Have you considered taking a road trip through Southern Utah? The vast desert landscape allows you to experience brilliant red rock oases and a snowy skier’s paradise all within a few days. You’ll be hard pressed to put your camera down on the ultimate Southern Utah road trip!
Start at the hub of the greater Zion area
Fly into St. George Regional Airport or hop right off of I-15 to begin your journey in St. George. Between an exciting playground for the outdoor enthusiast, local shopping, a plethora of food options, and stunning views, St. George has something for everyone! Visitors from all over the world come to enjoy the year-round warm weather.
While you’re here, be sure to hit Snow Canyon State Park, located at the edge of the Mojave Desert.
Escape. Play. Discover. Relax. at Sand Hollow Resort
Next up, just 20 minutes from St. George, you’ll find Southern Utah’s premier vacation destination—a must-stop spot on your road trip. But beware, you won’t want to leave Sand Hollow Resort once you’re there! Spend a day on the lake at Sand Hollow Reservoir, enjoy beautiful balcony views from one of the many vacation rentals, and wind down for the night by taking a dip in the jacuzzi. Of course, you can’t miss out on the chance to play on the nationally-ranked Championship golf course and traverse the sand dunes the next day!
Meet Zion between Springdale and Mount Carmel Junction, Utah
Hugging either end of Zion National Park are Springdale and Mount Carmel Junction—small towns that seem unfazed by the constant stream of tourists that Utah’s most popular national park attracts. Stop at the local rock shops and grab a bite to eat before venturing on into the park. There is an abundance of hikes, each boasting incredible views. Once you experience the sheer magnitude of the towering cliffs in the park, you too will realize why this park is one-of-a-kind.
Hit the slopes atop Navajo and Giant Steps
Brian Head Resort, named for the town it sits in, is a popular spot among skiers and snowboarders who travel from Utah, Nevada, California and beyond to enjoy a day on the slopes. The resort covers over 650 acres and has two connected mountains, Giant Steps and Navajo, offering 71 runs that are sure to please everyone.
Explore the Bryce Canyon Amphitheaters
This wildly diverse national park offers the chance to explore its natural amphitheaters and distinct red rock pillars (hoodoos), created by water and wind over millions of years. Bryce Canyon truly is a treat and a favorite Southern Utah spot. Fishing, horseback riding, hiking, and rappelling are just a few of the activities to choose from when you visit the park!
End your road trip in the land of canyons
Stay at a bed and breakfast or try glamping along Main Street in Moab for easy access to not one, but two of the Mighty Five national parks in Utah: Arches and Canyonlands.
Arches National Park is one of the most popular in the nation. Spanning 73,234 acres, it’s home to the famous Delicate Arch and more than 2,000 others.
Explore Canyonlands National Park by joining a tour so you can make sure to hit all of the park’s must-see attractions. You can even see the park from the water while floating down the rivers that ultimately formed the canyons surrounding you. Canyonlands provides a serene setting to look out across miles and miles of desert land, making it the perfect place to reflect on your adventure and bring your road trip to a close.
