This 12-day self-drive itinerary takes you right across Utah from Salt Lake City in the north to the neon lights of Vegas in neighbouring Nevada. In doing so you’ll travel through some of America’s most spectacular desert landscapes – a geological kaleidoscope of twisted rock formations, huge stone arches, narrow slot canyons and soaring sandstone cliffs.
Salt Lake City combines cultural highlights with striking natural wonders, from Temple Square to the surreal Bonneville Salt Flats.
Arches National Park astounds with thousands of natural stone formations, while Canyonlands offers vast mesas and dramatic canyons.
Capitol Reef reveals a rugged wilderness of slot canyons, scenic drives and viewpoints that showcase Utah’s extraordinary geology.
Bryce Canyon enchants with otherworldly amphitheatres of towering hoodoos, a landscape as surreal as it is breathtaking.
Zion National Park rounds off the journey with soaring cliffs, emerald pools and thrilling trails through sandstone canyons.
Fly into Utah’s state capital, collect your hire car at the airport and drive to the Asher Adams Hotel, Salt Lake City for a two-night stay. A modern hotel housed in an historic downtown building, the hotel is perfectly placed for exploring Salt Lake City and its nearby attractions, such as Temple Square, the ski resorts of Park City and Deer Valley, and the otherworldly Bonneville Salt Flats, where several land-speed records have been set.
Drive south to Moab for a three-night stay at Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton, just 10 minutes from the entrance to Arches National Park. The park features more than 2,000 natural stone arches, many of which are near the park road, though we recommend a guided hike to really get immersed in the red rock landscape. Only a little further afield is Canyonlands National Park, the largest of Utah’s parks and arguably the most magnificent. Split into three sections by the confluence of the Green and Colorado rivers, it covers more than 500 square miles of canyons, fissures, plateaux and faults, scattered with flat-topped mesas, ancient rock art, winding roads and hiking trails.
From Moab, drive west to spend the day exploring Capitol Reef National Park. Maybe lace up your boots for a hike through the park’s awe-inspiring slot canyons, or cruise along the eight-mile Capitol Reef Scenic Drive, stopping to take photos at breathtaking viewpoints. Check in for the night at the 58-acre Capitol Reef Resort near Torrey, which as well as rooms offers glamping opportunities in cabins, teepees or even Conestoga wagons.
Spend the day exploring Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument en route to The Lodge at Bryce Canyon, where you’ll stay for the next two nights. The monument offers more exceptional hiking and scenic driving opportunities. It’s home to the most extensive network of slot canyons in Utah and is awash with active waterfalls, sculpted slickrock, prehistoric sites and abandoned old Western movie sets.
Discover Bryce Canyon National Park. Despite its name, the park does not protect a canyon but a series of natural amphitheatres that the elements have sculpted into a forest of bizarre rock pinnacles known as ‘hoodoos’ – one of the most surreal yet spectacular sights you’ll see in the Southwest.
End your trip with three nights at Cliffrose Springdale, Curio Collection by Hilton, just 200 metres from the entrance to Zion National Park. Many of the park’s greatest geological wonders are best seen on hiking trails such as Emerald Pools, The Narrows, The Watchman and Angels Landing. We recommend booking a private guided walking tour. Drive to Las Vegas on day 12 to catch your flight home.