What you'll do
Looking to spend one week in Utah? I have the perfect itinerary for you! I know I'm biased, but would recommend at least 10 days if possible, however I know that's not feasible for everyone.
This epic 7 day itinerary will include stops and overlooks at ALL FIVE National Park's in Utah and give you a small taste of what the Southwest has to offer.
Day 1: Salt Lake City to Moab
Day 2: Moab (Arches)
Day 3: Moab (Canyonlands) to Hanksville
Day 4: Capitol Reef
Day 5: Bryce Canyon
Day 6: Zion
Day 7: Zion to Salt Lake City
This itinerary is most doable during warmer temps when the days are longer. Winter provides short days here and unfortunately can be very restricting if you only have 7 days. If you plan to come in the winter or when days are shorter, I suggest splitting this into two trips:
Zion, Bryce
Capitol Reef, Arches, Canyonlands
Day 1
The closest major airport to Moab is Salt Lake City International Airport, roughly 3.75 hours away by car. To make the most of your road trip, consider arriving on a morning flight. This will allow you to drive to Moab, settle into your hotel, and still have a chance to explore the park that evening.
OPTIONAL AIRPORT -- Grand Junction Regional is only 1.5 hours away
Day 1: Arrival to SLC and drive to Moab
Arrive in SLC and start your drive towards Moab (3 hours 45 minutes)
Check into your accommodations and plan to watch the sunset at Dead Horse Point State Park.
Dead Horse Point State Park
park
State Park
Dead Horse Point State Park is a breathtaking canyon landscape and not one to be missed. I will say the entrance is every bit of worth it. There are miles of pet-friendly developed hiking trails in the park, including a paved trail which provides easy access to some of the most scenic views. Mountain Bikers will love the new Intrepid Trail System at Dead Horse Point. With slickrock sections, looping singletrack, sandy washes, and incredible scenery, the Intrepid Trail System provides a great taste of what Moab mountain biking is all about. This is the perfect ride for families and offers spectacular views of the Colorado River and Canyonlands National Park.
Directions from Moab Drive 9 miles (14.5 km) northwest of Moab on US 191 and then 23 miles (37 km) southwest on Utah 313. Driving time to the visitor center from Moab is roughly 45 minutes.
Park Hours 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
Day Use fees (valid for 2 consecutive days starting from the date of purchase):
$20 per vehicle (up to 8 passengers)
$15 for Utah Seniors (Utah residents 62 or over)
$10 per motorcycle
$10 pedestrian or cyclist (biking into park)
Commercial day-use fee: $5 per person
As far as photography goes, both sunrise and sunset can be beautiful given it faces directly south.