Exploring Utah's Highlights - A Hiker's Itinerary
From sunrise hikes at iconic arches to scenic drives along mesa rims, each day offers a perfect balance of adventure, photography, and awe-inspiring scenery.
NORTH AMERICATRAVEL ITINERARIES
Embark on a journey through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the American Southwest. Over the next six days, you’ll explore the dramatic canyons, towering rock spires, and serene desert vistas of Canyonlands and Zion National Parks. From sunrise hikes at iconic arches to scenic drives along mesa rims, each day offers a perfect balance of adventure, photography, and awe-inspiring scenery. This trip is designed for those who love to hike, capture stunning landscapes, and immerse themselves in the natural beauty and history of Utah’s red rock country. Prepare for an unforgettable experience where every turn reveals a new, jaw-dropping view.
OPTION 1 - SUMMARY
Day 1 – Arrival & Explore Zion
Welcome to Utah's Cliff Kingdom! Your adventure begins in Zion National Park, a breathtaking landscape where nature's artistry meets the majestic scale of towering sandstone walls. As you step into this stunning environment, you'll immediately feel a sense of awe and insignificance amidst the enormous cliffs that surround you.
Activities:
Arrive in Springdale, UT.
Optional Evening Hike: Canyon Overlook Trail
Length: 1 mile round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Time: ~30–45 min
Trailhead: East Entrance / Canyon Overlook parking
Highlights: Short cliffside trail with panoramic views of lower Zion Canyon. Perfect for sunset photography.
Check into Springdale. Dinner in town.
Day 2 – Zion: Iconic Hikes
The adrenaline and views day! Day 2 at Zion National Park promises an exhilarating adventure filled with iconic hikes that will elevate your adrenaline and reward you with breathtaking views. As the sun rises over the sprawling canyon, it's the perfect time to lace up your hiking boots and set out for a day packed with natural beauty and physical challenge.
Hikes:
Angels Landing
Length: 5.4 miles round trip
Difficulty: Strenuous
Time: 4–5 hours
Trailhead: Angels Landing parking lot (near Grotto shuttle stop)
Route: Steep switchbacks (Walter’s Wiggles) to Scout Lookout, then narrow ridgeline to summit.
Photography: Panoramic canyon views; best in early morning light.
Tips: Permit required (high season). Start early to avoid crowds.
Alternative / easier option: West Rim Trail / Scout Lookout
Length: ~3 miles round trip to Scout Lookout
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 2–3 hours
Route: Less exposed, same views from Scout Lookout.
Day 3 – Zion: Scenic Drive & Short Hikes
On the third day of your adventure in Zion National Park, it's time to take a break from the more popular trails and immerse yourself in the park's quieter corners. A scenic drive through the breathtaking landscapes of Zion offers a perfect way to appreciate the majestic beauty of the towering cliffs, deep canyons, and winding rivers
Scenic drive at Zion Canyon Scenic Drive (shuttle required in high season). Stops: Big Bend, Court of the Patriarchs, Big Spring
Short Hikes:
Emerald Pools Trail
Length: 1.2–3 miles round trip (Lower, Middle, Upper Pools)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Time: 1–2 hours
Trailhead: Zion Lodge
Highlights: Waterfalls, pools, lush vegetation, great for macro and landscape photography.
Riverside Walk / The Narrows
Length: 2.2 miles round trip to start of The Narrows
Difficulty: Easy
Time: ~1 hour (or longer if venturing into The Narrows)
Trailhead: Temple of Sinawava
Highlights: Walk along Virgin River; slot canyon walls for dramatic light photography.
You’ll start in Zion National Park, where towering sandstone walls, narrow canyons, and dramatic ridgelines will make every step feel like a scene from a fantasy movie. From heart-pounding hikes like Angels Landing to peaceful riverside strolls in The Narrows, Zion offers both adrenaline and awe in equal measure.
Next, you’ll trade cliffs for whimsical hoodoos in Bryce Canyon National Park, wandering among spires that glow orange and pink at sunrise and sunset. The Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden trails will immerse you in this otherworldly landscape, with photography opportunities at every twist and turn.
Finally, you’ll drive along the scenic Highway 12 “Journey Through Time”, one of the most breathtaking drives in the world, arriving at Capitol Reef National Park, where colorful cliffs, historic orchards, and dramatic slot canyons await. Here, you can hike to arches, stroll past pioneer inscriptions, or simply soak in the serenity of a desert sunset.
Expect long drives filled with pull-offs for impromptu photos, short hikes with big rewards, and evenings spent chasing golden hour across some of the most photogenic landscapes on Earth. Whether you’re wielding a camera, hiking boots, or just an open sense of wonder, this trip promises adventure, awe, and a little bit of “how is this real?” magic every single day.
Overview:
Day 1 – Arrival & Zion Introduction: Springdale, Canyon Overlook Trail & Zion cliffs.
Day 2 – Zion: Hiking the iconic Hikes: Angels Landing (5.4 miles, strenuous)/ West Rim/Scout Lookout
Day 3 – Zion: Scenic Drive & Short Hikes - Emerald Pools Trail & Riverside Walk / The Narrows
Day 4 – Zion → Bryce Canyon & Red Canyon, Navajo Loop + Queen’s Garden
Day 5 – Bryce Canyon → Capitol Reef, Kodachrome Basin State Park
Day 6 – Capitol Reef Morning & Departure
Highlights:
Epic Zion cliffs and Angels Landing adventure.
Hoodoo wonderland of Bryce Canyon with iconic viewpoints.
Scenic Highway 12 “Journey Through Time” and Capitol Reef arches & slot canyons.
Daily golden hour and sunset photography opportunities.
Balanced mix of strenuous hikes, short walks, and scenic drives.
Day 4 – Zion → Bryce Canyon
From towering cliffs to whimsical hoodoos.
This scenic drive takes you through high desert landscapes and colorful rock formations. Highway 12 is considered one of America’s most beautiful drives, with occasional pull-offs offering dramatic canyon views.
Optional stop: Red Canyon along Highway 12 for hoodoo photography.
Just off the highway, this area has striking red hoodoos and rock fins. A short walk (~0.5–1 mile) allows for excellent photography without leaving the road. Sunrise or mid-morning light works best for capturing the glowing red rock.
Hike Navajo Loop + Queen’s Garden Trail
Length: 2.9 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: ~2 hours
Trailhead: Sunset Point or Sunrise Point
Highlights: Famous hoodoo formations: Thor’s Hammer, Wall Street section. Descend into the Bryce Amphitheater through the famous switchbacks of the Navajo Loop. Highlights include Thor’s Hammer, the towering hoodoo formations, and Wall Street—a narrow corridor flanked by steep rock walls. Connect to the Queen’s Garden Trail for a gentler climb out among hoodoos and natural arches.
Day 5 – Bryce Canyon → Capitol Reef / Scenic Byway
The scenic highway adventure begins! Prepare for a long but breathtaking drive through some of Utah’s most remote and photogenic landscapes.
Drive for about 4–5 hours along Highway 12 Scenic Byway toward Torrey / Capitol Reef
Distance/Time: ~4–5 hours along Highway 12 Scenic Byway toward Torrey / Capitol Reef
Route Highlights: Highway 12 winds through forests, desert, and rock formations. Scenic pull-offs abound—perfect for quick photo stops and stretching legs.
Optional stops:
Kodachrome Basin State Park – 1–2 mile short hike through striking rock spires
Escalante / Red Canyon pullouts for photography
Sunset at Capitol Reef cliffs or nearby viewpoints
Base: Torrey, UT
Day 6 – Capitol Reef Morning & Departure
One last day to soak in the Utah magic before heading home. Start your morning wandering among the colorful cliffs and quiet orchards of Capitol Reef, letting the desert air and striking rock formations soak into your senses.
Morning Hikes / Walks:
Fruita Historic District Walk
Length: 30–60 minutes, easy
Route Description: Meander through orchards and historic buildings of this old pioneer settlement. Look for vintage barns, fruit trees, and colorful rock layers in the distance.
Photography Tips: Great for close-ups of fruit trees, rustic textures, and framing the cliffs behind the historic buildings.
Capitol Gorge Trail (optional)
Length: 2 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Route Description: Follow a gentle path through a narrow canyon, past historic pioneer inscriptions etched into sandstone walls. Slot canyon sections create dramatic light and shadow for photos. The trail ends at a natural water pocket and interesting rock formations.
Tips: Ideal for morning light; wear sturdy shoes for uneven terrain.
Day 1: Arrival in Moab & Arches National Park
Welcome to the adventure! Your journey begins in Moab, the gateway to Utah’s incredible red rock landscapes. Today is all about easing into the scenery, taking in the first glimpses of iconic formations, and soaking up your first sunset over the desert vistas. If time allows, a scenic drive through Arches National Park will give you a taste of the magnificent arches and rock formations that await in the coming days. Find more info about the region in their official website: https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo
Activities: This is mainly a drive route with many stops to admire the view and take some great photos.
Arches Scenic Drive: If time allows, drive the 18-mile loop. Stops include:
Balanced Rock (0.3 mi loop, easy)
The Windows Section (1 mi loop, easy)
Sunset: La Sal Mountains or Colorado River viewpoints.
Day 2: Canyonlands – Island in the Sky
Today, you rise above the canyons—literally. Island in the Sky offers sweeping views that make your morning coffee jealous. Hike to Mesa Arch for that iconic sunrise shot, explore Grand View Point, and let Upheaval Dome make you wonder what kind of cosmic chaos carved this place. Your legs may grumble, but your camera will thank you.
Mesa Arch Trail
Length: 0.5 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Sunrise photography, iconic arch framing the canyon.
Grand View Point Trail
Length: 2 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Panoramic views of the canyons below; great for midday photography.
Upheaval Dome Trail
Length: 1.8 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Geological crater formation, overlook views
Aztec Butte Granary
Length: 1.4 mi
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Indigenous people once stored foods and medicines in natural rock structures
If hiking is not your cup of tea - or if even you have more evergy to explore more after the hike - opt in for another scenic drive through the Islands in the Sky. This is a 34 mile drive with studding vewpoints and many opportunities for photos and pic nics. Some of these stops include:
Green River Overlook – great for a sunset photography.
Shafer Canyon Overlook – wide canyon vistas. You can also drive through Shafer Canyon if you have a 4W car!
Day 3: Canyonlands – Needles District+Drive to Capitol Reef
Welcome to the Needles District, where sandstone spires stick up like nature’s skyscrapers and trails twist through meadows and narrow canyons. Hike Chesler Park (or Squaw Canyon if you’re feeling feisty), then hop in the car for a scenic drive down Highway 24, keeping your eyes peeled for hoodoos at Goblin Valley. Finish the day watching the Capitol Reef cliffs glow at sunset—your jaw may drop more than once.
Chesler Park Loop (Short Option)
Length: about 6 miles (full loop about 11 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate (translation: your legs will notice you exist)
Highlights:
Needle-like rock spires that make you feel tiny and insignificant—in a good way.
Wide open meadows perfect for dramatically throwing your arms in the air for photos.
Tips:
Start early unless you enjoy hiking in desert sauna mode.
Bring water unless you enjoy tasting the sweet sweat of your own dehydration.
Sturdy shoes are a must; rocks here have trust issues.
Squaw Canyon / Joint Trail (Optional Shorter Hike)
Length: 2–3 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate (slightly less leg-punishing than Chesler)
Highlights: Narrow canyon walls that whisper, “Hey, don’t fall!”
Scenic Drive to Capitol Reef
Distance: ~2.5–3 hours via Highway 24 Scenic Byway
Highlights:
The landscape changes more than a reality TV plot twist.
Optional stop at Goblin Valley State Park: hug a hoodoo… or at least take a funny selfie with it.
OPTION 2 - SUMMARY
This route immerses you in the rugged beauty of Canyonlands’ Needles District before winding along the stunning Highway 24 Scenic Byway to Capitol Reef. Hikes like Chesler Park Loop and Cassidy Arch showcase the region’s dramatic rock formations, while short trails and scenic drives offer perfect photography and relaxation opportunities. Over six days, you’ll balance moderate to strenuous hikes with leisurely exploration of historic districts, slot canyons, and panoramic viewpoints. By the end of this journey, you’ll leave with a deep appreciation for Utah’s vast, otherworldly landscapes and a collection of photos that capture the state’s wild and colorful spirit.
Overview:
Day 1 – Arrival in Moab & Arches (Optional): Scenic drive in Arches NP, sunset photography.
Day 2 – Canyonlands: Island in the Sky: Mesa Arch, Grand View Point Trail, Upheaval Dome, scenic mesa rim drive.
Day 3 – Canyonlands: Needles & Drive to Capitol Reef: Chesler Park short loop, Squaw Canyon optional, drive via Highway 24, Goblin Valley stop.
Day 4 – Capitol Reef: Scenic Drive & Short Hikes: Hickman Bridge Trail, Fruita Historic District, Capitol Reef Scenic Drive.
Day 5 – Capitol Reef: Moderate/Strenuous Hikes: Cassidy Arch Trail, Capitol Gorge Trail optional.
Day 6 – Capitol Reef Morning & Departure: Short morning hike, photography, travel onward.
Highlights:
Best for photographers and hikers.
Focus on red rock canyons and iconic arches.
Balanced mix of hiking and scenic drives.
Day 4 – Capitol Reef: Scenic Drive & Short Hikes
Today is all about soaking in the classic Capitol Reef charm. Trek the short but satisfying Hickman Bridge Trail, stroll through the historic Fruita orchards, and take the scenic drive past Panorama Point, Goosenecks Overlook, and Capitol Dome. It’s a perfect mix of history, beauty, and easy exploration—plus some stellar sunset photo ops.
Hickman Bridge Trail
Length: 2 miles round trip, moderate, 1–1.5 hours
Trailhead: Hickman Bridge Parking Lot
Route: Short ascent through desert scrub to natural bridge.
Highlights: Bridge framed by colorful rock layers; good for wide and portrait photos.
Fruita Historic District Walk
Length: Easy, self-guided, 30–60 min
Route: Walk past orchards and restored pioneer buildings.
Highlights: Perfect for casual photography and capturing local history.
Capitol Reef Scenic Drive (~8 miles)
Stops: Panorama Point, Goosenecks Overlook, Capitol Dome.
Tips: Pull over frequently; views are accessible from almost every turnout.
Optional: Day 5 – Capitol Reef: Moderate to Strenuous Hikes
Time to earn those bragging rights. Cassidy Arch Trail challenges you with steep ascents and epic views, while optional Capitol Gorge Trail offers a leisurely stroll past pioneer inscriptions and narrow slot canyons. Your legs might file a complaint, but the sweeping vistas and perfect photo angles make it worth every step.
Cassidy Arch Trail
Length: 3.5 miles round trip, moderate-strenuous, ~2–3 hours
Trailhead: Cathedral Valley or near Panorama Point? (Double-check exact parking)
Route: Steep ascent with switchbacks; arch is at summit.
Highlights: Panoramic views, perfect for dramatic landscape photography.
Tips: Start early; bring water and hat; trail can be hot and exposed.
Capitol Gorge Trail (Optional)
Length: 2 miles round trip, easy, ~1 hour
Trailhead: Capitol Gorge Parking
Route: Walk along wash through slot canyons; see pioneer inscriptions.
Highlights: Narrow walls provide great play with shadows and light for photos.
Day 5 or 6 – Capitol Reef Morning & Departure
Your final day is a gentle farewell. Take a short morning hike, capture any last golden-hour photos, and savor the serenity of the desert one last time. Pack your bags, but leave some mental space for memories—because Utah has a way of sticking with you long after you leave.
Short Morning Hike Options:
Cohab Canyon Trail – 1.5 miles round trip, easy-moderate. Canyon views with fewer crowds.
Fruita orchards revisit for sunrise photography or peaceful stroll.
Departure: Drive back to Moab or nearest airport.
