Looking for the Ultimate 7 Day Utah Roadtrip? We have you covered! Utah is home to some of the most dramatic and diverse landscapes in the United States, making it an ideal destination for a week-long road trip. With five national parks—Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion—alongside hidden gems like Goblin Valley and Monument Valley. The state offers travelers a chance to experience red rock arches, narrow slot canyons, sweeping desert views, and unique geological formations all in one trip.
This 7-day Utah Roadtrip itinerary is designed with first-time visitors in mind, focusing on efficient driving routes and the must-see highlights, while still leaving time for hikes, scenic drives, and relaxing evenings. Whether you’re flying into Salt Lake City or Las Vegas, this loop will give you a comprehensive introduction to the best of Utah’s natural wonders.
This trip also includes adding on Arizona’s iconic Grand Canyon and nearby Horseshoe Bend. Both are within driving distance from Monument Valley, making them a natural extension of this road trip. Spending an additional 1-2 days here allows you to experience the South Rim’s famous viewpoints, sunrise and sunset vistas, and short rim hikes. This add-on not only rounds out your Southwest experience but also ensures you check off one of the most recognized natural landmarks in the world.
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Things to Know Before Your Utah Roadtrip
- America the Beautiful Pass – Utah is packed with national parks and monuments, and entrance fees can add up quickly. The America the Beautiful Pass ($80/year) covers unlimited access to all U.S. national parks and federal recreation areas, making it a must if you plan on visiting multiple parks in one trip.
- Distances Are Longer Than You Think – The landscapes may look close on the map, but many parks are a few hours apart. Build in extra time for driving, especially since you’ll often want to stop for viewpoints along the way.
- Cell Service is Limited – Many areas, especially in Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Monument Valley, have little to no service. Download offline maps in advance using Google Maps or an app like Maps.me.
- Book Accommodations Early – Lodging inside or near the national parks can book up months in advance, especially in peak season (spring and fall). Plan early if you want to stay close to the action.
- Pack for Temperature Swings – Utah’s desert climate means hot days and chilly nights, even in summer. In spring and fall, mornings can be cold while afternoons are warm, so bring layers.
- Hydration is Key – The dry climate and hiking at elevation can dehydrate you quickly. Carry a reusable water jug in your car to refill bottles throughout the trip.
- Plan Your Food Stops – Some park areas, like Capitol Reef and Monument Valley, have very limited dining options. Keep snacks and easy meals in the car to avoid going hungry between towns. Furthermore, when in the national parks plan ahead and always pack a lunch.
- Start Early for Popular Hikes – Trails in Arches, Bryce, and Zion can become very crowded by midday. Beginning your hikes early not only avoids the crowds but also helps you beat the desert heat.
Day 1 – Salt Lake City ? Moab
Arrive in Salt Lake City and pick up your rental car before beginning the scenic 3.5–4 hour drive to Moab, the perfect base for exploring Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Once you’ve settled in, head straight to Arches for a sunset hike. Do note, that you do need a reservation in order to visit Arches and make sure to make that well in advance. They are a bit lenient on timing as we arrived an hour late and they let us in but please try and stick as close to your time as possible.
First up we’re going to hike to Delicate Arch as this is one of the most popular trails in the park, and for good reason. The sight of the arch glowing against the evening sky is one of those bucket-list Utah moments. Plan to arrive as soon as you can since parking fills up quickly, and bring a headlamp for the hike back. I would categorize this hike as a 4/5 on the hiking scale as a somewhat seasoned hiker.
Afterward, spend the night in Moab, where you’ll be based for two evenings. You’ll find plenty of restaurants and accommodations ranging from boutique hotels to cozy lodges. Some great options include Hoodoo Moab a Curio Collection Hotel and for my budget travelers Field Station Moab. Finally, you have to check out the retro Moab Diner for dinner as it had delicious comfort food after a long day!
Day 2 – Arches National Park
Spend a full day exploring Arches National Park
Spend your day exploring some of Arches National Park’s most iconic formations. Start in The Windows Section, where an easy 1-mile loop trail takes you to the North and South Windows. We highly recommend going behind the windows as we barely saw anyone behind there on a busy day and enjoyed the different perspective. Then head on over to Double Arch which is conveniently located across the road and you don’t even have to move your car. This short 0.5-mile roundtrip trail is mostly flat, making it accessible for all levels while still delivering jaw-dropping views. It’s unreal that nature has made these amazing arches. It truly took our breath away!
From there, head to the Devil’s Garden area for the 1.9-mile roundtrip hike to Landscape Arch. Rated easy, this trail is well-maintained and gives you the chance to see one of the longest natural stone arches in the world, stretching more than 300 feet. On your way back toward town, make a quick stop at Park Ave and Courthouse Towers, which is only a 0.3-mile loop from the parking lot and great for a quick stretch. In the evening, consider returning to the park for stargazing. Arches has earned International Dark Sky certification, offering some of the clearest and most vibrant night skies in the country. End the day with another overnight stay in Moab.
Day 3 – Canyonlands & Goblin Valley
Start the day early with sunrise at Mesa Arch in Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky district. This short 0.5-mile loop trail is easy and perfect for catching the arch glowing as the sun rises over the canyons. Do note, it gets especially busy here as it’s a popular spot and the parking lot is quite tiny but you shouldn’t have an issue at sunrise. Afterward, explore other nearby highlights like Grand View Point and Green River Overlook, both offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Canyonlands’ below. This national park can be explored in half a day but if you’d like more time here than consider skipping Goblin Valley and heading over to Capitol Reef.
In the afternoon, make the drive to Goblin Valley State Park, about 1.5 hours from Moab. The drive itself is unforgettable—rolling red rock landscapes, winding roads, and wide-open desert vistas made me feel like I’d stepped straight into the movie Cars. Once at Goblin Valley, wander among the whimsical hoodoo formations, snapping photos and exploring trails like the Carmel Canyon Loop if you’re up for a slightly longer hike. After soaking in the otherworldly scenery, continue your journey toward Capitol Reef National Park, where you’ll spend the night in Torrey or a nearby town, ready for the next day of exploration.
Fourth Day – Capitol Reef ? Bryce Canyon
Begin the day with a scenic drive through Capitol Reef along Highway 24, stopping at highlights like Hickman Bridge, a short 1.8-mile roundtrip hike to a striking natural arch, and the historic Fruita orchards, where you can stroll among fruit trees and even pick seasonal produce. Don’t miss a quick detour to Capitol Gorge, where the easy, 2-mile roundtrip trail leads you past towering cliffs and remnants of pioneer inscriptions.
From there, continue along Scenic Byway 12, often called one of the most beautiful drives in America, with winding roads, dramatic cliffs, and panoramic desert views at every turn. In the evening, arrive at Bryce Canyon National Park just in time for sunset—either Sunset Point or Inspiration Point offers breathtaking views of the hoodoo-filled amphitheater glowing in golden light. Hands down my favorite national park view on this trip it was so unique and mesmerizing. Wrap up the day with an overnight stay near Bryce Canyon, and for a fun twist, consider staying at a Ofland Escalante. We absolutely loved our experience staying at this unique resort with small cabins, airstreams, and even a drive-in movie theater for a playful and memorable experience.
Day 5 – Bryce Canyon ? Zion National Park
Start the day with sunrise at Bryce Amphitheater, which we did, and the lighting was absolute perfection. Seeing the hoodoos bathed in golden light is something I’ll never forget. Afterward, tackle some of Bryce’s iconic short hikes, like the Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail, which together make a roughly 2–3 mile moderate loop through towering rock formations.
In the late morning, drive about 1.5–2 hours to Zion National Park, where the scenery only gets more dramatic. Upon entering the park we were immediately greeted with wildlife and the most insane views. In the afternoon, consider the Canyon Overlook Trail, an easy 1-mile hike with sweeping views of Zion Canyon, or take the shuttle into the main canyon. Do note, you can’t drive on Zion Scenic Road the majority of the year (March through November) so you will need to take a shuttle or rent bikes. We rented bikes to explore the park for sunset and it was so lovely. Make sure to stop at Stop 8 for a hidden gem—a serene waterfall and bridge that’s often overlooked by most visitors.
End the day with an overnight stay in Springdale, just outside Zion, at the Cliffrose Springdale Curio Collection. We personally stayed here and loved how serene it was, the incredible pool, and the quick access to the park. It was so convenient and a comfortable base to recharge for tomorrow’s adventures!
Day 6 – Zion ? Monument Valley
Start the morning at Perks! a great coffee house in Springdale then continue to one of Zion’s standout hikes. If you’re comfortable with heights and want a challenge, Angels Landing is a strenuous 5.4-mile roundtrip hike with an elevation gain of about 1,500 feet, offering breathtaking views but requiring a permit and a head for heights.
For something equally iconic but less vertigo-inducing, I highly recommend The Narrows, a slot canyon hike through the Virgin River that lets you wade between towering canyon walls—truly one of the most unique experiences in the park and that we’ve ever done. It was incredibly fun! Most people hike in and out (4-5 miles) from the Riverside Walk trailhead. Make sure to rent your water shoes and walking stick at the park entrance (roughly $40 pp) the night before and start as early as possible. For lunch head to The Park House for delicious food before heading on to your next adventure.
For a more comprehensive Zion Guide don’t miss my 2 day Itinerary below
Monument Valley
After your morning adventure, begin the approximately 4.5-hour drive to Monument Valley, where the vast red rock landscape feels straight out of a Western movie. Time your arrival for a sunset Navajo-led tour, which provides incredible photo opportunities and cultural insight into this iconic area. You can pick either the 17 mile or 28 mile option otherwise you can drive the road yourself if you’d like to go at your own pace and pay $8pp. Whatever you do, make sure to stop by John Ford’s point and say hello to the cutest cat on the planet named Eskimo.
Spend the night at Monument Valley’s The View Hotel, a resort right on the valley rim where every room boasts sweeping views of the towering buttes, allowing you to wake up immersed in this unforgettable landscape. We booked the small cabins and while it was lovely we also had an incredibly loud evening due to insane winds. Suffice it to say it was a stay we will surely never forget!
Last Day – Monument Valley ? Horseshoe Bend ? Grand Canyon ? Las Vegas
Wake up early for sunrise at Monument Valley and take a quick drive along Forrest Gump Road. If you’re a huge movie buff like myself you’ll recognize this road as the road he decided to go home after running for years. But aside from that it truly is a lovely place to visit with the morning light on the towering buttes is unforgettable!
From there, head east toward Horseshoe Bend near Page, Arizona, about a two-hour drive, where the dramatic curve of the Colorado River makes for incredible photos. If you have extra time, you can also squeeze in a visit to Antelope Canyon, but it’s optional and requires a guided tour.
For those looking to extend the adventure, continue on to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, another two hours away, and explore viewpoints along Desert View Drive. Afterward, begin the roughly four-hour drive to Las Vegas for departure or an overnight stay. If you prefer to skip Arizona altogether, you can bypass Horseshoe Bend and the Grand Canyon and drive straight from Monument Valley to Las Vegas, shaving off several hours and making for a more relaxed end to your trip.
Conclusion
From the towering arches of Arches and the surreal hoodoos of Bryce Canyon to the dramatic canyons of Zion and the iconic landscapes of Monument Valley, this Utah road trip offers an unforgettable introduction to the American Southwest.
Whether you stick to the 7-day loop or extend your journey to include the Grand Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, this itinerary balances adventure, iconic landmarks, and hidden gems, making it perfect for first-time visitors. By planning ahead, booking accommodations early, and picking up an America the Beautiful Pass, you’ll be ready to explore some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the country with ease and style!
Finally, we have more in depth National Park Guides you can check out before your trip!
XX,
Courtney
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