Southern Utah Parks Traverse
United States
In short: Southern Utah Parks Traverse is a 740 km desert road trip in United States, typically driven over 7–9 days, best in Mar–May / Sep–Nov. Highlights: Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef.
A seven-day traverse through Utah's five national parks, from St. George and Zion to Monument Valley, with Goblin Valley and the Moab parks given their own realistic days.
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Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1St. George to Springdale / Zion National Park
Angels Landing or Scout Lookout · Zion Canyon Scenic Drive · Oscar's Cafe
Day 2Bryce Canyon / Panguitch area
Navajo Loop Trail · Sunrise Point Overlook · Stone Hearth Grille
Day 3Torrey / Capitol Reef area
Capitol Reef Scenic Drive · Fruita Historic District · Hell's Backbone Grill
Day 4Goblin Valley and transfer to Moab
Goblin Valley State Park Main Trail · Colorado River scenic pullouts · Moab Brewery
Day 5Arches National Park
Delicate Arch · Windows and Double Arch · Moab Brewery
Day 6Canyonlands Island in the Sky
Mesa Arch · Grand View Point · Moab packed lunch
Day 7Moab via Blanding and Muley Point to Monument Valley
Muley Point Overlook · Monument Valley viewpoints · Blue Coffee Pot Restaurant
Things to Do
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Where to Eat
Nearby and similar drives
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Southern Utah Parks Traverse drive?
The Southern Utah Parks Traverse covers 740 km from start to finish.
How long does the Southern Utah Parks Traverse take to drive?
Most travellers spend 7–9 days on the Southern Utah Parks Traverse, depending on stops and pace.
When is the best time to drive the Southern Utah Parks Traverse?
The recommended season for the Southern Utah Parks Traverse is Mar–May / Sep–Nov.
Where does the Southern Utah Parks Traverse start and end?
The Southern Utah Parks Traverse runs from Zion National Park to Monument Valley.
What are the main stops on the Southern Utah Parks Traverse?
The Southern Utah Parks Traverse passes through Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef.
How difficult is the Southern Utah Parks Traverse to drive?
The Southern Utah Parks Traverse is rated easy and is best handled with any vehicle.
Can I drive the Southern Utah Parks Traverse in a regular car?
Yes — the Southern Utah Parks Traverse is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.
Do I need a permit or border paperwork for the Southern Utah Parks Traverse?
Yes — the Southern Utah Parks Traverse requires permits, fees, or border paperwork. Plan ahead: This is an open St. George-to-Monument Valley traverse, not a loop. Summer heat can be intense and high roads can see snow. Zion Canyon uses a seasonal shuttle, and the chained section of Angels Landing requires a separate lottery permit; Scout Lookout is the no-permit fallback. Check each park and Navajo Tribal Park status before departure.
How many fuel stops are needed on the Southern Utah Parks Traverse?
Plan around 1 refuels (or about 2 EV charges) along the Southern Utah Parks Traverse, based on its 740 km length.
Is the Southern Utah Parks Traverse EV friendly?
Yes — the Southern Utah Parks Traverse has charger coverage along the route and works as an EV road trip.
Is the Southern Utah Parks Traverse safe to drive?
This is an open St. George-to-Monument Valley traverse, not a loop. Summer heat can be intense and high roads can see snow. Zion Canyon uses a seasonal shuttle, and the chained section of Angels Landing requires a separate lottery permit; Scout Lookout is the no-permit fallback. Check each park and Navajo Tribal Park status before departure.
What scenic tier is the Southern Utah Parks Traverse?
The Southern Utah Parks Traverse is a legendary drive — The world's most extraordinary drives — once-in-a-lifetime road trips with cinematic scenery, legendary roads, and unmatched cultural depth.