Exploring The Mighty 5 National Parks of Utah: Ultimate Trip Guide
Have you ever dreamed of wandering through landscapes that look straight out of a movie set? Utah’s “Mighty 5” national parks offer exactly that, with their otherworldly vistas and rugged terrain. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a photography enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates breathtaking natural beauty, these parks promise an unforgettable adventure. This guide will help you navigate the essentials of visiting these stunning destinations, from practical travel tips to must-see spots within each park.
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Zion National Park: The Gateway to Adventure
How to Get There
Zion National Park is located in southwestern Utah, about 160 miles from Las Vegas, making it easily accessible by car. If you’re flying in, McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas or St. George Regional Airport are your best options. From either airport, renting a car through DiscoverCars will give you the freedom to explore Zion and the other Mighty 5 parks at your own pace.
What to Do There
Zion is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the must-do activities include hiking the famous Angel’s Landing trail, which offers panoramic views of the canyon, and walking through the Narrows, where you’ll wade through the Virgin River surrounded by towering canyon walls. For a less strenuous experience, the Riverside Walk is a beautiful, easy hike that provides great views without the steep climbs.
Cool Facts
Zion National Park was Utah’s first national park, established in 1919. The park is home to more than 1,000 species of plants, 78 species of mammals, and 291 species of birds, making it a biodiversity hotspot. The park’s iconic red rock formations are primarily made of Navajo Sandstone, which was formed over 180 million years ago.
The Ultimate Adventure
For thrill-seekers, canyoneering in Zion is the ultimate adventure. The Subway and Orderville Canyon are popular spots for this activity, offering a mix of hiking, rappelling, and swimming through narrow canyons. Make sure to check permit requirements and consider hiring a guide if you’re new to canyoneering.
Where to Stay
Accommodations in and around Zion range from campgrounds to luxury lodges. Zion Lodge, located within the park, offers the convenience of staying close to the main attractions. For those who prefer camping, the South and Watchman Campgrounds are great options, though reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons.
Bryce Canyon National Park: Hoodoos and Stargazing
How to Get There
Bryce Canyon is located about 75 miles northeast of Zion, making it an easy drive from one park to the next. The closest major airport is in Las Vegas, but Salt Lake City International Airport is also a viable option. Renting a car through DiscoverCars allows you to enjoy the scenic drive along Highway 12, which offers breathtaking views along the way.
What to Do There
Hiking is the main attraction at Bryce Canyon, with trails like the Queen’s Garden and Navajo Loop offering close-up views of the park’s famous hoodoos. Don’t miss the Bryce Amphitheater, the largest collection of hoodoos in the park, best viewed from Sunrise, Sunset, Inspiration, or Bryce Points. In the evening, join a ranger-led stargazing program to take advantage of Bryce Canyon’s dark skies.
Cool Facts
Bryce Canyon is not actually a canyon but a series of natural amphitheaters carved into the edge of a high plateau. The park’s elevation ranges from 8,000 to 9,000 feet, which contributes to its unique weather patterns and allows for stunning sunrises and sunsets that illuminate the hoodoos in brilliant shades of red, orange, and pink.
The Ultimate Adventure
For a unique perspective of Bryce Canyon, consider a horseback riding tour that takes you down into the canyon among the hoodoos. These guided tours offer a different way to experience the park’s rugged terrain and are available for riders of all experience levels.
Where to Stay
Bryce Canyon offers a variety of accommodation options, from camping at North or Sunset Campgrounds to staying at the historic Bryce Canyon Lodge. If you prefer more amenities, nearby towns like Tropic and Panguitch have a range of hotels and motels that cater to different budgets.
Arches National Park: A Geological Wonderland
How to Get There
Arches National Park is located just 5 miles north of Moab, Utah, making it one of the most accessible parks in the Mighty 5. The closest airport is Canyonlands Field Airport, about 15 minutes from Moab, but larger airports in Salt Lake City and Grand Junction, Colorado, are also viable options. Renting a car through DiscoverCars gives you the flexibility to explore both Arches and nearby Canyonlands National Park.
What to Do There
The main attractions in Arches are its more than 2,000 natural stone arches. Delicate Arch is the most iconic and should be at the top of your list. The 3-mile round-trip hike to Delicate Arch is moderately challenging but well worth the effort for the stunning views. Other must-see arches include Landscape Arch, Double Arch, and the Windows Section. Don’t forget to stop by the Visitor Center to learn more about the park’s geology and history.
Cool Facts
Arches National Park has the highest density of natural stone arches in the world, with new ones forming as old ones collapse. The park’s landscape has been shaped over millions of years by the forces of erosion, with the arches themselves formed by the gradual wearing away of softer rock beneath harder rock layers.
The Ultimate Adventure
For those looking to go beyond the main trails, a guided rock climbing or canyoneering tour offers an adrenaline-pumping way to experience Arches. These tours allow you to scale the park’s iconic rock formations and explore hidden canyons that are off the beaten path.
Where to Stay
Moab is the best place to stay when visiting Arches, offering a wide range of accommodations from budget motels to upscale resorts. For a more immersive experience, consider camping at the Devils Garden Campground within the park, where you’ll be surrounded by towering rock formations and starry skies.
Canyonlands National Park: Rugged Terrain and Remote Beauty
How to Get There
Canyonlands is divided into four districts, with Island in the Sky being the most accessible, located just 30 miles from Moab. The Needles District is about 75 miles south of Moab, while the Maze District is much more remote. To explore these areas, renting a car through DiscoverCars is essential, especially if you plan to visit multiple districts.
What to Do There
Canyonlands offers a variety of experiences depending on which district you visit. Island in the Sky features breathtaking overlooks, with the Mesa Arch Trail being a highlight. The Needles District offers more challenging hikes and the chance to see the park’s colorful spires up close. For a truly remote adventure, the Maze District is ideal for those seeking solitude and rugged landscapes, but it requires careful planning and a high-clearance vehicle.
Cool Facts
Canyonlands is Utah’s largest national park, covering over 337,000 acres of rugged terrain. The park is home to the confluence of the Colorado and Green Rivers, which have carved out the deep canyons that give the park its name. The park’s remote location makes it one of the best places in the country for stargazing.
The Ultimate Adventure
Whitewater rafting on the Colorado River through Cataract Canyon is one of the ultimate adventures in Canyonlands. This multi-day trip takes you through some of the most remote and rugged parts of the park, with thrilling rapids and breathtaking scenery along the way. Guided trips are available and are the best way to experience this adventure safely.
Where to Stay
For those visiting Island in the Sky, Moab offers a range of accommodations, while The Needles Outpost near the Needles District provides more rustic options. Camping is also available in each district, with sites like Willow Flat Campground in Island in the Sky and Squaw Flat Campground in the Needles District offering a more immersive experience.
Capitol Reef National Park: Hidden Gems and Historic Sites
How to Get There
Capitol Reef is located in south-central Utah, about 140 miles from Moab and 200 miles from Salt Lake City. The park is easily accessible via Highway 24, which runs through the park. Renting a car through DiscoverCars allows you to explore Capitol Reef at your own pace, with plenty of scenic stops along the way.
What to Do There
Capitol Reef offers a mix of scenic drives, hiking, and historic sites. The Capitol Reef Scenic Drive is a must-do, offering access to key viewpoints and trailheads. Hiking trails like Hickman Bridge and Cassidy Arch provide stunning views of the park’s unique rock formations. Don’t miss the Fruita Historic District, where you can explore the park’s pioneer history and pick fresh fruit from the orchards.
Cool Facts
Capitol Reef gets its name from the white sandstone domes that resemble the U.S. Capitol building and the rocky “reefs” that were once barriers to early explorers. The park is also home to the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile-long wrinkle in the Earth’s crust that offers some of the most dramatic scenery in Utah.
The Ultimate Adventure
For those looking for a more challenging adventure, the Cathedral Valley District offers remote, rugged landscapes that are accessible only by high-clearance vehicles. The Cathedral Valley Loop is a 58-mile drive that takes you through some of the park’s most spectacular scenery, including the iconic Temple of the Sun and Temple of the Moon rock formations.
Where to Stay
The town of Torrey, just outside the park, offers a variety of lodging options, from cozy inns to campgrounds. We recommend Casistas Inn for a more immersive experience of the Park. For a more unique experience, consider staying at one of the park’s campgrounds, such as the Fruita Campground, which is set among historic orchards and offers a peaceful, scenic setting.
