{"id":12580,"date":"2022-07-17T16:16:06","date_gmt":"2022-07-17T16:16:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/?p=12580"},"modified":"2025-06-28T14:41:32","modified_gmt":"2025-06-28T14:41:32","slug":"utah-road-trip","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/utah-road-trip\/","title":{"rendered":"Southern Utah\u2019s Best Sites &#8211; A Virtual Utah Road Trip"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">The ultimate <strong>Utah road trip itinerary to visit the<\/strong> <strong>best sites in Southern Utah<\/strong> including the top National Parks. The amazing canyons and sandstone rock formations create a unique setting, the photoworthy landscapes which are famous across the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>Southern Utah boasts some of<\/strong> <strong>the most<\/strong> <strong>spectacular scenery in the United States<\/strong>. Hoodoos, arches, ancient volcanoes, slot canyons, majestic sandstone cliffs, stunning views over deeply carved canyon walls\u2026 Southern Utah offers a long menu of natural wonders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">How about we take a virtual <strong>road trip through Southern Utah\u2019s best sites<\/strong>? Our Utah Road Trip will start in this beautiful state\u2019s southwest corner, will travel 380 miles across Utah\u2019s southern half, and finish in the famed southeast Utah town of Moab. Along the way, we will <strong>visit Utah\u2019s Mighty 5 National Parks, 4 State Parks<\/strong>, one of Hollywood\u2019s favorite views, and throw in some other <strong>unique Utah attractions<\/strong> along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">So let\u2019s get going!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/utah-road-trip-bryce-canyon-national-park-usa.webp\" alt=\"Red rock formations in Bryce Canyon, the most photogenic place in Utah.\" class=\"wp-image-12624\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Bryce Canyon is one of the most photogenic places in Utah.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-table-of-contents uagb-toc__align-left uagb-toc__columns-1  uagb-block-11db5dd4      \"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-scroll= \"1\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-offset= \"30\"\n\t\t\t\t\tstyle=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"uagb-toc__wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"uagb-toc__title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBest Places to Visit on a Southern Utah Road Trip Itinerary\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 384 512\"><path d=\"M192 384c-8.188 0-16.38-3.125-22.62-9.375l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.75 0-45.25s32.75-12.5 45.25 0L192 306.8l137.4-137.4c12.5-12.5 32.75-12.5 45.25 0s12.5 32.75 0 45.25l-160 160C208.4 380.9 200.2 384 192 384z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"uagb-toc__list-wrap \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<ol class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#st-george\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">St George<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#1-snow-canyon-state-park\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">1. Snow Canyon State Park<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#2-zion-national-park\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">2. Zion National Park<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#3-peek-a-boo-slot-canyon-kanab\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">3. Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon (Kanab)<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#4-red-canyon\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">4. Red Canyon<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#5-bryce-canyon-national-park\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">5. Bryce Canyon National Park<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#6-kodachrome-basin-state-park\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">6. Kodachrome Basin State Park<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#7-lunch-break-in-torrey-utah\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">7. Lunch Break in Torrey Utah<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#8-capitol-reef-national-park\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">8. Capitol Reef National Park<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#9-the-bentonite-hills\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">9. The Bentonite Hills<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#10-cathedral-valley\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">10. Cathedral Valley<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#11-moab\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">11. Moab<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#11-arches-national-park\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">11. Arches National Park<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#12-dead-horse-point-state-park\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">12. Dead Horse Point State Park<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#13-canyonlands-national-park\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">13. Canyonlands National Park<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#planning-a-southern-utah-road-trip\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">Planning a Southern Utah Road Trip<\/a><ul class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#nearest-airports\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">Nearest Airports<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#where-to-stay-on-a-road-trip-in-utah\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">Where to Stay on a Road Trip in Utah<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#best-time-of-year-for-a-utah-road-trip\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">Best Time of Year for a Utah Road Trip<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#10-day-utah-itinerary\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">10-Day Utah Itinerary<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#14-day-utah-itinerary\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">14-Day Utah Itinerary<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#3-day-utah-itineraries\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">3-Day Utah Itineraries<\/a><\/ul><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"> <strong>Utah Road Trip<\/strong> &#8211; <strong>Southern Utah\u2019s Best Sites<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>Original photographs and text by local author Steven Jepson<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>St George<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">We\u2019ll start our virtual Utah road trip near the city of St George. Located just 1.5 hours from Las Vegas, St George is one of Utah\u2019s most rapidly growing cities due to its attractive mild winter climate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size\"> <strong>Southern Utah Road Trip Map<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<script>window.wanderlogEmbedKeys=window.wanderlogEmbedKeys||[];window.wanderlogEmbedKeys.push('jwtwximddr');window.wanderlogEmbedOptions={\"alwaysShowRouteLines\":true,\"omitExternalLinks\":false,\"omitWebsitePhone\":false,\"version\":2};!function(){var c=document.querySelectorAll(\"script\"),r=!1;if(c.forEach((function(c){\"https:\/\/wanderlog.com\/embed.js\"===c.src&&(r=!0)})),!r){var t=document.createElement(\"script\");t.async=!0,t.src=\"https:\/\/wanderlog.com\/embed.js\",document.body.appendChild(t)}}();<\/script><div id=\"Wanderlog__mapEmbed_jwtwximddr\" style=\"display: block; width: 100%\"><div style=\"font-size: smaller; margin-bottom: 8px\">Map provided by <a href=\"https:\/\/wanderlog.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wanderlog, a travel planner<\/a> on <a href=\"https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/us\/app\/wanderlog\/id1476732439\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">iOS<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/wanderlog.com\/download-android-app\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Android<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>1.<\/strong> <strong>Snow Canyon State Park<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>On the outskirts of St George, sits <a href=\"https:\/\/stateparks.utah.gov\/parks\/snow-canyon\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Snow Canyon State Park<\/a>.<\/strong> This beautiful Park is absolutely loaded with geologic wonder. Here, a central valley is surrounded by tall walls of eroded red and white Navajo sandstone.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/utah-road-trip-snow-canyon-state-park-usa-1.webp\" alt=\"Petrified sand dunes in Utah's Snow Canyon State Park.\" class=\"wp-image-12586\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> Petrified sand dunes in Snow Canyon State Park. <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Within the valley, you can hike over mounds of petrified sand dunes and explore lava tubes left behind by ancient volcanic eruptions. Plus, at the north entrance to the canyon, you can actually hike to the top of an extinct cinder cone volcano.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"450\" height=\"338\" data-id=\"12587\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/utah-road-trip-snow-canyon-state-park-usa-2.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12587\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"450\" height=\"338\" data-id=\"12588\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/utah-road-trip-snow-canyon-state-park-usa-3.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12588\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background has-medium-font-size\" style=\"background-color:#fbf5e5\"><em><strong>There are 63 National Parks across the United States<\/strong> (an incredible 423 sites when including national seashores and monuments, etc. Check out some of our favourites in these beautiful parts of the country and add them to your bucket list of places to visit:<\/em><br>* <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/san-francisco-bay-area-who-should-visit-and-why\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">San Francisco Bay Area<\/a><br>* <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/top-reasons-to-visit-new-jersey\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">New Jersey<\/a><br>* <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/visit-st-marys-county\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">St. Mary&#8217;s County<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>2.<\/strong> <strong>Zion National Park<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Next up our southern Utah road trip, we\u2019ll travel 40 miles east from St George to <a href=\"https:\/\/thethoroughtripper.com\/zion-national-park\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Zion National Park<\/a>. <strong>Zion is Utah\u2019s most popular National Park<\/strong>, the 3rd most visited National Park in the United States, and according to the popular hiking website AllTrails.com &#8211; the best National Park in the country.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/utah-road-trip-zion-national-park-usa-1.webp\" alt=\"River through the main canyon of Zion National Park, Utah.\" class=\"wp-image-12583\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> Zion National Park <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>Zion is known<\/strong> <strong>for its long main canyon surrounded by majestic sandstone peaks<\/strong>, 4 different <strong>scenic drives<\/strong>, and several <strong>famous hikes<\/strong>. These include The Narrows &#8211; a hike through a shallow river surrounded by steep canyon walls, and Angels Landing &#8211; an extremely popular but dangerous hike along a narrow 1500 foot high sandstone precipice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Be aware though, Zion National Park is the number one tourist attraction in Utah. Due to its popularity, the main canyon in Zion can be very very crowded. And during most of the year, a shuttle system is used to transport visitors to some of the main canyon\u2019s most popular sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped aligncenter wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"450\" height=\"338\" data-id=\"12584\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/utah-road-trip-zion-national-park-usa-2.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12584\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"450\" height=\"303\" data-id=\"12585\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/utah-road-trip-zion-national-park-usa-3.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12585\"\/><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\"> Kolob Canyons and Kolob Terrace are less-visited areas of Zion National Park.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">But, Zion National Park is actually made up of three different sections in total, and two of these &#8211; <strong>Kolob Canyons and Kolob Terrace<\/strong> <strong>are much less crowded, much easier to visit<\/strong>, and no less beautiful. So, of course, we\u2019ll also virtually drive through those two sections while we are visiting Zion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>3.<\/strong> <strong>Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon<\/strong> <strong>(Kanab)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/southern-utah-best-sites-peek-a-boo-slot-canyon-usa.webp\" alt=\"Peek-A-Boo slot canyon is one of the best sites in Southern Utah.\" class=\"wp-image-12632\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">After leaving Zion National Park, our southern Utah road trip takes us 30 miles southeast to the small town of Kanab Utah, located just north of the Arizona border. <strong>Southern Utah has the highest concentration of slot canyons in the world &#8211; estimated at around 1000.<\/strong> Kanab is a great base for exploring several of the area\u2019s most popular slot canyons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon, 8 miles north of Kanab<\/strong>, is one of the easiest of the area\u2019s slot canyons to access. But, unless you have a 4&#215;4 vehicle, you\u2019ll want to visit this slot canyon as part of a tour. The access road is unpaved and challenging. Many local companies offer UTV-guided tours and will take you directly to the mouth of Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Once there, it\u2019s an easy hike through the narrow sandstone chasm. Walking through a slot canyon, turning each tight corner to discover a new amazing view, while staring up at the narrow ribbon of blue sky\u2026truly awe-inspiring!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/utah-road-trip-peek-a-boo-slot-canyon-usa-1.webp\" alt=\"All terrain buggies on a Utah road trip trail. \" class=\"wp-image-12589\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sandy trail to Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>4.<\/strong> <strong>Red Canyon<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Now our Utah road trip takes us north for 65 miles to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fs.usda.gov\/recarea\/dixie\/recarea\/?recid=24942\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Red Canyon<\/a>. <strong>Red Canyon is part of the Dixie National Forest<\/strong> and is our first introduction to the area\u2019s limestone hoodoos. These hoodoos are tall irregular columns of limestone shaped over the millennia by erosive forces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">In Red Canyon the hoodoos are almost uniformly red or dark orange, interspersed by the area\u2019s green ponderosa pines. Beautiful!!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/utah-road-trip-red-canyon-dixie-national-forest-usa.webp\" alt=\"Southern Utah hoodoos, rock formations in Red Canyon.\" class=\"wp-image-12591\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Red Canyon in Dixie National Forest.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">The trails in Red Canyon are mostly empty compared to a nearby and very popular National Park (see below), so it\u2019s a great place to enjoy <strong>southern Utah hoodoos<\/strong> in relative solitude.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>5.<\/strong> <strong>Bryce Canyon National Park<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Just 18 miles east of Red Canyon, our Utah road trip quickly takes us into <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/brca\/index.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bryce Canyon National Park<\/a>. <strong>Bryce Canyon is Utah\u2019s second most visited National Park<\/strong>, and I personally consider its Amphitheater to be Utah\u2019s most spectacular site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">In Red Canyon, we had our first taste of Utah\u2019s hoodoo geology, but as we pass into Bryce Canyon we find an explosion of hoodoos.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/best-place-to-visit-southern-utah-road-trip-bryce-canyon.webp\" alt=\"Among Southern Utah's best sites are the hoodoos in Bryce Canyon.\" class=\"wp-image-12633\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">White cliffs and hoodoos in Bryce Canyon National Park <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">The main road inside Bryce Canyon National Park sits on top of a high plateau. All along the entire east side of this plateau, time and nature have eroded the limestone edge, leaving behind a wonderland of pink\/orange\/white cliffs and hoodoos.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/southern-utah-road-trip-bryce-canyon-national-park-usa.webp\" alt=\"Landscape of white and red hoodoo cliffs in Bryce Canyon Amphitheater.\" class=\"wp-image-12596\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Stunning landscape of Bryce Canyon Amphitheater in Southern Utah.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">On the northern edge of the Park sits the <strong>spectacular Bryce Canyon Amphitheater<\/strong>. This wide circular Amphitheater features the Park\u2019s highest concentration of hoodoos. A trail follows the edge of the Amphitheater all the way around &#8211; offering one spectacular view after another. Plus several trails will take you down into the Amphitheater, allowing you to walk directly through the Park\u2019s otherworldly landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>6.<\/strong> <strong>Kodachrome Basin State Park<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">The next stop on our southern Utah road trip is only 20 miles east of Bryce Canyon. Welcome to <a href=\"https:\/\/stateparks.utah.gov\/parks\/kodachrome-basin\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kodachrome Basin State Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/utah-road-trip-kodachrome-basin-state-park-usa.webp\" alt=\"Southern Utah's best sites include these sedimentary pipe rock formations in Kodachrome Basin.\" class=\"wp-image-12597\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> Rock formations in Kodachrome Basin State Park <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">This small state park was named Kodachrome by the National Geographic Society &#8211; after receiving permission from the Kodak Film Corp &#8211; due to the vibrant colors of its rock walls during the golden hours before sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">However, <strong>the unusual monolithic spires are the Kodachrome Basin\u2019s biggest attraction<\/strong>. Some 70 sedimentary pipe rock formations are scattered across the landscape of this unique State Park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>7.<\/strong> <strong>Lunch Break in Torrey Utah<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/torrey-capitol-burger-utah-road-trip-usa.webp\" alt=\"The Capitol Burger Mushroom Burger. \" class=\"wp-image-12599\" style=\"width:300px;height:334px\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">We are now halfway through our southern Utah road trip, and I\u2019m famished. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">We\u2019ve just driven about 100 miles northeast of Kodachrome Basin and find ourselves in the small town of Torrey Utah &#8211; the gateway town to Capitol Reef National Park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">But first, we are going to stop at Capitol Burger &#8211; a food truck parked next to a local mini mart &#8211; and home to the best burger that the author has ever eaten\u2026The Capitol Burger Mushroom Burger. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Juicy, fresh-ground local beef, topped with garlic cremini mushrooms, caramelized onions, blue cheese dressing, and garlic aioli, all sitting between a lightly grilled brioche bun. Burger perfection!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>8.<\/strong> <strong>Capitol Reef National Park<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">With bellies virtually full, let\u2019s head into <a href=\"https:\/\/thethoroughtripper.com\/capitol-reef-national-park\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Capitol Reef National Park<\/a>. Capitol Reef is my personal favorite of <strong>Utah\u2019s Mighty 5 National Parks<\/strong>. This is partly because it\u2019s the least crowded of the five, but also because of the amazing variety of its features &#8211; arches, narrow sandstone gorges, stunning overlooks, scenic drives, and other amazing geology &#8211; all based around <strong>Utah\u2019s Waterpocket Fold<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped aligncenter wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"450\" height=\"290\" data-id=\"12592\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/utah-road-trip-capitol-reef-national-park-1.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12592\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"450\" height=\"338\" data-id=\"12593\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/utah-road-trip-capitol-reef-national-park-2.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12593\"\/><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\"> Capitol Reef National Park in Southern Utah.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">The Waterpocket Fold is long stretch of the earth\u2019s surface that wrinkled up when certain tectonic plates collided in this part of Utah millions of years ago. One side raised higher than the other. Over time water eroded the earth\u2019s surface revealing and reshaping the Wrinkle. The Park is named for large white sandstone domes along the Waterpocket Fold that resemble the dome of the U.S. Capitol Building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>9.<\/strong> <strong>The Bentonite Hills<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">On the eastern edge of Capitol Reef National Park, our virtual Utah road trip is now going to take us off-road to see a couple more spectacular Southern Utah sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">The Cathedral Valley Loop Road is a 58 mile dirt road track that weaves in and out of Capitol Reef\u2019s official boundaries. Because a high clearance 4&#215;4 is necessary for this journey, most Park visitors never see this part of Utah. Great news though &#8211; we have a virtual 4&#215;4!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/utah-road-trip-bentonite-hills-usa.webp\" alt=\"Multi-colored volcanic bentonite clay in the hills of Southern Utah.\" class=\"wp-image-12600\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> Bentonite Hills in Southern Utah.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>One of the amazing sites along the Cathedral Valley Loop Road is the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/places\/bentonite-hills.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bentonite Hills<\/a>.<\/strong> These hills are formed from multi-colored volcanic bentonite clay. Virtually driving through these mounds of purple, blue, orange, red, gray, and white, is virtually surreal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>10.<\/strong> <strong>Cathedral Valley<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">The ultimate destination along this Loop is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/places\/cathedral-valley.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cathedral Valley<\/a>. This is the most remote section of Capitol Reef National Park. The valley itself is encircled with tall red corrugated cliffs that are thought by some to resemble the walls of a cathedral. In the center of the valley are several tall sandstone monoliths and sandstone fines (thin free-standing walls) of various sizes. Because this area is so remote, even non-virtual road trippers usually have all this majestic beauty to themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"591\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/southern-utah-road-trip-cathedral-valley-usa.webp\" alt=\"Sandstone monoliths in Cathedral Valley are a top site in Utah.\" class=\"wp-image-12601\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">  Sandstone monoliths in Cathedral Valley. <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>11.<\/strong> <strong>Moab<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Awestruck after the quiet beauty of Cathedral Valley, we travel east again, towards both Utah\u2019s most iconic site and Hollywood\u2019s favorite Utah viewpoint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">After 150 miles, we find ourselves in <strong>Moab Utah<\/strong>. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.discovermoab.com\/visitor-center\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Moab<\/a> is the largest town in southeast Utah. It\u2019s world-famous for its mountain biking and off-roading terrain, and it\u2019s a beloved camping area for Utahns and tourists alike.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/utah-road-trip-moab-campervan-usa.webp\" alt=\"Motor homes camping near Moab on a Utah road trip.\" class=\"wp-image-12594\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Moab is a favorite place to camp in Southern Utah.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Plus, some of Utah\u2019s greatest sites can be found in the Trifecta of Parks nearby &#8211; Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Dead Horse Point State Park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Welcome To Moab Theater Film ~ Official Trailer in 4K\" width=\"890\" height=\"501\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ykz8MMplIGg?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>11. Arches National Park<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">This is certainly the State of Utah\u2019s most iconic site\u2026Delicate Arch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped aligncenter wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"446\" height=\"500\" data-id=\"12611\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/utah-road-trip-arches-national-park-delicate-arch.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12611\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Delicate Arch<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"375\" height=\"500\" data-id=\"12612\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/utah-road-trip-arches-national-park-balanced-rock.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12612\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Balanced Rock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\">Delicate Arch and Balanced Rock are iconic landmarks in Arches National Park.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Delicate Arch can be found within <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/arch\/index.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Arches National Park<\/a>, along with over 2000 other sandstone arches. In fact, <strong>Arches National Park has the densest collection of natural arches in the world<\/strong>. Not all of these are easily accessible, but many of the largest are. <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/southern-utah-best-sites-road-trip-arches-national-park.webp\" alt=\"Double Arch is one of the most famous sites in Southern Utah.\" class=\"wp-image-12635\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Double Arch is one of the largest sandstone formations in Arches National Park.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">As you&#8217;ll see, Arches National Park is full of amazing natural sandstone formations. Some of the most famous sites to photograph are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Delicate Arch<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Double Arch<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Balanced Rock<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Turret Arch<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Organ<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery aligncenter has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"450\" height=\"338\" data-id=\"12614\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/utah-road-trip-arches-national-park-turret-arch.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12614\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Turret Arch<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"450\" height=\"338\" data-id=\"12615\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/utah-road-trip-arches-national-park-the-organ.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12615\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Organ<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>Arches National Park is Utah\u2019s 3rd most visited National Park<\/strong> and is relatively small, with only one entry point. Consequently, like Zion National Park, Arches can be very very crowded. In the recent past, it\u2019s not been unusual for visitors to be turned away at the gate. This year, the Park has instituted an online reservation system to help manage the crowds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Good thing I had a virtual reservation for us!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>12.<\/strong> <strong>Dead Horse Point State Park<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/stateparks.utah.gov\/parks\/dead-horse\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Dead Horse Point<\/strong> <strong>State Park<\/strong><\/a> sits high on a mesa about 30 miles from Moab. From its southern edge, 2000 feet above the canyon floor, we take in one of <strong>Utah\u2019s most spectacular views<\/strong>. Stand on the edge and <strong>look out across the horseshoe bend in the Colorado River<\/strong>, surrounded by the red canyons of Canyonlands National Park in the distance.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/southern-utah-road-trip-dead-horse-point-state-park-usa.webp\" alt=\"Horseshoe bend in the Colorado River is the most famous site in Utah.\" class=\"wp-image-12609\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Horseshoe Bend in the Colorado River.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">The views from Dead Horse Point have long been a favorite of Hollywood. This is where Thelma &amp; Louise drove off the edge to their ultimate fate, where Tom Cruise free solo climbs at the beginning of Mission Impossible 2, and where many of Westworld\u2019s grand vistas where shot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Before we get back in our virtual car, let\u2019s hike the 1 mile Rim trail along the edge of the Point, and take in one great view after another.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/utah-road-trip-dead-horse-point-rim-trail-usa.webp\" alt=\"The Rim trail along the edge of Dead Horse Point.\" class=\"wp-image-12610\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Dead Horse Point West Rim Trail<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>13.<\/strong> <strong>Canyonlands National Park<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>Canyonlands is Utah\u2019s largest National Park.<\/strong> It has three different sections and two different visitor\u2019s centers. But its most-visited section, called The Island in the Sky, is just a few miles from Dead Horse Point. And this is where our virtual Utah Road Trip will come to an end.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"394\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/utah-road-trip-canyonlands-national-park-usa.webp\" alt=\"The arid Canyonlands landscape stretches to the horizon.\" class=\"wp-image-12602\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Like Dead Horse Point, <strong>Island in the Sky<\/strong> sits on top of a high mesa, 2000 feet above the canyon floor and the two rivers that carved this landscape over the millennia. The Green River runs along the western edge, and the Colorado River along the eastern edge, before they join together at the mesa\u2019s southern tip. From here, the Colorado continues south into Arizona to carve the Grand Canyon<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">As we drive along the mesa-top road, we can stop and take short hikes to see more of Utah\u2019s spectacular views.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">One of those famous views is through Mesa Arch &#8211; a small arch that sits on the eastern edge of the \u2018island\u2019 and offers a peek-a-boo view of the canyons below. Early risers line up to take a popular sunrise shot through the Arch. Our road trip itinerary didn\u2019t get us there earlier enough for that unfortunately.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/southern-utah-road-trip-canyonlands-national-park-usa-1.webp\" alt=\"Mesa Arch is one of Southern Utah's best sites.\" class=\"wp-image-12608\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Mesa Arch in Canyonlands.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Another spectacular view is at the southern edge of the Island &#8211; from the <strong>Grand View Point Lookout<\/strong>. <strong>Utah\u2019s legendary White Rim Trail<\/strong> &#8211; a popular biking and 4&#215;4 route &#8211; is easily appreciated below.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/utah-road-trip-canyonlands-national-park-us.webp\" alt=\"Contemplating the grand view from Lookout Point in Canyonlands NP.\" class=\"wp-image-12607\" style=\"width:900px;height:675px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Grand View Lookout Point in Canyonlands National Park.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Planning a Southern Utah Road<\/strong> <strong>Trip<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">So with these spectacular views from Canyonlands, we end our virtual Utah Road Trip. So much geologic wonder in this part of the United States. You should definitely put it on your list for an actual road trip some day, and come witness these great Utah sites in person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">And, if you do then here are a few <strong>travel tips<\/strong> <strong>for planning a Utah road trip<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left has-background\" style=\"background-color:#ffb1757a;font-size:18px\"><strong>The Grand Canyon<\/strong> &#8211; Keep in mind that the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is only a 1.5 hour drive south from Kanab. You may not want to miss that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Nearest Airports<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>For a Utah road trip from Las Vegas fly into <a href=\"https:\/\/www.harryreidairport.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Las Vegas International Airport<\/a> (LAS) which is located 2 hours from St George by car. Alternatively, start off your road trip in Utah at Salt Lake City. <a href=\"https:\/\/slcairport.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Salt Lake City International Airport<\/a> (SLC) is about 4 hours away from both St George and Moab in different directions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>St George does have a small <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flysgu.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">regional airport (SGU<\/a>). You can fly there directly from Salt Lake, Denver, Phoenix, and Dallas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Where to Stay on a Road Trip<\/strong> <strong>in Utah<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Lodging and Dining<\/strong> &#8211; The various cities and towns featured along this Utah road trip &#8211; St George, Kanab, Torrey, and Moab &#8211; all offer various hotels, vacation rentals, restaurants, and grocery stores. Other small Utah towns like Springdale, Orderville, Tropic, Escalante, and Green River offer similar services along the route too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Camping<\/strong> &#8211; If you prefer camping, then consider renting an RV for your southern Utah road trip. Campsites can be found at all the State and National Parks featured in this post (reservations necessary and usually well in advance), or near the various featured towns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Best Time of Year for a Utah Road Trip<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">Anytime between May and October would be a great time to take this Utah road trip. Elevation and temperatures vary all along this route &#8211; from 2700 feet above sea level in St George to 8500 feet at Bryce Canyon. These months give the best chance for reasonable weather all along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>How Many Days For A Utah Road Trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">While the author has always visited these locations as part of separate short trips from Salt Lake City, you would want to plan a minimum of 10 days to complete this Utah road trip from start to finish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>10-Day Utah Itinerary<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\" style=\"font-size:18px\">\n<li><strong>Days 1-3 Snow Canyon, Zion, and Kanab<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Days 4-5 Red Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and Kodachrome Basin<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Days 6-7 Capitol Reef Area<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Days 8-10 Moab Area<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">10 days is a minimum though, and doesn&#8217;t include travel time back and forth from Las Vegas or Salt Lake City. Extra time can be added anywhere along the route for deeper exploration of southern Utah&#8217;s unique beauty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>14-Day Utah Itinerary<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>Two weeks is ideal for a Utah itinerary.<\/strong> This gives time to complete the \u2018grand circle\u2019 road trip, visiting <strong>the Grand Canyon<\/strong> as well as the <strong>\u2018Mighty 5\u2019 National Parks<\/strong> \u2013 Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches and Canyonlands \u2013 and must-see landmarks of Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon, the Hoodoos or Dead Horse Point, among other top scenic sites. Alternatively start your 14 day Utah road trip in Salt Lake City and finish <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bloggeratlarge.com\/the-coolest-things-to-do-in-las-vegas\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">in Las Vegas<\/a> in the neighboring state of Nevada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\" style=\"font-size:18px\">\n<li><strong>Day 1<\/strong><br>Salt Lake City<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Days 2, 3, 4<\/strong><br>Moab \u2013 Arches National Park \u2013 Dead Horse Point State Park \u2013 Canyonlands NP<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Days 5 and 6<\/strong><br>Capitol Reef National Park \u2013 Bentonite Hills \u2013 Cathedral Valley<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Days 7 and 8<\/strong><br>Bryce Canyon, Kodachrome Basin, Red Canyon<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Days 9 and 10<\/strong><br>Kanab and The Grand Canyon<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Days 11, 12, 13<\/strong><br>Zion and Snow Canyon<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Day 14<\/strong><br>Las Vegas<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>3-Day Utah Itineraries<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">These 3-day itineraries are useful if you\u2019re in Utah for a less than a week (or live nearby in a neighboring state).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\" style=\"font-size:18px\">\n<li>Salt Lake City, Zion, and Snow Canyon<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kanab, Zion, and Grand Canyon<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Red Canyon \u2013 Bryce Canyon \u2013 Kodachrome Basin<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Capitol Reef National Park &#8211; Bentonite Hills \u2013 Cathedral Valley<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Moab \u2013 Arches National Park \u2013 Dead Horse Point State Park \u2013 Canyonlands National Park<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Finally, if you\u2019re in <strong>Utah for a week<\/strong>: spend 1 day exploring Salt Lake City, 4 days on a road trip, followed by 2 days in Las Vegas to end the itinerary. Or combine the suggestions above to create a personalized 7 day route to see the sites of Southern Utah.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Welcome To Moab Theater Film ~ Official Trailer in 4K\" width=\"890\" height=\"501\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ykz8MMplIGg?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"394\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/utah-road-trip-steven-jepson-the-thorough-tripper.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12616\" style=\"width:300px;height:394px\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#ffb1757a;font-size:18px\"><em>About the Author<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#ffb1757a;font-size:18px\">Steven Jepson is a retired physician who writes about his travels at <a href=\"https:\/\/thethoroughtripper.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Thorough Tripper<\/a>. You can visit his blog to read more about each location outlined in this post. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#ffb1757a;font-size:18px\">While he calls Salt Lake City Utah his home, he\u2019s happiest while on the road, especially anywhere in Europe. Follow his latest adventures on <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/ThoroughTripper\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Twitter<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thethoroughtripper\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Facebook<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/thethoroughtripper\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p> <strong>* All photographs in this article have been taken by Steven Jepson on recent trips from his home in Salt Lake City.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-black-color has-css-opacity has-black-background-color has-background is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:22px\"><strong>Beautiful States and Counties to Visit in USA<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Find more travel inspiration from our popular posts on beautiful States and Counties to visit across the USA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:22px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/alaska-itinerary\/\"><strong>7-day Itinerary for Alaska<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/alaska-itinerary\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/alaska-itinerary-kenai-fjords.jpeg\" alt=\"\" style=\"width:300px;height:225px\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">A nature lover\u2019s 7 day itinerary for Alaska. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Discover why you should visit Alaska once in a lifetime, where to see nature and wildlife, how to get around, where to stay and best times of year to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/alaska-itinerary\/\"><strong>Read more\u2026<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-vivid-cyan-blue-background-color has-background is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:22px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/visit-st-marys-county\/\"><strong>Visit St Mary\u2019s County<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/visit-st-marys-county\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/visit-st-marys-county-all-saints-episcopal-church-oakley-maryland.webp\" alt=\"\" style=\"width:300px;height:201px\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Riverside walks, nature trails and kayaking are some of the rural attractions that St. Mary\u2019s County is known for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Continue along the white sand beaches and islands off the Eastern Shore, and nearby Assateague where wild ponies run free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:18px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/visit-st-marys-county\/\"><strong>Read more\u2026<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-css-opacity has-vivid-cyan-blue-background-color has-background is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:22px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/san-francisco-bay-area-who-should-visit-and-why\/\"><strong>San Francisco Bay Area<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/san-francisco-bay-area-who-should-visit-and-why\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/golden-gate-bridge-san-fransico-bay-visit-usa.jpg\" alt=\"View of Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco Bay area.\" style=\"width:300px;height:200px\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">If you\u2019re going to San Francisco, take time to explore the whole Bay Area!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">See the city and then explore beyond the Golden Gate. Visit vineyards, trail the parks, discover the coast, enjoy California as the locals do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:18px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/san-francisco-bay-area-who-should-visit-and-why\/\"><strong>Read more\u2026<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-css-opacity has-vivid-cyan-blue-background-color has-background is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:22px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/top-reasons-to-visit-new-jersey\/\"><strong>Top Reasons to Visit New Jersey<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/top-reasons-to-visit-new-jersey\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/cape-may-visit-new-jersey-usa.jpg\" alt=\"Rowing boat on the sands of Cape May at sunset.\" style=\"width:300px;height:211px\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">The Garden State is home to the world\u2019s longest boardwalk, the first seaside resort, museums and historical sites, parks and casinos. Visit New Jersey (USA) to see these beautiful places!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:18px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/top-reasons-to-visit-new-jersey\/\"><strong>Read more\u2026<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-css-opacity has-vivid-cyan-blue-background-color has-background is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span class=\"tadv-color\"><strong>Discover the World with<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"tadv-color\"><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-8184\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/KaliTravel_logo.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"33\">&nbsp;<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"tadv-color\"><strong>the blog with a focus on independent travel<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-css-opacity has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-background is-style-wide\"\/>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The ultimate Utah road trip itinerary to visit the best sites in Southern Utah. An adventure through National Parks, exploring canyons and rock formations, natural landmarks which create one of the most unique settings in the world.<\/p>\n<p class=\"continue-reading-button\"> <a class=\"continue-reading-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/utah-road-trip\/\">Read more&#8230; \/ Leer m\u00e1s&#8230;<i class=\"crycon-right-dir\"><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":12607,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[922,7725],"tags":[7989,8011,8198,8182],"class_list":["post-12580","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-america-en","category-usa-en","tag-itinerary-en","tag-national-park-en","tag-road-trip-en","tag-sites-en"],"aioseo_notices":[],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/utah-road-trip-canyonlands-national-park-us.webp",1200,900,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/utah-road-trip-canyonlands-national-park-us.webp",128,96,false],"medium":["https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/utah-road-trip-canyonlands-national-park-us.webp",1200,900,false],"medium_large":["https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/utah-road-trip-canyonlands-national-park-us.webp",1200,900,false],"large":["https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/utah-road-trip-canyonlands-national-park-us.webp",1200,900,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/utah-road-trip-canyonlands-national-park-us.webp",1200,900,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/utah-road-trip-canyonlands-national-park-us.webp",1200,900,false],"custom":["https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/utah-road-trip-canyonlands-national-park-us.webp",200,150,false],"post-thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/utah-road-trip-canyonlands-national-park-us.webp",150,113,false],"header":["https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/utah-road-trip-canyonlands-national-park-us.webp",200,150,false],"slider":["https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/utah-road-trip-canyonlands-national-park-us.webp",533,400,false],"columns":["https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/utah-road-trip-canyonlands-national-park-us.webp",268,201,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Local Author","author_link":"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/author\/admin\/"},"uagb_comment_info":9,"uagb_excerpt":"The ultimate Utah road trip itinerary to visit the best sites in Southern Utah. An adventure through National Parks, exploring canyons and rock formations, natural landmarks which create one of the most unique settings in the world. Read more... \/ Leer m\u00e1s...","amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12580","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12580"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12580\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12607"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12580"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12580"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12580"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}