While only massive in size, Arizona and Utah can be explored in just four days. With so many incredible national parks, cities, and recreational areas vying for attention, it’s no wonder visitors are often left wondering where to begin. Drawing on our extensive US travel expertise, we’ve carefully crafted a 4-day itinerary from Las Vegas to Salt Lake City that showcases the most breathtaking highlights of this iconic region.
Overview of the route
Embark on a thrilling 819-mile journey from Las Vegas to Salt Lake City, which takes approximately 14 hours of driving time. This fast-paced route is perfect for adventurous couples traveling from Arizona to Utah who are looking to turn their long drive into an unforgettable experience.
As you navigate through a mix of breathtaking national parks, majestic canyons, iconic landmarks, bustling cities, and diverse wildlife, you’ll have the opportunity to take in the stunning scenery and make memories that will last a lifetime. Plus, Salt Lake City’s international airport offers convenient access to destinations worldwide, making it an ideal starting point for your next adventure.
Map of this 4 day itinerary from Vegas to Salt Lake City
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with this carefully crafted 4-day itinerary that takes you from Arizona to Utah. This unique travel plan is designed to showcase the most awe-inspiring stops along the way, ensuring an unmissable experience. Feel free to reverse the journey and create a memorable road trip from Utah to Arizona as well.
Day 1: Las Vegas to Grand Canyon & Horseshoe Bend
The drive from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon was a long but scenic one, clocking in at 4 hours and 25 minutes with a total distance of 265 miles or approximately 426 kilometers. The next leg of the journey took us from the Grand Canyon to Horseshoe Bend, a trip that spanned around 2 hours and 13 minutes, covering an additional 120 miles or roughly 193 kilometers.
After a day filled with long stretches of highway, we were grateful for the breathtaking aerial views that punctuated our travels – think stunning vistas of the Las Vegas strip from above, followed by awe-inspiring glimpses of the Grand Canyon itself, and finally, a majestic look down upon Horseshoe Bend.
Morning: Las Vegas
Maximize your brief stop in Las Vegas by embarking on a whirlwind tour that showcases the city’s iconic landmarks and unique attractions. Start by driving down the famous Strip, taking in the breathtaking views of the hotels that line it, and make a quick photo op at the classic Las Vegas sign. Next, explore The Venetian Hotel, an impressive replica of Venice, complete with canals and gondolas. Don’t miss the mesmerizing fountain and light show at the Bellagio, which is sure to leave you in awe.
Finally, allocate an hour to ride the High Roller, a towering Ferris wheel that offers a stunning 360-degree view of the glittering Las Vegas skyline. With this brief but action-packed tour, you’ll experience the essence of Vegas even with time constraints. The entire excursion can be completed within 3-4 hours and won’t break the bank, allowing you to fit it seamlessly into your Grand Canyon adventure. You can book your tickets for the High Roller here.
Afternoon: Drive to & visit Grand Canyon National Park, one of the best Utah road trip national parks
On an Arizona to Utah road trip, the Grand Canyon is a breathtaking highlight. Its layered rock formations and the Colorado River flowing at its depths make for an unforgettable experience. If you’re torn between visiting the Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon, this itinerary has got you covered, as it includes stops at both iconic destinations.
While the South Rim is famous for viewpoints like Mather Point, Hopi Point, and Shoshone Point, it’s a bit off the main route.
To save time and still experience the Grand Canyon’s grandeur, consider the North Rim instead. Must-visit spots on this detour include Bright Angel Point, Coconino Overlook, and the North Kaibab Trailhead, each offering unique perspectives of this geological wonder.
Keep in mind that the North Rim is typically closed from October to May, so plan your visit accordingly.
With this detour, you’ll still be immersed in the Grand Canyon’s awe-inspiring beauty without sacrificing too much time on your journey.
End of the day:Horseshoe Bend in Glen Canyon on your way to Page
As you continue your journey from Arizona to Utah, Horseshoe Bend awaits, a stunning natural wonder that’s often mistakenly associated with the Grand Canyon. In reality, it’s part of Glen Canyon, situated along the Colorado River and just off the western road. This iconic rock formation, shaped like a horseshoe, offers breathtaking views that are among the best in the West. Another must-see landmark is the nearby Glen Canyon Dam, which is especially picturesque during golden hour at sunset.
Plan to spend about an hour taking it all in. For parking, budget $10 per car.
Sleep in Page
When it comes to making your glamping adventure truly unforgettable, we highly suggest considering this exceptional accommodation option. Not only does it offer excellent value for money, but it also boasts a seasonal outdoor pool that’s perfect for relaxing on warm days.
Tours and activities we recommend
Embarking on a thrilling adventure to one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders, I embarked on my first US West Coast road trip with an unforgettable experience – taking a helicopter ride to the Grand Canyon. The serene silence of the canyon’s vast expanse was broken only by the gentle hum of our chopper, as we found ourselves completely alone in the midst of this breathtaking landscape.
The experience was nothing short of mesmerizing, and I wholeheartedly recommend booking a Grand Canyon helicopter tour for an unparalleled perspective on this awe-inspiring wonder.
For fellow thrill-seekers, consider taking a raft trip down the Colorado River that flows through Glen Canyon and the Grand Canyon – an adventure that promises to push your limits and leave you in awe of nature’s majesty.
Day 2: Page & Antelope Canyon, a must see on a 4 day Utah and Arizona road trip
The journey from page to Antelope Canyon takes a mere 9 minutes and spans a distance of approximately 6 miles or 10 kilometers. As you make your way through the scenic route, prepare yourself for an unforgettable experience at this breathtaking natural wonder.
The leg from Antelope Canyon to Kanab takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes, covering a distance of roughly 78 miles or 126 kilometers. On a clear day, you’ll have ample opportunities to take in the stunning vistas along the way.
All in all, this day promises to be an exciting and visually-stunning experience on your Arizona and Utah road trip.
Morning: Antelope Canyon Upper
Day two begins with a visit to Upper Antelope Canyon, one of two canyons in this area. While both are impressive, the upper canyon is more widely known and accessible, featuring striking ocher rock formations similar to those found in its lower counterpart. To reach the canyon, visitors first board a truck that transports them to the site, often accompanied by multiple trucks carrying other tourists at the same time.
Upon arrival, a guide leads the way into the canyon’s depths, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the breathtaking scenery. This 2-hour excursion is well worth the investment of $8 per person for park admission and $37 per person for the canyon visit. To secure tickets at a discounted rate, we recommend booking directly with one of the tour operators, as online prices can be higher – see our recommended link for more information.
Afternoon: Antelope Canyon Lower
We spent an unforgettable day exploring both Lower Antelope Canyon and Upper Antelope Canyon, with a special fondness for the lesser-known but equally breathtaking Lower Antelope Canyon. While it may not receive as much attention as its more famous counterpart, this smaller canyon offers a welcome respite from the crowds, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty on display.
To access the depths of the canyon, you’ll need to navigate a series of staircases, ultimately arriving at the bottom where the soft glow of daylight illuminates the vibrant ocher hues. Please note that this visit is exclusively pedestrian and unfortunately not suitable for individuals with mobility restrictions due to the presence of stairs.
The total visit time recommended is approximately 2 hours.
A modest fee is required for entry to the park, a mere $8 per person covering both canyons, while the canyon visit itself costs $28 per person. To secure your tickets at a more competitive rate, we recommend booking directly with one of the authorized tour operators rather than relying on third-party websites.
For those seeking an alternative to these two iconic canyons, we highly recommend exploring the newly discovered gem that is Canyon X.
Depending on the timing of your visit, you may even find it offers a more budget-friendly option.
End of the day: Drive to Kanab
Sleep in Kanab
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this hotel, which offered an unbeatable combination of comfort and value. The spacious rooms were a welcome respite from the summer heat, thanks to the hotel’s outdoor swimming pool that was perfect for beating the heat. Although it was one of the more affordable options in the area, we found it to be surprisingly good value considering the amenities on offer. What’s more, there are plenty of breakfast spots nearby to fuel up for the day.
As a budget-conscious traveler looking for a hotel that includes breakfast, I would highly recommend this option. Having stayed with this brand before, I can attest that it consistently offers great value for the price – especially when you’re only staying for a night or two. If you’re looking for something truly unique, consider booking one of their luxurious tents for an unforgettable experience complete with stargazing opportunities and a small pool.
For couples embarking on a relaxing West Coast road trip, this hotel’s modern amenities, including a pool and hot tub, provide the perfect setting to unwind.
Day 3: Bryce Canyon National Park
As you embark on the scenic drive from Kanab to Bryce Canyon, the 1 hour and 31 minute journey will treat you to breathtaking views of Utah’s natural beauty. This stunning national park, nestled in Arizona and Utah, is a must-visit destination for anyone embarking on a West Coast road trip adventure.
Bryce Canyon National Park is a treasure that will leave you awestruck.
Its unique landscape of towering cliffs, deep valleys, and iconic hoodoos is a testament to the incredible forces of erosion that have shaped this natural wonder over millions of years.
As you explore the park’s various viewpoints, you’ll be struck by the sheer scale and majesty of the scenery. Rainbow and Yovimpa Points offer breathtaking views from the Pink Cliffs to the Vermillion Cliffs, while Natural Bridge provides a glimpse into the geological history of this incredible place.
Bryce Point, situated at the start of several trails, offers stunning vistas over the Bryce Canyon amphitheater. While we wouldn’t recommend tackling the full trails, which can take days to complete, a 5-minute walk into the canyon will give you a taste of what lies ahead.
No trip to Bryce Canyon would be complete without experiencing the magic of Sunrise and Sunset Points on the north side of the park.
These viewpoints offer stunning views of Thor’s Hammer, a rock formation that bears an uncanny resemblance to the mythical hammer wielded by Norse god Thor.
Last but not least, Pink Cliffs is another viewpoint that will leave you breathless, with its layered pink rock formations stretching as far as the eye can see. Standing at this vantage point, you’ll feel both tiny and free, a testament to the awe-inspiring power of nature.
In short, Bryce Canyon is an absolute gem that should be included in any West Coast road trip itinerary. With its stunning vistas, unique geological formations, and unforgettable experiences, it’s an adventure you won’t soon forget.
Sleep in Panguitch or Hatch
While considering accommodations in the Panguitch area, we strongly suggest opting for one of the many affordable cabin options available. Alternatively, if you’re looking to stay in the Hatch region, a range of budget-friendly lodge choices await.
Tours and activities we recommend
For a truly unforgettable adventure, we highly suggest embarking on this comprehensive hiking journey within the majestic confines of Bryce Canyon National Park. By immersing yourself in the natural splendor of this unique landscape, you’ll have the opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnect with nature’s serene beauty.
Day 4: Salt Lake City & Antelope Island
As you drive from Bryce Canyon to Salt Lake City, you’ll have a 4-hour, 270-mile/435km journey ahead of you. But before reaching the city, consider stopping at Antelope Island in Utah’s Great Salt Lake. This stunning island offers breathtaking views of the lake and is home to one of the largest herds of bison in the USA. Take some time to explore the visitor center for essential information, maps, and a pit stop.
While on the island, keep an eye out for mule deer, pronghorn antelopes, coyotes, and bighorn sheep. If you have time before your flight, spend some time exploring Salt Lake City’s unique blend of Utah-style landscapes and architectural wonders. Visit Temple Square, featuring a collection of LDS buildings, or explore the Foothills Cultural District. The Utah State Capitol building is also worth a visit for its striking architecture.
Sleep in Salt Lake City
For travelers on a budget, there’s the option to stay at this hotel in the city. Alternatively, those looking for a more contemporary experience can opt for accommodations at this modern establishment, which features an on-site pool.
Have more time?
For a unique adventure, explore our meticulously crafted 10-day Arizona-to-Utah road trip journey. The comprehensive guide shares insider knowledge on the best routes to take, must-see attractions, and unforgettable experiences. Alternatively, for a more leisurely pace, check out our 7-day itinerary, carefully curated to showcase the region’s hidden gems.
Need to go back to Vegas?
Experience the thrill of a 4-day adventure on this Arizona-Utah road trip, with departures and returns to Las Vegas. Get ready for breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unforgettable memories as you explore the American Southwest.
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