Planning a tour through the beautiful states of Utah and Arizona in the United States? Then be sure to read on because we traveled to this beautiful region and crossed it with a campervan!
The South West of the United States has captured my imagination for some time and is definitely one of the most spectacular regions I have visited so far!
In this tour through Utah and Arizona you will discover beautiful National Parks, some very well-known, others less so. You will walk through spectacular landscapes, spend the night in incredible places and make memories that you will last you a lifetime!
Take a look at our Utah and Arizona travel route and be convinced by the beautiful photos we took along this route!
Transportation for this Utah & Arizona itinerary
🚖 The Easiest Airport Transfer Hack When Traveling With Kids
If you’re traveling with a small child, 🚖 Welcome Pickups is such a convenient and stress-free option. You can arrange your airport transfer before you even arrive, so there’s no need to start searching for a taxi or Uber with a tired toddler and luggage in tow. The biggest advantage for families is that you can request the right car seat for your child’s age in advance, which makes the whole journey so much safer and more comfortable. No more awkward taxi rides with your little one on your lap or worrying about whether your driver will have a suitable seat available. Instead, your driver will be waiting for you upon arrival, everything is arranged beforehand, and you can start your trip feeling relaxed from the very beginning.
In our opinion, this last method is really the way to go! We chose a campervan from Travelers Autobarn. and were able to discover the most beautiful places without having to book anything in advance. Driving around America with a camper is super easy. Once you get out of the city, all the roads are super wide and it is very easy to navigate.
The roads in America are really made for such wide vehicles. Our already fairly spacious camper often felt like the little brother or sister of the other mastodons that we sometimes saw driving around.
📖 READ MORE – The Ultimate Guide To Renting A Camper And Camping In The South West USA
The start and end point of your trip through Utah & Arizona
The United States of America are huge and there are numerous airports. For this Utah and Arizona itinerary, we chose to depart and arrive in Las Vegas . This was definitely the cheapest option for us. Other options include flying to Salt Lake City in Utah or Phoenix in Arizona.
But for this tour, starting and ending in Las Vegas is the easiest and also saves you the most time.
We were able to easily pick up our campervan at the local Travelers Autobarn office in Las Vegas. By taxi you are just a 15-minute drive from Las Vegas International Airport.
Why choose Travelers Autobarn ?
You can rent a campervan from them from the age of 21 and get an unlimited number of kilometers to drive. Something that is super useful because you will soon be covering a lot of long distances!
How many days do you need for this itinerary?
Do you want to follow this itinerary completely? Then you need at least 9 days and a few extra days certainly can’t hurt! Even though the states of Utah and Arizona are super large, you can still visit the most beautiful places in 9 days! Do you have a little longer? Then you can choose to stay a little longer in some National Parks. For example, we only had 1 day for Zion and could have spent at least 3 days walking around here. Or linger a little longer in Sedona! A fantastic place that I definitely want to visit again because we actually didn’t have enough time there.
On the map below you can see the most important sights we visited during our tour. Below you will find additional explanations for each place and also extra information about super fun stops you can make along the way!c
LAS VEGAS
As I said before, this tour starts in Las Vegas. Just a 1.5-hour drive from Sin City, you can imagine yourself in the completely different world of Valley of Fire State Park . Gone are the hundreds of cars, the numerous tourists and gambling machines. Here you will find beautiful red sandstone formations. Valley of Fire also has two campsites that are “first come first served” – in other words, you cannot make advance reservations here. There are a total of 72 camping spots, including places for campers. Tables, barbecues, water, toilets and showers are available and the camper pitches have electricity and water available.
📖 READ MORE – A Guide To Nevada’s Valley Of Fire State Park
ZION NATIONAL PARK
Zion National Park, located in southwestern Utah, is one of the most impressive natural areas in the United States. This park is known for its breathtaking red rock gorges, high sandstone cliffs and diverse flora and fauna. One of the most popular activities in Zion is exploring the numerous hiking trails, including the famous Angels Landing and The Narrows . Angels Landing offers a challenging climb with spectacular views of the valley, while The Narrows takes you through a river gorge with steep, towering walls.
Since we only had one day to explore Zion, we chose to do so via the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive . From the visitor center you can hop on the shuttle bus and along this road there are several stops where you can get off and then easily get on again. We ended our day with a beautiful view from the Canyon Overlook Trail where we saw the sun setting behind the red mountains.
💡 TIP – Do you have more than 9 days for this tour? Then definitely stay an extra 1 or 2 days in Zion! For example, to hike Angels Landing you must be chosen from a lottery. This way you suddenly increase your chances and you might be one of the lucky ones to be selected!
BRYCE CANYON NATIONAAL PARK
Bryce Canyon National Park, located in the state of Utah, is one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the United States. The park is known for its unique geological formations called ‘hoodoos’, which rise from the ground like towering pillars and give the landscape an almost otherworldly appearance. A visit to Bryce Canyon offers breathtaking views, especially from the many viewpoints along the canyon rim , such as Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, and Inspiration Point. These viewpoints provide panoramic views of the colorful rock formations, especially at sunrise when the light makes the rocks glow in brilliant shades of red, orange and pink.
In addition to the beautiful views, Bryce Canyon offers numerous hiking opportunities for visitors of all levels. Popular hiking trails such as the Navajo Loop Trail and the Queen’s Garden Trail bring you closer to the imposing hoodoos and give you the chance to explore the park up close.
💡 TIP – To visit Bryce Canyon you actually only need half a day and it is best to start as early as possible so that you can admire the sunrise from one of the many views. Our favorite for this was Inspiration Point.
📖 READ MORE – One Incredible Day In Bryce Canyon National Park
CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK
Capitol Reef is by far one of my favorite places on this itinerary! Ignored by many tourists for the better-known Zion and Arches, but this makes it even more worthwhile! This park offers a breathtaking landscape of colorful rock formations, winding canyons and ancient petroglyphs that reflect the rich history of the region. One of the most beautiful moments of our trip was when we admired the sunrise in the morning over the Temple of the Sun , a desolate place where you quickly feel like you are on another planet. Hiking Capitol Reef can be done via popular hiking trails such as the Cassidy Arch Trail and the Capitol Gorge Trail , which take visitors through some of the most scenic and interesting parts of the park.
📖 READ MORE – How To Visit The Temple Of The Sun And Moon In Capitol Reef National Park
📖 READ MORE – The 10 Very Best Things To Do In Capitol Reef National Park
Near Capitol Reef National Park there are two fantastic places that you should definitely not miss during your tour! On the one hand you have the Moon Overlook , near the Factory Butte, and then there are the rainbow hills, better known as the Bentonite Hills . You can easily visit both places in one morning and you can already drive in the direction of our next destination!
📖 READ MORE – How To Visit The Bentonite Hills In Utah – Map Included
GOBLIN VALLEY STATE PARK
Located in the heart of Utah, Goblin Valley State Park is a unique and fascinating destination known for its jagged and otherworldly rock formations. These “goblins”, as they are affectionately called, are hoodoos and pillars formed by centuries of erosion that give the landscape a magical and surreal character. A visit to Goblin Valley feels like a journey to another planet, where the whimsical shapes and shadows constantly change depending on the position of the sun. The park offers countless hiking options, where you can wander freely among the rocks and choose your own path through this wonderful labyrinth.
In addition to exploring the valleys and admiring the impressive rock formations, Goblin Valley State Park also offers excellent facilities for camping and picnicking. The campsites are well equipped and provide a perfect base to admire the incredible starry sky at night, as the park is one of the darkest places in Utah.
ARCHES NATIONAL PARK
Located in eastern Utah, Arches National Park is a breathtaking destination known for its impressive natural rock formations. This park, which extends over more than 300 square kilometers, is home to more than 2,000 natural stone arches. One of the most famous is the beautiful Delicate Arch , which you should absolutely visit at sunrise! This way you have the most beautiful light and more than enough time to visit the other highlights of the park in one morning.
📖 READ MORE – The Very Best Half Day Arches National Park Itinerary
CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK
Canyonlands National Park offers a breathtaking collection of vast gorges, towering mesas and impressive rock formations that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. The park is divided into four main districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the Colorado and Green River rivers. Each district has its own unique charm and attractions. We chose to explore the Island in the Sky which is easily accessible from Moab. Here you can enjoy short hikes to breathtaking viewpoints such as Mesa Arch and Grand View Point . For the more adventurous visitors, there are longer hikes and off-road options in The Needles and The Maze, where you really get the feeling of being in a remote wilderness.
📖 READ MORE – See The Best Of Canyonlands National Park In A Half Day
DEAD HORSE STATE PARK
Dead Horse State Park is one of the most beautiful places in the American West to admire the sunset. And you will find this beautiful viewpoint literally a stone’s throw from Canyonlands National Park. One of the most iconic viewpoints is Dead Horse Point , where visitors see a nearly 2,000-foot (600-meter) deep chasm in the river. The park is named after a late 19th century legend in which cowboys drove wild mustangs onto the narrow peninsula and accidentally left them there. The park also features picnic areas, camping areas, and a visitor center where you can learn more about the geology, flora, and fauna of the area.
VALLEY OF THE GODS
The Valley of the Gods offers a lesser-known, but equally spectacular experience as nearby Monument Valley. The red sandstone monoliths, mesas and buttes that rise from the desert plain create a surreal landscape perfect for photography and adventurous exploration. Whether you drive or explore the valley on foot, you will be amazed by the unspoilt beauty and serene silence of this remote location. It is not without reason that this place is often called the little sister of Monument Valley. What we found particularly fantastic here is that you can also camp here for free. The spots are sought after and limited, but despite our late arrival that evening we still managed to find a spot to enjoy the sunset and the view.
MONUMENT VALLEY
Visiting Monument Valley is an unforgettable experience that takes you to one of the most iconic landscapes in the United States . Located on the border between Arizona and Utah, this area offers a breathtaking backdrop of towering sandstone buttes, vast desert plains and a rich cultural history of the Navajo Nation. Driving along the rugged roads or on a guided tour you will discover famous sites such as the Mittens and Merrick Butte, known from countless films and photographs. The red rock formations stand out impressively against the blue sky, especially at sunrise and sunset when the light enhances the colors of the landscape. Don’t forget to visit the visitor center for more information about the geology, history and culture of this unique area.
💡 TIP – If you drive from Valley of the Gods towards Monument Valley, you will also pass the world-famous Forrest Gump viewpoint.
📖 READ MORE – The Ultimate Monument Valley Half Day Guide
HORSESHOE BEND
Horseshoe Bend, located near Page, Arizona, is one of the most iconic and breathtaking natural landmarks in the United States. This spectacular vantage point offers panoramic views of a sharp bend in the Colorado River , which is shaped like a horseshoe, hence the name. A short, easy walk of about 0.7 miles takes you from the parking lot to the rim of the gorge, where you can enjoy the dramatic scenery and impressive depth of the river below. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture these unforgettable views, but be careful near the edge as there are no fences to stop you!
SEDONA
Sedona, located in the heart of Arizona, is a hiker’s paradise. The city is known for its breathtaking red rock landscapes and extensive network of hiking trails. Whether you are an experienced hiker or just starting out, Sedona offers something for everyone. Popular trails such as the Cathedral Rock Trail and the Devil’s Bridge Trail reward hikers with spectacular views and unique rock formations. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water and enjoy the peace and beauty of nature that Sedona has to offer! In the center you will also find many nice shops and plenty of dining options!
📖 READ MORE – 9 Incredible Things To Do In Sedona + Tips to avoid the Crowds
GRAND CANYON
Located in Arizona, this majestic natural wonder offers breathtaking views of the deeply carved gorge created by millions of years of erosion by the Colorado River. Whether you visit the South Rim , known for its panoramic views and accessibility, or the less crowded North Rim, the Grand Canyon offers spectacular views and unforgettable hiking trails. Popular activities include exploring the numerous viewpoints , taking a helicopter flight for a unique perspective, or undertaking a challenging hike to the canyon floor. The sunrises and sunsets are particularly impressive, with the changing light dressing the rock walls in beautiful colors!
💡 TIP – Because we were returning from Sedona that day, we only had half a day to explore the Grand Canyon. We decided to follow the South Rim Trail towards the East and walk to the Ooh Aah viewpoint .
Example day-by-day planning
Day 1 – Arrive in Las Vegas, pick up your campervan and visit Valley of Fire at sunset.
Day 2 – Zion National Park
Day 3 – Sunrise at Bryce Canyon National Park and drive to the Temple of the Sun in Capitol Reef National Park
Day 4 – Explore the rest of Capitol Reef National Park
Day 5 – Sunrise at the Bentonite Hills, drive to Moon Overlook and visit Goblin State Park. Then drive to Moab to admire the sunset at Dead Horse State Park
Day 6 – Hike to Delicate Arch at sunrise and explore the rest of Arches in the morning. In the afternoon you drive the Island in the Sky in Canyonlands after which you drive south to the Valley of the Gods to spend the night here.
Day 7 – At sunrise you drive through the Valley of the Gods so you reach Monument Valley when it opens. Afterwards you can stop at Horseshoe Bend before driving towards Sedona.
Day 8 – Hike the Devil’s Bridge Trail at sunrise and then drive to the Grand Canyon. Depart for Las Vegas around 3 p.m. to return your campervan.
Day 9 – Depart Las Vegas.
If you have any questions about how to visit Utah or if you want to share your experience, comment below!
More information on Utah
Epic 3-Week Road Trip Itinerary Through the Southwest USA – Best Stops & Tips
How to See Utah’s Mighty 5 – The Best National Parks Road Trip Guide
How To Hike The Queens Garden Trail In Bryce Canyon + Tips
12 Beautiful Hiking Trails In Utah (MAP Included)
See The Best Of Canyonlands National Park In A Half Day
The Very Best Half Day Arches National Park Itinerary
One Incredible Day In Bryce Canyon National Park
How To Visit The Bentonite Hills In Utah – Map Included
The 10 Very Best Things To Do In Capitol Reef National Park
How To Visit The Temple Of The Sun And Moon In Capitol Reef National Park
The 12 Most Beautiful Places To Visit In Utah (Map Included)
The Ultimate Guide To Renting A Camper And Camping In The South West USA
All rights reserved © Charlies Wanderings. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, etc.), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited.
Hi! We’re Charlotte, Christof & César!
Armed with our cameras & drone we’re always on the lookout for the next adventure!
We’ve been traveling together since 2020 and the best adventures are yet to come!
Read our full story here
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.