A road trip through Utah's Big 5 national parks—Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef—provides a unique chance to witness the state's diverse landscapes and stunning vistas. Each park features distinct geological formations, from Zion's towering cliffs to Bryce Canyon's iconic hoodoos. Adventurers can explore Arches and Canyonlands' red rock arches and desert scenery, while Capitol Reef captivates with its rich history and striking sandstone. This journey connects natural wonders, offering experiences in outdoor activities, local culture, and unforgettable memories.

Ultimate Winter RV Road Trip: Exploring Utah’s Big Five from Las Vegas

Embarking on a winter RV road trip through Utah’s Big Five National Parks is an unforgettable experience, blending breathtaking landscapes, fewer crowds, and the cozy comforts of your home on wheels. Starting and ending in Las Vegas, this journey offers a scenic and adventurous escape through Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands National Parks. Winter adds a special charm, with snow-capped red rock formations, crisp, clear skies, and a peaceful solitude that is hard to find in peak seasons. Here’s your ultimate guide to tackling this epic route, with detailed information on routes, camping options, must-see sights, and essential winter travel tips.

Day 1: Las Vegas to Valley of Fire State Park (55 miles, ~1-hour drive)

Your adventure begins in Las Vegas, where you pick up your RV. Before hitting the road, stock up on groceries, propane, and other essentials at a local supermarket. Make sure your RV is winterized (if you’re staying overnight in temps below freezing), meaning your water lines are insulated or equipped with an anti-freeze system to handle freezing temperatures. We opted not to winterise and were perfectly fine by keeping the water on overnight, meaning we had use of toilet, shower and water taps the whole trip.

The first stop is Valley of Fire State Park, just an hour outside of Las Vegas. This stunning park is famous for its red sandstone formations, petroglyphs, and fiery landscapes that glow at sunset. Stay overnight at the Arch Rock Campground, a scenic and peaceful spot perfect for stargazing.

Must-See Stops in Valley of Fire:

Fire Wave Trail: A short hike leading to a swirling rock formation similar to The Wave in Arizona.
Elephant Rock: A natural rock arch resembling an elephant.
Atlatl Rock: A towering rock face with ancient petroglyphs.

Day 2: Valley of Fire to Zion National Park (135 miles, ~2.5-hour drive)

Wake up early to catch the sunrise over Valley of Fire before continuing on I-15 North into Utah. Arrive at Zion National Park, where you can check into Watchman Campground (open year-round, reservations recommended) or the RV-friendly Zion River Resort in nearby Virgin.

Winter is the perfect time to explore Zion without the summer crowds. If conditions allow, hike the world-famous Angels Landing, but bring microspikes as icy trails can be hazardous. Alternatively, explore The Narrows, a stunning slot canyon hike where you'll wade through the Virgin River—wear a drysuit if attempting this in winter.

Recommended Stops & Activities:

Canyon Overlook Trail: Short and accessible, offering stunning views of Zion Canyon.
Riverside Walk: A peaceful stroll leading to the mouth of The Narrows.
Zion Scenic Drive: With fewer shuttles in winter, you can drive yourself and stop at highlights like Court of the Patriarchs and Big Bend.

Camp overnight and enjoy the crisp, star-filled sky that Zion is famous for.

Day 3: Zion to Bryce Canyon National Park (85 miles, ~2-hour drive)

Wake up early and take the scenic drive out of Zion toward Bryce Canyon National Park. The route takes you along Highway 89 and then east on Highway 12, known as one of the most beautiful drives in the U.S.

Bryce Canyon sits at a much higher elevation (7,600–9,000 feet), making it one of the coldest stops on your journey. The hoodoos, those unique rock spires that define the park, are even more mesmerizing when dusted with snow. Check in at Ruby’s Inn RV Park or Sunset Campground (if open).

What to See & Do:

Sunrise Point & Sunset Point: Must-see viewpoints for panoramic views of the amphitheater.
Queen’s Garden Trail: A relatively short but breathtaking hike through hoodoo formations.
Navajo Loop Trail: Descend into the canyon for an up-close experience of the rock formations (conditions permitting).
Stargazing: Bryce Canyon is one of the best places for stargazing due to its high elevation and lack of light pollution.

Be sure to bundle up, as nighttime temperatures can drop well below freezing.

Day 4: Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef National Park (120 miles, ~2.5-hour drive)

Continue along Scenic Byway 12, passing through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Take your time on this stretch, as it is packed with jaw-dropping scenery, including Kodachrome Basin State Park and Escalante Petrified Forest.

Capitol Reef National Park is often the least crowded of the Big Five, making it an underrated gem. Visit the historic Fruita district, famous for its well-preserved orchards and pioneer history. Stop at Gifford Homestead (seasonal hours) for fresh-baked pies and local preserves.

Camp overnight at Fruita Campground or a nearby RV-friendly site.

Day 5: Capitol Reef to Arches National Park (140 miles, ~3-hour drive)

Head toward Moab, the gateway to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. The drive along Highway 24 and US-191 offers stunning red rock scenery.

Once at Arches, check out famous formations like Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, and Balanced Rock. Winter provides the rare opportunity to explore these popular sites with minimal crowds.

Stay at Sun Outdoors Moab or Moab Valley RV Resort for the night.

Day 6: Canyonlands National Park & Dead Horse Point

Dedicate a full day to Canyonlands National Park (Island in the Sky District) and Dead Horse Point State Park. Must-see sights include:

Mesa Arch at sunrise: One of the most photographed spots in the park.
Green River Overlook & Grand View Point: Panoramic views of deep canyons.
Shafer Trail Overlook: A winding dirt road visible from above.

Return to Moab for another night.

Day 7: Goblin Valley State Park & Little Wild Horse Canyon

Drive west to Goblin Valley State Park, known for its unique, otherworldly rock formations. If time permits, hike through Little Wild Horse Canyon, one of Utah’s most stunning slot canyons.

Camp overnight in the Goblin Valley Campground.

Day 8: Scenic Drive through Capitol Reef & Grand Staircase-Escalante

Spend the day driving back through Capitol Reef and exploring lesser-known stops in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument before reaching the town of Kanab.

Overnight at an RV park in Kanab.

Day 9: Kanab to Valley of Fire (190 miles, ~4-hour drive)

Head back into Nevada and stop at Valley of Fire for another night of camping. Explore any spots you missed on Day 1 and relax under the desert sky.

Day 10: Return to Las Vegas

Take a leisurely drive back to Las Vegas, return the RV, and reflect on an incredible journey through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Southwest.

A winter RV road trip through Utah’s Big Five is a dream for adventure seekers. From Zion’s towering cliffs to Bryce’s snowy hoodoos and Arches’ natural rock formations, this journey delivers awe-inspiring landscapes at every turn. So pack up, plan wisely, and hit the road for a memorable off-season escape!

Utah Road trip around the Big 5 National Parks