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Road trip: Las Vegas to Moab, NV / UT

Las Vegas to Moab: A 5-Day Utah National Parks Road Trip

Zion, Bryce Canyon, Scenic Byway 12, Capitol Reef and Moab, one park and one night at a time

Red and white rock fins stand among distant spires and forested landscape in Bryce Canyon
Photo: NPS Photo / Peter Densmore
Length
5 days
Total distance
785.2 mi
Driving time
15 h 57 min
Est. tolls
No tolls
Stops
18
Driving
Moderate
Best months
Apr–May, Sep–Oct
Budget
$$$

A one-way five-day drive from Las Vegas to Moab, with a night near each of Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef and Moab. Short hikes at every park, a waterfall hike on Scenic Byway 12 and a sunset walk to Delicate Arch, with about three hours of driving on most days.

  • Drive time15 h 57 min
  • Distance785.2 mi
  • Est. tollsNo tolls
  • Lower Calf Creek Falls on Scenic Byway 12
  • Queen's Garden among the Bryce Canyon hoodoos
  • Sunset hike to Delicate Arch in Arches

The story

Five national parks and one scenic byway, strung together one night at a time. The rhythm is simple: drive to a park, walk its best short trail, sleep nearby, and move on in the morning.

It starts in Kolob Canyons, Zion's quiet corner, then Springdale for a riverside walk at dusk. The next day UT-14 climbs through high forest to the Red Canyon tunnels and Bryce Canyon, where Queen's Garden drops into the hoodoos and the rim glows at sunset.

Day 3 is the star: Scenic Byway 12 to the waterfall at Lower Calf Creek, across the Hogback and Boulder Mountain, and into Capitol Reef for a short natural-bridge hike and the Scenic Drive in late light. Then the long, empty drive east to Goblin Valley's mushroom-shaped rocks and on to Moab. The last day pairs Canyonlands' Island in the Sky with a sunset hike to Delicate Arch.

Most days involve about three hours of driving, so the afternoons stay free for trails. Expect remote stretches, big elevation changes and desert heat in summer; this plan is timed for early autumn.

Day by day

Day 1

Las Vegas to Zion: Kolob Canyons and Springdale

Drive north on I-15 to Kolob Canyons for a ridge walk and a picnic, then cross to Springdale for a dusk stroll along the Virgin River.

Logistics7:00 AM · 30 min

Start in Las Vegas

Fuel up, buy water and snacks, and leave early: this is the longest driving day of the trip. Las Vegas runs on Pacific Time and Utah on Mountain Time, one hour ahead; times before the Mesquite stop are Pacific and every later time is Utah time.

Time
Departure 7:00 AM Pacific = 8:00 AM Mountain; on the road by 7:30 Pacific
Las Vegas, Nevada (departure point)
Las Vegas, NV
Season: Open year-round
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Las Vegas, Nevada (departure point) (new tab)
Sources (1)
DriveDepart 7:30 AM

Las Vegas to Mesquite

Distance
81.1 mi
Drive time
1 h 14 min
Est. tolls
No tolls
Via
I-15 N

I-15 northeast out of the Las Vegas valley and across open Mojave desert to the Nevada-Arizona-Utah corner country at Mesquite.

Tolls: No tolls on this leg (as of 2026-10-06). Nevada has no toll roads and I-15 through Nevada and Utah south of Spanish Fork is toll-free.

Sources (3)
Logistics8:45 AM · 15 min

Fuel and rest break in Mesquite

The last Nevada town before I-15 crosses the Virgin River Gorge in Arizona and enters Utah. Top up the tank and take a short break; the next stretch is a canyon highway with few services.

Time
15-minute break (Pacific time); arrive about 8:44 after the 74-minute leg, leave 9:00 Pacific = 10:00 Mountain. The stop is the I-15 point where the two OSM graphs join; coordinates from OSM.
Timezone note
Pacific time until this stop
Mesquite, Nevada (I-15 fuel and rest stop)
Mesquite, NV
Season: Open year-round
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Mesquite, Nevada (I-15 fuel and rest stop) (new tab)
Sources (2)
DriveDepart 10:00 AM

Mesquite to Timber Creek Overlook

Distance
75.7 mi
Drive time
1 h 23 min
Est. tolls
No tolls
Via
I-15 N, Kolob Canyons Road

I-15 climbs through the Virgin River Gorge in Arizona, then crosses St. George and runs north to Exit 40, where Kolob Canyons Road leads to the end of the line. Start time is Mountain time (9:00 AM Pacific).

Tolls: No tolls on this leg (as of 2026-10-06). Nevada has no toll roads; I-15 through Nevada and Utah south of Spanish Fork is toll-free.

Sources (3)
Hike11:30 AM · 1 h 15 min

Timber Creek Overlook, Kolob Canyons

Kolob Canyons is Zion's quiet corner, reached from I-15 Exit 40. Stop at the visitor center, drive the five-mile scenic road to its end, then walk a short ridge trail to a rim view of Timber Creek, Kolob Terrace and the Pine Valley Mountains. It makes a good picnic stop before the drive to Springdale.

Red sandstone rocks with three hikers standing on them looking out over a valley.
Photo: NPS/Bryanna Plog
Distance
1.2 mi
Elevation gain
117 ft
Route
Out and back
Difficulty
Easy
Permit required
No
Dogs allowed
No
Trailhead
End of Kolob Canyons Road
Fee note
Zion entrance fee applies; pay at the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center.
Distance note
Round trip (0.6 mi each way). Elevation gain is the one-way figure (117 ft; 103 ft loss), so the round-trip climb is somewhat higher.
Timber Creek Overlook Trailhead
Kolob Canyons Road (end of road), New Harmony, UT 84757
Hours: Open 24 hours; Kolob Canyons Road can close in winter for snow
Season: Typically open year-round; wildflowers in spring and early summer
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Timber Creek Overlook Trailhead (new tab)
Sources (2)
DriveDepart 12:50 PM

Timber Creek Overlook to Cable Mountain Lodge

Distance
44.5 mi
Drive time
58 min
Est. tolls
No tolls
Via
I-15 S, UT-17, UT-9

From Exit 40 you run south on I-15, then east on UT-17 and UT-9 through La Verkin and Virgin, with the Zion cliffs rising ahead as you reach Springdale.

Tolls: No tolls on this leg (as of 2026-10-06). Utah's only toll roads are the I-15 Express Lanes between Spanish Fork and Layton, far north of this route.

Sources (2)
Stay1:50 PM · 1 h

Cable Mountain Lodge, Springdale (night 1)

Recommended base for the Zion night, at the edge of Springdale next to the park entrance, so the car can stay parked while you walk to the visitor center. The lodge's site lists studios, suites and multi-room residences, a pool and a heated spa. Drop bags here and keep the afternoon easy.

Type
Hotel
Location
Outside the park
Booking
Book / details
Duration note
Early arrival for bag drop; check-in time is set by the lodge. Free time (rest, pool) until the 5:45 PM walk.
Reservation notes
Rates are not published on the lodge's site; check the booking engine for your dates. Book well ahead for spring and fall.
Cable Mountain Lodge
147 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale, UT 84767
Season: Typically open year-round
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Cable Mountain Lodge (new tab) 435-772-3366
Sources (2)
Activity5:45 PM · 1 h 45 min

Pa'rus Trail walk at dusk

A paved riverside path that links the visitor center with Canyon Junction and frames The Watchman as the light drops (sunset is around 7:10 PM in early October). It is flat and easy, so walk out as far as you like and return the same way. Zion is an International Dark Sky Park, so linger after sunset if you like. It starts about 0.2 miles from the lodge.

A tan paved trail runs through a meadow of yellow grasses toward a line of trees
Photo: NPS
Time
Your choice of length; 3.5 miles end to end
Best time
Late afternoon to dusk
Route note
3.5 miles for the full trail; the accessibility listing shows 1.6 miles one way with 152 ft of gain, so the two figures describe different stretches. Walk from the visitor-center end and turn back whenever you like.
Dogs allowed
Yes
Pa'rus Trail (Zion Canyon Visitor Center end)
1 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale, UT 84767
Hours: Open 24 hours
Season: Typically open year-round
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Pa'rus Trail (Zion Canyon Visitor Center end) (new tab)
Sources (3)
Day 2

Zion to Bryce Canyon over the Markagunt Plateau

Climb UT-14 through the high forest to Scenic Byway 12 and the Red Canyon tunnels, then spend the afternoon among Bryce's hoodoos.

DriveDepart 8:45 AM

Cable Mountain Lodge to Cedar City

Distance
57.9 mi
Drive time
1 h 1 min
Est. tolls
No tolls
Via
UT-9, UT-17, I-15 N

Back down UT-9 and UT-17, then north on I-15 through Parowan Valley farmland. This stretch is mostly interstate; the scenery begins when you turn east.

Tolls: No tolls on this leg (as of 2026-10-06). Utah's only toll roads are the I-15 Express Lanes between Spanish Fork and Layton, far north of this route.

Sources (2)
Logistics9:50 AM · 20 min

Fuel and coffee break in Cedar City

The last full-service town before the mountain road to Bryce, with the next fuel stops many miles away. Top up the tank, buy picnic food for the Red Canyon and Bryce stops and stretch your legs before climbing onto the Markagunt Plateau.

Time
Break stop, 20 minutes
Main Street, Cedar City
Main Street, Cedar City, UT
Season: Open year-round
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Main Street, Cedar City (new tab)
Sources (2)
DriveDepart 10:10 AM

Cedar City to Red Canyon

Distance
65 mi
Drive time
1 h 24 min
Est. tolls
No tolls
Via
UT-14, US-89, UT-12

Utah's Highway 14 climbs through aspen and conifer forest past Duck Creek Village and Navajo Lake country, then drops to US-89 and Scenic Byway 12. This is high plateau country, noticeably cooler than Springdale.

Tolls: No tolls on this leg (as of 2026-10-06). Utah's only toll roads are the I-15 Express Lanes between Spanish Fork and Layton, far north of this route.

Sources (2)
Activity11:35 AM · 30 min

Red Canyon and the Scenic Byway 12 tunnels

Scenic Byway 12 slips through two arched rock tunnels in Red Canyon's orange spires, the first real taste of Bryce country. Pull off for photos and a short walk among the formations before the last 15 miles to the park. The recreation area has campgrounds and forest trails if you want a longer leg-stretch.

A two-lane highway curves through a tunnel cut in an orange sandstone rock arch with pine forest beyond
Photo: YosemiteYamper, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Time
Short roadside stop; coordinates are those USFS lists for the Red Canyon Visitor Center area
Fee
Free
Red Canyon Recreation Area (Dixie National Forest)
Scenic Byway 12, about 3.5 miles east of US-89, Panguitch, UT
Season: Road typically open year-round; check current conditions
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Red Canyon Recreation Area (Dixie National Forest) (new tab)
Sources (3)
DriveDepart 12:05 PM

Red Canyon to The Lodge at Bryce Canyon

Distance
15.4 mi
Drive time
24 min
Est. tolls
No tolls
Via
UT-12, UT-63

A short run east on UT-12 and south on UT-63 into the park, passing Ruby's Inn and the entrance station.

Tolls: No tolls on this leg (as of 2026-10-06). Utah's only toll roads are the I-15 Express Lanes between Spanish Fork and Layton, far north of this route.

Sources (2)
Stay12:30 PM · 2 h 30 min

The Lodge at Bryce Canyon (night 2)

The historic in-park lodge stands a short walk from both Sunrise and Sunset Points, so rim walks at golden hour need no driving. It has 114 rooms including suites, motel rooms and cabins, with dining and shopping on site. Reservations are highly recommended. Ruby's Inn in the options is the year-round alternative outside the gate.

A large historic building with stone base, brown wood, and a green roof
Photo: NPS Photo / Peter Densmore
Type
Lodge
Location
Inside the park
Duration note
Bag drop, lunch on your own and free time before the 3:00 PM hike
Reservation notes
Reservations highly recommended. Rates not checked; check current rates with the lodge.
The Lodge at Bryce Canyon
Highway 63, Bryce Canyon National Park, Bryce, UT 84764
Hours: Front desk hours not verified; dining room hours vary by season (see food item).
Season: Typically open seasonally; check current dates and availability with the concessioner.
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for The Lodge at Bryce Canyon (new tab)
Sources (2)
Must do
Hike3:00 PM · 2 h

Queen's Garden Trail

Queen's Garden is the least difficult trail descending into the Bryce Amphitheater. It drops from Sunrise Point through fins and hoodoos to a short spur ending at the Queen Victoria hoodoo; the climb back out is the work. Take water and an unhurried pace: the rim is high, so the climb back out feels longer than it looks.

A glowing landscape of red and orange rock spires and forest seen from above
Photo: NPS Photo / Peter Densmore
Distance
1.8 mi
Elevation gain
450 ft
Route
Out and back
Difficulty
Moderate
Permit required
No
Dogs allowed
No
Trailhead
Sunrise Point, about 0.3 miles from the lodge
Distance note
1.8 mi round trip, 450 ft elevation gain, 1-2 hours. The trail is commonly combined with the Navajo Loop for 2.9 miles; this plan uses the out-and-back.
Queen's Garden Trailhead (Sunrise Point)
Bryce Canyon National Park, Bryce, UT 84764
Hours: Open 24 hours
Season: Typically open year-round; check current trail conditions
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Queen's Garden Trailhead (Sunrise Point) (new tab)
Sources (2)
Viewpoint5:45 PM · 1 h 30 min

Sunset Point at dusk

Walk the paved Rim Trail from the lodge for the evening light over the amphitheater; the Sunset to Sunrise Point stretch is the park's only paved rim section and its easiest walk. The hoodoos glow orange before sunset. Walk back to the lodge afterward; the rim stays dark, so carry a light.

Red and white rock fins stand among distant spires and forested landscape
Photo: NPS Photo / Peter Densmore
Time
About 90 minutes with light; sunset is around 7:05 PM in early October (astronomical calculation for Bryce, MDT)
Best time
Sunset
Sunset Point
Highway 63, Bryce Canyon National Park, Bryce, UT 84764
Season: Typically accessible year-round via the main park road; check current conditions.
Open in Google Maps (new tab)
Sources (2)
Day 3

Bryce to Capitol Reef on Scenic Byway 12

Hike to a waterfall at Calf Creek, cross the Hogback and Boulder Mountain, then catch Capitol Reef's cliffs in the evening light.

DriveDepart 8:15 AM

The Lodge at Bryce Canyon to Lower Calf Creek Falls

Distance
67 mi
Drive time
1 h 25 min
Est. tolls
No tolls
Via
UT-63, UT-12 (Scenic Byway 12)

The heart of Scenic Byway 12: down from the Paunsaugunt Plateau through Tropic, Cannonville and Escalante, then east past slickrock domes and white sandstone ridges to the Calf Creek canyon.

Tolls: No tolls on this leg (as of 2026-10-06). Utah's only toll roads are the I-15 Express Lanes between Spanish Fork and Layton, far north of this route.

Sources (2)
Must do
Hike9:45 AM · 3 h 30 min

Lower Calf Creek Falls

A sandy canyon walk beside a spring-fed creek, past pictographs and granaries, to a 126-foot waterfall and a cool, shaded pool. BLM rates it moderate because of soft sand, and warns that heat and exposure can be an issue, so carry plenty of water. Calf Creek is the one long walk of the trip and the best reason to take this road.

A tall waterfall drops down a streaked sandstone alcove into a pool, with green foliage in the foreground
Photo: Scott Catron, CC BY 2.5 (Wikimedia Commons)
Distance
6 mi
Elevation gain
200 ft
Route
Out and back
Difficulty
Moderate
Permit required
No
Dogs allowed
Yes
Trailhead
Calf Creek Recreation Area on Highway 12
Fee note
BLM lists a day-use fee per vehicle (see Current conditions); Interagency passes cover it.
Distance note
BLM: 6.0 mi round trip, 3-4 hours, 'minimal' elevation change. The 200 ft gain figure comes from americansouthwest.net (2.75 mi one way, 200 ft elevation change) because BLM gives no number; treat as approximate.
Lower Calf Creek Falls Trailhead (Calf Creek Recreation Area)
Scenic Byway 12, about 15 miles east of Escalante, Escalante, UT
Season: BLM says the recreation site operates year-round
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Lower Calf Creek Falls Trailhead (Calf Creek Recreation Area) (new tab)
Sources (3)
DriveDepart 1:20 PM

Lower Calf Creek Falls to Hickman Bridge Trailhead

Distance
59.2 mi
Drive time
1 h 12 min
Est. tolls
No tolls
Via
UT-12 (Scenic Byway 12), UT-24

This is the famous part of Byway 12: through Boulder, then over the Hogback, a narrow ridge with steep drop-offs on both sides, and across Boulder Mountain's forests before descending to Torrey and the red cliffs of Capitol Reef on UT-24.

Tolls: No tolls on this leg (as of 2026-10-06). Utah's only toll roads are the I-15 Express Lanes between Spanish Fork and Layton, far north of this route.

Sources (2)
Hike2:35 PM · 1 h 45 min

Hickman Bridge Trail

The park's best short hike climbs from the Fremont River past juniper and slickrock, with Capitol Dome in view, to a 133-foot natural bridge. It is steep in places but short, and the trailhead is on UT-24 about two miles east of the visitor center. Leave the car at the roadside lot and carry water.

Large rounded white sandstone dome above the Fremont River, with green grass and red cliffs, seen from the Hickman Bridge Trailhead
Photo: NPS
Distance
1.8 mi
Elevation gain
400 ft
Route
Out and back
Difficulty
Moderate
Permit required
No
Dogs allowed
No
Trailhead
Hickman Bridge Trailhead on UT-24
Distance note
0.9 mi one way with a 400 ft elevation change (one-way basis); round trip is about 1.8 mi. Trailhead coordinates are from OpenStreetMap.
Hickman Bridge Trailhead
Capitol Reef National Park, Torrey, UT 84775
Season: Typically open year-round; check current conditions.
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Hickman Bridge Trailhead (new tab)
Sources (3)
DriveDepart 4:25 PM

Hickman Bridge Trailhead to the Scenic Drive

Distance
2.1 mi
Drive time
3 min
Est. tolls
No tolls
Via
UT-24

A few minutes west along the Fremont River to the visitor center and the start of the Scenic Drive.

Tolls: No tolls on this leg (as of 2026-10-06). Utah's only toll roads are the I-15 Express Lanes between Spanish Fork and Layton, far north of this route.

Sources (2)
Must do
Scenic drive4:30 PM · 1 h 40 min

Capitol Reef Scenic Drive in late light

A 7.9-mile paved road runs south from the visitor center along the Waterpocket Fold, past the Fruita orchards and cliffs streaked with desert varnish. It dead-ends, so you return the same way; late light turns the walls deep red. Allow about 1.5 hours round trip including the dirt spurs, which are skippable.

A road runs alongside red sandstone cliffs on the Scenic Drive
Photo: NPS
Time
About 1.5 hours round trip, before any walking
Best time
Late afternoon
Reservation needed
No
Fee note
Capitol Reef entrance fee applies
Length note
7.9 miles paved; dirt spurs usually suitable for passenger cars
Capitol Reef National Park's Scenic Drive
Capitol Reef National Park, Torrey, UT 84775
Season: Typically open year-round; the drive and its dirt spurs can close for snow, mud or flash floods; check current conditions.
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Capitol Reef National Park's Scenic Drive (new tab)
Sources (2)
DriveDepart 6:20 PM

Scenic Drive to Broken Spur Inn

Distance
9.9 mi
Drive time
13 min
Est. tolls
No tolls
Via
UT-24

UT-24 west past the Fruita orchards and Panorama Point to Torrey, with the cliffs fading to deep red as the sun drops.

Tolls: No tolls on this leg (as of 2026-10-06). Utah's only toll roads are the I-15 Express Lanes between Spanish Fork and Layton, far north of this route.

Sources (2)
Stay6:35 PM · 30 min

Broken Spur Inn & Steakhouse, Torrey (night 3)

A hilltop hotel in Torrey with red-rock views, about five minutes from the park entrance by its own account. It lists hotel rooms and wagon-style units, an indoor pool and hot tub, EV charging, an on-site steakhouse for dinner and a complimentary hot breakfast for guests, handy before the longer Day 4 drive. Check current rates.

Type
Hotel
Location
Outside the park
Booking
Book / details
Reservation notes
Check current rates on the official site.
Broken Spur Inn & Steakhouse
955 E Highway 24, Torrey, UT 84775
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Broken Spur Inn & Steakhouse (new tab) 435-425-3775
Sources (3)
Day 4

Capitol Reef to Moab through the San Rafael Desert

Cross the empty desert to wander among Goblin Valley's mushroom-shaped rocks, then continue through Green River to Moab for a free evening.

DriveDepart 8:30 AM

Broken Spur Inn to Goblin Valley State Park

Distance
78.3 mi
Drive time
1 h 30 min
Est. tolls
No tolls
Via
UT-24, Temple Mountain Rd (SR-24 to the park road)

UT-24 runs east through Capitol Reef's cliffs and Fruita, then out across the open desert past Caineville and Hanksville, with the Henry Mountains to the south. Services are thin, so fill the tank in Torrey or Hanksville.

Tolls: No tolls on this leg (as of 2026-10-06). Utah's only toll roads are the I-15 Express Lanes between Spanish Fork and Layton, far north of this route.

Sources (2)
Activity10:00 AM · 2 h

Valley of Goblins, Goblin Valley State Park

Thousands of small mushroom-shaped sandstone 'goblins' fill a bowl of desert that visitors can wander among, scrambling over and around the formations for an hour or two. Mornings are quieter and cooler.

A hiker stands among rounded, mushroom-shaped red sandstone goblins beneath a cloudy sky
Photo: cappellacci, CC BY 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Time
About 2 hours
Best time
Morning, outside midday heat
Fee note
A day-use fee applies (Utah State Parks); not priced here
Goblin Valley State Park
18630 Goblin Valley Road, Green River, UT 84525
Hours: Park 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily; visitor center 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Utah State Parks)
Season: Typically open year-round
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Goblin Valley State Park (new tab)
Sources (3)
DriveDepart 12:05 PM

Goblin Valley State Park to Moab Valley Inn

Distance
100.9 mi
Drive time
1 h 42 min
Est. tolls
No tolls
Via
UT-24, I-70 E, US-191 S

Back to UT-24 and north to I-70, then east past Green River (the natural fuel and lunch stop) and south on US-191 across open desert, with the La Sal Mountains growing on the horizon ahead.

Tolls: No tolls on this leg (as of 2026-10-06). Utah's only toll roads are the I-15 Express Lanes between Spanish Fork and Layton, far north of this route.

Sources (2)
Stay2:00 PM · 30 min

Moab Valley Inn (night 4)

A Main Street hotel on Moab's south side, close to the town's restaurant strip. The inn lists a pool, fitness room, guest laundry and complimentary breakfast, which helps with the early start tomorrow. Rates are not published on the page, so check current prices when booking. Use the free evening to wander Main Street.

Type
Hotel
Location
Outside the park
Booking
Book / details
Reservation notes
Check current rates; the site advertises a website-only discounted rate.
Moab Valley Inn
711 S Main St, Moab, UT 84532
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Moab Valley Inn (new tab) 435-259-4419
Sources (2)
Day 5

Moab: Canyonlands and Arches

Spend the morning on the Island in the Sky mesa, then finish at Arches with a sunset hike to Delicate Arch and dinner in Moab.

DriveDepart 8:15 AM

Moab Valley Inn to Mesa Arch

Distance
39.4 mi
Drive time
57 min
Est. tolls
No tolls
Via
US-191 N, UT-313, Island in the Sky Road

North on US-191, then UT-313 up a dramatic climb onto the Island in the Sky mesa, with a long, quiet stretch of ranch and desert before the park entrance.

Tolls: No tolls on this leg (as of 2026-10-06). Utah's only toll roads are the I-15 Express Lanes between Spanish Fork and Layton, far north of this route.

Sources (2)
Must do
Hike9:15 AM · 45 min

Mesa Arch

A short loop to a 27-foot arch on the edge of a cliff, framing the La Sal Mountains and the canyon far below. The path has stone steps and rough footing. It is a classic sunrise spot; mid-morning is quieter and the view still works.

Sunrise glow beneath Mesa Arch, a stone arch at the cliff edge, with canyon country beyond
Photo: Neal Herbert
Distance
0.6 mi
Elevation gain
56 ft
Route
Loop
Difficulty
Easy
Permit required
No
Dogs allowed
No
Trailhead
Mesa Arch trailhead, Island in the Sky
Fee note
Canyonlands entrance fee applies
Distance note
0.6 mi round-trip loop, 56 ft elevation change, about 30 minutes.
Mesa Arch Trail
Island in the Sky Road, Canyonlands National Park, Moab, UT 84532
Season: Typically open year-round; icy in winter (traction devices suggested); check current conditions.
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Mesa Arch Trail (new tab)
Sources (3)
DriveDepart 10:05 AM

Mesa Arch to Grand View Point

Distance
6.2 mi
Drive time
15 min
Est. tolls
No tolls
Via
Island in the Sky Road

The Island in the Sky Road runs south along the mesa to its end.

Tolls: No tolls on this leg (as of 2026-10-06). Utah's only toll roads are the I-15 Express Lanes between Spanish Fork and Layton, far north of this route.

Sources (2)
Viewpoint10:20 AM · 1 h 30 min

Grand View Point Overlook

The paved road ends at the mesa's southern tip, with a rim view of corrugated canyons and the White Rim far below; on clear days features of The Maze and The Needles show. A short sidewalk reaches the main overlook and more rim walking continues beyond (about 1.8 miles round trip, 73 ft of gain).

Snow dusting the tops of brown and red canyons seen from Grand View Point
Photo: NPS/Jacob W. Frank
Best time
Late morning
Fee note
Canyonlands entrance fee applies
Distance mi
1.8
Distance note
1.8 mi round trip, 73 ft elevation change, about 1.5 hours for the full rim trail; the first overlook is a short paved walk.
Elevation gain ft
73
Grand View Point Overlook and Trail
Grand View Point Road, Canyonlands National Park, Moab, UT 84532
Season: Typically open year-round; check current conditions.
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Grand View Point Overlook and Trail (new tab)
Sources (2)
DriveDepart 11:50 AM

Grand View Point to Milt's Stop & Eat

Distance
45.4 mi
Drive time
1 h 11 min
Est. tolls
No tolls
Via
Island in the Sky Road, UT-313, US-191 S

Back up the mesa road and down the UT-313 switchbacks to US-191 and into Moab.

Tolls: No tolls on this leg (as of 2026-10-06). Utah's only toll roads are the I-15 Express Lanes between Spanish Fork and Layton, far north of this route.

Sources (2)
Eat1:05 PM · 1 h

Lunch at Milt's Stop & Eat

A family-run Moab drive-in serving burgers since 1954, according to its own site. It lists hormone-free, grass-fed beef burgers with eat-in or takeout service: a quick, unfussy lunch after the mesa. The site lists daily hours from 11 AM to closing, between 7 and 9 PM depending on the season.

Meal
Lunch
Cuisine
Burgers
Reservation needed
No
Duration note
Free time after lunch (about 2 hours): rest at the hotel or walk Main Street before the evening hike.
Milt's Stop & Eat
356 Millcreek Dr, Moab, UT 84532
Hours: Site lists open daily, 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Milt's Stop & Eat (new tab) 435-259-7424
Sources (1)
DriveDepart 4:10 PM

Milt's Stop & Eat to Delicate Arch Trailhead

Distance
19 mi
Drive time
33 min
Est. tolls
No tolls
Via
US-191 N, Arches Entrance Road, Main Park Road, Delicate Arch Road

US-191 north to the Arches entrance, then the main park road up the switchbacks and out to Wolfe Ranch. Parking at trailheads can fill, so arrive with time in hand.

Tolls: No tolls on this leg (as of 2026-10-06). Utah's only toll roads are the I-15 Express Lanes between Spanish Fork and Layton, far north of this route.

Sources (2)
Must do
Hike4:45 PM · 3 h

Delicate Arch Trail at sunset

The most famous arch in the park. The trail crosses open slickrock past historic Wolfe Ranch, climbs steadily following cairns, then follows a narrow ledge for about 200 yards before the arch appears all at once. Reach the top 45 minutes or so before sunset, carry at least 2 quarts (2 L) of water per person, and pack a headlamp for the descent.

Visitors read the Delicate Arch Trailhead information panel before starting the hike
Photo: NPS/Veronica Verdin
Distance
3 mi
Elevation gain
538 ft
Route
Out and back
Difficulty
Strenuous
Permit required
No
Dogs allowed
No
Trailhead
Wolfe Ranch trailhead
Distance note
3 mi round trip, 538 ft elevation change. Start time assumes early October (sunset about 6:55 PM MDT); shift it to reach the arch 30-45 minutes before local sunset in other months.
Wolfe Ranch / Delicate Arch Trailhead
Arches National Park, Moab, UT 84532
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Wolfe Ranch / Delicate Arch Trailhead (new tab)
Sources (2)
DriveDepart 7:50 PM

Delicate Arch Trailhead to Pasta Jay's

Distance
18.2 mi
Drive time
32 min
Est. tolls
No tolls
Via
Delicate Arch Road, Main Park Road, Arches Entrance Road, US-191 S

Down the park road and south on US-191 into Moab in the dark; watch for wildlife on the road.

Tolls: No tolls on this leg (as of 2026-10-06). Utah's only toll roads are the I-15 Express Lanes between Spanish Fork and Layton, far north of this route.

Sources (2)
Eat8:25 PM · 1 h 15 min

Finale dinner at Pasta Jay's

Moab's Italian restaurant on Main Street, open since 1992 per its site, and a practical late dinner after a sunset hike. The site lists daily hours of 11 AM to 11 PM, so a late dinner after the hike works.

Meal
Dinner
Cuisine
Italian
Reservation needed
No
Pasta Jay's Moab
4 S Main St, Moab, UT 84532
Hours: Confirm current hours on the restaurant site
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Pasta Jay's Moab (new tab) 435-259-2900
Sources (1)

Where to stay

Stay

Alternative at Bryce: Best Western Plus Ruby's Inn

The closest lodging outside the park gate, open year-round. The site lists three restaurants (Canyon Diner, Cowboys Buffet Steak Room, Ebenezer's Barn & Grill) and a hot breakfast buffet included with a stay. Check current rates.

Type
Hotel
Location
Outside the park
Reservation notes
No rates shown on the official site; check availability for your dates.
Best Western Plus Ruby's Inn
26 South Main Street, Bryce Canyon City, UT 84764
Season: Typically open year-round; some on-site dining is seasonal.
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Best Western Plus Ruby's Inn (new tab) 1-800-468-8660
Sources (2)
Stay

Alternative in Moab: Aarchway Inn

A 97-room motel-style hotel on Moab's north edge, nearer the Arches and Canyonlands turnoffs. Its site lists a full hot breakfast, outdoor pool, hot tub and a Level 2 EV charger. Check current rates.

Type
Hotel
Location
Outside the park
Booking
Book / details
Reservation notes
Check current rates on the official site.
Aarchway Inn
1551 N Riverview Dr, Moab, UT 84532
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Aarchway Inn (new tab) 435-259-2599
Sources (2)

Where to eat

Eat

Dinner option in Torrey: The Pioneer Kitchen

The restaurant at Capitol Reef Resort on the east side of Torrey. The town's listing describes American comfort food with regional specialties such as orange-peel grilled trout and enchiladas, served daily for dinner.

Meal
Dinner
Cuisine
American comfort food, regional
The Pioneer Kitchen at Capitol Reef Resort
2600 E Highway 24, Torrey, UT 84775
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for The Pioneer Kitchen at Capitol Reef Resort (new tab) 435-425-3323
Sources (1)
Eat

Lunch option in Green River: Ray's Tavern

A longtime Green River stop for charbroiled burgers, directly on the Day 4 route. Visit Utah's profile mentions indoor seating and a large patio, and a utah.com listing names burgers, steaks and homemade apple pie. Check current hours before you go.

Meal
Lunch
Cuisine
American, burgers
Reservation needed
No
Ray's Tavern
25 S Broadway, Green River, UT 84525
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Ray's Tavern (new tab)
Sources (2)

More options

Alternative route

Scenic alternate: Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway and US-89 to Bryce

The classic route out of Zion drives UT-9 east through the park and the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel, past the switchbacks and slickrock of the east side, then north on US-89 and east on UT-12 to Bryce. It is shorter than the default and passes the Canyon Overlook Trailhead, but it depends on the park road being open and on vehicle-size limits in the tunnel. OSM routing gives 86.4 miles and 1h57 from the lodge to Bryce, versus 138.3 miles and 2h49 on the default via Cedar City and UT-14 (about 52 miles and 52 minutes less, with no Cedar City or UT-14 forest scenery).

Via
UT-9 (Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway), US-89, UT-12, UT-63
To
The Lodge at Bryce Canyon
From
Cable Mountain Lodge
Via points
Mount Carmel Junction
Duration note
Saves about 52 miles and 52 minutes versus the default Springdale-to-Bryce legs (no Cedar City break)
Alt route miles
86.4
Alt route minutes
117
Sources (3)
Alternative route

Scenic alternate: Burr Trail and Notom-Bullfrog Road to Capitol Reef

From Boulder, turn east on the Burr Trail, a mix of paved and dirt road that crosses Long Canyon and climbs the Waterpocket Fold on steep switchbacks, then run north on the Notom-Bullfrog Road along the fold to UT-24. The Burr Trail is easily passable for passenger cars in dry weather, impassable when wet, and not recommended for RVs or trailers. OSM gives 90.4 miles and 3h30 from Lower Calf Creek to Hickman Bridge versus 59.2 miles and 1h12 on the default (about 31 extra miles and 138 minutes); unpaved sections will run slower than OSM assumes.

Via
Burr Trail Road, Notom-Bullfrog Road, UT-24
To
Hickman Bridge Trailhead
From
Lower Calf Creek Falls Trailhead
Via points
Burr Trail Road, Boulder, Notom
Duration note
Adds about 31 miles and 138 minutes versus the default Calf Creek-to-Hickman leg
Alt route miles
90.4
Alt route minutes
210
Sources (2)
Alternative route

Scenic alternate: Colorado River Scenic Byway (UT-128) into Moab

From Goblin Valley, drive north to I-70 and east past Green River to Cisco, then turn onto UT-128, which follows the Colorado River through red-walled canyon past Dewey Bridge and into Moab. The road is paved and has no tolls. OSM routing gives 144.7 miles and 2h46 from Goblin Valley to the Moab Valley Inn versus 100.9 miles and 1h42 on the default via US-191 (about 44 extra miles and 64 minutes); it suits a day with time to spare, and Green River is the lunch stop on either route.

Via
UT-24, I-70 E, UT-128 (Colorado River Scenic Byway)
To
Moab Valley Inn
From
Goblin Valley State Park
Via points
Cisco, Dewey Bridge
Duration note
Adds about 44 miles and 64 minutes versus the default Goblin Valley-to-Moab leg
Alt route miles
144.7
Alt route minutes
166
Sources (2)

Route map

  1. Las Vegas, Nevada (departure point) (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 1
  2. Mesquite, Nevada (I-15 fuel and rest stop) (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 1
  3. Timber Creek Overlook Trailhead (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 1
  4. Cable Mountain Lodge (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 1
  5. Pa'rus Trail (Zion Canyon Visitor Center end) (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 1
  6. Main Street, Cedar City (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 2
  7. Red Canyon Recreation Area (Dixie National Forest) (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 2
  8. The Lodge at Bryce Canyon (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 2
  9. Queen's Garden Trailhead (Sunrise Point) (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 2
  10. Sunset Point (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 2
  11. Lower Calf Creek Falls Trailhead (Calf Creek Recreation Area) (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 3
  12. Hickman Bridge Trailhead (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 3
  13. Capitol Reef National Park's Scenic Drive (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 3
  14. Broken Spur Inn & Steakhouse (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 3
  15. Goblin Valley State Park (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 4
  16. Moab Valley Inn (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 4
  17. Mesa Arch Trail (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 5
  18. Grand View Point Overlook and Trail (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 5
  19. Milt's Stop & Eat (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 5
  20. Wolfe Ranch / Delicate Arch Trailhead (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 5
  21. Pasta Jay's Moab (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 5
  22. Best Western Plus Ruby's Inn (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Option
  23. Aarchway Inn (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Option
  24. The Pioneer Kitchen at Capitol Reef Resort (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Option
  25. Ray's Tavern (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Option

Good to know

Season and timing

  • Best months: April-May and September-October. Summer brings desert heat at Goblin Valley, Moab and Calf Creek; winter snow can close or slow roads around Bryce and Boulder Mountain. Times assume early October (sunset about 7:00 PM in southern Utah); shift evening items in other months.
  • Time zones: Las Vegas is on Pacific Time and Utah on Mountain Time, one hour ahead. Day 1 times up to the Mesquite stop are Pacific; every later time is Utah time.
  • Weekday assumption: a mid-week departure. Milt's lists daily hours from 11 AM to closing (7-9 PM by season). Pasta Jay's lists daily 11 AM to 11 PM; confirm hours for the optional Ray's Tavern and Pioneer Kitchen.
  • Driving: the OSM-routed legs add up to 785.2 miles and 15 h 57 min over the five days (longest day is Day 1 at 3 h 35 min, including Las Vegas to Mesquite to Kolob Canyons). No tolls on any leg (Nevada has none; Utah's only tolls are the I-15 Express Lanes far to the north).
  • Difficulty: moderate. The driving is easy paved road, but distances are long, services are sparse between towns, the Hogback has steep drop-offs on both sides and several stops are at altitude or in desert heat. Carry water and start with a full tank.
  • Hikes: Hickman Bridge (400 ft) and Queen's Garden (450 ft) are the steepest climbs after Delicate Arch (538 ft); Calf Creek is the longest (6 miles round trip).

Reservations

  • Book all four nights early, especially the Bryce lodge and Cable Mountain Lodge in spring and fall.
  • Entrance fees apply at all five national parks; an America the Beautiful pass covers the park entrance fees.

Current conditions (as of 2026-10-06)

  • Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway (UT-9 through the park) is closed from Canyon Junction to Great Arch Pullout, with no through traffic until further notice (park alert). This plan therefore reaches Bryce via UT-14; the Mt. Carmel alternate in the options depends on the road reopening. Watchman Trail is closed pending repairs. The park also warns of toxic cyanobacteria in Zion's rivers and streams: do not drink the water or submerge your head.
  • Bryce Canyon: Wall Street (Navajo Loop) is closed after recent rains; other trails are open but muddy. This plan uses the Queen's Garden out-and-back.
  • Capitol Reef: advisory for elevated E. coli in the Fremont River and Sulphur Creek; monsoon flash-flood caution for washes and canyons.
  • Arches and Canyonlands: Arches needs no advance timed-entry reservation in 2026. Expect possible long entrance waits and full trailhead parking at both parks.
  • Red Canyon Visitor Center (Dixie National Forest) expects its seasonal closure on 2026-10-16; the roadside stop in this plan does not need it.
  • Goblin Valley State Park: the Utah State Parks site currently lists a heat advisory and flash-flood warnings for canyons and notes weekend crowds; arrive in the morning.
  • Fees (2026-10-06): Zion and Bryce Canyon are $35 per private vehicle for 7 days; non-US residents aged 16+ pay an additional $100 per person unless they hold an annual or America the Beautiful pass (park fee pages). BLM lists a $5 per vehicle day-use fee at Calf Creek (free with an interagency pass). Goblin Valley charges a day-use fee (Utah State Parks).

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Sources

Good to know: distances and drive times are typical figures without live traffic, and where routes are shown the route data comes from OpenStreetMap contributors. Toll amounts are estimates and change often, so check them in the DriftKin planner or with the toll authority before you plan around them. Opening hours, fees, prices, permits and closures also change, so confirm with the park or business before you go.