Pack your bags, fuel up the car, and cue up your cruisin’ playlist, because we're hitting the road on an epic summer road trip through Southern Utah. Get ready for an adventure that will have you singing along to your favorite tunes while winding through red rock canyons, towering cliffs, and some of the most jaw-dropping landscapes the American Southwest has to offer.
Picture this: the wind in your hair, the sun streaming through your windows, and the thrill of the open road stretching out before you. Each twist and turn brings you closer to iconic destinations like Zion National Park, Escalante Grand Staircase, the famous Grand Canyon and more. Whether you're a seasoned road tripper or a newbie looking for your first great adventure, Southern Utah is the perfect stretch to test your wheels in the wild old west.
But wait, there's more! To make your journey as smooth as the curves on Highway 12, we’ve got the inside scoop on the best vacation rentals near each must-see spot. No more worrying about where to crash after a long day of exploring – we’ve got you covered with cozy, convenient, and family-friendly accommodations that’ll feel just like home (but with way better views).
So, grab your map (or your GPS), your sense of adventure, and your favorite car snacks, because this ultimate summer road trip is one for the books.
*For an in-depth look at everything Southern Utah has to offer, download our FREE Southern Utah Vacation Guide! It has all of the activities and accommodations that you can’t pass up to make your vacation the best one yet.
Getting Started
Airports
Before you choose your open road, you’ll need to get here. If you don’t want to drive cross-country, you can begin your road trip at one of several local airports. Here are some of the top choices:
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC): A major hub with numerous daily flights and car rentals, about 3.5-hours from Brian Head.
Harry Reid International Airport (LAS): Located in Las Vegas, this international airport is about 2.5 hours from Zion National Park.
St. George Regional Airport (SGU): The closest airport to many of southern Utah's attractions, just a short drive to Zion and Bryce Canyon.
Cedar City Regional Airport (CDC): A smaller, regional airport serviced by Delta that offers easy access to all of Southern Utah.
Scenic Byways
Southern Utah's scenic byways are the veins that will carry you through the heart of this stunning region. These roads offer breathtaking views and unforgettable drives. Here are some popular routes to begin your road trip:
Scenic Byway 12 (Highway 12): Also known as "A Journey Through Time Scenic Byway," this All-American Road keeps you in close proximity to national parks, multiple state parks and monuments, scenic backways and more.
Utah’s Patchwork Parkway National Scenic Byway (S.R. 143): One of the most highly rated scenic drives in the country, you’ll make your way alongside canyons, lakes, alpine meadows, and lush forests. Along the drive you’ll find countless photo opportunities, easy access to the state’s best national parks, and historic settlements.
Mount Carmel Scenic Byway (U.S. 89): Running north-south, this 60-mile route runs from Panguitch to Kanab with stops at national monuments, Dixie National Forest, and Zion National Park.
Must-See Attractions
Get ready to rev your engines and ignite your wanderlust as you embark on an epic journey through southern Utah's most iconic stops. From the towering cliffs of Zion to the otherworldly hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, these awe-inspiring attractions will have you stretching your legs – and your sense of adventure – as you explore the heart of the American Southwest. Buckle up and let’s dive into the must-see road trip attractions that make southern Utah a traveler’s paradise!
Just off UT-63 in southwestern Utah lies one of the state’s most famed national parks. Bryce Canyon National Park is situated along a plateau of the Grand Staircase and is home to the largest concentration of natural hoodoos in the world (irregular columns of rock). The large amphitheater canyon has 4 stunning viewpoints that can be easily reached by a multitude of hiking trails. The sprawling reserve is the perfect spot for scenic hikes, guided horseback tours, or twilight star gazing.
After exploring the park, keep the road trip vibes going at Honky Tonk Cabin. This fun family retreat is located at the crossroads of Hwy 89 and Hwy 14, creating a perfect base camp for your cruising adventure. Belt out your summer playlist on the private karaoke stage, unwind in the hot tub, shoot pool for the shotgun seat or take in the views from your outdoor deck.
Cedar Breaks National Monument
Your next can’t-miss stop on your summer road trip is Cedar Breaks National Monument - which is cool, because it is right on Hwy 143. Cedar Breaks is one of the state’s only natural amphitheaters, dropping from a top elevation of 10,000 feet all the way to 2,000 feet at its floor. Take a visual journey across arches, canyons, and spires that are painted in stunning hues of yellow, red, orange, and even purple (it’s actually oxides in the rock, but you probably won’t believe it). Cedar Breaks is also one of only a handful of dark sky parks in the world, making it a once in a lifetime chance for unparallelled star gazing.
Just 10 minutes from Cedar Breaks and right off Hwy 143, Bristlecone Cabin is a charming 2-bedroom home with lovely views and luxurious upgrades. Enjoy stunning views with your morning coffee from the wraparound viewing deck or indulge in an intimate meal made with love in your gourmet kitchen. No matter what makes up your perfect road trip getaway, you’ll find it at Bristlecone Cabin.
Nestled off UT-9 in Springdale, Zion National Park is a treasure trove of natural beauty and adventure. This renowned park features towering sandstone cliffs, lush valleys, and the mesmerizing Virgin River carving its way through deep slot canyons. With trails like the legendary Angel’s Landing and the serene Riverside Walk, there's no shortage of breathtaking hikes. Whether you're scaling heights for panoramic views, wading through the Narrows, or simply soaking in the scenery, Zion offers a diverse array of experiences that capture the essence of the great outdoors.
You’ll want to park and explore Zion on foot to experience all this national park has to offer. But if you’re short on time, Highway 9 (Mt. Carmel/Zion Scenic Byway) passes through the east side of the park from Springdale to Mt. Carmel Junction. Note: A $30 entry fee is required, and access to Zion Canyon is only accessible by shuttle from March-November.
Just 13 miles from Zion’s east entrance, Mt. Carmel Getaway is a cozy 3-bedroom home set conveniently off the main road. This charming pit stop features private covered parking, a backyard fire pit, scenic mountain views and tons of modern amenities.
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is a vast and rugged landscape that spans nearly 1.9 million acres and three geographic sections: the Escalante Canyons, Kaiparowits Plateau, and Grand Staircase. Stretching across miles of stunning desert terrain, the trip offers a unique combination of colorful cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and ancient rock formations. Whether you're exploring hidden waterfalls, traversing winding canyons, or discovering prehistoric petroglyphs, Escalante Grand Staircase is a captivating destination for any road trip.
Scenic roads weave in and out of the monument at various angles, providing access to some of the most remote landscapes in the country. Scenic Byway 12 is a popular driving route that offers stunning views of Powell Point, iconic rock formations, the Escalante River and Calf Creek Canyon. Backroads branching from S.R. 12 lead into more remote and secluded areas of the monument.
Speaking of Scenic Byway 12, Under the Rim is a 3-bedroom home just off the road and an easy 10-minute drive from the monument. The property sits on a private 1-acre lot surrounded by stunning mountain views and iconic rock structures from Bryce Canyon and beyond. You’re also just one mile from the town of Tropic so you can refuel, restock on supplies, grab a meal and make your way to the next stop on our summer road trip.
About 80 miles south of Kanab (or a scenic 3-hour drive from Zion National Park), the North Rim of the Grand Canyon carves a jaw-dropping gorge into Arizona’s red rock country. Those who prefer to explore the roads less traveled can reach the North Rim from Kanab via US-89A S, then take AZ-67 S at Jacob Lake to enjoy a 44-mile drive through the Kaibab Plateau to reach the park. The North Rim is open seasonally from May 15 to October 15.
Perched at over 8,000 feet elevation, the North Rim offers a cool, quiet, and panoramic view of the canyon floor and Colorado River. Visited by only 10% of annual canyoneers, this less-crowded gem features dramatic overlooks like Bright Angel Point and Cape Royal that provide unparalleled views of the canyon’s immense depth and colorful layers. Two scenic drives, Point Imperial and Cape Royal Road, wind to some of the North Rim’s most iconic viewpoints with pullout stops for extra photo ops.
Moab, Utah
Nestled between the stunning landscapes of Arches National Park and Canyonlands, Moab is a central base camp for adventure seekers. Located off US-191, this vibrant town is easily accessible from the Brian Head region via UT-143 and I-70, offering a scenic drive through Utah’s diverse terrain. Moab’s red rock playground features iconic landmarks like Delicate Arch and Mesa Arch, and provides endless opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and off-road adventures. Whether you’re exploring the surreal arches, rafting the Colorado River, or enjoying the lively local culture, Moab is a quintessential stop on your southern Utah road trip.
With so many breathtaking attractions to explore, southern Utah is the perfect destination for your ultimate summer road trip. From the awe-inspiring hoodoos of Bryce Canyon to the rugged beauty of the Escalante Grand Staircase, the serene North Rim of the Grand Canyon, and the adventure hub of Moab, each stop offers unique experiences and unforgettable memories.
As you plan your journey, let
Family Time Vacation Rentalsbe your go-to for comfortable and convenient lodging. Our vacation properties across
southern Utah hotspotsprovide the perfect pit stops to rest, relax, and refuel before setting out on the next leg of your adventure. Book your road trip with us today and get ready to hit the road in style!