Utah’s Best Parks
Are you ready for the ultimate road trip through the heart of the American Southwest? Imagine driving through endless red rock canyons, past towering spires of stone, and hiking trails that lead to breathtaking vistas.
Welcome to Utah’s Mighty 5 national parks, and in this guide, we’ll take you through Cedar Breaks, Bryce Canyon, and Capitol Reef, three of the most stunning yet underrated parks in the region.
Whether you’re an avid hiker, a photography lover, or simply someone who enjoys the beauty of nature, these parks will leave you speechless.
Here’s everything you need to know to plan your dream trip!

First Stop: Cedar Breaks National Monument

Just a 2.5-hour drive from Las Vegas, we reach the charming college town of Cedar City, the gateway to Cedar Breaks National Monument. It’s like a mini Bryce Canyon but higher, quieter, and more intimate.
- Entrance Fee: $10 per person (valid for 7 days)
- Opening Hours: Open year-round, but main facilities operate from late May to mid-October due to snow.
- Best Time to Visit: June to October, when the trails are clear and wildflowers bloom.
- Top Hike: Spectra Point to Ramparts Trail (6 km round trip)
- Camping: Point Supreme Campground ($24/night, reservation recommended)
- Winter Fun: Try snowmobiling or cross-country skiing at nearby Brian Head Resort with an average of 30+ feet of snow annually.
- Travel Tip: Because of its 10,000-foot elevation, pack layers—even in summer!

Second Stop: Bryce Canyon National Park

A scenic 1.5-hour drive brings us to Bryce Canyon, where erosion carved out surreal amphitheaters of spiky hoodoos that look like nature’s own sculpture garden.
- Entrance Fee: $35 per vehicle (valid for 7 days)
- Opening Hours: Open 24/7 year-round. Visitor Center open 8 AM–6 PM in peak season.
- Best Time to Visit: May through October offers warm weather and clear skies.
- Top Hike: Queen’s Garden + Navajo Loop (5 km moderate)
- Advanced Hike: Riggs Springs Loop (14 km, high effort)
- Must-See Spot: Rainbow Point—drive all the way to the end of the scenic road for sweeping views.
- Travel Tip: Leave your car in Bryce Canyon City and use the free shuttle (April–October). It stops at all major viewpoints and trailheads.
In winter, the park runs free ranger-led snowshoe hikes, and the contrast between white snow and red rocks is simply magical.

Third Stop: Capitol Reef National Park

Next, we follow the breathtaking Scenic Byway 12—a designated All-American Road—to reach Capitol Reef National Park, Utah’s most underrated park.
- Entrance Fee: $20 per vehicle (valid for 7 days)
- Opening Hours: Open year-round, Visitor Center 8 AM–4:30 PM
- Best Time to Visit: March to June, September to October (summer can get very hot!)
- Top Hike: Hickman Bridge Trail (3.2 km round trip)
- Don’t Miss: The orchards of Fruita, where you can pick fresh cherries, apricots, and peaches (June to October, small fee per pound).
- Camping: Fruita Campground ($25/night, first-come, first-served or reservation-based in peak season)
- Travel Tip: Bring cash or use the self-pay stations for orchard fruit picking and entry fees if you enter outside of staffed hours.
- Bonus: You might spot mule deer or bighorn sheep on a quiet morning walk through Fruita.

How to Get Around

- Fly into: Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS)
- Car Rental: Essential for all three parks; 4WD is not required but helpful for backroads
- Total Driving Distance: Approx. 630 miles
- Suggested Duration: 7–14 days depending on how many trails you want to conquer

Final Tips for Lykkers

1. Buy the America the Beautiful Pass ($80/year) if visiting more than two national parks—it pays for itself quickly.
2. Hydration is key—pack reusable water bottles.
3. Avoid altitude sickness by ascending gradually, especially at Cedar Breaks.
4. Download offline maps (like Maps.me or AllTrails) since cell service can be spotty.
5. Book early: Lodging and campgrounds fill up fast, especially from May to September.

Ready to Hit the Road, Lykkers?

With towering hoodoos, glowing red canyons, and peaceful desert nights under the stars, southern Utah’s parks are an adventure straight out of a dream. We hope this detailed guide helps you feel more prepared and excited for the journey ahead.
So Lykkers, who’s packing their hiking boots already? Let us know which stop you're most excited about—we’d love to hear your plans!

Utah's 5 National Parks in 3 Days Road Trip

Video by Trent Tribe