The locals can’t recommend that you make time to take on an Arizona road trip itinerary at least once in your life, enough!

You’ll find 24 national parks, monuments, memorials, and historic sites dotted all over Arizona.

In this guide, we unpack some of the best things to do and see at each of three Arizona national parks – Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, and Saguaro.

So pack your bags, and let’s explore this mystical wonderland that is Arizona, or as it’s affectionately known, The Grand Canyon State.

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Disclaimer: Hey explorer! This post contains affiliate links which means I earn a small percentage of each purchase made through my links. I only ever recommend products I believe in and appreciate your support if you decide to use my links—thank you!

FREE US National Park Checklist

Download my printable checklist of all 63 US National Parks! You can use the digital version to explore free park guides.

DOWNLOAD

Planning Your Arizona National Parks Road Trip

• When to Go: The most ideal times for you to visit these national parks are winter, which runs from December to February, and spring, from March through May.
• Trip Length: 4 days is enough time for you to explore Arizona’s national parks and some of its stunning monuments.
• Fly: For the best flight tickets, check out KAYAK.
• Rental Car: KAYAK is a great platform for you to find cheap rental cars as well.
• Rental Campervan: If you like camping, you’ll probably want to rent a campervan. Check out Outdoorsy for great prices.
• Stay: We’ll discuss your accommodation options at each national park a little later.
• Park Fees: Standard entrance fees typically range between $20 and $35 per vehicle. But you can avoid paying this fee at each park by getting yourself an “America The Beautiful Pass”, an annual permit for all US national parks, which costs about $80.

Where to Start Your Arizona National Parks Road Trip

Now that you’re all clued up on all the planning you need to do for this Arizona road trip, let’s dive into nitty gritty details, like where to start your adventure. 

Here are a few options of cities you can fly into:

• Phoenix, AZ (recommended) — This route takes about 11 hours and 10 minutes (one-way) without counting extra stops. Your first stop on this route is Grand Canyon National Park. 

• Las Vegas, NV (great alternative) — If you take this route, you’ll drive for about 12 hours (one-way) without the extra stops. The first stop from Las Vegas is also the Grand Canyon.

• Salt Lake City, UT — On this route, you’ll be driving for longer, about 15 hours and 30 minutes (one-way), with no extra stops. But on the flip side, this route gives you the perfect opportunity to explore the stunning Southwest with an Arizona-Utah road trip.

Note: For this Arizona road trip itinerary, you’ll land at the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. From there, start driving towards the Grand Canyon, stopping in Sedona and Flagstaff.

Arizona Road Trip Itinerary at a Glance

• Day 1 – Land in Phoenix and drive to Grand Canyon
• Day 2 – Explore Grand Canyon National Park
• Day 3 – Visit the Petrified Forest National Park
• Day 4 – Drive to Tucson and explore Saguaro National Park

This ultimate road trip to Arizona’s national parks covers the best of the state’s rugged, colorful landscapes.

You’ll be starting this road trip through Arizona at the Grand Canyon and ending it at Saguaro National Park, where you can take a domestic flight from Tucson International Airport.

Click here for a live version of the map!

Keen Targhees

Trekking Poles

Hydroflask

Hat

Osprey Pack

Sunscreen

4-Day Arizona National Parks Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1 — Phoenix to Grand Canyon National Park

• Phoenix, AZ to Grand Canyon: ~ 3 hours and 30 minutes
• Time in Exploring: 2 days (Day 1 of 2)
• Stay: Little America Hotel, La Quinta by Wyndham, Hotel Elev8 
• Eat: Fat Olives, The Northern Pines Restaurant, Josephine’s Restaurant
• Fees: Park entry ($35), Red Rock Pass, or America The Beautiful Pass

Once you’ve landed in Phoenix, pick up your rental car and get ready to hit the road.

If you’re not running short on time, feel free to stop at one or two of the most Instagrammable places in Phoenix for a quick photo-op.

Read Next: All US National Parks + Checklist

Morning — Arrive in Sedona

After hours of driving, you’ll appreciate this much-needed stop in Arizona’s Red Rock County.

There are plenty of things for you to do in Sedona.

You’ll find many New Age shops, art galleries, meditation retreats, and even a few easy hikes in Sedona you can quickly do.

The city has local eateries that you’ll love, as well as a number of Sedona boutique hotels that offer all the mod-cons you’ll find in bigger cities.

Before heading off, make a few quick stops at some of the most Instagrammable places in Sedona to snap some epic photos for your feed. 

Afternoon — Check-In at Your Hotel in Flagstaff and Drive to the Grand Canyon

About 45 minutes after leaving Sedona, you’ll arrive in the town of Flagstaff.

This quaint city is often used as the base camp for visitors to the Grand Canyon, and it’s not hard to see why. 

In addition to having several hotels, Flagstaff is also an International Dark Sky City, making it the perfect place for star-gazing.

If you have some time, explore some of the best things to do in Flagstaff, like wandering through the Historic Downtown or sampling a muffin at Macy’s.

Evening — Arrive in Grand Canyon National Park

The first day of your Arizona itinerary ends with a mesmerizing evening drive through the Grand Canyon.

The Desert View Drive is a scenic road that runs along the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. 

You’ll begin your drive at Grand Canyon Village and head towards Route 64.

By taking this scenic drive, you’ll get to see many of the best viewpoints in the park, like Lipan and Grand View Point, as well as attractions like the Desert View Watchtower.

Tip: You should get a Desert View Drive map to avoid missing any great viewing spots.

Day 2 — Grand Canyon National Park

• Flagstaff to Grand Canyon: ~ 1 hour and 15 minutes
• Time in Exploring: 2 days (Day 2 of 2)
• Stay: El Tovar Hotel, Yavapai Lodge, Grand Canyon Lodge – North Rim
• Eat: Yavapai Tavern, El Tovar Dining Room, Arizona Steakhouse
• Fees: Park entry ($35) or America The Beautiful Pass

Start your day bright and early so you have a full day to explore Grand Canyon National Park.

There are a few lodges within the park, so you can spend the night there and save on the driving time from Flagstaff.

Morning — Hike the Rim Trail

If you’re visiting the Grand Canyon for the first time, you’ll want to start your adventure by exploring one of the park’s best hiking trails.

Stretching 13 miles across the South Rim, from the South Kaibab Trailhead to Hermits Rest, this trail offers many of the best overlooks in the park. 

Take the park’s red route shuttle bus to explore the best of the Rim Trail with ease.

This route begins at Bright Angel Trailhead and stops nine times on the way to Hermits Rest. This portion of the Rim Trail has the best views and often fewer crowds.

Afternoon — Helicopter Tour

Another fantastic way to explore the Grand Canyon is to see the majestic gorge from the sky.

Take a scenic helicopter tour and get the most stunning panoramic views of the South and North rims.

You’ll also get glimpses of the ponderosa pine-filled Kaibab National Forest and the mighty Colorado River as it meanders through the canyon.

Late Afternoon (Optional) — Kayaking on the Colorado River

If you’re keen on a thrilling outdoor adventure around the Grand Canyon, nothing beats kayaking between towering rugged cliffs along the Colorado River. 

You’ll find many tour outfitters that offer white river rafting tours around the Grand Canyon.

These range from one-day to multi-day trips, as the river runs over 1,450 miles across many states.

So, make sure to plan ahead if you’re interested in rafting along the Colorado River.

Evening — Catch the Sunset

Wrap up your last day in the Grand Canyon with a stunning sunset over the expansive gorge.

Many viewpoints along the South Rim, like Mather and Hopi points, offer great sunset views. 

Get a less-crowded sundown experience with an off-road sunset safari through the Grand Canyon.

Or, opt for a sunset hiking adventure deep below the canyon for 360-degree views of the gorge, showered with bouncing lights of kaleidoscopic hues. 

Day 3 — Petrified Forest National Park

• Grand Canyon to Petrified Forest National Park: ~ 3 hours
• Time in Exploring: 1 day
• Stay: Brad’s Desert Inn, Best Western Arizonian Inn, Days Inn by Wyndham 
• Eat: Mesa Italiana Restaurant, Tom & Suzie’s Diner, Mr Maestas
• Fees: Park entry ($25) or America The Beautiful Pass

The closest city to Petrified Forest National Park is the town of Holbrook, renowned for its Native American charm.

This is the best place to eat and stay for this part of your road trip in Arizona.

Morning — The Colorful Hills of the Painted Desert

Petrified Forest National Park is simply divided into two parts.

In the northern half, you’ll come across colorful badlands and a sea of blue-banded rock formations that will blow you away. 

Explore this section of the park by driving on the Petrified Forest Road, and taking short hikes along the Painted Desert Rim Trail.

Make a few stops during your hike, like at Kachina Point and the Painted Desert Inn, a Pueblo Revival–style adobe museum dotted with Hopi murals.

Afternoon — The Petrified Logs

Spend your afternoon in the southern portion of Petrified Forest National Park, walking among ancient tree logs and wood.

They’re preserved by minerals they absorbed after being submerged under the riverbed about 200 million years ago. 

Feel free to take on several of the best hiking trails in this part of the national park, like the Jasper Forest, Crystal Forest, Giant Logs, and Long Logs trails.

These trails take you through hundreds of millions of years of tree trucks turned into solid, sparkling quartz-like rock.

Evening — Dinner in Holbrook

End your time in Holbrook with a hearty meal to reward yourself for all the hiking you did today.

Many of the restaurants in Holbrook are located right next to Route 66, so not only are you getting a classic American meal, but you’ll also get picturesque views of this historic road. 

Day 4 — Drive to Tucson and Explore Saguaro National Park

• Holbrook to Saguaro National Park: ~ 4 hours and 30 minutes
• Time in Exploring: 1 day
• Stay: Hotel McCoy, The Tuxon Hotel, Hilton Tucson East 
• Eat: Bobo’s Restaurant, Maynards Kitchen, 5 Points Market & Restaurant
• Fees: Park entry ($25) or America The Beautiful Pass
• Your final day of this Arizona trip itinerary ends with unbelievable views of giant saguaros, but you’ll have to wake up super early to have enough time to explore both the park and Tucson.

Morning — Tucson Mountain District

The Saguaro National Park is split into two distinct regions. The Tucson Mountain District is more popular as it is more densely populated with saguaros. 

Spend your morning in this region, hiking or biking through scenic routes like the Valley View Overlook Trail.

Also, hop into the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum for a brief lesson on the ecology of this region and its towering saguaro cacti.

Afternoon — Rincon Mountain District

Head over to the other section of the park, the Rincon Mountain District, to spend the rest of your day in relative solitude as you wander around the sparse saguaros.

This portion also has fantastic sunset spots, like Javelina Rocks.

You’ll need to take a moderately challenging hike to get to Javelina Rocks. Along the way, you’ll scramble up a few boulders for an excellent vantage point of the saguaro desert and the city.

Keep your eyes peeled for the tiny pig-like javelinas, as they usually come out to play at dusk.

Evening — Explore Tucson + Dinner in Tucson

For the rest of your day in Tucson, you should definitely head into the town to mingle with the locals and explore some of its hidden gems.

The town is jam-packed with interesting museums, botanical gardens, quirky theaters, and plenty of places to eat a wholesome dinner.

Wrapping Up Your Perfect Arizona National Park Road Trip

There you have it. From one of the deepest gorges in the world to colorful mineral-tinted landscapes and 60-foot-tall saguaros, Arizona’s national parks deserve to be on every American Southwest bucket list.

Whether you’re looking for great hikes below the Grand Canyon, want to see ancient tree trucks turned into solid rocks, or are just keen for a walk among giants, Arizona’s got you covered.

The post Arizona National Parks Road Trip — A Perfect 4-Day Itinerary appeared first on Dani The Explorer.

As an Arizona resident, I’ve done a Phoenix to Utah road trip or two or ten, and I am so excited to present you with the ultimate AZ, UT itinerary!

Who knows, maybe you’ll love it so much that you’ll find yourself moving here ;). 

This trip is special because it it comprised of a Utah National Parks road trip and a Phoenix to Sedona to Grand Canyon National Park trip—both of which I have blogs on!

Let’s not waste any more time! Before getting into the Utah Arizona road trip itinerary, I want to take a minute to discuss a few planning “must-knows.”

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Disclaimer: Hey explorer! This post contains affiliate links which means I earn a small percentage of each purchase made through my links. I only ever recommend products I believe in and appreciate your support if you decide to use my links—thank you!

FREE US National Park Checklist

Download my printable checklist of all 63 US National Parks! You can use the digital version to explore free park guides.

DOWNLOAD

Planning Your Road Trip Itinerary

When planning, you’ll want to keep the below details in mind.

• When to Go: Winter to early summer is a great time to road trip Utah and Arizona. Winter may require some extra prep, but it’s a gorgeous time to visit!
• Trip Length: 10 days
• Fly: For the best tickets, check KAYAK. Fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor (a popular choice).
• Rental Car: KAYAK can also help you find cheap rental cars! You will not need a 4×4 for this trip.
• Rental Campervan: Want a campervan instead? You can rent one using Outdoorsy.
• Stay: We’ll cover where to stay too.
• Park Fees: You will be visiting national parks on this trip. The standard entrance fee is about $35 per park. To save, snag the America The Beautiful Pass ($79.99).

It’s worth noting that while you might be able to do this trip in less than 10 days, you’ll end up rushing through it!

A 10 day itinerary will give you enough time to actually enjoy all the attractions we discuss.

Utah Arizona Road Trip Itinerary at a Glance + Map

• Day 1 – Sedona
• Day 2 – Monument Valley and Valley of the Gods
• Day 3 – Moab, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park
• Day 4 – Moab, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park
• Day 5 – Capitol Reef National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park
• Day 6 – Zion National Park and Page, AZ
• Day 7 – Grand Canyon National Park
• Day 8 – Flagstaff and Phoenix, AZ
• Day 9 – Phoenix and Scottsdale, AZ
• Day 10 – Depart

Here’s what your route will look like!

Click here to view a live version of the map!

You will be hitting the best National Parks in Utah and Arizona, so no need to fret about that!

Below, each day is split into morning, afternoon, and evening itineraries, complete with specifics on places to see. 

Day 1 — Phoenix to Sedona, AZ

• Total Drive Time: 2 Hours
• Time Exploring: 1 Day
• Stay: Courtyard Marriott, Sedona, Baby Quail Inn
• Eat: Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Kitchen Sedona, Whole Foods, Casa Sedona, Elote Cafe
• Fees: Red Rock Pass ($5) or America The Beautiful Pass

Morning & Afternoon

Once you’ve landed in Phoenix and picked up your rental car, start making your 2 hour drive up to Sedona.

This is where you will spend the night and your first day in AZ before continuing up your road trip from Arizona to Utah!

When you get there, you can head off on a Sedona hike. There are some fantastic trails in Sedona.

Below is a quick list of my favorites:

• Birthing Cave – One of the best caves in Sedona and relatively easy to get to. The hike is 1.5 miles round trip. 
• Sugarloaf Summit – 1.6 mile round trip hike to the top of a beautiful mountain that’s perfect for sunrise!

If you want to do something a bit different, you can book a tour!

Below are some popular choices for your day in Sedona:

• Pink Jeep Tour – Go off-roading in Sedona in, you guessed it, a pink jeep!
• Hot Air Balloon Ride – Book a sunrise hot air balloon ride to see Sedona in all its golden light glory!
• Sedona Helicopter Tour – Perfect for adventure lovers and thrill-seekers who want to see Sedona from a different perspective. 

You’d Like: Red Rock Pass vs America the Beautiful

Evening

You can certainly end your day with a Sedona sunset hike, but I say opt to watch the sunset at Airport Mesa vortex for ease.

This beautiful 360 vortex is extremely easy to get to. 

You’ll park in the designated lot and take a .1 mile (if that) path to a plateau where you’ll be greeted with a 360 view of Sedona. Pick a spot to watch the sunset and enjoy! 

Wanderer Tip: Alternatively, you can check out Cathedral Rock Vortex.

Day 2 — Monument Valley, Valley of the Gods, Moab, UT

• Total Drive Time: 6 Hours
• Time Exploring: 1 Day
• Stay: Under Canvas Moab
• Eat: Moab Diner, Quesadilla Mobilla, Desert Bistro
• Fees: Monument Valley entry ($20)

Morning

From Sedona, make the 3 and a half-hour drive to Monument Valley. If you’re feeling super adventurous, you can get here for sunrise, which is one of the prettiest times to be there!

Monument Valley is where you can see the famous “Forrest Gump Road.”

You can also see the large mitten-like formations towering over the Arizona Utah border.

Because Monument Valley is a Navajo Tribal Park, you must comply with park rules and regulations. 

Wanderer Tip: I recommend visiting NavajoNationParks.org to read into the hours and the current vehicle restrictions for the famous 17-mile loop road through the Valley!

Afternoon

Next up is Valley of the Gods!

Valley of the Gods is a scenic sandstone formation area located in Mexican Hat, Utah.

The drive here from Monument Valley is about an hour. 

You’ll enter a dirt road that takes you through the Valley when you arrive.

It’s a gorgeous place to explore and admire Utah’s famous views!

You’d Like: How to Become an Adventure Photographer

Evening

The drive to Moab, Utah will be about 3 hours.

Moab is home to some Utah National Parks like Arches and Canyonlands.

Once you arrive here, you’ll stay in Moab for 2 days before setting off again!

Wanderer Tip: Spend your first evening getting something to eat and settling in.

Days 3 & 4 — Moab, Arches, Canyonlands

• Total Drive Time: You’ll be getting a break from driving!
• Time Exploring: 2 Days
• Stay: Under Canvas Moab
• Eat: Moab Diner, Quesadilla Mobilla, Desert Bistro
• Fees: National Park entry ($35 each) or America The Beautiful Pass

Morning to Evening (Arches National Park)

A visit to Arches will be a great intro to all the UT Park goodness to come.

Here are some things to do in the park:

• Hike to Delicate Arch
• Visit the Windows Section
• Get a permit for Fiery Furnace
• Visit Sand Dune Arch

You can spend an entire day exploring these attractions and the surrounding Moab area.

Wanderer Tip: To help with your trip planning, I recommend reading my one day in Arches guide.

Morning to Evening (Canyonlands National Park)

Here are some things to do in Canyonlands:

• Visit Mesa Arch
• Catch sunset at Grand View Point Overlook
• Admire Green River Overlook

To see the “best” of the park, you really only need a day in Canyonlands.

If you want to take things a step further, you can always plan for a more “unique” adventure like a packrafting trip.

You’d Like: Canyonlands versus Grand Canyon

Morning to Evening (Optional Moab Adventures)

Moab is an adventure hub full of things to do.

Aside from the parks, I recommend checking out Dead Horse Point State Park for an epic sunset or sunrise!

But here are some great tours and excursions you can embark on, too:

• Packrafting and Canyoneering
• Horseback riding
• Mountain Biking
• Rock Climbing
• Off-roading

Wanderer Tip: You might find my complete Moab Utah travel guide helpful for this portion of your trip!

Day 5 — Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon

• Total Drive Time: 4 Hours 40 Minutes
• Time Exploring: 1 Day
• Stay: Under Canvas Bryce Canyon, Bryce Valley Lodging
• Eat: Try to do a grocery run near Moab because there are not many food options near Bryce Canyon!
• Fees: National Park entry ($35 each) or America The Beautiful Pass

Morning & Afternoon

At around the 2 hours and 30-minute mark is when you’ll get to Capitol Reef National Park!

When you arrive, I recommend stopping at the Gifford House and getting a fresh-baked item.

They have bread, pies, jellies—it’s pretty amazing. 

Wanderer Tip: Then if you’re up for it, you can drive the park’s Scenic Byway and take in some of the surrounding views. 

Evening

The drive to Bryce is about 2 hours from Capitol Reef National Park.

Once you arrive in the Bryce Canyon National Park area, you’ll see towering orange hoodoo formations that let you know you’re in the right place! 

You’ll most likely arrive in Bryce National Park during the late afternoon or just in time for sunset.

If so, head to Sunset Point before going to sleep!

If you have time, you can also hike the Navajo Loop! It’s a 3-mile trail that brings you into Bryce Canyon NP to get up close and personal with some of it’s famous rock formations.

Expect it to take about 2 hours to complete.

Wanderer Tip: If you don’t have time, you can save this trail for the morning or hike part of it!

Day 6 — Zion National Park to Page, Arizona

• Total Drive Time: 2 Hours and 30 Minutes OR 4 Hours (with Zion)
• Time Exploring: 1 Day
• Stay: Best Western in Page
• Eat: BirdHouse, Big John’s Texas BBQ, El Tapatio, Fiesta Mexicana
• Fees: National Park entry ($35) or America The Beautiful Pass

Morning (Optional)

Along your route to Page, AZ, you’ll pass Zion National Park. You can certainly stop here, but note that doing so will make your drive to Page 4 hours. 

You may want to extend your trip a day.

In that case, you’ll want to read my 2 day Zion National Park itinerary blog. 

Wanderer Tip: On your way down from Bryce, you can stop in Kanab, UT, and try to get permits to explore The Wave. 

Afternoon & Evening

Page is full of texture and wide-open landscapes that you can’t miss!

Some of the best activities in Page, AZ can be accessed by booking a tour.

So here are some tours in Page, AZ that are worth your time! 

• Book a Lower Antelope Canyon Tour — Explore the rainbow-colored canyon walls of Lower Antelope Canyon or Upper Antelope Canyon. 
• Horseshoe Bend Overlook — Best at sunrise or sunset. Entry is $10. You can also book a helicopter flight over Horseshoe Bend for a different perspective!
• Jeep Tour — Explore more canyons and hidden gems in Page with a Jeep tour.
• Lake Powell — While you’re up this way, you can explore the Lake Powell surrounding area or Rainbow Bridge National Monument. 

Wanderer Tip: If you only have time for one thing, my suggestion would be to check Antelope Canyon off your list!

Day 7 — Grand Canyon National Park

• Total Drive Time: 2 Hours and 30 Minutes
• Time Exploring: 1 Day
• Stay: Under Canvas Grand Canyon
• Eat: In the park!
• Fees: National Park entry ($35) or America The Beautiful Pass

Morning to Evening

The South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park will be worth the stop.

The drive from Page is about 2 hours and 30 minutes. This will be your last major stop before heading back down to Phoenix. 

Once you arrive at the Grand Canyon National Park, surely you’ll want to explore a bit!

Here are some things to do when you get there:

• Hike Bright Angel Trail
• Hike over to Ooh Aah Point
• Book a helicopter tour over the Canyon
• Watch sunrise at Hopi Point
• Book a hiking tour

Wanderer Tip: If you want more details on how to best plan your day in the Grand Canyon, I suggest reading my Phoenix to Sedona to Grand Canyon trip blog!

Day 8 — Flagstaff, AZ to Phoenix, AZ

• Total Drive Time: 4 Hours
• Time Exploring: 1 Day
• Stay: Royal Palms Resort and Spa, The Scott Resort & Spa
• Eat: Canal Club, Diego Pops
• Fees: None

Morning & Afternoon

You’ll have about a 4 hour drive to PHX from the Grand Canyon, BUT as with all of the other long drive days, you’ll break it up!

At about the halfway point in your drive, you’ll reach Flagstaff.

Stop here for a coffee at Macy’s European Cafe! 

Wanderer Tip: If you’re up for a bit of detour, you can drive up the Snowbowl area to get a nice view of Flagstaff’s tallest mountain, Humphreys Peak, and the San Francisco Peaks!

Evening

Once you arrive back in the Phoenix area, you’ll probably be tired from all of your driving and might want to crash in your hotel.

BUT, if you’re up for exploring a bit more, stay in the Scottsdale area and explore some of the local outdoor spaces, hotels, and restaurants!

Scottsdale is about 15 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor airport, so staying here then flying out the next day won’t be a difficult journey!

Make sure you hit up the best Old Town Scottsdale happy hours when you arrive in the city!

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Day 9 — Phoenix & Scottsdale

• Total Drive Time: 30 to 40 Minutes
• Time Exploring: 1 Day
• Stay: Royal Palms Resort and Spa, The Scott Resort & Spa
• Eat: Canal Club, Diego Pops
• Fees: None

Morning to Evening

This is an optional day, but you can explore a bit before leaving while you’re back in the Phoenix area!

If you stay in here, there are some great day trips from Scottsdale that may be worth your time, like visiting Lake Pleasant, Superstition Mountains, Downtown Phoenix, and more!

These are all a 30 to 40 minute drive from the city.

Read Next: The Most Instagrammable Places in Phoenix

Day 10 — Wrapping Up Your Utah Arizona Road Trip Itinerary

Should you choose to spend a relaxing last day in Phoenix, you would then depart on day 10, concluding your Arizona Utah itinerary!

And that’s all folks! While you might not have gotten to see EVERYTHING in these Southwest states, hopefully this itinerary was enough to give you a little intro into all the amazingness just waiting for you in the desert!

If you enjoyed this blog, you’ll probably want to check out my other Southwest guides like my Phoenix Sedona Grand Canyon itinerary.

And with that, happy exploring :)!

The post Perfect Arizona Utah Road Trip – Bucket List Southwest Itinerary appeared first on Dani The Explorer.

Like what doesn’t this place have to offer? Okay, maybe, generally speaking, not enough cool weather, but hey, who cares when there is so much to do!

I wrote this entire post based on my experience as a local.

So, I hope it helps you plan an epic desert adventure!

Ready to get started? Before taking a Scottsdale day trip, let’s begin with the “must-know” details!

Check out my other guides when you’re done!

• Ultimate Weekend in Scottsdale
• Best Old Town Scottsdale Happy Hour Spots
• Best Coffee Shops in Scottsdale, AZ
• Most Instagrammable Places in Phoenix
• Phoenix to Sedona to Grand Canyon Itinerary

Save this to Pinterest!

Disclaimer: Hey explorer! This post contains affiliate links which means I earn a small percentage of each purchase made through my links. I only ever recommend products I believe in and appreciate your support if you decide to use my links—thank you!

FREE US National Park Checklist

Download my printable checklist of all 63 US National Parks! You can use the digital version to explore free park guides.

DOWNLOAD

Planning Your Day Trips from Scottsdale

Fly: The best airport for proximity to fly into will be the Scottsdale Airport. Otherwise, go with Phoenix Sky Harbor, a 16-minute drive to Scottsdale. Check KAYAK for tickets!

Car Rental: There are multiple Enterprise locations in the Scottsdale area.

Stay: Royal Palms Resort and Spa, The Saguaro Scottsdale, Hotel Valley Ho, The Scott Resort & Spa

When to Go: October through May can be a great time to go on a day trip from Scottsdale.

Where to Stay

I can’t recommend The Scott Resort and Spa enough when picking where to stay!

It is one of the most Instagrammable places in Scottsdale, but it’s one of the most well-thought-out hotels in the city.

The Scott Resort and Spa is in Old Town Scottsdale, which is such a great spot to be as you explore Scottsdale and enjoy a day trip or two.

Cuba inspired the entire hotel, from its decor to its blue convertible in the front of the hotel.

Staying here feels like a day trip to the Caribbean, ha!

Read Next: Best Boutique Hotels in Scottsdale, AZ

Check out more Scottsdale hotels that’ll make your heart sing!

Driving Distances from Scottsdale

Some of the best day trips from Scottsdale will only require you to drive a little under 30 minutes.

The most extended day trip takes about 4.5 hours to reach.

All of which are worth the journey!

In this blog, I made sure I listed out information about the driving distances from Scottsdale to each destination, as well as what you can expect when you get there.

Pro Tip: You should also check out my guide on things to do in Scottsdale, AZ.

The Best Day Trips from Scottsdale, AZ

#1 McDowell Mountains

Drive Time from Scottsdale: ~20 minutes

The McDowell Mountains surround most of Scottsdale, AZ, with their massive peaks.

They’re one of the best day trips from Scottsdale city center because of their accessibility and drop-dead gorgeousness!

So if you didn’t think Arizona had mountains to show off, the McDowells would prove you wrong!

As soon as you enter North Scottsdale, you’ll see the McDowells!

The Sonoran Desert plastered its beauty all over the McDowell Mountains for visitors to enjoy.

There’s lush desert fauna, hiking trails, mountain biking, horseback riding, and hot air balloon rides you can enjoy within the same area!

You’ll find that the Gateway Trail area has beginner friendly paths that are perfect for folks new to hiking or the desert in general.

Things To Do in the McDowell Mountains

• McDowell Gateway Trail—Located in McDowell Sonoran Preserve and a central hiking location to most trails in the area.
• McDowell Regional Park—Go mountain biking or enjoy some more popular routes.
• Sunset or Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride—See the mountains from above!
• Horseback Riding —Explore the Sonoran Desert on horseback.

Wanderer Tip: If you’re traveling with your dog, you can take Fido to the McDowells too! There’s some wonderful hiking trails you can enjoy together.

#2 Papago Park

Drive Time from Scottsdale: ~20 minutes

Looking for a gorgeous place to take a hike, have a photoshoot, or watch sunset? OR all the above?

Papago Park’s location makes it the perfect day trip!

Papago Park is home to a popular Phoenix area trail known as Hole in the Rock.

The park may seem small, but it’s about 1,500 acres of rolling desert hills!

You can explore the little pond area, some of the buttes, and visit the Hunt’s Tomb historic ruin.

It’s also home to Phoenix Zoo and the Desert Botanical garden.

Things To Do in and around Papago Park

• Hike Hole in the Rock—A 0.3 mile easy hike to a natural rock formation with a hole, overlooking the Phoenix skyline!
• Phoenix Zoo—As mentioned, the Phoenix Zoo sits in Papago, so you can easily visit!
• Desert Botanical Garden—Same as above! The Desert Botanical Garden usually has new exhibits, and for many, this is a Phoenix “must.”
• Take a Bike Ride—Take a bike ride along one of the many trails!

Wanderer Tip: Take this day trip if you’re not in the mood to drive too far and need something to do during a larger Scottsdale itinerary!

#3 Downtown Phoenix

Drive Time from Scottsdale: ~25 minutes

A day trip from Scottsdale to Downtown Phoenix is the perfect place for art lovers and city dwellers.

It is home to cute coffee shops, plant shops, Instagrammable photo locations, and other hidden gems.

You can go to museums, try different restaurants, attend a show, or chill in a luscious park (the Japanese Friendship Garden is great for that!).

There’s something for everyone! Downtown Phoenix also holds a lot of history.

You might spend the whole day admiring historic buildings or architecture and still not see it all!

There’s also some amazing Instagrammable places in Phoenix that you can spend a day exploring.

Things To Do in Downtown Phoenix

• Phoenix Art Museum—Spend the day taking in the art scene at the Phoenix Art Museum!
• Take a Street Art Tour—Learn about all the eye-catching street art on Roosevelt Row.
• Bike Tour the City—See just about every nook and cranny of Downtown PHX by bike! 

Wanderer Tip: Love art AND food? During “First Fridays,” Downtown Phoenix becomes an art mecca sprinkled with food trucks and lots of music. 

#4 Saguaro Lake

Drive Time from Scottsdale: ~43 minutes

A cruise in the middle of the desert? Yep!

If you’ve been feening to jump into a kayak or ride a scenic cruise, then it sounds like a trip to Saguaro Lake might be what you need!

Saguaro Lake is a reservoir in the Salt River, located in Tonto National Forest and east of Scottsdale.

You’ll be traveling along Bush Highway to get there—a super scenic desert drive!

You can spend a relaxing day tubing on Saguaro Lake or go on an adventurous kayaking excursion when you visit.

But, if you’re too scared of sea monsters (kidding, KIIDDING), you can jump on a hike instead!

The Butcher Jones Recreation area surrounding the lake is extraordinarily lush and full of great desert trails.

Things To Do in Saguaro Lake

• Scenic Cruise—Take a 90-minute boat ride on the Desert Belle where you can see desert fauna and maybe some wildlife!
• Salt River Kayaking—Kayak in the heart of the Salt River admiring the desert scenery.
• Horseback Riding—Take a VERY scenic horseback ride along Saguaro Lake and the surrounding desert.

Wanderer Tip: As a bonus, if you want to spend the night on the lakeshore, you can book a stay at the Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch! Bring a Sony a6400 to take some good pics!

#5 Superstition Mountains — Hiker’s Day Trip from Scottsdale

Drive Time from Scottsdale: ~45 minutes

Located in Tonto National Forest, the Superstition Mountains, known as “The Supers,” are about a 40-minute drive from PHX, making them a great day trip from Scottsdale.

Some of the best hikes in the Superstition Mountains offer unique to Arizona.

This mountain range is also known for some of its desert backpacking trails, where you can sleep under a shimmering blanket of stars.

Looking for a place to catch an Arizona sunset? The Superstition Mountains have spots for that, too, like the Lost Dutchman State Park area!

Things To Do in the Superstition Mountains

• Peralta Trail—5.8-mile hike that leads to the famous “Weaver’s Needle” rock formation.
• Apache Trail Tour—Is a scenic drive and boat tour that leads deep into the Supers, where you can see mountain layers and epic overlooks.
• Lost Dutchman State Park—One of the more popular destinations in the Superstition Mountains. The park is known for its famous Flatiron Hike.

The Supers also have trails that create waterfalls after heavy rain, so if you find yourself in Scottsdale after some bad weather, consider coming here to hike a trail like Massacre Falls.

Wanderer Tip: Make sure you bring sturdy hiking boots!

#6 Lake Pleasant

Drive Time from Scottsdale: ~1 hour

Who wouldn’t have a pleasant time here? HA. Sorry, I had to, lol.

Lake Pleasant is a beautiful Arizona lake surrounded by a desert landscape.

It makes for the perfect day trip from Scottsdale for when you want to get out of the city and over to some water.

Boat ride, anyone? They have a marina for that!

Sure! Arizona has plenty of other lakes you can visit.

But, Lake Pleasant is VERY open, which means the sunsets cast the most intense hue of pink over the water with no obstruction!

Things To Do in Lake Pleasant

• Go Camping—Lake Pleasant is the perfect sunset destination and great for campers too.
• Hop on a Cruise—Hop on a boat and go have some fun in the sun! Don’t forget your sunscreen, though. 
• Rent ATVs—Rent some ATVs and go off-roading around the lake!

Fun Fact: You can go hiking around Lake Pleasant too! You might even see a donkey.

#7 Payson, AZ

Drive Time from Scottsdale: ~1 hour 13 minutes

If you like a good mix of swimming holes and mountain views, then Payson is your place!

As one of the best day trips from Scottsdale, if you find yourself in Payson, you’ll be convinced that there is so much more to the desert than the cactus.

Payson is full of lush forest that will put you in the middle of a mossy, pine-tree-covered jungle.

You’ll feel like you’re not in AZ!

It is also known for its waterfall and creekside attractions, like Horton Creek, making it a popular summer destination for visitors looking to beat the heat.

Things To Do in Payson, AZ

• Knoll Lake—Less popular than other lakes in Arizona and smack in the middle of ridiculously tall pine trees, Knoll Lake, is the perfect place for a swim.
• Tonto Natural Bridge State Park—A large natural travertine bridge that towers over the forest.
• Mogollon Rim—Possibly one of the most popular places in Payson, the Mogollon Rim is the perfect place for sunset!

Wanderer Tip: How does a white Christmas in Arizona sound? Book a Payson cabin rental and have a romantic holiday getaway!

#8 Saguaro National Park — Sunset Chaser’s Day Trip from Scottsdale

Drive Time From Scottsdale: ~ 1 hour 45 minutes

Saguaro National Park is located near Tucson, Arizona, and is the perfect day trip from Scottsdale if you want to get some desert hiking in and witness one of the best sunsets of your life.

Seriously, the sunsets will blow you away!

There are two parts to Saguaro National park, but the Tucson Mountain District section is where you want to be when the sun starts to go down!

And it’s worth noting that what makes Saguaro National Park so unique is the abundance of saguaro cactus you can admire there.

Believe it or not, it takes anywhere from 60 to 70 years for branches to start appearing on a saguaro cactus!

So they’re slow growers and a super treasured part of Arizona’s ecosystem.

Things To Do in Saguaro National Park

• Gates Pass Sunset—Witness the most insanely pink and orange desert sunset you’ve ever seen!
• Explore the Cactus Gardens—Walk around the lush saguaro cactus gardens where you can admire other desert fauna too.
• View Petroglyphs—Visit the Signal Hill area where you can see ancient petroglyphs.

Even though Saguaro National Park is in southern AZ, you might witness the park covered in a beautiful, rare blanket of snow if you visit in winter!

Wanderer Tip: Don’t forget your America the Beautiful Pass!

#9 Prescott, AZ

Drive Time From Scottsdale: ~ 1 hour 50 minutes

Prescott is a small city located in central Arizona.

Over the years, it has become adored by adventure lovers and novices.

If you’ve ever wanted to try something new like kayaking or mountain biking, this is the place to do it!

Prescott is abundant in biking trails, and its Northern part boasts the famous Watson Lake!

Things To Do in Prescott, AZ

• Fossil Creek—Fossil Creek is a natural swimming hole and waterfall in Northern AZ. Make sure you get permits!
• Kayak Watson Lake—Watson lake is excellent for someone who wants to hop on a paddleboard or kayak and have a picnic by the water.
• Scenic Off-Roading Tour—See Prescott’s hard-to-reach gems with a scenic off-roading tour!

Prescott’s “hometown” feel everywhere really makes it shine.

Visitors like yourself come back again and again because Prescott is like a home away from home.

Wanderer Tip: Hikers can enjoy Prescott, too. If that’s your vibe, definitely visit Fossil Creek!

#10 Tucson, AZ — Foodie’s Day Trip from Scottsdale

Drive Time from Scottsdale: ~1 hour 55 minutes

Tucson, Arizona, is a beautiful desert city known for its hotels, food, spas, and mountains.

You can do just about anything there!

You can hike to a waterfall, take a scenic drive up Mt. Lemmon, try some authentic Mexican food, have a margarita, stay at a resort, and do it all over again if you want to! 

Tucson is rich in culture and doesn’t fall short in beauty. So it’s a must for Arizona first-timers!

Things To Do in Tucson, AZ

• San Xavier Del Bac Mission—A beautiful church with Spanish and Native American history – makes for some southwestern chic photos, too!
• Taco Bike Tour—Try some authentic Mexican food while you bike around from one taco shop to another!
• Saguaro National Park—An Arizona National Park known for its abundance of cactus. Don’t forget your America The Beautiful Pass!
• Historic Bike Tour—Learn about Tucson’s history and culture while cycling the city!

Wanderer Tip: To see more of what Tucson has to offer, check out my 7-day Arizona road trip itinerary guide!

#11 Sedona, AZ

Drive Time From Scottsdale: ~2 hours

Sedona is a magical place in Northern Arizona that hosts millions of visitors every year.

With all its variety in attractions, it’s no wonder why Sedona is one of the best day trips from Scottsdale!

You’ll love how diverse it is with red rocks, vortexes, Oak Creek Canyon, award-winning spas, and Sedona sunset hikes.

When you visit, you’ll find that aside from its outdoor activities, Sedona has an extensive art scene, too.

It’s really an Arizona bucket list location!

If you come in winter, you will be in constant awe at the red rocks covered in a light blanket of snow.

If you’re a photo lover, you might enjoy my guide on the most Instagrammable places in Sedona!

Things To Do in Sedona, AZ

• Verde Valley Wine Tour—Spend the day sampling local AZ wine and enjoying Sedona scenery. The Verde Canyon Railroad is another popular getaway choice.
• Cathedral Rock Vortex—Probably one of the most popular hikes in Sedona and an excellent place for sunset!
• Book a Pink Jeep Tour—Explore some of Sedona’s hidden off-roading gems via a pink Jeep!

Looking for something more romantic? Couples can book a stay at one of Sedona’s luxury hotels and treat themselves to a high-end spa and resort experience—ooo la la.

You should also check out my guide on easy hikes in Sedona, AZ.

Read Next: Day Trip to Sedona From Scottsdale

#12 Jerome, AZ — Ghost Hunter’s Day Trip From Scottsdale

Drive Time from Scottsdale: ~2 hours

Have you ever seen a real-life ghost? Yeah, me neither.

But maybe that means we need to spend some time in Jerome.

Jerome is an old copper mining town turned tourist hub for ghost lovers.

It’s also a gem for those to enjoy Southwest history.

It’s full of beautiful historic hotels and historic attractions, making it one of the best day trips from Scottsdale.

It’s the perfect place to explore some Arizona history or go ghost hunting—if you dare oooooo.

Things To Do in Jerome, AZ

• Douglas Mansion—Check out the largest adobe structure in AZ and learn about Jerome’s history.
• Book a Ghost Tour—Explore Jerome’s haunted and spooky corners!
• Explore a Wine Tasting Room—Jerome is home to various wine tasting rooms you can visit and spend the day touring!

Wanderer Tip: Jerome is a short 40-minute drive from Sedona, so you can make a mini Arizona road trip out of visiting both locations!

#13 Flagstaff, Arizona

Drive Time from Scottsdale: ~2 hours 20 minutes

Flagstaff’s seasonality makes it one of the best day trips from Scottsdale.

As a mountain town surrounded by the San Francisco Peaks, Flagstaff is a prime destination for skiers and snowboarding enthusiasts.

Visiting in the spring and summer will get you away from the AZ heat.

You might even spot some of Flagstaff’s wild sunflowers, begging you to come frolic in them.

In the fall, you can frolic in Flagstaff’s fall foliage.

It’s home to local breweries and a quaint downtown area too.

There are so many things to do in Flagstaff!

Things To Do in Flagstaff, AZ

• Bear Jaw Trail—A 6.9mi hike through a lush aspen forest that’s BEAUTIFUL during the fall!
• Humphreys Peak—Humphreys Peak is one of the most popular destinations in Arizona. You can hang around the base of the peak for snow sports, and during the summer, you can hike all the way to the top!
• Zipline Adventure—Zipline through Flagstaff’s beautiful forests and mountains!

Visiting Flagstaff will make you feel like you left AZ for a neighboring mountain state.

Wanderer Tip: If I had to pick one thing to do here, it would be to see Humphreys Peak.

#14 Kartchner Caverns State Park

Drive Time from Scottsdale: ~2 hours and 44 minutes

Kartchner Caverns State Park is in Southern Arizona and was discovered in 1974.

The park features a cave FULL of stalagmites and other geological wonders.

Visitors can marvel at the beautiful cave formations by traveling deep into 2.4 miles worth of passages.

Lots of the formations in the cave have been created over hundreds of thousands of years, making it that much more unique!

You’ll want to make sure you visit ArizonaStateParks.com for park fees and tour bookings!

Things To Do in Kartchner Caverns State Park

• Book a Cave Tour—Explore the caverns and walk through the cave tunnels!
• Go Camping—Book a stay at one of the State Park cabins and spend a night under the desert stars.

Wanderer Tip: With Kartchner Caverns State Park’s proximity to Tucson, AZ, you can spend your day trip exploring most of Southern Arizona!

#15 Grand Canyon National Park — A Bucket List Day Trip from Scottsdale

Drive Time from Scottsdale: ~3 hours and 30 minutes

I mean, does this day trip from Scottsdale need an explanation?

This US National Park is full of beautiful campsites, hikes, photo locations, and experiences you can’t replicate elsewhere.

Also, the Grand Canyon at sunrise is *chef’s kiss*. 

While the drive to get here is around 4 hours, you can undoubtedly get to GCNP early and do a short day hike or catch a sunrise! 

If you think you’ll need more than a day trip to explore here, I have a Phoenix to Sedona to Grand Canyon trip blog you can read!

Things To Do in Grand Canyon National Park

• Ride the Grand Canyon by Railroad—Explore the Grand Canyon by train on this historic railroad.
• Take a Dip in the River—Have a trained guide take you to the Bottom of the Canyon for a swim!
• Hike Below the Rim—Jump on Kaibab Trail and hike 1.8 miles to Ooh Aah Point!

Wanderer Tip: If you have time to do one thing in Grand Canyon National Park, try to catch a bucket-list worthy sunrise or sunset at Yavapai Point!

#16 Petrified Forest National Park

Drive Time from Scottsdale: ~ 3 hours 30 minutes

Trying to cross all the US National Parks off your list? Wanna feel like Indiana Jones for the day?

Well, you can’t skip out of Petrified Forest National Park!

This day trip from Scottsdale is perfect if you want to see a completely different landscape from anything else you’ll see in AZ.

The park is famous for its petrified logs and archeology. Petrified Forest National Park accounts for 200,000 acres in the Painted Desert.

Most people don’t know that its environment is technically a prairie and not a desert!

When you visit, you’ll be able to enjoy some hiking in the area to get up close to the petrified formations and ancient petroglyphs.

Things To Do in Petrified Forest National Park

• Hike a Trail—You can hike to ancient petroglyphs or the famous petrified Giant Logs.
• Go Backpacking—Spend a night admiring the stars shining in one of the darkest skies in the country!

Wanderer Tip: As a bonus, Petrified Forest National Park is pet-friendly so Fido can enjoy it with you!

#17 Page, AZ

Drive Time from Scottsdale: ~ 4 hours 27 minutes

Ready to REALLY see some of Arizona’s beauty? Take a Scottsdale day trip to Page, AZ!

Page is home to some of the most beautiful desert scenery you’ve ever seen in your life.

You’ll feel like you’re exploring something from a postcard when you go!

And trust me, it’ll 100% be worth the trip.

Page is where you can explore the ever-so-famous Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon.

There is a lot to see in Page, but for most activities you will need to book a tour. That means you’ll have to plan ahead for this day trip!

Things To Do in Page, AZ

• Tour Antelope Canyon—Explore the majestic Lower Antelope Canyon!
• Tour Canyon X—If you want to go off-the-beaten path and away from the crowds, book a tour to see the lesser known Canyon X.
• Marvel Over Horseshoe Bend—See the famous Arizona landmark, Horseshoe Bend, in a group tour!

Wanderer Tip: If you pick one thing to see, make it Antelope Canyon or Horseshoe Bend.

#18 Canyon de Chelly National Monument

Drive Time from Scottsdale: ~ 4 hours 43 minutes

Canyon de Chelly National Monument is an often overlooked Arizona gem.

Located on the Navajo Reservation, the monument is known for its gargantuan spire rock formation.

Spider Rock, as it’s called, stands about 800 feet tall.

The formation is surrounded by vibrant, red sandstone cliffs that’ll make you go “oo la la”.

For more information on the monument visiting hours, head to NPS.gov.

Things To Do in Canyon de Chelly

• Take a Scenic Drive—You can admire the canyon floor from above with two different rim drives!
• White House Overlook—A 1.2-mile trail to ancient ruins, descending almost 600 feet into the canyon.
• Camp—Stay the night and sleep under the stars!

Similar to Page, AZ, this is a long drive!

So I suggest turning your experience into a longer road trip.

Wanderer Tip: If interested, I have an Arizona Utah road trip blog you can read to give you some inspo!

List of the Best Day Trip from Scottsdale, AZ

Here’s a quick list of the best day trips from Scottsdale:

1. McDowell Mountains
2. Papago Park
3. Downtown Phoenix
4. Saguaro Lake
5. Superstition Mountains
6. Lake Pleasant
7. Payson, AZ
8. Saguaro National Park
9. Prescott, AZ
10. Tucson, AZ
11. Sedona, AZ
12. Jerome, AZ
13. Flagstaff, AZ
14. Kartchner Caverns State Park
15. Grand Canyon National Park
16. Petrified Forest National Park
17. Page, AZ
18. Canyon de Chelly National Monument

Picking Your Day Trip from Scottsdale

Scottsdale is the perfect hub for explorers, making it an easy choice to book for your next trip to Arizona!

While the above list of trips might seem hefty, picking what day trip from Scottsdale to choose comes down to your interests.

There’s something for everyone!

If you want to explore the great outdoors, you’ll want to head to the mountains.

On the other hand, if you’re a foodie, an urban location might be a better fit for you.

And if you find yourself with a lot of time on your hands, you might want to take a long drive to a national park or beyond.

Honestly, though, you can’t go wrong with any of these trips—that’s what’s so great about them!

Regardless, I hope this list of day trips gave you some ideas for what parts of AZ to explore. Are you staying in Scottsdale?

Check out my other blogs!

• Ultimate Weekend in Scottsdale
• Most Instagrammable Places in Scottsdale
• Best Old Town Scottsdale Happy Hour Spots
• Most Instagrammable Places in Phoenix
• Phoenix to Sedona to Grand Canyon Itinerary

The post 18 Best Day Trips from Scottsdale, AZ That Prove West is Best appeared first on Dani The Explorer.

Two of America’s phenomenal national parks provide an opportunity for you to take an epic journey from one park to another. If you’ve ever considered a trip to Glacier National Park, why not make it an amazing road trip adventure from Yellowstone?

This post has got the information you need to ensure you enjoy the most memorable Yellowstone to Glacier National Park road trip. After visiting both, I’m going to call myself a self-proclaimed expert on the parks (LOL) and tell you everything you need to know for your best trip ever.

Let’s begin!

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Disclaimer: Hey explorer! This post contains affiliate links which means I earn a small percentage of each purchase made through my links. I only ever recommend products I believe in and appreciate your support if you decide to use my links—thank you!

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Planning Your Yellowstone to Glacier Road Trip

Here’s the 411. Everything you need to know for your Yellowstone National Park to Glacier National Park road trip.

• When to Go: September to early October. For fewer crowds, beautiful weather, and full access to all the open roads in the parks.
• Distance from Yellowstone to Glacier National Park: 440 miles (depending on the route).
• Trip Length: Five days.
• Fly: Check flights and get the best deals on KAYAK. Your trip will start in Wyoming. It’s best to fly into the airports closest to the park, namely Yellowstone Airport or Jackson Hole Airport.
• Rental Car: You can also check KAYAK for affordable car rental deals.
• Rental Campervan: Use Outdoorsy as your go-to for campervan rentals.
• Stay: Get top accommodation recommendations in the itinerary breakdown below.
• Fees: Standard private vehicle National Park entry passes cost $35. You can save cash by opting for an $80 America the Beautiful pass for multi-park access.

A drive from Yellowstone to Glacier is doable in one stretch, but experiencing the journey over a few days is your chance to claim an unforgettable adventure.

Your trip of thrills, rolling hills, and spectacular Insta-worthy stills awaits.

Sony a6400

Sony a7RIII

16-35mm f/4

Keen Targhees

Trekking Poles

Hydroflask

Hat

Osprey Pack

Sunscreen

Your Yellowstone to Glacier Itinerary Breakdown

• Day 1 – Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
• Day 2 – Big Sky, Montana
• Day 3 – Livingston, Montana
• Day 4 – Great Falls, Montana
• Day 5 – Glacier National Park, Montana

With that snapshot of the stops you’ll be making, it’s time to get down to business.

The Eastern route is the most scenic route from Yellowstone to Glacier.

And from my experience, you’ll enjoy this route so much more!

To make things easier to digest, this itinerary is divided into activities to do in the first and latter part of the day.

Insider Tip: Bring your camera gear for some pics!

Day 1 – Yellowstone National Park to Big Sky

• Total Drive Time: 55 minutes (51 miles)
• Time Exploring: 1 day
• Stay: The Lodge at Big Sky, Big Sky Resort Village Center, Whitewater Inn
• Eat: Proud Cut Saloon, The Cabin Bar & Grill, Horn and Cantle
• Fees: $35 or an America the Beautiful pass

Morning

After flying into Wyoming and picking up your rental car, make your first stop at Yellowstone National Park.

This 1872 landmark was America’s first national park.

Two million spectacular acres of land are home to different hoofed mammals, thousands of plant variations, and hundreds of geysers and waterfalls.

Yellowstone is so full of astonishing natural attractions that it needs its own four-day itinerary.

But you’re an explorer on the go. You’ve got many exciting places to see and things to do.

So take a quick dip in the Boiling River Hot Springs (it’s safe, I promise).

You can’t forget a few gorgeous snaps against exquisite mountain backdrops at Trout Lake for the Gram.

Insider Tip: Also make sure you explore Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River!

Afternoon

I mean, where do I even start with what to do in Yellowstone National Park?

There’s so much and it’s so colorful! But these are a few of the must-sees and my top recommendations:

Grand Prismatic Spring — A famous hot spring in Yellowstone National Park known for its colors and size.

Old Faithful Geyser — The most famous geyser in the park that goes off every 30 to 120 minutes.

Hike Electric Peak — A scenic and challenging backpacking hike in Yellowstone.

Lamar Valley — The perfect place to watch sunrise and spots thousands of bison.

Morning Glory Pool — Another colorful and famous hot spring you can reach by taking Upper Geyser Basin Trail.

Next Read: Your time here might inspire you to plan a separate trip to Yellowstone National Park. If so, it’s totally understandable. She’s an undeniable beaut! This guide has everything you need to do Yellowstone like a pro.

Afternoon to Evening

Drive onwards to Big Sky for your first overnight stay.

You might like an afternoon horseback ride at the 320 Guest Ranch to enjoy the crisp Montana air in nature.

In the evening, you’ll finally see why this area has its name.

The clear, unpolluted night skies of Big Sky are exceptional for star-gazing.

Grab a blanket and some snacks, and delight in the twinkling lights above.

Day 2 – Big Sky to Livingston

• Total Drive Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (68 miles)
• Time Exploring: 1 day
• Stay: Fairfield Inn & Suites, Super 8, Econo Lodge Livingston
• Eat: Pinky’s Café, Gil’s Goods, Livingston Bar and Grille
• Fees: None

Morning to Afternoon

Before heading to your next stop, shop in the Big Sky downtown area.

You can buy small trinkets and your favorite travel supplies at the Big Sky Town Center and Meadow Village.

Walk around the village, mix with the friendly locals, and get a taste of the town (literally).

Big Sky Noodles (for Vietnamese cuisine) and Big Sky Scoops (for delicious ice cream) are very popular among visitors.

Sweet Buns and Tres Toros Tacos & Tequila offer mouth-watering dishes as well.

You’ll leave Big Sky feeling satisfied, overly eager, and all geared up for more Montana travel missions.

Afternoon to Evening

Make your way to Livingston, Montana’s southwestern gem.

There, you’ll find quaint shops, galleries, and restaurants.

Squeeze in a museum visit to Yellowstone Gateway Museum or Livingston Depot Center for an art-inspired cultural experience.

Then grab dinner downtown before retiring for the day.

Day 3 – Livingston to Great Falls

• Total Drive Time: 3 hours (170 miles)
• Time Exploring: 1 day
• Stay: The Great Falls Inn, Crystal Inn Hotel & Suites, Best Western Plus Riverfront Hotel and Suites
• Eat: The Montana Club Restaurant, Clark & Lewie’s Restaurant, Roadhouse Diner
• Fees: $8 (for Giant Springs State Park)

Morning to Afternoon

Get an early start and continue your journey from Livingston to Great Falls.

If you know anything about this region, it’s full of hot springs galore, like the Spa Hot Springs in White Sulphur Springs.

Great Falls is a little over halfway between Yellowstone and Glacier National Park.

When you arrive, it’s time for a picturesque hike or a chilled picnic.

Insider Tip: Giant Springs State Park is the perfect place to enjoy both activities.

Afternoon to Evening

You can spend the afternoon doing a history-inspired activity.

Learn about the famous American Old Western artist Charles Marion Russell at C.M. Russell Museum.

Then hit the ice rink for skating fun at the Wheels Of Thunder Family Roller Skating rink.

When night falls, the coolest place to dine in town is Sip ‘n Dip Lounge.

The lounge has a buzzing vibe to it, complete with a retro tiki bar and swimming mermaid.

Yep, there are real-life aqua women just casually swimming in a pool behind the bar. Fabulous, right?

Day 4 – Great Falls to Glacier National Park

• Total Drive Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (146 miles)
• Time Exploring: 1 day
• Stay: Evergreen Motel, Meadow Lake Resort & Condos, Grouse Mountain Lodge
• Eat: Stageline Pizza, Norm’s Soda Fountain, Glacier Highland
• Fees: $8

Morning to Afternoon

Before putting the tire to tar again, check out the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center.

This fascinating history museum is dedicated to the pioneering expeditions of the early 19th-century Great Falls explorers.

The advantage of taking a scenic drive from Yellowstone to Glacier is all the immaculate terrain you get to witness along the way.

Insider Tip: Become an adventure photographer and capture as many stunning natural shots of the Montana landscape as you can.

Afternoon to Evening

Can you feel the excitement yet?

You’re inching closer to Glacier National Park at this point, where exhilarating escapades are calling.

Make your journey from Great Falls to Glacier National Park.

You’d be spoiling yourself with a wonderful treat if you stopped at the Montana Dinosaur Trail and Flathead National Forest on your way to Glacier.

Take a guided tour at the Montana Dinosaur Trail and be childlike in your wonder of the dinosaur exhibits.

Flathead National Forest is a prime destination for hiking, picnics, wildlife spotting, and water sports.

Insider Tip: Keep the activities moderate, however, because the next day is about high-action, non-stop fun at Glacier National Park.

Day 5 – Glacier National Park

• Total Drive Time: N/A
• Time Exploring: 1 day
• Stay: Belton Chalet, Glacier Haven Inn, Wonderstone at Glacier
• Eat: Josephine’s Speakeasy, Eddie’s Cafe & Mercantile
• Fees: $35 or an America the Beautiful pass

Morning to Afternoon

You’ve finally made it to the grand destination, the wondrous Glacier National Park.

The park features majestic mountains, peaks, and valleys.

Not to mention the mesmerizing alpine views.

There’s so much to do. Choose between cycling, hiking, wildlife watching, and so much more.

Seven hundred miles of magnificent Montana trail territory are yours to explore.

It wouldn’t be a road adventure worth going on if you didn’t include a trip to the highest elevation point, Logan Pass, on the highly acclaimed Going-to-the-Sun Road.

The elevation is over 6,500 feet tall (more than 2,000 meters).

Insider Tip: Going-To-The-Sun Road is one of the most scenic drives in the world, so make time to drive and explore it!

Afternoon

Can a trip to Glacier National Park really be deemed complete without an adrenaline-inducing water activity?

Nope! This is why the best way to round up your trip is to revel in a white-water rafting adventure.

You’ll be navigating eight thrilling miles of the Flathead River’s Middle Fork route while also taking in the unmatched beauty of Glacier National Park.

The park is so entertaining that you might find yourself considering a return trip or even spontaneously adding a few more days to this road trip.

Either way, here’s a Glacier National Park itinerary teaser to help you savor the very best of Glacier.

Alternative: Find out why Grinnell Glacier Overlook is one of the most awe-inspiring hikes to take at Glacier National Park.

Evening

If you’re looking for an amazing sunset hike to cap off your trip, I can’t suggest Hidden Lake Overlook enough.

The hike takes place behind the Logan Pass Visitor Center.

You’ll ascend a boardwalk and end your hike along some incredibly scenic vistas.

Keep an eye out for mountain goats on trail!

Bring good hiking boots and trekking poles if you’ll need them!

Alternative: If a hike isn’t your jam, Going-To-The-Sun Road has amazing sunset stops!

Depart

As your trip draws to a close, you have a couple of options.

You can travel back to the Yellowstone area on the same route.

Alternatively, you can drop off your rental car (provided you organized the relevant pick-up and drop-off arrangements beforehand) and fly out from Montana.

Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell, Montana, is a mere 30 miles from Glacier National Park’s West Entrance.

Yellowstone Glacier National Park Trip Map

It’s always super useful to get a good visual of your road trip so you can see how your journey will unfold.

Here’s a map you can use as a guide for your travels— you’re welcome!

Click here for a live version of the map!

Quick-Fire Info | Driving From Yellowstone to Glacier National Park

Here are five quick-fire snippets to remember as you plan your drive from Yellowstone to Glacier National Park.

How Far Is Glacier National Park From Yellowstone?

The distance from Yellowstone National Park to Glacier National Park is between 360 and 440 miles, depending on the route and your traveling pace. There are remarkable places to see and fantastic travel activities en route. The aim of the travel game is to have a ball while on the road.

How Long Does It Take to Drive From Yellowstone to Glacier?

A road trip from Yellowstone to Glacier National Park takes up to eight hours if you travel straight through without any stops or overnights. But that’s boring, isn’t it? Take full advantage of being on a holiday break.

Why not make your road trip a five-day traveling fiesta of sightseeing, extraordinary activities, and memory-making?

How to Get From Yellowstone to Glacier National Park

Forget a flight. Do things differently. Enhance your overall travel experience.

One of the best ways to get to Glacier National Park from Yellowstone is by embarking on a multi-day road trip. You can rent a campervan or a car for a smooth, comfortable, private ride from Wyoming to Montana.

Things to Do Between Yellowstone and Glacier National Park

As you’ve seen in the itinerary above, there are loads of things to do while making your way from Yellowstone to Glacier. Activities include hiking, water sports, museum hopping, and unique culinary experiences along the way. Mix it up by balancing the activities you enjoy and entirely new ones to make your trip meaningful.

Where to Stay Between Yellowstone and Glacier National Park

While planning a trip to Yellowstone and Glacier National Park, book comfortable, convenient accommodations to rest and re-energize during the journey. The suggestions above are excellent lodging options for you to consider.

Parting Words | Yellowstone National Park to Glacier National Park Road Trip

Rest assured that any trip that includes Yellowstone and Glacier National Park is a marvelous opportunity to appreciate America’s glorious natural beauty. You get the best of multiple locations when you can road trip from one national park to another.

Now that you’ve got the travel scoop, start planning for a Yellowstone Glacier Road Trip that’ll trump all others.

When you’re ready for more road miles and memories, check out this five-dar Arizona road trip from Phoenix to Sedona to Grand Canyon for another incredible excursion to add to your bucket list.

The post Yellowstone to Glacier National Park Road Trip | 5-Day Itinerary appeared first on Dani The Explorer.

There’s so much beauty to admire in Glacier and I don’t want you to miss the best of the best. Hence why this blog is condensed to the 18 “musts” (you really don’t need 20+).

In this post, you’ll also find a map and some final tips for your trip, so you can go to the road prepared and ready to enjoy.

So let’s begin! I’ll start with some of the must-know information, then we’ll dive right into the best stops.

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Disclaimer: Hey explorer! This post contains affiliate links which means I earn a small percentage of each purchase made through my links. I only ever recommend products I believe in and appreciate your support if you decide to use my links—thank you!

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Planning Your Trip to Going-To-The-Sun Road

What is Going-To-The-Sun Road? A unique drive in Glacier National Park that stretches 50 miles from end to end, with epic waterfalls and hikes along the route. It’s extremely scenic.

How Long Does It Take To Drive Going-To-The-Sun Road? You should probably allow for 2 hours to get the most out of your drive.

When is Going-To-The-Sun Road Open? Going-To-The-Sun Road is open anywhere from late June to early July. Usually, the road will close sometime in October. However, if the weather is terrible earlier in the season, the road will close early! 

Is There a Fee to Drive Going-To-The-Sun Road? Yes. In ADDITION to your park entry fee, you will also need a Vehicle Reservation to drive Going-To-The-Sun Road. You can see a list of Glacier National Park entrance fees on the National Park Service site.

What Time of Day is Best for Going-To-The-Sun Road? Going-To-The-Sun Road can be enjoyed all day!

My suggestion is to check the conditions for Going-To-The-Sun Road on the official NPS site.

ALERT: If you plan on visiting the park in 2023 and want to drive Going-To-The-Sun Road, you will need a Glacier National Park Vehicle Reservation. More on the NPS site. Keep reading for the details!

Going-To-The-Sun-Road Reservations and Tickets

When visiting Glacier National Park in 2023 from May 26 through September 10, Going-To-The-Sun Road reservations are required for the western entrances: North Fork, Camas and West Entrance from 6 am to 3 pm.

If you’re visiting from July 1 through September 10, you will need reservations for the eastern entrances: entrances including Many Glacier, Two Medicine, and Rising Sun from 6 am to 3 pm.

Remember, this doesn’t include a park entry fee so remember your America the Beautiful Pass too!

Insider Tip: You can visit Recreation.gov to book your reservations and tickets— they have all the information you need as well!

What Are Hotels Near Going-To-The-Sun Road?

To give you an idea of some of the amazing Vrbo properties you can stay in, check these out:

Lakefront Cabin on Lake McDonald — This charming shorefront cabin offers views from just about every window and a private deck you can enjoy using to enjoy the lake. Imagine waking up here with a hot cup of coffee and watching the sunrise. OOf. 

Boathouse on Lake McDonald — Similar to the above property, this beautiful lakefront home offers your own private deck and view of Lake McDonald that will have everyone else in Glacier thinking you’re park royalty.

Pet-Friendly Lodge — This pet-friendly property is located in the North Fork area of Glacier and has some AMAZING mountain views. Sleeps 8, so an excellent option for groups!

P.S. I also wrote up a whole 3 day Glacier National Park itinerary you should totally check out next.

Where to Start Your Drive

You can begin your Going-To-The-Sun Road drive on the East or West Entrance of Glacier National Park. Scott and I found ourselves going in and out of the West Entrance more.

Check out the coordinates below:

• St Mary Visitors Center Entrance (East): 48°44′51″N 113°26′21″W 
• Apgar Visitor Center (West): 48.5231° N, 113.9885° W

Now that you’re a Road pro, let’s dive into the best stops (starting west)!

Insider Tip: Make sure you have your America The Beautiful Pass for your trip!

The Best Stops Along Going-To-The-Sun Road

#1 Lake McDonald

Lake McDonald is one of my absolute favorite places for sunrise and sunset, and lucky you, you’ll get to make a pit stop here during your drive up Going-To-The-Sun Road.

You can’t miss the lake since it is one of the first places you see along Going-To-The-Sun Road. 

There are picnic sites, boat docks, and canoe rentals available around Lake Mcdonald’s shore, too.

Anddddd, the Apgar area has gift shops plus an ice cream shop for you to enjoy!

On our first visit to the lake, Scott and I made pancakes and ate them on the shore! It was so much fun. It’s also an excellent place for a swim if you can brave the chilly water.

Insider Tip: I suggest hitting the lake for sunrise or sunset. During sunrise, you’re more likely to get a reflection because the water will be still! Then, as the day goes on, folks take boats out and cause a bunch of ripples.

#2 McDonald Falls

Next, take a quick pit stop, check out McDonald Falls!

The falls are also one of the first stops on Going-To-The-Sun Road.

You can’t miss it since there is a large parking lot to make a stop there as well as a viewing platform.

NEGATIVE IONS OOOOOO.

It features multiple tiers of water that all come cascading down into an otherworldly blue pool, oo la la.

Visit mid-day since there are better places to see sunset and sunrise.

Insider Tip: You can also make a hike out of this Going-To-The-Sun Road stop. The hike for McDonald Falls is considered family-friendly with just about 30ft of elevation gain, 0.7 miles.

#3 Trail of the Cedars

If you’re looking for a leisurely scenic hike to enjoy along Going-To-The-Sun Road, go for Trail Of The Cedars.

The trail is known for its ease and beauty, making it another popular option for families visiting Glacier National Park.

There are various scenic stops along Trail Of The Cedars.

And did you know that some of the trees along the trail are over 500 years old? Talk about crazy!

If you don’t feel like walking anymore, opt to hang out on the benches along the trail.

Insider Tip: Trail Of The Cedars would also be a great spot for a picnic with the fam!

#4 Avalanche Lake

Avalanche Lake Trail can be accessed from Trail of the Cedars and is considered one of the easiest hikes in Glacier National Park.

PLUS, it comes with a fantastic view, that will make your heart sing. 

The trail is only 4.5 miles and takes you to a lake nestled in the mountains.

Considering most of the lake mountain views in Glacier are difficult to get to, Avalanche Lake is really a gem!

Insider Tip: Have your camera gear ready because you’ll want pictures! I suggest something like a Sony a6400 and a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens.

#5 The Loop

Loop there it is (get it? Lol)!

This next stop is called The Loop because it’s a hairpin turn on Glacier National Park’s Going-To-The-Sun Road.

Stay alert when driving The Loop—it’s pretty tight, and there is a parking lot as well as a shuttle stop here, which means there can be a lot going on at once!

When you park at The Loop, you can hike to the Chalet or past the Chalet and go to Grinnell Glacier Overlook.

You can also keep going and complete the Highline Trail.

Otherwise, The Loop offers some great mountain views you can enjoy.

Insider Tip: It is also a good place to park when you don’t want to park at Logan Pass Visitor Center. Note that you will have to ask a stranger for a ride up Going-To-The-Sun Road (yes, that’s a thing), or you will have to wait for the shuttle to take you up.

#6 The Weeping Wall

Have you ever seen a wall cry?

Haha, well, you’re about to!

Weeping Wall refers to a section of cliff that has quite a bit of snowmelt flowing down it.

The Wall quite literally looks sad, LOL, but in the best of ways because it’s a beautiful sight. 

Fun Fact: Sometimes when there is heavy rainfall, you’ll see people in their Jeeps splashing through the water build up on the road.

#7 Big Bend (Sunset Stop Along Going-To-The-Sun Road)

If you need a sunset spot, drop all of your plans and head to Going-To-The-Sun Road’s Big Bend.

It’s easily my favorite spot for sunset in Glacier National Park.

Scott and I were shocked by how many wildflowers there were when we went there!

The golden hour you get at Big Bend will blow your mind — you’ll pretty much be convinced that everything in life would be better if it had a hint of gold in it. 

The Bend is located right before the Logan Pass Visitors Center when you’re driving eastbound, so you can’t miss it.

I especially love this part of Going-To-The-Sun Road when there are wildflowers out!

Insider Tip: Look for the small trail across from the parking area, you’ll get a top-down view of the Weeping Wall and the surrounding area!

#8 Logan Pass Visitor Center

Not really a “best” stop, but more like a potty break/ parking area/ hub for adventure.

The Logan Pass Visitors Center will most likely be where you end up should you choose to do some hiking around Glacier National Park, one of the most popular being the Highline Trail!

You can also go here to take in the 360 views the Visitors Center is surrounded by—they’re jaw-dropping.

BUT my favorite stop here was the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail. Not only is the trail incredibly easy, but it’s also incredibly beautiful.

If anything, stop at Logan Pass Visitors Center to get a bathroom break in or a park map before continuing on your drive through Going-To-The-Sun Road.

Insider Tip: If you plan on hiking near the Logan Pass Visitors Center, plan on being there early—it gets very busy!

#9 Highline Trail (Popular Going-To-The-Sun Road Stop)

The Highline Trail is most likely the most popular trail in Glacier National Park, and for a good reason.

Once you begin your hike, you’ll get to see ALL the dramatic peaks you would have a view of on Going-To-The-Sun Road but from a higher perspective. 

It’s pretty incredible.

While Scott and I were in Glacier National Park, we hiked the Highline Trail from Logan Pass, stopped at Grinnell Glacier Overlook, stopped again at the Chalet, and then returned to our van, which was our van we parked at The Loop.

Insider Tip: The Highline Trail is 14.9 miles, but you don’t have to hike the whole thing! There are plenty of vistas you can turn around at after enjoying.

#10 The Garden Wall

The Garden Wall is a sharp ridgeline in Glacier National Park.

So here’s the deal with The Garden Wall: From the Logan Pass area, you’ll hike the Highline Trail for about 7 miles, then you’ll come to The Garden Wall Trail.

Once you reach Garden Wall Trail, you’ll hike about a mile with 900ft in elevation gain to get to Grinnell Glacier Overlook.

The Highline Trail, in general, is long and relatively flat, so it won’t be TOO difficult to get to! I promise.

Fun Fact: As a matter of fact, it is a part of the continental divide! In the summer, the Garden Wall gets smothered with wildflowers. 

#11 Grinnell Glacier Overlook

Another popular destination along the Highline Trail.

It features a view of the almighty Grinnell Glacier which sits over a glacier blue lake.

I can’t really put into words how pretty this overlook is, so I’ll let the picture above do the talking for me, ha!

Hiking from Logan Pass to Highline Trail to Garden Wall to the Overlook to The Loop is about 11 miles.

Add This Hike to Your Bucket List: Read my complete guide on hiking Grinnell Glacier! 

#12 Granite Park Chalet

If you choose to hike over to Grinnell Glacier Overlook, your next stop will be Granite Park Chalet!

It’s a historical backcountry lodge nestled all cute in the mountains.

Had I known about it before, I would have totally booked a stay here just for the experience!

Insider Tip: Make the most out of your trip to the park and plan a 3 day trip to Glacier National Park!

#13 Hidden Lake Overlook Trail (My Fave Stop on Going-To-The-Sun Road)

I don’t have the words to describe how gorgeous this hike is.

If you have time to do one trail in Glacier National Park, make it Hidden Lake Overlook!

I would consider it to be the most beautiful hike in the park.

I loved going here for sunset – the peaks turned the most fantastic pink you have ever seen!

There are also marmots and mountain goats you will most likely see along your hike.

They tend to hang out very close to the trails, so hike cautiously and never approach wildlife as it could end badly.

I would consider Hidden Lake one of my favorite spots along Going-To-The-Sun Road.

If you’re looking for views to photograph, make sure you turn around a couple of times during your hike, or else you might miss the mountains behind you!

Hike Deets: Hidden Lake Overlook sits at 700 feet of elevation gain and a distance of 1.5 miles.

#14 St. Mary Falls

St Mary Falls is an extremely popular waterfall in Glacier National Park, and the easiest way to get there is hiking from the St Mary Falls Cutoff Trailhead.

You can also choose to make this a longer hike by starting at the Sun Point Parking lot, which will put you on the St. Mary Lake shoreline.

The falls are 35 feet high.

There are three tiers to it, but the lower two are the easiest to spot. 

Insider Tip: To get here, hop off the shuttle at the St. Mary Fall shuttle top to find the trailhead. 

#15 Virginia Falls

Virginia Falls is a 3.6mi round trip hike.

It includes a multi-tiered waterfall that will not disappoint.

Virginia Falls is said to be about 50ft or so!

Insider Tip: You can make a little trip out of this stop by using the connecting trails to visit St. Mary Falls too.

#16 Sunrift Gorge

Sunrift Gorge looks like it belongs in Oregon or something, haha!

It features a green hike with beautiful rushing water that gives you all the negative ions. 

Most folks choose to hike 0.7 miles to Baring Falls when they’re here.

So you have a lot of waterfalls to choose from on this trip, LOL!

#17 Wild Goose Island

Wild Goose Islands is a photographer’s spot along Going-To-The-Sun Road if I’ve ever seen one.

You’ll have a view of the island sitting pretty in the middle of St. Mary Lake. 

And oh man, the mountain views are something else!

During our trip, we stopped at the picnic area here to enjoy a bite to eat before heading off on another adventure.

For the best light, come back here at sunrise or sunset!

Insider Tip: Since the island is a popular stop along Going-To-The-Sun Road, photographers usually try to come back when the light is better, so expect. a sunrise and sunset crowd!

#18 St. Mary Visitor Center

I was shocked that Glacier National Park had a Visitor Center as beautiful as this one.

Scott and I debated working here for the day because it was an incredible view, it was the only place we had cell service during our entire visit, and there were bathrooms there. Haha.

We could have also gone into the Visitor Center for free wifi—a nice bonus.

This is the last stop along Going-To-The-Sun Road if you’re heading eastbound.

Insider Tip: This is where you will start your journey going east to west!

List & Map of Going-To-The-Sun Road Stops

1. Lake McDonald
2. McDonald Falls
3. Trail of the Cedars
4. Avalanche Lake
5. The Loop
6. The Weeping Wall
7. Big Bend
8. Logan Pass Visitor Center
9. Highline Trail
10. The Garden Wall
11. Grinnell Glacier Overlook
12. Granite Park Chalet
13. Hidden Lake Overlook Trail
14. St. Mary Falls
15. Virginia Falls
16. Sunrift Gorge
17. Wild Goose Island
18. St. Mary Visitor Center

Below is a map of Going-To-The-Sun Road stops!

You can click here to see a live map.

Now, you need to read my guide on how to Plan the Perfect Trip to Glacier National Park!

Insider Tip: I also recommend taking a Yellowstone to Glacier National Park road trip!

FAQ for Your Drive

Here are some questions you might have about driving Going-To-The-Sun Road!

What are the Best Hikes Along Going-To-The-Sun Road?

If hiking is your thing, I suggest checking out one of these trails along Going-To-The-Sun Road:

• Avalanche Trail
• Trail of the Cedars
• Highline Trail
• Grinnell Glacier Overlook
• Hidden Lake Overlook
• Virginia Falls

What are the Best Places for Sunset Along Going-To-The-Sun Road?

You have plenty of options for catching the sunset on Going-To-The-Sun Road. Here are some spots to consider:

• Hidden Lake Overlook Trail
• Lake McDonald
• Goose Island
• Big Bend

Why Is It Called Going-To-The-Sun Road?

Going-To-The-Sun Road got its name from the nearby Going-To-The-Sun Mountain.

Apparently, that mountain got its name when a spirit came down to teach Native Americans about hunting.

You can read more about the legend on Google. 

Who Built the Road?

Going-To-The-Sun Road was built by the National Park Service from 1921 to 1932.

What is the Elevation of the Road?

6,646 feet which is how high the Logan Pass Visitors Center is.

Should I Be Worried About My Car Size?

Glacier National Park limits vehicles along Going-To-The-Sun Road to 21 ft (6.4 m) long, 8 ft (2.4 m) wide, 10 ft (3 m) tall. Going-To-The-Sun Road can get extremely narrow at times.

For these reasons, Glacier National Park has set restrictions on vehicle size.

You must adhere to these guidelines during your visit! It is hazardous and highly illegal to do so otherwise.

Is there an Alternative to Driving Yourself?

Should you need a place to park your vehicle before driving up Going-To-The-Sun Road, you can park almost anywhere! However, the Apgar and St Mary visitor centers might be your best bet.

The visitor centers have ample parking. Therefore, you shouldn’t have trouble finding a spot.

Another alternative is to book a Red Bus Tour, which will take you along the road and to other destinations in the park.

Is Wildlife Present?

Wildlife is present along Going-To-The-Sun road! Animals are most visible in Glacier National Park during the early mornings and the evenings.

So come to Going-To-The-Sun Road with the expectation that you may or may not see wildlife along the way.

Final Tips for Driving Going-To-The-Sun Road

After driving up and down this road about a gazillion times, here are some of my best tips for driving Going-To-The-Sun Road.

Be Prepared to Take Pictures

Have a camera handy. You’re going to want to snap photos along the way.

In fact, some of my favorite images from Glacier National Park were taken along Going-To-The-Sun Road!

Use The Pullouts

Should you see a view you, want to take a photo of, use the pullouts to avoid stopping traffic in the middle of the road – something you can get a ticket for.

Have a Map Handy

There will be no cell service along the road, so make sure you come prepared.

Snag a Glacier National Park map from a visitors center or download a Google Map of the area—like the one I provided above!

Pack Layers

Glacier National Park varies in temperature throughout the day.

Therefore, you’ll want to make sure you pack layers during your stay! Below are some I brought with me:

• Lightweight Hiking Socks—Smartwool Hiking Light Crew Sock (women’s); Darn Tough Standard Issue Crew Light Sock (men’s)
• Comfy Leggings—Eddie Bauer Movement Leggings (women’s); Beyond Yoga Legging (women’s)
• Hiking Pants—Prana Halle Pant (women’s); Prana Stretch Zion Pant (men’s)
• Warm Fleece—Patagonia Better Sweater (women’s); Patagonia Better Sweater (men’s)
• Cozy Jacket—Patagonia Down Sweater (women’s); Patagonia Down Sweater (men’s)
• Rain Jacket—REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket (women’s); Patagonia Torrentshell (men’s)

Keen Targhees

Trekking Poles

Hydroflask

Hat

Osprey Pack

Sunscreen

Sony a6400

Sony a7RIII

16-35mm f/4

24-70mm f/2.8

70-200mm f/2.8

JOBY Gorillapod

Final Thoughts on Driving Going-To-The-Sun-Road

Going-To-The-Sun Road will forever be one of my favorite places. Period. I know you’ll love it, too, and I hope this blog gives you the inspiration you need to give this epic drive the time it deserves!

To help you plan an epic trip to Glacier, make sure you read my Glacier National Park 3 day itinerary write up!

Also check out my guide on planning a trip to Glacier National Park!

The post 18 Unreal Going-To-The-Sun Road Stops You Need to See ASAP appeared first on Dani The Explorer.

The best way to experience all that and more is with a New England fall road trip itinerary.

So in this post, we’re going to spill all the tea (or pumpkin spice?) on how to pull off the best NE itinerary including information I’ve gathered from three separate New England fall trips I’ve taken over the years.

We’ll cover multiple itineraries: 10 days, 5 days, and 3 days—mainly focused on Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine (maps included).

To start, we need to cover some must-know planning details before you embark on your trip!

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Disclaimer: Hey, pumpkin spice lover! This blog contains affiliate links which means I earn a v small percentage of every purchase at no additional cost to you. These affiliate links help support me and my blog, but there is absolutely no pressure to use them!

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Planning Your New England Fall Road Trip

Let’s start with a quick peep at some planning 101’s.

Where is New England — New England is a compilation of US states: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.

States with the Best Foliage — New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont—all covered in this post.

When to Go — Late September, Mid-October—First week of October is usually a good ballpark.

Trip Length — 10 days is ideal—5 to 7 is great too (all covered in this post)

Fly — Start in Boston or Albany, New York. Check KAYAK for flights starting at $53.

Rental Car — Also check KAYAK for the best prices in Albany or Boston!

Now, we need to dive into my top “need to knows” for planning your trip.

When is the Best Time to See Fall Colors in New England in 2023?

The best time to see fall colors in New England is beginning to mid-October.

After three years of experience, I have always had the best luck exploring the first week of October.

The peak time to see colors can change depending on how much water the trees receive leading up to the fall season. A dry season can result in less vibrant leaves!

Insider Tip: As you plan, keep a daily eye on the New England peak fall foliage map—which leads us to the next must-know.

Fall Colors Are (Semi) Unpredictable

Planning fall trips to New England can be a tricky business. You see, you’re playing with a season, and seasons can be unpredictable. 

My advice: be as flexible as possible with your New England fall trips.

Daily, you’ll want to keep an eye on the leaf monitors to ensure you’re getting the most accurate reading of colors.

During my trips, I found that sometimes the leaves would change color overnight! 

Insider Tip: Don’t get tied up in going to a single spot for New England fall foliage. Instead, have a general list of places you want to see and go from there. This blog will provide you with plenty of options!

Choosing Your Starting Point

From experience, starting your New England fall road trip itinerary in Albany, NY or Boston, MA (Boston-Logan International) will give you the best flexibility and EPIC itineraries.

My favorite trips have always been a loop, beginning in NY, heading North, and ending in New York’s Adirondacks.

I want to make sure you have options, though.

So first, we’ll cover a 10-day itinerary from Albany, NY. Then as a bonus, we’ll cover starting from Boston (in case you want to do that instead).

Let’s start with the Albany itinerary.

Insider Tip: Leaves tend to change north first and gradually work their way south. When in doubt, hit your northern fall foliage destinations first and move down! 

10-Day New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary Starting in New York

• Day 1 — Arrive in Albany, NY ; Berkshires
• Day 2 — White Mountains ; Kancamagus Highway
• Day 3 — Franconia Notch State Park
• Day 4 — Crawford Notch State Park
• Day 5 — Acadia National Park
• Day 6 — Acadia National Park
• Day 7 — Dixville Notch State Park
• Day 8 — Stowe, VT ; Smuggler’s Notch
• Day 9 — Lake Placid, NY ; Adirondacks
• Day 10 — Head to Albany, NY

Below is a map that includes all the destinations I listed for the ten-day New England fall road trip and the bonus locations we’ll cover later. 

The map has layers for our alternative itineraries (coverd later), recommended things to do, and places to eat we’ll cover in this post!

Click here for a live version of the map!

You can thank me later ;).

Let’s dive in! Each day has its own list of things to do, places to eat, and where to stay.

Day 1 — Berkshires, MA

Day 1 in Sum (Total Drive Time: ~2 hours)

• Morning: Arrive in New York and pick up car
• Afternoon: Drive to Berkshires, ~2hrs
• Evening: Visit Mount Greylock
• Stay: Tourists, The Williams Inn

Now let’s look at the details!

Arrival

After flying into New York and picking up your car, your New England foliage adventure will begin in the Berkshires, MA. 

I suggest arriving to Albany the evening before day one OR early to late afternoon on day 1.

This way, you have enough time to drive to the Berkshires and explore the area.

Insider Tip: I love this itinerary so much because starting in Albany allows you to explore the NY Adirondacks too (we discuss this in the post)!

Berkshires

Your drive to the Berkshires from Albany, NY, will be about 1 hour and 20 minutes—it’s a great place to start the fall fun!

Start by heading to Mount Greylock, the highest peak in Massachusetts, which stands at 3,489ft.

Don’t worry; I’m not making you hike the very first day you get here.

Drive up to the top of Mount Greylock and admire the fall views from above!

For food in the area, Korean Garden is the place for tasty Asian dishes!

Another option is Pera Bistro which offers a Mediterranean menu.

Insider Tip: To and from Mount Greylock, you’ll have stores like Walmart available in case you need supplies and snacks!

Where to Stay Near The Berkshires

Adams and Williamstown are where you’ll find amazing mountain resorts tucked away in the woods—perfect for fall.

Here’s a quick list of places you’d like:

Tourists ($$$) — Luxury accommodations that will make you think you’ve just entered the mountain escape of your dreams. Pet friendly, great food, great music, even BETTER vibes.

The Williams Inn ($$$) — Luxury hotel nestled in the mountains that will make you feel like east coast royalty. Great for couples with spacious, clean rooms and super cozy beds—check out the bar and The Log restaurant!

If camping is more your vibe, you’ll be a bit out of the way, but the Savoy Mountain State Forest has options for tent camping, car camping, and log cabins.

You must reserve a spot ahead of time, though before choosing to camp here during your fall road trip in New England.

Insider Tip: Tomorrow will be one of the longer driving days because you’ll want to head to the White Mountains from here, so rest up!

Day 2 — White Mountains, New Hampshire

Day 2 in Sum (Total Drive Time: ~5 hours)

• Morning: Drive the Mohawk Trail Scenic Drive
• Afternoon: Drive to White Mountains, New Hampshire
• Late Afternoon: Explore Kancamagus Highway
• Stay: The Stonehurst Manor, Ledge & Lake Chalet, North Conway Grand Hotel

If day one didn’t satisfy your hunger for pumpkin spice and fall vibes, day two will!

Drive the Mohawk Trail

Before leaving Massachusetts, you’ll drive the Mohawk Trail—one of the most scenic New England foliage drives! 

The entire trail stretches about 69 miles.

The drive includes plenty of mountainside vistas that’ll make you fall in love with MA—see what I did there ;).

Insider Tip: Make sure you bring something like a Sony a6400 and 24-70mm f/2.8 lens for some pictures!

Lincoln, NH

After 4 hours, you’ll arrive in Lincoln, NH — a town in New Hampshire’s White Mountains and a well-known hub for visitors.

Once there, grab something to eat at Gypsy Cafe or a coffee at Half Baked & Fully Brewed (The Moon Cafe & Bakery is a great alternative)!

Alternative: None of that your vibe? Black Mtn Burger Co is another popular place to eat in Lincoln, NH!

Explore the Kancamagus Highway

Today, you’ll explore some popular attractions along the Kancamagus Highway!

Driving the entire Kancamagus Highway takes about an hour.

The Highway goes 37 miles through the White Mountains, starting in Lincoln, NH, and ending in Conway, NH (where you’ll be staying next). 

Unfortunately, there are no gas stations or food options along the Highway, so bring snacks!

All vehicles must pay a $5 entrance fee. You can read more online at KancamagusHighway.com

Here are a couple of my favorite stops:

Hancock Overlook—Located along the Kancamagus Hairpin Turn, Hancock Overlook will seriously leave you in awe with its view of rolling hills and mountains COVERED in vibrant fall foliage.

Sabbaday Falls—One of New Hampshire’s most visited waterfalls!

Click here to grab a Kancamagus audio tour!

Insider Tip: Lincoln, NH is pretty small, so you’ll be better off driving the entire Highway and staying in the Conway, NH, area.

Flume Gorge

A MUST on your drive is to stop at what’s called Flume Gorge.

It’s famous for its red covered bridge which makes a great photo spot.

To enter Flume Gorge, you’ll have to pay $18 (if you grab your pass online).

In-person passes are $21. Click here for more details!

Fun Fact: covered bridges are known as “kissing bridges” because of their privacy. Make your way through the Highway until you reach Conway.

Where to Stay in Conway, NH

Conway, NH is a fairly big city and you’ll probably find more things to do in the North Conway area.

So when considering accommodations, try to stay there!

Here are some places to consider:

The Stonehurst Manor ($$$)—A glorious mansion in North Conway where you’ll enjoy a romantic-style room complete with a fireplace! With your stay you can enjoy free dinner and breakfast.

Ledge & Lake Chalet ($$)—A cozy chalet nestled in the White Mountains. Enjoy a fall foliage view from your windows before taking a short walk to Echo Lake!

North Conway Grand Hotel ($$)—A great hotel with everything you could ask for! Enjoy the spa, pool, and proximity to outdoor adventures. You can even cozy up in a king room complete with a personal hot tub (if that’s your style).

Insider Tip: Want a cabin getaway? Check out this guide: Cozy Cabin Rentals in North Conway, NH

Day 3 — Franconia Notch State Park (Amazing New England Fall Road Trip Sunrise)

Day 3 in Sum (Total Drive Time: ~2 hours)

• Morning: Artist Bluff
• Afternoon: Explore Franconia Notch State Park
• Evening: Check out more of North Conway
• Stay: The Stonehurst Manor, Ledge & Lake Chalet, North Conway Grand Hotel

On Day 3 of your New England fall road trip itinerary you’ll get to see the popular Franconia Notch State Park and explore one of my favorite New Hampshire towns: Conway—woohoo!

Hiking Artist Bluff Trail

First stop: Artist Bluff Trail for some leaf peeping in New England this morning!

I’ve gone here for sunrise in the past, but a mid-morning hike is a great choice too!

The drive here from Conway will be about 1 hour, but it’s worth it!

The trail is about 1.9 miles round trip with very minimal elevation gain.

Artist Bluff is where you will get the famous New England foliage view of Echo Lake — prepare for your jaw to DROP. I mean, just look at the pictures.

Insider Tip: The trail gets SO windy at the top, so don’t wear anything that can fly away. 

Franconia Notch State Park

After your hike, take some time to explore the rest of the park!

Below are some attractions to consider:

Echo Lake Beach—You already saw the lake from above. Now go explore the fall-covered shoreline! Click here to book parking reservations—parking is limited.

Hike More Trails—Lonesome Lake Trail, Mt. Pemigewasset Trail, and the Appalachian Trail are more fall hikes you can enjoy.

Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway—Enjoy fall views from 4,000 feet in the sky! Taking the sky tram up Cannon Mountain will give you views of New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, AND Canada.

This is a pretty scenic area of New Hampshire—I enjoyed just driving around!

Insider Tip: If you don’t have time to see too much, I at least recommend exploring Echo Lake — it’s just too pretty!

North Conway, NH

After your adventures, head to North Conway. 

Since you already explored the Highway yesterday, you can go straight through!

North Conway, New Hampshire like the New England mountain town of your dreams, complete with a little railroad *choo choo* and boutique shops.

It’s a gem nestled in the White Mountains.

Surrounded by endless trees that go orange in the fall, North Conway is the perfect place to snack on pumpkin spice everything while you cozy up in oversized knit scarves and sweaters.

So, duhhhhhh, it has to be a stop on your itinerary.

You can shop, eat, or hang out at Schouler Park—a large grassy area perfect for a picnic.

Make time to check out the Conway Scenic Railroad. 

If you didn’t get coffee earlier, The Met is the place to be! Want something sweet to end your day?

I also recommend you check out the White Mountain Cupcakery! Chocolate peanut butter cupcakes— SIGN ME UP.

Insider Tip: Popular food spots for when you arrive in Conway include Chef’s Bistro, Vito Marcello’s Italian Bistro, and Muddy Moose Restaurant & Pub.

Black Cap Trail (Optional)

If you’re in the mood for another hike, Black Cap Trail is great for fall foliage!

Black Cap Trail is about 610ft in elevation gain and a 2.3 miles round trip.

At the top, you’ll have sweeping mountain views of the Presidential Range.

You’ll stay in Conway again—tomorrow will be your last night here!

Insider Tip: Black Cap is a pretty easy hike, so if you didn’t feel like doing Artist Bluff Earlier, this is a great alternative.

Day 4—Crawford Notch State Park (My Fave New England Fall Foliage Stop)

Day 4 in Sum (Total Drive Time: ~1.5 hours)

• Morning: Drive to Crawford Notch State Park
• Afternoon: Visit Mount Willard Trail
• Late Afternoon: Frankenstein Cliffs & other major attractions
• Stay: The Stonehurst Manor, Ledge & Lake Chalet, North Conway Grand Hotel

Today we’re heading a little bit north and going to Crawford Notch State Park where you’ll be deep in the White Mountains—prime spot for fall colors!

Crawford Notch State Park Hiking

Crawford Notch makes up a large pass that carves straight through the White Mountains.

In New Hampshire’s smallest town, Hart’s Location, Crawford Notch State Park, is the hidden mountain gem you didn’t know you needed in your life.

If everything aligns, you could see peak fall colors here, which is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Fall will paint the trees with the most intense red color, leaving any fall lover speechless!

One of the best parts about Crawford is that you can bring your furry friends there!

On my last trip to NE, I brought my pup along, and he LOVED this portion of the White Mountain National Forest.

And if you’re heading to Crawford Notch, you must do at least one hike!

That’s the best way to see the colors.

Here are a couple of trails to consider:

Mount Willard Trail—Hike for a jaw-dropping valley full of fall colors. The trail is approximately 3.2 miles round trip with 950ft of elevation gain. 

Frankenstein Cliffs—A more challenging trail that will take you to Arethusa Falls. Some parts of the trail will take you close to parts of the park’s railroad (Frankenstein Trestle)! 

Insider Tip: Since the park lines a small section of the White Mountain Highway, it’s pretty easy to get around.

Crawford Notch Scenic Stops

If hiking isn’t your thing, though, there are plenty of other neat fall experiences you can enjoy here:

Enjoy a Scenic Overlook—You can enjoy tons of overlooks and pullouts as you drive around Crawford. Some have views of fall foliage along the Saco Rover (the river that lines the whole park).

Ride the Conway Scenic Railroad—From Crawford Station, you can ride the Conway Scenic Railroad’s Mountaineer route, which is a ridiculously scenic fall ride through the mountains.

Go Back in Time at Willey House—Visit the historical Willey House and look at old park photographs, eat ice cream, or enjoy the surrounding outdoor scenery.

Saco River—Enjoy exploring the Saco River and the gorgeous foliage around it!

Insider Tip: For the night, you’ll stay in Conway again before we continue on your New England fall road trip itinerary—Maine is up next and it’ll be a longer drive!

Day 5—Acadia National Park, Maine

Day 5 in Sum (Total Drive Time: ~4 hours)

• Morning: Drive to Acadia National Park
• Afternoon: Bar Harbor
• Evening: Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse for sunset
• Stay: The Primrose, The Inn on Mount Desert, Bar Harbor Grand Hotel

Today’s leg of the road trip will take you all the way up to Maine!

Bar Harbor, Maine

Maine has to be one of my favorite states for New England fall foliage because you get a unique mix of autumn colors and ocean views.

While this is a 4-hour drive, you don’t have to be anywhere until sunset hits. 

So if you have some time to spare, grab some food in Conway and some snacks for the road before continuing your leaf-peeping New England adventures!

And the drive up to Acadia will be beautiful!

You’ll be in the mountains LITTERED with fall colors—ooo la laaa!

Bar Harbor is a town on Mount Desert Island, surrounded by gorgeous cliffs and the ocean.

Known for its stunning coastal vibes and boating, Bar Harbor is the perfect place to enjoy a lobster roll after a full day of exploring the park.

If that sounds like your vibe, you must check out The Travelin Lobster!

You’ll spend two nights in Bar Harbor—the gateway to Acadia National Park.

Insider Tip: While you’re here, I recommend you take a tour around Bar Harbor and Acadia NP!

Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse

For your first sunset in Acadia National Park, I suggest visiting the classic Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse. 

Bass Harbor Head was constructed in 1858 and was considered significant for its aid, making transportation possible in Maine.

You may not see much New England fall foliage here, but it’s the easiest way to enjoy your first evening in Acadia National Park.

Expect parking to be limited and hectic! 

For dinner, I recommend checking out Cafe This Way!

They have something for everyone, from fresh lobster to a vegan burger!

Cafe This Way also has a great breakfast menu, just saying.

Insider Tip: Bass Harbor Head is a popular photography spot but a must-see for visiting the park—plan to get here almost an hour before sunset.

Where to Stay in Bar Harbor

The hotels in Bar Harbor are just as dreamy as the views—check them out:

The Primrose ($$)—An elegant hotel where you’ll be just a mile from Acadia! The Victorian-style rooms will leave you in awe, but so will the fluffy pumpkin pancakes!

The Inn on Mount Desert ($$)—A charming guest home is an adorable Bar Harbor neighborhood. You’ll love staying here for its proximity to downtown and cozy beds that practically hug you to sleep.

Bar Harbor Grand Hotel ($$)—A gorgeous hotel property modeled after the elegant 19th century Bar Harbor homes that used to line the city. It’s centrally located to the beach, park, and downtown—everything is within walking distance!

You’ll start tomorrow with a sunrise mission, so get plenty of rest!

Day 6—Acadia National Park

Day 6 in Sum (Total Drive Time: ~1 hour)

• Morning: Adventure through Acadia National Park
• Afternoon: Cadillac Mountain, Jesup Path
• Evening: Beehive Trail for sunset
• Stay: The Primrose, The Inn on Mount Desert, Bar Harbor Grand Hotel

Today will be your time to see as many things to do in Acadia National Park as possible!

Cadillac Mountain

While exploring Acadia National Park in the fall, you may as well see the first sunrise in the USA!

During October, the sun rises over Cadillac Mountain before anywhere else in the country, so it’s a popular park attraction! 

Staying in Bar Harbor will put you about 15 minutes away. 

After sunrise, I suggest driving 15 minutes back into Bar Harbor for some breakfast! Try Jordan’s Restaurant!

Insider Tip: To ensure you get parking, head there about an hour before sunrise. 

Hiking Jesup Path and Hemlock Path Loop

In the afternoon, head to Jesup Path and Hemlock Path Loop!

It’s an AMAZING trail for seeing New England fall foliage.

The trail is only 1.5 miles round trip and pretty much flat the entire time. 

The loop takes about 30-60 minutes to complete, and you’ll walk along tall trees covered in color the entire time.

If you’re not up for going on Jesup, try one of these awesome things to do:

3-Hour Private Tour—Take a private tour that’ll bring you through the best of what the park has to offer including Park Loop Road, Cadillac Mountain, and Sand Beach!

Foodie Tour—Spend the afternoon exploring Bar Harbor and eat your heart out! This highly rated foodie tour will have you eating lobster rolls, crab cakes and more.

Bike Around—See all of Acadia’s best views by biking around! Rent an e-bike and you’ll get to explore the entire park on your own time all while enjoying a breezy ride through fall colors.

You can also just explore more of Bar Harbor!

Insider Tip: You don’t have to hike the entire Jesup Path if you don’t want to— turn around at any point!

Beehive Trail for Sunset

And now it’s time for sunset—hit that Beehive Trail! Make sure you wear sturdy hiking boots!

Beehive Trail is relatively short, sitting at about 1.5 miles round trip, and will take you up a cliffside where you’ll see coastal views and an ocean of fall colors.

You can make a loop out of the hike or turn around at the top of the main cliff.

When I hiked Beehive Trail, rather than making a loop out of it, I went to the top of the cliff and then back down the same way.

It was easier to navigate back to the car since the trail was pretty dark after the sun went down.

So pro tip, bring a headlamp for your sunset excursion! 

Insider Tip: I should also note that this hike includes ladders, which adds to the adventure, hehehehe, but if that scares you, then skip this trail.

Jordan Pond (Alternative)

An alternative would be to head to Jordan Pond and hike a 3.3-mile moderate loop around it.

You can get there by parking at the Jordan Pond parking lot on Park Loop Road.

Parking can get busy, so you’ll still have to get there early.

At Jordan Pond, you’ll get views of The Bubbles, two identical mountain formations that (you guessed it) look like bubbles—they’ll be covered in fall foliage!

Insider Tip: Tomorrow you won’t have to be anywhere until sunset for your leaf peeping New England adventure, BUT this will be a long driving day since you’ll be heading back to New Hampshire.

Day 7—Dixville Notch State Park (Best New England Fall Foliage Sunset Hike)

Day 7 in Sum (Total Drive Time: ~4 hours)

• Morning: Relax and eat in Bar Harbor, Maine
• Afternoon: Drive to Dixville Notch State Park
• Evening: Visit Dixville Notch, hike Table Rock
• Stay: Northwoods House, Home with a View, Private Cabin

Dixville Notch is pretty out of the way, but trust me when I say the trail you’ll be exploring is a once-in-a-lifetime hike.

Colebrook, NH

Tonight, you’ll be staying in Colebrook, NH.

There isn’t a whole lot going on in this part of New Hampshire, but Colebrook will have everything you need to fuel up for the next leg of the trip.

Since you don’t have to be anywhere until sunset, you could take your time getting here.

However, you also could drive to Colebrook early (about 15min from Dixville Notch), check into your stay, get something to eat, then make your way towards your sunset hike: Table Rock.

Colebrook is a small town. Some shops and restaurants close early, so this may be a good time to stop at a grocery store for snacks or food you can eat in your hotel room!

Hiking Table Rock New Hampshire

It’s one of the best hikes for New Hampshire fall foliage, and it’s easy to see why—look at the pics! 

The view sits above Lake Gloriette and is a short 1.5-mile trail. 

The only downside to this hike is that it is relatively steep in a very short distance (about 750ft in elevation gain). If you’re weak on the knees, bring trekking poles.

The parking lot for Table Rock is SMALL—plan to be there about 1 to 1.5 hours before sunset. 

Getting to the trailhead early will give you more time to relax at the top! 

When you finish your hike, I suggest going to Colebrook and grabbing some dinner; House of Pizza is a popular food option.

Not in the mood for a hike? You can also make a pit stop at Lake Gloriette to have a shoreline view of the colors.

Insider Tip: I imagine Table Rock would look equally great for sunrise, so if that works out better for your New England fall road trip itinerary, you could go that route. 

Where to Stay in Colebrook

For accommodations, Vrbo could be your best bet. Check out these rentals:

Northwoods House ($$)—Stay in this cozy, updated home nestled in the woods! After you explore for the day, you can come back to this home away from home and watch Netflix while you snuggle up on your extra comfy king bed. Pet-friendly.

Home with a View ($$$)—Breakfast and panoramic views of fall colors? Sign me up! Enjoy incredible views of NH from above while you make breakfast, sit on the patio, or look out your window—pictures don’t do it justice.

Private Cabin ($$)—Escape to the woods in this private cabin. A great property to stay for the night while you fall asleep to the sounds of the running stream.

Insider Tip: Tomorrow you’ll be heading into Stowe, Vermont, which will be about a 2 hour drive, so you won’t have to be up super early to continue your leaf peeping New England adventure!

Day 8—Stowe, VT and Smugglers Notch

Day 8 in Sum (Total Drive Time: ~3 hours)

• Morning: Drive to Stowe
• Afternoon: Explore Stowe, VT attractions
• Evening: Smugglers Notch
• Stay: The Stowehof Hotel, Timberholm Inn, Green Mountain Inn

I know I’ve talked about pumpkin spice, Gilmore Girls, and fall vibes a lot, but this place feels like it is meant to celebrate fall and ONLY FALL. You’ll see.

Things to do in Stowe, Vermont for Fall

There are plenty of things to do in Stowe, VT in the fall! So let’s talk about ’em:

Eat—If you’re a veggie lover like me, then give Green Goddess Cafe a try! Not feelin’ in? Head to Piecasso pizza! They even have vegan cheese you can sub with.

Get Lost in a Maze—The Percy Farm Corn Maze is the place to be if you want some spooooooooky fall vibes—ooooooo, enter if you daaaaAAAre.

Grab a Coffee—Black Cap Coffee and Beer is hipster AF, and we love it, but PK Coffee is where you’ll find a bomb @$$ apple crumble that tastes like an explosion of fall in your mouth—I will NEVER FORGET IT.

Sip on Some Cider—Did I mention you can drive to an APPLE CIDER MILL WHERE YOU CAN HAVE APPLE CIDER? Scott and I love Cold Hollow Cider Mill and would recommend it to anyone as a stop on their New England fall road trip itinerary.

Hop on a Zipline—get up close and personal with the fall foliage by hopping on one of the longest ziplines in the country!

Take a Brewery Tour—Enjoy some hard cider and locally brewed beers on a 5 hour, small group tour!

Click here to book your Stowe day tour!

Insider Tip: Want to see it all? Book an epic day tour that will take you to Smuggler’s Notch, the Cider Mill, Ben & Jerry’s, downtown Stowe, and the Outdoor Center at the Trapp Family Lodge for some epic views of the Green Mountains!

Smugglers’ Notch State Park

Most folks come here to explore Smuggler’s Notch Pass.

Smuggler’s Notch Pass goes through Vermont and has some fantastic New England views!

It’s well-known for its extremely windy road that bobs and weaves through endless fall colors in Vermont’s Green Mountains—don’t skip the drive!

You can spend a chill day in nature enjoying one of the Smuggler’s picnic areas.

To learn more about the park, visit VTStateParks.com.

Insider Tip: If you want to hike around, check out Hellbrook Trail, Sterling Pond Trail, or Long Trail.

Where to Stay in Stowe, VT

Stowe is the place to book a BOUJIE hotel. This is a bucket list type town, and there are some beautiful resorts!

Check them out:

Timberholm Inn ($$)—The Timberholm Inn is tucked away in the Stowe mountains. This is the perfect place to get your cabin fix in a cozy environment that’ll put you in the middle of prime fall foliage! 

The Stowehof Hotel ($$)—Staying at The Stowehof will make you feel like you’re in a European country. The views here are spectacular, but the interior is extra special. The beautiful fireplaces and library you can enjoy will be the perfect places to rest up after a long day of exploring! Fab location too.

Green Mountain Inn ($$)—Located in Stowe’s Historic Center is this magical inn with an ornate lobby, romantic rooms, and a heated pool you’ll love! Being in the center of town will put you in the middle of all the action.

Insider Tip: If you want a shorter trip, check out my guide on a fall weekend in Vermont!

Day 9—Lake Placid and the Adirondacks

Day 9 in Sum (Total Drive Time: ~3 hours)

• Morning: Drive to Adirondacks
• Afternoon: Explore Heart Lake or Indian Head
• Evening: See Lake Placid
• Stay: Crowne Plaza Lake Placid, Mirror Lake Inn, High Peaks Resort

The drive from Stowe, VT to the Lake Placid, NY area will be about 2 hours! This is outside of New England but it’s worth the drive.

Adirondacks

When you arrive, head into the High Peaks Wilderness and hike Indian Pass and Heart Lake Loop Trail.

Heart Lake Loop is a little over a mile and is a GORGEOUS fall foliage hike! 

You can read about parking for the trailhead on the Lake Placid website.

Another hike I highly recommend you do is Indian Head and Rainbow Falls. It’s an easy 11mi hike that will lead to a stunning fjord-type formation surrounded by fall colors! 

After your hike, grab a caffeine fix at Old Mountain Coffee Company in Keene, NY. 

They sell chocolate bars there, and I have never had better chocolate—grab one!

Insider Tip: Alternatively, you can go to Mirror Lake and walk the shoreline—another popular destination in the area.

Lake Placid

Lake Placid, New York, is known for its access to the outdoors and, more notably, the winter Olympics—and it’s where you’ll stay for the night!

Mirror Lake sits in the town center.

When you get here, I recommend taking a walk in the downtown area.

It is quaint, cute, and ADORABLE in the fall and has lake views everywhere.

You can shop along Main Street, grab a pastry, or rent a canoe and coast along Mirror Lake.

OR, if you want an authentic New England fall foliage adventure, you can get a view of the foliage from above by booking a scenic flight with Payne’s Air Service.

Insider Tip: For food, I suggest capping off your last official day in your fall road trip in New England with a drink and some food at Lisa G’s!

Woodstock, Vermont (Alternative)

If seeing the Adirondacks doesn’t feel like your vibe, I recommend staying in Stowe, VT, another night and taking a day trip to Woodstock, Vermont.

The drive will be about an hour.

You can enjoy more of Vermont’s fall foliage when you’re there and explore the quaint Woodstock area.

We’ll talk more about Woodstock, VT in our “BONUS” stops section—keep reading!

Insider Tip: Woodstock is also home to the Sleepy Hollow Farm—a must-see for spooky fall vibes!

Where to Stay in Lake Placid, NY

Like Stowe, Lake Placid has some amazing places to stay.

Here are my recommendations based on previous trips I took here:

Crowne Plaza Lake Placid ($$)—This amazing hotel includes all the amenities you need for an extra comfortable stay and has a GORGEOUS view overlooking Mirror Lake.

Mirror Lake Inn ($$$)—A fantastic property overlooking Mirror Lake that has the perfect spa to end your trip with. The entire time you’re there, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Adirondacks!

High Peaks Resort ($$)—Located right in the middle of all the action, this gorgeous resort has private beach access you can use to enjoy Mirror Lake and the surrounding foliage. Pet-friendly too!

Insider Tip: Tomorrow will be a travel day back to Albany, New York!

Day 10—Drive to Albany, NY

Day 10 in Sum (Total Drive Time: ~2 hours)

• Morning: Drive to Albany, NY
• Stay: Albany, NY, or depart

Now it’s time to wrap up our New England fall road trip!

Drive to Albany

This day is short and sweet.

You’ll be driving the 2-hour drive back to Albany, New York, where you might be departing, or you will stay the night and leave the next day. 

Either way, plan your travel accordingly!

If you have time to grab coffee before leaving Lake Placid, I suggest trying The Coffee Bar!

The lake views here are *chef’s kiss* and will be a great way to cap off your leaf-peeping New England adventure.

Otherwise, that’s a wrap!

Let’s quickly discuss what this trip would look like if you started in Boston, MA.

Insider Tip: Additionally, you can head to the New York Catskills to see more fall foliage (covered in the bonus sections).

BONUS New England Fall Road Trip Itineraries

Let’s quickly go over the other ways you call pull this trip off.

After this, we’ll talk about bonus stops!

10-Day Fall Road Trip in New England Starting in Boston

Alternatively, you can arrive at the Boston-Logan International Airport and drive 2 hours to Conway, NH. 

This would mean your first night would be in Conway, NH. 

You would then proceed with days: 2 through 8 from the Albany itinerary.

Then, on day 9, head towards Boston and stop in Woodstock, VT.

Woodstock, VT is where you can see the Sleepy Hollow Farm. 

Finally, on day 10, you can explore Boston, MA, and prepare to depart!

The map below illustrates what your route would look like.

Click here for a live version of the map!

5 Day New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary

Only have five days?

I recommend flying into Manchester, NH, and focusing your time and efforts on seeing New Hampshire and Vermont.

In that case, fly into Manchester, NH, and drive about 2 hours to Conway, NH.

With Conway as your hub, you can have a BLAST exploring the White Mountains (days 2 through 4) AND make a stop in Stowe, VT (day 8).

If you end in Stowe, you’ll have a 2.5-hour drive back to the Manchester area. 

Click here for a live version of the map!

3 Day Fall Foliage Trip

If you only have three days to work with, I suggest exploring New Hampshire fall foliage.

You can spend three days going around the White Mountains and have a fantastic time!

A road trip like this would look similar to days 2 through 4 on our extensive itinerary.

You’d fly into Manchester, NH, and stay in Conway, NH.

If you’re up for it, take a day trip to Stowe from Conway (about a 2.5-hour drive).

Click here for a live version of the map!

New England Fall Foliage Bonus Stops

Regardless of where you start your trip, you should know that there are plenty of unique places we didn’t cover!

Want to switch things up or add additional destinations to your fall road trips in New England?

This section is for you.

Sleepy Hollow Farm in Woodstock, VT

Spend an extra night in Stowe and take a day trip to Woodstock’s Sleepy Hollow Farm. It’s possibly one of the most photogenic farms in Vermont. The best part?

The farm is less than an hour from Stowe, so you don’t have to drive too far! 

If you can, I recommend exploring Woodstock during the day.

You’ll enjoy some hella New England vibes and great coffee (like at Soulfully Good Cafe). 

Connecticut

If you’re looking to switch it up, add Connecticut to your list!

During your East Coast fall road trip, you can opt to take Route 9 through the Connecticut River Valley. 

And if you want a unique way to see fall colors, ride on the historic Essex Steam Train! 

The Essex will take you on a scenic journey through some of Connecticut’s most beautiful fall views. 

For an authentic leaf-peeping New England experience, try a fall foliage cruise (available in other New England states too).

Portland, Maine

There is so much to do in Portland, Maine!

You can go apple picking or even take a tour of a Sugar House where a farmer will let you try some of their fresh maple syrup. 

For example, Merrifield Farm and Sugar Shack have maple cotton candy and fresh vanilla ice cream with maple syrup visitors can buy.

Of course, you can get pancakes here too!

AND…AND, if you want to have a real Portland, Maine experience, you can book a fall foliage private sightseeing cruise. 

Honestly, I don’t think it gets any more New England than that.

Make sure you grab a lobster roll and head to Portland Head Light too!

Catskills, New York

This region ended up being one of my favorite spots during my fall road trips in New England!

The Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway is a great place to end your fall foliage adventure. 

Minnewaska State Park will make all your leaf-peeping dreams come true! For some of the better foliage views, hike to Kaaterskill Falls. 

If you’re into cabin vibes, I suggest booking a stay in a luxe country home like this for the night.

It is spacious and has a hot tub, one of my favorite ways to end a long trip. 

The Lake Minnewaska area is about 2 hours from Albany airport.

Finger Lakes Area

In New York, I suggest visiting Taughannock Falls State Park or Watkins Glen at some point on your New England fall road trip itinerary. 

Both of these stops are in the Finger Lakes National Forest area.

It’s a bit out of the way, but it could be worth the visit if you want to explore more of New York.

You can also opt to visit the Seneca Lake area and do a whole Seneca Lake Wine Tasting Tour. 

Overall

I have PACKED this New England fall road trip itinerary with some of my best fall color recommendations.

Whether you’re a fellow PSL lover or just a fan of autumn, I genuinely hope you enjoy your East Coast fall road trip! If you want to see more epic fall adventures, I recommend checking out my New England blogs!

If you enjoyed this blog, please share it on Pinterest!

The post Perfect New England Fall Road Trip: 10, 5, 3 Day Itinerary 2023 appeared first on Dani The Explorer.

As an Arizona native, I’ll be pulling from my local experience to make sure you have the best trip possible. Let’s dive in! We’ll start with some must-know trip planning details.

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How Many Days Are Enough for Arizona?

The ideal duration for an Arizona trip depends on your travel goals and attractions of interest. While a short trip of 3-4 days covers some highlights, I recommend at least 7 days for a deeper immersion in the state’s diverse landscapes, cities, and unique experiences.

A 7-day Arizona road trip itinerary includes Phoenix, national parks like Saguaro, Petrified Forest, and the Grand Canyon, as well as Sedona, Monument Valley, and Antelope Canyon with Horseshoe Bend.

With 10-14 days, explore each location further, participate in activities like stargazing, river rafting, and off-roading, or visit additional attractions like Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, and Jerome. You can also use this time to do an Arizona Utah road trip!

At the end of the day, the length of your Arizona trip depends on your interests and preferred pace, but regardless of the duration, you’re sure to create lasting memories and discover unforgettable sights.

What is the Best Month for an Arizona Road Trip?

The best months for an Arizona road trip are spring (March-May) and fall (September-November), offering pleasant weather and moderate temperatures perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Spring brings mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers, while fall provides cooler temperatures and stunning fall colors in higher elevations.

Summer (June-August) is scorching hot, limiting outdoor activities, while winter (December-February) can be cold in northern regions with snowfall and freezing temperatures at the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. However, winters are milder in southern Arizona.

In conclusion, spring and fall are ideal for an Arizona road trip, providing favorable weather to explore the state’s diverse landscapes and enjoy outdoor adventures.

Where to Start and End Your Arizona Road Trip

Start in Phoenix, Arizona, home to the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, which offers numerous flight connections. In addition, Phoenix is an excellent base for exploring the city’s landmarks and the nearby Superstition Mountains!

Choose Phoenix or Flagstaff as your ending point, depending on flight options and travel preferences. Both cities have airports with connections to various destinations.

Ending in Phoenix completes an entire state loop and allows one to revisit the city before departure. Allow approximately 3.5 hours for the drive from the Grand Canyon South Rim.

Ending in Flagstaff, just 1.5 hours from the Grand Canyon South Rim, offers a charming city experience before departure. Flagstaff Pulliam Airport provides convenient flight options.

No matter where you start and end your Arizona road trip, plan your itinerary carefully and maximize your time exploring this beautiful state!

Arizona Road Trip Itinerary (7 Days) At a Glance + Map

• Day 1: Phoenix – City Exploration and Superstition Mountains
• Day 2: Saguaro National Park and Tucson
• Day 3: Sedona – Red Rock Adventures and Spiritual Vortexes 
• Day 4: Petrified Forest National Park and Canyon de Chelly 
• Day 5: Monument Valley and Valley of the Gods (optional)
• Day 6: Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Lake Powell
• Day 7: Grand Canyon National Park

Below is a map of your itinerary and the stops you’ll make along the way. You can click here for a live version of the map to use on your trip!

Since you’ll be visiting national parks and Sedona, remember to grab your America the Beautiful Pass!

Arrival

The best place to start your Arizona adventure is by flying into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, which offers numerous flights from various destinations. Try to arrive in the morning or early afternoon to make the most of your first day in Phoenix.

Upon arrival, you can explore the nearby Desert Botanical Garden, only a 15-minute drive from the airport, or visit the popular Roosevelt Row Arts District for a taste of the city’s vibrant art scene.

If you’re hungry, head to Matt’s Big Breakfast, a local favorite serving delicious all-day breakfast dishes, or indulge in authentic Mexican cuisine at Barrio Café.

Day 1: Phoenix – City Exploration and Superstition Mountains

Morning

Begin your Arizona adventure in the heart of Phoenix. If you didn’t already, Start by visiting the Desert Botanical Garden, where you’ll discover the stunning beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Next, dive into the city’s thriving art scene with stops at the Phoenix Art Museum. I also recommend visiting Scottsdale where you can even take a bike tour around the waterfront (an Instagrammable Scottsdale spot).

Coffee lover? Try Berdena’s or another Scottsdale coffee shop!

Old Town Scottsdale also has some greta places to eat if you’re hungry (I love Herbox for brunch)— you should read: The Best Day Trips from Scottsdale, AZ

Afternoon

After lunch, make your way east to the mysterious Superstition Mountains. This rugged wilderness area is perfect for an afternoon of outdoor adventure. Next, take on the Peralta Trail, a moderately challenging hike that rewards you with panoramic views of the desert landscape and unique rock formations.

Alternatively, you can head to Lost Dutchman State Park or the Apache Trail in the Supers— both are a great addition to your Arizona road trip 7 days! For lunch, head to one of the top-rated local eateries when hunger strikes for a delicious meal.

Consider trying the farm-to-table cuisine at FnB or the Caribbean-inspired dishes at The Breadfruit & Rum Bar.

Evening

As the sun sets, return to Phoenix for a night of delectable Southwestern cuisine. Sample the innovative dishes at Barrio Café, known for its unique take on Mexican food, or enjoy a memorable meal at Ocotillo, which offers a contemporary twist on American classics.

And of course, there are tons of food options and bars in Scottsdale that you can enjoy instead!

P.S. I recommend reading my guide on the most Instagrammable spots in Phoenix!

Accommodation

Rest up for the next day’s adventures at one of the area’s excellent accommodations. For an upscale experience, book a room at the historic Arizona Biltmore or the Cuban-inspired Scott Resort in Scottsdale.

However, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider the stylish boutique hotel FOUND:RE Phoenix.

Day 2: Saguaro National Park and Tucson

Morning

On your second day, head south from Phoenix to Saguaro National Park, an iconic desert landscape filled with the majestic Saguaro cacti. Split into two districts, the park offers a variety of trails for all levels of hikers. Consider hiking the Valley View Overlook Trail in the Tucson Mountain District (West), offering stunning vistas.

In the Rincon Mountain District (East), the easy Cactus Forest Loop Drive presents an opportunity for a scenic drive through the park.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon exploring Tucson’s unique cultural attractions. Visit the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, a combined zoo, botanical garden, and natural history museum that showcases the region’s diverse flora and fauna. Then, step back in time at the San Xavier del Bac Mission, a beautifully restored 18th-century mission church.

After working up an appetite, head into Tucson for a well-deserved meal. El Charro Café, the nation’s oldest Mexican restaurant, offers a taste of history alongside mouthwatering dishes.

Alternatively, try the innovative fusion cuisine at The Tasteful Kitchen.

Evening

As evening approaches, indulge in Tucson’s thriving food scene. Dine at the popular Mi Nidito, which offers a famous menu of Mexican cuisine.

For a more casual experience, head to the bustling Mercado San Agustín, a public market featuring a variety of food stalls and local vendors.

Accommodation

Rest for the night at one of Tucson’s comfortable lodgings. Consider booking a room at the Omni or the JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa for a luxurious stay.

Budget-conscious travelers can choose the La Posada Lodge & Casitas.

Day 3: Sedona – Red Rock Adventures and Spiritual Vortexes

Morning

Begin the third day of your 7 day Arizona road trip itinerary with a scenic drive north to the enchanting town of Sedona. Surrounded by red rock formations, Sedona offers a variety of outdoor activities. Start by hiking the iconic Cathedral Rock Trail, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

For this hike and many others in Sedona, you’ll need a Red Rock Pass.

If you need alternative hikes, I suggest ready my guide on easy hikes in Sedona, AZ!

Afternoon

Sedona is known for its spiritual vortexes, which are said to be areas of concentrated energy conducive to healing and meditation. Visit the Airport Mesa, Bell Rock, or Boynton Canyon vortexes for a unique, restorative experience. Alternatively, explore more of the area’s natural beauty by hiking the West Fork Oak Creek Trail or renting a mountain bike to tackle the trails.

After your morning hike, refuel with a delicious meal at one of Sedona’s excellent eateries.

Enjoy farm-to-table cuisine at the ChocolaTree Organic Oasis, or indulge in creative Southwestern dishes at Elote Café.

Evening

As the sun sets, take a moment to appreciate Sedona’s vibrant arts scene. Browse the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village for local artwork, or catch a live performance at the Sedona Performing Arts Center. If you’re up for hiking, there are plenty of great Sedona sunset hikes to enjoy!

For dinner, try the Italian-inspired cuisine at Dahl & Di Luca Ristorante Italiano or the eclectic menu at Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill.

Accommodation

Choose from Sedona’s wide range of accommodations to suit your preferences. For a luxurious experience, book a room at the Amara Resort or the Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa (The Wilde Resort).

Budget-friendly options include the charming Southwest Inn at Sedona or the centrally-located Sky Ranch Lodge.

For more options, check out my guide on the best boutique hotels in Sedona!

Day 4: Petrified Forest National Park and Canyon de Chelly

Morning

Rise early and head east to Petrified Forest National Park, a fascinating landscape filled with colorful petrified wood, ancient fossils, and striking badlands. Begin your visit at the Rainbow Forest Museum, where you can learn about the park’s history and geology.

Then, explore the park’s main attractions, including the Giant Logs Trail, Blue Mesa, and the Painted Desert Inn.

Afternoon

Continue your journey to the remarkable Canyon de Chelly National Monument, home to towering sandstone cliffs, lush valleys, and ancient Ancestral Puebloan ruins. Take a self-guided tour along the North or South Rim drives, stopping at the many overlooks for stunning views of the canyon.

For a more immersive experience, consider joining a guided tour led by a Navajo guide, which will allow you to access the canyon floor and learn about the area’s rich history and culture. While options are limited inside the park, you can pack a picnic lunch to enjoy amidst the unique surroundings.

Alternatively, head to nearby Holbrook for a bite at one of the local diners, such as Joe & Aggie’s Café or Tom & Suzie’s Diner.

Evening

As you wrap up your day of exploration, dine at the Thunderbird Lodge Cafeteria, which offers a variety of Navajo and American dishes. Relax and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of the canyon as the sun sets.

Tomorrow you’ll head closer to Utah!

Accommodation

Spend the night within the Navajo Nation at the Thunderbird Lodge, which offers basic but comfortable rooms. Alternatively, consider staying in Chinle at the Best Western Canyon de Chelly Inn or the Holiday Inn Canyon de Chelly.

These options provide easy access to the park and a range of amenities for a restful night.

Day 5: Monument Valley and Valley of the Gods (optional)

Morning

On day five, venture north to the iconic Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, a mesmerizing landscape of sandstone buttes and mesas featured in countless movies and photographs. Start at the visitor center to learn about the area’s geology and Navajo culture. Then, embark on the 17-mile Valley Drive, a self-guided tour that winds past some of the park’s most famous landmarks, such as the Mittens, the Three Sisters, and John Ford’s Point.

Next up you have an optional adventure!

Afternoon

For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, consider heading to the nearby Valley of the Gods. This lesser-known destination features striking sandstone formations and a serene atmosphere, perfect for hiking or taking a scenic drive.

While it lacks the amenities of Monument Valley, the Valley of the Gods offers an opportunity to connect with the breathtaking beauty of the Southwest in a more intimate setting. Savor a meal at The View Restaurant, which offers a variety of Navajo and American dishes, along with stunning panoramas of the valley.

Alternatively, pack a picnic lunch to enjoy amidst the dramatic scenery.

Evening

Return to Monument Valley and take in the unforgettable sight of the sandstone formations glowing in the warm hues of the setting sun. For dinner, enjoy a traditional Navajo meal at one of the nearby trading posts, such as the historic Goulding’s Trading Post.

Tomorrow you’ll be exploring some of the nearby, photogenic attractions, so pack your camera!

Accommodation

Spend the night in Monument Valley for a truly immersive experience. The View Hotel offers comfortable rooms with unparalleled views of the iconic landscape.

Alternatively, opt for a unique stay at a traditional Navajo hogan, like those offered by Tear Drop Arch Bed & Breakfast or Monument Valley Tipi Village.

Day 6: Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Lake Powell

Morning

Begin day six with a drive to Page, Arizona, home to the mesmerizing Antelope Canyon. This slot canyon, famous for its smooth, flowing sandstone walls and dramatic shafts of light, can only be visited via guided tours. Choose between the Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon, each offering a unique experience.

Be sure to book your tour well in advance, as spots fill up quickly!

Afternoon

Continue your day of exploration by visiting the breathtaking Horseshoe Bend. A short hike from the parking area leads you to an overlook with awe-inspiring views of the Colorado River as it winds around the distinctive rock formation.

Afterward, head to Lake Powell, a vast reservoir offering endless opportunities for water-based activities, such as boating, fishing, and swimming. After your Antelope Canyon tour, head to one of Page’s local eateries for a satisfying meal.

Big John’s Texas BBQ and the Blue Buddha Sushi Lounge are popular options, offering a variety of flavors to suit any palate.

Evening

As the day comes to a close, dine at one of Page’s delicious restaurants. Enjoy a hearty meal at the State 48 Tavern or savor Italian cuisine at the family-owned Bonkers Restaurant.

Tomorrow, you’ll be driving down to Grand Canyon National Park for the next part of your 7 day Arizona road trip!

Accommodation

Rest up for your final day of adventure at one of Page’s comfortable lodging options. For a touch of luxury, consider the Courtyard by Marriott Page at Lake Powell or the Lake Powell Resort.

Budget-conscious travelers can choose the La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Page at Lake Powell or the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Page – Lake Powell Area.

Day 7: Grand Canyon National Park

Morning

On the final day of your Arizona road trip, set out early for the grand finale: the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon National Park. Enter the park through the South Rim, where you’ll find the visitor center, numerous overlooks, and trailheads. While you’re here, I also recommend reading my Phoenix to Sedona to Grand Canyon itinerary blog!

Make sure you have your America the Beautiful Pass!

Start your day with a stroll along the Rim Trail, which offers unparalleled views of the canyon and is suitable for all fitness levels.

Afternoon

After lunch, explore more of the park’s natural wonders by hiking part of the Bright Angel Trail or the South Kaibab Trail. Both trails descend into the canyon, offering unique perspectives on its grandeur.

Remember to allow ample time for your return hike, as the ascent can be challenging. If you want to see a great view, stop at Ooh Aah Point on South Kaibab Trail!

If you prefer a more leisurely activity, take a scenic drive along the Desert View Drive, which features multiple viewpoints and the striking Desert View Watchtower. For a memorable dining experience, consider having lunch at the historic El Tovar Dining Room, which offers a variety of dishes and panoramic views of the canyon.

Alternatively, grab a bite at the Bright Angel Lodge or the Maswik Food Court.

Evening

As the sun sets on your unforgettable Arizona adventure, find a spot along the rim to take in the breathtaking sight of the canyon bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun. Reflect on the incredible experiences and memories you’ve created throughout your journey.

Tomorrow, you’ll head to your departure location!

Accommodation

Spend your final night in Arizona at one of the South Rim’s lodgings. For a historic experience, book a room at the iconic El Tovar Hotel or the rustic Bright Angel Lodge. Other options within the park include the Kachina Lodge, Thunderbird Lodge, and Maswik Lodge.

Alternatively, consider staying in the nearby town of Tusayan, which offers a range of accommodations, such as The Grand Hotel or the Holiday Inn Express Grand Canyon.

Departure

On the final day of your adventure, plan to depart from either Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport or Flagstaff Pulliam Airport, depending on your travel preferences and flight options. If you’re flying out of Flagstaff, consider exploring the charming downtown area and grabbing a bite at Tourist Home All Day Café or Diablo Burger before your departure.

If your departure is from Phoenix, make sure to allow enough time for the approximately 3.5-hour drive from the Grand Canyon South Rim. You can stop in Sedona or Flagstaff along the way for a meal and a chance to reminisce about your unforgettable 7 day Arizona road trip itinerary!

If you have more time, check out Edge of the World, Flagstaff before you leave!

And that concludes your trip!

Arizona Road Trip Add-Ons

If you want to extend your Arizona itinerary 7 days, consider adding these extra destinations and activities. From exploring neighboring Utah’s national parks on a road trip to discovering additional hidden gems within Arizona, there’s no shortage of incredible experiences to make your trip even more unforgettable.

By adding these extra destinations and activities to your Arizona road trip, you’ll be able to explore more of the region’s diverse landscapes and delve deeper into the rich history and culture of the area.

Vermilion Cliffs National Monument: Located in northern Arizona, Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is a lesser-known gem with stunning sandstone formations, including the famous Wave. A permit is required to hike to the Wave, and it’s a challenging, off-the-beaten-path adventure.

Utah National Parks: Extend your road trip to visit Utah’s “Mighty 5” national parks: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands. These parks offer breathtaking landscapes, unique geological formations, and thrilling outdoor activities such as hiking, canyoneering, and scenic drives.

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument: Situated near the Arizona-Mexico border, this national monument showcases the unique beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Drive the scenic Ajo Mountain Drive or hike one of the many trails to admire the diverse cactus species and desert landscapes.

Jerome: A historic copper mining town, Jerome offers a glimpse into Arizona’s past. Perched on the side of Cleopatra Hill, the town is filled with art galleries, museums, and eclectic shops. Don’t miss a visit to the Jerome State Historic Park for insights into the town’s mining history.

Kartchner Caverns State Park: Explore the fascinating underground world of Kartchner Caverns, an extensive limestone cave system with guided tours showcasing its stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations.

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park: Discover the world’s largest natural travertine bridge at this state park near Payson. Hike the park’s trails to witness the impressive natural bridge and surrounding lush vegetation, or enjoy a peaceful picnic in the park.

Whether it’s extending your trip to Utah or venturing into Arizona’s lesser-known attractions, these add-ons will create a truly unforgettable experience!

Final Thoughts on Arizona 7 Day Road Trip Itinerary

Embrace the beauty, culture, and adventure that this desert state has to offer in this epic 7-day Arizona road trip. From exploring the mysteries of the Superstition Mountains to marveling at the grandeur of the Grand Canyon, this itinerary will provide memories that last a lifetime.

As you journey through this breathtaking state, don’t forget to indulge in the local cuisine and immerse yourself in the spirit of the Southwest. Happy travels!

The post Perfect 7 Day Arizona Road Trip Itinerary | Local Recs appeared first on Dani The Explorer.

This sort of road trip features the best of AZ, with the perfect balance of adventure time and sightseeing. Sounds yummy, right?

In this blog, I’m pulling from my experience as a local to help you plan an epic Phoenix Sedona Grand Canyon trip that’ll have you see some of the best destinations Arizona has to offer and then some!

And as if these three epic spots weren’t enough, the in-between destinations are even better. So don’t worry, you’ll see exactly what I’m talking about very soon.

When you’re done with this blog, you should read these Southwest guides:

• Best Day Trips from Scottsdale
• Arizona Utah Road Trip Itinerary
• Sedona Travel Guide for First Timers

Sooooo, let’s begin! First, we’ll start with some details on how to plan your trip then we’ll jump into the itinerary.

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Disclaimer: Hey explorer! This post contains affiliate links which means I earn a small percentage of each purchase made through my links. I only ever recommend products I believe in and appreciate your support if you decide to use my links—thank you!

FREE US National Park Checklist

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Planning Your Phoenix to Sedona to Grand Canyon Trip

• When to Go: February to May. Summer is a bit too hot!
• Distance from Phoenix to Sedona to Grand Canyon: About 230 miles
• Trip Length: 5 Days 
• Fly: For the best tickets, check KAYAK. Fly into Phoenix, AZ, to start your trip!
• Rental Car: KAYAK can help you find the best rental car prices! You will not need a 4×4.
• Rental Campervan: Rent a campervan using Outdoorsy!
• Stay: We’ll discuss where to stay for each day in your itinerary!
• Fees: Red Rock pass for Sedona ($5) and National Park entry ($35). Bypass both fees with an America The Beautiful Pass ($79.99).

The Phoenix to the Grand Canyon drive time is about 4 hours, but this trip is best enjoyed when split into 5 days. 5 days will give you enough time to see all the best AZ attractions without rushing.

Arizona Trip Map

Here is a map I made for you to reference! You can click here to see a live version of that map that you can reference during your road trip.

Your Phoenix Sedona Grand Canyon Itinerary

• Day 1 – Sedona
• Day 2 – Flagstaff
• Day 3 – Grand Canyon National Park
• Day 4 – Back to Phoenix area
• Day 5 – Superstition Mountains

Now that you understand how to best road trip Phoenix to Sedona to Grand Canyon National Park, we’ll discuss the itinerary! The best scenic drive from Phoenix to Grand Canyon National Park will be along the I17, including stops in Sedona and Flagstaff.

That’s why your itinerary is organized the way it is! Let’s dive in!

Each day is split into morning, afternoon, and evening itineraries.

Day 1 — Phoenix to Sedona, AZ

• Total Drive Time: 2 Hours
• Time Exploring: 1 Day
• Stay: Courtyard Marriott, Sedona, Baby Quail Inn, a Sedona vacation rental
• Eat: Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Kitchen Sedona, Whole Foods, Casa Sedona, Elote Cafe
• Fees: Red Rock Pass ($5) or America The Beautiful Pass

Morning to Afternoon

After arriving in Arizona through the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, grab your rental car and make your way north to Sedona. You’ll get your first mountain views while passing through Black Canyon during your drive.

BUT, the real magic begins when you enter Red Rock Country. You’ll spend one day in Sedona but it’ll be amazing!

Once there, you’ll be greeted with your first views of Sedona red rock formations—what a treat! Ultimately passing through Sedona and taking the Red Rock Scenic Byway will be the best scenic drive from Phoenix to Grand Canyon National Park.

So you won’t want to skip this!

Once you’ve gotten to Sedona, opt for a hike! There are a plethora of Sedona hiking trails you can explore. Here are some of the popular choices:

• Devil’s Bridge Trail — 4.2 mile round trip hike from Dry Creek Road. Brings you to a natural bridge you can walk on. 
• Bell Rock Vortex — A unique adventure that takes you around and to the top of one of Sedona’s vortexes.
• Soldier Pass — Great trail for adventurous hikers. Features secret arches, 7 Sacred Pools, and more! 4 miles round trip.

Make sure you bring sunscreen, a hat, sturdy hiking boots, and a good camera (Sony a6400 or Sony a7RIII)!

If you want to squeeze in multiple hikes today, I suggest going with an easy Sedona hike for now!

Afternoon to Evening

Alas, your Phoenix, Sedona and Grand Canyon itinerary continues! Red Rock Crossing is a famous Sedona sunset hike and is worth the visit.

You’ll be in awe of the view you get of Cathedral Rock from afar! The most beautiful orange and red light dances on the rocks: a sight you will never forget.

Alternatively, you can take the classic Cathedral Rock Vortex trail — an iconic hike to one of the best red rock views! Hike is 1.4 miles round trip.

The easiest way to get here will be through the Crescent Moon Day Use Site ($11). If you come here earlier, you can spend the day swimming before sunset hits.

And hey! If you want to spend more time in Sedona, I recommend checking out my guide on how to spend 3 days in Sedona.

After spending a day hiking in Sedona, it’s time to move on to Flagstaff! You’ll spend one night in Flagstaff before heading to the Grand Canyon.

Day 2 — Halfway Point in Your Phoenix Sedona Grand Canyon Itinerary

• Total Drive Time: 48 Minutes
• Time Exploring: 1 Day
• Stay: Little America Hotel, Courtyard Flagstaff
• Eat: Diablo Burger, Satchmo’s, El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant
• Fees: None

Morning

Before you depart, you can do a morning hike in Sedona to kick off the day! Doe Mountain Trail for sunrise is an easy option.

Alternatively, you can hike to Birthing Cave, which is also excellent for sunrise. If that doesn’t suit you, then head straight to Flagstaff.

I love Flagstaff for many reasons: it’s a cute ski town, has great places to eat, and is COVERED with wildflowers every spring. And guess what? It’s a famous hiking city too.

But before we get into all of that, start your day in Flagstaff at a Flagstaff staple: Macy’s European Coffeehouse. So grab a latte or hot apple cider, a muffin, or scone, and enjoy!

Macy’s is located in the heart of Flagstaff, allowing you to explore the downtown area when you’re done.

Afternoon

There are many things to do in Flagstaff, but I recommend seeing an Arizona hidden gem: Grand Falls!

Grand Falls has to be one of the most underrated spots in Northern Arizona! Picture a giant waterfall cascading into the Colorado River, and you’ll be envisioning something half as good as Grand Falls.

This waterfall only flows when enough snowmelt from the mountains, so you need to time your Arizona road trip just right! This is another reason why spring is an excellent time to go.

Your drive to Grand Falls will take about an hour on a dirt road. Once there, you can explore the main viewpoint and take a ton of pictures!

Evening

If you have time, head to the Humphreys Peak area (Snowbowl), which is about a 30-minute drive from the center of Flagstaff. Once there, you’ll get to admire the San Francisco peaks and Arizona’s tallest mountain, Humphrey, in all of its glory!

Afterwards, head to dinner and call it a night.

At some point during the day you might want to stop at a grocery store to get some food and snacks for your day at the Grand Canyon!

Day 3 — Grand Canyon National Park South Rim

• Total Drive Time: 2 Hours
• Time Exploring: 1 Day
• Stay: Under Canvas Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon Lodges
• Eat: In the park!
• Fees: Park Entry ($35) or America The Beautiful Pass

Morning

If you wake up early enough and are comfortable making the drive up, get out of Flagstaff early and head to Mather Point! Mather Point is one of the best spots for sunrise in the Grand Canyon and is sure to be a showstopper!

Yavapai Point is another excellent choice too. 

Afternoon

The best views of the Grand Canyon come from hiking below the rim! An easy option is hiking South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point.

This is a 1.8 miles round trip journey. Beware that hiking down is the easy point, but hiking back up will be the real test!

You really can’t beat the views from South Kaibab, so if you were debating this trail or Bright Angel, go with South Kaibab.

Evening

Hopi Point will undoubtedly be busy when you get there to watch the sunset, but the views are spectacular! Expect the Canyon to glow in the most gorgeous purples, and reds that look like someone is hand-painting the view right before your eyes.

Another choice is to go to Mohave or Yavapai Point if you didn’t see one of them earlier in the day.

After your sunset mission, get some sleep! Tomorrow will be a long drive day.

Day 4 — Make Your Way Back to Phoenix

• Total Drive Time: 4 Hours
• Time Exploring: 1 Day
• Stay: The Scott Resort and Spa, Andaz Scottsdale Resort, Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
• Eat: Diego Pops, Canal Club
• Fees: None

Morning

A four-hour drive will lead you back to Phoenix, Arizona. Don’t worry, though, we’ll break your drive up a bit before you go!

BUT, if you want to make your way to Utah for an Arizona Utah road trip, you can do that too ;).

Before you officially leave, stop at one of the Grand Canyon viewpoints for one last look at the Canyon’s beauty! If you feel like you’ve seen enough, you can skip this and start your drive back to Phoenix. 

Afternoon

At about the 2 hours and 45-minute mark, you will have passed Flagstaff and Sedona. To see something new, head to Jerome!

Jerome is an old mining town located in the mountains. It’s known for its “haunted” destinations, among other things. Stop here to walk about the charming main street area and grab some food!

A popular destination is The Haunted Hamburger.

In about 2 more hours, you’ll arrive in Scottsdale, AZ! This is where you’ll spend the night and spend your last day in Arizona.

Once you’ve arrived, check in at your hotel! Before check-in, leave your luggage with the front desk and head over to Old Town if you have some time.

Evening

Old Town Scottsdale is an easy place to explore after all the driving you just did. You can head to dinner at one of their restaurants like Diego Pops or Canal Club, do some shopping, or walk around to some of the most Instagrammable places in Scottsdale.

P.S. You should also read my guide on things to do in Scottsdale, AZ!

Of course, if you’re in the mood for a drink Old Town Scottsdale has an excellent nightlife!

Day 5 — Last Day of Your Phoenix to Grand Canyon Road Trip

• Total Drive Time: n/a
• Time Exploring: 1 Day
• Stay: The Scott Resort and Spa, Andaz Scottsdale Resort, Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
• Eat: Diego Pops, Canal Club
• Fees: None

Morning to Afternoon

There are tons of fantastic day trips from Scottsdale, but for your last day in AZ, I suggest you head to the Superstition Mountains. The Supers are a mountain range unique to Arizona and often skipped over when folks visit!

This day trip from Scottsdale is about a 45 minute drive.

You can choose to hike around Flat Iron in Lost Dutchman State Park or take a boat ride in Canyon Lake. However, my favorite thing to do in the Superstitions, and what I recommend for your Arizona road trip, is taking a ride up towards Tortilla Flats and the Apache Trail.

The drive will blow you away and be a great way to see it!

P.S. You should also read my post on how to spend one day in Phoenix!

Some popular hiking trails in these mountains include Peralta Trail and the Wave Cave.

Evening

Once you’re done in the Supers, you can head back to Old Town Scottsdale or your hotel. If you’re in the mood to do something else, drive to the Desert Botanical Gardens or catch the sunset at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve!

But, of course, you can also relax at your hotel and prepare to depart tomorrow.

Day 6 — Depart Arizona

Depending on how much time you have today, you can totally do something else in the Scottsdale area like a sunrise hot air balloon ride (adventurous, ha!), or relax at your hotel before leaving.

But today is when you’ll be making your trip back home!

While there is so much more to see in Arizona, hopefully this road trip gave you a good taste of what the state has to offer! I know you’ll enjoy your Phoenix to Sedona to Grand Canyon trip!

If you are spending more time in the Southwest, check out my other Southwest guides! Here are some posts I recommend reading next:

• Best Day Trips from Scottsdale
• Arizona Utah Road Trip Itinerary
• Sedona Travel Guide for First Timers
• Best Sedona Sunrise and Sunset Hikes
• Most Instagrammable Places in Scottsdale
• Most Instagrammable Places in Phoenix

Happy exploring :)!

The post Phoenix to Sedona to Grand Canyon Itinerary – 5 Day AZ Road Trip appeared first on Dani The Explorer.

Meet New Hampshire’s Kancamagus Highway—pronounced ‘‘Kan-kah-mah-gus’. With its breathtaking trees and rolling hills of color, Kancamagus Highway (also known as “The Kanc”) is the exact kind of New England gem fall lovers need in their life.

And by the end of this post, you’ll be packing the car and heading off to see the best Kancamagus Highway attractions in all their glory!

Aside from the beautiful change of season, you can expect to find calming streams, picturesque hiking trails, and so much more during your drive through the countryside. 

Not sure what to see first? With three years of leaf-peeping experience along this Highway, in this blog, I will explain everything you need to know about this scenic drive.

By the end, you’ll see it’s no wonder this White Mountain highway makes for an ultimate New England fall road trip.

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Disclaimer: Hey explorer! This post contains affiliate links which means I earn a small percentage of each purchase made through my links. I only ever recommend products I believe in and appreciate your support if you decide to use my links—thank you!

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Things to Know About the Kancamagus Scenic Byway

Here are some essential tips you should consider before heading off on your heartwarming road trip.

How Long is the Kancamagus Highway?

This iconic strip of road connects the quaint towns of Lincoln and Conway on a 34.5-mile-long scenic drive.

You can expect to finish the drive in two to three hours, but it’s best to spend the day exploring the fantastic attractions of this spectacular region.

When to See the Kancamagus Highway Fall Foliage

Honestly, you can drive down Kancamagus Highway any time of the year, and you’ll be in awe of its beauty.

However, if you want to see the iconic fall foliage in its diverse range of colors, it’s best to go between late September and mid-October.

Where to Begin your New Hampshire Kancamagus Highway Trip

Where you begin your trip will depend on the direction you intend to go. 

If you’re coming from Portland, Maine, then begin your trip at Conway and work your way to Lincoln.

If you’re making your way from Vermont or the west of America, it makes the most sense to travel from Lincoln to Conway.

Top Tip: If you are traveling from the western side of the country, read about the best things to do in Stowe before heading along this breathtaking highway.

What’s Along the Kancamagus Highway?

This is one of the few New Hampshire highways that has remained untouched by the modern world. Make sure you fill up on fuel before heading down this road.

There are no hotels, gas stations, restaurants, or anything you might find in the comfort of modern living.

There are six campgrounds you can stay at along the Kancamagus Highway.

Other than that, this is a road where you can completely immerse yourself in nature.

Top Tip: Look at getting a Kancamagus Highway self-driving audio tour so you don’t miss out on any fantastic attractions along the way.

Top Things to Do on the Kancamagus Highway

1. Explore Kancamagus Overlooks
2. Gondola up Loon Mountain
3. Hike Lincoln Woods Trail
4. Chase Sabbaday Falls
5. Russell-Colbath House
6. Mount Chocorua & Champney Falls
7. Falls Pond & Rocky Gorge
8. Lower Falls
9. Albany Covered Bridge
10. Flume Gorge

Below is a map of the best Kancamagus Highway attractions.

Click here to view a live version of the map!

Now that all the nitty gritty details are out the way let’s dive straight into the Kancamagus Highway’s best stops. 

P.S. Parking areas in the Highway cost $5 per vehicle. Or you can grab an America the Beautiful Pass. 

#1 Kancamagus Overlooks

There are four breathtaking overlooks for you to enjoy, with each showing a unique perspective of the White Mountains’ natural beauty.

• Hancock Overlook — This spectacular viewing deck is 10 miles from Lincoln and offers unforgettable views of the northern side of the Swift River Valley. The overlook is just after a hairpin bend in the road and is one the best spots to take in a golden sunset.
• Panoramic Overlook — Only 0.6 miles from Hancock overlook, there is an opening in the canopy that provides panoramic views of the entire valley from both sides of the road. Although not one of the most popular overlooks, it’s definitely worth the stop to snap a couple of memorable photos.
• Pemigewasset Overlook — Pemigewasset overlook is a 1.9-mile drive from Panoramic overlook when heading towards Conway. The viewing deck provides striking views of the southern region of White Mountain National Forest and is particularly beautiful during the fall season.
• Sugar Hill Overlook — The Sugar Hill overlook is a 4.6-mile drive from Pemigewasset overlook, and its name pretty much says it all. The views don’t get much sweeter than this, with a beautiful blend of striking sunsets and rust-colored canopy below.

Read Next: 20+ Things to Do in the White Mountains NH

#2 Loon Mountain

Whether at the start or end of your journey down Kancamagus Highway, Loon Mountain is a must-visit.

Only 2.1 miles out of Lincoln, this famous resort and mountain region is a breathtaking site that you simply have to experience.

Join a Loon Mountain Gondola Skyride and reach the summit, or spend the day hiking up the mountain.

Either way, you are bound to have an exhilarating time exploring one of White Mountain National Forest’s best mountain peaks.

Top Tip: Loon Mountain is a fantastic skiing destination if you’re visiting the region during winter. 

#3 Lincoln Woods Trail

If you are looking for a challenge, take a hike up the Lincoln Woods trailhead.

Only 4.5-miles from the town of Lincoln, you can spend the day hiking through this gorgeous part of the country.

The hike is a 9.4-mile out-and-back trail that is very well marked and takes you along the East Branch Pemigewasset river to the Franconia Brook campsite.

Throughout the walk, you can smell the fresh scent of pine trees, making you feel at one with nature.

Of the Kancamagus Highway hikes on offer, this one is challenging but easy enough for most to enjoy, and it’s pet friendly.

The Lincoln Woods trailhead also provides an excellent opportunity to see the White Mountain National Forest’s birdlife, such as the zebra finch or hooded robin.

Top Tip: If you are an outdoor lover, look at an America the Beautiful Pass for easy access to all of the country’s national parks and scenic byways.

#4 Sabbaday Falls

Sabbaday creek provides one of the most iconic Kancamagus Highway waterfalls to enjoy during your road trip.

This glorious body of water is more or less smack bang in the middle of your drive, at 19 miles away from Lincoln and 16.1-miles from Conway.

There’s an easy 15-minute (0.5-mile) hike from the parking lot to the Sabbaday falls viewing point.

Although swimming is not allowed, the falls provide the perfect backdrop for photo opportunities.

Let’s be honest; aside from the lush landscape that the falls create, feeling the cool mist from the waterfall hit your face after a long drive is an incomparable feeling.

Read Next: Things to Do in the Adirondack Mountains in Fall

#5 Russell-Colbath House

Step back in time and enter the rustic life of the 1800s at the Russell-Colbath House.

The old farmstead was built in the 1830s, and since 1986, it has been a part of the National Register of Historic Places.

This historic building is 12 miles from Conway and close to the Jigger Johnson Campground.

With the changing colors in the landscape, this rustic building creates an enticing environment that fills you with intrigue.

Inside, you’ll find old household items and photos that help you get a feel for what life was like back in the day.

Overall, this is one of the more interesting Kancamagus Highway stops that helps explain the history of the White Mountain region.

#6 Mount Chocorua & Champney Falls

As you may have realized by now, the Kancamagus Highway is jam-packed with spectacular wilderness adventures.

And the Champney falls trailhead is no exception.

The hike is 11.2 miles away from Conway, and it’s best to make this a day event, as the walk can take up to 4 and a half hours.

Along this 7.6-mile out-and-back hike, you will get to admire the refreshing waters of Champney Falls.

At the end of the trail, you get the perfect opportunity to take in the gorgeous views of the White Mountain region from the top of Mount Chocorua.

Top Tip: If this hike is too strenuous for you, you can always enjoy the shorter 1.4 mile Champney falls loop trail.

#7 Falls Pond & Rocky Gorge

Only 9.2 miles from Conway, you can imagine Rocky Gorge is a very popular attraction along the Kancamagus Highway.

After a short walk from the parking lot, the Swift river begins to reveal itself from the pine tree canopy.

Rocky Gorge has a viewing deck where you see the powerful rapids and cascading water.

The white water seems to slow down from above.

However, the thunderous sound of crashing water makes you remember the incredible strength of these waters.

Cross the river via the bridge and move from the noisy river to the serene Falls pond.

There is a short mile-long loop trail you can walk around the still and calming waters.

The changing colors of the pine trees create mesmerizing scenery that will live on in your memory.

#8 Lower Falls

At 7.5 miles from Conway, the Lower Falls is one of the most popular attractions along the Kancamagus Highway in the fall.

The flowing water creates a serene setting for relaxing after a long day of driving.

There are plenty of large boulders you can sit on to watch the shades of reds and oranges dance in the wind.

It’s also one of the few places along Swift River where you can swim, so remember to bring your swimsuit.

#9 Albany Covered Bridge

If you’re wondering where to stop on Kancamagus Highway for one of the best photo opportunities, the Albany Covered Bridge is the place.

Only 7 miles from Conway, you’ll fall in love with this romantic setting.

The handmade bridge may be one of the prettiest you’ll ever see, with dark wooden panels and a rust-colored roof that blends in with the scenery during fall.

The bridge crosses the swift river, where gentle flowing water makes you feel like you are in some sort of magical forest from a Disney movie.

#10 Flume Gorge (My Favorite Kancamagus Highway Attraction)

Flume Gorge (5.1-miles from Lincoln) is a breathtaking stretch of nature that will have your imagination running wild. At the base of Mount Liberty, 800 feet of flowing water splits the granite walls.

There is a 2-mile loop trail which allows you to admire the gorgeous scenery of this landscape.

Here, you can walk amongst the great walls and feel the cool rock against your skin.

And don’t forget to visit the Red Flume Covered Bridge while in the area to snag some Instagram-worthy photos.

Top Tip: To enter the Flume Gorge, you’ll have to pay a fee of $18 (when done online) or $21 at the gate. Click here for more details.

Places to Stay Near Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire

With so much to see along the Kancamagus Highway, it’s a good idea to spend a few days in the area.

Here are the best places you can stay in Conway and Lincoln.

Read Next: Cozy North Conway Cabin Rentals

Riverwalk Resort at Loon Mountain, Lincoln ($$$)

The Riverwalk Resort is a wonderful 3-star hotel at the foothills of Loon Mountain. Enjoy all its simple luxuries, from free parking to the delicious meals on offer at the hotel restaurant. And if that isn’t enough, you’ll have spectacular views of Loon Mountain.

CHECK AVAILABILITY

InnSeason Resorts Pollard Brook, Lincoln ($$)

The InnSeason Resort at Pollard Brook is a romantic destination if you want to nestle in amongst a majestic pinewood forest. Enjoy a relaxing experience at the wellness spa, or dip in the water at the year-round indoor pool. No matter what room you’re in, you are guaranteed to have a lovely stay.

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Stonehurst Manor, Conway ($$$) 

Tucked away in the forest of the White Mountains is Stonehurst Manor, which offers a romantic and captivating stay. Not only is it a secluded stay at a 5-star lodging, but you can also expect complimentary breakfast and dinner.

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Carriage House, Conway ($$)

If you want a more private experience away from the hotels and resorts, this Carriage House is the place to be. This accommodation is in a great location—close to all the action. Not to mention, it’s tucked away in the woods where you’ll have your own fall magic to enjoy every morning.

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FAQ

Is the Kancamagus Highway worth it?

Yes! The Kancamagus Highway is worth the drive, especially in the fall. For your best chances at seeing fall foliage, plan your drive around early and mid-October.

Is the Kancamagus Highway a loop?

No, the Kancamagus Highway is not a loop. The Kancamagus Highway begins at the intersection of Route 112 and Route 16 in Conway New Hampshire and ends at the intersection of Route 3 and Interstate 93 in Lincoln, NH. You can start your drive from either end of the Highway!

How long does it take to drive the Kancamagus Highway?

The Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire is 35 miles long and will take 45 minutes to an hour to drive without stopping. However, if you’re making stops expect to spend a few hours to half a day exploring the entire byway!

How high is the Kancamagus Highway?

The highest point on the Kancamagus Highway is 2,855 feet (870 meters).

Is driving the Kancamagus Highway safe?

Yes. Driving the Kancamagus Highway is safe. Since it is a two-lane road, always watch where you’re going as it can get narrow. And for your safety and the safety of others, never stop in the middle of the Highway—use pullouts and parking lots to stop.

Tips for Seeing Kancamagus Highway Attractions

Let’s wrap things up with some parting tips for exploring the best Kancamagus Highway Attractions.

• Go Early—Around 11 AM, you may find that some of the parking lots to the Highway attractions fill up. Try to start your drive early in the morning, prioritizing any must-see attractions.
• Never Stop in the Middle of the Highway—Yes, this is an extremely scenic byway, but you can get into a car accident by stopping to take pictures! If you need to take photos, use one of the Highway’s pull outs or designated parking lots.
• Fill Up Beforehand—Remember, there are no gas stations along the Highway! Fill up in Lincoln, NH or Conway, NH before your drive.
• Make a Trip Out of It—I recommend that after your drive, you continue to explore more of New England! I have an entire New England fall road trip itinerary blog you can read.

Final Thoughts on Things to Do on Kancamagus Highway

It’s fair to say the Kancamagus Highway is teeming with adventure at every turn, from breathtaking overlooks to stunning hiking trails. In general, traveling this winding path during fall is best, but the beauty is still very much there in summer and winter.

No matter when you decide to drive down the iconic Kancamagus Highway, you are guaranteed to have an unforgettable experience.

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The post 10 Best Kancamagus Highway Attractions | NH Scenic Fall Byway appeared first on Dani The Explorer.

You’ve been warned: this is the adventure of a lifetime!

In this blog, we’re going to cover the best 8-day itinerary for seeing all the Utah parks in their glory.

So let’s not take up any more time. We’ll start this blog by discussing some of the must-know details before you embark on your trip, then we’ll get into the itinerary.

You’ll also find these posts helpful for planning your trip:

• Utah National Parks Ranked Best to Worst
• Arizona Utah Road Trip Itinerary

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Disclaimer: Hey explorer! This post contains affiliate links which means I earn a small percentage of each purchase made through my links. I only ever recommend products I believe in and appreciate your support if you decide to use my links—thank you!

FREE US National Park Checklist

Download my printable checklist of all 63 US National Parks! You can use the digital version to explore free park guides.

DOWNLOAD

Planning Your Utah National Parks Road Trip

• When to Go: You can get away with visiting the parks anywhere from February to May.
• Trip Length: This Big 5 Utah road trip will be 8 days — this includes your departure.
• Fly: For the best tickets, check KAYAK.
• Rental Car: KAYAK can help you find cheap rental cars as well!
• Rental Campervan: Want a campervan instead? You can rent one using Outdoorsy.
• Stay: We’ll discuss your options!
• Park Fees: The standard entrance fee is about $35 per park. To save, snag the America The Beautiful Pass ($79.99) and will be your annual pass for all US national parks.

If February to May doesn’t work for you, there are other times to embark on this road trip!

Spring is great from a weather perspective and brings in fewer crowds, but summer can be enjoyable.

You will have to keep an eye on the weather and make sure summer won’t be too hot. Winter is doable too, but will require extra preparation.

Where to Start Your Big 5 Utah Road Trip

To start your Utah parks road trip, you have a few cities you can fly into:

Las Vegas, NV (recommended) – 16 hours and 50 minutes, round trip way, starting from Zion National Park. 

Flagstaff, AZ – Your drive will be 16 hours and 40 minutes, round trip, starting in Zion National Park. If you choose this route, it’ll be easy to actually do an Arizona Utah road trip itinerary!

Salt Lake City, UT – You can certainly take a Utah National Parks road trip from Salt Lake City. Your drive will be 15 hours and 30 minutes, round trip, starting from Arches National Park.

For this itinerary, you’ll start in LV and fly out of SLC. This route will be 13 hours and 50 minutes round trip.

Utah National Parks Itinerary at a Glance + Map

• Day 1 – Land in Vegas and arrive in Zion National Park
• Day 2 – Explore Zion
• Day 3 – Head to Bryce Canyon and explore
• Day 4 – Head to Capitol Reef National Park and explore
• Day 5 – Drive to Canyonlands National Park and explore
• Day 6 – Explore Arches National Park and Moab
• Day 7 – Explore Arches
• Day 8 – Head to SLC

In this blog, we’ll cover a Utah National Parks itinerary from Las Vegas.

I will start the route in Zion NP, ending with Arches and flying out of Salt Lake City. See this on the map below!

Click here for a live link to the road trip map!

8-Day Utah National Parks Itinerary

Day 1 — Las Vegas to Zion National Park

• Las Vegas, NV to Zion: ~ 2 hours and 40 minutes
• Time in Exploring: 2 days (Day 1 of 2)
• Stay: SpringHill Suites by Marriott
• Eat: Cafe Soleil, Whiptail Grill, Spotted Dog
• Fees: Park entry ($35) or America The Beautiful Pass

Once you land in Las Vegas, pick up your rental car, and head to a grocery store to stock up on snacks before heading to Zion.

We’re going to assume you arrive in LV early morning to early afternoon!

Morning — Entering the Park

Zion National Park as a whole is just beautiful. Once you get there, it’s easy to see why folks love it so much.

This park has plenty of hiking trails to choose from, which means you’ll never get bored!

I suggest parking at the Visitor Center or in one of the paid Springdale lots.

You will have to take the Zion shuttles to get around (assuming you are not visiting the park in winter.

I explain all of this in my Zion park guide. You’ll be spending 2 nights here starting tonight.

Afternoon — Emerald Pools or Narrows

Depending on how you’re feeling after your drive, you have a few options for activities!

Here are some notable ones to consider:

Emerald Pools Hike — This will be a 2 mile RT hike to the Upper Pool. The Emerald Pool trails are an easy entry trail into the park!

The Narrows — The Narrows will take you deep into a canyon system in Zion National Park. Folks from all over love to take this trail because you feel a little Indiana Jones-ish when you’re walking through the water channels! Starting from the Temple of Sinawava, the Bottom-Up section of The Narrows is free to explore!

Evening — The Watchman Trail

Let’s cap off the day with a lovely sunset! The Watchman is the iconic rock formation you always see pictures of in Zion National Park.

Scott and I discovered the Watchman Trail on our most recent trip there and LOVED it!

This is a beautiful sunset hike, and it’ll take about 2 hours to hike and is 3.3mi RT and 300ft+ elevation gain.

The trailhead can be accessed by the Visitor center!

Insider Tip: Not in the mood to hike? Watch the sunset at Canyon Junction Bridge! There is parking on the side of the road near the bridge.

Day 2 — Zion National Park

• Springdale, UT to Zion: 4 minutes
• Time in Exploring: 2 days (Day 2 of 2)
• Stay: SpringHill Suites by Marriott
• Eat: Cafe Soleil, Whiptail Grill, Spotted Dog
• Fees: Park entry ($35) or America The Beautiful Pass

Today will be your last day in Zion so let’s make it count!

Morning — Angels Landing Sunrise

Angels Landing is the most noteworthy hike in Zion National Park!

Known for its amazing park views, it attracts millions of visitors to Zion every year. It’s a BEAUTIFUL hike, to say the least, and if you skip it I think you’ll end up regretting it!

The hike starts at the Grotto Trailhead and goes along the lower West Rim Trail. It is 4.8mi RT and has 1,630ft in elevation gain, and can take most hikers 4 hours to complete.

To get there early in the morning, you will have to take the earliest Zion shuttle to the trailhead. Read more about the Zion shuttle system on NPS.gov.

Insider Tip: Want to hike Angels Landing for Sunrise? Read how to coordinate biking to the trailhead in my Zion National Park 2 day itinerary blog!

Afternoon — Scenic Drive or Bike Ride

You’ll probably be tired after your hike, so I recommend relaxing or taking a fun tour that doesn’t require a ton of physical exersion.

Here’s a quick list of activities you can do while you wait for sunset!

• Take a scenic drive through Zion Canyon, stopping for plenty of photos.
• Go on a horseback riding adventure.
• Take an UTV and slot canyon tour through Zion.
• Bike Pa’rus Trail

Evening — Canyon Overlook Trail Sunset

Canyon Overlook Trail will give you gorgeous views of Zion Canyon and will GLOW at sunset.

This is an easy 1-mile hike that can take 30 minutes to an hour.

After your sunset mission, head back to your accommodations!

Tomorrow you’ll be driving to Bryce.

Insider Tip: I highly recommend grocery shopping in Springdale before you leave. Food options are sparse in Bryce! You can stop in Kanab, but this will add time to your trip.

Day 3 — Bryce Canyon National Park

• Zion to Bryce Canyon: ~ 1 hour
• Time Exploring: 1 day
• Stay: Under Canvas Bryce Canyon
• Eat: In the park
• Fees: Park entry ($35) or America The Beautiful Pass

One day in Bryce National Park is plenty as your Utah National Parks road trip continues!

You can choose to leave early in the morning to catch the sunrise at Bryce (no hiking required).

Morning — Sunrise Point

Bryce has made your life easier and told you where exactly to catch the sunrise with Sunrise Point.

The colors are nothing short of amazing as the bright orange hues glow when the sun comes up.

Pro Tip: Make sure you have your camera gear (like a Sony a6400 and 16-35mm f/4 lens) handy for some pics!

Afternoon — Navajo Loop Trail

During the day, jump on the Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail!

The Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail is probably the most popular hiking route in Bryce Canyon National Park.

It takes you deep into the canyon, where you will come face to face with some fairly interesting rock formations.

Expect the hike to take around 2 hours, depending on how many stops you make for photographs and breaks. The loop is just about 3 miles.

Depending on how much time you have between the end of your hike and sunset, you can go back to your campsite or accommodations to relax.

Insider Tip: Want to see something different? Another great option is to head outside of Bryce National Park and explore the Red Canyon area!

Evening — Sunset Point

If you’re not too tired after your hike, check out Sunset Point before calling it a night!

Sunset point is located near Sunrise Point.

About 0.6 miles of sidewalk separates them.

But if you don’t want to see a similar view for sunset, skip this!

Insider Tip: Sleep tight! Tomorrow you’ll head to Capitol Reef National Park for the next park of your Utah Parks road trip!

Day 4 — Capitol Reef (Utah National Parks Road Trip Halfway Point)

• Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef: ~ 2 hours
• Time Exploring: 1 day
• Stay: SkyRidge Inn
• Eat: Capitol Burger
• Fees: Park entry ($35) or America The Beautiful Pass

When you arrive in Capitol Reef National Park, you’ll automatically notice how cute it is (I’m not kidding).

There are multiple picnic areas and little farmhouses (adorrrrable) making it the perfect stop on your trip!

Morning — Gifford House for Pie

Once you get there, I recommend sampling the baked goods at Gifford House!

And when I say baked goods, I am NOT messing around. Inside the bakery, you’ll find fresh-baked PIES.

Yes. PIES. Like rhubarb and strawberry.

Loaves of bread, salads, jellies. I mean, it’s incredible. I mean, who doesn’t want a pie?

Across from Gifford House, there is a small picnic area.

Snag yourself a table and chill! If you have a campervan, you can cook some lunch and enjoy the outdoors.

That’s what Scott and I opted to do during this segment of our trip!

Afternoon — Capitol Reef Scenic Drive or Hike

Ready to explore after your picnic? Here are some activities you can do:

Drive Capitol Reef Scenic Byway — Scenic Drive features large rock formations, canyon views, and dirt roads you can take (about 1.5 hours to complete the drive).

Hike to Hickman Natural Bridge — A scenic natural bridge in the park, 1.7 miles out and back.

Drive Cathedral Valley Road — Requires a high-clearance 4×4. If you want to drive this road, I suggest adding a day to your trip to accommodate. Takes about 4 hours to drive the loop, but definitely make sure you get to the Temples.

Evening

You can watch the sunset over Capitol Reef at Sunset Point!

This is a short 0.3 mile hike to a scenic overlook.

Access the Sunset Point Trail from the Goosenecks Overlook parking lot.

You can also enjoy sunset as you’re driving the park’s Scenic Drive!

Insider Tip: As an alternative, you can watch sunset at Cathedral Valley Road (start your drive in the afternoon). Beware that you’d be driving out at night.

Day 5 — Canyonlands National Park & Moab, UT

• Capitol Reef to Canyonlands: ~ 2 Hours and 45 Minutes
• Time Exploring: 3 days (Day 1 of 3)
• Stay: Under Canvas Moab
• Eat: Moab, UT
• Fees: Park entry ($35) or America The Beautiful Pass

Today you’ll be exploring Canyonlands National Park!

This park is known for its scenic overlook and adventure.

You don’t need to get here early, but you certainly can!

Arches National Park is in the same area, so you won’t have to do any significant driving once you arrive in Moab.

Morning — Mesa Arch

It is no question that Mesa Arch is easily one of the most popular things to do in Canyonlands National Park.

It is a photographer’s hot spot for sunrise, which is usually very crowded.

But, the view is worth it!

Insider Tip: If you get to the park early enough for sunrise, you can head here first. The walk to get to Mesa Arch is less than a mile!

Afternoon — Excursion

Canyonlands is an adventure hub.

To make the most out of day 5 of your Utah National Parks road trip, I recommend booking an excursion like mountain biking, off-roading, or horseback riding!

You can also spend quite a bit of time exploring Moab and the local areas like Long Canyon.

Insider Tip: During my last visit, I booked a packrafting trip down Canyonlands’ Green River and loved it! You can book a canyoneering and packrafting combo trip too!

Evening

The Grand View Point Overlook area can be fantastic for sunset!

Green River Overlook is another option and one of my favorites.

I love these areas of the park because it has a way of making you feel so small against the giant canyon.

The best part is that there is no hiking is required for either view.

You can enjoy them as soon as you park and witness an amazing sunset!

Day 6 — Arches National Park (A Utah National Parks Road Trip Favorite)

• Moab, UT to Arches: 14 minutes
• Time Exploring: 3 days (Day 2 of 3)
• Stay: Under Canvas Moab
• Eat: Moab, UT
• Fees: Park entry ($35) or America The Beautiful Pass

Spending one day in Arches is fun, but on this trip you’ll be spending 2!

Since you’re in Moab, getting here will take a matter of minutes.

Morning

Delicate Arch is probably the most iconic structure and top things to do in Arches National Park. There is no reason to not include it in your Utah National Parks road trip!

You can expect this trail to have a crowd if you visit it in the middle of the day, but it is still worth the visit!

The hike is 3.1 miles round trip with 613ft in elevation gain.

Hiking Delicate Arch will take about 2 to 3 hours. In the dark, it may take you a bit longer.

The trail is marked but can be tricky to navigate, so plan accordingly!

Insider Tip: If a sunrise hike isn’t your jam, there are plenty of other sunrise and sunset spots in Arches National Park that you can enjoy!

Afternoon — Explore Moab, UT

After hiking Delicate Arch, you might want to take it easy for the rest of the day. In that case, here are some of my suggestions for things to do:

• 4×4 Adventure
• Best of Moab Day Tour
• Explore Windows Section
• Walk to Sand Dune Arch

Additionally, this is the perfect time to leave the park and se more of Moab before your sunset adventure. You can check out my 2 days in Moab itinerary for any suggestions!

Evening — Broken Arch Sunset

And when you’re ready for sunset, head to one of Arches best sunset spots like Turret Arch or Skyline Arch!

An easy one to get to (and my favorite) would be Broken Arch.

Directly next to it is the super photogenic (grab your camera gear) Sand Dune Arch, which you can take your time exploring too!

Day 7 — Arches National Park

• Moab, UT to Arches: 14 minutes
• Time Exploring: 3 days (Day 3 of 3)
• Stay: Under Canvas Moab
• Eat: Moab, UT
• Fees: Park entry ($35) or America The Beautiful Pass

Today will be your last day exploring the parks on your Utah Mighty Five road trip!

So let’s end it with some more adventure.

Morning — Windows Section

Ready for one last sunrise adventure? The Windows Section is the perfect option!

This is also a popular area for sunrise because there are various arches located near each other (Double Arch, Cove Arch, etc.). No hiking is required, so you can easily pull up and enjoy!

Insider Tip: For a unique perspective of Double Arch, climb inside and snap some pics! Make sure you have a 16-35mm f/4 lens to capture the whole thing!

Afternoon — Park Avenue & Devil’s Garden Loop

After your sunrise mission, you can explore the popular Courthouse Towers and Park Avenue Trail.

Alternatively, this would be the time to go on a hike. Devil’s Garden would be my recommendation because you can admire multiple hikes along the same loop!

Some popular arches along the trail include Landscape Arch and Double O Arch.

Devil’s Garden is a popular hike and a bit strenuous, but worth doing. Expect to hike 7.9 miles with 1,085 feet of elevation gain.

The hike will take about 3 to 5 hours depending on how much time you spend on trail.

Insider Tip: make sure you check for closures before heading over to Devil’s Garden on the NPS site.

Evening — Dead Horse State Park

It’s completely up to you whether or not you’d like to stay in the park for sunset! If you opted for taking the 3 to 5 hour loop hike, you might want to skip this sunset mission (depending on how tired you are).

However, if it were me, I’d make the one hour drive to Dead Horse State Park!

This is notably one of the most popular and iconic views in Moab, and worth the visit.

If this doesn’t make sense for your trip, skip it until next time!

Day 8 — Final Day on Your Big 5 Utah Road Trip

• Moab, UT to Salt Lake City, UT: ~ 3 Hours and 50 Minutes
• Time Exploring: 1 Day
• Stay: SLC
• Eat: SLC
• Fees: None

Once in SLC, you can rest up, eat some food, and depart Utah the following day!

If you want to explore SLC a bit, add a day to your trip and leave on day 10!

Insider Tip: If you have even more time, make this a Utah and Arizona road trip!

What to Bring on Your Utah Mighty 5 Trip

From experience exploring the parks, these are the essentials I’d bring!

Keen Targhees

Trekking Poles

Hydroflask

Hat

Osprey Pack

Sunscreen

Sony a6400

Sony a7RIII

16-35mm f/4

Overall Thoughts on a Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary

I hope you enjoyed this blog and you get to see all 5 parks in Utah!

Utah National Parks have endless things to do, and we only touched the surface here. However, a Mighty 5 Utah self drive tour is really the best way to go.

It’s the national parks road trip of a lifetime if you ask me!

If you want to do this trip backward, starting in SLC then ending in Flagstaff, that’s an excellent option too!

You’ll be able to see the Grand Canyon on your way down. Even Sedona.

In that case, a Phoenix Sedona Grand Canyon trip (in reverse) may be of interest to you.

Regardless of what you do next, you just completed a bucket-list trip, so congrats! I’ll see you in the next post.

Happy exploring :)!

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