Best Route to Visit All 5 Utah National Parks

All photographs are © Roaming the Southwest unless stated otherwise. Unauthorized reproduction or use is prohibited.

If you're planning to visit all five Utah National Parks in one trip, the order you visit them makes a HUGE difference.

I've spent more than a decade exploring the Southwest, and one of the biggest mistakes I see people make is planning a Utah road trip without considering how far apart these parks actually are. They look close together on a map, but the driving adds up quickly, especially when you're stopping every 15 minutes because the scenery is incredible.

And trust me, you're going to want to stop.

The good news? Utah's Mighty 5 National Parks are arranged in a way that makes visiting all five in one road trip relatively straightforward, as long as you plan your route correctly.

I'm going to walk you through the order I'd recommend, which airports to consider, where to stay, and how much time you actually need.

If this is your first time visiting the area, don't miss my Southern Utah Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors.

What Is the Best Route to Visit Utah's Mighty 5?

For a one-way road trip, I recommend starting in Las Vegas and finishing in Salt Lake City, or doing the entire route in reverse.

Here's the order:

Las Vegas → Zion → Bryce Canyon → Capitol Reef → Arches → Canyonlands → Salt Lake City

This route takes you through all five Utah National Parks without repeatedly crossing the state to get from one park to another.

The five parks are:

• Zion National Park
• Bryce Canyon National Park
• Capitol Reef National Park
• Arches National Park
• Canyonlands National Park

You can visit Arches and Canyonlands in either order because both are easily accessed from Moab. I recommend staying in Moab for at least two nights rather than changing hotels between them.

One important thing to understand: this is the most straightforward order for a one-way trip, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's the cheapest. One-way flights and rental cars can cost more, so compare your options before booking.

Map of the Best Utah National Parks Route

The route follows a natural progression across Southern Utah, starting near Zion in the southwest, crossing through Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef, and finishing in the Moab area before heading north.

I'd use this map to visualize the overall route before booking flights or accommodations.

The biggest thing I want you to notice is that Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef are connected by Scenic Byway 12. This isn't a stretch of road I'd recommend rushing through just to reach your next hotel.

It's one of my favorite scenic drives in the entire Southwest, and I genuinely think it's one of the highlights of a Mighty 5 road trip.

Where Should You Fly to Visit All 5 Utah National Parks?

Las Vegas International Airport (LAS)

Las Vegas is usually the first airport I'd check when planning a Utah National Parks road trip.

It's a convenient starting point for Zion, with the drive to Springdale taking approximately 2.5–3 hours, depending on traffic and stops.

Just remember that Utah is one hour ahead of Las Vegas for most of the year, so account for the time change when planning your arrival.

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)

Salt Lake City is a good option for starting or finishing on the Moab side of the route.

Expect roughly 3.5–4 hours of driving between Salt Lake City and Moab, before sightseeing stops.

If flights or rental cars are significantly cheaper into Salt Lake City, there's absolutely nothing wrong with doing this road trip in reverse.

Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT)

Here's an airport I think more people should at least consider: Grand Junction, Colorado.

Grand Junction is approximately 1.5–2 hours from Moab, making it convenient for visiting Arches and Canyonlands.

It's a smaller regional airport, so flights can be more expensive and schedules more limited. But depending on where you're flying from, it may be worth comparing.

My advice? Price out the entire trip, including airfare, rental car costs, and driving time, rather than choosing an airport based on airfare alone.

Driving Times Between Utah's National Parks

These are approximate driving times for the main route, without long sightseeing stops, traffic delays, or time spent exploring inside the parks.

Now here's what those drive times don't tell you.

That 2.5-hour drive from Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef can easily take half a day or longer when you stop at overlooks, take photographs, or explore along Highway 12.

And you SHOULD make time for those stops.

One of the things I love most about Southern Utah is that the scenery between the National Parks can be just as incredible as the parks themselves.

Don't plan every driving day down to the minute. You'll end up rushing through some of the best parts of the trip.

Where to Stay Along the Mighty 5 Route

You don't need a different hotel for every National Park. In fact, I'd recommend against that.

Springdale for Zion National Park

Springdale is my first choice for visiting Zion because you're right outside the park's main entrance and have convenient access to the shuttle system.

If you're planning to spend two days exploring Zion, I'd recommend staying at least two nights rather than packing up and moving immediately.

Just know that Springdale can be expensive, especially during peak season. If you're looking for more budget-friendly accommodations, consider La Verkin or Hurricane. Both are farther from the park, but you can often find better prices if you don't mind the extra drive each morning.

Bryce Canyon City or Tropic for Bryce Canyon

For Bryce Canyon, look at accommodations near the park entrance or in Tropic.

Staying nearby makes it easier to catch sunrise, which is something I'd highly recommend if your schedule allows.

Torrey for Capitol Reef National Park

Torrey is the most convenient base for exploring Capitol Reef's main Fruita area.

And please don't treat Capitol Reef as a park you simply drive through on the way to Moab.

Capitol Reef and Canyonlands are actually two of my favorite National Parks in Utah. Both offer incredible scenery, and I love that you can still find quieter areas away from the busiest overlooks.

Moab for Arches and Canyonlands

Moab is your base for two National Parks, Arches and Canyonlands.

I'd plan at least two nights here, and preferably three if you want to spend meaningful time hiking or exploring beyond the most popular overlooks.

One important distinction: Canyonlands is divided into separate districts. When I recommend visiting it from Moab on a typical Mighty 5 road trip, I'm talking about Island in the Sky. The Needles district requires a different drive and additional time.

How Many Days Do You Need to Visit All 5 Utah National Parks?

Technically, you can visit all five parks in a week or less.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely not.

Here's how I'd approach it:

• 5–6 days: Extremely rushed. You'll spend a lot of time driving and have to skip plenty of hikes and stops.
• 7 days: Doable with an efficient route, early starts, and realistic expectations.
• 8–10 days: My recommendation for most first-time visitors.
• 10+ days: Ideal if you want longer hikes, scenic detours, or a slower pace.

For a trip of around 8–10 days, I'd generally allow:

• Zion: 2 days
• Bryce Canyon: 1 day
• Capitol Reef: 1 day
• Arches: 1–2 days
• Canyonlands: 1 day
• Additional time for driving, Highway 12, and arrival or departure

Remember that travel days still count. A seven-day vacation doesn't necessarily mean seven full days inside National Parks.

If you only have one week, I've already mapped out a faster-paced 7-Day Utah National Parks Itinerary that connects all five parks.

Can You Visit Utah's National Parks in Reverse Order?

Absolutely.

Salt Lake City → Canyonlands → Arches → Capitol Reef → Bryce Canyon → Zion → Las Vegas

There's no major sightseeing disadvantage to driving this route in reverse.

In fact, if you want to finish your trip at Zion, that can be a great way to end your vacation.

Just remember that Zion is also one of the parks where you'll likely want the most time and energy for hiking. I wouldn't save your biggest hike for the last day of a packed trip if you're already exhausted.

Choose the direction that works best for your flights, rental car, and overall schedule.

Important Planning Tips for a Utah Mighty 5 Road Trip

Don't Underestimate Zion's Logistics

Zion requires a little more planning than simply driving into the park and finding a trailhead.

The Zion Canyon shuttle operates seasonally, and private vehicles generally cannot access Zion Canyon Scenic Drive while the shuttle is running.

Parking near the visitor center can fill early, especially during busy periods.

I'd plan an early start, check the current shuttle schedule, and research any permits required for the hikes you're considering.

Give Scenic Byway 12 Plenty of Time

If there's one driving day I wouldn't rush, it's the stretch between Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef.

Highway 12 takes you through some of the most incredible landscapes in Southern Utah, including the Escalante area and the mountains around Boulder.

I genuinely think the drive itself is a destination.

Give yourself extra time for overlooks, photographs, and spontaneous stops. You're going to want it.

Don't Skip Capitol Reef

I know Zion and Arches get most of the attention, but please don't overlook Capitol Reef.

The Fruita area is beautiful, and the surrounding landscapes are unlike anything else on this route.

If you're someone who enjoys scenic drives, photography, and getting away from the busiest National Park crowds, I think you'll love it.

Plan for Desert Weather and Seasonal Conditions

Southern Utah isn't one temperature or one climate.

Zion and Moab can be extremely hot in summer, while Bryce Canyon sits at a much higher elevation and can experience cold weather and snow.

Conditions can also change quickly along mountain roads, including Highway 12.

Check weather forecasts, road conditions, park alerts, and seasonal access before your trip.

Book Accommodations Before Your Trip

Springdale and Moab are especially popular, and accommodations can fill quickly during peak travel periods.

I recommend deciding on your route and overnight stops before booking everything else.

Otherwise, you may find yourself driving farther than you intended simply because you couldn't find a place to stay near the park.

Common FAQS About the Best Utah National Parks Route

What Is the Best Order to Visit Utah's National Parks?

For a one-way trip starting in Las Vegas, I'd visit Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands, then finish in Salt Lake City or Grand Junction. You can also reverse the route.

Can You Visit All 5 Utah National Parks in 7 Days?

Yes, but it's a fast-paced trip. You'll need to prioritize the hikes and overlooks that matter most to you and accept that you won't see everything.

I recommend 8–10 days when possible.

Is It Better to Fly Into Las Vegas or Salt Lake City?

Both work well. Las Vegas is convenient for Zion, while Salt Lake City is convenient for Moab. Compare airfare, one-way rental car fees, and your travel schedule before deciding.

Can You Visit Arches and Canyonlands in One Day?

You can see selected highlights of both parks in one long day, especially if you're visiting Canyonlands' Island in the Sky district.

But if you want to hike, photograph sunrise or sunset, or explore beyond the most accessible viewpoints, I'd give each park its own day.

Should You Visit All 5 Parks on One Trip?

If you have at least a week and enjoy road trips, absolutely. But if you only have four or five days, I'd choose fewer parks and spend more time exploring them.

There's no reason to rush through all five just to say you've been there.

My Final Advice for Planning Your Utah National Parks Route

The best Utah National Parks road trip isn't necessarily the one where you squeeze in the most stops.

It's the one where you have enough time to actually enjoy the places you've traveled so far to see.

Start with your flights, choose a route that makes sense, give yourself more time for the scenic drives than you think you'll need, and don't underestimate how much there is to see between the National Parks.

If you want help with a trip built around your specific interests, I also offer personalized Southern Utah itineraries.

Planning a Trip to Southern Utah?

I've spent more than 10 years exploring the Southwest, and my Southern Utah Travel Guide includes my favorite hikes, scenic drives, overlooks, and seven pre-built itineraries to help you plan your trip.

Explore My Southern Utah Travel Guide

See you out there,

Mallory