Utah Mighty 5 National Parks Trip Planner

Utah Mighty 5 National Parks Trip Planner. Enjoy the stunning beauty and natural landscapes of Utah rocks on this ten-day itinerary that takes you through Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion. Explore hiking trails, take photos of nature’s beauty, and find out what makes each park unique with this adventure guide!

10-Day Itinerary for Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks

Planning a trip to Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks is an incredible adventure filled with stunning natural landscapes and outdoor activities.

A full moon rises over a desert landscape at dusk. Capitol Reef National Park

These five parks include Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion.

Here’s a 10-day Utah Mighty 5 itinerary to help you make the most of your visit:

Discovering the beauty of 5 national parks in utah's mighty 5.

Day 1: Utah Mighty 5 Zion National Park

Drive to Zion National Park. (We came down from Utah where we visited a few hot springs, including Homestead Crater.)
Check into your accommodations in Springdale, Virgin, or Rockville, near Zion. (We stayed at Zion River Resort in Virgin, Utah.)
Explore the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and shuttle system.

A group of buses parked in a parking lot. zion national park

Hike the iconic Narrows or Angels Landing (if you’re up for a challenging adventure).
Consider taking a ranger-led program or renting equipment for canyoneering or rock climbing.

Enjoy your night in Springdale.

2: Bryce Canyon National Park

Drive to Bryce Canyon National Park. (93 miles, about 2 hours!)
Check into your hotel or campsite near Bryce Canyon. (We stayed at Canonville KOA which is now RJourney RV Park.
Enjoy the sunset at Bryce Point for incredible views of the park’s unique hoodoos.

Day 3: Bryce Canyon National Park

Spend the day hiking and exploring Bryce Canyon’s breathtaking amphitheaters.

Don’t miss popular trails like Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail.

Navajo loop trail sign. Bryce Canyon National Park

Stargaze at night, as Bryce Canyon is a designated International Dark Sky Park.

A sign for sunset point in Bryce Canyon National Park

4: Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef National Park

Drive to Capitol Reef National Park (136 miles, about 3 hours.)
Check into your accommodations near Capitol Reef. (We stayed at Wanderland RV Park.)
Explore the park’s unique geology and scenic drive.

The sign for the cohab canyon trail is in the middle of the desert. Capitol Reef National Park

Take a short hike to Hickman Bridge.

Day 5: Capitol Reef National Park

Spend the day hiking deeper into Capitol Reef or consider a horseback riding adventure.

Two brown donkeys standing next to each other. Bryce Canyon National Park

Visit the Capitol Reef Visitor Center and learn about the park’s history.
Hang out at Panorama Point to watch the sunset and look for the Milky Way.

A view of the moon at sunset at Capitol Reef National Park

Enjoy a relaxing evening and local cuisine.

Day 6: Arrival in Moab (Arches National Park)

Arrive in Moab. (161 miles, about 3 hours.)
Check into your hotel or campsite in Moab. We stayed at Portal RV Resort.
Explore Arches National Park and hike to iconic landmarks like Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch.

A rock formation in the desert. DELICATE ARCH ARCHES NATIONAL PARK

Enjoy a beautiful sunset in the park.

7: Arches National Park

Continue exploring Arches National Park.
Consider taking a ranger-led tour or participating in a photography workshop.

landscape arch in arches national park, utah.

Relax in the evening at your accommodation in Moab.

Day 8: Canyonlands National Park

Drive to Canyonlands National Park (or spend another day at Arches NP.)
Spend the day exploring the other districts of Canyonlands, such as The Needles or The Maze (if you have the appropriate permits and a high-clearance vehicle).
Consider taking a guided 4×4 tour to access remote areas.
Visit the Island in the Sky district and hike the Mesa Arch.
Explore the Grand View Point Overlook for sunset.

A sign that says grand view point. Canyonlands National Park

Return to Moab in the evening.

The sky is blue. canyonlands national park

9: Canyonlands NP

Explore another section of Canyonlands National Park such as The Needles.

A woman is standing on top of a cliff overlooking a canyon. canyonlands national park

Stop at Dead Horse Point State Park or check out the Petroglyphs and Dinosaur Tracks.

A view of the canyon from the top of a stairway. dead horse point state park

Day 10: Utah Mighty 5 Departure

Check out of your accommodations.
Continue on to your next destination. (After we left Moab, we headed to Mesa Verde National Park Colorado.)

A man and his dog standing on the edge of a cliff. dead horse point state park

Utah Mighty 5 National Parks Conclusion

This itinerary covers the highlights of Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks and offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, photography, and enjoying the unique natural beauty of each park.

Be sure to check park websites for any closures, trail conditions, or reservations needed in advance of your trip. Enjoy your adventure!

Utah Mighty 5 National Parks Trip Planner