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If you’re dreaming of a road trip that works for everyone — adventurous adults, curious kids, and older parents who prefer easy walks — this 7-day southern Utah loop is perfect. It hits Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands without rushing through, and it builds in plenty of breaks, short trails, and big viewpoints that don’t require intense hiking.
This itinerary is stroller-friendly in parts, kid-friendly everywhere, and gentle enough for adults who want a “see everything without overdoing it” kind of trip.
We started our trip out of Las Vegas because
Below is the full day-by-day plan with driving times, activity suggestions, and optional add-ons.
My roadtrip map:
Day 1: Arrive in St. George
Drive Time: About 2 hours from Las Vegas
Stay: St. George
Fly into Las Vegas, grab a snack, and head to St. George. It is quiet, clean, and a great place to ease into the trip. Go to bed early so everyone starts fresh the next morning!
Tip: St. George has lots of grocery stores. Pick up snacks, fruit, and sandwiches so you are not scrambling inside the parks!
Day 2: St. George to Zion to Orderville
Drive Time: 1.5 hours
Stay: Orderville: Head to the car and have dinner at any of the restaurants nearby before driving 45 minutes to Orderville. We stayed in an Airbnb of a tiny home which has a loft, queen bed, and couch!
Have breakfast at River Rock Roasting Company and start your morning by driving 30 minutes to Zion National Park. Park near one of the shuttle bus stops and take the shuttle to the visitor center. We like to park at Thai Sapa/Cliffrose Spa because it’s within walking distance to the visitors center.
Easy Walks for All Ages
We did all the easy hikes suggested by the Zion Informational letter. Take the shuttle all the way to stop 9 and work your way back towards the visitors center. Remember hte last bus back is at 6:00pm from Stop 9!
- Riverside walk (Stop 9): This is a 2-mile trail along the Virgin River and the beginning portion of hte Narrows hike. It’s paved but a little muddy/sandy depending on the season. Saw lots of little kids, strollers, and older people on this hike. My parents loved this one!
- Big Bend View (Stop 8): Stop here for a snack break and look out for some tock climbers!
- Weeping Rock Trail ( Stop 7): short, slightly steep, .4 mile trail that leads to an alcove that is dripping water. Kids love this trail!
- The Grotto Trail and Lower Emerald Pools Hikes ( Stop 5): Try these short hikes and then grab lunch at the Lodge after!
- Pa rus Trail (Stop 1)
Flat, paved, stroller-friendly, and peaceful. You can walk for five minutes or one hour. It is beautiful either way!
For sunset, choose from:
- Court of the Patriarchs Overlook, which is a very short walk.
- Canyon Overlook Trail is about a one-mile round-trip with steps. Skip it if the ground looks icy or if anyone in your group is uncomfortable with heights.
If you have more time, on the way to Orderville, stop at Belly of the Dragon, which is a very short walk in a tunnel, and wash. Bring a flashlight! Or drive a little further to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park!
Tip: Start Zion early. Parking fills up quickly!
Day 3: Orderville to Bryce Canyon
Drive Time: 1 hour
Stay: Bryce Canyon City : Ruby’s Inn in Bryce Canyon City – they have a decent grocery store and buffet breakfast!
Take the scenic drive out of Zion’s east entrance. Stop at Even the pullouts along this road feel like mini hikes without much walking.
Arrive at Bryce Canyon National Park around midday.
Easy Bryce Viewpoints
- Sunrise Point
- Sunset Point
- Inspiration Point
All of these are right off the main walkway and feel doable for every age. If everyone is feeling good and you want a mild challenge, walk a small portion of the Queen’s Garden Trail from Sunrise Point. You can turn around at any time.
Spend the afternoon walking along sections of the rim or driving between viewpoints.
Tip: The air is dryer and cooler at Bryce. Bring chapstick and extra layers!
Day 4: Bryce to Capitol Reef via Scenic Byway 12
Drive Time: 2.5 to 3 hours
Stay: Torrey: We stayed at Motel Torrey which is close to a few restaurants!
Wake up early for sunrise at Sunrise Point. It is one of the prettiest views in the park and worth the cold morning! OR You can skip sunrise at Bryce NP and get into Capitol Reef early to grab fruit pies in the Fruita area of the park! It has a fruit orchard on site so if you go during the right season you might get to enjoy some fruit while you’re there!
Then head out along Scenic Byway 12, one of the best drives in the country. The views were just unreal! Take advantage of all the pull-outs and take in the nature!
Easy Stops Along the Route
- Kodachrome Basin State Park
Quick flat trails and big rock formations that kids love to point at. - Escalante Petrified Forest State Park
Easy paths and a nice break from sitting in the car.
Arrive at Capitol Reef National Park in the afternoon. This park is calm and peaceful which makes it ideal for older parents.
Easy Capitol Reef Highlights
- The Scenic Drive with lots of pullouts
- The Fruita Historic District with orchards and a barn
- The Petroglyph Boardwalk which is very easy and flat
- Off Road: If you have a 4-wheel drive car, consider going off-roading! This brings nature even closer to you! We did the Grand Wash Road and hiked the Grand Wash Trail for a short walk, and then we went down the Capitol Gorge Road and hiked an hour round-trip, where we saw the pioneer register and petroglyphs!
Tip: Stop at the small Gifford House in Fruita for pies or cinnamon rolls if they are open! Go in the morning because they sell out quick! Also, Capitol Reef is an International Dark Sky Park, we headed to Panorama Point to get a spectacular view of the Milky Way and stars at night!
Day 5: Capitol Reef to Arches to Moab
Drive Time: 2.5 to 3 hours
Stay: Moab: We stayed at Sun Outdoors Gateway to the Arches, but there are plenty of hotels of all budgets in Moab! We wanted to be closer to nature
Have a slow morning in Capitol Reef. Walk around Fruita, stretch your legs at an easy viewpoint, and then make your way toward Moab.
Easy Stop Along the Route
- Goblin Valley State Park
A beautiful Mars-like landscape with easy hiking trails. Elara loved playing hide and seek here with my parents!
Visit Arches National Park in the late afternoon when the sun gets softer.
Easy Arches Trails
- The Windows Area
Several short paths that lead to giant arches. Great for kids. - Balanced Rock
A very short loop that works for every age. - Devils Garden Path to Landscape Arch: This was the highlight of our Arches trip. It has a few steep parts but the path is well maintained and the view of Landscape Arch is worth it!
- Pullouts along the road that are perfect for sunset photos.
- Sand Dune Arch
Only 0.4 miles round trip. The soft sand and shady slot make kids very happy. - Skyline Arch
Another short, easy trail with a great view.
Tip: Afternoon light makes the red rocks glow. Evening is the best time for photos.
Day 6: Canyonland National Park
Stay: Moab
Drive to 35-minutes to Canyonland National Park. Start early in Canyonlands: Island in the Sky, which sits on top of a giant plateau.
Short, Fun Trails
- Mesa Arch
A 0.7 mile loop that is gentle and beautiful at sunrise. - Grand View Point
Big views with a trail here that takes you to some amazing views! This is a MUST! - Green River Overlook
A quick stop for a huge panoramic view. - Shafer Off Road: If you not afraid of heights and are confident in your driving, try the Shafer Trail Road! It’s a switchback that leads you deeper into the canyon. You do need a car with high clearance for this!
Spend the rest of the afternoon in Moab. Walk through town, grab coffee, or take a scenic drive along the Colorado River (Road 128)
Tip: If you need a low energy break, the parks have plenty of picnic spots with views.
Day 7: Moab to St. George
Drive Time: 5 to 5.5 hours
Stay: St. George
Spend more time in Canyonland or Arches National Parks and then slowly make your way back to St. George or Las Vegas. Stop in Cedar City for dinner!
Day 8: Fly Home
Drive to Las Vegas and catch your afternoon flight. You will be tired in the best way!
Extra Tips for Families
- Bring layers. Temperatures swing a lot between parks! We went in November where it hovered around 40-65°F.
- Keep a cooler in the car with fruit, yogurt pouches, and drinks! There aren’t too many places to eat, so when you find a grocery store or snack stop, take advantage!
- Start parks early to avoid crowds and heat! Also make sure to see if you need reservations at the park!
- Use restroom stops whenever you see them. Distances between facilities can be long! State parks are a great place to take a quick bathroom break.
- Let kids burn energy at every viewpoint so they stay happy in the car! Also, if your kiddo gets carsick, pack some Dramamine for Scenic Byway 12!
