Zion National Park towering red sandstone canyon walls

Best 14 Days in Utah National Parks — Based in Bryce Canyon

Zion National Park → Bryce Canyon → Capitol Reef

14 days · 3 cities · 23 activities · route optimized by distance

Expect lots of nature — parks, scenic views, and outdoor activities. A moderate mix of walking and active experiences, mostly at your own pace. Includes 4 must-see landmarks across Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef.

Highlights: The Narrows, Angels Landing Guided Hike (Permit Required), Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive, Stargazing at Bryce Canyon (Dark Sky Park)

Arriving Wed, Jul 1 Change

Your Route — ordered to minimize backtracking

23+ activities scored and ranked · route optimized across 3 cities

Where you'll stay
Hotel in Zion · From $170/night +2 more
See lodging →
Trip cost
~$3,078 total · $220/day
See budget →
Top picks
The Narrows, Angels Landing Guided Hike (Permit Required), Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
See itinerary →

Day-by-Day Schedule — heavy and light days alternate so you don’t burn out

Zion National Park

Zion National Park Zion National Park · Open in Google Maps ↗
Day 1 Wed, Jul 1 Full Zion National Park
Morning
The Narrows$~3 hrs

Wade through the Virgin River in one of the world's most famous slot canyon hikes, with towering 1,000-foot walls on bo-

Afternoon
Angels Landing Guided Hike (Permit Required)$$~4 hrs

Tackle the iconic Angels Landing trail with a guide. Since 2022, a permit from the NPS lottery is mandatory for the fina-

$199 Verified Mar 2026 Book this tour →
🏨 Hotel in Zion

Springdale / Virgin / Hurricane

wifiparkingair-conditioning
Travelers book: Cliffrose Springdale, Curio Collection By Hilton $200-350/nightHampton Inn & Suites Springdale $150-250/nightDriftwood Lodge $100-180/night
Book Hotel in Zion from $170/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 2 Thu, Jul 2 Moderate Zion National Park
Morning
Zion Canyon Scenic Drive$~3 hrs

Ride the free park shuttle through Zion's main canyon, stopping at iconic trailheads and overlooks along 6 miles of car-

Afternoon
Zion-Mount Carmel Highway$$~3 hrs

With switchbacks, views, hikes and a tunnel, the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway is a scenic road connecting the south entranc

🏨 Hotel in Zion

Springdale / Virgin / Hurricane

wifiparkingair-conditioning
Travelers book: Cliffrose Springdale, Curio Collection By Hilton $200-350/nightHampton Inn & Suites Springdale $150-250/nightDriftwood Lodge $100-180/night
Book Hotel in Zion from $170/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Zion National Park → Bryce Canyon
2h Drive straight to Bryce Canyon without sightseeing along the route. This is recommended for those who want to maximize t

Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon Bryce Canyon · Open in Google Maps ↗
Day 3 Fri, Jul 3 Full Bryce Canyon
Morning
Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive$~3 hrs

Drive the 18-mile scenic road through Bryce Canyon, stopping at 13 viewpoints overlooking the world's largest collectio-

Afternoon
Stargazing at Bryce Canyon (Dark Sky Park)$~3 hrs

Experience one of the best dark-sky sites in North America. Bryce Canyon's 7,000+ visible stars on a moonless night make-

🏨 Hotel in Bryce Canyon

Tropic / Bryce Canyon City

wifiparkingair-conditioning
Travelers book: Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel $140-220/nightBryce Canyon Pines Lodge $80-140/nightBryce Pioneer Village $110-170/night
Book Hotel in Bryce Canyon from $150/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 4 Sat, Jul 4 Moderate Bryce Canyon
Morning
Scenic Byway 12 Day Trip$$~3 hrs

Explore this famous stretch of road that connects Bryce Canyon with Capitol Reef National Park. Designated as an All Ame

Afternoon
Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive II$$~3 hrs

Enjoy a second day of exploring the "main drag" of Bryce Canyon National Park. With your second day of exploring, you'll

🏨 Hotel in Bryce Canyon

Tropic / Bryce Canyon City

wifiparkingair-conditioning
Travelers book: Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel $140-220/nightBryce Canyon Pines Lodge $80-140/nightBryce Pioneer Village $110-170/night
Book Hotel in Bryce Canyon from $150/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 5 Sun, Jul 5 Full Bryce Canyon
Morning
Horseback Ride through Bryce Canyon$$~3 hrs

See all of Bryce’s breathtaking beauty from horseback as you leave Sunrise Point and descend into the Canyon.

Afternoon
Self-guided ATV Tour of Paunsaugunt Plateau$$~3 hrs

Discover the magnificent beauty of the Paunsaugunt Plateau by ATV. Pick up your rental and self-guide your journey aroun

🏨 Hotel in Bryce Canyon

Tropic / Bryce Canyon City

wifiparkingair-conditioning
Travelers book: Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel $140-220/nightBryce Canyon Pines Lodge $80-140/nightBryce Pioneer Village $110-170/night
Book Hotel in Bryce Canyon from $150/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 6 Mon, Jul 6 Moderate Bryce Canyon
Morning
Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive: App guided - half day$$~3 hrs

Spend a half-day exploring the top sights. With the help of your personalized App Guide, you can pick and choose what yo

Afternoon
Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive: App guided - full day$$~3 hrs

With a full day to explore, you can sightsee at a more leisurely pace and visit more of the sights highlighted in your A

🏨 Hotel in Bryce Canyon

Tropic / Bryce Canyon City

wifiparkingair-conditioning
Travelers book: Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel $140-220/nightBryce Canyon Pines Lodge $80-140/nightBryce Pioneer Village $110-170/night
Book Hotel in Bryce Canyon from $150/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 7 Tue, Jul 7 Moderate Bryce Canyon
Morning
Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive: Small-group tour$$~3 hrs

Explore with a small group and learn directly from a local expert.

$47 Verified Mar 2026 Book this tour →
Afternoon
Stargazing at Bryce Canyon: App guided$$~3 hrs

Self-guide an evening enjoying the stars. Your App Guide will have a few suggested spots to check out, and if your lucky

🏨 Hotel in Bryce Canyon

Tropic / Bryce Canyon City

wifiparkingair-conditioning
Travelers book: Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel $140-220/nightBryce Canyon Pines Lodge $80-140/nightBryce Pioneer Village $110-170/night
Book Hotel in Bryce Canyon from $150/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 8 Wed, Jul 8 Moderate Bryce Canyon
Morning
Stargazing at Bryce Canyon: Private tour$$~2 hrs

Meet right outside of Bryce Canyon for a private stargazing experience. Here you'll get extended, hands-on training on h

$400 Verified Mar 2026 Book this tour →
Afternoon
Stargazing at Bryce Canyon: Small group tour$$~3 hrs

Meet right outside of Bryce Canyon for a small-group stargazing experience. You'll have access to Big Telescopes that ca

$37 Verified Mar 2026 Book this tour →
🏨 Hotel in Bryce Canyon

Tropic / Bryce Canyon City

wifiparkingair-conditioning
Travelers book: Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel $140-220/nightBryce Canyon Pines Lodge $80-140/nightBryce Pioneer Village $110-170/night
Book Hotel in Bryce Canyon from $150/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 9 Thu, Jul 9 Light Bryce Canyon
Full Day
Free time Bryce Canyon$$~3 hrs

Budget some free time in Bryce Canyon to explore at your own pace, unwind from your travel, or follow your own itinerary

🏨 Hotel in Bryce Canyon

Tropic / Bryce Canyon City

wifiparkingair-conditioning
Travelers book: Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel $140-220/nightBryce Canyon Pines Lodge $80-140/nightBryce Pioneer Village $110-170/night
Book Hotel in Bryce Canyon from $150/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 10 Fri, Jul 10 Light Bryce Canyon
Full Day
Scenic Byway 12 Day Trip: App guided day trip$$~3 hrs

Travel along Scenic Byway 12 and explore at your own pace with the step-by-step guidance in your App Guide. With the sel

🏨 Hotel in Bryce Canyon

Tropic / Bryce Canyon City

wifiparkingair-conditioning
Travelers book: Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel $140-220/nightBryce Canyon Pines Lodge $80-140/nightBryce Pioneer Village $110-170/night
Book Hotel in Bryce Canyon from $150/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 11 Sat, Jul 11 Light Bryce Canyon
Full Day
Scenic Byway 12 Day Trip: App guided day trip with Peekaboo and Spooky Slot Canyon Jeep tour and hike$$~6 hrs

Travel along Scenic Byway 12 to Escalante where you'll visit one of the area's most famous slot canyons, Peekaboo and Sp

$160 Verified Mar 2026 Book this experience →
🏨 Hotel in Bryce Canyon

Tropic / Bryce Canyon City

wifiparkingair-conditioning
Travelers book: Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel $140-220/nightBryce Canyon Pines Lodge $80-140/nightBryce Pioneer Village $110-170/night
Book Hotel in Bryce Canyon from $150/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 12 Sun, Jul 12 Moderate Bryce Canyon
Morning
Scenic Byway 12 Day Trip: App guided day trip with Devil's Garden Jeep tour$$~3 hrs

Travel along Scenic Byway 12 and explore at your own pace with the step-by-step guidance in your App Guide. About half w

$102 Verified Mar 2026 Book this experience →
Afternoon
Self-guided ATV Tour of Paunsaugunt Plateau: Single ATV Rental$$~5 hrs

Drive your own single ATV as you explore the Plateau.

$153 Verified Mar 2026 Book this experience →
🏨 Hotel in Bryce Canyon

Tropic / Bryce Canyon City

wifiparkingair-conditioning
Travelers book: Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel $140-220/nightBryce Canyon Pines Lodge $80-140/nightBryce Pioneer Village $110-170/night
Book Hotel in Bryce Canyon from $150/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Bryce Canyon → Capitol Reef
2h 12m Drive straight to Capitol Reef National Park without sightseeing along the route. This is recommended for those who want

Capitol Reef

Capitol Reef Capitol Reef · Open in Google Maps ↗
Day 13 Mon, Jul 13 Full Capitol Reef
Morning
Capitol Reef Scenic Drive$~3 hrs

Explore Capitol Reef's 8-mile Scenic Drive past the Waterpocket Fold, Fruita orchards, pioneer inscriptions, and short t-

Afternoon
Scenic Byway 12 Day Trip$$~3 hrs

Explore this famous stretch of road that connects Bryce Canyon with Capitol Reef National Park. Designated as an All Ame

🏨 Hotel in Capitol Reef

Torrey / Countryside

wifiparkingair-conditioning
Travelers book: Capitol Reef Resort $130-250/nightRed Sands Hotel $140-280/nightCapitol Reef Inn & Cafe $110-180/night
Book Hotel in Capitol Reef from $140/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 14 Tue, Jul 14 Capitol Reef
Checkout & Depart

Check out of your hotel, grab a final breakfast, and head to the airport. Safe travels from Capitol Reef!

Where You’ll Stay

Estimated total: $1,584–$2,376

Trip Budget Estimate

$3,078 estimated total per person
$220 per day
Lodging $1,980
Activities $1,098

Estimates based on listed activity prices and hotel rates. Actual costs vary by season, availability, and personal spending.

Typical range for Utah National Parks

$1,400 – $7,000 per person for 14 days

Budget: $100/day — Budget motels, fast-casual dining, public transport Mid-range: $250/day — Hotels, restaurants, car rental Luxury: $500/day — Resorts, fine dining, guided tours

Similar Destinations

Similar vibes, fewer crowds — destinations our algorithm rates as close matches to Utah National Parks.

🧳 Practical Info for Utah National Parks

📄 Visa
ESTA required for Visa Waiver Program countries. CA citizens visa-exempt. See US entry requirements.
💵 Tipping
18–20% tip expected at restaurants. Standard US tipping culture applies.
💱 Currency
US Dollar ($ USD). Cards accepted everywhere.
🔌 Power
120V, Type A/B plugs. EU/UK/AU travelers need an adapter.
📶 Connectivity
Limited signal in national parks and canyon areas. Download offline maps before visiting.
🚨 Emergency
911 (general emergency)

🚗 Getting Around Utah National Parks

🚗 Car

Car rental essential — the Mighty 5 parks are spread across southern Utah. Book SUV for unpaved park roads.

✈️ Flight

Fly into Las Vegas (closest hub) or Salt Lake City. St. George has a small regional airport.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit?

Spring and fall offer the best weather and fewer crowds. Summer is peak season. Check regional weather patterns for specific conditions.

Do I need to rent a car?

A car is essential for road trips and national parks in the US. Public transit is limited outside major metro areas.

How much does a week cost?

Budget: $100-150/day. Mid-range: $200-350/day. Luxury: $500+/day. Costs vary significantly by region and season.

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