The Mighty 5: An Epic Utah National Park Road Trip Itinerary
The Mighty 5, as Utah’s five National Parks are so lovingly referred to, are just that—MIGHTY. Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce, Capitol Reef, and Zion National Parks call the southwestern state of Utah home. And the best way to explore the Mighty 5 is a Utah National Park road trip!
A 10-day road trip through Utah happened to be how we first visited this state. When we left, one thing was solidified: Utah quickly moved to a top place as one of our absolute favorite states in America!
Its scenery is incredible, its landscapes are diverse, and it’s packed full of adventure. And the best part? Road tripping to and from each Utah National Park is easy!
During your day 10 Utah road trip, you’ll encounter epic hiking trails, scenic drives, and stunning sights you can only find in Utah.
This is why we wholeheartedly recommend (and wrote this post :)) everyone needs to plan a Utah National Park road trip! These National Parks must be on everyone’s travel list.
Now, let’s get you prepped—you have a Utah road trip to get to!
Don’t forget to check out our road trip essentials packing list!
10-Day Utah National Park Road Trip Itinerary
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Best Month to Visit Utah’s National Park
Ok, let’s set the record straight…Utah is amazing and can be visited all year round.
- Utah In The Winter: Winter is cold, and the days are shorter, but it also allows for snow-dusted National Park views and fewer crowds. Pack warm and enjoy the solitude that visiting a National Park in winter can bring!
- Utah In The Spring: Due to milder temperatures and springtime blooms, the spring months tend to be busier for visiting Utah. Be prepared to deal with large crowds around Spring Break and Memorial Day weekend.
- Utah In The Summer: Depending on which part of the state you are in, Utah can be hot, hot, hot! The summer is a popular time as school is out, so many families can be seen exploring the state. However, the sun stays out much longer, so you have longer days to explore, which is really nice for those looking to maximize their time in the parks!
- Utah In The Fall: The fall months are considered one of the best times to visit Utah. The changing leaves and milder temperatures make Fall a GREAT time to visit Utah.
We visited Utah in late September / early October, which was perfect!
There were mild to chilly temperatures, bright sunshine, and nothing was too crowded. If you were to ask us, we would say to aim to visit Utah in September or October.
How To Get To Utahs National Parks
If you’re driving from your home state to Utah, you can skip this section.
However, if you’re flying into Utah, you have three options for getting to and around each of Utah’s National Parks.
- Rent a Car: If you’re staying in hotels and want to drive around Utah, a rental car is a must!
- Rent an RV: If you want a car and accommodation in one, an RV is the PERFECT way to explore Utah! After our first RV rental in Arizona, we bought our own travel trailer, which we’ve used to galavant and road trip all over the U.S! RVs, travel trailers, or vans are your one-stop shop for everything you need—shelter, food, and clothes – during your Utah roadtrip.
- Reserve a Utah National Park Tour: Now, there are tours that you can reserve where tour guides will take you through each of the 5 national parks, like this 7-day small group tour. Or if you feel like taking a shorter tour, there are other options like the 3-day Zion, Bryce, and Antelope Canyon tour or this 3-day Arches, Canyonlands, and Moab tour.
Where To Stay On A Utah National Park Road Trip
Okay, so you have options, be it hotel rooms or campsites. Regardless of your choice, the following is an overview of where you’ll be staying each night.
- Nights 1 – 4: Moab, Utah
- Night 5: Torrey, Utah
- Night 6: Escalante, Utah
- ALT: If you want to skip Escalante to spend more time in either Capitol Reef or Bryce, you can add another night to Torrey or Tropic.
- Night 7: Tropic, Utah
- Nights 8 – 9: Springdale, Utah
- Night 10: N/A (assuming you’ll be making your way home)
PRO TIP: Once you know when you’ll be visiting Utah, we highly recommend making accommodation reservations as soon as possible to ensure you get the room/rate you desire!
Accommodations Near Utah’s National Parks
For those looking for hotel rooms or other types of accommodations outside of campsites, the closest towns to the National Parks are the best choices.
Below is an overview of some top-rated accommodations located near each of Utah’s Mighty 5.
- Moab (Arches & Canyonlands): The Gonzo Inn, Robber’s Roost, Sunflower Inn, and Hoodoo Moab are all AMAZING locations in the center of Moab. Oh, and if you want to try glamping, Under Canvas Moab is worth considering!
- Torrey (Capitol Reef): Looking for a place to cozy up near Capitol Reef? Well, Courage Ridge Lodge, Austin’s Chuckwagon Motel, and Capitol Reef Resort are all great little places to bunk for the night after a day of exploring!
- Escalante: Located in town, Escalante Yurts, Prospector Inn, The Inn of Escalante are all great places that offer comfortable stays for those looking to explore the magic of Escalante!
- Tropic (Bryce): Cozy accommodations like Bryce Vista, Bryce Country Cabins, Bryce Trails B&B, and Bullberry Inn B&B are quaint accommodation accommodations located close to Bryce and nearby eateries in Tropic.
- Springdale (Zion): Home to national accommodations like Best Western, Marriot, Hampton Inn & Suites, and Hilton collection hotels like Cliffrose, there are plenty of accommodations to choose from. If you’d rather skip the larger hotel chains, there are several bed and breakfasts like the Harvest House Bed and Breakfast and Novel House Inn at Zion for you to cozy up in after a day of exploring the park!
Camping In Utah’s National Parks
Utah is home to some amazing campsites, scattered throughout the National Parks. For any campsites located within the National Parks, where you can, reservations are highly recommended.
Be sure to check out our camping tips and essential gear list!
- Arches National Park Camping: Devils Garden Campground
- Canyonlands Camping: Island in the Sky (Willow Flat) Campground, The Needles Campground
- Capital Reef Camping: Fruita Campground, Cathedral Valley Campground, Cedar Mesa Campground
- Bryce Canyon Camping: North Campground, Sunset Campground
- Zion National Park Camping: South Campground, Watchman Campground
For campsites located outside and near Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks, some require a reservation, whereas others are first come, first serve.
We recommend using apps like Campendium to help pinpoint campgrounds in the area that you can call home for the night.
Tips for Visiting The Mighty 5
If you don’t already know, coming prepared with all the things you need for the day is one of our biggest tips for anyone visiting any National Park!
Having everything with you saves you trips back into the closest town to get food, or back to your hotel room because you need a jacket, bandaid, or some other miscellaneous item you forgot.
Below is an overview of some things we also check off our list before heading into the parks for the day.
Tips For Visiting:
- National Parks Pass: A must-purchase to save you on National Park Entrance fees for your 10-day Utah Road trip!
- Get To The Parks Early: To avoid the crowds and heat of the day and to allow you the most time in the parks, plan to arrive at each National Park as early as you can—8 AM is ideal.
- Pack Your Lunch & Bring Snacks: Make your lunch and bring it with you. By not having to leave the park to find a place to eat, you can spend more time in the park!
- Fill Up On Gas: Before entering the parks, make sure you have a full tank of gas!
- Come Prepared: If you’re visiting during the spring and fall months, pack accordingly. The weather can change, so make sure you have a jacket. Oh, and protect your skin by applying sunscreen. It’s also nice to bring a pair of sandals, especially for hikers who want to take their boots off after a day of hiking!
- Bring a Reusable Water Bottle: It’s important to stay hydrated and avoid using single-use plastic water bottles. Another great option is a Camelbak. TIP: Check the National Park Visitor Center, as some offer water stations where park visitors can fill their bottles for free!
- Download Offline Maps: National Parks are notorious for not having any cell reception or, at best, spotty or slow service. Download anything you need to access to your phone prior to entering the park so you can access it when you need it.
- Leave No Trace: As always, when visiting any outdoor space, leave it better than you found it. Do not go off trail, leave animals and plants alone, and dispose of any trash or waste appropriately.
About This Utah National Park Road Trip Itinerary + Map
The Mighty 5, also known as the Big 5, are the five National Parks scattered throughout Utah.
- Arches National Park (Located near Moab, Utah)
- Canyonland National Park (Located near Moab, Utah)
- Capitol Reef National Park (Located near Torrey, Utah)
- Bryce Canyon National Park (Located near Tropic, Utah)
- Zion National Park (Located near Springdale, Utah)
For clarity and planning purposes, our below 10-day itinerary assumes:
- Your first stop will be in Moab, where Arches and Canyonlands are located, and finishing in Springdale, where Zion National Park is located. However, the route can be flipped entirely if you need to start in Zion. Just review this itinerary in reverse 🙂
- If flying is how you plan to get to Utah, you’ll book a multi-city airline ticket. This means you’re flying into Salt Lake City (or Grand Junction) and out of Las Vegas.
- You’ll arrive in Moab on day 1 and depart from Zion on the morning of day 10 to catch your flight or start your drive back home.
Above is an interactive map that you can zoom in and out to see where each Utah National Park is located.
Day 1: Arrive To Moab, Utah
To start your Utah National Park road trip, you have to get to the state, right?
If you’re not driving from your home state, three popular starting points to explore Utah are flying into:
- Salt Lake City (airport code: SLC)
- Grand Junction, Colorado (airport code: GJT)
- Las Vegas (airport code: LAS)
For this itinerary, we recommend you fly into either Salt Lake City (the closest major airport to Moab) or, if routes allow, Grand Junction, Colorado.
Moab is about 3 hours and 40 minutes (234 mi / 377km) from Salt Lake City, whereas Grand Junction is 1 hour and 45 minutes (113 mi / 182km) away.
Regardless of which airport you choose to fly to, you must rent a car to get to Moab (your first stop on this 10-day Utah road trip itinerary!) and visit each of Utah’s 5 national parks.
NOTE: While our route takes you from North to South through the state of Utah, you can easily do it in reverse by flying into Las Vegas, starting South, and working your way North. It’s totally up to you!
Day 2: Explore Arches National Park
The first National Park on this Utah National Park road trip is 5 miles from Moab, about a 9-minute drive from the town center.
Welcome to Arches National Park! Some 2,000 natural stone arches and endless, towering desert landscapes call this rugged paradise home.
To visit Arches National Park, you must pay a $30/vehicle entrance fee. But you’re not going to do that…..
WHY? Because you’ll purchase a National Park Pass instead to save money on National Park Entrance Fees 🙂
Since you are planning to visit all five of Utah’s national parks on this road trip, the National Parks Pass saves visitors money on park entrance fees when they visit three or more National Parks.
Once you’ve purchased the National Parks Pass, you can visit any US national park for free!
PRO TIP: If you plan to visit arches between April 1 and October 30th between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., a time entry permit is required. You can purchase a Timed Entry Ticket from Recreation.gov, and it must be purchased before arriving.
Once in Arches National Park, you should plan to spend your day:
- Driving the 36-mile (round trip) Park Road through Arches National Park
- Hiking at places like The Devils Garden Loop and The Double Arch Trail
- Seeing famous rock formations like Balancing Rock, Courthouse Towers, The Window’s, and Landscape Arch, and so many others
- Ending your day by watching the sunset from Delicate Arch before returning to your accommodation in Moab for the night!
Check out how to spend one day in Arches National Park to help you make the most of your time!
Day 3: Witness The Expansive Views of Canyonlands National Park
After a fun-filled day exploring Arches National Park, your second Utah Mighty 5 National Park awaits you! About a 35-minute drive from Moab and Arches, you’ll find Canyonlands National Park.
The expanse of this park is something to see and kinda hard to put into words. Canyonlands is the largest of the National Parks in Utah, offering dramatic aerial views of the vast canyons below.
Canyonlands National Park is divided into five districts:
- The Island in the Sky: The most popular district offering rim views of the expansive canyons below, pull-offs for photo ops, and trailheads. This district is home to the famous “Mesa Arch”.
- The Needles: Home to popular hiking trails (great for overnight backpacking) and desert landscapes with rock spires.
- The Maze: The most remote district requires a several-day commitment and should only be visited and trekked by experienced hikers.
- The Rivers (Colorado and Green): For those wanting to get down into the canyon, the river’s section is great for kayaking, guided boat tours, etc.
- Horseshoe Canyon: A relatively small canyon that features some of the country’s significant ancient rock markings.
Since you only have one day in Canyonlands, we recommend visiting Island In The Sky, as 1) it’s the easiest to get to from Moab, and 2) it hits some of the must-see sights and highlights that make Canyonlands so unique.
During your one-day visit to Island in The Sky, definitely don’t miss the Mesa Arch, Green River Overlook, or Grand View Point when visiting Canyonlands!
Unlike Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park does NOT require a Timed Entry Ticket to visit.
Get our step-by-step itinerary on how to spend one day in Canyonlands National Park!
Day 4: Exploring Around Moab
After two full days exploring National Parks, we’re making time for you to explore other areas around Moab. Moab is considered an outdoor junkie town.
This means it is surrounded by amazing things to see and do outside of visiting the nearby national parks!
Book an Off-Road Adventure or White Water Rafting Trip
From Moab itself, you can book a 4×4 off-road adventure where you’ll skid and skirt in a 4×4 buggy over Sandrock domes and ledges in Moab’s backcountry.
Or, if you prefer the water, book a white water rafting down the Colorado River, where you’ll descend rapids and float past some of the most scenic landscapes along the Colorado River.
Hike To Corona Arch
If you’re not “arched” out after all the arches you saw in Arches National Park, you can drive the 35-40 minutes to the Corona Arch trailhead.
From here, you’ll hike 3 miles (round trip) to one of the largest arches near Moab. The bonus of hiking to Corona Arch is passing Pinto Arch and Bowtie Arch along the way.
Dead Horse State Park For Sunset
Dead Horse State Park is spectacular, and since you’re in the area, it should not be missed!
A popular choice is to spend the majority of the day in Canyonlands and finish the day at Dead Horse State Park. Dead Horse State Park costs $20/vehicle (not included in your National Park Pass).
Dead Horse State Park offers views similar to those of Canyonlands; however, the real treat is Dead Horse Point, which offers incredible vistas of the land, canyons, and the Colorado River below.
If you can, plan to watch the sunset from Dead Horse Point!
After a day of adventure and National Park fun, you can mosey through the shops, downtown cafes, and bars. Plan to grab dinner at Moab Food Truck Park or Sunset Grill, and, finally, a beer at Moab Brewery.
Check Out our Perfect 2-3 Day Moab Itinerary here!
Where To Stay in Moab, Utah
- The Luxury Inclined | Hoodoo Moab
- The Budget Conscious | Rustic Inn
- Something in Between | Moab Springs Ranch
For more places to stay in Moab, you can check out the latest places and prices here.
Day 5. Drive Scenic Highway 12 & Experience Capitol Reef National Park
After spending three full days in Moab, your sights are set on the next National Park, Capitol Reef National Park.
Located a little over 2 hours away from Moab, Capitol Reef is the least visited of Utah’s 5 National Parks, but don’t let that statement think this park is worth skipping.
PRO TIP: As you leave Moab, be sure to take Highway 24 to Highway 12, as Utah State Highway 12 is considered one of the most scenic drives in Utah.
Golden and red sandstone rocks and white sandstone domes of Capitol Reef’s south-central desert feel like a hidden treasure.
Drive the winding park road as you take in the stunning sights around you.
Like Canyonlands, a timed entry ticket is NOT required for Capitol Reef National park. So you can come and go as you please, any time of year.
Once in the park, your one day in Capitol Reef can look like this:
- Hike to Hickman Bridge
- Pie at the Gifford Homestead
- Hike to Cassidy Arch
- Watch the sunset from Goosenecks Overlook or Panorama Point
After your day in Capitol Reef comes to an end, head into Torrey for dinner at either Rim Rock Patio, Torrey Grill & BBQ, or Hunt & Gather Restaurant
before checking into your accommodation for the night.
Where To Stay Near Capitol Reef
- The Luxury Inclined | Courage Ridge Lodge
- The Budget Conscious | Austin’s Chuckwagon Motel
- Something in Between | Capitol Reef Resort
For more places to stay near Capitol Reef, you can check out the latest places and prices here.
Day 6: Adventure Through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
Ok, you caught us again! Yes, Escalante is not a National Park, but we had to include it within this 10-day Utah road trip itinerary.
From Capitol Reef, continue on Highway 12 (the scenic byway) for about 1.5 hours until you reach the town of Escalante.
PRO TIP: If you find yourself hungry along the way, we highly suggest stopping at Hell’s Backbone Grill.
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is nearly one million acres of public land that offers endless beauty and loads of outdoor adventures.
In the center of it all and your jumping-off point to adventure, set your sights on the town of Escalante.
From the town of Escalante, you can:
- Explore Peekaboo, Spooky, and Dry Fork Slot Canyons
- Hike the 6 miles to Lower Calf Creek Falls
- Visit the Petrified Forest State Park
- Wander the 5 miles through Zebra Canyon
After a day of exploring, plan to grab a bite to eat at Esca-latte Restaurant. Oh, and if you need a coffee pick-me-up, make a pitstop at Kiva.
ALT OPTION: If you’d rather spend more time in either Bryce or Capitol Reef, skip Escalante and add this day to either of these two National Parks. Up to you!
Where To Stay in Escalante
- The Luxury Inclined | Escalante Yurts
- The Budget Conscious | Prospector Inn
- Something in Between | The Inn of Escalante
For more places to stay in Escalante, you can check out the latest places and prices here.
Day 7: Explore The Hoodoos of Bryce Canyon
Three Utah National Parks down, and two more to go!
Your next stop is the utterly magnificent Bryce Canyon, located about an hour east of Escalante.
Known for its vast views and spire-shaped rock formations called hoodoos, Bryce Canyon is truly something to behold, and if we’re being honest, one of our favorite U.S. National Parks!
PRO TIP: While one full day in Bryce Canyon National Park is totally doable, if you want more time there or like the idea of spending two nights in Tropic instead of one, you can remove the previous stop (Escalante) from this itinerary to accommodate another day in Bryce Canyon.
Once you arrive at the park, plan to hike the Queens Garden/Navajo Trail Loop to see the hoodoos up close.
Afterward, head up to the canyon rim and walk to a few viewpoints, such as Sunrise Point, Inspiration Point, and Sunset Point.
Get a play-by-play guide on how to spend one day in Bryce Canyon Itinerary here!
You can also take the 18-mile scenic drive, which will allow you to visit the numerous viewpoints surrounding the rim of Bryce Canyon.
Finally, if you love stars, plan to stay after sunset, as Bryce is a certified Dark Sky Park, making it perfect for stargazing.
Really and truly, it’s impossible not to become smitten with Bryce Canyon. It’s unlike any other National Park in the U.S.
After a full day in the park and your photo album is full of those impressive hoodoos, head to either Bryce Canyon Pines Restaurant or Stone Hearth Grille for dinner.
Where To Stay Near Bryce Canyon
- The Luxury Inclined | Bryce Country Cabins
- The Budget Conscious | Red Ledges Inn
- Something in Between | Happy Trails BnB
For more places to stay near Bryce Canyon National Park, you can check out the latest places and prices here.
Day 8 – 9: Stand in Awe at Zion National Park
From Bryce Canyon, you’ll head 1.5 hours southeast to Zion National Park, which some consider the “mecca” of Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks.
A steep red cliff canyon with a flowing calm river and vivid green foliage that lays atop rugged rocks and dirt all set the stage for the awe-filled scenery that makes up the landscape that is Zion National Park.
Zion is one of the most visited parks in the United States. Once you arrive, you’ll soon see why.
Learn how to spend 2 days in Zion National Park!
The signature sites of Zion National Park are, without a doubt, Angels Landing and The Narrows. However, other popular outings to add to your “to-do list” are Observation Point Trail, Watchman Trail, and Overlook Trail.
If you’d like to take a break from hiking, drive the scenic Zion-Mount Carmel Highway or hit the cliffs for some canyoneering and rock climbing fun!
Or, plan to relax by the river and take in the staggering cliffs of Zion that surround you.
After a day of amazing views and fresh air, head out into Springdale (the town that butts up to the entrance of Zion National Park) for some much-needed food.
Bit & Spur, Kings Landing Bistro, and Oscars Cafe are great options for dinner and drinks. For breakfast, stop at Cafe Soleil or Deep Creek Coffee Company.
Without a doubt, if you’re looking to end your 10-day Utah road trip with a bang, there is no better place to end a road trip than Zion National Park!
Where To Stay Near Zion
- The Luxury Inclined | Cable Mountain Lodge
- The Budget Conscious | Zion Park Motel
- Something in Between | Best Western Plus
For more places to stay near Zion National Park, you can check out the latest places and prices here.
Day 10: Your Utah Road Trip Comes To An End
A sad day. Your Utah road trip has come to an end!
As you leave Zion National Park, the closest airport to Zion National Park is Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada – about 2 hours and 45 minutes (172mi / 275 km) away.
If you have a flight to catch out of the airport you flew into (Salt Lake City or Grand Junction), you have a little bit (or a lotta bit) of a drive!
From Zion National Park, Salt Lake City is a 4.5-hour drive (312 mi / 502km), while Grand Junction is a 5-hour drive (355 mi / 571km).
Have More Time In Utah?
If you want to continue exploring the beautiful southwest of the United States, consider extending your stay to visit some nearby places and National Parks.
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Antelope Canyon
- Monument Valley
- Havasu Falls Hike
- Taos, New Mexico
- Great Sand Dunes National Park
WANT MORE INFORMATION?!
One Day in Arches National Park
How to Spend 1 to 2 Days in Zion National Park
Arches National Park in One Day
Tips & Essential Gear for Camping
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For more travel tips, guides, and awesome travel shots, be sure to poke around our site and follow us on Instagram @wanderingstus, Pinterest, and Facebook. Oh, if you have any questions, let us know in the comment section. We’re happy to answer. Or, leave us a positive note!
Happy Travels,
– Lauren & Jesse Stuart (The Stu’s)