Utah houses one of the densest concentrations of national parks in the country. The state owes this largely to the presence of the Colorado Plateau, which a region that defines the geography of southern Utah. Some of the most stunning landscapes and rock formations in the world are in this region, so it’s no surprise that an abundance of protected land exists here. Today, five national parks reside in southern Utah, collectively known as Utah’s Mighty 5.
Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Parks comprise the Mighty 5. Together, these parks draw nearly 10 million visitors annually, as people from all over the world flock to see their captivating landscapes. These landscapes – defined by cliffs, canyons, arches, and mesas – were created over millions of years by nature’s slow, careful work. Now, they’re home to world-renowned hikes, scenery, and history.
Clockwise from the top left: Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Zion, and Bryce Canyon
After 6 years of traveling to national parks, I finally visited the last of the Mighty 5 in 2024. Before completing the collection, I’d wondered if these parks would live up to the reputation they’ve earned. So, I now ask myself: are Utah’s Mighty 5 worth the hype? Yes… and no. I have some thoughts.
Let’s start by talking about these parks one by one, starting from the north and working our way south…
Arches: The Mighty 5’s Tourist Trap
Even if you’ve never heard of Arches National Park, you’ll almost certainly recognize photos of its landscapes. Situated near the resort town of Moab, Arches has become a destination for nature enthusiasts and international tourists. While it’s a gorgeous park, its popularity often serves to the detriment of those looking to enjoy its sights.
Arches at a Glance
As its name implies, Arches National Park protects the largest collection of natural arches in the world, with over 2,000 sandstone arches in the small park. Formations like Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, and Double Arch are some of the most impressive-looking rock features on the planet, not to mention the plethora of other arches that you can discover on hikes.
- Visitors in 2023: 1,482,045
- Size of Arches: 120 square miles
- Year established: 1971
- Recommended time to spend in Arches: 1-2 days
Arches is a small park, with most of its “must-do hikes” condensed into one area at the park’s center. If you’re able to hike 10+ miles in a day, it’s possible to complete every major hike in Arches in only 1 day. If you want to take your time in Arches, 2 days is more appropriate. Since the park receives over a million visitors every year, it can get crowded in the park. This is why the NPS implemented a timed entry ticket system in 2022.
Check out my guide to Arches National Park
Pros of Arches
While I tend to cite Arches as the most overrated of the Mighty 5, there are still plenty of reasons to visit the park. The park’s biggest draw is its wow factor, which is hard to understate. Seeing its iconic formations in person is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, an experience worth the journey to the park. Most of these formations are accessible via short hikes, making them easy for casual hikers and tourists to reach. Plus, the park’s small size makes it easy to navigate.
Adding to Arches’ accessibility is its proximity to Moab, UT, a resort town with appeal for outdoor enthusiasts. This town hosts a variety of hotels, Airbnbs, and campgrounds, meaning there is no shortage of places to stay near the park. Moab also hosts plenty of businesses that offer guided tours, and there are other activities in and around the city.
Cons of Arches
Though Arches has plenty of appeal as a national park, it also has some inescapable problems. Its biggest issue is the crowds. The park is crowded year-round, a problem that is exacerbated by the park’s small size. While many parks face this problem, it feels a bit worse in Arches due to the lack of long trails that avid hikers can use to escape the worst of the crowds. Timed entry tickets help with this problem, but create another problem by adding an extra step in planning a visit Arches National Park. Many people journey to Arches, only to be turned around at the entrance station when they don’t have an entry ticket.
My other qualm with Arches is the lack of “replay value” in the park. In my experience, there was little to draw me back to the park after I visited it. Outside of the major hikes in the park, there are other activities to enjoy, like rock climbing and canyoneering. But, due to heavy restrictions that the NPS enforces, it’s much easier to enjoy these activities in similar locales outside the park. The only reason I’ve been to Arches twice was to revisit the park with my wife, Maria. After these two visits, I doubt I’ll ever return to the national park.
Best Things to Do in Arches
If you’ve decided to embark on a visit to Arches and you have a timed entry ticket in hand, consider the following hikes and activities to maximize your enjoyment of the park.
- Hike to Delicate Arch (3.2 miles, 629 feet of elevation gain). To dodge the worst of the crowds, visit this popular spot early or late in the day.
- Explore Devils Garden. You can hike up to 8 miles to see every highlight in Devils Garden, but shorter alternatives exist. At a minimum, I recommend visiting Landscape Arch (1.9 miles, 252 feet of elevation gain).
- Marvel at Double Arch. This short hike has a busy parking area, so it’s best to get here early. While you’re there, consider checking out Turret Arch and the Windows.
- Visit Balanced Rock. This is a short stop off the main road in the the park.
- Stroll through Park Avenue. Though often overlooked in favor of Arches’ more popular hikes, Park Avenue is worth a stop if you have the time.
Canyonlands: The Overlooked of the Mighty 5
Where Arches is perhaps the most overrated of Utah’s Mighty 5, its neighbor – Canyonlands – might be the most underrated. Residing on the other side of Moab from Arches, Canyonlands is a massive park with a LOT of things to see and do. Despite its appeal, the park sees roughly half the visitors of its neighbor.
Canyonlands at a Glance
Much of the same natural forces that sculpted other regions of the Colorado Plateau are responsible for Canyonlands. The park consists of a series of mesas and canyons formed by the Colorado River and Green River. Among these mesas, visitors can discover some impressive sandstone arches, fascinating rock formations, and historic Puebloan structures, along with sweeping vistas that rival that of the Grand Canyon.
- Visitors in 2023: 800,322
- Size of Canyonlands: 527 square miles
- Year established: 1964
- Recommended time to spend in Canyonlands: 1-2 days
Canyonlands is split up into three primary districts: Island in the Sky, the Needles, and the Maze. As its name implies, Island in the Sky sits atop a mesa that towers above the park’s lowlands. This district is the most accessible in the park, and therefore draws the most visitors. In addition to impressive viewpoints, Island in the Sky also houses famous formations like Mesa Arch and Upheaval Dome. The Needles is the district of Canyonlands that draws more avid hikers, and is a 90-minute drive from nearby Moab, UT. The Maze is the least accessible part of Canyonlands, and is a place only for hardcore adventurers and experienced canyoneering enthusiasts.
Visit my Canyonlands guide for tips to visit the park
Pros of Canyonlands
As I mentioned, Canyonlands is my pick for the most underrated of the Mighty 5. With its three distinct districts – four if you count the Colorado and Green Rivers – there is plenty to do here for visitors of all experience levels. If you like scenic drives and short hikes, look no further than Island in the Sky. For avid backpackers or off-road enthusiasts, venture below Island in the Sky for solitude away from the mesa. If you enjoy long hikes, drive to the Needles for an abundance of hiking trails. Even the most hardcore adventurers can find things to do in Canyonlands, either in the Maze or off the beaten path of other districts. As a cherry on top, rafting trips are offered on the park’s rivers.
Canyonlands National Park is largely free of the crowds that bog down Arches. Even Island in the Sky, its most popular area, offers escape from tourists if you choose to set off on any of its lesser-traveled trails. Therefore, the park is better suited for nature-lovers who prefer the peace that our national parks can offer.
Cons of Canyonlands
Unlike its neighbor, Arches, Canyonlands lacks in the wow factor. Driving through Island in the Sky is certainly less impressive than the drive through Arches, and there are only a couple of “ooohh aahhh” points along this drive that require little-to-no hiking. I suspect this is the reason Canyonlands sees so few visitors compared to its popular neighbor. However, those with a sturdy pair of hiking boots and the proper motivation can find views that rival – even surpass – views of the other Mighty 5. In short: you have to “earn” the views in Canyonlands. For some, like me, this is actually a strength of the park, as it deters crowds.
A more minor drawback with Canyonlands is the large distance between its two most accessible districts. Island in the Sky and the Needles are a 2-hour drive from each other, with the latter being further from Moab. Keep this in mind if you plan to visit both districts in Canyonlands… I don’t recommend visiting both in the same day.
Best Things to Do in Canyonlands
If it’s your first time visiting Canyonlands, spend a day exploring Island in the Sky. Here, there are plenty of things to keep you busy, including…
- Hiking to Mesa Arch (0.7 miles, 88 feet of elevation gain). This short hike guides you to an iconic sandstone arch that has been photographed thousands of times. If you’re feeling ambitious, Mesa Arch is an incredible place to watch the sun rise.
- Stopping at Grand View Point. You can opt for a walk-up overlook here, or you can complete a short hike (1.8 miles) to a panoramic “peninsula” on the south end of Island in the Sky.
- Marvel at a mysterious geologic formation call Upheaval Dome.
- Discover Native American structures on the Aztec Butte hike. Note that this hike requires some light scrambling to complete.
- Venture below the Island in the Sky Mesa, requiring 1,500 feet of descent. The quickest way to do this is via the Gooseberry Trail (4.2 miles). Longer alternatives include the Lathrop Trail (11.4 miles) and Murphy Trail (10.1 miles). Don’t forget about climbing back up!
If you have an extra day in Canyonlands, spend some time in the Needles district. The following hikes will keep you busy for a full day, each. Be sure to bring lots of water, food, and an emergency radio.
- Druid Arch (9.7 miles, 1,446 feet of elevation gain)
- Chesler Park Loop (10.2 miles, 1,794 feet of elevation gain)
If you’re in the area for several days and are eager to enjoy some solitude in the park’s more remote districts, consider the following…
- Backpack on the White Rim Road below Island in the Sky.
- Go rafting on the Colorado River or Green River, with the help of a local guide service.
- Check out nearby Dead Horse Point State Park.
- Venture out to the rugged & dangerous Maze district. Only do so if you have an AWD vehicle, expert navigational skills (or a guide), proper gear and supplies, and canyoneering experience.
Capitol Reef: Unique & Historic
When I first visited Capitol Reef National Park, it was a huge surprise. I expected an experience similar to the rest of Utah’s Mighty 5, but instead found something wholly unique. With diverse offerings, Capitol Reef blends together some of the best elements of its neighboring national parks to create an unforgettable experience.
Capitol Reef at a Glance
Nearly 70 miles long, Capitol Reef protects most of the “Waterpocket Fold.” This long, barrier-like formation – for which the park is named – formed from some of the same tectonic activity that created the Rocky Mountains. The uplift that created this fold exposed a colorful collection of rock and soil from different geologic epochs. What remains is a geological marvel that draws over a million visitors every year.
- Visitors in 2023: 1,268,861
- Size of Capitol Reef: 378 square miles
- Year established: 1971
- Recommended time to spend in Capitol Reef: 1-2 days
Capitol Reef is a long and narrow park, but most of its attractions are condensed into the small Fruita district. Fruita is a former Mormon settlement that now houses a collection of historic structures, orchards, the park’s visitor center, and a campground. Visiting the more remote regions of the park – in the far north or south – requires additional planning and considerations. Tackling the main hikes around Fruita can take 1 or 2 days.
Read my review of Capitol Reef National Park and my guide to the park
Pros of Capitol Reef
Capitol Reef National Park is full of surprises both natural and historic. The most obvious of the park’s appeals is its wow factor. The dramatic Waterpocket Fold is stunning to see from afar, especially when approaching from the west. The Fold itself houses a dense concentration of hikes that each feel unique. Sandstone arches, dramatic washes, sweeping vistas, and slot canyons can all be found around Fruita, often on the same hike.
The park’s diverse hikes are matched by its diverse activities. If you’re not a big hiker, you can spend time in Fruita perusing locally-made products or enjoying a pie at the Gifford House. While you enjoy your pie, take a drive down the park’s scenic drive to see the Waterpocket Fold up close. Also in Fruita, you can watch deer, pick fruit from an orchard, and stroll along the Fremont River. You can explore historic structures or see Native American petroglyphs along the road. Elsewhere in the park, off-road driving in Cathedral Valley and canyoneering can scratch the itch for greater adventure.
All of these activities are easily accessible thanks to the park’s proximity to Torrey, UT. The town – lying just west of the park – houses a number of restaurants, hotels, and campgrounds.
Cons of Capitol Reef
Capitol Reef’s main drawback is – you guessed it – the crowds. Though the park sees fewer visitors than Arches, most of these visitors remain within the confines of Fruita, which is a relatively tiny portion of the park. Trailheads, parking lots, roads, and the visitor center become congested throughout peak season. Thankfully, there are several long hikes around Fruita that see less foot traffic, and the remote Cathedral Valley offers a more robust escape into nature.
Best Things to Do in Capitol Reef
If you only have a day in Capitol Reef National Park, plan to…
- Hike through the Grand Wash (4.7 miles) and – for bonus mileage (or as a separate hike) – visit Cassidy Arch (3.1 miles).
- Drive the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive.
- Visit the Gifford House to enjoy a locally-made pie.
- Explore the orchards in the Fruita district.
- Hike to Hickman Bridge (1.7 miles).
If you have an extra day (or two) in Capitol Reef, chase after even greater adventure with the following…
- Hike around Chimney Rock (3.3 miles).
- Visit the Navajo Knobs overlook, a great spot for sunsets that requires a 9.1-mile hike.
- Spend a day exploring Cathedral Valley.
Bryce Canyon: Fairyland of the Mighty 5
Each of the Mighty 5 are famous for their unique landscapes, but Bryce Canyon (arguably) beats all of them in the aesthetics department. Bryce Canyon is covered in wonky-looking hoodoos that fill its many amphitheaters. These famous formations exist thanks to abundant snowfall seen in the park, which also creates a unique opportunity to enjoy this fairyland as a winter wonderland.
Bryce Canyon at a Glance
Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for its sprawling collection of “hoodoos,” towering rock formations that look as goofy as they sound. The park’s high elevation is responsible for this. Bryce Canyon sees 170 days every year where the temperature is both above and below freezing. When the temperature is high enough, water from rain & snow seeps into the cracks in the plateaus around Bryce Canyon. Once the temperature drops, that water freezes again, expanding and putting pressure on the surrounding rock, eventually breaking it into unique shapes. This process – known as “ice wedging” – creates the hoodoos that Bryce Canyon is famous for.
Bryce Canyon’s unique aesthetic attracts over 2 million visitors every year. The park is a popular destination for hiking, photography, and night-sky viewing.
- Visitors in 2023: 2,461,269
- Size of Bryce Canyon: 56 square miles
- Year established: 1928
- Recommended time to spend in Bryce Canyon: 1 day (and 1 night)
At 56 square miles, Bryce Canyon is the smallest of Utah’s Mighty 5. Therefore, it’s easy to experience the park in only a day. However, I’d strongly encourage you to try and spend a night in or near the park to enjoy its beautiful night sky. The nearby town of Bryce offers lodging, and the park hosts a lodge and two campgrounds.
Check out my tips to maximize your visit to Bryce Canyon National Park
Pros of Bryce Canyon
The best part of Bryce Canyon is, without a doubt, its appearance. Its hoodoo-filled amphitheaters are among the most bizarre-looking formations in the world. The dense network of trails in Bryce Canyon traverse the rims of its amphitheaters and the maze of its hoodoos. There is no such thing as a bad hike in Bryce Canyon National Park. No matter what trail you choose to hike, you’ll be impressed. While I strongly recommend hiking into the amphitheaters, there are plenty of scenic viewpoints in the park that are accessible with a car. The park even houses a scenic drive that is open year-round… when the road is free of snow, that is.
Bryce Canyon is also the darkest of Utah’s Mighty 5. While each of the five has been designated an International Dark Sky Park, Bryce Canyon is the darkest of them. The lack of major population centers near the park means there is little light pollution, which means the stars shine brightly at night.
Cons of Bryce Canyon
With one million more visitors annually than Arches and half the space to accommodate them, Bryce Canyon can feel crowded. The overlooks, roads, shorter hiking trails, and visitor center get packed during peak hours. The upside to this is that it’s much easier to escape the crowds in Bryce Canyon than you might think. Hiking down into the amphitheaters – away from the canyon rims – yield peace and quiet.
The other downside to Bryce Canyon is its lack of things to do. While there are plenty of hikes, drives, and overlooks to keep you busy for a day or two, longer stays in the park may feel unnecessary. Those hoodoos start to feel less impressive once you’ve stared at them for 5+ miles of hiking. If you’re looking to productively maximize your time in Bryce Canyon, consider embarking on a backpacking trip or staying a night to enjoy the night sky.
Best Things to Do in Bryce Canyon
Most people can comfortably enjoy Bryce Canyon in only a day. While you’re there, plan to do the following…
- Hike into Bryce Amphitheatre. You can complete a short hike like the Navajo Loop (1.5 miles) or Rim Trail, or opt for a longer hike like the Figure Eight Loop (6.3 miles) or the Fairyland Loop (7.8 miles).
- Visit an overlook (or two). The ones to prioritize are Bryce Point, Sunset Point, and Sunrise Point.
- Cruise down the Southern Scenic Drive. Be sure to stop at the overlooks as you drive.
- Stick around after sunset to gaze at the night sky.
Zion: King of the Mighty 5
Finally, we’ve arrived at the king of Utah’s Mighty 5: Zion National Park. Originally established as Mukuntuweap National Monument – named after the Southern Paiute Native Americans – Zion became a national park in 1919 with its new name influenced by Mormon presence in southern Utah. To this day, it is one of the most-visited national parks and a world destination on par with the Grand Canyon. The majestic, scenic, unforgettable Zion is a place that I hope everyone can experience in their lifetime.
Zion at a Glance
Zion National Park protects Zion Canyon, one of the most stunning geologic features in the world. The canyon contains massive, multicolored sandstone cliffs that rise thousands of feet above the Virgin River, which carved the canyon over millions of years. The canyon hosts several world-famous hikes, most notably Angels Landing and the Narrows. Other hikes, cycling, rock climbing, and scenic drives provide plenty of other appeal for the park’s namesake canyon. By far, Zion is the most visited of Utah’s Mighty 5, drawing 4-5 million people annually.
- Visitors in 2023: 4,623,238
- Size of Zion: 230 square miles
- Year established: 1919
- Recommended time to spend in Zion: 2-4 days
While most visitors stay close to the floor of Zion Canyon, there are plenty of other things to see in Zion National Park. In the park’s northernmost unit, Kolob Canyons hosts a series of hikes with views that rival the park’s most popular vistas. Kolob Terrace – between Kolob Canyons & Zion Canyon – provides access to several slot canyons and the scenic Lava Point Overlook. East of Zion Canyon, the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway offers one of the most scenic drives in the, while also offering as access to the nearby Bryce Canyon.
Visit my guide to Zion National Park
Pros of Zion
After visiting all of Utah’s Mighty 5, Zion National Park has remained my favorite. Its scenery is – without a doubt – the most attractive thing about the park. You won’t find the same unique, quirky formations seen in other Utah parks, but you’ll instead find towering sandstone monoliths, colorful canyons, green riverfronts, and abundant wildlife. It’s hard not to be impressed by Zion’s majesty.
Another of Zion’s strengths is its abundance of things to do. Even though there are only ~90 miles of maintained trails in the park, these trails host some of the most famous hikes in the world, making almost every hike in the park a “must-do.” So – if you like to hike – you should budget at least 2 days in the park to hit the highlights. If you want to enjoy the park’s other districts, plan for 3-4 days. On top of hiking, stargazing, wildlife watching, rock climbing, scenic drives, canyoneering, and even a night out in nearby Springdale can keep visitors busy.
Finally, Zion’s accessibility is another commendable element of the park. The park is a short, 2.5-hour drive from Las Vegas. Within the park, a free shuttle makes it easy to get around Zion Canyon. Visitors staying in Springdale – the town just outside the park – can even catch a shuttle to enter the park. Though the park boasts many strenuous hikes & activities, there is plenty to do for those with physical limitations. Shorter hikes, the paved Pa’rus Trail, a ride on the shuttle bus, or the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway are all easy ways to enjoy the park’s views.
Cons of Zion
The millions of visitors that flock to Zion every year primarily stay within the confines of Zion Canyon. This creates a SEVERE overcrowding problem that the National Park Service has struggled to deal with. Measures like the shuttle services and Angels Landing permits help prevent congestion in some of the park’s most critical areas, but the problem of crowds persists.
Overcrowding in Zion is a frequent conversation topic for me. After my trip there in 2023, I wrote an article that discusses the issue and recommends some crowd-dodging strategies. Check it out if you need some tips in this realm.
Otherwise, it’s hard to come up with many downsides to Zion. With the grandest views, most replay value, and most wildlife of Utah’s Mighty 5, this park is an unforgettable place.
Best Things to Do in Zion
Zion Canyon requires a solid two days to thoroughly explore. The following hikes will keep you plenty busy. I’ve ordered them in the order of most-to-least recommended…
- Angels Landing (hard, 4.4 miles, 1,604 feet of elevation gain). This famous, exhilarating hike traversing a large rock fin in Zion Canyon requires a permit.
- The Narrows (hard, up to 8.9 miles, 695 feet of elevation gain). Another famous hike, this journey requires hikers to wade through water that can be up to waist deep, depending on the time of year. Because of this, it may require special waterproof gear. If the Virgin River is too high, the hike is inaccessible.
- Zion Canyon Overlook (easy, 1.0 miles, 187 feet of elevation gain). This short hike guides you to a stellar overlook of Zion Canyon, which is excellent for sunsets.
- Upper Emerald Pool (moderate, 3.0 miles, 620 feet of elevation gain). This short hike passes several beautiful pools and waterfalls.
- Observation Point (hard). Though the primary route to Observation Point has been closed for years due to a rockfall, there is an alternate 7-mile hike to this breathtaking overlook that requires a drive to reach.
- Pa’rus Trail (wheelchair accessible, 3.2 miles, 134 feet of elevation gain). An easy stroll through Zion Canyon on this paved trail yields amazing views of the Watchman and other formations in the canyon. It’s a great place to see wildlife, watch a sunset, and enjoy the stars.
Outside of the popular hikes in Zion Canyon, there are plenty of other things to do around Zion National Park, including…
- Drive the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway and stop at overlooks along the way.
- Enjoy an evening at a restaurant or brewery in Springdale.
- Visit the Zion Human History Museum.
- Journey to the Lava Point Overlook in the Kolob Terrace region.
- Hike in Kolob Canyons in the park’s northern regions.
The Mighty 5 as a Road Trip
It’s become increasingly popular to visit all of Utah’s Mighty 5 in one trip. Many people do this in only a week, spending 1 or 2 days at each of the parks. Doing so typically entails flying into Las Vegas, renting a car, stopping at each park beginning with Zion in the southwest and ending with Arches in the northeast, then flying out of Salt Lake City. You could also do this in reverse.
Utah’s Mighty 5: One-Week Road-Trip Itinerary
If you’re ambitious enough to see Utah’s Mighty 5 in only a week, consider following an itinerary similar to below. The feasibility of this itinerary could be affected by the schedule of available flights. If you’re short on time, consider cutting out Day 8 to allow for more travel time or more time in one of the other parks. Also, it would be easy to execute this itinerary in reverse. However, I personally think that visiting the parks from south to north is a more scenic drive than the reverse.
| Daily Summary | Daily Itinerary |
|---|---|
| Day 1 (Saturday): Travel day | • Fly into Las Vegas, arrive before noon if possible • Drive to Zion National Park, 2.5 hours from Las Vegas |
| Day 2 (Sunday): Zion National Park, day 1 in Zion Canyon | • Start your day in Zion early to avoid long lines as the entrance station and/or for the shuttle • Consider the following hikes/activities: • Angels Landing (4.4 miles) • Zion Canyon Overlook (1.0 miles) • Emerald Pools (3.0 miles) • Stargazing in the park |
| Day 3 (Monday): Zion National Park, day 2 in Zion Canyon | • For day 2 in Zion, consider the following hikes/activities: • The Narrows (up to 8.9 miles) • Sunset on the Pa’rus Trail • Drive to Bryce Canyon National Park, 2 hours from Zion Canyon. Enjoy the scenic Zion-Mt. Carmel drive on your way out, going east |
| Day 4 (Tuesday): Bryce Canyon National Park | • Consider the following hikes/activities: • Hike around Bryce Amphitheater • Explore the Southern Scenic Drive • Visit Mossy Cave • Drive to Capitol Reef National Park, 2 hours from Bryce Canyon • Enjoy dinner in Torrey, UT, where there are several good restaurants |
| Day 5 (Wednesday): Capitol Reef National Park | • Consider the following hikes/activities: • Chimney Rock (3.3 miles) • Grand Wash (4.7 miles) • Hickman Bridge (1.7 miles) • Visit the Gifford House for a PIE • Explore the scenic drive • Drive to Moab, UT, 2.5 hours from Capitol Reef. Moab is central to both Arches and Canyonlands. |
| Day 6 (Thursday): Arches National Park | • Visiting Arches requires a timed entry ticket during peak season. The earlier you can start, the better • Consider the following hikes: • Delicate Arch (3.2 miles) • Devils Garden (up to 4.7 miles) • Double Arch & the Windows (1.8 miles) • Balanced Rock (0.3 miles) |
| Day 7 (Friday): Canyonlands National Park, Island in the Sky District | • To avoid crowds, visit the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands on a weekday • Consider the following hikes: • Mesa Arch (0.7 miles) • Grand View Point (1.8 miles) • Upheaval Dome (1.3 miles) |
| Day 8 (Saturday): Canyonlands National Park, Needles District | • Drive to the Needles District of Canyonlands, which is 1.5 hours from Moab • If you want a full day of hiking, consider the Druid Arch or the Chesler Park Loop hikes • For shorter hikes, consider the following: • Cave Spring (0.6 miles) • Slickrock (2.4 miles) Note: The Needles is the “hiking district” of Canyonlands with longer hikes than what the Island in the Sky offers. If you are not an avid hiker, this day could be cut to allow more time at other parks |
| Day 9 (Sunday): Travel day | • Drive to Salt Lake City, 4 hours from Moab • Fly out of Salt Lake City and return home |
Extending Your Mighty 5 Road Trip
There are plenty of ways to see more and do more in Utah’s Mighty 5 and throughout the state. Consider the following add-ons to a weeklong road trip through Utah’s Mighty 5…
- Add 1 day to see Valley of Fire State Park or Snow Canyon State Park
- Add 1 or 2 days in Zion National Park. With the extra time, you could explore Kolob Terrace or Kolob Canyons, and spend more time in the Zion Canyon
- Add 1 day to visit Cedar Breaks National Monument
- Add 1 day after Bryce Canyon to explore Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
- Add 1 day in Capitol Reef to explore Cathedral Valley
- Add 1 day between Capitol Reef and Moab to explore Goblin Valley State Park and Little Wild Horse Canyon
- Add 1 day while in Moab to explore Dead Horse Point State Park
- Add 1 day while in Moab to visit Monument Valley on the Utah-Arizona Border
Tips for a Successful Road Trip
Squeezing sufficient time for all of the Mighty 5 into one week-long trip can be daunting. With so much to see and do in every park, it might feel like you’re shortchanging the parks and their offerings (and – to be honest – you probably are). If you want to be efficient and complete an itinerary like the one above in only a week, here are a few tips…
- Start your days early!! Each of these parks sees thousands of visitors every day, which can create long lines at entrance stations and congested parking lots at trailheads. The earlier you start, the better chance you have at maximizing your time. Plan to start your days in these parks before 8 AM.
- Visit Utah’s Mighty 5 in spring or fall. The fringe seasons tend to offer the best weather and see fewer crowds than in the summer. In my opinion, late October is the absolute best time to explore Utah.
- Nab permits & tickets in advance. Some of the more popular activities in these parks require advance preparation. For example, the hike on Angels Landing requires a permit that is only attainable via lottery. Also, Arches National Park requires a timed entry ticket to visit the park during peak season. If you plan to tackle the Narrows, it can be helpful to pay for gear rental in advance.
- Book lodging and campsites 3-6 months in advance. These parks’ popularity means that lodging can be hard to nab. Each of these parks has a reservable campground within their borders, so – if you like camping – be sure to snag one of these early, as soon as reservations windows open. This is especially difficult for Zion and Arches. Lodging is generally easier to come by, with a variety of hotels, rental units, and private campgrounds operated in the towns near these parks.
- Plan your trip south-to-north or north-to-south based on flight schedules. The itinerary outlined above assumes you can arrive in Las Vegas early on Saturday and fly out of Salt Lake City late the following Sunday. If the opposite is more feasible, then you can complete the itinerary in reverse order.
Less Crowded Places to Visit in Utah
Though Utah’s Mighty 5 get most of the attention, there are many beautiful, less-crowded places in – and around – Utah that are worth a visit. The Colorado Plateau, home of Utah’s Mighty 5, hosts some of the grandest and most fascinating landscapes in the world. Much of Utah sits within this plateau, so there’s no shortage of beautiful places to see in the state. Check out the list below for some ideas to make your trip to Utah more unique!
- Dead Horse Point State Park
- Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
- Cedar Breaks National Monument
- Snow Canyon State Park
- Fishlake National Forest
- Goblin Valley State Park
- La Sal Mountains
- Great Basin National Park (Nevada)
- North Rim of the Grand Canyon (Arizona)
Read more about the geologic history of the Colorado Plateau on Wikipedia.
Final Thoughts on Utah’s Mighty 5
Utah’s Mighty 5 are popular for a reason. There are few places in the world that are so beautiful and so accessible, so it’s understandable why millions of people flock to these parks every year. If your priority is to catch great views, take memorable photos, or hike amazing trails, then Utah’s Mighty 5 are absolutely worth the hype they receive. If you’re a nature enthusiast looking for a subdued, quiet, and people-free experience, then these parks may be a letdown.
In any case, I think the national parks of Utah are something that everyone should see at some point in their life. At a minimum, Zion National Park should be on everyone’s bucket list. You won’t find those colorful canyons, memorable hikes, and lush greenery – all in the same place – anywhere else in the world.
In the scope of America’s 63 national parks, most of Utah’s Mighty 5 fall somewhere in the middle of my ranking. The points they receive for natural beauty and diverse activities are often outweighed by their crowds and lack of wildlife. Still, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my visits to these parks and wouldn’t mind returning to some of them. Though, I think it’s safe to say I’ve exhausted my to-do list in Arches…
If you choose to visit all of Utah’s Mighty 5, I wish you success and excitement in your travels! I hope you find this guide useful, and urge you to set your expectations for each of these parks accordingly. Happy trails!
— Paul