Desert Express
Salt Lake City to Sin City
Salt Lake City, UTLas Vegas, NV
Trip overview
Embark on an epic journey through Utah's 'Mighty 5' national parks, tracing a path from the urban oasis of Salt Lake City to the desert spectacle of Las Vegas. This itinerary is packed with world-class hiking, unforgettable scenic drives, and dramatic red rock landscapes that define the American Southwest.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 — Salt Lake City
Breakfast at Pig & A Jelly Jar
Fuel up for the drive at this popular SLC brunch spot known for its Southern-inspired comfort food, creative chicken and waffles, and house-made jams.
401 E 900 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Capitol Reef National Park Visitor Center
Start your exploration of Capitol Reef here. Chat with rangers about trail conditions, pick up a map, and get oriented with the park's main feature: the massive, 100-mile-long Waterpocket Fold.
52 West Headquarters Drive, Torrey, UT 84775
Hickman Bridge Trail
A fantastic introductory hike in Capitol Reef. This moderate 1.8-mile round-trip trail leads you through a canyon to a spectacular 133-foot natural bridge.
UT-24, Torrey, UT 84775
Capitol Reef Resort
Stay just outside the park with stunning red rock views. For a unique experience, book one of their Conestoga wagons or teepees for a memorable night under the stars.
2600 E UT-24, Torrey, UT 84775
Day 2 — Boulder
Scenic Byway 12
Drive one of America's most beautiful roads. This route travels through diverse, stunning landscapes, including the famous 'Hogsback' section with sheer drop-offs on both sides.
Utah's All-American Road, Boulder, UT 84716
Kiva Koffeehouse
A must-stop spot built into the slickrock canyon wall along Scenic Byway 12. Enjoy coffee, pastries, or lunch while taking in panoramic views of the Escalante River canyon from their patio.
7 Kiva Ln, Escalante, UT 84726
Bryce Canyon National Park - Sunset Point
Get your first jaw-dropping view of the Bryce Amphitheater, famous for its thousands of red rock spires called hoodoos. This is the starting point for the iconic Navajo Loop trail and offers prime photo opportunities.
Sunset Point, Bryce Canyon National Park, UT 84764
Best Western Plus Ruby's Inn
A classic and convenient basecamp just a mile from the Bryce Canyon National Park entrance. This historic inn offers comfortable rooms and a variety of on-site amenities.
26 S Main St, Bryce Canyon City, UT 84764
Day 3 — Bryce Canyon National Park
Navajo Loop and Queen's Garden Trail
Experience the hoodoos up close on this quintessential Bryce Canyon hike. This 2.9-mile combination loop descends into the canyon via switchbacks, passing landmarks like Thor's Hammer and Wall Street, before ascending gently through the Queen's Garden.
Bryce Canyon National Park, UT 84764
Zion-Mount Carmel Highway and Tunnel
Your entrance into Zion is an adventure in itself. This historic highway features dramatic switchbacks and the impressive 1.1-mile Zion Tunnel, with galleries cut into the rock offering glimpses of the canyon.
State Rte 9, Springdale, UT 84767
Zion Canyon Brew Pub
Located at the entrance to Zion, this brewpub is the perfect spot to relax after a day of travel and hiking. Enjoy a locally crafted beer on their patio with unbeatable views of The Watchman peak.
2400 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale, UT 84767
Cliffrose Springdale, Curio Collection by Hilton
An upscale lodge set on the banks of the Virgin River, offering stunning canyon views and beautiful botanical gardens. It's a peaceful retreat just a short walk or shuttle ride from the park's pedestrian entrance.
281 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale, UT 84767
Day 4 — Zion National Park
Hike The Narrows (Bottom-Up)
Embark on one of the world's most famous hikes by wading up the Virgin River into a towering slot canyon. You can go as far as you feel comfortable, with the walls getting narrower and more dramatic the further you go. Gear rentals are available in Springdale.
Temple of Sinawava, Zion National Park, UT 84767
Pa'rus Trail
For a more relaxed afternoon, take a leisurely stroll along this paved, 3.5-mile path that follows the Virgin River from the Visitor Center. It's a peaceful walk with great views of the lower canyon and is accessible to all.
Zion National Park, Springdale, UT 84767
Oscar's Cafe
A beloved Springdale institution famous for its massive portions of delicious Mexican-inspired food. Refuel after a long day of hiking with their legendary Pork Chili Verde Burrito.
948 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale, UT 84767
Day 5 — Overton
Valley of Fire State Park
Discover a landscape of fiery red Aztec sandstone outcrops nestled in gray and tan limestone. Drive the scenic road to see landmarks like Elephant Rock and hike the short Fire Wave trail for an otherworldly photo op.
29450 Valley of Fire Hwy, Overton, NV 89040
The Neon Museum
Transition from natural wonders to man-made ones at this iconic outdoor museum. The 'Boneyard' features a stunning collection of retired Las Vegas signs, telling the story of the city's history through its incredible neon art.
770 Las Vegas Blvd N, Las Vegas, NV 89101
Lotus of Siam
Celebrate the end of your road trip at what many consider the best Thai restaurant in the United States. James Beard Award-winning Chef Saipin Chutima's menu of Northern Thai specialties is a culinary pilgrimage for food lovers.
953 E Sahara Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89104
Experiences & guides
Bookable tours and stops worth a detour along this route.
Experiences
Guide content may not reflect current conditions. Always verify information before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
The Desert Express road trip covers about 692 mi and roughly 14h 48m of driving, comfortably spread across about 5 days.
This itinerary maps out 18 stops from Salt Lake City, UT to Las Vegas, NV. Highlights include Breakfast at Pig & A Jelly Jar, Capitol Reef National Park Visitor Center, and Hickman Bridge Trail.
It begins in Salt Lake City, UT and ends in Las Vegas, NV, following a mapped, road-following route the whole way.
The estimated cost is around $1,544, covering fuel, lodging, food, and activities. Your actual total varies with the season, your pace, and the choices you make along the way.
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