Utah National Parks Itinerary Ideas

We’ve put together this list of itinerary ideas for visiting all five Utah National Parks that will help you make the most out of your trip. From multi-day adventures to day trips and family-friendly activities, these itinerary ideas will make it easy to plan your dream vacation!

Since we live close and can visit these parks during all seasons and months of the year, we’ve put together a packing list for Utah National Parks. You can get a free printable by clicking the graphic below!

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Outdoor Gear for Utah National Parks

Hiking Shoes – Injuries from improper footwear is a common problem that casual visitors and hikers encounter. To make your trip as safe and enjoyable as possible, avoid smooth-soled shoes and only wear sturdy shoes with ample tread. 

Hydration and Food – Due to the high desert and altitude in Southern Utah, you should drink at least one gallon of water per day, and always carry water with you during all outdoor activities. Check out these healthy snacks and food ideas. We use hydration packs or carry refillable water bottles in our packs.

Lip Balm and Lotion – Utah’s high elevation and dry air can be hard on your skin. You’ll want to carry lip balm with sunscreen and hydrating lotion to apply as needed when you’re out exploring the trails.

Sun Protection – Avoid sun burn by wearing a wide brimmed sunhat and by generously applying sunscreen to any parts of your body that are exposed to the sun.

A Photo Tour of Utah National Parks

Take a visual tour through all five Utah National Parks to see the stunning landscapes you’ll see when you visit!

Best Time to Plan a Utah National Parks Vacation

Deciding the best time to visit Utah National Parks depends on the activities you want to do. Be sure you know the expected weather and temperatures for the parks you’ll visit in the winter months:

• Arches National Park weather
• Bryce Canyon National Park weather
• Canyonlands National Park weather
• Capitol Reef National Park weather
• Zion National Park weather

Utah National Parks Itinerary Ideas

From hiking, biking, and camping to kayaking, fishing, and horseback riding – you’ll find Utah National Parks activities for everyone to enjoy!

Hiking in Utah National Parks is one of the best ways to see the natural beauty of the landscape in these areas.

And don’t forget to note the best photography spots at Utah National Parks to capture memories of the things you see and do!

Each daily itinerary below includes the top activities and attractions we recommend for 1, 2, or 3 days at all five Utah National Parks!

Arches Itinerary Ideas

When you visit Arches National Park you’ll see a stunning landscape filled with arches (of course), balanced rocks, fins, and other unique rock formations.

You’ll want to plan enough time at Arches to see and photograph the sunrise, explore the scenic drive, enjoy some day hikes, photograph the sunset, and do some stargazing at night!

• Arches National Park Itinerary Ideas
• Arches National Park in One Day
• Two Days in Arches National Park
• Three Days in Arches National Park
• Arches National Park and Canyonlands in One Day

Grab our travel bundle with printable 1, 2 and 3-day Arches National Park itineraries to print and use to plan your vacation!

Bryce Canyon Itinerary Ideas

When you visit Bryce Canyon National Park you’ll see a stunning landscape filled with hoodoos, natural arches, windows, fins, and other unique rock formations.

You’ll want to plan enough time at Bryce Canyon to see and photograph the sunrise, explore the scenic drive, and enjoy some activities like day hikes, biking, ATV or horseback riding tours, and more!

• Bryce Canyon National Park Itinerary
• Bryce Canyon National Park One Day Itinerary
• Two days in Bryce Canyon National Park
• Three Days in Bryce Canyon National Park

Grab our travel bundle with printable 1, 2 and 3-day Bryce Canyon National Park itineraries to print and use to plan your vacation!

Canyonlands Itinerary Ideas

Canyonlands is subdivided along the Green and Colorado Rivers into four unique districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze and The Rivers. Canyonlands National Park Island in the Sky is the most accessible district. It also offers fantastic, panoramic views of the park.

In contrast, when you visit Needles Canyonlands, you’ll experience a remote, backcountry experience with an assortment of natural geologic formations that can only be reached by using one of the many Canyonlands hiking trails or four-wheel driving trails.

• Canyonlands National Park Itinerary
• Canyonlands National Park One Day Itinerary
• Two Days at Canyonlands National Park
• Three Days at Canyonlands National Park
• One Day at Needles Canyonlands National Park

Grab our travel bundle with printable 1, 2 and 3-day Canyonlands National Park itineraries to print and use to plan your vacation!

Capitol Reef Itinerary Ideas

Capitol Reef is located in south-central Utah between Arches and Canyonlands National Parks and Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks. 

There are many Capitol Reef National Park activities available for visitors to enjoy, such as hiking, camping, rock climbing, and horseback riding. You can also take part in ranger-led programs that include guided hikes and talks about the park’s history and geology.

• Capitol Reef National Park Itinerary
• Capitol Reef National Park in One Day
• Two days in Capitol Reef National Park
• Three days in Capitol Reef National Park

Zion Itinerary Ideas

Located in the Southwest of Utah, near the towns of Kanab, St. George, and Cedar City, visiting Zion National Park is a truly amazing experience that is not to be missed by anyone who loves the outdoors.

Zion National Park should be on your bucket list of places to visit in Utah. The landscape includes narrow sandstone canyons, high plateaus with spectacular views, and the Virgin River as it flows through the park. The hiking trails at Zion are world-famous and fun to explore.

• Zion National Park Itinerary 
• Zion National Park in One Day
• Two Days in Zion National Park
• Three Days in Zion National Park