A scenic 10‑day circular road trip exploring Utah's iconic national parks, starting and ending in Las Vegas with daily drives limited to four hours.
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Duration10 days
Travellers2
Best time to visitLate April to early June (spring) or September to October (fall) for mild temperatures and lower crowds.
Estimated cost$1,750 - $2,250
Main airportSLC
Itinerary
Day 1-2 - Zion_National_Park,_Utah
Location: Zion National Park, Utah
Depart Las Vegas and drive north on I‑15 to the park entrance.
Cost: $0 · Travel time: 2.5 hrs · By car · Near Zion National Park Entrance
The Cowboy Café — Family‑friendly spot with burgers, salads, and homemade pies.
Stone Hearth Grille — Upscale dining with regional meats and a great wine list.
Where to stay
Bryce Canyon Lodge — Historic lodge inside the park; rooms $130‑160 per night.
Day 5-6 - Capitol_Reef_National_Park,_Utah
Location: Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
Leave Bryce and travel east on US‑89 to the park entrance.
Cost: $0 · Travel time: 2.5 hrs · By car · Near Capitol Reef Visitor Center
Options: Car
Easy to moderate trail showcasing the park’s dramatic geological fold.
Cost: $0 · Travel time: 10 min drive · Near Waterpocket Fold Trailhead
Options: Car
Short walk to a viewpoint with sweeping sunset over the canyon.
Cost: $0 · Travel time: 15 min drive · Near Panorama Point
Options: Car
Where to eat
The Gifford House — Cozy bakery offering fresh pastries and strong coffee.
Capitol Reef Café — Simple grill serving burgers, salads, and local beans.
Canyonland Bistro — Farm‑to‑table dinner with regional meats and vegetables.
Where to stay
Fruita Campground (tent sites) — Campground within the park; $25 per site per night.
Day 7-8 - Arches_National_Park,_Utah
Location: Arches National Park, Utah
Travel from Capitol Reef to Moab via US‑191 S.
Cost: $0 · Travel time: 2.5 hrs · By car · Near Arches Visitor Center
Options: Car
Short but steep hike to the park’s most famous arch.
Cost: $0 · Travel time: 10 min drive · Near Delicate Arch Trailhead
Options: Car
Easy walk to one of the longest natural arches in the world.
Cost: $0 · Travel time: 15 min drive · Near Devil’s Garden Trailhead
Options: Car
Where to eat
Moab Bakery — Artisan breads, pastries, and strong espresso.
The Desert Café — Southwest cuisine with a patio overlooking the red rocks.
Moab Grill — Steakhouse featuring locally sourced bison and elk.
Where to stay
Red Cliffs Lodge — Riverside lodge with rooms $140‑170 per night and easy park access.
Day 9 - Canyonlands_National_Park,_Utah
Location: Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Short 30‑minute drive from Moab to the park’s main overlook.
Cost: $0 · Travel time: 30 min · By car · Near Island in the Sky Visitor Center
Options: Car
Short loop to a natural arch with a view over the canyon.
Cost: $0 · Travel time: 10 min drive · Near Mesa Arch Trailhead
Options: Car
Where to eat
Moab Diner — Classic American breakfast with hearty portions.
Canyonlands Picnic Area — Self‑catered picnic with scenic views; bring your own food.
The Cowboy Café (Moab) — Casual dinner with burgers, tacos, and local beers.
Where to stay
Moab Springs Ranch — Ranch‑style cabins $120‑150 per night, 30 min from the park.
Day 10 - Return to Las Vegas
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Leave Moab and head southwest on I‑70 and I‑15 to St. George.
Cost: $0 · Travel time: 4 hrs · By car · Near St. George, UT
Options: Car
Brief visit to historic downtown and a quick lunch.
Cost: $0 · Travel time: 5 min walk · Near St. George Historic District
Options: Walking
Final leg back to the starting point on I‑15.
Cost: $0 · Travel time: 2 hrs · By car · Near Las Vegas Strip
Options: Car
Where to eat
Cafe Zupas (St. George) — Light breakfast with smoothies and egg white wraps.
The Sandwich Spot (St. George) — Quick service deli with fresh local ingredients.
Evel Pie (Las Vegas) — Casual pizza joint near the Strip, perfect for a relaxed final night.
Estimated Cost
$1,750 - $2,250
Air transportation
$0
Ground transportation
$150 - $250
Lodging
$900 - $1,200
Meals
$250 - $350
Activities
$120 - $180
Incidentals
$80 - $120
Trip Highlights
Zion Canyon
Angels Landing
Bryce Amphitheater
Capitol Reef Waterpocket Fold
Delicate Arch
Island in the Sky
Visa Requirements
United States
Citizenship: General/US/EU/UK
Visa required: No
Stay allowed: No limit for tourism
Application process: No visa needed for US citizens or residents; ensure valid ID.
Requirements: Valid government‑issued ID (driver's license or passport).
Multiple entry: Allowed
Good to Know
All drives stay under 4 hours per day; purchase an America the Beautiful National Parks Pass ($80) to cover entrance fees. Fuel costs are estimated; check tire pressure before departure. Carry plenty of water in desert sections.
Local Customs
Standard US travel etiquette applies; tipping 15‑20 % in restaurants is customary.
Background
Utah’s national parks were established between 1919 (Zion) and 1971 (Arches) to protect the region’s spectacular red rock formations, arches, and canyons.
Useful Phrases
Thank you — Thank you
How much does it cost? — How much does it cost?
Budget Tips
Buy the $80 America the Beautiful Pass to cover all park entries.
Camp at free or low‑cost campgrounds instead of hotels for up to $30/night.
Shop for groceries in larger towns (Moab, St. George) and prepare simple meals.
Time-Saving Tips
Start each day before 8 am to beat park entry lines; download offline maps for areas with spotty service.
Getting Around
Rent a fuel‑efficient SUV; use cruise control on highway stretches to improve mileage. Fill up in larger towns where gas is cheaper.
Beating the Crowds
Visit mid‑week and avoid major holidays; early spring (April) offers fewer crowds than summer.
Local Deals
Many parks offer free ranger‑led hikes; check the National Park Service website for scheduled programs.
Combo Deals
Combine the National Parks Pass with a state park day‑use pass for extra savings on nearby state parks.
If the Weather Turns
Carry a lightweight rain jacket and warm layers; indoor alternatives include visitor center exhibits and park museums.
Alternative Activities
If weather turns rainy, explore park visitor centers, geology museums, or take a guided ranger talk.
Side Trips
Grand Staircase‑Escalante National Monument (add a day for slot canyons) or Goblin Valley State Park for quirky rock formations.
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