Utah Travel Guide: Zion, Arches, Bryce, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands | Sehlmeyer Travel

United States • Utah

Utah: Red Rock Wonders, Alpine Highs, and Desert Night Skies

Utah is a highlight reel of the American West. Sandstone arches glow at sunrise, slot canyons twist like sculpture, spires and hoodoos rise from amphitheaters, and the Wasatch puts alpine lakes within day-hike reach of a major airport. With five national parks, iconic state parks, and wide-open scenic byways, Utah is built for road trippers, hikers, photographers, and families who want memorable days with minimal fuss.

What makes Utah unique

Utah sits at the meeting point of the Colorado Plateau and the Rocky Mountains. In practical terms that means red rock deserts and snow-dusted peaks in one itinerary. Water and time carved thousands of natural arches, bridges, fins, and slot canyons into soft layers of sandstone. Elevation swings make the climate flexible: you can chase cool forests in the morning and warm desert sun by afternoon almost any month of the year.

When to go

• Spring (March–May): Wildflowers around Moab, comfortable temps for hiking, lower water in slot canyons by late spring.
• Fall (September–October): Ideal weather, golden aspens in the mountains, fewer crowds than midsummer.
• Summer (June–August): Long daylight; start early to beat heat and return for sunset.
• Winter (December–February): Quiet parks, ethereal light on snow-tipped hoodoos in Bryce, and top-tier skiing in the Wasatch.

Permit and shuttle quick facts

• Zion Canyon shuttle runs seasonally; check dates.
• Angels Landing requires a permit via lottery.
• Arches may use timed entry in peak months.
• Check slot canyon weather before any attempt.

The Mighty Five and how to do them

Arches National Park

Minutes from Moab, Arches packs more than 2,000 natural arches and fins. See Delicate Arch at golden hour, walk the Windows loop with Turret Arch, and day-hike Devils Garden to Landscape Arch with an optional rugged loop for adventurous hikers. Parking fills early; enter before sunrise or late afternoon when the timed-entry system is active.

Canyonlands National Park

Three distinct districts. Island in the Sky delivers iconic overlooks and short walks like Mesa Arch at sunrise. The Needles is quieter with world-class day hikes; Chesler Park is the showpiece. The remote Maze is for experienced backcountry travelers only. Pair a park day with a sunset at Dead Horse Point or a mellow Colorado River float.

Capitol Reef National Park

Utah’s under-sung gem along the 100-mile Waterpocket Fold. Stroll the orchards in Fruita, sample pie at the Gifford House, walk Grand Wash or Capitol Gorge, then drive the Scenic Drive. For short slot vibes, add Hickman Bridge; for sweeping views, the Navajo Knobs overlook.

Bryce Canyon National Park

A natural amphitheater of hoodoos glowing at sunrise. Combine a rim stroll from Sunrise to Sunset Point with the Navajo Loop/Queen’s Garden to weave among formations. Elevation keeps Bryce cooler; bring layers even in midsummer.

Zion National Park

Sandstone walls tower over the Virgin River. Choose between the famous Angels Landing (permit, exposure) and The Narrows (river conditions dictate distance). For big views without exposure, hike Canyon Overlook. Start early when the shuttle runs to ease crowding.

State parks and public lands to add

• Dead Horse Point: Aerial river views and easy rim trails.
• Goblin Valley: Family-friendly hoodoo playground.
• Snow Canyon: Lava tubes and petrified dunes near St. George.
• Antelope Island: Bison, shorebirds, and sunset over the Great Salt Lake.
• Grand Staircase–Escalante: Non-technical slots like Peek-a-boo and Spooky for capable families.

Classic scenic drives

• Highway 12: Bryce to Capitol Reef via Escalante on a narrow hogback and rolling slickrock.
• Zion–Mt. Carmel Highway: Tunnels, switchbacks, and prime pullouts.
• UT-128: Cottonwoods and canyon walls along the Colorado River east of Moab.
• Mirror Lake Highway: Alpine lakes above Kamas for an easy mountain day.

Adventure by difficulty

Easy

• Zion Riverside Walk.
• Arches Windows Loop and Balanced Rock.
• Bryce rim path from Sunrise to Sunset Point.
• Capitol Reef orchards and petroglyph boardwalks.
• Antelope Island causeway and Buffalo Point.

Moderate

• Canyon Overlook in Zion.
• Delicate Arch trail.
• Fairyland Loop in Bryce.
• Hickman Bridge in Capitol Reef.
• Chesler Park Viewpoint in the Needles.

Advanced

• Angels Landing with chains (permit).
• The Narrows bottom-up to Wall Street in safe flows.
• Chesler Park–Joint Trail long loop.
• Guided technical slots near Moab or Escalante.

Family highlights

• Goblin Valley for open-ended scrambling among “goblins.”
• Moab Giants dinosaur museum and outdoor trail.
• Snow Canyon petrified dunes for photogenic romps.
• Junior Ranger badges to pace longer drives.

Where to base

• Moab: Best for Arches, Canyonlands Island in the Sky, and Dead Horse Point.
• Torrey/Escalante: Quiet gateways for Capitol Reef and Grand Staircase slots.
• Bryce Area: Tropic or Bryce Canyon City for quick rim access and cool nights.
• Springdale: Walk to the Zion shuttle; strong dining.
• SLC/Park City: Desert-plus-alpine combo and winter ski add-ons.

Food and drink

Moab offers food trucks, breweries, and early-open cafes. Springdale mixes casual patios with chef-driven menus. Torrey and Escalante reward planners with a few standout kitchens. Near SLC and Park City, add farm-to-table dinners and craft roasters.

Hidden gem: Little Wild Horse Canyon

Fifteen minutes from Goblin Valley, Little Wild Horse threads through smooth narrows perfect for first-time slot explorers. It is typically non-technical and photogenic all day. Start early, carry a printed map, and confirm a bone-dry forecast for the entire watershed.

Plan it with Sehlmeyer Travel

We build Utah routes that flow around heat, shuttles, and daylight, then lock in the right mix of park lodging, small-town inns, and guided experiences. You focus on sunrise and sunset; we handle permits and logistics.

Start your Utah plan or email your dates and party size for a custom proposal.