7-Day Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Canyonlands National Park, & Arches National Park, United States Couples Itinerary
Zion Canyon Visitor Center · Pa'rus Trail · Angels Landing · Zion-Mount Carmel Highway · Checkerboard Mesa · Sunrise Point
Part one
Is this trip for you?
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.
Your itinerary covers 7 must-have experiences
Cultural and Educational Centers
✓ Day 1: Zion Canyon Visitor Center
Epic Hiking Trails
✓ Day 2: Angels Landing
Scenic Drives and Landscapes
✓ Day 2: Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, Checkerboard Mesa
Scenic Overlooks
✓ Day 3: Sunrise Point
Historic Sites
✓ Day 5: Gifford Homestead
Iconic Scenic Lookouts
✓ Day 5: Grand View Point Overlook
Iconic Rock Formations
✓ Day 6: Mesa Arch, Delicate Arch
📅 Best Time to Visit
San Francisco is best in September and October, when the fog clears and temperatures hit 70 degrees. Miami is ideal from March to May to avoid the intense humidity and summer hurricane risk. Avoid late August and September in Miami because that is peak hurricane season.
Part two
The plan, day by day
7-day trip
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.
- Morning
08:00 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 14Navajo TacoRefuel 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.
- 🕐 Monday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
01:45 PM - Zion Canyon Visitor Center· 2 hrs
FREE - 🕐 Monday: Open 24 hours; Tuesday: Open 24 hours; Wednesday: Open 24 hoursConfirm hours on Maps
04:00 PM - Pa'rus Trail· 1 hr 30 min
FREE - Evening
07:00 PM - Dinner: Southwestern Chili in Springdale· 1 hr
USD 18Southwestern ChiliWarm 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.
Springdale
It is the gateway to Zion, providing the most convenient access to the park entrance and shuttle system for early starts.
- Morning
- Afternoon
01:30 PM - Lunch: Navajo Taco in Springdale· 1 hr
USD 15Navajo TacoEnjoy traditional fry bread topped with ground beef, beans, lettuce, and cheese, a quintessential regional flavor that provides necessary protein for the afternoon.
- Evening
07:30 PM - Dinner: Rainbow Trout in Springdale· 1 hr
USD 22Rainbow TroutFinish the day with fresh pan-seared trout sourced from regional streams, seasoned lightly and served in the quiet atmosphere of the canyon area.
Springdale
It is the gateway to the park, providing easy access to the shuttle and quick entry to all trailheads for our planned hikes.
🛣️Interesting Detours for your Road Trip
- Morning
05:00 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.
- 🕐 Monday: Open 24 hours; Tuesday: Open 24 hours; Wednesday: Open 24 hoursConfirm hours on Maps
07:00 AM - Sunrise Point· 1 hr
FREE - Afternoon
12:00 PM - Lunch: Pastrami Burger in Bryce Canyon City· 1 hr
USD 15Pastrami BurgerClassic local beef patty topped with thin-sliced pastrami and melted cheese.
- Evening
07:30 PM - Dinner: Green Chile Stew in Bryce Canyon City· 1 hr
USD 18Green Chile StewHearty pork and roasted chile bowl to warm up in the cool desert evening.
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
08:00 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 15Navajo 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.
- 🕐 Monday: Open 24 hours; Tuesday: Open 24 hours; Wednesday: Open 24 hoursConfirm hours on Maps
02:30 PM - Panorama Point· 1 hr
FREE - Evening
07:00 PM - Dinner: Southwestern Chili in Torrey· 1 hr
USD 18Southwestern ChiliHearty bowl of chili featuring local beans and spices in the town of Torrey.
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
- MorningCloses 12 PM · 3h here🕐 Monday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 12:45 – 4:30 PM; Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 12:45 – 4:30 PM; Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 12:45 – 4:30 PMConfirm hours on Maps
09:00 AM - Gifford Homestead· 1 hr
USD 8 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 15Navajo TacoStop for a hearty lunch halfway through the drive. A crispy fry bread base topped with beans and fresh vegetables.
- 🕐 Monday: Open 24 hours; Tuesday: Open 24 hours; Wednesday: Open 24 hoursConfirm hours on Maps
02:30 PM - Grand View Point Overlook· 1 hr 30 min
FREE - Evening
07:30 PM - Dinner: Smoked Brisket Sandwich in Moab· 1 hr
USD 22Smoked Brisket SandwichEnjoy a classic regional smoked meat dish at a local spot in Moab, near the park gateway.
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 15Navajo TacoEnjoy traditional fry bread topped with beans and savory meats at a casual spot in Moab near the park entrance.
- Evening
07:00 PM - Dinner: Smoked Brisket Sandwich in Moab· 1 hr
USD 20Smoked Brisket SandwichHearty smoked meat served on a bun at an outdoor-focused eatery in central Moab.
Moab
Moab serves as the optimal base for accessing both Canyonlands and Arches with ample services.
- Morning
08:30 AM - Breakfast: Utah Scone in Moab· 45 min
USD 7Utah SconeStart your final morning with a warm, deep-fried Utah scone drizzled with local honey butter.
- 🕐 Monday: Open 24 hours; Tuesday: Open 24 hours; Wednesday: Open 24 hoursConfirm hours on Maps
10:00 AM - Windows· 2 hrs
FREE - Afternoon
12:30 PM - Lunch: Sonoran Hot Dog in Moab· 1 hr
USD 9Sonoran Hot DogGrab a bacon-wrapped frankfurter topped with pinto beans, onions, and creamy dressing.
02:00 PM - Drive back to home base· 5 hrs
FREEConclude your road trip with the final drive back, reflecting on the sandstone landscapes.
Moab
Centrally located for final access to the park before the long drive home.
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Food, shopping & festivals
Top 13 dishes to try
Fry Bread
Moab
Sonoran Hot Dog
Moab
Green Chile Stew
Moab
Utah Scone
Biscuit and Gravy
Southwestern Chili
Navajo Taco
Pastrami Burger
Prickly Pear Cactus Sorbet
Moab
Bright magenta and deeply floral, this scoop utilizes the fruit of the local prickly pear. It is the definitive way to cool down after hiking the desert heat.
Braised Short Rib
Moab
Queso Fundido
Smoked Brisket Sandwich
United States
Rainbow Trout
Markets & neighborhoods
The main hub for hearty post-trail meals, focused on rustic American and Southwestern comfort food.
Casual diners serving Southwestern staples like green chile and local beef.
Historical orchards that provide fresh seasonal stone fruit used in local pie baking.
Traditional roadside diners that serve local favorites like the pastrami burger.
High-density food trucks and cafes catering to outdoor enthusiasts.
The main gateway to the park, offering casual diners and outdoor patios for post-hike meals.
The gateway town with the highest concentration of local cafes serving regional favorites.
Good to Know
Top 14 souvenirs
Gifford House fruit pie
Torrey
Baked fresh daily in the park using fruit from the historic Mormon orchards.
📍 Gifford House Store, Capitol Reef National Park
Geology field guides
Bryce Canyon City
Understand how frost wedging actually carved the landscape while you hike the trails.
📍 Bryce Canyon Visitor Center bookstore
Paiute-style beaded jewelry
Bryce Canyon City
Authentic pieces reflect indigenous craft traditions long present in the high desert plateaus.
📍 Bryce Canyon Natural History Association store at the Visitor Center
Fruitwood woodworking
Torrey
Bowls turned from salvaged wood harvested during orchard maintenance in Fruita.
📍 Capitol Reef National Park Association store
Utah Red Rock Pottery
Springdale
Vessels fired using local iron-rich clay that mirrors the colors of the surrounding sandstone.
📍 Zion Canyon Arts and Crafts galleries.
Southern Paiute Beadwork
Springdale
Intricate, hand-stitched patterns reflecting the cultural heritage of the local indigenous tribes.
📍 The Canyon Community Center or local tribal craft galleries along Zion Park Boulevard.
Handcrafted Navajo jewelry
Torrey
Authentic turquoise pieces reflecting deep regional traditions from Southwestern artisans.
📍 Capitol Reef Visitor Center bookstore
Western-Style Cowboy Hat
Moab
📍 Moab Western Wear and Supply.
Turquoise and silver jewelry
Moab
Local silversmiths set locally mined stones into designs unique to the American Southwest.
📍 Back of Beyond Books, local artisan boutiques downtown.
Fine Art Nature Prints
Moab
📍 Tom Till Gallery.
Navajo wool rugs
Moab
Hand-woven patterns from local artists reflect the high desert landscape and cultural history.
📍 Moab Made, various galleries on Main Street.
Navajo Wool Weavings
Springdale
Heavy hand-spun wool rugs featuring geometric motifs that have defined the Four Corners region.
📍 Local trading posts specializing in authentic regional textiles.
High desert botanical soaps
Bryce Canyon City
📍 Ebenezer's Barn and Grill gift shop
Local Honey and Bee Pollen
Arches National Park
High desert flora gives this local honey a deep, floral finish.
📍 Moab Farmers Market or Moab Food Co-op.
Markets & districts
Regional honey, jams, and small-batch soaps.
Weekend gathering spot where locals sell seasonal items under cottonwood trees.
Hand-picked local produce and artisanal gifts.
Much quieter and more rural than the main park entrance, perfect for finding farm-direct goods.
Souvenirs, snacks, and park-specific books.
A functional hub built for hikers that feels like a classic American roadside stop.
Good to Know
Christmas
Dec 25
Christmas is the USA's most commercially significant holiday. The Rockefeller Center tree lighting and Times Square in New York City, the National Christmas Tree in Washington DC, and Dyker Heights lights in Brooklyn are iconic. Nationwide, malls and cities go all-out from Thanksgiving through Dec 25.
Memorial Day Weekend
May 23
Last Monday of May federal holiday honoring fallen soldiers. Marks the unofficial start of summer. Beach destinations and national parks are crowded; prices rise.
Independence Day
Fourth of July
Jul 4
American Independence Day celebrations with fireworks and parades.
Labor Day Weekend
Sep 5
First Monday of September federal holiday. Unofficial end of summer, last big travel weekend before fall. Lake/beach destinations and state fairs see peak crowds.
Halloween
Oct 31
America's spooky celebration with costumes, haunted houses, and the NYC Village Parade.
Part four
Costs & booking
- Total for a couple — 7 days mid-range trip, excludes international flights
- Accommodation assumes 1 shared room
- Rough estimates — actual prices vary by season and availability
Local Transport
Accommodation
AI estimated based on typical hotel costs
Food
Activities
Curious how this stacks up? See how trip costs compare across countries in our Trip Cost Index.
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.
Angels Landing Hiking PermitDay 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.
Zion National Park Shuttle TicketDay 1
Book 1 month 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.
Arches National Park Timed Entry ReservationDay 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.
America the Beautiful Annual PassDay 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.
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.
Part five
Before you go
Car-centric; major cities have transit
City-specific
Uber/Lyft work nationwide. Rent a car outside major cities.
- In San Francisco, use the MuniMobile app to buy day passes for cable cars and streetcars; it saves time compared to paying cash on board.
- At Miami International Airport, always allow 3 hours for connections because you must clear customs and pass through TSA security for every transfer.
- In San Francisco, never leave anything visible inside a parked car, even for five minutes; smash-and-grab thefts are frequent in tourist zones like Alamo Square.
- Use the Brightline train to travel between Miami and Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach; it is faster and more comfortable than driving I-95.
- In San Francisco, walk the Embarcadero at 8am before the crowds arrive; the Ferry Building hosts a better food market than most city plazas.
- When visiting Miami's South Beach, stay north of 5th Street for a calmer scene; south of 5th Street is packed with late-night noise.
- Download the Transit app in both cities to see real-time bus and train arrivals; it is more accurate than standard mapping software.
- In Miami, ride the free Metromover in downtown to see the city skyline; it is a 4-mile elevated loop that costs nothing.
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.
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Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
Stay connected abroad
Get a local eSIM — no swapping physical SIMs
Visa & Entry Requirements
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.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 T-Mobile website
📍 Airalo app
Public WiFi is common in cafes, hotels, and airports. Expect to buy a coffee to access cafe networks. Libraries in both cities offer free connections.
US SIM cards work nationwide, so you do not need to switch providers between San Francisco and Miami. Ensure your phone is carrier-unlocked before you travel.
Electric Socket Guide(120V · 60Hz)
Socket Types
Two flat parallel pins (North America, Japan)
Two flat pins + round ground (North America)
Tipping Etiquette
18–20% (before tax)
15–20%
$2–5 per bag; $2–5/night housekeeping
Safety & Travel Advisories
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
911
911
911
911 for all emergencies
Payments
Cards preferred everywhere
Universally accepted
Common
Credit cards accepted everywhere. Apple Pay/Google Pay widely available.
Most Western countries qualify for the ESTA visa waiver, while others need a formal B1/B2 visa. Check the official Department of State website before booking flights.
Major tourist areas are busy and well-lit, but avoid isolated streets in downtown areas after dark. Stick to populated thoroughfares.
San Francisco has excellent public transit, making a car a liability. Miami is car-centric, though ride-sharing and the Metromover work well for short distances.
Credit cards are accepted everywhere, from small kiosks to fine dining. Carry a small amount of cash for tips, but digital payments are standard.
In San Francisco, take BART directly from the terminal to the city center. In Miami, take the MIA Mover to the transit hub for bus or rail access.
San Francisco is pleasant in early autumn. Miami is best in the spring when the winter tourists have left but the summer heat has not arrived.
In San Francisco, look for hotels in Union Square or SoMa. In Miami, South Beach or Brickell are the most convenient bases for visitors.
Sales tax is added at the register in most shops and restaurants. Always check the final bill, as the posted price rarely includes tax.
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 Stargazing
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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