Suggestion:
Day 1, Arrival at Salt Lake Ciy.If your arrives around noon
time, you have half day to see the Mormon Church(if you
already saw too many churches during your European
trips,you may go to see Bingham Canyon Copper Mine,
one of the largest copper mines in the world.
However,the most important thing is to ensure the
rental car you get is in top running condition(if you
don't satisfy, ask for a change. Onced my rental car
broke down about 200 miles away from a major
city,almost spoiling my vacation)
Day 2, On you way to Bryce Canyon NP(clockwise) 270 miles
4.5 hours driving time. If you want to take good
photos you may want to be there either in the early
morning or a few hours before sunset. You can stay
in Zion Lodge,which is the only lodge in the Zion NP.
Day 3, On your way to Lake Powell and Indian Country
Note: from Bryce NP to Zion and then if you want to
Lake Powell via Kanab, you will drive 22 miles from
Mt. Camel Jct. to Zion NP and back. Kanab is a town
that highway 89 leads you either to Grand Cayon North
Rim or Page(Lake Powell). This highland is at least
6000 feet above sea level and it could be cold at
night in early spring time. During the summer, you
have alot of things to do in the Lake Powell area, if
you like watersports a lot. You will see alot of Mesa
type of land formations on your way.You can find the
most famous examples of mesa are around Monument
Valley area.
By the way, if you have enough time, you really should
stay a night each in Bryce Canyon, Zion(or Kanab) and
Page.
Day 4.You have choices to go Grand Canyon NP, south rim or
Monument Valley. If you choose to go both, then you
probably will go to Grand Canyon NP first. You can
stay in the park for a night. You have to drive some
of the roads back and forth for hundreds of miles.
Day 5.On your way to Monument Valley and Four Corner.
If you remember the scenes in the films, such as
"Codetalker","Thelma and Louis" and a lot of John
Wayne's you will see it by yourselves in the Monument
Valley area. Rarely known,the Navajo Indians are the
soveregin nation.
When approaching the Monument Valley, you can see some
very unique land formations from the distance. When
you arrive the tribal park, you suddenly realize you
need a SUV to drive to the inside of the park. Or you
can take a tour by the Indians' open top jeep. The
jeep will ride you on the dirt road into the park.
Obviously, the Navajo people don't want to build a
good road for religious reason, and the other part of
reason I guess - they don't lose a big trunck of tour
business.
Day 6&(7) If you have already been in Four Corners by day 5,
then you can consider Meas Verde NP. Then Drive toward
Arches NP. You can stay in Moab for the night. Taking
Good pictures in Arches needs patient. You probably
will find you need another day for both Arches
NP,Canyonlands NP, and Dead Horse State Park
Day 8 If you want to hike down to the Corolado River in the
Grand Canyon South Rim, this day is reserved for it.
Day 9 If you want to see Natrual Bridge National Monument,
and other remote places, this day is reserved for it.
My personal preference are all in day 1 through day 8.
You may want to be in some places in this list many
times, and go some other places only once in your life
time.
Day 10 Reverved
Day 11 Go home, there is no place like home.