The Ultimate Utah National Park Road Trip Is Right Here – And You’ll Want To Do It

It can be difficult to determine which national park to visit in Utah. The Beehive State has five national parks and seven national monuments and each are incredible in their own way. To help you see some of the best parks in Utah, we've created this road trip. On this journey, you will travel to all the national parks in the Beehive State and two of our most popular monuments. Ideally, this trip should take you three to four days — you’ll want to allow plenty of time to explore the best parks in Utah along the way!

If you’re planning a visit to these incredible national parks in Utah, there’s no better time to visit than during National Park Week. Learn all about this celebration of America’s great outdoors — including fee-free days throughout the year!

This national parks road trip requires approximately 15 hours of drive time. However, check out this interactive map so you can follow along or customize your trail according to your specific starting and ending location.

1. Arches National Park

Arches National Park is just a few miles from Moab, which is a great place to start your road trip. It’s home to Delicate Arch — and about 1,999 other natural stone arches. Check out the La Sal Mountains Viewpoint, Balanced Rock, Delicate Arch, The Windows, and Devil’s Garden. If you are looking for a fun hiking trail in Utah to explore, check out the Park Avenue Trail at this national park.

2. Canyonlands National Park

Drive 40 minutes from Moab and arrive at Canyonlands National Park. Island in the Sky, the most accessible district at the park, affords stunning views 1,000 feet above the canyon floor. Grand View Point Overlook, is one of the best overlooks in this area and can be found at the end of a short, paved path.

3. Natural Bridges National Monument

Stop at Natural Bridges National Monument to visit its three natural bridges: "Kachina," "Owachomo," and "Sipapu." This monument was the world’s first "International Dark Sky Park," which means that the stargazing opportunities are amazing. You can learn more here.

4, Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park includes a 100-mile-long monocline (a wrinkle in the earth’s crust), domes, bridges, and cliffs. Visit the Fruita District, where you’ll find the Gifford Homestead and orchards. You won't want to miss Chimney Rock either (pictured above).

5. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument protects 1,888,461 acres. See the toadstool hoodoos near Paria (pictured above). Witness the many-colored cliffs (grey, white, vermillion, chocolate, and pink), go mountain biking, hiking, and climbing. For the best things to do outside in Utah, visit Calf Creek Falls and Coyote Gulch.

6. Bryce Canyon National Park

You’ll find some of Utah’s most scenic vistas at Bryce Canyon National Park. Tons of hoodoos, carved out by years of wind and ice make the canyons rich with color and dimension. There are plenty of hiking opportunities at Bryce — and some great photography, too.

7. Zion National Park

Zion National Park is Utah’s most visited park, and for good reason. Splash through the river, surrounded by slot canyons, climb to the lofty peak of Angel's Landing, and go on a bike or horseback tour. Plan in advance to hike The Narrows or The Subway.

Do you have any upcoming plans to visit Utah's national parks? Does this road trip make it easier to choose which national park to visit in Utah? Let us know in the comments!