Ready for an epic road trip? Take 10 days to explore the Mighty 5 in Utah: Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef and Zion national parks. From tranquil sunrises that cast an ethereal purple and orange hue over the hoodoo rock formations, to the fiery sunsets that close out another day of hiking and canyoning, these majestic parks brim with outdoor adventure. Hiking, mountain biking, scenic driving, off-roading, camping – it’s all here, in whatever way, shape or form you’d like it to take. Here’s the ultimate travel guide and road trip itinerary for 10 days in the Utah Mighty 5.
Day 1: Moab to Arches National Park
With more than 2,000 window arches, towering spires of red rock, otherworldly hoodoos and eye-catching pinnacles, 73,234-acre Arches National Park northwest of Moab is the result of 300 million years of erosion. Today’s landscape can be appreciated via the 36-mile Arches Scenic Drive, visiting Fiery Furnace and embarking on the hike to Delicate Arch, among many other highlights. There are several hikes that start from the main drive.
Day 2: Moab to Canyonlands
Canyons, mesas, cliffs and spires dominate the landscape of Canyonlands National Park. Hike to Mesa Arch and the Grand View Point in the photogenic Island in the Sky region of the park. Visit Dead Horse Point State Park next door – you may recognize the landscape from a number of Hollywood blockbusters that have been filmed here.
Day 3: Canyonlands and the La Sal Loop
With its spires and cliffs, canyons and mesas, Canyonlands National Park is a 527-square-mile playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Hike a portion of the White Rim Trail while you’re in Canyonlands or take the scenic La Sal Loop Drive to get a feel for the area and its Delicate Arches. Hike up Grandstaff Trail to get your heart pumping. Rise to the challenge of the Porcupine Rim Trail. Photograph the renowned Mesa Arch. Or, extend your trip a couple days here and take a two- to five-day rafting trip on the Colorado River.
Day 4: Moab to Monument Valley
Go back in time at Newspaper Rock, a huge petroglyph panel on the scenic drive to the Needles District of the Canyonlands. Get an early start to avoid the crowds. Visit the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, the sacred heart of the Navajo Nation, and the Bluff Fort Historic Site. Take time to explore Edge of the Cedars State Park while you’re in the area.
Day 5: Monument Valley to Goblin Valley
Set yourself up with an introduction to the area at Goulding Film and Cultural History Museum at Goulding’s Lodge. Then, sign up for a guided jeep tour or hike to get up close to Monument Valley’s massive and incredible land and rock formations. Drive up the switchbacks of the Moki Dugway on your way to Natural Bridges National Monument.
Day 6: Capitol Reef Country
You’ve never seen anything like the contrast of red Entrada and white Navajo sandstone at expansive Capitol Reef National Park. Check out the amazing rock art petroglyphs that enlighten visitors about the Fremont Culture. If you have a high-clearance vehicle, definitely hit the backcountry. Or, hike your way across this rugged landscape on trails that starts along State Route 24 and the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive. You’ll get a feeling of what life was like, well, before there was life here, in this less-touristed American Southwest national park.
Day 7: Torrey to Kodachrome Basin
As classic as its name suggests, the All-American Road Scenic Byway 12 is one of the best routes you’ll drive in Utah. You’ll pass through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, as well as Boulder, Utah and the starting point of the Burr Trail Scenic Backway. Stop at Anasazi, the Escalante Petrified Forest and Kodachrome Basin state parks. Take the short hike to Lower Calf Creek Falls. This is definitely an area you may want to stay in longer.
Day 8: Bryce Canyon
Marvel at the natural amphitheaters, red-rock hoodoos, thick stands of trees and pink cliffs of Bryce Canyon National Park, where sunrise and sunset are perhaps the very best time of day. There are miles upon miles of hiking trails here, including the Queens Garden and Navajo Loop trails, and a 37-mile scenic drive. Stay out after dark and be mesmerized by the brilliant night sky. Traveling the American Southwest in the winter? Bryce Canyon still shines with a snowy covering and offers excellent snowshoeing and cross-country skiing opportunities.
Day 9: Bryce Canyon to Zion
Staggeringly beautiful landscapes await at Zion National Park, carved out by water and time over the ages. Drive the famous Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel, complete with windows that allow passengers to get a quick glimpse of the scenery awaiting them outside. Take on the epic Angels Landing hike, carved out of a steep, rocky spine to a top elevation of 5,790 feet. Work your way through beautiful Navajo sandstone slot canyons in the Zion Canyon Narrows.
Utah Parks Near the Mighty 5
Have more time? Consider one of the many Utah parks near the Mighty 5 route.
Dead Horse Point
Don’t forget your camera! Most visitors think the views here rival the views of the Grand Canyon. If you’re a mountain biker, you’ll want to spend extra time here for the single-track trails and slickrock domes, great for all ability levels.
Goblin Valley
More hoodoos? You got it. Sandstone “goblins” make up the somewhat alien landscape of Goblin Valley National Park. Explore the nooks and crannies, wind your way through slot canyons and bike the nontechnical Wild Horse Mesa Mountain Bike Trail.
Escalante Petrified Forest
Imagine life ages ago when you stand amidst the colorful ancient remains of Escalante Petrified Forest State Park. Hike the loop, with its expansive reservoir and mountain views, then cool off with a swim. To see the densest concentration of petrified wood, take the Sleeping Rainbows Trail.