Jason & Michelle
Mar 30, 20202 min read
310
While known for hosting the 2002 Olympic Winter games near Salt Lake City, much of the state bears no resemblance to these mountainous slopes. The vast expanses of Utah are primarily high desert, full of towering arches, other worldly rock formations, mesas and canyons. Truly the hear of the American West, there are five (5!) National Parks to explore along with many other monuments, lookouts, and protected wilderness. It is a nature lovers paradise ready to be explored.
Day 1: Drive day to Zion National Park
Day 2: Zion National Park
Day 3: Bryce Canyon National Park
Day 4: Capitol Reef National Park and Natural Brides National Monument
Day 5: Canyonlands National Park, Needles District
Day 6: Canyonlands National Park, Island in the Sky and Arches National Park
Day 7: Arches National Park and drive day
​
This was our itinerary. See other itinerary suggestions below!
How To Use This Map
This map is created in Google Maps. Click on it to open in a new window. Then click the icon at the top that says "open with my google maps." The map will become interactive. You can see the towns we stayed in and many of the stops we made along the way. Each one also includes a photo! Enjoy!
​
Build your own adventure!
There are several ways to get to the Utah parks, but you will eventually need to drive or take a tour bus. Major airports such as Las Vegas, Salt Lake City and Denver can make for a good starting point if you need to fly.
Day 1-3: Fly in to Salt Lake City, Olympic Park
Day 4: Drive to Zion National Park
Day 5: Bryce Canyon NP, Grand Staircase-Escalante Nat’l Monument
Day 6: Capitol Reef NP, Glen Canyon Nat’l Recreation Area
Day 7: Natural Bridges Nat’l Monument, Monument Valley
Day 8-9: Canyonlands NP Needles District
Day 10: Canyonlands NP Island in the Sky
Day 11: Arches NP
Day 12: Drive back to Salt Lake City to fly out
Day 1: Zion National Park
Day 2: Bryce Canyon National Park
Day 3: Capitol Reef National Park and Natural Brides National Monument
Day 4: Canyonlands National Park, Needles District
Day 5: Canyonlands National Park, Island in the Sky and Arches National Park
Beautiful aerial view of Bryce Canyon. You can also hike down into them on well maintained paths.
A valley view of Angel's Landing, a popular day hike to the top of the middle mountain in the photo. A remarkable view from the top!
The Delicate Arch is found in Arches National Park. It requires a several hour round trip hike in order to get to it, but worth the effort. Don't forget to take lots of water!
Beautiful aerial view of Bryce Canyon. You can also hike down into them on well maintained paths.
Our favorite Utah places!