Embark on a road trip across Utah and Arizona, where famous national parks, endless desert roads, and some of the most beautiful scenery of the American West await you. Explore the iconic rock arches in Arches, the bizarre Martian valley in Goblin Valley, and the breathtaking views in Canyonlands. An adrenaline-pumping trek through the narrow Zebra Slot Canyon, a view into the depths of the Glen Canyon Dam, and the magical underground wonders of Lower Antelope Canyon and the Horseshoe Bend meander await you. Experience a journey full of endless panoramas, contrasts, and the most beautiful natural scenery America has to offer.
Upon arrival in Salt Lake City, you'll have your first introduction to the capital of Utah. Depending on the time and energy, you can explore the historic city center, the atmosphere of Temple Square, or enjoy the sunset at the Utah State Capitol with views of the entire city and surrounding mountains.
Pick up your luggage at the airport and head over to collect your rental car (following the instructions you'll receive before your flight).
The Temple Square complex has been under renovation for several years and is gradually opening to the public. It includes the iconic Salt Lake Temple, the Tabernacle (home to the famous Tabernacle Choir), and Assembly Hall, along with monuments, visitor centers, and expansive gardens. Temple Square is designated a National Historic Landmark.
To find out how the renovations are progressing and what is open, visit the official website.
A majestic neoclassical building that offers a wonderful view of the city and the surrounding Wasatch Mountains. The building is surrounded by a large park, and its interior is free to enter. In the evening, you can watch the sunset over the valley from here.
Official building website: Capitol
Today, you'll leave Salt Lake City and head south into Utah, amidst the iconic red rocks of the American Southwest. You'll journey to the town of Moab and visit one of the most famous parks in the American West.
ATTENTION⬇️
When visiting American national and state parks, you need to account for entrance fees. In some cases, advance entry reservations are required. I recommend checking the official National Park Service and State Parks websites for current information before your trip. You can also purchase park passes online in advance. Additionally, if you plan to visit multiple American parks during the year, it's worth considering an annual America the Beautiful Annual Pass or a State Park Pass.
Arches National Park is a world of red rocks, natural arches, and desert landscapes that feel like they belong on another planet. The park hides more than 2,000 stone arches and is one of Utah's most iconic spots.
- Designated parking lots can be found throughout the park.
You will spend the night in Moab, a small town surrounded by deserts, canyons, and national parks. The atmosphere of road trips, off-road vehicles, and sunsets makes it one of the most popular places in the American Southwest. There is a lively outdoor vibe here, with streets full of restaurants, cafes, outdoor gear shops, and agencies offering off-road expeditions.
- Park your car at the hotel where you will be staying or in the surrounding area.
Today will be dedicated to breathtaking views, giant meanders, and the wild, untamed landscape of Utah, shaped by the Colorado and Green River rivers. You will visit one of the most photogenic places in the entire state and immerse yourself in the mysterious silence of the vast Canyonlands National Park.
A vast and wild national park divided by rivers into several sections. You will visit the most easily accessible section called "Island in the Sky," which spreads across a giant flat mesa. Expect views into deep canyons that look like they were carved into the earth's surface. Definitely don't miss the short walk to the iconic Mesa Arch, through which you can see deep into the valley.
The Grand View Point Trail is breathtaking; I walked it myself. You park at Grand View Point Parking and after completing it, you will find yourself at Grand View Point.
Entrance to the park here
- Designated parking lots are located throughout the park.
This state park offers one of the most stunning views in all of Utah. From a high cliff towering 600 meters above the ground, you get a breathtaking look at a giant meander of the Colorado River, resembling a horseshoe.
Entrance to the park here
- Designated parking lots can be found throughout the park.
You'll leave Moab and head out on a journey full of bizarre rock formations and ever-changing landscapes. Your first stop will transport you to another planet – a valley full of stone goblins. Afterwards, you'll drive past Capitol Reef National Park and end your day in the heart of the wild and remote Escalante region, one of the most untouched places in all of America.
A fascinating and incredibly fun state park that looks like it's from another world or a sci-fi movie. The valley is filled with thousands of small sandstone formations called "hoodoos," or informally "goblins." There are no marked trails in the park – you can freely walk and wander through this stone labyrinth however you like.
Make sure to take plenty of water for your walk. It gets scorching hot here, and the sun will beat down on you just like in the desert.
- Designated parking areas are located throughout the park.
As you drive along state highway UT-24, you'll be greeted by views of monumental, sharp-edged rock ridges known as "The Gray Ones". Unlike the surrounding red and orange sandstone you're used to in Utah, these massive formations have an unusual dark gray to ashen color.
- Along the way, you can pull over to the side of the road.
This time, you'll only drive through Capitol Reef National Park along the main UT-24 highway, but it will still be an incredible visual experience. As you drive, you'll witness a fascinating spectacle where the Martian-grey, dull landscape suddenly shifts into monumental, vibrant red and orange sandstone cliffs. It's a fantastic scenic drive.
- You can pull over on the side of the road while driving through.
A quick but impressive stop in the Capitol Reef National Park area. From this overlook, which is just off the main road, you'll see the deep and sharply cut meanders of Sulfur Creek, resembling goosenecks in their shape. It's a great place to stretch your legs while driving to Escalante and admire the giant colorful rock walls.
About 1 km before the town of Torrey, turn left onto the iconic Scenic Byway 12, rightfully nicknamed the "A Journey into the Heavens." This legendary stretch of asphalt will take you through an incredible landscape of sandstone cliffs, deep canyons, and pine forests. Driving this road toward Escalante is an intense experience, especially for the driver. It offers unique views for dozens of kilometers with steep drop-offs on both sides of the road, and without standard guardrails.
- Along the way, you can stop on the side of the road.
It starts with a real adventure in the Utah wilderness and ends by the sparkling waters of Arizona. In the morning, you'll trek through one of the most stunning hidden slot canyons, where sandstone walls narrow so much you'll be brushing them with your shoulders. Afterward, you'll head south to the town of Page, where you'll be amazed by a monumental human-made feat and endless views of the artificial Lake Powell.
An incredibly photogenic, narrow slot canyon named after its striped sandstone walls that resemble a zebra. The hike there leads through open semi-desert landscape, and once inside the canyon, be prepared to walk sideways in places or brace yourself against the walls.
- Route from the parking lot to the canyon here
ATTENTION⬇️
- Before you head out, check the current conditions at the visitor center – there might be standing water in the canyon.
- Bring plenty of drinking water. You'll be moving through desert landscape for about 2.5 hours. Don't forget a hat and good footwear.
- Make sure your phone is well-charged. The route from the parking lot to the canyon follows dry riverbeds that intersect in various places. Be careful not to get lost.
- It's better to bring a smaller backpack. The canyon gets very narrow, and at some point, you'll have to take off your pack and continue without it.
- There are instructions in one of the photos; be sure to follow them.
Today you'll once again enjoy the iconic Scenic Byway 12 with all its rock formations. It will lead you to Red Canyon, and you'll get to drive through two rock arches.
- Along the way, feel free to pull over on the side of the road.
A viewpoint on a hill just off the main road, offering a panoramic view of the giant Lake Powell reservoir, the desert landscape, and the endless red rocks of Arizona. It's a great place for a short stop or to watch the sunset.
A majestic concrete dam on the Colorado River, which is the second highest of its kind in the USA and created the giant Lake Powell. The dam reaches a height of 216 meters and was built in the 50s and 60s of the last century. You can stop at the Carl Hayden Visitor Center, which offers great views of the structure itself and the bridge arching over the canyon.
You will experience the two absolute biggest and most photographed icons of the American Southwest. You will descend into the depths of the earth, where sunbeams play out an incredible theater of colors on the smooth sandstone rocks of a magical canyon. In the afternoon, you will stand on the edge of a giant cliff and look into a deep canyon, where the Colorado River creates a perfect horseshoe-shaped meander.
This underground slot canyon in the Navajo Nation is one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the world. You walk through narrow corridors beneath the earth's surface, sculpted into smooth waves by water and wind over millennia. The light that penetrates from above changes the color of the sandstone from yellow to orange to dark purple.
Due to its immense popularity, it is necessary to have a slot tour with a Navajo guide booked in advance. You can purchase tour tickets, for example, here.
Famous view of the monumental horseshoe-shaped river meander. Here, the Colorado River flows more than 300 meters deep below you, circling a huge rock massif. A comfortable, roughly one-kilometer-long groomed path leads from the parking lot to the edge of the abyss.
The place offers incredible views, but be careful when taking photos on the edges where there is no railing.
The longest drive of the entire trip awaits you. You'll leave sunny Arizona and head out on a roughly six-hour road trip back north to Salt Lake City. The journey will fly by thanks to the ever-changing landscape, which gradually transforms from arid desert back into monumental mountain scenery. If you arrive in Salt Lake City in the afternoon, you'll still have time to soak up the atmosphere of the places where winter sports history was made.
During a long highway journey to the north, you can take a short detour to the natural hot springs hidden in the middle of pastures. You will find crystal clear lakes with warm water here. It is a place where you can take a break from driving, soak your feet in the warm water and enjoy the peace with a view of the surrounding mountain ridges.
Travel back to the time when Salt Lake City hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics. You'll start at the Alf Engen Ski Museum in Park City, surrounded by the venues where the world's best athletes competed. You will visit Rice-Eccles Stadium, where the Olympic flame was lit, and walk through the grounds of the former Olympic Village at Fort Douglas. A day full of sports history, Olympic atmosphere, and the stories that still shape the face of modern Utah awaits you.
Soak up the atmosphere of the place where the 2002 Winter Olympics were held. There is a free museum, and freestyle shows take place on weekends in the summer. You can also purchase a guided tour of the Olympic area, where you can reach the top of the ski jump. Or try an adrenaline ride on the bobsled track.
- Guided tours: Utah Olympic Park Tour
- Official museum website: The Alf Engen Ski Museum
- The atmosphere of the freestyle show is a fantastic experience. More info here
The park commemorates the arrival of the first Mormon pioneers in the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. It is here that Brigham Young is said to have uttered the famous phrase "This is the place" when the group arrived in what is now Salt Lake City. There is an open-air museum, period buildings and beautiful views of the city and the Wasatch Mountains.
Part of the park is subject to a fee. More information here: This Is The Place Heritage Park
The area was founded in 1862 by Colonel Patrick Edward Connor and played an important role during the settlement of the American West and the protection of the transcontinental railroad, postal line, and telegraph connection. Today, it is part of the University of Utah and thrives with lively student life.
The museum maps military history from the 19th century to the present, including an outdoor exhibition of technology. Admission to the museum is free.
Official website of the museum: Fort Douglas Museum
As you stroll around the historic Officers Circle and view the Bandstand gazebo, you are walking through the exact location where the Olympic Village stood in 2002. These beautiful 19th-century buildings originally served as homes for military officers and were transformed into facilities and accommodations for Olympic delegations from around the world during the Winter Games. Today, these historic houses are used by the university for its research and scientific institutes.
This is an elegant suspension bridge built for the 2002 Winter Olympics. During the games, athletes walked across it from the Olympic Village to the opening and closing ceremonies at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
Part of the Fort Douglas military fortress is also a small military cemetery, which was established in the 19th century and still commemorates the period of settlement of the American West and the history of the American army in Utah. The cemetery is very peaceful, you won't find many visitors here.
Rice–Eccles Stadium is home to the University of Utah Utes football team. It was originally built in 1927 as Ute Stadium and later renovated. It hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympics – and is scheduled to do so again in 2034.
Official stadium website: Rice–Eccles Stadium
You can spend the evening at a unique shopping complex right in the heart of Salt Lake City, which features a real creek running through it with waterfalls and live trout. Its biggest attraction is the giant glass roof, which opens in good weather, letting warm sunlight in so you can shop under the open sky. It's the perfect place to buy souvenirs, have a great dinner, and enjoy a relaxing end to your road trip.
Website of the shopping center here
- The shopping center has its own underground parking garages with several entrances. Map of entrances
Your grand road trip through the most beautiful canyons of Utah and Arizona is coming to an end. Today, all that's left is to return the car and fly home. If you have some time left according to the flight schedule, you can enjoy one last morning coffee overlooking the majestic peaks of the Wasatch Mountains.
Don't forget to be at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight.
Embark on a road trip across Utah and Arizona, where famous national parks, endless desert roads, and some of the most beautiful scenery of the American West await you. Explore the iconic rock arches in Arches, the bizarre Martian valley in Goblin Valley, and the breathtaking views in Canyonlands. An adrenaline-pumping trek through the narrow Zebra Slot Canyon, a view into the depths of the Glen Canyon Dam, and the magical underground wonders of Lower Antelope Canyon and the Horseshoe Bend meander await you. Experience a journey full of endless panoramas, contrasts, and the most beautiful natural scenery America has to offer.
Upon arrival in Salt Lake City, you'll have your first introduction to the capital of Utah. Depending on the time and energy, you can explore the historic city center, the atmosphere of Temple Square, or enjoy the sunset at the Utah State Capitol with views of the entire city and surrounding mountains.
Pick up your luggage at the airport and head over to collect your rental car (following the instructions you'll receive before your flight).
The Temple Square complex has been under renovation for several years and is gradually opening to the public. It includes the iconic Salt Lake Temple, the Tabernacle (home to the famous Tabernacle Choir), and Assembly Hall, along with monuments, visitor centers, and expansive gardens. Temple Square is designated a National Historic Landmark.
To find out how the renovations are progressing and what is open, visit the official website.
A majestic neoclassical building that offers a wonderful view of the city and the surrounding Wasatch Mountains. The building is surrounded by a large park, and its interior is free to enter. In the evening, you can watch the sunset over the valley from here.
Official building website: Capitol
Today, you'll leave Salt Lake City and head south into Utah, amidst the iconic red rocks of the American Southwest. You'll journey to the town of Moab and visit one of the most famous parks in the American West.
ATTENTION⬇️
When visiting American national and state parks, you need to account for entrance fees. In some cases, advance entry reservations are required. I recommend checking the official National Park Service and State Parks websites for current information before your trip. You can also purchase park passes online in advance. Additionally, if you plan to visit multiple American parks during the year, it's worth considering an annual America the Beautiful Annual Pass or a State Park Pass.
Arches National Park is a world of red rocks, natural arches, and desert landscapes that feel like they belong on another planet. The park hides more than 2,000 stone arches and is one of Utah's most iconic spots.
- Designated parking lots can be found throughout the park.
You will spend the night in Moab, a small town surrounded by deserts, canyons, and national parks. The atmosphere of road trips, off-road vehicles, and sunsets makes it one of the most popular places in the American Southwest. There is a lively outdoor vibe here, with streets full of restaurants, cafes, outdoor gear shops, and agencies offering off-road expeditions.
- Park your car at the hotel where you will be staying or in the surrounding area.
Today will be dedicated to breathtaking views, giant meanders, and the wild, untamed landscape of Utah, shaped by the Colorado and Green River rivers. You will visit one of the most photogenic places in the entire state and immerse yourself in the mysterious silence of the vast Canyonlands National Park.
A vast and wild national park divided by rivers into several sections. You will visit the most easily accessible section called "Island in the Sky," which spreads across a giant flat mesa. Expect views into deep canyons that look like they were carved into the earth's surface. Definitely don't miss the short walk to the iconic Mesa Arch, through which you can see deep into the valley.
The Grand View Point Trail is breathtaking; I walked it myself. You park at Grand View Point Parking and after completing it, you will find yourself at Grand View Point.
Entrance to the park here
- Designated parking lots are located throughout the park.
This state park offers one of the most stunning views in all of Utah. From a high cliff towering 600 meters above the ground, you get a breathtaking look at a giant meander of the Colorado River, resembling a horseshoe.
Entrance to the park here
- Designated parking lots can be found throughout the park.
You'll leave Moab and head out on a journey full of bizarre rock formations and ever-changing landscapes. Your first stop will transport you to another planet – a valley full of stone goblins. Afterwards, you'll drive past Capitol Reef National Park and end your day in the heart of the wild and remote Escalante region, one of the most untouched places in all of America.
A fascinating and incredibly fun state park that looks like it's from another world or a sci-fi movie. The valley is filled with thousands of small sandstone formations called "hoodoos," or informally "goblins." There are no marked trails in the park – you can freely walk and wander through this stone labyrinth however you like.
Make sure to take plenty of water for your walk. It gets scorching hot here, and the sun will beat down on you just like in the desert.
- Designated parking areas are located throughout the park.
As you drive along state highway UT-24, you'll be greeted by views of monumental, sharp-edged rock ridges known as "The Gray Ones". Unlike the surrounding red and orange sandstone you're used to in Utah, these massive formations have an unusual dark gray to ashen color.
- Along the way, you can pull over to the side of the road.
This time, you'll only drive through Capitol Reef National Park along the main UT-24 highway, but it will still be an incredible visual experience. As you drive, you'll witness a fascinating spectacle where the Martian-grey, dull landscape suddenly shifts into monumental, vibrant red and orange sandstone cliffs. It's a fantastic scenic drive.
- You can pull over on the side of the road while driving through.
A quick but impressive stop in the Capitol Reef National Park area. From this overlook, which is just off the main road, you'll see the deep and sharply cut meanders of Sulfur Creek, resembling goosenecks in their shape. It's a great place to stretch your legs while driving to Escalante and admire the giant colorful rock walls.
About 1 km before the town of Torrey, turn left onto the iconic Scenic Byway 12, rightfully nicknamed the "A Journey into the Heavens." This legendary stretch of asphalt will take you through an incredible landscape of sandstone cliffs, deep canyons, and pine forests. Driving this road toward Escalante is an intense experience, especially for the driver. It offers unique views for dozens of kilometers with steep drop-offs on both sides of the road, and without standard guardrails.
- Along the way, you can stop on the side of the road.
It starts with a real adventure in the Utah wilderness and ends by the sparkling waters of Arizona. In the morning, you'll trek through one of the most stunning hidden slot canyons, where sandstone walls narrow so much you'll be brushing them with your shoulders. Afterward, you'll head south to the town of Page, where you'll be amazed by a monumental human-made feat and endless views of the artificial Lake Powell.
An incredibly photogenic, narrow slot canyon named after its striped sandstone walls that resemble a zebra. The hike there leads through open semi-desert landscape, and once inside the canyon, be prepared to walk sideways in places or brace yourself against the walls.
- Route from the parking lot to the canyon here
ATTENTION⬇️
- Before you head out, check the current conditions at the visitor center – there might be standing water in the canyon.
- Bring plenty of drinking water. You'll be moving through desert landscape for about 2.5 hours. Don't forget a hat and good footwear.
- Make sure your phone is well-charged. The route from the parking lot to the canyon follows dry riverbeds that intersect in various places. Be careful not to get lost.
- It's better to bring a smaller backpack. The canyon gets very narrow, and at some point, you'll have to take off your pack and continue without it.
- There are instructions in one of the photos; be sure to follow them.
Today you'll once again enjoy the iconic Scenic Byway 12 with all its rock formations. It will lead you to Red Canyon, and you'll get to drive through two rock arches.
- Along the way, feel free to pull over on the side of the road.
A viewpoint on a hill just off the main road, offering a panoramic view of the giant Lake Powell reservoir, the desert landscape, and the endless red rocks of Arizona. It's a great place for a short stop or to watch the sunset.
A majestic concrete dam on the Colorado River, which is the second highest of its kind in the USA and created the giant Lake Powell. The dam reaches a height of 216 meters and was built in the 50s and 60s of the last century. You can stop at the Carl Hayden Visitor Center, which offers great views of the structure itself and the bridge arching over the canyon.
You will experience the two absolute biggest and most photographed icons of the American Southwest. You will descend into the depths of the earth, where sunbeams play out an incredible theater of colors on the smooth sandstone rocks of a magical canyon. In the afternoon, you will stand on the edge of a giant cliff and look into a deep canyon, where the Colorado River creates a perfect horseshoe-shaped meander.
This underground slot canyon in the Navajo Nation is one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the world. You walk through narrow corridors beneath the earth's surface, sculpted into smooth waves by water and wind over millennia. The light that penetrates from above changes the color of the sandstone from yellow to orange to dark purple.
Due to its immense popularity, it is necessary to have a slot tour with a Navajo guide booked in advance. You can purchase tour tickets, for example, here.
Famous view of the monumental horseshoe-shaped river meander. Here, the Colorado River flows more than 300 meters deep below you, circling a huge rock massif. A comfortable, roughly one-kilometer-long groomed path leads from the parking lot to the edge of the abyss.
The place offers incredible views, but be careful when taking photos on the edges where there is no railing.
The longest drive of the entire trip awaits you. You'll leave sunny Arizona and head out on a roughly six-hour road trip back north to Salt Lake City. The journey will fly by thanks to the ever-changing landscape, which gradually transforms from arid desert back into monumental mountain scenery. If you arrive in Salt Lake City in the afternoon, you'll still have time to soak up the atmosphere of the places where winter sports history was made.
During a long highway journey to the north, you can take a short detour to the natural hot springs hidden in the middle of pastures. You will find crystal clear lakes with warm water here. It is a place where you can take a break from driving, soak your feet in the warm water and enjoy the peace with a view of the surrounding mountain ridges.
Travel back to the time when Salt Lake City hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics. You'll start at the Alf Engen Ski Museum in Park City, surrounded by the venues where the world's best athletes competed. You will visit Rice-Eccles Stadium, where the Olympic flame was lit, and walk through the grounds of the former Olympic Village at Fort Douglas. A day full of sports history, Olympic atmosphere, and the stories that still shape the face of modern Utah awaits you.
Soak up the atmosphere of the place where the 2002 Winter Olympics were held. There is a free museum, and freestyle shows take place on weekends in the summer. You can also purchase a guided tour of the Olympic area, where you can reach the top of the ski jump. Or try an adrenaline ride on the bobsled track.
- Guided tours: Utah Olympic Park Tour
- Official museum website: The Alf Engen Ski Museum
- The atmosphere of the freestyle show is a fantastic experience. More info here
The park commemorates the arrival of the first Mormon pioneers in the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. It is here that Brigham Young is said to have uttered the famous phrase "This is the place" when the group arrived in what is now Salt Lake City. There is an open-air museum, period buildings and beautiful views of the city and the Wasatch Mountains.
Part of the park is subject to a fee. More information here: This Is The Place Heritage Park
The area was founded in 1862 by Colonel Patrick Edward Connor and played an important role during the settlement of the American West and the protection of the transcontinental railroad, postal line, and telegraph connection. Today, it is part of the University of Utah and thrives with lively student life.
The museum maps military history from the 19th century to the present, including an outdoor exhibition of technology. Admission to the museum is free.
Official website of the museum: Fort Douglas Museum
As you stroll around the historic Officers Circle and view the Bandstand gazebo, you are walking through the exact location where the Olympic Village stood in 2002. These beautiful 19th-century buildings originally served as homes for military officers and were transformed into facilities and accommodations for Olympic delegations from around the world during the Winter Games. Today, these historic houses are used by the university for its research and scientific institutes.
This is an elegant suspension bridge built for the 2002 Winter Olympics. During the games, athletes walked across it from the Olympic Village to the opening and closing ceremonies at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
Part of the Fort Douglas military fortress is also a small military cemetery, which was established in the 19th century and still commemorates the period of settlement of the American West and the history of the American army in Utah. The cemetery is very peaceful, you won't find many visitors here.
Rice–Eccles Stadium is home to the University of Utah Utes football team. It was originally built in 1927 as Ute Stadium and later renovated. It hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympics – and is scheduled to do so again in 2034.
Official stadium website: Rice–Eccles Stadium
You can spend the evening at a unique shopping complex right in the heart of Salt Lake City, which features a real creek running through it with waterfalls and live trout. Its biggest attraction is the giant glass roof, which opens in good weather, letting warm sunlight in so you can shop under the open sky. It's the perfect place to buy souvenirs, have a great dinner, and enjoy a relaxing end to your road trip.
Website of the shopping center here
- The shopping center has its own underground parking garages with several entrances. Map of entrances
Your grand road trip through the most beautiful canyons of Utah and Arizona is coming to an end. Today, all that's left is to return the car and fly home. If you have some time left according to the flight schedule, you can enjoy one last morning coffee overlooking the majestic peaks of the Wasatch Mountains.
Don't forget to be at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight.
itinerary by Patty
Embark on a road trip across Utah and Arizona, where famous national parks, endless desert roads, and some of the most beautiful scenery of the American West await you. Explore the iconic rock arches in Arches, the bizarre Martian valley in Goblin Valley, and the breathtaking views in Canyonlands. An adrenaline-pumping trek through the narrow Zebra Slot Canyon, a view into the depths of the Glen Canyon Dam, and the magical underground wonders of Lower Antelope Canyon and the Horseshoe Bend meander await you. Experience a journey full of endless panoramas, contrasts, and the most beautiful natural scenery America has to offer.
Upon arrival in Salt Lake City, you'll have your first introduction to the capital of Utah. Depending on the time and energy, you can explore the historic city center, the atmosphere of Temple Square, or enjoy the sunset at the Utah State Capitol with views of the entire city and surrounding mountains.
Pick up your luggage at the airport and head over to collect your rental car (following the instructions you'll receive before your flight).
The Temple Square complex has been under renovation for several years and is gradually opening to the public. It includes the iconic Salt Lake Temple, the Tabernacle (home to the famous Tabernacle Choir), and Assembly Hall, along with monuments, visitor centers, and expansive gardens. Temple Square is designated a National Historic Landmark.
To find out how the renovations are progressing and what is open, visit the official website.
A majestic neoclassical building that offers a wonderful view of the city and the surrounding Wasatch Mountains. The building is surrounded by a large park, and its interior is free to enter. In the evening, you can watch the sunset over the valley from here.
Official building website: Capitol
Today, you'll leave Salt Lake City and head south into Utah, amidst the iconic red rocks of the American Southwest. You'll journey to the town of Moab and visit one of the most famous parks in the American West.
ATTENTION⬇️
When visiting American national and state parks, you need to account for entrance fees. In some cases, advance entry reservations are required. I recommend checking the official National Park Service and State Parks websites for current information before your trip. You can also purchase park passes online in advance. Additionally, if you plan to visit multiple American parks during the year, it's worth considering an annual America the Beautiful Annual Pass or a State Park Pass.
Arches National Park is a world of red rocks, natural arches, and desert landscapes that feel like they belong on another planet. The park hides more than 2,000 stone arches and is one of Utah's most iconic spots.
- Designated parking lots can be found throughout the park.
You will spend the night in Moab, a small town surrounded by deserts, canyons, and national parks. The atmosphere of road trips, off-road vehicles, and sunsets makes it one of the most popular places in the American Southwest. There is a lively outdoor vibe here, with streets full of restaurants, cafes, outdoor gear shops, and agencies offering off-road expeditions.
- Park your car at the hotel where you will be staying or in the surrounding area.
Today will be dedicated to breathtaking views, giant meanders, and the wild, untamed landscape of Utah, shaped by the Colorado and Green River rivers. You will visit one of the most photogenic places in the entire state and immerse yourself in the mysterious silence of the vast Canyonlands National Park.
A vast and wild national park divided by rivers into several sections. You will visit the most easily accessible section called "Island in the Sky," which spreads across a giant flat mesa. Expect views into deep canyons that look like they were carved into the earth's surface. Definitely don't miss the short walk to the iconic Mesa Arch, through which you can see deep into the valley.
The Grand View Point Trail is breathtaking; I walked it myself. You park at Grand View Point Parking and after completing it, you will find yourself at Grand View Point.
Entrance to the park here
- Designated parking lots are located throughout the park.
This state park offers one of the most stunning views in all of Utah. From a high cliff towering 600 meters above the ground, you get a breathtaking look at a giant meander of the Colorado River, resembling a horseshoe.
Entrance to the park here
- Designated parking lots can be found throughout the park.
You'll leave Moab and head out on a journey full of bizarre rock formations and ever-changing landscapes. Your first stop will transport you to another planet – a valley full of stone goblins. Afterwards, you'll drive past Capitol Reef National Park and end your day in the heart of the wild and remote Escalante region, one of the most untouched places in all of America.
A fascinating and incredibly fun state park that looks like it's from another world or a sci-fi movie. The valley is filled with thousands of small sandstone formations called "hoodoos," or informally "goblins." There are no marked trails in the park – you can freely walk and wander through this stone labyrinth however you like.
Make sure to take plenty of water for your walk. It gets scorching hot here, and the sun will beat down on you just like in the desert.
- Designated parking areas are located throughout the park.
As you drive along state highway UT-24, you'll be greeted by views of monumental, sharp-edged rock ridges known as "The Gray Ones". Unlike the surrounding red and orange sandstone you're used to in Utah, these massive formations have an unusual dark gray to ashen color.
- Along the way, you can pull over to the side of the road.
This time, you'll only drive through Capitol Reef National Park along the main UT-24 highway, but it will still be an incredible visual experience. As you drive, you'll witness a fascinating spectacle where the Martian-grey, dull landscape suddenly shifts into monumental, vibrant red and orange sandstone cliffs. It's a fantastic scenic drive.
- You can pull over on the side of the road while driving through.
A quick but impressive stop in the Capitol Reef National Park area. From this overlook, which is just off the main road, you'll see the deep and sharply cut meanders of Sulfur Creek, resembling goosenecks in their shape. It's a great place to stretch your legs while driving to Escalante and admire the giant colorful rock walls.
About 1 km before the town of Torrey, turn left onto the iconic Scenic Byway 12, rightfully nicknamed the "A Journey into the Heavens." This legendary stretch of asphalt will take you through an incredible landscape of sandstone cliffs, deep canyons, and pine forests. Driving this road toward Escalante is an intense experience, especially for the driver. It offers unique views for dozens of kilometers with steep drop-offs on both sides of the road, and without standard guardrails.
- Along the way, you can stop on the side of the road.
It starts with a real adventure in the Utah wilderness and ends by the sparkling waters of Arizona. In the morning, you'll trek through one of the most stunning hidden slot canyons, where sandstone walls narrow so much you'll be brushing them with your shoulders. Afterward, you'll head south to the town of Page, where you'll be amazed by a monumental human-made feat and endless views of the artificial Lake Powell.
An incredibly photogenic, narrow slot canyon named after its striped sandstone walls that resemble a zebra. The hike there leads through open semi-desert landscape, and once inside the canyon, be prepared to walk sideways in places or brace yourself against the walls.
- Route from the parking lot to the canyon here
ATTENTION⬇️
- Before you head out, check the current conditions at the visitor center – there might be standing water in the canyon.
- Bring plenty of drinking water. You'll be moving through desert landscape for about 2.5 hours. Don't forget a hat and good footwear.
- Make sure your phone is well-charged. The route from the parking lot to the canyon follows dry riverbeds that intersect in various places. Be careful not to get lost.
- It's better to bring a smaller backpack. The canyon gets very narrow, and at some point, you'll have to take off your pack and continue without it.
- There are instructions in one of the photos; be sure to follow them.
Today you'll once again enjoy the iconic Scenic Byway 12 with all its rock formations. It will lead you to Red Canyon, and you'll get to drive through two rock arches.
- Along the way, feel free to pull over on the side of the road.
A viewpoint on a hill just off the main road, offering a panoramic view of the giant Lake Powell reservoir, the desert landscape, and the endless red rocks of Arizona. It's a great place for a short stop or to watch the sunset.
A majestic concrete dam on the Colorado River, which is the second highest of its kind in the USA and created the giant Lake Powell. The dam reaches a height of 216 meters and was built in the 50s and 60s of the last century. You can stop at the Carl Hayden Visitor Center, which offers great views of the structure itself and the bridge arching over the canyon.
You will experience the two absolute biggest and most photographed icons of the American Southwest. You will descend into the depths of the earth, where sunbeams play out an incredible theater of colors on the smooth sandstone rocks of a magical canyon. In the afternoon, you will stand on the edge of a giant cliff and look into a deep canyon, where the Colorado River creates a perfect horseshoe-shaped meander.
This underground slot canyon in the Navajo Nation is one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the world. You walk through narrow corridors beneath the earth's surface, sculpted into smooth waves by water and wind over millennia. The light that penetrates from above changes the color of the sandstone from yellow to orange to dark purple.
Due to its immense popularity, it is necessary to have a slot tour with a Navajo guide booked in advance. You can purchase tour tickets, for example, here.
Famous view of the monumental horseshoe-shaped river meander. Here, the Colorado River flows more than 300 meters deep below you, circling a huge rock massif. A comfortable, roughly one-kilometer-long groomed path leads from the parking lot to the edge of the abyss.
The place offers incredible views, but be careful when taking photos on the edges where there is no railing.
The longest drive of the entire trip awaits you. You'll leave sunny Arizona and head out on a roughly six-hour road trip back north to Salt Lake City. The journey will fly by thanks to the ever-changing landscape, which gradually transforms from arid desert back into monumental mountain scenery. If you arrive in Salt Lake City in the afternoon, you'll still have time to soak up the atmosphere of the places where winter sports history was made.
During a long highway journey to the north, you can take a short detour to the natural hot springs hidden in the middle of pastures. You will find crystal clear lakes with warm water here. It is a place where you can take a break from driving, soak your feet in the warm water and enjoy the peace with a view of the surrounding mountain ridges.
Travel back to the time when Salt Lake City hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics. You'll start at the Alf Engen Ski Museum in Park City, surrounded by the venues where the world's best athletes competed. You will visit Rice-Eccles Stadium, where the Olympic flame was lit, and walk through the grounds of the former Olympic Village at Fort Douglas. A day full of sports history, Olympic atmosphere, and the stories that still shape the face of modern Utah awaits you.
Soak up the atmosphere of the place where the 2002 Winter Olympics were held. There is a free museum, and freestyle shows take place on weekends in the summer. You can also purchase a guided tour of the Olympic area, where you can reach the top of the ski jump. Or try an adrenaline ride on the bobsled track.
- Guided tours: Utah Olympic Park Tour
- Official museum website: The Alf Engen Ski Museum
- The atmosphere of the freestyle show is a fantastic experience. More info here
The park commemorates the arrival of the first Mormon pioneers in the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. It is here that Brigham Young is said to have uttered the famous phrase "This is the place" when the group arrived in what is now Salt Lake City. There is an open-air museum, period buildings and beautiful views of the city and the Wasatch Mountains.
Part of the park is subject to a fee. More information here: This Is The Place Heritage Park
The area was founded in 1862 by Colonel Patrick Edward Connor and played an important role during the settlement of the American West and the protection of the transcontinental railroad, postal line, and telegraph connection. Today, it is part of the University of Utah and thrives with lively student life.
The museum maps military history from the 19th century to the present, including an outdoor exhibition of technology. Admission to the museum is free.
Official website of the museum: Fort Douglas Museum
As you stroll around the historic Officers Circle and view the Bandstand gazebo, you are walking through the exact location where the Olympic Village stood in 2002. These beautiful 19th-century buildings originally served as homes for military officers and were transformed into facilities and accommodations for Olympic delegations from around the world during the Winter Games. Today, these historic houses are used by the university for its research and scientific institutes.
This is an elegant suspension bridge built for the 2002 Winter Olympics. During the games, athletes walked across it from the Olympic Village to the opening and closing ceremonies at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
Part of the Fort Douglas military fortress is also a small military cemetery, which was established in the 19th century and still commemorates the period of settlement of the American West and the history of the American army in Utah. The cemetery is very peaceful, you won't find many visitors here.
Rice–Eccles Stadium is home to the University of Utah Utes football team. It was originally built in 1927 as Ute Stadium and later renovated. It hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympics – and is scheduled to do so again in 2034.
Official stadium website: Rice–Eccles Stadium
You can spend the evening at a unique shopping complex right in the heart of Salt Lake City, which features a real creek running through it with waterfalls and live trout. Its biggest attraction is the giant glass roof, which opens in good weather, letting warm sunlight in so you can shop under the open sky. It's the perfect place to buy souvenirs, have a great dinner, and enjoy a relaxing end to your road trip.
Website of the shopping center here
- The shopping center has its own underground parking garages with several entrances. Map of entrances
Your grand road trip through the most beautiful canyons of Utah and Arizona is coming to an end. Today, all that's left is to return the car and fly home. If you have some time left according to the flight schedule, you can enjoy one last morning coffee overlooking the majestic peaks of the Wasatch Mountains.
Don't forget to be at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight.
Embark on a road trip across Utah and Arizona, where famous national parks, endless desert roads, and some of the most beautiful scenery of the American West await you. Explore the iconic rock arches in Arches, the bizarre Martian valley in Goblin Valley, and the breathtaking views in Canyonlands. An adrenaline-pumping trek through the narrow Zebra Slot Canyon, a view into the depths of the Glen Canyon Dam, and the magical underground wonders of Lower Antelope Canyon and the Horseshoe Bend meander await you. Experience a journey full of endless panoramas, contrasts, and the most beautiful natural scenery America has to offer.
Upon arrival in Salt Lake City, you'll have your first introduction to the capital of Utah. Depending on the time and energy, you can explore the historic city center, the atmosphere of Temple Square, or enjoy the sunset at the Utah State Capitol with views of the entire city and surrounding mountains.
Pick up your luggage at the airport and head over to collect your rental car (following the instructions you'll receive before your flight).
The Temple Square complex has been under renovation for several years and is gradually opening to the public. It includes the iconic Salt Lake Temple, the Tabernacle (home to the famous Tabernacle Choir), and Assembly Hall, along with monuments, visitor centers, and expansive gardens. Temple Square is designated a National Historic Landmark.
To find out how the renovations are progressing and what is open, visit the official website.
A majestic neoclassical building that offers a wonderful view of the city and the surrounding Wasatch Mountains. The building is surrounded by a large park, and its interior is free to enter. In the evening, you can watch the sunset over the valley from here.
Official building website: Capitol
Today, you'll leave Salt Lake City and head south into Utah, amidst the iconic red rocks of the American Southwest. You'll journey to the town of Moab and visit one of the most famous parks in the American West.
ATTENTION⬇️
When visiting American national and state parks, you need to account for entrance fees. In some cases, advance entry reservations are required. I recommend checking the official National Park Service and State Parks websites for current information before your trip. You can also purchase park passes online in advance. Additionally, if you plan to visit multiple American parks during the year, it's worth considering an annual America the Beautiful Annual Pass or a State Park Pass.
Arches National Park is a world of red rocks, natural arches, and desert landscapes that feel like they belong on another planet. The park hides more than 2,000 stone arches and is one of Utah's most iconic spots.
- Designated parking lots can be found throughout the park.
You will spend the night in Moab, a small town surrounded by deserts, canyons, and national parks. The atmosphere of road trips, off-road vehicles, and sunsets makes it one of the most popular places in the American Southwest. There is a lively outdoor vibe here, with streets full of restaurants, cafes, outdoor gear shops, and agencies offering off-road expeditions.
- Park your car at the hotel where you will be staying or in the surrounding area.
Today will be dedicated to breathtaking views, giant meanders, and the wild, untamed landscape of Utah, shaped by the Colorado and Green River rivers. You will visit one of the most photogenic places in the entire state and immerse yourself in the mysterious silence of the vast Canyonlands National Park.
A vast and wild national park divided by rivers into several sections. You will visit the most easily accessible section called "Island in the Sky," which spreads across a giant flat mesa. Expect views into deep canyons that look like they were carved into the earth's surface. Definitely don't miss the short walk to the iconic Mesa Arch, through which you can see deep into the valley.
The Grand View Point Trail is breathtaking; I walked it myself. You park at Grand View Point Parking and after completing it, you will find yourself at Grand View Point.
Entrance to the park here
- Designated parking lots are located throughout the park.
This state park offers one of the most stunning views in all of Utah. From a high cliff towering 600 meters above the ground, you get a breathtaking look at a giant meander of the Colorado River, resembling a horseshoe.
Entrance to the park here
- Designated parking lots can be found throughout the park.
You'll leave Moab and head out on a journey full of bizarre rock formations and ever-changing landscapes. Your first stop will transport you to another planet – a valley full of stone goblins. Afterwards, you'll drive past Capitol Reef National Park and end your day in the heart of the wild and remote Escalante region, one of the most untouched places in all of America.
A fascinating and incredibly fun state park that looks like it's from another world or a sci-fi movie. The valley is filled with thousands of small sandstone formations called "hoodoos," or informally "goblins." There are no marked trails in the park – you can freely walk and wander through this stone labyrinth however you like.
Make sure to take plenty of water for your walk. It gets scorching hot here, and the sun will beat down on you just like in the desert.
- Designated parking areas are located throughout the park.
As you drive along state highway UT-24, you'll be greeted by views of monumental, sharp-edged rock ridges known as "The Gray Ones". Unlike the surrounding red and orange sandstone you're used to in Utah, these massive formations have an unusual dark gray to ashen color.
- Along the way, you can pull over to the side of the road.
This time, you'll only drive through Capitol Reef National Park along the main UT-24 highway, but it will still be an incredible visual experience. As you drive, you'll witness a fascinating spectacle where the Martian-grey, dull landscape suddenly shifts into monumental, vibrant red and orange sandstone cliffs. It's a fantastic scenic drive.
- You can pull over on the side of the road while driving through.
A quick but impressive stop in the Capitol Reef National Park area. From this overlook, which is just off the main road, you'll see the deep and sharply cut meanders of Sulfur Creek, resembling goosenecks in their shape. It's a great place to stretch your legs while driving to Escalante and admire the giant colorful rock walls.
About 1 km before the town of Torrey, turn left onto the iconic Scenic Byway 12, rightfully nicknamed the "A Journey into the Heavens." This legendary stretch of asphalt will take you through an incredible landscape of sandstone cliffs, deep canyons, and pine forests. Driving this road toward Escalante is an intense experience, especially for the driver. It offers unique views for dozens of kilometers with steep drop-offs on both sides of the road, and without standard guardrails.
- Along the way, you can stop on the side of the road.
It starts with a real adventure in the Utah wilderness and ends by the sparkling waters of Arizona. In the morning, you'll trek through one of the most stunning hidden slot canyons, where sandstone walls narrow so much you'll be brushing them with your shoulders. Afterward, you'll head south to the town of Page, where you'll be amazed by a monumental human-made feat and endless views of the artificial Lake Powell.
An incredibly photogenic, narrow slot canyon named after its striped sandstone walls that resemble a zebra. The hike there leads through open semi-desert landscape, and once inside the canyon, be prepared to walk sideways in places or brace yourself against the walls.
- Route from the parking lot to the canyon here
ATTENTION⬇️
- Before you head out, check the current conditions at the visitor center – there might be standing water in the canyon.
- Bring plenty of drinking water. You'll be moving through desert landscape for about 2.5 hours. Don't forget a hat and good footwear.
- Make sure your phone is well-charged. The route from the parking lot to the canyon follows dry riverbeds that intersect in various places. Be careful not to get lost.
- It's better to bring a smaller backpack. The canyon gets very narrow, and at some point, you'll have to take off your pack and continue without it.
- There are instructions in one of the photos; be sure to follow them.
Today you'll once again enjoy the iconic Scenic Byway 12 with all its rock formations. It will lead you to Red Canyon, and you'll get to drive through two rock arches.
- Along the way, feel free to pull over on the side of the road.
A viewpoint on a hill just off the main road, offering a panoramic view of the giant Lake Powell reservoir, the desert landscape, and the endless red rocks of Arizona. It's a great place for a short stop or to watch the sunset.
A majestic concrete dam on the Colorado River, which is the second highest of its kind in the USA and created the giant Lake Powell. The dam reaches a height of 216 meters and was built in the 50s and 60s of the last century. You can stop at the Carl Hayden Visitor Center, which offers great views of the structure itself and the bridge arching over the canyon.
You will experience the two absolute biggest and most photographed icons of the American Southwest. You will descend into the depths of the earth, where sunbeams play out an incredible theater of colors on the smooth sandstone rocks of a magical canyon. In the afternoon, you will stand on the edge of a giant cliff and look into a deep canyon, where the Colorado River creates a perfect horseshoe-shaped meander.
This underground slot canyon in the Navajo Nation is one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the world. You walk through narrow corridors beneath the earth's surface, sculpted into smooth waves by water and wind over millennia. The light that penetrates from above changes the color of the sandstone from yellow to orange to dark purple.
Due to its immense popularity, it is necessary to have a slot tour with a Navajo guide booked in advance. You can purchase tour tickets, for example, here.
Famous view of the monumental horseshoe-shaped river meander. Here, the Colorado River flows more than 300 meters deep below you, circling a huge rock massif. A comfortable, roughly one-kilometer-long groomed path leads from the parking lot to the edge of the abyss.
The place offers incredible views, but be careful when taking photos on the edges where there is no railing.
The longest drive of the entire trip awaits you. You'll leave sunny Arizona and head out on a roughly six-hour road trip back north to Salt Lake City. The journey will fly by thanks to the ever-changing landscape, which gradually transforms from arid desert back into monumental mountain scenery. If you arrive in Salt Lake City in the afternoon, you'll still have time to soak up the atmosphere of the places where winter sports history was made.
During a long highway journey to the north, you can take a short detour to the natural hot springs hidden in the middle of pastures. You will find crystal clear lakes with warm water here. It is a place where you can take a break from driving, soak your feet in the warm water and enjoy the peace with a view of the surrounding mountain ridges.
Travel back to the time when Salt Lake City hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics. You'll start at the Alf Engen Ski Museum in Park City, surrounded by the venues where the world's best athletes competed. You will visit Rice-Eccles Stadium, where the Olympic flame was lit, and walk through the grounds of the former Olympic Village at Fort Douglas. A day full of sports history, Olympic atmosphere, and the stories that still shape the face of modern Utah awaits you.
Soak up the atmosphere of the place where the 2002 Winter Olympics were held. There is a free museum, and freestyle shows take place on weekends in the summer. You can also purchase a guided tour of the Olympic area, where you can reach the top of the ski jump. Or try an adrenaline ride on the bobsled track.
- Guided tours: Utah Olympic Park Tour
- Official museum website: The Alf Engen Ski Museum
- The atmosphere of the freestyle show is a fantastic experience. More info here
The park commemorates the arrival of the first Mormon pioneers in the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. It is here that Brigham Young is said to have uttered the famous phrase "This is the place" when the group arrived in what is now Salt Lake City. There is an open-air museum, period buildings and beautiful views of the city and the Wasatch Mountains.
Part of the park is subject to a fee. More information here: This Is The Place Heritage Park
The area was founded in 1862 by Colonel Patrick Edward Connor and played an important role during the settlement of the American West and the protection of the transcontinental railroad, postal line, and telegraph connection. Today, it is part of the University of Utah and thrives with lively student life.
The museum maps military history from the 19th century to the present, including an outdoor exhibition of technology. Admission to the museum is free.
Official website of the museum: Fort Douglas Museum
As you stroll around the historic Officers Circle and view the Bandstand gazebo, you are walking through the exact location where the Olympic Village stood in 2002. These beautiful 19th-century buildings originally served as homes for military officers and were transformed into facilities and accommodations for Olympic delegations from around the world during the Winter Games. Today, these historic houses are used by the university for its research and scientific institutes.
This is an elegant suspension bridge built for the 2002 Winter Olympics. During the games, athletes walked across it from the Olympic Village to the opening and closing ceremonies at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
Part of the Fort Douglas military fortress is also a small military cemetery, which was established in the 19th century and still commemorates the period of settlement of the American West and the history of the American army in Utah. The cemetery is very peaceful, you won't find many visitors here.
Rice–Eccles Stadium is home to the University of Utah Utes football team. It was originally built in 1927 as Ute Stadium and later renovated. It hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympics – and is scheduled to do so again in 2034.
Official stadium website: Rice–Eccles Stadium
You can spend the evening at a unique shopping complex right in the heart of Salt Lake City, which features a real creek running through it with waterfalls and live trout. Its biggest attraction is the giant glass roof, which opens in good weather, letting warm sunlight in so you can shop under the open sky. It's the perfect place to buy souvenirs, have a great dinner, and enjoy a relaxing end to your road trip.
Website of the shopping center here
- The shopping center has its own underground parking garages with several entrances. Map of entrances
Your grand road trip through the most beautiful canyons of Utah and Arizona is coming to an end. Today, all that's left is to return the car and fly home. If you have some time left according to the flight schedule, you can enjoy one last morning coffee overlooking the majestic peaks of the Wasatch Mountains.
Don't forget to be at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight.
