The Ultimate Utah National Parks Road Trip Guide
We took an epic 10 day Utah National Parks road trip in the Spring of 2023. Often referred to as the “mighty 5,” we quickly learned that Utah is home to some of the best national parks in the country!
From the towering cliffs at Zion National Park to the vastness of Canyonlands National Park, getting a chance to see these five national parks was the experience of a lifetime.
The best part is that each of the 5 parks are located less than three hours from each other, which makes visiting them on one road trip extremely easy.
We hope the tips, recommendations, and pictures we share inspire you to plan your ultimate Utah National Parks itinerary.
It’s one of our favorite trips we’ve ever taken, and we can’t wait for you to hit the dirt roads and visit Utah!
Our Exact Mighty 5 Road Trip Itinerary
Las Vegas to Moab (Arches + Canyonlands)
We started our road trip in Las Vegas and stayed there for one night with family (our flight got in late!)
The next morning, we picked up our van and we drove out to Moab. This was about an 8 hour drive from Vegas. We definitely recommend driving the farthest length first, as it will make the rest of your Utah road trip itinerary much easier. We stayed in Moab and visited Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park for 3 nights.
Moab to Capitol Reef
Next we drove down to Torrey, UT – just outside of Capitol Reef National Park for one night. We only spent one full day at Capitol Reef and that seemed like enough for us!
Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon
Then we drive Utah Scenic Byway 12 on our way to Bryce Canyon National Park. This drive was epic as it took us through the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. We stayed in Bryce for 2 nights.
Bryce Canyon to Zion
Last we made our way to Zion and stayed there for 3 nights.
It was a bucket list trip to visit the Utah national parks and we think this route was stellar. We got to see the best of the 5 national parks with more than enough time. The only thing we might change is spending another night at Capitol Reef. Besides that, we were very happy with this national park road trip itinerary.
Here is our exact route below:
Next is each park we visited in order!
Canyonlands National Park
The best way to describe Canyonlands National Park is vast. With over 337,000 acres of rugged terrain, there are a endless opportunities for adventure and exploration. This is probably the park that we had the lowest expectations for, but the one that blew our minds the most!
Must-See Sights in Canyonlands
One of the most iconic sights in Canyonlands National Park is Mesa Arch. This natural arch frames an incredible view of the canyon below. We visited at sunrise and it was truly magical.
Pro tip: be sure to arrive early for sunrise. This is one of the most popular photo destinations at the park and will definitely have many other early risers!
Another must-see is the Island in the Sky scenic drive, which takes you to several breathtaking vistas overlooking the canyons. Don’t forget to check out the Green River Overlook and the Grand View Point Overlook for panoramic views that stretch as far as the eye can see.
Our Hiking Recommendations for Canyonlands National Park
Grand View Point Trail
This trail is located in the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park. The Grand View Point trail offers mind-blowing views of the park’s sprawling canyons and mesas. As you hike along this moderate path, prepare to be wowed by jaw-dropping vistas that seem to go on forever.
The Grand View Point itself lives up to its name. It gives you a front-row seat to the stunning rock formations and the merging of the Green and Colorado Rivers. At sunset, the fiery hues painting the sky will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a masterpiece. The Grand View Point Trail was one of our favorite hikes of the entire roadtrip!
Explore the Needles District
If you’re up for an off-the-beaten-path adventure in Canyonlands, head to the Needles District. This area is surrounded by majestic sandstone spires that seem to rise sharply from the ground. The Needles District is known as the adventure area of the park. It offers a range of hiking trails to suit every level of experience and you can even take a bouldering car tour!
We chose to hike the moderate Slick Rock Trail. This trail offers a thrilling and unique experience as you navigate the slick rock formations, characterized by smooth, weathered sandstone. You can expect a challenging but rewarding journey while marveling at the mesmerizing views that stretch in all directions.
Arches National Park
Arches National Park is one of the most unique and stunning destinations in the United States. It is often rated as one of the best national parks in Utah (although we Zion might have something to say about that!) With over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, soaring pinnacles, fun day hikes, and enormous balanced rocks, there is nothing quite like Arches National Park.
Must-See Sights in Arches National Park
Arches National Park has one of the most iconic sights in all of Utah – Delicate Arch. This stunning natural arch has become the symbol of Utah. A friendly hiker told us it was the most photographed thing in the entire state of Utah (we did not fact-check her in the moment!)
Another must-see sight at Arches National Park is Landscape Arch, which is the largest arch in the park and one of the longest natural arches in the world.
Our Hiking Recommendations in Arches National Park
Delicate Arch Trail
One of the most popular hikes is the Delicate Arch Trail, which is a 3-mile roundtrip hike that takes you right up to the giant arch. Get there early! We arrived just before 7am, and there were already many folks on the trail. The hike is moderate-to-strenuous, as it involves some steep sections and exposed slickrock.
The Arch was bigger than we thought it would be and well worth the early morning hike.
Devil’s Garden Trail
This trail is the longest and most diverse in Arches. It is a 7.2-mile loop that takes you through a series of stunning arches.
Along the way, you’ll pass Landscape Arch, one of the longest natural arches in the world. The best part about this trail is that it can customized depending on your preferences and fitness level, with shorter options available (We admittedly only did about half of the hike because it was a long day!)
Capitol Reef National Park
We’ll start by saying we spent the least amount of time at this park – we essentially took a day trip. But it’s a must-visit since you are already driving through. From what we researched, it’s also one of the last visited of Utah’s Might 5. The park is characterized by a diverse landscape of colorful rock formations, canyons, and domes that provide an immersive outdoor experience.
Must-See Sights in Capitol Reef National Park
One of the most popular sights in the park is the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long geological monocline that is unique to Capitol Reef. The fold can be seen from various viewpoints throughout the park.
Another must-see sight is the Capitol Dome, which is a striking white sandstone formation that is visible from many parts of the park.
Our Recommendations in Capitol Reef
Hickman Bridge Trail
One of the most popular hikes is the Hickman Bridge Trail, a moderate 2-mile round trip hike that leads to an impressive 133-foot natural bridge. You will get views of Capitol Dome and several other high cliffs in the park.
Scenic Drive
The scenic drive at Capitol Reef National Park is approximately 25 miles long. The drive takes you through the heart of the park, showcasing its remarkable geological formations and stunning landscapes. Make sure to stop at the viewpoints along the way to take in the sweeping vistas and appreciate the tranquility of the surroundings.
Stargazing
With its designation as an International Dark Sky Park, Capitol Reef offers exceptionally clear and unpolluted skies, allowing for incredible views of the stars. One of the postcards we saw at the visitor center said, “half the park is after dark!”
Drive Utah Scenic Byway 12
An unexpectedly fantastic part of our trip was getting to drive Scenic Byway 12. This is the route takes you through the heart of Dixie National Forest as you head to Bryce Canyon National Park.
Had a local not advised us to take this route (which was the long way on Google Maps), we likely would have missed out! We wrote all about it in another blog post below, but take our word for it – drive the scenic route!
Learn More Here: Utah Scenic Byway 12
Bryce Canyon National Park
Upon being there half a day in Bryce Canyon National Park, it quickly climbed to the top of our list of favorite national parks. With its unique geology and breathtaking views, it’s no wonder that it’s consistently ranked as one of the best Utah national parks.
Must-See Sights in Bryce Canyon National Park
The Hoodoo Amphitheater: This is the park’s most iconic viewpoint, where you can see the famous hoodoos (tall, thin spires of rock) up close. Sunrise and sunset are particularly spectacular here, with the changing light creating a stunning display.
Rainbow Point: Located at the southern and highest end of the park, this viewpoint offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Our Hiking Recommendations in Bryce Canyon
Peek-A-Boo Loop Trail
The Peek-a-Boo Loop Trail in Bryce Canyon National Park is a captivating hiking adventure that takes you deep into the heart of the park’s mesmerizing amphitheaters. This strenuous 5.5-mile trail leads you through a series of stunning hoodoos, towering spires of orange and red rock that defy imagination. You will wind your way through narrow canyons, ascend steep switchbacks, and revel in the breathtaking panoramic views. We think this is one of the best hikes in Utah!
Navajo Loop Trail:
This 1.3-mile trail descends into the canyon, leading you through a magical environment of towering hoodoos. As you navigate the switchbacks and steep sections, you’ll be surrounded by the vibrant colors and intricate geological features that make Bryce Canyon so extraordinary. The highlight of the trail is reaching the iconic Thor’s Hammer, a massive hoodoo that stands tall and leaves you in awe of the park’s natural wonders.
Queen’s Garden Trail
The Queen’s Garden Trail in Bryce Canyon is a picturesque hiking experience that transports you into a fairytale-like realm. This 1.8-mile trail winds through a stunning amphitheater, revealing a garden of hoodoos in various shapes and sizes. As you descend into the canyon, you’ll encounter majestic rock formations resembling queens and royal figures, creating a captivating landscape that immerses you in the park’s enchanting beauty.
Zion National Park
We ended our road trip by visiting one of the most popular national parks in the United States – Zion National Park. No trip to visit Utah’s mighty 5 is complete without visiting Zion. We spent 3 days in Zion National Park exploring, hiking, and admiring the beauty. When planning your Utah road trip, please create extended time in Zion.
Must-See Sights in Zion National Park
One of the top sights in the park is the iconic Zion Canyon. This 15-mile long and half-mile deep canyon was formed by the Virgin River and it is surrounded by towering cliffs.
Another must-see sight are the Emerald Pools, a series of three pools fed by waterfalls that are surrounded by lush vegetation and colorful wildflowers. The Weeping Rock is also worth a visit, with its unique dripping springs that create a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
Our Hike Recommendations in Zion
Moderate-to-Strenuous Hikes
Scout’s Lookout / Angels Landing
We’ll start off by saying we sadly did not hike Angels Landing. We did not secure a permit to hike the trail in time (don’t be like us). If we did it all over again, we’d buy a permit to hike Angels Landing and then plan our trip entirely around it!
BUT – you can hike 75% of the way there to a place called Scout’s Lookout. This moderate-to-strenuous hike offers unparalleled views Zion National Park. It will take your breath away (literally and figuratively!)
Watchman Trail
The Watchman Trail in Zion is a moderate 3-mile roundtrip hike that rewards you with breathtaking vistas of the park’s iconic red rock formations. As you ascend the trail, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the Virgin River, the town of Springdale, and the majestic Watchman peak. The trail offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of Zion National Park. You will also be capture memorable photographs of the surrounding landscape.
Easy Hikes
Riverside Walk
The Riverside Walk Trail is a leisurely and scenic hike that follows the Virgin River deep into the stunning Zion Canyon. This 2.2-mile paved trail is suitable for all skill levels and offers a peaceful escape surrounded by towering canyon walls and lush vegetation. As you stroll along the tranquil river, you’ll be treated to picturesque views, the soothing sound of water flowing, and a chance to spot wildlife, making it a perfect introduction to the natural wonders of Zion National Park.
Canyon Overlook Trail
The Canyon Overlook Trail is a short but spectacular 1-mile hike that showcases the park’s stunning vistas. The trail leads you to a dramatic viewpoint overlooking Zion Canyon, where you can marvel at the towering sandstone cliffs and the winding Virgin River below. This easily accessible trail offers a remarkable introduction to the beauty and grandeur of Zion National Park.
Pro Tip: GO AT SUNSET!
Pro Tip 2: We decided to end our time at Zion National Park with this trail. It was a memorable way to end our road trip – overlooking the giant Zion canyon.
The Best Time to Visit Utah National Parks
We intentionally planned to visit the parks in early spring.
As we said above, these are some of the most popular US national parks, so our thinking was that we’d beat the summer crowds (and also avoid the heat) by visiting in the spring.
Our theory panned out. We were able to spend full days in each park without ever feeling overcrowded. The days were warm and the nights were refreshing.
So if you are planning to visit the Utah Mighty 5, we’d recommend visiting in the Spring or Fall. During these times, the weather in southern Utah is mild, the crowds are smaller, and you’ll really be able to enjoy your trip.
How to Get Around: Rent a Camper Van or RV
It was a bit of a lifelong dream to take a road trip in a camper van – so we finally made it happen! We rented a van from Las Vegas Campers via Outdoorsy and it was incredible. The van had all the things we needed to make our road trip through Utah’s five national parks seamless.
- Linens
- Sink, fridge, and stove
- All cookware and cutlery
- And even a portable shower!
We basically only packed our clothes and everything else we needed was in the van. We can’t recommend them (or Outdoorsy) enough.
Where We Stayed Near Each Park in Utah
When planning our Utah National Park road trip, we wanted to make the best of it by choosing great places to stay. We went with a mix of national park campgrounds and RV parks. We chose each of our locations for three primary reasons:
- Proximity – each was less than 20 minutes outside the park entrances (most less than 10 minutes)
- Cost – anywhere between $25-75 per night
- Safety – we’re still new at the whole camping thing… so we wanted to be sure to stay at legit businesses. You can definitely find free campsites, but we’re not quite there yet in our camping journey!
Here is where we stayed:
- Sun Outdoors Canyonlands in Moab, UT – near Canyonlands and Arches
- Thousand Lakes RV Park in Torrey, UT – near Capitol Reef
- Bryce Canyon Pines RV Park & Campground in Bryce, UT – withinBryce Canyon
- Zion River Resort RV Park in Virgin, UT – near Zion
We’d highly recommend any of these places on your trip to Utah.
Start Planning Your Ultimate Utah National Park Road Trip!
Utah’s national parks get millions of visitors every year – and now we truly understand why.
From the incredible Zion to the colorful Bryce Canyon, you simply must visit Utah’s national parks. They offer an unforgettable adventure for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and newbies like us! And a quick reminder, if you are planning a trip in the summer, be sure to plan in advance!
We hope this 10 day itinerary has been useful and helps you plan an epic Utah national parks road trip.
For now, we’ve reached the end of the road for this blog. Now get outta here and start planning your trip!
