Road Trip From Zion To Arches National Park – Includes Bryce Canyon + Hidden Gems

Road tripping from Zion to Arches National Park is one of my favorite National Park trips. Utah is full of incredible things to do and see, including the Might 5 (the 5 National Parks clustered together in Utah).

In this article I’ll break down the highlights for Zion, Bryce, and Arches National Parks, the best route to visit them all, as well as recommended itineraries and a pack list.

How Long Do You Need For A Roadtrip From Zion To Arches National Park?

A road trip from Zion to Arches National Park can take anywhere from 3 to 7 days (or longer!) In order to spend time at Zion, Bryce Canyon and Arches National Park you’ll want a minimum of one day per National Park.

If you have the time, I recommend spending 2 days in Zion, one day in Bryce Canyon and 1-2 days in Arches National Park. If you’re short on time, check out this article on how to choose between Bryce and Zion National Park.

If have additional time, spend a day in Capitol Reef, one day in Canyonlands, and take the scenic byway (Rt 12) slower so you can stop at the interesting sights along the way.

If you’re planning to visit more than 2 National Parks in a 12 month period then consider buying the America The Beautiful park pass to save money on the price of admission to the parks.

Road Trip To Zion National Park

Zion National Park is an incredible National Park. In fact, it’s a close tie for my favorite National Park (I also love Glacier National Park). There’s a lot to do in Zion, and the hikes are so unique that it’ll keep you coming back over and over again.

If you’re road trip originates in Las Vegas (the best airport for Zion National Park) then the route from Zion to Arches National Park can also include a stop at Bryce Canyon National Park along the way.

If you’re driving from Salt Lake City to Arches National Park check out this itinerary instead.

Best Time To Visit Zion National Park

The best time to visit Zion National Park largely depends on what you’re hoping to experience, but generally, spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are considered the optimal seasons. My favorite time to visit is during the fall.

How Long To Stay

For most visitors, 2 to 3 days is an ideal amount of time to explore the main highlights of Zion National Park. This is enough time to hike a few trails (like The Narrows and Angels Landing), and see the sights along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.

Where To Stay

When visiting Zion National Park, there are several great options for accommodations, ranging from staying within the park itself to nearby towns with hotels, vacation rentals, and campgrounds.

Staying Inside Zion National Park

Zion Lodge is the only in-park lodging option. It’s centrally located, providing easy access to trails like Emerald Pools and Angels Landing. Staying here gives you a peaceful, park-immersed experience, especially after day visitors leave.

Staying in Springdale, UT (Closest Town)

If convenience and access to the park are your top priorities, Springdale is the best place to stay. It’s the closest to the park entrance, has shuttle access, and offers a wide range of dining and shopping options.

What To Do

Zion is full of fun things to do, and it’s one of my favorite parks as far as extra activities go. You can rent bikes from Zion Outfitters to explore the park, or take the shuttle. There’s one primary road in and out of Zion National Park and it follows the river with a bike path, so it’s a really nice ride.

Best Hikes In Zion National Park

Zion is famous for its diverse range of hiking trails, from easy walks to challenging climbs. These are the best hikes in Zion National Park.

1. Angels Landing: One of the park’s most famous hikes, known for its breathtaking views and narrow, steep sections with chains for support. It’s a strenuous 5.4-mile round trip and requires a permit.

2. The Narrows: Hike through the Virgin River in this iconic slot canyon. The easiest option is the bottom-up hike starting from the Temple of Sinawava. Wear water shoes and be prepared to get wet!

3. Emerald Pools Trail: A family-friendly hike with options for easy, moderate, and strenuous routes that lead to picturesque pools and waterfalls.

4. Canyon Overlook Trail: A short, moderate hike with spectacular views, perfect for catching sunrise or sunset.

5. Observation Point: This strenuous hike offers panoramic views that many consider even more stunning than those from Angels Landing.

Bryce Canyon National Park Road Trip

Bryce Canyon National Park is a great park to visit. It sits at higher elevation than the other Utah National Parks so it’s much cooler during the hot summer months, and during the winter you can even see snow!

Best Time To Visit Bryce Canyon National Park

Fall is typically the sweet spot for good weather, lighter crowds, and beautiful scenery. It’s my favorite time to visit Bryce Canyon.

If you don’t mind cold and want a more intimate experience, winter is also a magical time to visit Bryce Canyon, but be prepared for potentially icy conditions and limited accessibility.

How Long To Stay

A visit to Bryce Canyon National Park can be as short as a half-day or as long as several days, depending on what you want to do.

For most visitors, 1 to 3 days is an ideal amount of time to enjoy Bryce Canyon fully. This gives you a chance to see the highlights, do a few hikes, and experience both sunset and sunrise, which are spectacular at Bryce.

Where To Stay

There are a variety of accommodation options for visiting Bryce Canyon National Park, ranging from lodges inside the park to campgrounds and hotels nearby.

If you’re looking for convenience, staying within the park or in Bryce Canyon City is best. For more unique or budget-friendly options, the nearby towns like Tropic and Panguitch offer great alternatives. Be sure to book early, especially during peak season (spring through fall).

Inside the Park

Bryce Canyon Lodge is the only lodge within the park, offering historic charm and convenient access to trails and viewpoints.

Try North Campground and Sunset Campground if you prefer camping. These two campgrounds are within the park borders.

Just Outside the Park (Bryce Canyon City)

There are a few popular options just a few minutes from the park entrance: Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel, Bryce View Lodge and Ruby’s Inn (Best Western).

What To Do

Bryce Canyon National Park offers a range of activities that cater to all interests, whether you’re into hiking, stargazing, or just taking in the stunning views.

If you have limited time, prioritize hiking the Navajo Loop/Queen’s Garden combination, driving the scenic road, and catching a sunrise or sunset.

Or, if you have more time, exploring deeper trails into the canyon, attending ranger programs, and stargazing should be on your list!

Scenic Drives and Overlooks

The park has an 18-mile scenic drive that takes you past several incredible viewpoints, each offering different perspectives of Bryce Canyon’s unique geology.

Must-See Viewpoints

1. Sunrise Point is a fantastic spot to watch the sun light up the amphitheater.

2. Sunset Point offers breathtaking sunset views and is a great place for photography.

3. Bryce Point is known for one of the most expansive views of the amphitheater and especially beautiful at sunrise.

4. Inspiration Point features multi-colored hoodoos from a high vantage point.

5. Rainbow Point and Yovimpa Point is located at the end of the scenic drive, these overlooks are perfect if you want to explore the southern end of the park.

Attend Ranger Programs

The park offers a variety of ranger-led programs, including guided hikes, geology talks, and night sky presentations. These programs are a great way to learn more about the park’s history, wildlife, and unique geology.

Horse Back Riding Bryce Canyon

For a different perspective, you can explore parts of the park on horseback. Guided tours are available and typically follow the Peekaboo Loop Trail, allowing you to experience the hoodoos without the strenuous hiking.

Snow Activities in Winter

If you visit Bryce Canyon in winter, you can enjoy activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The park looks stunning with snow-capped hoodoos, offering a completely different experience than in other seasons.

Best Hikes In Bryce Canyon

1. Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail: This 3-mile loop is the most popular hike in the park, taking you down into the canyon among the hoodoos. The combination of these two trails gives you iconic views like Thor’s Hammer and the Wall Street section.

2. Rim Trail: This trail runs along the edge of the Bryce Amphitheater and is perfect for those looking for easier walks. You can hike just a portion or tackle the full 5.5-mile trail for panoramic views of the park.

3. Peekaboo Loop Trail: For more experienced hikers, this 5.5-mile loop offers a closer look at some of the park’s most striking rock formations. The elevation changes make it more challenging but also more rewarding.

4. Fairyland Loop Trail: An 8-mile hike that’s less crowded than the others but showcases incredible hoodoo formations and colorful landscapes.

Road Trip To Arches National Park

Arches National Park is located near the town of Moab and the combination of the two offers so many things to do.

Best Time To Visit

For most visitors, the best time to visit Arches National Park is spring and fall, when the weather is more mild and there are fewer crowds. Arches gets a TON of visitors each year but has very limited parking so coming during the summer months means you’ll battle for parking and also be subject to Arches vehicle reservation system.

How Long To Visit Arches National Park

To fully experience Arches National Park, I recommend spending 1 to 3 days depending on your interests and the pace at which you want to explore.

It’s possible to see all of the highlights within Arches National Park in one day, but if you have more time Moab and Canyonlands National Park are also great places to explore.

Where To Stay In Arches National Park

If you’d like to stay in Arches National Park the only option is Devils Garden Campground. Be sure to book well in advance because there are limited campsites and they fill up very quickly.

If you’re looking for accommodations with more amenities I recommend staying in Moab, which is a quick 15 minute drive from Arches.

What To Do In Arches National Park

There’s quite a lot to do in Arches National Park. Being a smaller park, it’s possible to see the highlights in 1-2 days, but if you have longer to spend in the area I recommend exploring Moab’s shops, restaurants and fun outdoor activities.

Delicate Arch

The hike to Delicate Arch is about 3 miles round-trip and is rated as moderately challenging, but the view at the top is worth it.

Devils Garden Trail and Landscape Arch

The full loop is 7.2 miles round-trip, and features the longest natural arch in North America, Landscape Arch. You can opt to do shorter hikes to see other features like Double O Arch and Pine Tree Arch.

The Windows Section

The windows section is home to some of the park’s most accessible and popular arches, including North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch.

Double Arch

Double Arch is located near The Windows (just across the parking lot), and showcases two massive arches side by side.

Balanced Rock

Balanced Rock is a huge rock balanced precariously on a narrow base. There’s a short trail around the formation, or you can view it from the parking lot.

Fiery Furnace

Fiery Furnace is a maze of sandstone slot canyons. You’ll require a permit or a guided tour to enter this area.

Park Avenue

Park Avenue is a canyon surrounded by towering red rock walls, reminiscent of a city’s skyscrapers. It’s the first stop once you enter Arches National Park.

Best Hikes In Arches National Park

There are a lot of great hikes in Arches National Park, many of which are short and easy so you can see most of them in a short visit.

1. Delicate Arch: A moderately challenging 3.2 mile out-and-back trail leading to the iconic freestanding arch, with stunning views and a rewarding final climb.

2. Double Arch: A short, easy 0.6 mile walk to two massive arches that share the same base, offering a great spot for photos and exploration.

3. Balanced Rock Loop: A quick and easy 0.3 mile loop around a famous precariously perched rock formation, perfect for a brief scenic stop.

4. The Windows: A short 0.7 mile loop showcasing massive rock “windows” with expansive views of the surrounding desert landscape.

5. Landscape Arch: A relatively flat 1.9 mile trail leading to one of the longest natural arches in the world, a delicate and slender rock span.

6. Double O Arch: A more strenuous 4.2 mile hike through the Devil’s Garden that passes through scenic rock formations and leads to a unique double-layered arch.

7. Devils Garden: The park’s longest and most diverse trail (7.9 miles), featuring multiple arches, fins, and rock formations for a full-day adventure.

8. Fiery Furnace: A maze-like network of narrow canyons and sandstone fins requiring a permit or guided tour, offering a challenging and adventurous 2.1 mile experience.

Driving From Zion to Arches National Park

There’s a lot to see between Zion to Arches National Park! Depending on how much time you have, you can tailor your route to include quick stops or deeper explorations of some of the most stunning desert landscapes in Utah.

There are two routes from Zion to Arches National Park. The more direct route is around 5 hours (about 300 miles) and offers plenty of stunning scenery and interesting stops along the way, but skips Bryce Canyon, Escalante and a few other highlights.

The more scenic route, along Byway 12, is around 6 hours but includes many more places to see. If you’re on a real time crunch and are primarily interested in seeing Zion and Arches then the direct route is a good option, otherwise I’d always recommend Byway 12 as the better choice.

Drive Scenic Byway 12

If you have the time and are up for a more adventurous route, taking Scenic Byway 12 is a fantastic detour. It passes through Red Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and Grand Staircase-Escalante. This drive is one of the most beautiful in the country, with sweeping views, slickrock landscapes, and striking desert scenery.

Don’t worry, this route is still a relatively easy drive (I did it in my campervan) and nowhere near as nerve-wracking as driving Going To The Sun Road in Glacier National Park. There are many pull-offs to see the beautiful landscape, and it’s especially magical during the fall when the larches turn golden.

Stop 1: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Grand Staircase-Escalante is about 2 hours northeast of Zion.

This massive, rugged area offers hidden slot canyons, scenic drives, and stunning desert landscapes. A quick stop at Red Canyon near Bryce along Highway 12 provides a beautiful taste of the area without going too far off route.

Stop 2: Zebra Slot Canyon

Zebra Slot Canyon is located in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in Utah, and is known for its narrow, winding passages and striking striped walls.

Accessing Zebra Slot Canyon requires a moderate 5.2-mile round-trip hike through sandy desert terrain, starting at the Harris Wash trailhead. The slot itself is short but incredibly narrow, requiring some scrambling and squeezing through tight spaces, especially if recent rains have made the passage muddy or filled small pools with water.

Stop 3: Hell’s Backbone

Hell’s Backbone is a rugged, scenic road through the heart of the Grand Staircase-Escalante region. The 38-mile gravel road offers dramatic views of rugged canyons, steep drop-offs, and high-elevation forests, making it a popular route for adventurous travelers.

Stop 4: Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park is 2 hours north of Bryce Canyon and about 3 hours east of Zion National park.

This park is an underrated gem. Stop to explore scenic spots like Hickman Bridge or take a drive through the historic Fruita area with orchards and pioneer history. The park’s red rock formations, cliffs, and canyons are less crowded than other parks.

Stop 5: Goblin Valley State Park

Goblin Valley is known for its unique and whimsical sandstone “goblin” formations. This small state park is a fun stop to stretch your legs and explore the strange rock formations.

Stop 6: Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park is a massive park 33 miles south of Arches, but offers drastically different landscapes. It’s nicknamed the Mini Grand Canyon for good reason!

There are 5 districts that comprise the park, but Island In The Sky is the most popular and most accessible.

Stop 7: Dead Horse State Park

Dead Horse State Park is really underrated in my opinion. It’s often overshadowed by Arches and Canyonlands, but it offers one of the most stunning sunsets (at Dead Horse Point Overlook) out of the whole bunch.

Roadtrip Itinerary From Zion To Arches National Park

Depending on the length of your trip, below are two itinerary options for a 4-day or a 7-day roadtrip from Zion National Park to Arches National Park.

4 Day Itinerary From Zion To Arches National Park

Here’s a 4-day road trip itinerary from Zion National Park to Arches National Park that lets you explore the highlights of southern Utah’s stunning landscapes. This itinerary balances iconic sights, scenic drives, and a mix of short and longer hikes to fully immerse you in Utah’s stunning national parks and landscapes.

Day 1: Zion National Park

Morning: Start your day with an early hike to Angels Landing or explore The Narrows (depending on your preference). Both hikes are iconic but offer different experiences—Angels Landing for panoramic views and challenge-points and The Narrows for an adventurous slot canyon trek through the Virgin River.

Afternoon: Take the scenic drive along Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, stopping at viewpoints like Court of the Patriarchs and Weeping Rock. If you’re visiting during shuttle season (April-November) you won’t be able to take your own vehicle, but the park shuttle offers great views and frequent stops.

Evening: Drive to Bryce Canyon National Park (2 hours), and enjoy the sunset at Sunset Point or Bryce Point. Overnight in Bryce Canyon City.

Day 2: Bryce Canyon National Park & Scenic Byway 12

Morning: Start your day with a sunrise at Sunrise Point followed by a hike on the Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail (3 miles). This trail takes you down into the amphitheater among the hoodoos for some of the best views in the park.

Afternoon: Begin your drive along Scenic Byway 12, one of the most beautiful routes in the country. Stop at Red Canyon, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and, if time allows, take the short hike to Lower Calf Creek Falls.

Evening: Continue driving to the town of Torrey, near Capitol Reef National Park, and spend the night there.

Day 3: Capitol Reef National Park & Goblin Valley

Morning: Explore Capitol Reef National Park. Drive through the Scenic Drive, hike to Hickman Bridge, or explore the historic Fruita area with its orchards and petroglyphs. If you visit during the harvest you can pick your own fruit from the orchards!

Afternoon: Drive to Goblin Valley State Park (1.5 hours) to explore the unique “goblin” rock formations. This small park is great for wandering and taking photos.

Evening: Drive to Moab (1.5 hours) and settle in for the night.

Day 4: Arches National Park & Dead Horse Point

Morning: Start early with a hike to Delicate Arch (3.2 miles round-trip), the most famous arch in the park. Next, explore the Windows Section and Double Arch for some easy but spectacular hikes.

Afternoon: Head to the Devils Garden Trail and hike to Landscape Arch or, if you’re up for a longer hike, continue to Double O Arch.

Evening: Drive to Dead Horse Point State Park for sunset. The overlook offers breathtaking views of the Colorado River and surrounding canyons, often compared to the Grand Canyon.

Optional: If you still have energy, explore the town of Moab and its many restaurants or shops.

7 Day Itinerary From Zion To Arches National Park

Here’s a detailed 7-day road trip itinerary that takes you from Zion National Park to Arches National Park while including other stunning parks and scenic routes in southern Utah.

Day 1: Las Vegas to Zion National Park

Morning: Arrive in Las Vegas and drive to Zion National Park. The direct route is 2 hours, or you can take the scenic route and add a few stops, which is 4 hours.

Afternoon: Start with a scenic drive along Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Hike the short Canyon Overlook Trail for a stunning view of the canyon.

Evening: Settle into Springdale for the night. Enjoy dinner in town and prepare for the next day’s adventures.

Day 2: Zion National Park

Morning: Hike Angels Landing (5.4 miles round-trip) if you’re up for a challenge, or opt for The Narrows hike for an iconic slot canyon experience.

Afternoon: Explore more of Zion’s popular spots, like Emerald Pools or take a bike ride through the scenic valley.

Evening: Drive from Zion to Bryce Canyon National Park (2 hours) and stay in or near Bryce Canyon City.

Day 3: Bryce Canyon National Park

Morning: Catch the sunrise at Sunrise Point and hike the Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail. This hike takes you into the heart of Bryce’s amphitheater among the colorful hoodoos.

Afternoon: Drive the scenic road to overlooks like Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, and Rainbow Point. Each offers unique perspectives of the park’s formations.

Evening: Take a sunset stroll along the Rim Trail or join a ranger-led stargazing program (Bryce is a designated Dark Sky Park).

Day 4: Scenic Byway 12 & Grand Staircase-Escalante

Morning: Drive along Scenic Byway 12, one of the most beautiful drives in the U.S., with stops at Red Canyon, Escalante Petrified Forest, and Calf Creek Falls (a 6-mile hike to a waterfall if you have time).

Afternoon: Explore Grand Staircase-Escalante with a short detour to hike Zebra Slot Canyon or explore Hell’s Backbone Road if you have a high-clearance vehicle.

Evening: Arrive in Torrey, the gateway to Capitol Reef National Park, and stay overnight.

Day 5: Capitol Reef National Park

Morning: Start the day by exploring Capitol Reef. Hike to Hickman Bridge (2 miles round-trip) or the Cohab Canyon Trail.

Afternoon: Drive the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive, stopping at viewpoints, and explore the historic Fruita area. Try a fresh pie at the Gifford Homestead and explore the petroglyph panels.

Evening: Drive to Goblin Valley State Park (1.5 hours) and spend time exploring the unique goblin-like rock formations.

Overnight: Either camp at Goblin Valley or drive to Moab (1.5 hours) and stay in town.

Day 6: Arches National Park

Morning: Start early with the hike to Delicate Arch (3.2 miles round-trip). Visit Balanced Rock and explore the Windows Section with its easily accessible arches.

Afternoon: Head to Devils Garden and hike to Landscape Arch (1.9 miles round-trip) or extend the hike to Double O Arch (4.2 miles).

Evening: Drive to Dead Horse Point State Park for sunset views over the Colorado River. Return to Moab for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 7: Canyonlands National Park (Island in the Sky District)

Morning: Drive to the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park. Start at Mesa Arch for sunrise, then visit viewpoints like Grand View Point Overlook and Green River Overlook.

Afternoon: Hike the Upheaval Dome Trail or explore the short trails along the rim. You can also drive the Shafer Trail if you have a 4WD vehicle.

Evening: Spend your last night in Moab, enjoying a nice dinner and exploring the local shops and galleries.

Optional Additions:

Day 8 (If You Have More Time): Explore the Needles district of Canyonlands, which offers more remote hiking and unique rock formations.

Add Time for Activities: If you enjoy adventure sports, consider adding a day for off-roading, mountain biking, or rafting near Moab.

Pack List

Packing for the Utah National Parks can be a bit challenging. During the day the sun makes these parks hot, but because of their desert status they cool off significantly at night (as much as 40 degrees cooler!). Be sure to pack these items to stay comfortable on your trip.

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