This one-way road trip runs from San Francisco to Salt Lake City, with family-friendly stops and plenty of time in the parks. It skips Los Angeles and Las Vegas; drive times are approximate, and the route includes some long scenic stretches, so plan breaks and check seasonal road conditions.
Budget
About $2,500–$4,500 per person, excluding flights; varies widely with lodging, rental car, meals, park fees and tour choices.
Best time to visit
Late May to early June or September to early October. High-country roads and facilities may be seasonal, while Death Valley is extremely hot in summer; check park alerts, shuttle schedules, reservations and road conditions before travel.
San Francisco waterfront
Ease into the trip with a compact day around the waterfront, where the aquarium, sea lions and bay views are close together.
Morning
Explore
Stroll the waterfront and watch the sea lions; allow time for snacks and the bay views.
FreeAfternoon
Visit
It’s about a 2-minute walk from , with hands-on exhibits and underwater tunnels that work well for families.
About About $30Evening
Dinner at Fisherman’s Wharf
Walk about 10 minutes from the aquarium to the wharf’s restaurants. Choose a casual spot and keep the evening relaxed.
About About $25–$45
San Francisco’s Golden Gate
See the city’s landmark bridge and park, keeping the day to the western waterfront and nearby green space.
Morning
Walk the Golden Gate Bridge
Start at the visitor area and walk as far across the bridge as suits your family; bring layers for wind.
FreeAfternoon
Play and picnic in
It’s about a 10-minute drive from the bridge welcome center. Enjoy open space, beach views and an easy picnic stop.
FreeEvening
Watch the sunset at Lands End
Allow about 15 minutes by car from . Take a short, scenic walk; paths can be uneven, so choose a comfortable turnaround point.
Free
Yosemite Valley
Drive inland to Yosemite and spend your first park day among the valley’s famous cliffs and waterfalls.
Morning
Drive to
The drive from San Francisco is roughly 4–5 hours, depending on traffic and your park entrance. Stop for breaks and check current road conditions before setting out.
About About $35 per vehicle for park entryAfternoon
See Yosemite Falls
From the visitor center, it’s about a 5-minute drive or a longer walk. Take the accessible lower-falls path as far as your group likes.
About Included with park entryEvening
Enjoy sunset at
It’s about a 20-minute drive from , with a classic view of El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall. Return before it gets too dark.
About Included with park entry
Yosemite’s high country
Spend a second day in Yosemite, balancing a scenic drive with a gentle lakeside outing.
Morning
Explore
Allow around 10 minutes by car from , or longer if you stop for viewpoints. Visit a few valley highlights at an unhurried pace.
About Included with park entryAfternoon
Walk at
The drive from is about 1–1.5 hours via Tioga Road when open. Enjoy the lakeshore and check road access, weather and altitude conditions in advance.
About Included with park entryEvening
Return to
Allow about 1–1.5 hours back from . Have an early dinner and rest after the high-country drive.
About About $20–$40
Sequoia National Park
Head south to see giant sequoias, with a short, memorable grove walk as the main event.
Morning
Drive to Sequoia National Park
From , allow roughly 4–5 hours to reach the Giant Forest area, plus breaks and time for park roads. Confirm seasonal access before you go.
About About $35 per vehicle for park entryAfternoon
Meet the
It’s about a 10-minute drive from the museum to the trailhead. The paved route is steep in places; take it slowly and turn back when needed.
About Included with park entryEvening
Settle in near the park
Allow about 30–45 minutes from the Giant Forest area to Three Rivers, depending on traffic and road conditions. Keep dinner simple after the mountain drive.
About About $20–$40
Death Valley’s desert scenery
Cross into the desert for a scenic introduction to Death Valley, with short stops and careful attention to heat.
Morning
Drive toward Death Valley
From Three Rivers, allow roughly 4–5 hours to Furnace Creek, including breaks. Check park alerts and temperatures; carry plenty of water.
About About $30 per vehicle for park entryAfternoon
See
It’s about a 30-minute drive from Furnace Creek. Explore the salt flats briefly, avoiding strenuous walks in hot weather.
About Included with park entryEvening
Catch golden hour at
Allow about 35 minutes by car from . The short uphill path is best enjoyed at a cooler time of day; bring water and a light layer.
About Included with park entry
Death Valley to Zion
Make the long eastbound drive to Springdale, saving energy for Zion’s riverside scenery tomorrow.
Morning
Drive to Springdale
The route from Furnace Creek is roughly 5–6 hours, depending on road conditions and stops. Refuel and check your navigation route before leaving.
Afternoon
Stretch your legs in Springdale
After checking in, take an easy walk around town and pick up park snacks. Most central stops are a short walk or drive from one another.
FreeEvening
Early dinner in Springdale
Choose a family-friendly meal near the visitor center, generally a 5–10-minute walk depending on the restaurant. Rest up for an early park start.
About About $20–$40
Zion Canyon
Explore Zion’s shuttle-served canyon and riverside trails, with a flexible pace for all ages.
Morning
Ride the Zion Canyon shuttle
Start at the visitor center; shuttle travel time to canyon stops varies with queues and service. Check the current schedule and trail conditions.
About Included with park entryAfternoon
Walk the Riverside Walk
Reach the trail by shuttle; allow about 20–30 minutes from the visitor center, including waiting. The paved path follows the Virgin River; turn around whenever you like.
About Included with park entryEvening
Relax in Springdale
Return by shuttle to the visitor center, then take about 5–10 minutes to reach central Springdale by car or on foot. Enjoy an early meal and downtime.
About About $20–$40
Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos
Travel to Bryce Canyon for its extraordinary rock formations and an easy introduction to the rim.
Morning
Drive to Bryce Canyon
From Springdale, allow roughly 2 hours, plus a park entrance stop. The route climbs in elevation, so bring warm layers even in summer.
About About $35 per vehicle for park entryAfternoon
Admire Bryce Amphitheater
It’s about a 10-minute drive from the visitor center to the main viewpoints. Choose a short rim walk and keep children well back from the edge.
About Included with park entryEvening
Watch the light change at
Allow about 15 minutes by car from . Enjoy the view, then return to your lodging before dark.
About Included with park entry
Capitol Reef and Torrey
Drive east through red-rock country to Capitol Reef, mixing a scenic stop with a gentle historic-area visit.
Morning
Drive to Capitol Reef
From Bryce Canyon, allow about 2.5–3 hours to Torrey, with time for scenic pullouts. Check road conditions and fuel availability along the route.
Afternoon
Explore the Fruita historic district
From Torrey, drive about 15 minutes to the park area. Visit historic orchards and buildings, and check seasonal fruit-picking and site opening information.
FreeEvening
See the cliffs from
It’s about a 10-minute drive from the visitor center. Enjoy a short viewpoint stop before heading back toward Torrey for dinner.
Free
Arches National Park
Continue to Moab and explore Arches’ landmark formations, with timed-entry rules checked before arrival.
Morning
Drive to Moab
From Torrey, allow roughly 2.5–3 hours. Confirm current park entry requirements and any timed-entry reservation rules before your visit.
Afternoon
Visit
From Moab, it’s about a 20-minute drive into Arches, plus time at the entrance. The short loop offers a close look at the striking formation.
About About $30 per vehicle for park entryEvening
See the
Allow about 10 minutes by car from . Pick a short trail suited to your family and carry water; sunset light can be beautiful here.
About Included with park entry
Canyonlands and Dead Horse Point
Take in vast canyon views west of Moab, with viewpoints and short walks rather than a strenuous day hike.
Morning
Drive to Island in the Sky
From Moab, allow about 40 minutes to the district entrance, plus time for the park entry stop. Bring water and check road and weather conditions.
About About $30 per vehicle for park entryAfternoon
Visit Mesa Arch
It’s about a 15-minute drive from the visitor center to the trailhead. The loop is short but uneven; supervise children closely near the drop-offs.
About Included with park entryEvening
Catch sunset at Dead Horse Point
Allow about 30 minutes by car from Mesa Arch. The state park has dramatic canyon overlooks; return to Moab after sunset with care on the road.
About About $20 per vehicle
Monument Valley
Make a scenic southbound detour to Monument Valley, where a guided visit is a practical way to experience the landscape with family.
Morning
Drive to Monument Valley
From Moab, allow about 2.5–3 hours, with a break along the way. Confirm local road conditions and tour availability before setting out.
About About $8 per personAfternoon
Take a guided valley tour
Tours depart from the visitor area; allow a few hours, depending on the operator and route. A local guide can share the landscape’s cultural context and access areas not open to self-driving.
About About $75–$150Evening
Stay near Monument Valley
Return to your nearby lodging, usually a short drive from the visitor center. Enjoy dinner and rest before the final drive north.
About About $25–$45
Finish in Salt Lake City
Close the one-way journey with the long northbound drive to Salt Lake City and a simple city-center evening.
Morning
Drive to Salt Lake City
From Monument Valley, allow roughly 6–7 hours by road, plus breaks and fuel stops. Start early, check conditions, and plan a proper lunch break.
Afternoon
Unwind downtown
After arriving, allow about 15–25 minutes from the airport to central Salt Lake City, depending on traffic. Stretch your legs and keep sightseeing light.
FreeEvening
Have a farewell dinner downtown
Choose a family-friendly restaurant near ; most nearby options are a short walk or drive. If flying out, leave plenty of time for airport travel and check-in.
About About $25–$45
Good to know
Route and driving
This is a substantial road trip with a few long driving days. Book a one-way rental from San Francisco to Salt Lake City, allow frequent breaks, and avoid driving unfamiliar desert roads after dark.
Park entry
Park entrance fees are generally charged per vehicle and may change; check current fees and consider an America the Beautiful annual pass if it suits your itinerary.
Reservations
Reserve lodging early, especially in or near Yosemite and Zion. Check Yosemite Tioga Road access, Zion shuttle details, and any Arches timed-entry requirements for your dates.
Family safety
Carry water, sun protection and snacks, and dress in layers. Keep children close near overlooks, and avoid exposed desert walks in the heat.
Cultural respect
Monument Valley is on Navajo Nation land. Follow local guidance, use authorized tour operators, and respect access restrictions and cultural sites.