From Red Rock Wonders to Vegas lights - the ultimate desert adventure awaits.
This 9-day self-drive itinerary takes you from the mountain-framed charm of Salt Lake City to the dazzling lights of Las Vegas, uncovering Utah’s most iconic national parks along the way. Explore towering arches, crimson canyons, and breathtaking desert landscapes, with driving distances, must-see highlights, and the best local dining spots all included for the ultimate Southwest adventure.
Nights: 2
Must-do's: Explore Temple Square, visit the Great Salt Lake, and see Olympic history at Utah Olympic Park..
Dining hotspotst: Red Iguana (authentic Mexican), Valter’s Osteria (Italian fine dining).
Drive to next stop: → Moab 235 mi / 380 km ~4 hrs.
Nights: 2
Must-do's: Visit Arches National Park for Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch; explore Canyonlands’ Mesa Arch and Island in the Sky; and take in Dead Horse Point State Park’s sweeping views.
Dining hotspots: Moab Brewery, Desert Bistro.
Drive to next stop: → Bryce Canyon 270 mi / 435 km ~ 4.5 hrs
Nights: 1
Must-do's: Bryce Amphitheatre, Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Rim Trail, Inspiration Point.
Dining hotspots: Bryce Canyon Pines Restaurant (homestyle pies), Stone Hearth Grille (fine dining).
Drive to next stop: → Zion National Park 85 mi / 135 km ~ 2 hrs
Nights: 1
Must-do's: The Narrows (riverside hike), Angels Landing (advanced), Emerald Pools, Kolob Canyons.
Dining hotspotst: Oscar’s Café (casual Southwestern), Bit & Spur Restaurant & Saloon.
Drive to next stop: → Page (optional add-on) 118 mi / 190 km ~ 2 hrs 15 min OR Las Vegas 165 mi / 265 km ~ 2 hrs 45 min
Nights: 1
Must-do's: Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell boat cruise, Rainbow Bridge National Monument.
Dining hotspots: Big John’s Texas BBQ, Blue Buddha Sushi Lounge.
Drive to next stop: → Las Vegas 270 mi / 435 km ~ 4.5 hrs.
Nights: 2
Must-do's: The Strip, Fremont Street, Valley of Fire State Park (side trip), Cirque du Soleil show.
Dining hotspots: Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen, Joël Robuchon (fine dining), In-N-Out Burger (casual classic).
Time to head home (or extend your stay for as long as you like!).
As your adventure draws to a close, swap desert trails for the dazzling lights of Las Vegas - the perfect finale to your Utah road trip.
Reflect on red-rock landscapes, star-filled skies, and epic national parks before heading home with memories that shine as bright as the Strip itself. With Virgin Atlantic Holidays, the journey is every bit as extraordinary as the destination.
Love the route? Let’s make it yours
Whether you want to follow this itinerary stop by stop, add a few detours, or build your own self-drive adventure from scratch, our travel experts are here to help you plan every unforgettable mile.