Best Utah Road Trip Itinerary 7 Days – The Mighty 5 Road Trip Route Map

Utah has stunning landscapes featuring red rock formations, towering mountains, and expansive desert vistas. This Utah road trip itinerary will take you through the best scenic routes, must-visit attractions, and perfect overnight stays. So plan your ultimate Utah National Parks road trip after reading this Utah Mighy 5 road trip itinerary.

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Ultimate Scenic Utah Road Trip Itinerary – The Mighty 5 Road Trip

In this article, read about day-wise things to do in Utah, nature attractions to cover overnight stays, scenic stopovers, and helpful pro tips for planning your Utah National Parks road trip itinerary.

Day 1: Salt Lake City to Moab 

Salt Lake City: Start your scenic road trip from Utah’s capital, where you can also visit the Utah State Capitol, Temple Square, and the Natural History Museum of Utah if you have enough time.

Distance: 235 miles

Drive along I-70 E and US-191 S: This scenic route takes you through various landscapes, from urban areas to the rugged beauty of the Utah wilderness.

Stopovers:

• Green River: A small town perfect for a quick lunch break and visit the John Wesley Powell River History Museum.

Overnight Stay At Moab – Check into the Moab Springs Ranch or Red Cliffs Lodge. Moab is a famous place for outdoor adventures and a gateway to nearby national parks.

Day 2: Moab – Utah National Parks Road Trip

Moab is worth visiting as it is home to beautiful national parks. On day two, explore some of the stunning and unique national parks around Moab. 

• Arches National Park has over 2,000 natural stone arches, including the iconic Delicate Arch. With a backdrop of red rocks, it forms a beautiful Instagrammable spot in southwest USA. 
• Canyonlands National Park: Explore the Island in the Sky district for breathtaking views.

Pro Tips

• Start early to maximize your time in Moab.
• Pack plenty of water and snacks for this road trip, as in between, there are few restaurants or cafes to stop by.

Your overnight stay on day two will be the same as on day one at Moab.

Day 3: Moab to Monument Valley

Take US-191 S and US-163 scenic drive. This road trip from Moab to Monument Valley in Utah offers panoramic views of red rock formations and expansive desert landscapes.

Distance: 150 miles

Stopovers:

• Mexican Hat: Visit the unique rock formation that resembles a sombrero.
• Goosenecks State Park: Marvel at the winding curves of the San Juan River.

Overnight Stay At Monument Valley: Book your stay at The View Hotel or Goulding’s Lodge for incredible views of the valley’s iconic buttes.

The Drive to Monument Valley from Moab is famous for the 17-mile Valley Drive, which offers close-up views of well-known formations like the Mittens and Merrick Butte. You will learn more about Navajo culture and local cuisine on this route.

Pro Tips:

• Respect Navajo Nation rules and regulations.
• You can also book guided tours better to understand the culture and history of this area.

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Day 4: Monument Valley to Bryce Canyon National Park

Distance: 325 miles

Drive through US-163 N, UT-95 N, and UT-12 W, as this route takes you through some of the most scenic landscapes in Utah.

 

Stopovers:

• Capitol Reef National Park: A hidden gem known for its colorful canyons, ridges, and ancient petroglyphs.
• Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument: Explore unique rock formations and slot canyons.

Overnight Stay At Bryce Canyon: Stay at The Lodge at Bryce Canyon or nearby accommodations in Bryce Canyon City.

Day 5 – Explore Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon is worth visiting for its unique hoodoos, tall and thin rock spires that create a surreal landscape, and its designation as a Dark Sky Park, offering unparalleled stargazing opportunities.

Must-Do Hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park

• Navajo Loop Trail
• Queen’s Garden Trail
• Peekaboo Loop Trail
• Fairyland Loop Trail
• Rim Trail

Things to Do in Bryce Canyon National Park

• Sunrise Point
• Sunset Point
• Bryce Point
• Inspiration Point
• Scenic Drive through the park
• Stargazing
• Ranger-led programs
• Horseback riding
• Snowshoeing (in winter)

Useful Tips:

• Wear layers; temperatures can vary significantly.
• Plan your time or day according to hiking trails like Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden, as they are worth doing.

Day 6: Bryce Canyon to Zion National Park (itinerary for Utah National Parks)

Distance: 72 miles

You will drive through Scenic Byway 12, which is known as one of the most beautiful highways in America. This route offers stunning vistas at every turn.

Stopovers:

• Red Canyon: Often overlooked, this area offers formations similar to Bryce Canyon but with fewer crowds.

Overnight Stay At Springdale: Book your stay at the Cable Mountain Lodge or Zion Lodge within Zion National Park.

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Things To Do In Zion National Park:

Zion National Park offers many beautiful hikes and fantastic vista points. Plan your day in Zion National Park with must-do things, and start early to cover most of the attractions in one day.

Must-Do Hikes in Zion National Park

• Angels Landing
• The Narrows
• Observation Point
• Emerald Pools Trail
• Canyon Overlook Trail

Things to Do in Zion National Park

• Scenic Drive on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
• Riverside Walk
• Weeping Rock
• Kolob Canyons
• Zion-Mount Carmel Highway
• Wildlife watching
• Canyoneering
• Ranger-led programs
• Photography at the Court of the Patriarchs

Useful Tips:

• Utilize the park shuttle to get free from traffic congestion and parking issues.
• Start hikes early to avoid the heat and crowds.

Day 7: Zion National Park to Salt Lake City

Distance: 308 miles

This interstate Scenic Drive from Zion National Park takes you back to Salt Lake City, passing through various rugged landscapes.

Stopovers:

• Cedar Breaks National Monument: A high-altitude park with impressive rock formations and alpine meadows.
• Provo: An excellent place for a lunch break, and Bridal Veil Falls is a great place to visit.

Overnight Stay At Sal Lake City: You can book your stay at the Grand America Hotel or Kimpton Hotel Monaco.

FAQs – Utah Road Trip Itinerary (Utah mighty 5 road trip)

Before planning a Utah road trip itinerary, check some frequently asked questions.

• What is the best time of year to take a road trip in Utah?

The best times for a Utah road trip are spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) when temperatures are moderate and pleasant weather.

• How many days should I plan for a road trip through Utah’s national parks?

A comprehensive road trip through Utah’s national parks typically takes 7-10 days to fully enjoy the major attractions and allow travel time between locations.

• What kind of vehicle is best for a Utah road trip?

A high-clearance vehicle is recommended, especially for accessing some of the more rugged and off-the-beaten-path scenic drives and trails.

• Do I need to make reservations for accommodations and park entries?

Yes, booking accommodations and any necessary park permits or guided tours in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons.

• Are there entrance fees for the national parks in Utah?

All national parks in Utah charge an entrance fee. Consider purchasing an America the Beautiful Pass for a year of unlimited access to all national parks.

• What should I pack for a Utah road trip?

Pack plenty of water, sunscreen, snacks, a first aid kit, and layered clothing to accommodate varying weather conditions. Hiking boots and a good map or GPS are also essential.

• Are pets allowed in Utah’s national parks?

Pets are allowed in most Utah national parks but are typically restricted to paved areas and certain campgrounds. Check each park’s specific regulations regarding pets.

• What are some must-see attractions on a Utah road trip?

The major attractions include Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Monument Valley, and Capitol Reef National Park.

• Can I camp in the national parks?

Camping is available in most national parks, but campsites often require reservations, especially during peak season.

• How can I avoid crowds in popular parks like Zion and Arches? 

Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon, travel during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall), and explore lesser-known trails and viewpoints to avoid the crowds.

Plan a Utah road trip itinerary after reading this detailed itinerary on the Utah National Parks road trip, which discovers its awe-inspiring beauty. From red rock wonders to serene desert landscapes, this Utah mighty 5 road trip itinerary promises an adventure-filled trip with memorable memories.

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