The classic Southwest road trip: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches and Canyonlands strung together across southern Utah's canyon country, usually flying into Las Vegas or Salt Lake City.
Duration: 8 days Best time: April–May & September–October (mild; avoid peak summer heat and crowds) Region: West
A one-way loop works well flying into Las Vegas and out of Salt Lake City (or reverse).
Day by day
- Day 1Arrive Las Vegas → Zion
Fly into Las Vegas, pick up the car and drive ~2.5 hours to Springdale at the gates of Zion. Evening stroll along the Virgin River.
- Day 2Zion National Park
Ride the canyon shuttle; hike the Narrows or, for a permit-holder, Angels Landing. Sunset at the Canyon Overlook.
- Day 3Zion → Bryce Canyon
Drive ~1.5 hours up to Bryce (8,000+ ft). Walk the Navajo Loop and Queen's Garden among the hoodoos; catch sunset at Bryce Point.
- Day 4Scenic Byway 12 → Capitol Reef
One of America's great drives through Escalante to Capitol Reef. Stop for viewpoints and the Kiva Koffeehouse.
- Day 5Capitol Reef National Park
Explore the Fruita orchards, the Scenic Drive and Hickman Bridge; the quietest of the five.
- Day 6Capitol Reef → Moab (Canyonlands)
Drive to Moab and head into Canyonlands' Island in the Sky for a Grand View Point sunset.
- Day 7Arches National Park
Sunrise at the Windows, then hike to Delicate Arch. Cool off in Moab; optional Colorado River float.
- Day 8Depart
Drive to Salt Lake City (~3.5 hrs) or Grand Junction, CO (~1.5 hrs) for your flight home.
