Utah's Mighty 5 in a Week: A Road Trip from Zion to Arches
Zion Canyon Visitor Center · Pa'rus Trail · Sunrise Point · Panorama Point · Gifford Homestead · Mesa Arch
7-day United States trip — Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park to Capitol Reef National Park to Canyonlands National Park to Arches National Park. Day-by-day route, attractions and food.
The Utah Mighty 5 route captures the raw geology of the Colorado Plateau, offering a scale and color palette that dense coastal parks lack. Skipping a focused single-park trip like Yosemite for this loop provides a broader sense of desert evolution through distinct strata. This path suits those who prioritize vast, arid panoramas over alpine greenery or forest shade.
Zion National Park
Zion Canyon Visitor Center
Day 1 · Cultural and Educational Centers
Angels Landing
Day 2 · Epic Hiking Trails
Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, Checkerboard Mesa
Day 2 · Scenic Drives and Landscapes
Bryce Canyon National Park
Sunrise Point
Day 3 · Scenic Overlooks
Canyonlands National Park
Gifford Homestead
Day 5 · Historic Sites
Grand View Point Overlook
Day 5 · Iconic Scenic Lookouts
Arches National Park
Mesa Arch, Delicate Arch
Day 6 · Iconic Rock Formations
Pick travel dates to see the weather for your month.
Zion National Park spans more than one climate. Pick a town to see its weather.
These high-desert parks shift from freezing winter nights to intense, dry heat in the peak of summer. Plan for wide temperature swings between dawn and noon, and keep layers ready even during the warmest months. Late spring and early autumn offer the most comfortable balance for hiking, as the extremes of the desert climate are less punishing.
Best time to go: Late spring and early autumn
The whole year
Bryce Canyon National Park
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Sunrise – sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 40°F / 4°C (cold) | 14°F / -10°C (cold) | 4 | 7:42 AM – 5:34 PM |
| Feb | 43°F / 6°C (cold) | 16°F / -9°C (cold) | 4 | 7:18 AM – 6:08 PM |
| Mar | 51°F / 10°C | 24°F / -4°C (cold) | 5 | 7:39 AM – 7:35 PM |
| Apr | 60°F / 16°C | 29°F / -2°C (cold) | 4 | 6:53 AM – 8:04 PM |
| May | 67°F / 19°C | 36°F / 2°C (cold) | 4 | 6:19 AM – 8:31 PM |
| Jun | 81°F / 27°C | 46°F / 8°C (cold) | 1 | 6:07 AM – 8:51 PM |
| Jul | 85°F / 29°C | 52°F / 11°C | 5 | 6:19 AM – 8:49 PM |
| Aug | 82°F / 28°C | 49°F / 9°C | 7 | 6:44 AM – 8:20 PM |
| Sep | 75°F / 24°C | 43°F / 6°C (cold) | 3 | 7:11 AM – 7:36 PM |
| Oct | 63°F / 17°C | 31°F / 0°C (cold) | 4 | 7:37 AM – 6:50 PM |
| Nov | 51°F / 10°C | 22°F / -5°C (cold) | 2 | 7:08 AM – 5:17 PM |
| Dec | 40°F / 5°C (cold) | 15°F / -9°C (cold) | 4 | 7:36 AM – 5:11 PM |
Capitol Reef National Park
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Sunrise – sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 41°F / 5°C (cold) | 18°F / -8°C (cold) | 3 | 7:40 AM – 5:28 PM |
| Feb | 49°F / 9°C | 24°F / -5°C (cold) | 3 | 7:15 AM – 6:03 PM |
| Mar | 59°F / 15°C | 33°F / 0°C (cold) | 4 | 7:36 AM – 7:32 PM |
| Apr | 68°F / 20°C | 38°F / 4°C (cold) | 4 | 6:49 AM – 8:01 PM |
| May | 76°F / 25°C | 46°F / 8°C (cold) | 4 | 6:13 AM – 8:29 PM |
| Jun | 91°F / 33°C (hot) | 58°F / 14°C | 2 | 6:01 AM – 8:50 PM |
| Jul | 94°F / 34°C (hot) | 64°F / 18°C | 6 | 6:13 AM – 8:47 PM |
| Aug | 91°F / 33°C (hot) | 61°F / 16°C | 5 | 6:39 AM – 8:18 PM |
| Sep | 83°F / 28°C | 54°F / 12°C | 4 | 7:07 AM – 7:32 PM |
| Oct | 68°F / 20°C | 40°F / 5°C (cold) | 3 | 7:34 AM – 6:46 PM |
| Nov | 54°F / 12°C | 29°F / -2°C (cold) | 3 | 7:06 AM – 5:11 PM |
| Dec | 42°F / 6°C (cold) | 21°F / -6°C (cold) | 4 | 7:35 AM – 5:05 PM |
Canyonlands National Park
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Sunrise – sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 42°F / 6°C (cold) | 19°F / -7°C (cold) | 3 | 7:35 AM – 5:23 PM |
| Feb | 52°F / 11°C | 26°F / -4°C (cold) | 3 | 7:09 AM – 5:57 PM |
| Mar | 64°F / 18°C | 35°F / 2°C (cold) | 3 | 7:30 AM – 7:26 PM |
| Apr | 71°F / 22°C | 40°F / 5°C (cold) | 2 | 6:43 AM – 7:55 PM |
| May | 80°F / 27°C | 49°F / 9°C | 2 | 6:08 AM – 8:23 PM |
| Jun | 94°F / 34°C (hot) | 60°F / 16°C | 1 | 5:55 AM – 8:44 PM |
| Jul | 99°F / 37°C (hot) | 66°F / 19°C | 1 | 6:08 AM – 8:42 PM |
| Aug | 96°F / 35°C (hot) | 62°F / 17°C | 2 | 6:34 AM – 8:12 PM |
| Sep | 87°F / 31°C (hot) | 54°F / 12°C | 3 | 7:01 AM – 7:27 PM |
| Oct | 72°F / 22°C | 40°F / 4°C (cold) | 3 | 7:28 AM – 6:41 PM |
| Nov | 57°F / 14°C | 29°F / -2°C (cold) | 3 | 7:01 AM – 5:06 PM |
| Dec | 44°F / 7°C (cold) | 21°F / -6°C (cold) | 4 | 7:29 AM – 4:59 PM |
Arches National Park
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Sunrise – sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 41°F / 5°C (cold) | 17°F / -8°C (cold) | 4 | 7:35 AM – 5:20 PM |
| Feb | 52°F / 11°C | 25°F / -4°C (cold) | 4 | 7:09 AM – 5:56 PM |
| Mar | 64°F / 18°C | 34°F / 1°C (cold) | 4 | 7:29 AM – 7:25 PM |
| Apr | 72°F / 22°C | 40°F / 4°C (cold) | 3 | 6:42 AM – 7:55 PM |
| May | 81°F / 27°C | 48°F / 9°C | 3 | 6:06 AM – 8:23 PM |
| Jun | 95°F / 35°C (hot) | 59°F / 15°C | 1 | 5:53 AM – 8:44 PM |
| Jul | 100°F / 38°C (hot) | 65°F / 19°C | 2 | 6:06 AM – 8:42 PM |
| Aug | 97°F / 36°C (hot) | 62°F / 17°C | 3 | 6:32 AM – 8:12 PM |
| Sep | 89°F / 31°C (hot) | 53°F / 12°C | 4 | 7:00 AM – 7:26 PM |
| Oct | 73°F / 23°C | 38°F / 4°C (cold) | 5 | 7:27 AM – 6:39 PM |
| Nov | 58°F / 14°C | 28°F / -2°C (cold) | 4 | 7:01 AM – 5:04 PM |
| Dec | 45°F / 7°C (cold) | 21°F / -6°C (cold) | 4 | 7:29 AM – 4:57 PM |
- Morning
8:00 AM - Road trip to Zion National Park· 4 hrs
USD 35The scenic drive into the park sets the stage for high desert landscapes, with massive sandstone walls closing in around the road as you enter the canyon.
- Afternoon
12:30 PM - Lunch: Navajo Taco in Springdale· 1 hr
USD 14Iconic dish
Alan Levine (CC BY 2.0)Refuel with a hearty Navajo taco, featuring a crisp, deep-fried dough base topped with savory ground beef, pinto beans, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and sharp cheese.
Typical USD 10-15
- Evening
7:00 PM - Dinner: Southwestern Chili in Springdale· 1 hr
USD 18Iconic dish
Carstor (CC BY-SA 2.5)Warm up with a bowl of thick, slow-simmered beef and bean chili, served with a side of cornbread to replenish your energy after a day of hiking.
Typical USD 7-12
Where to Stay Tonight
Springdale
· It is the gateway to Zion, providing the most convenient access to the park entrance and shuttle system for early starts.- Morning
- Afternoon
1:30 PM - Lunch: Navajo Taco in Springdale· 1 hr
USD 15Iconic dishAlan Levine (CC BY 2.0)Enjoy traditional fry bread topped with ground beef, beans, lettuce, and cheese, a quintessential regional flavor that provides necessary protein for the afternoon.
Typical USD 10-15
- Evening
7:30 PM - Dinner: Rainbow Trout in Springdale· 1 hr
USD 22Try the dish
Gogerr (CC BY-SA 4.0)Finish the day with fresh pan-seared trout sourced from regional streams, seasoned lightly and served in the quiet atmosphere of the canyon area.
Typical USD 18-28
Staying at Springdale since Day 1
🛣️Interesting Detours for your Road Trip
- Morning
5:00 AM - Drive from Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park· 1 hr 49 min
USD 30Scenic 135 km drive along Highway 9 and Highway 89 passing through high desert landscapes.
- Afternoon
12:00 PM - Lunch: Pastrami Burger in Bryce Canyon City· 1 hr
USD 15Iconic dish
Andres Rodriguez (CC BY 2.0)Classic local beef patty topped with thin-sliced pastrami and melted cheese.
Typical USD 10-18
- Evening
7:30 PM - Dinner: Green Chile Stew in Bryce Canyon City· 1 hr
USD 18Iconic dish
Photo by SAMY PHOTOGRAPHY on PexelsHearty pork and roasted chile bowl to warm up in the cool desert evening.
Typical USD 8-16
Where to Stay Tonight
Bryce Canyon City
· Closest accommodation to the park gates allows for early morning access to the hoodoos before crowds arrive.🛣️Interesting Detours for your Road Trip
- Morning
8:00 AM - Drive from Bryce Canyon National Park to Capitol Reef National Park· 2 hrs 7 min
USD 45Drive 180 km from Bryce Canyon City to Torrey along Scenic Byway 12, often cited as one of the most scenic drives in the United States.
- Afternoon
12:00 PM - Lunch: Navajo Taco in Escalante· 1 hr
USD 15Try the dish
m01229 (CC BY 2.0)Navajo Taco / Indian TacoStop in the town of Escalante, roughly midway through the drive, for a crisp fried bread base topped with beans and savory meat.
- Evening
7:00 PM - Dinner: Southwestern Chili in Torrey· 1 hr
USD 18Iconic dishCarstor (CC BY-SA 2.5)Hearty bowl of chili featuring local beans and spices in the town of Torrey.
Typical USD 7-12
Where to Stay Tonight
Torrey
· Torrey is the closest town to the Capitol Reef entrance, offering quick access to morning trails while maintaining a quiet, rural atmosphere.🛣️Interesting Detours for your Road Trip
- Morning
10:15 AM - Drive from Capitol Reef National Park to Canyonlands National Park· 2 hrs 17 min
USD 50Scenic drive through red rock country spanning 232 km. Driving duration approximately 2 hours 17 minutes.
- Afternoon
12:45 PM - Lunch: Navajo Taco in Green River· 1 hr
USD 15Iconic dishAlan Levine (CC BY 2.0)Stop for a hearty lunch halfway through the drive. A crispy fry bread base topped with beans and fresh vegetables.
Typical USD 10-15
- Evening
7:30 PM - Dinner: Smoked Brisket Sandwich in Moab· 1 hr
USD 22Try the dish
Missvain (CC BY 4.0)Enjoy a classic regional smoked meat dish at a local spot in Moab, near the park gateway.
Typical USD 12-18
Where to Stay Tonight
Moab
· Moab serves as the primary base for exploring both Canyonlands and Arches with ample dining and easy park access.🛣️Interesting Detours for your Road Trip
- Morning
11:30 AM - Drive from Canyonlands National Park to Arches National Park· 30 min
USD 25Direct drive between the two parks, moving from the mesa top down towards the red rock arches.
- Afternoon
12:30 PM - Lunch: Navajo Taco in Moab· 1 hr
USD 15Iconic dishAlan Levine (CC BY 2.0)Enjoy traditional fry bread topped with beans and savory meats at a casual spot in Moab near the park entrance.
Typical USD 10-15
- Evening
7:00 PM - Dinner: Smoked Brisket Sandwich in Moab· 1 hr
USD 20Try the dishMissvain (CC BY 4.0)Hearty smoked meat served on a bun at an outdoor-focused eatery in central Moab.
Typical USD 12-18
Where to Stay Tonight
Moab
· Moab serves as the optimal base for accessing both Canyonlands and Arches with ample services.- Morning
8:30 AM - Breakfast: Utah Scone in Moab· 45 min
USD 7Iconic dish
Jasper L. Crawford (Public domain)Start your final morning with a warm, deep-fried Utah scone drizzled with local honey butter.
Typical USD 3-8
- Afternoon
12:30 PM - Lunch: Sonoran Hot Dog in Moab· 1 hr
USD 9Iconic dish
Mudwater (CC BY-SA 4.0)Grab a bacon-wrapped frankfurter topped with pinto beans, onions, and creamy dressing.
Typical USD 5-9
2:00 PM - Drive back to home base· 5 hrs
FREEConclude your road trip with the final drive back, reflecting on the sandstone landscapes.
Staying at Moab since Day 6
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Customize this tripFreeFood, shopping & festivals
Top 13 dishes to try
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Moab
Fry Bread
Sonoran Hot Dog
Day 7 · lunch
Green Chile Stew
Day 3 · dinner
Prickly Pear Cactus Sorbet
Braised Short Rib
Utah Scone
Day 7 · breakfast
Biscuit and Gravy
Southwestern Chili
Days 1 and 4
Navajo Taco
Days 1, 2, 5, and 6
Pastrami Burger
Day 3 · lunch
Queso Fundido
Rainbow Trout
Day 2 · dinner
United States
Smoked Brisket Sandwich
Days 5 and 6
Where to eat · Bryce Canyon City, Downtown Moab, Fruita, Hurricane, Main Street, Springdale, Torrey
- Bryce Canyon City · Bryce Canyon National Park — The main hub for hearty post-trail meals, focused on rustic American and Southwestern comfort food.
- Downtown Moab · Arches National Park — Casual diners serving Southwestern staples like green chile and local beef.
- Fruita · Capitol Reef National Park — Historical orchards that provide fresh seasonal stone fruit used in local pie baking.
- Hurricane · Zion National Park — Traditional roadside diners that serve local favorites like the pastrami burger.
- Main Street · Arches National Park — High-density food trucks and cafes catering to outdoor enthusiasts.
- Springdale · Zion National Park — The main gateway to the park, offering casual diners and outdoor patios for post-hike meals.
- Torrey · Capitol Reef National Park — The gateway town with the highest concentration of local cafes serving regional favorites.
Good to know · meal times, tipping, water, vegetarian, payment, etiquette
- Meal times
- Breakfast 7-9am, lunch 12-2pm, dinner 6-9pm. Restaurants can close early in the off-season, so check hours if traveling outside of spring or fall months.
- Tipping
- Standard tipping is 18-20 percent for full service. For counter-service cafes or coffee shops, a few dollars or rounding up is polite.
- Water
- Tap water in towns is safe. Inside the park, never rely on finding water at trailheads. Bring at least one gallon per person per day because the high desert heat is severe.
- Vegetarian
- Vegetarian options are readily available in Moab, but as you move closer to remote canyon trailheads, choices become limited. Carry your own protein snacks and plant-based bars.
- Payment
- Cards are accepted in Moab. If heading deep into remote areas or Navajo territory, carry cash as some smaller, family-run stops may have unreliable connectivity or limited card processing.
- Etiquette
- Casual is the standard everywhere here. You are in a desert park; please practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash from your picnic spots. Tipping 18-20 percent is expected in sit-down restaurants.
Top 14 souvenirs
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Torrey
Gifford House fruit pie
Handcrafted Navajo jewelry
Fruitwood woodworking
Bowls turned from salvaged wood harvested during orchard maintenance in Fruita.
Bryce Canyon City
Geology field guides
Paiute-style beaded jewelry
High desert botanical soaps
Crafted with native plants like sage and juniper, they bring the canyon's scent home.
Springdale
Utah Red Rock Pottery
Southern Paiute Beadwork
Navajo Wool Weavings
Heavy hand-spun wool rugs featuring geometric motifs that have defined the Four Corners region.
Moab
Western-Style Cowboy Hat
Turquoise and silver jewelry
Navajo wool rugs
Fine Art Nature Prints
Captures the shifting light on desert arches that a camera rarely manages.
Arches National Park
Local Honey and Bee Pollen
Where to shop · Moab Farmers Market, Kolob Terrace Road, Bryce Canyon City
- Moab Farmers Market · Arches National Park — Regional honey, jams, and small-batch soaps.
- Kolob Terrace Road · Zion National Park — Hand-picked local produce and artisanal gifts.
- Bryce Canyon City · Bryce Canyon National Park — Souvenirs, snacks, and park-specific books.
Good to know · customs, tax refund, payment, bargaining
- Customs
- Bringing natural materials like soil, seeds, or unverified animal products across borders is strictly restricted. Always declare any wooden or agricultural goods to customs officials.
- Tax refund
- There is no VAT refund system in the United States. Sales tax is added at the point of sale and is non-refundable.
- Payment
- Credit cards are widely accepted at shops, but keep some cash for small stands or rural roadside markets.
- Bargaining
- Bargaining is not expected and generally considered inappropriate in this region. Prices at galleries and stores are fixed; just pay the listed amount.
The big events across the year
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Sundance Film Festival
January
Super Bowl
February
NYC Pride March
June
Thanksgiving
Nov 26 – 29
Christmas
Dec 25
Costs
Estimated total · For 2 travelers · 1 room · 7 days
USD 2,469Flights from your city not included.
Getting there and betweenUSD 53
- Zion National Park → Bryce Canyon National Park · drive1 carUSD 12
- Bryce Canyon National Park → Capitol Reef National Park · drive1 carUSD 16
- Capitol Reef National Park → Canyonlands National Park · drive1 carUSD 21
- Canyonlands National Park → Arches National Park · drive1 carUSD 4
AccommodationUSD 1,080
- Zion National Park · 2 nights1 roomUSD 360
- Bryce Canyon National Park · 1 night1 roomUSD 180
- Capitol Reef National Park · 1 night1 roomUSD 180
- Canyonlands National Park · 1 night1 roomUSD 180
- Arches National Park · 1 night1 roomUSD 180
| City | Simple | Comfortable | Upscale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zion National Park | USD 120 | USD 180 | USD 240 |
| Bryce Canyon National Park | USD 120 | USD 180 | USD 240 |
| Capitol Reef National Park | USD 120 | USD 180 | USD 240 |
| Canyonlands National Park | USD 120 | USD 180 | USD 240 |
| Arches National Park | USD 120 | USD 180 | USD 240 |
ActivitiesUSD 34
- Day 2 · Angels LandingUSD 18
- Day 5 · Gifford HomesteadUSD 16
FoodUSD 1,050
- Zion National Park · 2 daysUSD 300
- Bryce Canyon National Park · 1 dayUSD 150
- Capitol Reef National Park · 1 dayUSD 150
- Canyonlands National Park · 1 dayUSD 150
- Arches National Park · 2 daysUSD 300
Local transportUSD 252
- Zion National Park · 2 daysUSD 72
- Bryce Canyon National Park · 1 dayUSD 36
- Capitol Reef National Park · 1 dayUSD 36
- Canyonlands National Park · 1 dayUSD 36
- Arches National Park · 2 daysUSD 72
Not included: visas, travel insurance, SIM cards, tips, shopping.
Money tips
Expensive for lodging near parks: expect $150+/night for basic motels, but groceries at City Market in Moab or grocery stores in St. George keep food costs under $50/day. Download offline maps via Google Maps before heading out because cell service is non-existent on remote canyon roads.
Buy the $80 America the Beautiful pass at your first park entrance; it covers entry for everyone in your car at all five parks. This saves you roughly $70 compared to paying individual entry fees for Zion, Arches, and the others.
Avoid the $15-$20 inflated snacks at park visitor centers by stocking up on bulk supplies at a grocery store in St. George or Cedar City. Fill a 5-gallon water jug for $2 and refill your bottles throughout the week to skip paying for bottled water.
Book an off-road Jeep tour in Moab for roughly $150 if you want to reach restricted parts of the backcountry that standard rentals cannot reach. It is the only way to see Hell's Revenge trail safely without risking your own car insurance.
Before you go
Travel and stays
Rental car from Zion National Park
Day 1–7 · pick up and return in Zion National Park
Hotel in Zion National Park
Nights 1–2 · Springdale · about USD 360 · Comfortable hotel range
Hotel in Bryce Canyon National Park
Night 3 · Bryce Canyon City · about USD 180 · Comfortable hotel range
Hotel in Capitol Reef National Park
Night 4 · Torrey · about USD 180 · Comfortable hotel range
Hotel in Canyonlands National Park
Night 5 · Moab · about USD 180 · Comfortable hotel range
Hotel in Arches National Park
Night 6 · Moab · about USD 180 · Comfortable hotel range
Book ahead · most urgent first
Park Lodging (Zion/Bryce/Capitol Reef)
Day 1 · Book 6 months ahead · In-park lodges (e.g., Zion Lodge, The Lodge at Bryce Canyon) fill up extremely quickly for peak season. Book as early as the reservation window opens to stay close to trailheads.
Angels Landing Hiking Permit
Day 2 · Book 3 months ahead · Permits for the Angels Landing trail are issued via a lottery system on recreation.gov. Applications open for a 3-month block at a time; you must secure this to hike the chain section.
Arches National Park Timed Entry Reservation
Day 6 · Book 3 months ahead · Timed entry tickets for Arches are released on the first of the month three months in advance at 8am MST via recreation.gov. Without a reservation, you cannot enter the park between 7am and 4pm.
Zion National Park Shuttle Ticket
Day 1 · Book 4 weeks ahead · If visiting during peak shuttle season, reservations for the park shuttle are released on the 1st of each month at 8am MST for the following month. Vital for access to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and trailheads.
America the Beautiful Annual Pass
Day 1 · Book 2 weeks ahead · Purchase online via USGS store or at major park entrances to cover all entrance fees for Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and Arches, saving money and streamlining entry across the 7-day trip.
Travel tips
At the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, check the daily weather board before heading to the shuttle; rangers update this frequently regarding potential flash flood risks.
When hiking the Queens Garden Trail in Bryce Canyon, remember that the return trip is entirely uphill and at high altitude, so pace yourself compared to the easier descent.
At Panorama Point in Capitol Reef, stay strictly on the marked trails to avoid damaging the fragile cryptobiological soil, which can take decades to recover from a single footprint.
At the Grand View Point Overlook in Canyonlands, the drop-offs are unprotected and severe, so keep a close eye on children at all times near the canyon rim.
When visiting Delicate Arch in Arches National Park, arrive at the trailhead well before sunset; the parking lot fills to capacity hours before the sun goes down.
In Arches National Park, the hike to Double Arch and The Windows is relatively flat, but the heat can be intense; carry more water than you think you need even on cooler days.
Always keep your National Parks pass and photo ID ready on your dashboard as you approach entrance gates, as this allows for a much quicker passage into the park.
On the road
Fuel up in Panguitch or Escalante before tackling the remote stretches of UT-12.
Be prepared for extremely limited cellular service between Capitol Reef and the town of Hanksville.
Download offline maps for the entire route as GPS signals can be unreliable in deep canyon areas.
Arches National Park often requires a timed entry reservation during peak season; check official sites in advance.
Roads like UT-12 are high-altitude and winding; check for winter closures if traveling between November and April.
Carry extra water in your vehicle at all times, as the desert climate causes rapid dehydration even in cooler months.
Buy travel insurance and save the policy offline
Keep a backup card and emergency cash apart from your wallet
Get USD cash / a no-forex-fee card
Check visa requirements for United States
Reserve Zion Canyon shuttle tickets
Reserve Arches National Park timed entry ticket
Copies of passport and bookings (paper + phone)
Tell your bank your travel dates and check foreign transaction fees
Leave your itinerary, emergency contacts and a passport copy with someone at home
Register with your embassy's traveler program (STEP for US citizens)
Passport (valid 6+ months past your return)
Wallet with ID and payment cards
National Parks annual pass
National Park Annual Pass
Pen for arrival forms
Zion takes the first two days to hit the heavy hiking early while energy levels are high. The order moves west to east, using travel days between Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef to break the driving intensity. Canyonlands and Arches share the final two days, keeping you in the Moab area to minimize hotel changes at the end of the week.
This itinerary prioritizes high-impact viewpoints and desert formations across all five parks. It skips the remote Needles District of Canyonlands, which demands a full day of backcountry travel and leaves no time for the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. This route is for the traveler who wants to survey the distinct character of each major park; it is the wrong choice if you prefer deep, slow-paced exploration of a single canyon system.
Add two days to explore Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Use the extra time to hike the Lower Calf Creek Falls trail to see the 126-foot waterfall tucked into the canyon.
Interest coverage
2 of 2 coveredEntry and safety
| Visa & entry | US, UK, EU, and Australian citizens usually enter via the ESTA visa waiver program for up to 90 days. Indian citizens require a B1/B2 visa obtained at a US Embassy. All travelers must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of departure. |
|---|---|
| Official advice | US State Department · UK Foreign Office |
| Emergency | Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911911 for all emergencies. Text-to-911 available in many areas. |
Money and tipping
| Tipping: restaurants | 18–20% (before tax) |
|---|---|
| Tipping: taxis | 15–20% |
| Tipping: hotels | $2–5 per bag; $2–5/night housekeeping |
| Cards | Universally accepted |
| Contactless | Common but not universal |
| Cash | Cash accepted but cards preferred everywhere |
| Payment tip | Credit cards accepted everywhere. Apple Pay/Google Pay widely available. |
Plugs
| Plugs | Type A, B120V · 60Hz |
|---|
Staying connected
| SIM | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|
| Airalo eSIM | $5 to $26 for 7 to 30 days | Airalo app |
| T-Mobile physical SIM | $30 to $50 for 30 days | Any T-Mobile retail store |
Roaming charges are very high. Buy a local eSIM or prepaid SIM immediately.
About USD 2,469 for 2 travelers · 1 room · 7 days: hotels, food, activities, local transport and travel between places. Flights from your city not included.
Travelers from countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program can enter for tourism using an approved ESTA. Citizens from other countries require a B1/B2 visitor visa. Check your specific country requirements with the nearest United States embassy well before your travel date.
Spring from April through May and autumn from September through October offer the most comfortable temperatures. Summer heat often exceeds 100 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes strenuous hiking dangerous. Winter brings snow and icy roads, though crowds are much thinner.
Most travelers rent a car at Salt Lake City International Airport and drive 4 to 6 hours south to reach the parks. Smaller regional airports like St. George or Moab are closer to specific parks but offer fewer flight options and higher prices.
Parks in southern Utah feature steep, unprotected drop-offs and extreme heat that pose real risks to children. Keep kids within arm's reach near canyon edges and always carry more water than you think you need. Always check weather reports for flash flood warnings before entering any slot canyon.
Yes, flash floods are a genuine threat that can occur without warning, even if the sky is clear near you. Avoid narrow slot canyons during any sign of rain or stormy weather. If you see water levels rising or clouds forming upstream, move to higher ground immediately.
Pets are strictly limited in these parks to protect wildlife and the fragile ecosystem. Dogs are generally not allowed on unpaved hiking trails, in the backcountry, or in slot canyons. Leave your dog at home or confirm the limited pet-friendly areas at the visitor center before you arrive.
This living soil crust looks like bumpy, dark dirt but it is vital for desert plant growth and erosion control. One footprint can destroy decades of growth, so stay on marked trails and rock surfaces. Ignoring this rule harms the park landscape for years.
The high desert climate is deceptive and dehydrates you rapidly. Plan to drink at least one gallon of water per day. Always carry extra water in your vehicle and fill up at established water stations located near park visitor centers before starting a hike.
These 7 experiences didn't make it into this itinerary
Nature and Photography Spots
e.g., Court of the Patriarchs, The Great White Throne
Stargazing and Astronomy
e.g., Bryce Canyon Astronomy Program, North Campground
Natural Landmarks
e.g., Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Moon
Rugged Four Wheel Drive Routes
e.g., Shafer Trail, Potash Road
Historic Natural Formations
e.g., Newspaper Rock State Historic Monument, The Needles District
Canyoneering Adventure Tours
e.g., Zion Adventure Company, Zion Rock and Mountain Guides
Guided Off Road Jeep Tours
e.g., Zion Jeep Tours, East Zion Jeep Tours
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Download this Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Arches National Park, United States itinerary — day-by-day plan, maps, budget, and more.
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