2-Week Northern Arizona & Utah National Parks Road Trip

The sweeping rust-coloured scenery of Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks and the majesty of the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley combine to make the ultimate Southwest USA adventure. See soul-quenching landscapes and iconic natural wonders on our 2-week Arizona and Utah road trip.

Arizona and Utah form the defining landscapes of the southwest USA.

Glorious red rock canyons cut by majestic rivers and stone arches carved by nature, punctuate a beautiful desert landscape.

Many of the highlights can be found in vast National Parks, but others are secluded marvels, tucked down dusty back-country roads.

Paul and I have explored the area many times and this road trip that covers all the best sights in just 14 days.

It begins and ends in Las Vegas, with glorious outdoor experiences in six National Parks. Along the way you will navigate slot canyons, admire striking hoodoos and hike to towering natural arches.

The sights are connected by some of the best highways and byways in the United States. Driving is a breeze, and the scenery is breathtaking.

We spend the evenings in towns or tribal parks, where you can experience the culture, diversity, and sheer splendour of the southwest United States.

Our guide includes what to do each day, where to stay, money-saving tips, and advice for reserving National Park permits.

We think it is one of the best road trips in the world.

ITINERARY OVERVIEW

This road trip begins and ends in Las Vegas. In between we complete a 2-week circular driving route, visiting most of the major natural attractions in northern Arizona and Utah.

We tried to keep driving to around 2 to 4 hours per day, without missing some of the country’s best roads, including Route 66, Highway 89 and Scenic Byway 12.

The road trip visits six National Parks: all five of Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks and the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona.

We also stopped off at Monument Valley and Grand Staircase Escalante. If you get lucky with permits (which we didn’t) we’d also suggest you visit the Wave.

DAY	WHAT TO DO	WHERE TO STAY
Day 1	Arrive into Las Vegas	Las Vegas, Nevada
Day 2	Hoover Dam, Route 66, Williams	Grand Canyon, Arizona
Day 3	Mather Point, Hiking, Desert View Road	Grand Canyon, Arizona
Day 4	Antelope Canyon, Wahweap Overlook, Horseshoe Bend	Page, Arizona
Day 5	The Wave, Monument Valley	Monument Valley, Utah
Day 6	Forest Gump Point, Moki Dugway, Valley of the Gods	Blanding, Utah
Day 7	Route 211, The Needles	Moab, Utah
Day 8	Arches National Park	Moab, Utah
Day 9	Islands in the Sky, Dead Horse Point, Mesa Arch, Capitol Reef	Torrey, Utah
Day 10	Scenic Byway 12, Escalante National Monument	Bryce Canyon, Utah
Day 11	Bryce Canyon, Checkerboard Mesa, Canyon Overlook	Springdale, Utah
Day 12	Zion National Park	Springdale, Utah
Day 13	The Narrows, Valley of Fire	Las Vegas, Nevada
Day 14	Las Vegas	Las Vegas, Nevada

DRIVING ROUTE MAP

The map below has the circular driving route we took on this itinerary. We have included all the main attractions, plus the hotels we stayed at.

USING OUR MAPS. Click on the top right corner to open in the Google Maps app. Click on the star to save to your Google account.  

NORTHERN ARIZONA & UTAH ROAD TRIP ITINERARY

Here is a day-by-day breakdown of the itinerary.

DAY 1: ARRIVE IN LAS VEGAS

Most airlines arrive at Harry Reid International Airport (formerly known as McCarran International Airport).

If you arrive early, and it hasn’t been a long flight, you may want to pick up your hire car from the airport and head straight to the Grand Canyon South Rim (4 hours 15 minutes without stops).

Otherwise, spend the night, enjoying one of the diverse experiences Las Vegas has to offer.

If you’re not a gambler, we always love the duelling pianos at Paris or New York, New York.

WHERE TO STAY & LOGISTICS

Car Rental – The main route of this itinerary is all on paved roads, and you can do it comfortably in a regular car. There are a few optional detours (which we explain throughout and summarise at the end) that you need a 4×4 for, but it’s not necessary. We use rentalcars.com for our car rentals.

Accommodation – We have a detailed guide on the best places to stay in Las Vegas to help you pick your accommodation.

DAY 2: ROUTE 66 TO THE GRAND CANYON

Today is the first day of the road trip. We explore some of the towns along Route 66 before ending at the Grand Canyon South Rim for sunset.

HOOVER DAM

Take Interstate 11 to Hoover Dam, which is about 45 minutes from the centre of Las Vegas.

You can take guided tours of the dam, but it’s probably best to admire the engineering marvel from the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tilman Memorial Bridge.

To access the parking lot, turn left just before reaching the bridge.

KINGMAN

Now, take Highway 93 to Kingman, where you will join Route 66.

Founded in 1926 and stretching almost 2,500 miles from Chicago to LA, Route 66 was the primary route for migrating farmworkers in the 1930s. Vacationers followed in the 1950s.

Mom-and-pop restaurants and stores sprang up along the route, and a few can still be found as you drive along it – although today, they are few and far between.

Take a quick stop in Kingman to explore the Historic Route 66 Museum and photograph the iconic Route 66 sign outside the Visitors Centre.

WILLIAMS

Further along Route 66 is the town of Williams.

Packed with Route 66 memorabilia, we loved wandering through the streets, which were lined with old bars, vintage gas stations, and diners dating back to the early 1900s.

The whole town has an Americana-style buzz.

We highly recommend lunch at the counter in Goldie’s Route 66 Diner. It oozes an old-school atmosphere, with just the type of food you’d want in an American diner.

GRAND CANYON VILLAGE

From Williams, take Interstate 64 north to Grand Canyon Village, which is situated on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

The total driving time from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Village is just over four hours. We suggest arriving by mid- to late afternoon, giving you time to check-in and watch sunset over the canyon.

Our favourite sunset points are Hopi Point and Pima Point. From both, you can see a small section of the river and sometimes hear the rapids as the Colorado River tumbles through the canyon.

During the winter months of December to February, you can drive there yourself. But you have to get the shuttle bus for the rest of the year. You can find all the information in our post rounding up the best Grand Canyon viewpoints.

If you have time, do the excellent Powell Point to Mohave Point hike. It only takes 45 minutes and offers excellent views as the canyon turns a dark shade of red. The details are in our Grand Canyon hikes blog post.

WHERE TO STAY & LOGISTICS

Driving – Today’s drive from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Village was 4 hours and 15 minutes. We stopped for a total of about 2 hours along the way, including lunch.

Accommodation – We stayed at Maswick Lodge inside the park. It’s a small modern hotel with good facilities in a great location in Grand Canyon Village.

DAY 3: GRAND CANYON

We spent the third day exploring the Grand Canyon. Cut by the mighty Colorado River, it is one of the most remarkable landscapes in the world. We have put together a mix of viewpoints and hikes that capture the best of the area.

MATHER POINT

If you’re up for an early start, the best place for sunrise is Mather Point, just a 10-minute walk from the Grand Canyon Visitor’s Centre. While parking at the centre can sometimes be tricky, the lot is usually pretty empty at dawn.

HIKE INTO THE CANYON

Next, we highly recommend hiking into the canyon before it gets too hot.

Being below the rim is a very different experience to admiring the canyon from the top. I have hiked below the rim before, but it was Paul’s first time and was a highlight of his entire trip.

There are three great hikes below the rim, all of very different lengths.

• Easy – South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point (1 hr, 30 min | 1.8 miles).
• Medium – South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge (2 hrs, 30 min | 3 miles).
• Challenging – Bright Angel Trail to Plateau Point (8 hrs | 12.2 miles).

For a taster take the South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point. If you find the hike going well, you can always extend it down to Cedar Ridge.

If you are up for a challenging all-day hike, the walk to Plateau Point takes you deep into the inner canyon, where you can get great up-close views of the Colorado River.

Pick whichever is best for you. Detailed information for each walk is in our Grand Canyon hikes guide.

DESERT VIEW ROAD

After a rest, spend the afternoon and evening taking a leisurely drive along the Desert View Road, picking off the viewpoints.

If you have the time, we highly recommend the short walk to Shoshone Point. It’s an incredible sunset spot that you may have all to yourself. The parking lot for the viewpoint is not marked from the road, but you can find it on the map in our guide to the best Grand Canyon Viewpoints.

WHERE TO STAY & LOGISTICS

Driving – There was not much driving today, except for around 1 hour along Desert View Road.

Accommodation – Maswick Lodge inside the park.

DAY 4: PAGE & ANTELOPE CANYON

On Day 4, begin by driving from Grand Canyon Village to Page. Page is on the edge of Navajo lands and is next to a couple of excellent viewpoints, including Antelope Canyon.

The drive takes 2 hours and 30 minutes, and you may need to leave early to get to your Antelope Canyon tour on time.

ANTELOPE CANYON

Antelope Canyon is one of the most photographed slot canyons in the world. Located on Navajo Land, the canyon was named after the pronghorn antelope that once roamed the area.

There are 6 separate canyons, but the most visited are Upper & Lower Antelope Canyon. You can only visit on a tour with a Navajo Guide, and it is probably not worth paying to do both.

We preferred the Upper Antelope Canyon tour, but to help you choose, read our Upper vs Lower Antelope Canyon Guide.

It’s essential to book the Upper Antelope Canyon tours well in advance. Lower Antelope Canyon Tours can sometimes be arranged on the day, but you should reserve a few days or weeks in advance just to be safe.

All the details are on our guide to visiting Antelope Canyon.

WAHWEAP OVERLOOK

After the Antelope Canyon tour, there are a couple of good viewpoints you should visit.

The first is Wahweap Overlook, which provides excellent views over Wahweap Bay, Lake Powell and the Colorado Plateau. On the way, stop for a quick photo of Glen Canyon Dam.  

HORSESHOE BEND

The second is Horsehose Bend, which is one of the iconic images of the Grand Canyon, where the Colorado River has cut a massive, almost entirely circular, bend through the rock.

It’s best to see Horseshoe Bend late in the morning or midday. At all other times, the bend and the river are in shadow, and at sunset, the sun is directly in front of you, making photography tricky.

However, midday is also the best time to see Antelope Canyon, so you need to make a decision.

Our Recommendation: We suggest visiting Antelope Canyon at midday and Horseshoe Bend late in the afternoon or at sunset.

WHERE TO STAY & LOGISTICS

Passes – Wahweap Overlook and Horseshoe Bend are located in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. There is a $30 fee per vehicle for a 7-day pass. However, it’s covered in the America The Beautiful Pass (see our section on Passes, Permits & Tours below for more details).

Driving – It’s a 2-hour, 30-minute drive from Grand Canyon Village to Page.

Accommodation – We stayed at La Quinta Inn & Suites in Page, which was a little business-like but smart, clean and good value.

DAY 5: WAVE & MONUMENT VALLEY

Day 5 allows time to visit the Wave (if you are lucky enough to get a permit – see below). Afterwards, drive to Monument Valley for the quintessential cowboy film backdrop.

THE WAVE

The Coyote Buttes section of the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Area is just west of Page. It is a rugged, wild area punctuated by pink cliffs and strangely shaped, colourful rock formations.

The most famous of which is the Wave.

The Wave is a geological formation of undulating swirling patterns in the sandstone rock. Access to visitors is extremely limited, with only 64 people allowed entry daily. So far, we’ve applied 5 times without success.

You need to apply for a Permit in either the seasonal lottery (about 4 months in advance) or the daily lottery, which provides permits for the following few days.

The daily lottery can only be entered while you are within a geo-fenced area, so apply the day you arrive in Page.

If you managed to get a permit, then congratulations. You must attend a safety lecture in Page (usually at 8.30 am), then drive yourself to the Wave (about 1 hour) and hike to the Wave and back (6 miles).

If you did not get a permit, or when you have finished exploring the Wave, make your way to Monument Valley.

MONUMENT VALLEY

Paul and I love Monument Valley.

Those great monoliths of red rock rising out of the desert landscape remind us of the films we watched in our childhood.

We have put together all our favourite things to do in Monument Valley. But make sure you don’t miss the 17-mile scenic loop (which you can drive in your own car) and try to join a sunrise (which we did) or sunset tour.

If you have extra time, then hiking the Wildcat Trail is a way to get into the backcountry independently. It takes 2 hours and the last entrance is 2 hours before the park closes.

If you are not on a tour, the best sunset views are from the View Hotel. Watching the mighty rocks of the East and West Mitten change colour in the evening light is truly memorable.

Entrance to Monument Valley is $8 per person per day, and there are several rules you need to be aware of, including the consumption of alcohol. All the information is in our Monument Valley guide.

WHERE TO STAY & LOGISTICS

Driving – It is a 1-hour drive each way from Page to the Wave parking lot. The drive from Page to Monument Valley is 2 hours.

Accommodation – At Monument Valley, we stayed inside the park at The View, Monument Valley, which we highly recommend. The views from the rooms are amazing, but more importantly, staying in the park allows you to be there at sunrise and sunset.

DAY 6: FORREST GUMP & MULEY POINT

Today, spend the morning exploring more of Monument Valley before setting off for Blanding, where you will spend the night. On route, there are lots of great diversions with off-the-beaten-track viewpoints.

SUNRISE TOUR

Exploring Monument Valley is not just about breathtaking scenery, it is also an interesting insight into Navajo culture.

The official name of the area is Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park and all the staff and guides in the park are Navajo and many are happy to share their story.

We highly recommend this sunrise tour with a Navajo guide. The guide takes you to the restricted backcountry section of the park, which you can’t access on your own. He shows you some great sunrise photo spots and then shares some of the rituals and stories from his upbringing.

It’s a great way to see the backcountry while learning about the Navajo.

When you have spent enough time exploring Monument Valley, head off towards Blanding, where you will spend the night. Along the way, there are a few optional detours.

HIGHWAY 163

The drive from Monument Valley to Blanding begins along Highway 163. There are a few quick stops worth making.

Goulding’s Museum & Trading Post – A famous location for Old West movies and an interesting museum about the Navajo way of life.

Forrest Gump Highway Viewpoint – The viewpoint of Monument Valley made famous from the film Forrest Gump. The location is on our map above.

Mexican Hat – A rock shaped like a sombrero, that peers over a tiny settlement of the same name.

MOKI DUGWAY & MULEY POINT (optional detour)

Shortly after Mexican Hat, Highway 163 intersects with Highway 261. The route to Blanding continues on Highway 163, but if you have time, we recommend taking the 90-minute round-trip detour to Muley Point.

Turn left on Hwy 261, and you will shortly reach Moki Dugway, a dramatic series of gravel track switchbacks carved into steep cliff walls. It’s only three miles long, and the views over the Valley of the Gods are stunning.

Just past the top of the switchbacks, there’s a 5-mile gravel track to Muley Point, one of the most underrated views in Utah.

The roads should not be attempted after heavy rain, but in most other conditions, it’s perfectly manageable in a regular car.

VALLEY OF THE GODS (optional detour)

Another optional detour is the 17-mile (1 hour) through the sandstone spires of the Valley of the Gods.

The Western Entrance to the Valley of the Gods is at the bottom of the Moki Dugway. It is half road and half track and can be rough. A regular car should be fine and in good condition, but you will be much more comfortable in a 4×4. Don’t attempt it after rain.

The detour passes strange formations called ‘Lady in the Bathtub’ and ‘Sitting Hen Butte’ before rejoining Hwy 163 at the Valley of the Gods Eastern Entrance.

Whether you decide to make the detour or not, continue eastwards along Hwy 163 to Bluff, then take a left on Hwy 191 to Blanding.

WHERE TO STAY & LOGISTICS

Driving Time – It takes 1 hour 30 minutes to drive from Monument Valley to Blanding, plus an additional 90 minutes for the Muley Point detour and 1-hour for the Valley of the Gods.

Accommodation – We recommend staying at Stone Lizard Lodge, a somewhat quirky place in Blanding.

DAY 7: MOAB & THE NEEDLES, CANYONLANDS

Today was one of the highlights of our entire trip. Although our final destination is Moab, we spent the day in the Needles section of Canyonlands National Park.

Canyonlands is the first of Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks that we visit on this road trip. We think it’s one of the most underrated National Parks in the USA.

Defined by two mighty canyons carved out by the Green and Colorado Rivers, it’s a spectacular landscape of towering mesas, dramatic buttes, and winding canyons.

Canyonlands is split into 4 very distinct sections, which you can read about on our Canyonlands Guide.

Most people only visit the Island in the Sky section, but we think the Needles is even better, especially for hikers.

US ROUTE 211

From Blanding follow Highway 191 north through Monticello until you reach the junction with Hwy 211. Turn left and join one of the greatest roads in America.

Hwy 211 is utterly breathtaking from the start, but the real highlight is the part that weaves through the Needles sections of Canyonlands National Park. Great buttes and mesas rise all around you as you head deeper and deeper into the valley.

Make sure you stop at Newspaper Rock State Monument, where many petroglyphs are carved into the rock.

HIKING IN THE NEEDLES

Next, we suggest trying one of the hikes in the area. There is a whole range of walks, from short strolls to long day trips deep into the backcountry.

Pop into the visitors centre as you enter the park and they can give you maps and advice for which is best for you.

We highly recommend doing at least part of the Chesler Park Loop. One of our favourite hikes in the US, this wonderful day hike goes into the heart of Needle country, where multi-coloured hoodoos rise above a vast, flat meadow.

Halfway around, the path heads through the Joint Trail, a long, narrow fracture between two towering rocks. This dramatic geological feature provides a well-needed rest from the sun.

The hike took about 7 hours, and was one of the best we have ever done.

Even if you don’t fancy the entire hike, walk to the excellent viewpoint at the beginning of the loop section before returning. You can find details and maps in our Canyonlands Guide.

Before leaving the National Park, stop at Wooden Shoe Arch Viewpoint and Big Spring Canyon Overlook. Then, head back on Hwy 211. At the junction with Hwy 191, turn left to Moab, where you will spend the night.

WHERE TO STAY & LOGISTICS

Driving – The drive from Blanding to Moab via the Needles section of Canyonlands takes 3 hours.

Accommodation – We stayed at Gravity Haus Moab, a smart modern place with good facilities.

DAY 8: ARCHES NATIONAL PARK

Today, we suggest you explore the best of Arches National Park. Only 5 miles from Moab, is the second of the Mighty 5 on this Utah National Parks road trip.

Over 2,000 natural sandstone arches stand among the desert landscape. Some are giant holes in vertical fins of rock, while others are free-standing arches left behind by millennia of erosion.

You need a permit to visit the park, but they are usually not too difficult to come by.

We got up early, headed into the park for sunrise, and had a sensational day exploring. We have put all the permit information and a detailed itinerary, in our 1-day Arches National Park guide.

Here is a breakdown of the highlights.

Devil’s Garden – Take a stroll through the Devil’s Garden to see several different arches, including Landscape, Tunnel Arch and Double O Arch. It’s best to visit in the early morning when temperatures are cool and the light is soft.

Sandune Arch – Next up, take a short walk to Sandune Arch. It is only 15 minutes from the parking lot and has an excellent desert feel.

Fiery Furnace – You need to book this in advance, but the labyrinth of narrow sandstone canyons, fins, and towering spires of the Fiery Furnace are a great place to shelter from the day’s heat. Tours last 2 hours and 30 minutes and can be booked here.

Double Arch – In the afternoon, explore these two arches that have joined together. One is the tallest arch in the park (112 feet), and the other is the second-longest (144 feet). It’s a 0.6-mile (20-minute) round-trip hike from the parking lot. Next to them are the North and South Windows offering great views over the park.

Courthouse Towers – This section of the park has a cluster of massive sandstone towers, monoliths, and pinnacles that loom over the desert valley floor. A little further on, get a photo of ‘Park Avenue’ from the signed viewpoint.

Delicate Arch – Delicate Arch is the highlight of Arches National Park and best seen at sunset. The walk is 1.5 miles each way (3 miles total) and takes about 50 minutes (100 minutes in total). You may feel exhausted from a long day, but it’s well worth making the effort. Get to the parking lot well in advance, otherwise, it might be full.

WHERE TO STAY & LOGISTICS

Driving – You’ll need all day in Arches, but the total driving time is around 2 hours.

Accommodation – Gravity Haus, Moab

DAY 9: CANYONLANDS & CAPITOL REEF TO TORREY

Today is a long day, so we recommend getting an early start. It begins at Islands in the Sky in Canyonlands and then explores Dead Horse Point before heading to Capitol Reef, the third of Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks.

ISLAND OF THE SKY, CANYONLANDS

The second section of Canyonlands to visit on this Utah road trip is Islands in the Sky.

Here, an outer canyon drops 1,200 feet from the canyon rim to a wide, flat sandstone bench. From there the inner canyon drops another 1,000 feet to the winding rivers below. The result is a stunning canyon within a canyon.

There are several great viewpoints.

We suggest seeing Mesa Arch at sunrise (a 45-minute drive from Moab) and then exploring the other viewpoints, making sure not to miss Grand View Point Overlook, Green River Overlook and Shafer Canyon Viewpoint.

More information is in our guide to the best things to do in Canyonlands.

There are several hikes in the area, but none are as stunning as those in the Needles, so we suggest heading to Dead Horse Point.

DEAD HORSE POINT

Dead Horse Point is a 10-minute there-and-back detour from the road into Canyonlands. Being a State Park rather than a National Park, you will need to pay the entry fee even if you have a National Park Pass.

It’s worth the price. The views from the southern end of Dead Horse Point are magical. You can even see the spot where Thelma and Louise drove over the ledge.

CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK

Next, take Hwy 191 to Green Crescent, then I-70 westwards before heading south on Hwy 24.

This road takes you into the heart of Capitol Reef National Park, the third of the Mighty 5 on this road trip. It is a landscape of cliffs, canyons, domes, and bridges.

It’s not as dramatic as the other National Parks, but there are several good activities to choose from, we suggest choosing from the following:

• Hike to Hickman Bridge (1.8 mile round trip, taking 1 hour 15 minutes),
• Walk into the Narrows (from the northern end of the Grand Wash, the best section is a 45-minute hike into the canyon – 1 hour 30 minutes return).
• Explore the orchards and wooden houses around Fruit.
• Try the pie at Gifford Homestead.
• Drive the road to Capitol Gorge and back.
• Take in the views from Goosenecks Overlook.

At the end of the day, spend the night in Torrey, just outside the western entrance to the Park.

WHERE TO STAY & LOGISTICS

Driving – It took us around 2 hours and 40 minutes from Moab to Torrey. You’ll need to add 90 minutes for the Canyonlands viewpoints and 30 minutes for Dead Horse Point.

Accommodation – We stayed at the Skyview Hotel in Torrey. They have some very cool skylight domes with amazing starry views.

DAY 10: ESCALANTE NATIONAL MONUMNET

Today, drive over the mountains and across the northern section of the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. The destination is Bryce Canyon City.

The highlight of the drive is Scenic Byway 12, running between Boulder and Escalante.

SCENIC BYWAY 12

Often listed as one of the most stunning roads in the country, Scenic Byway 12 is a designated All-American Road.

As it heads south from Torrey, it passes through forest, steadily rising until it reaches a series of viewpoints. From here you can see the colourful rock of Capitol Reef to the east and the canyons of Escalante to the south.

The byway then descends to the town of Boulder, where you will find the Anasazi State Museum. It houses 11th—and 12th-century archaeological finds from a Puebloan Village and a replica house.

The first optional detour of the day is on the southern edge of the town.

BURR TRAIL ROAD

The Burr Trail Road heads through the eastern edge of Escalante. Follow it for 20 minutes and you will reach Long Canyon and Singing Canyon. Hop out of the car and explore the trails, listening to the reverberation of your voices before returning to Boulder.

From Boulder, the byway heads southwest twisting and turning along a narrow ridge called the Hogback. The red and white rock contrasts beautifully with the green oasis that lies along the canyon bottom.

CALF CREEK FALLS

Take the turn off to Calf Creek Falls. From the parking lot, a trail heads along the bottom of the canyon to the falls. This beautifully slender waterfall drops into a pool that is perfect for a (quite refreshing!) dip.

The hike is 3 miles each way (6 miles in total) taking about 3-4 hours. All the information is on our best things to do in Grand Staircase Escalante.

The town of Escalante is a great stop for lunch. Paul and I enjoyed tucking into sandwiches outside the Escalante Outfitters.

In the afternoon, there are two more optional detours.

SPOOKY SLOT CANYON

If you fancy adventure, drive down the ‘Hole in the Wall Road‘ and hike in Spooky Slot Canyon. The road is gravel and can be a bit rough, although usually easily navigable in a 2WD. Driving to the Lower Fork Trailhead takes about 50 minutes to drive, where the hike begins.

From here, a 1.7 mile loop connects the trailhead with Peekaboo and Spooky Slot Canyons. Peekaboo can be hard to access (its entrance can be 2 metres above the sand) but Spooky is easy.

Go into the canyon as far as you can until it narrows too much. Allow about 1 hour and 30 minutes for the hike. Maps and instructions are on our Escalante guide.

If the slot canyons sound a bit tricky, head to Kodachrome Basin State Park instead.

Finally end the day at Bryce Canyon City.

WHERE TO STAY & LOGISTICS

Driving – Driving took 2 hours and 15 minutes from Torrey to Bryce Canyon City. Add 1 hour for Burr Trail or 1 hour, 40 minutes for the slot canyons.

Accommodation – We stayed at the Best Western in Bryce Canyon. It’s not the most exciting hotel we’ve ever stayed in, but it was well-priced, and had laundry facilities, which we really needed at this point in the road trip.

DAY 11: BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK

Bryce Canyon National Park is a geological wonder. Stunning amphitheatres are filled with row upon row of towering spire-shaped rock formations known as hoodoos.

The park is not that big, and the best sections can be explored in just over half a day.

Our highlight was watching the sunrise over the canyon, so this is definitely one day to try and get up early. The best spot is Bryce Point and you’ll need to be there about 20 minutes before dawn to snag a spot.

Afterwards, we grabbed breakfast at Bryce Canyon Lodge and hiked into the canyon.

The most popular and favourite was the Queen’s Garden Trail and Navajo Loop. But you could also be ambitious and complete a figure 8 to include Peekaboo Loop.

We have covered all the details including maps in our one-day Bryce Canyon itinerary.

The best views are all around the central amphitheatre. If you don’t have time to drive to Rainbow Point, don’t worry – you have already had the best views.

SPRINGDALE

By about early to mid-afternoon, hop in the car and make your way to Springdale as the heat picks up.

This drive begins along Highway 89, then turns right at Mount Carmel onto Highway 9. From here, it enters Zion National Park before twisting through the Zion-Mount Carmel tunnel to Springdale.

It’s a magical drive, especially in the late afternoon light. En route, you can see some great sights. Stop off at the weirdly shaped Checkerboard Mesa, where a chess board appears to have been carved into the rock.

CANYON OVERLOOK

Just before entering the Mount Carmel Tunnel, park by the side of the road and hike to Canyon Overlook. The hike is 1 mile each way, taking just over 1 hour round trip, and it’s best to start about 90 minutes before sunset.

Parking is limited, but it’s worth persevering. The overlook is a great place to watch the sun dip over the horizon. Keep your eyes peeled for animals. We got lucky and saw some Bighorn Sheep.

End the day with a well-earned rest in Springdale.

WHERE TO STAY & LOGISTICS

Driving – The drive from Bryce to Springdale takes just under 2 hours. Add 1 hour for the Canyon Overlook Hike.

Accommodation – The Red Rock Inn Cottages were our pick in Springdale. It was a great stay with a great breakfast.

DAY 12: ZION NATIONAL PARK

The last of Utah’s Mighty 5 on this road trip is Zion National Park. It’s one of the most popular National Parks in the USA. Today, you have the entire day to explore the area.

From early spring to November, cars are not permitted in the park. Instead, take the shuttle bus from Springdale to the main canyon.

There are various points to stop off along the main canyon and various hikes to try.

• Brave hikers should attempt the narrow ridge to Angel’s Landing (permit required see below).
• Try a section of the West Rim Trail for a less nerve-wracking and easy route.
• Medium hikes include the Kayenta Trail and Emerald Pools.
• For the best views, hike to Observation Point via East Rim (sadly closed on our last visit).

Leave the main canyon in the late afternoon and spend sunset watching the colours of The Watchman, a 6,500-foot sandstone mountain, slowly fade away.

WHERE TO STAY & LOGISTICS

Driving – We used the shuttle bus, so there was no driving today.

Accommodation – The Red Rock Inn Cottages, Springdale.

DAY 13: ZION & VALLEY OF FIRE

Today, there are a couple more adventures to try before you head back to Las Vegas.

ZION, THE NARROWS

The Narrows is a tight canyon between two towering walls with the Virgin River flowing between them. It’s one of the most unique hikes in the world as you walk along the canyon, knee-deep in water.

You can hire special boots, socks, and a walking pole from rental providers in Springdale. For an early start, pick them up the afternoon before.

To reach the Narrows, take the Zion National Park shuttle bus from Springdale to the Temple of Sinawava. Then, hike up the river to a section called Wall Street (3-4 hours round trip) before turning around.

Paul and I loved the walk. It was a very different experience from anything we had done before. We highly recommend hiring boots and getting poles; it makes life much easier, and your walking shoes or boots will not be wet for the rest of the trip.

VALLEY OF FIRE STATE PARK

After the Narrows, take the shuttle bus back to the Springdale parking lot and turn in your rental boots. Then, drive to Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada, where you can either enjoy the scenery from your car or complete the 1.5-mile hike to the Fire Wave.

The Fire Wave is a wave of slickrock with striking red and white lines running through it. The hike takes just under an hour.

Finally, drive on to Las Vegas for your last night on this road trip. We have some recommendations for enjoying the great nightlife in Las Vegas, including more than just gambling.

WHERE TO STAY & LOGISTICS

Driving – It’s around 2 hours, 15 minutes driving time from Springdale to Las Vegas.

Accommodation – Read our guide about where to stay in Las Vegas for ideas.

DAY 14: LAS VEGAS

Las Vegas is what you make of it. A town where you get what you want, choose between gambling and non-stop partying or fine dining and classy shows.

Paul and I get a buzz just walking through the hotel lobbies and shopping areas. Here are some suggestions for what to do today:

• Visit the lobbies of Caesars Palace and the Venetian.
• Watch the fountain show at the Bellagio.
• See a Cirque du Soleil performance.
• Go to the Duelling Pianos session in Paris.

At the end of the northern Arizona and Utah road trip, head back to the airport and drop off the car.

CAR RENTAL TIPS

The main route of this road trip is on paved roads and can be completed in a normal 2WD vehicle.

However, some of the optional detours head onto gravel tracks. These include:

• Day 5: 17-mile scenic drive in Monument Valley
• Day 6: Moki Dugway, Muley Point & Valley of the Gods
• Day 7: Elephant Hill Trailhead in Needles section of Canyonlands
• Day 10: Hole in the Rock Road leading to Escalante Slot canyons

In normal conditions, these gravel tracks can be driven in a regular car, however, you would be more comfortable in an AWD or 4×4. After rain or in winter, a 2WD may not be sufficient, so check road conditions with the park authorities before you set off.

Book your car rental: rentalcars.com

BEST TIME TO VISIT ARIZONA & UTAH

The best time to complete this road trip is in the shoulder months of April to May or September to October.

Temperatures are mild, and the area will be less crowded than in the summer months.

In some parks, summer temperatures can reach 90°F to 100°F, while in winter, they can drop below freezing. Snow can block the trails and make some unpaved roads impassable.

We went from mid-September to early October, and the conditions were excellent, although we had some freakishly hot 40+° C (110 °F) days in Las Vegas.

PASSES, PERMITS & TOURS

AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL PASS

This road trip passes through 6 national parks.

Each has their own entrance fee of about $20 to $35 (per vehicle). A great way to save money is to get the America the Beautiful Pass.

The pass costs $80 and provides access to you and up to 3 passengers in any non-commercial vehicle.

It is valid for one year and covers more than 2,000 recreation areas, including all the National Parks and Bureau of Land Management areas, such as Grand Staircase Escalante and the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

It does not include State Parks or Tribal Parks, so you will need to pay for entrance at Monument Valley Tribal Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, and Kodachrome State Park.

THE WAVE

You need a permit to enter the wave, and they are extremely difficult to get as only 64 are allocated per day.

Permits are issued 4 months in advance, and you can apply from anywhere in the world. There is also a daily lottery for permits issued within the next few days, but you need to apply from within a geofenced area.

Apply for the seasonal Wave Permit up to 4 months in advance. Best of luck.

If you are successful, there is a compulsory 8.30 am safety briefing in either Kanab or Page. After the briefing, you drive to the Wave (1 hour) and explore independently.

ARCHES NATIONAL PARK

You need a timed entry ticket to enter the park from April 1 through October 31, which you should book online in advance.

Ticketed entry runs from 7 am to 4 pm. If you are unable to get a timed entry slot, you can still enter the park before 7 am (arrive a good 15 minutes early) or after 4 pm.

ANGEL’S LANDING

There is no permit required to visit Zion National Park, but you do need a permit to hike the narrow ridge at the top of Angel’s Landing. There is a seasonal lottery and a day-before lottery. Apply for an Angel’s Landing permit here.

ANTELOPE CANYON

To visit Antelope Canyon, you need to take an organised tour with a Navajo guide. Tours to Upper Antelope Canyon book out months in advance, so be sure to book ahead. We have more details on our guide to visiting Antelope Canyon.

AMENDING THIS ROAD TRIP

This northern Arizona and Utah National Parks road trip has been designed to visit all the best sights in the area, but there might be some amendments or additions worth making.

• If you are not a hiker, consider skipping Needles on Day 7 and driving straight from Monument Valley to Moab, skipping the night in Blanding.
• If you like 4×4 adventures, add an extra day in Moab and drive the magnificent White Rim and Potash roads – one of the best things to do in Canyonlands.
• If you enjoy the mystical, you could spend a night in Sedona between Route 66 and the Grand Canyon.
• If you have extra time, add another day between Moab and Torrey. See more of Island of the Sky, plus Goblin Valley State Park, Moon Overlook and the Cathedral Valley section of Capitol Reef National Park.
• If you fancy another night in Las Vegas, take a day trip to the dunes and colourful rocks of Death Valley.

MORE USA GUIDES

• Our 2-week Arizona & Utah road trip itinerary covers 6 National Parks.
• See the best viewpoints at the Grand Canyon and try our favourite South Rim hikes.
• See the buttes and mesas captured in so many films with our guide to Monument Valley.
• Enjoy the under-visited Canyonlands National Park and spend a day in Arches National Park.
• Experience the amazing slot canyons in Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument.
• See all the beautiful hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park.
• Try our favourite things to do in Las Vegas with our tips on where to stay on or off the strip.