Discovering Utah's Hidden Beauty: A November Journey Off the Beaten Path

Welcome to Salt Lake City, a vibrant destination nestled against the backdrop of the stunning Wasatch Mountains. Grab your rental car and head to your hotel for check in. The afternoon is yours to play with and get the kids to expend some of that energy. Salt Lake City has some great options for families. If you’re feeling up to some educational exploring, head over to the Clark Planetarium for some hands-on learning (and an amazing gift shop with options for the traveling days ahead). Did I mention that entrance to the exhibits is free? You can add on additional IMAX or laser shows to extend your visit or head over to Cereal Killerz Kitchen for an unusual sweet treat. Just make sure to leave space for dinner at Carson Kitchen where you can expect to order a combination of dishes. My picky eater is a sucker for their Mac n Cheese and it’s his standing order. Definitely make a reservation ahead of time to avoid Lack of Cheese disappointment, though. Downtown Salt Lake City is an unexpected foodie destination for us, and there are plenty of delicious options around.

Pack up the troupe and head out to Moab. Today is a driving day with some amazingly stark scenery! Stops and bribery are how we get through family road trips, so don’t forget to stop at Sidecar Cafe about 45 minutes outside of Salt Lake City. This cafe not only serves yummy breakfast but is also home to the Legends Motorcycle Museum that the kids (big and small) will enjoy exploring! Once you’ve arrived in Moab and have checked in, take the afternoon to explore the town. Check out all its quirky shops and galleries, visit the Moab Giants Dinosaur Park or take an ATV tour in the desert. Moab has a wide variety of dining options, but if you’re looking for something extra special, then I would recommend booking a table at Sunset Grill for incredible views overlooking the town and desert as well as some interesting info and memorabilia to peruse.

Moab is a fantastic base camp for exploring Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park and the lesser talked about, but equally amazing Dead Horse Point State Park. All three parks have Junior Ranger programs that are great at engaging the kids (including teens, believe it or not) and there are endless hiking opportunities for all levels. November will see far fewer crowds than other months except for Thanksgiving, where numbers tick up again, albeit considerably lower than in the summer months. This is the day to pack a picnic lunch (and extra battery pack for your camera) and adventure the day away. The landscape is breathtaking and if you’re lucky, you may catch a smattering of snow early in the morning. Before heading out, we generally pop in at Little Station Coffee and Kitchen or Moab Garage Co. for your morning brew and breakfast.

Embark on an unforgettable journey from the red rock wonders of Moab to the breathtaking beauty of Bryce Canyon as part of your Utah road trip adventure. As you depart from Moab, be sure to make a stop at Dead Horse Point State Park if you didn’t get the chance yesterday. Here, panoramic vistas of the Colorado River winding through deep canyons await. Continue your drive through the mesmerizing landscapes of Capitol Reef National Park, where towering sandstone formations and orchards of fruit trees create a stunning backdrop. The Gifford Homestead is a must stop to savor some freshly baked pies. For a taste of history, consider a detour to Goblin Valley State Park, where whimsical rock formations resembling goblins dot the desert landscape. As you approach Bryce Canyon, be sure to pause at Escalante Petrified Forest State Park, where ancient petrified logs and stunning reservoir views await.

Bryce Canyon City will be the quietest spot on your journey, and the food and beverage options are a little less prominent over the quieter winter months. The little down of Tropic is about a 10 minute drive and also has some great dining options. We loved Rustler’s Restaurant for breakfast and lunch. As you venture into the park, be prepared to be greeted by a landscape adorned with a dusting of snow, enhancing the already surreal beauty of the iconic hoodoos and towering rock formations. Take a leisurely stroll along the rim trails, where panoramic vistas of the amphitheaters and spires unfold before your eyes, offering breathtaking photo opportunities at every turn. For a more immersive experience, embark on one of the park's family-friendly hiking trails. Options include the Queen's Garden or the Navajo Loop, where you can meander among the hoodoos and marvel at their intricate shapes and colors. The elevation at Bryce Canyon is significantly higher than Moab and is often breezy, so be prepared to pack extra layers for your days out.

Be prepared to be captivated by the rugged beauty of the surrounding high desert terrain today, where crimson-hued cliffs and towering rock formations on today’s drive! Along the way, consider making a stop at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, where sprawling sand dunes offer a playground for adventure seekers and photographers alike. Rent a sled at the visitors’ center for $25 and take the family sledding down the dunes! Finally, arrive in Springdale, the gateway to Zion National Park, where the towering sandstone cliffs and emerald-green Virgin River provide a breathtaking backdrop for outdoor exploration and family-friendly activities.

Visiting Zion National Park with your family is an experience you won't soon forget. There's something truly magical about exploring the canyon in November — the crisp air adds a refreshing touch to outdoor adventures and the vibrant fall foliage sets a stunning scene against the towering sandstone cliffs. Your day begins with hopping aboard the Zion Canyon Shuttle, whisking you away to trailheads and viewpoints that promise breathtaking vistas. I’d opt for family-friendly hikes like the Riverside Walk (2.2 miles) and Lower Emerald Pools Trail (1.4 miles), where you’ll be surrounded by golden leaves and cascading waterfalls amid the rich tapestry of autumn colors. It's essential to check for current conditions, especially for the Lower Emerald Pools Trail due to the possibility of falling ice. Take a break for a picnic lunch at Zion Lodge, indulging in seasonal flavors amid the tranquil canyon setting. As the day unfolds, you’ll be treated to a mesmerizing sunset painting the cliffs in hues of gold and crimson from the Canyon Overlook Trail — a truly breathtaking finale to your adventure. And if you need a caffeine and sugar boost to fuel your exploration, Canyon Coffee or Deep Creek Coffee Company are excellent choices.

As your Utah road trip nears its end, the drive back from Springdale to Salt Lake City offers a perfect opportunity to reflect on your unforgettable journey. Leaving behind the beauty of Zion National Park, you’ll embark on a scenic route through southern Utah, soaking in the stunning landscapes one last time. Your first stop is the charming town of Cedar City, where we treat ourselves to a delicious meal at a local eatery, savoring the flavors of the region. The Bistro or The French Spot (I'm sensing a theme here), are both delicious options. If you’re up for one more adventure, I’d recommend a detour to Antelope Island State Park, where you’ll be greeted by breathtaking views of the Great Salt Lake and have the chance to spot wildlife like bison and antelope.