Road Trip Guide: Utah Mighty 5 - Updated 2024

Road Trip Guide: Utah Mighty 5 - Updated 2024
Vanna
Vanna 
Updated
| 9 min read

California may have the most number of national parks in the United States, but it’s Utah’s national parks that offer the most otherworldly, jaw-dropping landscapes. Whether you go in the spring, summer, fall, or winter, Utah’s big five, Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, and Zion, will surely take your breath away. With that, you can invite your favorite friends, human or furry companions, pack your tent and outdoor gear, prepare your vehicle, and get ready to hit the road for the ultimate American road trip. Check out this essential road trip guide that will let you experience the best of the Utah Mighty 5.

Route suggestion

RV rentals for the Utah Mighty 5 road trip

Day 1: Salt Lake to Zion National Park (I-15S) (from USD 128.0)

Zion National Park (2332579061)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Wolfgang Staudt used under CC BY 2.0

Drive: ~4.5 hours
Distance: 400 miles (643.7 kilometers)
Tip: Stop at a grocery store to stock up on food and other essentials for your road trip, then from there, head straight to Zion National Park.

Things to do at Zion National Park
1. Get your National Parks pass at the Visitors Center: This will grant you access to the four other stops in this road trip.
2. On your first day in Zion National Park, you can do one major activity before ending the day. Summer is a great time to go on a guided hiking tour that will get you acquainted with the park, but if you want a dramatic way to end your first day in Zion, go on a sunset UTV tour.

Where to stay
1. Lava Point Campground: open from May through September and offers six first-come, first-served campsites. Longer vehicles may need to be parked a bit further away.
2. St. George/Hurricane KOA: requires reservations and with good reason. This beautiful campground is a stone’s throw away from Red Cliffs Recreation Area. Amenities include full hook-ups for motor vehicles, a dog park, and a seasonal outdoor pool.

Visited this place?

Peekaboo Slot Canyon Sandboarding and UTV Sunset Adventure

Duration: 2 hours

110 reviews

Day 2: Continue Zion NP exploration (from USD 225.0)

Zion National Park
Source: Pixabay

Things to do at Zion National Park
Start the day right with a canyoneering tour, one of the most popular activities in the summer. You can go on your own if you’re experienced, but for novices, you can sign up for half-day or full-day canyoneering tours. For an alternative that’s available all year round, you can join a tour to White Pocket, one of the most iconic landmarks at Zion National Park. Bring your camera gear, and if you’re going in the winter, be sure to bundle up.

Where to stay
Staying at your previous campsite is highly recommended so you can rest easy and make the most of your stay.

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Hiking Kanab Visit and Photograph the famous White Pockets in Vermilion Cliffs

Duration: 7 to 8 hours

8 reviews

Day 3: Zion NP to Bryce Canyon (UT-9E to US-89N to UT-12E to UT-63S) (from USD 699.0)

BryceCanyon-Amphiteatre1
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jean-Christophe B... used under CC BY 3.0

Drive: ~1.5 hours
Distance: 83 miles (134 kilometers)

Things to do at Bryce Canyon National Park
Since Bryce Canyon is less than two hours away from Zion, you’ll have more time for activities. Leave early so you can set up camp, rest, and have time to join a private guided hike at Bryce Canyon. One of these tours offers a full picnic setup, which is perfect if you’re traveling with your significant other. In the winter, Bryce Canyon becomes a haven for winter sports. Don’t miss the chance to try sledding and cross-country skiing.

Where to stay
1. North Campground: offers access to the visitor center and amenities including drinking water, restrooms, and picnic tables. There are 99 campsites available, some of which require reservation and some first-come, first-served. Note that full hook-ups for motor vehicles are not available.
2. Cannonville/Bryce Valley KOA Holiday: strictly only for reserved guests. It’s a short driving distance away from Bryce Canyon’s entrance and also offers views of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

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Bryce Canyon NP: Private Half-Day Guided Hike

Duration: 4 to 6 hours

21 reviews

Utah Tour Guide

Stephanie Eley

Stephanie Eley

I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of the US: Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona! Let's GO!! stepheley@gmail.com

Tours by Stephanie

Day 4: Explore more of Bryce Canyon (from USD 90.0)

Bryce Canyon National Park
Source: Pixabay

Things to do at Bryce Canyon National Park
You can have one full day to spend in Bryce Canyon National Park. Summer and autumn are great seasons for off-roading. You can rent an ATV in any one of the local outfitters, but if your car is equipped for it, you’re free to go. Another way to experience Bryce Canyon differently is by going on moonlight hikes. These are offered every autumn when there’s a full moon. Since these are considered special events, you have to join a lottery for a chance to win one of the highly coveted slots.

Where to stay
No need to move regardless of your activities for the day as campsites in and around Bryce Canyon National Park are all conveniently located.

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Bryce Canyon Small-Group Guided ATV Ride

Duration: 1 hour

47 reviews

Day 5: Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef (UT-63N) (from USD 1475.0)

Autumn in Capitol Reef
Source: Pixabay

Drive: ~2 hours
Distance: 112 miles (180 kilometers)

Things to do at Capitol Reef National Park
Like in Bryce Canyon, you’ll have plenty of time to savor the sights and sounds of Capitol Reef National Park. Summer is the perfect season to drive off-road and explore the park’s rugged roads, but if you’re tired from driving or sitting in general, you can stretch your legs by going on a short hike near your campground. The Sunset Point trail is especially beautiful during autumn. Since Capitol Reef is far away from city lights, it’s also one of the best spots to go stargazing. If you can, join a night sky tour.

Where to stay
1. Richfield KOA is highly recommended if you’re taking an RV with you on this road trip. Multi-awarded and ideally located, it offers a ton of amenities such as bike rentals, laundry facilities, and WiFi so you can update your social media. Reservations are a must.
2. Fruita Campground is located within Capitol Reef and offers both reserved and first-come, first-served campsites - there are over 70. Do take note that slots at Fruita easily gets filled from March through October, so it may be best to reserve ahead.

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From Salt Lake City: Private Capitol Reef National Park Tour

Duration: 14.0 hour

1 review

Day 6: Continue exploring Capitol Reef (from USD 299.0)

The Castle, Capitol Reef National Park, southern Utah
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user James St. John used under CC BY 2.0

Things to do at Capitol Reef National Park
If you’re fond of fishing or have always wanted to try it, summer is a great time for this activity at Capitol Reef. It’s also the best time to visit some of the attractions in the area, including Behunin Cabin, a historic property where you can learn all about the life in the desert. If you want to experience a cooler time at Capitol Reef, come visit in the springtime to hike or go horseback riding.

Where to stay
At night, return to your campsite and prepare for the next leg of your journey.

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Red Rock Canyons, Robber's Roost Canyoneering in Southern Utah

Duration: 8 hours

15 reviews

Day 7: Capitol Reef to Canyonlands (I-70E) (from USD 336.0)

Green River Overlook, Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Source: Photo by Flickr user Chao Yen used under CC BY-ND 2.0

Drive: ~3 hours
Distance: 147 miles (236.6 kilometers)

Things to do at Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands is the largest of the five national parks in Utah. The sheer vastness of the place makes it impossible to explore it in a single day. To make the most of your trip, hit the big attractions. Go off-roading or enjoy a leisurely drive along White Rim Road; it has some of the best panoramic views in the entire national park. If you’re traveling with kids, they can sign up for the Junior Ranger program that’s open every summer. Meanwhile, fall is the perfect time to view the local wildlife.

Where to stay
1. Needles Campground in Moab accepts reservations and walk-in guests. There are 26 campsites in total, all of which have access to the toilets and the picnic area.
2. Island in the Sky Campground has 12 individual sites that are all strictly first-come, first-served. The campground is popular from spring through fall.

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Canyonlands National Park White Rim Trail by 4WD

Duration: 9 hours

195 reviews

Day 8: Experience more of Canyonlands then drive to Arches (from USD 353.0)

Double Arch Arches National Park Utah USA
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Greg Tally - User... used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Drive: Canyonlands to Arches (UT-313)
Time and distance: ~0.5 hours, 28 miles (45 kilometers)

Things to do at Canyonlands National Park
Your second day at Canyonlands is a great time for you to get wet or get walking. In the summer, you can go whitewater rafting in the Green River, where the rapids are perfect from April all the way through October. Note that this is for intermediate to advanced rafters. If you’re looking for a more family- or beginner-friendly rafting experience, the Colorado River is the place to be; it also offers Class III rapids. In the winter, you can experience the Gold Basin trail through cross-country skiing. You can spend the entire day at Canyonlands before enjoying a short drive to Arches.

Where to stay
1. Moab KOA is located just outside Arches and features a plethora of amenities, including a seasonal outdoor pool, a dog park, wood and propane for sale, and a hot tub/sauna for colder days.
2. Devils Garden Campground is the choice if you want to camp inside Arches. It accepts reservations and also entertains walk-in visitors.

Visited this place?

Canyonlands National Park Needles District 4x4 Full-Day Tour

Duration: 10 hours

256 reviews

Day 9: Explore Arches National Park (from USD 16.0)

Double-O-Arch Arches National Park 2
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Flicka used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Things to do at Arches National Park
Summer offers a host of programs you can take part in. You can sign up for a ranger-led guided tour of Arches for a free and family-friendly option. At night, you can also head down to the amphitheater at Devils Campground for some informative entertainment. Later on, you can go stargazing as you wind down after an event-filled day. If you’re heading to Arches in the spring, you’ll be greeted by wildflowers carpeting the landscape. This is also one of the best times to go canyoneering.

Where to stay
You can stay at your previous campsite for a hassle-free tour of Arches.

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Arches National Park Self-Guided Tour

Duration: 3 to 5 hours

179 reviews

Day 10: Morning at Arches then drive home (from USD 141.0)

Drive: Arches to Salt Lake City (I-70)
Distance and time: ~3.5 hours, 230 miles (370 kilometers)

Things to do at Arches National Park
This is the last day of your ultimate Utah Mighty 5 road trip. Make the most of your Arches visit by checking out the trails from Devils Garden Campground, which is also home to Arches’ most iconic landmark, Landscape Arch. Alternatively, you can go sightseeing on horseback, which is perfect if you’re visiting in the fall. You can leave for Salt Lake City after lunch or stay a little bit longer.

Visited this place?

Arches National Park Backcountry 4x4 Half-Day Tour

Duration: 4 hours

537 reviews

What you need

This is a 10-day road trip. While it’s not a multi-day backcountry hike, you may want to be prepared and pack well as there’s no way of knowing when or where you’ll be able to restock your supplies.

Bring the following essentials:
- Set of clothes that can last you 10 days, including underwear, inner wear, and socks
- A pair of flip-flops
- A pair of hiking shoes or boots
- Sun protection like a hat, a cap, and a pair of sunglasses
- Rain jacket
- Winter outdoor clothing if you are heading out in the wintertime
- Trail food, like nuts, protein bars, dried fruits
- Personal toiletries
- Camera
- Chargers and batteries for your devices
- A head lamp
- Camping essentials, like tent, sleeping bag, heavy-duty tarp
- Outdoor cooking gear, like portable stove, isobutane, collapsible cups, and dishes

Feel free to add other items if you’re going to do something specific in any of the stops, such as canyoneering and whitewater rafting.

You might also want to get travel insurance to protect you from emergencies and other unforeseen circumstances like trip cancellations.

When is the best time to go?

Summer is the best time to go if you’re thinking of hitting all of the five national parks in Utah. Remember, however, that this is also peak season. Consider making campground reservations or head out early to secure good spots. Going in the late spring allows you to avoid most of the summer crowd while still enjoying mild temperatures.

If enjoying all the national parks in relative peace and quiet is your singular goal, we recommend doing the road trip during the low season, from fall to winter. Going later in the year will let you experience a different side of the parks. You’ll also be able to enjoy cooler weather. The main caveat of going during the low season is that the weather can also be unpredictable, especially in the winter. You may have to deal with road closures and skip certain attractions.

Check out these RV rentals for your road trip

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Vanna is born and raised in the Philippines and describes herself as a local tourist-- she's made it her mission to see as many of the country's 7,000+ islands. But that doesn't mean she's not...Read more

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