7 day Utah National Parks Road Trip

[sgoczol]

Hello! My name is Sylvia and I'm planning a solo 7 day Utah National Park road trip from 8/8-8/14. I live and work in Yellowstone National Park for the summer, so I will be departing from there. Here is my itinerary. I know it's pretty ambitious, but my main goal is to visit all of the national parks.

1) Day 1: YNP to Salt Lake City
-Red Butte Gardens
-Temple Square
-Airbnb in Salt Lake City

2) Day 2: Salt Lake City to Arches National Park
-camp in Moab

3) Day 3: Moab to Canyonlands NP and Monument Valley
-explore Canyonlands
-camp in Monument Valley

4) Day 4: Monument Valley to Capitol Reef NP and Bryce Canyon NP
-explore Monument Valley
-hostel in Kanab

5) Day 5: Bryce Canyon NP to Zion NP
-explore Bryce and visit Zion
-hostel in Kanab

6) Day 6: Zion NP
-explore Zion
-hostel in Kanab

7) Zion NP to YNP

I would also love to visit the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, but I know that's a bit much.
Any suggested stops in between national parks? Thank you!

[glc]

Kanab is quite a bit out of the way for Bryce and Zion. I'd look at other overnight arrangements.

[sgoczol]

Where do you suggest that I stay to visit Bryce and Zion? I just double checked my hostel reservation and it isn't too late to cancel. My budget is $120 for the 3 nights..which is mainly why I chose the hostel!

[glc]

After Day 4, I'd look for something in Panguitch, Tropic, or Cannonville. Also check out camping in Bryce or just outside the park at Ruby's.

Kanab is workable for the next 2 nights.

Plan on taking UT-12 between Capitol Reef and Bryce. A scenic drive not to be missed.

[sgoczol]

Thank you for your tips! Here is my updated trip plan and accommodations:

Day 1: YNP to Salt Lake City (leave @5:30am)
-Red Butte Garden
-Temple Square
-Airbnb in Salt Lake

Day 2: Salt Lake City to Canyonlands
-ACT Campground in Moab

Day 3: Arches and Monument Valley
-The View Campground in Monument Valley

Day 4: Zion National Park
-Zion River Resort in Virgin, UT (couldn't find an open campground in Springdale)

Day 5: Bryce Canyon National Park
- Ruby's Inn RV Park and Campground in Bryce

Day 6: Capitol Reef National Park
-Sand Creek RV Park and Campground in Torrey

Day 7: Torrey to YNP

[Southwest Dave]

I would also love to visit the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, but I know that's a bit much.

If it were me I would consider a visit the North rim and trade off Monument valley. You could go from SLC > Zion >GC>Bryce>CR>Arches and perhaps head north on 191 past Flaming Gorge. Slightly less miles as well I think.


I presume you have checked Zion's Watchman campground for availability ?

[sgoczol]

If it were me I would consider a visit the North rim and trade off Monument valley. You could go from SLC > Zion >GC>Bryce>CR>Arches and perhaps head north on 191 past Flaming Gorge. Slightly less miles as well I think.


I presume you have checked Zion's Watchman campground for availability ?

Thank you for the tip, but I think I will stick to Monument Valley! I have already booked the campsite.

Watchman Campground and all other campgrounds in the Park are fully booked. So is Zion Canyon Campground. At least my campground isn't too far from Springdale!

[travelingman]

On your way to Arches, You just HAVE to take scenic highway Utah 128 into Moab. It is breathtakingly beautiful.

[Mac Guffin]

On your way to Arches, You just HAVE to take scenic highway Utah 128 into Moab. It is breathtakingly beautiful.

Just did most of the trip you are about to take and I absolutely agree with the advice to not miss UT-12 and UT-128. Two of my favorite drives from a trip full of amazing scenery.