best parks in utah and arizonabest parks in utah and arizona

With coronavirus still making international travel difficult, now is the perfect time to consider a road trip in the Southwestern United States. There are a variety of bus routes to take you from the Village and Visitor Center to the trailheads along the South Rim and the nearby community of Tusayan which has hotels and places to eat if you are not staying inside the National Park. The Narrows had just opened for the season a few days before we went. Erosion has carved passageways that you can walk through, smoothing the orange sides with a unique brushed pattern. From Bryce Canyons distinctive hoodoos to Canyonlands National Parks sweeping vistas, heres how to make the most of a Utah and Arizona road trip even if youre on a tight schedule! The 1-mile, round-trip path leads to views of the Zion and Pine Creek canyons. Located within Zion National Park, reviewers say that its breathtaking views are well worth the steep trek. We all slept well each night and were grateful for hot showers, clean sheets and towels, and soft beds. If you visit in summer, be prepared for the sun and heat with lots of water and knowledge of how to avoid heatstroke! Kayaking into and then hiking the Lower Antelope Canyon is a great experience if you want to explore at your own pace withfewer crowds. Sedona is a cool town with its own amazing views. There are several along the route to Zion. Tour companies includeAntelope Canyon Navajo Tours,Antelope Canyon Tours,andAdventurous Antelope Canyon Tours. Get your camera out and marvel at the contrast between white snow on red rocks. We came toward the evening. Also consider Dinosaur National Monument and Capitol Reef. 58 What images come to mind when you think of the word desert? Click HERE to learn what items are must haves. The river was very strong and quite deep in some areas. Below are a fewtrails at the Grand Canyons South Rim. Arches National Park is small, but it isnt lacking in breathtaking activities to do, so prepare for another day of desert excursions! The shuttle bus through the park gave us an overview and we plotted our return to specific spots on another shuttle bus. How Much Are Travel Points and Miles Worth in 2023? Deals end: 13 Jul, 2023. 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. This modern SpringHill Suites in Flagstaff has a nice outdoor area and an indoor pool. In winter, the scenery is stunning. Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. Pets are welcome, theres a great pool and gym, and you get free parking. From canyons to deserts to rivers, the Southwest United States calls to adventurers and explorers. 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. 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. All Rights Reserved Banner image byMichelle Daniel PhotographyDisclosure & Privacy Policy. The town of. 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. at the Grand Canyon. This Hampton Inn is right across from Northern Arizona University, and while the hotels public areas could use a refresh, the rooms have been renovated. 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. If youre up for a longer hike, try the North Kaibab Trail. is a good choice in the area. It is practically on every travelers photographic bucket list because of its stunning and unique beauty. From the awe-inspiring arches to the towering red rock structures, it is a great launching point. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. A handful of lookouts along the way have views of the Colorado River, and there are a few picnic areas as well. A shuttle will go as far as Bryce Point in the summer, but you will need your own vehicle to drive the entirety of the road. Moab is a hikers paradise. The, You want a travel credit card that prioritizes whats important to you. The next day, you can go back and explore more of Island in the Sky or venture deeper into Canyonlands by visiting The Needles, which has sweeping views of the canyons as well as less-popular, more difficult hikes. NerdWallet strives to keep its information accurate and up to date. You can string two, three or four parks in a row and spend a few days at each to get a taste of what these states have to offer. Your email address will not be published. Ben is a luxury travel writer, an immigrant and a husband with a background in linguistics and languages who travels the world for the love of it. The canyon is known for its light beams, which can be seen during certain times of the day. 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. There are several interesting stops between Zion and Las Vegas. Recommend hitting the visitor center and watching the video, as its under 30 minutes and goes into the interesting history they have. Hyatt Place hotels are modern, practical and usually offer free breakfast. Its a huge park with thousands of acres of land and four different rims to visit. There are several sections of this National Park, but the area most people visit is Island of the Sky, a plateau overlooking the surrounding canyons. Couldn . Start your Arizona Utah road trip with a visit to Hoover Dam, which is just 30 miles outside Las Vegas on the border of Nevada and Arizona. Read More: Best Things To Do with One Day in Page. It was also quite crowded but there was room for everyone and it was a great time. Arches National Park. Star-gaze! You can also hike below the rim, which offers some amazing views of the canyon. So, during standard time (roughly November through mid-March), Arizona and Utah are at the same time, but during daylight savings time, Arizona and Nevada are at the same time. THE 10 BEST Utah National Parks National Parks in Utah Enter dates Filters 2 Attractions Traveler favorites All things to do Category types Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Events Classes & Workshops Shopping Transportation Traveler Resources Types of Attractions Nature & Parks Sights & Landmarks Utah's Mighty 5: Travel Guide and Road Trip Itinerary It is the ultimate USA driving itinerary visiting 5 national parks in 7 days! And now However, the price is well worth it to see and hike among the iconic wavy slots and gaze on the light beams that streak in. This is not your typical SpringHill Suites. When evaluating offers, please review the financial institutions Terms and Conditions. The hotel is pet-friendly, and it offers free parking and free electric vehicle charging. This is the best preserved stretch of route 66 and the perfect place to find kitschy souvenirs along with some . Zion is also a hikers paradise as this NP offers many challenging. Get an early start, as the parking lot at the visitor center can fill before 9 a.m. on busy mornings. but my feet were warm. has an outdoor pool to die for, but the rooms are somewhat aged. 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 arrive later, you can skip the tour at Hoover Dam and just stop by for photos since youll be driving right by it. My recommendation would be to choose a hike inside the canyon and head straight there upon arriving. This property is a bit dated, but the location, price and outdoor pool make it worth a stay. THE 10 BEST Utah National Parks (Updated 2023) - Tripadvisor Gorgeous! This place is really an unappreciated gem and if you go to the most popular section, Island in the Sky, its only 30-40 minutes away from Arches. 19 Best National Parks Near Las Vegas to Visit in 2023 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. . The entrance fee for the Grand Canyon is $35 per vehicle, valid for 1 week. Choose one long hike or several small ones to trek on your first day in Zion. Arches National Park is located just 5 miles (8km) north of Moab in eastern Utah. It offers free breakfast and is pet-friendly, but they charge for parking. Salt Lake City is a beautiful city located in the heart of Utah. Privacy Policy. 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. At the end of the day, watch a magnificent sunset from Green River Viewpoint, where the sun illuminates the canyon walls and causes the red rocks to come alive. With its quiet backroads, spectacular national parks and monuments, the large area called the Grand Circle that encompasses . Lodge-style hotels are, as you can see, pretty popular in these parts. Grand Canyon National Park (North Rim Page, Arizona), Holiday Inn Express & Suites Grand Canyon, This is hands down the best option because it is within the park itself an obvious time saver. A lifelong Texan, Jeanette grew up in a small town in the Hill Country and lives in the Houston area with her husband and daughters. youll find perfectly manicured landscaping, a large pool area and views to be savored. Deals of The Week: UK & Ireland! Courtyard by Marriott Page at Lake Powell. We ate a lot of lunches in the van with the groceries we bought. This is yet another pet-friendly option in the area, and parking here is free. But the canyon is only one of many natural wonders in this Southwest state. The views were amazing and the novelty of hiking in a river was really cool. Rental Campervan: Want a campervan instead? Find out when the replica locomotives are scheduled to run, that is the highlight of the park. Hike down 30-45 minutes and back up. Hopi Point along Hermit Road is one of the most popular views, as it juts into the canyon for east-west vistas of the changing colors in the sky and canyon. Antelope Canyon is one of the most photographed slot canyons in the world. Along the border of the two states, the Colorado River and its tributaries create breathtaking scenes preserved in national parks and recreation areas. 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. We were spontaneous with meals. Day 3 is all about getting more close and personal with Bryce Canyon. Regardless, don't rush it. Visiting the parks and biking are the top things to do in Moab, but the list of scenic drives and natural attractions surrounding the town are extensive. Photograph: Alamy. But the property is pet-friendly and has free parking and an outdoor pool. 21 Nov 2013. There are a number of great road trips that can be taken in Arizona and Utah. We walked the Navajo Loop at Sunset Point, which took us about an hour. Did not see any opportunities for hiking in this part of the forest. Its easy to visit multiple parks on a single Utah or Arizona trip because many are close together and connected by convenient roads. You can visit the Hoover Dam, 7 Magic Mountains, Lake Mead, and other amazing locations on your road trip. 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. Whoever said the scenery is distant and impersonal. Hyatt Place Page / Lake Powell is pet-friendly and even has a fantastic pool which is a great way to cool off after a hot desert day. You want a travel credit card that prioritizes whats important to you. Bryce Canyon National. The area around Moab is famous for its mountain biking, particularly the Slickrock Bike Trail. Most tours are anhour and a halflong, although some may be longer. This park was A++. For the second half of the day, you have two options: hang around near Page for a while longer to do things like kayaking and boating on Lake Powell and touring Glen Canyon Dam, or drive north through Utah for an afternoon at Bryce Canyon. Click HERE to learn everything you need to know about campervan road trips. 3. surrounds you with mountain views, cactus fields and dazzling green grassy areas and, bonus: There is a lazy river. Bring water and sunscreen. Arizona Utah Road Trip Itinerary - 10 Epic Days in the Southwest That is until I visited America's great desert National Parks in Utah and Arizona and Southern California. It gets crowded as the sun dips below the horizon, but there are plenty of viewpoints to pick from. The nightly rate is just 9,000 - 15,000 World of Hyatt points. The water is very, very cold (it is snow melt after all!) 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. 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. However, there is another less-known section that canonly be accessed by a kayakor other small boat. Begin your day by finishing up any last hikes you want to do in Zion. You wont get a lot of amenities at. Stay: We'll cover where to stay too. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Local Trivia: Lake Havasu is one of the most populated ports of entry to the Colorado River. Spend the remainder of your day hiking in Zion! If you want to get to know the park better during the afternoon, pick from one of the numerous short hiking trails available. Return to View hotel for a stop in the bathrooms and to visit gift shop. Everything was perfect. The mileage on the park map is misleading. My goal is for this site to give you the resources and inspiration you need to take beautiful trips of your own! We were in Utah and Arizona the first week of August, so I was bracing myself for the weather. best places to stay near Zion National Park. The North Rim is less crowded than the South Rim, so this is a great place to visit if youre looking to get away from the crowds.The South Rim offers attractions like Mather Point, Duck On A Rock Viewpoint, and Desert View Point drawing in tourists from all over the world. There is more to do in the Grand Canyon than hiking! Expect your good old, dependable, cookie-cutter Holiday Inn Express here. OK92033) Property & Casualty Licenses, NerdWallet | 55 Hawthorne St. - 11th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105, Parks on Points: Popular Arizona and Utah National Parks. 13 Best Places to Visit in Utah | U.S. News Travel 2. We drive thru and stayed near car and had great views and photos. Read More: Canyonlands vs. Arches: One Day in Arches or Canyonlands National Parks. This is a great place to stop and get info, and to hike Red Canyon trails. Definitely worth a return trip. However, the views and the hikes along the top of the canyon make this one of the most amazing places to visit. Thrill-seekers often head straight for Angels Landing, a 5.4-mile route that ends in a daring crawl up a steep ridge (you need a permit for this hike). A shuttle transports visitors along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive to various trailheads, with hikes for every ability. Hilton Honors program: The complete guide, Expect your good old, dependable, cookie-cutter Holiday Inn Express here. With its otherworldly landscapes, Mighty Five national parks, fascinating slot canyons, and its seemingly endless number of state parks and other beautiful natural spots, Utah is, without a doubt, one of the most unique states in the USA-and nothing puts that uniqueness on display quite as well as a Utah national parks road trip. Its a 14-mile round trip to Skeleton Point, and youre sure to get your sweat on while taking in the beautiful scenery. Chilly but the views are amazing! This Hampton Inn is right across from Northern Arizona University, and while the hotels public areas could use a refresh, the rooms have been renovated. Up to 50% OFF. it is worth it to buy the $80 America the Beautiful Pass which allows entry to all National Parks and Recreational Land for one year. Destinations. This is a lovely Southwestern style hotel, but its in Sedona a bit of a trek to get to the park. This drive is 166 miles and takes around 2 hours and 40 minutes, so you will still have plenty of time to spend in Zion or checking out other sites on the way. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. The trail to the bend is only a0.7-mile hikeon a wide, mostly paved path. Most places require a 4 wheel drive vehicle. 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. There p is a small parking lot at the start of the trail. 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. This Hyatt Residence Club has an outdoor pool to die for, but the rooms are somewhat aged. Capitol Reef. Difficulty: Strenuous. Arizona has recently seen a significant spike in cases, so plan accordingly even if that means postponing until the situation improves. But rates vary according to date and demand, so check your exact days to see how many points youll need. at Zion National Park probably didn't venture out to Angels Landing that's a trail cut into solid rock that provides 360-degree views of Zion Canyon. Stop again at mini-mart where Rte 12 meets Rte 24 for a bathroom break. Arizona/Utah. With that said, I would love to come back and go to the Needles. Stay even longer to stargaze in thisInternational Dark Sky Park. If you plan to visit all three national parks in this Utah Arizona road trip, consider purchasing an America the Beautiful annual pass, which covers entrance fees at national parks, forests, wildlife refuges and more. Both offer complimentary breakfast and free parking. Not the newest hotel, and not pet-friendly, but. After your hike, if you have time, you can drive down the18-mile Scenic Driveand stop at the viewpoints that take your interest. This Arizona Utah itinerary in the Southwest is perfect for first-timers looking for epic hikes, famous landmarks, and photo-worthy backdrops. Here you can hike part of the rim trail or just watch the sunset from the viewpoint. The Best Colorado to Utah Road Trip Itinerary for 7 to 14 Days Note that forum content are individual perspectives of forum posters and not the opinion of Tripadvisor. Your email address will not be published. Since both properties are at Category 6 in the Bonvoy loyalty program, the better choice is probably the SpringHill Suites since it was built more recently. Neither is pet-friendly. Use this Utah and Arizona map to plan out your road trip route from Las Vegas. An award night at either will cost you between 40,000 and 60,000 points. The Best National Parks in Utah. 1. Bike rentals and mule rides are other popular ways to explore the canyon. Monument Valley Canyonlands National Park Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Dinosaur National Monument Bonneville Salt Flats Provo View 42 Photos Belongs on List? Another option for just a 5-day trip is to road trip to all of Utahs Mighty 5 National Parks. In Capitol Reef, If you have any more time or energy left over after driving, make a trek to Cassidy Arch, which is one of the parks most thrilling hikes and likely the most iconic photo spot! This 4-day road trip from Las Vegas begins early in the morning. It will add time onto your trip but be worth it. Depending on when you arrive at the Grand Canyon you can watch thesunset along the South Rim. more, Points of Interest & Landmarks National Parks. If youre looking for an excellent way to get acquainted with the Southwest, theres no better way than checking out some of the areas most beautiful landmarks. RELATED: Need help with Must have Road Trip Essentials? The Grand Canyon is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. We were able to use airline points to fly (almost) for free, but the hotels, activities, rental car, and meals did add up. We are interested in day hiking. Must Do's: 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. 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. Within day-trip distance of Las Vegas, youll find some more scenic spots like Valley of Fire State Park, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Sloan and Red Rock Canyon national conservation areas, and Death Valley National Park, home to the lowest point in North America. Supervised by a Navajo guide. This is hardly the most modern of Holiday Inns, but if youre not too offended by the early 90s-style carpets and window treatments, it will do just fine for a trip to Arches National Park. After youre finished hiking, return to your vehicle and head down Highway 24 to see the parks renowned petroglyph panels, which will provide an insight into its indigenous history. The rooms at this lodge-style Hampton Inn are somewhat aged, but the backdrop of this property is stunning. 12 Best National Parks & Monuments in Arizona to Visit - AFAR Of course, you can also get back to Las Vegas early, and spend the day at the many restaurants, casinos, and attractions in this iconic US city. You must go through the tunnel to access. Best of Utah & Arizona National Parks, a 7 days tour from Las Vegas to Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park and 4 destinations. , Landscape Arch, Double O Arch, Navajo Arch, Partition Arch, Tunnel Arch, Pine Tree many photos & vids ) The most popular hike in Zion National Park, and one of the world's best, Zion is the oldest of Utah Mighty 5! Its a great place to start your road trip through both Utah and Arizona, as it has plenty to see and do. Take free shuttle bus across street on Blue Route to Hermits Rest Route Transfer to Bright Angel Trailhead. Monument Valley is a stunning area located on the border of Arizona and Utah. has a nice outdoor area and an indoor pool. This is hardly the most modern of Holiday Inns, but if youre not too offended by the early 90s-style carpets and window treatments, it will do just fine for a trip to Arches National Park. It was even cool (in the 70s!) Day4: Goblin Valley & Little Wild Horse Canyon. 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. Previously, she led NerdWallet's travel rewards content team and spent three years editing for Upgraded Points while self-employed as an editor and writing coach. If youre driving through Arizona and Utah, be sure to make a stop at Antelope Canyon. You can take a detour through Monument Valley on your way toMoabto spend some time in theArches and Canyonlands National Parks. Rent a car or vanfrom Las Vegas to make sure you can make your days flexible. A night at the Hampton Inn & Suites Springdale came out to 54,000 Hilton Honors points on a recent search, but prices for your dates could vary. The heat. Utah and Arizona national parks road trip map and itinerary, including Canyonlands National Park, Arches National Park, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, and Canyon de Chelly.