5 Best Utah Road Trips

Utah is the home of adrenaline sports – think rock climbing, skiing, mountain biking and more. So, it’s easy to see why the state is popular with those looking for an action-packed outdoor retreat. With five national parks, the Mojave Desert and spectacular turquoise lakes, there is no shortage of beautiful views on a Utah road trip. 

With the help of our American Road Trip Planner, Hertz has created five magnificent routes across Utah, so you can take in the sights and sounds at your leisure.

Head to Salt Lake City to discover the state’s largest city, or drive to St. George for a day of skydiving or horseback riding. Take a trip to follow the gold rush of the 1800s and go on a desert journey where there’s more than just sand to see. Find out more about our favourite routes below.

Salt Lake City to Zion National Park: Utah’s Mighty Five

779 miles, 7 days, 7 stops

Utah is home to five national parks with diverse landscapes, sports and hiking trails for you to master. This road trip is perfect for those who love the outdoors and will be happy sitting around a campfire looking at the stars.

You’ll start out from Salt Lake City and head towards Provo, where you’ll be able to snowboard, ski and enjoy thrilling watersports. The first of the Mighty Five, Arches National Park has a different climate to Provo, so you’ll feel like you’re on another planet.

Spread out the remaining few days across Canyonlands, Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon National Parks until you reach Zion National Park, where there are plenty of walking options to wind down the trip.

Explore Utah’s Mighty Five

Nevada to Nevada: The Grand Circle

1161 miles, 10 days, 13 stops

Take a trip through the desert to soak up views of the famous Grand Canyon and Monument Valley – remember to pack your camera to ensure you get pictures of the best views.

Starting in Las Vegas at the Springs Preserve, you’ll head out to Utah and the Zion National Park – where you can hike, bike or kayak. Or, if you’d like to relax, why not try a night at the Zion Lodge and take the shuttle bus around the scenic loop?

Once you’ve finished at Zion, drive up to Bryce Canyon National Park to explore the red rock pillars and amphitheaters. You will see plenty in Utah on this road trip, but your last stop before heading back into Nevada is at the Oljato-Monument Valley. Take a moment to sit and lose yourself in the magnificent views. The locals say that everything looks even more dramatic at sunrise or sunset.

Take a tour of the Grand Circle

Arizona to Oregon: Into the Valleys

1,811 miles, 14 days, 12 stops

Into the Valleys is a road trip like no other – with so many natural wonders on the West Coast, we’ve picked some of the best landscapes we could find.

Starting in Arizona at the Grand Canyon, you’ll be able to admire fantastic views along look-out points on the North and South Rim. Head out from here and pass through Utah to the Bryce Canyon National Park, perfect for skiing in winter and hiking or biking in summer.

Venture beyond Utah and head north along the West Coast to check out other popular attractions, including Red Rock Canyon, Yosemite National Park and Crater Lake.

Plan your trip Into the Valleys

Phoenix to Nevada: Canyons of Arizona & Nevada

984 miles, 14 days, 13 stops

The central states are famous for their canyons, valleys, and gorges, and this road trip collates the best of them. Discover dramatic landscapes across Arizona and Nevada, including Camelback Mountain, Red Rock State Park, Valley of Fire and Hoover Dam.

As you leave Arizona and the Grand Canyon, you’ll also take a small detour into Utah. The first stop is Horseshoe Bend, a natural phenomenon where the Colorado River bends around the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. It’s a beautiful hike to Horseshoe Bend, and it’s worth the walk as it’s one of the most photogenic places on this trip.

Discover the Canyons of Arizona and Nevada

Utah to California: Roads Paved With Gold

1288 miles, 10 days, 12 stops

The gold rush of the 1800s was a great driver for migration to California and the West Coast. Thousands of people flocked to various up-and-coming boomtowns in the area to try and find their riches.

Fancy learning more about this moment of American history? This trip will incorporate some of the most notable gold-rush ghost towns, while giving you plenty of time to relax at golden sandy beaches and luxurious resorts across Utah and California.

Start your journey in Salt Lake City to discover the history of the Church of Latter-day Saints and see their ten-acre Temple Square complex. You can also visit the Family History Library to see the world’s largest archive of family records.

Then, head to Amira Resort, an upscale spa resort that will help you relax after the long drive south. Here the fully equipped spa and renowned sports facility includes six swimming pools and a tennis academy.

Follow the Roads Paved With Gold.

Utah offers some of the most beautiful canyons, vistas and landscapes that America has to offer. Plan your perfect road trip and reserve a Utah rental car with Hertz for the ultimate vacation.