The Ultimate Utah to Arizona Road Trip Itinerary
Take the ultimate Utah to Arizona road trip to explore the beauty of the American Southwest!
If hiking through red rock canyons and exploring national parks are your idea of a good time, you’re in for 2 weeks of adventure.
You’ll start in Salt Lake City, Utah, and wind your way through all 5 of Utah’s national parks before heading south to Arizona, where you’ll visit 2 more national parks, a state park, and more.
There’s paddleboarding on Lake Powell, photo ops at Horseshoe Bend, and sand caves in Kanab, Utah.
We’ve also included recommended hotels, campgrounds, and restaurants to help you plan every perfect minute.
Let’s pack your bags and head to Utah and Arizona!
Hiking from Corona Arch in Moab, Utah
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Why Should You take a Utah to Arizona Road Trip?
Simply put: this part of the United States is beautiful, thanks to its otherworldly landscapes, incredible hiking, and colorful red rocks.
Vistas on a backcountry hike east of Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona
The suggested 2 week itinerary below will take you through the heart of both Utah and Arizona, allowing you to see the vast canyons, rivers, and hills that make up this area.
This road trip is also fantastic for those looking to hike and camp as there are SO many gorgeous places to spend your time.
In fact, there is so much hiking and outdoor activity on this route that you’ll be spending most of the days outside discovering new trails, learning about each area, paddleboarding, and more.
If you’re a beginning hiker, I’d still encourage you to go on this trip!
All of my suggestions are made with families in mind, and the trails, parks, and activities below can all be done by kids and adults of a wide variety of ages and fitness levels.
This road trip truly is one that you and your family will remember forever.
What You Should Know about Road Tripping through Utah and Arizona
These areas can be remote.
There are only a few gas stations in some of the longer stretches—like between Page, AZ, and the Grand Canyon, for example—so don’t wait until your gauge is on empty.
Keep plenty of water and snacks with you, too.
On the up side, these remote areas are amazing for photos since you’re unlikely to have other cars or people in them.
Driving through Capitol Reef National Park in Utah
You will need a rental car, preferably one with 4-wheel drive and good gas mileage.
There is little in the way of public transport for 99% of this trip, so you’re going to need a rental car.
If you plan to dive into some of the more remote areas of Utah and Arizona (like Monument Valley or Canyonlands National Park, for example), you’ll need to have a vehicle with high clearance and, preferably, 4 wheel drive.
Doing so means that you won’t have to worry about bottoming out on any dirt roads post-rain storms.
>> Select a rental car for your trip here. <<
There are few stores between stops—and even then, supplies can be expensive.
Don’t assume that you’ll be able to pick up groceries on the way, as there often aren’t any stores between these stops.
When you do arrive in some of the smaller towns like Springdale or Moab, the grocery stores that are available are at a premium.
Aim to stock up before you leave Salt Lake City, where you can find all of the usual big box stores (Walmart, Target, Costco, etc.).
Then, refill your supplies in Hurricane, UT, when you’re in Springdale visiting Zion National Park. Hurricane is about 30 minutes west of Springdale, and it has a Walmart Supercenter.
Page, Arizona, is also large enough for regular grocery stores and big box stores.
Flagstaff is a great place to get those remaining items before your trip ends.
The climate tends to be hot and dry.
Be prepared for both high elevation and windy conditions by bringing plenty of moisturizer and lip balm.
If you’re visiting between May and September, take precautions against the sun by wearing sunscreen, a sun shirt, and a hat.
You can easily get dehydrated in the hot, dry air, so take a filled water bottle everywhere. Keep a gallon or two of reserves in your car.
The Camping Kiddos on Route 66 in Winslow, AZ
You’ll hop on and off of historic Route 66 on this trip.
Embrace the nostalgia by stopping for a milkshake at a soda shop in Winslow, AZ, picking up a themed keychain in Williams, AZ, or shopping in Holbrook, AZ.
You’ll pass through or near several Native American reservations.
Be respectful of these locations, and support them by shopping at native-owned boutiques or attending local events where possible.
2 Week Utah and Arizona Road Trip Itinerary
To truly appreciate this road trip through 2 of my favorite states, you’ll need at least 2 weeks.
Over the 14 day itinerary outlined below, you’ll explore 2 major cities, 7 national parks, parts of Route 66, and more.
For each day, I’ve shared suggestions on what to do, where to stay, where to camp, and where to eat.
To make this itinerary even more customizable, I’ve also included optional add-ons and day trips if you’d like to extend your stay in each area.
For those travelers who are flying in, I’ve shared our favorite kid-friendly cabins and hotels along the way.
For others who prefer to haul their campers, I’ve recommended campsites at each stop.
Day 1: Salt Lake City, Utah to Moab, Utah
Driving time and distance today: 3 hours 42 minutes // 234 miles
I’d suggest getting as early of a flight as possible so you arrive in Salt Lake City before noon.
Once on the ground, pick up your rental car and head southeast to Moab, Utah, where you’ll spend your first 3 nights.
>> Select your rental car and pick-up time here. <<
If you’re driving or pulling your camper, aim to be in Moab for an early afternoon check-in, preferably around 1-2 PM.
Settle into your cabin or campsite, then head out for some souvenir shopping on Main Street in Moab.
For dinner, I recommend Zax’s on Main, which has a big menu filled with burgers, salads, and wraps.
Head back to your accommodations for some stargazing before bed.
Where to stay in Moab: cabins at Sun Outdoors Canyonlands Gateway
On our kids’ first trip to the southwest, we stayed in one of the cabins here. Our experience helped us fall in love with Moab!
My husband outside of one of the casitas in Moab, UT
There are 3 different types of cabins here:
the deluxe cabins with kitchens and bathrooms,
the smaller casitas with shared bathhouse, and
the caravans (which are parked Airstreams with attached porches).
While you can’t go wrong with any of these options, I have a soft spot for the casitas since they are Wild West themed and come with bunk beds and a queen bed, perfect for traveling with kids.
Where to camp in Moab: campground at Sun Outdoors Canyonlands Gateway
When I say we loved this property, I’m not kidding.
The attached campground is large but manageable with a pool, splash pad, and playground.
The individual sites are standard for a private campground, and each comes with a picnic table and fire ring.
There’s also a gas station and convenience store on-site with s’mores kits, hot dogs, and other camping must-haves.
How to extend your trip: if you have an extra day or two, I’d suggest staying in Salt Lake City.
This large city is known for its thriving arts scene, beautiful outdoor spaces, and world-class museums.
You can take a one-of-a-kind comedy and history trolley tour through the city or learn about local wildlife and conservation on a tour of Great Salt Lake and Antelope Island.
Day 2: Arches National Park
Our daughter hiking in Arches National Park
Driving time and distance today: 11 minutes// 5 miles
Today, you’ll be exploring the incredible Arches National Park!
While your time is limited, there’s still plenty to do if you only have 1 day in Arches National Park.
Plan to arrive early—and DON’T forget to make a reservation if you’re visiting during the peak times of April to October.
If you get to the park as soon as it opens, you’ll have plenty of time to do a couple shorter hikes before the day begins to heat up.
You should aim to visit a couple of the arches: Sand Dunes Arch and Windows Arch were my kids’ favorites.
That being said, the entire park is gorgeous, so you can’t go wrong with anything you choose.
Stop and start this self-guided Arches National Parks tour as much as you need for a great way to learn more about what you’re seeing at every turn.
I’d bring a picnic with you so you can stay in the park as long as possible.
If you’d prefer a guided tour of Arches National Park, this sunset tour takes visitors to some of the most popular hiking areas right at sunset for incredible photos.
NOTE: I strongly recommend purchasing the Utah Mighty 5 tour bundle in the GuideAlong app.
For less than the cost of dinner, you’ll get 5 complete tours of the 5 national parks on this road trip: Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Capitol Reef.
We love the GuideAlong tours as they are GPS-based, meaning that the tour audio automatically starts whenever we hit one of the viewpoints, trailheads, or interest areas.
You’ll learn about each park’s history, geology, wildlife, and more.
It’s just like having a live guide in the car with you for a much more reasonable price.
Where to stay and camp in Moab: Sun Outdoors Canyonlands Gateway RV Park (see notes during Day 1 for specifics)
Day 3: Canyonlands National Park
Driving time and distance today: 35 minutes // 30 miles
Today, let’s explore Canyonlands National Park on a different side of Moab, Utah.
This vast, remote national park has three main areas: the Needles, Island in the Sky, and the Maze.
Since the Maze is the most remote and has the least amenities, so we don’t recommend that for a first time, single day visit.
Instead, focus on either the Needles or Island in the Sky.
The two areas don’t connect to one another, so you’ll need to be intentional with your selection.
If you choose Island in the Sky, this Canyonlands 4x4 tour is a great way to cover plenty of area.
Island in the Sky also has the closest visitors center to Moab, making it the most accessible for first time visitors.
How to extend your stay in Moab: if you love this area as much as I do, you’ll want to explore even more!
You could easily spend your entire 2-week vacation in Moab, doing hikes along Potash Road, exploring dinosaur bones at Mill Canyon Dinosaur Tracksite, and more.
See all of our suggestions for a longer stay in our 3 days in Moab itinerary!
Where to stay and camp in Moab: Sun Outdoors Canyonlands Gateway RV Park (see notes during Day 1 for specifics)
Day 4: Moab, Utah, to Torrey, Utah
Driving time and distance today: 2 hours 36 minutes // 156 miles
Today, you’re heading west from Moab, Utah, to the small town of Torrey, Utah. Capitol Reef.
Spend the morning doing a half-day Colorado river rafting excursion, which will take from roughly 9 AM to noon.
Grab some lunch as you head out of Moab and make your way towards Torrey, Utah.
Torrey itself is only a few blocks wide, but you’ll instantly fall in love with the towering red rock cliffs surrounding the town.
Settle into your accommodations in Torrey (see recommendations below) and do a little stargazing before heading to bed.
Where to stay in Torrey: Capitol Reef Resort has so many amazing accommodations (including cabins and hotel rooms), but the real stars of the show are the Conestoga wagons and teepees.
Kids will love the onsite pool, and parents will adore the proximity to Capitol Reef National Park.
Where to camp in Torrey: Wonderland RV Park is one of the closest to the Capitol Reef National Park entrance, and it offers full hook-ups and a dog park.
There’s a pasture next to the campground that has horses, cows, and a buffalo in it, and your kids will love checking in on their neighbors!
There are campgrounds in the national park itself, but none have sites with hookups of any kind (plus, the bathrooms don’t have showers, which is a must-have when traveling with our kids).
Day 5: Capitol Reef National Park
Hickman Bridge Trail in Capitol Reef National Park
Driving time and distance today: 15 minutes/ 10.5 miles
Time to explore the often-overlooked Capitol Reef National Park, which has incredible hiking, ranger programs, and even an apple pie or two!
Hop on a guided 4x4 tour of the Temples of the Sun and Moon, in the northern part of the park near Cathedral Valley.
Elsewhere in your day exploring the national park, stop by the visitors center to grab a souvenir, take a scenic drive, or explore the historic district in Fruita.
How to extend your trip: Torrey, UT, Capitol Reef, and the surrounding area truly needs more than one day.
If you include another day or two here, you can explore more hiking in the park, as well as a day trip to the beautiful Lower Calf Creek Falls or Escalante.
Escalante is located on one of Utah’s scenic roads, Highway 12, which is well worth an entire day on its own.
There’s also Escalante Petrified Forest State Park, which doesn’t have the density of Petrified Forest National Park (below), but is still worth a visit.
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is also filled with hikes and outdoor experiences, and would be great for a day trip.
Day 6: Torrey, Utah, to Bryce Canyon City, Utah
Driving time and distance today: 1 hour 57 minutes // 106 miles
Hiking down into Bryce Canyon
Get an early start today, and you’ll arrive in Bryce Canyon City before most people have finished with breakfast.
This early start will allow you to spend most of your day in Bryce Canyon National Park, hiking and exploring.
Bryce Canyon’s towering spires remind us a lot of when we went hiking in Providence Canyon State Park in Georgia—but even bigger!
You’ll want to focus your time near the Bryce Canyon ampitheatre, where most of the easy to moderate day hikes are.
For families with older and more experienced kid hikers, try out the Queen’s/Navajo combination loop trail, which is just under 3 miles.
For families with younger hikers, stick to the Mossy Cave Trail or Bristlecone Loop Trail.
End your day with a huge meal and country entertainment at Ebenezer’s Barn and Grill Dinner Show in Bryce Canyon City.
Tuck into steak, fish, or chicken alongside baked beans, cole slaw, and dessert before a dinner show your entire family will love.
Where to stay in Bryce Canyon City: The Best Western Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel is located in the heart of the town, so anything you’d want to do in this area is less than 15 minutes away by car.
Where to camp in Bryce Canyon City: We preferred the private campgrounds outside of Bryce Canyon National Park to the ones inside of the park.
This is in large part due to the amenities that the private campgrounds had.
Our choice would be Ruby’s RV Park and Campground, thanks to its proximity to the national park entrance and wide, level sites.
The campground also offers tipi rentals and rustic cabins if you want that camping feel but don’t own an RV or tent.
Day 7: Bryce Canyon City, Utah, to Springdale, Utah
Driving time and distance today: 1 hr 52 minutes // 83.5 miles
Before you head to your next destination, take an ATV tour through Bryce Canyon for an experience that your family will never forget.
This hour-long tour will get you out onto off-road trails that offer spectacular views of the Bryce Canyon rim.
Say goodbye to Bryce Canyon National Park and head over to its more well-known cousin, Zion National Park, located near Springdale, Utah.
Aim to get to Springdale in the early afternoon, so you’ll have time to check into your chosen accommodations.
Spend the afternoon exploring Springdale’s cute bistros and boutiques, or allow your kids to splash in the Virgin River in the George Barker River Park.
Where to stay in Springdale, UT: Cable Mountain Lodge is the most conveniently located hotel in the town—it’s literally right across the street from the Zion National Park visitors center!
This means that you can walk to the visitors center and use the internal shuttle to get around the park, and you won’t have to worry about where to leave your car in the often filled up lots.
Plus, there’s a pool and hot tub for relaxing post-hikes.
Where to camp in Springdale, UT: For the same reasons as noted above in Bryce Canyon City, we prefer a private campground over those available in the national park.
Zion Canyon Campground and RV Park is pricier than most of the campground on this list, but it’s also incredibly convenient to the national park. Also, it has full hookups and a free shuttle into Springdale.
For the perfect campsite, snag one of the riverfront sites!
How to extend your trip: If you’d like some additional adventuring in this area, stay another night to explore Kodachrome Basin State Park.
Day 8: Zion National Park
Driving time and distance today: 15 minutes// 5 miles
Zion National Park is magical and unforgettable—and this is why it is so incredibly popular.
While the national park doesn’t require reservations for entrance, the most popular parking spots near trailheads can fill up quickly.
NOTE: when this happens, use the free shuttle system to get to your trailhead.
Get going early today so that you can maximize your time in Zion National Park.
For first time visitors, I’d suggest doing part of the iconic Narrows hike. The full hike is more than 9 miles, so unless you’re a very fast hiker, don’t spend all day doing this.
Add in a couple of shorter, easier hikes like the Grotto Trail or the Pa’Rus Trail.
Kids should grab a Junior Ranger booklet so they can add another badge to their collection.
How to extend your trip: There’s plenty more to do in and around Zion National Park if you have extra time.
The Grafton Ghost Town near Virgin, UT, is a great way to get your kids excited about history.
Near Springdale, your entire family can try canyoneering through a kid-friendly tour experience.
Day 9: Springdale, Utah, to Page, Arizona
Driving time and distance today: 2 hours 23 minutes // 117 miles
It’s another busy day on our Utah-Arizona road trip!
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park in Kanab, UT
Make it an early morning as we’ve got so many cool things to see today.
After leaving Springdale, UT, we recommend stopping at Kanab on the border of Utah and Arizona.
From Springdale to Kanab is about an hour’s drive through some beautiful country.
Kanab has the incredible Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, where you can sledding or ride an ATV on the rose-hued dunes.
If you’re feeling particularly lucky, you can get a very early start to see if you can nab one of the coveted daily permits to hike the Wave in Vermillion Cliffs National Monument.
For a much more accessible (but still amazing) stop in Kanab, head over to the Kanab Sand Caves, which is easy enough for kids of all ages to explore.
From Kanab, Page, AZ, is about an hour away.
When you’re done exploring Kanab, head southeast to Page.
End your day by renting paddle boards on Lake Powell. This is a great way to explore the beauty of this area.
Where to stay in Page, AZ: The Lake Powell Best Western is budget friendly and less than 10 minutes from Antelope Canyon.
The standard rooms are clean and comfortable, and many come with views of the lake.
Relax by the small pool at night, and wake up to a hot breakfast buffet each morning.
Where to camp in Page, AZ: Wahweap RV Park and Campground is located just north of the town of Page, but it is incredibly convenient to the water sports and hiking in this area.
Here, you’ll find full hook-ups and pull through spots. The most coveted are those right by Lake Powell which offer unprecedented views.
It doesn’t have a pool or playground, but your kids will love the onsite beach.
Day 10: Page, Arizona, to Grand Canyon National Park
Driving time and distance today: 2 hours 29 minutes // 131 miles
Start today with one of Page’s most amazing sites: Antelope Canyon.
Inside Antelope Canyon, Arizona
Take the 6:30 AM guided tour of Antelope Canyon to see how the sunlight shifts inside the colorful slot canyon.
After your guide has shown you to the best of this area, head to Canyon Crepes Cafe in Page for breakfast.
Then, it’s time to hit the road again!
We’re headed south through the remote northern part of Arizona to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
As you head out of Page, stop for a quick photo at the famed Horseshoe Bend.
Along the way, you’ll see glimpses of the Painted Desert, which stretches all the way to Petrified Forest National Park.
Aim to arrive at Grand Canyon National Park in early afternoon, so you’ll have time to orient yourselves.
The world’s chunkiest baby at Bright Angel Lodge in the Grand Canyon
With your afternoon, you can choose to hike part of the Rim Trail, or join an evening Ranger program.
As the sun goes down, rock in one of the chairs near the Bright Angel Lodge.
Where to stay in the Grand Canyon: We loved the rustic feel of the Bright Angel Lodge, which is literally about 30 steps from the South Rim.
This historic property has both traditional guest rooms as well as rustic cabins.
Note that some of the guest rooms utilize a shared shower room; however, each of these rooms does have its own private toilet and sink.
Where to camp in the Grand Canyon: The only full hookup sites in the national park are available at the Trailer Village RV Park, about half a mile from Grand Canyon Village.
While these sites are incredibly convenient to the park, there aren’t any amenities in the way of a pool, game room, or playground for kids.
Still, we don’t think your family will miss those too much when one of the natural wonders of the world is just outside the camper door!
How to extend your trip: If you have an extra day to tour in this area, I highly recommend that you head over to Monument Valley.
Located in the Navajo Nation, this iconic site has been featured in dozens of Westerns and Forrest Gump.
Here’s how to visit Monument Valley with kids for a wonderful day trip.
Day 11: Grand Canyon National Park
Driving time and distance today: 0 miles
The South Rim of the Grand Canyon at sunrise
Experience one of the most incredible natural wonders in the world with a stop at Grand Canyon National Park!
Experienced hikers and adventurers might try out the overnight hike to Phantom Ranch or the difficult but gorgeous South Kaibab Trail.
Just remember to start early, wear proper hiking gear, and take plenty of water.
If you’re visiting the Grand Canyon with kids, there’s plenty to do, too. Try out the Junior Ranger program for just a few dollars, take a ranger hike to learn about fossils, or walk along the Rim Trail.
Make the most out of your 1 day in Grand Canyon with my focused, hour by hour itinerary suggestions, hiking tips, and tour recommendations.
Want to expand your stay here? Check out my 7 day itinerary in Grand Canyon.
Day 12: Grand Canyon National Park to Flagstaff, Arizona
Driving time and distance today: 1 hour 32 minutes // 79 miles
Linger for a last minute hike in the Grand Canyon before heading due south into Williams, Arizona.
Here, you can learn about wildlife conservation at the drive-through Bearizona, or spend the day riding thrill rides at Canyon Coaster Adventure Park.
If your family is interested in learning more about historic Route 66, there are several ways to do that here, including Pete’s Route 66 Gas Station Museum.
Then, head over to Walnut Canyon National Monument just outside of Flagstaff.
Your family will learn about the native people who created and lived in these fascinating cliff dwellings.
End your day with a fun (and not-too-spooky) family friendly ghost tour of Flagstaff.
Where to stay in Flagstaff: The Little America Flagstaff Hotel is a serene escape just minutes from everything that Flagstaff has to offer.
The landscaping and decor make it feel more like a luxury hotel, but the amenities—including a large pool—make it perfect for families.
Where to camp in Flagstaff: We seek out KOA campgrounds on our trips, thanks to their kid-friendly amenities and activities.
The Flagstaff KOA offers all of these perks, including my kids’ favorite, a jump pillow. You’ll also find a pool, dog park, breakfast cafe, barrel train, and on-site farmers market.
Day 13: Day Trip to Petrified Forest National Park
The Camping Kiddos at the Rainbow Forest Visitors Center
Driving time and distance today: 1 hour 48 minutes // 113 miles
Petrified Forest National Park is well worth your time while you’re in this area.
Plan to be in the park around opening time (typically 8 AM, but verify on the park’s official website), so that you have plenty of time to experience our full 1 day in Petrified Forest National Park itinerary.
As you traverse Main Park Road over the course of the day, you’ll be treated to vistas of the colorful Painted Desert, fun hikes for the entire family, Route 66 history, and more.
Do at least 1 or 2 of the best hikes in Petrified Forest National Park to get up close to the huge logs of petrified wood—and stretch your legs from all of that driving.
How to extend your trip: Instead of rushing back to Flagstaff, stay for a night or two in Holbrook, Arizona.
There’s plenty to see and do here from the adorable Winslow, AZ, on historic Route 66 to the awe-inspiring Meteor Crater.
If you’re camping in Holbrook, we recommend the Holbrook KOA as the best camping hear Petrified Forest National Park.
Day 14: Leave from Flagstaff, Arizona
Sadly, the trip has come to an end—but look at how much you’ve seen and done!
Head to the airport to return your rental car, and head back home.
It’s time to start dreaming of your next vacation! Might we suggest a tour of New Mexico’s best campgrounds or a Santa Fe to White Sands road trip?
Utah and Arizona Road Trip FAQs
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We prefer to travel to this area in the late spring or early fall.
These are considered shoulder seasons for Utah and Arizona, so you’re less likely to run into crowds while you still have full access to sites, parks, and accommodations.
Plus, the weather is warm without being overbearing during the day, and the nights are cool.
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These two states are PACKED with geological wonders, expansive desert vistas, hidden waterfalls, and sandstone arches.
You’ll visit 7 national parks and Route 66 with the option of adding on several more national monuments and state parks.
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So far, Arches National Park is the only national park in Utah and Arizona requiring reservations.
However, Arches NP only requires those reservations between April and October, so if you’re visiting in the late fall or winter, you can just show up.
Keep in mind that the peak summer season sees many families visiting this area, so even the parks without reservations will be very busy by mid-day.
