Phoenix to Salt Lake City Road Trip Guide

This mystical red rock wonderland offers some of America's most photographed landscapes, where towering sandstone formations create a stunning backdrop for outdoor adventures and spiritual experiences. The town's numerous art galleries, spas, and New Age shops provide perfect breaks between hiking adventures on trails like Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock. Sedona's elevation at 4,300 feet offers relief from Phoenix heat while maintaining excellent RV accessibility.

Multiple RV parks accommodate travelers, including Rancho Sedona RV Park and nearby Munds Park RV Resort. The area serves as an ideal first overnight stop, allowing time to explore red rock formations and acclimatize to higher elevations before continuing north to mountain country.

This geological wonderland features unique rock formations called hoodoos, creating an otherworldly landscape of spires, fins, and natural amphitheaters. Bryce Canyon National Park's high elevation (8,000-9,000+ feet) provides cool temperatures and stunning views across southern Utah's red rock country. Popular viewpoints like Sunrise Point and Sunset Point offer spectacular photo opportunities without strenuous hiking.

Limited RV facilities within the park require advance planning, but nearby towns like Panguitch and Tropic offer excellent RV parks and services. The area's elevation means cooler temperatures year-round and potential snow during winter months.

After all of the adventure you have had thus far, it is a perfect time for a relaxing soak in a hot spring! Fortunately, Meadow Hot Springs is around two hours from Bryce Canyon National Park and an ideal next stop on your road trip. Located on private property just south of Filmore, Meadow Hot Springs has three soaking areas with water that is clear and deep (20 plus feet to the bottom) and at a temperature of about 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The pool is in the middle of a pasture and is accessible year-round, with a short hike of about a half mile from your car.

Since the springs are located on private property, be sure to obey the signs that are posted, be respectful and pack out what you bring in. Your canine companions are welcome to join you!

Located on the borders of Arizona and Utah, Lake Powell is a reservoir that is located on the Colorado River and is a popular place for vacation, with about two million visitors annually. When it comes to water capacity, Lake Powell is one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the United States. While the Lake is a water storage facility, it is also perfect for outdoor recreation like boating, fishing, waterskiing, and jet-skiing, with opportunities for hiking in the surrounding Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. There are marinas with campgrounds as well as rentals of watercraft including houseboats, and camping is allowed within the area’s canyons.

Summer months in the area can be very hot, with average temperatures in July at 98 degrees, making a dip in the cool waters of the lake an amazing experience!

Arizona's mountain town sits at 7,000 feet elevation, providing dramatic temperature relief and serving as the gateway to northern Arizona's wonders. Historic downtown Flagstaff features authentic Western architecture, local breweries, and Route 66 attractions, while the surrounding Coconino National Forest offers hiking and mountain recreation opportunities.

Several RV parks and campgrounds accommodate travelers, making Flagstaff an excellent basecamp for exploring nearby attractions like the Grand Canyon's South Rim (90 minutes away) or Walnut Canyon National Monument. The city's elevation requires some acclimatization and provides a preview of Utah's mountain environments ahead.

Utah's first national park showcases towering sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and the Virgin River, creating one of America's most dramatic landscapes. The park's shuttle system protects sensitive areas while providing easy access to iconic trails like the Riverside Walk and Emerald Pools. Zion's diverse elevations support unique ecosystems from the desert floor to the mountain peaks.

The nearby town of Springdale offers multiple RV accommodations and services, while Zion River Resort provides luxury camping options. Advanced reservations are essential during peak season, as this area represents one of the Southwest's most popular destinations.

About an hour and a half from Lake Powell is the Coral Pink Dunes State Park, which features sand dunes of a coral color next to red sandstone cliffs. Formed from the erosion of the pink Navajo Sandstone found around the park, the dunes shift regularly by winds, moving a much as 50 feet each year. Visitors can explore the dunes on foot and bring along a sled to slide down them. The Park has areas to drive off-road vehicles; in fact, about 90% of the dunes are open to ATV riding. Visitors can also plan to camp within the Park.

It is believed that the dunes, which support a myriad of insects, are between 10,000 and 15,000 years old. One particular insect to keep an eye out for is the Coral Pink tiger beetle, which is found only in the Coral Pink Dunes State Park.

For more Southwest adventure inspiration, explore our comprehensive Los Angeles to Phoenix road trip guide and discover mountain departures with our Salt Lake City to Grand Teton guide.

Planning additional desert exploration? Check out our Phoenix to Chicago road trip for cross-country adventure options.

Looking to explore Utah's national parks further? Consider Provo RV rentals for extended Utah adventures and access to additional mountain recreation throughout the state.