Colorado/Utah Road trip -10 days

Question

Hi We are a couple in our 60s and are going to hire a car from Denver-ending back up into Denver. We dont mind driving long distances-we are not into long hikes but happy with short hikes, We are both quite active.The first and last nights we will spend in Denver so we effectively have 9 days of tripping. Originally we were thinking of doing a loop Denver-Black Canyon-Moab-Arches,Canyonlands-Monument Valley-Mesa Vede-Great Sand Dunes- Denver but I am keen to do Zion NP (although it is a dog leg) and maybe miss out on Mesa Vede and Great Sand Dunes. We are both keen to see the impressive rock formations rather than sand dunes. I realise that maybe we will be back tracking. Just wondering if anyone has any suggestions?

Answer

For a 10-day Colorado and Utah road trip focused on impressive rock formations, your route can be optimized to balance scenic highlights, manageable driving, and minimal long hikes. Since you are active but prefer short walks, prioritizing iconic viewpoints and easy-access sites is key.

Here’s a suggested route that includes your main interests and incorporates Zion NP while keeping driving times reasonable:

Day 1: Arrival in Denver. Overnight in Denver.
Day 2: Drive from Denver to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (approx. 5–6 hours). Enjoy short rim walks and scenic viewpoints. Overnight near Montrose or Gunnison.
Day 3: Drive to Moab, Utah (approx. 3–4 hours). Stop at scenic spots along the way. Evening in Moab.
Day 4: Explore Arches National Park with easy walks like Delicate Arch Viewpoint, Windows Section, and Balanced Rock. Overnight in Moab.
Day 5: Canyonlands National Park (Island in the Sky district is easiest for short hikes and overlooks). Afternoon drive toward Monument Valley (approx. 2.5–3 hours). Overnight in Monument Valley area.
Day 6: Morning scenic drive in Monument Valley (guided tours possible) then head south toward Zion NP (approx. 5–6 hours). Overnight near Springdale, UT.
Day 7: Zion National Park. Focus on scenic drives, viewpoints, and short hikes such as Canyon Overlook or Riverside Walk. Overnight near Zion.
Day 8: Optional second day in Zion or drive toward Bryce Canyon NP (approx. 2 hours). Short walks along Bryce Amphitheater viewpoints. Overnight near Bryce or Kanab.
Day 9: Begin return toward Denver. You could stop halfway (e.g., Grand Junction or Glenwood Springs) to break up the long drive (approx. 7–8 hours). Overnight in a convenient town.
Day 10: Return to Denver, drop off car, and depart.

Key considerations and tips:

Zion NP requires some extra driving but is worth it for the iconic cliffs. Since you prefer short walks, avoid Angels Landing or strenuous hikes.
Skipping Mesa Verde and Great Sand Dunes is reasonable; while Mesa Verde has cliff dwellings, it involves more walking and elevation changes. Great Sand Dunes are visually impressive but more about sand than rock formations.
Drive times can be long between some parks, so starting early each day helps maximize daylight for sightseeing.
Accommodations should ideally be booked well in advance, especially in Moab and near Zion, which are popular in September and early fall.
Short hikes and viewpoints in each park are sufficient to experience the scenery without overexertion.

Alternative option:

If you want to reduce backtracking and driving, you could consider flying into Denver and out of Las Vegas or Salt Lake City, creating a more linear route through Utah’s national parks. However, this would require adjusting your travel plans.

In summary, your loop including Black Canyon, Moab, Monument Valley, and Zion is feasible for 9 travel days, focusing on iconic rock formations with mostly short, accessible walks. Bryce Canyon can be added if time allows, and skipping Mesa Verde and Great Sand Dunes keeps the trip focused and less strenuous.

Colorado/Utah Road trip -10 days

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