6-Day Family Authenteco Utah/ Zion NP Itinerary
Zion National Park is one of those landscapes so dramatically different from what you're used to seeing that you will feel like you’ve entered another world. This quote from National Geographic sums it up perfectly, "Zion national Park could be called a heaven on Earth, a red-rock wonderland created by wind, water, and snow. Mormon pioneers arriving in the area in the 1860s were so overwhelmed by the natural beauty of Zion Canyon and its surroundings that they named it after the Old Testament name for the city of Jerusalem."
The park is situated in Utah, and like many of the other National Parks in the United States, it was home to people for thousands of years before being dubbed a National Park in 1858.
After our CEO and Founder, Shelby, checked out some of the most popular tourist attractions in Zion herself, she realised that overtourism was massive in the area. Not only does overtourism harm the communities that tourists flock to, but it also harms the environment. With more traffic, means more people, and slowly what was a National Park with raw beauty and wildlife turns into the next commercialized Disneyland. If you google Zion, you'll immediately find that Angels Landing and the Narrows are the two hikes you should do.
We disagree, and that’s why we promise that our itineraries are full of off-the-beaten-path activities, filled with adventurous activities like UTVing and stargazing, and some of the less busy sections of the park that are equally more beautiful than the popular places.
We've created the perfect Zion itinerary. You’ll skip the crowds and focus on the real Zion.
You won’t Angels Landing or The Narrows. Instead, you’ll explore everything else this park has to offer. Instead of immediately getting in line for a shuttle, you’ll rent bikes and cycle the Pa'rus bike trail. You’ll cycle down the entire Scenic Drive for the most beautiful bike ride you’ll ever experience. You’ll see tons of wildlife and zoom down the canyon road between gorgeous red sandstones and right next to the Virgin River. You’ll stargaze in remote locations, getting the best possible view of the sky in Zion. And you’ll stay in a bucket list accommodation- a luxurious glamping yurt with epic views of East Zion.
Just to name a few things!
*** It is important to remember that we customize every itinerary based on our extensive travel surveys, the weather, availability, trip reason, etc. This itinerary should act as a general guide to what a 6- day vacation in Utah COULD look like! For all trip inquiries, submit your trip request here, and we would love to help you plan your perfect vacation!
Our traveler exploring Utah in 2021
Utah Day 1
You will start this adventure by getting up early in the morning, departing from home, and making your way to Utah.
You’ll likely be flying into a nearby airport, so wherever you land, we’ll have you hiring a car and slowly making your way to your accommodation today. Your route will be filled with awesome stopping points and food recommendations which we will have detailed on your exclusive Google Maps.
Although Utah is associated with being full of nothing but desert, your Utah getaway is anything but boring. You’re going to be having an ultimate desert oasis… and this starts with your incredible accommodation. We’re leaving our Utah accommodation a secret right now because there is just SO much we love about it, but trust us, it’s the perfect place to rest your head at night after your Utah adventures.
We know it's been a long day of travel for you and the kids, so once you get checked into your room, we have a treat for your dinner tonight- a delicious dinner spot not too far away.
After dinner, our last suggestion is to stop and get some snacks, lunches, and lots of water for the next couple of days. Adventure lies ahead!!
Utah Day 2
Today and over the next few days, you'll get to explore the high plateaus, a maze of narrow, deep, sandstone canyons, and the Virgin River and its tributaries.
Begin your morning by heading towards Zion National Park and Springdale for a yummy breakfast at The Park House. All food is homemade daily with the best possible quality ingredients.
You'll be enamored with the views as you fuel up before heading into the park for the day!
Getting around the park, the Zion Canyon Shuttle connects the Zion Canyon Visitor Center to stop at locations on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Shuttles leave every few minutes and are all the same, going to all shuttle stops on the route in both directions. You may get on and off at any shuttle stop, in either direction. The shuttle is free, but masks are required.
We’ll tell you where to get off based on what specific adventures we have planned for you, but there are some EPIC hikes that we know you’ll love scattered along the way.
After some fun hiking, you have probably worked up an appetite! Have no fear Cafe Soleil has you covered back in Springdale.
Then, after some much-needed sustenance, it’s time to take the kids on a super fun horse ride! We know you are going to love this one because the views you will get to experience while on horseback are sensational.
Before dinner, you will have plenty of free time to relax and chill, so rest up, play some games with the kids, and explore the beautiful accommodation you’re at a little more.
Tomorrow is going to be another BIG fun day.
CEO & Founder Shelby biking her way through Zion
Utah Day 3
Get ready for another exceptional day ahead.
As usual, we like to start our days with breakfast, and we’ve got a great list of places close to your accommodation that we know you’ll love not too far away from your epic accommodation.
Once you've had a delish bite to kick off the day, it's time to go on one of the more adventurous activities of your trip; a UTV excursion in an exclusive and special place in Zion.
Southern Utah is home to several world premiere canyons, unlike any other. This is a thrilling ride in a customized off-road machine with an insanely special hike at the end.
This tour takes you off-the-beaten-path, away from other tourists, and into more unique places than the media will tell you about… and we’re excited for you to check it out. For now, though, we’re keeping this treasure as an exclusive Authenteco secret!
Now that you've had an exciting morning, there is still more to come with another venture into Zion National Park. First, enjoy your lunch at Oscar's Cafe in Springdale.
After lunch, we recommend hopping on the shuttle again and heading to Riverside Walk and The Temple of Sinawava- a mild hike on a semi-paved trail that follows the Virgin River in a deep canyon. It is perfect for children and runs along the river.
After a day like this, you must be tired, so we recommend getting some dinner at a unique western-style saloon before having an early night.
Utah Day 4
Today will be another unique day to explore the beauty of nature!
You and the family will be heading for one last outing in Zion on this trip to have a lovely picnic inside the park!
There are several shops in Springdale we recommend stopping at to get your picnic supplies, or you can head to Terry's Food & Drug in Orderville. You're welcome to do this before or after another delightful breakfast and there is plenty we recommend on your customized Google Map.
Near the main entrance of Zion National Park, is the Pa'rus Trail. This is a mild 3.5-mile hike that features a river and is good for all skill levels.
After this hike, we’ve got a special picnic spot that will be sure to blow your mind that we will only reveal to those that travel with us (we don’t want it to get too crowded so our travelers can enjoy it exclusively!).
After lunch and a few hours of relaxing, you will now have some free time to explore or do more activities. There are plenty of suggestions for activities on your Google Maps and in your Itinerary, so be sure to plan ahead and know what you want to do.
Then, prepare for tonight… because tonight you will be going on a stargazing experience! With knowledgeable guides that will help you learn about constellations as you gaze at the crystal-clear night sky, we’ve got the best tour in Zion on standby.
Our Utah travelers gift box
Utah Day 5
Today will be your final full day in Utah, and we wanted to make sure you go out with a bang!
You can start your morning by heading to The Red Canyon Visitor Center in Bryce National Park. First, you will need to get some coffee and breakfast!
Today's recommendation is to hit Sevier Coffee Company just 15 minutes outside Bryce and The Red Canyon Visitor Center.
For a closer look at the unique scenery, Red Canyon features an extensive and well-maintained trail system that provides something for everyone. The Birdseye Trail is a moderate .8-mile hike offering spectacular close-up views of the red rock formations. The 3-mile Losee Canyon Trail provides a more rugged look at some of the Red Canyon area's "crown jewels." Off-highway vehicle (OHV) use is allowed on the Casto Canyon Trail.
We recommend checking in with the visitor center for trail use that best suits you and the rest of your family.
When you are ready to wind down from hiking, you can find Outlaw Saloon in Ouray, just a few blocks away from Sevier Coffee Company. You will have a little bit of free time where you can rest back at your accommodation or continue on the Belly Of The Dragon. A cave-like tunnel/Belly of the Dragon was created as a water culvert under HWY89. Still, over time, drainage from the upper canyon, water flow has carved the sandstone walls and created a beautiful rippling tunnel prime for exploring. Enjoy your time here- this is one of the real treats of Utah!
Once you’re done taking pictures inside the dragon, head to your last dinner stop of this trip… an ol' fashion cowboy/cowgirl family dinner at one of our top spots in Utah. Enjoy this home-cooked meal and celebrate the times like these you get to spend together.
An Authenteco Travel couple trip to Utah in 2020
Utah Day 6
Today is the day...
It’s unfortunately time to head home. To fit in a few more meals and activities this will require an early start.
Start by saying goodbye to the lovely accommodation and then you will start making your way back towards the airport.
We do have a few more stops along the route back to the airport. First stop is Main Street Cafe in Hurricane, Utah for another classic Utah breakfast.
Next up will be an optional stop at St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm (time permitting). The museum preserves thousands of dinosaur footprints right at the original site of discovery.
Finally, you will be making your way back to the airport to return your rental vehicle and begin the final journey to the way home!
Want to set off on an unforgettable trip to Utah with your family like this but don't know where to start? Submit a trip request and we’d love to help you!
For more information about what destinations we’re sending traveler to, check out our destinations page!
Want to check out more of our itineraries? Check out the itineraries below!
