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A paved two-lane highway curves through an arid, badlands-style landscape with layered sedimentary rock formations and sparse vegetation under a cloudy sky.
CC BY-SA 3.0 • Photo by DXR via Wikimedia Commons

10-day itinerary

Utah First-Timer's Guide

10-day tour of Utah's five national parks

Length
10 days · 6 sights
Pace
Challenging
Estimated cost
$200 per person
Based in
Utah

Day by day

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

    Arrive at Salt Lake City International Airport, pick up rental car, and explore the historic downtown area including the Utah State Capitol.

    • 14:00

      Pick up rental car and transfer to hotel

      Drive from airport to downtown Salt Lake City hotel.

      About 60 min

    • 15:30

      Visit Utah State Capitol

      Tour the historic state capitol building and view the city skyline from the dome.

      About 1.5 hours

    • 18:00

      Dinner at Temple Square Area

      Dinner at a local restaurant near Temple Square.

      About 60 min

    Where to stay:
    Stay in downtown Salt Lake City for easy access to transit and dining.
    Getting around:
    Rental car used for airport transfer; walking for local exploration.

  2. Day 2: Salt Lake City Culture & Alpine Scenery

    Explore local culture and take a short drive to the mountains for alpine scenery.

    • 09:00

      Union Pacific Railroad Museum

      Explore the history of railroading in the West.

      About 2 hours

    • 11:30

      Lunch

      Light lunch near the museum.

      About 60 min

    • 14:00

      Drive to Little Cottonwood Canyon

      Drive to Alta or Snowbird for alpine views.

      About 3 hours

    Where to stay:
    Stay in downtown Salt Lake City.
    Getting around:
    Car required for afternoon excursion.

  3. Day 3: Northern Utah & Bear Lake

    Drive north to the Bear Lake area, known as the 'Riviera of the Desert'.

    • 08:00

      Drive to Bear Lake

      Drive north from Salt Lake City to Bear Lake, Utah.

      About 3 hours

    • 12:00

      Bear Lake State Park

      Relax by the turquoise waters of Bear Lake.

      About 2 hours

    • 15:00

      Lunch in Garden City

      Lunch at a local cafe in Garden City, near Bear Lake.

      About 60 min

    Where to stay:
    Stay in a hotel in Garden City or return to Salt Lake City.
    Getting around:
    Car required.

  4. Day 4: Zion National Park Adventure

    Drive to Zion National Park, the 'Canyon Country' of Utah, and explore the main canyon.

    • 08:00

      Drive to Zion National Park

      Drive from Salt Lake City to Springdale, Utah.

      About 2.5 hours

    • 12:30

      Zion Canyon Scenic Drive

      Take the shuttle or drive to explore the main canyon, stopping at key viewpoints.

      About 2 hours

    • 18:00

      Dinner in Springdale

      Dinner at a restaurant in Springdale, UT.

      About 60 min

    Where to stay:
    Stay in Springdale, UT, or nearby St. George if extending stay, but Springdale is ideal for Zion access.
    Getting around:
    Car required.

  5. Day 5: Zion Hiking & St. George

    Hike in Zion National Park and explore St. George in the evening.

    • 07:00

      Emerald Pools Trail

      Hike the lower and upper Emerald Pools trail.

      About 6 min

    • 13:00

      Lunch

      Lunch at a local cafe.

      About 60 min

    • 15:00

      St. George Exploration

      Explore downtown St. George, known for its historic architecture.

      About 60 min

    Where to stay:
    Stay in St. George, UT, to break up the drive to the next destination.
    Getting around:
    Car required.

  6. Day 6: St. George to Moab

    Drive from St. George to Moab, UT, stopping at scenic points along the way.

    • 08:00

      Drive to Moab, UT

      Drive east from St. George to Moab, UT.

      About 4 min

    • 13:00

      Moab Downtown

      Explore the town of Moab, UT, and grab lunch.

      About 60 min

    Where to stay:
    Stay in Moab, UT.
    Getting around:
    Car required.

  7. Day 7: Arches National Park

    Explore Arches National Park, home to over 2,000 natural stone arches.

    • 08:00

      Arches National Park

      Explore the iconic arches, including Delicate Arch, if time permits, or other major arches.

      About 6 min

    • 13:00

      Lunch

      Lunch in Moab, UT.

      About 60 min

    Where to stay:
    Stay in Moab, UT.
    Getting around:
    Car required.

  8. Day 8: Canyonlands & Dead Horse Point

    Explore Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park.

    • 08:00

      Canyonlands National Park

      Explore the Island in the Sky district.

      About 6 min

    • 13:00

      Dead Horse Point

      Visit Dead Horse Point State Park for stunning views of the Colorado River.

      About 60 min

    Where to stay:
    Stay in Moab, UT.
    Getting around:
    Car required.

  9. Day 9: Moab to Capitol Reef

    Drive from Moab to Capitol Reef National Park.

    • 08:00

      Drive to Capitol Reef

      Drive from Moab to Capitol Reef National Park.

      About 4 min

    • 13:00

      Capitol Reef Area

      Explore the area around Capitol Reef National Park.

      About 60 min

    Where to stay:
    Stay in Torrey, UT, near Capitol Reef.
    Getting around:
    Car required.

  10. Day 10: Capitol Reef & Departure

    Explore Capitol Reef National Park and depart.

    • 08:00

      Capitol Reef National Park

      Explore the park, including the historic district and geological formations.

      About 6 min

    • 13:00

      Lunch

      Lunch in Torrey, UT.

      About 60 min

    Where to stay:
    Depart from Torrey, UT, or return to Salt Lake City if time permits.
    Getting around:
    Car required.

Practical information

For a ten-day trip to Utah, the optimal time to visit is during the spring (April to May) or fall (September to October). These seasons offer mild temperatures, typically ranging from 60°F to 80°F, which are ideal for hiking and outdoor exploration. Summer months can be excessively hot, particularly in the southern desert regions, while winter may bring snow and road closures to higher elevations. To secure the best accommodation rates and availability, it is advisable to book lodging several months in advance, especially if traveling during peak spring or fall weekends. Transportation is a critical component of this itinerary. While it is possible to fly into major hubs like Salt Lake City or Las Vegas, renting a car is highly recommended and often essential. Utah’s major attractions, including Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Arches National Parks, are spread across vast distances, and public transportation options are limited. A reliable vehicle provides the necessary flexibility to navigate the state’s rugged terrain and access remote trailheads. When planning your route, consider the time required to drive between parks, as some locations are several hours apart. Accommodation options vary significantly by location. In major hubs like Salt Lake City, a wide range of hotels and hostels are available. However, lodging within or immediately adjacent to the national parks, such as Zion or Bryce Canyon, is limited and often books up months in advance. For a more immersive experience, consider staying in nearby gateway towns like Spring, UT, or Kanab, which offer a variety of hotels, motels, and vacation rentals. These areas provide convenient access to the parks while offering more affordable and diverse accommodation options. Budget considerations should include not only lodging and transportation but also park entrance fees, which are typically charged per vehicle. Additionally, budget for meals, as dining options within the parks can be limited and expensive. It is advisable to pack essential items such as sturdy hiking boots, layered clothing for variable weather conditions, and ample water. Sun protection, including hats and sunscreen, is also crucial due to the high altitude and intense sun exposure. By planning ahead and packing appropriately, travelers can fully enjoy the diverse landscapes and unique experiences Utah has to offer.

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