungry too.
• Moab Food Truck Park – Super casual, super tasty. This outdoor food court features a rotating lineup of food trucks, so you can try a little bit of everything. It’s the perfect spot for a quick bite after a long hike.

Day 9-10: Moab to Arches National Park

Let me just say—Arches National Park is wildly cool. Like, over 2,000 natural stone arches cool. Every direction you look feels like a postcard. From the dramatic rock fins to the balanced boulders that defy gravity, this place seriously doesn’t feel real.

You’ve got vibrant red rock formations, bright blue skies, and views that’ll live rent-free in your head forever. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot bighorn sheep, pronghorn, or coyotes along the way. Nature’s showing off here, big time!

The park is open year-round, but if you’re planning a visit, just know the busiest season is March through October. That’s when you’ll get the best weather, but also the most crowds. If you’re hoping to camp inside the park, plan ahead—there aren’t many campsites and they book up fast, especially in the summer.

Hikes at Arches National Park

First up is the Delicate Arch Trail. You’ve probably seen photos of this one—it’s that famous arch that looks like it belongs on a Utah postcard. The hike is 3.2 miles round trip, and I’d call it moderate—not super easy, but totally doable if you pace yourself.

The trail is rocky with some incline, but the views? So worth it. If you’re down for an early start, it’s also a gorgeous sunrise hike. Just make sure you arrive at the park 1–2 hours before sunrise, since the trailhead is about a 30-minute drive from the entrance.

Next is the Devil’s Garden Loop, which is a bit more of an adventure. This one’s 8 miles if you do the whole thing, and it’ll take you past multiple arches like Pine Tree Arch and the super long and skinny Landscape Arch. If 8 miles sounds like a bit much (I get it), you can shorten it to about 4 miles and still catch some of the highlights.

If you want something short and sweet, check out Balanced Rock. You can reach it in just 10 minutes from the parking lot—perfect for a quick stop or if you’re short on time.

And don’t skip the Windows Section! This area has three massive arches—North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch—and the hike to get there is super easy. It’s such a fun spot for photos, and a great option if you’re traveling with kids or just want something a little more relaxed.

Tips For the Road

Road-tripping through Utah is seriously an adventure of a lifetime! We were able to hit all 5 of Utah’s national parks in 7 days, but hey, you can totally take more or less time—it’s your trip! But before you hit the road, make sure you’re prepped for the best experience possible. Here are some tips to keep in mind for your Utah National Parks road trip:

• Download offline maps: Trust me on this one. Download all your maps and trail info for the parks you’ll be visiting, just in case you lose service while you’re out there.
• Check for closures: Always check if there are any seasonal or weather-related closures at each park before you go—better to know ahead of time!
• Buy a National Park pass: If you’re hitting all the Mighty 5 Utah national parks, get the America the Beautiful Pass. It’s $80 and covers entrance fees to over 2,000 parks across the U.S. (and it’s good for a whole year!).
• Pack snacks: You don’t want to be stopping every few hours looking for food—stock up on some of your faves for the ride!
• Bring plenty of water: Seriously, you’ll need it. Get yourself a good travel water bottle—this one’s my favorite, and they’ve got so many cute colors!
• Try to begin your hikes earlier in the morning: If you want to beat the crowds and avoid the heat (especially in summer), hitting the trails first thing is your best bet.
• Book accommodations in advance: Especially if you’re traveling during peak season (spring through fall), it’s a good idea to book your stay ahead of time. There are limited options near the parks, and places fill up quickly, so secure your spots early!
• Respect Leave No Trace principles: Keep the parks beautiful by following the Leave No Trace guidelines. Stay on designated trails, pack out all your trash, and be mindful of the environment.
• Check the weather forecast: The weather can change quickly, so keep an eye on forecasts, especially for higher elevations or remote areas. It can get hot during the day and chilly at night!

What to Pack

When you’re heading out on a road trip through Utah’s National Parks, what you pack will depend on the season. I visited in August, so here’s a list of the essentials that worked perfectly for my trip:

• Hiking shoes/boots: This is perhaps the most important item on your list. Good, sturdy hiking boots are essential for a safe and comfortable trip. You’ll be doing lots of exploring, so choose your hiking boots wisely! These Columbia ones are my FAVORITES! They are sturdy, have so many colors, and they’re affordable.
• Sun protection: The Utah sun is no joke, so be sure to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat. Protecting your skin from the dry, hot climate is essential!
• A jacket: Even in the summer, temperatures can cool down quickly at night. Bring a light jacket that can be easily stored in your backpack.
• Good hiking leggings: Pack reliable hiking leggings for your Utah road trip, essential not only for cooler weather but also for protecting your legs from sun exposure, rough terrains, and unexpected temperature shifts during your outdoor adventures!

• Insect repellent: Utah’s national parks can have pesky mosquitoes and other insects, so don’t forget to pack some bug spray to avoid getting bitten!
• A good camera: You’re going to want to capture every stunning moment. While most phones work great, if you’re looking to up your photography game, here’s the camera I use.
• Water bottles: Make sure you stay hydrated while exploring the parks by bringing plenty of water with you. It’s easy to forget how quickly dehydration can set in when out in the sun all day.
• CamelBak: Especially if you plan on doing some of the longer trails, this will come in handy.
• Backpack: A good, lightweight backpack is important for storing all of your hiking essentials.
• Headlamps: If you plan on doing any sunrise hikes or dark sky activities, these will be clutch!

Are you ready for this epic 10-day Utah road trip?!

What an incredible road trip through Utah’s National Parks! With the right planning, packing, and a little bit of insider knowledge, you’ll be able to explore some of the most stunning natural wonders in the world. Whether you’re hiking, sightseeing, or simply soaking in the beauty, Utah’s national parks are sure to leave you in awe!

For this road trip, we actually conquered both Arizona and Utah! If you plan on exploring Arizona as well, be sure to check out my 7-day Arizona road trip itinerary for even more epic adventure ideas. I hope this guide helped you plan your dream trip—let me know in the comments what you’re most excited to see!

Before you go, follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other Western US blog posts:

Palm Springs, CA Guide

One Day in Joshua Tree

Los Angeles to Joshua Tree road trip itinerary