10 Utah Road Trip Ideas With Hidden Gems
Whether you’re into slot canyon hikes, off-the-grid overlooks, or unique rock formations, these 10 Utah road trip ideas (plus a bonus route at the bottom of this article) will take you off the beaten path and into the heart of the wild West. Each trip comes with an ideal travel season and sample itinerary to help you start planning your next unforgettable journey.
1. Capitol Reef Scenic Loop & Cathedral Valley
Capitol Reef National Park may be Utah’s least visited national park, but it’s home to some of the most dramatic landscapes in the state. This road trip combines the scenic Highway 24 drive through Fruita’s orchards and red rock cliffs with a detour into the remote, otherworldly Cathedral Valley, where you’ll encounter giant monoliths, clay colored bentonite hills, and complete solitude. Along the way, stop at hidden gems like the Temple of the Sun and Moon and Glass Mountain.
Ideal Time to Go:
Late spring to early fall (May–October), when roads are dry.
Sample Itinerary:
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Day 1: Torrey to Capitol Reef Scenic Drive & Gifford Homestead
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Day 2: Cathedral Valley Loop via Hartnet Road (high-clearance vehicle recommended)
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Day 3: Fremont Petroglyphs & Goosenecks Overlook, return to Torrey
2. Grand Staircase Escalante to Kodachrome Basin
This underrated corner of southern Utah features dazzling sandstone landscapes, slot canyons, and colorful rock spires. Start in Escalante, hike into Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Gulch, 2 of the most popular Grand Staircase Escalante hikes, then explore the photogenic rock formations of Kodachrome Basin State Park. Don’t miss Grosvenor Arch and the Burr Trail for quiet scenic driving. Do note that the drive in Grand Staircase Escalante is rough and will require a high clearance vehicle and/or 4×4. Do not try to do this drive in a regular car.
Ideal Time to Go:
Spring and fall for mild hiking weather (March–May, September–October)
Sample Itinerary:
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Day 1: Drive Scenic Byway 12 to Escalante
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Day 2: Hike Peek-a-Boo & Spooky slot canyons
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Day 3: Explore Kodachrome Basin & Grosvenor Arch
3. Moab to La Sal Mountain Loop
Escape the heat and crowds of Arches and Canyonlands with this stunning loop through the La Sal Mountains. Begin in Moab Utah and ascend into alpine forests with panoramic red rock views below. Stop at hidden overlooks, hike in cool pine woods, and enjoy peaceful mountain lakes, off the radar for most tourists.
Ideal Time to Go:
Late spring to early fall (June–October)
Sample Itinerary:
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Day 1: Arches National Park
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Day 2: La Sal Mountain Loop Scenic Drive
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Day 3: Visit Fisher Towers or Castle Valley en route back to Moab
4. San Rafael Swell Loop
One of Utah’s last great unknowns, the San Rafael Swell is a rugged land of slot canyons, petroglyphs, and geologic wonders. This loop takes you to hidden gems like Little Wild Horse Canyon, Goblin Valley, the Wedge Overlook (Utah’s Little Grand Canyon), and the eerie ghost town of Sego.
Ideal Time to Go:
Spring and fall (March–May, September–October)
Sample Itinerary:
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Day 1: Goblin Valley & Little Wild Horse Canyon
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Day 2: Wedge Overlook & Buckhorn Wash Pictographs
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Day 3: Explore Sego Ghost Town near Green River
5. Bear Lake to Logan Canyon Scenic Byway
This northern Utah road trip is all about alpine lakes, canyon drives, and crisp mountain air. Start at the turquoise waters of Bear Lake and drive west through Logan Canyon, a leafy byway filled with waterfalls, limestone cliffs, and fall color in autumn. This is one of the most beautiful Utah scenic drives available.
Ideal Time to Go:
Summer and early fall (June–October)
Sample Itinerary:
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Day 1: Relax at Bear Lake beaches & eat raspberry shakes
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Day 2: Scenic drive through Logan Canyon, hike Tony Grove Lake
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Day 3: Visit Logan’s historic downtown & Wind Caves Trail
6. Zion Backroads & Kolob Canyons
Most Zion National Park visitors never explore Kolob Canyons or the Kolob Terrace Road where two of the park’s best-kept secrets are located. This trip highlights remote viewpoints, lava fields, and quiet trailheads with epic canyon views which is perfect for avoiding the shuttle crowds.
Ideal Time to Go:
Spring and fall (April–May, September–October)
Sample Itinerary:
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Day 1: Kolob Canyons scenic drive & Taylor Creek hike
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Day 2: Kolob Terrace Road to Lava Point & Wildcat Trail
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Day 3: Return via Toquerville Falls
7. Highway 95 to Valley of the Gods
This red rock highway from Hanksville to Mexican Hat is loaded with remote, jaw dropping stops. You’ll pass Fry Canyon, the Natural Bridges National Monument, Muley Point, and the dirt road detour to Valley of the Gods often called a mini Monument Valley. This road is 17 miles long, free to drive on and provides some of the most stunning views of the Utah landscape I have ever seen.
Ideal Time to Go:
Spring and fall (April–May, September–October)
Sample Itinerary:
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Day 1: Hanksville to Natural Bridges via Hite Overlook
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Day 2: Explore Muley Point & Valley of the Gods loop
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Day 3: Stop at Goosenecks State Park & drive the Moki Dugway
8. Snow Canyon State Park & Gunlock Falls
Just outside of St. George, Snow Canyon offers crimson cliffs, lava tubes, and sand dunes with none of Zion’s crowds. Nearby, the seasonal Gunlock Falls provides a rare waterfall oasis in the desert after spring rains.
Ideal Time to Go:
Spring (March–May), especially after wet winters for waterfall flow
Sample Itinerary:
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Day 1: Snow Canyon scenic drive & Petrified Dunes hike
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Day 2: Gunlock State Park & waterfalls
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Day 3: Kayenta Art Village & nearby Anasazi sites
9. Great Salt Lake to Antelope Island
This unique road trip mixes surreal landscapes with wildlife watching. Drive across the causeway to Antelope Island State Park, where you can spot bison, hike to Frary Peak, and take in views of the Great Salt Lake’s shimmering shores.
Ideal Time to Go:
Spring or fall for best weather and minimal bugs (April–May, September–October)
Sample Itinerary:
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Day 1: Explore Salt Lake City & Great Salt Lake Marina
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Day 2: Antelope Island hiking and bison viewing
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Day 3: Sunset at Buffalo Point and return to Salt Lake
10. Parowan Gap & Cedar Breaks National Monument
This underrated road trip in southern Utah features ancient petroglyphs, volcanic geology, and high elevation meadows. Parowan Gap is a fascinating Native American site aligned with solstices, while Cedar Breaks offers Bryce Canyon National Park like amphitheaters without the crowds.
Ideal Time to Go:
Summer to early fall (June–September)
Sample Itinerary:
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Day 1: Visit Parowan Gap Petroglyphs
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Day 2: Scenic drive to Cedar Breaks, hike Alpine Pond Loop
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Day 3: Explore nearby lava tubes or Brian Head Peak
11. Hanksville & Surrounding Alien Landscapes (bonus)
Hanksville is a tiny town with access to some of Utah’s most otherworldly terrain, places that look like they belong on Mars. This road trip takes you to Bentonite Hills, Factory Butte, and Moonscape Overlook, where photographers and adventure seekers find epic views without crowds. It’s also a great base for exploring Goblin Valley State Park or the remote Mars Desert Research Station.
Ideal Time to Go:
Spring and fall (April–May, September–October); avoid rainy days due to impassable clay roads.
Sample Itinerary:
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Day 1: Drive to Hanksville, visit Factory Butte & Bentonite Hills at sunset
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Day 2: Sunrise at Moonscape Overlook, explore Mars Desert Research Station
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Day 3: Day trip to Goblin Valley or Capitol Reef’s east side
Packing List for a Utah Road Trip
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Navigation Tools: GPS device, Utah state map, offline maps (like Gaia or AllTrails)
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High-clearance vehicle: Essential for routes like Cathedral Valley, Bentonite Hills, and Valley of the Gods
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Daypack with hydration: Utah’s dry climate makes water a must
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Sun protection: Sunscreen, wide-brim hat, sunglasses, and SPF lip balm
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Clothing: Layered outfits for cool mornings and hot afternoons; moisture-wicking shirts and hiking pants
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Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes
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Camera or phone with tripod: For capturing those wild landscapes and night skies
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Cooler with snacks and meals: Some routes have very limited services
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Extra water and fuel: Especially in remote areas like Hanksville or San Rafael Swell
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First aid kit and emergency supplies: Always good to have on remote backroads
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Permit printouts: If visiting areas that require reservations or fees
Things to Know Before You Go
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Cell service is spotty or nonexistent in many remote parts of Utah so download maps and directions ahead of time.
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Weather can change fast, especially at higher elevations like Cedar Breaks and the La Sal Mountains. Be prepared for temperature swings.
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Many dirt roads become impassable during or after rain due to thick, sticky clay always check local conditions before venturing out.
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Watch out for cows! Utah is an open range state for cows and don’t be surprised if you see them walking on the road, alone or in groups. So make sure to drive slowly and be on the lookout, especially at night.
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Gas stations and food options are sparse in areas like Hanksville, Escalante, and the San Rafael Swell—fill up and stock up in advance.
Final Thoughts:
Utah’s iconic landscapes extend far beyond its famous national parks. While doing a separate Utah National Parks road trip to see the Mighty 5 is highly recommended, since most people who visit Utah explore these places above all else, the places listed above are perfect for avoiding crowds while enjoying views that honestly rival the experiences you’d get in all 5 of these parks and some of them are hidden, so odds are you’d hardly seen anyone in most of these spots, if anyone, but I’d recommend you go with other people before you visit these areas.
