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Discover Two Utah National Parks, Plus Two Cities with Serious Buzz, on this Four-Day Road Trip

Save this can't-miss great American road trip route in your GPS today

The Vacationeer
A picture of the open road in Arches National Park, Utah on a Utah National Parks road trip.

In these socially distanced times, it's easy to see why road trips are all the rage. 

One route worth considering is this four-day tour of the American West. You'll take in breathtaking scenery at two Utah national parks in-between visits to two buzzed-about cities on this great American road trip. And you can enjoy it all while staying at well-appointed and centrally located Hilton Grand Vacations and Hilton portfolio brand properties.  

Here's what to program into your GPS. 

Day One, Arrive in Park City 

Start your road trip on a glam note with a stop in Park City, Utah. The locale famous for world-class skiing, dining and the Sundance Film Festival is a magnet for famous folks. Keep your eyes peeled for celebrities.

That said, you don't need to be a fixture on the red carpet or a snow bunny to enjoy the city's many attractions. 

Kick-off your stay in this historic mining town with some retail therapy and a walk along Historic Main Street, which is home to locally owned shops, galleries and great places to grab a bite. Check here for an updated list of open restaurants.

Suppose you're jonesing for adventure, head over to Utah Olympic Park. The site of the 2002 Winter Olympics is now home to zip lines, extreme tubing, adventure courses, alpine slides and more.

Those looking for a more relaxed way to enjoy the outdoors have lots of options. Just some include renting watercraft at Rockport State Park, trying your hand at fly fishing and setting out on a popular road cycling ride like the Donner Party route.   

Check into Sunrise Lodge by Hilton Grand Vacations Club to rest your head for the night. Accommodations include everything from spacious studios with kitchenettes to four-bedroom suites with patios and fully equipped kitchens. 

Day Two, Enjoy Arches National Park

One perk of vacation ownership with Hilton Grand Vacations is the pure bliss of rolling out of bed to enjoy your morning cup of coffee, undisturbed, on the terrace before hitting the road. 

Once you hit the road, you'll be about four hours from the red-rock wonderland that is Arches National Park, and it's a place like no other. Millions of years of erosion have created more than 2,000 soaring arches within the 120-square mile park. 

To take it in from behind the wheel, start at Arches Visitor Center. You'll be able to learn about the park and get your bearings. Also, fill up your water bottle — there aren't many sources of safe drinking water within the park. From there, get back on the road for a half-day drive that will steer you past iconic formations like Balanced Rock and Skyline Arch

When you're ready to stretch your legs, easy, moderate and difficult trails options abound for those looking to hike. When it comes to the best trails, seasoned hikers consistently rank the three-mile trek to Delicate Arch and the three Devils Garden hiking options as tops.

When it's time to turn in, you'll be glad to check into Hampton Inn Moab. The downtown Moab hotel is modern, spacious and includes amenities like free Wi-Fi, a pool and a complimentary breakfast. 

As part of Hilton's commitment to enhanced cleanliness and safety, you'll receive a digital key that lets you open your room, elevators, side doors, fitness center and the parking garage with no need for direct contact with any buttons. Plus, ownership with Hilton Grand Vacations lets you use your points to stay at Hilton portfolio brands worldwide

Day Three, Take in Zion National Park

After enjoying your complimentary breakfast, set out for Zion National Park. With red canyon cliffs, desert waterfalls and winding streams, Utah's first national park is sure to be one of the most breathtaking and unique places you've ever been. 

Those who prefer to remain car-bound give top marks to the 54-mile Zion National Park Scenic Drive. It winds you past Zion Canyon and many notable landmarks like the ghost town featured in "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid."

For those who'd rather hoof it, top trails include the Lower Emerald Pool Trail that leads to stunning waterfalls; Canyon Overlook Trail that offers a great view of the canyon; and Angel's Landing Trail for a challenge. Check Zion National Park's seasonal information guide for all you need to know before lacing up your hiking boots. 

After a full day of adventure, enjoy some well-deserved R&R at Hampton Inn & Suites Springdale/Zion National Park. It's a short distance from Route 9 and many local eateries. A free town shuttle will take you to all the action—and a crackling fireplace and outdoor pool await you upon your return.  

Day Four, Visit Vegas (Baby!)

For the final leg of the trip, you'll make the 160-mile drive to Sin City. 

You no doubt know about the many (many!) opportunities to gamble and see shows in Las Vegas. But there are many unique and socially distanced options beyond the Strip

Just one is the Freemont Street Experience in downtown Las Vegas. A walk down the four-block open-air barrel canopy is a feast for the eyes. In addition to the street performers, vendors and live music, it's the place to see free six-minute light shows projected onto the world's largest video screen every evening.

Another bedazzling attraction worth a visit is The Neon Museum and its Neon Boneyard, an outdoor area where you can see more than 200 retired signs from some of Las Vegas' most well-known casinos and businesses. 

While you may not associate Vegas with the Great Outdoors, one of the area's top attractions is Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. This scenic spot in the Mojave Desert just 17 miles from the city is home to red sandstone rock formations, more than 200 kinds of wildlife and Native American pictographs. The best way to see it all is via the 13-mile scenic drive or on one of the area's 26 hikes and trails

As a Hilton Grand Vacations Owner, you'll be glad to know there are five fantastic HGV options in the Vegas area from which to choose. 

Read Great American Road Trips Start With Hilton Grand Vacations for a can't-miss California coast road trip route. 

Vacationeer

The Vacationeer

The Vacationeer is a collective of Hilton Grand Vacations storytellers whose goal is to inspire travelers to go further. We're always on the lookout for new destinations to explore, useful travel tips, and unique ideas to help you plan the most memorable vacations possible.

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