8 days in Utah Itinerary

Mother Nature kept reaching for red when she painted Arches National Park's 2,000 sandstone arches, resulting in one of the country's more distinctly shaped and colored landscapes.

On the 27th (Mon), make a trip to Partition Arch, explore the striking landscape at Delicate Arch, and then explore the striking landscape at Fiery Furnace.

For maps, ratings, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read Arches National Park tour itinerary planner.

Des Moines to Arches National Park is an approximately 6.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of bus and car. The time zone difference when traveling from Des Moines to Arches National Park is minus 1 hour. Expect somewhat warmer weather when traveling from Des Moines in March: highs in Arches National Park hover around 62°F, while lows dip to 32°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 27th (Mon) so you can go by car to Moab.

The gateway to Utah's popular canyon country, Moab sits engulfed in the middle of desert wilderness.

Kick off your visit on the 28th (Tue): identify plant and animal life at Deep Desert Expeditions and then take in the dramatic natural features at Arches National Park. On the next day, get outside with Outdoor Activities, then explore the landscape on two wheels at Bike Fiend, and then see Off-Road Tours.

For more things to do, maps, photos, and tourist information, you can read our Moab trip maker site.

You can drive from Arches National Park to Moab in an hour. March in Moab sees daily highs of 62°F and lows of 32°F at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 29th (Wed) so you can go by car to Canyonlands National Park.

Canyonlands National Park features myriad canyons and buttes that the Colorado River, Green River, and their tributaries have carved over millions of years in hues of red and orange.

Start off your visit on the 30th (Thu): get to know the fascinating history of Monument Basin, take a memorable drive along White Rim Road, and then take some stellar pictures from Grand View Point Overlook.

For maps, where to stay, and other tourist information, use the Canyonlands National Park online vacation planner.

You can drive from Moab to Canyonlands National Park in 1.5 hours. Another option is to drive. Expect a daytime high around 62°F in March, and nighttime lows around 32°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Thu) so you can drive to Capitol Reef National Park.

Capitol Reef National Park takes its name from a particularly rugged and scenic section of the Waterpocket Fold, a geologic "wrinkle" stretching for 160 km (100 mi) along a dry plateau surrounded by white Navajo sandstone cliffs and domes, and red canyons, buttes, and rock bridges.

Kick off your visit on the 31st (Fri): look for all kinds of wild species at Capitol Reef National Park .

To find photos, reviews, more things to do, and other tourist information, refer to the Capitol Reef National Park trip planner.

You can drive from Canyonlands National Park to Capitol Reef National Park in 3.5 hours. Traveling from Canyonlands National Park in March, things will get slightly colder in Capitol Reef National Park: highs are around 49°F and lows about 20°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 31st (Fri) so you can go by car to Bryce Canyon National Park.

You can find hoodoos--rock pillars formed by erosion--all around the world, but those of Bryce Canyon National Park remain the standard bearers thanks to their bright red color, tall stature, and arrangement in large amphitheaters.

Start off your visit on the 1st (Sat): stroll through Navajo/Queens Garden Loop, get great views at Sunrise Point, then trek along Rim Trail, and finally trek along Queen's Garden Trail.

To find maps, photos, traveler tips, and tourist information, you can read our Bryce Canyon National Park attractions planner.

You can drive from Capitol Reef National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. Expect a daytime high around 49°F in March, and nighttime lows around 20°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 1st (Sat) to allow time to drive to Zion National Park.

Towering cliffs of red, white, and pink Navajo sandstone, stream-carved slot canyons, and big blue sky all characterize Zion National Park.

Kick off your visit on the 2nd (Sun): explore the striking landscape of Zion National Park.

To find where to stay, traveler tips, ratings, and more tourist information, refer to the Zion National Park trip planner.

Drive from Bryce Canyon National Park to Zion National Park in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. In April, Zion National Park is somewhat warmer than Bryce Canyon National Park - with highs of 69°F and lows of 35°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 2nd (Sun) early enough to catch the flight to Salt Lake City.

Utah's capital and most populous city, Salt Lake City boasts a small-town feel, big-city amenities, and plenty of nature on its doorstep.

On the 3rd (Mon), test your problem-solving skills at popular escape rooms, then admire the natural beauty at Washington Square, and then stroll through Temple Square.

To see more things to do, reviews, photos, and tourist information, you can read our Salt Lake City trip planner.

Traveling by flight from Zion National Park to Salt Lake City takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of car and bus. Expect slightly colder weather when traveling from Zion National Park in April: highs in Salt Lake City hover around 63°F, while lows dip to 42°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Mon) so you can fly back home.