It’s time to start planning your summer vacation, but instead of jet-setting to Europe or sizzling on the beaches of Mexico, might we suggest a Southern Utah road trip? Blessed by the Beehive state’s ecological vastness, Salt Lakers can get from mountain views to sweeping red rock vistas in just over four hours—along the way discovering world-renowned hiking, remarkable paleontological sites and a rich tapestry of historical and cultural landmarks.
To spark some staycation inspiration, we’ve put together a series of road trips spotlighting Southern Utah destinations. So wrangle the kids and pack up the Subaru, it’s time for a desert escape.
Roadtrip #1: Zion
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The crown jewel of Utah’s Mighty Five, Zion National Park sees a surge of visitors during the summer months—Last year the park reported 4.9M visitors and was the second-most visited National Park in the country. From April to September, the neighboring town of Springdale is packed to the gills with tourists and No Vacancy signs, but there’s still much respite to be found.
Just twenty minutes from the park entrance, Autocamp Zion is the perfect basecamp for your adventure. Opened in 2023, the upscale glamping resort offers an array of accommodation options, from Airstream suites, to tiny-home cabins to campground options. During a recent visit, I set up camp in an Airstream and fell in love with the spa-like bathroom, functional kitchenette and private fire pit. Autocamp actually has an exclusive partnership with Airstream, so all trailers are made from scratch to masterfully blend modern luxuries and timeless design. The property functions as its own charming community, with a General Store and heated pool to boot, all centered around a stunning mid-century clubhouse.
The property also offers a few different dining options, like local provisions you can grab-and-go for fast adventure fuel, and freshly prepared meals available from The Kitchen. In the morning, I popped into the Clubhouse to mingle with a few fellow hikers and start the day with complimentary granola and coffee. And for dinner, I returned to The Kitchen to pick up a take-and-make feast for two. Utilizing my personal fire pit—fashionably outfitted with a branded grill grate and a fool-proof fire starting kit—my partner and I chowed down on grass-fed sirloin steak, grilled veggies and Yukon gold potatoes. Of course, is it even glamping if you don’t finish off your evening with a s’more? Autocamp takes an elevated approach to the campfire classic with artisan chocolate bars and graham crackers.
Beyond dining and accommodations, Autocamp has perfected a seamless blend of luxury and nature. Red rock views frame the entire property, and every outdoor lounge area is furnished with comfortable Adirondacks. To take your excursions off-site without hopping into the car, AutoCamp Zion also lends guests bikes to cruise around the area. I spent one sunny afternoon riding into Springdale, the ride took me just over an hour and passed through some stunning bucolic landscapes, and even a nearby ghost town—more on that below!
Autocamp Zion
1322 UT-9, Virgin
P.S. Utah residents receive 20% best available rates!
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It’s Zion in the summer, so expect lines at the shuttle stops and sharing the trails with your fellow hikers (why not show the out-of-towners some Utah hospitality with a “hey there!” or “you’re almost to the end!”). But with the right preparation and mindset, you can still find plenty of moments for communing with nature.
The most popular summer hikes have one thing in common: water. The Narrows is a 9.4 mile meander up the Virgin River, complete with chest-deep crossings and plenty of scrambling. Invest in some solid water shoes, a hiking stick and head out before sunrise. Another beginner-friendly hike is Emerald Pools, a collection of three waterfalls connected by a loop. The Lower Pool is the most family-friendly and accessible, while the Upper Pool presents a bit more of an elevational challenge. Make sure to bring your camera and best “chasing waterfalls’ caption, the trail takes you underneath the falls for a refreshing cooldown.
Other hikes to consider in Zion National Park:
- Watchman Trail: A moderate out-and-back trail starting at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. Offers stunning views of Temples and Towers, lower Zion Canyon and the Watchman.
- Many Pools Trail: An off-the-beaten path East of Zion National Park featuring slickrock slabs, slot canyons and fascinating sculpted potholes—some the size of bathtubs. This trail is a stunning secret find, especially after rainfall.
- Canyon Overlook Trail: A quick hike that ends in a sweeping panoramic view of Zion. This trail is one of the most traveled paths, go before sunrise or sunset for some crowd mitigation.
(We’ve written a lot on Zions, find more in-depth hiking stories here!)
Eat and Drink
There’s a lot of outdoor action for those gritty, long-distance hikers, but those who prefer adventuring with their tastebuds have plenty to explore as well. Springdale offers a bounty of cafes, brewpubs, cocktail bars and upscale restaurants.
Famed for their post-hike beers and sweeping views of the nearby park, Zion Canyon Brew Pub is a great stop for a casual dinner. They also feature live music and a spacious outdoor patio during the summer (zionbrewery.com). Fine dining meets Southern charm at Balcony One, a charming restaurant in Virgin. The menu offers a selection of elevated dishes, from smokey rib pappardelle to carpaccio and more. And if you’re in the mood for a laid-back alternative, their Bourbon and Blues bar next door can fix you right up with a neat glass of whiskey and pub grub (balconyonevirgin.com). Back in Springdale, Spotted Dog prides themselves on thoughtful farm-to-fork ingredients and locally sourced produce, not to mention their extensive 400-strong wine list. The restaurant is part of a boutique resort, Flanigans, which also houses a holistic spa and pool (flanigansresort.com).
And finally, the latest addition to Zion’s dining scene is Cowboys & Angels—a western-style speakeasy hidden in the back of FeelLove Coffee. The swanky lounge specializes in craft cocktails and an impressive whiskey wall. Need helping find it? Here’s a clue: look for the angel wing (cowboysandangelszion.com).
Weird and Wonderful Extras
No roadtrip is complete without a few quirky pitspots—and you’d be surprised at the oddities that await you on your journey south. About an hour outside of Springdale, Fort Zion is a cheesy roadside attraction with western-themed playhouses, gift shops and a petting zoo. It’s a great place to let the kids burn off some energy, but we won’t judge the adults that go for the photo opps and homemade ice cream (1000 W. Hwy 9, Virgin).
For a more authentic glimpse into the Old West, head to Grafton Ghost Town, a hauntingly beautiful remnant of the past. Originally settled by cotton farmers in 1859, Grafton was once home to a tight-knit community of 168 people. Today, only weathered wooden buildings, a schoolhouse, and farmland remain. In the late ’90s, the Grafton Heritage Partnership Project began restoring many of the old homes, preserving the town in a kind of time capsule. Frequently featured in films like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and In Old Arizona, Grafton is now one of the most photographed ghost towns in the West.
And if you’re searching for an even deeper dive into the region’s ancient history, add Petroglyph Canyon to your itinerary. Located just inside Zion National Park past the second tunnel on UT-9, a short 1.4-mile trail—marked by a log fence—leads to a stunning panel of well-preserved petroglyphs. Park rangers and history buffs have worked to keep this sacred site off the beaten path, so be sure to tread lightly and do your part to protect these invaluable cultural treasures.
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