The Ultimate Utah Road Trip Guide
A road trip is the best way to explore Utah!
Utah possesses one of the most naturally incredible and diverse landscapes in all of the United States. From the peaks of Salt Lake City to the red canyons of St. George, you’ll surely fall in love with Utah on your road trip!
This guide will help you plan the perfect Utah road trip. I learned so much about road tripping through Utah, and I’m sharing my knowledge with you to save you time and give you the road trip of a lifetime. Yes, a lifetime! This is definitely an American road trip that you need to put on your bucket list, now!
Expert Tip: The number one rule for any road trip - be flexible! Prepare for slight changes and
mishaps to save time and make your road trip more enjoyable.
What to Pack for Your Utah Road Trip
Unsure what to pack for your road trip through Utah? No worries, I’ve got you.
First of all, if you are visiting multiple national parks in one trip I would highly recommend purchasing a national park annual pass. This will allow you and 3 additional adults in your vehicle access to all of the U.S. National Parks - for just $80! To find out more or purchase a U.S. Park Pass, click here.
The time of year you embark on your road trip will determine the clothing you should bring. Stay tuned in to weather forecasts to ensure you’ll have weather-appropriate attire.
If you don’t have any already, you’ll want to invest in hiking shoes to make your hikes a little easier, safer, and overall more enjoyable. I recommend the brand Merrell - they’ve got hiking shoes for both men and women and really do the trick. Yes, these might be more expensive than the sneakers you already have but trust me, you’ll want to be wearing hiking shoes when climbing slippery sandstone or trekking down a steep hill!
Of course, you’ll want to bring sunscreen and bug spray to the parks to protect you from sunburn and bugs. I would also recommend getting a large container of water from the grocery store at the beginning of your trip. I bought multiple and used them throughout my trip to refill my water bottle.
Don’t forget, bring along your phone charger to keep your phone battery up throughout your road trip. And most importantly, make sure to have a way to play music - it’s the perfect time to put your Spotify road trip playlist to use!
Where to Start Your Utah Road Trip
Salt Lake City is the capital of Utah and a must-see city! Surrounded by tall snow-covered peaks and views for days, Salt Lake is truly one-of-a-kind. The nearby Great Salt Lake is quite the wonder and allows for all sorts of outdoor recreational activities. There’s never a shortage of things to do in Salt Lake City!
How to Get to Salt Lake City
Salt Lake has a great international airport which is extremely accessible to travelers. The Salt Lake City Airport actually just opened its new, re-developed airport in September of 2020. All of the major rental car companies have kiosks at the airport, making car rental reservations and drop-offs simple and stress-free.
If you are starting out by driving to Salt Lake City, I-15 and I-80 are the two interstate freeways that travel through SLC. Wherever you are driving from, you’ll find a way to get to Salt Lake City. If you want to know more about Utah road maps, check Visit Utah’s website.
The Best Things to Do in Salt Lake City
Picnic at the Utah State Capitol Building Grounds
You’ll definitely want to visit the Utah State Capitol Building once you arrive in Salt Lake City - it’s gorgeous exterior and stunning lawn will make you want to have a picnic immediately! Find one of the many eateries downtown, order carry-out and drive just a few minutes to picnic at the Capitol.
A great place to order from is a downtown deli called Village Baker. Be warned - depending on the sandwich you build, your sandwich might end up spanning the size of your head. Be sure to include the thick-cut bread when building your sandwich, this place is a bread lover’s heaven!
From the Capitol Building, you’ll see snow-covered peaks and the beautiful downtown area. While you’re around the Capitol Building, consider visiting the Pioneer Museum or go on a walk/jog on one of the nearby trails. (Do keep in mind - at the time of my road trip through Utah, the interior of the Capitol Building was closed for tours due to COVID. Make sure you follow the updates on the Utah government website to stay informed on tours and visits to the Capitol).
Spend a day in Antelope Island State Park
Antelope Island State Park might have been my favorite spot on my Utah road trip. The views are unlike anything I’ve ever witnessed before and I am so happy I took the time to visit!
Tips for visiting Antelope Island State Park:
The $15 entrance fee. Pay at the gate with either cash or card. There, you will receive a map and guide to what all the park has to offer. The attendants at the gate are friendly and helpful so if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask them.
If you plan to visit in the spring, wear bug spray. During the spring, the bugs on the island will swarm around you once you step foot outside of your car. To make your experience more enjoyable, do yourself a favor and wear bug spray and sunscreen.
Antelope Island has bike rentals and lots of paths to ride your bike, take advantage of it! There is nothing like viewing the Great Salt Lake while cruising on your bike down the winding path.
There are free-range bison and antelope herds. While you do need to watch out for bison crossing the paved road, you do not need to be afraid of them. If you respect them, they will respect you.
Antelope Island has a beach area and taking a walk down the shores of the Great Salt Lake is a perfect way to spend your day. You can also go fishing and boating.
As for food, there is only one restaurant on the island, Island Buffalo Grill. It’s a traditional American burger joint which features their island-famous Buffalo Burger. The menu items can get a bit pricey, so a packed lunch might be your best bet if you’re on a budget. There are several picnic areas which are perfect places to eat your pre-packed lunch.
While you won’t need a full day at Antelope Island State Park, it’s best to stay as long as you can to take in the views and outdoor activities it has to offer! For more information, check out the Antelope Island State Park website.
Visit the Iconic High School Musical Film Location - East High School
Ever been to a film location? This film location is one I’ve dreamt of visiting since I was young! It’s about 15 minutes outside of downtown Salt Lake City and is a great place to relive some of the most iconic scenes of the High School Musical movies. Be sure to check out the school’s website for information on upcoming tours!
Where to Stay in Salt Lake City
The Peery Salt Lake City Downtown. This Hilton Tapestry Collection hotel is centrally located in downtown Salt Lake City and could be the perfect stay if you are wanting a city vibe.
Embassy Suites West Valley City. This hotel is located just west of central Salt Lake City and is just a short drive to the city center. While it’s on the more affordable side, there’s plenty of restaurants around - so you won’t be missing out.
Find Outdoor Adventure in Moab, Utah!
Moab itself is a small hub for outdoor activities and national park visitors. Moab has both Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park within its reach - which draw in tourists from just about everywhere.
There are plenty of restaurants and shops that will give you something to do outside of hiking, dirt biking, riding on a 4x4, etc. One place in particular I enjoyed while staying in Moab was a coffee shop called Moab Coffee Roasters. With outdoor seating and wifi, this place is perfect for catching up on work remotely.
Getting to Moab
Moab is about a 4-hour drive from Salt Lake City. You’ll primarily be traveling on US Highway 6 and I-70.
There is a lack of stops and gas stations - be sure to fill up on gas before you hit the road and make sure you have everything you need.
Be sure to stop and take in the scenery as you drive through beautiful mountains and canyons on either side of you!
The Best Things to Do in Moab
Visit Arches National Park
Arches National Park is a must-see destination and will leave anybody speechless with its natural beauty! Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just want to take in some views, there will be plenty to do and see. Make sure to arrive before 8 AM or in the afternoon due to heavy traffic getting into the park. Below are some of the best hikes at Arches:
Delicate Arch
If you have researched Arches National Park at all, you have almost definitely seen pictures of Delicate Arch. This 3-mile hike has views for days and can be done by adults and kids alike. This hike is a moderately strenuous one - so if you have small children, hold onto them and be aware of the drop-offs.
If you don’t like heights, this hike may not be for you. You’ll climb to roughly 480 feet in elevation and the winds at the top are frequently strong. If you are on the fence about hiking this trail, I recommend you talk with a park ranger at the Visitor’s Center to ask questions and get suggestions.
This trail is the most popular at Arches and the parking lot fills up fast! Try hiking other parts of the park in the morning and coming back to Delicate Arch around lunchtime. There’s more parking available during this time and the park suggests hiking this trail in the afternoon for the best photos.
The Windows
The Windows section of the park has a few short and easy trails that have spectacular views! Make sure to check it out in the morning, the parking lot isn’t as full as some of the other parts of the park and will give you awesome views at sunrise.
Devil’s Garden
This section of the park offers several trails leading to incredible scenic arches. Landscape Arch is a true wonder, but another great one is Double O Arch. The Landscape Arch trail is only about 2 miles but offers incredible canyon views the whole way - including a slot canyon at the beginning of your trek! While this trail is relatively easy, the Double O Arch trail is more strenuous. It’s about 4 miles long and requires climbing sandstone slabs.
For more information on Hikes at Arches National Park, visit the National Park Service website.
Experience Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park is just about a 35-45 minute drive from Moab. The scenery on the way to the entrance is spectacular - so you’ll want to stop and take pictures! Cattle roam around the grounds along the way and you’ll see them lying in the grass.
Expert Tip: Fill up your car with gas. The trails and viewpoints are spread out across the park - so you’ll be doing a lot of driving.
Canyonlands National Park is a great place to go if you are not looking to do much hiking - there are countless viewpoints across the park. The park itself is divided into 4 districts - Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the Colorado and Green Rivers. I spent the vast majority of my time in the Island in the Sky district.
Hikes and Viewpoints at Canyonlands
Mesa Arch
This half-mile trail is an easy one with magnificent views. You can look out to a wide range of the Island in the Sky district through the Mesa Arch and it is not one you want to miss!
White Rim Overlook
This trail is almost 2 miles and provides the most breathtaking views of the park. It is absolutely spectacular and a national park regular’s favorite.
Grand Viewpoint
This trail is 2 miles long and provides views the entire way. You’ll travel around the rim of the canyon and with just one look to the side, you’ll see some of the most amazing canyons below, carved by the Colorado River.
Buck Canyon Viewpoint
This overlook isn’t a trail, but with just one stop you’ll find some great views. There’s also a restroom area and parking.
For more information about Canyonlands National Park, visit the National Park Service website.
Stop at Dead Horse Point State Park
Just a short distance from Canyonlands National Park is Dead Horse Point State Park. This is a perfect place to visit on your way out of Canyonlands and offers some unique views and activities.
Mountain biking and hiking are among two of the most common activities at Dead Horse Point. If the campgrounds at Arches or Canyonlands fill up, you might want to consider camping at one of the campgrounds at Dead Horse Point. Overall, it’s a great place to stop or spend a whole day!
Take a UTV tour to Hurrah Pass
The scenic 4x4 Hurrah Pass tour offered by the Moab Tourism Center is one you can’t miss! On the website, you have to book a minimum of two people in your party. No need to worry if you are traveling solo, you can call the tour company and reserve a spot riding with the guide. This tour was the perfect way to learn more about the area and hear from a guide who knows the land incredibly well.
The tour features ancient markings called Petroglyphs that were carved on the side of the canyons more than 6,000 years ago by the Anasazi people. My guide was extremely knowledgeable about these pictographs and was able to give background and legends surrounding the symbols. The trail does get rough at a few points - but nothing unmanageable. The views are unmatched and there are stops along the way for pictures at the main viewpoints.
Where to Stay in Moab
Hoodoo Moab. This Hilton Curio Collection hotel is the luxurious way to spend your stay in Moab. It’s close proximity to Moab’s downtown area and Arches National Park make this hotel a great option for lodging in Moab.
Hampton Inn Moab. For an affordable yet comfortable option, the Hampton Inn Moab might be the right choice for you. It’s centrally located and is just a short drive to Arches National Park.
Visit St. George, Utah
St. George sits in Southwestern Utah, almost to the Arizona border. Due to its proximity to both Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks, St. George is the perfect home base for hitting the parks as well as discovering other parts of Southern Utah.
St. George is just a 1-hour drive to Zion National Park and a 2-hour drive to Bryce Canyon National Park. If you don’t mind driving a little, staying in St. George will give you more amenities, lodging & food options, and activities outside of the National Parks that can’t be provided by staying right outside of the parks.
How to Get to St George
In order to get to St. George from Moab, you’ll travel about 5 hours by car. Most of your time will be spent driving through I-70 and the rest through I-15. There are several lengthy stretches of road with no services(such as rest stops, food, gas etc), so take every opportunity to fill up your car with gas and get food, if needed.
If you are driving from Salt Lake City to St. George, you’ll be on I-15 practically the whole way.
If you have time, you could take a different route and visit Capitol Reef National Park and the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. While you could devote a whole day to visit Capitol Reef, you could easily do the highlights in less than one day. You would be traveling down scenic byways and backroads - so plan accordingly.
Where to Stay in St George
Hotels
The Inn at Entrada. This is the ultimate luxurious stay in St. George! Situated near Snow Canyon State Park, the Inn at Entrada offers beautiful canyon views and amenities for days. The Inn is made up of private casitas ranging from studio size to 4-bedroom suites to give you that home-away-from-home feel. My experience at Entrada was so amazing I extended my stay!
The Advenire. This Marriott Autograph Collection hotel is within walking distance to St. George’s downtown area and is the perfect place to discover the heart of St. George. Its mix of modern and desert-rustic charm could be the perfect fit for your stay.
The Best Things To Do in St. George
St. George has so many unique things to do outside of the National Parks within its grasp! Whether you want to be active, go shopping or just experience the desert atmosphere - St. George pretty much has it all.
Explore red rock canyon at Snow Canyon State Park
The canyons in St. George are truly unique - their red color sets them apart from any other rock in Utah. The red rock mixed with the beautiful orange sand dunes make for the most picturesque scenery while taking a hike in Snow Canyon State Park.
If you have a bike, you’ll want to take it on the West Canyon Road trail. West Canyon Road is about 8 miles long and leads you to the head of Snow Canyon. There are also several great hiking trails - Jenny’s Canyon, Petrified Dunes and Red Sands, to name a few. You’ll definitely want to take a packed lunch and picnic on the Sand Dunes, you’ll feel as though you’re in a huge natural sandbox!
For more information on Snow Canyon National Park, visit the Utah State Parks website.
Visit Downtown St. George
The downtown area of St. George is such a warm and welcoming place to be! Its Town Square will give you that charming small-town feel amidst a bustling area. Lined with beautiful fountains, greenery and an outdoor amphitheater, St. George’s Town Square provides space for a relaxing and enjoyable stroll after a long day at the National Parks. After spending some time in Town Square, you’ll want to shop St. George-style at Green Gate Village just across the street.
Get your chic desert attire at Scout and Cloth, located in the Orson Pratt House at Green Gate Village. This store has the ultimate desert fashion staples including patterned bandanas and stylish western hats! You’ll find fabulous, unique Utah and Zion-themed t-shirts you can’t get anywhere else. Start seeking desert wardrobe inspiration by taking a look at Scout & Cloth’s Instagram page @scoutandcloth.
Discover unique desert art and cuisine at Kayenta Art Village in nearby Ivins, Utah
Just a short 15-20 minute drive from St. George, The Kayenta Art Village is a must-see! This community is made up of galleries and shops featuring local artwork and goods. Kayenta features a Center for the Arts where you can see plays, musical performances, films, etc. While you’re there, have a bite to eat at Xetava Gardens Cafe - you’ll instantly be relaxed by the welcoming desert atmosphere and great food and drinks. For more information and news on upcoming events and festivals at Kayenta, visit Kayenta’s website.
Go For a Hike in Zion National Park
Zion National Park is one of the most monumental and glorious national parks in the country! When you visit - you’ll know exactly what I mean. The peaks at Zion are unmatched and the park is massive. With that being said, Zion attracts millions of visitors each year - that’s right, millions. There’s so much to do and see in Zion, but after reading this you’ll be able to navigate the park like a champ!
Just outside of Zion is the town of Springdale with hotels, shops, and restaurants galore. If you’re looking to stay in Springdale try Cliffrose Springdale for a luxurious stay, or try Zion National Park Lodge located inside Zion!
Transportation to Zion and Parking at Zion
Parking is quite the frenzy at Zion no matter the time of day. Get to the park before 7:00 AM to ensure you get a parking spot. The parking lot at the Visitor’s Center is shockingly small considering the high number of visitors Zion experiences each day.
The best way to guarantee parking is by paying to park at metered spots along the road or on metered lots off to the side. There are parking lots and spaces reaching over a mile before you arrive at the entrance to Zion, and they are super easy to spot. You’ll want to bring $20-$30 to park for the day at one of these spots. It’s more expensive than parking in the free Visitor’s Center lot, but it’s worth avoiding the mayhem. Once you park, start walking toward the entrance to Zion and you will see a pedestrian entrance off to the side where you can enter by walking.
Zion National Park runs a shuttle system to get visitors around the park safely and efficiently. Zion just recently went back to a no-ticket shuttle system, meaning you will not need to purchase a ticket for the shuttle prior to arriving at Zion. The shuttle runs from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will continuously pick up passengers from the Visitor’s Center.
Keep in mind:
Shuttle stops and their corresponding trails + hikes are included on signage around the shuttle and in the shuttle to find where you need to go.
Shuttles run in both directions so you can go up and down-canyon throughout the day.
Make sure to be on the bus before the last shuttle departs! If you are concerned about this, ask a park ranger when the final shuttle of the day will depart.
The shuttle bus will drop off but NOT pick up at the Temple of Sinawava.
For more information, visit Zion National Park’s page on its shuttle system.
An alternative to riding the shuttle could be renting an e-bike to take you up and down the canyon or you could also pay for a private shuttle. If you want to encourage cutting down on congestion, go with the shuttle or e-bike.
The Best Hikes in Zion
Hiking at Zion National Park is a major bucket list item for people across the world! Avid hikers and adventure seekers alike come to Zion each year to take advantage of the one-of-a-kind trails.
Angel’s Landing
If you’ve heard of Zion National Park, you’ve likely heard of Angel’s Landing. It’s dubbed one of the most dangerous hikes in the United States! While this scares away some visitors, others are captivated by the challenge and choose to trek on this 5.4 mile round-trip.
There are long drop-offs at high elevation. Do NOT partake in this hike if you are scared of heights. This is not a hike to test your fear. You’ll need to wear sturdy hiking shoes and maintain a good physical fitness level to gain and descend 1500 feet in elevation. Chains are present along the rim to assist you in climbing and descending.
To get to this trail, take the shuttle to stop #6 The Grotto. You’ll cross the street and head to Angel’s Landing via the West Rim Trail. This trail can get extremely congested. It’s best to arrive early to avoid major trail traffic!
The Narrows
The scenery of this hike alone draws in people from all over. There’s truly nothing like it! If you can, devote a whole day to this hike. You’ll want to take your time to appreciate your surroundings and will need some rest after you’ve hiked up to 9.4 miles on this trail.
Hiking the Narrows requires wading through the Virgin River for at least 60% of the hike, according to the National Park website. Pack your electronics in sturdy plastic bags to protect them from water damage. You can rent additional gear for this hike at one of the nearby gear rental shops just outside of the pedestrian entrance to Zion.
Be alert for rain and/or flash flood warnings before hiking the Narrows. This could make waters rise to dangerous levels and flash floods can be deadly. Visit Zion’s website to see how you can avoid flash floods. You can reach the Narrows trail via the shuttle, getting off at stop #9 Temple of Sinawava.
Canyon Overlook Trail
This trail has the BEST views in all of Zion! This hike is fairly simple with minor drop-offs and slick canyon. Hiking shoes aren’t a must for this hike - but definitely recommended due to slick and sandy rock.
This trail is not reachable by shuttle and has its own separate parking lot just outside of Carmel Tunnel. There are next to no spaces - so plan to find parking alongside the byway and walk to the trail. If you are unsure how to get to the trail, ask a park ranger at the entrance of the park for directions.
Emerald Pools Trails via the Kayenta Trail
The Emerald Pools trails consists of the Upper, Middle, and Lower trails. These are all fairly simple trails, with some steep climbs and slippery sand stone. They’re family-friendly and provide an escape from the scorching sun with some shade and cool water!
Start off at the Kayenta Trail and work your way to each of the trails. There are beautiful views of the surrounding canyons and the Virgin River along the path - pictures are a must! To get to the Kayenta Trail, you’ll take the shuttle to stop #6 The Grotto.
Looking to venture outside of hiking at Zion? Try canyoneering - It’s a great way to get your adrenaline pumping and explore the canyons!
For more information about hiking and other activities at Zion National Park, visit the National Park Service website.
Marvel at Hoodoos in Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park is one that is known to many! Visitors are lured in by Bryce’s beautiful hoodoos and picturesque views. It’s scenery is truly unique and shouldn’t be missed on your Utah Road Trip!
Bryce Canyon isn’t close to major suburban or city areas. If you want to stay close to the park, you’ll have the best luck finding lodging in Bryce Canyon City or nearby Panguitch. Amenities aren’t as easy to come by so commuting from Springdale or St. George is a good option.
Bryce Canyon also has a shuttle system, which you can learn about here.
Can’t-Miss Hikes in Bryce Canyon
Queen’s Garden/Navajo Loop Combination.
This trail combines the Queen’s Garden and Navajo Loop trails. Both are deemed moderate level hikes by the National Park Service and provide views unlike any other in the park. It’s the most popular hike at Bryce Canyon - so get there early to avoid crowds!
Mossy Cave Trail.
This trail is family-friendly and offers a unique way to experience Bryce Canyon. Not even a mile long, this hike grants you access to a spectacular mossy grotto. A hidden gem!
Rim Trail
This hike is what you make of it. You can go anywhere from 0.5 to 5.5 miles on this trail and witness some of the most incredible views of the park. If you don’t do anything else, do this hike!
Take Your Own Path to Your Final Destination
Keep in mind, flexibility is one of the best parts about road tripping!
Be willing to change your route or final destination as you go along and discover what you like and dislike. You may decide you want to venture into Arizona, or take your road trip south to Las Vegas. Pave your own way based on how you feel in the moment, that's what a road-trip is all about.
The freedom of an American road trip allows you to see parts of the country you never would have thought of before. Use this freedom to your advantage to curate the best experience for you! When you look back on your road trip travels, you’ll be so thankful you did.
Sarah Beth is a marketing professional and solo female traveler with a passion for exploring new destinations and finding the world's best iced latte.
In 2020, Sarah Beth earned her Bachelor's degree in Marketing from Clemson University. While at Clemson, she participated in a study abroad program which sparked her excitement for solo adventures and traveling abroad. Sarah Beth blogs at inspiredandintroverted.com where she shares destination guides & tips for solo female travelers. You can also follow along with Sarah Beth's adventures on Instagram @_theinspiredintrovert!