Looking for a perfect itinerary for Utah Arizona road trip? A Utah and Arizona road trip itinerary is one of those rare adventures where every mile is a postcard. Towering cliffs, fiery red hoodoos, sweeping canyons, and sacred Native American lands — the Southwest is so surreal that it often feels like you’ve landed on another planet.
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Utah Arizona Road Trip – 6 Day Utah and Arizona Itinerary – Best Places See in Utah and Arizona
This 6 day Utah and Arizona itinerary blends world-famous landmarks with off-the-beaten-path gems, perfectly balancing “must-see” icons and peaceful escapes. You’ll wake up in national parks, drive through cinematic desert highways, explore glowing slot canyons, and witness sunsets so dramatic you’ll never forget them.
If you’ve been dreaming of a classic Arizona Utah road trip, this guide covers everything: scenic routes, things to do (and why they’re worth it), mid-budget hotels, tours to book, and insider tips to make it smooth and unforgettable.
Why Utah to Arizona road trip Is Worth It
In just six days, you’ll check off some of the most stunning places to see in Utah and Arizona:
- Zion National Park, with its soaring cliffs and emerald rivers.
- Bryce Canyon National Park and its otherworldly hoodoos.
- Monument Valley with its cinematic sandstone buttes.
- Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend are two of the Southwest’s most photographed landmarks.
- The Grand Canyon South Rim is the crown jewel of American landscapes.
The magic of this trip is in the variety — you’ll hike in shaded canyons one day, stand in vast open desert the next, and finish with one of the most famous views in the world.
If there’s a road trip that belongs on every traveler’s bucket list, it’s the Utah and Arizona road trip or Arizona Utah road trip. Imagine driving through landscapes so surreal they’ve been the backdrop of Hollywood films, Western novels, and Instagram feeds for decades.
Day 1 – Las Vegas to Zion National Park
If you have time in the morning before leaving Vegas, grab breakfast at PublicUs — you’ll want energy for your first park hike.
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Zion National Park is the perfect way to start a Utah to Arizona road trip. When you enter, you’re surrounded by massive red and cream sandstone cliffs, with the Virgin River winding gracefully through the valley floor. Zion feels alive — lush cottonwood trees line the river, mule deer wander near trails, and the sunlight changes the canyon walls from gold to deep crimson throughout the day.
Distance & Route
- Distance: ~160 miles
- Driving Time: 2.5–3 hours
- Route: From Las Vegas, take I-15 North straight to Springdale, Utah, the gateway to Zion.
Mini History Note
Zion was first declared a National Monument in 1909 and later became Utah’s first National Park in 1919. The name “Zion” comes from a Hebrew word meaning “sanctuary” — fitting for its serene beauty.
Things to Do
- Riverside Walk & The Narrows (Lower Section): The Riverside Walk is a flat, paved trail that ends where the Narrows begin — a slot canyon carved by the Virgin River. Even walking just a short way into the water feels adventurous.
- Canyon Overlook Trail: A short 1-mile round trip with one of the best views in the park — perfect if you arrive in the afternoon.
- Pa’rus Trail at Sunset: An easy walk with views of the Watchman Peak glowing orange at dusk.
Scenic Stops Along the Way – Kolob Canyons (Optional Detour): A quieter section of Zion accessed off I-15 — deep red cliffs and far fewer crowds.
Overnight Stay – The Red Cliffs Lodge Zion, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel – Steps from the park shuttle, complimentary breakfast, and mountain views.
Tours to Book – Zion National Park Small Group Hiking Tour – Ideal for getting insider tips and avoiding busy trails.
Day 2 – Zion to Bryce Canyon National Park
If Zion feels like a lush canyon paradise, Bryce is like walking into a fantasy kingdom of rock spires. These hoodoos — shaped by millions of years of erosion — glow orange, pink, and red, especially at sunrise and sunset. The air is crisp, and the viewpoints are so close to the parking areas that you can see world-class scenery with little effort.
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Distance & Route
- Distance: ~85 miles
- Driving Time: 1.5–2 hours
- Route: Head east through the Zion–Mt. Carmel Tunnel on UT-9, then US-89 North, and finally UT-12 East into Bryce Canyon.
Leave early — you’ll want the whole afternoon to explore.
Mini History Note
Bryce is named after Mormon settler Ebenezer Bryce, who reportedly said of the canyon, “It’s a heck of a place to lose a cow.”
Things to Do
- Sunrise at Bryce Point: The amphitheater of hoodoos lights up with a fiery glow — one of the best sunrises in the Southwest.
- Navajo Loop & Queen’s Garden Trail: A moderate hike that brings you down among the hoodoos, past famous formations like Wall Street and Thor’s Hammer.
- Scenic Drive to Rainbow Point: Stop at Inspiration Point, Natural Bridge, and Bryce Point.
Scenic Stops Along the Way – Red Canyon: Just before Bryce, you’ll pass through this small but stunning canyon with bright red rock and arch-like tunnels along the road.
Where to Eat – Bryce Canyon Pines Restaurant – try their homemade pies.
Overnight Stay – Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel – Clean, comfortable, and near the park entrance.
Tours to Book – Bryce Canyon Guided Scenic Tour – Learn the geology and history from a local expert.
Day 3 – Bryce Canyon to Monument Valley
Monument Valley is the definition of Southwest cinematic beauty. Towering sandstone buttes rise from the desert floor, framed by endless skies. This region is Navajo land — rich with culture, stories, and history.
Distance & Route
- Distance: ~280 miles
- Driving Time: 5 hours
- Route: Take US-89 South to Page, then US-98 East toward Kayenta, and finally US-163 North into Monument Valley.
Mini History Note
The valley has been featured in dozens of films and commercials, starting with John Ford’s westerns in the 1930s.
Things to Do
- 17-Mile Scenic Drive: Pass iconic spots like the Mittens, Three Sisters, and Elephant Butte.
- John Ford’s Point: Named after the Hollywood director who filmed westerns here.
- Stargazing: Few U.S. places have dark skies — the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye.
Scenic Stops Along the Way – Glen Canyon Dam Overlook (Page): Sweeping views of Lake Powell and the Colorado River.
Where to Eat – The View Restaurant – Navajo tacos and local specialties with panoramic views.
Overnight Stay – The View Hotel – Every room faces the iconic buttes inside the park.
Tours to Book – Monument Valley Navajo Jeep Tour – Access restricted areas and hear cultural stories from local guides.
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Day 4 – Monument Valley to Page (Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend)
Page is a compact town with outsized natural wonders. Few places can match the photogenic drama of Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. Antelope Canyon’s smooth, wavelike sandstone walls glow in shades of orange and purple, while Horseshoe Bend delivers one of Earth’s most iconic river views.
Distance & Route
- Distance: ~125 miles
- Driving Time: 2–2.5 hours
- Route: Take US-163 South to Kayenta, then US-98 West into Page.
Mini History Note
Antelope Canyon is a sacred site for the Navajo people, and its wavelike walls were formed by flash flooding over centuries.
Things to Do
- Antelope Canyon Tour: Only accessible with a Navajo guide. Upper Canyon has famous light beams; Lower Canyon offers more twisting passageways.
- Horseshoe Bend: A short walk to an epic overlook of the Colorado River’s sweeping curve.
- Lake Powell Boat Cruise: See towering sandstone walls from the water.
Overnight Stay – Hyatt Place Page/Lake Powell – Spacious rooms, pool, and mountain views.
Tours to Book
- Upper Antelope Canyon Tour with Navajo Guide – Book months ahead.
- Glen Canyon Dam & Lake Powell Cruise.
Day 5 – Page to Grand Canyon (South Rim)
The Grand Canyon South Rim is the climax of your Arizona Utah road trip — its vastness is humbling, and every overlook is a masterpiece. The Grand Canyon is the showstopper of this trip. Standing on the rim, it’s hard to grasp its scale — 277 miles long, 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep.
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Distance & Route
- Distance: ~135 miles
- Driving Time: 2.5 hours
- Route: Drive south on US-89 to Cameron, then AZ-64 West along Desert View Drive.
Mini History Note
Native tribes, including the Hopi, Havasupai, and Navajo, have lived near the canyon for thousands of years. It became a National Park in 1919.
Things to Do
- Desert View Watchtower: First stop along the rim road with sweeping views.
- Rim Trail Walk: Easy, mostly paved, connecting major viewpoints.
- Sunset at Hopi Point: Watch the canyon walls turn gold and purple.
- Yaki Point: Yaki Point is great for sunrise.
Scenic Stops Along the Way – Little Colorado River Gorge Overlook: Often overlooked but beautiful.
Overnight Stay – Yavapai Lodge – Inside the park, close to shuttle routes.
Tours to Book – Grand Canyon South Rim Tour with Local Guide – Adds cultural and historical context.
Day 6 – Grand Canyon to Las Vegas
Your Utah Arizona road trip ends with one last sweep of desert scenery — and a chance to stop at Hoover Dam.
Distance & Route
- Distance: ~275 miles
- Driving Time: 4–5 hours
- Route: Take I-40 West to Kingman, then US-93 North to Las Vegas.
Your Utah Arizona road trip ends with a final stretch through the Mojave Desert, with the option to stop at Hoover Dam before reaching the neon lights of Vegas.
Things to Do
- Hoover Dam Tour: See one of America’s most incredible engineering feats.
- Evening on the Las Vegas Strip: Celebrate with dinner or a show.
Overnight Stay – Horseshoe Las Vegas – Comfortable, affordable, and central.
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Internal Commute & Driving Tips – 6 day Utah and Arizona Itinerary
- Best Vehicle: Mid-size SUV for comfort and luggage space.
- Maps: Download offline maps — cell signal is spotty.
- Fuel: Refill before you leave, as you will explore remote areas most often during this Utah and Arizona road trip.
- Use Park Shuttles in Zion and Grand Canyon to avoid parking hassles.
- Tours: Book Antelope Canyon and Monument Valley in advance — they sell out fast.
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Helpful Tips – Utah to Arizona road trip
- Pack Layers: Desert weather changes quickly.
- Hydrate Constantly: The dry air dehydrates faster than you realize.
- Get the National Park Pass: Saves money if visiting multiple parks.
- Sun Protection: Hat, sunglasses, and high SPF sunscreen are musts.
- Start Early: Sunrise light is magical, and crowds are smaller.
FAQs – Places to See in Utah and Arizona
1. Is 6 days enough?
Yes — this itinerary covers the highlights without feeling rushed.
2. Best time to go?
Spring and fall for mild weather and fewer crowds.
3. Can I do it in reverse?
Absolutely — starting in Las Vegas or Phoenix both work.
4. Is it family-friendly?
Yes — most parks have easy trails and viewpoints.
5. Do I need a 4×4?
No — all main roads are paved.
Wrapping up this 6 day Utah and Arizona road trip, it’s clear that this journey is more than just a series of destinations—it’s a collection of unforgettable moments stitched together by scenic drives, jaw-dropping landscapes, and vibrant Southwestern culture. From Utah’s surreal red rock formations to Arizona’s majestic canyons, each stop offers something unique, making the route an adventure of contrasts and wonders.
Whether you’re gazing at a fiery desert sunset, hiking through otherworldly arches, or cruising scenic byways under endless blue skies, this itinerary shows you why the Southwest is a dream for road-trippers.
Now you know Places to See in Utah and Arizona and so pack your camera, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready to make memories that will last far beyond the miles traveled.
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