Id suggest the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR to save some cash. Be careful not to overspend on fancy gear before your big trip actually starts!

Building on the earlier suggestion, honestly you really need to think about that 45.7-megapixel sensor because it is a total beast! If you want the absolute best image quality for those Utah arches, the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR is the undisputed king. Its basically glued to my D850 most of the time because the edge-to-edge sharpness is just insane! Here is why I think you should go for it over the f/4 version:

• Resolution matching: That sensor will show any blur or softness, and this lens is specifically built to handle high-res data without falling apart at the edges.
• Low light: Even though you are doing landscapes, having that f/2.8 for dawn or dusk in the canyons is a total lifesaver without cranking your ISO too high.
• Build quality: Utah gets super dusty and windy, and the weather sealing on this thing is amazing. It can take a beating! If the price tag is too scary, definitely look for a used copy on a reputable site! You can often find them for way less than retail and they hold their value forever. If you really want that extra reach tho, the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR is a fantastic second choice and way lighter for hiking. Just remember that f/4 might feel a bit limiting if you are shooting street stuff as the sun goes down. Seriously though, you are gonna have a blast in Utah, the light there is just magical! Let me know if you need more spec comparisons, I love geeking out on this stuff.

Had a moment to think about this. Are you planning on doing any night shots or is this just for day hiking?

• Just go with any solid Nikon zoom and you cant go wrong.
• Brand name equipment is always safer and more reliable for big trips like this.
• I am super satisfied with my setup because it just works well every time without any complaints.

Honestly, stick with your gut on the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR! I dragged mine through a literal sandstorm in Moab last year and the weather sealing is absolutely legendary. You do NOT want to be swapping lenses when that fine red dust is blowing around, trust me. People obsess over the f/2.8 but for Utah landscapes youre gonna be stopped down to f/8 or f/11 anyway to get that deep depth of field. Plus the extra reach at 120mm is fantastic for compression on those distant mesas! That 45.7mp sensor is hungry for sharp glass, and while the 24-70 is technically sharper in the corners, the Nano Crystal Coat on the f/4 does an amazing job at handling ghosting when the sun is low in the frame. The 4-stop VR is a total lifesaver when youre tired from hiking and trying to snag a handheld shot at 1/15th of a second. Its basically built for this exact trip. TL;DR: Grab the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR. The focal range and rugged build are way more useful for Utah hiking than the extra stop of light.