Road Trip: National Parks of Utah and Arizona

An 11-day/1600-mile road trip covering National Parks of Utah and Arizona – including Zion, Bryce, Arches and the Grand Canyon. Travelers included our family with 3 kids ages 6-13. Enjoyed hiking among and above hoodoos, canyons and arches. Stayed in a variety of accommodations. Month of travel: April.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Travel Day

Late flight to Las Vegas / Rent car / Check into hotel (1 night)

Day 2/3 – Zion National Park

Drive to Zion National Park (2.5 hours) / Hike to Lower Emerald Pools + Upper Emerald Pools / Check into AirBnB in Hurricane (2 nights)

Hike the Narrows Trail / Late lunch at Zion Canyon Brewing Company / Hike Angel’s Landing

Day 4 – Bryce Canyon National Park

Drive to Bryce Canyon National Park (2 hours) / Visit Sunrise Point / Hike Navajo Trail + Peekaboo Trail / Visit Inspiration Point / Dinner at the Lodge at Bryce Canyon / Check into hotel in Bryce (1 night)

Day 5 – Travel Day

Drive to Moab via Route 12 (4.5 hours) / Stop at Kiva Coffeehouse / Detour to Peek a Boo Slot Canyon (allow minimum of 3 hours for drive + hike) / Check into Moab Under Canvas (3 nights)

Days 6/7 – Arches, Canyonlands and Moab

Arches National Park: Explore the Windows Section / Hike Devil’s Garden Trail / Drive to Grand View Point overlook, Canyonlands National Park

Breakfast at Eklecticafe / Half-day white water rafting trip on the Colorado / Hike to Delicate Arch to watch the sunset

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Day 8/9 – Grand Canyon National Park

Drive to Grand Canyon National Park (6 hours) / Hike the Rim Trail / Check into lodge (1 night)

Rent bikes and bike to Hermit’s Rest / Drive to Sedona (2.5 hours) / Check into Sky Ranch Lodge Resort (2 nights)

Day 10 – Sedona

Hike the West Fork Trail / Rest and explore Sedona

Day 11 – Travel Day

Drive to Phoenix (2 hours) / fly home

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Travel Tips

Perfect Timing. If you hate heat and crowds, April is a perfect time to do this trip. I cannot imagine attempting some of these hikes in the blazing sun and heat. Most of Arches, Canyonlands and Bryce did not have any shade whatsoever. Parking in all of the parks – even in April – fills up early. Plan to be anywhere by 9:30am at the latest in order to get a parking spot. I’m assuming this is even earlier in the summer.

Desert Weather. At this time of year, make sure to bring lots of layers. We wore everything from shorts to vests+hats+gloves. Elevation at Bryce is 8000 feet; there was still snow in some places. Evenings in the desert get really chilly and days can get HOT.

Precarious Heights. There are cliffs and drop-offs EVERYWHERE. If you are even moderately afraid of heights, some of these hikes and activities will be tough for you. If you are a parent, be prepared to be a fun-killer and tell your kids 100+ times to not get so close to the edges or climb so high.

Amazing Drives. I never thought I would say this, but you MUST drive these routes. 1) Leave (or enter) Zion on Highway 9 (via Orderville) on your way to Bryce for sweeping canyon views, multiple switchbacks and a chance to see Checkerboard Mesa. 2) Most of the drive from Escalante to Moab via Highways 12 and 24 are like nothing I’ve ever seen. The landscape changed several times as we drove through birch forest and Capitol Reef National Park.

Other Activities. Our family prefers hiking (and it’s free!), but every area we went had opportunities for other adventures (usually at a price) if you want to vary your activities. We rafted in Moab and biked in the Grand Canyon to break up the time on our feet. Choose from Jeep tours, canyoneering, horseback riding, and more.

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