Skip to content
Illustrative header image for Best of Utah in a Week
AI-generated illustration

7-day itinerary

Best of Utah in a Week

Seven-day loop of Utah's Mighty Five National Parks

Length
7 days · 8 sights
Pace
Moderate
Estimated cost
$185 per person
Based in
Utah

Day by day

  1. Day 1: Arrival in Salt Lake City and Downtown Exploration

    Arrive in Salt Lake City, settle into your hotel, and explore the historic downtown area including the iconic Temple Square and local dining options.

    • 10:00

      Arrival and Hotel Check-in

      Pick up rental car and check into hotel in downtown Salt Lake City.

      About 60 min

    • 11:00

      Utah State Capitol

      Tour the historic Utah State Capitol building, learning about state history and enjoying views of the city.

      About 1.5 hours

    • 12:30

      Lunch in Downtown SLC

      Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant near Temple Square or Main Street.

      About 60 min

    • 14:00

      Snowbird Aerial Tramway

      Take the tramway up to Snowbird for panoramic views of the Wasatch Mountains, even if not skiing.

      About 2 hours

    • 16:00

      Evening Stroll and Dinner

      Relax and enjoy dinner in the city.

      About 60 min

    Meals:
    Lunch at Downtown Salt Lake City; Dinner at Downtown Salt Lake City
    Where to stay:
    Stay in downtown Salt Lake City for easy access to attractions and dining.
    Getting around:
    Rental car needed for the day; parking available at Capitol and Snowbird.

  2. Day 2: Northern Utah: Bear Lake and Brigham City

    Drive north to the stunning Bear Lake area and explore the unique art installation in Brigham City.

    • 08:00

      Drive to Bear Lake

      Drive north from Salt Lake City to Bear Lake State Park.

      About 2 hours

    • 10:00

      Bear Lake State Park

      Enjoy the turquoise waters of Bear Lake, often called the 'Caribbean of the Rockies'.

      About 2 hours

    • 12:00

      Lunch near Bear Lake

      Picnic or eat at a local cafe in the Bear Lake area.

      About 60 min

    • 13:00

      Drive to Brigham City

      Drive south to Brigham City.

      About 60 min

    • 14:00

      Spiral Jetty

      View Robert Smithson's famous earthwork sculpture on the shore of the Great Salt Lake.

      About 1.5 hours

    • 15:30

      Brigham City Museum

      Explore local history and art at the local museum.

      About 60 min

    Meals:
    Lunch at Bear Lake Area; Dinner at Brigham City
    Where to stay:
    Stay in Brigham City or return to Salt Lake City if preferred.
    Getting around:
    Car is essential for this day's travel.

  3. Day 3: Zion National Park Adventure

    Full day exploring the iconic Zion National Park, starting with the Emerald Pools and ending with a sunset view.

    • 07:00

      Drive to Zion National Park

      Drive from St. George to the Zion Canyon entrance.

      About 15 min

    • 08:00

      Canyon Overlook Trail

      Hike the moderate trail with stunning views of the Virgin River Gorge.

      About 3 hours

    • 10:30

      Emerald Pools Trail

      Hike to the lower and upper Emerald Pools, enjoying lush vegetation and waterfalls.

      About 2 hours

    • 13:00

      Lunch at Zion Ponderosa Ranch

      Lunch at a local restaurant near the park entrance.

      About 60 min

    Meals:
    Lunch at Springdale, UT; Dinner at Springdale, UT
    Where to stay:
    Stay in Springdale, UT, for easy access to the park entrance.
    Getting around:
    Shuttle service recommended during peak season to avoid traffic.

  4. Day 4: Capitol Reef and Torrey

    Drive east to Capitol Reef National Park, exploring the colorful cliffs and historic orchards.

    • 08:00

      Drive to Capitol Reef

      Drive from Springdale to Capitol Reef National Park.

      About 60 min

    • 09:30

      Fruita Historic District

      Explore the historic orchards and pioneer buildings in the Fruita district.

      About 2 hours

    • 11:30

      Hickman Bridge Trail

      Hike to the natural bridge, a stunning sandstone arch.

      About 2 hours

    • 13:30

      Lunch in Torrey

      Lunch in the town of Torrey, near the park entrance.

      About 60 min

    Meals:
    Lunch at Torrey, UT; Dinner at Torrey, UT

  5. Day 5: Moab: Arches and Canyonlands

    Explore the iconic arches of Arches National Park and the rugged landscape of Canyonlands.

    • 07:00

      Arches National Park

      Visit the iconic Delicate Arch and other formations. Note: Timed entry may be required in peak season.

    • 12:00

      Lunch in Moab

      Lunch in Moab, UT.

    • 14:00

      Canyonlands National Park (Island in the Sky)

      Explore the Mesa Arch and other viewpoints in the Island in the Sky district.

    Meals:
    Lunch at Moab, UT; Dinner at Moab, UT

  6. Day 6: Monument Valley and St. George

    Drive to Monument Valley for iconic views, then return to St. George.

    • 07:00

      Monument Valley Tribal Park

      Visit the iconic Monument Valley, home to the iconic East and West Mitten Buttes. Note: A guide is often required for the inner valley, but the scenic drive is accessible.

    • 10:00

      Monument Valley Drive

      Drive the 17-mile loop through the valley, stopping at key viewpoints.

    • 12:00

      Lunch in Page, AZ

      Lunch in Page, AZ, on the way back.

    • 14:00

      Horseshoe Bend

      Visit the iconic Horseshoe Bend, a stunning meander of the Colorado River.

    Meals:
    Lunch at Page, AZ; Dinner at St. George, UT

  7. Day 7: Departure

    Final day in St. George, leisurely breakfast, and departure.

    • 08:00

      Breakfast in St. George

      Enjoy a final breakfast in St. George.

    • 10:00

      St. George Museum

      Visit the local history museum if time permits.

    • 12:00

      Departure

      Head to the airport for departure.

    Meals:
    Breakfast at St. George, UT

Practical information

The optimal time to visit Utah’s national parks is between April and October, with spring (March–April) and fall offering the most favorable weather conditions. Summer months, particularly July and August, are characterized by extreme heat, high crowds, and higher costs, making them less ideal for comfort. To manage the heat and crowds, visiting during the shoulder seasons is recommended. For transportation, flying into Las Vegas is generally the most cost-effective option, as it is closer to the southern entrance of Zion National Park. Alternatively, flying into Salt Lake City is suitable for those planning to combine the trip with northern Utah attractions. Once in the region, renting a car is essential, as public transit is limited and local rental inventory can be scarce. The recommended route is a loop starting in Las Vegas, moving through Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, and Arches, before returning. This route minimizes backtracking, with drives between overnight stops kept to manageable lengths of under four hours. Accommodation should be booked well in advance, especially during peak seasons. Staying in gateway towns like Springdale, near Zion, provides convenient access to park entrances and walkable amenities. When selecting lodging, consider using travel platforms to compare options, but be aware that prices surge during peak times. The itinerary is designed to be flexible, allowing for adjustments based on personal pace and energy levels. Budget considerations should include the cost of the America the Beautiful Pass, which covers entrance fees for national parks, and the cost of vehicle rental. It is important to budget for additional expenses such as food, fuel, and potential fees for specific activities or permits. Planning ahead is crucial to secure accommodations and manage costs effectively, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience. When packing, prioritize lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for warm weather, along with sturdy hiking boots. Essential items include sun protection, such as hats and sunscreen, and sufficient water for hiking. Given the variable weather, packing layers is advisable to accommodate changes in temperature. Additionally, ensure you have necessary permits for specific hikes, such as Angels Landing, and check for any timed-entry requirements in advance.

Questions people ask

Book your stay

More itineraries

All itineraries