Utah is like visiting another planet. Taking a road trip through the state allows you to see it in all its beauty. Utah is packed full of scenic drives, alien-themed gas stations, western-themed towns, hot springs, hikes, and unique roadside stops. This guide breaks down all of the costs and is packed full of hikes, attractions, and hidden gems. Plus I provide details on where to stay and what to pack!
Keep reading to plan your next Utah Road Trip!
Tips Before You Go
- Make sure to gas up your car
- Take out cash from an ATM for roadside stands
- Create a bomb road trip playlist (Utah Road Trip Playlist)
- Wear SPF – yes, even in the car (here’s my favorite tinted SPF)
- Pack a cooler with lots of water and high-protein snacks
- Don’t forget your sunglasses/hat/visor
- Bring motion sickness medication like Dramamine if you get carsick
Things to Know
Climate: Utah is a desert with a mainly dry climate. Summers are extremely hot while winters are freezing cold.
Best time to go: September-November is low-season in Utah, so low prices, fewer crowds, and less chance of extreme weather. April and May is also a really good time to visit to enjoy moderate temperatures.
Language: English is the predominant language.
Money: US Dollar ($USD). Most businesses accept cash and all major credit cards.
National Park Pass: Buy an America the Beautiful Pass in advance online to save time. You can purchase at the entrance of all national parks, but it’ll take more time.
Where to Stay
The Panguitch Wild Horse Tipi is an incredibly unique experience that I without a doubt 1,000% recommend! Sit on the patio and watch the sunrise with stunning views of the Red Rock Canyons or lay on the patio and stargaze at night with little to no light pollution. It’s the perfect place to disconnect from the world with no electricity to WiFi. The Tipi comes with surprisingly comfortable cots, blankets, sleeping bags, flashlights, a first-aid kit, and the outhouse is one of the cleanest I’ve seen. It’s perfect for a night or 2 as you’re in between parks as it’s located 30 minutes from Bryce Canyon National Park and an hour from Zion National Park. Book your stay here!
The Hideaway Glamping Tents aren’t as remote or unique as they’re located in an RV Park about 20 minutes from Zion National Park. However, they come with electricity, clean showers and bathrooms, a super comfy bed, a mini fridge, and a covered patio. Book your glampsite here!
Utah really leans into creating a whole vibe around your experience, so while these are the places we chose to stay there are plenty of other unique experiences for you! Here’s a list of other places to stay that we considered:
Book a farm stay at the private Alpacas Country Casita here.
Stay in a Summer Tiny Home Cottage here.
Splurge and relax at the Bluff Dwelling Resort & Spa here.
Take an unexpected journey in a Hobbit Cottage here.
This is an itinerary for a 5-day road trip. Want to spend more time in Utah? If you’re looking for additional recommendations, shoot me an email or drop a comment below.
Bonneville Salt Flats
Free entry
The Bonneville Salt Flats is a unique natural feature in Utah. Honestly, the whole state is kinda like another planet! For this reason, I was SHOCKED that there was no signage to direct us to the entrance. It was a bit confusing and Google Maps didn’t help. It’s best to follow signs to the Bonneville Speedway (which is an event at the Salt Flats) and drive in until you see the main sign. BUT there is a second entrance that we didn’t see until we were leaving and on our way to Salt Lake City, so there’s that.
It’s an incredible sight to see if you are in driving in from Washington, Oregon, or Idaho. It’s located in the northwest of Utah and is about a 90-minute drive from Salt Lake City. But there is nothing else in the area, so if it’s not on your way, I wouldn’t say it’s a must-see go-out-of-the-way sight.
Arches National Park
Annual America the Beautiful National Park Pass $80
Southeast Utah Park Passes (Includes Arches, Canyonlands, and Natural Bridges) $55
Private Vehicle Weekly Pass $30
Per Person (no car) Weekly Pass $15
I’m going to preface this with Arches National Park was my favorite National Park in Utah! Mostly because it’s not as touristy. I love that it’s accessible to everyone, no hiking required, by taking the 36-mile round trip scenic route on Park Avenue. This drive will provide spectacular views without ever having to leave your car – but trust me, you’ll want to! There are plenty of pull-offs and overlooks to snap photos.
But if you’re here for a hike, which I’m sure you are, then keep reading!
Delicate Arch Trail
If you’ve ever seen photos of the arches in Moab then it’s likely been of this beauty, Delicate Arch. The trail to get to the Delicate Arch is a moderate 3-mile trail with a few steeper sections but is generally quite family-friendly. The last quarter of a mile of the trail is a narrow section with a ledge on the left side, so if you’re scared of heights – be mindful of this and stay to the right. When you reach the top there is a strip of rock that you can sit on with your back up against the rock, this is where most people were stationed that were clearly scared of heights.
If you’re brave, walk out underneath the famous Arch for a photo! Luckily, when I was there, it started drizzling right when we got to the last section. This caused most of the crowds of people at the top to disperse leaving us a lot of room to sit, eat a snack, and enjoy the views to ourselves.
Devil’s Garden Trail
This trail is quite spread out and in the desert heat, I suggest doing the first section which is about 3 miles round trip then driving up to the second section for the next 1.5 miles. The land between the locations has zero shade and I promise you’re not going to miss anything.
Devil’s Garden has 7 unique arches; each with its own beauty. Some can only be viewed from afar while others you’ll hike through. Another wonderful thing about this trail is that there are very easy flat trails at the beginning making it accessible to everyone and the more difficult trails are further on.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Annual America the Beautiful National Park Pass $80
Annual Bryce Canyon National Park Pass $70
Private Vehical Weekly Pass $35
Per Person (no car) Weekly Pass $20
Navajo Loop Trail
It’s one of the most famous trails in Bryce Canyon National Park for a reason. This 1.5-mile moderate loop trail takes you down switchbacks into the narrow walls of the colorful orange hoodoos. It’s recommended to start down Two Bridges, pass the famous Thor’s Hammer Hoodoo, and loop up through Wall Street. When you get to the bottom before looping, you’ll come to a spot where you can continue down to connect to Peekaboo Loop Trail or Queens Garden Trail. I highly recommend extending and combining one of these trails.
Peekaboo Loop Trail
After hiking down Two Bridges, continue on to Peekaboo Loop Trail and you’ll see a significant decrease in tourists/hikers. This hike and the views were some of the best in Utah, it’s a must-do must-see.
You’ll hike down into the canyon floor, pass through arches, and see hoodoos for miles and miles at every vantage point before the final uphill trek out. There’s not much shade, so pack a lot of water, Liquid IV’s, and sunscreen!
Because it is also used as a horse trail, there is a lot of horse poop on the trail that gets a little stinky in the sun but it’s quite easy to navigate around it.
Mossy Cave Turret Arch & Little Windows Trail
A very easy 1-mile round trip hike, Mossy Cave Turret Arch, is a must-see simply for the waterfall. When you approach the second bridge, you’ll want to cut down to the tiny trail that leads down by the water. Make your way on the right side to the waterfall. I recommend water shoes or hiking poles if the water is higher and be mindful of flashflood warnings.
Zion National Park
Annual America the Beautiful National Park Pass $80
Annual Zion National Park Pass $70
Private Vehicle Weekly Pass $35
Per Person (no car) Weekly Pass $20
If you’ve followed my itinerary from northeast to southwest, then you’ll gradually start to notice the increased amount of tourists. For this, you’ll need a bit of patience as driving through Zion National Park is not as peaceful and easy as Arches National Park.
Angels Landing
Starting in 2022, Angels Landing requires a permit. Apply for a lottery pass in April. There is also the opportunity to apply for a lottery pass the day prior between 12-3pm Mountain Time. Unfortunately, we did not win either lottery.
The Narrows with swimming holes
The Narrows, given its name for being the narrowest part of Zion Canyon, is also one of the most popular hikes. Hiking through water that goes from ankle-deep to above waist-level as you look up to the blue skies at the stunning thousand-foot walls of sandstone rising up on both sides.
The bottom-up hike starts from the Temple of Sinawava through the Virgin River. It starts with a 1-mile walk along a paved riverside path that is accessible to all. Then you’ll get to the Virgin River and this is where the fun starts. From here you’ll have to get your feet wet to continue as there is essentially no trail. The further up you go, the fewer people you’ll see. You can hike upstream for about 9 miles before you’ll need to turn back. No permit is required for this section.
While it’s a very unique hike, it comes with additional safety tips because you’ll be wading through sections that at times, you can not see the bottom. Proper water shoes with traction for slippery rocks, hiking poles, waterproof clothing, and a dry bag is strongly encouraged!
There is also an overnight hike from the top and a one-day 16-mile hike from the top. Both require permits.
Flash floods are common in Zion, so check in with park rangers at the visitors center. Also, check weather forecasts, conditions, and flash flood ratings. Flash floods are often caused by storms miles away, the water rises quickly -within minutes, and can rush down a canyon in a wall of water 12 feet high or more.
Pa’rus Trail
I saw a video on TikTok of this “hidden gem trail with a waterfall” and quickly added it to our itinerary for Zion. My first indication that this was false should’ve been that the trailhead is directly across from the visitor center and gift shop. After 1.7 miles on a paved path with absolutely zero shade but beautiful views of Zion’s sandstone red rocks, you’ll start to see signs for “river access”. Make your way down to the river but I’ll tell you now – there is no waterfall down there by my PNW standards. It’s a pretty shallow swimming hole area that is a nice reprieve from the sweaty hot walk you just did, though! We had the place to ourselves.
Wanna get your booty in the water without the sweaty walk? Jump on the shuttle, the stop is right above where you get in the water. 🤣 Definitely not a hidden gem!
Belly of the Dragon
Let me start by saying that this is not a hike. However, Belly of the Dragon is located on a scenic route 20 minutes from Zion National Park and is a great unique roadside stop attraction. The trail starts with a sign reminding you NOT to deface the rock walls. (Sadly, I saw a mom teaching her daughter that the rules don’t apply to them. Please don’t be this person. 🎵THIS IS WHY WE CAN’T HAVE NICE THINGS🎵).
A short walk leads to a 5-foot drop down to the entrance of the tunnel…or the Belly of the Dragon! As you make your way through you’ll likely need a headlamp or flashlight as it gets super dark at the center. After you walk through the tunnel (.5 miles), the trail continues (1.8 roundtrips) but honestly, it’s not really worth it.
Mystic Hot Springs
Adult Soaking Passes $25
Children Soaking Passes $12.50
Soaking in a natural hot spring with healing mineral water is the perfect way to end your hiking trip! Mystic Hot Springs is a natural hot spring located 2.5 hours north of Zion National Park in Monroe, Utah. Reserve a soaking pass in advance here. Time slots are available in 2-hour increments from 9am to 10pm. With 6 tubs and 2 large pools, you’ll have plenty of space to relax away from others.
There is NO shade and can get very hot in the daytime, so don’t forget to bring plenty of water.
Are you looking to add on to your Utah road trip and travel more in the Southwest USA? Check out my Arizona Guides here.
