It’s a Spring Break Road Trip!

It’s almost the end of February, and that means it’s almost Spring Break! In just a couple short weeks, kids from all over the country will be out of school and looking to have some fun on their week off. So whether you’re a family with children, or a group of college-age students, we’ve got a great road trip suggestion for you. It’s the best way to spend Spring Break in Southern Utah. So let’s get into it!

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Road Trip to Capitol Reef National Park

Drive to Capitol Reef from wherever you are located. (Most of our visitors come from Salt Lake City area, but we also get plenty from Las Vegas. We’ve got maps here.) Once you’re here spend some time at the Visitor Center and the Gifford House (which opens March 14th) then check out one of these trails:

Cassidy Arch – This is a fantastic trail with a fantastic view of Capitol Reef and the Waterpocket Fold. The trail is a bit steep at first, but it levels out to a flat slickrock mesa, and leads you to the natural arch and those amazing views

Hickman Bridge – This is the most popular hike in Capitol Reef. It’s fun, it’s short, and it’s got a cool natural bridge at the end. What’s not to love? Plus if you want to add on to it, you can continue down the trail to Navajo Knobs.

Cohab Canyon – This is great canyon hike that connects the two main roads in the Fruita section of the park. It’s pretty easy, leads to great views of the campground and Fremont River, and has several short, slot canyon spurs that you can squeeze into.

We’ve got more suggestions for what you can do in Capitol Reef here. Plan on spending at least two days in the park to get the most out of your visit.

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From There Head Over to Bryce Canyon

Hop on Scenic Byway 12 and head over Boulder Mountain to Bryce Canyon. This is one of the best scenic routes in the whole country. We can’t overstate how fun it is. (Also, feel free to add on to it by taking the Burr Trail out of Capitol Reef.) Here’s the route marked on Google Maps for easy reference. Once you arrive in Bryce Canyon, it’s time to explore! Hit up the visitor center and then check out one of these spots:

Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, Sunset Point, and Sunrise Point are all excellent overlook areas. They aren’t quite hikes, just short walks from the parking lot for the most part. But you should definitely do a couple of them. Just so you can admire the hoodoos from a couple of angles.

Peekaboo Loop – this one is one of the most popular hikes inside the Bryce Canyon Amphitheater. The trail is steep, about 5-miles long, and loops right through the middle of the park. You’ll get to see the famous Wall of Windows, as well as plenty of hoodoos.

Mossy Cave – this one is short and easy. It follows a stream up to a large, sandstone grotto that is very mossy and wet. Plus there’s a waterfall. You can find the trailhead at the north end of the park, about 4-miles east on Highway 12.

Bryce Canyon is a great place to hang out. But if you’re a little tight on time, you can just plan on spending one day here. From Bryce it’s time to pack up and head to Zion!

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And Throw in Zion National Park for Good Measure!

Zion is the crown jewel of the national park system in Utah. So it’s definitely worth adding to your week-long adventure. You can either go the back way from Bryce Canyon on US–89, or you can head down I–15 to Saint George. US–89 is a more scenic drive, but if you want to add Kolob Canyon to the mix, you should do I–15. Here’s the route on Google Maps. Once you arrive in Zion, stop by the visitor center (you can never go wrong heading there first) then grab one of the buses and head up Zion Canyon. Here’s where we recommend that you stop and hike:

Upper Emerald Pools – A great, easy hike with big payoff. It will take you up into the cliffs of Zion Canyon to a remarkable set of still pools. Be sure not to stop at the lower or middle pools. You gotta go to the top one, Upper Emerald Pool.

Angel’s Landing – If you’re up for a challenge, Angel’s Landing is the quintessential hike in Zion. It’s a pretty tough climb, but the view from the top is something you’ll never forget. Also, you just might see a California Condor up there with you. Check out this link to start the process to reserve a hiking ticket.

Watchman Trail – this is a moderately easy hike with a great viewpoint of the Temples and Towers, lower Zion Canyon, Watchman Peak, and the town of Springdale.

There’s a ton to see and do in Zion, so plan on at least two days here. Three if you can spare them. Don’t forget to stop by Kolob Canyon on I–15 and at least drive up to the top of the canyon. Also be sure to check out all the little artist shops near the entrance to the main section of the park.

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A Spring Break to Remember!

This itinerary is one of the best ways to explore Southern Utah any time of the year, but especially with friends and family in the early spring. (Especially this year when the weather is so warm and pleasant.) But however you spend it, we at the Lodge at Red River Ranch hope you have a great Spring Break 2025!