Zion National Park towering red sandstone canyon walls

Best 7 Days in Utah National Parks — Adventure & Photography

Zion National Park → Bryce Canyon → Capitol Reef

7 days · 3 cities · 12 activities · route optimized by distance

This adventure itinerary reshuffles the schedule around adventure activities — hiking, water sports, and active exploration. 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

Arriving Wed, Jul 1 Change

This 7-day Utah National Parks adventure itinerary packs in 10 active experiences across Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, and Capitol Reef — expect hiking, water sports, and adrenaline over relaxation.

Your Route — ordered to minimize backtracking

12+ 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
~$1,169 total · $167/day
See budget →
Top picks
Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, The Narrows, Angels Landing Guided Hike (Permit Required)
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
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
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-

🏨 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 Full Zion National Park
Morning
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 →
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
Day 3 Fri, Jul 3 Moderate Zion National Park
Morning
Kolob Canyon$$~3 hrs

North of Canyon Scenic Drive is the "other" section of Zion National Park, called Kolob Canyon. This section of Zion is

Afternoon
Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Day Trip$$~3 hrs

Head to northern Arizona for the day where you can explore some famous landmarks in this nearby state. Visit one of the

🏨 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 4 Sat, Jul 4 Full Zion National Park
Morning
Zion Canyoneering$$~3 hrs

Explore a beautiful desert Southwest slot canyon in the shadow of Zion National Park. Experience rappels, down-climbs, a

Afternoon
Zion Canyon Scenic Drive II$$~3 hrs

Enjoy a second day of exploring the "main drag" of Zion National Park. Leave your car at the Visitor Center, use the off

🏨 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 5 Sun, Jul 5 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
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 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 6 Mon, Jul 6 Full Capitol Reef
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
Stargazing at Capitol Reef (Dark Sky Park)$~3 hrs

Designated an International Dark Sky Park, Capitol Reef offers ample opportunities to see a pristine sky filled with glo

🏨 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 7 Tue, Jul 7 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: $776–$1,164

Trip Budget Estimate

$1,169 estimated total per person
$167 per day
Lodging $970
Activities $199

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

Typical range for Utah National Parks

$700 – $3,500 per person for 7 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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