Las Vegas to Moab Road Trip

The Perfect Road Trip from Las Vegas to Moab: 1 Week Itinerary

ByJulia

Find the best route for an epic one week road trip from Las Vegas to Moab, hitting all five of the national parks in Utah!

If you’re looking to experience the best of the southwest in the United States, this Las Vegas to Moab road trip is for you! It will take you from the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas, through top rated national parks, along scenic drives, all the way to one of my personal favorite places in the US – Moab, Utah!

It is by far one of the best week long road trips in the United States, taking you through some of the most untouched, naturally beautiful parts of the country. From canyons to rock arches, you’re in for a treat. To help you get off on the right foot, we’ll cover:

  • The best route from Las Vegas to Moab
  • The best stops between Las Vegas and Moab
  • Driving distances from Las Vegas to Moab
  • Where to stay between Vegas and Moab
  • And so much more!

Let’s jump right in!

Disclosure: Some of the links below may be affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

The Best Route from Las Vegas to Moab

If you’re looking to see all you can see between Las Vegas and Moab, this is the route to go. It will take you to all five of Utah’s National Parks. As you look at the route map from Las Vegas to Moab, you’ll see the driving directions from city to city along with where each national park is located.

With this overview in mind, let’s jump into the actual itinerary and details you need for an epic road trip from Vegas to Moab.

Las Vegas to Moab Road Trip Itinerary

Driving from Las Vegas to Moab in 1 week will keep you traveling at a quick pace as there is a lot to see on the way. In fact, this itinerary is action packed as you stop at all five of the Mighty 5 National Parks in Utah. Let’s start with day one – leaving Las Vegas, Nevada!

Day 1: Las Vegas to Zion National Park

Your Mighty 5 National Park road trip begins as you depart Las Vegas early in the morning. You’ll be leaving behind the neon lights of the Strip for the natural wonders of southern Utah.

Today’s drive will take you through the Nevada desert into Utah. After about 2.5-3 hours of driving, you’ll arrive at the majestic Zion National Park, the first of Utah’s National Parks.

Before entering the park, stop for breakfast in the town of Springdale. It serves as the gateway to Zion National Park. You can also try to check into your hotel or drop off your luggage if you wish. This is where you’ll be spending the night.

Angel's Landing in Zion National Park
Angels Landing in Zion National Park

Explore Zion National Park

Next head to the park’s gate where you’ll have the opportunity to purchase your America the Beautiful—the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. This $80 pass is a must for this road trip as you’ll be hitting five National Parks!

Carry on into Zion where you’ll want to stop at the visitor center to pick up maps and information about the park’s trails and shuttle system. With limited time in Zion, you’re going to have to be strategic in what you do. Here are my personal favorites:

  • The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is a must. This 7 mile drive takes you through the park and offers awe-inspiring views of the canyons and cliffs that Zion is famous for. This route can be done by car or shuttle service depending on the season.
  • If you’re up for a challenge, hike to Angels Landing (4.3 miles / 1,827 feet of elevation gain). It’s my favorite hike in the park and considered one of the most dangerous hikes in the United States. At the summit you’ll have amazing panoramic views into the canyons. Do note that you need to apply for a permit to hike Angels Landing.
  • Another favorite hike in Zion is the Narrows. This hike takes you through the canyons, wading through water for amazing, one-of-a-kind views. You can carry on as far as you wish and then turn back.

In the evening, return to Springdale. Here you’ll find plenty of dining options so you can enjoy dinner before crashing at your hotel in Springdale to prepare for your second day of this Las Vegas to Moab road trip itinerary.

Summary of Day 1: Las Vegas to Moab Itinerary

  • Driving Distance: Las Vegas to Zion National Park – 150 miles; 2.5 – 3 hours
  • Highlights: Zion National Park – Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, Angels Landing, or other Zion hikes!

Day 2: Zion National Park

Today is dedicated to exploring more of Zion National Park. There is a reason it sees over 5 million visitors per year and is the 2nd more visited national park in the US!

If you didn’t do it yesterday, today you might opt to tackle the challenging Angels Landing hike early in the morning to beat the heat and crowds. The hike takes you along narrow ridges with chains for support and rewards you with breathtaking views of the canyon. It is by far my favorite hike in Zion!

Another option is to hike the popular Narrows trail which follows the Virgin River. It’s not for the faint of heart as you will be traversing through water that goes up to your waist and potentially even your shoulders. And… it’s cold!

For a less strenuous adventure, jump on the Zion shuttle system for fast and easy access to other trailheads and viewpoints within the park. Some popular choices include the easy hike to Emerald Pools, the shorter Riverside Walk leading to the start of The Narrows, or the fascinating Weeping Rock Trail.

As the day progresses, you can continue to explore different parts of the park, perhaps catching a ranger-led program or enjoying a picnic along the Virgin River. Make sure to check the shuttle schedule and plan accordingly to maximize your time in the park.

In the evening, unwind in Springdale and recharge for another day of exploration. Tomorrow we’ll head to Bryce Canyon.

Zion National Park Sign

Summary of Day 2: One Week Las Vegas to Moab Road Trip

  • Driving Distance: Minimal
  • Where to Stay Overnight: Springdale
  • Highlights: Zion National Park – Angel’s Landing, The Narrows, Emerald Pools, Weeping Rock

Day 3: Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

It’s day 3 of your 7 day Vegas to Moab road trip itinerary, and we’re on our way to Bryce Canyon National Park! Today’s drive is short and scenic, taking you through 100 miles of Utah’s countryside.

Discover Bryce Canyon National Park

After just 2 hours, you’ll arrive at Bryce Canyon. Upon arrival, whip out your National Park Pass and head directly to the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center. Here you can acquire maps, trail information, and learn about the park’s unique geology.

The main attraction at Bryce Canyon is the otherworldly landscape of hoodoos—tall, thin rock spires that have been eroded over time. To get acquainted with Bryce Canyon, drive the 18 mile Bryce Canyon Drive. You’ll want to stop at viewpoints like Bryce Point and Inspiration Point to admire the amazing amphitheater of hoodoos.

After completing the drive, hike down into the amphitheater to get up close and personal with the scenery. The Queen’s Garden Loop and Navajo Loop Trail combination (3 miles / 652 feet of elevation gain) is the most popular choice and my favorite in the park. It takes you through all of the rock formations so you can see them up close.

As it gets later in the day, make your way to Sunset Point. Here you’ll be able to see the light completely change in the park as the sun starts to set. Once the sun is down, head out of the park to Bryce Canyon City. It’s just a couple minutes down the road and where you’ll spend the night tonight.

Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah

Summary of Day 3: Las Vegas to Moab Trip

  • Driving Distance: Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park – 108 miles; 1.5 – 2 hours
  • Highlights: Bryce Canyon National Park – Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive, the Bryce Amphitheater, Queen’s Garden and Navajo Loop, Sunset Point

Day 4: Capitol Reef National Park, Utah

We’re about half way through our road trip itinerary from Las Vegas to Moab, and you’re on your way to your third National Park of the week: Capitol Reef National Park. This is the least visited of the Mighty 5 Utah Parks but packs a lot of punch… without the crowds!

Driving from Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef, you’ll have two route options. You can take the northern route: UT-63 N to UT-62 E to UT-24 E, which is the faster option, or you can take the southern route: UT-63 N to UT-12 to UT-24 E. The southern route takes you through Escalante, Utah, which can make an excellent stop if you have an extra day to visit the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

Just before you reach Capitol Reef, you’ll pass through the town of Torrey, Utah. This will be where you spend the night tonight, and it is also worth some time to visit the historic Gifford Homestead.

Here you can learn about pioneer life in the area, but more importantly… you can indulge in delicious homemade pies! That’s right, I suggest stopping in just to try their pies: apple, strawberry, peach, mixed berry… you will not be disappointed!

Capitol Reef National Park

Explore Capitol Reef National Park

Once you arrive at Capitol Reef, head straight for the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive. This 7.9 mile long road takes you past the best scenery in the park, including numerous viewpoints and short hikes. From here, you can really appreciate the vastness of the Waterpocket Fold—a nearly 100-mile long warp in the Earth’s crust.

You’ll want to stop at the various pullouts and overlooks for more scenic views. For additional things to do in Capitol Reef National Park, I recommend you:

  • Hike the trail to Hickman Bridge (1.7 miles / 416 feet of elevation gain). This short trail takes you to an impressive natural sandstone arch.
  • Take the Capitol Gorge Road to continue your scenic drive through Capitol Reef. You’ll be able to explore narrow canyons and petroglyph panels along the Capitol Gorge Trail (4.5 miles / 374 feet of elevation gain).
  • Hike to Cassidy Arch (3.1 miles / 685 feet of elevation gain) or the Grand Wash Trail (4.7 miles / 341 feet of elevation gain) along the Grand Wash Spur road.
  • Visit some of the scenic viewpoints in the area such as Panorama Point on Highway 24, Gooseneck Overlook, and Sunset Point.

In the evening, head out of the park and back to Torrey. Here you’ll be able to spend the night and unwind at one of the few hotels in the area. Check out Capitol Reef Resort for the opportunity to sleep in a Conestoga Wagon or teepee or Skyview Hotel for a premium tent with a skylight!

Summary of Day 4: Las Vegas to Moab Drive

  • Driving Distance: Bryce Canyon National Park to Capitol Reef National Park – 112 miles; 2 – 2.5 hours
  • Highlights: Capitol Reef National Park – Capitol Reef Scenic Drive, Hickman Bridge, petroglyphs, and Cassidy Arch

Day 5: Arches National Park, Utah

Next up, you’re on your way towards Moab where you’ll be hitting one of my favorite national parks, Arches National Park. This amazing park is known best for its incredible concentration of natural stone arches – over 2,000 arches! To get there, depart Capitol Reef and drive southeast towards Moab, the gateway to Arches.

Reservations for Arches National Park

So far you haven’t had to worry about reservations, but Arches is a different story. Due to its popularity and size, you must secure reservations in advance to visit Arches National Park between April 1 – October 31, 2024. Here are the full details:

  • Entry permits are not be required for visitors who already have camping, backpacking, Fiery Furnace, or commercial tour bookings, so entering with a guide is a great option if you’re planning a last-minute vacay.
  • You are able to book reservations on a first-come, first-served basis through Recreation.gov beginning at 8 A.M. MT on January 2, 2024.
  • Reservations are released three months in advance, on a rolling basis. For example, on January 2nd, all reservations for the month of April will open up. On February 1st, all reservations for May will open up.
  • Last minute next-day reservations will be available at 7 P.M. MT, starting on March 31, 2024, on a daily rolling basis.

Find the latest details about timed entry for Arches National Park here.

Explore Arches National Park

Upon entering Arches National Park, you’re in for a treat as you’ll start spotting amazing rock formations and arches. Start your trip with a hike to Delicate Arch (3.2 miles / 629 feet of elevation gain), the park’s iconic symbol. It is a must-visit. The trail leading to it offers truly amazing views of the arch and the surrounding red rock landscape.

Next up, head to the Windows Section of the park. Here you’ll find North Window and South Window arches. Both are easily accessible via a flat 0.7 mile loop trail, and they are incredibly photogenic.

Nearby, visit Double Arch, where two massive arches soar above the desert floor. It’s just a 0.6 mile hike and one of the most incredible arches in the park.

If you have the energy, continue to the back of the park to explore the Devils Garden area. This part of the park features a network of trails leading to various arches, including Landscape Arch, one of the longest natural stone arches in the world.

I personally opted for and recommend the longest trail, Devil’s Garden Trail (7.9 miles / 1,085 feet of elevation gain). It provides the most “bang for your buck” visiting Tunnel Arch, Pine Tree Arch, Private Arch, Dark Angel Arch, Double O Arch, Partition Arch, Navajo Arch, and finally Landscape Arch.

As the sun begins to set, find a great spot to catch the show. The sun’s changing light really illluminates the red rocks. In fact, I’d go so far as to say Arches National Park is particularly enchanting during sunrise and sunset. If you can, try to make it to the park for sunrise and head up to Delicate Arch then for the biggest “wow” moment.

Tonight you’ll overnight in Moab, where you can enjoy a relaxing evening in town and prepare for the next day’s adventures.

Summary of Day 5: Las Vegas to Moab Road Trip Itinerary

  • Driving Distance: Capitol Reef National Park to Arches National Park – 132 miles; 2 – 2.5 hours
  • Highlights: Arches National Park – Delicate Arch, Double Arch, Garden Trail

Day 6: Canyonlands National Park, Utah

On day 6, you’ll explore Canyonlands National Park, another treasure in the Utah desert, conveniently located near Moab.

While Canyonlands National Park is divided into 4 distinct districts, you’ll start your day with a visit to the Island in the Sky district. This district is the closest to Moab and offers views of deep canyons carved by the Colorado River.

Plan an early morning to hike the popular Mesa Arch Trail (0.7 miles / 88 feet of elevation gain) for sunrise. This short hike leads to a natural stone arch which frames a dramatic view of the canyon. It’s best done this time of day for amazing sunlight on the arch and for missing the crowds.

Next head down the scenic Grand View Point Road. Drive along this road stopping at various overlooks and viewpoints to fully appreciate the park’s beauty. From here, you can see the confluence of the Green River and the Colorado Rivers.

Throughout the day, you can choose from a variety of hikes and viewpoints. I recommend adding in at least the Grand View Point Trail (1.8 miles / 164 feet of elevation gain). This trail takes you along the rim of the canyon and is great for sunset.

Mesa Arch from Island in the Sky
Mesa Arch at Sunset

Possible Additions

If you still have time, you have a few options to consider.

  • Head to the Needles District of Canyonlands to explore a completely different type of landscape. Here you’ll find colorful spires, canyons, and rock formations without the crowd. Consider hiking Chesler Park, Druid Arch, or the Joint Trail.
  • Stop at Dead Horse Point State Park right outside of Islands in the Sky. This state park offers stunning views of the Colorado River and the surrounding canyons. Make sure at stop at Dead Horse Point Overlook! It’s also a great option for sunset!

Summary of Day 6: One Week Las Vegas to Moab Itinerary

  • Driving Distance: Moab to Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands – 32 miles; 45 minutes
  • Where to Stay Overnight: Moab
  • Highlights: Canyonlands National Park – Mesa Arch, Grand View Point Road, Grand View Point Trail

Day 7: Moab, Utah

On your final day, you have the flexibility to enjoy outdoor activities in the Moab area at your own pace. Moab is an adventure hub and offers a wide range of options. Here are some of the top options in the area to pick from:

  • Mountain Bike Slickrock Bike Trail: Go mountain biking at this world-renowned trail. Here you’ll find a 10.5-mile loop that’s perfect for experienced mountain bikers looking for thrilling and technical riding along a challenging track.
  • Off-road Hell’s Revenge 4×4 Trail: Enjoy this iconic off-road trail featuring steep climbs and descents on slickrock. I highly recommend taking a guided jeep or ATV tour for this adrenaline-pumping adventure as the terrain is extremely challenging and therefore a bit dangerous for inexperienced drivers.
  • Hike around Fisher Towers: The imposing red rock formations of Fisher Towers provide a dramatic backdrop and are even more awe-inspiring up close. They’re ideal for hiking and photography so if you’re not done hiking yet, this may be your best bet!
  • Hike to Corona Arch: Another hiking option is Corona Arch. This natural arch is located outside of the national parks and requires a 2.3-mile round-trip hike to see the arch. It’s perfect for photographers and a much quieter experience compared to Arches National Park.
  • Learn at Mill Canyon Dinosaur Trail: This short trail features real dinosaur tracks and fossils making it the perfect destination for families or anyone interested in paleontology. You can walk the trail to see and learn about dinosaur footprints and fossils.

Spend your last evening exploring the shops and restaurants in downtown Moab. You may even want to stop at Moab Food Truck Park for a fun dinner for one last hurrah!

And… that’s a wrap on your one-week road trip from Las Vegas to Moab. It’s full of some of the best scenery in the United States with 5 incredible national parks! Depending on your plans, you can either end your road trip in Moab or begin your journey back to Las Vegas. Either way… safe travels!

Hell's Revenge in Moab, Utah
Hell’s Revenge

Summary of Day 7: Las Vegas to Moab Road Trip

  • Where to Stay Overnight: Moab
  • Highlights: Depends on your interests

FAQs about Driving Las Vegas to Moab in 1 Week

Trying to make your 1 week road trip to Moab from Vegas a success? Here are some more details to make your trip go smoothly.

1. How long is the drive from Las Vegas to Moab?

The drive from Las Vegas to Moab is typically ~450 miles if you drive straight through. It takes about 6.5 hours to do the drive. However, if you want to make it a road trip to visit the Mighty 5 National Parks in Utah, it will be a bit further. That being said, if you do it as a week long Mighty 5 road trip, you’re only driving usually 2- 3 hours per day to reach your destination.

2. What is the best time of year for this road trip?

The best time for a road trip from Las Vegas to Moab is during the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November). These seasons offer more mild temperatures, avoid the summer crowds and heat, and limit the potential of winter weather complications. This makes outdoor activities and sightseeing more enjoyable.

3. Do I need a 4WD or high-clearance vehicle to drive Las Vegas to Moab?

Generally, a standard passenger vehicle is sufficient for the road trip from Las Vegas to Moab. All of the main highways and roads you’ll be taking are paved and well-maintained. However, if you plan to explore more remote areas or venture onto unpaved backcountry roads within the national parks, a high-clearance or 4WD vehicle may be necessary.

4. Are there any entrance fees for the national parks along the way?

Yes, there are entrance fees for most of the national parks you’ll visit along the route. The best way to handle them is by purchasing the annual America the Beautiful National Park Pass for $80. This will save you money as compared to paying entrance fees at Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Arches National Park, and Canyonlands National Park.

5. Do I need national park reservations for the Mighty 5 National Parks?

For Utah’s Mighty 5 national parks, you do have to plan ahead for a couple of the parks. Arches requires timed entry reservations during peak season (April-October), and Zion requires reservations for hiking Angels Landing via a lottery system. Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, and Canyonlands do not require entry reservations and can be visited at any time.

6. What accommodations are available between Las Vegas and Moab?

Accommodation options along the route vary and include hotels, motels, campgrounds, and vacation rentals. In popular destinations like Springdale (Zion), Bryce Canyon City (Bryce Canyon), Torrey (Capitol Reef), and Moab, you’ll find a wide range of lodging choices to fit all budgets (usually). I recommend booking accommodations in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, as they can sell out.

7. What should I pack for the trip?

When packing for the road trip, consider the season and the activities you’ll be doing. Essentials include comfortable clothing, suitable footwear (especially if hiking), layers for varying temperatures, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a reusable water bottle, snacks, and a basic first-aid kit. If you plan to camp, bring camping gear, including a tent, sleeping bag, and cooking equipment.

8. Is there cell reception and GPS navigation along the route?

While major highways and towns generally have good mobile phone reception, some remote areas, especially within national parks, may have limited or no cell service. I recommend downloading offline maps before you take off. I like to use Maps.me and Google Maps offline. When in doubt, pack a physical map.

Explore More of Utah

Whew! This one week road trip from Las Vegas to Moab will keep you busy and take you to most of the highlights in the area. Of course, there is still plenty more to see and do along the way, and you can always learn more about it.

Here are some additional posts to get you prepped for this epic Mighty Five road trip!

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Las Vegas to Moab One Week Itinerary
One Week Road Trip Las Vegas to Moab
One Week Las Vegas to Moab Road Trip

Julia is the founder of The Cure for Curiosity, a North Carolina-based traveler with experience across 100+ countries, from the pyramids of Egypt to Everest Base Camp to the Blue Hole in Belize. After years of fast travel and slow travel, solo journeys and road trips, she now helps curious travelers understand how to choose destinations wisely, pace trips intentionally, and experience places beyond the surface.

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