Utah is known for its “Mighty 5” National Parks, great opportunities for skiing, and scenic drives through the state. I have had the opportunity to visit various parts of Utah several times. This one week Utah itinerary focuses on the grandeur of the National Parks, but you can easily add in many other stops to create a longer itinerary or head out on a different Utah road trip.
Since this trip includes a lot of National Parks, I highly recommend getting the America the Beautiful Pass. This pass covers admission into all US National Parks for a year.
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Table of Contents
History of Utah
In the beginning, Utah was home to the Ancestral Pueblo and Fremont people. They lived here for hundreds of years prior to the arrival of the Europeans. The Southern part of Utah was explored by the Spanish in the 1500s and 1700s.
In the 1800s, Brigham Young brought a group of people to settle in the area. Over the next 22 years, more Mormans came out to Utah and the settlement grew. 1869 saw the first Transcontinental Railroads completion at Primitory Point thus opening the area up even more to settlement.
Utah officially became a state on January 4, 1896. The 1900s saw the establishment of various National Parks throughout Utah to help preserve the beauty of the state. Today, people come to Utah for great skiing, hiking, and other outdoor adventures.
Best Time to Visit Utah
Summer is the peak season when planning a one week Utah Itinerary. If you choose to visit during this time, it will be hot, crowded, and more expensive. I recommend spending a week in Utah for spring break (March-April). During this time the weather can be a little chilly but you can find much better deals and fewer crowds.
How to Get to Utah
For this itinerary, you have several options on where to fly in and out of. For this one week Utah itinerary, I based it on option #1 as I wanted time in Salt Lake City as well.
Option #1: Fly into Salt Lake City, Utah
Flying into Salt Lake City is the best option when starting a one week Utah itinerary because you can also spend some time exploring Salt Lake City if you have extra time. It has some pretty great restaurants and museums. From Salt Lake City, it is a 4.5-hour drive to Springdale and a 3 hour, 45-minute drive to Moab. The long drives are a bit more split up.
Option #2: Fly into Las Vegas, Nevada
If you opt to fly into Las Vegas, you can find a good deal on flights, and it is only a 2 hour and 40-minute drive from Springdale. However, you will need to make a 6 hour, 45-minute drive at the end of the itinerary from Moab. (or you can switch the order)
Option #3: Fly into Moab, Utah
Moab is a much smaller airport so flights tend to be more expensive. However, this helps cut out some of the drive time. At some point, you will have to make the 5-hour drive from Springdale to Moab.
Option #4: Fly into Las Vegas, Fly out of Salt Lake City or Moab
The last option is to book two one-way flights and a one-way rental car. This requires the least amount of driving as you will not have any drives over 4 hours. However, keep in mind that one-way rental cars can be more expensive. I recommend checking into the pricing of all options prior to booking. This is a great option if you want to extend your one week Utah itinerary for a bit longer.
Day 1: Salt Lake City to Springdale, Utah
Drive Time: 4.5 hours
Cost: $25 and up pending activities
Hotel Option: Hampton Inn & Suites Springdale or Holiday Inn Express Springdale
For your first day on this one week Utah itinerary, fly into Salt Lake City. Depending on what time your flight gets in, you may have time to explore Utah’s capital. I recommend stopping by the capital building and the Salt Lake City Tabernacle. Both are free to visit. If you are lucky you may see the Mormon Tabernacle Choir practice. High School Musical Fans should also stop by East High School on the way out of town. This is where the infamous movie was filmed.
If you have lots of time, you can always opt to stop at one of the many museums. The Utah Museum of Fine Arts and the Natural History Museum of Utah are two of my favorites. When you get hungry, stop at Roctaco for unique and delicious tacos or Curry Up Now for some amazing Indian food with a twist.
After spending however much time you feel like in Salt Lake City, make the 4.5-hour drive to Springdale, the base for Zion National Park. Along the way, you can opt to visit the Brigham Young University (BYU) campus in Provo. Other things to do in Provo include the Brigham Young Museum of Art, Utah Lake State Park, and Bridal Veil Falls.
Then, stop at the Mystic Hot Springs in Monroe, Utah. They have a ton of unique events throughout the year, so check their website for more information. If you just want a soak in the hot springs, it costs $25 per person for a two-hour time slot. It is the perfect way to unwind after a long day of traveling. From there, it is about another 2.5 hours to Springdale.
Day 2: Springdale to Bryce Canyon, Utah
Drive Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Cost: $35 or $0 if you have the America the Beautiful Pass
Hotel Option: Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn or Bryce Canyon Resort
Today, head into Zion National Park, the most popular of Utah’s “Mighty 5” and one of the best National Parks in the United States. It is a must-visit stop for a one week Utah itinerary. Although you can easily spend several days exploring multiple areas of the park, one day in Zion will give you enough time to hit the highlights of the park. Plan to get into the park early to beat the crowds.
Start your morning by hiking the infamous Narrows (Bottom Up). This hike starts at the end of the Scenic Drive at the Temple of Sinawava. To start the hike, you will need to walk the 1-mile Riverside Walk. This portion is paved and very flat.
At the end of the Riverside Walk is the entrance to the Narrows and the Virgin River. If you opt to do this hike, you can hike for as long as you would like, but the entire hike is 9.4 miles round trip. We opted to hike about half of it.
A few things to keep in mind if you choose to hike the Narrows. For about 60% of the hike, you will be hiking through the water. Thus, you will want waterproof shoes or bring an extra pair of shoes to change into at the end of the hike (this is what we opted to do). You will want clothes that are quick-drying and make sure to have a walking stick. You will also need to check river conditions online to see if it is safe to hike the Narrows that day.
After you hike the Narrows and eat lunch, you have a couple of options. If you are up for another major hike, you can hike Angel’s Landing. This is a 5.4-mile round trip hike and it is not for those with a fear of heights. At the end of the hike, you are rewarded with 360-degree views of the park.
If you want a more mild hike, I recommend the Emerald Pools. This 3-mile round trip hike takes visitors to the Upper and Lower pools. After you are done spending the day in Zion, drive an hour and 20 minutes to Bryce Canyon where you will spend the night.
Day 3: Bryce Canyon to Torrey, Utah
Drive Time: 2 hours
Cost: $35 or $0 if you have the America the Beautiful Pass
Hotel Option: Capitol Reef Resort or Red Sands Hotel
On your third day during this one week Utah itinerary, spend time at Bryce Canyon National Park. Bryce Canyon is known for its infinite hoodoos and rock formations.
Start the morning by visiting Sunrise Point, where you can catch your first glimpse of the Bryce Amphitheater. Then, start your first hike of the day along the Queens Garden Trail. This 1.8-mile trail will connect with the Navajo Loop. Make sure to take the Wall Street path. Be on the lookout for Thor’s Hammer. Then, check out the view at Sunset Point.
Next, head out to the 18-mile scenic drive. Follow the road to Rainbow Point at the end. If up for another hike, head out on the Bristlecone Loop trail. As you drive the road back, there are a variety of viewpoints to stop at. Some of these include Black Birch Canyon, Ponderosa Canyon, Agua Canyon, the Natural Bridge, Fairview Point, and Swamp Canyon. Make sure to stop at Natural Bridge as it is a very impressive 85-foot arch.
After driving the scenic drive, make sure to finish off this day during a one week Utah itinerary with a stop at Bryce Point. In my opinion, this is one of the coolest views in the park. Many people opt to watch the sunrise or sunset here.
When finished exploring Bryce Canyon National Park, drive 2 hours to Torrey, Utah, the gateway to Capitol Reef National Park. If you are hungry, stop at Curry Pizza for dinner.
Day 4: Torrey to Moab, Utah
Drive Time: 2 hours
Cost: $20 or $0 if you have the America the Beautiful Pass
Hotel Option: Rustic Inn or Hyatt Place Moab
Today, head to Capitol Reef National Park, one of my favorite Utah National Parks. Start the morning with a drive to Panorama Point and the Goosenecks. This super short hike will offer you a first glimpse of the astonishing scenery of the park.
Next, stop by Gifford House to grab some pies and cinnamon rolls. These pies are made with the local fruit harvested from the park’s orchards. You cannot go wrong with any of the flavors.
Then, head to the Cassidy Arch Trailhead. This 3.4-mile round trip hike is a bit strenuous and climbs over 600 feet. Parts of it are along a cliff ledge and over some uneven terrain so keep that in mind if you opt to do this hike. The hike offers spectacular views of the park and Cassidy Arch.
If you want to extend the Cassidy Arch hike, you can add in part of the Grand Wash Trail. This trail heads through the narrows (slot canyon) portion of the park. The entire trail is 2.2-miles each way, but you can just hike a portion of it.
After hiking to Cassidy Arch, opt to drive the 8-mile scenic drive for picturesque views of the park. There are several lookouts and pullouts you can stop at along the route.
In the afternoon, opt to hike part of the Sulphur Creek trail to the third waterfall. This trail follows along a stream through a canyon. The entire trail is a 5.8-mile trail but the hike from the Visitor’s Center to the third waterfall is only 0.7-miles.
On the way out of the park as you head to Moab, stop at the Petroglyph Panel to see some petroglyphs from the Native Americans carved into the mountainside.
From Capitol Reef National Park, it will take about two hours to reach Moab, the last stop on this one week Utah itinerary. If you want to add something extra to this day, you can opt to stop at Goblin Valley State Park. Once in Moab, you can grab some dinner at Arches Thai.
Day 5: Moab
Drive Time: 10 minutes (each way)
Cost: $30 or $0 if you have the America the Beautiful Pass
Today during your one week Utah itinerary, head to Arches National Park. This spectacular park contains over 2000 arches and has some really amazing hikes. You can easily spend two days exploring the park.
In the morning, get an early start and head to do the 3-mile Delicate Arch hike. This is easily one of the most popular trails in the park and offers an up close look at the stunning Delicate Arch. You must climb a steep rocky hill as part of this trail and the last bit has some steep drops offs, so keep that in mind if you opt to do this hike.
After taking your fill of pictures at Delicate Arch, head to the Devil’s Garden Loop. At minimum hike the 1.9 miles round trip to Landscape Arch (one of the longest arches in the world) but if up for a longer hike, add on another 2.2 miles to see the Partition Arch, Navajo Arch, and the Double O Arch.
Finally, head to see the North and South Windows, Turret Arch, and Double Arch. It is about a 1.5-mile round trip hike to see all of these arches. The windows offer great views of the park. Double Arch was formed when the roof of a cave collapsed and formed two arches from it.
On the way out of the park, stop at Balanced Rock Viewpoint to see this 128-foot feature. Then stop at the Park Avenue viewpoint to see some other really cool rock formations. It feels like you are surrounded by buildings.
After your day in the park, opt to grab dinner at Spitfire Smokehouse, some of the best barbeque in town. You can easily share a platter with another person so keep that in mind when ordering.
Day 6: Moab
Drive Time:
Cost: $30 or $0 if you have the America the Beautiful Pass
On today’s portion of this one week in Utah itinerary, head to Canyonlands National Park. Canyonlands has colorful landscapes with mesas, canyons, and buttes. It is divided into three main sections: Island in the Sky, Needles, and The Maze. Today, opt to visit the Island in the Sky Section which is the closest to Moab.
First, hike to Mesa Arch, one of the most popular trails in the park. This hike is only 0.6-miles round trip, so it is pretty easy to get to. You will be rewarded with awesome views of the park. After that, stop to hike Aztec Butte which offers more views of the park and a small cliffside dwelling.
Then, stop off at the Green River Viewpoint. Here, you will be rewarded with amazing views of the Green River and the canyons. From there, head down to the Grand Viewpoint where you will be rewarded with even more spectacular views.
Next, stop off at the Buck Canyon Overlook which offers views of the eastern side of the park. No matter which direction you look, everything offers gorgeous views. Finally, stop off at the Shafer Trail Overlook. From here, if you have a 4X4 vehicle, you can opt to head down the dirt paths into the canyon.
No matter which trails you hike and which viewpoints you stop at, you will be rewarded with the most astonishing views. After a day in Canyonlands, head back into town to grab some dinner at the Desert Bistro. This is a bit pricier dinner option, but you will not be sorry.
You can also add in a trip to Dead Horse Point State Park as part of today. We did not opt to do this as we wanted more time in Canyonlands. It costs $20 to get into the state park.
Day 7: Moab to Salt Lake City, Utah
Drive Time: 3 hours, 45 minutes
Cost: Varies
Hotel Option: Hampton Inn West Valley
Today, head from Moab to Salt Lake City. This drive will take about 3 hours and 45 minutes. Prior to heading out for the day, opt to grab breakfast at Gloria’s Corner Cafe. They have some great breakfast options, smoothies, and coffee beverages. You cannot go wrong with a meal here.
You have two options on what to do on your last day of this one week Utah itinerary. First, you can opt to spend more time in Moab and continue to explore the National Parks, head out on a jeep tour, take a flightseeing tour, or go ziplining.
The alternative option is to drive straight to Salt Lake City and visit any places you might have missed on your first day.
Day 8: Fly home
It is up to you if you want to fly home in the evening or stay one night in Salt Lake City and fly home the next day.
Other Tips for a One Week Utah Itinerary
Stop at the grocery store in Salt Lake City (or wherever you start) to pick up things for lunches and other snacks. A lot of the National Parks do not have the best food options or you may have to leave the park for lunch. There is also a grocery store in Moab and a smaller one in Springdale.
Total Costs for One Week Utah Itinerary
Flights: $210/person
Hotels: ≈$874 total or $437/person
Rental Car: $300 total or $150/person
Total: $1594 total or $797/person
More than One Week in Utah?
Add on these places if you have more than one week in Utah or you can also head to Arizona to complete a road trip around the state or opt to head into Colorado.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado
Drive Time (from Moab): 3 hours
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is located near Montrose Colorado. From Moab, it will take you about 3 hours to drive there. Along the way, you will pass through Grand Junction, Colorado where you can stop at Colorado National Monument. The area also has quite a few wineries you can try out. Two of my favorites were Hermosa Vineyards and Restoration Vineyards.
Once at Black Canyon of the Gunnison, make sure to drive along the scenic drive and stop at all of the viewpoints. The first stop is Gunnison Point which offers you a spectacular view of the canyon. If looking for a hike, opt to do the Oak Flat Trail. This 2-mile trail takes you along the rim of the canyon for more impressive views.
Kanab, Utah
Drive Time (from Springdale): 1 hour
Kanab is another popular place for hiking in Southern Utah. It is only an hour away from Springdale and Zion National Park, so if you have an extra day or two, it is easy to squeeze into your one week Utah itinerary. In Kanab, make sure to check out the Coral Pink Sand Dunes, hike one of the many slot canyons, Paria Canyon, Lake Powell, or visit the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.
Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
Drive Time (from Moab): 2 hours, 11 minutes
Mesa Verde National Park contains impressive cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Pueblo people. You can opt to hike around various trails, some to cliff dwellings. Visitors can also go on several ranger-led tours of the larger dwellings. Next to Mesa Verde is also Yucca House National Monument.
On the drive to Mesa Verde from Moab, you can also opt to stop at Natural Bridges National Monument, Hovenweep National Monument, and Four Corners (where four states meet).
Shaka Guide
Shaka Guide is a GPS self-guided audio tour that you can download to your phone. Currently, they have one for several of the Utah Parks. They provide great background information about the area. The best part is you do not need the internet to use them.
Final Thoughts on a One Week Utah Itinerary.
No matter how you decide to shape your one week Utah itinerary, there are a lot of natural outdoor sites to see and awesome hikes to take. You can always extend this itinerary and add more time in any of the stops.
9 thoughts on “One Week Utah Itinerary: 7 Days of Spectacular National Parks”
I lived in Utah for over 13 years and there are still so many places I haven’t seen. My family loves Zion and Bryce.
All of the Utah Parks are super awesome!
I need to plan a road trip through Utah! Since I could drive there from Phoenix, it wouldn’t be too hard to coordinate either. Bryce Canyon is at the top of my list, and Moab looks really fun, too. Thanks for sharing this awesome itinerary!
Yes! You could easily get to Bryce and Zion from Phoenix.
The Mighty 5 is on our short list! Great itinerary. I am definitely saving for future travel planning.
Yes! You need to go. They are such awesome parks.
This looks so beautiful, I would love to spend a week here! Thanks for breaking down the costs! So helpful ☺️
I’m glad it was helpful! Utah was so gorgeous.
Great guide! I appreciate all the tips on where to stay during the Utah road trip!