Utah National Parks - Zion, Bryce and Arches

I would figure out where you can find camping accommodations first. Create that itinerary, then figure out your flights. If you start at Zion, then fly into Vegas. If you start at Arches, then SLC. I'm not sure what specifics you mean when you say "we like to avoid crowds when possible." The National Parks in Utah pick up crowds starting at spring break. Early May will be a nice time. It will be less crowded than the height of summer, but the parks won't be empty. But they sure are beautiful. Enjoy!

Check prices for multi-trip...arrive one airport, return another airport. (Of course it may be cost prohibitive to drop off a camper van in a different return location.)

One tip to avoid crowds is when you go, go early in the morning or as early as possible. Plus you can avoid having to book a timed entry if you go in before 7:00 AM.

Also do you have National Parks pass for seniors? You can get an annual pass for $20 and a lifetime pass for $80. I have one although I got mine back when it was only $10 about 8 years ago.

You also might want to think about stopping at Canyonlands which is very near Arches. It's got some beautiful scenery there and you don't have to walk far to see it..

One very popular hike at Arches is the hike to Delicate Arch which is a little over 1 1/2 miles each way. But it is uphill most of the way there and so will take a bit of time. I'm afraid of heights but I managed to do it. 😊 And that's the only way you'll really get to see the beauty of Delicate Arch up close and personal.

I also agree with KD about trying to do a multi-city trip so that you fly into one city and fly out of another. Yes you'll probably have to pay a drop-off fee because of that but given the extra time and gas you would use, I would imagine you would come close to breaking even; at least in time and energy.

And with regards to which airport, I like Salt Lake because I've flown into there a lot and it's been a while since I flew into Las Vegas. But I think either are fine. I would check to see which has the best flights and again I would check into the multi-city fares to see if those are feasible financially.

I think if it were me though I would possibly fly into Salt Lake if you forego the multi-city option. I like Salt Lake City and if you had an extra day or so at the end, it's a nice place to spend some time. It's a very attractive city and there's a lot to see and do there.

I suggest that you research and consider some of Utah's terrific state parks as well as the Big 5 National Parks, many of which rival the NP's but are often overlooked - Fewer crowds and some of the same spectacular scenery you'll find at the more well-known (and much more crowded) locations

It can still be cold in early May. I was in Bryce on May 11th several years ago and there was snow on the ground and a very cold wind. Take warm clothes just in case.

Those are gorgeous parks. We've been to Arches and Bryce multiple times. I agree, consider some time in Canyonlands.

A couple things come to mind. First, you both do not necessarily need the senior pass. I'd pay the $80/ lifetime for one of you. Hiking up the Virgin River (wading) in Zion is quite memorable. You do need to be a bit careful and avoid days with potential for rain, or start "earlyish" in the morning due to the risk of flash flood. I would check at the ranger station the first day you are in Zion and get a recommendation. Its amazing to do and worth the slight hassle.

We were in Bryce at the end of summer and it snowed. It was very cold and very, very beautiful.

All, those parks can be difficult to get campsites. I would check to see where you can reserve sites. Typically the website is Recreation.gov. You likely need to book six months in advance which, I guess, is now. Some parks have sites that are unreservable. If so, they tend to book up early in the day. There are national forest campsites near Arches National Park

There are quite a few really good shorter hikes in each of the three parks. You can get hike information on each park's website.

First, you both do not necessarily need the senior pass. I'd pay the $80/ lifetime for one of you.

Oh, that’s right, Jules. I forgot that only one person with a pass will admit everyone in the car.

The only 'answer/suggestion' I have is to start in Vegas and end in Salt Lake to have the best odds of good weather.

The questions that come to mind:
1- Have you done this sort of travel before?
2- Why a camper van? A one way rental, from a quick look, is $300 per day, plus all the 'consumables'. Doesn't seem to be a (meaningful) money saver
3- If you plan to do a single point in/out flight plan, then whichever has the best combined cost of flights and camper rental would be how I would choose.
4- Have you researched the cost and availability of parking spaces?

In May the crowds should be like a normal weekday in NYC, rather than Times Square on New Year Eve.

Keep in mind the closest airport to Arches is Grand Junction, CO though you won’t get direct flights from NYC. The drive along hwy 128 (after you get off I70) is quite scenic leading into Moab if you fly into GJT.

If you do Arches and Bryce, you will almost surely drive through Capitol Reef NP - could be worth a stop and I know there are some short hikes there. Go to the NP’s website to figure out what is open and what hikes are doable for you. Canyonlands is just a short drive (the Island in the sky section) from Arches and has a great campground that is on a first come basis. If you get there by 9 on a weekday you may have a good chance of snagging a site. The large areas leading to Canyonlands has lots of open camping for RVs etc but it is all out in the open with no shade or privacy if the campgrounds are full. Note - the area around Moab has camping restrictions.

Elevation: canyonlands and I’m assuming Arches are around 6,000 ft, Bryce is over 8,000 ft while Zion is much lower. Hence, pay attention to the weather in Bryce and make sure to enjoy the drive on Hwy 12 from Boulder to Torreys and Capitol Reef

Connecting Zion Bryce and Arches will take you through lovely Capitol Reef.
The state parks are wonderful. Utah Hwy 12 is one of the most scenic roads you will ever drive :
https://capitolreefcountry.com/scenic-byway-12/
Arches and Zion will be busy and probably hot. Bryce is almost 8000 ft. so cooler.
Brad

I agree with Robert's post - Utah has some wonderful state parks so be sure to keep those in mind.

We spent five days in Moab in August 2024 and did Dead Horse Point State Park, the Canyonlands Needles District, and Arches. Goblin Valley State Park and Little Wild Horse Canyon were also on the list but we just didn't have the time (our trip to Moab was a 'bonus' long weekend following a conference in SLC). You'll have twice the time we had but I would caution against planning too much; the distances between parks are considerable and we didn't want to feel like we'd spent more timing driving to places than being in places.

Also in Utah - Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, Kodachrome Basin State Park, Cedar Breaks National Monument, Golden Spike National Historical Park, Northrup Grumman Rocket Garden.

The John M. Browning Firearms Museum in Ogden is interesting