Longing for a road trip through the desert? If you’re planning a getaway to the Southwest, the best way to get to know the region is by checking out some of the most enthralling sites in the area, and many of those happen to be set in both Utah and Arizona.
Planning a road trip across the desert can be quite overwhelming because of the huge number of possibilities, but don’t worry, here’s the perfect Utah & Arizona itinerary created with first-timers in mind.
From Bryce Canyon’s unique hoodoos to the amazing vistas of Canyonlands National Park, here’s the perfect Utah & Arizona road trip even for those who don’t have much time!
The Ultimate Arizona & Utah Roadtrip Itinerary for Desert Lovers
Day 1: Zion National Park
Begin the day as early as possible by driving to Zion National Park to embark on the road trip of a lifetime. 
Once there, get acquainted with the area by visiting the Zion Human History Museum, where you’ll learn about the indigenous Paiute who once inhabited the place. Some of the most famous rock formations of Zion are located right outside the museum (including Watchman and the Towers of the Virgin), so you’ll get to free two birds with one key!
Next, put on your hiking shoes and start exploring the park on foot. Many trails here are short, gentle, and very alluring, so you can cross off several hikes off your list in a few hours.
If you’ve still got some energy after hiking, hop on your car and drive to Kolob Canyon, the lesser-visited part of the park and the ideal place to catch a sunset. For the ultimate spot to watch the sun go down, hike Timber Creek Overlook at Kolob View Point, where you’ll get to admire 360-degree views of the nearby rock formations and even some glimpses of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon!
Days 2 and 3: Bryce Canyon National Park
Because it is one of the smallest national parks in the USA, one day and a half is more than enough to catch the highlights of Bryce Canyon National Park. Do start your first day as early as possible to get the most out of
Red rock hoodoos are the stars of Bryce Canyon, so start the day by packing a lunch and driving along the park’s scenic road (Highway 12). During the drive, stop by at some of the park’s most scenic overlooks to get a wildly picturesque introduction to some of the best vistas at Bryce Canyon.
Come afternoon, pick one of the many short hiking trails if you’re in the mood to get to know the park a little better. For an epic sunset, head to Sunset Point, where you’ll get to see the sun go down while overlooking the striking amphitheater of red rock hoodoos!
Day 3 will be all about getting closer and more personal with Bryce Canyon. As mentioned before, hoodoos are what make Bryce Canyon’s landscape so unique, and there’s really no better way to admire them than braving the Queen’s Garden to Navajo Loop and Wall Street trail. As you make your way through otherworldly-looking rocky tunnels and pine forests, you’ll get access to the best views of the park’s iconic sandstone hoodoos that will make you feel as though you’re walking on another planet!
In the evening, leave Bryce Canyon and drive to Capitol Reef to get a good night’s sleep and prepare for another full day of desert goodness.
Day 4: Capitol Reef National Park
Get the most out of your visit to Capitol Reef National Park by hiking to Hickman Bridge, a classic, 2-mile round trip trail that will have you stumbling across some of the most iconic sights in the park. When you’re done hiking, hop back in your car and drive down Highway 24 to check out the park’s famous petroglyph panel, which will give you a good insight into the Capitol Reef’s indigenous heritage.
Next, drive along the 8-mile long scenic road, where you’ll get to check out some of the most iconic sights of Capitol Reef. If you’ve still got time and energy after the drive, try the hike to Cassidy Arch, one of the most thrilling trails and probably the most iconic photo spot in the whole park!
Day 5: Arches National Park
Although it is very small, Arches National Park isn’t short of incredible things to see and do, so get ready for
Start the day by checking out Delicate Arch, which is undoubtedly the most iconic sight in Utah (actually, it’s the arch you see on Utah’s license plates!). Next, get ready for some desert hiking by following the Landscape Arch trail, the largest natural arch in the USA and an absolute must.
When you’re through exploring on foot, jump on your car and drive down the Arches Scenic Drive, which offers a variety of incredible viewpoints where you can revel in the sweeping desert views.
For a stunning sunset, hike the Double Arch trail to check out yet another arch before finishing at The Windows to say goodbye to another amazing day in your road trip!
Days 6 & 7: Canyonlands National Park (Island in the Sky and The Needles)
Canyonlands National Park is so huge that you could keep going back and never get to do the same thing twice. For first-timers, though, the best way to go about it is taking off at the easier-to-explore Island in the Sky
Rise and shine early and hike up to the iconic Mesa Arch, where you’ll get to witness one of the most stunning sunrises of your life. Then, you can take on a few of the hikes (recommended ones are Gooseberry Canyon, Grand View Point Trail, and Upheaval Dome).
To top off your day, head over to Green River Viewpoint to catch an epic sunset with sweeping views of the canyons, with the sun illuminating the canyon walls and making the hues of red on the rocks jump to life.
The next day, you can either explore more of Island in the Sky or venture deeper into Canyonlands by hitting The Needles, which offers extensive vistas of the canyons and off-the-road, more challenging hikes, and backpacking opportunities.
Day 8 & 9: Grand Canyon National Park
Cap off an unforgettable desert road trip by challenging your desert hiking skills on the Bright Angel Trail, a 9.5
I hope this itinerary helped you plan the perfect Arizona + Utah road trip! Even though both states are king when it comes to incredible sights and nature, these destinations are the perfect stops to make if it’s your first time traveling through the area to get a pretty good introduction to the best of the desert in both states!
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