Utah is home to some of the most beautiful national parks in the United States. With its rugged terrain, towering rock formations, and breathtaking vistas, it’s no wonder why so many people choose to visit this state every year.
If you’re planning a 1 week Utah national parks road trip itinerary, there are a few things you need to consider in order to make the most of your time. Here are some tips to help you plan a successful trip.
1. Decide Which National Parks You Want to Visit
Utah has five national parks: Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion. Each park offers a unique experience and showcases the natural beauty of Utah in its own way. Before planning your itinerary, decide which parks you want to visit and how much time you want to spend at each one.
Arches National Park
Arches National Park is known for its stunning natural arches that have been formed over millions of years. The park has over 2,000 arches that vary in size from just a few feet to over 300 feet wide. Some of the most popular arches include Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for its unique rock formations called hoodoos. These spire-shaped rocks create a surreal landscape that is unlike anything else in the world. The park also offers amazing hiking trails that will take you through some of the most beautiful scenery in Utah.
Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park is located near Moab and offers visitors stunning views of deep canyons carved by the Colorado River. The park is divided into four districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the Colorado River. Each district offers a unique experience and showcases the natural beauty of Utah.
Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park is located in south-central Utah and is known for its towering sandstone cliffs, canyons, and domes. The park offers visitors a chance to explore ancient petroglyphs and pictographs left by Native Americans thousands of years ago.
Zion National Park
Zion National Park is located in southwestern Utah and is known for its stunning red rock formations, narrow slot canyons, and the Virgin River. The park offers visitors a chance to hike the famous Angels Landing trail or take a leisurely walk through the Narrows.
2. Determine Your Mode of Transportation
Once you’ve decided which parks you want to visit, you need to determine your mode of transportation. If you’re flying into Utah, you’ll need to rent a car or RV to get around. If you’re driving from another state, make sure your vehicle is in good condition for long-distance driving.
3. Book Your Accommodations
There are plenty of accommodation options near each national park, including hotels, motels, lodges, campgrounds, and RV parks. Book your accommodations well in advance to ensure availability during your trip.
4. Plan Your Itinerary
Now that you’ve decided which parks you want to visit and how you’ll get around, it’s time to plan your itinerary. Here’s an example 1 week Utah national parks road trip itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrive in Salt Lake City
- Day 2: Drive to Arches National Park (4 hours), hike Delicate Arch Trail
- Day 3: Drive to Bryce Canyon National Park (4 hours), hike Navajo Loop Trail
- Day 4: Drive to Capitol Reef National Park (2 hours), explore scenic drive and petroglyphs
- Day 5: Drive to Canyonlands National Park (2 hours), hike Mesa Arch Trail
- Day 6: Drive to Zion National Park (4 hours), hike Angels Landing Trail
- Day 7: Drive back to Salt Lake City (5 hours), depart for home
In Conclusion
Planning a successful 1 week Utah national parks road trip itinerary requires careful consideration and planning. Decide which parks you want to visit, determine your mode of transportation, book your accommodations in advance, and plan your itinerary accordingly. With these tips, you’ll be able to make the most of your time in Utah and experience some of the most beautiful natural wonders in the world.