Red rocks, dark skies, and canyons for days.
Red rocks, dark skies, and canyons for days.
Overton, NV 89040Grand Junction, CO 81501
Trip overview
Embark on an epic odyssey through the heart of Utah's red-rock country, tracing a legendary route from Las Vegas to Grand Junction. This journey takes you through the dramatic landscapes of five iconic national parks, from the towering cliffs of Zion to the otherworldly arches near Moab.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 — Overton
Valley of Fire State Park
Begin your red rock immersion at Nevada's oldest state park. Hike among stunning Aztec Sandstone outcrops, see ancient petroglyphs at Atlatl Rock, and drive the scenic Mouse's Tank Road.
29450 Valley of Fire Hwy, Overton, NV 89040
The Narrows (Bottom-Up Day Hike)
Wade into the Virgin River and hike through a gorge with thousand-foot walls closing in around you. This iconic slot canyon hike is an unforgettable Zion experience, requiring no permit for a day trip from the bottom.
Temple of Sinawava, Zion National Park, Springdale, UT 84767
Pa'rus Trail
Take a relaxing evening stroll along this paved, accessible trail that follows the Virgin River. It offers fantastic views of the Watchman and is perfect for unwinding after a day of travel and hiking.
Zion Canyon Visitor Center, Springdale, UT 84767
Day 2 — Hurricane
Canyon Overlook Trail
A short but thrilling hike with rewarding views. This trail takes you through a shaded alcove and ends at a spectacular viewpoint looking down into Zion Canyon, providing a different perspective of the park.
Canyon Overlook Trail, UT-9, Hurricane, UT 84737
Bryce Canyon Amphitheater
Witness a breathtaking spectacle of color and erosion. Gaze out from Inspiration Point, Sunset Point, and Bryce Point over a vast natural amphitheater filled with thousands of pink and orange hoodoos.
Bryce Canyon National Park, UT 84764
Navajo Loop and Queen's Garden Trail
Descend into the heart of the hoodoos on Bryce Canyon's most popular trail. This combination loop takes you past Thor's Hammer and through the narrow, towering fins of Wall Street.
Sunset Point, Bryce Canyon National Park, UT 84764
North Campground
Stay in a first-come, first-served campground nestled among Ponderosa pines. Its convenient location near the visitor center and amphitheater rim makes it an ideal base for exploring Bryce Canyon.
North Campground, Bryce, UT 84764
Day 3 — Boulder
Scenic Byway 12
Drive one of America's most beautiful roads. This All-American Road winds through incredible landscapes, including the narrow 'Hogsback' ridge with sheer drop-offs on both sides, offering an unforgettable driving experience.
Utah's Scenic Byway 12, Boulder, UT 84716
Hickman Bridge Trail
A moderately easy hike leading to a spectacular 133-foot natural bridge. The trail offers fantastic views of the Waterpocket Fold and the Fremont River, providing a great introduction to Capitol Reef.
Hickman Bridge Trailhead, Capitol Reef National Park, Torrey, UT 84775
The Gifford Homestead
Step back in time at this historic Mormon pioneer homestead. Browse locally made goods and be sure to try their famous, freshly baked fruit pies, made with fruit from the park's own historic orchards.
52250 UT-24, Torrey, UT 84775
Fruita Campground
Camp in a green oasis surrounded by historic orchards and red cliffs. This beautiful campground offers shade, deer sightings, and access to some of the darkest night skies in the country.
Fruita Campground, Capitol Reef National Park, Torrey, UT 84775
Day 4 — Torrey
Petroglyph Panel
View ancient rock art created by the Fremont people over 1,000 years ago. An easily accessible boardwalk runs along the cliff face, allowing for close-up views of these fascinating depictions of people and animals.
UT-24, Capitol Reef National Park, Torrey, UT 84775
Goblin Valley State Park
Wander through a whimsical valley filled with thousands of mushroom-shaped rock formations, or 'goblins'. This surreal landscape invites exploration and feels like stepping onto another planet.
Goblin Valley Rd, Green River, UT 84525
Delicate Arch
Hike to the world's most famous natural arch, a stunning, freestanding icon that has become a symbol of Utah. The view at sunset is a bucket-list experience, as the fading light sets the arch ablaze in fiery colors.
Arches National Park, Moab, UT 84532
Devils Garden Campground
Stay at the only campground inside Arches National Park, set among slickrock fins and juniper trees. Its remote location offers unparalleled stargazing and direct access to the Devils Garden trail system.
Arches National Park, Moab, UT 84532
Day 5 — Moab
Devils Garden Trail (to Landscape Arch)
Hike to Landscape Arch, the longest natural arch in North America, with a span of over 300 feet. This relatively flat portion of the Devils Garden trail showcases multiple arches and spires.
Devils Garden Trailhead, Arches National Park, Moab, UT 84532
Mesa Arch
Peer through this iconic pothole arch, perfectly framing the dramatic canyon landscape below with the La Sal Mountains in the distance. The short walk to this viewpoint is a must-do in Canyonlands, especially at sunrise.
Mesa Arch Trail, Canyonlands National Park, Moab, UT 84532
Grand View Point
Stand at the southernmost edge of the Island in the Sky mesa and take in a staggering panoramic view. The overlook reveals the immense scale of Canyonlands, with the Green and Colorado Rivers carving through the landscape thousands of feet below.
Grand View Point Rd, Canyonlands National Park, Moab, UT 84532
Moab Brewery
After a long day of hiking, relax at Moab's original microbrewery. Enjoy a casual dinner and sample a wide variety of award-winning craft beers in a lively, fun atmosphere.
686 S Main St, Moab, UT 84532
Day 6 — Fruita
Dinosaur Hill
Walk a short interpretive trail where some of the first great dinosaur discoveries of the late 1800s were made. This historic quarry provides a glimpse into the paleontological significance of the region.
349 S, 3rd St, Fruita, CO 81521
Rim Rock Drive
Experience one of the great scenic drives of the American West. This 23-mile road hugs the canyon rims of Colorado National Monument, offering incredible pullouts and viewpoints of the sheer-walled canyons and towering monoliths.
Colorado National Monument, Fruita, CO 81521
Main Street Bagels
End your trip with a delicious meal at a beloved local spot in downtown Grand Junction. Known for its artisan bagels, sandwiches, and coffee, it's the perfect place to refuel and reflect on your canyon country adventure.
559 Main St, Grand Junction, CO 81501
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 Utah Canyon Country road trip covers about 743 mi and roughly 14h 59m of driving, comfortably spread across about 6 days.
This itinerary maps out 22 stops from Overton, NV 89040 to Grand Junction, CO 81501. Highlights include The Narrows (Bottom-Up Day Hike), Bryce Canyon Amphitheater, and Delicate Arch.
It begins in Overton, NV 89040 and ends in Grand Junction, CO 81501, following a mapped, road-following route the whole way.
The estimated cost is around $562, 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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