The State of Utah holds some of my favorite National Parks. Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion each have a uniqueness that makes them all special. The “Mighty 5” consists of Utah’s 5 national parks listed above. These parks can be seen with a road trip that showcases the red rock, desert sandstone, famous arches, and renowned hiking trails.
The Utah Mighty 5 Road Trip Itinerary will guide you along a journey through all 5 of Utah’s National Parks in this order: Arches NP, Canyonlands NP, Capitol Reef NP, Bryce Canyon NP, and Zion NP.
The first half of the Utah Mighty 5 Itinerary describes each day in detail so you can have an idea of how to spend each day of your trip. The bottom half of the itinerary lists answers to common questions concerning the Mighty 5 trip. Make sure to keep reading so you can be fully prepared to make the most of your Mighty 5 Road Trip!
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Quick Summary of Utah Mighty 5 Road Trip Itinerary
Day 1 – 4: Moab, UT – Arches and Canyonlands NP
Day 5 – 7: Tropic, UT – Capitol Reef NP, Bryce Canyon NP
Day 8 – 10: Springdale, UT – Zion NP
Day 1 – 4: Moab, UT – Arches and Canyonlands NP – Utah Mighty 5 Road Trip
Day 1: Drive in From Salt Lake City, UT
Location: Moab, UT
Where to Stay: Hyatt Place Moab
Where to Eat: Ray’s Tavern, Pasta Jays
Start your first day of the Utah Mighty 5 Road Trip by heading to Moab from Salt Lake City.
This route covers around 250 miles and will take around 4 hours without stops. Take the time to admire the scenery along the way.
The trip from SLC to Moab will take you through towns such as Provo, Helper, and Green River.
Along the way, make sure to stop at Ray’s Tavern for a hearty cheeseburger! There are also a variety of waterfalls and hidden gems along the way. Check this guide for things to see along the way.
Ray’s Tavern features a classic neon restaurant sign!
Learn More: 3 Days in Moab, UT: A Full Guide
Day 2: Moab Hummer Ride, Canyonlands NP, Arches NP
Where to Stay: Hyatt Place Moab
Where to Eat: Nuclear Bean Coffee Co, Quesadilla Mobilla, Fiesta Mexicana
Day 2 of the Mighty 5 Road Trip starts in Moab. Here, you’ll find a quaint town nestled between towering hills of red sandstone that create a vibrant backdrop to the area.
Begin your adventure at Nuclear Bean Coffee Company and grab a latte and a breakfast burrito. Keep in mind that they close during the off-season, so make sure to check the store hours before you go.
Breakfast at Nuclear Bean Coffee Co along our Utah Mighty 5 Road Trip
The Moab Hummer Ride is the best way to add some adrenaline to your itinerary! Hosted by Moab Adventure Center, the 4×4 Hummer tour provides access to Moab’s stunning backcountry, a place where normal vehicles have difficulty getting to.
I recommend taking the Slickrock Safari Hummer Adventure. The tour costs $99 per adult and lasts 2 hours. It is one of the most popular off-road experiences in Moab and makes for an exhilarating adventure. Also, make sure to take the 7:30 am or 10:00 am tour to make sure you have time to visit Dead Horse Point and Arches National Park.
Riding the Hummer H1 through the Moab backcountry
The Hummer makes its way along famous red rock fins toward the “Hells Revenge area”, where you’ll weave through rock canyons and climb almost vertically up and down sandstone hills.
The Hummer tour also takes you past real fossils to take a glimpse into the history of the ancient geology of the Moab area.
Along the way, the Hummer will stop at a vantage point that overlooks the Colorado River, offering great views of Arches National Park, the flowing waterway, and the surrounding landscape.
Views of the Colorado River on our Hummer tour
After the Hummer Adventure, make your way to Dead Horse Point State Park. The drive is around 30 miles and takes around 36 min to complete. Find the directions from Moab to Dead Horse Point here.
When entering from the park, you’ll be greeted with a map that shows you each pull-off and destination to stop at. Luckily, you can take Highway 30 straight to the end of the park where you can see Utah’s rocky landscape for miles, as well as the famous Meander Overlook.
Meander Overlook at Dead Horse State Park
If you still have time in the day, head over to Arches National Park. For this, head back to Moab for about 25 miles. You can find the directions from Dead Horse Point to Arches NP here.
Pro Tip: Make sure to do the Delicate Arch trail to see one of the most famous arches in Utah. It is even on the state license plate! This hike is around 3 miles and features 550 ft of elevation change.
Seeing the Delicate Arch for the first time
There is also the Devil’s Garden area near the back of the park that features various arches such as the Tunnel Arch. We were lucky enough to catch a rainbow peeking through Tunnel Arch!
Extremely lucky opportunity to capture a rainbow seen through Tunnel Arch
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Day 3: Jet Boat Tour, Canyonlands NP, Petroglyphs
Where to Stay: Hyatt Place Moab
Where to Eat: Jailhouse Cafe, Sunset Grill
Day 3 of the Utah Mighty 5 Road Trip begins by experiencing the Colorado River up close and personal through a Jet Boat ride.
A taste of the view enjoyed from the Jetboat tour on our Mighty 5 Road Trip
A 2-hour tour is $99 per adult and features a ride up the river with Arches National Park’s canyon face on the east side of the water.
The best part of the Jet Boat is when the captain slows down the boat to mix up the water and rides through the waves, putting a huge blast of water on everyone. Be careful not to drink it!
After the boat tour, take some time to dry off and head back to Arches National Park to see the WIndows, Turret Arch, and Double Arch. Get directions from the Jet Boat to Double Arch here.
Catching a glimpse of The Windows in Arches National Park
After admiring the beauty of this park, head back to Moab and continue along Highway 313 toward Canyonlands National Park. Make sure to stop and see the Mesa Arch as you tour through the Island in the Sky district of the Park. Also, stop at the visitor center to grab a souvenir! Spend a few hours here before heading back to Moab.
Mesa Arch. Canyonlands National Park
Pro Tip: On the way back from Canyonlands, stop at the Petroglyphs along Potash Road to admire the ancient history of Moab. Here are the coordinates to get to the Roadside Petroglyph.
Petroglyphs seen along the road near the Colorado River
For dinner, head to Sunset Grill for some fine dining with a gorgeous overlook of the town of Moab.
Our view of Moab from dinner at Sunset Grill.
Day 4: Drive to Torrey, UT, Capitol Reef NP
Where to Stay: Moab Coffee Roasters, Broken Spur Inn.
Where to Eat: Broken Spur Steakhouse
On Day 4 of the Mighty 5 Road Trip, head to Torrey, UT and make a detour toward Capitol Reef National Park. Find the directions from Moab to Capitol Reef here. The drive is around 2 hours and covers 140 miles.
Passing a historic Mormon barn on our way into Capitol Reef National Park
Once in Capitol Reef, stop to enjoy the Fruits District, admire historic Mormon Barns, and grab a pie at the Gifford Homestead.
View from the Scenic Drive in Capitol Reef National Park
After taking the time to enjoy this park, head west to Torrey, UT toward the Broken Spur Inn to catch some rest before heading to Bryce Canyon! Find the directions from Capitol Reef to Torrey, UT here. This drive is only 5 miles and takes 7 minutes.
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Day 5 – 7: Tropic, UT – Bryce Canyon NP – Utah Mighty 5 Road Trip
Day 5: Drive to Tropic, UT
Where to Stay: Airbnb Farmhouse in Tropic, UT
Where to Eat: The Pizza Place, Tropic, UT
Day 5 of the Utah Mighty 5 Itinerary includes a drive from Torrey, UT to Tropic, UT to visit Bryce Canyon National Park.
Pro Tip: Make sure to visit the Scenic Byway 12 for views of Red Canyon, Grand Staircase, Boulder Mountain, and more by following this route from Torrey to Tropic.
Once at Bryce Canyon, stop to visit spots like Sunrise Loop, Inspiration Point, Bryce Amphitheater, and more. For a detailed guide on Bryce Canyon, visit my guide here:
Seeing Bryce Amphitheater along our Utah Mighty 5 Road Trip
After Bryce Canyon, grab some pizza at The Pizza Place, located in Tropic.
Day 6: Bryce Canyon NP – Utah Mighty 5 Road Trip
Where to Stay: Airbnb Farmhouse in Tropic, UT
Where to Eat: Bryce Canyon Coffee Co.
The second day near Bryce Canyon involves touring some more places inside the National Park as well as some spots in the surrounding area.
First, hike the Mossy Cave trail located along UT-12 near the north end of the park. Find the directions from Tropic to the Mossy Cave Trail here. Make sure to visit both the cave and the waterfall viewpoint.
Waterfall at Mossy Cave Trail. Bryce Canyon National Park
After the Mossy Cave trail, continue along Highway 12 toward the Red Canyon Arch. The Thunder Mountain trailhead allows you to climb to view the double arch hanging over the road and makes for an awesome photo! Find directions to the Thunder Mountain Trailhead here.
Seeing double arches over the highway along the Thunder Mountain Trail
Around nighttime, head back toward Bryce Canyon to visit Bryce Point for stargazing.
Bryce Canyon National Park is renowned for its exceptional stargazing opportunities, thanks to its high elevation, clean air, and remote location, which contribute to some of the darkest skies in the United States.
A view of the night sky from Bryce Point
In 2019, the park was designated as a Gold Tier International Dark Sky Park, underscoring its commitment to preserving natural darkness.
Day 7: Drive to Zion National Park
Where to Stay: Best Western Zion Canyon
Where to Eat: Bryce Canyon Coffee Co, Camp Outpost
Start the day at Bryce Canyon Coffee Co. with a warm latte before making the drive to Zion National Park. The drive from Tropic, UT to Zion NP takes around 1 hr 30 min and covers around 75 miles along UT-12 West.
Because this Utah Mighty 5 Road Trip dedicates 3 days to Zion National Park, I recommend taking the first day to relax and enjoy the views of the park by taking the shuttle bus to each stop on a round-trip. Each bus driver will take the time to explain the significance of each part of Zion NP.
Pro Tip: Remember to always treat the park with care and follow the Leave No Trace Principle.
For more on Zion National Park, check out this article:
Day 8 – 10: Springdale, UT – Zion NP – Utah Might 5 Road Trip
Day 8: Angels Landing – Utah Mighty 5 Road Trip
Where to Stay: Best Western Zion Canyon
Where to Eat: Deep Creek Coffee Co.
Start Day 8 of the Utah Mighty 5 Road Trip at Deep Creek Coffee Co. in Springdale. They offer great coffee with beans roasted in-house. You can also grab an acai bowl for a sweet breakfast option.
If you know anything about Zion National Park, you’ll know about Angels Landing. It is a notorious hike that is consistently ranked as one of the most dangerous in the United States.
A view of Angels Landing at the Starting Trailhead
The Angels Landing hike offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Zion Canyon and is by far my favorite hike in the park.
For this hike, take the West Rim Shuttle to the Grotto stop. The walk toward Angels Landing takes you over a bridge, crossing the Virgin River toward the West Rim trail. The first few miles are paved, while the Angels Landing portion is unpaved.
The total length of the Angels Landing Hike is 4.3 miles and covers 1,800 ft of elevation gain.
Pro Tip: Angels Landing is one of the most dangerous hikes in the United States. Please be sure to exercise caution along every part of the trail. There is also a lottery system to ensure fair access to hike Angels Landing. You’ll need to apply for a permit the day before your hike.
Day 9: The Narrows – Utah Mighty 5 Road Trip
Where to Stay: Best Western Zion Canyon
Where to Eat: Canyon Coffee, Oscars Cafe
The Narrows in Zion National Park is also a must-do when completing the Mighty 5 Road Trip. So much so, that the entire day is dedicated to this hike.
A look inside the tight canyon walls of the Narrows.
To get to the Narrows, head on the West Rim Shuttle in Springdale and head to the Temple of Sinawava stop.
Then, follow the Riverside Walk trail to get to the beginning of the Narrows.
The total length of the Narrows that can be hiked is 16 miles and can be done with a 2-day backpack. However, I recommend hiking around 4 miles out and 4 miles back.
Pro Tip: Many people underestimate the difficulty of the Narrows. Make sure to plan your hike early in the day to ensure a bus ride back to the entrance of the park. Once buses stop running, there is no way to get back to the entrance without walking!
You’ll also want to make sure to rent a walking stick and proper footwear to make sure not to slip when traversing the slippery rocks inside the Narrows. For this, head to the Zion Outfitter at the Springdale entrance off the park.
On the way out of the Narrows, head to Zion Brewery for a local beer and a burger!
Day 10: Drive to SLC, Antelope Island
Where to Stay: Homewood Suites SLC – Downtown
Where to Eat: Laan Na Thai
If you have some extra time in Salt Lake City before heading to the airport, take a stop at Antelope Island.
This hidden gem is located in the Great Salt Lake of Utah and is known for its surrounding beauty, roaming buffaloes, and more.
Up close with a bison at Antelope Island State Park
Find the directions from Zion National Park to Antelope Island here. This is a long drive that encompasses 300 miles over 5 hours.
The ticket price to enter the park is $15 per vehicle.
Once inside the park, make your way toward Buffalo Point for views overlooking the Great Salt Lake. Then, follow the road along the coast and look out for bison, birds, and other wildlife!
Notable Mentions – Utah Mighty 5 Road Trip Itinerary
There are a ton of destinations packed into this Utah Mighty 5 Road Trip Itinerary. However, here are some more spots to check out in case you have more time during your trip.
Spooky Slot Canyon
Located in the Dry Fork area of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, this narrow, winding canyon offers a fun and adventurous experience for hikers.
- Trail Length: Approximately 3.5 miles (round trip) when combined with Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon.
- Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous due to tight spaces and minor scrambling.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall offer ideal weather; avoid the summer heat and flash flood season.
Bryce Canyon Horseback Tour
Experiencing Bryce Canyon National Park on horseback offers a unique perspective of its stunning landscapes and iconic hoodoos.
Guided horseback tours are available within the park, providing an immersive journey through its natural wonders.
The 2-hour Ride tour descends from Sunrise Point into the canyon, traversing a dedicated horse trail. Riders will experience close-up views of the park’s unique rock formations.
More Information – Utah Mighty 5 Road Trip Itinerary
Where Should I Start the Mighty 5 Road Trip?
There are two main starting areas to begin the Utah Mighty 5 Road Trip.
This guide starts in Salt Lake City for Arches and Canyonlands and is best for those wanting to start in Moab. I recommend this option to save Bryce and Zion NP for the last places to see!
You can also start from Las Vegas, NV to access Zion NP first and head east toward Moab. This option encompasses the same route, but backwards.
Where should I rent a car for the Utah Mighty 5 Road Trip?
All car rentals should be purchased from major airports. You will receive the best price and more flexibility when booking at spots such as LAS, SLC, DEN, or PHX airports.
Pro Tip: Make sure to rent a vehicle with unlimited mileage to avoid extra costs when traveling along the Utah Mighty 5 Road Trip. Also, having insurance protection for flat tires will save time and money when traversing some unpaved trails around southern Utah.
Best Time to use this Utah Mighty 5 Road Trip Itinerary
Summer
Weather: Hot, especially in lower elevation parks like Zion, Arches, and Canyonlands, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F in some areas. Higher elevations, like Bryce Canyon, offer cooler conditions.
Crowds: High. Summer is the peak tourist season, and national parks can be very crowded.
Fall
Weather: Ideal, with daytime temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F in most parks. Nights can get chilly, especially in Bryce Canyon.
Crowds: Lower than in summer, but still moderate in the first half of fall. Late October and November see fewer crowds as kids return to school.
Winter
Weather: Cold, especially at higher elevations. Daytime temperatures range from 30°F to 50°F, but it can be much colder at night. Some parks, like Bryce Canyon, may get snow.
Crowds: Low. Winter is the least crowded season, making it a great time for those seeking solitude and quieter trails.
Spring
Weather: Mild, with daytime temperatures ranging from 50°F to 80°F in most parks. Nights can still be chilly, especially in higher elevations like Bryce Canyon.
Crowds: Moderate. Spring is a popular time for visitors, especially in April and May, but it’s not as crowded as summer.
Getting to Moab, UT from Salt Lake City
The most direct route starts by heading south on Interstate 15 (I-15) from Salt Lake City to Spanish Fork.
From there, you’ll merge onto U.S. Highway 6 (US-6) east, which takes you through Price and the beautiful landscapes of central Utah.
Continue on US-6 until it intersects with Interstate 70 (I-70), then follow I-70 east to the exit for U.S. Highway 191 (US-191).
Heading south on US-191 will bring you directly into Moab, the gateway to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
If you’re looking for a more scenic alternative, consider taking U.S. Highway 89 (US-89) south through charming small towns and connecting to U.S.
Highway 24, passing through Capitol Reef National Park before joining US-191 toward Moab. While this route is longer, it offers breathtaking views and unique stops along the way.
How much are the Entry Fees for National Parks along the Utah Mighty 5 Road Trip?
Zion National Park: $35 per vehicle, valid for 7 days.
Bryce Canyon National Park: $35 per vehicle, valid for 7 days.
Capitol Reef National Park: $20 per vehicle, valid for 7 days.
Arches National Park: $30 per vehicle, valid for 7 days.
Canyonlands National Park: $30 per vehicle, valid for 7 days.
Pro Tip: make sure to grab the America the Beautiful Pass if visiting other national parks in Utah. This pass can be bought for $80 and acts as a valid entry pass to any National Park for one year.
For the Mighty 5 Road trip, you can also purchase the Southeast Utah Parks Annual Pass for $55 which covers Arches, Canyonlands, and Natural Bridges National Monument for one year.
Where to Park your car?
Zion National Park:
- Zion Canyon Visitor Center: The main parking area; fills up quickly, often by mid-morning.
- Springdale: Town adjacent to the park with paid parking options.
- Shuttle System: From March to late November, the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is accessible only via shuttle. Parking in Springdale and using the shuttle is recommended.
Bryce Canyon National Park:
- Amphitheater Area: Includes Bryce, Inspiration, Sunset, and Sunrise Points. Each has parking, but spaces are limited during peak times.
- Free Shuttle: Operates mid-April through mid-October, reducing parking congestion. Using the shuttle is encouraged to access main viewpoints.
National Park Service
Capitol Reef National Park:
- Visitor Center: Primary parking area; can fill up during busy periods.
- Scenic Drive: Parking is available at trailheads and viewpoints along the drive.
- Overflow Parking: Additional spaces near the Gifford House and picnic areas.
Arches National Park:
- Devils Garden Trailhead: This popular area with limited parking; early arrival is recommended.
- Delicate Arch/Wolfe Ranch: Parking is often full by late morning.
- Timed Entry System: Implemented during peak seasons to manage traffic; reservations may be required.
Canyonlands National Park:
- Island in the Sky District: Mesa Arch and Grand View Point have limited parking; early arrival helps.
- Needles District: Trailheads like Chesler Park have small lots; plan accordingly.
- Backcountry Areas: Some require permits; ensure you have the necessary documentation.
General Tips:
- Arrive Early: To secure parking and avoid crowds, especially during peak seasons.
- Use Shuttles: Available in Zion and Bryce Canyon; they ease congestion and provide convenient access.
- Check Park Websites: For current parking information, shuttle schedules, and any restrictions.
- Consider Alternative Transportation: Biking or hiking to popular spots can bypass parking challenges.
Summary
The Utah Mighty 5 Road Trip is a once-in-a-lifetime trip that exposes you to some of the most breathtaking sights in the United States. Each park along this trip is spectacular and is one of my favorite National Parks I’ve been to so far.
Make sure to save this guide for easy access to all the information you need when you decide to take the Utah Mighty 5 Road Trip. Share this with a friend you would love to take this trip with!
