If you’re looking for a detailed Southern Utah Itinerary, I’ve prepared the perfect 4-day itinerary to some of the most beautiful places in Southern Utah for your family trip.
We visited Utah for the first time on our Western USA road trip from California to Montana. We had the chance to see the Mighty Five National Parks, try some unique natural hot springs, and enjoy a turquoise lake.
There are countless places to visit in Utah with the family, but this itinerary is dedicated to Southern Utah, with a visit to the national parks and some surrounding hidden gems. It’s the perfect itinerary if you only have a long weekend and want to make the most of it.
Let’s dive into the ultimate itinerary for a fun-filled, family-friendly getaway in Utah!
- 4 Days in Southern Utah (Itinerary RECAP)
- Day 1: Zion National Park
- Day 2: Bryce Canyon National Park
- Day 3: Scenic Byway 12, between Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef
- Day 4: Capitol Reef National Park
- More time in Southern Utah? Add those places to your itinerary
- F.A.Q. Ultimate 4-Day Utah Family Adventure Itinerary
- Final Thoughts: Ultimate 4-Day Utah Family Adventure Itinerary
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4 Days in Southern Utah (Itinerary RECAP)
- Day 1: Zion National Park
- Day 2: Bryce Canyon National Park
- Day 3: Scenic Byway 12
- Day 4: Capitol Reef National Park
- Extra Day? Arches and Canyonlands
👉 Make sure to download the self-guided tour of Bryce & Zion National Parks offered by GuideAlong.
Day 1: Zion National Park
Start your first day of this ultimate Utah itinerary by immersing your family in the breathtaking beauty of Zion National Park. It’s one of Utah’s best national parks for families! Just 170 miles northeast of Las Vegas or 300 miles southwest of Salt Lake City, Zion is easily accessible and perfect for families.
With kids, you might not be able to hike the Narrows or Angel’s Landing, but there are still other great options.
I recommend starting at the end of the Park’s shuttle route, Temple of Sinawava stop. From there, you can walk the Riverside Tral.
We then took the park shuttle to the Temple of Sinawava stop, where we walked the Riverside trail. It’s a scenic and gentle hike that leads to the Narrows.
After, hop back on the shuttle to The Grotto stop, where you can have a picnic and walk on the trail to Zion Lodge. When we visited, my boys played in the grass area while enjoying an ice cream cone.
End your day on the Lower Emerald Pool trail, a 1.4-mile out-and-back. If the kids are up for it, I recommend doing the entire trail to the Upper Emerald Pool. You can also do the Pa’rus Trail, an easy, paved path accessible from the visitor’s center. It’s ideal for introducing little ones to the joys of hiking in nature.
Where to stay for a night near Zion National Park?
Base yourself in Springdale, the gateway to Zion Canyon and home to convenient lodging options. many hotels in Springdale provide shuttle buses directly to the park entrance, ensuring easy access for all visitors.
During our visit, we stayed at love Zion Canyon campground. It’s super accessible with the bus service that runs from the visitor’s center to the canyon’s end. Additionally,
Day 2: Bryce Canyon National Park
Start your second day early. You’ll drive from Zion to Bryce Canyon National Park, which is a 2-hour drive.
💡Make sure you have some road trip activities planned for the kids for a smooth ride.
▶️ You might like our Road Trip Activity Book for Kids. It’s more than 70+ pages filled with activities for family road trip drives. 🚘
Bryce Canyon National Park, a must-see destination in southern Utah known for its unique red rock pillars called hoodoos (similar to what you can see in Drumheller, in Alberta). The viewpoints here are simply breathtaking, making it a park you won’t want to miss!
Begin your visit at the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center, where you can explore informative exhibits and pick up a junior ranger booklet for your kids.
For a kid-friendly hike, Sunset Point to Sunrise Point via the Rim Trail offers a flat, paved path along the canyon’s edge with spectacular views—an easy trail suitable for everyone in the family!
If you’re up for a slightly more challenging hike, try the Queen Garden Trail, an accessible trail that descends into the canyon. The hike down is manageable, but remember, what goes down must come back up!
For a more adventurous trek, consider the Navajo Loop, a 1.5-mile trail with a 515-foot elevation gain. While more challenging, many kids can tackle this exciting trail with caution and plenty of water, especially in the summer heat.
Where to stay overnight near Bryce Canyon National Park?
When exploring Bryce Canyon, consider staying in Bryce Canyon City. It’s a convenient base with park shuttles running through town for easy access to all the park’s attractions. Plus, there are a few restaurants and activities to do in the town.
When we visited, we stayed at the Bryce View Lodge and it was great for our need.
Day 3: Scenic Byway 12, between Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef
The drive from Bryce Canyon National Park to Capitol Reef National Park is 116 miles (287 km) and is STUNNING. We drove on the scenic Byway-12. It’s a little longer than using the main highway, but it’s so worth it.
On your way out of Bryce Canyon toward Capitol Reef, you’ll want to stop at Mossy Cave. It’s a 0.8-mile out-and-back trail that leads to a waterfall, where you can cooled off.
My boys loved walking behind the waterfall.
There are so many things to see that we had to choose from. We ended up stopping at the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and Calf Creek Recreation Area.
For a detailed Utah National Park road trip itinerary, check this 10-day itinerary through Utah’s Mighty 5.
Day 4: Capitol Reef National Park
After having breakfast, start your last day of this Southern Utah itinerary by heading to Capitol Reef National Park.
When summertime rolls around, one of the most delightful activities for kids in Utah is picking fruit from over 3,100 fruit trees scattered throughout the park.
From June to October, Capitol Reef bursts with life as lush fruit trees—including apricots, pears, cherries, apples, mulberries, plums, and more!
These orchards, a legacy from early Mormon settlers, are maintained by the National Park Service for everyone to freely enjoy.
The best part? It’s completely free!
There’s no charge to pick and eat fruit at your leisure, though a small fee applies if you wish to take a larger quantity home with you. After indulging in fruit picking, treat yourself to a slice of freshly baked pie at Gifford Homestead, a local favorite that often sells out by mid-morning.
Continue your exploration of Capitol Reef National Park with a few family-friendly hikes like Hickman Bridge Trail, Cassidy Arch, and the Grand Wash Trail. They each provide breathtaking views and opportunities to immerse yourself in nature.
Many trails are short, ranging from 1 to 2 miles, ideal for young hikers and families with toddlers. Capitol Gorge and Sunset Point are must-visit spots for an easy and enjoyable hike.
After your hike, conclude this exciting day by attending a Ranger program to learn about the Indigenous Fremont Culture that inhabited the land more than a thousand years ago. Explore their legacy through ancient pictographs and petroglyphs accessible via an accessible boardwalk off the main road.
More time in Southern Utah? Add those places to your itinerary
Coral Pink Sand Dunes
While Southern Utah draws many visitors to Zion, the state offers many experiences beyond its famed Mighty 5 parks, such as Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park in Kanab, Utah. It’s perfect for sand sledding adventures.
Park fees are $10 per vehicle, and camping is available with sites starting at $25 per night.
These dunes, estimated to be 10,000-15,000 years old, offer a playground unlike any other in Utah.
You can rent boards and sleds from the Ranger Station (don’t forget the wax!) and head out onto the dunes.
💡 PRO-TIP: Remember to dress comfortably for sandy and hot cond
Goblin Valley State Park
Goblin Valley State Park is another remarkable destination for families in Utah. Located in the San Rafael Desert in southern Utah, Goblin Valley State Park is renowned for its unique hoodoos formed from Entrada Sandstone.
The park features some of the same formations that are icons of nearby national parks like Bryce Canyon.
Unlike many national parks, Goblin Valley allows kids to freely explore and even climb on these natural structures, which resemble caves and castles.
Encourage your children to find imaginative shapes in the hoodoos, turning your visit into a playful adventure akin to spotting shapes in clouds.
Within the park, you’ll discover easy, kid-friendly hikes that wind around the upper walls of the valley, offering stunning views of the “goblins” below.
To end your day, enjoy a picnic at one of the tables nestled near the valley walls, offering perfect spots for a leisurely lunch with your family amidst this extraordinary landscape.
Arches National Park
Located just minutes outside Moab, Utah, Arches National Park is a magical place that offers some of the best kid-friendly hikes near Moab.
The Windows section of the park is easily accessible. You’ll find the North Window, the Double Arch, the Turret Arch, the Garden of Eden, the Elephant Butte, and the Parade of Elephants. Some many things to see in such a small area.
Kids love standing under majestic arches. There are small piles of boulders that young adventurers will enjoy.
Another kid-friendly trail is the Sand Dune Arch Trail. Located near the Devil’s Playground area of the park, this out-and-back trail is rated as easy. The Sand Dune Arch is only 0.2 miles from the trailhead.
The trail leading up to Sand Dune Arch winds through a small rock canyon to the slight, kid-sized arch that is shaded most of the day. It’s a great option on warmer days.
Canyonlands National Park
One of the absolute best things to do in Utah with kids is visit Canyonlands National Park. It’s also located right outside Moab, Utah. It only takes a super scenic drive from downtown Moab to get there.
Canyonlands is a perfect place to visit with children because it’s filled with easy hikes and epic scenery. That’s right, even the best hikes in Canyonlands aren’t super hard, meaning that even your kid can do them.
The park is also a lot less visited than Arches National Park, so the crowds are nowhere near as significant.
💡 Try to get there early in the morning to beat the Utah heat.
With kids, there are a few great things to do in Canyonlands. For starters, visit Island in the Sky, as this is the most accessible district in the park to get there.
In Island in the Sky, you can drive the scenic road, meet with park rangers, and get a passport stamp at the Visitor Center. Then, you can hike to Mesa Arch, an absolute must when visiting Canyonlands with kids.
While in Moab, a thing to do as a family is the Giants Dinosaur Park. Kids will love to learn about dinosaurs.
Natural Bridges National Monument
Located away from the bustling crowds of Arches and Canyonlands, Natural Bridges National Monument showcases three stunning natural bridges—Sipapu, Kachina, and Owachomo—each with its own fascinating history and short, accessible trails perfect for families. Explore the 9-mile Bridge View Drive for scenic viewpoints and enjoy a less crowded experience.
Little Wild Horse Canyon
Little Wild Horse Canyon is a great slot canyon for families with children. It’s located in the San Rafael Swell in south-central Utah.
There are two slot canyons in this one location which can make for a great day trip. It’s only a 20 minutes drive from Goblin Valley State Park.
It’s about 4 miles round trip just doing Little Wild Horse, but you can add on Bell Canyon for 8 miles. There are many climbing opportunities, narrow passages, and unique rock structures for kids.
I suggest you hike counterclockwise. That way, you’ll get in the most picturesque part of the hike with Little Wild Horse Canyon first in case your kids need to turn around.
Camping is available at Goblin Valley State Park or hotels and Airbnb in Green River. Green River is 58 miles from the trailhead.
GETTING READY FOR YOUR UTAH ADVENTURE
Here are a few things to know when planning your ultimate road trip to Utah. While it may not be common for people to travel great distances by plane for a short trip, some do. If you are considering it, here’s some extra information about flights that might be helpful.
✈️ Book your flight to Salt Lake City. Find cheap flights to Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) using Google Flights or Skyscanner, where you can compare different airline tickets for SLC, including some low-cost options. Salt Lake City’s airport is centrally located, making it convenient for exploring Utah’s national parks and attractions.
🚗 Rent your car. You can rent a car directly from Salt Lake City International Airport or wait until you are in the city. Compare pricing on DiscoverCars for the best deals and options that suit your travel plans.
🏨 Book your accommodation. Use Booking.com to search for hotels in Salt Lake City or near the attractions you plan to visit in Utah. For this itinerary, consider staying centrally to have easy access to dining and local amenities.
▶️ Research Utah attractions. Look into tours and activities through platforms like Viator and Get Your Guide to find exciting experiences such as guided hikes in Utah’s national parks or cultural tours in Salt Lake City.
⛔ Check trail conditions. Before heading out on hikes or outdoor activities, visit the official Utah State Parks website or specific national park websites to check trail conditions and any alerts or closures that may affect your plans. This ensures a safe and enjoyable experience during your Utah adventure.
F.A.Q. Ultimate 4-Day Utah Family Adventure Itinerary
What should we pack for our trip to Utah’s national parks?
Pack light layers suitable for varying temperatures, sturdy hiking shoes, sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water. Binoculars are handy for wildlife viewing, and don’t forget a camera for capturing the stunning landscapes.
Are Utah’s national parks suitable for young children?
Yes, many trails in Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Goblin Valley are accessible to young children. Consider kid-friendly hikes like the Riverside Walk in Zion or the Navajo Loop in Bryce Canyon. Always supervise children near cliffs or steep terrain!
When is the best time to visit Utah’s national parks?
The best times to visit are spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) when temperatures are mild, and crowds are smaller.
Summer can be hot, but early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for outdoor activities. Winter offers solitude but check for road closures and weather conditions.
Final Thoughts: Ultimate 4-Day Utah Family Adventure Itinerary
Utah is a paradise for those who love outdoor activities. From kid-friendly hikes to exploring the many national and state parks, there’s no shortage of adventures waiting for you.
Imagine your children’s awe as they gaze upon the towering red rock formations, splash in the vibrant turquoise lakes, or discover the rich history within Utah’s temples.
To ensure you don’t miss out on any fun, we’ve also put together a handy printable list of activities for kids in Utah. This way, you can easily plan your trip and make sure every day is packed with excitement and joy.
So, pack your bags, gather your family, and get ready to create lasting memories on your Utah adventure.
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