7 Days in Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, and Moab, United States

Pay the entrance fee and gain access to Bryce Canyon National Park, beginning your exploration of its unique geological wonders.

"Breathtaking views looking into the canyon，seeing tons of hoodoos forming an amphitheater. A lot of bristlecone pines here and there over thousand years old. Recommend sunrise to sunset point rim trail，inspiration point viewpoints，bryce point and natural bridge. Sunset here is amazing. Highly recommend. Will come back during summer time to have a horseriding experience."— Patrick Chen

Begin your Bryce Canyon exploration at Sunrise Point, offering iconic views of the amphitheater and vibrant hoodoos. Take a leisurely walk along the paved Rim Trail towards Inspiration Point for different perspectives of the stunning geological formations.

"Absolutely perfect spot to watch the sunrise over the east side of the park! There's plenty of parking but it's a short walk from the parking lot to the observation deck, so plan ahead for that. I'd recommend getting there 30 minutes before sunrise so you can watch the twilight recede as the sun comes up. As a bonus, this would also likely be a great spot for stargazing!"— William Kostuch

Descend into the Bryce Amphitheater from Sunrise Point via the Queen's Garden Trail, winding among colorful hoodoos. Connect to the Navajo Loop Trail to ascend past 'Wall Street' (if open) or the Two Bridges section, completing a scenic and moderately strenuous loop.

"Queens Garden Trail is filled with stunning views and scenery. It's a moderately challenging trail."— Stewart Carnes

Drive to Bryce Point for another stunning panoramic vista of the vast Bryce Amphitheater, perfect for capturing the changing light of the late afternoon.

"My wife and I had a blast visiting this national park. We were just stunned by all the amazing views and clear skies. Then we went back the next day and experienced something completely different. The snow was so Beautiful and just out of this world"— Ricardo Olivares

Embark on a strenuous but incredibly rewarding 8-mile hike through the hoodoos and pines of Bryce Canyon National Park, offering stunning, less-crowded perspectives of the amphitheater.

"This was a fun little hike that took us 3 hours including the 4 kilometer / 2.5 miles of rim trail. I would suggest this trail even to families with younger kids."— David Knoflicek

Enjoy one of the most iconic and expansive views of the Bryce Amphitheater, offering panoramic vistas of the hoodoos stretching for miles.

"Feels like a different planet! Great views and hikes. Must see in Bryce!!"— PIYUSH RAI

Visit the impressive Natural Bridge, a massive arch carved out of red rock, offering a different natural wonder within Bryce Canyon.

"Natural Bridge is one of the most impressive viewpoints in Bryce Canyon National Park, showcasing a massive natural rock arch carved by erosion. Despite the name, it’s technically an arch rather than a bridge, and it stands out beautifully against the surrounding hoodoos and canyon walls. The viewpoint is easily accessible by car along the Southern Scenic Drive, with a short walk from the parking area to the overlook. This makes it a great stop for visitors who want incredible views without doing a long hike. From the overlook, you get a clear and dramatic view of the arch framed by dense clusters of hoodoos below. The contrast between the red-orange rock and the surrounding formations makes this a fantastic photo spot. Natural Bridge is also a quieter stop compared to the main amphitheater viewpoints, so it feels more peaceful and less crowded. It’s a nice place to slow down and take in the scenery. This viewpoint fits perfectly into a scenic drive through Bryce, especially if you’re heading toward Rainbow Point or Yovimpa Point. Even a short stop here is well worth it. Overall, Natural Bridge is a must-see viewpoint in Bryce Canyon. It’s easy to reach, visually stunning, and offers a different perspective compared to the amphitheater views."— Aravind P

Even in the afternoon, Sunset Point offers stunning views of the Silent City, Wall of Windows, and the iconic Thor's Hammer, showcasing the unique geological formations.

"Man, this place is so beautiful. There is so much hiking here; it's all connected, well, and you also can get lost, so plan well and know where you are going. It is a good place for runners. But otherwise, I thought the hike was pretty modern, but again, it can be long, so make sure you have enough time, water, and snacks. But it's all worth it. Come prepared, bring a map, and take a hike in this amazing place. You might consider stopping by the visitor and asking questions if you don’t have a solid plan."— Nizar R

Experience the pristine dark skies of Bryce Canyon, an International Dark Sky Park, with self-guided stargazing from Farview Point, marveling at the constellations and Milky Way.

"Farview Point is one of the most beautiful overlooks in Bryce Canyon. The view stretches endlessly across the forested landscape, with the red rock formations rising sharply out of the trees. It truly lives up to its name because the horizon goes on for miles. The combination of deep green pine forests and bright orange cliffs is stunning in person and feels almost unreal. This is a perfect stop if you want a wide panoramic view of the park without a long hike. Peaceful, scenic, and absolutely worth pulling over for."— Katherine He

Arrive at Capitol Reef National Park and pay the entrance fee to begin your exploration of its unique geology and the Waterpocket Fold.

"Capitol Reef National Park was Fantastic!!!! We visited the Gifford Homestead in Fruita, Utah. The vibrant colors in this valley will amaze you! We visited the 100 year old barn and got some delicious homemade pies in the Gifford Homestead store. They have a few different kinds of pies and lots of jellies and homemade goods. It was so nice to sit on the cool grass and enjoy the view. It was so peaceful watching the horses graze. There's a campground in the valley and the Freemont river runs nearby. This is an amazing place! Make sure you visit the Gifford schoolhouse it is unbelievably tiny in size. The Hickman natural Bridge is nearby if you have time for some hiking. Hwy 24 in Capitol Reef is the most amazing road we have ever been on. Hopefully someday we will come back to this magical place!"— Robert Curtis

Drive the scenic byway through Capitol Reef's Waterpocket Fold, stopping at Panorama Point and Goosenecks Overlook for breathtaking views of the varied geological formations.

"Excellent spot for a panoramic view. Easy to access and great for a quick hike. Take the time to climb all the way to the top for magnificent views."— Larry Britton

Discover ancient rock art panels created by the Fremont culture, depicting human figures and bighorn sheep along the trail.

"Definitely worth a quick stop. The petroglyphs aren’t the easiest to see, but you can find them. Very nice boardwalk trail."— David Henshaw

Enjoy a moderate 2-mile round trip hike to the iconic Hickman Bridge, a large natural arch offering panoramic views of the park's landscape and the Freemont River canyon.

"The natural bridge is not as impressive as some, but is a fun hike and recommended addon for doing the Rim trail that splits off a little earlier. Great surroundings! Best to get here early as it fills up parking fast. We accidentally ventured off on a spur to the east that wasn't really a trail but ended up getting some nice sunrise vistas. Recommend heading right at the loop split to not get lost, or left if you want to!"— Josiah Jack

Embark on a challenging yet rewarding hike to Cassidy Arch, a magnificent natural arch named after outlaw Butch Cassidy. The trail offers stunning views of the Waterpocket Fold and requires some uphill climbing and scrambling, providing an excellent adventure experience.

"Moderate difficulty hike, the initial ascent is a pretty steep rate of elevation change. Afterwards it's more gradual. Need to keep an eye out for trail markers made of rocks/cairns, otherwise cns be easy to go a little off trail. Can start from Grand Wash trailhead for an extended hike (extra 1-2 hrs depending on pace)."— Josiah D'Arrigo

Step back in time at the historic Gifford House, a pioneer farmhouse now a cultural museum and store featuring local crafts and pies. Wander through the adjacent Fruita Orchards, where you can pick your own fruit in season (seasonal availability applies).

"Get here as early as you can. There was a line out the door at 9:00 a.m., when they opened. They sell outof their pies much earlier than 4:30. The pies are tasty and pretty sweet. The pies are not made at site, but are driven there and dropped off in the morning. The pie filling for some of the pies isn't fresh, but canned filling."— Rachel Brower

Explore the narrow gorge of Grand Wash Trail, a unique slot canyon adventure within Capitol Reef. This relatively flat trail leads through towering canyon walls, offering a different perspective of the Waterpocket Fold's geology.

"Excellent hike! Easy trail to the other end to connect to the trail up to Cassidy Arch. The narrows were amazing as well as most if not all of the hike. Views are stunning. We tracked between 7-8 mile round trip hike from the road on up to the arch and back... The GPS did and will bounce around a bit in these type places. Enjoy!"— Wayne Walk Jr

Hike through the stunning Capitol Gorge, a narrow canyon revealing the geological layers of the Waterpocket Fold. Discover the Pioneer Register, where early settlers carved their names into the canyon walls, and spot ancient petroglyphs.

"Great hike! The drive itself to the trailhead is amazing. This parking area at the trailhead can fill up very early on a weekend so I would recommend going very early. Be cautious of drivers that are not that experienced driving on a gravel/dirt road with sharp curves! For the trail, that is easy and the trail up to the tanks is moderate. I tracked 2.33 mile round trip from the parking area, down the gorge, up to the tanks, and back. Enjoy!"— Wayne Walk Jr

Enter Arches National Park, renowned for its extraordinary natural sandstone arches and unique geological formations, marking your arrival in Moab's red rock wonderland.

"Our first time here. This park is super cool. Plan out which arches you want to hike and view. It can be done in 1 to 1.5 days if you want to go to all of them. Or one day is sufficient. We were here in the winter so the weather was tolerable. Very little coverage from the wind and subsequently in the summer would be no reprieve from the sun. Bring sun cover and water for sure."— Ro and Joe

Embark on the challenging yet rewarding hike to Delicate Arch, the most famous natural sandstone arch in Utah. The trail offers spectacular panoramic views and an unforgettable close-up of this iconic landmark.

"This park offers access to and views of multiple natural arches in the mountains. Great hikes, most of them are easily accessible by any visitor with no experience."— Ilya Velikson

Take a relatively easy and short walk to the magnificent Double Arch, an impressive formation featuring two colossal arches connected at one end, located within Arches National Park.

"It's a magnificent place. A stunning natural rock formation. It takes 5-10 minutes to reach. You'll walk for 5 minutes over slightly uneven terrain. It's a breathtaking view. I recommend visiting in March-April or September-October. It's important to come in the right season to avoid the heat. Unbelievable 🦎👍"— Dogu GUL

Embark on an exhilarating half-day white-water rafting trip on the Colorado River, navigating mild rapids and enjoying the stunning red rock canyon scenery from the water. A perfect blend of adventure and nature immersion.

"The AIARE 1 course was top notch! My instructor Sierra Bishop was super knowledgable and passionate about avalanche education. She taught the concepts in a way that was easy to understand and fun to learn. Sierra took care to support each individual's learning and created a group dynamic that was welcoming for beginners but also challenging for those with more experience. We spent a lot of time discussing different scenarios, and Sierra asked thoughtful questions to get us to consider the risks involved. She also taught a bunch of bonus skills like doing kick turns and making your own repair kit. Overall I gained confidence to ski in the backcountry because I am aware of the risks and how to mitigate them. 10/10 experience. I definitely recommend this course for all skill levels!!"— Sophie Rockefeller

Drive to the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park and take a short walk to Grand View Point for expansive panoramic views of the canyons carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers, and distant mountain ranges.

"One of many overlooks in Canyonlands NP - this one is perhaps the #1, looks out to La Sal Mountains, Abajo Mountains to the right, White Rim sandstone in the center, Colorado River canyon, the Tatem Pole, etc. The trail is relatively short."— Irene Eng

Take a relatively easy, short hike to Mesa Arch, an iconic natural arch perched on the edge of a cliff, offering dramatic views of the canyon below. It's especially beautiful in the late afternoon light.

"Super scenic outlook & one of the best viewpoints in all of Utah!! The hike is short and easy too making this a good hike for all ages."— Cole Smith

Visit Dead Horse Point State Park for one of Utah's most photographed vistas. The overlook provides a stunning panoramic view of the Colorado River making a 2,000-foot horseshoe bend far below, surrounded by towering cliffs and sculpted pinnacles.

"As a wedding and elopement photographer, Dead Horse Point State Park is hands-down one of the most breathtaking elopement locations in Utah. The canyon overlooks create an epic, wide-open backdrop that makes every ceremony feel intimate yet cinematic at the same time. There’s something incredibly powerful about watching a couple exchange vows with the Colorado River winding below them. From a photography perspective, the light here is unreal. Golden hour wraps the red rock cliffs in warm tones, and sunsets feel dramatic without being harsh. Even midday can work beautifully thanks to the expansive views and natural contrast in the landscape. The scenery is so stunning and the environment does all the storytelling. What I especially love for micro weddings is how the space allows guests to feel present without distraction. The designated ceremony areas are easy to access, yet they still feel adventurous and secluded. Wind can be part of the experience (secure the veil!), but that movement often adds a cinematic, windswept feel to photos. For couples wanting bold landscapes, rich desert colors, and an unforgettable backdrop that feels both intimate and grand - Dead Horse Point is a dream location to photograph."— Marta Mannuzza

Tackle a portion of the world-famous Slickrock Bike Trail, a challenging yet rewarding mountain biking experience over unique petrified sandstone terrain. This trail offers stunning panoramic views of the red rock landscape and the La Sal Mountains, perfect for adventurous spirits.

"Really challenging steep ups and steep downs. Don't go if you are not a skilled rider. Do the practice trail first if not sure. Wear the correct shoes! Slip ons or hard plastic soled shoes will not get traction for the steep uphils in case you dismount. Don't forget your helmet and lots of water as it will take longer than you think. Best to start early before it heats up."— Ralph G

Step back in time at Moab Giants, an interactive dinosaur park. Explore life-size dinosaur replicas along an outdoor walking trail, delve into ancient history at the 5D prehistoric aquarium, and discover fossil exhibits, gaining insights into the region's rich paleontological past.

"I didn't expect to enjoy this as much as we did, especially as an adult. We really enjoyed the whole experience. It was fun walking along the path getting awesome pictures of the big dinos (tracks and fossils too) with an awesome Utah background, the small museum with the tower and cool displays, we watched both 3D movies (really liked the one about T-Rex), and we really enjoyed the 5D aquarium. You need to get the VIP passes for the movies and aquarium, which we thought was worth it. They have a pretty nice outdoor playground for kiddos and photo opportunities galore! We ate at the café, which was excellent food and reasonably priced. The giftshop was cool and we got a few souvenirs here. We also received great information about Moab Giants and other dinosaur fossil/track sites in the area from Jennifer who was awesome and went above and beyond with her great attitude and customer service! This was fun for all, adults and children alike!"— Diana Orr