How to Visit all of Utah’s National Parks in 6 Days! (And not miss a thing!)
I just got back from my week long Utah trip and I couldn’t wait to sit down and write about it! In this article I’m going to be going over how we hit all five of Utah’s National Parks in just six days and made sure to not miss a single thing. I’ll be going over where we stayed, where we ate, what we did and how we did it as well as approximate cost. It’s going to include Arches National Park, Canyonlands National park, Capital Reef National Park, Bryce Canyon national Park and Zion National Park.
I hope this framework helps and inspires you to plan your own amazing trip here. And if you have less than a week, go ahead and copy it exact! Without further adieu, let’s get into it and explore Utah’s National Parks.
Monday
We had a direct flight in to Salt Lake City. Now most people fly into Las Vegas or think that is the best way to do it, but you’ll see why I believe that flying into Salt Lake is the better way to go, unless of course you want to start in Vegas and then end up in Salt Lake City that is fine too. But if your plan is to fly to Vegas, do all the parks and go to Moab, and then drive back to Vegas for your flight, you got it all wrong and will have yourself about an eight hour drive back.
We obviously had to rent a car, and the drive from Salt Lake City down to Moab, is about four hours. We set up shop there for about 2 days. On Monday we used this as a rest and get settled in day. If you get there early enough feel free to explore Arches National Park as it’s right inside of Moab. We opted to get a nice dinner at the Trailhead Public House and Eatery where I got a very juicy bison burger. Then we headed to go to bed early since we had to be up bright an early the next day.
Where we stayed in Moab
We stayed at the Field Station Moab and it was a great place right in the center of town. Of course Moab is a pretty touristy town so there are tons of options for lodges, hotels and Airbnbs you can stay at. We opted for a little nicer place while here.
The room cost around $150 / night and had a little cafe where you could get free coffee. You could get breakfast and lunch there as well. There is an outdoor pool and hot tub and the staff was super friendly. I took advantage of the hot tub after a long day of hiking and it really helped my legs. There was also a giftshop with some hiking essentials so if you forgot anything, they most likely had it right there. Just a few minute drive from Arches National park and the center of the town, which made it a perfect place to stay.
Tuesday
Tuesday morning we woke up bright and early around 6:30am, grabbed some coffee downstairs in the lobby and then headed off the Canyonlands National Park. From Moab it’s about a 45 minute drive.
Important Tip: Make sure you bring extra water jugs to leave in your car so you can constantly keep refilling your water bottle, after the visitor center there is no water to be found anywhere else in the park, make sure you have excess water and lots of snacks as well as you will need to keep your energy up.
Half-Day in Canyonlands National Park
A short drive from the visitor center, our first stop was the Mesa Arch Trail, it’s a 0.5 mile easy hike (0.8KM) to the arch that sits perched upon the rim of a sheer 800ft cliff. Crawling up to the arch and looking through it is really incredible with the rock formations and the La Sal Mountains in the distance. Through the arch drops straight down off a cliff so make sure to be careful crawling up to it. A very easy and awesome first hike to start your time in Utah. Plan for about 30 minutes here
From there we drove another 10-15 minutes to hit the Grand View Point Trail. One of my favorite trails on the entire trip. The trail is an easy mile down and a mile back and you walk along the side of a cliff overlooking the canyons and incredible rock formations.
You can stop to take pictures and sit along the edges although it’s not for the faint of heart, but once you reach the perch there is some scrambling to get to the top. If you’re not able to do it, no problem you can still enjoy the view from below, but for those wanting the extra challenge you can climb up to the perch that overlooks the Colorado River, countless canyons, the Needles and mountain ranges in the back drop.
This was one of my favorite hikes because I loved walking along the side of the cliff overlooking the canyons, as well as the little scrambling at the end. I would plan for about an hour and a half here.
We then wanted to do a more moderate hike so we drove down to do the Aztec Butte Trail. This is about a 1.4 mile (2.3KM) round trip trail that climbs up the side of a rock face. It’s fairly short but very steep and you need to be technical with every step to climb up the face of the slab. This is another fun one if you enjoy rock scrambling but can be challenging and a little strenuous as you climb the steep and slippery rock. You’re not climbing the face of a cliff or anything so don’t worry about falling or slipping off. But once get to the top of the rock it offers breathtaking views
They say to account for an hour and a half on this hike, but it really shouldn’t take you more than an hour or so to climb up, admire the views, and then back down. The trail is marked but it can sometimes to be tough to see the little trail markers on the rocks, so be on the look out for them. Wasn’t too much traffic on this trail, but it was a lot of fun and definitely recommend it.
For our final hike before we had to head back was Murphy’s Point which was a fairly easy down and back hike with a round trip of 3.5 miles or (5.5KM) The trail ends with panoramic views of Candlestick tower, the Green River and White Rim Road. Very interesting to see the old abandon roads that the miners built back in the early 1900’s when they were looking for gold beneath the canyons. This one took about two hours.
There are other moderate hikes that are more up hill and strenuous but unfortunately we only had time to do a half-day here as we had to get back for our Arches Bus Tour.
There are some longer hikes that require several long hours to hike such as The Needles or The Maze, but we had to skip those as we were short on time and tried to pack everything into a half day. Some other honorable mentions you could do is the Upheaval Dome Overlook and Whale Rock.
This was our itinerary as we had to keep moving to fit in all the parks and everything we wanted to do, we still felt like we saw a good amount of what the park had to offer.
Arches National Park
We headed back around 2:30pm, got a quick bite to eat and it was right back to Moab for our scenic bus tour
This was about a four hour bus tour through the entire park where we were able to get out, walk around in certain spots such as the Delicate Arch, Balanced Rock, Park Ave and then catch the sunset at the Windows. There were no crazy long hikes or anything on this tour, mostly driving through the park as the guide pointed out different arches and told us fun facts and stories, with opportunities to get out and take photos and some of the most iconic places in the park.
I do wish we had been able to hike the Fiery Furnace as that looked like a lot of fun, but it was about a three hour hike and we simply didn’t have time for it. The tour still offered us plenty of awesome view points and easy walks around the park. When the sun was setting we all sat down below the Windows and watched the sun drop below the sky line as the rocks turned to gold.
One of the reasons I love incorporating a tour is because I like having a professional, and someone with tons of knowledge and interesting facts to share, as well as the fact we had just hiked 11 miles and I was very much looking forward to driving around in a van instead of hiking some more.
The tour was $158 USD per person and I thought it was very much worth the money, especially if you’re not someone who enjoys hiking or can’t move around easily, this is a great alternative to still be able to see the majority of the park.
By the time we got back it was around 9pm, and we were beat and ready to head to bed for another long day on Wednesday.
Wednesday
Wednesday was more of a slow morning as it was a travel day for us. We got coffee and pastry at Moab Coffee Roasters and walked around the town a little more shopping for souvenirs and postcards.
We then headed towards Capital Reef National Park, about a 2.5 hour drive from Moab. A smaller park with really only a few big trails to hike such as the Grand Wash Trail that is a 4.4 mile (7.1KM) round-trip easy hike through a dried up gorge, and Cassidy Arch Trail 3.4 miles (5.5KM) that climbs up the north wall of the trail before returning. We unfortunately did not have time, or opted to not spend time hiking here as we still had another 2.5 hours to drive towards Bryce Canyon.
Instead we admired the petroglyphs from the past in a little pullout. The Fremont People lived in Capital Reef from 600 – 1300 AD and their rock carvings and drawings can still be seen to this day which is really incredible to think about. You can see the carvings of people, or alien-like figures as well as some mountain sheep and other animals that they hunted.
You’ll drive through the Fruita Historical District that stands from the 1800’s of farms and old school houses. You also have to stop and grab a pie from the Gifford House in the Fruita District. One of the main attractions in the park.
We then drove some of the “Scenic Drive” which was very cool. Essentially driving through a dried up gorge from thousands of years ago, with cliffs and canyons surrounding us on both sides. It was tons of fun and the views were really incredible. After about an hour of the drive we headed back on our way towards the town of Panguitch where we had our Airbnb (About another 2.5 hours from Capital Reef).
After a long day of driving and exploring we grabbed dinner at the Cowboy’s Smokehouse before settling back to our Airbnb and heading to bed to wake up early again for Bryce Canyon.
Thursday (Bryce Canyon National Park)
Woke up bright and early to head to Bryce Canyon for the majority of the day. About a 30 minute drive from where we stayed in Panguitch, Bryce Canyon was beautiful. The park does offer a shuttle service as well if you wish to leave your car in the parking lot. We opted to drive however as there was plenty of parking at all the lots.
The main trail to do is the Queens Garden and Navajo Loop trail. It’s about a 3.5 mile (5.6KM) round trip with some pretty steep climbs towards the end. You will start walking down into the amphitheater and end walking up several switchbacks. The trail is super cool with incredible views of the rocks and the amphitheater. However it is strenuous on your way back up.
Plan on about two hours here to hike the entirety of the trail with stops for rest and pictures. You’ll walk on dirt paths, go underneath arches, walk through trees and just gaze around at the incredible natural amphitheater surrounding you.
Next we stopped at Sunrise Point and walked the Rim Trail along the cliff side towards Sunset Point. It was a mile each way so two miles total (3.2KM) a little over an hour as the trail is not too difficult. Pretty flat for the most part. You can opt to drive to Sunrise Point, get out and take in the views and then hop back in your car, drive a mile down the road and get out at Sunset Point and walk the short walk to the look out point if you wish and don’t want to walk.
We opted to walk the two miles as the trail was nice and we wanted to take in as much of the views as possible. The panoramic views at both viewing points were incredible so this is a must-do when visiting.
Next we drove up to Inspiration Point to get a good view of the Hoodoos. Here is just a short, but steep 15 minute hike to Upper Inspiration Point. You can also view them from Lower Inspiration Point and not do the hike as well but I think it’s worth it.
The view of the Hoodoos is incredible as you’re not going to see rock formations like that anywhere else on Earth.
Those were really the main areas and hikes to see in Bryce Canyon as it isn’t too big of a park. We could’ve kept driving to the end but it would’ve added another hour onto our trip to visit Yovimpa and Rainbow Points, so we opted out of that and were satisfied with our hiking and trip for the day. After all we had another two hour drive ahead of us to Springdale for Zion the next day.
By the time we got to our Airbnb at Under the Eaves Inn in Springdale it was the evening, we washed up and got dinner at Jack’s Sports Grill. We were whipped and once again had an early morning to conquer all of Zion on Friday.
Friday (Zion National Park)
Friday was the main event, we started by grabbing a free breakfast from Oscar’s Cafe, as we got a voucher included with our stay at our Airbnb. Even if you don’t have a free voucher, this place was awesome. The coffee was so good and the breakfast was huge and delicious. Between the two of us it would’ve cost around $36 for our breakfast, not bad at all, especially when you had a long day of hiking ahead.
Important Notes: You can NOT drive into Zion National Park, everything is done via shuttle. We tried to park at the visitor center and overflow lots and everything was filled. So we had to leave our car at the Airbnb and take the Springdale Shuttle Line. This is a free shuttle that brings you to the visitor center. From the visitor center you have to wait in line to get on the Zion shuttle that goes into the park. We found all this out the day of and cost us some time.
Angel’s Landing
We packed our bags full of snacks, water and sunscreen, got off a stop 6 (Angel’s Landing Trailhead) and embarked up the cliffside. This is a very strenuous 2.5 mile hike up hill with dozens of very steep switchbacks. It is doable but we had to take several breaks in the shade to eat some snacks and drink water. It’s very important to take your time on this trail and do not rush it. Drink lots of water and eat lots of snacks.
Scout’s Lookout is the first summit of the trail. To hike the last half mile of Angel’s Landing you need to apply for a permit and enter the lottery system. We applied for it months in advance so we were able to get our permit, you can also apply the day before you go and hope for the best, but definitely apply months in advance for the best chance to get the permit.
This is considered one of the most dangerous hikes in the entire world because of it’s narrow paths and closeness to the edge 1500 feet below. 18 people have died on this trail, many of them from falls, which is why there is a lottery system now to prevent over-crowdness on the trail.
After much back and forth on whether to carry on the last half mile or not, we decided to do it. We met up with some Zion guides on their off day that let us go up with them which was super lucky and nice of them. I must admit I was very nervous starting out, but there are chains that you can hold on to that are very sturdy and bolted into the rock. I also refused to look down. However the more we went on the more comfortable I felt and I realized most of the nerves were all in my head.
Even though it’s only a half mile, the last part is very steep and you have to scramble in some parts. It is not a race, take your time, let people pass and you will be fine. We eventually made it to the very top of Angel’s Landing. It was one of scariest, but also most thrilling experience of my life and if you have this once in a lifetime opportunity to hike this trail. Do it!
The hike down was a breeze after all that, but in total this whole thing took about four to five hours to complete between the resting and spending time at the top of Angel’s Landing. We didn’t have time, nor were we prepared to hike The Narrows, however we hopped back on the shuttle and went to the river walk where that was a nice easy mile there and mile back hike along the river. We were completely beat after that and starving so we got back on the shuttle and rushed to the nearest brewery which was Zion Canyon’s Brew Pub. For our meals and a few beers was about $95 USD with tip.
We did plan on doing The Narrows however with the delay in the start of the day, and how long and strenuous Angel’s Landing was, we didn’t have time or energy for it so we decided to skip it. I was very content with that after doing Angel’s Landing anyways however.
We could’ve woke up early Saturday morning to do it, but we decided to get breakfast and walk around the visitor center area more. Looking back I do wish we had done the Narrows and hopefully with this guide you won’t make the same mistake we did and you will have time to do both. But hey, it gives us a reason to come back now!
Zion as a whole was absolutely gorgeous, Angel’s Landing is a must do, even if you don’t get the permit you can hike up to Scout’s Lookout. The trail itself is difficult but the views along the way are out of this world. It’s a world famous hike and one that is not to be missed. Just look at these views.
We ended the night at a small cocktail bar called Cowboys & Angels where they had a lot of unique combinations of different cocktails and concoctions. It was a nice way to unwind and end the night. Spent about $20 there per drink.
If you’re visiting Zion National Park then Springdale is really the place to stay. Tons of places to stay at reasonable prices, plenty of coffee shops, stores, restaurants and shuttle access to the park as well. Staying here will make your life a lot easier.
Saturday
Saturday morning we got breakfast again, spent some time in the visitor center getting some souvenirs and did some smaller walks around the park in the morning before heading off the Las Vegas.
Vegas was about a two and a half hour drive from Springdale. We planned to spend our last day living it up in Viva Las Vegas at the casinos, having some drinks and good food before heading back. We stayed at the Sparks Hotel by the Airport for only $120 / night. It had a free shuttle service as we returned our car this day so having the shuttle in the morning was nice.
Driving in Las Vegas is not fun, opt for the uber even though they are quite expensive there is really no where to park at these casinos unless you’re staying there.
We saw Post Malone at Allegiant Stadium that night as well which was awesome and a great send off for our trip.
Sunday
Sunday we had our flight back at 11am to NY, the airport process was very easy and seamless and we had no issues. Got back at 7pm and was back to work the next day.
What we would’ve done different
- Leave for Salt lake City on Sunday instead of Monday so we had an extra day to spend at Zion or exploring the other parks.
- Research ahead of time. That’s what you’re doing now! We didn’t know about the shuttles in Zion and that the lots filled up to the brim before 8am.
- Plan a full day for Angel’s Landing and a full day for the Narrows. Both hikes take a long time and you will exert a lot of energy. Plus you will need to go back to the visitor center to rent your water gear for the Narrows.
- See the stars in Arches. Apparently the stargazing is some of the best in the country in these parks due to the lack of clouds. Spending one night to stargaze in the Arches would’ve been something very cool to do.
- Do White Water Rafting in the Colorado River: We heard a lot of people talking about this saying how incredible it was. Definetely something we will have to do when we go back. If you’re interested, you can book by clicking the link HERE for less than $100 per person!
Items to Bring with you (Hiking Essentials)
- Water, water and more water. Buy gallons of water to keep in your car so you can keep replenishing it. Aside from the visitor center and a few main hubs, there is no water to be found anywhere in these parks. So it’s a good idea to have 2 water full water bottles and a jug in your car.
- Pack lots of snacks. Between the heat, hiking and thinking, you will be expending a lot of energy. Bring snacks such as granola bars, fruit snacks, energy chews, honey waffles and cereal bars that have sugar in them for you to have through your hikes.
- Good pair of hiking shoes. You want good non-slip hiking shoes. This is extremely important
- Sunscreen: That desert sun is no joke. The dry heat makes it feel not as hot as it is and you will burn without even feeling like you’re burning. Wear lots of sunscreen when you go outside.
How much money I spent
I went with my girl friend and we split majority of the things and food here. Here is my share for this 6-day trip:
- Flight = $745.34 round trip direct flights from NY to Salt Lake City
- Airbnbs/hotels = $364.67
- Arches Tour = $120
- Food / Souvenirs / MISC Spending on the trip = $360.72
- Gambling in Vegas = $175
- Rental Car = $325.69 Enterprise car for 6 days
Total Cost for the trip = $2091.42
Keep in mind going to Vegas and stupidly buying a few drinks at the concert was over $200 in one night and that inflated these numbers. Even though we split the Airbnb’s/ hotels as well, those were also a little more because we opted to stay at the Field Station in Moab, which was nice, but was also pretty pricey.
Conclusion
This week long trip to Utah’s National Parks was one of my favorites and I can’t wait to go back there again down the road. I hope this framework inspires and helps you to be able to take a trip very similar to this one when visiting Utah’s national Parks. With a bit of planning and research you can hit all these and not miss a thing in under a week. Sure I wish we had more time, but unfortunately working the 9-5 you’re only allotted so much.
I will be making a guide for each of Utah’s National Parks separately as well that you can find on this website and will be available in the next coming weeks.
To apply for a permit to hike Angel’s Landing CLICK HERE
To find the other National parks I’ve visited so far, check out those here