Red rock arches, hoodoo-filled amphitheaters, dramatic canyons, and winding rivers, Utah’s landscape feels like another planet, and the Mighty Five National Parks showcase its most jaw-dropping moments. Whether you’re planning your first big road trip or looking to revisit old favorites, exploring Utah’s Mighty Five is one for the bucket list. Each park brings something wildly unique to the table, and the best part? They’re all connected by some of the most scenic drives in the country.
You’re in the right place if you’re ready to hit the road but unsure where to start. This guide will walk you through everything, from the best time to visit Utah National Parks to a one-week Utah National Parks itinerary. And for an easy, flexible way to explore without missing a beat, check out this self-guided audio tour of Utah’s Mighty Five.
What is the Mighty Five Road Trip?
The Mighty Five road trip covers Utah’s national parks: Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion. Together, they form an unforgettable loop through Utah’s desert country. Whether you’re snapping sunrise shots at Bryce Canyon, hiking through Arches’ twisted trails, or cruising the switchbacks of Zion, this trip is a greatest-hits reel of America’s geological wonders.
Most travelers start this iconic Utah road trip in Salt Lake City or Las Vegas and spend about a week driving from park to park. With scenic highways, quirky towns, and more viewpoints than your camera can handle, it’s an immersive dive into the Wild West.
Best Time to Take a Utah National Parks Road Trip
The best time to visit Utah’s National Parks is spring (April–May) or fall (September–October). Temperatures are mild, crowds are manageable, and the desert colors are most dramatic.
Summer brings larger crowds and soaring heat, especially in places like Arches National Park hiking trails or Canyonlands’ open vistas. Winter offers solitude and stunning snow-dusted views, but expect limited access due to snow in higher elevations, particularly around Bryce Canyon and Zion.
If you want that perfect Bryce Canyon sunrise spot photo without elbowing through a crowd, shoulder seasons are your golden hour.
Utah Road Trip One-Week Itinerary
Only got a week? Here’s a solid Utah National Parks itinerary that covers all the highlights:
Day 1: Arches National Park
Start your adventure in Moab. Marvel at Delicate Arch, explore Arches National Park hiking trails and catch golden hour at Double Arch.
Day 2: Canyonlands National Park
Just 30 minutes from Arches, Canyonlands offers vast canyons and mesas. Compare the epic vistas of Canyonlands and Arches National Park, both offer very different but equally awe-inspiring views.
Day 3: Capitol Reef National Park
Drive the scenic route west to Capitol Reef. Pick apples in the Fruita orchard, hike through slot canyons, and soak in the underrated magic of this quieter gem.
Day 4-5: Bryce Canyon National Park
Next stop, hoodoo heaven. Wander among the surreal rock spires and catch that famous Bryce Canyon sunrise spot from Sunrise Point.
Day 6-7: Zion National Park
End with a bang. Zion’s towering cliffs and dramatic hikes like Angels Landing await. Use the Zion National Park shuttle guide to get around quickly.
Want a GPS-friendly companion for this trip? The Ultimate Utah Combo Self-Guided Tour covers all five parks with narration, maps, and stories, perfect for road-trippers on the go.
How Long Does the Utah National Parks Road Trip Take?
You can drive the whole loop in 7–10 days, depending on how much hiking and exploring you want to do. A week works if you’re into short walks and scenic pullouts. Love longer treks or sunrise photography? Stretch it for ten days and soak it in.
Where to Start and End the Utah National Park Road Trip
Most travelers begin in Salt Lake City or Las Vegas, both of which offer convenient airport access and car rentals. Start in Salt Lake City to hit Arches and Canyonlands first, or begin in Vegas for a Zion-to-Arches route. Either direction works depending on flight costs and travel preferences.
When is the Best Time to Drive Between Utah’s National Parks?
Driving between parks is a treat, with some of the best scenic drives in Utah along the way. Roads are open year-round, but the ideal time for long drives is spring or fall, not too hot or cold, and just the right amount of fellow travelers to feel the buzz without the gridlock.
Conclusion
The Utah Mighty Five isn’t just a road trip; it’s a full-blown adventure into the wild heart of the American Southwest. This route packs in various landscapes, from towering sandstone arches to otherworldly hoodoos. You’ll hike, drive, stargaze, and stand in awe again and again.
If you want to make the most of your Utah National Parks road trip, skip the stress and let a GPS audio guide handle the storytelling. The Ultimate Utah Combo Self-Guided Tour helps you stay on track, learn cool facts, and experience each park at your own pace. It’s like having a local expert in your passenger seat, minus the backseat driving.
Frequently Asked Questions