7 Day Arizona To Utah Road Trip Itinerary That You’ll Love

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Are you having a hard time choosing between Arizona and Utah? We understand and are here to help you! Arizona and Utah are two states we love dearly. Though different, they are perfect for a road trip. We’ve been to many national parks, cities and smaller towns and areas across the two states and have unforgettable memories.

In this post, we’ve gathered our extensive travel experience in the states to craft the ultimate 7 day road trip between Utah and Arizona. This is one of our four Arizona to Utah road trip itineraries.

Overview of the route

• Total distance: 1,120miles/1803km
• Driving time: 20 hours
• Pace: Moderate
• Departure: Phoenix
• Arrival: Salt Lake City
• What you’ll see: A mix of national parks, recreational areas, canyons, wildlife and cities.
• Ideal for: This 7 day Arizona to Utah road trip is full of Utah and Arizona trip ideas for couples with a limited amount of time. Although this itinerary is similar than the pervious one, we have removed a few stops and tailored it to the 7 day length so the pace is not as fast. You’ll first be spending 3 days in Arizona before heading to Utah and finishing in Salt Lake City.

7 day Arizona to Utah road trip map

Day 1: Phoenix and Sedona

• Phoenix to Sedona: 2h, 116miles/187km
• Sedona to Flagstaff: 48min, 30miles/48km

Welcome to the first day of your 7-day road trip through Arizona and Utah. You might arrive in Phoenix in the morning, afternoon, or even the evening before, depending on your flight. That’s why we’ve kept this day easy with not much driving, so you can start at your own pace.

After you land, grab your rental car and head out to Sedona. While it’s not a national park, Sedona is incredibly beautiful and often listed as a top place to visit on Arizona road trips!

Morning & Afternoon: Sedona & Red Rock State Park

You can buy this low-budget self-guided Sedona tour on your phone to bring with you during your trip. It will tell you about each of the following stops while you’re in the park.  

Cathedral Rock trail

Your first adventure in Sedona is the Cathedral Rock trail. Known for its breathtaking valley views, it’s a must-see.

The hike is a 1.2-mile round trip, usually taking 1-2 hours, with a 700-foot elevation climb. It’s a moderate trail but be ready for some steep parts and a bit of rock climbing. The trail peaks at a spot with stunning views of both the valley and Cathedral Rock’s unique formation.

For parking, you have two choices. The first is the Back O Beyond Road lot, which fits about 45 cars. It fills up fast, especially in summer, so get there by 7am if you can. If that’s too early, the second option is the Sedona shuttle. Park at the SR 179 Park and Ride and catch the free shuttle running from 8am to 6:30pm. We recommend this stress-free option.

Time recommended: 2 hours

Budget: Red Rock Pass for $5

Devil’s Bridge, one of the most popular Arizona road trip attractions

Nestled in the Coconut National Forest, Devil’s Bridge is a top draw in Sedona. This stunning natural arch stands 54 feet tall and stretches about 45 feet across. The hike to it is quite manageable, just 2 miles long and roughly an hour’s walk, but the views you get are absolutely worth it!

Keep in mind, this spot is popular, so expect a crowd. Also, tread carefully on the bridge as it’s quite narrow and safety comes first. The hike is rated as moderate in difficulty.

For a hassle-free trip, use the free Sedona shuttle. Catch either Route 11 or Route 12 from the Posse Grounds Park and Ride. Hop off at the Dry Creek Trailhead, and you’re on your way!

Time recommended: 1h30min

Budget: Red Rock Pass for $5

Airport Mesa Scenic Drive

This drive offers one of Sedona’s finest experiences, leading you to a breathtaking 360° panorama of the area. At the lookout, you’ll have a chance to see landmarks like Thunder Mountain, Ship Rock, and Chimney Rock, among others. It’s a quick journey, taking just about 5 minutes. Start from Highway 89, turn right onto Airport Drive and ascend the hill to the mesa. On your way up, you’ll pass by one of Sedona’s famous vortexes, believed to be a powerful energy center. You can take a Vortex Jeep Tour here to discover all Sedona’s secret energies!

Time recommended: 30min

Budget: Free

Oak Creek Canyon

To wrap up your Sedona adventure, make a trip to Oak Creek Canyon. It’s best to cover just a part of the drive, as you could easily spend the whole day here. You’ll be traveling along Arizona State Route 89A, which takes you down into the vibrant canyon. But before you descend, make sure to stop at the Oak Creek Canyon Lookout for a stunning overhead view of the landscape!

Time recommended: 1 hour of driving down and back

Budget: Free

End of the day: Drive to Flagstaff

Flagstaff is located on a section of iconic Route 66. Depending on how much time you have once you arrive in Flagstaff, you can take very informative tours of the Riordan Mansion or the Lowell Observatory. Alternatively, you can wander around the town for the rest of the evening. 

There are also a few tours you can take in Flagstaff to discover the town:

• Take a Segway Guided tour of Flagstaff
• Go on a Flagstaff Stargazing and Astrophotography Experience
• Take a Haunted Walking Tour of Flagstaff

Day 2: Grand Canyon National Park & Horseshoe Bend

• Flagstaff to Grand Canyon: 3h41mon, 208miles/335km
• Grand Canyon to Horseshoe Bend: 2h13, 120miles/193km
• Horseshoe Bend to Page: 9min, 4.4miles/7km
• Warning: heavy driving day
• Recommended departure time: 7am

Day 2 is often considered as the best Arizona road trip section of this itinerary. This is also the beginning of the Arizona and Utah National Parks road trip section of this itinerary. Day 2 is a heavy driving day but fear not, the views and incredible experiences at the Grand Canyon will be totally worth it!

Morning: Drive to & visit Grand Canyon National Park, one of the best Utah road trip national parks

The Grand Canyon, a highlight of your Arizona to Utah road trip, is renowned for its vast and vibrant layered rock formations. This natural wonder cradles the Colorado River in its depths. While the South Rim boasts popular viewpoints like Mather Point, Hopi Point, and Shoshone Point, it’s a bit of a detour from the natural flow of your journey. We suggest concentrating on the North Rim to save on driving time. There, don’t miss out on the stunning vistas from Bright Angel Point, the Coconino overlook, and the North Kaibab Trailhead.

Note that the North Rim is usually closed from October to May.

Time recommended: 2h

Budget: $35 per car 

Afternoon:Horseshoe Bend in Glen Canyon

Continuing your Arizona to Utah journey, Horseshoe Bend is your next destination. While many think it’s part of the Grand Canyon, it’s actually within Glen Canyon, conveniently on your westward route. This stunning formation, carved by the Colorado River, forms a perfect horseshoe, offering some of the most spectacular views in the West. Nearby, the Glen Canyon Dam stands as another impressive landmark. The area is particularly captivating during the golden hour at day’s end.

Time recommended: 1h

Budget: $10 per car for parking

End of the day: Drive to and visit Page

Your last stop on Day 2 is the town of Page. The main attractions in the municipality of Page are actually the ones listed above so there aren’t too many things to in the town itself. We would recommend enjoying your evening at Horseshoe Bend and heading to Page for dinner, but there is no need to head to Page earlier. 

Day 3: Page and Antelope Canyon

• Page to Antelope Canyon: 9min, 6miles/10km
• Antelope Canyon to Bluff: 2h32, 166miles/267km

Morning: Page and Antelope Canyon Upper

Day 3 of your trip takes you to Upper Antelope Canyon. There are two sections – Upper and Lower – and while both are stunningly similar in their color and rock formations, Upper Antelope Canyon is the more famous and accessible. Consider spending some time in the morning exploring Page before your visit.

Once at Upper Antelope Canyon, you’ll join a guided tour, starting with a truck ride to the canyon’s entrance. Given its popularity, expect a few trucks heading there simultaneously. Follow your guide into the canyon to marvel at the mesmerizing ocher rock formations.

Time recommended: 2h

Budget: $8 per person for entry to the Park and $37 per person for the canyon visit. We recommend booking your tickets through one of the tour operators directly as tickets will be cheaper than on other websites, see here. 

Afternoon: Antelope Canyon  Lower

Lower Antelope Canyon, though not as renowned as its Upper counterpart, offers a more intimate experience due to its smaller size and fewer crowds. To explore its depths, you’ll descend several staircases, leading you to the canyon’s base. There, the play of daylight against the canyon’s rich ocher hues creates a stunning visual spectacle. The tour is entirely on foot, and the presence of stairs makes it unsuitable for individuals with reduced mobility.

Time recommended: 2h

Budget: $8 per person for entry to the Park (only need to pay this once for both canyons) and $28 per person for the canyon visit. We recommend booking your tickets through one of the tour operators directly as tickets will be cheaper than on other websites, see here.

An alternative to these two canyons is the new Canyon X. It’s a gem and can also be cheaper depending on when you book!

End of the day: Drive to Bluff

Day 4: Monument Valley

• Bluff to Monument Valley: 1h, 49miles/79km
• Monument Valley to Moab: 2h30, 149miles/240km
• Recommended departure time: 4am

Day 4 of your 10-day Utah-Arizona road trip is set to be unforgettable as you visit one of the most cherished places on Earth, at least for Marie: Monument Valley. My own visit there left an indelible mark, especially the horseback riding at sunset alongside a Navajo guide. This profound experience of connection and freedom is something she’s passionately recommended ever since. Brace yourself, as Day 4 promises some of the most remarkable adventures of your Phoenix to Moab journey!

Morning: Horseback riding in Monument Valley at sunrise for unforgettable memories

Embarking on an Arizona to Utah road trip is a fantastic experience in itself, but adding horseback riding in Monument Valley will truly set your adventure apart. This activity is not just a highlight; it’s a profound, authentic experience that may take a moment to fully sink in.

Our own journey began at sunrise, providing an exclusive, serene experience of the Valley before the arrival of cars and tourist throngs. Guided by a Navajo guide named Adel, we not only explored the stunning landscape but also learned immensely about the Navajo land. Galloping through Monument Valley as the sun rose was an experience of peace and freedom like no other.

Time recommended: 1h30

Budget: $80 per person for horseback riding and $8 per person for driving the loop. 

Afternoon: Take yet all in at Monument Valley

Monument Valley & Visitor Centre

The next stop on your journey is the Monument Valley Visitor Center, a place that’s likely to be among the most scenic visitor centers you’ll ever encounter. It offers a phenomenal view of Monument Valley’s iconic landmarks. Directly from this spot, you’ll enjoy a symmetrical panorama of the park, including Merrick Butte, East Mitten Butte, and Mitten Butte. To your right, the landscape extends to include Elephant Butte, Cly Butte, and Camel Butte, while to your left, you can admire Sentinel Mesa, Stagecoach, Bear Butte, and the outlines of Rabbit and Castle Butte. The serene beauty of this vast, peaceful landscape is truly something to behold.

Time recommended: 1h

Budget: Free

Monument Valley driving loop

After horseback riding through Monument Valley, we recommend driving the 17 mile/27km loop between the buttes . Know that you can drive the loop with any car when the weather is dry. However, Monument Valley is subject to thunder and rain and the roads can get flooded and muddy. Cars regularly get stuck down there so we wouldn’t recommend doing the loop if the roads aren’t dry.

Time recommended: 2h

Budget: $8 per person for driving the loop

Best view of Monument Valley

Monument Valley is brimming with scenic spots and numerous viewpoints worth your time. Yet, one you absolutely shouldn’t overlook is Highway 163. Fortunately, it’s impossible to miss, as it’s your route out of the site.

As you depart from Monument Valley, take your time to pick your favorite spot along the way. Regardless of where you pause, you’ll have the privilege of witnessing the iconic skyline and breathtaking rock formations of Monument Valley by simply looking back. The view is unforgettable, offering a perfect farewell to this majestic landscape.

Time recommended: 30min

Budget: Free

End of the day: Drive to Moab 

At the end of the day, head on a two hour drive to the city of Moab. Moab is a popular adventurous spot as it is closed to Monument Valley, Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park. If you have time, you can check Moab Museum or the Tom Till Gallery to see some art about Utah. 

Day 5: Arches National Park, for a complete national parks Utah Arizona road trip

• Moab to Arches: 9min, 5miles/8km
• Arches National Park to Green River: 46min, 47miles/76km
• Recommended departure time: 8am or earlier if you want to spend some time along in Arches NP
• Light Driving Day

Morning or All Day: Arches National Park, one fo the best parks to add to your Utah mighty 5 road trip

Arches National Park is a must-see gem on your Arizona to Utah road trip, renowned for its stunning beauty. While it’s tempting to spend a day or two delving into every corner of the park, if you’re looking to cover more ground, a half-day visit is advisable.

As you approach Arches National Park, the journey itself becomes a visual treat. You’ll be greeted by the vivid orange rock formations that line the road, setting the stage for a memorable and scenic arrival.

In Arches, we recommend seeing the following:

• Double Arch: Truly one that is not to miss, this double arch stands tall and is one of the main landmarks of the park. It’s an easy 0.6 miles/0.9km trail to the arch. there you can explore between the two arches and take lots of photos! 
• Balanced Rock Loop Trail: This is a 0.3miles/0.5km loop trail that takes you to a huge boulder that looks like it is balanced on a spire shaped rock formation. At the end of the trail, you’ll get a stunning view on the rock but also on the Windows Section and the La Sal Mountains. 
• Landscape Arch Trail: This is a 1.9 miles/3.1km there and back trail which is easy and takes about 49 minutes to complete. This trail takes you to a giant thin arch while you’re surrounded by big boulders. There is a water refill station at the beginning of the trail so you can bring you reusable water bottle and fill it up here.

You can choose to do all three of these points or do less and spend more time at each, it is up to you and depends on your traveling style! While you go around to each arch, you can use this self-guided tour to learn about each arch.

If you don’t mind getting up early, we recommend this tour to discover Arches National Park at sunrise. This is a gorgeous way to explore the park before all the crowds show up. 

Time recommended: Morning or all day

Budget: $30 per vehicle

(Optional) Afternoon: Canyonlands National Park

The Canyonlands National Park is home to similar huge and large sandstones as Monument Valley. The park offers some of the best views near Moab. One spot you should visit here is Island of Sky which is a plateau that overlooks the surrounding buttes and canyons. The White rim Overlook trail, the Grand View Point trail, and the Mesa Arch trail are all easy and short hikes (under an hour each) you can take to discover and explore the park. 

The Green River Overlook, located halfway through Canyonlands National Park, is one of the best spots for sunset! 

Time recommended: All Afternoon

Budget: $30 per vehicle

Day 6: Capitol Reef National Park

• Green River to Capitol Reef National Park: 1h52, 105miles/169km
• Capitol Reef National Park to Torrey: 2min

Contrary to the 10 day Arizona to Utah itinerary above, you’ll be spending the whole day at Capitol Reef.

Capitol Reef National Park is one of the “Might 5” in Utah but still majorly flies under the radar. As it was the last national park in Utah to get paved roads, it hasn’t been as advertised as Bryce or Zion National Parks. This means the park is generally quieter than those most popular ones, although it is just as beautiful.

Capitol Reef National Park is actually a nice mix between Zion and Bryce. With orange sandstones and greenery, part of the park resembles Zion while the other part, made of ocher-coloured canyons and buttes resembles Bryce Canyon more. 

Two hikes you can choose from are the Hickman Bridge Hike which is great at the end of the day as it offers gorgeous views on the park at golden hour, or the Tanks Hike which takes you across the ocher coloured rock formations and undulating waterpockets. The Hickman Bridge Hike is easy and takes about 1.5 hours to complete while the Tanks trail takes about one hour to complete. 

We recommend booking this self guided audio tour that will help you know what you’re looking at during your time in Capitol Reef. 

Time recommended: all day

Budget: $20 per vehicle

Day 7: Salt Lake City and Antelope Island

• Bricknell to Salt Lake City: 3h10, 213miles/343km

Located in the Great Salt Lake, the island is a stunning place that gives you one of the best views on the lake. Your first stop will be the visitor centre for any information, map and pit stop you need. But the main reason why Antelope Island is so interesting is because it is the home to one of the largest herd of bisons in the USA. While on the island, you can also see mule deer, pronghorn antelopes, coyotes and bighorn sheep. 

If you have time before your flight, you can spend some time in the city. Salt Lake City is a stunning city surrounded by mountains in a pure Utah-style landscape. There are two areas of the city you should see: Temple Square with a lot of LDS buildings and the Foothills Cultural District. The Utah State Capitol is also a building to check out for its architecture. 

Time recommended: Half Day to Full Day

Budget: $15 per vehicle

Alternative Day 7: Bryce Canyon National Park

• Bricknell to Bryce Canyon: 2h, 101miles/163km

One of the best National Parks in Utah and Arizona to include to your itinerary is Bryce Canyon National Park. Depending on where you are going next, you may not need to finish this itinerary in a city with an international airport so Bryce Canyon can be a great option.

There are a number of viewpoints to stop at in Bryce Canyon. Rainbow and Yovimpa Points are located at the south of the Canyon and provide stunning views from the Pink Cliffs to the Vermillion Cliffs. Natural Bridge is another point where you can see arches made by erosion from the rain and the wind into the canyon. Bryce Point is a viewpoint over Bryce Canyon amphitheater and the start of a couple of trails. We wouldn’t recommend embarking on a full trail as they can take several days to complete. However, you can walk for 5 minutes just to get into the canyon a bit more. 

Finally, Sunrise and Sunset Points are located on the north side of the canyon and deliver stunning views on a rock formation called Thor’s Hammer due to its shape. This spot is great at the end of the day especially! 

Pink Cliffs, located more south, is essentially another viewpoint with incredible views on the layered pink rock formations. Standing here will make you feel so small yet so free!

All together, Bryce Canyon is an absolute gem that you should add to your Arizona and Utah road trip. 

Time recommended: 3h (you could spend a week here of course!!)

Budget: $35 per car

What’s next?

If you’re on a longer road trip across the USA, from Bryce Canyon, you can head to Vegas and fly from there to your next stop or continue on to drive to the Death Valley and Yosemite National Park.

If Utah is your last stop, you can head to Salt Lake City and observe wild bisons on Antelope.Island 

Do you have less time?

If you only have 6 days to go from Arizona to Utah, we suggest skipping Capitol Reef National Park to save one day. 

If you only have 4 days, check out our 4 day itinerary to Salt Lake City or our 4 day itinerary from and to Las Vegas.

Do you have more time?

Check out our Arizona to Utah 10 day road trip here.