Utah road trip: 5 national parks in 7 days, Zion to

A 2469.7 km route through Utah, United States, 15 stops, from Bryce Canyon National Park to Ponderosa Hotel, filmed by travmap.

Distance
2469.7 km
Duration
12 days
Mode
route
Start
Bryce Canyon National Park
End
Ponderosa Hotel
Stops
15
Video author
travmap
Updated

Stops on this route

  1. Bryce Canyon National Park — One of Utah's Mighty Five national parks featuring unique hoodoo rock formations, natural arches, and stunning red and orange geological structures.
  2. Day 3 - Capitol Reef National Park — Desert park featuring a 100-mile ridge of colorful Navajo sandstone cliffs with scenic drives, hiking trails, and historic pioneer structures.
  3. Day 4 - Arches National Park — Spectacular landscape containing over 2,000 natural stone arches, including the iconic Delicate Arch and dramatic red rock formations.
  4. Utah, United States — Two distinct regions: the jagged rock pinnacles and canyons of Canyonlands Needles district, and the iconic towering buttes straddling the Utah-Arizona border.
  5. Las Vegas — Major city in Nevada where the road trip began after departing Southern California, serving as a gateway to Utah's national parks.
  6. Hurricane — Small town in southwestern Utah where the travelers stayed the night before exploring Zion National Park.
  7. Zion National Park — One of Utah's Mighty Five national parks featuring dramatic red rock canyons, towering cliffs, and the iconic Angel's Landing trail.
  8. Angel's Landing — Famous 5,158-foot sandstone peak in Zion with a challenging hiking trail featuring chains and narrow ridges with spectacular canyon views.
  9. Walter's Wiggle — Section of the Angel's Landing trail featuring 21 steep switchbacks ascending to Scouts Overlook with stunning photo opportunities.
  10. Zion Visitor Center — Information hub and facilities center for Zion National Park providing maps, exhibits, and visitor services.
  11. Zion Mount Carmel Scenic Highway — Winding scenic route through Zion National Park featuring the historic Mount Carmel Tunnel and views of natural arch formations.
  12. Canyon Overlook Trail — One-mile round trip hiking trail offering dramatic views of Zion Canyon, featuring narrow sections with exposed drop-offs and rock formations.
  13. Checkerboard Mesa — Distinctive geological formation along the Zion Mount Carmel Highway displaying a cross-hatched pattern from erosion.
  14. Scenic Byway 12 — Scenic highway route leading into Bryce Canyon with red and orange rock formations and natural arch tunnel.
  15. Ponderosa Hotel — Hotel accommodation located approximately one mile from Bryce Canyon National Park, convenient for sunset and sunrise viewing.

Useful for your trip

Timing
Parking in Zion is crowded in summer. In summer, the shuttle system works, the rest of the year you need to park on your own.
Timing
From April, a permit system for the Angel's Landing trail is introduced, which limits the number of people. Start your hike early in the morning.
Avoid
Angel's Landing is a dangerous trail. 14 people died during the ascent. Don't try if you're afraid of heights. There are narrow areas with chains and significant drops.
Where to stay
Ponderosa Hotel is a mile from Bryce Canyon, which is convenient for visiting sunsets and sunrises in the park.
Food
There are only three restaurants open in Bryce Canyon. The hotel is one of the few dining options with a salad bar and menu.
Food
On the way to Bryce Canyon, there's The Rock Shop with the best donuts in town, coffee, and snacks.
Food
Cafe Solle is a nice sandwich bar on the edge of Zion Park, suitable for lunch before a long trip.
Transport
Road from Canyon Overlook to Bryce Canyon: 77 miles, approximately 1.5 hours. There are many beautiful observation decks on the route.
Tip
On the Zion Mount Carmel Scenic Highway, look for the Great Arch on the left. The 1-mile-long Mount Carmel Tunnel was built in 1930.
Tip
Don't miss the Checkerboard Mesa on the way to Bryce Canyon – the viewpoint is not visible from the road and is easy to miss.
Timing
Sunset at Bryce Canyon lasts about 1.5 hours. Arrive an hour before sunset and watch the light gradually fade away.
Timing
Sunrise in Bryce Canyon is very cold (24°F). Inspiration Point is one of the best places for sunrise, overlooking the amphitheater and the hoodus.

Video on this route

Utah 7 Day Road Trip: 5 National Parks, Monument Valley, Horseshoe Bend & More

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