The Ultimate Utah Road Trip Itinerary
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In the heart of the American Southwest, Utah is a state of geological wonders. From the towering red rock formations in Arches National Park to the flowing canyons in Zion, there's something for every outdoor lover and a road trip is truly the best way to experience it!
My first visit to America consisted of a big road trip through Montana, Utah, Arizona and Nevada. We drove from Canada to Las Vegas and after reflecting on the whole journey, I can confidently say Utah was the ultimate highlight of our trip! With endless trails, a multitude of National Parks and plenty of camping spots to explore, we were in paradise.
Parts of Utah truly feel like a different planet. The bright red rock in Moab is breathtaking and the hoodoos in Bryce Canyon really gave us an insight into the significant time and geological forces that created these landscapes. From wide open deserts to rushing waterfalls, there is so much to explore and you could spend forever uncovering it all.
I have visited Utah twice now and with those experiences, I have put together this trip guide to cover all the best parts of the state for your next road trip! This itinerary is designed to be a flexible guide, based on the amount of time you wish to spend in the state. You can see the highlights of Utah in just a few days, but the more time you travel, the more you will get out of this incredible area. I will share the must-see stops at each place first and follow it up with optional add-ons so you can customise a trip to your budget, timeframe and most importantly, interests.
Whether you're a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a casual traveller, there will be something in Utah to captivate you so let's dive into it!
Note: You will need a National Parks Pass for the majority of this itinerary. I would recommend buying the America the Beautiful Pass which gives you unlimited access to all the National Parks in America for a year.
My thoughts on Salt Lake City…
Most Utah itineraries begin in Salt Lake City, which makes complete sense if you are flying into the state. This is a great place to get a rental car and stock up on supplies before you hit the road. But…
As a city in itself, I found Salt Lake City to be quite underwhelming. I will preface this by saying we visited for only two days, mid-week but we were scraping the barrel for things to fill our time with. Of course, there are the key sites and monuments but if you are an avid traveller, these places do begin to look similar after a while. We did go to a NBL game and visit a cool bar but there wasn't much else that stood out. I found Salt Lake City to be very clean and nice, but it wasn't the most exciting place we have ever visited.
If there are things you want to see in Salt Lake City, by all means, spend a day or two here. But, if you are heading to Utah for the National Parks and scenery, you won't be missing much if you skip this city.
Now that's just my two cents, but this blog is all about being out in nature and seeing the best of Utah and I personally think the best lies out of the city boundaries so let's get into that!
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah
Moab: 2-4 Days
Moab is approximately 4 hours from Salt Lake City and it is the gateway to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Utah. Renowned for its dramatic red rock landscapes, Moab is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, attracting hikers, rock climbers, mountain bikers, and nature lovers from around the world. Its unique combination of stunning desert landscapes and plethora of outdoor activities make it an extraordinary destination.
I would recommend spending at least 2 full days here. 2 days will allow you to see the key parks. If you can spend 3-4+ days in the area you will be able to see the parks and have time to do some of the outdoor activities Moab is known for such as ATV tours, rafting tours and even climbing and rappelling tours. Ultimately, the more time you have, the more you can experience this beautiful area!
Here's a sample itinerary to get you started:
Day 1: Arches National Park
Arches National Park is famous for its more than 2,000 natural stone arches, towering fins, and balanced rocks.
Researching Arches National Park can be overwhelming. There are SO MANY stops and trails that it is hard to gain perspective over what your day will look like but after visiting, I promise you it is a lot more straightforward than it seems.
There are only a few main roads throughout Arches National Park and following the roads around to all the stops is very clear. Any points of interest are usually marked and all the trails have signage to help you. Before we visited I made a list of everything I wanted to see but by the time we visited I hardly used it because I found the GuideAlong Arches National Park Audio Tour.
If you have never used an audio tour before, essentially it is a location-based application you can download and start when you reach the park. You can listen to your music but as any points of interest approach, the guide will start talking and dim your music. The tour is full of wonderful stories, geological information, hikes and not to be missed spots. The guide will let you know if the spot is a must-see, or whether you should skip it if you are short on time (which is super handy!).
We purchased this guide for only $10 and it was the best investment. We truly felt like we were on a guided tour and didn't have to worry about navigating anything ourselves which made for the perfect day! If you are travelling the rest of Utah they also have a Utah Mighty 5 Bundle that covers the 5 national parks!
If you do want to navigate it yourself, some of the key spots in the park and must-see locations include:
Delicate Arch (4.8km)
Double Arch (0.8km)
Landscape Arch (2.6km)
The Windows and Turret Arch (1.1km)
Skyline Arch (0.3km)
Entry to Arches National Park
Entry to Arches National Park is controlled through a timed entry system. Between April 1 through October 31, 2024, tickets will be required from 7 am to 4 pm daily. The timed entry ticket is free, but it does require a non-refundable $2 reservation processing fee. This ticket is not your entrance fee to the National Park.
Make sure to plan in advance, The park will release tickets first-come, first-served on Recreation.gov three (3) months in advance in monthly blocks according to this schedule. A limited number of tickets will be available one day prior to entry at 7 pm MDT through Recreation.gov. These sell out quickly but we did have luck changing our entry time the day prior in this release so there is always hope! Alternatively, get up early and enjoy sunrise in the park as you can enter without a ticket before 7am or after 4pm, this spot is truly one not to miss.
Delicate Arch, Arches National Park
Day 2: Canyonlands National Park & Dead Horse Point State Park
Today you will want to explore a few other parks around Moab! Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park are two spots that are worth your time.
I would begin your day nice and early at Canyonlands National Park. Canyonlands is divided into four districts by the Colorado River creating diverse landscapes, including deep canyons, towering mesas, and dramatic arches. The Island in the Sky, The Needles, and The Maze are the main districts, each providing unique perspectives of the stunning scenery.
Mesa Arch, Canyonlands National Park
Other worthwhile stops at Canyonlands include:
Grand View Point (10-15m)
Green River Overlook
Shafer Canyon and Shafer Trail Viewpoint
Upheaval Dome
Aztech Butte Hike
When you enter the park you will also be given a map of the area and find other great stops along the way! The GuideAlong app also has a tour for this park which is super helpful if you choose to purchase it.
Canyonlands will take up approximately half the day and you should finish up around noon - mid afternoon unless you choose to do some of the larger hikes in the area. Next, head to Dead Horse State Park. These parks are located side by side so the drive time here is minimal.
Upheaval Dome, Canyonlands National Park
Dead Horse Point State Park overlooks the Colorado River and Canyonlands National Park, offering one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the region. The overlook is especially stunning during sunrise and sunset, casting a warm glow on the red rock formations.
We found there was less to do in the State Park and the overlook was the main attraction. With beautiful views of the Colorado River running below, it's worth spending some time here to take it all in and get a great shot.
If you have more time and want to go on a hike, the Dead Horse Rim Loop (8.4km) is a great way to end the day.
Optional Extra Days
There is so much going on in the town and surrounding areas of Moab that an extra day or two in this area would be great if you have time.
The town of Moab itself is full of character and wonderful to explore. Allow some time to wander through the streets, check out the local stores and see if there are any community events or markets happening!
If you are looking for some more adventure seeking activities, Moab is full of them.
Many of the tours in Moab are focused on the majestic Colorado River. River rafting tours provide high adrenaline whitewater treks, but there are also mild and medium floats that are more about taking in the scenery than a high level of activity. If rafting isn't your flow, jet boat tours are designed to enhance the splash and thrill of the rapids without the strain of rowing.
There are also a wide range of off road tours available from 4x4, ATV and hummer tours that will have you exploring the landscapes in a unique way. Tours range from a few hours to whole days so you should be able to find something to fit into your schedule if it is of interest!
Other worthwhile activities in the region include exploring the area by air through hot air balloon rides, piloted flights and even zip lining. If you're looking for an adventure on the ground, climbing and canyoneering tours provide unique scrambles across cliffs and nearby canyons. Finally, mountain biking and horseback riding are also popular choices.
Here are some tours worth checking out!
See Canyonlands from above on an early morning or sunset flight!
Head out on a half-day canyoneering adventure in Entrajo Canyon
Experience the Colorado River up close on a half-day rafting trip
Chase the thrill of driving a 4WD on the Hell’s Revenge Trail from Moab
Where To Stay In Moab
2 Stars: Rustic Inn Moab or Big Horn Lodge
Both these accommodation options are 2-star properties in good locations. Rustic Inn Moab is where we stayed on our visit and found its location to be great, very central with free parking so we could easily get around by foot.
4 Stars: Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton
This elegant and modern property is in a central location and provides the perfect option for those looking to indulge during their trip to the area
Unique Experience: Under Canvas Moab
While this unique option may not be in the heart of Moab, it is going to offer you a desert experience you won’t forget. With incredible views and endless stargazing opportunities, a night immersed in nature is something not to be missed.
Capitol Reef National Park (½ -1 Day)
From Moab, it's only 2 hours and 10 minutes to Capitol Reef National Park. A half to full day in this area is all you really need to take in the sights!
Capitol Reef is relatively secluded in comparison to Utah's other national parks, making this a unique and interesting location to explore. On our visit, we stopped by on our way to Bryce Canyon (4h from Moab) as it is the perfect half way point.
The scenic drive is a must-do, offering breathtaking views through the heart of Capitol Reef. It provides access to many of the park's key features, including viewpoints, trailheads, and the famous Capitol Dome. We found the drive to cover enough of the park but if you have more time or inclination to explore, notable trails include the Capitol Gorge Trail, Hickman Bridge Trail, and the more challenging Cassidy Arch Trail.
Again, the GuideAlong app has a fantastic audio tour for this park if you would like a more in depth approach to your visit.
My biggest tip for this whole trip - Highway 12:
From Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon, google maps will tell you to drive a certain way but you need to ignore that. In google maps, enter Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon VIA HIGHWAY 12.
Scenic Byway 12, often referred to as "Highway 12," is a breathtaking 122-mile highway that winds through some of the most spectacular and diverse landscapes in southern Utah. Designated an All-American Road, it has earned its reputation as one of the most scenic drives in the United States. Highway 12 connects Capitol Reef National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park – and passes through the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
Travelling via this byway will add approximately 30 minutes onto your journey but the view is well worth it! This was one of the most beautiful drives on the whole road trip and it is a road not to be missed. A few key highlights and possible detours include:
Calf Creek Falls: Approximately midway along the route, this is a short hike that leads to a beautiful waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation, providing a stark contrast to the surrounding desert scenery.
Hell's Backbone: Near the town of Boulder, Highway 12 crosses Hell's Backbone, a narrow ridge with steep drop-offs on either side. The views from here are exhilarating and this was easily our favourite part of the drive!
Escalante Petrified Forest State Park: This state park is home to a large collection of petrified wood. A short loop trail allows visitors to explore the petrified logs and enjoy views of the surrounding area.
Cottonwood Canyon Road: A scenic side trip for adventurous travellers, Cottonwood Canyon Road is a dirt road that takes you through stunning landscapes. Make sure to check road conditions before attempting this detour.
Kodachrome Basin State Park: A little further east from Cannonville, Kodachrome Basin State Park showcases colourful sandstone spires and a variety of hiking trails. The park's unique geological features make it a great stop for photography enthusiasts.
Bryce Canyon: 1-2 Days
Bryce Canyon National Park, is renowned for its otherworldly and mesmerising landscape. Characterised by a series of amphitheatres filled with thousands of hoodoos, it has incredible viewpoints and hiking trails that allow you to explore the landscape in depth.
Bryce Canyon National Park was one of the best and most surprising stops on our road trip. Research did not yield many things to do in this area so we weren't sure exactly what to expect but our visit exceeded any hopes we had.
To some extent, our research was right, Bryce Canyon is one of the smaller National Parks and there is not a huge range of activities. This park is best enjoyed by hiking and being at the overlook points at the right time, so let me explain!
You only need 1-2 days in Bryce Canyon to fully experience this destination and the best way to do so is to start early.
Day 1:
Sunrise Viewpoint
Wake up early and drive into Bryce Canyon National Park before the sunrise and head straight to the Sunrise viewpoint (and yes, that's actually what its called)
Even at the beginning of June, the temperature here got very low and it was a freezing morning so make sure to bundle up if the forecast is dipping for your visit.
Once you’ve watched the sun rise above the horizon and start to illuminate the hoodoos, it's time to start your hike for the day.
When I say this hike was one of the most beautiful mornings of the whole trip I mean it!
Bryce Canyon is stunning in general but it has a special allure in the golden morning (or evening) sun that lights everything up in a special way. While this hike would be great any time of the day, sunrise really was spectacular.
From the sunrise viewpoint you will begin the Queen's Garden and Navajo Loop Trail. The trail begins right at the viewpoint and the loop is technically two separate trails at 1.8 and 1.3 miles respectively. Combining them is truly the best way to see the park! This trail takes you down into the canyon, winds throughout the hoodoos and explores key features such as Wall Street, a narrow slot canyon and the two bridges section. By starting this trail early in the morning we shared it with very few others. As the day progressed, the traffic levels increased.
There are many other trails to choose from in the area but I think this one is a must do! The Fairyland loop trail is a longer, less crowded option to also take you on an immersive experience in the hoodoos.
Other viewpoints worth exploring while you are in the park include Sunset Viewpoint, Inspiration Viewpoint and Bryce Point which can all be explored via the rim trail.
Once you have completed your morning hike, it's time to explore the scenic drive. There is only one road throughout the park so it will be very difficult to get lost! You can either explore this route in your own vehicle or via the park shuttle.
As you travel down the road, you will be manoeuvring through both desert and forest, which is what makes this park so special. There are multiple stops and viewpoints along the way but the highlight is Natural Bridge. This stop is approximately 20 minutes from the park entrance. Once you arrive the bridge will be directly in front of you and it makes for a great shot!
Finally, while you are in the area, make sure to take a moment to look up into the dark sky. Bryce Canyon is designated as an International Dark Sky Park and its renowned for its exceptional stargazing opportunities. Regular astronomy programs are conducted at the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center, and on clear nights, the dark skies reveal a stunning display of stars, planets, and the Milky Way.
Optional Extra Days:
If you have extra days or time in this area, Tropic Ditch Falls and Mossy Cave are two beautiful sites near Bryce Canyon National Park that are worth exploring. This hiking trail is an easy, mile round trip leading to a beautiful man made waterfall. Waterfalls are a rare sight in the middle of the Utah desert, making this spot extra special. Other trail features include bridges, hoodoos and the cave itself.
Kodachrome Basin State Park is another worthwhile spot to explore if you have time. Approximately 30 minutes from Bryce, you'll find red mountains, eroded buttes and several arches. Complete the Angels Palace hike here. Said to be a miniature version of Angels Landing in Zion National Park, this hike is a 1.5 mile trail that offers spectacular views of the surrounding park and breathtaking ledges that are sure to keep you close to the trail.
Red Canyon is just a short drive from Bryce and it is a much lesser known and travelled area. Many visitors stumble across it as they travel along Scenic Byway 12 and find themselves driving directly through two red rock arch tunnels. Here you will find orange-red pinnacles, spires, columns and hoodoos. These limestone and sandstone formations line the road making it easy for drivers to stop for photo ops. But for those looking to stay longer, Red Canyon offers camping, hiking, biking, horseback riding and off-roading. If you are looking for a quick hike, the Buckhorn trail is an easy and short route to a nearby overlook. If you want a longer hike, connect it with the Golden Wall trail for a scenic 5 mile loop.
If you want to explore the area on a unique tour, there are horseback tours available in Red Canyon along the Losee Cayon trail.
Where To Stay In Bryce
Motel: Bryce UpTop Lodge
Just 10 minutes from the entrance to Bryce Canyon National Park, we stayed in Bryce UpTop Lodge and were happy with our stay. The motel had updated rooms, friendly staff and was perfect for travelling on a budget!
Bed and Breakfast: Bryce Trails Bed and Breakfast
If you are looking for a cozy stay, this bed and breakfast is a great option! Just 18 minutes from the park, this 4 star location is worth looking into.
3 Stars: Best Western Plus
The closest to the National Park sites, the Best Western Plus is a 3-star hotel in a great location and with plenty of amenities for your stay.
Unique Experience: Under Canvas Bryce Canyon
Just 18 minutes from the National Park, this provider is going to offer you a desert experience you won’t forget! This luxury tent experience comes with a private bathroom, a family-friendly restaurant for dinner even yoga classes on-site.
Zion National Park: 2-3 Days
Zion National Park was yet another unforgettable experience in Utah. With different landscapes again, this well known national park is famous for its sandstone cliffs and narrow slot canyons. Hikes such as the Narrows and Angels Landing are some of the most well known across Utah and any time spent here is sure to be outstanding. You can see the highlights of Zion National Park in as little as a day but the more time you allow in this park, the more beauty you will uncover.
Accessing Zion National Park
For over 20 years now, Zion National Park has had a shuttle system in place to reduce traffic and parking problems, protect vegetation, and restore tranquillity to Zion Canyon. For new visitors to the area this can be confusing at first but the shuttles are incredibly easy to navigate and run very frequently (every 5-10 minutes inside the park)
The Key Points
When visiting Zion National Park, you can drive your car into the visitor centre where you will find plenty of parking. The visitor centre is where you can find information about the park and catch the shuttles. Alternatively, if you are staying in Springdale, you can catch a shuttle bus into the park from there.
The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to private vehicles when park shuttles are operating. Many of the main attractions and popular hikes are located on the scenic drive therefore you will need to catch the shuttle into this area of the park. There are 9 different stops and a round trip will take an hour and a half.
In saying this, the park is a large place and, even when shuttles are running, you can still drive a private vehicle on the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway (which connects State Route 9 through the park), the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel, the Kolob Terrace Road, and Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive.
During most years, shuttles run:
Daily from March through November.
For the holiday season near the end of December.
The National Park Service posts updated schedule information every season. They also update the shuttle schedule and a map of other roads in the park information guide. If you would like to visit the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive without riding a shuttle, you can use a bicycle or visit during the winter.
Finally, you do not need a ticket or reservation to ride the shuttle. Shuttles leave every few minutes and go either north or south and you can exit the shuttle at any open stop.
The Two Parts of the Park
In a brief overview, there are two parts of Zion National Park.
Firstly, Zion Canyon, which is the most popular area of the park, accessed by the shuttles and where the most well known sights are located such as Angels Landing, the Narrows and Observation Point.
The other part of the park is Kolob Canyons, which is approximately 30 miles northwest of the canyon, and is far, far less visited. Here you will find a fantastic five mile scenic drive, the Taylor Creek trail, the Timber Creek Overlook and some great backpacking trails.
Day 1: Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
Your first day in Zion will be spent exploring the Zion Canyon Scenic drive so pack a lunch and prepare to be out for most of the day.
Park your vehicle at the visitor centre or get the shuttle into the park from Springdale, then catch the Scenic Canyon shuttle. You will ride the shuttle to stop 4 - Court of the Patriarchs. This is a very easy 0.2 mile hike right from the shuttle stop, with incredible views of the peaks. This stop will only take 30 minutes or so but it's a great first look into Zion.
Court of the Patriarchs, Zion National Park
Emerald Pools, Zion National Park
Next, hop back on the shuttle and ride to stop 5 - Zion Lodge. The second stop of the day is the Emerald Pools.
From the shuttle stop you can cross the road to the opposite side from where you were dropped off, cross a footbridge, and head up the Emerald Pools Trail. This trail leads you to the lower, middle and upper pools and offers a stunning perspective on Zion National Park.
The trail is of moderate difficulty and you can choose to visit one pool or all three making it 1.5 to 3 miles, depending on how far you hike.
Once you finish this trail you can head over to Zion Lodge for some refreshments or hop straight back on the shuttle for the next stop.
Continue up the canyon's scenic drive, hopping off at any stops of interest. Travel all the way down to Stop 9 - Temple of Sinawava. This is the start of the iconic Narrows trail. We will be hiking this one tomorrow so you can skip this stop for now or head down to get a glimpse at the area in preparation for tomorrow.
Make your way back to the visitor centre, completing any final stops of your choosing.
In the afternoon, drive the Zion-Mount Carmel Road.
While you are exploring here, make sure to allow time for a stop at Checkerboard Mesa! This area has a very unique rock texture and colour gradient that makes for beautiful views. This stretch of road is known for having frequent sightings of bighorn sheep so keep your eyes peeled!
From here it is just 10 minutes to the Canyon Overlook Trailhead. The Canyon Overlook trail offers some of the best views in Zion National Park and it is only 1 mile round trip. This spot is also great for sunrise or sunset if your timing works!
Spend the evening relaxing in Springdale and make sure to pick up gear for the Narrows if you need it (more information below)
Day 2: The Narrows
Note: you may need to pre-organise gear for your hike today depending on the conditions. If that is the case due to high water levels or cold water, see the team at Zion Outfitters in Springdale. I also recommend packing a spare change of clothes and shoes to leave in the car as you may get very wet today!
Today you’ll tackle one of the best, and most unique hikes in Zion National Park - The Narrows.
Arrive in the park nice and early to be on one of the first shuttles for the day. Ride all the way to stop 9 - Temple of Sinawava then you can hop off the shuttle and head down to the Virgin River. Here you will begin your Narrows hike. This hike can be as short as a couple of minutes, or as long as 10 miles, turning around when you reach Big Spring. Travelling any further does require a permit.
As you begin your hike, the canyon starts quite wide and with a dry shoreline to walk along. As you progress upstream, the canyon's shoreline will gradually disappear and you will begin hiking in the river. As you continue onwards, the canyon continually changes in shape, colour and width at every turn. Each corner of this hike has something new for you to explore and it is truly a wonderful day hike.
As this hike takes you through the Virgin River, there are good and bad times to complete this hike. Make sure to check conditions before your trip to make sure the water levels and conditions are safe because you will get wet.
If you are travelling in winter or spring, you may need special equipment because of the high water levels and frigid temperatures. Any gear you need can be rented from Zion Outfitters, just outside of the south entrance.
We visited in early July and temperatures were already reaching 30+ degrees celsius. Due to the warmth, we hiked in our regular hiking clothes and boots. Yes they got soaked but with the warm weather, it didn't take long for them to dry back out. Depending on how far you go upstream, the water can get as high as chest deep, but it hovered around our knees and waist most of the time.
We chose to hike the entire trail up to Big Springs and it was one of the best hikes I have done to this day. It was a huge undertaking and took much longer than we anticipated, but the views were incredible. The continually changing landscape was phenomenal and the technical navigation made for an exciting day on the trail.
Spoiler alert: Big Springs is really not that big, this small waterfall was a very anticlimactic ending to our day hike but we were grateful to see it after hours hiking in the water. It holds a special significance for us and our ability to complete the whole trail. However, if you are hiking all the way just for the waterfall, it may not be worth it.
Once you complete your hike, head back to the visitor centre and if you are still wet, change into dry clothes.
If you have it in you, spend the afternoon exploring the less-visited section of the park, Kolob Canyons. It’ll take about 45 minutes each way, and is well worth the journey. If you are tired from your hike, schedule this stop for another day!
This area of the park has some great hikes including the Taylor Creek trail but if you're not up for it after the Narrows, you'll still get plenty of amazing views.
Drive the five mile scenic road and make sure to stop at all of the pullouts to marvel at the red rock formations! Once you reach the end of the road, it's worth doing the quick walk up to Timber Creek viewpoint.
Optional Extra Days:
Angels Landing - Need permits
Angels Landing in Zion National Park is one of the most spectacular day hikes in the world. The trail to the summit follows a steep, narrow rock fin that reaches a top elevation of 5,790 feet. The chain railing adds an element of safety, but if exposed heights make you weak in the knees, it will take a double-dose of courage to make the summit.
Beginning April 1, 2022, anyone hiking Angels Landing will require a permit. The National Park Service will issue permits by online lottery. Learn when and how to enter at go.nps.gov/AngelsLanding.
Note: we applied for permits in advance for every day of our visit to Zion and we were unsuccessful. We then also applied for the day before lottery and were unsuccessful with all of those as well so we unfortunately didn't do this hike, but if you can, I would go back in a heartbeat to experience it!
The Watchman at Sunset
The Watchman trail is a short 3 mile hike that leaves from the main visitor centre just inside the south entrance of the park. This trail is great any time of day but it is especially beautiful in the golden glow of sunset if you can make it there then.
Observation Point
For jaw-dropping views over Zion National Park, it’s hard to beat Observation Point. There are two ways to hike to Observation Point. Currently, you can get here on the East Mesa Trail, a 7 mile hike that starts outside of the park. The main trailhead is currently closed due to a rockfall.
Crimson Slot Canyon Exploration and UTV Tour
If you are looking for a guided experience while you are in the area, this tour to some world-renowned slot canyons is one you should absolutely check out! You can find tour information here.
Where To Stay In Zion
Budget: Rodeway Inn Hurricane or Days Inn by Wyndham St. George
If you are travelling on a budget, staying further away from Springdale and Zion National Park will be your best bet. Rodeway Inn Hurricane is 32 minutes from the park entrance and has some great rates for cheaper travel. Alternatively, Days Inn by Wyndham in St. George is 52 minutes from the park and has even cheaper options.
3 Stars: Hampton Inn & Suites Springdale
This property is a great, option for those wanting to stay close to the park without spending a fortune. With wonderful amenities like pools, hot tubs and groceries on site, you a set for your time in the area.
4 Stars: Cliffrose Springdale, Curio Collection By Hilton
For a stunning option, right in the heart of Springdale, this hotel gives you access to the National Park within minutes. With great amenities and even better views, this location is a beautiful option.
Unique Experience: Under Canvas Zion
Sitting right on the border of Zion National Park, this provider is going to offer you a desert experience you won’t forget! This luxury tent experience has multiple tent options, including the Stargazer tent with an above-the-bed viewing platform!
I hope this guide to Utah has provided you with a helpful start to your trip planning! You truly cannot go wrong in this incredible state, there is something incredible to be discovered in each park so take your time and discover it.
Safe travels!
