Discover What Awaits You at the Mighty 5® National Parks of Utah!

Prepping to tick adventurous international spots off your bucket list? We’re sure you’d have the Mighty 5® national parks of Utah somewhere on it. If not, add them to it now and get set for a journey like no other.

Clustered in the heart of the Western U.S. – Utah, the Mighty 5® national parks are frequented by adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. Dotted with gigantic mountains, deserts and gorgeous high plateaus, these parks house diverse forests, exotic canyons and remote trekking ranges that add to the thrill of the journey. Take a look at what each of these offers to those who seek them.

1. Bryce Canyon National Park – Home to the Majestic Hoodoos

Perched at an elevation of 8,000 – 9,000 ft., Bryce Canyon National Park is lined with a series of natural amphitheatres and gorges carved along the edges of a high plateau. These clefts are filled with eroded stones and age-old spires of rocks known as hoodoos—formed due to natural erosion. You can marvel at the amazing views, visit the four main viewpoints, wander on the trails and enjoy a day full of everything exotic and natural.

Not far from here, lies the Kodachrome Basin State Park famous for its dramatic red monolithic spires and picturesque scenery. Once you’ve explored the region to your heart’s fill, you can head over to the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument which offers you mesmerising views of the desert & lush coniferous forests surrounding the region, before you move ahead to explore the other national parks.

Things to Do at Bryce Canyon

Entry Fee: For 7 days

$35 per private vehicle and its occupants
$30 per motorcycle
$20 per person on foot or bicycle

Distance from City Center: 189 miles

Nearest International Airport: Las Vegas McCarran Airport (254 miles)

Getting In and Around Bryce Canyon: Shuttle (available for free from April to October), and Car

2. Zion National Park – A Natural Paradise

Encircled amid the towering cliffs and sculpted rocks, Zion National Park is nothing less than a treat for every traveller. Inhabited by several species of animals like mule deer, coyotes, beavers and more, this park also houses close to 900 plants, including cactus and yucca, pines on the plateaus, and cottonwoods along the river shores.

While here, visit the Snow Canyon State Park located 80 km west of Zion, if you want to experience adventure at its best. The park also offers stunning views of the red-rock scenery, black-lava rocks, sandstone cliffs & breath-taking views of the towering mountains. Those seeking quietude may visit the Cedar Breaks National Monument which boasts of stunning glimpses of the 4.8 km wide amphitheater, dreamy sunsets, and small lakes.

Things to Do at Zion:

Entry Fee: For 7 days

$35 for private vehicles
$30 for motorcyclists
$35 for non-commercial vehicles with a capacity of up to 15 passengers
$20 per person for non-commercial vehicles with a capacity of 16 or above (free for children up till the age of 15 years)
$20 per bicyclist, hiker, or pedestrian (free for children up till the age of 15 years)

Distance from City Center: 255 miles

Nearest International Airport: Las Vegas McCarran Airport (166 miles)

Getting In and Around Zion: Shuttle (available for free from April to October), RV and Car

3. Arches National Park – The Land of Natural Stone Arches

Home to more than 2,000 naturally formed stone arches, this national park makes for a refreshing break. Unlike others, it has lovely arches made of red rocks. A geological wonder with cascades falling off cliffs, and honeycomb formations, this park also has designated spots for stargazers to observe the night sky. Stay back until the sky turns dark to witness dreamy views of the night sky at Arches National Park which holds the distinction of a certified International Dark Sky Park. If your kids are tagging along, enroll them in the Junior Ranger Program that earns them Junior Ranger Badges!

And if you are in the mood to feast your eyes on outstanding views, take a ride through the Arches Scenic Drive—the tour takes a little more than 1.5-4.5 hours and touches all the major attractions, including the famous Balanced Rock and the Delicate Arch located within the national park!
Close by is the Scenic Byway U-128 that runs above the Colorado River. Unlike regular highways, this driveway offers spectacular views of the flowing river, beautiful gorges and verdant greenery surrounding the region. Stop by to hike the Fisher Towers trail, go horseback riding, picture famous movie locations & soak in the mesmeric vistas on the quaint drive.

Things to Do at Arches:

Entry Fee:

$30 per private vehicle or non-commercial vehicle with up to 15 passengers
$25 for private or non-commercial motorcyclists
$15 for individual bicyclists, hikers, and pedestrians (free for youth under 15 years of age)

Distance from City Center: 155 miles

Nearest International Airport: Salt Lake City International Airport (234 miles)

Getting In and Around Arches: Bikes, Shuttle, Bus, and Taxi

4. Capitol Reef National Park – The Most Peaceful Of The Mighty 5®

Located in the southern part of central Utah, Capitol Reef National Park houses several sandstone spikes that attract tourists from across the world. Being the least visited out of the Mighty 5® National Parks of Utah, Capitol Reef is perfect for anyone who seeks quietude and wants to experience the wilderness at its best. The park is lined with spectacular vistas, awe-inspiring geological formations, the famous Waterpocket Fold that stretches over 100 miles, hiking trails, scenic drives and a lot more.

While here, visit the surreal Goblin Valley State Park filled with gnomes, eroded cliffs, and mushroom-shaped stone formations. If you’re on a family vacation, you may also trek through the narrow slots with eroded walls at Little Wild Horse Canyon, and visit the Wedge Overlook a.k.a. Little Grand Canyon that tucks away the curvy San Rafael River 1,200 ft. below the adventure trails.

Things to Do at Capitol Reef:

Entry Fee:

$20 per private or non-commercial vehicle with its occupants
$15 per private or non-commercial motorcycle and its riders
$10 for individuals, bicyclists, and pedestrians

Distance from City Center: 119 miles

Nearest International Airport: Salt Lake City International Airport (222 miles)

Getting In and Around Capitol Reef: Cars, Jeeps, RVs, Campervans, and Camper Jeeps

5. Canyonlands National Park – Preserved Colourful Canyons

Located in the heart of the high deserts of southeast Utah, Canyonlands National Park houses beautifully sculpted rocks divided into three districts by the Colorado and Green rivers. Here, you can enjoy expansive views of the landscape, hike to the main attractions of the area, explore the indigenous rock art panels and marvel over the sparkling rivers adorning the expanse.

Drive to the Newspaper Rock State Historical Monument nearby to explore the native rock art sites, and visit the Hovenweep National Monument to witness the preserved remains and fine masonry of the ancient Pueblo period. You may even ride to the nearby Dead Horse Point State Park to enjoy some of the dreamiest vistas of the Green River tracing gooseneck bends, and the naturally beautiful red rocks, while walking along the main viewpoint 2,000 ft. above the ground level.

Things to Do at Canyonlands:

Entry Fee:

$30 per private or non-commercial vehicle with up to 15 passengers
$25 per private or non-commercial motorcycle and its riders
$15 for individuals, bicyclists, hikers, and pedestrians (free entry for children under 15 years)

Distance from City Center: 167 miles

Nearest International Airport: Salt Lake City International Airport (246 miles)

Getting In and Around Canyonlands: Cars and Bikes

10-Day Itinerary Covering the Mighty 5® National Parks of Utah

Once in Utah, you can plan your travel schedule from either Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, or ride the Rocky Mountaineer rail route from Denver to Moab. However, we recommend you to rest in Salt Lake City for a day & chart your way down to Las Vegas while visiting the Mighty 5® national parks. Here’s the complete 10-day itinerary for you.

Day 1: Visit the Arches National Park and cover the surrounding regions

Day 2: Head to Canyonlands National Park to cover the maximum number of districts

Day 3: Spend another day at Canyonlands National Park to see the remaining ones

Day 4: Move ahead to Capitol Reef National Park

Day 5: Visit the Goblin Valley State Park & Grand Wash Trailhead which lie close to the Capitol Reef National Park

Day 6: Drive along the Scenic Byway 12 to reach Bryce Canyon National Park and watch the sunset over the hoodoos.

Day 7: Explore the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument before heading over to Zion National Park

Day 8: Check out the Canyon Overlook Trail and the surrounding areas of Zion National Park

Day 9: Head to Las Vegas to finish your trip

Day 10: Check out the nearby tourist attractions and fly back home

While this is the perfect itinerary for anyone who wishes to explore the city up close, you can also cover the Mighty 5® National Parks of Utah within the first seven days.

Don’t wait any further. Pack your bags and plan your trip today!

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