Utah's Five National Parks Itinerary

Michelle Gonzales
Apr 25, 2025
4 min read

Updated: Jul 3, 2025

Utah is home to five stunning national parks, each boasting unique and captivating landscapes. Collectively known as the "Mighty 5," these parks showcase the state's diverse beauty, from towering red rock formations to expansive canyons.

Each of these parks offers unique experiences, whether you’re into hiking, photography, or simply soaking in Utah's natural beauty. Whether you’re planning a luxurious itinerary or a more adventurous trip, the "Mighty 5" promises unforgettable memories.

This itinerary includes plenty of hiking, photography opportunities, sightseeing, and unique and luxurious accommodations.

I recommend spending at least eight days exploring Utah's Mighty 5. However, you will soon realize that this is not nearly enough time. If you have limited vacation time, here is a recommended itinerary for your trip. Note that you will start at one location and drive across Utah to end at another.

Day 1: Travel Day

For your convenience, I recommend flying into Saint George, Utah. From Saint George to your first destination, Springdale, Utah, it's just a one-hour drive. You will need to rent a car, but the journey is straightforward and enjoyable.

Your first leg of the trip will be exploring the awe-inspiring beauty of Zion National Park, one of my favorite National Parks! Here, I recommend staying at Zion Sage Suites. You'll feel right at home with its beautiful mountain views and luxurious accommodations.

Day 2-3: Zion National Park

Famous for its impressive red rock cliffs, Zion features spectacular canyons, stunning vistas, and numerous hiking trails. The iconic Angels Landing hike offers a challenging trek with rewarding views, while the scenic drive through the park showcases the stunning surroundings.

You have two days to soak in Zion's beauty for this itinerary. To get the most out of what Zion has to offer, here are the hiking and other activities I recommend tackling on this trip. Keep in mind that if you have young children, you may not be able to do some of these hikes.

Angles Landing
The Narrows (bottom-up)
Emerald Pools & Kayenta Trail

Be sure to do your research before going! Depending on the time of year, some trails, like The Narrows, may be inaccessible. You will also need to be aware of the shuttle schedule to access the trails. And, of course, certain trails require specific equipment.

Day 4: Bryce Canyon National Park

Known for its unique hoodoo rock formations, Bryce Canyon presents a surreal and intriguing landscape, especially at sunrise and sunset. The park offers a variety of trails, including the popular Queen’s Garden and Peek-a-boo Loop, which allow visitors to experience its fascinating geology up close.

You will have just one day to explore the park, but there are two options for trails that allow you to experience all that the park has to offer. I recommend hiking the Fairyland Loop if you have the time and energy, as it's 8 miles long. Otherwise, if you're short on time, I recommend the Navajo Loop & Queens Garden, which still provides spectacular views.

Fairyland Loop
Navajo Loop & Queens Garden

The drive from Sprindale to Bryce Canyon National Park is 2 hours and 30 minutes, so I recommend leaving early in the morning.

I also recommend staying at Clear Sky Resorts - Bryce Canyon's Unique Stargazing Domes for the night. This is the perfect setting after a long day of driving and hiking to relax and take in the beautiful night sky. Not to mention, enjoying the luxurious accommodations!

Day 5: Capitol Reef National Park

This lesser-known gem features a unique combination of cliffs, canyons, and historic orchards. The Scenic Drive offers stunning views, and the park’s numerous hiking trails, like the Hickman Bridge and Cassidy Arch hikes, invite exploration of its geological features.

You will have just one day to explore the park. I recommend hiking the Cohab Canyon Trail, one of the best hikes in the National Park, as it provides both panoramic views of the valley and the orchard.

Cohab Canyon Trail

The drive from Clear Sky Resorts to Capitol Reef National Park is 2 hours and 15 minutes, so I recommend leaving early in the morning.

I also recommend staying at the Capitol Reef Resort for the night. This unique stay offers a variety of equally unique lodging experiences, stunning views, luxurious accommodations, and a wide range of adventures that can be booked through the resort.

Day 6: Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park is a canvas of nature's grandeur divided into distinct districts by the Colorado River and the Green River. It boasts vast canyons, mesas, and buttes. The Island in the Sky district offers awe-inspiring panoramic views, while the Needles district provides opportunities for hiking and backpacking in rugged terrain.

You will have just one day to explore the park. I recommend hiking the Mesa Arch Trail, one of most iconic hikes in the National Park. This hike is short, so you will have time to do another one if you wish, and is best viewed at sunrise.

Mesa Arch
Grand View Point Trail

The drive from Capitol Reef Resort to Canyonlands National Park is 2 hours and 45 minutes, so I recommend leaving early in the morning.

I also recommend staying at the Under Canvas Moab for your last two nights. This unique stay offers some of Moab's best desert glamping accommodations.

Day 7: Arches National Park

Arches National Park is a playground of natural wonders. This park is home to over 2,000 natural stone arches, including the famous Delicate Arch. Visitors can explore a myriad of trails, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging hikes, all while taking in the dramatic landscape of red rock formations.

I recommend hiking the Delicate Arch Trail, as it is the most famous and well known trail that the park has to offer. The views dont disapoint!