A Utah national parks road trip (referred to as the Mighty 5 road trip) is not only iconic, but is often considered one of the most scenic drives in the entire world.
So buckle in, my friends, because today we are planning the ultimate Utah road trip and you won’t want to miss it! Because a road trip through Utah’s national parks will take you into the very heart of America’s red rock country — which is otherworldly and nothing short of spectacular.
I took this trip last summer and learned so much during my time in Utah’s national parks.
Today I’m spilling all the beans by sharing my favorite hikes, vistas and photography spots with you. I’ll also cover lodging and food options, because no one likes a hungry hiker. Right? 😉
Read on for everything you need to know about the the ultimate Utah national parks road trip. I hope you enjoy!
Quick Tip: You know I’m a stickler for wearing sunscreen, remember to pack it with! I swear by this sunscreen, I discovered it in France and now buy it in bulk. You’ll never catch me without it!
Utah National Parks Road Trip (The Mighty 5)
In this article we will cover:
- What is the Mighty 5 road trip?
- Best time to take a Utah national parks road trip
- Utah road trip one-week Itinerary
- Arches National Park information
- Canyonlands National Park information
- Bryce Canyon National Park information
- Capitol Reef National Park information
- Zion National Park information
- How long does the Utah national parks road trip take?
- Mighty 5 hiking tips
- Where to start and end the Utah national park road trip
What is the Mighty 5 Road Trip anyway?
When you hear people mention the “Mighty 5 Road Trip” they are referring to a road trip that covers all five of Utah’s national parks: Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef and Zion.
Most folks fly into Salt Lake City or Las Vegas. Upon arrival, you can either drive directly to Arches National Park or Zion National Park. We started with Arches and ended with Zion, but some folks do the reverse — the route is completely up to you!
During our trip my husband and I kept running into the same people at all of the same national parks, seems like most folks follow the same path so chances are good that you’ll run into the same folks at all the parks too — it makes for some fun conversations!
Note: A lot of folks have asked if a 4×4 vehicle is required for a road trip through Utah’s national parks. We took this road trip in our Prius! So it’s safe to say that the itinerary below is accessible to folks without 4×4 vehicles. Hope this helps, but please don’t hesitate to reach out with question, I’m here to help!
Best time to take a Utah national parks road trip
A Utah road trip will take you deep into the heart of desert country. Theoretically, you can take this road trip any time of year, but since most of the national parks are best explored by foot, I suggest taking the Utah national parks road trip when the temperatures are mild.
As such, I highly recommend taking your Utah road trip during the spring months (April through May) and fall (September through October) because the temperatures are mild (warm during the day and cool at night) and there’s less crowds since families don’t travel as often when school is in session.
Best months to take Utah national parks road trip:
Spring: Mild temperatures during the day but chilly nights, mostly snow-free trails and semi-crowded. Spring is my go-to season for visiting Utah’s national parks.
Summer: I would avoid taking a road trip to Utah’s national parks during the summer months because the crowds are as intense (kids out of school) as the summer heat (not uncommon to temperatures to hit 100°F). If you’re bold enough to take the Utah road trip during summer, make sure to pack your trusty backpack and stock up on snacks and water.
Fall: As mentioned earlier, autumn is also a great time to take the Utah national parks road trip because the temperatures are mild during the day so you can hike to your heart’s content.
Winter: Most folks assume that the desert is warm year-round, but that is not so! If you take the Utah road trip during winter you can expect snow galore and freezing temperatures. Park roads may close due to snowy conditions as well, so I suggest skipping a Utah national parks road trip during winter.
In sum, the best months to take a Utah national parks road trip are April thru May and September through October.
Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary
Mighty 5 Road Trip One-Week Itinerary
My husband films national parks for a living so we normally spend a lot of time exploring America’s national parks. In doing so, we are able to gain a better appreciation to these natural wonders and find ourselves in a unique position to share the best these parks have to offer.
This Utah national parks road trip itinerary is no different! We will cover the spots you absolutely can’t miss, in addition to our personal favorites. We actively seek solitude in national parks, so I’ll be sure to pepper some tips and suggestions throughout.
- Day 1: Drive to Arches National Park from Las Vegas (5 hours) or Salt Lake City (3.5 hours)
- Day 2: Explore Arches National Park
- Day 3: Drive to and explore Canyonlands National Park (30-minutes) then drive to Capitol Reef National Park (2.5 hours)
- Day 4: Explore Capitol Reef National Park
- Day 5: Drive to and explore Bryce Canyon National Park (2 hours)
- Day 6: Drive to and explore Zion National Park (1.5 hours)
- Day 7: Drive back to Las Vegas (3 hours) or Salt Lake City (4.5 hours)
How long does the Utah national parks road trip take?
Utah’s national parks are glorious! As such, I suggest spending a minimum of 7 days driving through Utah’s national parks — seriously, it would be a disservices to spend less time exploring this area!
Based on my personal experience, 7 days is the ideal length of time to absorb the best national parks in Utah. To that end, this Utah national parks itinerary spans 1,100 miles and 19 hours of driving. But I promise it’s worth the effort because the memories will last a lifetime.
What’s more, if your schedule is flexible (limited vacation days, I tell you!) — try to add on an extra two days and visit the Valley of Fire State Park and Escalante during your Utah road trip. There really is so much to explore in Utah, don’t rush the experience!
Stop #1. Arches National Park
Arches National Park is the one Utah national park I could return to 100 times without losing an ounce of excitement — it’s downright breathtaking! One thing that caught me by surprise is the size of the park (it’s much smaller than I realized). As a result, most of the trails can be hiked in one day, although crowds are all but guaranteed.
Highlights: This is a great intro park for the Mighty 5 road trip because it offers the best of everything — red rocks, massive arches, panoramic views and amazing hiking trails.
Best things to do in Arches National Park:
- Catch sunrise at Delicate Arch (well worth the early wake up call, believe me)
- Hike the Devils Garden trail to Landscape Arch
- Hike Park Avenue
- Visit Turret Arch
Time Needed: 1-2 days. Arches can be done in 1 day if you’re willing to hustle through, but I personally recommend two days to catch sunset (desert sunsets are hard to beat), experience sunrise, and stargaze for a night.
Crowd Sizes: 8/10. Arches is a very popular national park due to its proximity to the popular town of Moab, Utah. Arches will probably be the second most crowded park you’ll visit during your road trip through Utah’s national parks — for good reason!
Restaurants near Arches National Park:
There’s no restaurants inside of Arches National Park, so you’ll need to venture out for your meals (unless you bring your own food with you). My favorite restaurant options below:
- Love Muffin Cafe (banh mi!)
- Moab Brewery (the best!)
- Moab Garage Co.
- Jailhouse Cafe
Lodging near Arches National Park:
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Moab
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott
Further Reading: The 12 BEST Hikes in Arches National Park
Stop #2. Canyonlands National Park
The landscape in Canyonlands National Park is other-worldly, so you can’t afford to miss this during your grand Utah national parks adventure!
We’re talking expansive stretches of deep canyons as far as the eye can see in every direction – reminiscent of the mesmerizing landscape of the Grand Canyon. (P.S. I added the North Rim of the Grand Canyon as an extension to my road trip through Utah’s national parks, you can read more here).
Canyonlands National Park is sectioned off into 3 separate areas: Needles District, Maze District and Island in the Sky District. Of these three areas, Island in the Sky is by far the most visited due to its close proximity to Arches National Park (only 30 minutes by car).
If you’re in the mood for solitude (who can blame you?), head to the Needles District of the Maze District for striking landscapes ripe for exploration and less crowds. Heads up, these areas are more remote so make sure to prepare accordingly — no one anticipates a flat tire!
Heads up: One thing that surprised me about the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National park is the lack of hiking trails available. Most folks that road trip through Utah’s national parks swing by Island in the Sky so if you find yourself in the same boat just know that hiking options are limited. However, the viewpoints are worth writing home about!
Best things to do in Canyonlands National Park (Island in the Sky District):
- Catch sunrise at Mesa Arch (super famous spot, expect crowds)
- Visit Shafer Canyon Overlook
- Drive the Grand View Point Road
- Visit Green River Overlook
Time Needed: Based on my experience, due to the limited amount of hiking trails, I would argue that the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park is great for expansive vistas and breathtaking overlooks, but doesn’t offer too much in terms of hikes. If you want to stretch your legs, I suggest hiking the Grand View Point trail (2 miles).
Crowd Sizes: 4/10. The park was not crowded at all during most of our visit. The exception being sunrise at Mesa Arch – wherein in felt like half of Utah showed up for the spectacle! Hard to blame them though, it was spectacular and shouldn’t be missed. There’s nothing better than a desert sunrise, is there?
Restaurants near Canyonlands National Park:
- Love Muffin Cafe (banh mi!)
- Moab Brewery (the best!)
- Moab Garage Co.
- Jailhouse Cafe
Lodging near Canyonlands National Park:
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Moab
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott
Stop #3. Capitol Reef National Park
For those of you asking, my hat is from here.
Of all the natural wonders we visited during our Utah national parks road trip, Capitol Reef National Park was the one that surprised me most. For the life of me, I can’t understand why this park is so underrated. But hey! You won’t find me complaining.
Highlights: We enjoyed our time at Capitol Reef National Park so much that we tacked on an extra day for a few more hikes. That’s how lovely the landscape is, so if you’re taking the Mighty 5 road trip, don’t make the mistake of glancing over this park.
What’s more, Capitol Reef National Park has historic fruit orchards — imagine visiting the park during the spring months when the blushing trees are sporting their best spring blooms.
But wait, it gets better. You know what they do with the fruit from these orchards? They make pie! Yep, you read that right. You can get a home-made pie from a little bakery by the campsite (Gifford Farm) with fruit from the orchards. Pies sell out quickly, so come early.
Best things to do in Capitol Reef National Park:
I LOVED every trail we hiked at Capitol Reef National Park. Sunsets and sunrises were incredible because reaching the viewpoints required little effort and provided unbelievable panoramic views of the valley floor.
- Get a slice of pie at Gifford Farm
- Petroglyph Panel
- Hickman Bridge
- Hike the Cassidy Arch Trail
- The Wash
Time Needed: 1 full day, hike every trail you can get your hands (feet?) on, you’ll have a blast!
Crowd Sizes: 5/10. With fewer crowds than the other national parks in Utah, Capitol Reef was a very welcome reprieve. We only ran into 2-4 folks on each hike, we loved the lack of crowds!
Restaurants near Capitol Reef National Park:
- Slackers Pizza (the Mediterranean pizza is great!)
- Castlerock Coffee
- Capitol Burger
Lodging near Capitol Reef National Park:
- Austin’s Chuckwagon
- Capitol Reef Resort
Read more: The 7 BEST Hikes at Capitol Reef National Park
Stop #4. Bryce Canyon National Park
The next stop on the ultimate Utah National Park road trip will take you to Bryce Canyon National Park. The hoodoo covered landscape is unbelievable and you can hike right up to these beauties to take in their imposing heights and grandeur up close.
If you’re willing to brave an early wake up call, you can find some solitude before the crowds roll in. Just make sure to bring a jacket during the early morning hours because we were freezing!
Highlights: We hiked the Navajo Loop Trail during our visit and holy cow – it’s easily one of our top 5 favorite hikes in the country. I don’t think I’ve ever heard so many people say “wow” in such a short span of time. I’m sure you’ll love the trail as well, there’s nothing like it!
Best things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park
- Hike Navajo Loop Trail (it’s unbelievable!)
- Catch sunrise at Inspiration Point
- Check out the Ruby Inn General Store
Time Needed: One day will suffice. Bryce Canyon National Park isn’t very large so the highlights can easily be seen in one day.
Crowd Sizes: 7/10. This is a very popular park and since it’s on the smaller side, you’re bound to run into crowds.
Restaurants near Bryce Canyon National Park:
- Ruby’s Inn Restaurant
- The lodge at Bryce Canyon
- Bryce Canyon Coffee Company
- Stone Hearth Grill
Lodging near Bryce Canyon National Park:
- The Lodge at Bryce Canyon (within the park)
- Best Western at Ruby’s Inn
Read: Best Hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park
Stop #5. Zion National Park
For this grand Utah national parks road trip, I’m definitely saving the best stop for last! As much as I hate to admit it, Zion National Park is completely worth the hype. It’s no wonder that it’s the 4th most visited national park in America.
Highlights: We learned the hard way that the Zion Shuttle is the lifeline of this national park. You can’t get into the most scenic portion of Zion National Park without the shuttle. We hopped on the 7am option and avoided the crowds for the most part. And even with an early morning wake up, it was completely worth it.
All the information you need about the Zion Shuttle can be found here.
I can’t wait to return to Zion National Park and spend more time exploring this glorious natural wonder. There’s no place in the world quite like it, that’s for sure. Heads up: The Narrows and Angel’s Landing were closed during our visit — all the more reason to return! 😉
Best things to do in Zion National Park
- Hike to Observation Point
- Explore the Narrows
- Hike Angel’s Landing Trail (the most iconic hike in the park)
Time Needed: 2 full days, ride the shuttle one day and hike around the other parts of the park during the second day. Zion National Park is incredible, soak it in and don’t rush the experience. You’ll be thinking of this place for years to come!
Crowd Sizes: 10/10. Zion National Park is as crowded as it gets, my friends (the shuttle system tells you all you need to know about the park’s popularity). Zion is incredible and people know it. Show up early (before 8am) to avoid the crowds, otherwise prepare to wait in long lines.
Restaurants near Zion National Park:
Sprindale is a small charming town that abuts Zion National Park and worth a visit. It’s full of restaurants and cafes. However, food options aren’t very affordable, but still manageable. If you’re on a budget you can pick up some food at the local grocery store and make your own meal.
- Spotted Dog Cafe
- Whiptail Grill
- Oscar’s Cafe
- Deep Creek Coffee Co.
Lodging near Zion National Park:
- Zion Lodge
- Watchman Campground
- Best Western Plus Zion Canyon Inn and Suites
Stunning Video on Zion National Park
Here’s another film my husband created, this one is about our time exploring Zion National Park, hope you enjoy!
Utah National Parks Road Trip (Video)
Want a glimpse into Utah’s otherworldly landscape from the comforts of home? Check out the (award-winning) video below! It’s a collaboration between my husband and the US Forest Service on the Dixie National Forest (the forest touches three of Utah’s national parks). The project is called More Than Just Forests, if you’re interested in learning more.
Mighty 5 Road Trip Hiking Tips
America the Beautiful Pass
- All national parks charge an admission fee for a 7 day pass (typically $30). The cheapest route is to purchase an annual pass for $80 and you will have access to ALL national Parks for an entire year, plus 2,000 recreational sites throughout the US.
Practice Leave No Trace
- If you’re unfamiliar with Leave No Trace, it’s a set of guidelines to ensure you’re being a good steward of the land. You can read about the seven principals of Leave No Trace here.
Water, water, water
- Never underestimate how easily you may become dehydrated in the desert. Plan for 1 gallon of water per person, per day. Water stations are available at some popular trailheads, but bring your own to be prepared.
Crowds
- Utah’s national parks get millions of visitors a year. Expect crowds regardless of the month you visit. The best solution? Start early (sunrise is stunning!) to get a slight chance of solitude before the crowds start rolling in.
Temperature shifts
- We were boiling in Zion National Park, yet found ourselves freezing at Bryce Canyon. The weather is unpredictable in the desert and we weren’t adequately prepared for the massive temperature shifts. Bring layers and an insulated jacket, you won’t regret it!
Sunscreen, layers and hats
- The sun is intense and shade is minimal. I can’t tell you how many folks I saw nursing sunburns at the end of the day. Carry sunscreen and apply liberally.
- I swear by this sunscreen, I discovered it in France and now buy it in bulk. You’ll never catch me without it!
Stay on the trail
- Respect the abundance of life around you and stay on the trails to avoid harming fragile plants and animal habitat. Leave plants, rocks and artifacts where they are – it is illegal to remove anything from the park.
Wear hiking boots with good traction
- These are my hiking boots and I’d sleep in them if I could.
Hiking with pups
- Dogs are NOT allowed on trails or overlooks. I can’t tell you how many times we’ve seen hikers prep their cute pups for a hike before a ranger notices and tells them dogs aren’t allowed on trails – heartbreaking to watch.
Where to start (and end) the Utah national parks road trip
As with most things in life, you can start and end wherever you’d like. Didn’t mean to get too deep on you there but what I’m trying to say is that the ultimate Utah national parks road trip is completely up to you!
To start your grand Utah national parks road trip, there two most common airports to choose from are Las Vegas and Salt Lake City. I suggest flying into Salt Lake City because the overall route will be shorter, but some folks prefer flying into Las Vegas because flights are often cheaper and you can score a deal on rental cars.
In any case, to make your research a little easier, below is the suggested route, drive time and total mileage for for the two most common starting points for the Utah national parks road trip.
Las Vegas Airport
- Total drive time for entire trip through Utah’s national parks: 20 hours
- Total mileage (excluding drives within Utah’s national parks): 1,200
Utah National Parks Road Trip Map
Salt Lake City Airport
- Total drive time for entire trip through Utah’s national parks: 18.5 hours
- Total mileage (excluding drives within Utah’s national parks): 1,100
Final Thoughts on the ultimate Utah National Parks Road Trip
And there you have it, a road trip through Utah’s national parks is an experience that will last a lifetime! If you feel like I missed anything or would like to add your two cents, leave a comment below, always happy to hear from you.
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Until next time,
Antonina
Wow! I LOVE your blog! Thanks for taking the time to write such a helpful post, great tips and info. I’m thinking about doing the Mighty 5 road trip next spring and will refer to this guide often.
By the way, your photos are the best I’ve seen, seriously!!
P.S. The sunscreen you recommend is SO good, I use it too and can’t live without it!
Thank you Annie! I enjoyed writing it! 🙂 Glad you found it helpful.
Thanks for the info headed out there next October. Renting a small RV will have 8 days. Thanks again for the information and videos
What a great post – we are planning to do the same trip in April. Was a SUV required or would a minivan be ok? Thanks!
Thank you, Anne!
We used our Prius and had a blast! A minivan will work perfectly. 🙂
I hope you enjoy your trip!
What is your recommendation for lodging each evening?
Hi Matt,
Do you plan to spend a night in each park? Or will you do half-day trips in certain areas? Let me know and I’ll send over a list of my favorite hotels/campsites for the parks you’ll be staying in. Thanks!
I am planning a trip in May of 2022. Could you please send me your recommendations of your favorite campsites and favorite stops? We will be vacationing in an RV. Thanks!
Thank you for sharing your experience! Did you get to experience seeing the Milky Way?
Hi TL,
We visited during a full moon, so we didn’t get to see the milky way this time. However, my husband did get to experience the milky way during a previous trip (and he even created a video about it, you can find it here.)
Love your blog! I’m a solo female traveler. Are the hikes you mentioned safe for a “solo”? Any other tips? Thanks so much!
Hi Toni,
I would feel 100% comfortable hiking all the trails mentioned here solo. These parks are pretty well visited, so you’re going to be hiking alongside families with small kids, couples and retirees.
Since you’re traveling solo, just make sure to bring double the amount of water you think you’ll need. I was glad to hike with my husband because I always ran out of water and it was nice to share his. So, if you’re going solo, that’s my biggest tip!
Happy hiking!
Antonina
Amazing post! Thank you so much! If we hit the Grand Canyon, too, would your airport recommendation change at all? Trying to minimize drive time!
Hey Valerie!
I’d suggest Flagstaff because it’s the closest, but rental cars are MUCH cheaper from Vegas (for what it’s worth). 😉
Thank you so much for this very informative post. We plan to go in April. How is the drive? Zigzag? Ravine?
April is a great time to visit! The drive is standard, pretty easy and nothing crazy. Is there a particular park you’re referring to?
Thank you for the amazing information and so helpful! We are doing our girls trip I September and def using this information!
My husband and I plan to go to Vegas on Feb 21 and drive to all of parks. Do you suggest saving Zion for last? We have 6 days to hike/sightsee.
Is there good mountain biking anywhere? We are moderate bikers.
Thanks!
Hi Annemarie,
Sounds like you have a fun trip planned! If you’re flying into Vegas, I suggest starting with Zion because it”s so close!
If you’re into mountain biking, you simply can’t miss the trails in Moab. It’s where I first learned to mountain bike and it was absolutely incredible!
I LOVE this post! So much helpful information, I can only imagine how long this took to write — thank you for sharing!
Also, your outfits are so adventurous and cute!
Ann
Thank you Ann! 🙂
Hello,
I so appreciate your blog! We are traveling out to Utah in July with a 17, 18, and 20-year old. I am the most enthusiastic about this trip and want to make it memorable. We are going to start in Utah and end in Vegas. Do you have suggestions for hotels and side activities (rafting, horse back riding etc)?
Thanks so much in advance!
Colleen
Hey Colleen,
This sounds like a great time! I’m sure your kids will love it! I added information about hotels near all the national parks on the list. As for additional activities, I suggest swinging by Ranger Stations and asking for advice — they can help you figure out the best activities for your family based on interests and age. We saw folks horseback riding at Bryce Canyon National Park and plan to sign up for that next time around.
We are planning to visit the Mighty 5 in April 2021 when we leave the Surprise, AZ area. What itinerary would you suggest driving from the south into the Mighty 5 and then we will continue to our home in South Dakota.
Hi K,
This sounds like a GREAT road trip!! For your specific itinerary, I suggest starting with Zion National Park and following that route! Let me know if any questions come to mind.
P.S. South Dakota has some mesmerizing landscapes.
Thanks for this! We are going end of March – beginning of April. Starting in Moab and working our way west. We only have hotel reservations in Moab. Do you think we need them in the other areas or can we wing it?
Hi Beth,
In your shoes, I would book in advance because I think a lot of folks are eager to visit national parks this spring and summer. Just to be safe — I say pre-book. 😉
Good article but your summation of Canyonlands is so inaccurate. It is definitely not an overlook-only park. This National Park probably has more mileage of trails than the other parks combined!
Hi Hannah,
Thanks for the feedback! The portion of Canyonlands closest to Arches is mostly viewpoints and vistas. And you are correct, the other parts of Canyonlands National Park are ripe for exploration and hiking, I agree! I wanted to be transparent with folks about our experience at Canyonlands because I think most folks visit the section of the park we visited during a road trip to the Mighty 5.
But yes — I agree, the other parts of Canyonlands are INCREDIBLE for hiking! I’m eager to go back and hike as many trails as I can! 🙂
Thanks for all the Utah Parks info. I am researching this trip for May-June 2021. I have found for us, the best plans are to fly into Grand Junction,CO, start at Arches/Moab. Then work our way down to Zion and fly home from Las Vegas. Actually better airfare than Salt lake City and cheaper car rental as well. Plus Grand Junction is very close to Arches.
Great tips, thank you for sharing with everyone!
I we are going to Zion in April- do you think we will have troubles with snow melt off off and trails being closed or too slippery? What about the narrows?
Would you include Lake Powell in with our week trip of the Mighty 5?
We are so excited to head west from Michigan!
Hi Denise,
Thanks for stopping in! I hear great things about Michigan’s natural beauty. My husband did some filming in the UP for the Forest Service earlier this year and has not stopped raving about it.
Zion should be lovely in April – only thing to worry about there is rain but that is always unpredictable no matter what time you visit. The park only sees snow in the Kolob Canyon area and it melts off fast (usually within hours).
Angels Landing has re-opened from COVID closures. The Weeping Rock area does not look like it will be open anytime soon due to parts of the trails there being destroyed by a rock fall last year which is a bummer but there’s still plenty to do. The Narrows are open now and should remain open despite a toxic algae bloom. The toxic algae bloom hopefully will have died off by then – fingers crossed! The thing to keep in mind for a bloom (the park sees them all too often these days) is if you’ve got open cuts on your legs or feet you shouldn’t do the hike. Don’t bring furry friends (dogs). And don’t go diving in head first!
Regarding Lake Powell, it depends on how much time you’ve got. Most folks do the trip either: Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, Arches, Canyonlands or the reverse. If you do it that way (which is the fastest) then Lake Powell is wayyy (like 6+ hours) out of the way. However, if you’ve got the time and want to do a loop then by all means it’s a blast and add in The Wave (permits in Kanab) while you’re at it! See image below:
Best,
Antonina
This is so informative, do you have a you tube video of this? Gail
Thanks for al the info!!
I’m curious when you left each park to head to the next one, and if you felt like you had enough time once you arrived to the next destination. I’m also wondering what you did regarding meals on days when you were hiking the whole day (ie lunch time?) thanks again!
-Stephanie
Hi Antonina,
Your Blog is so beautiful and informative.
Me and my husband are planning to go this in July and I know you mentioned not to because of the heat but its the only time I am available for a two full weeks vacation.
I hope we can survive since coming from south Florida we are pretty much used to the heat and high humidity in the summer months.
Thank you so much for all your detailed information.
Teresa
Hi Teresa,
Thanks so much! July is still a great time to visit, just make sure to pack the water & sunscreen! As I’m sure you know, the dry heat in Utah is very different than the heat in Florida (my husband is from Georgia and loves the dry heat comparatively) but beware of dehydration – it can really sneak up on you in the desert! We did our big hikes in the morning around sunrise when the trails were mostly empty and had a great time – I’m sure you will too!
Have a great trip!
Antonina
Hi Antonina,
My husband and I would like to explore the Mighty 5 late spring this year. My question is what would you say the hiking ability level is for most of the scenic highlights. My husband is in very good shape and quite adventurous. I have bad knees, but I’m able to get around pretty well. We visited Greece last year and I managed to climb the Acropolis and the Temple at Delphi. Along with other ruins on the islands
Would you say a good number of the scenic sights are easily maneuverable? And are there any easy hiking trails? Or is it all pretty rugged.
Any thoughts would be most helpful. Thank you so much.
Hi Joannn!
How exciting! To answer your question, most of the photo-famous sites are very easily accessed – maybe 80%. The trails in Arches National Park highlighted here are all user-friendly, many shorter than a half mile. A couple of them are a bit longer. If your knees give you trouble I would avoid the Tower Arch trail and Delicate Arch but outside of that you should be fine.
In Captiol Reef I’d stick to the “wash” trails and avoid the arches (this park is one of the best driving parks anyway). For Zion, the drive is absolutely spectacular & I’d recommend The Narrows hike which has virtually no incline. As for Bryce Canyon, most of the hikes are pretty tough on the knees with a lot of steep ascents & descents but again, stunning from the Car where 90% of the photos come from. And finally Canyonlands – a hike here that I recommend is the Upheaval Dome hike, Mesa Arch for sunrise, and Green River Overlook for sunset!
Cheers!
Antonina
Wow Antonina!
How complete and precise your answer to my question was. You are amazing!
Thank you so much. You have given me the confidence that this is a trip i could handle and I wouldn’t want to miss.
Ciao!
Thank you!! So glad to hear it. You will have a great time!
Best,
A
Wow Antonina!
How complete and precise your answer to my question was. You are amazing!
Thank you so much. You have given me the confidence that this is a trip i could handle and I wouldn’t want to miss.
Ciao!
I really admire the work you’ve done on this blog. Keep up with a good job.
Thank you so much!!
We are following your trip and just in the planning stages. I’ve always wanted to see Horseshoe Bend..we are from NZ so being in this area to do the Mighty 5 is a once in a life time trip. Any advice on seeing this would be so helpful. We are starting in Salt Lake City, following your suggestions and ending in las Vegas.
Hi Rachelle!
How exciting! I’ve included a screenshot of the route I would take if you want to include Horshoe Bend here. I would start with Arches then Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce, Zion and finally Horseshoe Bend before heading to Las Vegas. There will be a bit of doubling back in the Moab area but all in all this is the fastest / most convenient route for adding Horseshoe Bend.
While you’re there I’d recommend looking into getting permits for The Wave which is done through a lottery system and is another once in a lifetime experience. Also worth considering are Antelope Canyon, Marble Canyon, and Buckskin Gulch.
A couple things to note when visiting Horseshoe Bend: Horseshoe Bend is typically VERY crowded and the parking area fills up fast! Also, a lot of folks get way too close to the edge and every now and then there is a tragedy. Word to the wise, give yourselves a bit of distance from the ledge 😉
Let me know if this helps!
Best,
Antonina
Thank you for all of the useful information you have provided. My husband and I have a planned trip May 2-13th driving from MI. Didn’t see your blog until we already have our plans in place. But the dining recommendations were added to our travel plans. My cameras ready and looking forward to our first time in Utah!
Mary
Thank you so much for this great article. We are planning a 2 week trip for October. Did you visit Glen canyon? I would love to know how much time you think we will need there.
Hi Jennifer! Thanks for the note. The fall foliage in many of the parks during that time of year should be stunning!
As far as Glen Canyon goes, it is a marvel but a quick stop (maybe an hour or so). Right next to Glen Canyon is Antelope Canyon which is a breathtaking spot as well. Nearby is The Wave, which requires a lottery system to get in but not to be missed if you can get in.
Have fun!
Antonina
Great post! I also use the Toleriane sunscreen, it’s perfect! Haha
Isn’t it?! It’s the only sunscreen I buy 🙂
Hi This is my bucket list trip and planning to go this sept. I am curious how the driving is?….im a bit of a chicken with the driving but otherwise Im very adventurous. Just don’t like switchbacks or steep narrow roads.
We plan to visit the mighty five next April- we want to fly into Las Vegas – would you suggest hitting Zion first or to Arches?
You can’t go wrong with either! We saved Zion for last and I loved it that way because (in my opinion) it completely lives up the hype. It’s crowded for a reason, and you know what they say … save the best for last. 😉 I hope you enjoy your trip!
We did the Mighty 5 in 2016 and have never been so pleased with a vacation. We pretty much followed your route just from South to North. I love your photos, you have captured some of the best spots so beautifully! These tips will be extremely helpful to anyone headed to Utah in search of a great adventure!
You also might want to put Lake Powell in there as it’s not far from kanab, ut and the drive from st george to lake powell is amazing. It’s even closer from zion to kanab to lake powell and if you have a 4×4 you can go to the north rim of the grand canyon as well along the way. There is also lots of natl forest and blm free camping if you have the means for it. Another great loop is centered around Pioche, NV just north of Las Vegas with at least 5 NV state parks around it, much less visited.
Jay,
Thank you so much for these helpful recommendations! I didn’t think to add Lake Powell to our itinerary but should have, it’s beautiful. I’m sure folks will find these suggestions very helpful, thank you!
We are planning a trip to Utah’s Mighty Five, but we also want to do the Grand Canyon on this trip. Which route and air port would you suggest?
Hi Deborah!
How exciting! We added the Grand Canyon at the end of our trip but that’s because we drove our own car from Portland, OR!
I would recommend flying into Las Vegas and going to the Grand Canyon first then Canyonlands, Arches, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, & finally Zion before heading back to Las Vegas. I’ve included a photo of what that route would look like here.
The Grand Canyon stop adds about 4 hours drive time but is totally worth it if you can swing it. I would recommend spending at least half a day at Grand Canyon but one can gaze into that abyss endlessly without fully comprehending its many layers and rugged beauty.
If you do that route I would also recommended stopping off at Horseshoe Bend between Grand Canyon & Canyonlands which is right along the way!
Hope this helps 🙂
Cheers,
Antonina
Hi, where was your 3rd picture from the top taken? Looks so cool!
Hi Eva,
It’s the Navajo Loop Trail in Bryce Canyon National Park — one of my favorite hikes in America!! If helpful, here’s a complete list of my favorite hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park.
Question
Heading out to the parks in October and trying to decide on lodging versus a small RV and staying in campsites!
Two girlfriends on an adventure without hubbies
Hi Tonya,
This sounds like a blast! Personally, I’d recommend small RV and campsites because lodging is rather expensive. One thing to note — I think a lot of folks are visiting national parks in record numbers this year after being in lockdown for so long. I think hotel prices are higher than normal, especially during the summer season and I think RVs might be hard to come by, but it would still be worth the effort.
In any case, grab a cooler full of good food and fun snacks and enjoy your time with your girlfriend — you will have SO much fun!!
Cheers,
Antonina
Hey Antonia,
This is probably the best description of the Migthy Five trip that I’ve seen. I’m planning to take my family on this trip in last week of March into April 2022.
Thanks so much for putting this up and saving a lot of legwork.
Richie
Hi Richie,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a kind comment! I thoroughly enjoyed writing it and am so glad you found it helpful! 🙂
Hi,
pretty cool stuff and places to visit, but do you know a tour company who does the utah parks in few days, perhaps starting in salt lake city, where i will be visiting in october?
Hi Antonina!
I just discovered your blog with this fabulous article on the Mighty 5. I have never been out west farther than Colorado (I’m in the NYC area) and am in the early stages of planning a trip in November for my birthday! Do you think sometime between Nov 7-19th is a good time to do this road trip? If I wanted to add in Lake Powell and Antelope Canyon, how many days would you recommend?
Thank you for putting together such an informative and well written article! I’m bookmarking your blog and can’t wait to read more about your trips. So glad I found you!
😀
Hi Nikki!
Thanks for the kind words and for stopping by 🙂
Sounds super exciting regarding the birthday trip to Utah! The good news about visiting Utah national parks in November is that the crowds will be way down. Some places will feel like you have them all to yourself! The downside is that it does get a bit chilly during this time of year but that varies park to park.
For November:
In Zion you’ll be looking at temperatures in the mid 60s (highs) and down to mid 30s for the lows.
In Capitol Reef National Park the high temperatures will likely be around 50 and the lows around 30.
In Arches National Park & Canyonlands National Park you’ll be looking at 60 degree highs and 30 degree lows.
And in Bryce Canyon National Park it will be around 45 degrees for the high and potentially down into the high 20s for the lows. I will say it’s true what they say about seeing Bryce in the snow, it is more beautiful 🙂
Lake Powell is a bit tricky now because of how low the water level is there. If you’re just passing through to see the lake around the Glen Canyon area it’ll still be really cool but if you’re planning to get out on the water it will be tough.
Antelope Canyon should still be great! FYI the cost runs about $77 per person for the tour which lasts 90-100mins. If you’re planning to do that I’d book as soon as you have your dates confirmed because it fills up fast! Here’s the link for that.
If it was me, I’d just add one day for Lake Powell & Antelope Canyon. Make sure to see Horseshoe Bend while you’re in the area! It’s an easy stop that is absolutely breathtaking.
Hopefully this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions 🙂
Cheers!
Antonina
My husband and I are about to book our flights for Utah National Parks. We have about 7 days only and are planning on taking your agenda that you published! Thanks for that!! We are flying from Chattanooga, TN….do you suggest flying to SLC and then out of Las Vegan??? Trying to decide the best way to see it all. We are mid 50’s but physically fit….We like to try and see everything we can. I’m a little afraid of Angels Crossing, so not sure I want to attempt this. Do you have any MUST DO in the parks? Also, are there any Airbnb’s ?????
Thanks so much!!
Patti Raines
Hi Antonina, Thanks so very much for your informative article and fabulous photos/videos. We are planning for an October-November trip to the Big Five and Grand Canyon. We have a small motorhome and will be driving from Florida. Any pointers on where to stay (if you have recommended campgrounds, for example) are much appreciated. Also, we are a bit concerned about driving with our top-heavy vehicle. It is an Airstream B190 (built on a Ford E350 chassis) measuring 10 ft tall x 19 ft long. Any roads you are aware of we should not venture into? Thanks for your time!
Hi there! My hubby & Inare doing the Utah 5 in one week! Flying into Vegas.. what would you suggest …driving to arches/canyon lands via interstate and then going from there to Capitol reef and scenic 12 to Bryce/Zion & back to Vegas.
OR.. Vegas to Torrey/Capitol reef, then to arches/canyonlands, from there to Bryce/Zion & back to Vegas? Seems like a day of 7+ hrs driving.
Wr have 7 days in our vacation.
Please let me know if you think one way is better than another. Thanks!
Hi Marcie!
Hope you’re having a great trip. My recommendation would be this loop:
Starting in either Zion or Horseshoe Bend!
Let me know if that helps.
Best,
Antonina
Thank you for a wonderful article on the Mighty 5! My family and I are wanting to see the 5 NPs. We will be in Utah at the end of November. We are from Florida and are a little concerned about whether snow will interfer with driving to the parks from SLC. Will the roads get closed? I know it’s hard to predict weather, but never having to deal with snow, we are in foreign territory with winter.
Thank you for any advice on seeing the parks.
Very nice and detailed. I’m a camper and try to get to Zion a couple times a year. Love the pictures. I have shared this with a friend looking for a road trip. They aren’t campers so the extra info about lodging will really help them out.
Nikki,
I’m so glad you found this helpful! It was an absolute pleasure to write. 🙂
Happy hiking!
Is there anyway to print this information, so i can use that to plan my trip?
Hi there,
I’ve created a downloadable version of the Utah Road Trip Guide just for you 🙂
Try this link!
Cheers,
Antonina
Hi. Looking to do a family trip with a group of 8. Checking into a 39’ motor home (I have never driven one.). Is driving in the mountains involved in the 5 park trip? Thanks.
Sounds like fun!
No mountain driving on the route. All in all it is fairly RV friendly. The one spot that may be tricky is the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel which is a mile long tunnel built in the 1920s. To pass through the tunnel you’ll need a special permit because they’ll have to close the tunnel to two-way traffic when you pass through.
Be sure to check the size of your RV before attempting & check out this NPS page. Seems like 39ft is just within the size bounds for length. The height limit is 13ft 1 inches tall.
Have fun!
Antonina
Would be so awesome if we could print this off… I love having it with me for our planned trip!!
We just visited last week and it was amazing! All thanks to your useful suggestions!
So glad to hear it!! Thanks for letting me know 🙂 Which park was your favorite?
Lovely pics, so useful content. Wish your husband would make a video about Saguaro, Death Valley, petrified Forest, White Sands, Carlsbad Caverns, Guadalupe mountains. I am trying to plan a grand tour of New Mexico/Arizona/Utah/Nevada.
Husband here!
Hi Monica, thanks so much for the kind words. Here’s an update on your request:
Hope that’s helpful!
Will
Hi,
Thanks for all the great info ‼️
Is there a one town to stay at and use as a “Home Base” to visit all of the Mighty 5 parks❓Did you reserve all your lodging in advance❓
We went to visit in early April.
Thank You.
This was so helpful!! Thank you so much. Planning a trip in May and your info is so helpful.
This will be my first time doing any kind of hiking like this. We are planning on taking this trip in early June 2022. What do you use for your water bottle? Do you have a link? And do you carry a backpack? I’m new to all this! Thanks in advance.
Hi Dinah,
You are in for a treat!! Here’s the exact water bottle I use (I’ve used it for for the past 6+ years and love it). As for my backpack, here’s the one I love most, but this one is a great alternative for a starter.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions!!
Your blog has the best info I’ve found on Utah’s parks! After reading it, I’m thinking April might be an ok time vs the fall. Are the trails too wet & slippery?
Hello Annie, I would like to add the Grand Canyon into this itinerary. Can you offer suggestions on routes.
What an informative blog. Thank you so much for putting the time into writing this. my husband and I are doing this trip in April in our travel trailer. Is there a way I can print this up to bring along?
Hey thank you for taking the time to do this! I’m planning on taking the trip this spring. What’s the budget like for a trip of this magnitude? I’ve planned the spots I’d like to go but have no idea how to start saving.
I can say that your guide is truly very helpful because it freed me from the necessity to plan my trip to Utah and it saved me a lot of time. To tell the truth, I think that this idea to implement Mighty 5 road trip has such a reasonable and effective concept because it is the most convenient way to cover such wonderful national parks in Utah, managing your time wisely in that way. It seems to me that the spring is the most optimal time to visit Utah because you will be able to enjoy your pastime there to a huge extent and feel comfortable. Also, I absolutely agree with you that 7 days is the best period of time to observe different parks in Utah because it is not really much, but it is not a little. Such planning lets you capture all the beauty of these places and not leave without energy or power afterwards, but, conversely, being filled up with unforgettable emotions. Thank you loads!
Thank you for a wonderful blog! It took me a long time to decide which trip to take for beautiful photos with my coworkers. Thanks to such a comprehensive review, I have decided on an itinerary. Since Utah is not far from Texas, we will be able to get there by car. We are going on a trip this year with all our friends. And your article helped me plan a grand adventure. Now I clearly understand how much money we need and what places to pay attention. I also want to note how skillfully you chose the photos. Thank you for your work Antonina!
This was such a terrific Blog! I was wondering if my 2022 Prius could handle a trip to Utah as I started planning. I was delighted to find this post when I Googled “Can I drive a Prius in the Utah National Parks”! Not only did I validate it, but I essentially had my whole trip planned out for me. We took the Arches to Zion route and used many of the tips and tricks you mentioned here. Everything you advised, mentioned, recommended and admired was spot on! Thank you for taking the time to post and advise. I am truly grateful as our trip turned out wonderfully, in part for this blog! The only thing we came up short on was star gazing as the nights were cloudy when we had a chance to do so. Those things happen…Thanks you again and keep up the wonderful work.
Dennis R
Highland , Il
Wow, thank you for such a kind comment Dennis! I took my Prius through the parks and it was a breeze, glad to hear you didn’t have any trouble either. Thanks for letting me know you found this helpful, there’s nothing I love hearing more!
California may have the largest number of national parks in the United States, but its Utah’s national parks that provides the most supernatural, astounding landscapes. Whether you visit in the spring, summer, fall, or winter, Utah’s big five, Arches, Canyon lands, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, and Zion, will certainly take your breath away. With that, you can invite your most-liked friends, human or fleecy companions, pack your tent and outdoor gear, get set with your vehicle, and get ready to strike the road for the final American road trip. Check out the important road trip guide that will allow you to experience the finest of the Utah Mighty 5.
this is awesome. I absolutely would like to try this in November.. My only question is what is your recommendation on sleeping arrangements ? thank you Clay
This is a fantastic blog! Thank you so much. We live in Portland OR and are trying to figure out the best way to do Grand Canyon and the 5 Utah parks completely by road trip instead of flying. We have two weeks off at the end of March. Any recommendations for the best route if you are completely doing this by car from oregon?
I will be doing this road trip with a friend at the end of March. We were thinking about “winging it” when it comes to lodging. We have a predicted timeline but don’t want too many constraints. How easy will it be to get last minute lodging?
Very nice write up/blog on the major 5 ! We will use your information as we plan our trip.
We plan to fly to Vegas and start from there. I was curious, would it be worthwhile to also visit Monument Valley park as well ?
Thanks…Glenn
Hi Ann,
Loved reading this blog and find its exactly what we were looking for. We were planning to drive our 5th Wheel from Pa. in September 2023. Would love your list of good camping areas. Do you feel it would be better to drive all the way down and visit parks on the way back up or vise versa? Thank you so much for your help!
YOUR BLOG WAS AMAZING AND SO HELPFUL. We WILL BE GOING IN September OF THIS YEAR.
Thanks for the great post! So helpful. Interested how you would manage a 5 day trip?
We’ll be driving our campervan down from Canada. Is there suitable camping for us? How about cycling? My hubby prefers cycling to hiking, so we’ll need to do both!
I just checked the NPS.gov and it says no “No ticket, permit, or reservation needed to ride the park shuttle or enter Zion National Park”. Has this just changed since you visited or is there some other ticket or reservation you need?
Hi Julia,
You are absolutely right – updating the post now! I just checked and the policy has been updated. I still recommend showing up early as there will definitely be some long lines.
Cheers,
Antonina
We are planning a 6-7 days trip to the 5 national parks with a rental car. We are all seniors with mobility challenges. We can only go in August. So, we want to make sure we take a wheel-chair accessible route and stop at scenic spots. We don’t want to overexert because of the heat. But, of course driving for 150-200 miles daily is okay. Please give us any guidance including itinerary and your genuine opinion about this plan.
Tha ks in advance.
Hey there! Super useful post!
I have a Q – I plan to travel with a 1 yr old in September this yr. Anything i should know specifically for that? Other than not being able to do too many long hikes i guess..
It looks like it’s worth trying Utah’s Mighty 5. Some really great photos!
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We have been thinking of this trip for years and were overwhelmed. You have made our decision so much easier. Thank you for posting this.
Cindy, I’m so happy to hear it! Definitely go, you’ll remember it for years to come!
Great blog post! Thank you- so informative! My husband and I are planning a trip to the Mighty 5 this coming April from the East coast. I tried clicking on your hiking shoe link and it brings me to the Sierra site, not the specific boots. I also noticed this post is from 2020 so not sure you even have the same boots anymore. You had me at “I’d sleep in them.” A long way of asking, do you have any recommendations or a specific brand and model for hiking shoes?
Thank you,
Leslie