The rich red deserts of Arizona and Utah are spellbinding in their beauty. An Arizona and Utah road trip is easy from Las Vegas, and really lets you see the vastness and magic of the national parks and famous rock formations. This 2-week itinerary starts and ends in Las Vegas, and takes in a fantastic array of family-friendly sights along the way.
- 2-Week Arizona and Utah Road Trip from Las Vegas
- Las Vegas – 2 nights
2-Week Arizona and Utah Road Trip from Las Vegas
This 2-week road trip starts and ends in Las Vegas (so it’s easy for car rental), and does a big loop north.
In this 2-week trip, we have included Monument Valley as an overnight stop after Moab, but if you are short on time, you can do it as a day trip during your time in Page.
You CAN do this loop quicker, but this is the ideal itinerary that leaves room for hiking, relaxation, family dinners and lots of time enjoying the beauty of the area.
Zion National Park, Utah – 2 days / 3 nights
Drive time from Las Vegas to Zion: 2.5 hours
Located in southwestern Utah, Zion National Park is known for its towering sandstone cliffs, scenic canyon views, star-gazing, and family-friendly hiking options. The park is easy to navigate thanks to its shuttle system (operating seasonally).
Popular hikes like Riverside Walk are accessible and relatively flat, while more adventurous hikers can tackle trails such as Angels Landing (permit required) or The Narrows (guide recommended). We loved the Pa’rus Trail near the visitor center, and the more challenging Canyon Overlook Trail (I slipped a couple of times, but it was worth it).
The best place to stay when visiting Zion is Springdale. This adorable town is located just outside the south entrance. There are many lodging options to choose from and booking in advance is necessary during peak season as it is very popular. We recommend the Best Western Plus Zion Canyon Inn & Suites or Canyon Casitas at Zion.
There are two shuttle services for Zion – the orange line and the green line. The orange line runs from Springdale into the park, and the green line runs from the visitors center to 9 different stops in the park. Avoid driving in the park if you can, and just use the shuttles – parking can be crazy!
Read more about how to enjoy Zion National Park with your family here.
Toadstool Hoodoos
Drive time from Springdale to the Toadstool Hoodoos: 1h45
We visited the Toadstool Hoodoos on our way from Zion to Page, AZ. This area definitely looks like another planet.
It is just under a 2 mile hike roundtrip and totally worth the effort!
Page, Arizona – 1 day / 2 nights
Drive time from the Toadstools to Page: 30 mins
Page is a convenient base for exploring some of northern Arizona’s most famous natural landmarks. Situated near the southern shore of Lake Powell, this small town offers a mix of outdoor adventure and relaxed sightseeing.
With several major attractions within a short drive, it works especially well for families who prefer to unpack once and explore multiple sites from a central location.
Hotels, grocery stores, and casual restaurants are readily available, making it a practical base.
We chose the Best Western hotel in Page, it was within walking distance to many restaurants. The hot tub and pool were welcomed treats after long days of hiking.
Our favorite restaurant was Grand Canyon Brewery and Distillery. It is a large restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. There are games for the kids, tv’s for sports, a full bar and great food. Another favorite was the Dam Bar and Grill where we enjoyed a perfect sunset with dinner.
Horseshoe Bend
Just minutes from Page, Horseshoe Bend is one of the most photographed viewpoints in the Southwest. A relatively short walk leads to a dramatic overlook where the Colorado River curves in a perfect horseshoe shape below.
It is sandy and has an incline, so the trail can be a bit deceptive. They have developed the overlook to a platform with safety railings more recently, since this spot became so popular!
We visited around 10:30am. It was busy but not as crowded as it can be at sunrise or sunset. There was plenty of parking available. The entry fee is $10 per car. The total walk is 1.5 miles roundtrip.
We enjoyed our time and made it back to Page in time for lunch at Big John’s BBQ.
You can also visit as a combo tour from Page, with a visit to both Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon.
Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon is a guided-only slot canyon experience located on Navajo land near Page. Known for its narrow passageways and light beams filtering through sculpted sandstone walls, it’s a visually stunning stop on any Arizona itinerary.
Tours must be booked in advance, and visitors should be prepared for stairs and uneven ground. The guided format works well for families, as guides share geological and cultural insights while keeping groups moving safely through the canyon.
This was our favorite stop as it was completely different from the others. The photos from here don’t feel real. We were in awe the entire time.
Our guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining. We learned a great deal about the area and the slot canyons. I recommend booking well in advance for availability. We chose the 1pm lower canyon tour with Ken’s Tours. The lighting inside the canyon was perfect.
We didn’t visit the upper canyons but were told by staff that it is the recommended tour for families with small kids.
Bryce Canyon – 1 day / 2 nights
Drive time from Page to Bryce Canyon: 2.5 hours
Bryce Canyon is known for its unique hoodoos – tall, thin rock spires formed by erosion – that create an almost otherworldly landscape.
The park’s main viewpoints are easily accessible by car, which makes it ideal for travelers of varying mobility levels. Short rim walks provide impressive views without requiring strenuous hiking, while longer trails allow more active family members to venture down among the formations.
Because Bryce sits at a higher elevation, temperatures can be cooler than other parks on this itinerary, so layered clothing is helpful.
As a family, we enjoyed Inspiration Point and Sunrise Point the most. The views were unreal. Sunrise was absolutely breathtaking. There are many other lookouts along the scenic drive that require zero walking such as the natural bridge and rainbow point.
Later in the day, Payton and I hiked 3 miles into the canyon. Our hike started at Sunrise Point, descended down into Queens Garden, through the bottom of the canyons (Navajo Loop), and up the switchbacks of Wall Street to end at Sunset Point.
This was definitely a challenge for the two of us, especially the switchbacks climbing back up. If you are physically able, I highly recommend this trail. Being immersed in the hoodoos is completely different than viewing them from up above.
Seeing Bryce Canyon by helicopter would be a thrill, and it’s on our list for next time! Stay at Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn for a convenient base at Bryce Canyon.
See our full Bryce itinerary here.
Capitol Reef National Park
Drive time from Bryce to Capitol Reef via Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument: 2.5-3 hours
Often less crowded than Utah’s other national parks, Capitol Reef makes a rewarding stop between Bryce Canyon and Moab.
The park features colorful cliffs, domes, and the Waterpocket Fold—a nearly 100-mile-long geologic wrinkle in the earth’s crust. Even a short visit allows time for a scenic drive or a quick walk to petroglyph panels.
The historic Fruita district, with its orchards and preserved pioneer buildings, offers a pleasant place to stretch your legs before continuing the journey.
We spent some time in the visitors center before starting our drive. Our favorite part of the drive was the Gifford House and Museum (famous for their pies). We were so excited to try the pies. I hate to say that we were disappointed they are served cold (we were thinking fresh baked pies). However, we took them to go and heated them later for an amazing treat.
Many of the viewpoints for Capitol Reef are accessible from the main road without entering the park or paying a fee.
Moab – 2 days / 3 nights
Drive time from Capitol Reef to Moab: 2.5 hours
Moab is an outdoor adventure hub surrounded by dramatic red rock landscapes. With multiple major parks nearby and a lively downtown filled with restaurants and shops, it’s a comfortable base for several days.
The town caters well to families, offering everything from easy scenic drives to more active pursuits like rafting or jeep tours.
We loved the Sunset Grill – it has such amazing views from its terrace.
Arches National Park
Arches National Park is home to more than 2,000 natural stone arches, along with balanced rocks and sweeping desert views.
Many of the park’s highlights are accessible via short walks from parking areas, making it manageable for mixed-age groups. Timed-entry reservations may be required during peak seasons, so planning ahead is important.
Sunrise and sunset are especially beautiful times to explore, when the red rock formations glow in the changing light. You can either take a morning tour, or visit on your own as we did.
We arrived at the gate at 7:30 am and there was no line. We were also able to park at many of the lookouts that are sometimes full later in the day.
Our favorite stops were Skyline Arch trail, Balanced Rock, Windows Sections, Double Arch Trail and Delicate Arch viewpoint. If you have extra time and are up for a challenge, I would recommend the Devils Garden Trail.
By the time we left at 12:30, the line at the gate was super long and parking was limited at almost every stop.
STARGAZING: We returned in the evening for a stargazing tour and it was incredible!
Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands offers expansive views over deep canyons carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers. The Island in the Sky district is the most accessible section for families, with dramatic overlooks just steps from parking areas.
The park feels vast and less crowded than some others on this route, making it a great place to slow down and take in the scale of the Southwest landscape.
We were determined to visit Mesa Arch at sunrise since our visit was on Payton’s birthday. Around 5:45am we left Moab only stopping for coffee as we left town. We reached the trailhead for the arch at 6:45. There was plenty of light to see our way along the trail without the use of flashlights.
The trail is 1/2 mile roundtrip and is fairly easy. We were able to find parking but the arch was very crowded by then. We were fortunate enough to capture some amazing photos. My advice, stay around after the crowd begins to thin out for more photos and time to soak it all in.
After sunrise we made our way to the various lookouts and then to the visitors center before heading back to Moab for brunch. If you’re sick of driving, you can also take a tour of Canyonlands from Moab.
During our three day stay in Moab we visited Gloria’s Cafe twice – once for brunch and once for lunch. It was our favorite place in town for casual dining.
Dead Horse Point State Park
Located near Canyonlands, Dead Horse Point State Park provides one of the most striking panoramic views in Utah. A short, relatively flat rim trail connects several overlooks, offering sweeping vistas of the Colorado River far below.
It’s an easy addition to a Moab itinerary and a great option for families wanting big scenery without a long hike.
Our goal was to visit Dead Horse Overlook for sunset. Knowing how crowded it would be and how limited parking is, we grabbed pizza to go and left Moab at 5pm. We made it to the park around 5:45pm and enjoyed a few of the lookouts on the way in.
We arrived at the lookout at 6:15 with plenty of parking available. The lookout has picnic areas and nice restrooms. We enjoyed our picnic with cake to celebrate Payton’s birthday. By the time we finished eating the parking lot was full.
The best part of the viewpoint is that it is a large area where visitors can spread out and not crowd each other. The best views actually happen 15-20 minutes after the sun sets so don’t be in a hurry to leave.
Hole N’ The Rock
One of the most interesting roadside stops we made on this whole road trip was at Hole N’ The Rock, just south of Moab, Utah.
What started as a cave and resting point for pioneers, was slowly expanded and turned into a diner by the Christensen Family – making a unique rest stop in itself. From 1955, the family expanded the cave to the current size – a huge 5000 square foot home in a cave!
If you have time, you must take a tour of the home. The guided tours begin every 30 minutes. The experience is equivalent to time-traveling, as nothing in the home has been moved or changed since 1974. It is fascinating to see what they built into the cave so many years ago.
If you don’t have time for a tour, the grounds and gift shop are worth a short stop.
TIP: You can’t visit Monument Valley without stopping at the Forrest Gump Point for photos first (if coming from Moab). It is about 15 miles north of the entrance to the park, towards Mexican Hat. This is an active highway (163), so you must be cautious – but you can see cars coming from far away. We had lots of fun taking lots of photos here!
Monument Valley – 1 night
Drive time from Moab to Monument Valley: 2.5 hours
Monument Valley offers some of the most iconic desert landscapes in the American West. Located on the Navajo Nation, the valley is famous for its towering red sandstone buttes rising from the desert floor.
You can explore via a scenic self-drive loop (conditions and car type permitting) or join a guided Navajo-led tour for deeper cultural context.
We enjoyed the Navajo Museum and gift shop inside the visitors center before starting the scenic drive. It is 17 mile dirt road that can be very rough in some places. The self drive is not recommended for cars or vehicles with low ground clearance. It takes a good hour to complete the route due to having to drive slow. We enjoyed the pace and having time to take in the scenery.
We would recommend spending a night at the View Hotel within the reservation, in order to witness sunset and sunrise over the buttes – it is magical!
Grand Canyon, Arizona – 1 night
Drive time from Monument Valley to Grand Canyon: 3 hours
No Southwest road trip feels complete without a stop at the Grand Canyon. The South Rim is the most accessible and visitor-friendly area, with numerous viewpoints, paved walking paths, and shuttle buses connecting major stops.
Even a short visit allows time to walk along the rim and take in the immense scale of the canyon. Lodging inside or near the park helps maximize time, especially for catching sunrise or sunset.
We chose to stay at Red Feather Lodge just outside the park in Tusayan. This location was in walking distance of many shops and restaurants and 5 minutes from the south entrance gate.
Explore the Rim Trail and Yavapai Point first – this was one of our favorite areas in the park. From one point to the next along the trail there are multiple lookout points and amazing photo locations. The total distance is 0.7 miles or 1.4 miles roundtrip.
We decided to watch the sunset from Yavapai Point. We left our hotel around 5:45pm and there was no line at the entrance gate. We arrived 45 minutes before sunset and parking was available, but it did fill up quickly. There is a large area here facing west so the crowd is able to spread out and not feel like you are on top of one another.
TIP: When visiting the park in the morning, arrive before 8am. We made the mistake of arriving at 9am and the queue was already 45 minutes long to enter. Otherwise, stay inside the park for early morning relaxation!
The following morning, before driving back to Las Vegas, we drove the Desert View Road (highway 64) all the way to the Watchtower. This area provides restrooms, a cafe for quick snacks, coffee and ice cream, and a gift shop including a deli and market.
TIP: If you are going to climb the watchtower, go grab your tickets BEFORE you order food. Tickets are available on the ground floor of the tower at no charge but there are a limited number of tickets available every 20 minutes. You have 15 minutes to explore the tower.
Seligman, Route 66 + Hoover Dam
Drive time from the Grand Canyon to Seligman: 1h45
Drive time from Seligman to Hoover Dam via Hackberry: 2h45
Driving a stretch of historic Route 66 adds a nostalgic element to the return trip toward Las Vegas. Small towns along the route preserve vintage diners, classic signage, and roadside attractions that reflect mid-20th-century Americana.
We recommend the section between Kingman and Seligman – it’s a fun and low-key detour that breaks up the drive and adds a sense of nostalgia.
Don’t miss visiting Hoover Dam on the Colorado River. Right on the border of Nevada and Arizona, and a hugely impressive feat of engineering!
Las Vegas – 2 nights
Drive time from Hoover Dam to Vegas: 40 minutes
Las Vegas serves as both the starting and ending point for this road trip. Beyond the famous Strip, visitors will find family-friendly attractions, large resort pools, and a wide range of dining options to suit different tastes and budgets.
After days spent exploring national parks and desert landscapes, a couple of nights in Las Vegas offers a comfortable place to relax, enjoy entertainment, and reflect on the journey before heading home.
We stayed 2 nights in Las Vegas at the LINQ Hotel & Casino – full guide coming soon!
Recommended highlights:
- Take in a show at The Sphere
- Visit the Neon Museum
- See the Las Vegas Sign
- Visit the Arte Museum
- Watch the Bellagio Fountains
- Shopping at the Venetian
Let us help you plan your road trip out west – download our planning guide
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