LAST UPDATED: 10/14/26 – Southern Utah Road Trip

Our Southern Utah and Northern Arizona road trip turned out to be one of my favorite Southwest adventures. Looking back on the planning process, I wanted to share how I structured the trip, what worked well, what I’d do differently, and how you can use this itinerary to plan a similar journey of your own.

Rather than focusing on Utah’s most famous parks, this trip was designed around some of the region’s lesser-known destinations. My goal was to spend more time exploring remote locations that I had skipped on previous visits, including destinations such as Reflection Canyon, Rainbow Bridge National Monument, Alstrom Point, and several incredible state parks and national monuments.

If you’re looking for an itinerary that goes beyond Zion and Arches, this route provides a fantastic combination of scenic drives, slot canyons, backcountry hiking, iconic overlooks, and unforgettable photography opportunities.

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The Top 15 Amazing Southern Utah Attractions

Southern Utah Road Trip Overview

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One of the things that made this itinerary work so well was its circular route through Southern Utah and Northern Arizona. Unlike many first-time visits to Utah that focus heavily on the major national parks, this itinerary emphasized public lands managed by the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Utah State Parks.

The route included stops in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Natural Bridges National Monument, Goblin Valley State Park, and several other remarkable destinations. Bryce Canyon National Park was the only major national park included in the core itinerary.

• Day 1: Drive to Moab, Utah
• Day 2: Goblin Valley State Park
• Day 3: Leprechaun Canyon, Natural Bridges National Monument, Goosenecks State Park, and Forrest Gump Point
• Day 4: Alstrom Point and Lower Antelope Canyon
• Days 5-6: Rainbow Bridge National Monument
• Day 7: Reflection Canyon
• Day 8: Reflection Canyon and Bryce Canyon
• Day 9: Cedar Breaks National Monument (Reflection Canyon backup day)
• Day 10: Goosenecks Overlook on the drive home

Goblin Valley State Park

Goblin Valley State Park ended up being one of the most enjoyable surprises of the trip. While it lacks the name recognition of Utah’s national parks, its landscape of bizarre sandstone hoodoos is unlike anything else in the state.

The park is incredibly accessible, making it easy to spend a full day exploring and photographing the formations. If you’re interested in photography, I highly recommend planning your visit around sunrise or sunset when the soft light adds incredible depth and color to the landscape.

Leprechaun Canyon

Leprechaun Canyon was one of the hidden gems of the trip and a great reminder that some of the best experiences in Southern Utah are found away from the crowds.

For travelers planning a visit, it’s important to understand that there are multiple sections of the canyon. Casual hikers can enjoy portions of the slot canyon without technical gear, while those looking to fully explore the canyon should be prepared for technical scrambling and climbing challenges.

Even if you only visit the easier portions, the narrow sandstone walls provide some outstanding photography opportunities.

Natural Bridges National Monument

Looking back on the trip, Natural Bridges National Monument was one of the stops I wish I had planned more time for. The massive natural bridges are even more impressive in person than they appear in photographs, and the scenic drive makes it easy to experience many of the highlights without committing to long hikes.

If I were planning this itinerary again, I would budget at least a half day here to fully appreciate the overlooks and trails. It is a great addition to any Southern Utah road trip and is often overlooked by travelers rushing between the area’s more famous destinations.

Goosenecks State Park

Goosenecks State Park ended up being one of the best quick stops on the itinerary. The dramatic bends of the San Juan River create an incredible landscape that rivals many of the Southwest’s better-known viewpoints. One thing I learned while planning this trip is that not every destination needs to be an all-day adventure. Some of the most rewarding views in Southern Utah can be reached with very little effort, and Goosenecks State Park is a perfect example.

Monument Valley – Forrest Gump Point

For years, I had wanted to stop at Forrest Gump Point but had never managed to fit it into my schedule. This trip finally gave me the opportunity. While the stop itself is brief, the iconic view down the highway toward Monument Valley is one of the most recognizable scenes in the American Southwest. If your route takes you through the area, it is well worth a short detour and makes an excellent photography stop.

Glen Canyon – Alstrom Point

Alstrom Point was one of the destinations that most influenced my trip planning. Reaching the overlook requires additional driving on rough roads, but the panoramic views of Lake Powell and Glen Canyon make the effort worthwhile.

One lesson I learned is to allow far more travel time than you think you will need when visiting remote areas of Southern Utah. The distances may seem short on a map, but road conditions can significantly increase travel times. For photographers and landscape lovers, Alstrom Point is one of the most spectacular overlooks in the region.

Rainbow Bridge National Monument

The backpacking trip to Rainbow Bridge National Monument was one of the major goals of this adventure. Planning for this portion of the trip required more preparation than any other stop because of the distance, remoteness, and overnight camping involved. Looking back, the effort was well worth it. Rainbow Bridge is one of the most remarkable natural landmarks in the Southwest, and visiting it on foot made the experience even more memorable. For experienced hikers looking to add a true adventure to their Southern Utah itinerary, this hike is hard to beat.

Reflection Canyon

Reflection Canyon had been on my travel bucket list for years and was another centerpiece of the itinerary. Because access can be affected by weather and road conditions, I intentionally built flexibility into my schedule. That decision proved valuable and is something I would strongly recommend to anyone planning a similar trip. The views from Reflection Canyon are every bit as impressive as the photos suggest, and the experience reinforced the importance of allowing extra time for Southern Utah’s more remote destinations.

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Definitive Reflection Canyon Trail Guide

Bryce Canyon National Park

Although the focus of this trip was exploring lesser-known destinations, Bryce Canyon National Park still served as an important stop. We used the Bryce Canyon area as a base for exploring nearby attractions while also spending time enjoying one of Utah’s most iconic landscapes. Bryce remains one of my favorite national parks because it offers incredible scenery with relatively little effort. Even after multiple visits, it continues to be a destination I return to whenever I am traveling through Southern Utah.

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Bryce Canyon National Park Visitor Guide

Cedar Breaks National Monument

Cedar Breaks National Monument was another destination that had been on my list for years. After finally visiting, I came away wondering why I had waited so long. The colorful amphitheater and high-elevation scenery offer an experience similar to Bryce Canyon, but with far fewer visitors. For travelers seeking spectacular views without the crowds found in many national parks, Cedar Breaks is a fantastic addition to any Southern Utah itinerary.

Capitol Reef – The Goosenecks Overlook

The final stop of the trip was Goosenecks Overlook near Capitol Reef National Park. It was a relatively short stop on the drive home, but it provided a fitting conclusion to an itinerary filled with dramatic landscapes and unforgettable viewpoints. One thing this trip reinforced is that some of the best roadside viewpoints in Utah can be just as rewarding as much longer hikes. If you’re passing through the Capitol Reef area, this overlook is absolutely worth a stop.

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