Help me optimize my Utah road trip (Moab - Bryce - Zion - Vegas, early November)

Hi guys!

I’ll be doing a Utah road trip this upcoming week, November (Nov 1–9) and wanted to share my full plan to get some advice from locals or anyone who’s done a similar route. I’m traveling solo, driving a regular car, and planning to mix hotels and one night of car camping for stargazing

My plan:

Saturday, Nov 1: Salt Lake City → Moab (~4 hrs) • Leave SLC around 10:00 AM • Stop once in Green River for lunch (~1:00 PM, Ray’s Tavern) • Arrive in Moab around 3:30–4:00 PM, check in at Field Station Moab • Drive into Arches NP around 4:30 PM • Short stops at Balanced Rock / Windows Section • Sunset at Delicate Arch (~6:00 PM) head back for dinner in town, sleep in Moab

Sunday, Nov 2: Full day in Arches + Dead Horse Point • Start early (~6:30–7:00 AM) to catch the soft morning light in Arches • Cover main highlights: Park Avenue, Windows, Double Arch, Sand Dune Arch, Landscape Arch • Back to Moab around noon for brunch • Afternoon: drive to Dead Horse Point State Park (~40 min) • Sunset there if it looks good; otherwise head back to Moab

Monday, Nov 3: Canyonlands NP (Island in the Sky) + Camping night • Morning: drive north to Canyonlands (Mesa Arch, Grand View Point, Green River Overlook) • Afternoon: light hike (Murphy Point or Upheaval Dome) • Late afternoon: head to Willow Flat Campground (inside Canyonlands) for car camping under true dark skies • No water/electricity, so I’ll bring everything needed. • Goal: real dark-sky experience and peaceful night.

Tuesday, Nov 4: Drive west toward Bryce Canyon (~5 hrs) • Wake up at sunrise, coffee with view ☕ • Drive out from Willow Flat toward Hanksville → maybe stop briefly at Goblin Valley if time allows • Continue to Bryce Canyon area (arrive mid/late afternoon) • Check in at a lodge in Tropic or Bryce Canyon City (still deciding) • Evening: rest, maybe short scenic stop for sunset.

Still don’t know where I should stop in Bryce to sleep the night..

Wednesday, Nov 5: Explore Bryce Canyon NP (needs tips!) • Sunrise at Sunrise Point or Bryce Point • Hike the Navajo Loop + Queen’s Garden Trail (about 2 hours) • Drive the scenic road (Rainbow Point, Inspiration Point, Natural Bridge) • Late afternoon: head southwest to Zion area (~2 hrs) • Check in at The Red Cliffs Lodge Zion, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel • Dinner + rest.

Thursday, Nov 6: Zion National Park • Early shuttle into Zion • Attempt Angels Landing (trying to get a permit for this day) • If no permit, alternate plan: Observation Point or Canyon Overlook Trail • Relax in the afternoon and enjoy the lodge.

Friday, Nov 7: Zion - Las Vegas (~2.5 hrs) • Morning walk in Zion (Riverside Walk or Emerald Pools) • Leave around noon - arrive in Vegas around 4:00-5:00 PM • Spend the weekend in downtown Vegas at Circa resort (Fremont street) (Fri–Sun nights).

Questions / Looking for advice:

1. I want to do one night of car camping under a true dark sky — currently leaning toward Willow Flat Campground (Canyonlands). Would you recommend that, or is Horseshoe Canyon or somewhere closer to my westward route better?

2. For Bryce Canyon, what’s your favorite place to stay around Bryce?

3. In Bryce NP, are Navajo Loop + Queen’s Garden the best first-timer hike, or is there another must-do you’d recommend for one full day?

4. Overall, does this itinerary seem balanced (not too rushed)? Any obvious spots you’d tweak or add along the way?

Thanks a ton in advance 🙏 I’d love any feedback on the route, camping spots, restaurants along the way/ nice stops or small hidden gems between Moab - Bryce - Zion- Vegas!