Ready to hit the open road and explore the breathtaking beauty of Utah? Buckle up because we’re about to embark on an unforgettable adventure through the stunning landscapes of the Beehive State. As seasoned road warriors who have traversed the highways from Arizona to Utah multiple times, we’re here to share our insider tips and favorite stops along the way. From awe-inspiring national parks to hidden historic sites and majestic monuments, get ready to be blown away by the diverse wonders waiting to be discovered on this epic Arizona to Utah road trip!
Table of Contents
Introduction
Utah is home to some of the most magnificent scenery in the United States, making it the perfect destination for an unforgettable road trip. This 10-day itinerary takes you to many of Utah’s most famous sights, including national parks, vibrant cities, and breathtaking landscapes.
On this trip, you will start in Salt Lake City, the capital and largest city in Utah. From there, you’ll make your way southeast through Park City and Moab, before exploring several of Utah’s Mighty 5 national parks – Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion. Continuing south, you’ll visit the shores of Lake Powell and the awe-inspiring Monument Valley, before completing your journey back in Salt Lake City.
With 10 days you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy Utah’s natural wonders, while also experiencing its frontier history and culture. This itinerary includes recommendations for outdoor activities, dining, and accommodations in each destination. Get ready for an epic adventure exploring the stunning and diverse terrain of Utah!
Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City is the capital and largest city in Utah. It’s a great place to start a Utah road trip. Located next to the Wasatch Mountains and Great Salt Lake, it offers beautiful scenery and plenty of things to see and do.
Temple Square
Temple Square is the most visited attraction in Utah. This 10 acre complex is home to the Salt Lake Temple, Tabernacle, and other buildings important to the Mormon faith. Free tours are available where you can learn about Mormon history and architecture. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir performs here as well.
Great Salt Lake
The Great Salt Lake is one of the most unique natural landmarks in the United States. Take a drive up to Antelope Island State Park to see the lake up close. You can swim in the extra salty water, watch birds and wildlife, hike, bike, and enjoy stunning views.
Restaurants
Salt Lake City has a vibrant dining scene with restaurants serving global cuisines. Top picks include the upscale Veneto for Italian, Takashi for sushi, and Red Iguana for Mexican food. For a uniquely Utah experience, try local trout, bison, or elk.
Nightlife
Nightlife highlights include live music venues like The Depot and Urban Lounge. Popular bars and pubs include Beer Bar, Whiskey Street, and Twilite Lounge. Or check out one of the local breweries like Fisher Brewing Company and Squatters Pub.
Park City
Park City is a historic former silver mining town located 32 miles east of Salt Lake City. With a lively and charming Main Street lined with restaurants, bars, galleries, and shops, Park City offers a unique mountain town experience.
The historic district along Main Street features over 100 Victorian buildings from the city’s mining heyday in the late 1800s. Wander along the pedestrian-only street, popping into the various shops housed in these colorful wooden buildings. Stop for a meal on one of Main Street’s outdoor patios, do some window shopping, and enjoy the laidback mountain vibe.
In addition to its historic downtown, Park City is known as a world-class ski destination. Three resorts – Park City Mountain, Deer Valley Resort, and the Canyons – offer terrain for all ability levels. Advanced skiers can challenge themselves in the bowls, while beginners have access to gentle runs and top-notch ski schools. Even non-skiers will find plenty of on-mountain activities like snow tubing, sleigh rides, and alpine coasters.
Each January, Park City also hosts the Sundance Film Festival. For 10 days, the town transforms into a hub for independent film, with movie premieres, panel discussions, and star sightings. Film buffs flock here to catch the hottest indie flicks before anyone else. Whether you have a festival pass or just want to experience the buzz, Sundance puts Park City on the map.
With its historic downtown, incredible skiing, and world-famous film festival, Park City encapsulates the best of mountain culture and makes a top destination for any Utah road trip.
Moab
Moab is a popular destination in southeastern Utah, renowned for its incredible national parks, stunning landscapes, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Located along the Colorado River, Moab serves as a gateway to two of Utah’s Mighty 5 national parks – Arches and Canyonlands.
Arches National Park
Arches National Park, located just north of Moab, contains the world’s largest concentration of natural sandstone arches. The park has over 2,000 documented arches, in addition to hundreds of soaring pinnacles, massive fins, and giant balanced rocks. Some of the most famous arches include Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, Double Arch, and The Windows. Hiking trails wind through the red rock fins and arches, providing incredible views at every turn. The easy, short hike to Delicate Arch at sunset offers one of the most iconic photo opportunities in Utah.
Dead Horse Point State Park
Dead Horse Point State Park, positioned just northwest of Moab, is a stunning overlook perched 2,000 feet above the Colorado River. The park has an excellent visitor center and miles of hiking trails along the rim with breathtaking views of Canyonlands National Park and the surrounding canyon country. The park gets its unusual name from its history as a corral for wild mustangs in the 19th century. Legend has it the cowboys barricaded the narrow neck of land, known as a point, and left the mustangs there with no water, hence the name Dead Horse Point. Today, the park is a peaceful place to take in the expansive views.
Mountain Biking
Moab has earned a reputation as the mountain biking capital of the world. Miles and miles of singletrack wind through the red rocks outside of town. From beginner friendly trails to extreme downhill, Moab has trails for every skill level. Some of the most popular and scenic trails are in the Klondike Bluffs area of Arches and the Slickrock Trail just outside of town. Jeep and Hummer tours are also popular in Moab, utilizing Hell’s Revenge and other notorious 4×4 roads. The beautiful landscapes surrounding Moab provide endless opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park is a must-see destination on any Utah road trip. Located in south-central Utah, Capitol Reef encompasses nearly 250,000 acres of rugged rock formations, cliffs, canyons, arches, and bridges.
One of the most iconic hikes in Capitol Reef is the Hickman Bridge Trail. This moderately strenuous 1.8-mile roundtrip hike takes you through a narrow canyon before reaching the massive 133-foot Hickman Bridge, a natural bridge formed over millions of years by water erosion in the sandstone. Along the way, you’ll pass towering cliffs and get views down into the Fremont River gorge.
Another great hiking trail is the Grand Wash Trail, located at the end of the scenic drive through Capitol Gorge. This easy 2.5-mile roundtrip hike follows a sandy streambed through a wide canyon, surrounded by colorful Wingate sandstone walls. It’s a great place to explore and boulder hop.
Make sure to spend time at the Fruita campground while in Capitol Reef. This oasis is home to nearly 3,000 acres of orchards, filled with cherry, apricot, peach, pear, and apple trees. You can pick your own fruit when in season or stop by the historic Gifford Homestead and store. There are 71 campsites available on a first-come basis.
With its unique geologic formations, scenic drives, hiking trails, and Fruita orchards, Capitol Reef National Park is a can’t miss destination on a Utah national parks road trip.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park is located in southwestern Utah and is known for its unique geological rock formations called hoodoos. The park contains hundreds of these tall, thin spires of rock that resemble a forest of stone figures.
One of the best places to view the hoodoos is along the Navajo Loop Trail. This popular 1.3 mile loop descends into the main amphitheater of the park, allowing you to walk right up to the base of the hoodoos and appreciate their height and colors. As you hike down into the canyon, you’ll pass by formations with names like Thor’s Hammer and the Two Sisters.
In addition to the hoodoos, Bryce Canyon is an excellent destination for stargazing. Due to its high elevation and low light pollution, the park offers some of the darkest night skies in the country. Many visitors enjoy camping at the park and watching the Milky Way emerge as the sun sets behind the hoodoos. The best time for stargazing is during the new moon when the skies are at their darkest. Several astronomy programs are also offered during the summer months.
With its unique geological formations and spectacular night skies, Bryce Canyon is an unforgettable destination for any Utah road trip. The hoodoos create an almost otherworldly landscape unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Zion National Park
Zion National Park is located in southern Utah and is known for its incredible red rock formations, narrow slot canyons, and amazing hikes. One of the most popular hikes in Zion is Angels Landing. This strenuous hike takes you up Walter’s Wiggles, a series of steep switchbacks blasted into the rock, before reaching Scout Lookout. From there, the trail continues along a very narrow ridge with steep drop-offs on both sides before reaching the summit of Angels Landing. The views are breathtaking but the hike is not for anyone afraid of heights.
For a unique Zion adventure, hike The Narrows, a route that takes you through the Virgin River between towering canyon walls. You’ll be wading, walking, and sometimes swimming through the river on this hike. Wear proper footwear like canyoneering shoes and neoprene socks. The Emerald Pools trails are easier hikes that lead to small waterfalls and pools surrounded by lush vegetation. This area contrasts beautifully with the red rock. With its diverse landscape and adventures, Zion is a must for any Utah road trip.
Lake Powell
Lake Powell is a massive man-made reservoir on the Colorado River located in southern Utah and northern Arizona. The lake is a popular destination for outdoor recreation and sightseeing. One of the most popular activities at Lake Powell is renting a houseboat. Houseboats provide a unique way to explore the lake and allow you to wake up to incredible views each morning. Many companies offer houseboat rentals of varying sizes to accommodate groups large and small.
Houseboats are equipped with all the comforts of home, including fully furnished kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, and living areas. Most rentals come stocked with amenities like bedding, towels, kitchenware, and more. Houseboats allow you to find a secluded cove to set up camp and relax. At Lake Powell, it’s easy to find a spot with beautiful scenery all to yourself.
In addition to leisurely cruising the lake, many visitors take boat tours to see the famous slot canyons along the lake’s shorelines. Antelope Canyon is one of the most popular destinations for boat tours. These narrow, winding canyons filled with colorful rock formations are only accessible by boat. Guided tours take you into the canyon to marvel at the scenic views and capture stunning photographs.
The excellent fishing is another major draw to Lake Powell. The lake is home to several species of fish including largemouth bass, striped bass, crappie, walleye, and channel catfish. Anglers enjoy fishing from boats, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, or the shoreline. The fishing is excellent year-round but tends to peak during the spring and fall. Whether casting from a houseboat or rented fishing boat, Lake Powell offers a picturesque backdrop for a fishing getaway.
Monument Valley
Monument Valley is located on the southern border of Utah, near the Four Corners area. This iconic landscape is part of the Navajo Nation reservation and features the legendary towering sandstone buttes, including the Mittens.
The most popular activity in Monument Valley is taking a guided jeep tour. These tours take you deep into the valley along unpaved roads with Navajo guides. You’ll be able to get up close to the massive rock formations and learn about Navajo culture and history. Some tours offer add-ons like meals or horseback riding.
For a different perspective, hike one of the trails in Monument Valley. Some of the best hikes include the Wildcat Trail Loop which goes right between the Mittens buttes and provides incredible views. The Sand Springs Loop is an easier 3-mile hike with petroglyphs along the way. Keep in mind hiking access is limited due to the sensitive landscape, so stay on marked trails.
The Mittens are the most iconic rock formations in Monument Valley. These twin buttes resemble mittens rising nearly 1,000 feet from the valley floor. They are located deep within the valley and are best viewed on a guided tour. The Mittens have been featured in countless films, photos, and other media, making them the classic Monument Valley landscape.
Monument Valley truly is one of the most spectacular destinations in the American Southwest. The scenery of towering sandstone buttes and mesas set against the expansive valley is unforgettable. Exploring by jeep and foot allows you to fully immerse yourself in this majestic desert landscape.
Some tips for road-tripping through Utah:
- Make time for scenic drives like Highway 12 and the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway
- Stop at viewpoints and pullouts to take photos and admire the landscapes
- Go hiking to see the parks from trails rather than just the main overlooks
- Visit less-crowded parks and sights during shoulder seasons in the spring and fall
- Talk to locals for insider tips on attractions and places to eat
Utah’s natural beauty and diversity of landscapes make it one of the premier road trip destinations in the United States. This itinerary provides a memorable sampler of the state’s scenic parks and dynamic urban attractions. From the red rocks to the salt flats, Utah has something for every type of traveler.
Conclusion
Utah is an incredible state for road trips, offering stunning natural landscapes, exciting outdoor activities, and vibrant cities. This 10-day itinerary hits many of the highlights, taking you through the canyons and national parks in southern Utah up to the mountain towns and red rock country in the north.
The trip starts in Salt Lake City, Utah’s capital and largest city, with vibrant nightlife, a great food scene, and access to outdoor activities in the nearby Wasatch Mountains. From there, the route heads east through Park City, a world-class ski town with an old West charm, before reaching Moab, a mecca for adventure sports like mountain biking, rafting, and off-roading.
The next stops are some of Utah’s iconic national parks. Capitol Reef National Park is filled with colorful sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and petroglyphs. Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its unique geological formations called hoodoos. Zion National Park has towering red rock cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and beautiful hiking trails.
Continuing north, Lake Powell offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and photography against a backdrop of red rocks reflecting in blue water. Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park contains the iconic sandstone buttes and mesas featured in classic Western films and photographs.
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