Exploring the Mighty 5 National Parks of Utah
Utah might not have the most national parks of any state – that honor goes to California – but it certainly has the highest concentration.
All of Utah’s “Mighty 5” are within easy driving distance of one another, meaning that the state is prime for an epic national parks road trip that you can even squeeze into a short amount of vacation time. With only a week to spare, it’s possible to get to know the distinct personalities of each of the state’s national parks.
Here’s how to plan an unforgettable drive in Utah.
1. Zion National Park
When most people think of Utah, Zion will come to mind with its towering 2,000-foot cliffs and notoriously stunning red sandstone peaks. Here you can enjoy a picnic lunch with your guide before embarking on a hike fit for any fitness level. And while breathtaking Zion is not to be missed, I want to draw your attention to the other four as well.
2. Arches National Park
Arches National Park gets its name from, well… arches! Small in comparison to the others, Arches is simply amazing. With easy-to-navigate hikes and over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, I’m so grateful I got the opportunity to hike to the red-hued Delicate Arch, as it was one of the most rewarding photo-opportunities of my entire trip. The 4-mile hike is moderate and can be quite busy on weekends, which is why we recommend an early hike with your guide to get to the top for an intimate chance at a spectacular view.
3. Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park was a pleasant surprise. The largest National Park in Utah, the Islands in the Sky district is the most visited, and for good reason. The paved scenic drive offers many areas for your private driver to stop so you can take in the amazing scenery, or even take a short hike to the breathtaking Mesa Arch or Upheaval Dome. Take to Mesa Arch at sundown, when the colors of the canyon turn beautiful shades of blue, purple and red as the sun fades away. Sunrise is also a wonderful time to be here if you’re an early riser. Canyonlands can be discovered easily with a private guide and driver whether you have just a few hours, half a day, a full day, or several days – there is no shortage of red rock scenery to take in here.
4. Capitol Reef National Park
If Canyonlands was a pleasant surprise, then Capitol Reef National Park was an epic one! The Fruita section of the park is the most visited and accessible. The paved, scenic drive offers campgrounds, hikes, and even orchards, and in the spring, the fruit trees are in bloom which makes for an even more beautiful and fragrant visit. Hickman Bridge is the hike to do here: just east of the Capitol Reef visitor center, this 2-mile trail offers an easy and spectacularly scenic trek to a large natural arch. The trail is not particularly long or steep, but it provides some amazing sites along the way. Capitol Reef is one of Utah’s less crowded parks, therefore offering a much more relaxed and secluded visit. It was also given the International Dark-Sky Association’s Gold Tier status in 2015, making it a stargazer’s paradise.
5. Bryce Canyon
Finally, Bryce Canyon: hoodoos galore! Sometimes called “fairy chimneys” or “toadstools,” hoodoos are tall spires of rock that protrude from the ground up, and Bryce Canyon is full of them. Hiking through these natural rock formations feels otherworldly. A fun and unique experience here is riding a horse through the canyon or one of the many trails Bryce has to offer. At an elevation of 8,000 to 9,000 feet, snow can make an amazing contrast to the red rocks of the canyon! Seeing these hoodoos in winter is truly something incredible, but many of the trails are subject to closures due to the treacherous conditions the snow and ice can provide.
When to Visit
The best time to visit Utah is during the spring from April to June, or autumn from September to November. Summers can get severely hot, while winters can be quite cold with risk of snowstorms. That said, Utah is a year-round destination depending on which activities appeal to you most!
(Source: Collected and compiled)
