Utah National Parks 5 Day Itinerary from Las Vegas

Utah’s National Parks offer some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the United States. Starting your adventure in Las Vegas and weaving through the parks in southern Utah is the best way to experience this slice of the American Southwest. Here is a 5 day itinerary. Over five days, you’ll visit Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Arches National Park, and Canyonlands National Park. Each destination brings stunning views, unique rock formations, scenic drives, and countless opportunities for adventure.

Whether you’re pushing a stroller down a paved trail or marveling at the Colorado River from a cliffside lookout, this itinerary guarantees a great time for travelers of all ages. Let’s dive in!

Pro Tip : If you don’t have one already get a National Park card, usually it pays for itself in 2 visits, so it’s worth it.

Best Time to Visit Utah’s National Parks

The beauty of the Utah National Parks Road Trip is that it can be enjoyed year-round. However, the best time to visit is during the late spring, early summer, or fall. Here’s what to consider:

Spring (March – May): Blooming wildflowers and mild temperatures make spring the perfect season.
Summer (June – August): While the summer months showcase long daylight hours for exploring, temperatures soar, so plan hikes during the early morning or late afternoon.
Fall (September – November): Cooler temperatures and fewer crowds make this an ideal time for a visit.
Winter (December – February): Many trails remain accessible, but some roads and viewpoints may close due to snow. In winter, parks like Bryce Canyon and Zion Canyon offer a magical blanket of snow across their landscapes.

Whenever you go, pack wisely to suit the time of year. Sunscreen, water, and layers are essential, and bringing extra snacks can make the difference on longer stretches of road between stops.

Day 1: Las Vegas to Zion National Park

Your adventure begins with an early start in Las Vegas, driving roughly 2.5 hours to Zion National Park, the first stop on your national parks itinerary. The route offers beautiful views of desert landscapes, sandstone cliffs, and the Virgin River winding toward the park. To break up the journey, consider stopping at Valley of Fire State Park, just an hour outside Las Vegas. This area features iconic red rocks and unique rock formations, perfect for stretching legs and taking photos.

A Full Day in Zion National Park

Zion Canyon, known for its towering red cliffs, is one of the crown jewels of Utah’s National Parks. Begin your day at the Visitor Center, where you can park your car and hop on the free shuttle bus that traverses the park.

Easy Hikes for Families:

1. Riverside Walk (2.2 miles round trip, easy): This family-friendly trail is the perfect way to introduce young explorers to the beauty of Zion Canyon. The trail is paved and mostly flat, winding alongside the serene Virgin River. As you stroll, you’ll encounter lush vegetation, tall canyon walls, and small wildlife like lizards and birds. The walk ends at the starting point for the Narrows, where kids love dipping their feet into the cool river water. If you’re not planning on hiking the Narrows, this trail still provides a great opportunity for photos and relaxing by the water.

2. Pa’rus Trail (3.5 miles round trip, easy): Paved and bicycle-friendly, this trail is ideal for families with strollers or those who prefer a leisurely hike. It follows the Virgin River and offers incredible views of the surrounding canyon walls without any strenuous climbs. Along the way, interpretive signs provide information about Zion’s geology and wildlife, making this an educational option for kids. The open layout also makes it perfect for spotting mule deer grazing in the grass.

3. Emerald Pools Trail (1.2 miles to lower pools, moderate): The lower section of this popular trail is great for younger children and families. A gentle incline leads to a beautiful oasis where waterfalls trickle over dark rocks into sparkling pools below. The shady areas and proximity to water are a welcome reprieve from Zion’s heat. For more adventurous families, continue to the middle or upper pools (note: these sections are steeper and uneven) for outstanding views.

4. Angels Landing Viewpoints (Strenuous beyond Scout Lookout): While the full climb to Angels Landing is restricted and very challenging, families can tackle the first section to Scout Lookout, which offers jaw-dropping views of Zion Canyon. If you’re traveling with kids who are older or active, this is an exciting challenge. Be mindful of narrow paths and the need for plenty of water and sun protection.

Pro Tip for Hiking in Zion: Start the day early to avoid crowds and the midday heat. Pack plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and hats for sun protection.

For the Adventurous:

Angels Landing: If you’re traveling with older kids or teenagers and have time for one iconic hike, this trail offers jaw-dropping views—but it’s not for the faint of heart. You have to get a permit and it is done by lottery. Here is the website for that.

Pack lunch ahead of time or enjoy a family picnic at the Grotto Picnic Area, a shady, peaceful spot with restroom facilities nearby. Keep an eye out for mule deer, wild turkeys, and squirrels during your explorations.

Where to Stay in Springdale

As evening falls, head to the nearby town of Springdale, a small town filled with options for dining and lodging.

Top family-friendly choices:

The Red Cliffs Lodge Zion: Steps from Zion and stunning views.
Zion Canyon Cabins: Ideal for families, the cabins sleep 6.
Book a hotel in Springdale here!

Great dining spots:

Oscar’s Cafe: Known for its burgers and outdoor ambiance.
MeMe’s Cafe: A cozy option for delicious crepes.

Day 2: Zion to Bryce Canyon’s Hoodoos

After saying goodbye to Zion, make the short drive (2 hours) to Bryce Canyon National Park. Along the way, watch for roadside attractions like Checkerboard Mesa and Red Canyon, ideal stops for quick hikes and photos. Arrive at Bryce with plenty of energy for one of the park’s iconic trails. Here is our article on Bryce Canyon.

Exploring Bryce Canyon: The Land of Hoodoos

Famous for its towering spires called hoodoos, Bryce Canyon feels otherworldly. Sunset Point and Inspiration Point are excellent places to introduce your kids to the park’s beauty.

Family-Friendly Trails:

1. Navajo Loop Trail (1.4 miles, moderate): This iconic trail takes you into the heart of Bryce Canyon, descending steep switchbacks through Wall Street, where towering hoodoos surround you like cathedral walls. The trail levels out at the bottom, where you’ll encounter pine trees growing impossibly from the orange-colored soil. Kids will be amazed by the grandeur of the rock formations. The trail eventually ascends via another set of switchbacks, so plan for plenty of breaks on the way up. This is one of Bryce’s most popular hikes, so start early for cooler weather and fewer crowds.

2. Queen’s Garden Trail (1.8 miles round trip, easy to moderate): This hike is one of the best options for families seeking a manageable adventure with stunning scenery. The trail descends gently into an amphitheater filled with hoodoos that seem almost otherworldly. Look out for the “Queen Victoria” hoodoo, which resembles a statue. Photo opportunities abound along this trail, and there are plenty of shaded spots to take breaks. It’s less crowded and less strenuous than the Navajo Loop, making it perfect for young kids.

3. Sunset Point to Sunrise Point Rim Trail (1 mile, easy): If you’re short on time, this short walk along the canyon rim provides spectacular views of the hoodoos below. Perfect for toddlers or those with limited mobility, the trail is mostly flat and features excellent photo opportunities, particularly during the golden light of sunrise or late afternoon.

Pro Tip for Hiking in Bryce Canyon: Wear sturdy shoes for better grip, as the trails can be loose and dusty. Bring layers, as Bryce’s high elevation means temperatures can be significantly cooler, even in summer.

Where to Stay and Dine Near Bryce

Stay at:

The Lodge at Bryce Canyon: Offers fantastic proximity to Sunset Point.
Ruby’s Inn: Famous for its cozy vibe and additional amenities for families.
Book a hotel near Bryce Canyon here.

Eat at:

Sweetwater Kitchen: Farm or Ranch to table restaurant.
Bryce Canyon Pines Restaurant: Cozy country cooking including home-made soups, pastas, local beef and much, much more! Best pie crust I’ve ever had!

Evening stargazing at Bryce Canyon is an absolute must. As an International Dark Sky Park, it boasts some of the clearest night skies in the world.

Here is our trip to Bryce Canyon post.

Day 3: Scenic Byway 12 to Capitol Reef National Park

Day 3 invites you to explore Utah’s less-visited gems. Drive along Scenic Byway 12, considered one of the most beautiful roads in the country, to Capitol Reef National Park.

Great places to stop on this scenic drive:

Goblin Valley State Park: Kids will love climbing on the fun, goblin-shaped formations.
Calf Creek Recreation Area: If you have extra time, enjoy a short walk to Calf Creek Falls.
Anasazi State Park Museum: A quick educational stop with exhibits on Utah’s historical civilizations.

Capitol Reef Highlights

Capitol Reef offers welcoming trails, a mix of history, and natural beauty. Hikes like the Petroglyphs Trail and stops at the Gifford House to sample fresh pies make this park charmingly unique. Don’t miss the Waterpocket Fold, a geological masterpiece.

1. Capitol Gorge Trail (2 miles round trip, easy): This flat trail takes you through a narrow canyon with impressive, towering cliffs. Along the way, you’ll find petroglyphs from the Fremont Culture etched into the canyon walls. Kids will love searching for these ancient artworks. The end of the trail features The Tanks, small natural water basins that are fascinating to observe.

2. Hickman Bridge Trail (1.8 miles round trip, moderate): This hike leads to a stunning natural bridge formation. The trail begins with a gentle climb through colorful rock layers and offers views of the majestic Waterpocket Fold in the distance. The bridge itself is a marvel, and kids will enjoy walking underneath it—and maybe even crawling through surrounding rock formations.

Pro Tip for Capitol Reef: Stop at the Gifford House Store near the park’s historic district for fresh fruit pies or handpicked seasonal fruit from the nearby orchards.

Stay nearby in the small town of Torrey, known for its family-friendly accommodations.

Top stays:

Capitol Reef Resort: Teepees and wagons provide a Western-themed experience.
Broken Spur Inn: Spacious, family-friendly accommodations with great amenities.
Book a hotel here near Capitol Reef National Park.

Day 4: Arches and Canyonlands National Parks

Day 4 offers a mix of exploration at two parks. Head to Arches National Park in the early morning to beat the crowds and explore iconic spots. Arches has implements a reservation requirement April 1- July 6 & August 28-October 31, see more information here.

Highlights at Arches National Park:

1. The Windows Trail (1 mile round trip, easy): This family-friendly trail offers big scenic rewards for minimal effort. The trail loops around North Window and South Window, two giant arches perfectly framing the surrounding desert. Kids will love walking through the arches and feeling small next to these towering natural formations.

2. Delicate Arch Trail (3 miles round trip, moderate to strenuous): For older kids and active families, the journey to Delicate Arch is well worth the effort. The gradual incline builds anticipation as you climb over slick rocks before suddenly arriving at the arch itself—a freestanding masterpiece that has become a Utah icon. Bring plenty of water, as there’s hardly any shade.

In the afternoon, make your way to Canyonlands National Park’s Island in the Sky District (Canyonlands is truly huge, you can spend a few days here).

Canyonlands Highlights:

1. Mesa Arch Trail (0.5 miles, easy): This short loop might be one of the most photogenic spots in all of Utah. The arch is perched on the edge of a cliff, framing incredible views of the vast canyon walls and distant mountains. Arrive at sunrise for breathtaking colors that light up the surrounding landscape.

2. Grand View Point Trail (2 miles round trip, easy): A relatively flat trail leads to incredible overlooks of the Green River and layers of canyons stretching out to the horizon. It’s a great place for teaching kids about geology and the forces of nature that shaped this rugged terrain.

What you do now depends on your energy level. Do you want to head to Moab to stay the night and then back to Vegas in the morning? It is almost 7 hours from Moab to Las Vegas. So I personally would start the drive back in order to chop up the long drive and I would stay in Green River, UT.

Places to Stay in Green River:

Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Free Breakfast and indoor pool.
Comfort Inn Green River – Free Breakfast and indoor pool.
Book a hotel in Green River here.

If you opt for the Moab route:

My Place Hotel – Some rooms have kitchenettes, outdoor pool
Mount Peale Country Inn and Cabins – Amazing views
Book a hotel in Moab here.

Day 5: Back to Las Vegas

Wrap up your journey at Horseshoe Bend, near Lake Powell, for one last jaw-dropping view of the winding Colorado River. This perfect place to reflect on your adventure offers a short trail to the overlook.

Before returning to Las Vegas, make time to revisit cherished moments from your trip. A long drive doesn’t have to feel exhausting—share road trip memories with family trivia games or playlists.

Conclusion:

This 5-day Utah National Parks Road Trip is packed with the best places, stunning views, and family-friendly hikes across the Utah Mighty 5. Whether it’s stopping for pie at Capitol Reef, exploring the dark skies at Bryce Canyon, or marveling at Zion’s canyon walls, you’ll leave with cherished memories. So pack your bags, hop in your car, and hit the road for a grand adventure in the American Southwest!

This version enriches the itinerary with more depth and resources, creating an expansive guide for travelers tackling the Utah National Parks Road Trip. Let me know if you’d like further refinements!

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