California to Utah Road Trip: 23 Days from Los Angeles to Salt Lake City
Follow the Pacific Coast Highway through Big Sur, explore Yosemite and Sequoia, then continue through the Grand Canyon, Zion and Utah’s red-rock parks. The journey finishes in Salt Lake City, with a shorter 21-day option below.
On this drive, the Pacific coast, the Sierra Nevada and Utah’s sandstone country look and feel like completely different parts of the world. Start in Los Angeles, follow the coast to San Francisco, head inland for Yosemite and Sequoia, and continue through the Grand Canyon into Utah. Flying home from Salt Lake City saves you the long return drive to California.
Allow 23 days for the complete route. It includes the California coast, Yosemite, Sequoia, the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches and Canyonlands. You can squeeze it into three weeks, but two extra days make a noticeable difference, especially around Sequoia and the coast. I’ve included both versions so you can choose without sacrificing the best parts of the trip.
Affiliate disclosure: Some booking links in this guide are affiliate links. If you book through them, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
*The coast, mountains and desert have very different weather. Late spring and early fall can work particularly well, but check the seasonal road closures and temperatures before fixing your dates.
23-day driving route
23-Day California to Utah Road Trip Itinerary
The overnight plan starts on the coast, crosses the Sierra Nevada, drops into Arizona and finishes among Utah’s national parks. These are the places to spend each night; sightseeing stops and driving times will depend on your pace and the season.
| Day | Route / focus | Driving | Sleep |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Los Angeles | — | Los Angeles |
| 2 | Los Angeles sightseeing | Local driving | Los Angeles |
| 3 | Los Angeles → Santa Barbara | ~2–3 hr | Santa Barbara |
| 4 | Santa Barbara → Big Sur via Highway 1 if open | ~4–6 hr plus stops | Big Sur |
| 5 | Big Sur → Monterey | ~1–2 hr plus stops | Monterey |
| 6 | Monterey → San Francisco | ~2.5–3.5 hr | San Francisco |
| 7 | San Francisco | Local travel | San Francisco |
| 8 | San Francisco → Yosemite | ~4–5 hr | Yosemite area |
| 9 | Yosemite National Park | Park day | Yosemite area |
| 10 | Yosemite National Park | Park day | Yosemite area |
| 11 | Yosemite → Sequoia / Three Rivers | ~4.5–6 hr | Sequoia / Three Rivers |
| 12 | Sequoia: Giant Forest and nearby sights | Park day | Sequoia / Three Rivers |
| 13 | Sequoia area → Las Vegas | ~6–8+ hr direct | Las Vegas |
| 14 | Las Vegas → Grand Canyon South Rim | ~4.5–5.5 hr | Grand Canyon Village / Tusayan |
| 15 | South Rim → Page; Antelope Canyon or Horseshoe Bend | ~2.5–3.5 hr | Page |
| 16 | Page → Zion / Springdale; second Page sight if needed | ~2–3 hr + tour time | Springdale |
| 17 | Full day Zion National Park | Park day | Springdale |
| 18 | Zion → Bryce Canyon | ~2–2.5 hr | Bryce Canyon area |
| 19 | Bryce Canyon → Capitol Reef via UT-12 if open | ~2.5–4 hr + stops | Torrey |
| 20 | Capitol Reef → Moab | ~2.5–3.5 hr | Moab |
| 21 | Arches National Park | Park day | Moab |
| 22 | Canyonlands, Island in the Sky | Park day | Moab |
| 23 | Moab → Salt Lake City; car return | ~4–4.5 hr | Fly out or overnight in SLC |
Driving times are for the road only. Add time for scenic pullouts, meals, traffic, park entrances and weather. If you plan to fly out of Salt Lake City on Day 23, choose a late departure with plenty of time to return the car.
Three places where an extra bit of planning pays off
Spend a night in Page. Antelope Canyon requires a booked tour, and Horseshoe Bend is better enjoyed without watching the clock. Driving from the South Rim through both sights and on to Zion in one day is possible on paper, but leaves little room for delays. Leave Death Valley for a separate day unless you have time to extend the Sequoia–Las Vegas stretch. And check Highway 1 through Big Sur before you leave Santa Barbara; closures can change the coastal drive.
Only have three weeks?
The Same Road Trip in 21 Days
If you have exactly three weeks, spend one night rather than two in Los Angeles and reduce Sequoia to one night. You’ll still see the giant trees, but you’ll need to start early and be realistic about how much hiking you can do. I would keep the overnight in Page so you have time for Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend before continuing to Zion.
| Days | 21-day version | Where the nights go |
|---|---|---|
| 1–4 | Los Angeles → Santa Barbara → Big Sur → Monterey | One night in each stop |
| 5–6 | San Francisco | 2 nights |
| 7–9 | Yosemite | 3 nights |
| 10 | Sequoia / Three Rivers | 1 night |
| 11–13 | Las Vegas → Grand Canyon → Page | 1 night at each stop |
| 14–15 | Zion / Springdale | 2 nights |
| 16–17 | Bryce Canyon → Capitol Reef | 1 night in each area |
| 18–20 | Moab, Arches and Canyonlands | 3 nights |
| 21 | Drive to Salt Lake City | Depart late or overnight |
This version involves frequent hotel changes and a long day between Sequoia and Las Vegas. If you would rather spend whole days hiking, consider dropping one region instead of racing through every stop. With 24 or 25 days, add another night at the Grand Canyon, Zion or Big Sur.
Map of the journey
California to Utah Road Trip Map
Use the map to see how the journey travels west to east. The overnight table above is the best guide to where to stop, especially around Grand Canyon, Page and Zion. Check the actual roads before driving: mountain passes and stretches of Highway 1 can close.
Days 1–7 · Pacific Coast
Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Big Sur and San Francisco
Days 1–2: Los Angeles
Los Angeles makes a convenient starting point, especially if you are flying from overseas. After the flight, I’d avoid trying to cover the entire city. Spend time around Santa Monica and Venice Beach, or head to Griffith Observatory and Hollywood if that interests you more. Traffic can easily swallow half a day, so choose your areas and give yourself time to settle in.
You’ll need a rental car for the road trip, but collecting it on arrival isn’t always the cheapest option. Compare an LAX pickup with collecting the car on the day you leave LA; hotel parking fees can quickly cancel out a lower rental rate.
Day 3: Los Angeles to Santa Barbara
It’s an easy first drive up the coast to Santa Barbara. Spend the afternoon near Stearns Wharf, stroll through the Spanish-influenced downtown or visit the courthouse for city views. You’ll be rested for the longer stretch toward Big Sur the following morning.
Days 4–5: Highway 1, Big Sur and Monterey
The drive north through Big Sur is best enjoyed slowly. The coastline has cliffs, beaches, bridges and viewpoints that are worth pulling over for when it’s safe. Stop near Bixby Creek Bridge, explore the accessible coastal paths and give yourself time simply to enjoy the scenery rather than chase a schedule.
If Highway 1 is closed: Drive north on US-101 instead and visit the accessible Big Sur coast from the Carmel–Monterey end. A landslide or fire closure can cut off the through-route even when attractions on either side remain open. Check Caltrans QuickMap the night before and again before setting off. After major repairs, Highway 1 reopened in January 2026, but subsequent closures are a reminder not to assume it will always stay open.
Staying in Big Sur itself can be lovely, but rooms are limited and often expensive. Cambria or Monterey may be better value, depending on road access and how much of the coast you want to explore.
Day 6: Monterey to San Francisco
Monterey and nearby Carmel are worth a little time before you drive to San Francisco. Once you arrive in the city, leave the car at your accommodation where possible. Parking is expensive, and public transport or walking is often easier for sightseeing.
Day 7: Exploring San Francisco
Spend the day exploring neighborhoods rather than driving between distant attractions. Chinatown and North Beach go well together; Fisherman’s Wharf, the waterfront and the Golden Gate Bridge can fill the rest of the day. Alcatraz is worth booking ahead if it’s on your list.
Days 8–13 · Mountain to desert
Yosemite, Sequoia and the Long Drive to Las Vegas
Days 8–10: Yosemite National Park
Drive inland from San Francisco and settle into your accommodation near Yosemite. Leave the serious hiking for the next two days. In the valley, don’t miss Tunnel View, the views of El Capitan and Half Dome, and the waterfalls when they’re flowing. Glacier Point is also magnificent when the road is open.
For 2026, Yosemite does not require a timed reservation simply to enter. That does not mean you can leave lodging until the last minute, or skip separate Half Dome, camping and wilderness-permit rules. Check Yosemite’s official reservation guidance before travel.
Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road can remain closed well into spring after heavy snow. You can still follow this itinerary without crossing Tioga Pass, but check road openings before planning any higher-elevation hikes or viewpoints.
Days 11–12: Sequoia National Park
Yosemite and Sequoia look close on a map, but driving between them takes much longer than you might expect. The roads circle the mountains rather than cut straight through. Spend the night near Three Rivers or another suitable park gateway, then use the following day for the Giant Forest, General Sherman Tree and any short walks you fancy.
Snow, construction and mountain roads can slow you down. In spring, fall and winter especially, check the park’s road conditions before leaving Yosemite.
Day 13: Sequoia to Las Vegas
Expect a long driving day, usually six to eight hours or more depending on where you stayed near Sequoia. Leave early, stop for breaks and don’t count on much sightseeing after you reach Las Vegas.
What about Death Valley? It’s an extraordinary place, but detouring through Badwater Basin and Furnace Creek adds substantial time. If you want to explore Death Valley properly, add a night and plan it as its own stop. In summer, extreme heat can make even short walks dangerous; check the National Park Service’s hot-weather advice.
Las Vegas is a welcome place to rest after the mountain roads: a proper dinner, laundry, shopping for supplies and an easy evening before the drive to Arizona.
If you want a helicopter tour, add time in Las Vegas
If you can add an extra night in Las Vegas, a helicopter flight over Grand Canyon West is a very different way to see the desert. The tour below flies from the Las Vegas area and includes a ranch landing. It does not visit the South Rim, which is the next stop on this driving itinerary, so allow a separate day for it.
Days 14–16 · Arizona canyon country
Grand Canyon South Rim, Antelope Canyon and Page
Day 14: Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon South Rim
The drive from Las Vegas to the South Rim takes around five hours, longer with stops. Aim to reach the canyon in time for a walk along the rim and sunset. Staying in Grand Canyon Village puts you closest to the viewpoints; Tusayan is a convenient alternative just outside the park. Williams and Flagstaff have more accommodation but add driving.
For your first evening, keep it simple: follow an easy section of the Rim Trail and find a viewpoint for the changing light. Grand Canyon South Rim is part of the national park; Grand Canyon West, reached on many helicopter trips from Las Vegas, lies on Hualapai land and is a different destination.
Day 15: Grand Canyon South Rim to Page
Leave the South Rim by the Desert View route if the road is open and continue north to Page. With an early start, you could visit Horseshoe Bend in the afternoon, or take your Antelope Canyon tour if the booking time suits your arrival. Stay overnight in Page. It gives you a comfortable margin for whichever sight you leave until the next morning.
Antelope Canyon is on Navajo Nation land, and you must go with an authorized guide. Check the approved tour operators and book a time that works with your drive. Upper Antelope Canyon is known for its narrow sandstone passage and occasional light beams; Lower Antelope Canyon involves stairs and ladders. Both can be wonderful, but the choice should suit your timing and mobility as much as your photography plans.
Day 16: Page to Springdale and Zion
Visit whichever Page attraction you missed yesterday, then drive west toward Zion and Springdale. Check the time on your booking: Arizona generally stays on standard time, while Utah observes daylight saving time. In summer, Zion is one hour ahead of Page.
Spend the rest of the afternoon around Springdale or on a short walk near the park entrance. Tomorrow is your main Zion day, so there’s no need to rush into a long hike.
Days 17–23 · Red-rock Utah
Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches and Canyonlands
Day 17: Zion National Park
Use the Zion Canyon shuttle when it’s running; private vehicles generally can’t drive the main scenic road during shuttle operations. Spend your full day in the canyon, choosing between Riverside Walk, Emerald Pools, the Narrows if conditions allow, or a longer hike. Angels Landing requires a permit for the chained section, so check the official permit rules before making plans.
The Narrows follows the Virgin River and conditions can change suddenly. Don’t enter when flash-flood warnings are in effect, and be prepared to choose a different trail if the weather turns. In hotter months, begin walks early and carry more water than you think you’ll need.
Day 18: Zion to Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon is a relatively short drive from Zion, but the change in scenery is striking. Walk along the rim for views across the hoodoos, and if you have the energy, take a trail down among the formations. Bryce sits much higher than Zion, so take a layer even if the day starts warm.
Don’t assume high desert means warm nights. Bryce sits at considerably higher elevation than Zion, and snow or ice is possible outside summer.
Day 19: Scenic Highway 12 and Capitol Reef
Take scenic Highway 12 toward Capitol Reef if it’s open and conditions are good. It’s one of the most memorable roads in Utah, winding through high country and the landscapes near Grand Staircase–Escalante. Allow plenty of time for viewpoints; the distance alone doesn’t tell you how long you’ll want to spend here.
Capitol Reef has a quieter pace than Zion or Bryce. Explore the Fruita Historic District, the petroglyph panels and accessible scenic drives before stopping for the night around Torrey. If you want to visit remote Cathedral Valley, you’ll need additional time and an appropriate vehicle, and the roads may be impassable in bad weather.
Day 20: Capitol Reef to Moab
Use the morning for any Capitol Reef sights you missed, then head to Moab. Arrive with time to check in and get ready for the next two days. You’ll appreciate having a settled base after several nights of changing hotels.
Day 21: Arches National Park
Start Arches early, especially in warm weather. You can make Delicate Arch your main hike or keep things easier with the Windows Section, Balanced Rock and shorter viewpoints. Arches does not require a timed-entry reservation in 2026, but entrance lines, full car parks and separate permits can still affect your day.
Day 22: Canyonlands, Island in the Sky
From Moab, head to Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky district for huge views across mesas and canyons. It feels much more open and less concentrated than Arches. If time allows, combine it with nearby Dead Horse Point State Park; it’s a beautiful place to finish the day.
Canyonlands is enormous. The Needles and Maze districts are separate excursions with much longer journeys, so save them for a future visit rather than trying to cross between districts in one day.
Day 23: Moab to Salt Lake City
Allow around four to four and a half hours to drive from Moab to Salt Lake City before stops. A late flight may work if you leave a generous buffer for traffic and rental-car return. Otherwise, spend the night in Salt Lake City and fly home the next morning.
Booking the journey
Booking Your Flights, Car and Hotels
Search for flights into Los Angeles (LAX) and home from Salt Lake City (SLC), then compare the full cost with a return ticket to Los Angeles. The one-way car rental can carry an extra drop-off charge, but it may still be better value than driving hundreds of miles back to California. Check both costs together before booking either one.
Start by comparing multi-city flights on Trip.com. Searching LAX as your arrival airport and SLC as your departure airport makes it easier to compare fares without adding a return drive.
You can also compare agency quotes; Emenac Travel lists flights to the United States.
Rental car: compare the one-way fee before you book
A standard sedan is suitable for the paved roads in this itinerary. An SUV may be more comfortable with a lot of luggage or several passengers, but you don’t need four-wheel drive for normal park visits. Compare mileage allowances, one-way drop fees, insurance, additional-driver costs and roadside assistance. Keep off unpaved backcountry roads unless your rental agreement specifically allows them.
Discover Cars
Price the Los Angeles pick-up / Salt Lake City drop-off on your exact dates, and compare the total after one-way fees, insurance and local conditions. Keep your booking confirmation available offline for collection.
Check one-way car rental pricesWhere to book hotels first
Book your Yosemite-area stay, Grand Canyon Village or Tusayan, Springdale and Moab first. These locations are popular and staying close to the park entrance can save a lot of driving. Page also deserves an early booking if you have a fixed Antelope Canyon tour time. In the Sequoia area, check how long it actually takes to reach the entrance from your hotel.
It’s tempting to choose a cheaper hotel an hour away, but the extra driving gets tiring after a full day in a national park. When you compare rooms, look at the location on the map as carefully as the nightly price.
Check Yosemite, Zion & Moab hotel availability
Travel insurance for a US road trip
Medical treatment in the United States can be expensive, so check the medical limits, deductibles, activities covered and cancellation or interruption terms before you travel. SafetyWing is one option to compare, but read the policy carefully for your age, residency, trip length and any pre-existing conditions. Travel medical insurance is not automatically rental-car damage insurance.
Stay connected, but plan for gaps
USA eSIM, Mobile Coverage and Offline Maps
Mobile data is useful for directions, hotels, tour check-ins and weather alerts throughout this drive. But don’t assume you’ll have reception at every viewpoint. Big Sur, Yosemite, Sequoia, Capitol Reef and Canyonlands all have areas with weak or no signal. Download maps and save bookings before heading into remote stretches.
If you want to compare providers and US networks, I’ve put the details in my USA eSIM guide. Continuing into Canada or Mexico? The North America eSIM guide covers plans that work across borders.
Nomad USA eSIM
Install a Nomad USA eSIM before the trip and you can have mobile data ready when you land. Check the validity period, data allowance and network information before buying, especially for a three-week journey. It won’t replace offline maps on the remote parts of the route.
See Nomad USA data plansPrefer a comparison? See the full USA eSIM guide.
Before you leave a city
- Save offline maps for the next two driving days.
- Download park maps and trail closures in the NPS app.
- Screenshot hotel addresses, rental terms and tour confirmations.
On remote roads
- Don’t assume your phone will have signal at viewpoints.
- Carry a charging cable, power bank, water and fuel margin.
- Check weather and road conditions before setting off.
National park entry in 2026
National Park Entrance Fees and the 2026 Nonresident Pass
You’ll visit eight national parks on the main route: Yosemite, Sequoia, Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches and Canyonlands. If you live outside the United States, check the 2026 entry fees before setting your budget.
For 2026, the America the Beautiful annual pass costs $80 for qualifying US residents and $250 for non-US residents. Several major parks, including Yosemite, Sequoia, Grand Canyon, Zion and Bryce, charge nonresident visitors aged 16 or older a further $100 per person without a qualifying pass. If you’re visiting several of these parks, the nonresident annual pass may be the cheaper choice.
Read the official National Park Service guidance to check the pass conditions for your vehicle and group. Antelope Canyon is a separate Navajo Nation guided-tour expense, and the parking charge at Horseshoe Bend is collected by the City of Page. Neither is included in the national park pass.
Park entry and hiking permits are separate
For 2026, Yosemite and Arches do not require ordinary timed-entry reservations, and the regular Zion shuttle does not require a booking. Certain hikes, camping areas and guided activities still need permits. Check the latest park information again before departure.
Weather makes the route
Best Time of Year for This California to Utah Road Trip
Late May to early June can be beautiful in Yosemite, especially when the waterfalls are flowing, and the desert isn’t usually as punishing as it is in midsummer. September and early October often bring pleasant hiking weather in Utah and along the coast. Neither period is guaranteed: higher mountain roads can still be snowbound in spring, and fall can bring wildfire smoke or early snow.
July and August give you long days and better access to many mountain roads, but the desert parks can be dangerously hot. Winter is a very different road trip, with possible snow, chain requirements and closures around Yosemite, Sequoia and Bryce Canyon. I wouldn’t follow this route unchanged in midwinter.
| Season | What works | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Apr–May | Cooler desert hiking; waterfalls | Snow and road access in the Sierra; variable weather |
| Jun | Long days; more mountain access | Heat builds quickly in Arizona, Nevada and Utah |
| Jul–Aug | Higher roads often accessible | Extreme heat, crowds and monsoon/flash-flood risks |
| Sep–early Oct | Often comfortable coast and canyon hiking | Wildfire disruptions and early mountain storms possible |
| Nov–Mar | Quieter some low-elevation areas | Major mountain access changes; winter road conditions |
Budget and expenses
How Much Does a 23-Day Southwest USA Road Trip Cost?
The total cost depends most on accommodation near the national parks, your rental car and whether you add paid tours. Rather than rely on a single daily budget, price these expenses for your own dates—particularly the one-way rental and hotels around Yosemite, Springdale and Moab.
| Category | Planning approach |
|---|---|
| Rental car | Price all 23 days with LAX pick-up and SLC drop-off; include one-way fee and insurance conditions. |
| Lodging | Budget for roughly 22 nights; check Yosemite, Springdale and Moab first. |
| Fuel | Plan for several thousand miles including scenic detours. Use your actual rental’s fuel consumption and current gas prices. |
| Park entry | Check the $250 nonresident pass if applicable; account for separate tribal tours and parking. |
| Activities | Set aside a separate amount for Antelope Canyon, optional city and helicopter tours, rafting or guided hikes. |
| Meals and parking | City parking and park-gateway dining can materially change the daily total. |
A good way to control costs is to avoid unnecessary driving and choose hotel locations carefully. For a wider breakdown of US accommodation, transport and food costs, see my guide to traveling across the USA on a budget.
Frequently asked questions
California to Utah Road Trip FAQs
Is this really a three-week itinerary?
The complete coast–Sierra–Grand Canyon–Utah route above is 23 days and 22 nights, which is three weeks plus two days. The 21-day version removes one LA day and one Sequoia overnight while keeping a night in Page.
Do I need a four-wheel-drive rental car?
No for the paved route in this guide. Choose a vehicle based on luggage, passengers, road conditions and the rental agreement. Remote unpaved districts such as Cathedral Valley are separate excursions and may be unsuitable for an ordinary rental.
Can I visit Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend on the same day?
Yes, if you stay in Page and have a suitable Antelope Canyon tour time. Combining both with a Grand Canyon departure and onward Zion hotel check-in makes the day much less reliable, which is why Page has its own overnight here.
Should I include Death Valley between Sequoia and Las Vegas?
Not on an already long transfer day unless route calculations and conditions clearly permit it. For meaningful time at Death Valley, add a day or restructure this segment. Summer heat also changes what is safe to do outside the vehicle.
Is it better to fly home from Salt Lake City or drive back to Los Angeles?
For this west-to-east itinerary, flying out of SLC avoids a very long return drive. Compare the total of multi-city flights plus the car drop fee with a round-trip alternative before booking.
Do I need reservations for Yosemite, Arches or Zion in 2026?
Ordinary timed-entry reservations are not required for Yosemite and Arches in 2026, and Zion’s regular shuttle does not need a reservation. Certain hikes, campsites and guided activities still require separate permits or advance bookings.
Last Updated on 14/10/2026 by Panos
