Zion to Arches National Park: the best viewpoints to see on your trip

ByAdriana for Wanderlicious

If you’re planning a road trip, you’ve got to hit the route between Zion and Arches National Park. Trust me, this drive is epic.

Distance from Zion to Arches National Park: 300 miles, or 4 hours 13 minutes.

First off, the scenery is off the charts. You’ll see everything from towering, jutting red canyons to wide-open sand dunes to actual goblins. Yes, you read that right.

You’ve already made the right choice to read this article. Here’s everything you can’t miss.

Along the way, there are plenty of cool stops to check out. Think quirky little towns, the best hiking spots in Bryce, and stunning viewpoints.

Plus, the drive is super chill. The roads are well-maintained, and there’s not a tonne of traffic.

It’s the perfect way to see some of Utah’s best natural wonders. Just don’t forget your snacks, a killer playlist, and hit the road!

If you’re travelling through the state, have a look at my FULL Utah Road Trip here.

Quick Mini Guide To Utah

Don’t have a lot of time? Here’s a quick mini guide to Utah.

Dead Horse Point - Utah road trip

Where to stay

Best time to go

It’s best to go in Spring or Autumn. The summer becomes very hot. Go skiing in winter!

Car rental

Public transport is limited so car rental is your best option. Consider getting a 4×4 for some dirt roads.

– Car rentals from Vegas
– Car rentals from Salt Lake City

Stay connected

Purchase an eSim with Airalo on your phone – Use discount code A&M3 for $3 off your first purchase.

Bentonite hills
The Bentonite Hills – birdseye view
Kanab Sand Caves
Sunset Point at Bryce Canyon National Park
Sunset Point at Bryce Canyon National Park

Zion to Arches National Park

Some of my favourite places to stop at from Zion to Arches National Park are listed below.

Zion National Park

Starting at Zion National Park is a no-brainer. The hikes in Zion are unreal, especially the Narrows where you wade through the river surrounded by towering canyon walls. There are also some amazing places to go glamping in Zion too, so if you stay, make sure you stay in a fancy tent or a bubble dome tent.

  • Must-Do Hikes: The Narrows, Angels Landing
  • Highlights: Towering canyon walls, thrilling hikes, stunning views
  • Opening Times: Open 24/7, year-round
  • Cost/Entrance Fee: $35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass
  • Brief History: Founded in 1919, named by Mormon settlers who felt it was a sanctuary
  • Useful Info: Arrive early to avoid crowds and find parking easily. Here are the 7 closest airports to Zion too.
  • Drive Time from Zion National Park to Fort Zion: 15 minutes
Zion to Arches National Park
Hiking the Zion Narrows
Angels Landing, Zion
Angels Landing, Zion
The Narrows Hike, Zion National Park
The Narrows Hike, Zion National Park

Fort Zion

Fort Zion is a fun and quirky stop right after Zion. It’s a wild-west-themed spot with a petting zoo and delicious homemade ice cream. It’s a perfect spot for a quick, fun break, especially if you’re traveling with kids. Read the full guide!

  • Highlights: Petting zoo, homemade ice cream, wild-west theme
  • Opening Times: 10 AM to 6 PM daily
  • Cost/Entrance Fee: Free to enter, $2 to enter the petting zoo
  • Brief History: Built to entertain tourists with a taste of the Old West
  • Useful Info: Great spot for photos and a quick snack break
  • Drive Time from Fort Zion to Kanab Sand Caves: 20 minutes
Fort Zion, Utah
Fort Zion, Utah
Wild Ass Saloon - Fort Zion
Fort Zion: Pioneer Wagon
Pioneer Wagon: Fort Zion

Kanab Sand Caves

The Kanab Sand Caves are a very epic and easy pit stop and a bit of an adventure to get to. You’ll scramble up a short hill to explore these man-made caves with amazing views. The walk is around 15 minutes in total. It’s a fun, short hike that rewards you with some great photo ops.

  • Highlights: Unique caves, scenic views, fun scramble
  • Opening Times: Always open
  • Cost/Entrance Fee: Free
  • Brief History: Originally created as sand mines in the 1970s
  • Useful Info: Wear good shoes for the short but steep climb
  • Drive Time from Kanab Sand Caves to Belly of the Dragon: 15 minutes
Kanab Sand Caves
Kanab Sand Caves
Kanab Sand Caves
Kanab Sand Caves

Belly of the Dragon, Kanab

Belly of the Dragon is a hidden gem. It’s a short tunnel-like cave that’s fun to walk through and makes for some great photos. The cool, dark passage feels like a secret adventure.

  • Highlights: Tunnel cave, great photo op, secret adventure vibe
  • Opening Times: Always open
  • Cost/Entrance Fee: Free
  • Brief History: Carved by water drainage beneath Highway 89
  • Useful Info: Bring a flashlight for better visibility inside
  • Drive Time from Belly of the Dragon to Red Canyon Arch: 45 minutes
Belly of the Dragon Kanab
Belly of the Dragon Kanab

Red Canyon Arch

Driving through Red Canyon Arch feels like you’re in a movie. The bright red rock formations are stunning and it’s a perfect spot for a quick photo. The vibrant colors and easy access make it a memorable stop.

  • Highlights: Scenic drive-through arch, vibrant red rocks, movie-like scenery
  • Opening Times: Always open
  • Cost/Entrance Fee: Free
  • Brief History: Natural formations that have become iconic along Scenic Byway 12
  • Useful Info: Drive slowly and use pullouts for safe photo opportunities
  • Drive Time from Red Canyon Arch to Bryce Canyon National Park: 30 minutes
Red Canyon Arch
Red Canyon Arch

Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon is a must-see with its unique hoodoos and stunning viewpoints. Take a hike on the Navajo Loop or Peekaboo Loop for some of the best views. The vibrant colors and unique rock formations are unforgettable.

  • Must-Do Hikes: Navajo Loop, Peekaboo Loop
  • Highlights: Unique hoodoos, stunning viewpoints, vibrant colors
  • Opening Times: Open 24/7, year-round
  • Cost/Entrance Fee: $35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass
  • Brief History: Established as a national park in 1928, named after Ebenezer Bryce
  • Useful Info: Dress in layers, as temperatures can vary widely
  • Drive Time from Bryce Canyon to Bryce Scenic Drive: 10 minutes
Sunset Point at Bryce Canyon National Park
Sunset Point at Bryce Canyon National Park
Wall Street
Wall Street Hike
Navajo Loop Trail from Bryce Ampitheatre
Navajo Loop Trail from Bryce Ampitheatre
Swamp Canyon Overlook
Swamp Canyon Overlook

Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive

You absolutely can’t miss incredible views of Bryce Canyon’s Scenic Drive. For some reason, so many people miss loads of the spots! Stop at overlooks like Sunset Point and Inspiration Point for unbeatable vistas. It’s an easy way to see the park’s best views without much effort.

  • Highlights: Sunset Point (and the Navajo hike from here!), Rainbow Point, Piracy Point, Agua Canyon, Swamp Canyon, Black Birch, Natural Bridge, all with easy access to INCREDIBLE views
  • Opening Times: Always open
  • Cost/Entrance Fee: Included with park entrance fee
  • Brief History: Features viewpoints developed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps
  • Useful Info: Keep an eye out for wildlife along the drive
  • Drive Time from Bryce Scenic Drive to Escalante: 1 hour
Hoodoo Formations
The Hunter hoodoo - Agua Canyon Overlook
The Hunter hoodoo – Agua Canyon Overlook
Swamp Canyon Overlook
Swamp Canyon Overlook

Escalante

Escalante is the gateway to Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. It’s meant to be the best scenic drive in the whole region – and I can confirm, it’s pretty spectacular. Explore slot canyons like Spooky Gulch and Peek-a-Boo Canyon for some adventure. The rugged landscapes and less crowded trails make it a hidden gem.

  • Highlights: Slot canyons, rugged landscapes, less crowded trails. Also, don’t miss Kiva Koffeehouse – ‘the best coffee house in the USA’.
  • Opening Times: Always open
  • Cost/Entrance Fee: Free
  • Brief History: Designated as a national monument in 1996
  • Useful Info: Bring plenty of water and a map, as cell service is limited
  • Drive Time from Escalante to Scenic Byway 12: 30 minutes
Escalante
Escalante View Point
Escalante
Escalante

Scenic Byway 12

Scenic Byway 12 is one of the most beautiful drives in America. You’ll pass through diverse landscapes, from red rock canyons to alpine forests. The ever-changing scenery keeps the drive exciting and beautiful.

  • Highlights: Diverse scenery, multiple viewpoints, changing landscapes
  • Opening Times: Always open
  • Cost/Entrance Fee: Free
  • Brief History: Completed in 1985, known for its scenic diversity
  • Useful Info: Plan for stops at viewpoints along the way for photos
  • Drive Time from Scenic Byway 12 to Capitol Reef National Park: 2 hours

Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef is full of hidden gems. Check out Panorama Point, Cathedral Valley, the Fluted Wall, and the Natural Stone Arch for some unforgettable sights. The park’s unique rock formations and historical sites are a must-see.

  • Highlights: Panorama Point, Cathedral Valley, Fluted Wall, Natural Stone Arch
  • Opening Times: Open 24/7, year-round
  • Cost/Entrance Fee: $20 per vehicle for a 7-day pass
  • Brief History: Established as a national park in 1971
  • Useful Info: The park has a rich history of human habitation dating back thousands of years
  • Drive Time from Capitol Reef to Factory Butte: 1 hour
Winding Road Among the Red Rocks of Capitol Reef National Park
Rock Formation in Capitol Reef National Park in Utah
Fluted Wall
Panorama
One of my favourite stops: Zion to Arches National Park

Factory Butte

Factory Butte is an otherworldly landscape that looks like it’s from another planet. It’s a photographer’s dream with its stark, rugged beauty. The surreal scenery makes it feel like you’ve stepped onto a different world.

  • Highlights: Alien-like landscapes, rugged beauty, photography spot
  • Opening Times: Always open
  • Cost/Entrance Fee: Free
  • Brief History: Named for its resemblance to a factory due to its industrial look
  • Useful Info: Off-road vehicles are allowed in certain areas, making it great for adventure
  • Drive Time from Factory Butte to Bentonite Hills: 30 minutes
Factory Butte
Escalante

Bentonite Hills near Hanksville

The Bentonite Hills are actually insane! A literal rainbow of colours that are absolutely stunning. NOTE – These colourful hills are NOT the ones listed on Google. The ones of Google maps are less colourful. Read the full guide, as it’s on a dirt track and there’s patchy signal in this area. The vibrant hues and unique geology make it a standout stop though and well worth the visit.

  • Highlights: Colourful hills, quite unlike anything on the planet, unique geology, photogenic landscapes
  • Opening Times: Always open
  • Cost/Entrance Fee: Free
  • Brief History: Formed from ancient volcanic ash and clay minerals
  • Useful Info: DON’T visit if it’s been raining. The clay can become slick and muddy and cars get bogged down and have to be extracted by professional equipment.
  • Drive Time from Bentonite Hills to Goblin Valley State Park: 30 minutes
Bentonite Hills
Bentonite Hills
Bentonite Hills Utah
Bentonite Hills in Utah
Bentonite Hills in Utah

Goblin Valley State Park

Goblin Valley is like walking on another planet with its weird and wonderful rock formations. The goblins here are fascinating and fun to explore. It’s a whimsical, quirky place that’s perfect for both kids and adults.

  • Highlights: Unique rock formations, playful landscape, whimsical vibes
  • Opening Times: 6 AM to 10 PM daily
  • Cost/Entrance Fee: $20 per vehicle for a day pass
  • Brief History: Discovered by Arthur Chaffin in the 1920s
  • Useful Info: Great for family-friendly exploration and fun
  • Drive Time from Goblin Valley to Canyonlands National Park: 1 hour
Goblin State Park Utah
Goblin State Park Utah
Goblin State Park Utah
Goblin State Park Utah
Goblin Valley State Park
Goblin Valley State Park

Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands is massive and offers some of the most breathtaking views in the Southwest. Don’t miss Mesa Arch, Island in the Sky, and Grand View Point. The vast landscapes and dramatic vistas are truly awe-inspiring.

  • Highlights: Mesa Arch, Island in the Sky, Grand View Point, vast landscapes
  • Opening Times: Open 24/7, year-round
  • Cost/Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass
  • Brief History: Established in 1964, divided into four districts by the Colorado and Green rivers
  • Useful Info: The park is very large, so plan your visit to focus on one district at a time
  • Drive Time from Canyonlands to Dead Horse Point: 45 minutes
Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park
candlestick tower overlook
Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park

Dead Horse Point Overlook

Dead Horse Point Overlook gives you a jaw-dropping view of the Colorado River. It’s one of the most photographed spots in Utah for a reason. The panoramic view is absolutely breathtaking, especially at sunrise or sunset.

I photographed at sunset and it’s literally incredible!

  • Highlights: Panoramic views, Colorado River, it’s a popular photo spot
  • Opening Times: 6 AM to 10 PM daily
  • Cost/Entrance Fee: $20 per vehicle for a day pass
  • Brief History: Named after a legend where cowboys corralled wild mustangs on the point
  • Useful Info: Sunset and sunrise are the best times for photos
  • Drive Time from Dead Horse Point to Arches National Park: 45 minutes
Dead Horse Point Overlook
Dead Horse Point Overlook
Dead Horse Point Overlook
Dead Horse Point Overlook
Dead Horse Point Overlook

Arches National Park

Finally, Arches National Park is the grand finale. With famous spots like Delicate Arch, Balanced Rock, and Double Arch, it’s an absolute must-see. The park is filled with incredible rock formations and great hiking trails.

  • Must-See Spots: Delicate Arch, Balanced Rock, Double Arch, Elephant Butte, Phallus Pillar
  • Highlights: Iconic rock formations, incredible hiking, unique scenery
  • Opening Times: Open 24/7, year-round
  • Cost/Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass
  • Brief History: Established as a national park in 1971
  • Useful Info: Early morning or late afternoon visits offer the best light and fewer crowds
  • Drive Time to Next Stop: You’re there!

This road trip is packed with incredible sights and unforgettable experiences. So load up the car, hit the road, and enjoy the adventure!

Arches National Park
Arches National Park
Arches National Park
Arches National Park

Weather in Utah

Be wary of the weather in Utah, it’s so diverse! In the winter, it is literally freezing.

In the summer it is literally boiling, and it can actually be difficult to be out in the middle of the day. Whatever the time of year you visit, be prepared, whether that’s water bottles, or extra layers to keep warm.

Sunset Viewpoint.
Sunset Viewpoint at Bryce Canyon National Park
Utah Weather in January
  • Average temperature: -1°C (30°F)
  • Average rainy days: 5
  • Average daylight hours: 10
  • Average sunrise time: 7:45 AM
  • Average sunset time: 5:30 PM
Utah Weather in February
  • Average temperature: 2°C (35°F)
  • Average rainy days: 5
  • Average daylight hours: 11
  • Average sunrise time: 7:30 AM
  • Average sunset time: 6:00 PM
Utah Weather in March
  • Average temperature: 7°C (45°F)
  • Average rainy days: 6
  • Average daylight hours: 12
  • Average sunrise time: 7:00 AM
  • Average sunset time: 6:30 PM
Utah Weather in April
  • Average temperature: 11°C (52°F)
  • Average rainy days: 6
  • Average daylight hours: 13
  • Average sunrise time: 6:30 AM
  • Average sunset time: 7:30 PM
Utah Weather in May
  • Average temperature: 16°C (61°F)
  • Average rainy days: 5
  • Average daylight hours: 14
  • Average sunrise time: 6:00 AM
  • Average sunset time: 8:00 PM
Utah Weather in June
  • Average temperature: 21°C (70°F)
  • Average rainy days: 3
  • Average daylight hours: 15
  • Average sunrise time: 5:45 AM
  • Average sunset time: 8:45 PM
Utah Weather in July
  • Average temperature: 26°C (79°F)
  • Average rainy days: 4
  • Average daylight hours: 15
  • Average sunrise time: 6:00 AM
  • Average sunset time: 8:45 PM
Utah Weather in August
  • Average temperature: 24°C (75°F)
  • Average rainy days: 4
  • Average daylight hours: 14
  • Average sunrise time: 6:30 AM
  • Average sunset time: 8:30 PM
Utah Weather in September
  • Average temperature: 19°C (66°F)
  • Average rainy days: 4
  • Average daylight hours: 12
  • Average sunrise time: 7:00 AM
  • Average sunset time: 7:30 PM
Utah Weather in October
  • Average temperature: 12°C (54°F)
  • Average rainy days: 4
  • Average daylight hours: 11
  • Average sunrise time: 7:30 AM
  • Average sunset time: 6:30 PM
Utah Weather in November
  • Average temperature: 5°C (41°F)
  • Average rainy days: 4
  • Average daylight hours: 10
  • Average sunrise time: 7:00 AM
  • Average sunset time: 5:00 PM
Utah Weather in December
  • Average temperature: -1°C (30°F)
  • Average rainy days: 5
  • Average daylight hours: 9
  • Average sunrise time: 7:30 AM
  • Average sunset time: 5:00 PM

Other Utah & USA Articles

Certainly a bucket list Utah Road Trip. Have a look at my other USA articles that you might find interesting:

Things to do in Phoenix

Best Wineries with lodging in the USA

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Hi, I'm Adriana, a multi award winning UK travel blogger!

I grew up in Australia, New Zealand, Poland, Dubai and England, and I got the travel bug from a young age. I love sharing travel guides so you know the most incredible places to visit and best places to stay.

I go out of my way to find the most beautiful spots in the world so I can share it with all of you!

I have an enthusiastic zest for life and I am the eternal optimist. I’m quick to smile, quick to love and always looking for an adventure.

I also make travel videos on social media (265k+) Instagram (@wander.licious) and TikTok (wanderlicious.adri), come say hi!

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