The Ultimate Arizona-Utah Road Trip Itinerary: 20 Stops You Can’t Miss (2024)

When asked what my favorite trip I’ve ever taken is, I always quickly respond with, “Easily, our epic three-week Arizona-Utah road trip!”

There’s something incredibly captivating about the southwest. When we were there, I’m not sure I fully understood what all the hype was about. Yet, since leaving, I can’t help but constantly be planning how I’m going to get back.

Desert dwellers will tell you that’s just the way of the desert. Upon first glance, it’s hard to see what everyone’s raving about, but if you take a closer look you’ll find you suddenly can’t un-see all the magic.

In this guide, I highlight memorable stops that can’t be missed on your Arizona-Utah road trip. For each stop, I include epic hiking trails, adrenaline-pumping activities, and off-the-beaten-path campsites in the area.

It’s your turn to finally create that trip you’ll be talking about for a lifetime.

Your Guide to Taking the Most Epic Arizona-Utah Road Trip

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Arizona-Utah Road Trip Map

This map highlights the exact route we took on our Arizona-Utah road trip, and the route I recommend. We flew into Las Vegas, rented a car, and drove to the first stop on this itinerary, St. George, to stock the car with road trip essentials.

I’ve included every stop we loved during our Arizona-Utah road trip. If you don’t have three weeks to explore the southwest as we did, any of these stops may be skipped to include only the destinations that interest you most.

If you only have a week, I recommend prioritizing Utah’s Mighty 5. The Mighty 5 refers to 5 National Parks in Utah: Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Arches National Park, and Canyonlands National Park.

20 Arizona-Utah Road Trip Itinerary Stops

Due to their close proximity, some of these stops can be completed on the same day, while others are all-day adventures. How much time you spend at each location is entirely up to you. You could spend a week or 6 weeks and I’m certain you’d still wish you had more time.

The desert is like that.

How Many Days Do You Need for an Arizona-Utah Road Trip?

There is no way I could possibly tell you how many days to spend on an Arizona-Utah road trip. The length of your trip is completely dependent on how much time you want to explore each location and what activities you want to prioritize.

This road trip itinerary is heavily adventure-based. We included Utah’s Mighty 5, as well as several State Parks and National Monuments, and iconic southwest attractions.

We took an epic three-week road trip across Arizona and Utah and still wish we had more time to explore the area. My best piece of advice is to scan this itinerary, pick out the locations that appeal to you most, and create your own Arizona-Utah road trip, accordingly.

Epic Arizona-Utah Road Trip Stops

(#1) St. George

Distance from Las Vegas Airport: 2 hours 20 minutes

St. George is a great jump-start location to help you tie up all loose ends before hitting the road. Make St. George your first stop along your Arizona-Utah road trip so you can top off on gas, car snacks, water, food, and anything else you forgot to pack.

If you have the time, consider exploring the lesser-known and nearby Snow Canyon State Park. The park is located in the heart of St. George with several trails to explore and comparatively no crowds.

Spend the day exploring Snow Canyon Overlook Trail, Petrified Dunes Trail, and Jenny’s Canyon Trail before continuing your trip east.

(#2) Toadstool Hoodoos Trail

Distance from St. George: 2 hours

En route to Lake Powell from St. George, we spotted a sign that read, “Toadstool Hoodoos Trail.” Having no expectations or context as to what was on the other side of that sign, we turned into the parking lot.

Toadstool Hoodoos Trail is a quick and easy 1.8 miles with almost no elevation change. Don’t let the short distance fool you, the trail is extraordinary with canyon views and gravity-defying geology.

As the name suggests, the trail is littered with hoodoos: pinnacle-shaped rock formations carved out by years of weathering and erosion. Their unique and odd mushroom shape is the result of two different types of sandstone stacked on top of one another.

Think Bryce Canyon, without the crowds.

There’s no better trail to kick off your Arizona-Utah road trip. This stopover doesn’t take a lot of time and is the perfect driving break between St. George and Lake Powell.

Entry Fees

For non-Utah residents, the fee per vehicle is $15 and is good for one day. Utah residents pay $10 per vehicle.

Camping

We stumbled upon the most incredible free campsite on night one of our Arizona-Utah road trip thanks to the FreeRoam app.

Located 5 minutes down the road off Highway 89 is a secluded field known as Cat Stairs (37.127, -111.966) on FreeRoam. The field is surrounded by looming red rocks on all sides. Scattered about the area are several unmarked tent sites.

(#3) Lake Powell

Distance from Toadstool Hoodoos Trail: 27 minutes

Lake Powell is fascinating. Miles and miles of blue water carving itself through the desert canyon is incredible to witness.

To fully experience Lake Powell, I recommend getting on the water. Spend a day renting a boat, jet ski, kayak, or SUP so you can explore the area and soak in the views.

It’s one thing to witness Lake Powell from above, it’s entirely another to be in the heart of the canyon. After a day on the water, head to Wahweap Lookout for sunset to catch a panoramic view of the lake.

Before hitting up Lake Powell, make sure to read my guide, Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Lake Powell. It’s single-handily the guide I wish we had before our trip.

Lake Powell Water Crisis

In 2022, Lake Powell’s water level hit a record low of 25% capacity. While declining water levels put the summer hot spot at risk for permanent closure, it more importantly threatens the water source of more than 22 million people.

If seeing Lake Powell is on your bucket list, I suggest you make the trip sooner than later.

Entry Fees

Lake Powell is part of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The entrance cost is $30 per vehicle and is valid for 1-7 days. Visitors with anAmerica the Beautiful Passdo not have to pay the entrance fee.

Camping

There are several places to camp near Lake Powell ranging from fully serviced campgrounds to primitive camp spots. Some spots I recommend are Beehive Campground, Wahweap RV and Campground, Lone Rock Beach Campground, and primitive camping around Wahweap Bay.

It’s important to note that Lake Powell is prone to high winds. Make sure to check weather conditions for the area before attempting to set up a tent along the banks of the water at Lone Rock or before off-roading in search of a primitive spot.

(#4) Horseshoe Bend

Distance from Lake Powell: 17 minutes

Horseshoe Bend absolutely exceeded my expectations, despite already having seen thousands of photos of the canyon. While it’s unlikely you’ll have the overlook to yourself, the area is expansive and allows for people to spread out.

I recommend heading to Horseshoe Bend for sunrise. The canyon light is magical just before sunrise and there are fewer visitors. With the trail being only 1.5 miles, you have plenty of time to fit in another adventure post-hike.

Entry Fees

There is a $10 entry fee per vehicle. The fee is paid at the drive-up ticket booth upon arrival.

Camping

Due to Horseshoe Bend’s close proximity to Lake Powell, I recommend camping at one of the aforementioned campgrounds near Lake Powell.

(#5) Cathedral Wash Trail

Distance from Horseshoe Bend: 40 minutes

Cathedral Wash Trail was another serendipitous stop we took along our Arizona-Utah road trip itinerary.

Head to Cathedral Wash Trail after watching the sunrise at Horseshoe Bend. The trail is an adventurous 3.3 miles and leads hikers through the towering canyons of Marble Canyon and onto the banks of the Colorado River.

Don’t forget to pack a bathing suit. There’s nothing more invigorating than diving into ice-cold water after a hike in the desert.

Entry Fees

Cathedral Wash Trail is also located in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The entrance cost is $30 per vehicle and is valid for 1-7 days. Visitors with anAmerica the Beautiful Passdo not have to pay the entrance fee.

Camping

Due to Cathedral Wash Trail’s close proximity to Lake Powell, I recommend camping at one of the previously mentioned campgrounds near Lake Powell.

(#6) Antelope Canyon

Distance from Cathedral Wash Trail: 40 minutes

When heading east towards Monument Valley you have to make a stop to see Antelope Canyon. Antelope Canyon is arguably one of the most iconic stops along this Arizona-Utah road trip itinerary.

Unfortunately, when we took our three-week trip, Antelope Canyon was still closed due to Covid-19 restrictions. Luckily, that will not be the case for you as tours are officially back up and running.

All areas of the canyon can be accessed only via a guided tour. When choosing a tour, keep in mind there are two sections: Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon.

The lower canyon is steeper and less crowded than the more visited and accessible upper canyon. Both Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon are beautiful and worth visiting.

You can book a variety of tours for Antelope Canyon through Navajo Nation or Get Your Guide.

Entry Fees

Entry Fees for Antelope Canyon will vary depending on the tour you choose. Expect to pay around $100 per person, give or take some.

Camping

Due to Antelope Canyon’s close proximity to Lake Powell, I recommend camping at one of the earlier recommended campgrounds near Lake Powell.

(#7) Monument Valley

Distance from Antelope Canyon: 1 hour 53 minutes

Driving through Monument Valley is a right of passage for those traveling through Utah. When most people think of the southwest, iconic images of Monument Valley come to mind.

Visitors can explore Monument Valley via a 17-mile loop. The loop takes visitors past towering sandstone formations. In all directions, visitors can take in the sights of vibrant mesas and buttes sprawled out amongst the vast desert landscape.

If you can time it perfectly, sunrise or sunset is the most magical time of day to experience Monument Valley — or really anywhere in the desert, for that matter.

Entry Fees

Driving the 17-mile loop in Monument Valley costs $8 per person.

Camping

40 minutes past Monument Valley is Goosenecks State Park. Most beautiful place we have ever camped? Goosenecks State Park, easily.

Snagging one of the only 8 available spots in the park requires a bit of luck, but it’s doable. Campers get to stake their tents right along the canyon rim overlooking the San Juan meander (a.k.a. gooseneck).

What the campground lacks in amenities, it makes up for in views.

If the State Park campground is full, head 30 more minutes up the road to Valley of the Gods. Think Monument Valley, but smaller. This Bureau of Land Management (BLM) camping area is primitive, free, and undesignated.

(#8) Goosenecks State Park

Distance from Monument Valley: 40 minutes

Goosenecks State Park is absolutely stunning and rivals the views of iconic Horseshoe Bend. While the park is small, the views are huge.

Visitors can walk directly up to the edge to witness the impressive river meander. One of my most memorable sunsets to date was standing on the rim of this canyon, beer in hand, watching the sun set everything in its path on fire.

Make this spot somewhere you’ll remember forever by snagging a campsite directly along the edge of the canyon.

Entry Fees

Entry into the State Park is $5.00 per vehicle.

Camping

If you weren’t able to secure a campsite along the rim the night before, consider trying again before heading towards Valley of the Gods.

(#9) Honaker Trail

Distance from Goosenecks State Park: 12 minutes

After viewing an epic sunrise from your tent pitched along the canyon rim at Goosenecks Campground, head out towards Honaker Trail.

Honaker Trail begins along the canyon rim and, through a series of switchbacks, leads hikers down into the canyon floor. The trail culminates along the bank of the San Juan River where hikers can cool off in the water.

My favorite part of hiking Honaker Trail was the endless, uninterrupted views. The trail is completely exposed making it extremely hot, yes, but also entirely epic from start to finish.

The pictures speak for themselves.

Entry Fees

There are no entry fees for this hike.

Camping

Due to Honaker Trail’s close proximity to both Goosenecks State Park and Valley of the Gods, they are both great camping options.

(#10) Valley of the Gods

Distance from Honaker Trail: 37 minutes

We stumbled upon Valley of the Gods, accidentally, while scrambling to find a place to sleep for the night. All I can say is, what a serendipitous accident.

While there isn’t much to do per se in the Valley of the Gods, it makes for an incredible campsite and scenic drive-thru.

En route to Natural Bridges National Monument, consider taking the roundabout way and driving through the Valley of the Gods. The southwest views are iconic and the detour makes the drive north an adventure in itself.

Entry Fees

There are no entry fees for Valley of the Gods

Camping

At nearly any point you can pull off the road and set up camp in the presence of looming sandstone mesas. However, if you’re looking to splurge for the night check out Valley of the Gods Bed and Breakfast.

(#11) Natural Bridges National Monument

Distance from Valley of the Gods: 1 hour 14 minutes or 1 hour 42 minutes

Want to experiencethe beauty of Arches National Parkwithout the crowds of people? Head north for one hour to Natural Bridges National Monument.

Spend the day exploring the park’s three natural bridges: Sipapu Bridge, Kachina Bridge, and Owachom*o Bridge. If you’re feeling up to it, connect all three of the bridges via trail by hiking the Under the Natural Bridges Loop.

The loop is a challenging 9 miles and weaves hikers through the canyon and under each bridge. Along this trail, you can also see ancient granaries still intact on the walls of the canyon.

Entry Fees

It costs $20 per vehicle to enter the park. Visitors with anAmerica the Beautiful Passdo not have to pay the entrance fee.

Camping

Conveniently located near the Visitor Center are first come, first served campsites at Natural Bridges Campground. Although, you can continue north toward The Needles District of Canyonlands National Park and spend the night, instead, glamping.

(#12) The Needles District, Canyonlands National Park

Distance from Natural Bridges: 2 hours

The Needles District of Canyonlands National Park does not get enough credit. Somehow the district has remained untouched and unnoticed by visitors who are dead set on exploring the more popular Island in the Sky district.

Before heading more north towards Moab, make a detour to the Needles and explore my favorite trail in all of Canyonlands National Park: Elephant Hill, Chesler Park, and Druid Arch Trail.

The trail is an incredible 8.3 miles of enchanting landscapes. The trail makes you scurry over boulders, down narrow canyons, along rims, across grassy fields, between pinnacles, up slickrock, and to the edge of panoramic lookouts.

Entry Fees

Entry into Canyonlands National Park is $30 per vehicle and can be purchased online or upon arrival. The pass is good for 7 days and includes entry into all districts. Visitors with anAmerica the Beautiful Passdo not have to pay the entrance fee.

Camping

While in the Needles you can backcountry camp, glamp, or continue toward Moab.

(#13) Moab

Distance from the Needles: 1 hour 20 minutes

Moab is easily one of the top five coolest towns I’ve ever explored. Not only is Moab the launching point for Arches National Park, Dead Horse State Park, and Canyonlands National Park, but the town itself is overflowing with adventure.

While in Moab, start your day by hiking Castleton Tower Trail and end it exploring Corona and Bowtie Arch Trail for sunset.

Grab a beer at the Moab brewery and some food at the Moab Food Truck Park. If you’re hanging around Moab for a while, I highly recommend booking an adventure tour with Paddle Moab to go rafting or canyoneering.

Moab is the kind of place you never want to leave.

Camping

The camping options in Moab are endless: Jaycee Park, Castleton Tower Preserve, Kings Bottom, and Willow Springs were some of our favorites — to name a few.

However, if you’re at the point in your trip where you’re dreaming of a real bed and shower, Hideout at the Rim was spectacular and worth every penny.

(#14) Arches National Park

Distance from Moab: 10 minutes

It’s hard to choose a favorite park from Utah’s Mighty 5, but it’s safe to say that Arches National Park is in the running.

Boasting over 2,000 natural arches, the park is packed with endless amounts of trails and sights. Jumpstart your day by beating the crowds to Delicate Arch for sunrise before hitting up a longer trail for the day.

Two of my favorite hikes in the park are Tower Arch Trail and Devil’s Garden Trail and I recommend experiencing them both before continuing on with your road trip.

Want to learn about the history of the region, but have the freedom to explore at your own pace? Consider checking out this Get Your Guide in-app guided audio.

Entry Fees

Arches National Park entry fee is $30 per vehicle and can be purchased online or upon arrival. The pass is valid for 7 days. Visitors with anAmerica the Beautiful Passdo not have to pay the entrance fee.

Plan Your Trip

In January of 2022, Arches National Park implemented a reservation system. To visit the park from April 3rd – October 3rd between the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., all visitors must have purchased an entry ticket online or by phone.

Timed entry tickets can be purchasedhere.

If you are unable to secure a reservation for your date, don’t fret. A small number of next-day tickets become available every day at 6:00 p.m. MST.

Camping

Due to Arches National Park’s close proximity to Moab, I recommend choosing from one aforementioned camping areas in Moab. However, if you want to stay in Arches National Park you can do so at Devil’s Campground or by securing a backcountry permit.

(#15) Dead Horse Point State Park

Distance from Arches National Park: 37 minutes

We made a last-minute decision to sprint to Dead Horse Point State Park for sunset after a day exploring Arches National Park.

We had no idea what was in store for us and wow were we pleasantly blown away.

Add Dead Horse Rim Loop Trail to your stops along your Arizona-Utah road trip. If you’re lucky you’ll make it there by sunset, be one of the only people on the trail, and wind up creating a moment you’ll remember forever.

Camping

Dead Horse State Park is conveniently located near Moab, Arches National Park, and Canyonlands National Park, giving you a multitude of great camping options.

Additionally, the park itself has wonderful camping options: Windgate Campground, Kayenta Campground, and luxurious yurts.

(#16) Island in the Sky District, Canyonland National Park

Distance from Dead Horse Point State Park: 20 minutes

If you’re in search of the perfect spot to soak in all of the endless southwest views, Canyonland’s Island in the Sky District is your park.

We only spent one day in this district as we prioritized more off-the-beaten-path trails, but it’s absolutely worth the visit.

Some great trails and overlooks to note are Mesa Arch Trail for sunrise, White Rim Trail for incredible views, Aztec Butte Trail for Puebloan granaries, and Grand Viewpoint Overlook Trail for that cherry-on-top sunset view to wrap up a great adventure day.

Entry Fees

Entry into Canyonlands National Park is $30 per vehicle and can be purchased online or upon arrival. The pass is good for 7 days and includes entry into all districts. Visitors with anAmerica the Beautiful Passdo not have to pay the entrance fee.

Camping

Conveniently located within the park is the first come, first served Willow Flat Campground. With the park being so close to Moab, however, you could choose to stay at any of the previously mentioned Moab camping areas.

(#17) Capitol Reef National Park

Distance from Island in the Sky District: 2 hours 37 minutes

Considering Capitol Reef is one of the parks that makes up Utah’s Mighty 5 it doesn’t get near the attention or hype that the other parks receive.

While we didn’t spend as much time in Capitol Reef as we did in the surrounding parks, we had a blast romping around Sulphur Creek Trail.

Sulphur Creek is full of adventure, canyon views, and waterfalls. Think the Narrows — only smaller scale and practically no people.

While in Capitol Reef you can also check out the petroglyphs, explore Cassidy Arch, cruise the scenic highway, or make the long (albeit very worth it) drive to Cathedral Valley.

We, unfortunately, didn’t allow enough time to drive the Cathedral Valley Loop, but witnessing the Temples of the Sun and Moon is top of my list for our next trip.

Entry Fees

Entry into Capitol Reef National Park is $20 per vehicle and can be purchased online or upon arrival. The pass is good for 7 days. Visitors with anAmerica the Beautiful Passdo not have to pay the entrance fee.

Camping

There is a nice free spot along the Freemont River you can locate using theFreeRoamapp. Additionally, check out the Fruita campground and backcountry options.

(#18) Lower Calf Creek Falls

Distance from Capitol Reef National Park: 1 hour 25 minutes

There is nothing more spellbinding than the sight of a 126-foot waterfall cascading into the desert. I laid eyes on one picture of Lower Calf Creek Falls and immediately knew I had to witness it with my own two eyes.

For the best experience, begin Lower Calf Creek Falls Trail early. Getting an early start increases your chances of beating the crowds to the waterfall. If you’re feeling brave, take a dip in the refreshing, icy-cold waters before beginning the return hike.

The trail is a relatively flat 6 miles round trip. Allot around 2-4 hours for this day’s adventure.

Entry Fees

There is a $5 vehicle fee for day-use hikers. Due note, the parking lot for Lower Calf Creek Falls is small and fills up early.

Camping

Calf Creek Campground is located steps away from the Lower Calf Creek Falls trailhead and makes hitting the trail before the crowds that much more attainable. If they’re available, snag campsite #9 or #10.

Two unique stays nearby stood out as well: Escalante Yurts and Yonder Escalante.

(#19) Bryce Canyon National Park

Distance from Lower Calf Creek Falls: 1 hour 25 minutes

Bryce Canyon National Park absolutely exceeded our expectations. The park is fantastical. While it’s relatively small in size, it boasts miles of magical trails.

Two days in Bryce Canyon is the perfect amount of time to explore the best of the park, but it also can be squeezed into one.

Make sure to prioritize Fairyland Loop Trail for sunrise and Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail for sunset. They were our two favorite trails during our trip to Bryce Canyon.

Entry Fees

The entrance fee into Bryce Canyon National Park is $35 per vehicle and can be purchased online or upon arrival. The pass is good for 7 days. Visitors with anAmerica the Beautiful Passdo not have to pay the entrance fee.

Camping

There are two campgrounds located within the park: North Campground and Sunset Campground. Sunset campground is more wooded and private but reservation only; whereas, North Campground is first come, first served.

As far as glamping goes, Wander Camp is a must.

(#20) Zion National Park

Distance from Bryce Canyon National Park: 2 hours

Is there a more epic way to end your Arizona-Utah road trip than adventuring around Zion National Park? I vote no.

Zion is the mecca for adventure. Spend the perfect adventure day scaling the chains of Angels Landing for sunrise before wading through the ice-cold waters of the Narrows. While it’s an intimidating feat, it is possible to Hike Angels Landing and the Narrows in one day.

If you’re up for it, add even more adventure to your visit by rock climbing, canyoneering, or mountain biking. Check out the awesome adventures awaiting you in my guide, Epic Things to Do in Zion National Park (Other Than Hiking).

Entry Fees

Entry into Zion National Park is $35 per vehicle and can be purchased online or upon arrival. The pass is good for 7 days. Visitors with anAmerica the Beautiful Passdo not have to pay the entrance fee.

Plan Your Trip

In April of 2022, an Angels Landing Permit Program was implemented in hopes of controlling foot traffic on the trail. All visitors aiming to hike Angels Landing will need a permit.

When applying for a permit, you will rank seven days and times of your choosing. In the event you can’t score the day or time you’re looking for in advance, you can test your luck by applying the night before.

You can apply here.

Camping

There are two campgrounds within walking distance of the Visitor Center:Watchman CampgroundandSouth Campground. Watchman Campground is open year-round and South Campground is open seasonally.

There is also plenty of BLM camping near the park, and backcountry permits are available.

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If you have any questions about this itinerary or things to know before hitting the road on your Arizona-Utah road trip, drop me a message in the comment section below.

Happy adventuring!