UTAH’S NATIONAL PARKS: THE BEST HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR UTAH ROAD TRIP

Come along on a road trip to Utah’s National Parks. You will find adventure around every corner. This journey takes you to five national parks in Utah, each with its own charm and stunning vistas. I’ll also share some hidden gems that you can’t miss on your road trip.

How many days are ideal for a road trip through Utah?

I would recommend a minimum of five to seven nights in Utah. You can visit all five national parks – Arches Canyonlands Capitol Reef Bryce Canyon and Zion in this timeframe.

When is the best time to go on a road trip?

Your travel plans and preferences will determine the best time to take a road trip in Utah. The best time to visit Utah is in the spring and fall, when the weather will be mild and the landscapes will be bursting with vibrant colors and wildflowers. The national parks are less crowded in the spring and fall than they are during the summer.

What is the best place to start and end your UTAH road trip?

Salt Lake City and Las Vegas are ideal starting and ending points for your Utah road trip. Both cities have excellent international connections. We chose Las Vegas because we wanted to combine our road trip in Arizona with some relaxation and rest in Vegas.

Is it worth getting the US National Park Annual Pass?

YES! The annual pass costs 80$, is valid for a year and covers all US National Parks. The pass covers not only the purchaser but up to three adults who travel in the same car as you. You can also transfer the pass as long as two owners have signed it! You’ll save a lot, especially if your plan is to visit more Nations Parks than those in Utah. The Annual Pass can be purchased at many Federal Recreation Sites. This is usually at National Park entrance stations, or online.

The Best Things to See on Your UTAH Road Trip – UTAH National Parks & Other Highlights

MONUMENT VALLEY

Our first stop, coming from Arizona, was Monument Valley. It is located in the Navajo Nation Territory on the border of Utah and Arizona. The Navajos are the only ones who maintain it. Monument valley is still home to around 100 Navajos. The iconic park was the setting for many movies, including classic Westerns. John Ford’s Point, named after the renowned actor and filmmaker John Ford, is a must-see.

You can explore Monument Valley in 1,5 to 3 hours, since not all areas are accessible to the public.

Be prepared for high temperatures in summer as Monument Valley is a dry desert. Arizona does not observe Daylight Saving Time. If you are traveling in the summer, be aware of the hour difference. As the park is situated on the border between Arizona and Utah, your phone will constantly jump between the two time zones.

As Monument Valley isn’t a National Park, you cannot use your Annual Pass. Instead, an 8$ entrance fee per person will be charged.

BONUS TIPS

Take a picture with the famous Forest Gump scene as the backdrop at the Monument Valley Overlook. You should stop for a few minutes at the Valley of the Gods if you have the time. These rock formations reminded of those in Monument Valley. In the Valley of the Gods, it’s possible to camp and fly your drone without paying an entrance fee.

Monument Valley Overlook

Valley of the Gods

CANYONLANDS PARK NATIONAL – A ROUGH LANDSCAPE

Canyonlands National Park should be on your list of places to visit during your Utah road trip. The rugged landscape was created over thousands of years by erosion. Canyonlands National Park, with its towering mesas and winding rivers and vast canyons is a haven for nature and outdoor enthusiasts.

The park is divided up into four sections. Focus on the “Island in the Sky” if you have limited time and only want to see the highlights. This massive mesa is over 1,000 feet high and offers panoramic views for miles. All view points can be reached by car or hiking. These are the ones I think you can’t afford to miss.

Mesa Arch Perched on a cliff, this iconic arch frames an amazing view of the canyons and rock formations surrounding it. Photographers love this spot, especially at sunrise when golden light creates an enchanting atmosphere.
Grand View Point
Green River View Point : My favorite viewing point! You can find the best spot to view the Green River if you hike just a few minutes right of the main viewpoint (with the valley on the left).
Shafer trail Lookout

BONUS TIP

The Dead Horse Point State Park, located on a cliffside with a breathtaking view of the Colorado River and its spectacular landscape is a beautiful but small park. The sunset is particularly magical!

ARCHES PARK NATIONAL – NATURE MASTERPIECE

Arches National Park is a natural masterpiece with more than 2,000 natural stone archways, balancing rock formations, and fascinating sandstone structures. Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch and other iconic landmarks are not to be missed. Arches National Park will be your best place to go if you love night photography. On a clear night, you can photograph a million stars in the foreground with the arches.

CAPITOL REF NATIONAL PARKS – A HIDDEN JEWELS ON YOUR ROAD TRIP THRU UTAH

Capitol Reef National Park is one of Utah’s least visited national parks. However, it is a hidden gem. You’ll find the Waterpocket Fold – a beautiful warp in Earth’s crust – and colorful slot canyons such as Cassidy Arch Trail.

The park is a great place to explore by car. You can drive through canyons on sand roads, which I think only exists in the US. Take a look along the road at the historic Petroglyphs.

BONUS TIP

The Bentonite Hills are a colorful place where sands and sediments have been arranged in different colors to create stunning hills. These hills make for stunning photos. The Capitol Reef National Park is surrounded by a number of ‘bentonite hill’ but only one has low hills that you can climb. The coordinates were difficult to find so I’ve shared them with you via the map.

If you have trouble finding the spot, an ND filter for your drone can help you capture the colors. The ND 256 filter worked really well in filtering the midday sun.

Please remember to LEAVE no trace if you visit. Bentonite Hills is located in the middle nowhere, with no nearby trash cans. Please take all your belongings with you when you leave. Bring plenty of water, especially on a sunny day. Avoid coming here when it is raining heavily or just after. Also, bring a vehicle that can handle off-road tracks. You will need to drive off-road for a long time.

BRYCE CANYON PARK – CASTLES of the HOODOOS

The Bryce Canyon National Park is our next stop. It’s a fascinating wonderland with unique rock formations called hoodoos. The hoodoos look like intricate sandcastles that are proudly standing on the canyon’s floor. The rock spires are a stunning display of orange and red colors, with a beautiful play of light and shade. Explore the park by exploring the various viewpoints along its rim, or hiking down to the hoodoos using the Navajo Loop Trail and Queen’s Garden Trail.

We visited the park in April and found that large parts of it were still closed because of (melting snow). You heard it right! You may still see snow during spring visits. White makes for a striking contrast when photographed against the orange rocks.

We were fortunate to be able visit the following places for great views:

Mossy Cave Trail : A short and easy hike that offers great views
Bryce Point and Sunset Point: for breathtaking views of the hoodoos. Both are accessible by car

ZION NATIONAL PARKS – NATURE’S MASTERPIECE

We had to pass on Zion National Park during our road trip because we were short of time. Add it to your Utah road trip itinerary. Zion, with its soaring red rock cliffs and lush greenery as well as the Virgin River flowing through the canyon is a naturalist’s paradise. Hiking in Zion is the best way for you to experience its splendor. Trails like Angel’s Landing or The Narrows provide unforgettable adventures. Try the Subway Trail for a more secluded experience.