Category: Utah

6 Road Trips Worth the Drive From Dallas, Texas

Posted in Arizona, Colorado, National Parks, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Road Trip Guides, State Parks, Texas, UtahTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Living in North Texas means we may not have mountains or national parks right outside our front door, but one thing we DO have is access to some pretty incredible road trips.

Our family has spent years road-tripping from Texas, and some of our favorite adventures have started by simply loading up the car in Dallas and driving. We’ve hiked through red-rock canyons, climbed around caves, stood among giant saguaros, explored national parks, chased waterfalls, and driven some of the prettiest roads in the country.

So if you’re wondering where you can road trip from Dallas, Texas, start here.

I put together six of my favorite road trips from Dallas—from easy Oklahoma and Texas weekend getaways to bucket-list adventures through Arizona, Utah and Colorado.

Save this list for the next time you’re ready to hit the road!

Quick Look: Best Road Trips From Dallas

Texas
Drive time: Approximately 3–8 hours depending on destination
Best for: 2–5 days
Don’t miss: Palo Duro Canyon, Inks Lake, Guadalupe Mountains and Monahans Sandhills

Oklahoma
Drive time: Approximately 2.5–4 hours depending on destination
Best for: 2–4 days
Don’t miss: Wichita Mountains, Turner Falls, Natural Falls and Alabaster Caverns

New Mexico
Drive time: Approximately 7–10+ hours depending on destination
Best for: 4–7 days
Don’t miss: White Sands, Carlsbad Caverns, Bandelier and Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks

Colorado
Drive time: Approximately 10–14+ hours depending on destination
Best for: 4–7 days
Don’t miss: Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, Ouray, Durango and Telluride

Arizona
Drive time: Approximately 13–16+ hours depending on destination
Best for: 5–7 days
Don’t miss: Saguaro, Sedona, Grand Canyon and Chiricahua

Utah
Drive time: Approximately 14–17+ hours depending on destination
Best for: 5–7+ days
Don’t miss: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands and Capitol Reef

Road Trip Queen Tip: These drive times are approximate from the Dallas area and will vary depending on your exact destination, route, traffic and stops. On our longer road trips, we sometimes break up the drive with an overnight stop—and that can be part of the adventure too!

1. Texas Road Trip

Best for: Long weekend to 5 days
Drive time from Dallas: Approximately 3–8 hours, depending on where you’re headed
Highlights: Canyons • Lakes • Mountains • Sand Dunes

Before you even leave Texas, there are some wildly different landscapes to explore.

One of the things I love about Texas road trips is just how different one part of the state can look from another. You can hike through the second-largest canyon system in the United States, jump from rocky cliffs into the water, climb a mountain and slide down giant sand dunes—all without crossing the state line.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

If you’ve never visited Palo Duro Canyon, put it on your Texas bucket list.

Located near Amarillo, Palo Duro is often called the Grand Canyon of Texas, and it’s one of those places that makes you wonder if you’re actually still in Texas.

Spend your time hiking through colorful canyon walls, stopping at scenic overlooks and driving the park road down onto the canyon floor.

Don’t miss: The Lighthouse Trail, scenic overlooks and the drive through the canyon.

Inks Lake State Park

Inks Lake is one of my favorite warm-weather road trips from Dallas.

The big attraction for us is Devil’s Waterhole, where you’ll find beautiful blue water surrounded by pink granite rock formations. Kayaking is a great way to explore the lake, and there are hiking trails throughout the park too.

This is an especially good choice when you want a Texas road trip that combines outdoor adventure with time on the water.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Yes, Texas has mountains!

Guadalupe Mountains National Park in West Texas is home to the highest point in the state and offers a completely different landscape from what most people picture when they think of Texas.

Serious hikers can tackle Guadalupe Peak, but you don’t have to summit the mountain to enjoy this national park. There are shorter hikes, scenic desert landscapes and beautiful mountain views throughout the area.

Bonus: Carlsbad Caverns National Park is close enough that I highly recommend combining the two parks into one trip.

Monahans Sandhills State Park

Imagine enormous rolling sand dunes in the middle of West Texas. That’s Monahans Sandhills.

Bring or rent a sand disk and spend a few hours sliding down the dunes. This makes an especially fun stop when you’re already heading west toward Guadalupe Mountains, Carlsbad Caverns or New Mexico.

How I’d Plan It

You don’t need to combine all four destinations into a single trip. Think of this section as four great Texas road trips from Dallas that can stand alone or be incorporated into a larger West Texas itinerary.

2. Arizona Road Trip

Best for: 5–7 days
Drive time from Dallas: Approximately 13–16+ hours depending on your first stop
Highlights: Deserts • Red Rocks • National Parks • Epic Views

Arizona is easily one of my favorite states for a road trip because the scenery changes constantly.

You can go from towering saguaros to red-rock mountains to alpine forests to the Grand Canyon, all in one trip.

Saguaro National Park

If you’ve never stood beside a giant saguaro cactus, photos don’t really prepare you for how impressive they are.

Saguaro National Park surrounds Tucson and is divided into two districts. We especially loved the classic Arizona desert scenery here.

Go around sunrise or sunset if you can—the desert light is incredible.

Chiricahua National Monument

This is one of Arizona’s most underrated destinations.

Chiricahua is filled with towering rock formations and hoodoos that make the landscape look almost otherworldly.

The Echo Canyon Loop is a great way to experience the rock formations up close.

Sedona

Sedona absolutely deserves the hype.

The red-rock scenery is gorgeous from practically everywhere in town, and there are hikes for a wide range of ability levels.

Even if you only have one day, take time for a scenic drive, hike and sunset among the red rocks.

Grand Canyon National Park

There’s a reason the Grand Canyon is on so many bucket lists.

No matter how many photos you’ve seen, standing at the rim for the first time is completely different.

Give yourself time to walk along the rim, stop at multiple viewpoints and watch how the colors of the canyon change throughout the day.

Bonus Stop: Canyon de Chelly National Monument

If your route allows, Canyon de Chelly is another incredible Arizona stop and one that many Southwest itineraries overlook.

The canyon’s scenery is spectacular, but its cultural and historical significance makes it especially worth visiting.

How I’d Plan It

For a weeklong Arizona road trip from Texas, I’d build a route through Tucson/Saguaro → Chiricahua → Sedona → Grand Canyon, adding Canyon de Chelly if you have enough time.

3. Oklahoma Road Trip

Best for: 2–4 days
Drive time from Dallas: Approximately 2.5–4 hours for many of these destinations
Highlights: Mountains • Waterfalls • Caves • Wildlife

Oklahoma is one of my favorite answers when someone asks me where they can go for a quick road trip from Dallas.

You can leave North Texas and be somewhere that feels completely different within a few hours.

Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

The Wichita Mountains are one of my favorite easy road trips from Dallas.

Expect rugged mountains, hiking trails, scenic drives and wildlife—including bison and longhorn cattle.

Drive up Mount Scott for incredible views, hike among the rocks and make time to explore the refuge.

Turner Falls Park

Turner Falls is home to a 77-foot waterfall and is an easy getaway from Dallas.

In warmer weather, the swimming areas make this especially fun for families. You’ll also find caves, trails and the ruins of Collings Castle to explore.

Natural Falls State Park

Head farther northeast and Oklahoma gets surprisingly green.

Natural Falls State Park features a beautiful 77-foot waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation. It’s a completely different Oklahoma experience from the Wichita Mountains.

Alabaster Caverns State Park

Here’s another Oklahoma surprise: you can go underground.

Alabaster Caverns State Park is home to a gypsum cave system and makes a really unique addition to an Oklahoma road trip.

How I’d Plan It

I wouldn’t try to combine all four into one rushed weekend because they’re spread across the state.

Instead, use these as building blocks for multiple Oklahoma road trips from Dallas. Wichita Mountains + Turner Falls works particularly well for a shorter trip, while Natural Falls and Alabaster Caverns can anchor separate Oklahoma adventures.

4. New Mexico Road Trip

Best for: 4–7 days
Drive time from Dallas: Approximately 7–10+ hours depending on your first destination
Highlights: Deserts • Caves • Ancient Landscapes • National Parks

New Mexico might be one of the most underrated road-trip states near Texas.

And it’s not just desert.

Within one road trip you can walk across bright white gypsum dunes, descend deep underground into enormous caverns, explore ancient Pueblo history and hike through unusual volcanic landscapes.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns is one of those places that’s hard to appreciate until you’re actually standing inside it.

The caverns are enormous.

If you’re able, I recommend entering through the Natural Entrance rather than only taking the elevator down. Once inside, explore the Big Room before taking the elevator back to the surface.

White Sands National Park

White Sands looks like snow in the middle of the desert.

Miles of brilliant white gypsum dunes stretch toward the mountains, creating one of the most unusual landscapes in the Southwest.

Bring or buy a sled because sledding down the dunes is part of the fun.

Sunset here is incredible.

Bandelier National Monument

Bandelier combines outdoor adventure with fascinating history.

Trails lead through Frijoles Canyon past ancestral Pueblo structures, cliff dwellings and petroglyphs.

One of the things we loved about Bandelier was that it felt completely different from White Sands and Carlsbad despite being part of the same New Mexico trip.

Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument

Tent Rocks is another landscape that doesn’t quite look real.

Cone-shaped rock formations rise from the desert, and the area is known for its unique geology and beautiful scenery.

Important: Access, hours and reservation requirements at Tent Rocks have changed over the years, so check current visiting information before building it into your itinerary.

How I’d Plan It

For a larger New Mexico loop from Dallas, consider:

Dallas → Carlsbad Caverns → White Sands → Tent Rocks → Bandelier → Dallas

You could also pair Carlsbad Caverns with nearby Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Texas.

5. Colorado Road Trip

Best for: 4–7+ days
Drive time from Dallas: Approximately 10–14+ hours depending on destination
Highlights: Mountains • National Parks • Scenic Drives • Mountain Towns

If we’re talking about road trips that are truly worth the drive from Texas, Colorado has to be on the list.

Colorado gives you the dramatic mountain scenery that we simply don’t have in North Texas—and summer can provide a welcome break from the Texas heat.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is an obvious Colorado bucket-list stop for a reason.

Spend a day driving Trail Ridge Road, look for elk and other wildlife, and choose a hike around Bear Lake or one of the park’s many other trails.

Estes Park makes a convenient base for exploring the park.

Estes Park

Don’t treat Estes Park as just the gateway to RMNP.

Walk downtown, enjoy the mountain views and give yourself time to slow down between adventures.

Ouray

Ouray might be one of my favorite Colorado mountain towns.

Nicknamed the Switzerland of America, it’s surrounded by mountains and waterfalls.

If you’re road-tripping through southwest Colorado, the drive itself becomes part of the experience.

Telluride

Telluride combines a gorgeous mountain setting with one of Colorado’s most recognizable mountain-town experiences.

Ride the gondola, explore downtown and take in the views.

Durango

Durango makes another great base for southwest Colorado, particularly if you’re combining mountain scenery with other destinations in the Four Corners region.

How I’d Plan It

Colorado is another state where I’d choose a region instead of trying to see everything.

For a shorter trip, concentrate on Estes Park + Rocky Mountain National Park.

With a full week, southwest Colorado—Ouray + Telluride + Durango—makes an incredible road trip of its own.

6. Utah Road Trip

Best for: 5–7+ days
Drive time from Dallas: Approximately 14–17+ hours depending on destination
Highlights: National Parks • Red Rocks • Scenic Drives • Incredible Hikes

Utah is the road trip you take when you’re ready to go BIG.

The landscapes are almost ridiculous—in the best possible way.

Utah has five national parks, and each one feels completely different from the others.

Zion National Park

Zion is spectacular from the moment you drive into the park.

Towering canyon walls surround you, and there are hikes ranging from relatively easy walks to bucket-list adventures.

Even simply driving through the area is unforgettable.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos make it unlike anywhere else on this list.

Walk along the rim, but if you’re able, hike down into the amphitheater. Seeing the formations from below gives you an entirely different perspective.

Arches National Park

Arches is home to more than 2,000 documented natural stone arches.

Delicate Arch may be the icon, but there are formations and viewpoints throughout the park worth exploring.

Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands feels enormous and wild.

If you’re staying around Moab, the Island in the Sky district makes it relatively easy to combine Canyonlands with Arches.

Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef sometimes gets overshadowed by Utah’s better-known national parks, which is exactly why I think it deserves a spot on a road trip.

The scenic drives, red-rock formations and relative quiet make it a great addition between Bryce Canyon and the Moab area.

How I’d Plan It

If you have enough time for Utah’s Mighty Five:

Zion → Bryce Canyon → Capitol Reef → Arches → Canyonlands

If you only have 5–7 days including your drive from Texas, I would not try to cram all five parks into the trip. Pick two or three and actually enjoy them.

Which Road Trip From Dallas Should You Choose?

If you only have a weekend, start with Texas or Oklahoma.

If you have 4–5 days, look at New Mexico or one region of Colorado.

If you have a full week, Arizona, Colorado or Utah become much more realistic.

And if you’re looking for the biggest Southwest road-trip adventure, it’s hard to beat Arizona or Utah.

But here’s the thing I’ve learned after years of road trips:

You don’t need two weeks of vacation or a plane ticket to have an incredible adventure.

Sometimes you just need a few days, a full tank of gas and somewhere new to point the car.

Road Trip Tips From a Texas Family Who Actually Drives These Routes

Start early. We often leave Dallas early enough that the first long driving day still gets us somewhere interesting by afternoon or evening.

Don’t judge a road trip only by the final destination. Some of our favorite memories have happened at stops we added along the way.

Build in breathing room. Trying to check off every attraction usually makes a road trip less enjoyable, not more.

Download offline maps. Cell service can disappear quickly in national parks and remote areas of the Southwest.

Check park requirements before leaving. National park reservations, timed-entry systems, road closures and shuttle requirements can change.

Pack for changing weather. Desert temperatures can swing dramatically, and mountain weather can change quickly.

Let the drive be part of the trip. Scenic highways, roadside stops and unexpected detours are part of why we road trip in the first place.

Ready to Hit the Road?

Whether you have a three-day weekend or an entire week, there are so many incredible road trips from Dallas, Texas that don’t require getting on an airplane.

Start close to home with Texas or Oklahoma, head west into New Mexico, or make the longer drive to Colorado, Arizona or Utah.

We’ve made some of our favorite family memories on these roads—and there are still plenty more left to explore.

Which road trip would you take first?

Save this guide for later, send it to your favorite road-trip partner, and follow Road Trip Queen for more real road trips from Texas.

5 Epic Week-Long Road Trips From Dallas You’ll Want to Take This Year

Posted in Arizona, Beach, Colorado, Destinations, Florida, National Parks, State Parks, Tennessee, UtahTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

If you’ve got a full week off and are looking for an unforgettable road trip from Dallas, these five destinations should be at the top of your list. From white-sand beaches and desert landscapes to waterfalls and mountain adventures, each of these trips can be done in about a week and is packed with memorable stops along the way.

1. Destin, Florida

Drive Time: 10–11 hours (about 700 miles)

Perfect For

Families, beach lovers, couples, and anyone craving emerald water and sugar-white sand.

Don’t Miss

  • Henderson Beach State Park
  • Crab Island (pontoon rental)
  • HarborWalk Village
  • Sunset Tiki Boat Cruise
  • Dolphin Cruise
  • Gulf beaches

Suggested 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Drive from Dallas to Destin

Day 2: Henderson Beach State Park

Day 3: Rent a pontoon boat and spend the day at Crab Island

Day 4: Relax by the beach or pool

Day 5: HarborWalk Village, shopping, Sunset Tiki Cruise

Day 6: One last beach day

Day 7: Drive home

Where to Stay

  • Sterling Sands
  • Henderson Beach Resort
  • Pelican Beach Resort

Great Places to Eat

  • Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House
  • The Back Porch
  • Dewey Destin’s Seafood Restaurant
  • McGuire’s Irish Pub

2. Kanab, Utah

Drive Time: About 16 hours (split into two driving days if possible)

Perfect For

Adventure lovers, hikers, photographers, and national park enthusiasts.

Don’t Miss

  • Peekaboo Slot Canyon
  • Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
  • Toadstool Hoodoos
  • Moqui Cave
  • Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
  • Day trips to Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park

Suggested 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Drive to New Mexico or Arizona

Day 2: Arrive in Kanab

Day 3: Peekaboo Slot Canyon Tour

Day 4: Zion National Park

Day 5: Coral Pink Sand Dunes and Moqui Cave

Day 6: Bryce Canyon National Park

Day 7: Begin drive home

Where to Stay

  • Comfort Suites Kanab
  • La Quinta Inn & Suites Kanab
  • Best Friends Roadhouse

Great Places to Eat

  • Sego Restaurant
  • Rocking V Cafe
  • Wild Thyme Café

3. Colorado Springs, Colorado

Drive Time: 11–12 hours

Perfect For

Families, hikers, mountain lovers, and anyone wanting incredible scenery without driving deep into the Rockies.

Don’t Miss

  • Pikes Peak
  • Garden of the Gods
  • Seven Falls
  • Manitou Springs
  • Paint Mines Interpretive Park

Suggested 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Drive to Colorado Springs

Day 2: Garden of the Gods and Manitou Cliff Dwellings

Day 3: Pikes Peak

Day 4: Seven Falls

Day 5: Paint Mines Interpretive Park

Day 6: Cave of the Winds or explore downtown

Day 7: Drive home

Where to Stay

  • Great Wolf Lodge Colorado Springs
  • Cheyenne Mountain Resort
  • Drury Inn & Suites Colorado Springs

Great Places to Eat

  • The Rabbit Hole
  • Urban Egg
  • Phantom Canyon Brewing Co.
  • Colorado Mountain Brewery

4. Tucson, Arizona

Drive Time: 14–15 hours

Perfect For

Desert scenery, scenic drives, unique hiking, and incredible Southwestern food.

Don’t Miss

  • Saguaro National Park
  • Sabino Canyon
  • Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway
  • Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
  • Mission San Xavier del Bac
  • Gates Pass at sunset

Suggested 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Drive toward New Mexico

Day 2: Arrive in Tucson

Day 3: Saguaro National Park

Day 4: Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway

Day 5: Sabino Canyon and Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Day 6: Mission San Xavier and Gates Pass

Day 7: Drive home

Where to Stay

  • Loews Ventana Canyon Resort
  • Lodge on the Desert
  • Hampton Inn Tucson

Great Places to Eat

  • El Charro Café
  • The Monica
  • Baja Café
  • Seis Kitchen

5. Fall Creek Falls, Tennessee

Drive Time: 11–12 hours

Perfect For

Waterfalls, hiking, camping, and outdoor family adventures.

Don’t Miss

  • Fall Creek Falls
  • Cane Creek Falls
  • Cane Creek Cascades
  • Suspension Bridge
  • Rocky Point Overlook
  • Kayak or paddle the lake

Suggested 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Drive to Tennessee

Day 2: Explore Fall Creek Falls

Day 3: Hike to Cane Creek Falls and Cascades

Day 4: Paddle the lake

Day 5: Visit overlooks and enjoy another hike

Day 6: Relax or explore nearby Sparta and Cookeville

Day 7: Drive home

Where to Stay

  • Fall Creek Falls Lodge
  • Cabins inside the state park
  • Nearby vacation cabins

Great Places to Eat

  • Restaurant at Fall Creek Falls Lodge
  • The Breakfast Barn (Sparta)
  • Father Tom’s Pub (Cookeville)

Which Road Trip Will You Choose?

Whether you’re dreaming of relaxing on the beach in Destin, exploring Utah’s famous red rocks, standing on top of Pikes Peak, discovering Arizona’s giant saguaros, or chasing waterfalls in Tennessee, each of these road trips is worth using a week of vacation.

Have questions about any of these trips? Leave a comment below!

The Ultimate 14 Day Road Trip from Texas (Southwest Loop Itinerary + Stops)

Posted in Arizona, Grand Canyon National Park, Las Vegas, National Parks, Nevada, New Mexico, Road Trip Guides, State Parks, Texas, UtahTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

If you’re looking for the perfect 14 day road trip from Texas, this Southwest loop is one of the most unforgettable routes you can take.

Starting and ending in Dallas, this 14 day road trip from Texas takes you through some of the most incredible landscapes in the country—from underground caves to white sand dunes to iconic national parks like Zion and the Grand Canyon.

Even better? This route is a complete loop, meaning no backtracking—just one amazing stop after another.

Overview of This 14 Day Road Trip from Texas

  • Start/End: Dallas, TX
  • Length: 14 Days
  • Distance: ~2,900 miles
  • Route Highlights: Carlsbad Caverns → White Sands → Saguaro → Valley of Fire → Zion → Grand Canyon → Albuquerque → Palo Duro Canyon

This 14 day road trip from Texas is ideal for families, first-time long-distance road trippers, or anyone wanting to experience the Southwest in one epic journey.

Quick Trip Details

  • Starting Point: Dallas, Texas
  • Total Distance: ~2,900 miles
  • Trip Length: 14 days
  • Best Time to Go: Spring or Fall
  • States Covered: Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Nevada

Day 1: Dallas → Carlsbad, NM

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Drive Time: ~7 hours

Kick off your 14 day road trip from Texas with an early start toward Carlsbad. This is a longer drive day, but it sets up one of the most unique experiences of the entire trip.

Where to Stay

Where to Eat

Don’t Miss

  • Evening bat flight at Carlsbad Caverns (seasonal)

Day 2: Carlsbad Caverns → White Sands

White Sands National Park

Drive Time: ~3.5 hours

Day two of your 14 day road trip from Texas starts underground and ends in one of the most surreal landscapes in the U.S.

Don’t Miss

  • Big Room at Carlsbad Caverns (am)
  • Sunset + sledding at White Sands (pm)

Where to Stay (Alamogordo)

Where to Eat

Day 3: White Sands → Tucson, AZ

Drive Time: ~4.5 hours

Continue your 14 day road trip from Texas west into Arizona, where the landscape shifts again.

Where to Stay

Where to Eat

Day 4: Saguaro National Park

Saguaro National Park

Spend the day exploring towering cacti and desert views—one of the most unique stops on this 14 day road trip from Texas.

Don’t Miss

  • Red Hills Visitor Center
  • Cactus Garden Trail (at visitor center)
  • Scenic drives
  • Golden hour views
  • Valley View Overlook Trail

Day 5: Tucson → Las Vegas / Valley of Fire

Drive Time: ~6.5–7 hours

One of the longer drive days on this 14 day road trip from Texas, but worth it for what’s ahead.

Where to Stay

Where to Eat

Day 6: Valley of Fire → Zion

Valley of Fire State Park

Drive Time: ~2.5 hours

This stretch of your 14 day road trip from Texas brings you into one of the most iconic national parks.

Don’t Miss

  • Fire Wave Trail
  • Scenic drive

Where to Stay (Springdale)

Where to Eat

Days 7–8: Zion National Park

Zion National Park

Zion is the highlight of many travelers’ 14 day road trip from Texas, so don’t rush it.

Don’t Miss

  • The Narrows
  • Canyon Overlook Trail
  • Scenic shuttle
  • Sunset views

Day 9: Zion → Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon National Park

Drive Time: ~4.5 hours

Optional stop in Page, AZ before reaching the Grand Canyon—one of the most iconic stops on this 14 day road trip from Texas.

Where to Stay

Where to Eat

Don’t Miss

  • Sunset
  • Mather Point
  • Yavapai Point
  • Grand Canyon Skywalk
  • South Kaibib Trail

Day 10: Grand Canyon

Take a slower pace here—this is a core memory stop on your 14 day road trip from Texas.

Don’t Miss

  • Sunrise
  • Rim trail
  • Mather Point
  • Yavapai Point
  • Grand Canyon Skywalk
  • South Kaibib Trail

Day 11: Grand Canyon → Albuquerque

Drive Time: ~6.5–7 hours

This part of your 14 day road trip from Texas serves as a reset before heading back east.

Where to Stay

Where to Eat

Don’t Miss

  • Sunset at Sandia Crest

Day 12: Albuquerque → Palo Duro Canyon

Drive Time: ~4.5 hours

You’re officially back in Texas on your 14 day road trip from Texas.

Where to Stay

Where to Eat

Day 13: Palo Duro Canyon

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

A slower day to wrap up your 14 day road trip from Texas with one of the most underrated parks in the state.

Don’t Miss

  • Lighthouse Trail
  • The Big Cave
  • Sunset views

Day 14: Amarillo → Dallas

Drive Time: ~5–6 hours

Wrap up your 14 day road trip from Texas and head home.

Final Thoughts on This 14 Day Road Trip from Texas

This is one of those trips where every stop feels completely different—and somehow the views just keep getting better.

If you’ve been searching for the ultimate 14 day road trip from Texas, this route checks every box: national parks, unique landscapes, family-friendly stops, and a seamless loop you can actually follow.

Best Kid-Approved Road Trips from Dallas (That Your Kids Will Actually Remember)

Posted in Alabama, Beach, Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas, UtahTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

If you’ve ever spent hours planning a trip only for your kids to say their favorite part was the hotel pool… you’re not alone. So instead of guessing, we asked our kids one simple question: “What were your favorite trips?” Their answers? These four road trips from Dallas that they’re still talking about months later. From white sand beaches to mountain adventures and wildlife encounters, these are the trips that truly passed the kid test—easy to plan, packed with fun, and full of moments your family will actually remember.

GULF SHORES, ALABAMA – Kid-Friendly Beach Guide

Getting There from Dallas

  • ~10–11 hours (best split into 2 days if needed)
  • Easy drive: Dallas → Shreveport → Mobile → Gulf Shores

Where to Stay (Best for Kids)

  • Beachfront condos (space + kitchen = lifesaver)
  • Gulf State Park Lodge (bike trails + nature built in)

3-Day Kid-Friendly Itinerary

Day 1: Beach Day + Easy Wins

  • Check in + hit the beach ASAP
  • Build sandcastles + swim (calm water = perfect for kids)
  • Grab dinner at Tacky Jacks
  • Sunset + ice cream at Sweet Cone Alabama

Day 2: Adventure + Exploration

  • Bike Gulf State Park trails (flat + shaded)
  • Dolphin cruise (highlight for most kids)
  • Dinner at Lulu’s: seafood + beach views and games

Day 3: Mix It Up

  • Fort Morgan (run, explore, less crowded beach)
  • Evening crab hunting on the beach
  • Chill beach time before heading home

Kid-Approved Highlights

  • Soft white sand (no rocks = happy feet)
  • Calm waves = safer swimming
  • Tons of space to run and explore

Parent Tips

  • Go early or late to avoid peak heat
  • Bring shade (umbrella/tent = game changer)
  • Pack snacks + drinks (saves $$)

ZION NATIONAL PARK – Adventure + Wow Factor

Getting There

  • 18–20 hr drive OR fly into Las Vegas + drive ~2.5 hrs

Where to Stay

  • Springdale (walkable, super convenient)
  • Family-friendly hotels with pools = HUGE after hikes

3–4 Day Kid-Friendly Itinerary

Day 1: Ease In

  • Riverside Walk (flat, stroller-friendly)
  • Shuttle ride through the canyon
  • Sunset views

Day 2: Bucket List Day

  • The Narrows (kids LOVE being in the water)
  • Rent water gear if needed
  • Rest + pool time after

Day 3: Views + Adventure

Optional Day 4

  • Chill day + repeat favorite activity

Kid-Approved Highlights

  • Walking IN a river
  • Shuttle rides (feels like an adventure itself)
  • Big “wow” scenery everywhere

Parent Tips

  • Start early (heat + crowds)
  • Water shoes = must for Narrows
  • Check weather (flash flood risk)

COLORADO SPRINGS – Adventure Playground for Families

Getting There

  • ~10–11 hours from Dallas

Where to Stay

  • Colorado Springs (central to everything)
  • Look for hotels with pools + free breakfast

3-Day Kid-Friendly Itinerary

Day 1: Iconic + Easy

  • Garden of the Gods (short walks + climbing rocks)
  • Picnic or quick lunch nearby

Day 2: Big Adventure Day

  • Drive Pikes Peak (no hiking required!)
  • White water rafting (family-friendly sections available)

Day 3: Fun + Variety

  • Seven Falls (stairs + views)
  • Manitou Springs (arcade + treats = kid heaven)

Kid-Approved Highlights

  • Climbing on red rocks
  • Driving to the top of a mountain
  • Splashy rafting adventure

Parent Tips

  • Hydrate (altitude is real)
  • Build in downtime
  • Book rafting ahead in peak season

WICHITA MOUNTAINS WILDLIFE REFUGE – Quick, Wild + Easy

Getting There

  • ~3 hours from Dallas → PERFECT weekend trip

Where to Stay

  • Lawton, OK (simple + close)
  • Cabins nearby for more outdoorsy feel

2-Day Kid-Friendly Itinerary

Day 1: Wildlife + Views

  • Drive through refuge spotting bison + longhorn
  • Mount Scott scenic drive (easy + epic views)
  • Sunset views

Day 2: Explore + Play

  • Forty Foot Hole (short hike, possible swim)
  • Prairie dog town (kids LOVE this)
  • Easy hikes + exploring

Kid-Approved Highlights

  • Seeing bison up close
  • Easy “hikes” with big rewards
  • Open space to explore freely

Parent Tips

  • Stay in your car near bison
  • Bring water + snacks (limited services)
  • Best times: morning + evening for wildlife

These aren’t just “good” road trips — they’re the ones your kids will still be talking about months later. If you want less stress, more fun, and trips your whole family actually enjoys… start here.

Top 5 Road Trips from Dallas

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If you’re anything like me, you want road trips that are worth the drive, easy to plan, and actually fun with kids.

These are my Top 5 road trips from Dallas—a mix of iconic destinations and unexpected gems that deliver big on views, adventure, and family memories.

Fall Creek Falls State Park, TN

If you want a destination that feels like a true escape without complicated planning, this is it.

Best Route: Dallas → Little Rock → Memphis → Nashville → Fall Creek Falls

Drive time: ~10–11 hours
Best for: Waterfalls + easy adventure

Best Stops Along the Way:

  • Little Rock – Quick riverfront stop, bathrooms, stretch
  • Memphis – Great lunch stop (easy + lots of options)
    • Optional: Beale Street quick walk
  • Nashville – Dinner stop or overnight if splitting drive

Skip This:

  • Overpacking stops after Memphis → push through
  • Trying to do Nashville + park same day (too rushed)

Best Overnight Option: Nashville (breaks drive perfectly)

Why we loved it:

  • One of the tallest waterfalls in the Eastern U.S.
  • You can hike to the base OR enjoy stunning overlooks
  • On-site lodge, restaurant, and activities (huge win for families)
  • Horseback riding + wide open space for kids to explore

Don’t miss:

  • Fall Creek Falls overlook
  • The hike down to the base (worth it!)
  • Cane Creek Falls

Road Trip Queen Tip: Stay at the lodge—it makes everything so much easier with kids.

Bonus Stop (Different Route): Stephens Gap Cave (Hidden Gem Alert)

Near Woodville, Alabama (about 40 min off route)

If you’re up for a little adventure, this is one of the coolest hidden stops on the way to Fall Creek Falls State Park.

What makes it special:

  • A massive cave opening with light beams shining down
  • Seasonal waterfall flowing into the cave (incredible after rain)
  • Feels like something straight out of a movie

⚠️ What to know before you go:

  • Permit required (this is key!)
  • Best after rain for waterfall views
  • Short hike in, but can be muddy/slippery
  • Not ideal for very young kids unless you’re prepared

Road Trip Queen Tip: If you want something easy and stress-free, skip it. If you want a wow-factor hidden gem, it’s absolutely worth the detour.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park, TX

Known as the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” this is one of the most accessible epic landscapes you’ll find.

Best Route: Dallas → Wichita Falls → Amarillo → Palo Duro

Drive time: ~6 hours
Best for: Big views without big effort

Best Stops:

  • Wichita Falls – Quick stretch + snack stop
  • Amarillo – Lunch stop before heading into canyon

Why it’s perfect:

  • You can see SO much from your car
  • Tons of overlooks + scenic drives
  • Great intro to canyon landscapes for kids

Don’t miss:

  • The Lighthouse formation (iconic!)
  • Scenic drive through the canyon
  • Sunset views (trust me on this one)

Road Trip Queen Tip: Go early or later in the day—Texas heat is no joke.

Colorado Springs, CO

This is one of the best home bases for a road trip—you can do a TON without constantly packing up.

Best Route: Dallas → Amarillo → Raton → Colorado Springs

Drive time: ~10–11 hours
Best for: Variety + easy adventure basecamp

Best Stops:

  • Amarillo – Same as above—easy lunch stop
  • Raton – Scenic mountain views start here

Skip This:

  • Overpacking your itinerary (this is a BASECAMP trip)
  • Trying to do Denver + everything nearby in one trip

Why families love it:

Don’t miss:

  • Pikes Peak Highway
  • Garden of the Gods scenic loop
  • Manitou Springs for a fun stop

Road Trip Queen Tip: This is the kind of place you’ll wish you had one more day, so plan accordingly!

Zion National Park, UT

Yes—it’s a longer drive, but if you’re planning a bigger trip, this one is 100% worth it.

Best Route (2-day drive recommended):

Day 1: Dallas → Amarillo → Albuquerque
Day 2: Albuquerque → Flagstaff → Zion

Drive time: ~ 17 hours (best as part of a longer trip)
Best for: Bucket list scenery

Best Stops:

  • Albuquerque – Perfect overnight stop
  • Flagstaff – Coffee + mountain town vibes

Why it stands out:

  • Some of the most breathtaking views in the U.S.
  • Shuttle system makes it manageable
  • Great options even if you’re not a big hiker

Don’t miss:

  • Riverside Walk
  • Canyon Overlook Trail
  • Scenic shuttle ride through the canyon

Road Trip Queen Tip: Pair this with other Southwest stops to maximize the drive.

Maquoketa Caves State Park, IA

This one completely surprised us—and ended up being one of the most memorable stops we’ve ever done.

Best Route: Dallas → Oklahoma City → Kansas City → Des Moines → Maquoketa

Drive time: ~13 hours
Best for: Unique, unforgettable adventure

Best Stops:

  • Oklahoma City – Easy breakfast or early stop
  • Kansas City – GREAT food stop (worth timing this right)
  • Des Moines – Final stretch break

Best Overnight: Kansas City (perfect halfway point)

Why it’s so cool:

  • You can walk THROUGH caves (yes, really)
  • Narrow passageways + rock formations
  • Feels like a hidden adventure park

Don’t miss:

  • Dancehall Cave (huge + easy to access)
  • The full cave trail loop
  • Exploring multiple cave entrances

Road Trip Queen Tip: Bring a flashlight or headlamp—it makes it way more fun (and easier).

Final Planning Tips

✔️ Start early (beat traffic + maximize day)
✔️ Download maps offline
✔️ Pack snacks = less stops, more time
✔️ Don’t overpack your itinerary

Which Road Trip Should You Pick?

If you want:

  • Easy + relaxing: Fall Creek Falls
  • Short + stunning: Palo Duro Canyon
  • Variety + flexibility: Colorado Springs
  • Bucket list adventure: Zion
  • Something totally different: Maquoketa Caves

You really can’t go wrong—but if you want my honest take…Maquoketa Caves is the one people don’t see coming—and ends up loving the most.

This Las Vegas Weekend Road Trip Surprised Us

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Vegas → Valley of Fire → Zion → Cathedral Gorge → Vegas

Las Vegas wasn’t the best part of this trip — and that surprised us.

When we planned this weekend road trip, we expected the Strip to be the highlight. Instead, the real magic happened once we left the city behind. In just a few days, this loop took us from glowing red rock desert to towering canyon walls and one of the most underrated state parks in the Southwest.

Here’s a quick visual overview of the route + drive times if you’re short on time:

If you’re looking for a road trip that feels big without requiring a full week off, this Las Vegas weekend loop is hard to beat.

The Ultimate Las Vegas Weekend Road Trip Loop

Start & End: Las Vegas
Trip Length: 2–3 days
Best For: Long weekends, first-time Southwest trips, scenic drives

This route works especially well if you want variety without backtracking.

Stop 1: Valley of Fire State Park

1 hour from Las Vegas

Valley of Fire is the perfect first stop. The drive is short, but the scenery immediately makes it feel like you’re far from the city. Bright red sandstone formations, easy scenic pullouts, and short hikes make this a great place to stretch your legs and settle into road trip mode.

Don’t miss:

  • Fire Wave Trail
  • Scenic drive through the park
  • Early morning or golden hour for the best light

This stop alone is enough to make the drive from Las Vegas worth it.

Stop 2: Zion National Park

2.5 hours from Valley of Fire

Zion is the heart of this loop — and the place we underestimated the least. Even if you only have one full day here, the scale of the canyon walls and the variety of trails make a huge impression.

Depending on the season, you may need to use the park’s shuttle system, so planning ahead helps if your time is limited.

Top experiences for a short visit:

  • Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
  • Emerald Pools
  • The Narrows
  • Riverside Walk (easy and family-friendly)

Where We Stayed Near Zion National Park

We stayed in Springdale, Utah, just outside the entrance to Zion National Park, and it was the perfect home base for this trip. Being so close to the park made early starts easy and eliminated extra driving at the end of long days.

If you’re planning this loop for a weekend, staying in Springdale keeps everything simple and central.

👉 Check current hotel prices and availability in Springdale on Expedia

Stop 3: Cathedral Gorge State Park

2 hours from Zion

Cathedral Gorge was the biggest surprise of the trip.

This small Nevada state park feels completely different from the other stops on the loop. Narrow clay canyons, cathedral-like formations, and quiet trails make it an incredible contrast to Zion — and far less crowded.

Don’t miss:

  • Moon Caves
  • Miller Point Overlook
  • Juniper Draw Loop

It’s the kind of place you might skip if you’re rushing, but it ended up being one of our favorite stops.

Return to Las Vegas

2.5 hours from Cathedral Gorge

From Cathedral Gorge, it’s an easy drive back to Las Vegas, completing a loop that feels much more expansive than a typical weekend trip.

Why This Road Trip Works So Well

  • No backtracking
  • Short driving days
  • Mix of national and state parks
  • Big scenery without needing extra PTO

This loop is ideal if you want a road trip that feels adventurous but still manageable.

Final Thoughts

We didn’t expect this road trip from Las Vegas to surprise us — but it did. The combination of desert landscapes, canyon walls, and quieter parks made this one of those trips that sticks with you long after you’re home.

If you’re planning a Southwest getaway and want something beyond the Strip, this loop is absolutely worth considering.

8 Road Trip-Worthy Places You’ll Never Forget

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Some places don’t just live in your camera roll — they stay with you. These are the kinds of destinations that make the long drive worth it, the early alarms tolerable, and the sore legs a badge of honor.

Free Road Trip Checklist

Planning a road trip? Don’t forget the essentials. I put together my go-to Road Trip Checklist so you can hit the road stress-free — whether it’s a weekend getaway or a multi-state adventure.


Save this checklist or bookmark this page before your trip!

If you’re building your next bucket-list road trip, start here.

8 Road Trip-Worthy Places You’ll Never Forget

Niagara Falls (New York)

Why it’s unforgettable: Thundering water, misty rainbows, and pure awe.
What to know:

  • Free to visit the overlooks; paid options include Maid of the Mist boat tours
  • Best viewed spring–fall (but winter is magical if icy views don’t scare you)

Highlights:

Peekaboo Slot Canyon (Utah)

Why it’s unforgettable: Smooth sandstone walls + glowing orange light.
What to know:

  • High-clearance vehicle or guided tour recommended (deep sand access)
  • No permit required, but weather matters — avoid rain

Highlights:

  • Short but stunning slot canyon hike
  • Great for photos and adventurous kids with supervision

Stephens Gap Cave (Alabama)

Why it’s unforgettable: A jaw-dropping cave entrance straight out of a movie.
What to know:

  • Reservation required via the preserve’s website (linked above)

Highlights:

  • Cathedral-sized cave opening
  • Unique underground adventure you won’t find everywhere

Zion National Park (Utah)

Why it’s unforgettable: Towering canyon walls and iconic hikes.
What to know:

  • Park entrance fee required
  • Shuttle system mandatory most of the year

Highlights:

Lake Haiyaha (Colorado)

Why it’s unforgettable: Unreal turquoise water surrounded by peaks.
What to know:

Highlights:

  • Moderate hike with huge payoff
  • One of the most striking alpine lakes in Colorado

Carlsbad Caverns (New Mexico)

Why it’s unforgettable: A massive underground world beneath the desert.
What to know:

Highlights:

  • Big Room self-guided walk
  • Bat flight program (seasonal)
  • Family-friendly and accessible

Perrine Coulee Falls (Idaho)

Why it’s unforgettable: A waterfall you can walk behind.
What to know:

  • Best in spring after snowmelt
  • Short, easy hike from roadside parking

Highlights:

  • Close-up waterfall views
  • Quick stop that feels like a hidden gem

Ice Lake Basin (Colorado)

Why it’s unforgettable: Electric-blue alpine lakes + wildflowers.
What to know:

  • Strenuous hike (worth every step)
  • Best mid-summer to early fall

Highlights:

  • One of Colorado’s most scenic hikes
  • Multiple lakes + epic mountain views

Final Road Trip Tip

These places aren’t just destinations — they’re memories in the making. Mix a few of these into one trip, or build an entire road trip around just one.

Tell me — which one are you driving to first?

Utah’s Family-Friendly Ride and Rappel Slot Canyon Tour  

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I’m so excited to share all the information you’ll need about Utah’s family-friendly ride and rappel slot canyon tour with Roam Outdoor.

Two people surrounded by red walls of a slot canyon gaze up at the blue sky.

We visited Utah over our spring break in March. Most of our trip was centered around hiking, so I really wanted to add in a unique experience for our boys, because hiking is not their favorite pastime! This adventure was epic for our boys ages 9 and 13. I recommend this option for families with younger kiddos or for anyone that has never rappelled before. We did four rappels, all while hiking through the stunning Ladder Canyon near Orderville, Utah.

A family of four have just rappelled 45 feet down in a slot canyon and are photographed at the bottom looking up.

Things to Know

  • The tour we booked was the Ride + Rappel Slot Canyon Adventure.
  • You will be with an experienced guide during your entire tour.
  • This is great for beginners and for kids as young as four!
  • Our tour was about 2.5 hours long.
  • We hiked through a slot canyon and rappelled during the hike.
  • Each rappel ranged from 10 feet to 45 feet. The rappels started off small at 10 feet and then the last rappel was the longest at 45 feet.
  • Be sure to wear hiking shoes and pants.
  • You can bring your own backpack with snacks, extra layers, water, and your camera.
  • Your guide will be happy to take photos along the way!
  • Follow Leave No Trace Principles so we can continue to enjoy this amazing trail for years to come!
Family of four are photographed in rappelling gear and helmets as they get ready to begin their adventure.

The Ride & Rappelling Adventure

Ladder Canyon – Distance: 2 miles | Time: 2.5 hours | Level: Moderate (with rappels)

Our adventure started at the Roam Outdoor business in Orderville, Utah at 10:00 am. First, we were fitted with all of our rappelling gear. Then, we were driven on an ATV by our fantastic guide, Bryson, to Ladder Canyon. From here, it was a short climb to begin our hike and rappel tour!

9 year old shown making his first 10 foot rappel inside a slot canyon.

As you can see from the photos, it was an adventure every step of the way! But we always felt very safe and comfortable while riding, hiking, and rappelling!

To enter the slot canyon, we actually had to rappel down into it! We all felt well prepared to make the first rappel and it started off small at only 10 feet. We alternated between hiking though the slot canyon and rappelling down to the next section. And, we gradually increased the distance of each rappel as we went along, and finished with a 45 foot rappel!

We had a fantastic adventure “learning the ropes” as we hiked and explored Ladder Canyon! It was a little chilly, so we did need jackets and two layers of gloves. I suggest bringing along hand warmers and extra layers just in case the weather is colder than you’re used to.

Highlights

  • This was a family favorite and an unforgettable experience!
  • Our guide was so patient with our boys!
  • There are many photographic opportunities along the entire hike through Ladder Canyon.
  • Safety was the number one priority!

Once we finished rappelling, we were able to explore more of the canyon and then we enjoyed the ATV ride back to Roam Outdoors. Again, I was so impressed with our guide and his willingness to take our family photos and tell us the history of the canyon during our tour. It was a fantastic day and both of the boys agreed it was the best of adventure of the entire trip!

More Utah Adventures!

If you are planning a trip to Southern Utah, then check out my complete 7-Day Itinerary that includes stops in Kanab, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Park!

The same family is photographed at Bryce Canyon National Park with stunning hoodoos in the background.

Kanab Sand Caves

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Have you heard of the Kanab Sand Caves, also known as Moqui Caves? This place is fascinating! I highly recommend checking it out if you’re ever near Kanab in Southern Utah. You don’t need a lot of time here and the hike is pretty easy!

What are Sand Caves?

The Kanab Sand Caves are mad-made caves that were once used for sand mining. This process was short lived, and now these caves are a little hidden gem for hikers and tourists to explore!

Getting There

This is such a unique place, right off the main highway that leads to Bryce Canyon or Zion National Park, just five miles outside of Kanab! We parked right off Highway 89 in a large, marked parking lot for the Sand Caves. You can’t miss it!

The Hike

Kanab Sand Caves Trail – Distance: 1.2 miles | Time: 45 minutes | Level: Easy

The hike to the caves was very simple. Once you park, you’ll follow a sandy path that takes you under the caves.

Keep following the path and you should see a hill that you can begin walking up. It looks steep, but as long as you keep going, it will be easy to maneuver. When you get to the top, the trail flattens out and you can continue the walk to the caves.

Once inside, we realized that the caves were a lot bigger than we had expected! We explored as deep as we could go, took in the views, and had a small photoshoot. It was a super fun adventure close to the town of Kanab, which is where we were staying.

Highlights

  • This hike was very short and easy! You only need an hour or so to enjoy the caves.
  • It’s FREE to park and take the hike!
  • It was not too crowded at all inside the caves.
  • The views were amazing!

Things to Know

  • Location: US-89, Kanab, UT 84741. You’ll see a sign for Best Friends Animal Sanctuary and the parking lot is nearby!
  • There is a semi-steep climb up to the caves and back down. For us, it was easy, but we did notice some people struggling on the way down.
  • Always bring water & snacks when hiking.
  • Keep close watch of your kids, the caves are open to steep ledges and drop-offs.
  • Don’t forget your camera!
  • Follow Leave No Trace Principles so we can continue to enjoy this amazing site for years to come!

More Utah Adventures!

If you are planning a trip to Southern Utah, then check out my complete 7-Day Itinerary that includes stops in Kanab, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Park!

Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon

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The final day of our spring break trip to Southern Utah was a fun one! This was our first visit to the area, so we wanted to pack in as much as we could during our week in Kanab. We visited Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, and hiked the Toadstool Hoodoos! But, hiking Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon was the highlight of our trip!

What is a Slot Canyon?

A slot canyon is a narrow, deep canyon with steep, vertical walls formed by the erosive power of flowing water. These canyons are typically formed in regions with soft sedimentary rock, such as sandstone or limestone, where water has carved intricate channels over thousands or millions of years.

As unique as slot canyons are, they can also be dangerous during rainstorms or flash floods, because water can rapidly fill the narrow canyon walls, posing a significant risk to anyone caught inside.

Getting There

First, a high clearance four wheel drive vehicle is extremely necessary. I drive a 4WD Expedition and it would not have made the drive to the canyon. Luckily we had borrowed my mom’s Jeep for this trip and had no trouble off-roading the 3+ miles to the slot canyon. The trail is easy and fun, the sand is just very deep!

To find Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon from Kanab, follow Highway 89 North out of Kanab for about nine miles. You will see a sign for Peek-A-Boo and a parking lot area on the right hand side of the road. Turn into the parking lot and then immediately turn left. This will take you onto BLM Route 102. Follow this until you reach the wash (almost like a dry riverbed). Here, turn left and follow the wash, this will be on BLM Route 106H and it will lead you straight to the slot canyon.

The Hike

Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon – Distance: 0.7 miles | Time: 45 minutes | Level: Easy

From the parking area, you’ll embark on a short hike to reach the entrance of the slot canyon. Once inside, you’ll be greeted by towering walls of red rock that rise dramatically on either side of you.

This easy hike involves navigating through narrow passages, twisting turns, and occasional obstacles such as boulders or small drop-offs.

Highlights

  • This is a very easy hike!
  • The views are incredible and change with each turn!
  • Off-roading to the trailhead is super fun!
  • We had the entire trail to ourselves!
  • It’s free and requires no guide or reservation!

Things to Know

  • Get familiar with the drive to Peek-A-Boo before you begin your adventure.
  • Download a map, cell service & GPS do not work well on this trail.
  • Check the weather before you visit any slot canyon. Even a small amount of rain can cause flash flooding, which can be extremely dangerous for hikers.
  • Take water and snacks on any trail you hike.
  • Bring your camera! Even an amateur like me will get great shots along the trail.
  • Follow Leave No Trace Principles so we can continue to enjoy this amazing trail for years to come!

More Utah Adventures!

If you are planning a trip to Southern Utah, then check out my complete 7-Day Itinerary that includes stops in Kanab, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Park!

Zion National Park with Kids

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We finally got to explore Zion National Park and man, we were blown away! The views just driving through were like nothing we’d ever seen before. Keep reading to learn all about how to spend a day in Zion National Park with Kids!

Zion National Park Information

  • Address: 1 Zion Park Blvd., Springdale, UT 84767
  • Phone: 435-772-3256
  • Fees: $35 per vehicle
  • Hours: Open year round, 24 hours a day
  • Shuttle Service: Website (shuttle service is mandatory for certain areas of the Park)

This was our first trip to the area, so we wanted to pack in as much as we could during our spring break in Utah. We stayed in Kanab and visited Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, explored slot canyons, hiked the Toadstool Hoodoos, and more! We only dedicated one day to Zion National Park, and while we had a great visit, we could’ve spent the entire week just at this Park!

Hiking

Full disclosure, it was pretty crowded during our visit over spring break. Because of the crowds, it was hard to find parking and the shuttle lines were insane. We opted to hike two trails in East Zion that did not require the shuttle, and we highly recommend both!

Zion Canyon Overlook Trail – Distance: 0.9 miles | Time: 30-45 minutes | Level: Easy

If you only have a day in the Park, you don’t want to miss this easy hike. The overlook is truly impressive and the entire trail has views for day, just check out the photos below!

Lower Pine Creek Waterfall Trail – Distance: 0.7 miles | Time: 1 hour | Level: Moderate

The second trail we hiked was by happenstance when a spot opened up in the parking lot as we were driving by. I’m so glad we decided to stop here, we ended up having the entire trail to ourselves! And the best part, this hike ended at a gorgeous waterfall!

We really enjoyed the rock scramble to get to the falls! If you have kiddos, they will really love the adventure that this trail provides!

Driving

If you’re unable to hike, you can still see many impressive views just driving through! Just be mindful that from March through November, it is mandatory to take the free shuttle on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive!  

When to Visit

April through November is considered the best time to visit Zion National Park. The fall months provide the best weather for hiking and the crowds begin to thin. Summer is usually the most popular time to visit, so expect crowds and longer wait times for parking and shuttle lines. We visited in March and the weather was very pleasant, but it was already very crowded!

Things to Know

  • Arrive early to ensure you find parking and have enough time for your adventures!
  • Be aware of the permits and mandatory shuttle services for certain areas of the Park.
  • Bring plenty of food, snacks, and water if you’re hiking.
  • Be cautious of the ledges and steep drop offs on some of the trails.
  • Each season has something to offer visitors.
  • Cell service was pretty limited during our visit.
  • Follow Leave No Trace Principles!

Overall, we had a wonderful day in Zion National Park! In fact, this was my husband’s favorite experience of our entire Utah trip. My only regret is not planning more time in this Park! Whether you go the day or for a week, I’m sure you’ll have a memorable visit!

Every Kid Outdoors Pass

The teacher in me is so excited to share about this amazing opportunity for elementary students in fourth grade! Did you know that with an Every Kid Outdoors Pass, fourth grade students can get into any National Park in the United State for FREE? And really, every person in the whole entire passenger vehicle gets in free, too!

My fourth grader was so eager to get his pass! We completed the information online and printed the confirmation page. Once we visited our first National Park with the printout, my fourth grader was given his very own National Park Pass! These passes are good from September 1st – August 31st! So, be sure to share this information with anyone that has an elementary student! Using my son’s pass we were able to visit Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park for free during our spring break trip!

Helpful National Park Websites

More Utah Adventures!

If you are planning a trip in Southern Utah, then check out my complete 7-Day Itinerary that includes stops in Kanab, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Park!

How to Spend a Day in Bryce Canyon National Park with Kids

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One of my new favorite National Parks is Bryce Canyon National Park! I cannot wait to tell you about the hikes we chose and share photos of the stunning hoodoos and landscape. Keep reading to learn how to spend a day in Bryce Canyon with kids!

This was our first trip to the area, so we wanted to pack in as much as we could during our week long trip to Southern Utah. We stayed in Kanab and visited Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, explored slot canyons, hiked the Toadstool Hoodoos, and more! It’s a great place to base from. Even though we only had a day at Bryce Canyon National Park, we feel like it was the perfect amount of time for our family!

One Day Itinerary

  • Visitor Center / Jr. Ranger Program
  • Drive to Bryce Canyon from Kanab, UT (1.5 hours)
  • Sunset Point Overlook
  • Hike Navajo Loop Trail
  • Visitor Center / receive Jr. Ranger badge
  • Hike Mossy Cave Trail
  • Drive Back to Kanab, UT (1.5 hours)

Visitor Center / Jr. Ranger Program

We always like to stop by the Visitor Center when visiting National or State Parks! Most are similar to a small museum with artifacts and Park information. Plus, my youngest son really likes to participate in the Jr. Ranger Program. We grab the booklet to work on throughout our visit and then stop back by to turn it in when it’s complete so that he can swear in and get his Jr. Ranger badge!

Sunset Point Overlook

Our first glimpse of the magic of Bryce Canyon, was at the Sunset Point Overlook. You can’t miss this one, especially if hiking isn’t your thing! If you do plan to hike, many of the trailheads can be found near Sunset Point, so it’s a great place to park your vehicle!

The Hikes

Now, on to the good stuff…hiking! Based on the trails that were open and hiking with kids ages 13 and 9, we decided to hike the Navajo Loop Trail and Mossy Cave (which is outside of the Park).

Navajo Loop Trail – Distance: 1.5 miles | Time: 1.5 hours | Level: Moderate

The Navajo Loop Trail is the most popular trail in Bryce Canyon National Park! It truly is amazing walking in between huge hoodoos! To find this trail, head to the parking lot area at Sunset Point. You’ll see the trailhead near the overlook area.

This trail can be moderately challenging when hiking back up to Sunset Point. For us, the entire trail was a little tough because of the wet conditions. It was very muddy, which made the hike down a little tricky in spots! The views are amazing, so don’t let a little mud discourage you from making the trek.

Be sure to check the weather before you go. If it has rained or snowed in the days before your trip, I suggest wearing hiking boots and bringing along spikes for mud or ice!!

Mossy Cave Trail – Distance: 0.9 miles | Time: 45 minutes | Level: Easy

After finishing the Navajo Loop Trail, we drove about ten minutes to the Mossy Cave Trail. This is a short hike with a small waterfall, rock formations with “windows,” and a cave at the end. The waterfall was more of a trickle when we visited, but we still enjoyed the trail!

Even though this trail is part of Bryce Canyon, it was not as muddy or as crowded as the Navajo Loop Trail within the park. I’ve heard it’s fun to see this waterfall in the winter, because it freezes and you can walk behind it! We really like hiking to caves, but I was a little disappointed that the cave is blocked off by a fence, so you can’t actually explore inside it. But, it was still a fun hike and the views were awesome!

We packed in a lot of time hiking during our one day visit to Bryce Canyon National Park! I know that we didn’t see everything that this amazing Park has to offer, but we really enjoyed our day and the trails that we chose to hike!

Highlights

  • Bryce Canyon has the largest concentration of hoodoos found anywhere on Earth! What exactly are hoodoos? Well, they are unique, thin spires of rock formed by weathering and erosion that can be caused by wind, ice and rain.
  • This Park is open and amazing year-round!
  • The crowds were much smaller than the crowds at Zion National Park!
  • There are no mandatory reservations, permits, or shuttle rides required.
  • There are scenic overlooks and viewpoints if you do not enjoy hiking.
  • It’s a great place for a day trip!

When to Visit

October through May is an ideal time to visit! The crowds are smaller and the temperatures are cooler. Summer is the most popular time to visit, with more crowds and higher temps. Winter is gorgeous with deep blankets of snow! We visited in March and there was still a lot of snow. It was an unexpected surprise, especially since we came from Texas and don’t usually get to see that!

Things to Know

  • Arrive early to ensure you find a parking spot at the trailhead or overlook area!
  • Bring plenty of food, snacks, and water if you’re hiking.
  • Be cautious of the ledges and steep drop offs on some of the trails.
  • Each season has something to offer visitors.
  • 1-2 days is enough time to experience this Park.
  • Cell service was pretty limited during our visit.
  • Follow Leave No Trace Principles!

Every Kid Outdoors Pass

The teacher in me is so excited to share about this amazing opportunity for elementary students in fourth grade! Did you know that with an Every Kid Outdoors Pass, fourth grade students can get into any National Park in the United State for FREE? And really, every person in the whole entire passenger vehicle gets in free, too!

My fourth grader was so eager to get his pass! We completed the information online and printed the confirmation page. Once we visited our first National Park with the printout, my fourth grader was given his very own National Park Pass! These passes are good from September 1st – August 31st! So, be sure to share this information with anyone that has an elementary student! Using my son’s pass we were able to visit Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park for free during our spring break trip!

Helpful National Park Websites

More Utah Adventures!

If you are planning a trip in Southern Utah, then check out my complete 7-Day Itinerary that includes stops in Kanab, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Park!

Hiking the Toadstool Hoodoos

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If you have kids that enjoy short hikes with unique rock formations and lots to explore, then you should check out the Toadstool Hoodoos located near Kanab, Utah!

Hi, we’re the Fosters! Thank you for visiting my blog!

Our first stop on our recent road trip to Utah was to the Toadstool Hoodoos! My boys loved this trail and we all had such a fun time exploring the area. Plus, it was not crowded at all. Several different times during our visit we were the only people there!

What are Hoodoos?

Hoodoos are unique, thin spires of rock formed by weathering and erosion that can be caused by wind, ice and rain. There are several different sized hoodoos on this trail and it truly felt like we were on another planet! The entire landscape was nothing like we’d ever explored before. 

The Hike

The Toadstool Hoodoos – Distance: 1.8 miles | Time: 45 min. | Level: Easy

Photo from AllTrails app

The out and back hike to the toadstools is mostly flat and extremely easy. At the beginning of the trail you will find lots of rocks to climb and small caves to explore. My boys loved this part! The trail was easy to follow and the views were great.

To reach the toadstools, you’ll continue north on the trail. I don’t remember seeing any trail signs, but the sandy path was clear.

Once at the toadstools, you’ll find a couple of unique clusters of hoodoos! The area is beautiful with unique rock formations surrounded by white and orange hills.

Highlights

  • Kid-friendly trail – This is a fun family hike that has cool features to explore and is easy enough that our boys weren’t tired or complaining! If you are just getting into hiking with your kiddos, this is a great trail!
  • Caves – we really enjoy exploring caves, so when we happen to stumble across a few on our hikes, we’re pumped! This was an unexpected surprise!
  • Landscape – the toadstools, the desert plants, the sand, and the hills surrounding the trails really made for a gorgeous adventure!
  • Lack of Crowds – the best part was the lack of crowds we encountered during our hike. It’s always nice to have an entire place mostly to yourself, to spend as much time as you want taking in the sights!

When to Visit

Considering that this is a desert landscape, spring and fall is the ideal time to visit. We went during the middle of the day over our spring break and the temperatures were very pleasant. If you plan to go in the summer, I’d recommend going early in the morning or later in the evening so that you aren’t too hot.

Things to Know

  • This trail is located off Highway 89, 45 miles east of Kanab, Utah.  
  • There are no fees or permits required for this hike.
  • This dog-friendly trail is open year round.
  • The parking lot is small, but we didn’t encounter any crowds.
  • There are two small portable bathrooms in the parking lot.
  • Please follow Leave No Trace Principles so we can all continue to enjoy this trail!  

We had a fantastic hike and our first taste of Southern Utah at the Toadstool Hoodoos! Utah is such an amazing state and we cannot wait to venture back that way!

More Utah Adventures

If you are planning a trip in Southern Utah, then check out my complete 7-Day Itinerary that includes stops in Kanab, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Park!

Kanab, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Park Itinerary

Posted in National Parks, Road Trip Guides, Tips & Recommendations, United States, UtahTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 9 Comments

We just returned from a fantastic week in Utah! I’m so excited to share our Kanab, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Park itinerary and photos with y’all! This itinerary is great for families, couples, or solo travelers.

Day 1: Texas to New Mexico

We began our road trip to Utah from North Texas. For us, it’s about a sixteen hour drive, so we had to break the drive up into two days. We decided to stop in Farmington, New Mexico on our first day of driving. It’s twelve hours from us, so we knocked out the majority of the drive on day one and only had four hours to go the following day.

Farmington is in the Four Corners region and has several great options of places to see if you want to explore more of this area. We’ve stopped at the Aztec Ruins National Monument and to see Shiprock on previous road trips!

Day 2: Kanab/Toadstool Hoodoos

On day two, we continued driving and stopped first in Page, AZ. We only stopped here because we happened to drive right by the Big Lake Trading Post and I wanted to do the short hike from the parking lot to see the sand cave! It was really cool, quick stop!

After that stop, we continued on our drive towards Kanab, UT which is where we were basing out of the entire week. We decided to stop by the Toadstool Hoodoos on the drive into Kanab and I am so glad that we did! My boys loved this stop and we had such a fun time exploring this area. Plus, it wasn’t crowded at all. Several different times during this stop, we were the only people there!

Hoodoos are unique, thin spires of rock formed by weathering and erosion. There are several different sized hoodoos on this trail and it truly felt like we were on another planet! The entire landscape was nothing like we’d ever explored before.  

The Toadstool Hoodoos Trail – Distance: 1.8 miles | Time: 45 min. | Level: Easy | Cost: FREE

Once we left the Toadstools, we continued driving to Kanab. We stayed at the Comfort Suites and enjoyed this hotel. We had so much space in our room and it was in a great location! We also enjoyed the free breakfast buffet each morning, but the rates were the best part! We paid less than $450 for six nights here!

For dinner, we ate right down the road from our hotel at Vermillion 45 and it was delicious! It was a little fancier than our usual dinners on the road, but so good! I had shrimp risotto, the boys had pizza and rigatoni, and Jereme had chicken fricassee.

Day 3: Bryce Canyon National Park

After looking ahead at the predicted weather for the week, we decided to explore Bryce Canyon National Park on day three. The weather forecast was great for this day, but snow was predicted for later on in the week. It is right under 1.5 hours to get from Kanab to Bryce Canyon!

Based on the trails that were open and hiking with kids ages 13 and 9, we decided to hike the Navajo Loop Trail and Mossy Cave (which is outside of the Park). Be sure to check the weather before you go. If it has rained or snowed in the days before your trip, I suggest wearing hiking boots and bringing along spikes for mud or ice!

Navajo Loop Trail – Distance: 1.5 miles | Time: 1.5 hours | Level: Moderate | Cost: $35 per vehicle

We enjoyed this trail so much because of the up-close view of the hoodoos it provides! But, it was a little tough because of the wet conditions. It was very muddy, which made the hike down a little tricky in spots! The views are amazing, so don’t let a little mud discourage you from making the trek.

After finishing the Navajo Loop Trail, we drove about nine minutes to the Mossy Cave Trail. This is a short hike with a small waterfall, rock formations with “windows,” and a cave at the end. The waterfall was more of a trickle when we visited, but we still enjoyed the trail!

Mossy Cave Trail – Distance: 0.9 miles | Time: 45 minutes | Level: Easy | Cost: FREE (trail is outside main area of Park)

When we returned to Kanab, we had an amazing dinner at Escobar’s Mexican Restaurant. Hands down, this was the BEST food we had on our entire trip! If you’re in the area, definitely make sure to eat here.

Day 4: Kanab

On day four we decided to have a little bit of down time. My boys always seem to need a day to recover after a long drive and a lot of activities. It was so nice to sleep in, walk around the quaint downtown area, and check out some of the places right outside of Kanab.

The boys were tired of hiking and wanted a day to relax, watch tv, and play video games. So, Jereme and I had our own adventure date to the Kanab Sand Caves, also known as Moqui Caves. This place is fascinating! I highly recommend checking it out if you’re ever near Kanab. You don’t need a lot of time here and the hike is pretty easy!

Kanab Sand Caves Trail – Distance: 1.2 miles | Time: 45 minutes | Level: Easy | Cost: FREE

This is such a unique place, right off the main highway that leads to Bryce or Zion from Kanab! We parked right off Highway 89 in a large, marked parking lot for the Sand Caves. You can’t miss it!

For dinner, we decided to have steaks at Iron Horse Restaurant. It was great, the boys loved this place! I didn’t take any food pics, but we all had steak, mashed potatoes, and salad.  

Day 5 – Zion National Park

We dedicated day five to exploring Zion National Park and man, we were blown away! The views just driving through were like nothing we’d ever seen before. Full disclosure, it was pretty crowded during our visit over spring break. Because of the crowds, it was hard to find parking and the shuttle lines were insane. We opted to hike two trails in East Zion that did not require the shuttle and we highly recommend both!

If you only have a day in the Park, you don’t want to miss this easy hike. The overlook is truly impressive and the entire trail has views for day, just check out the photos below!

Zion Canyon Overlook Trail – Distance: 0.9 miles | Time: 30-45 minutes | Level: Easy | Cost: $35 per vehicle

The second trail we hiked was by happenstance when a spot opened up in the parking lot as we were driving by. I’m so glad we decided to stop here, we ended up having the entire trail to ourselves! And the best part, this hike ended at a gorgeous waterfall!

Lower Pine Creek Waterfall Trail – Distance: 0.7 miles | Time: 1 hour | Level: Moderate | Cost: $35 per vehicle

We really enjoyed the rock scramble to get to the waterfall! If you have kiddos, they will really love the adventure that this trail provides!

Day 6 – Ride and Rappel Slot Canyon Tour  

This day was the best day! We booked the 2.5 hour ride, hike, and rappel adventure with Roam Outdoor. This was great for our boys ages 9 and 13. I recommend this option for families with younger kiddos or for anyone that has never rappelled before. We did four rappels that ranged from 10 feet to 45 feet, all while hiking through the stunning Ladder Canyon near Orderville, Utah.

Ladder Canyon – Distance: 2 miles | Time: 2.5 hours | Level: Moderate (with rappels)

We met up at the Roam Outdoor business at 10:00 am and were fitted with all of our rappelling gear. Then, we were driven on an ATV by our fantastic guide, Bryson, to Ladder Canyon. It was a short climb around to enter the slot canyon, which started with a rappel down into it! We all felt well prepared to make the first rappel and it started off small at only 10 feet. We gradually increased the distance of each rappel as we went, and finished with a 45 foot decent.

I also truly loved and appreciated how amazing Bryson was when it came to taking photos of our family to remember this special occasion! This was a family favorite and an unforgettable experience!

We followed up our time rappelling with a wonderful late lunch at Wild Thyme Café back in Kanab! The corn chowder soup and chicken pasta alfredo was to die for!

Day 7 – Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon

Our final day of the trip was a fun one! We really enjoyed the tour the day before and wanted to find another slot canyon to hike. I had noticed signs for Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon so I began looking up information on that trail. A high clearance four wheel drive vehicle is extremely necessary. I drive a 4WD Expedition and it would not have made the drive to the canyon. Luckily we had borrowed my mom’s Jeep for this trip and had no trouble off-roading the 3+ miles to the slot canyon. The trail is easy and fun, the sand is just very deep!

Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon – Distance: 0.7 miles | Time: 45 minutes | Level: Easy | Cost: FREE

To find Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon from Kanab, follow Highway 89 North out of Kanab for about nine miles. You will see a sign for Peek-A-Boo and a parking lot area on the right hand side of the road. Turn into the parking lot and then immediately turn left. This will take you onto BLM Route 102. Follow this until you reach the wash (almost like a dry riverbed). Here, turn left and follow the wash, this will be on BLM Route 106H and it will lead you straight to the slot canyon.

If you’re planning a trip to Utah, I hope you find this Kanab, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Park itinerary helpful! Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Be sure to follow all Leave No Trace Principals so we can continue to enjoy this beautiful country of ours!

Leave No Trace Principles

The Leave No Trace principles are a set of guidelines designed to minimize the environmental impact of outdoor activities. These principles promote responsible outdoor recreation and stewardship of natural areas. Here are the seven Leave No Trace principles:

  • Plan ahead and prepare: Proper planning helps minimize potential impacts on the environment. This includes researching the area you’ll be visiting, understanding regulations and special concerns, and being adequately prepared with the right gear and skills.
  • Travel and camp on durable surfaces: Stick to established trails, campsites, and designated recreation areas to minimize damage to vegetation and soil. Avoid trampling fragile ecosystems by walking on durable surfaces like rocks, gravel, or dry grass.
  • Dispose of waste properly: Pack out all trash, garbage, and leftover food. Leave natural areas cleaner than you found them by properly disposing of waste and packing out all items, including biodegradable materials like fruit peels and food scraps.
  • Leave what you find: Minimize your impact on natural landscapes by leaving rocks, plants, and other natural objects as you found them. Avoid disturbing wildlife or removing cultural or historical artifacts.
  • Minimize campfire impacts: If fires are permitted and necessary for warmth or cooking, use existing fire rings or designated fire pits whenever possible. Keep fires small, use only local firewood, and fully extinguish fires before leaving. In sensitive areas, consider using a portable stove instead of building a fire.
  • Respect wildlife: Observe wildlife from a distance and avoid approaching or feeding them. Keep pets under control and prevent them from harassing wildlife or damaging vegetation. Store food securely to prevent wildlife from accessing it.
  • Be considerate of other visitors: Respect other visitors’ experiences by minimizing noise, yielding to others on the trail, and respecting privacy in campsites. Follow rules and regulations, and be courteous to others to ensure everyone can enjoy the outdoors responsibly.

By following these principles, outdoor enthusiasts can help protect natural environments and ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy outdoor recreation opportunities.

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