best parks in utah and arizona

Relatively short, but steep trail to the canyon overlook. Next up are the winding paths and soaring sandstone walls of Antelope Canyon. But rates vary according to date and demand, so check your exact days to see how many points youll need. Sign up and well send you Nerdy articles about the money topics that matter most to you along with other ways to help you get more from your money. Route 66 is the main road through the town, which was bypassed by the interstate in the 1980s, and is lined with gift shops, hotels and eateries. Delicate Archis one of the most popular trails, so if this is a must-see on your itinerary, plan on getting to the trailhead as soon as possible. surrounds you with mountain views, cactus fields and dazzling green grassy areas and, bonus: There is a lazy river. You can either plan to spend one day in Arches National Park or Canyonlands National Park, or you can split your time and see bothArches and Canyonlands in one day. TheUtah Arizona road trip mapabove begins in Las Vegas and travels through the iconic sites of the Southwest. There are 3 distinctive parts to Canyonlands National Park. I like to do a loop to maximize my sightseeing! If you cant get enough canyons, check out Bryce Canyon, Glen Canyon and Canyonlands parks in Utah. Arches National Park is small, but it isnt lacking in breathtaking activities to do, so prepare for another day of desert excursions! Take the free shuttle bus back to the lot and return equipment to Zion Outfitter. Here are a few of the most conveniently located and attractively priced hotels when booking with points. And now The 7 Day National Parks Road Trip - Utah & Arizona If youre up for a longer hike, try the North Kaibab Trail. Find the best Zion National Park hotels and resorts on Booking.com. The Courtyard Page at Lake Powell may not be the newest hotel, but its Southwestern style blends in with the local architecture, giving it a unique personality you wont find at other Courtyards. Arches National Park is one of the most recognizable National Parks in Utah. You can visit the Hoover Dam, 7 Magic Mountains, Lake Mead, and other amazing locations on your road trip. Chilly but the views are amazing! The ranger talk was entertaining and informative. Winter is often the best season for hiking, though backpackers should be prepared for snow and ice. You can also hike below the rim, which offers some amazing views of the canyon. Our Southwest road trip itinerary exploring The National Parks of Utah and Arizona included Zion National Park, Bryce Canon, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, the Grand Canyon South Rim and Sedona. It offers free breakfast and is pet-friendly, but they charge for parking. For an easy path along the water, try the Riverside Walk, a paved, 2.2-mile option leading to The Narrows, a strenuous but bucket-list-worthy hike through the Virgin River. 15 Best State and National Parks in Utah - Travel + Leisure Disclaimer: NerdWallet strives to keep its information accurate and up to date. If you have more time in this city, I recommend going to Antelope Island State Park or visiting the Natural History Museum of Utah. If you only have time for one thing in the afternoon in Moab, I would recommend heading toDead Horse Point State Park. is not pet-friendly, but it has an indoor pool, serves free breakfast and offers free parking. We drove in from Moab (under three hours without stops). at the Grand Canyon. The upside? From Williams, you can also hop on the Grand Canyon Railway for an entertaining and scenic train ride into the park. Also consider Dinosaur National Monument and Capitol Reef. Reply Subscribe . This modern SpringHill Suites in Flagstaff has a nice outdoor area and an indoor pool. The area around Moab is famous for its mountain biking, particularly the Slickrock Bike Trail. This is a great place. When we were there in August, the water was cool but not cold, and the deepest point hit my 11-year-old at the waist. Our national parks will be just as beautiful whenever youre ready to hit the open road. See below for a week-long Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary: You may be wondering- How long should I plan for a Southwest National Parks Road Trip? Top 10 national and state parks in Utah. There is a separate fee involved.) Jeanette earned bachelor's degrees in journalism and Plan II Honors from the University of Texas at Austin and has a Master of Education from the University of Houston. Read More: Best Things To Do with One Day in Page. Skip Sedona and head right to the Grand Canyon from Phoenix. State of California Parks. Arches National Park in Utah has more than 2,000 natural stone arches, giant balanced rocks, and hundreds of formations through which to hike. Here are some good hotel options near the South Rim: This is a lovely Southwestern style hotel, but its in Sedona a bit of a trek to get to the park. If you plan to road trip Arizona, Utah, Colorado and other states in the Southwest in the same year, the pass will be a bargain for national park visits. Day 2 of this 4 day Southwest road trip is all about Grand Canyon National Park, and youll have lots of options for activities there before driving on to Page, Arizona, for another bucket list sunset at Horseshoe Bend. The river was very strong and quite deep in some areas. It only adds about 20 minutes to the trip versus taking Interstate 40. While our trip only saw Island in the Sky, this ranking and the views I saw there make me feel that this is the best part of the park. Drive to three scenic points in Bryce (Inspiration Point, Sunset Point, and Sunrise Point). Denver to Utah Road Trip Itinerary Options. After youve seen all there is to see on foot, drive down the Arches Scenic Drive in your car, which features a variety of magnificent views where you can take in the stunning desert scenery. If youre currently in the planning stages of your trip, youre probably overwhelmed by all the options; so we narrowed things down for you and created a fantastic Utah and Arizona itinerary for first-timers. All financial products, shopping products and services are presented without warranty. If youre driving through Arizona and Utah, be sure to make a stop at Antelope Canyon. Its easy to visit multiple parks on a single Utah or Arizona trip because many are close together and connected by convenient roads. Magic - one of the best places I have ever seen. We all slept well each night and were grateful for hot showers, clean sheets and towels, and soft beds. Its a huge park with thousands of acres of land and four different rims to visit. Rental Car: KAYAK can also help you find cheap rental cars! IHG Rewards: More value for the frugal traveler. All Rights Reserved Banner image byMichelle Daniel PhotographyDisclosure & Privacy Policy. Read Next: This Road Trip Packing List Includes all the Essentials and a Free Checklist. Seeing the Arches in person is spectacular and humbling. Snow Canyon State Park and Valley of Fire State Park are two great stops to your itinerary and dont add too much extra distance to the drive. Im 52 and I was in water up to my neck for a few feet. However, travelers should consider flying into Salt Lake City or Las Vegas if they want to make the most of their time. Since we started early in the morning, we were finished before the crowds arrived. Ive indicated below the places we especially enjoyed and the ones that were just okay. Day 2: Arches National Park. On your way into Page from the Grand Canyon, you will drive right pastHorseshoe Bend. The drive fromZion to Brycetakes about anhour and a halfand is a distance of73 miles. Lodge-style hotels are, as you can see, pretty popular in these parts. Jeanette Margle leads the home loans content team at NerdWallet, where she has worked since 2019. You can also drive to a lot of overlooks in the park that dont require much hiking includingOrange Cliffs Overlook, Green River Overlook, and Shafer Canyon Overlook. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Outside Nomad participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. This is another excellent Hyatt Place, with a clean modern vibe and well-designed common areas. Destination 1: Arches National Park Arches National Park is a great way to start your trip, located in Moab, Utah. There are certainly plenty of ways to see these parks cheaper, but we decided to splurge on this vacation and not stress about the budget so much. These hotels just outside of some of the most famous parks in the Southwest are bookable with points. You can also go inside the structures, which is What a great place for outdoor recreation! Close your eyes and imagine the vast, wide-open spaces of the West. Utah's 11 Best National Parks and Monuments - US Park Pass There is a small fee to take the drive, and it takes2 to 4 hoursto complete. Privacy Policy. The canyon stays lit up for longer than Upper Antelope Canyon, making it better for photos. This is a terrific property outside of Tucson with a spa, golf course and pool. Ernest Manewal / Getty Images. Top 10 national parks in Arizona - The Guardian Read on for some of the best places to see on an Arizona and Utah road trip and follow Harbors and Havens on Instagram for more road trip guides. If you arrive by mid-afternoon, youll have time to walk along some of the Rim Trail to scope out your ideal sunset spot. Get an early start, as the parking lot at the visitor center can fill before 9 a.m. on busy mornings. Antelope Canyon is one of the most photographed slot canyons in the world. Monument Valley is located right on the Utah-Arizona border as part of theNavajo Nation. Known as the Gateway to the Grand Canyon, the small town of Williams is a quirky and touristy blend of Route 66 memorabilia and Western cowboy culture. You can also head straight to one of the National Parks. Given that there's little to shield you from the scorching sun, bring copious amounts of water, wear a good hat and slather on the sunscreen. Get an introduction to the National Park at the Zion Human History Museum, where youll learn about the Paiute indigenous people who formerly lived there. I only was in the part of the forest that was on Highway 14 going from Cedar City to Hwy 89, but it was one of the prettiest parts of my trip. which makes it quite challenging but you can stop as often as you like for w to discover windows in the rock formations to the crystal blue sky. Fodor's National Park Road Trips - Utah & Arizona - Fodors Travel Guide With that said, I would love to come back and go to the Needles. Hilton Honors program: The complete guide, Expect your good old, dependable, cookie-cutter Holiday Inn Express here. Alerts & Conditions . You can rent one using Outdoorsy. You can take a detour through Monument Valley on your way toMoabto spend some time in theArches and Canyonlands National Parks. Best of Utah & Arizona National Parks - TourRadar youll find perfectly manicured landscaping, a large pool area and views to be savored. From hiking through Bryce Canyon's hoodoos, to marvelling at the Navajo Sandstone giants of Zion from below, there's no shortage of excitement. There were camping, hikers, people who needed ADA accommodation- its great for all. American isn't likely to compensate you unless your flight is delayed for a controllable reason (i.e., not weather). The hotel is pet-friendly, and it offers free parking and free electric vehicle charging. Williams is known as the Gateway to the Grand Canyon. It is the last major town before you take AZ-64 the rest of the way to the Grand Canyon. Despite the short distance you should still protect yourself from the sun andbring plenty of watersince this trail is completely exposed to the elements. Outdoors at the Hyatt Place Moab youll find perfectly manicured landscaping, a large pool area and views to be savored. Dreaming of a trip across the desert? But as usual, check for your particular dates. Once youve arrived in Capitol Reef, make the most of your visit by going to Hickman Bridge, which is a popular 2-mile round trip that will take you past some of the parks most famous sights. This was the most impressive display of the night sky that we saw on our trip. We walked a trail (easy) for a view of a waterfalls from behind and below the falls. While Horseshoe Bend is worth visiting at any time of day the best time will be sunrise or sunset. Must be able to navigate using maps, plus GPS & compass & bring plenty of water. Elevation gain: 1,617 feet. Rent a car or vanfrom Las Vegas to make sure you can make your days flexible. It is practically on every travelers photographic bucket list because of its stunning and unique beauty. There are also several overlooks in this area that provide stunning views of the valley floor and distant buttes. Utah and Arizona contain some of the best and most unique views in all of North America, and a road trip is the best way to experience them. A recent reservation search turned up rooms starting at 22,000 Hilton Honors points per night. The water is very, very cold (it is snow melt after all!) You can experience the best in person, whether you have one day or two weeks. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tucson is not pet-friendly, but you get free parking and free hot grab-and-go breakfast. Since this is a Category 6 Marriott hotel, it will cost between 40,000 and 60,000 Bonvoy points for each night. Posts: 14 Learn more: World of Hyatt: The complete guide. At the end of the day, leave the park . Click HERE to learn everything you need to know about campervan road trips. The Best 2 Week Utah- Arizona Road Trip Itinerary! This is one of the only days on your Southwest Road Trip not spent primarily in a National Park, but you will still see many iconic Southwest formations from slot canyons to the iconic Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell, you will not soon forget your day in Page. Stay: We'll cover where to stay too. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase. Blake Snow Mar 2, 2022 5 min read With the "Mighty 5" national parks located in Utah, the Beehive State is a dream for outdoor adventurers Getty Images/iStockphoto Utah is known around the globe for its five national parks, dubbed the "Mighty 5." But some are better than others, depending on how you travel. It is stunning. . It's a pretty easy hike on the trail, but eventually you end up at the entrance to the real hidden canyon. Based on this we felt Las Vegas was the best city to start our Southwest road trip. The Ultimate Pacific Northwest Packing List, The Perfect 4 Day Oregon Road Trip Itinerary, Weekend in Bend, Oregon Itinerary- 3 Days, 20 Fun Things to Do in Astoria and Warrenton, Oregon, Canyonlands vs. Arches: One Day in Arches or Canyonlands National Parks, The Perfect Joshua Tree to Death Valley Van Road Trip Itinerary, 20+ Cant-Miss Waterfall Hikes Near Portland, The Best Things to Do in Page, Arizona (One Day), Arches National Park at Sunrise- Delicate Arch & Mesa Arch, How to Spend 2 Days in Zion National Park Itinerary, Stunning Fall Day Hikes in Mount Rainier National Park, How to Plan the Ultimate National Park Road Trip (On a Budget) - Voyages with Val, 18 Best National Parks to Visit in April! Before leaving the Grand Canyon, cruise along Desert View Drive, a 25-mile path from Grand Canyon Village to the east entrance/exit of the park. My husband, myself and a fellow canyoneer went to Escalante to reconnoiter this area to canyoneer in the future. Visit three National Parks and some of the best scenery in the west as you awaken your inner explorer. There are two sections:Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon. visitutah 188K followers With just a couple of hours in the park, you can drive to different viewpoints or walk a mile of the rim trail between Sunrise Point and Sunset Point. Start early and finish your trip strong with one of the best hikes in Utah! It is from these views that you begin to understand that this is truly a island in the sky. TheUpper Antelope Canyonis located within Navajo Nation and access is only allowed with anauthorized tour guide. Its a great place to start your road trip through both Utah and Arizona, as it has plenty to see and do. Was enthralled with all the dinosaur places to visit especially the fossilized Dino tracks on a ancient beach. Bear Lake State Park Bear Lake State Park is located on the Utah/Idaho border with the gorgeous lake sharing land in both states. Pack snacks and water. With its quiet backroads, spectacular national parks and monuments, the large area called the Grand Circle that encompasses . Other sites not operated by the National Park Service, like Monument Valley Tribal Park, Antelope Canyon and even Sedona, offer a more relaxed pace and, in some cases, luxurious spas where you can find soothing escape after all that outdoor adventure. Our national parks will be just as beautiful whenever youre ready to hit the open road. This is what we did upon visiting Page, and I dont regret it one bit. , and its not pet-friendly, but theres an outdoor pool and free parking. If youve had enough hiking on your trip, Moab has endless other outdoor activities to explore. With coronavirus still making international travel difficult, now is the perfect time to consider a road trip in the Southwestern United States. Some of the best trails are obviously within the nearby Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, but there are also plenty of other hikes to explore near Moab. To see both parks in one day, plan onstarting at sunrise. Set against a stunning sandstone formation. . This beautiful natural attraction is a great place to stretch your legs and take in the stunning scenery. . Packing School Lunches: Dont Make These Mistakes! Visiting the slot canyon requires a guided tour for safety reasons, and booking ahead is essential during busier times for Upper Antelope Canyon or Lower Antelope Canyon, the two most popular sections. The Best National Parks in Utah. Kayaking into and then hiking the Lower Antelope Canyon is a great experience if you want to explore at your own pace withfewer crowds. Regardless, don't rush it. To get to Page from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, head East on AZ-64 before continuing North on US-89 for a total of 139 miles. Drive to Moab. 1. Whoever said the scenery is distant and impersonal. Its a 14-mile round trip to Skeleton Point, and youre sure to get your sweat on while taking in the beautiful scenery. Summerin Utah and Arizona is hot with temperatures exceedingover 100 degrees! The sight is breathtaking and definitely worth the visit! I printed out a License Plate Game (, Hiking shoes or tennis shoes with sturdy soles and good socks, Syrofoam cooler + ice (you could also pack a soft-sided cooler in your luggage, but we didnt have room), Hot/cold insulated bag (this made it easy to get ice from hotel ice machines plus store extra drinks, etc. Another option for just a 5-day trip is to road trip to all of Utahs Mighty 5 National Parks. Bike rentals and mule rides are other popular ways to explore the canyon. It is a spectacular view of the valley. You will likely want to head to the South Rim which is more accessible and better for a short trip than the North Rim. You wont get a lot of amenities at Holiday Inn Express Flagstaff, and its not pet-friendly, but theres an outdoor pool and free parking. Below are a couple of the popular spots on the scenic drive. Take in one of the most spectacular sunrises of your life by getting an early start to your day and going up to the iconic Mesa Arch. The funny thing is that this place even isnt appreciated in Moab as my daughter wanted to buy a Canyonlands hat and we went to at least 10 stores in Moab and while there were a ton of Arches, we found a grand total of two Canyonland hats. The parking lot is only5 milesfrom Page so it is a quick drive from the town. So, if you visit in summer, prepare to watch your clocks freaking out and switching back and forth. Best time to visit Utah/Arizona Parks. Long hikes here are mesmerizing. You must go through the tunnel to access. All 5 Utah National Parks Ranked Best To Worst - Dani The Explorer Walk along the rim or hike down partway into the canyon to see some of the best views in the US and take in the majesty of the canyon. The hip, modern, pet-friendly Hyatt Place Tucson Central has an outdoor pool for you to cool off. Best national parks to visit in Utah - Lonely Planet But since it was late in the season the campgrounds were closed. Do all your adventures early in the morning, due to long driving distances and hot weather. The museum sits right next to some of Zions most famous rock formations (including the Towers of the Virgin and Watchman), so youll get two birds with one stone by visiting both! So how do we make money? This property is a bit dated, but the location, price and outdoor pool make it worth a stay. If you're looking to camp, Cattail Cove State Park is just 20 miles away and offers some of the best beachfront camping in Arizona. This is another specific rock formation along the scenic drive in the Navajo Tribal Park. Arrive at Las Vegas Airport in the morning, Rent car: We opted for a minivan so we would have more space and could share some rides with the family we traveled with, Head to Zion National Park in Springdale, Utah. Its so dry you dont feel the heat so you need water! Utah and Arizona contain some of the best and most unique views in all of North America, and a road trip is the best way to experience them. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money. Most places require a 4 wheel drive vehicle. Many of the routes here are short, sweet, and incredibly appealing, so you can finish several hikes in just a few hours. Permit: Yes (new as of 2022) First, on our list of best hikes in Utah, Angel's Landing is a beautiful hike that's known for being the most popular hike in Zion National Park. Drive to parking lot behind Zion Outfitter for free Zion shuttle. The rest of the morning and afternoon is for Grand Canyon activities, with plenty to choose from at the South Rim. is the gold standard of a huge, awe-inspiring canyon, but Canyonlands presents something beautiful a Reef national park, the Grand Staircase Is a Monument of historic red mountains and red cliffs, We did a combination of the peek a boo, the navajo trail and, Extremely helpful and friendly rangers at the visitor center, we loved the, recommend a drive through Dixie National Forest in the Fall to see the Manny colors and especially the Aspen. The nightly rate is 12,000 - 18,000 World of Hyatt points. Do not sell or share my personal information. Leave early to give yourself plenty of time in these State Parks. 8 Day Southwest Road Trip: Exploring the National Parks of Utah and Arizona The 7 Day National Parks Road Trip - Utah & Arizona. NerdWallet strives to keep its information accurate and up to date. Day 3 is all about getting more close and personal with Bryce Canyon. If you plan to hike I would start out early. 12 of the Best Things To Do on a Girls Weekend in San Diego. The drive from Las Vegas to Zion National Park is a relatively easy one, and its along the same route as many of the Utah road trips that start in Salt Lake City. A few provisions from the supermarket are all you need to avoid the hassle of seeking out prepared meals morning and night. Learn more: Hilton Honors program: The complete guide. Youll enjoy outdoor pools, free parking and free breakfast. Hampton Inn & Suites Tucson Marana has an outdoor pool and offers free breakfast and free parking. There are so many great trails in Zion, below are just a few to consider during your two days in Zion. Check it out below. While youre in the area be sure to check out the rad little town of Moab and for the ultimate experience get yourself on a Moab UTV tour where you get to drive! Utah's Mighty 5: Travel Guide and Road Trip Itinerary RELATED: Need help with Must have Road Trip Essentials? Alex Schechter Published on July 7, 2022 Photo: Getty Images One of the best things about Utah is that it's home to some of the most astonishing and varied landscapes in the world. Sedona is a cool town with its own amazing views. You also get free parking. gives off the ambiance of a rustic lodge appointed with wood and stone accents. Antelope Canyon should be at the top of anyitinerary for Page. Here are some good hotel options near the North Rim: This is hands down the best option because it is within the park itself an obvious time saver. Since youll be spending the next day in Zion National Park, look to towns convenient to the park entrances. has a fantastic pool and the elegant public spaces you expect at any Hyatt Place hotel. Tour companies includeAntelope Canyon Navajo Tours,Antelope Canyon Tours,andAdventurous Antelope Canyon Tours. This is towards the end of your National Parks Road Trip, so your feet may be getting tired of hiking. Our favorite stops here were Mesa Arch and Grandview Point which are MUST SEE in the park.
Uncommon Schools North Star Academy Calendar, Articles B