Utah’s red rock country is full of views you won’t forget. I’ve done the drive from Zion to Arches, and it’s one of my favorite trips. The landscape changes with every hour. You’ll see deep canyons, tall rock walls, and wide desert roads. These parks are very different, but both are worth the time.
This route is more than a drive. You’ll pass small towns and quiet roads. I stopped often to see rock art and take photos. Some viewpoints made me pull over without planning to. Every stop felt like a surprise.
This guide shares what helped me plan my trip. With the right timing, this road trip can be easy, peaceful, and full of great memories.
Distance, Drive Time & Best Season
Planning a road trip between these parks is easier when you know the basics up front.
Distance and Drive Time
The direct route covers about 300 miles and takes 4.5 to 5 hours of driving time. This route uses Interstate 15 north and then Interstate 70 east to reach Arches.
Most people choose the longer scenic route instead. This path adds extra miles but gives you access to Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, and other amazing stops along the way.
Best Time to Travel
April through June and September through October offer the best weather for this trip. Spring and fall temperatures stay comfortable for hiking and camping.
Summer months can be very hot, especially in the desert areas near Arches. Winter brings snow to higher areas like Bryce Canyon, which can make driving more difficult.
Must-See Highlights Along the Way
The scenic route takes you past Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Goblin Valley State Park, and Dead Horse Point State Park. Each stop offers unique rock formations and hiking trails.
These stops turn a simple drive into a multi-park experience. You can see hoodoos at Bryce, ancient petroglyphs at Capitol Reef, and strange rock shapes at Goblin Valley.
How to Plan Your Zion to Arches Road Trip?
Good planning makes your road trip run smoothly and helps you see more along the way.
Closest Airports for a One-Way Trip
Las Vegas is the closest major airport to Zion National Park, about 2.5 hours away by car. Salt Lake City works best for starting your trip at Arches, roughly 4 hours from Moab.
Flying into one city and out of the other lets you do a one-way road trip. This saves time and lets you see more of Utah without backtracking.
Park Passes and Entry Requirements
Each national park charges $35 for a 7-day pass. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass costs $80 and covers all national parks for a full year.
If you plan to visit three or more parks during your trip, the annual pass saves money. The pass also works at state parks and other federal recreation areas.
Timed Entry & Shuttle Information
Arches National Park requires timed entry reservations from April through October. You need to book these online ahead of your visit.
Zion runs a shuttle system from March through November. You must take the shuttle to reach popular trails like Angels Landing and The Narrows during peak season.
Zion to Arches National Park
This five-day itinerary gives you time to see the best of both parks plus scenic stops in between.
Day 1-2: Zion National Park Highlights
Start with The Narrows hike, walking through the Virgin River between tall canyon walls. Angels Landing offers amazing views but requires permits and steady nerves.
The Watchman Trail provides great sunset views without the crowds. Kolob Canyons, in the northern part of Zion, has fewer visitors and beautiful red rock formations.
Day 3: Scenic Drive with Key Stops
Drive from Zion to the Moab area with stops at Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef. Scenic Byway 12 connects these parks with incredible mountain and desert views.
Goblin Valley State Park makes a fun stop with its strange rock formations that look like goblins. The drive takes most of the day with photo stops.
Day 4- 5: Arches National Park Highlights
Delicate Arch is Utah’s most famous landmark and appears on the state license plate. The hike takes about 3 miles round-trip over slickrock.
Double Arch and Landscape Arch sit in the same area and make for easy walks. Devils Garden Trail leads to several arches and offers longer hiking options.
Detailed Route & Scenic Stops
The scenic route between parks takes you through some of Utah’s most beautiful areas.
Zion to Bryce Canyon via UT-9 & US-89
Take Highway 9 east from Zion, then north on US-89 to reach Bryce Canyon. This drive takes about 2 hours with normal traffic.
Stop at Sunset Point for classic Bryce Canyon views of the hoodoos below. Inspiration Point offers a wider view of the canyon and works well for sunrise photos.
Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef via Scenic Byway 12
Scenic Byway 12 is one of America’s most beautiful drives. The road winds through red rock country and high mountain areas.
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument offers pull-offs with great views. Natural Bridges National Monument adds another stop with three large stone bridges.
Capitol Reef to Arches via Goblin Valley
From Capitol Reef, head east through Goblin Valley State Park toward Moab. This route passes through empty desert areas with few services.
Factory Butte offers off-road driving opportunities for those with the right vehicles. Dead Horse Point State Park provides amazing views of the Colorado River far below.
Where to Stay & Eat?
Finding good places to stay and eat makes your road trip more comfortable.
Lodging Near Zion National Park
Springdale sits right outside Zion’s main entrance and has many hotels and restaurants. The town shuttle connects to the park shuttle system.
Virgin, Utah, offers more budget options, including Zion Wildflower Resort. Several campgrounds and glamping sites give you outdoor sleeping options.
Midway Accommodation Options
Escalante has basic motels and restaurants for overnight stops. The town sits along Scenic Byway 12 between Bryce and Capitol Reef.
Torrey, near Capitol Reef, offers more dining choices and nice hotels. Both towns provide good stopping points for the scenic route.
Lodging Near Arches National Park
Moab has everything from budget motels to fancy resorts. Field Station offers a unique option with outdoor activities and dining.
Several campgrounds operate near Arches, including sites inside the park itself. Book early during peak season as Moab gets very busy.
Tips for a Smooth Trip
These tips help you avoid common problems and enjoy your road trip more.
- Pack for All Weather – Bring layers instead of heavy coats. Weather changes quickly with elevation.
- Wear Proper Footwear – Sturdy hiking shoes are a must for trails and rocky terrain.
- Carry Extra Water – Essential for desert areas and long drives between towns.
- Protect Yourself from the Sun – Bring a sun hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
- Keep a First Aid Kit – You may be far from help in remote areas.
- Fill Up Often – Top off your gas tank whenever possible, especially on Scenic Byway 12.
- Stock Your Car – Have backup snacks, water, and essentials for isolated areas.
- Check the Weather – Mountain passes and higher elevations can be tricky.
- Download Offline Maps – Many areas have little to no cell service.
- Start Early – Beat crowds and catch cooler temperatures in the morning.
- Plan Photo Stops by Light – Sunrise: Mesa Arch, Dead Horse Point Golden Hour: Delicate Arch, Zion Canyon, Bryce.
- Know Sunrise/Sunset Times – Timing your stops can make or break great photos.
Conclusion
If you want a trip that stays with you, drive from Zion to Arches. I’ve done it, and it’s worth every mile. The longer route takes time, but it adds so much.
You’ll pass Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, and Goblin Valley. Each place feels different. The rock shapes and colors keep changing. Plan for at least five days. Don’t rush. Bring more water than you think you’ll need.
Fill up on gas whenever possible. Book your rooms early if you’re going during busy times. The parks are beautiful, but so is the drive. You’ll remember the quiet roads and wide-open land. This isn’t just a break. It’s a trip that stays in your mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to drive from Zion to Arches?
April through May and September through October offer the best weather for this road trip. Temperatures stay comfortable for hiking and camping during these months.
Is the scenic route worth the extra time?
Yes! Scenic Byway 12 and the stops at Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Goblin Valley make the longer drive much more interesting than the direct interstate route.
How many days do I need for Zion and Arches?
Plan for at least 4-5 days to see both parks without rushing. This gives you time for popular hikes and scenic stops along the way.
Can I do Zion to Arches with kids?
Both parks have family-friendly trails and visitor centers with kids’ programs. The drive includes interesting stops that work well for families with children.
Do I need a 4×4 vehicle for the trip?
No, regular cars work fine for all main roads and park areas. High-clearance vehicles help if you want to visit off-road spots like Bentonite Hills or Factory Butte.
