📍 United States

UTAH'S HIDDEN CANYONS: CAPITOL REEF TO GOBLIN VALLEY MAGIC

Q: What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-May): Perfect weather across most regions (15-25°C) with blooming landscapes, moderate crowds, and excellent conditions for national parks and cities. Ideal for diverse activities nationwide. Autumn (September-October): Excellent temperatures with spectacular fall foliage, harvest festivals, and comfortable weather. Perfect for outdoor activities, cultural events, fewer crowds than summer. Summer (June-August): Peak season with warmest weather but highest crowds and prices. Excellent for northern regions, challenging in southwestern deserts, perfect for beaches and national parks. Winter (December-February): Variable conditions from tropical Florida to snowy Colorado. Perfect for skiing, southern destinations, indoor attractions, lowest prices outside holiday periods.

Hoodoos guarding otherworldly valleys, slot canyons snaking through sandstone, petroglyphs whispering across millennia. Utah's secrets await.

≈ 6

Days

712

Stops

📖 3 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Explore Capitol Reef and its rock folds, then head to San Rafael Swell, narrow canyons and petroglyphs. Stop at Torrey for small-town atmosphere, before resuming the road toward more isolated zones. Unknown Utah is lived in silence, to the rhythm of tracks and viewpoints where you often find yourself alone facing desert.

Capitol Reef: waterpocket fold, orchard charm
Goblin Valley: hoodoo alien landscape
San Rafael Swell: slot canyons, petroglyphs
Factory Butte: moonscape badlands, solitude

Your day-by-day itinerary

Day

Grand Junction

colorado gateway launches utah canyon country exploration

3 photos

Day 1

🔍

Discover

Grand Junction Historic Downtown — galleries and cafés; stock up water, fuel, and maps for remote desert driving.

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 181 km

Travel time: 2h16

Day

Green River

melon capital marks san rafael swell gateway

10 photos

Day 2

🔍

Discover

San Rafael Swell Overlooks — I‑70 reef cuts and The Wedge/Sidney peaks area pullouts (road conditions vary; avoid after rain).

John Wesley Powell River History Museum — context for Green and Colorado river explorations.

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 109.1 km

Travel time: 1h49

Day

Hanksville

mars desert research station anchors red wilderness

6 photos

Day 3

🔍

Discover

Goblin Valley State Park — Hoodoo labyrinths on the Valley of Goblins floor; short slots in adjacent canyons.

Factory Butte & badlands viewpoints — photography near golden hour; stay on signed roads only.

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 80.3 km

Travel time: 1h20

Day

Torrey

orchard village surprises with farm-to-table bounty

6 photos

Day 4

🔍

Discover

Capitol Reef National Park — Fruita orchards, petroglyph panels, and Capitol Gorge or Hickman Bridge trail depending on temps.

Panorama Point & Sunset Point — low‑effort overlooks for reef folds and Henry Mountains backdrop.

🚗

Next stop

⏱️ Long drive (5h+)

Distance: 342 km

Travel time: 6h50

Day

Grand Junction

colorado gateway launches utah canyon country exploration

3 photos

Day 5

🔍

Discover

Return via UT‑24 to I‑70; quick walk at Colorado National Monument rim if time permits (near Fruita). Departure buffer.

🗺️ Itinerary map

🗺️ Nearby itineraries

ULTIMATE ROAD TRIP UTAH–ARIZONA: NATIONAL PARKS, CANYONS AND RED ROCKS

📅 26 days 🛣️ 2475.5 Km

SOUTHWEST DESERT LOOP — ZION, BRYCE, ARCHES, CANYONLANDS & GRAND CANYON

📅 8 days 🛣️ 746.7 Km

UTAH’S MIGHTY FIVE — 7‑DAY LOOP THROUGH ZION, BRYCE, CAPITOL REEF, ARCHES & CANYONLANDS

📅 9 days 🛣️ 1399.1 Km

🛡️ Travel advice - United States

Check official recommendations

UK Foreign Travel Advice →

❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-May): Perfect weather across most regions (15-25°C) with blooming landscapes, moderate crowds, and excellent conditions for national parks and cities. Ideal for diverse activities nationwide.

Autumn (September-October): Excellent temperatures with spectacular fall foliage, harvest festivals, and comfortable weather. Perfect for outdoor activities, cultural events, fewer crowds than summer.

Summer (June-August): Peak season with warmest weather but highest crowds and prices. Excellent for northern regions, challenging in southwestern deserts, perfect for beaches and national parks.

Winter (December-February): Variable conditions from tropical Florida to snowy Colorado. Perfect for skiing, southern destinations, indoor attractions, lowest prices outside holiday periods.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 5 and 7 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in United States?

Continental diversity with iconic landmarks, cultural melting pot, and endless possibilities. Experience natural wonders, vibrant cities, and authentic American dreams from coast to coast. The country offers incredible diversity with modern amenities and cultural richness. United States provides life-changing experiences with natural beauty and cultural authenticity.