Itinerary for 6 day trip to Arches National Park

Planning a 6-day adventure that starts with a stop at in Arizona and includes , along with other nearby national parks, sounds like an incredible journey! Let’s dive into an itinerary that balances exploration, relaxation, and fun for both adults and kids.

Day 1: Arrival at , Arizona

Morning:

Start Early: Depart for . Make sure you have your permits secured in advance, as they are required to visit this stunning sandstone formation.
Hike : Enjoy the breathtaking views and unique rock formations. The hike is about 3 miles round trip, so pack plenty of water and snacks!

Afternoon:

Lunch: Have a picnic lunch at a nearby spot or head to a local café in Page, AZ.
Explore Page: If time allows, check out , which is just a short drive away. It’s a quick walk to the viewpoint, and the kids will love the stunning views!

Evening:

Accommodation: Head to a vacation rental in Page or Kanab, UT. Look for a spacious home that can accommodate all 6 adults and 3 kids comfortably. Websites like Airbnb or Vrbo can be great for finding family-friendly options.
Dinner: Enjoy a relaxed dinner at a local restaurant or cook together in your rental.

Day 2:

Morning:

Drive to Zion: After breakfast, head to (about a 2-hour drive from Page).
Zion Canyon Scenic Drive: Take the shuttle (if in season) or drive through the scenic route to soak in the views.

Afternoon:

Hike the Riverside Walk: This is an easy, kid-friendly hike that leads to the entrance of The Narrows. It’s about 2 miles round trip and offers beautiful views along the Virgin River.
Lunch: Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the park’s picnic areas.

Evening:

Accommodation: Stay in Springdale, UT, just outside Zion. Look for a vacation rental that can accommodate your group.
Dinner: Try a local eatery in Springdale for some delicious food after a day of adventure.

Day 3: More of Zion and Drive to

Morning:

(Optional): If the adults are up for it, consider an early morning hike to . It’s a challenging hike, so make sure the kids are comfortable with a shorter hike or stay back at the visitor center.
Explore the : A great family-friendly hike that’s about 1.2 miles round trip.

Afternoon:

Lunch: Grab lunch in Springdale before heading out.
Drive to : It’s about a 5-hour drive to , UT. Enjoy the scenic views along the way!

Evening:

Accommodation: Check into a vacation rental in that fits your group size. There are plenty of options with kitchens and outdoor spaces.
Dinner: Cook together or explore local dining options in .

Day 4:

Morning:

Hike: Start your day with the iconic hike. It’s about 3 miles round trip and offers stunning views. The kids will love the adventure!

Afternoon:

Lunch: Have a picnic at the park or head back to for a bite.
: If you can, book a ranger-led tour of the . It’s a maze of narrow canyons and towering rock formations that’s fun for the whole family.

Evening:

Relax: Head back to your rental for some downtime. Enjoy a family game night or stargazing if the skies are clear!

Day 5:

Morning:

Drive to Canyonlands: After breakfast, head to (about a 30-minute drive).
: Start at the visitor center and take the scenic drive to various viewpoints like and Grand View Point.

Afternoon:

Lunch: Pack a lunch to enjoy at one of the scenic overlooks.
Short Hikes: Consider the easy hike to , which is about 0.5 miles round trip. The views are spectacular!

Evening:

Return to : Head back to your rental for dinner. You could also explore a local restaurant for a change of pace.

Day 6: Relax and Explore

Morning:

Explore : Spend your last day exploring the charming town of . Visit local shops, art galleries, or the .
Optional Activities: If the group is up for it, consider a family-friendly activity like a guided river rafting trip on the Colorado River or a scenic drive through the .

Afternoon:

Lunch: Enjoy a leisurely lunch in town.
Relaxation: Spend the afternoon at your rental, perhaps enjoying the pool or outdoor space.

Evening:

Final Dinner: Celebrate your adventure with a special dinner at a nice restaurant in . Reflect on the amazing memories you’ve created together!

Tips for Your Trip:

Permits: Ensure you have all necessary permits for and any other activities.
Pack Smart: Bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and hats for the kids.
Flexibility: Be flexible with your plans; sometimes the best memories come from spontaneous adventures!

I hope this itinerary helps you create an unforgettable experience for your family! Enjoy every moment of your adventure! 🌄✨