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Visiting all five Utah national parks—known as the Utah Mighty Five—is one of the most epic road trips in the United States.
In just one week, you can hike through narrow slot canyons in Zion, marvel at colorful hoodoos in Bryce Canyon, wander orchards and historic homesteads in Capitol Reef, chase sunsets at iconic sandstone formations in Arches, and gaze out over sweeping desert mesas in Canyonlands.
Tim and I visited all five Utah national parks as part of our longer Southwest road trip, starting and ending in Las Vegas.
Because the parks are clustered close together in southern Utah, it’s easy to string them into a 7–10 day loop filled with impressive hikes, scenic drives, and bonus stops like Lower Calf Creek Falls and Monument Valley.
In this guide, I’ll share our Utah Mighty Five itinerary, along with practical planning tips, park-by-park breakdowns, optional add-ons, and more.
Quick Guide to the Utah Mighty Five
Not sure where to start? This quick guide highlights what makes each park unique, when to go, and what you can expect on your Utah Mighty Five adventure.
📍 Location: Southern Utah, from Zion (near Springdale) to Arches & Canyonlands (near Moab)
🌟 The Mighty Five Parks:
- Zion: Slot canyons, red cliffs, Angels Landing, & The Narrows
- Bryce Canyon: Hoodoos, amphitheaters, & epic sunrises
- Capitol Reef: Scenic drives, orchards, & petroglyphs
- Arches: 2,000+ natural sandstone arches (including the iconic Delicate Arch)
- Canyonlands: Vast mesas, canyons, & sunrise at Mesa Arch
🚗 Best Way to Visit: A Utah national parks road trip, starting in Las Vegas or Salt Lake City
💵 Park Fees: $20-$35 per vehicle, per park (valid 7 days) or $80 for the America the Beautiful Pass
🕒 Recommended Time: 7–10 days for all five parks
🌞 Best Seasons: Spring & fall for mild weather and fewer crowds
A Broad Recommendation: Download offline maps before your trip. Cell service is limited in all of the Utah national parks.
7-Day Utah Mighty Five Itinerary at a Glance
Want the fast version? Here’s a day-by-day outline of our 7-day Utah Mighty Five road trip.
This overview gives you the big picture at a glance—scroll down for the full park-by-park breakdown with hikes, food, tips, and more!
📌 Day 1 – Arrive in Las Vegas → Drive to Springdale → Zion (Watchman + Emerald Pools)
📌 Day 2 – Zion: The Narrows + Pa’rus Trail
📌 Day 3 – Zion: Canyon Overlook + Angels Landing → Drive to Tropic
📌 Day 4 – Bryce Canyon: Sunrise at Sunset Point + Figure 8 Trail → Drive to Torrey
📌 Day 5 – Capitol Reef: Cassidy Arch, Fruita orchards, & Freemont petroglyphs → Drive to Moab
📌 Day 6 – Arches: The Windows, Devils Garden, & Delicate Arch
📌 Day 7 – Canyonlands: Sunrise at Mesa Arch + Island in the Sky hikes & overlooks → Return to Las Vegas
✨ Optional Add-Ons:
- Lower Calf Creek Falls (between Bryce & Capitol Reef)
- Monument Valley (after Canyonlands, on the UT–AZ border)
Where to Start a Utah Mighty Five Road Trip
One of the first decisions you’ll need to make when planning your Utah Mighty Five itinerary is where to start and end your trip.
✈️ Las Vegas, Nevada is the most popular starting point. From Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), it’s just over a 2-hour drive to Zion National Park.
We booked an early flight, picked up our rental car, and were still able to explore some of the park that afternoon (even after losing an hour between Nevada and Utah due to the time zone change).
✈️ Salt Lake City, Utah is another great option if you want to approach the Utah Mighty Five from the north. From Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), it’s about a 4-hour drive to Arches National Park and the nearby town of Moab.
A Broad Recommendation: If your budget allows, fly into one city and out of the other to cut down on backtracking (if you’re not doing a full Southwest road trip like we did). But check one-way rental car fees, as they often cost more.
Map of Utah Mighty Five National Parks
Here’s a map of the Utah national parks to help you visualize the route.
The Mighty Five parks are spread across southern Utah and cover ~900 miles if you start and end in Las Vegas.
While they’re relatively close together, driving distances between them can be longer than some travelers expect.
🚗 Here’s a breakdown of the driving distances between the Utah national parks:
- Las Vegas to Zion: ~2 hours (+ you lose an hour with the time change)
- Zion to Bryce Canyon: ~2 hours
- Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef: ~2 hours (can be broken up with a stop in Escalante)
- Capitol Reef to Arches: ~2.5 hours
- Arches to Canyonlands (Island in the Sky): ~40 minutes
- Canyonlands to Las Vegas or Salt Lake City: ~6.5 hours to Vegas; ~4 hours to Salt Lake City
A Broad Recommendation: Allow for at least 7–10 days to enjoy all five parks. More time gives you breathing room for extra hikes, scenic drives, and those unexpected detours that end up being trip highlights. Also remember to gas up before long drives—services can be sparse between parks.
Park Fees & Permits for Utah’s Mighty Five
🎟️ America the Beautiful Pass: $80/year and covers entrance to all 5 Utah national parks (plus 2,000+ federal lands). Totally worth it if you’re visiting more than 2–3 parks!
⚠️ Timed Entry / Permits:
- Zion: Angels Landing now requires a lottery permit. Enter months ahead or try the day-before lottery.
- Arches: Timed entry reservations are now required in peak season (usually April–October).
- Other parks: No reservations needed (for now).
A Broad Recommendation: Always check the National Park Service website for the latest information on entry fees, permits, trail/park closures, and weather advisories before you go.
Best Time to Visit the Utah Mighty Five
Utah’s desert climate means big temperature swings. Timing your trip right makes all the difference:
- Spring (Mar–May): Ideal weather, wildflowers, and waterfalls at their peak, but also one of the busiest times.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): HOT (90–110°F). Trails can be unsafe midday. If summer’s your only option, hike at sunrise/sunset and spend midday on scenic drives.
- Fall (Sep–Nov): My favorite season!—golden aspens in higher elevations, cooler temps, and fewer crowds.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Quiet and peaceful. You may see snowy red rock landscapes (gorgeous!), but roads/hikes may be icy or closed.
A Broad Recommendation: If you want the best combo of weather + manageable crowds, aim for late spring or early fall. We visited all five Utah national parks at the end of October (Zion, Bryce, and Capitol Reef) and the beginning of November (Arches and Canyonlands), and we had perfect weather throughout!
What to Pack for the Utah Mighty Five (+ Safety Tips)
Even though the Mighty Five parks vary in elevation and terrain, some essentials always make my list:
- Plenty of water: At least 2–3 liters per person, per day—there’s little shade in most parks.
- Sun protection: Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and lightweight layers.
- Solid hiking shoes: I wore my Merrell Moab 2 boots—great grip for rocky + sandy terrain.
- Snacks & picnic meals: Food options are limited in and around most parks.
- Layers: Chilly mornings, warm afternoons, and cool evenings.
- Offline maps: We used AllTrails + offline Google Maps, since service is spotty.
👉 Check out my complete hiking packing list here for everything I bring on hiking adventures + some seasonal swaps & extras that always come in handy.
Full Utah Mighty Five Itinerary (Park-by-Park)
Here is the exact itinerary we followed for our Utah national parks road trip, plus some bonus stops in case you have more time!
- Day 1: Fly to Las Vegas on an early flight, drive to Springdale, & explore Zion National Park
- Day 2: Explore Zion National Park
- Day 3: Explore Zion National Park & drive to Tropic
- Day 4: Explore Bryce Canyon National Park & drive to Torrey
*Bonus: Stop in Escalante & hike the Lower Calf Creek Falls Trail on the way from Bryce Canyon to Torrey
- Day 5: Explore Capitol Reef National Park & drive to Moab
- Day 6: Explore Arches National Park
- Day 7: Explore Canyonlands National Park
*Bonus: Drive to Monument Valley & visit the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
- Day 8: Drive back to Las Vegas & fly home
*Bonus: Spend your last day checking out my favorite budget-friendly things to do near Las Vegas
Zion (2–3 Days)
📍 Location: Southwest Utah (near Springdale)
🚗 Drive from Las Vegas: ~2 hours (+ lose 1 hour crossing into Utah)
🕒 Best Time to Visit: Spring & fall (mild weather & less crowded)
💲 Entry Fee: $35/vehicle or free with America the Beautiful Pass
✨ Highlights: Angels Landing, The Narrows, Zion Canyon Overlook
🏨 Where to Stay: Bumbleberry Inn (in Springdale)
Zion was Utah’s first national park (established 1919) and is one of the most visited in the U.S.—and for good reason!
Its towering sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and iconic hikes make it the perfect start to your Utah Mighty Five adventure.
The two most famous hikes are Angels Landing and The Narrows, where you actually wade through the Virgin River surrounded by soaring canyon walls.
But even if you don’t tackle those, Zion has plenty of shorter trails and scenic viewpoints that showcase its beauty.
🥾 Don’t miss: Hiking The Narrows—it’s the park’s most popular hike and unlike any other hike in the world.
I recommend spending 2-3 days in Zion. Here’s our 3-day Zion itinerary:
Day 1:
- Fly to Las Vegas on an early flight & drive to Springdale
- Hike the Watchman Trail
- Hike the Emerald Pools Trails
- Have dinner at Zion Pizza & Noodle Co. & order the fire sticks (super yummy!)
Day 2:
- Sunrise along the Route 9 switchbacks
- Breakfast at Oscar’s Café
- Hike The Narrows
- Stroll the Pa’rus Trail
- Sunset near Canyon Junction Bridge (you can’t stand on the bridge anymore)
Day 3:
- Hike the Zion Canyon Overlook Trail for sunrise
- Breakfast at Oscar’s again
- Hike Angels Landing via the West Rim Trail (permit required)
- Continue the West Rim Trail toward Cabin Spring
- Drive to Bryce Canyon
If you have more time in Zion, consider checking out some of the other permitted hikes, like Observation Point or The Narrows Top-Down.
👉 For more details, refer to my guide to Utah’s most iconic national park!
Bryce Canyon (1 Day)
📍 Location: Southwest Utah (near Tropic)
🚗 Drive from Zion: ~2 hours
🕒 Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall & at sunrise or sunset
💲 Entry Fee: $35/vehicle or free with America the Beautiful Pass
✨ Highlights: Hoodoos, Figure 8 Trail, Bryce Amphitheater
🏨 Where to Stay: Red Ledges Inn
Sitting on a high plateau at the top of the Grand Staircase, Bryce Canyon has the highest elevation of the Utah national parks and is unlike any other park in the U.S.
The park has the world’s largest concentration of hoodoos, towering rock formations shaped by thousands of years of erosion.
Its amphitheaters, which are filled with thousands of hoodoos, are best seen at sunrise and sunset when they glow in shades of orange, red, and pink.
🌅 Don’t miss: Watching sunrise at Sunset Point (yes, the name is confusing!).
Here’s how we spent one day in Bryce Canyon National Park:
- Park at Sunrise Point
- Hike to Sunset Point in the dark (bring a flashlight)
- Watch the sunrise at Sunset Point
- Hike the Figure 8 Combination Trail (Sunset Point → Sunrise Point)
- Picnic lunch or eat at The Lodge at Bryce Canyon
- Drive to Capitol Reef
If you have extra time, drive the 18-mile Southern Scenic Drive and stop at Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, Natural Bridge, and Rainbow Point.
👉 Get my 1-day Bryce Canyon itinerary here!
Capitol Reef (1 Day)
📍 Location: South-central Utah (near Torrey)
🚗 Drive From Bryce: ~2 hours (via Scenic Byway 12)
🕒 Best Time to Visit: Spring for wildflowers or fall for orchards
💲 Entry Fee: $20/vehicle or free with America the Beautiful Pass
✨ Highlights: Cassidy Arch, Fruita orchards, Scenic Drive
🏨 Where to Stay: Broken Spur Inn & Steakhouse
Capitol Reef is the hidden gem of the Mighty Five! It’s less crowded than Utah’s other national parks and often overlooked.
That being said, it still offers dramatic cliffs, massive domes, and incredible canyons carved over millions of years along the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile-long wrinkle in the Earth’s crust.
The park is also rich in human history. You’ll find Fremont Culture petroglyphs, a pioneer schoolhouse, and the Fruita orchards, where you can still pick fruit in season.
🍰 Don’t miss: A slice of fresh pie at Gifford House in the Fruita Historic District.
I recommend spending one day in Capitol Reef National Park. Here’s how we spent ours:
- Hike the Cassidy Arch Trail
- Drive the Scenic Drive
- Stop at Gifford House (and get a pie!)
- Hike the Hickman Bridge Trail
- Visit the Fremont petroglyph panels
- Stop at the Fruita Schoolhouse
- Admire the Goosenecks Overlook
Have more time in Capitol Reef? Explore Cathedral Valley, where you can visit the Temples of the Sun and Moon—go for sunrise if you can! Note that this area does require a high-clearance vehicle.
👉 Check out my 1-day Capitol Reef itinerary here!
Arches (1 Day)
📍 Location: Eastern Utah (near Moab)
🚗 Drive from Capitol Reef: ~2.5 hours
🕒 Best Time to Visit: Sunrise & sunset for cooler temps + best lighting
💲 Entry Fee: $30/vehicle or free with America the Beautiful Pass + timed entry tickets in peak season
✨ Highlights: Delicate Arch, Windows, Devils Garden
🏨 Where to Stay: MainStay Suites Moab
Home to more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, Arches National Park has the highest concentration of these formations in the world.
Its geology has been shaped over 65 million years and continues to change every day. Believe it or not, the Arches we see today were once buried thousands of feet below the surface in a dry seabed—wow!
The park’s crown jewel is Delicate Arch, Utah’s most iconic landmark (it’s even on the state license plate!), but the park also offers dozens of shorter, family-friendly hikes with incredible views.
😍 Don’t miss: Hiking to Delicate Arch at sunset—one of the most iconic views in the U.S.
I recommend spending a full day here to ensure you can fit in some of the best hikes in Arches:
- Sunrise at The Windows
- Hike to Double Arch
- Walk the Delicate Arch Viewpoints
- Stop at Fiery Furnace Viewpoint
- Hike the Sand Dune & Broken Arch Trail
- Hike the Devils Garden Trail (Pine Tree Arch, Tunnel Arch & Landscape Arch)
- Picnic lunch in the park
- Hike to Skyline Arch
- Hike the Park Avenue Trail
- Stop at Visitor Center for souvenirs
- Hike to Delicate Arch for sunset (bring a headlamp or flashlight for the walk back)
*Bonus: Arrive the night before to catch sunset at Balanced Rock.
If you have more time, hike further into Devils Garden for some of the park’s more secluded arches, like Double O Arch and Dark Angel. The trail becomes strenuous beyond Landscape Arch, so make sure you bring your tried and true hiking essentials!
👉 Read more about the 10 best hikes in Arches!
Canyonlands (1 Day)
📍 Location: Eastern Utah (near Moab)
🚗 Drive from Arches: ~40 mins
🕒 Best Time to Visit: Sunrise for iconic photo ops
💲 Entry Fee: $30/vehicle or free with America the Beautiful Pass
✨ Highlights: Mesa Arch, White Rim Overlook, Upheaval Dome
🏨 Where to Stay: MainStay Suites Moab (same as Arches)
Just a short drive from Arches, Canyonlands is Utah’s largest national park (over 330,000 acres).
Despite its size, Canyonlands is often overshadowed by some of the other Utah national parks, but it should definitely be on your Mighty Five road trip itinerary!
The park is divided into four districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and The Rivers, each of which offers vastly different experiences.
The easiest to visit is Island in the Sky, which offers short hikes, dramatic overlooks of canyons carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers, and views that rival the Grand Canyon.
🌅 Don’t miss: Sunrise at Mesa Arch—the arch glows fiery orange as the sun rises.
Here is our Canyonlands National Park 1-day itinerary:
- Hike to Mesa Arch for sunrise
- Hike part of the Grand View Point Overlook Trail
- Hike the White Rim Overlook Trail
- Stop at Buck Canyon Overlook
- Stop at Green River Overlook
- Hike to Upheaval Dome
- Stop at Shafer Canyon Overlook
- Visit the Island in the Sky Visitor Center for souvenirs
- Stop at the Visitor Center Viewpoint
*Bonus: Stay after dark if you can—Canyonlands is a certified Dark Sky Park, with some of the best stargazing in the U.S.
If you have more than one day in Canyonlands, consider exploring some of the other districts.
The Needles is a backcountry hiking playground; The Maze is one of the most remote areas in the entire U.S. National Park System; and The Rivers offer flatwater and whitewater opportunities.
👉 Discover the best hikes & viewpoints at Island in the Sky!
Well, there you have it! You can easily visit all of the Mighty Five in one Utah national parks road trip.
Bonus Stops Near the Utah Mighty Five
But wait, there’s more! If you have extra time on your Utah Mighty Five road trip, here are a couple of incredible add-ons worth considering.
These aren’t official national parks, but they’re close enough to the Mighty Five route (in Utah) to fit seamlessly into your itinerary.
Lower Calf Creek Falls
📍 Location: Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument (between Bryce Canyon & Capitol Reef)
🕒 Recommended Time: 3–4 hours (hike + relax at falls)
🥾 Trail Length: 6 miles round-trip (moderate)
If you’re driving between Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef along scenic Highway 12, don’t miss Lower Calf Creek Falls—one of Utah’s most stunning desert hikes.
The trail winds through a canyon with desert vegetation, beaver ponds, and towering cliffs, eventually leading to a 126-foot waterfall cascading into a turquoise pool.
This is one of the few year-round waterfalls in southern Utah, and in the summer, the pool makes for a refreshing (but chilly!) swim.
Look closely along the canyon walls—you may spot Fremont Culture petroglyphs and even some ancient granaries tucked into alcoves.
👉 Want all the details? Check out my guide to hiking Lower Calf Creek Falls here!
Monument Valley
📍 Location: Utah–Arizona border, within Navajo Nation
🕒 Recommended Time: Half or full day
🚗 Highlights: Scenic 17-mile drive + Forrest Gump Point
At the tail end of your Utah Mighty Five road trip, consider adding Monument Valley—one of the most iconic landscapes in the American Southwest.
Known for its towering sandstone buttes (some nearly 1,000 feet tall), Monument Valley has been featured in countless films, TV shows, and even commercials. Driving into the valley feels like stepping onto a movie set!
The best way to experience it is by driving the 17-mile Scenic Loop inside the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. Navajo-guided tours are also available for access to restricted areas and deeper cultural insight.
📌 Don’t miss: Forrest Gump Point on Highway 163—the stretch of road made famous by the movie Forrest Gump. It’s one of the most photographed spots in the Southwest!
👉 Refer to my 1-day Monument Valley itinerary for the best scenic drive stops!
If you’re extending beyond Utah, you might also consider Page, Arizona (Horseshoe Bend + Antelope Canyon) or Valley of Fire State Park near Las Vegas. I cover both of these in my Southwest road trip itinerary (coming soon!).
Final Tips for Visiting the Utah Mighty Five
Here are a few more tips to help you make the most out of your Utah national parks road trip.
- Start hikes early—cooler temps + fewer crowds.
- Download offline maps before your trip (cell service is spotty).
- Pack plenty of water, snacks, and layers.
- Build in buffer time—some of our favorite moments came from unplanned stops like scenic overlooks and small-town diners.
Above all: pace yourself. With so much beauty packed into southern Utah, it’s tempting to rush—but the magic really comes when you slow down and take it all in.
FAQs About the Utah Mighty Five
What is the Utah Mighty Five?
The Utah Mighty Five refers to the state’s five national parks: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands. They’re clustered in southern Utah, making it easy to visit all of them on one road trip.
How many days do you need for the Mighty Five?
Plan on 7–10 days to see all five comfortably. We did it in 7 and felt it was the perfect balance of hiking, scenic drives, and rest.
Can you do the Utah Mighty Five in 5 days?
Yes, but it’s a whirlwind. You’ll need to stick to highlights in each park and expect a lot of driving.
What’s the best starting point for a Mighty Five road trip?
Most people start in Las Vegas (closer to Zion) or Salt Lake City (closer to Arches & Canyonlands). We flew into Vegas and loved the loop route.
Do you need a 4×4 for this trip?
Not for my itineraries. A standard car works fine on paved roads, but you’ll need a 4×4 for more remote areas like Cathedral Valley in Capitol Reef or The Maze in Canyonlands.
Which park is best if you only have time for one?
That depends! Zion is best for epic hikes, Arches for iconic rock formations, and Capitol Reef if you want something quieter and less crowded.
What’s the best time of year to visit the Utah Mighty Five?
Spring and fall are ideal for mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer is hot and busy, while winter is quiet but can be icy in higher elevations. Refer to my Best Time to Visit section for more info.
How much does it cost to visit the Utah Mighty Five?
Each park charges $20–35 per vehicle, but the $80 America the Beautiful Pass covers all five (and 2,000+ other sites) for a full year.
What’s the best way to see the Utah Mighty Five?
A road trip is the easiest way. Fly into Las Vegas or Salt Lake City, rent a car, and follow a loop that connects all five parks.
Is the Utah Mighty Five worth it?
Absolutely! Each park feels unique—from slot canyons and hoodoos to arches and vast mesas. Visiting them all in one trip is a bucket-list adventure.
Final Thoughts on the Utah Mighty 5
Well, there you have it—the ultimate Utah Mighty Five itinerary!
The Mighty Five is more than just a checklist of national parks—it’s a journey through millions of years of geology and centuries of human history, all packed into one unforgettable road trip.
In just one week, you can:
- Trek world-famous trails like The Narrows and Angels Landing in Zion
- Watch sunrise over hoodoo-filled amphitheaters in Bryce Canyon
- Sample fresh pie in the historic orchards of Capitol Reef
- Hike to Delicate Arch, Utah’s most iconic landmark, in Arches
- Catch sunrise at Mesa Arch and gaze across vast desert mesas in Canyonlands
What I loved most about this road trip is how different each park feels. Even though they’re all in Utah, every stop offered a new kind of adventure—whether it was hiking through rivers, chasing sunrises, or spotting ancient petroglyphs.
And with bonus stops like Lower Calf Creek Falls and Monument Valley, your adventure only gets richer. They’re the perfect add-ons to showcase even more of Utah’s natural and cultural history.
For us, this was truly a once-in-a-lifetime trip that we won’t soon forget!
If you’re dreaming of seeing the Utah Mighty Five, I can promise you—it’s every bit as awe-inspiring as it looks in the photos (and then some).
👉 Ready to start planning?
- Check out my detailed guides for Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands.
- Browse my Southwest road trip itinerary (coming soon!) for the full route, including Las Vegas and Page, Arizona.
- And, don’t forget to pin this post for later!
XOXO Sara at Travel A-Broads
Sara is the founder of and voice behind Travel A-Broads, a travel blog designed to empower women to explore the world boldly and safely.
A Sr. Manager of a Data Engineering team (aka math nerd) by day and travel enthusiast by night, Sara shares practical tips, curated itineraries, and inspiring stories from her adventures across 5 continents and 28+ countries and helps curious, independent women plan smarter, travel farther, and feel more connected along the way.
Read more about Sara’s journey here, and start planning your next adventure today!
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