The past week I was visiting my mom in Vegas. It was good to have some family time during these times. I am still not ready to fly due to Covid so I drove out there. It’s about an 11 hour drive from Denver to Vegas and THE PRETTIEST. It went by so fast!
On my way back home, I decided to stop by all 5 of Utah’s National Parks. They are along the way which makes it very convenient. This is the exact route and stops I made on my journey. I will post more of my favorites if you have more time to explore. I completed this in a little under 2 days!
Day 1:
Vegas >>> Zion NP // 2 hours 36 min – 160 mi.
Drove hwy 9 through the park and stopped just past the bridge
Canyon overlook trail – 1 mi.
Zion NP >>> Bryce Canyon NP // 1 hour 26 min – 75 mi.
Queens garden trail to Navajo Loop – 3 mi.
Bryce Canyon NP >>> Capitol Reef NP // 2 hours – 110 mi.
Cathedral valley loop (drive) – 60 miles *High Clearance Vehicle Required (4×4 recommended) half way through hiked temple of the sun and moon
Capitol Reef NP >>> BLM land to camp // 1 hour – 57 mi.
Camped near Goblin State Park. Just before the entrance turn right on the road that says little wild horse canyon. Follow that road until there is a dirt pullout (on left) camp up against the hill – Free
Day 2:
Woke up at 3am to catch the sunrise at Mesa Arch in Canyonlands
BLM Campground >>> Canyonlands NP // 2 hours – 114 mi.
Mesa Arch Trail – 1 mi.
Canyonlands NP >>> Arches NP // 1 hour – 45 mi.
Delicate Arch Trail – 3 mi.
Arches NP >>> Denver // 5 hours 20 min – 350 mi.
Mesa Arch
Canyonlands NPMesa Arch
Canyonlands NPBLM Campground Cathedral Valley
Capitol Reef NPDelicate Arch
Arches NPMesa Arch
Canyonlands NPQueens Garden Trail
Bryce Canyon NPNavajo Trail
Bryce Canyon NPQueens Trail
Bryce Canyon NPQueens Garden Trail
Bryce Canyon NPMesa Arch
CanyonlandsTemple of the sun and moon
Capitol Reef NPNavajo Trail
Bryce Canyon NPSunset Point
Bryce Canyon NPMesa Arch
Canyonlands NPQueens Garden
Bryce Canyon NPTemple of the sun and moon
Captiol Reef NPMesa Arch
Canyonlands NPZion NP Delicate Arch
Arches NPDelicate Arch
Arches NP

ZION NATIONAL PARK FAVORITES
Hikes: Angels Landing // The Narrows // Canyon Overlook
Camping: Watchman Campground // South Campground

BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK FAVORITES
Hikes: Queens Garden // Navajo Loop // Fairyland Loop // Peekaboo Loop
Camping: North Campground // Sunset Campground

CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK FAVORITES
Hikes: Temple of the sun and moon // Cassidy Arch // Capitol Gorge Trail
Camping: Cathedral Valley Campground // Fruits Campground // BLM Land surrounds the park!

CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK FAVORITES
Hikes: Mesa Arch // Grand View Point Trail //Druid Arch Trail
Camping: Willow Flat Campground

ARCHES NATIONAL PARK FAVORITES
Hiking: Delicate Arch // Sand Dune Arch // The Windows // Double Arch // Landscape Arch
Camping: Devils Garden Campground