Southern Utah Road Trip Guide

Utah is hands down my favorite state in the US to explore, thanks to its mesmerizing and otherworldly natural beauty!

This travel guide is designed to simplify your journey and ensure you make the most of your time. Plus, I've included customizable options to cater to your preferences along the way.

First Stop: Las Vegas, NV OR Phoenix, AZ

Customization Option: Choose your arrival city (Las Vegas or Phoenix). I’ve tried both options and had a blast on each trip! It all depends on what vibe you want.

Option 1: Start your trip by flying into Las Vegas (Harry Reid International Airport) and then taking a scenic drive to southern Utah. This airport is the closest one to the national parks in southern Utah, just a two-hour drive away. It offers direct and cheaper flights compared to smaller airports. In Las Vegas, you can enjoy the notorious nightlife or head straight into nature activities by visiting Nevada’s parks before driving to Utah.

Option 2: Begin your journey by flying into Phoenix (Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport) and exploring Arizona before heading to Utah. Check out my guide, Discovering Arizona: Your Ultimate Road Trip Itinerary, for tips on planning your Arizona adventure.

Second Stop: Zion National Park

Depending on whether you fly into Las Vegas or Phoenix, your second stop will vary.

Las Vegas: If you arrive in Las Vegas, then whichever day you decide to leave Nevada, you can head straight to Zion National Park on the same day. Zion National Park is ~2 hours from Las Vegas.

Phoenix: If you land in Phoenix and are following my guide, Discovering Arizona: Your Ultimate Road Trip Itinerary, I suggest settling into your hotel or Airbnb first (the third stop in this guide) and then visiting Zion National Park the following day.

Now, let’s get into my experience at Zion National Park: it is like stepping into a fairy tale—it's absolutely magical! The landscape is vibrant with greens, pinks, and blues, creating a scene that's truly breathtaking.

No matter your hiking experience, this park has something for everyone. You can enjoy the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, which is perfect for all skill levels, or challenge yourself with moderate to difficult trails. While shuttles are available to transport visitors to hiking spots, I visited during the off-season and drove myself to the trailheads.

Customization Option: Determine how many days you would like to visit Zion National Park. The park’s lowest fare is a weekly pass, so you can use it for 7 days after the purchase date. I recommend spending at least 2 days at this park.

Third Stop: Brian Head, UT (or neighboring city)

Brian Head serves as a convenient midway point between Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon, with is about an hour's drive from your accommodation.

For my Utah trips, I opted for Airbnb stays to enjoy that cozy, intimate vibe. Before booking, it's essential to read the reviews to reduce the chances of having one of those horror AirBnB stories.

Customization Option: Pick another neighboring city as your anchor city.

Fourth Stop: Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon will transport you to another world! The hike here was nothing short of exhilarating as I immersed myself in the stunning scenery. Before visiting Bryce Canyon, I'd hiked before but never truly appreciated it. However, Bryce Canyon changed the game for me. Now, I understand the allure of hiking. When the scenery is this breathtaking, every step feels utterly rewarding!

Customization Option: Determine how many days you would like to visit Bryce Canyon. The park’s lowest fare is a weekly pass, so you can use it for 7 days after the purchase date. I recommend spending at least 2 days at this park.

Last Stop: Explore Arizona or Fly Home

And that wraps up your Utah adventure! While there are more national parks to explore in Utah, these are the ones I personally experienced and loved. When it's time to head back, you can depart from Las Vegas, NV, just a ~2-hour drive away, or drive to Arizona if you've planned to use the Discovering Arizona: Your Ultimate Road Trip Itinerary guide afterward. If you decide to visit Arizona after Utah, then simply flip my Arizona itinerary.