The Route 89 Travel Guide:

Where to Stay, Eat, and Stargaze on the National Park Highway

Looking for the full backstory? Start with Part One: Exploring the National Park Highway to see how this itinerary came together and what kind of traveler it’s designed for.

If you read the story behind my Route 89 dream trip, you know that this road winds through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the United States. But beyond the awe-inspiring scenery, I also wanted to know: Where do you actually stay? What’s worth doing? Where can you eat well as a vegan-ish pescatarian traveler? And most importantly, where will you feel safe, especially as a solo Black traveler?

This guide is packed with exactly that, everything I researched, saved, and mapped out to make this trip feel comfortable, meaningful, and unforgettable.

Day 1–2: Zion National Park (Utah)

Drive: Fly into Las Vegas or St. George and drive ~1 hour to Zion.

Where to Stay:

• Cliffrose Lodge (~$250/night) – A boutique hotel steps from the park entrance with riverside views. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, great for solo travelers.

• Zion Park Motel (~$110/night) – Clean, centrally located, and budget-friendly with mountain views and walkable access to Springdale’s shops and restaurants.

Where to Eat:

• Oscar’s Café – Friendly staff and inclusive vibes. Try the veggie burrito or fish tacos.

• Spotted Dog Café – Upscale casual with a great wine list and standout trout and salmon dishes.

• Switchback Grille – More formal but worth it for beautifully prepared seafood and fresh mountain views.

• Cafe Soleil – A cozy, counter-service spot offering smoothies, fish wraps, and vegan snacks with a view.

What to Do:

• Hike Angels Landing (permit required; breathtaking views)

• Hike The Narrows through the Virgin River (gear rentals available from Zion Adventure Company)

• Scenic Drive through Zion Canyon

• Zipline with Zion Adventure Company

• Canyoneering tours for high-adrenaline slot canyon exploration

Day 3: Bryce Canyon National Park (Utah)

Drive: 1.5 hours from Zion to Bryce.

Where to Stay:

• Bryce Glamping – Geodesic domes with star-view panels (~$180–$250/night)

• Under Canvas Bryce Canyon – Safari tents with luxury touches and nightly campfires (~$250–$350/night)

• The Hillside House at Tropic (~$130–$160/night) – A charming, highly rated guesthouse 15 minutes from the park with beautiful views, private patios, and thoughtful touches. A peaceful, elevated alternative to roadside motels.

Where to Eat:

• Stone Hearth Grille (Tropic, UT) – Farm-to-table with scenic views

• Bryce Canyon Pines Restaurant – Known for trout, soups, and hearty home-style meals

• IDK Barbecue – A casual spot for smoky flavors and solid fish sandwich options

• Showdowns Restaurant – Rustic setting with grilled salmon and rotating fish specials

What to Do:

• Hike the Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail

• Sunrise at Bryce Point (best light for photos)

• Stargazing. Bryce is a certified Dark Sky Park

Day 4–5: Capitol Reef National Park (Utah)

Drive: 2 hours from Bryce to Capitol Reef.

Where to Stay:

• The Wildland Dome – Panoramic dome with a private firepit (~$150–$200/night)

• Capitol Reef Resort – Teepees and cabins with red rock views (~$250/night)

• Broken Spur Inn (~$130–$160/night) – Rustic and well-reviewed, with on-site dining and close proximity to the park entrance.

Where to Eat:

• The Rim Rock Restaurant – Simple menu, but strong views and kind service

• Cafe Diablo – Southwestern dishes with grilled trout and unique vegetarian options

• Gifford Homestead – Known for fresh pies and homemade snacks, great for a picnic stop

What to Do:

• Pick seasonal fruit at Fruita Orchards

• Hike Hickman Bridge Trail

• Drive the Scenic Drive or Cathedral Valley

• Go horseback riding through the canyon

• Try guided rock climbing experiences for thrill-seekers

Day 6: Arches National Park (Utah)

Drive: 2.5 hours from Capitol Reef to Arches.

Where to Stay:

• Red Cliffs Lodge – Riverside lodge with mountain views (~$250/night)

• Moab Under Canvas – Glam tent camping with dark skies and safety in mind (~$200–$300/night)

• Expedition Lodge (~$140–$170/night) – Retro-modern budget stay with outdoor pool, great location, and strong reviews for cleanliness and service.

Where to Eat:

• Moab Garage Co. – Great coffee and pescatarian-friendly bites

• 98 Center – Creative vegetarian, vegan, and Asian-fusion with fish specials

• Sabaku Sushi – Fresh sushi in the desert with rolls and fish-forward small plates

• Desert Bistro – Upscale spot with locally sourced trout and seasonal seafood entrées

What to Do:

• Hike Delicate Arch (sunset is peak time)

• Visit Double Arch and Windows Section

• Take a sunset hot air balloon ride

• Book a guided UTV tour of Hell’s Revenge Trail for off-road excitement

Day 7: Canyonlands National Park (Utah)

Drive: 30 minutes from Moab.

Where to Stay:

Stay in Moab at Red Cliffs Lodge, Under Canvas, or Expedition Lodge (~$140–$170/night) – a budget-friendly option with solid amenities and good access to Canyonlands.

Where to Eat:

• Desert Bistro – Upscale and inclusive, great for a wind-down dinner

• Antica Forma – Wood-fired pizza and hearty Mediterranean options with fish and veggie selections

What to Do:

• Sunrise at Mesa Arch

• Visit Grand View Point Overlook

• Go paragliding with Redtail Air Adventures for epic aerial views

Day 8–9: Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming)

Drive: ~7 hours from Moab (consider stopping in Salt Lake City for lunch at Red Iguana, a Black-owned gem).

Where to Stay:

• The Lexington at Jackson Hole (~$275/night) – Modern but cozy and safe

• Fireside Resort (~$250–$300/night) – Chic, private cabins

• Flat Creek Inn (~$140–$180/night) – Directly across from the National Elk Refuge, offers clean and affordable lodging with mountain views.

Where to Eat:

• Gather – Locally sourced food in a friendly setting

• Trio: An American Bistro – Pan-seared trout and rotating seasonal fish plates

• Cafe Genevieve – Rustic-chic with hearty brunch options and smoked trout

• The Kitchen – Elevated dining with sustainable seafood and clean, modern flavors

What to Do:

• Sunset at Oxbow Bend

• Hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point

• Scenic Snake River float trip

• Try whitewater rafting on the Snake River for added thrill

Day 10: Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming)

Drive: 1.5 hours from Grand Teton to Yellowstone.

Where to Stay:

• Explorer Cabins at Yellowstone (~$200/night) – Great for solo travelers

• Under Canvas Yellowstone (~$250–$350/night) – Luxury glamping with privacy

• Kelly Inn West Yellowstone (~$130–$160/night) – Budget-friendly, clean, and close to the west entrance with reliable comfort and friendly staff.

Where to Eat:

• Wild West Pizzeria – Friendly, casual spot for pizza and conversation

• The Buffalo Bar – Casual with surprisingly solid trout and fish tacos

• Cafe Madriz – Cozy tapas-style dining with seafood-forward small plates

• The Branch Restaurant & Bar – Inside Holiday Inn, but solid seasonal salmon and great service

What to Do:

• Watch Old Faithful erupt

• See Grand Prismatic Spring and Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

• Consider a scenic helicopter tour to close the trip in awe

• Book a wildlife safari tour through Lamar Valley for unforgettable close-ups

Best Time to Go

Late spring (May–early June) and early fall (September–October) are the sweet spots. You’ll enjoy milder weather, fewer crowds, and prime stargazing conditions. Summer is popular but can be hot and very crowded, especially at Arches and Zion. Winter brings unique beauty but also road closures in higher elevation parks.

Estimated Trip Costs (Per Person for 9–10 Days)

Budget-Friendly

• Lodging: ~$1,300 (avg. $130/night)

• Meals: ~$300 (simple restaurants, groceries)

• Activities: ~$200 (mostly hiking, a few tours)

• Transportation: ~$400 (rental car + gas)

• Total: ~$2,200

Mid-Range Comfort

• Lodging: ~$2,200 (avg. $220/night)

• Meals: ~$500 (mix of casual + upscale)

• Activities: ~$400 (guided hikes, float trips, balloon ride)

• Transportation: ~$450 (rental car + gas)

• Total: ~$3,550

Luxury Adventure

• Lodging: ~$3,500+ (glamping, high-end lodges)

• Meals: ~$800 (fine dining + extras)

• Activities: ~$800 (helicopter tour, paragliding, whitewater rafting)

• Transportation: ~$500 (premium rental + gas)

• Total: ~$5,600+

Note: These are estimates and vary based on travel dates, group size, and personal preferences.

Final Tips for the Route 89 Traveler

• Book accommodations early if traveling spring through fall

• Pack layers. Desert temps can drop at night

• Solo travelers: pick places known for kindness and community

• Consider timed entry reservations for popular parks like Arches

• New moon = best stargazing

Ready for the ultimate adventure?

In Fall of 2026, SoulShine Travels is planning a guided group trip along this very Route 89 itinerary. That means the logistics are handled, the vibes are curated, and you get to experience these breathtaking parks with a group of like-minded travelers. From stargazing in a dome at Bryce Canyon to floating past the Tetons, this trip is designed to be awe-inspiring, welcoming, and unforgettable—especially for solo travelers and those craving deeper connection with nature and community.

Prefer to go your own way? Whether you're flying solo, planning a girls’ trip, or just need help fine-tuning your plans, I’d love to help you build something beautiful.

Let’s illuminate your journey.