🚗💨 Epic Family Road Trip: Exploring the Best of Utah and Arizona National Parks in 10 days 🇺🇸
Our family’s very first road trip was an unforgettable adventure through some of the most stunning landscapes in the American Southwest. From the towering red cliffs of Zion to the magical sandstone arches of Arches National Park, every stop was an epic journey. If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring the national parks of Utah and Arizona, this blog is for you! 🌵⛰️
Day 1-2: Navajo Bridge & Zion National Park 🏞️
Our adventure began with an unplanned (but totally worth it) stop at Navajo Bridge — and wow, what a stunning surprise! The views were absolutely breathtaking and made for the perfect scenic pause on our way to Zion National Park. 🌉✨
Kicking things off in Zion was a dream — this place is a haven for hikers, nature lovers, and anyone who craves awe-inspiring landscapes. We made our home base in the picturesque town of Springdale, nestled right outside the park entrance. It was the ideal spot to fuel up, relax, and dive into everything Zion had to offer.
Hikes & Trails:
- Watchman Trail (3.3 miles) 🌄: This was one of our first hikes, and it gave us an amazing introduction to Zion. The views of the canyon and surrounding mountains were breathtaking.
- Canyon Overlook Trail (1 mile) 🏞️: This is the perfect short hike if you’re after stunning views with minimal effort. Trust me, the view from the top is worth every step!
- Many Pools Trail (2.2 miles) 💧: A hidden gem! We loved this trail with its lush greenery and small pools along the way. It’s also a great spot to see wildlife – we even spotted some cute critters 🦌!
- Emerald Pools Hike (2 miles) 🌳: We took a lovely stroll to the Emerald Pools and enjoyed a waterfall at the end. It was a peaceful and refreshing hike to do in the afternoon.
Fun Activities:
- Zion Canyon Shuttle 🚍: A must-do! We hopped on the shuttle for a scenic tour through the canyon and got off at different spots to soak in the views.
- E-bike Rentals 🚴♀️: One of the highlights of our trip! We rented e-bikes from Zion Pedaler and rode through the canyon. It’s such a fun way to cover more ground and experience Zion in a whole new way!
We also made time to enjoy some delicious food! We had lunch at Castle Dome Cafe at The Grotto, a perfect spot to refuel. 🍽️
Day 3-4: Bryce Canyon National Park 🌄
Next up was Bryce Canyon National Park, known for its unique hoodoos (those cool rock formations) and incredible views! We stayed in Bryce Canyon for two days to really immerse ourselves in the beauty of the park.
Hikes & Trails:
- Mossy Cave Trail (1 mile) 💦: A short hike that leads you to a beautiful waterfall. It was a nice, easy walk with great views.
- Bristlecone Loop Trail (1 mile) 🌲: A lovely loop where you can see some of the park’s ancient Bristlecone Pines – these trees have been around for over 2,000 years!
- Bryce Amphitheater 🌅: We watched the sunrise at Sunset Point, Bryce Point, and Inspiration Point. It was so magical, with the sun hitting the hoodoos and making them glow in different colors. Sunset was just as magnificent!!
Scenic Drive & Other Trails:
- We took the Southern Scenic Drive 🚗, stopping at 5-6 different viewpoints along the way. The views were absolutely jaw-dropping at each stop.
- Fairyland Loop and Peekaboo Trail were other great trails to check out, especially if you’re looking for a more rugged hike! 🏞️
Day 5: Fishlake National Park 🚗
On our way to Moab, we took a scenic detour through Fishlake National Park. 🌲🌳 The drive was incredibly peaceful, surrounded by the green mountains and endless ranches. It was the perfect place to stretch our legs and enjoy the beauty of Utah’s countryside.
Day 6: Canyonlands National Park 🌵
After a stop at Swell Coffee ☕ for a lavender latte (highly recommend!), we made our way to Canyonlands National Park for more epic views and adventure.
Scenic Stops:
- We started at the Island in the Sky Visitor Center 🏙️ where we spoke with park rangers about the best spots for sunrise and sunset.
- We explored Schaefer Canyon, Upheaval Dome, and Mesa Arch – all providing stunning views of the canyons below. 😱
- Green River Overlook, Buck Canyon Overlook, Grandview Point, and Whale Rock were some of our other favorites! 🏜️
Day 7-8: Moab & Arches National Park 🌄
Moab was such a fun stop! Not only was it the perfect base to explore Arches National Park, but the town itself had such a cool vibe. 🏜️ We loved walking around, checking out local shops, and eating at great spots.
Arches Highlights:
- Arches Visitor Center: Don’t forget to stop here to get your Arches Pass 🎫 before heading out to explore.
- Balanced Rock: We walked up a short trail to this iconic formation – it’s easy but offers fantastic views of the surrounding landscape.
- The Windows: A 1-mile loop that takes you to North Window and South Window. It’s an easy hike with lots of photo ops! 📸
- Double Arch Trail: Another short and easy trail that leads you to the massive Double Arch. It’s a must-see! 🏞️
- Devil’s Garden Trail: This trail takes you past the Tunnel Arch and Skyline Arch – both stunning! 🌟
- Sand Dune Arch: A super short trail but perfect for kids to play in the sand! 🏖️
- Mill Creek Hike – A short, scenic trail with multiple creek crossings that lead to a hidden gem: a gorgeous waterfall perfect for a refreshing break! 💧🥾🌿
Day 9-10: Page & Antelope Canyon 🏜️
Our final stop was Antelope Canyon in Page, Arizona – the place everyone raves about! 🌞
First stop – Horseshoe Bend 🐎🏞️
It was everything we imagined and so much more! Standing at the edge of this iconic overlook, watching the Colorado River carve its perfect horseshoe shape into the red rock canyon, is a moment that takes your breath away. It’s one of those places that looks incredible in photos but feels magical in real life.
📸 Fun Fact: The drop from the overlook to the river below is about 1,000 feet — so hold onto your hat (and your phone)!
👟 Pro Tip: It’s a short 1.5-mile roundtrip hike, but bring water, sunscreen, and go early or around sunset for the best light and smaller crowds.
Next Stop: Lower Antelope Canyon 🧡
We booked a Lower Antelope Canyon Tour, and let me tell you — it was pure magic. The swirling sandstone walls, glowing in hues of orange, pink, and purple, felt like stepping into a natural cathedral carved by time. The way the light dances through the narrow slots is something photos just can’t do justice. You truly have to see it to believe it.
✨ Pro Tip: Book your tour well in advance — spots fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Also, wear comfy shoes and be prepared for a few stair climbs down into the canyon.
📸 Fun Fact: Lower Antelope Canyon was formed over thousands of years by flash flooding and erosion. Its name in the Navajo language is “Hasdeztwazi,” which means “spiral rock arches.”
This was one of those experiences where you catch yourself whispering “wow” every few seconds — a must on any Southwest USA road trip!
Tips for a Successful Road Trip 🚗💨
- Plan ahead: Some parks, like Arches, require passes, and tours (like Antelope Canyon) book up fast.
- Early mornings: Beat the crowds and catch the sunrise for some of the best views! 🌅
- Stay hydrated: Utah and Arizona can get hot in the summer months, so keep a water bottle handy! 💦
- Pack for all weather: You might experience warm temperatures during the day and cooler evenings, so bring layers! 🧥
Final Thoughts ✨
This road trip through Utah and Arizona was nothing short of epic! From the majestic Zion National Park to the otherworldly Antelope Canyon, every stop offered something new and unforgettable. If you love nature, hiking, and breathtaking scenery, this is the trip of a lifetime! 🌍
Pack your bags, grab your camera 📸, and hit the road! You won’t regret exploring these incredible national parks. 😍
🌵 Arizona & Utah Road Trip Itinerary
A journey through red rock wonders, slot canyons, and starry desert skies
🛬 Arrival in Phoenix, AZ
- Pick up your rental car 🚗
- Quick bite and stock up on road trip snacks
- Overnight in Phoenix or Scottsdale (perfect for an early start)
🏜️ Sedona, AZ
- Drive to Sedona (~2 hrs from Phoenix)
- Explore scenic spots: Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, and Chapel of the Holy Cross
- Shop around Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
- Enjoy a magical sunset at Airport Mesa 🌅
- Optional: Book a Pink Jeep Tour for an off-road adventure
⛰️ Page, AZ
- Early morning drive to Page (~3 hours from Sedona)
- Must-sees:
- Horseshoe Bend 🌀
- Lower or Upper Antelope Canyon tour (book ahead!)
- Glen Canyon Dam overlook
- Evening: sunset by Lake Powell or dinner with a view
🎞️ Monument Valley, UT
- Scenic drive to Monument Valley (~2 hours)
- Drive the 17-mile Valley Loop (or book a Navajo-guided tour for insider stories)
- Snap photos at “Forrest Gump Point”
- Overnight nearby — the stargazing here is next level 🌌
🧡 Moab, UT – Arches & Canyonlands National Parks
- Long but stunning drive to Moab (~3.5–4 hours)
- Explore Arches National Park: Delicate Arch, Double Arch, The Windows
- Venture into Canyonlands – Island in the Sky for epic overlooks
- Optional: sunset picnic at Dead Horse Point State Park
🏞️ Bryce Canyon National Park
- Drive to Bryce Canyon (~4 hours)
- Check out the iconic hoodoos from Sunrise Point & Bryce Point
- Hike the Navajo Loop + Queen’s Garden Trail for amazing views
- Overnight nearby for crisp air and peaceful vibes
🎢 Zion National Park
- Head to Zion (~1.5 hrs from Bryce)
- Ride the shuttle and explore:
- Emerald Pools
- Riverside Walk
- Angels Landing or The Narrows (depending on fitness level & conditions)
- Grab lunch in Springdale and explore local shops
- Overnight in or near Zion
🏜️ Return to Arizona – Grand Canyon (South Rim)
- Drive to the South Rim (~4.5 hrs from Zion)
- Spend the day taking in jaw-dropping views from Mather Point, Yavapai Point, and Desert View
- Optional: sunrise or sunset at Hopi Point
- Overnight nearby for an early departure
✈️ Departure from Phoenix
- Drive back to Phoenix (~3.5 hrs from Grand Canyon)
- Return car and head home full of desert memories 💫