DAY 1: Turn to Stone
BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK
You can find weird-looking, vertical rock formations, or hoodoos, at almost any national park in Utah, but as many as you'll find here. Hoodoos are formed by frost weathering and steam erosion but, you'd think they were just giants who turned to stone.
Inside the Park:
Sunset Point
Start off at Sunset Point for a beautiful view. It seems counterintuitive to be here before sunset, but it's a good access point for the following trails.
navajo loop trail
From sunset point, descend down the switchbacks (trails switching back and forth), past the most famous hoodoo in the park, Thor's Hammer.
Note: To see a list of the best hikes in Utah, check out our UV blog post, Power Rankings: Hikes of Utah.
Queen's Garden
When you've reached Bryce Creek along the Navajo Trail, head north to Queens Garden to see some of the most impressive hoodoos in park.
Rim Trail to sunrise point
The Queens Garden Trail takes you up to Sunrise Point, where you can walk back to your starting point, with beautiful views along the rim.
STAY THE NIGHT IN: BRYCE
For restaurant and hotel recommendations, reservations and more, check out our Customize section.
DAY 2: in the land of zion
ZION NATIONAL PARK
The crown jewel of Utah's national parks, and one of the best parks in the entire national park system, Zion offers an unparalleled natural experience. It's also very well funded and run, and can almost feel like you're at an all-natural Disney Land, complete with its own museum, interactive tours and trolley. And just like any amusement park, it has both kiddy rides and death-defying thrills.
Inside the Park:
canyon overlook trail
What better way to start your day in Zion than by getting a glimpse of it from above, before you take the plunge into the heart of the canyon.
EMERALD POOLS trail
This area features three hikes at various levels of difficulty. The longest hike is three miles. Each path takes you to a different view of the pools.
Note: To see a list of the best hikes in Utah, check out our UV blog post, Power Rankings: Hikes of Utah.
Alternate: Angel's Landing Trail
If you have the slightest fear of heights, skip this. Renowned for its narrow trail and rather insane drop-offs, there is little room for error and nothing stopping you from falling to your demise other than a chain. Most hikers stop at Scout Lookout; the final stretch of the hike can only be described as death-defying. If you do it, you'll be a braver person when it's over.
STAY THE NIGHT IN: SPRINGDALE
For restaurant and hotel recommendations, reservations and more, check out our Premium section.
DAY 3: by the waters of babylon
The Narrows (ZION NATIONAL PARK)
This is the most famous hike in all of Utah, and the best possible way to conclude your Utah adventure. You'll be hiking through a river at mostly knee-deep, though sometimes waist-deep water, surrounded on both sides by massive canyon walls. Because of it's popularity, you'll be joined by hundreds of other people in what feels like some kind of religious exodus to the promised land. Consistently ranked among the top hikes in the world, be sure to take the plunge for a truly memorable experience.
Note: To see a list of the best hikes in Utah, check out our UV blog post, Power Rankings: Hikes of Utah.
STAY THE NIGHT IN: SPRINGDALE
For restaurant and hotel recommendations, reservations and more, check out our Customize section.
You have reached your journey's end.
Depart: McCarran International Airport (LAS)