11 Things to Do Along the Utah–Arizona Border
The best things to do along the Utah–Arizona border include Zion’s canyon trails, the sandstone at Yant Flat, Lake Powell, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon and Monument Valley. Add Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon as deliberate detours, and plan The Wave only if you secure a permit.
Written by Ashley Jansen of Jetset Jansen. Original experience descriptions retained where accurate; practical information updated by Universal Traveller.
Because so much of what to see is outside in nature, it makes for a great road trip. Utah has five national parks alone, and Arizona is home to the Grand Canyon. But the national parks aren’t all there is to see there.
Book the stop that needs a guide
Antelope Canyon requires an authorized guided tour. If you want Lower Antelope and can manage its stairs and ladders, compare a dated ticket before fixing the rest of your Page day. The linked option lists a Navajo-guided visit, permit and Navajo sales tax. It is a local meeting-point booking, not a road-trip transport package.
Compare Lower Antelope Canyon availability
Confirm check-in, mobility suitability and final terms before paying. Horseshoe Bend can be visited independently; you do not need to buy a combined tour simply to see its standard overlook.
Utah–Arizona road trip at a glance
- Time: Seven to ten days for a selection; longer if you want all the hikes.
- Bases: St. George/Springdale, Kanab and Page, then Monument Valley and a chosen Grand Canyon rim.
- Route: The numbered list is a collection of stops, not a driving order. Use the itinerary below.
- Priorities: Antelope Canyon for a guided slot canyon; Horseshoe Bend for a shorter viewpoint outing; Monument Valley for a Navajo-guided cultural visit.
Check the 2026 national park pass rules
The America the Beautiful annual pass costs $80 for eligible US citizens/residents and $250 for nonresidents. At Zion, Bryce Canyon and Grand Canyon, non-US residents aged 16+ otherwise pay a $100 per-person surcharge in addition to the standard entrance fee. A valid qualifying pass covers entrance and that surcharge for its covered private-vehicle group; per-person sites have different group limits.
Compare the pass with your actual route. It does not buy your Antelope tour, Monument Valley admission, state-park entry, Horseshoe Bend parking or separate hiking permits.
Official details: NPS pass rules
1. Yant Flat
In the southwest corner of Utah, near St. George, is a great hike to Yant Flat. It’s a relatively short hike to the Candy Cliffs, but exploring farther across the sloping rock takes more care than the approach.
Once you’re there, you actually need to keep exploring because the scenery changes. The rock formations are patterned and resemble a dragon’s back.
But they’ve actually been nicknamed ‘the Candy Cliffs’ because of the orange and white swirled colors.
The road to the trail can be a bit rough. On Ashley’s original visit, a short 8-mile drive to the trail took about 35 minutes! Treat that as a past experience rather than a current driving estimate, and confirm road conditions and camping rules before heading out.
Plan your visit
- Location: Near St. George, southwestern Utah; use the Greater Zion Yant Flat trail listing for the approach.
- Admission and fees: No current admission price is asserted here. Confirm any access or camping requirements with the land manager before using the unpaved approach.
- Hours and access: A daylight hike with an unpaved approach road; avoid a wet or impassable road. The regional guide lists a 2.5-mile route; exploring the cliffs adds distance.
- Suggested time: Allow half a day including the approach and time on the rock.
- Booking and transport: Best for sandstone details and photography. Download directions; check that your rental agreement allows the intended road. Do not assume roadside camping is permitted.
Official details: Greater Zion trail guide
2. Quail Creek/Sand Hollow State Parks
Just a little ways past St. George, Utah, is where you’ll find two state parks. They are relatively similar in that they are both reservoirs and surrounded by a rocky landscape.
They are places to swim or paddle around for the afternoon when conditions allow. Quail Creek has your typical water activities available, while Sand Hollow also has off-roading areas. Check the parks’ current water-quality advisories before entering the water.
The rocks are a bit redder at Sand Hollow and are an interesting contrast with the water.
Plan your visit
- Location: Two separate reservoirs near Hurricane and St. George, Utah.
- Admission and fees: Quail Creek: $20 per Utah-resident vehicle or $25 out-of-state. Sand Hollow: $25 resident or $35 nonresident vehicle. Rentals and camping cost extra.
- Hours and access: Quail Creek: 6 a.m.–9 p.m. Sand Hollow: 6 a.m.–10 p.m. during daylight saving time, 7 a.m.–9 p.m. during standard time. Check current water-quality notices.
- Suggested time: Half a day at one park; choose rather than rushing both.
- Booking and transport: Book rentals or a campsite separately. Check water conditions before swimming or paddling; use the official park notices, not water color alone.
Official details: Quail Creek · Sand Hollow
3. Zion National Park
Zion National Park has scenery that looks like it’s out of Jurassic Park.
The crowds are there, but there are many different hikes to choose from. Pick a route that suits your ability and the day’s conditions rather than hiking farther simply to escape other visitors.
Two popular hikes here are Angels Landing, with its exposed ridge and chains, and The Narrows, where the route takes you into the Virgin River. Neither should be treated as a leisurely walk.
Angels Landing is not for those afraid of heights. It is a strenuous hike with serious exposure, and you need a permit for the section beyond Scout Lookout. Being comfortable with heights alone is not enough preparation.
In The Narrows, steep canyon walls surround you as you hike in the Virgin River. It’s a distinctive experience, but water levels, slippery footing, cold water and flash-flood risk determine whether it is suitable that day. The paved Riverside Walk lets you see the start without committing to a river hike.
Plan your visit
- Location: Zion National Park; Springdale is the main base for Zion Canyon.
- Admission and fees: $35 private-vehicle entrance. Non-US residents aged 16+ pay an additional $100 each unless covered by a qualifying pass; see the pass box. Hiking permit fees are separate.
- Hours and access: Use the Zion Canyon shuttle when operating; most private vehicles cannot drive the scenic road then. Check hike closures before leaving.
- Suggested time: One to two full days; allow a separate main outing for a demanding hike.
- Booking and transport: Angels Landing requires a permit beyond Scout Lookout. Bottom-up Narrows hiking needs no wilderness permit within its permitted limits; top-down routes do. Check water and flash-flood conditions.
Official details: Zion fees · Zion shuttle · Angels Landing permits · The Narrows
4. Bryce Canyon
Another popular national park in Utah is Bryce Canyon. Here you’ll find lots of strange rock formations called hoodoos. The hoodoos are skinny rock spires that jut up from the ground.
There are some fun hikes through the hoodoos that take you up close and around them. The orange and white colors of the rock are great at sunrise or sunset.
Bryce Canyon is also at a higher elevation, so the temperatures can get a little colder here when the sun goes down. If you’re camping out there, make sure you account for the cooler temps at night!
Bryce Canyon is a northern detour from the border corridor. Give it its own day rather than treating it as a stop on the direct drive between Zion and Page.
Plan your visit
- Location: Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah; a northern detour from the border corridor.
- Admission and fees: $35 private-vehicle entrance, plus $100 per non-US resident aged 16+ unless covered by a qualifying pass.
- Hours and access: High elevation brings cold, snow and ice. Choose currently open viewpoints and trails; a lower-elevation desert forecast is not enough.
- Suggested time: One full day, with an overnight stay if sunrise or sunset is a priority.
- Booking and transport: Reserve accommodation near the park rather than adding Bryce to an already full Zion hiking day. Bring layers and check road/trail alerts on the park site.
Official details: Bryce Canyon fees · Bryce Canyon conditions
5. Monument Valley
The road toward Monument Valley is one of the recognizable drives in the Southwest. The landscape has been seen in many shows and films about the Wild West.
The road runs straight toward the formations, but this is not empty land: Monument Valley is part of the Navajo Nation, with communities, homes and land-use rules to respect.
Use designated pullouts for photographs and stay off the highway. There are places to stay and camp in the area that let you explore further; reserve one rather than assuming roadside camping is allowed.
Plan your visit
- Location: Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park on the Utah–Arizona border; an eastern extension from Page.
- Admission and fees: The official park page currently lists $10 per person per day plus $15 per vehicle. Guided tours cost extra; confirm admission inclusions with the chosen operator.
- Hours and access: The 17-mile scenic loop is unpaved, with seasonal opening and last-entry times. Check the official schedule for your date.
- Suggested time: Half a day to one day; an overnight stay gives more flexibility.
- Booking and transport: A Navajo-guided tour can include backcountry beyond the self-drive loop. Confirm the meeting point and local time, and check rental restrictions before self-driving on dirt.
Official details: Navajo Nation Parks
When a tour is useful: The linked 3.5-hour cultural tour includes a backcountry route and local guide, with a meeting point at The View Hotel. It suits travelers who want more context and access beyond the public loop. Confirm whether tribal entry is additional, the road conditions, and the suitability of the vehicle ride before booking.
6. Lake Powell
Lake Powell sits right on the border of Utah and Arizona. There are lots of side canyons with steep walls and sharp curves to see from the water.
If you’re up for long, strenuous hikes, you can reach remote places like Reflection Canyon, but that needs its own backcountry planning. For a more straightforward lake day, arrange a boat outing or a paddle from a confirmed-open launch, or reserve a legal campsite near the water.
Leave room to maneuver near canyon walls and follow your operator’s wind, weather and launch advice. Water levels affect which ramps and shore areas are usable, so an old map or photograph is not a reliable access guide.
Plan your visit
- Location: Lake Powell in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area; Page is a useful base for the southern lake.
- Admission and fees: Glen Canyon: $30 per private vehicle for seven days, or a qualifying pass. Boat, rental, launch and camping charges may be additional.
- Hours and access: Check current lake access and launch conditions before booking. Wind or water levels can change an outing.
- Suggested time: Half to one full day for a lake activity; more for a remote backcountry trip.
- Booking and transport: Confirm the exact marina or launch and return arrangements. A Lake Powell paddle does not substitute for an authorized Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon walking tour.
Official details: Glen Canyon fees · Glen Canyon alerts
7. Horseshoe Bend
Horseshoe Bend is an overlook where the Colorado River cuts through the canyon, creating a bend or horseshoe shape. It is straightforward to reach from Page, but parking is paid, and the exposed walk can be hot.
The overlook is reached by a 1.5-mile round-trip walk from the parking lot on a hardened trail. There is a viewing platform with a railing; much of the surrounding rim remains unfenced.
Horseshoe Bend is often crowded. Use the established trail and viewing area, keep well back from unfenced edges, and allow enough time for the return walk before closing.
Plan your visit
- Location: Off US 89 near Page, Arizona.
- Admission and fees: $10 parking for a private passenger vehicle, including a car, truck or RV; $5 motorcycle. National park passes are not accepted.
- Hours and access: The city lists sunrise–sunset access, subject to change. The round trip is 1.5 miles on a hardened, accessibility-compliant path; little shade.
- Suggested time: Allow 60–90 minutes, more with heat, rest stops or photography.
- Booking and transport: No guided tour is needed for the standard overlook. Park in the official lot; highway parking and entrance drop-offs are prohibited.
Official details: City of Page · NPS Horseshoe Bend
8. Antelope Canyon
Another landmark in this area is Antelope Canyon, one of the top things to do near Page.
It’s known for its steep, swirling canyon walls. Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon are two of the best-known sections, with separate tours and meeting points.
While both sections have swirling sandstone walls, there are practical differences. Upper Antelope is known for seasonal light beams when the sun and weather align; Lower Antelope has steep stairs and ladders. A particular light effect is never guaranteed.
Do not choose Upper Antelope assuming it is a flat out-and-back walk. The current exit route includes an uphill walk and stairs outside the canyon. Check the full route with your chosen operator if mobility is a concern.
Another thing to note is that you cannot explore the canyons on your own. Navajo Parks and Recreation protect them, and only authorized tours are allowed at Antelope Canyon.
Make sure you book your tour ahead of time because time slots can fill up quickly!
Plan your visit
- Location: Near Page on Navajo land. Upper and Lower Antelope have separate check-in locations.
- Admission and fees: Paid authorized guided tour required. Compare the final price, Navajo permit/tax inclusions and cancellation terms for your date.
- Hours and access: Reserved departure time; weather-related closures are possible. Follow your operator’s check-in time and stated time zone.
- Suggested time: Allow roughly two to three hours including check-in, depending on the tour; do not book another timed activity immediately afterward.
- Booking and transport: Lower has stairs and ladders; Upper also has a stepped exit. Confirm suitability before paying. Check bag, footwear and photography rules for the specific tour.
Official details: Authorized Antelope operators · Upper Antelope operator FAQ
Lower Antelope booking check: The linked listing asks guests to arrive at Ken’s Tours 45 minutes before departure and describes a 1.5-hour English-guided activity. Use the final voucher for the exact time and meeting point; prices and availability depend on your date.
9. The Wave
The Wave’s landscape looks like a playground of multi-colored swirls, but visitation is tightly limited. Treat it as a permit-dependent opportunity rather than the one stop your whole road trip relies on.
The daily limit is 64 people or 16 groups, whichever is reached first. The advance lottery allocates up to 48 people or 12 groups four months ahead; the daily lottery allocates up to 16 people or four groups through a mobile geofence system two days before the hike. A guide does not remove the permit requirement.
Plan your visit
- Location: Coyote Buttes North, Arizona; the usual approach starts at Wire Pass off House Rock Valley Road.
- Admission and fees: Lottery and permit required. The daily lottery lists a $6 application fee plus $7 per person if successful. These permits are separate from park entrance passes.
- Hours and access: Date-specific day use; no overnight camping in the permit area. The suggested route is a strenuous, unmarked 6.4-mile round trip.
- Suggested time: Reserve a full hiking day, subject to conditions and your permit.
- Booking and transport: Use the official route information, carry navigation and water, and verify the dirt-road condition. Even four-wheel drive may not get through after rain. Keep a non-permit alternative.
Official details: BLM Coyote Buttes North · BLM permit FAQ · Daily lottery · Advance lottery
10. Buckskin Gulch
Utah is full of slot canyons with patterned canyon walls and opportunities for photography. One popular slot canyon near the Utah/Arizona border is Buckskin Gulch.
For a day visit, choose a planned out-and-back section and turn around with enough daylight to return. A full canyon traverse or an overnight route is a separate backcountry undertaking, not the same outing.
The walking is not always easy: you may encounter boulders, deep cold pools and changing obstacles. Water in the canyon is not an invitation to swim. Check the whole drainage’s flash-flood forecast and current route conditions before entering.
Plan your visit
- Location: Paria Canyon–Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness; access options include Buckskin Gulch and Wire Pass trailheads.
- Admission and fees: Day-use permit: $6 per person and $6 per dog. Overnight permits are separate and must be arranged in advance.
- Hours and access: Day-use access is sunrise–sunset. Do not enter with a flood threat in the drainage; obstacles and water levels vary.
- Suggested time: Half to a full day for a carefully chosen day section; a full traverse needs a different plan.
- Booking and transport: Confirm current access with BLM, download the correct route and permit, and allow time for the dirt-road approach. This permit does not include The Wave.
Official details: BLM Buckskin Gulch
11. Grand Canyon
Arizona is also home to the Grand Canyon. Its scale is easiest to appreciate when you give yourself time at the rim instead of treating it as a quick photo stop.
You’ll be able to see the different layers of rock here. The Colorado River cuts through the middle of the canyon, although it is not visible from every rim viewpoint.
There are different areas to visit, such as the North Rim and the South Rim. Each area gives a different vantage point from the edge. You can visit viewpoints with limited walking or plan a longer hike, but the two rims are separate road journeys, and current closures matter.
The blue water of Havasu Falls contrasts with the red rocks of Havasu Canyon, but this is a separate trip on Havasupai land outside Grand Canyon National Park. It requires a reservation, and day hiking is not allowed. Do not add it to an ordinary rim visit.
Plan your visit
- Location: Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona; choose a rim before reserving accommodation.
- Admission and fees: $35 private-vehicle entrance, plus $100 per non-US resident aged 16+ unless covered by a qualifying pass. Camping and other reservations are separate.
- Hours and access: North Rim access and services are restricted in 2026; read the dated note below and check current status. South Rim and inner-canyon trails also need a closure check.
- Suggested time: One to two days for a rim visit; longer hikes require separate preparation.
- Booking and transport: Use a South Rim base for the suggested route below. A North Rim visit needs a separate routing decision. Havasu Falls requires its own Havasupai reservation and is not a day-trip add-on.
Official details: Grand Canyon fees · North Rim status · Havasupai access
North Rim: check these dated restrictions
As checked October 4, 2026, NPS plans North Rim access through November 30 or the first major snowstorm, with no North Rim overnight lodging during the 2026 season. Cape Royal Road and Point Imperial Road are scheduled to close from sunset October 15 to sunrise November 3. North Kaibab Trail and Bright Angel Point Trail are closed. Fuel is unavailable at the North Rim gas station.
Official details: North Rim status
Where to Stay and How to Plan the Route
Choose several bases rather than driving back to one hotel every night. St. George suits Yant Flat and the reservoirs; Springdale suits Zion. Stay near Bryce for that detour, then use Kanab for the central border area or Page for the lake and Antelope Canyon. Monument Valley and the Grand Canyon need their own overnight decisions.
If you start or finish in Las Vegas, use our guide to free and cheap things to do in Las Vegas. Phoenix is another possible endpoint for a longer one-way route; our Phoenix guide can help with that separate city stay. Check rental drop-off costs before committing.
Road-trip details that can change your day
- Rental car: A road trip needs transport between widely spaced stops. Read the rental agreement before unpaved roads; an SUV does not automatically mean permission or suitable conditions.
- Time zones: Confirm tour and permit times explicitly. Page uses Arizona time; Utah and Monument Valley change clocks seasonally.
- Weather: Check the forecast at your actual elevation and the upstream drainage before a slot canyon. Leave space to replace a hike with a viewpoint day.
- Remote access: Download maps and booking confirmations before losing reception. Carry water and fuel up before remote drives.
A 10-Day Utah–Arizona Road-Trip Itinerary
An editorial route suggestion, not a fixed tour
- Days 1–2: St. George and Springdale. Choose Yant Flat or one reservoir on the first day; give Zion the second day. Add a night if you want both Angels Landing and The Narrows.
- Day 3: Bryce Canyon detour, with an overnight nearby. Choose an open hoodoo walk and viewpoints suited to the weather.
- Day 4: Travel toward Kanab and settle in. Keep this as a flexible day; do not add a remote hike after a rushed transfer.
- Day 5: A prepared Buckskin Gulch day section if conditions allow, or The Wave only with a permit. Stay locally afterward; these are alternatives. Without suitable conditions, move on to Page and take an easier day.
- Days 6–7: Page: reserve Antelope Canyon and fit Horseshoe Bend around it; allow another day for a Lake Powell activity and the transfer onward to Monument Valley.
- Day 8: Monument Valley tour or permitted self-drive loop, then overnight nearby. Avoid scheduling a long onward drive after a late tour.
- Days 9–10: Drive to the Grand Canyon South Rim, then allow a full rim day. Add separate travel time for returning to Las Vegas or continuing to Phoenix. Choose the North Rim instead only after checking access and adjusting the route.
For seven days, shorten the route by dropping detours or remote hikes rather than compressing every stop. For a wider trip, compare our USA destination guide.
Utah–Arizona Border FAQs
How many days do you need for a Utah–Arizona border road trip?
Allow seven to ten days for a selection of the stops in this guide. Ten days can include Zion, Bryce, Page, Monument Valley and the Grand Canyon South Rim with sensible overnight stops. Add time for remote hikes, and do not assume you can fit every listed activity into that route.
What is the best time for this road trip?
Spring and fall are useful starting points for planning, but elevation makes a big difference. Bryce can be cold or snowy while Page is warm. Summer heat affects exposed hikes, and rain anywhere upstream can make slot canyons dangerous. Choose the route after checking seasonal access.
Can you visit Antelope Canyon without a tour?
No. Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon require an authorized guided tour. Select the canyon section, check stairs and mobility requirements, and reserve a departure time. A Lake Powell kayak outing is a different experience and is not a replacement ticket for either walking tour.
Is Horseshoe Bend free?
The standard overlook has a city-operated parking charge: $10 for a private passenger vehicle at the time of this review. National park passes do not cover it. A guided tour is not required, but allow time and water for the exposed 1.5-mile round-trip walk.
Can you visit The Wave without winning a permit?
You need a valid Coyote Buttes North permit for your date. The advance and daily lotteries are separate application routes; a Buckskin Gulch permit or national park pass does not grant entry. Hiring a guide does not bypass the requirement. Keep the rest of your trip workable without The Wave.
Does a national park pass cover all these stops?
No. A qualifying America the Beautiful pass can cover federal park entrance, including the covered group’s nonresident surcharge at the relevant parks. Tribal parks, Antelope Canyon tours, Utah state parks, Horseshoe Bend parking and separate permits have their own charges. Check the pass rules for your residency and group.
Do Utah and Arizona use the same time?
Not throughout the year. Page stays on Arizona Mountain Standard Time, while Utah and Monument Valley on the Navajo Nation observe daylight saving time. For Antelope tours, follow the operator’s stated Arizona time. Check every voucher and permit deadline rather than trusting your phone to switch correctly.
Can you visit Havasu Falls during a Grand Canyon day trip?
No. Havasu Falls is on Havasupai land outside Grand Canyon National Park, with separate reservations and no day hiking. It needs its own trip planning and access arrangements, not a spur-of-the-moment hike down from a national park rim viewpoint.
The Utah/Arizona border is such a great place to see some beautiful spots in nature. By road tripping through the area, you have the opportunity to spend as little or as much time exploring different areas.
Even if you only visit a few of these places, leave enough time to explore them properly.
Practical information reviewed October 4, 2026. Original descriptions and photographs reflect Ashley’s earlier reporting. Visit durations and the itinerary are editorial estimates. Recheck official access notices, fees and your booking terms before travel.
- About the Author
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Pauline has a bachelor’s degree in Tourism and is a professional content writer. She specializes in writing about travel and food. Pauline spent most of her career life in Dubai and is a Travel Expert for the United States and Costa Rica.
