Few things are as rewarding and awe-inspiring as a trip to the American Southwest – and what better way to explore it than on a family road trip? This Utah family vacation brings together big landscapes, easy adventures, and moments filled with wonder. It’s a great way to check off six national parks, including Utah’s Mighty 5, all in one unforgettable journey. Along the way, stay close to the parks with upscale glamping that keeps adventure front and center while offering comfort in nature. Here’s your guide to planning the perfect Utah family trip.
7 to 10-Day Utah Family Vacation Itinerary
This Utah family vacation itinerary follows the Grand Circle Road Trip, starting in Las Vegas. It’s one of the best summer road trips in the U.S. and is designed to be flexible. You can linger longer if you have the time, or shorten it to a week. Because it’s a loop, you can start and end your trip anywhere along the route, but Las Vegas or Moab offers the easiest access for air travel and car rentals.
Stops on the Grand Circle Road Trip
- Starting point: Las Vegas, Nevada
- Zion National Park, Utah (2.5 hours from Las Vegas)
- Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah (2 hours from Zion)
- Capitol Reef National Park via Scenic Byway 12 (3 hours from Bryce)
- Moab, Utah, for Arches and Canyonlands (2.5 hours from Capitol Reef)
- Drive through Monument Valley (2.5 hours from Moab)
- Lake Powell, Arizona (2 hours from Monument Valley)
- Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona (2.5 hours from Lake Powell)
- Return to Las Vegas (4.5 hours from the Grand Canyon)
Day 1: Arrive in Las Vegas and Drive to Zion
Fly into Las Vegas (LAS) and pick up a rental car to make the 2.5-hour drive to Springdale, Utah, the gateway to Zion National Park. Check in at Under Canvas Zion for safari-inspired glamping near the park. After a travel day, this is the perfect place to settle in, enjoy a relaxed dinner with red rock views, and recharge with upscale amenities close to nature.
For fun roadside stops, check out our road trip guide from Las Vegas to Zion.
Day 2: Explore Zion National Park
Ride the free park shuttle through Zion Canyon and start with the paved Riverside Walk, which follows the Virgin River and is great for all ages. This trail also serves as the gateway to The Narrows, a bucket list hike through the river that older kids and teens love when conditions allow. Later in the day, head to the Emerald Pools. The Lower Emerald Pools Trail offers waterfalls, shaded paths, and big views without a big commitment. Back at camp, unwind with camp programming, fireside s’mores, and a perfect night under the stars.
Day 3: Drive from Zion to Bryce Canyon
After breakfast, drive the scenic Zion–Mt. Carmel Highway, which passes through the historic tunnel carved directly into the rock. Pause at the Canyon Overlook Trail for a short hike with sweeping views and a leg-stretch before continuing. Check in at Under Canvas Bryce Canyon and enjoy refreshing high desert temperatures. Settle in for an epic desert sunset, followed by stellar stargazing, often paired with live acoustic music and storytelling around the fire.
For more stops along the way, check out our Zion to Bryce road trip guide.
Day 4: Explore Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon feels like stepping onto another planet. Its amphitheater is filled with towering hoodoos, the park’s signature feature. One of the best family-friendly hikes is the Queen’s Garden/Navajo Loop combo, which allows you to walk among the hoodoos themselves. If hiking isn’t the focus, exploring the Bryce Amphitheater Rim provides stunning viewpoints with minimal effort. Return to camp for a relaxed evening, letting the cooler temps and quiet surroundings recharge everyone for the next leg of the journey.
Day 5: Drive Scenic Byway 12 to Capitol Reef and Moab
Drive along Scenic Byway 12, one of the most beautiful roads in America. As you pass through Capitol Reef National Park, stop at the historic Gifford Homestead, located 1 mile south of the visitor center on the Scenic Drive. The Gifford House is typically open from March 14 (Pi Day) to late November for fresh pie and take time to view ancient petroglyphs etched into the canyon walls.
Continue east toward Moab, arriving in about 2.5 hours. Moab serves as the perfect home base for exploring both Arches and Canyonlands national parks. After dinner in downtown Moab with plenty of casual, kid-friendly options. Check in at Under Canvas Moab for the next two nights to explore two nearby national parks.
Day 6: Explore Arches National Park
Arches National Park is pure wonder for kids and adults alike. Drive the Arches Scenic Drive and stop to take in the formations, from Balanced Rock to towering sandstone fins. The hike to Delicate Arch is a classic at 3 miles round-trip, but families can also opt for the viewpoint trail for an easier option. For younger hikers, the Windows Section and Double Arch offer short walks with big visual rewards and plenty of space to explore and scramble on the red rocks.
Day 7: Explore Canyonlands National Park
Venture to nearby Canyonlands, where vast mesas and deep canyons stretch as far as the eye can see. Explore the Island in the Sky district, starting with the short Mesa Arch Trail, which is especially beautiful in early morning light. Continue to Grand View Point for panoramic vistas and an easy walk along the rim. Canyonlands has fewer crowds and sprawling views, making it a memorable contrast to Arches before leaving Moab.
Day 8: Explore Lake Powell
Drive southwest toward Lake Powell and check in at Under Canvas Lake Powell–Grand Staircase. This region blends desert cliffs with shimmering blue water for an oasis in the desert. Spend the afternoon splashing and playing at Lone Rock Beach or renting a boat, where families can swim, paddle, or simply enjoy the scenery. Relax back at camp or head to Horseshoe Bend to soak in a spectacular sunset.
Day 9: Explore the Grand Canyon
And for the grand finale – the Grand Canyon! Take time to explore the overlooks along the paved South Rim Trail, which show the sheer scale of this natural wonder. Stay at Under Canvas Grand Canyon, surrounded by 160 acres of secluded piñon and juniper forest just 25 minutes from the South Rim entrance.
For planning your days, here’s our guide to exploring the Grand Canyon with kids.
Day 10: Depart from Las Vegas
Wrap up your Utah family vacation by driving back to Las Vegas for your return flight. The loop brings you full circle, with just enough time to reflect on the landscapes, hikes, and shared moments that made the journey special.
Stargazing Sanctuaries in Utah
Utah has the highest concentration of DarkSky parks in the country. Each stop on this itinerary offers exceptional night-sky viewing, with stars visible to the naked eye. Our Grand Circle camps are Dark Sky-certified resorts and celebrate the beauty of the night sky with celestial experiences such as astronomer-guided stargazing and star parties, turning evenings into unforgettable moments for kids and adults alike.
Tips for a Utah Family Vacation
- America the Beautiful Pass: Purchase this annual pass for visiting multiple national parks. It quickly pays for itself on a Utah family vacation.
- Junior Ranger Programs: Available at the parks, kids can become Junior Rangers by completing learning activities and challenges that create fun interactions with park rangers.
- Desert Essentials: Pack snacks, plenty of water, and sun protection to stay comfortable during warm desert days.
- Stay & Save: Staying at two or more Under Canvas camps gets you 20% off your multi-camp stay. Contact the reservations team at 888-496-1148 or reservations@undercanvas.com.
Where to Stay for a Utah Family Vacation
Immerse your family in the great outdoors with upscale, safari-inspired accommodations at Under Canvas camps throughout Utah and Arizona. Each camp blends comfort and adventure through thoughtfully designed canvas tents, upscale amenities, optional en suite bathrooms, cozy beds, dining, and nightly campfire traditions. Enjoy daily camp programming for all ages, nightly s’mores, and adventures for an unparalleled experience in nature.