
Journey through tall red cliffs, gaze at milky skies, and venture into vast canyons. Take on the Mighty 5 road trip through all 5 of Utah’s National Parks and let these natural wonders astound you. Along the way, you’ll go on epic hikes, set out on scenic roads, and stop at places that blow your mind!
I’ve now gone on the Mighty 5 road trip on three separate occasions and it just gets better and better. It’s truly one of those trips that I would go on hundreds of more times. There’s always something new to see or do and and landscapes are simply breathtaking.
Going on a Utah National Park road trip does take advanced planning. So, I’ve created this blog to help you make your trip as smooth as possible. 👍🏻 It details everything you should do, permits you have to get ahead of time, and the best time to go. Soon you’ll be ready to take on one of the best US road trips!
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Table of Contents
Planning Your Mighty 5 Road Trip
Where to Start the Mighty 5 Road Trip

The Mighty 5 Utah National Parks are situated in a line, which you can see on the map further below in this post. So, there are multiple ways you can do this trip including flying in one destination and flying out another or doing a loop with extra driving.
Las Vegas and Salt Lake City are the closest airports to the Mighty 5 road trip.
If you fly into Las Vegas, I recommend starting in Zion (2 hour drive) and ending in Moab (6 hour drive). Or, you can fly into Salt Lake City, which is 4 hours from both Moab and Zion.
TIP: Get an America the Beautiful Pass because you’ll save money on your entry into the National Parks!
How Long Do I Need for the Trip?

If you want to get the best experience in the National Parks, then I recommend going for at least a week. That being said, you can do this trip in as little as 5 days, but you would really be cruising through the parks. On the other hand, you could spend two weeks and still have more to see!
But overall, I think 7-9 days is the perfect amount for this road trip! 🙌🏻
Best Time to Go on a Mighty 5 Road Trip

The Utah Mighty 5 are all located in the Southwestern area of the US. This area is known for being fairly arid and more desert like. 🏜 So, in my opinion the best time to visit these parks are the Spring and Fall when temperatures are lower and things are open. However, you can read about visiting during all of the seasons below!
Fall

Fall is a fantastic time to visit the Utah parks! Temperatures usually range from the 50s-80s, vibrant colors begin to cover the trees 💛, and crowds dissipate. I would say that this is an ideal time to visit the park with few closures and tons of opportunities to explore!
Winter

Winter is typically quieter in the Utah parks, so if you don’t mind cooler weather it’s a great time to go. That being said, some places in the parks may be closed and it’s going to be much colder. I was even on the top of Angels Landing when a surprise snowstorm blew in ❄️, which was one of the scariest experiences of my life!
But, the contrast of the red rocks with snow is an extremely beautiful sight. So, you just have to weigh the pros and cons!
Spring

I’ve now done the Mighty 5 road trip on three separate occasions in the Spring. 🌸 I truly think that this is one of the best times to visit all of these parks. Crowds are still quieter and the trails are all mostly open with perfect temperatures in the high 60s and low 70s.
The only downside in my opinion is that the Narrows, one of the best hikes in Zion, closes in the spring due to the flow rate of the Virgin River and the risk of flash floods.
Summer

Summer in the southwest gets incredibly hot and it’s also one of the most crowded times of year. Temperatures often soar past 100 degrees 🥵 and the sun is incredibly strong. Plus, they do get occasional monsoons with heavy rains! If you’re going to visit in the summer then I recommend going early in the morning, bringing extra water, and going on trails that may be less popular.
Places You Could Add with More Time

Are you spending more than a couple weeks in the Southwest? Then there are plenty of fun destinations to add to your trip. I actually spent about three months exploring this area in my van and there were so many destinations we still missed out on!


If you have extra time, then I recommend visiting these destinations that are not far drives away:
Utah Packing Guide

Southeastern Utah gets all four seasons, so your packing list will depend on when you go to visit. In winter, I would pack layers and prepare for some snow. While in summer, you will want to bring waterproof gear in case of heavy rains. 🌧
However, throughout the entire year I recommend bringing plenty of sun protection, because the sun is strong in this area. Below are some items I would definitely bring for your trip!
Utah Packing List
- Comfortable Hiking Boots
- Small Pack
- Hiking Poles
- First Aid Kit
- Sunscreen
- Bug Spray
- Polarized Sunglasses
- Hat to block sun
- Shelter
- Sun Hoodie
- Quality Layers!
- Rain jacket or light winter jacket
- Satellite phone
- National Park Pass
You can read more about my favorite gear here.
Mighty 5 Road Trip Itinerary
You’ll find my suggested itinerary for your Mighty 5 road trip below. However, you can reverse the order or change things depending where you come in on. Whatever you do, you’ll have an amazing time in Utah!
Quick Mighty 5 Itinerary Breakdown
✈️ Day 1 -2: Fly in and Drive to Zion National Park
🌅 Day 3: Bryce National Park
🚗 Day 4-5: Drive to Capitol Reef on Scenic Byway 12 & explore the park
🏜 Day 6-8: Explore Moab area, Arches & Canyonlands National Park
Zion National Park

Start your journey to the Mighty 5 by going to one of the best National Parks in the country, Zion. Drive through the park and stare up at red canyon walls that rise up above you, while the Virgin River gushes past you. It’s truly stunning!
I would spend a couple of days in Zion, because there a ton of fantastic places to see and things to do. Take the first day to bike or take the shuttles on the scenic drive and stop at short hikes along the way. Then, spend your second day doing one of the longer, iconic hikes either the Narrows or Angel’s Landing (permit required).


🚫 Note: The scenic drive is closed to personal vehicles from Spring through Fall. You will need to take a shuttle!
Things to Do in Zion

- Go on a Tough Hike:
- Angels Landing (you will need a permit)-4.3 miles, 1800 feet elevation
- The Narrows– up to 9 miles, 695 feet
- Bike the Scenic Drive
- Go to Canyon Overlook (1 mile) for Sunset
- Do a short day hike
- Emerald Pools (3 miles, 620 feet)
- Watchman Trail (3 miles, 636 feet)
Where to Stay in Zion

Zion is a popular park, so there are plenty of options on where to stay from camping outdoors to luxuriating at a nice lodge. I’ve been in a van multiple times, so I’ve also stayed at numerous free campsites that are all gorgeous! 🚐
Springdale is the town adjacent to the park, but there is also one lodge and three campgrounds in Zion. They book up very quickly so make sure to plan ahead if you want to stay there!
Best Lodging Near Zion:
Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon is one of the most underrated parks in the country. Hoodoos cover the landscape and create an otherworldly landscape. It almost feels as if you’ve transported to Mars 🪐 as you look over the wild red rock formations.
I also believe that it’s one of the best parks to see in just one day!

Wake up early to watch the sunrise at Sunrise Point 🌅, then hike down from there into the hoodoos. I personally love the Navajo Loop & Queen’s Garden trail that leaves directly from Sunrise Point. Then, end your day in the park by doing the magical scenic drive and stopping at lookout points like Rainbow Point, Natural Bridge, and Farview Point.
Things to Do in Bryce

- Watch sunrise or sunset at Sunrise Point
- Do the scenic drive and stop at lookout points
- Go on a day hike:
- Navajo Loop/Queens Garden (3 miles, 650 feet)
- Fairyland Loop (8 miles, 1500 feet)
- Peekaboo Loop (5 miles, 1500 feet)
Where to Stay in Bryce

Bryce Canyon is a smaller park, so there are less lodging options. That being said, there is a lodge in the park as well as two campgrounds. Tropic, Utah is the closest town to Bryce and has a number of large campgrounds and hotels to stay in as well.
Best Lodging Near Bryce:
Capitol Reef

Before you even get to Capitol Reef, I suggest driving Scenic Byway 12 from Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef. This byway passes through Grand Staircase Escalante and is one of the most beautiful drives in America!
Then, you have the chance to explore Capitol Reef, another underrated park in Utah. It’s known for wonderful rock formations and beautiful canyons. I love this park because it feels a lot less crowded than others and has amazing landscapes to explore.


I would explore Capitol Reef for at least a day. Start your day by doing a hike like Hickman Bridge or Cassidy Arch. Then, fuel up by grabbing a pie (or two or three) at Gifford Homestead. Finish your day by stargazing in this Dark Sky area! 💫
🥧 Gifford Homestead opens on Pi Day every year (3/14) and closes after Halloween.
Things to Do in Capitol Reef

- Get pie at Gifford Homestead
- Go on a great day hike:
- Cassidy Arch (3 miles, 685 feet)
- Hickman Bridge (1.7 miles, 416 feet)
- Cohab Canyon (3 miles, 800 feet)
- Stargaze in the park
- Explore the historic Fruita
- Take a ride on the scenic drive
Where to Stay in Capitol Reef

Capitol Reef is right next to the town of Torrey, Utah. There are a number of wonderful RV campgrounds as well as lodges in the small town. Plus, there is one official campground in the park- the Fruita Campground. 🏕
Best Lodging Near Capitol Reef:
Canyonlands & Arches- Moab, Utah

Moab, Utah is one of the best destinations for the outdoorsy enthusiasts. It’s not only home to two National Parks, but also some of the best off-roading and rock climbing areas in the country.
So, if you have the time I highly recommend spending a couple days in the parks, but then taking extra time in Moab to go on fun adventures or a 4×4 ride!


Arches has more than 2000 natural sandstone arches in the park 🤯, which is simply incredible! But, you can visit Arches in a day: starting by watching sunrise at the Windows Section, doing the scenic drive, completing a couple hikes like the one to Landscape Arch, and ending the day with sunset at Delicate Arch.
You will need timed entry permits for Arches from April 1-October 31st.
Then, spend a day or more exploring Canyonlands, a dramatic landscape in the desert. There are four districts in this park: Island in the Sky, Maze, Needles, and Rivers. Island in the Sky is the most accessible and popular, but if you have more time you can get further into the park. I’ve always wanted to go to the Needles section.
Things to Do in Canyonlands

- See Sunrise at Mesa Arch (Island in the Sky)
- Drive through Island in the Sky District & stop at Overlooks
- Go on a fan fantastic hike:
- White Rim Overlook (Island in the Sky, 1.8 miles, 150 feet)
- Gooseberry Trail (Island in the Sky 4.2 miles, 1500 feet)
- Upheaval Dome (Island in the Sky, 1.3 miles, 226 feet)
- Chesler Park Loop (Needles District, 10 miles, 1800 feet)
- Take a 4×4 to the Maze District
- Spend time on the River in the Rivers District
Things to Do in Arches

- Trek to Delicate Arch for Sunset (3.2 miles, 630 feet)
- Visit the Windows Section at Sunrise
- Explore the Fiery Furnace– you will need a permit or guide to visit
- Hike through the Arches:
- Double O Arch (4.2 miles, 682 feet)
- Landscape Arch (2 miles, 250 feet)
- Devils Garden (8 miles, 1000 feet)
Where to Stay in Moab

Moab is the perfect place to base yourself on a visit to Canyonlands and Arches at just 15-30 minutes from each of them. It’s a great town with good restaurants, hotels, and fun tours to go on. I’ve personally stayed at Red Cliffs Lodge and it was incredible! I also recommend stopping into Garage or Doughbird 🍩 for delicious eats during your stay.
There is one campground in Arches and two in Canyonlands if you would prefer to stay in the parks. But, they do book up quickly!
Best Lodging in Moab:
Final Tips for Your Mighty 5 Road Trip

I think that the Mighty 5 Road Trip is something that everyone needs to go on at least once! The Utah parks are seriously mind boggling and each one will leave you more impressed than the next.
Before you go, just remember to plot out your route in advance, get any reservations you may need in the park, and buy a National Parks Pass 🎟. These three things will save you a lot of headaches on your adventure. I hope you have the time of your life on this bucket list trip!
Let me know if you enjoyed this road trip itinerary in the comments!
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I would love to do this! Maybe next summer… but I know it gets so crowded in the summer!
Great guide! This is one of my favorite road trips!