Las Vegas to Arches Road Trip: 7 Days
Visit Utah's canyon country on this weeklong road trip, with overnights in Zion, Bryce, and Canyonlands, plus must-see stops along the way.
This 7-day Las Vegas to Arches National Park road trip takes you to Valley of Fire's red rocks, Zion's huge sandstone formations, Bryce's hoodoos, and Arches’ special geological features.
Renting an RV? Our Las Vegas RV Rentals are perfect for a comfortable and convenient road trip to Arches National Park!
Buckle up and let’s hit the road!
Las Vegas to Arches Route
Driving Distance: 450 miles, 7.5 hours (not including optional stops)
Suggested Trip Duration: 7–10 days for a relaxed pace, perfect for RV travel.
Best Time to Go
Spring (March–May) is best for mild temps, blooming wildflowers, and manageable crowds. Fall is a close second (September–November), with cooler weather, gorgeous colors and fewer people on the roads.
If you go during summer (June–August), prepare for extreme desert heat with plenty of water and plan all outdoor activities for very early in the mornings. Winter is the least crowded time to go, but snow and ice cause road and trail closures, so you may not see everything you’d like.
Desert Travel Tips
Remember to carry plenty of water and download offline maps before your trip because cell service is limited in most destinations below.
Gas stations can be few and far between in these areas, so fuel up more often than you normally would.
If you're interested in guided activities or campgrounds, make reservations well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
For road updates and specific park conditions, check each park’s Alert page through the National Park Service website.
Trip Itinerary: Las Vegas to Arches
Day 1: Las Vegas to Valley of Fire State Park
Driving Distance: 50 miles, 1 hour
From Las Vegas, head northeast to Valley of Fire State Park, famous for its fiery sandstone formations and ancient petroglyphs.
You’ll find easy hikes like the 1.5-mile Fire Wave Trail and the 1-mile White Domes Loop. Don’t miss Atlatl Rock for a close-up view of 3,000-year-old rock art.
Where to Camp
Valley of Fire State Park has two campgrounds with nice sites and shade structures: Atlatl Rock Campground and Arch Rock Campground.
Both have RV sites, but Atlatl Rock is slightly more developed with some of its sites featuring water and electrical hookups.
Reserve your campsite online at Reserve Nevada.
Day 2: Valley of Fire to Zion National Park
Driving Distance: 121 miles, 2 hours
Drive Time with Stops: 3 hours
Exit Valley of Fire State Park and head northeast on I-15 toward Utah's magnificent Zion National Park.
Along the Way
Stop in Mesquite, Nevada to refuel your RV or order some comfort food at Peggy Sue's 50's Style Diner. Then you'll cross briefly into Arizona through the spectacular Virgin River Gorge.
Before you get to Zion, plan your parking strategy. From March–October, the main Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is only accessible by shuttle.
Your best parking options in Zion are:
Zion Canyon Visitor Center
Zion Human History Museum
Zion Nature Center
Watchman Campground (with reservation)
If these lots are full, park in nearby Springdale and catch the free shuttle to the park entrance.
What to See in Zion
Take the free shuttle into Zion Canyon to the peaceful Riverside Walk (2.2 miles round trip)
Challenge yourself on the Watchman Trail (3.1 miles round trip) for panoramic views of Springdale and the park's southern cliffs
Check out the complete list of Zion Hiking Trails
Skip the shuttle altogether and rent bikes to explore the paved Pa'rus Trail along the Virgin River
Where to Camp in Zion
Watchman Campground is RV-friendly with electric hookups. Reservations are a must and can be made up to six months in advance.
Day 3: Zion to Bryce Canyon National Park
Driving Distance: 85 miles, 2 hours
Drive Time With Stops: ~3.5 hours
Along the Way
Leave through Zion's East Entrance and stop at Checkerboard Mesa to see its unique cross-hatched sandstone patterns.
Head north on US-89 and detour to Red Hollow Slot Canyon near Orderville. This lesser-known gem has an easy one-mile round-trip slot canyon hike through narrow sandstone walls, without the crowds.
Continue north to Red Canyon, often called "mini Bryce" and closed in the winter, just before Bryce Canyon. You'll drive through cool red rock tunnels and can stretch your legs on the 0.7-mile Pink Ledges Trail.
What to See in Bryce Canyon
When you get to Bryce Canyon National Park, you'll see its famous and otherworldly hoodoos. Start at the Visitor Center to get oriented, then drive the park's 18-mile scenic road to Rainbow Point for a beautiful overview.
If it’s not too hot in the afternoon, hike the combined Navajo Loop and Queen's Garden Trail (2.9 miles) to see the hoodoos up close.
End your day by watching the sunset from well-named Sunset Point, then stay up late for incredible stargazing—Bryce Canyon is certified as an International Dark Sky Park.
Where to Camp
North Campground is just across from the Visitor Center. It doesn't have hookups, but it has several RV spots. You must reserve campsites online—walk-in spots are no longer available.
Optional Detour: Spend an extra few hours at Kodachrome Basin State Park, 30 miles southeast of Bryce. Its sandstone chimneys and lesser-known trails are a peaceful alternative to Bryce's crowds.
The Angels’ Palace Trail (1.5 miles) has stunning basin views and is easy to access by RV.
Enjoy comfort, convenience, and fun in a Blacksford RV!
Day 4: Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef National Park
Driving Distance: 116 miles, 2.5 hours
Drive Time with Stops: ~4 hours
Grab drinks and a pastry at Bryce Canyon Coffee Co. in nearby Tropic, UT, 15 minutes east of Bryce Canyon. From here, join Utah's State Route 12—one of America's most spectacular scenic byways.
Along the Way
Don't miss Powell Point Vista, where you can see across the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Stop in the town of Escalante for lunch, gas, and to stock up on any supplies. It’s the last major town before Capitol Reef.
Arriving at Capitol Reef, you'll enter the park’s Fruita Historic District where you can learn about the area’s amazing geology, human history, and natural surroundings.
Things to Do in Capitol Reef
Hike the moderate Hickman Bridge Trail (2 miles round trip) to a stunning natural arch
Pick fresh seasonal fruit from the historic orchards (July through mid-October)
Visit the Gifford Homestead for their famous homemade fruit pies. Get there early, before they sell out.
Where to Camp
Fruita Campground: Full RV hookups and views of the towering red cliffs. Make reservations online up to six months in advance.
Day 5: Capitol Reef to Arches National Park
Driving Distance: 155 miles, 2 hours
Drive Time with Stops: ~5 hours
The drive from Capitol Reef to Arches National Park takes you through spectacular Utah canyon country. Stop in Green River, Utah to fuel up.
Along the Way
Goblin Valley State Park: Spend two hours exploring this unusual landscape of mushroom-shaped rocks
Green River State Park: This park in Green River, Utah is a great place to stretch your legs or enjoy a picnic before continuing on to Arches.
When You Get to Arches National Park
Make the most of your early evening by driving the scenic road through Arches to the Windows Section (you don’t need a timed entry reservation after 4pm). Or catch the sunset at Dead Horse Point State Park for a spectacular view of the Colorado River winding through deep canyons.
End your night with dinner from the classic American menu at The Broken Oar in Moab, on the patio with views of the La Sal Mountains.
Where to Camp in and Around Arches
Devils Garden Campground in Arches National Park (reservations required)
There are many dispersed BLM campgrounds near Moab, Utah for those comfortable with boondocking. They are all first-come and require a fee.
And you’ll find plenty of private campground options in and around Moab.
Day 6: Full Day in Arches National Park & Canyonlands
Morning
Start early in Arches National Park (you’ll need a timed entry reservation after 7am) to beat the crowds and desert heat. Check current conditions at the Visitor Center, then explore the park’s highlights:
Delicate Arch: Moderate 3-mile round trip to Utah's most iconic arch
Devils Garden: Easy 1.6-mile round trip to see Landscape Arch
Balanced Rock: Quick stop with a short walking loop
Afternoon and Evening
Take the scenic 40-minute drive to Canyonlands National Park's Island in the Sky district with numerous pullouts and viewpoints. Highlights include:
Mesa Arch: Easy half-mile walk to a stunning cliff-edge arch
Grand View Point: Sweeping views of the canyon landscape
For your last evening, choose between returning to Arches for sunset photography or taking a sunset Jet Boat tour on the Colorado River.
Plan Your Vegas to Arches Road Trip Now
Start your adventure by reserving a fully-equipped RV from Blacksford in Las Vegas. Our modern fleet and straightforward rental process make it easy to get out there and experience these incredible parks at your own pace.
Plus, you'll have everything you need, from kitchen supplies to fresh linens, so you can focus on making memories on this incredible adventure.