A version of this article originally appeared in the January/February 2016 issue of Afar. It was updated on July 24, 2026, to include current information. Danielle Hallock contributed to the reporting of this article.
The U.S. Southwest is blessed with so many phenomenal national parks that practically cascade into each other—thanks to the Colorado Plateau, a kind of massive rock staircase that created nine national parks (including the Grand Canyon) across four states. Five of those parks are in Utah, and they form an ideal loop for a road trip.
Starting with Zion, make your way through a land of red-rock cliffs, spires, and canyons, where nearly every road is “scenic drive.” Pack your best road-trip gear, download some riveting podcasts, and get ready to cross these treasures off your list with this national park road trip through Utah.
Zion National Park
Zion National Park is located at the intersection of the Colorado Plateau, the Great Basin, and the Mojave Desert.
Photo by Arnaud Mariat/Unsplash
Recommended stay: Three days
Kick off your trip in Utah’s first national park with a stay at Zion National Park Lodge, where rocking chairs on porches and mission-style furniture in guest rooms evoke the ineffable summer-camp simplicity. (Bonus: Lodge guests get special permission to drive their cars into Zion Canyon, while all other visitors need to use park shuttles.) Be sure to book the lodge way in advance, as it’s quite popular.
During mid-March through October, you can rent a bicycle from the lodge and pedal along a paved road next to soaring sandstone walls. From the lodge, you can also access some of Zion’s best hikes, such as one to Angel’s Landing, a breath-snatching rock promontory offering bird’s-eye views down into Zion Canyon. Several trails in this park offer once-in-a-lifetime hikes, so make time to trek the Narrows, the Subway, or Canyon Overlook Trail.
After a day of exploring, retreat to the lodge’s Red Rock Grill for bison meatloaf and Navajo tacos made with fry bread, or treat yourself to a beer at Zion Canyon Brewing Company in nearby Springdale, the gateway town to Zion.
Before leaving, check out souvenirs from one of the nearby rock shops like the Get Outpost, where you can buy a scorpion preserved in glass or local sandstone carved into a sculpture.
It’s approximately 83 miles (about two hours) to your next stop.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Recommended stay: One day
Continue your tour in Bryce Canyon National Park. Hike the strenuous eight-mile Fairyland Loop Trail, which offers spectacular views of the park’s iconic rock pinnacles, called hoodoos. At the end of your day, check into the Lodge at Bryce Canyon (the only lodging within the national park), where rustic cabins feature stone fireplaces and Douglas fir flooring, TVs are verboten, and the canyon rim is only a five-minute walk from your doorstep. If you are able to stay the night, Bryce has excellent ranger-led astronomy programs.
It’s approximately 112 miles (about two hours) to your next stop.
Capitol Reef National Park
Recommended stay: Two days
Equally as stunning as neighboring parks—but with fewer paved roads and maintained trails—Capitol Reef National Park is one of Utah’s lesser-visited playgrounds. On an off-trail day hike led by Redrock Adventure Guides, plumb golden slot canyons and slickrock domes. After, dine on Southwest fusion-style dishes such as watermelon-marinated pork at the outdoor patio of Cafe Diablo.
But don’t bed down just yet: Capitol Reef National Park is recognized as a gold-tier International Dark Sky Park, which means the area offers some of the world’s best stargazing. (Check at the visitor center for astronomy programs on offer.) Once you’ve done your share of star-spotting, sleep at the Lodge at Red River Ranch, complete with Navajo rugs, bronze cowboy sculptures, and a resident bison herd). When the sun rises, buy freshly baked fruit pastries from the Gifford Homestead farm to snack on during your drive ahead.
It’s approximately 132 miles (about two hours) to your next stop.
Arches National Park
Utah’s Arches National Park is home to approximately 2,000 natural sandstone arches.
Photo by Leo_Visions/Unsplash
Recommended stay: One day
The best approach to exploring Arches National Park is to start early, before the sun is high in the sky. At the park entrance, secure a $16 ticket for a ranger-led hike around the Fiery Furnace loop, which takes you through a labyrinth of sandstone walls that, at times, requires traversing on your hands and feet. After this strenuous adventure, relax on the scenic drive to Wolfe Ranch, which is the starting point for the hike to Delicate Arch (Utah’s state icon). Summon your strength to complete the three-mile round-trip walk to view the park’s most famous picturesque arch up close. Then close out your day under the stars as you sleep in a safari-style glamping tent at Moab Under Canvas.
It’s 26 miles (about 30 minutes) to your next stop.
Canyonlands National Park
Recommended stay: Two days
If you thought impressive canyons were only in Arizona, this park is ready to show you otherwise, with its hundreds of canyons stretching to the horizon. This massive national park could provide entertainment for several days, so spend at least two chasing the highlights. Some short and easy must-sees include Mesa Arch, White Rim Overlook, and Grand View Point. If you have time for a longer hike, you may be able to check out Druid Arch, Confluence Overlook, or Chesler Park Loop.
On your way back toward Zion, head to Amangiri for an ultra-luxe stay in a desert design hotel. Its Spirit of the Journey tasting menu offers four courses that focus on cuisine from five local Indigenous tribes, including Navajo fry bread, pickled cactus, and corn cheesecake.
Before leaving the area, consider taking a short detour to the Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument—even a quick hike through a small section of the 1.9-million-acre area is memorable.
Related: Visiting a National Park, but Don’t Want to Rough It? Book a Room at One of These Dreamy Hotels
