Utah Mighty 5 Road Trip: Complete Family Itinerary and Planning Guide

Planning a trip to one National Park is exciting. Planning a road trip to visit five of them? That can feel overwhelming. There is so much to do in Utah and nearby Arizona that it can be really hard to choose what to do.

The Mighty 5 in Utah get a lot of attention, but there are amazing state parks and hidden gems as well if you have the time. The hardest part is picking what to do.

The Utah Mighty 5 (Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands) is one of the most spectacular road trips in the United States. Red rock canyons, towering arches, endless views.

It is stunning, but it can also be crowded and hot. And it’s a lot of driving spread out over 300 miles of high desert.

I want you to be prepared so you don’t end up hiking in 100-degree heat with cranky kids.

This guide will provide three different itineraries (7, 10, and 14 days) for your Utah Mighty 5 road trip. I will share ideas on what to do in each park for hikers and non-hikers. I’ll provide tips on where to stay and how to avoid the biggest mistakes.

Everyone likes to do different things, so chances are none of these itineraries will be exactly right for you. Think of them as starting points with a great base of information, so you can pick and choose and customize a trip for exactly what you want.

Executive Summary: What You Need to Know First

If you are in a rush, here is the quick version.

How Many Days Do You Need?

• 7 days: Hits a couple of key highlights in each park, very fast-paced
• 10 days: A bit more time to explore a few parks in depth and/or add some state parks, best for most families
• 14 days: Relaxed pace, including state parks and options for different add-ons like the Grand Canyon.

Best Time to Go

• Spring (April-May): Perfect temperatures, wildflowers, fewer crowds than summer
• Fall (September-October): Cool weather, beautiful colors
• Summer (June-August): Hot but doable if you hike early, most crowded
• Winter: Cold, some roads closed, but very quiet

Starting Points and Where to Fly Into:

• Fly into Las Vegas and out of Grand Junction: 2.5 hours to Zion from Las Vegas, 1.5 hours from Moab to Grand Junction
• Fly Las Vegas RT: 6-hour return drive from Moab to Las Vegas

Budget:

• Lodging: $150-$300+ per night for a standard hotel room, depending on location and season. Springdale tends to be the most expensive. You can save money by staying a bit further out in La Verkin or Hurricane if you are on a longer itinerary.
• Rental car and gas: One-way rentals are more, but can save you a lot of driving time, especially for a 7 or 10-day itinerary
• Food: Really depends on the number of people and dining preferences
• Activities: Excursions like jeep and ATV tours range from $60-200+ per person
• America the Beautiful Pass: $80 (covers all 5 parks for a year)

Critical Tips:

• Book hotels 6-12 months in advance, if possible, for the best prices, especially in peak season, but last-minute is usually doable
• Get Arches timed entry reservations (April-October, 7 AM-4 PM)
• Angels Landing requires a permit lottery in Zion
• Hike early in the summer (before 9 AM) to avoid heat and crowds

Why the Utah Mighty 5 is Perfect for Families

I love the Utah Mighty 5 for families because there is truly something for every type of traveler. I’ve been to most of these parks multiple times, and with so many hidden gems, there’s always something new to explore.

Your hardcore hiker can tackle Angels Landing in Zion or the Primitive Trail in Canyonlands. Your non-hiker can enjoy scenic drives, jeep tours, and overlooks that require almost no walking.

There are rivers to wade through, rocks to climb on, and landscapes that look like another planet.

And unlike some national parks where you need to backpack for days to see the good stuff, the Utah Mighty 5 puts incredible scenery right at your fingertips.

The Geography: Understanding the Route

The five parks stretch across southern Utah. You definitely need a rental car for every itinerary.

From west to east

1. Zion National Park (southwest Utah, near St. George)
2. Bryce Canyon National Park (south-central Utah)
3. Capitol Reef National Park (central Utah)
4. Arches National Park (eastern Utah, near Moab)
5. Canyonlands National Park (eastern Utah, near Moab)

Driving distances

• Zion to Bryce: 1.5 hours (85 miles)
• Bryce to Capitol Reef: 2.5 hours (120 miles) via scenic Highway 12
• Capitol Reef to Moab (Arches/Canyonlands): 2.5 hours (145 miles)

The 7-Day Express Itinerary

This itinerary is for families who want to see all five parks but have limited time. It is fast-paced. You will be moving and changing hotels every 1-2 days.

Day 1: Arrive in Las Vegas, Drive to Zion

• Pick up a rental car
• If you have an early flight, stop at Valley of the Fire State Park and hike the Fire Wave Trail (3 miles round trip)
• Drive 2.5 hours to Springdale
• Hike Canyon Overlook for sunset (only 1 mile round-trip and it’s one of the few places in Zion you can drive to directly)
• Relaxing dinner in Springdale at Oscar’s or Bit & Spur, get ready for a full day in Zion
• Stay in Springdale for 2 nights

Day 2: Zion National Park

• Wake up early and take the shuttle through Zion Canyon. For most of the year, you can’t drive through the Canyon.
• Hike: If you are up for a big hike, try The Narrows or Angels Landing. For Angels Landing, you need to get a permit in advance or stop at Scouts Lookout.
• For shorter hikes, try Emerald Pools, Weeping Wall, and the Riverside Walk
• Evening: Relax at Zion Canyon Hot Springs

Day 3: Drive to Bryce Canyon

• Morning: Scenic drive through the eastern part of Zion and 1.5 hours to Bryce
• Afternoon in Bryce: Hike Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail  (3 miles)
• Sunset at Sunset Point or Mossy Cave. Sunset Point faces East and Mossy Cave West, so Mossy Cave is better despite the name!
• Stay: Tropic or Bryce Canyon City
• Go back to Sunset Point or Whiteman Bench Picnic area (one of the darkest areas in the park) for stargazing. Bryce is a designated Dark Sky park.

Day 4: Bryce to Capitol Reef

• Drive 2 – 2.5 hours via Highway 12. Don’t take the shortest route on Google.  You want Route 12. It’s one of the most scenic drives in the country. Stop at the overlooks and enjoy the views.  Head of the Rocks Overlook at milepost 69, and Boynton Overlook at mile marker 73 are a couple of the must-stop overlooks.

• Afternoon: Arrive at Capitol Reef, drive scenic road through Fruita. Stop at Gifford’s House for amazing pies.
• Hike: Capitol Gorge (2 miles) and/or Grand Wash (4.4 miles)
• Stay: Torrey

Day 5: Capitol Reef to Moab

• Morning: Quick hike or explore the Fruita orchards
• Drive 2.5 hours to Moab and stop at Goblin Valley State Park if you have time
• Afternoon: Explore Moab or do a fun activity like a sunset jeep tour
• Stay in Moab 2 nights

Day 6: Arches National Park

• Wake up early to beat crowds and the heat in the summer
• Hike to Delicate Arch for sunrise, which is in the back of the park
• Mid-day: Devils Garden OR Windows Section
• Afternoon: Rest at the hotel, pool time
• Evening: Sunset at Balanced Rock or Park Avenue Viewpoint

Day 7: Canyonlands, Drive Back

• Morning: Canyonlands Island in the Sky District
• Hike Mesa Arch (0.6 miles) and Grand View Point Trail
• Afternoon: Drive back to Las Vegas (5.5 hours) OR fly out of Grand Junction if available
• Alternative: Add one more night in Moab and fly out the next day

Who This Itinerary is For: Families with limited vacation time who want to say they saw all 5 parks. This is pretty rushed, so make sure you are prepared to be busy all day, every day.  

The 10-Day Balanced Itinerary (Recommended)

This is my recommended itinerary for most families. You get breathing room. You can rest. You can add some really fun excursions, like a longer jeep tour over slickrock obstacles in Moab.

Day 1 – 3: Arrive in Las Vegas and drive to Zion

• Same as the 7-day itinerary, but stay 3 nights in Springdale.
• Zion is the crown jewel of these parks, so more time here is ideal to enjoy at a more leisurely pace
• Add more options for the 7-day itinerary, add the Watchman Trail, rent eBikes on the Pa’rus trail, and/or take a jeep tour to see parts of Zion that most people don’t see
• Explore the Kolob Canyon region of Zion, which is much less visited but equally stunning (just a bit off the beaten path, so few people go there)
• Stay: Springdale (3 nights)

Day 4: Bryce Canyon

• Same as 7-day itinerary

Day 5-6: Capitol Reef via Highway 12

• Take your time on the scenic drive and include the Lower Calf Creek Falls Trail in Escalante (6 miles) if time
• Enjoy more hikes and scenic drives in Capitol Reef, including Cassidy Arch
• Stay: Torrey (2 nights)

Day 7-9: Moab: Arches and Canyonlands

• Stop at Goblin Valley State Park on the way to Moab and hike Goblin’s Lair, or do the scenic drive
• Add more hikes and/or activities in Moab, including the famous Dan Mick jeep tour, mountain biking, zip-lining, or white-water rafting
• Get a permit or take a guided hike in the Fiery Furnace at Arches if you like Rock Scrambling
• Go to Dead Horse State Park and hike the East Rim to see the turquoise Potash Ponds
• Explore more of Canyonlands
• Stay: Moab (3 nights)

Day 10: Drive Back or Add Star Wars Experience

• Stop at OutpostX for Star Wars-themed glamping on the way back to Las Vegas. This could also be Day 1. You can drive a landspeeder and experience Star Wars without the Disney lines!

Who This Itinerary is For: Families who want a balanced trip with time to explore, rest, and enjoy activities beyond just hiking.

The 14-Day Complete Experience

With two full weeks, you can slow down and add incredible side trips. If you want to see more of the Mighty 5, I’d add:

• 1 more at Zion or OutpostX where you can explore the West side of Zion, including Kolob Canyon and Kanarra Falls, which is an AMAZING hidden gem. It’s a slot canyon like the Narrows through water, but with much smaller crowds
• 1 more night in Bryce and definitely add the Escalante Hike on the way to Capitol Gorge or Willis Slot Canyon
• 1 more night in Moab with endless possibilities for a 2^nd day at Arches, exploring the further out regions of Canyonlands, or fun Moab activities

The second option for a 14-day itinerary is to add the Grand Canyon on your way back to Las Vegas with a stop in Page, Arizona:

Day 10: Drive to Page, AZ

• 4.5-hour drive to Page
• Stop at Monument Valley on the way (2 hours)
• Visit Horseshoe Bend
• Stay: Page, Arizona

Day 11: Antelope Canyon, Drive to Grand Canyon

• Tour Antelope Canyon (book in advance). You MUST take a tour to see Antelope Canyon. I’d recommend Upper Canyon mid-day if available for optimal light beam viewing. Otherwise, do the Lower Canyon in the morning. Both are amazing.
• Drive to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon
• Stay: Tusayan, 2 nights

Day 13: Grand Canyon

• Hike the rim trail or South Kaibab Trail as far down as you want

Day 14: Grand Canyon and Return to Las Vegas

• Enjoy sunrise at the Canyon Rim if you are up for the early wake-up call
• 4-hour drive back to Las Vegas

Who This Itinerary is For: People who want the complete Southwest experience with time for everything.

Zion National Park: What to Do

Zion is the most visited park in Utah. The red cliffs tower above you. The Virgin River cuts through the canyon. It is dramatic.

I have hiked the Narrows and stood on top of Angels Landing. I have watched families with toddlers enjoy this park from strollers. There is something for everyone.

For Hikers

• Angels Landing (5.4 miles, strenuous). This is a tough hike with almost 1,500 feet of elevation gain. You need a permit to do the last half-mile of steep, chain-assisted sections, which is not for people afraid of heights. But you can do most of the hike to Scout’s Landing without a permit, and the views there are still amazing. Apply through the lottery system on Recreation.gov. There is a seasonal lottery and a day-before lottery.
• The Narrows (variable distance). This is the iconic hike of Zion, but it’s not easy. You walk through the Virgin River. The water can be anywhere from ankle to waist deep. The canyon walls tower hundreds of feet above you. You can go as far as you want and turn around. In spring, the water can be high and cold. In summer, it is perfect. Rent gear in Springdale. The specialized shoes and poles are so worth it. It’s so easy to twist an ankle here, and the gear helps tremendously. It’s a thick wood pole, not a typical hiking pole. Your ankles will thank you.  

• Emerald Pools (1.2-3 miles, easy to moderate). Three pools with waterfalls. Lower Emerald Pools is paved and easy. Upper Emerald Pools requires more climbing but is worth it, especially in the spring when the water levels are higher.
• Canyon Overlook Trail (1 mile, moderate). Short but spectacular views of Zion Canyon. One of the few places you can drive yourself.  The parking lot is small, but you can park on the road. Amazing for sunset.

For Non-Hikers

• Riverside Walk (2.2 miles, easy and paved). Flat, paved path along the Virgin River. Perfect for strollers. Leads to the start of the Narrows.
• Weeping Wall. (0.4 miles easy). Walk behind a wall of water.
• Bike the Pa’rus Trail (3.5 miles, paved). Flat, paved, allows bikes and strollers. Follows the river with beautiful views. You can also rent eBikes in Springdale for this trail.
• Scenic Drive. Take the free shuttle through Zion Canyon. Stop at viewpoints. No hiking required.
• Zion Canyon Hot Springs. After a day of exploring, soak in natural hot springs with views of red rocks. It is relaxing and perfect for families.
• Jeep Tours. Multiple companies offer off-road jeep tours with exclusive access to areas you cannot drive yourself. Great for seeing scenery without hiking.

Where to Stay Near Zion

Springdale is the best base. It sits right at the park entrance. You can walk to restaurants and shops. The free town shuttle takes you to the park.

Hotels I recommend (see my full Zion hotel guide for details):

• Desert Pearl Inn (upscale, suites with kitchenettes)
• Cliffrose Springdale (beautiful riverside location)
• Hyatt Place Springdale (reliable chain, good breakfast, where I stayed)
• Bumbleberry Inn (best value for families)

Bryce Canyon National Park: What to Do

Bryce looks like another planet. You can admire the orange and red hoodoos (tall, thin rock spires) from any number of lookouts or hike through them.

At 8,000 feet of elevation, Bryce is significantly cooler than the other Utah parks. Even in summer, mornings can be chilly, so pack layers.

For Hikers

• Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail (2.9 miles combined, moderate). This is the classic Bryce hike. You walk down into the hoodoos. You are surrounded by towering spires. The switchbacks are steep but doable for most families.

• Fairyland Loop (8 miles, strenuous). Longer and more challenging. Fewer crowds. Beautiful views.
• Mossy Cave (0.8 miles, easy). Very short hike to a small waterfall and cave. Great for young kids who can splash in the water. Also perfect for sunset.

For Non-Hikers

• Scenic Rim Drive. Stop at all the viewpoints: Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Inspiration Point, and Bryce Point. You can see the hoodoos without hiking.
• ATV Tours. Ride through the surrounding red rock country on ATVs. Great for adrenaline seekers.
• Horseback riding. Ride through Utah’s scenic Red Canyon.
• Stargazing Programs. Bryce is a designated Dark Sky Park. Ranger-led stargazing programs run in summer. The night sky here is incredible.

Where to Stay Near Bryce

Bryce Canyon City and Tropic are the closest towns. Both are small but have hotels and restaurants.

• Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn (large property with lots of amenities, very close to the park, one of the more budget-friendly options)
• Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon (one of the most modern hotels in Bryce)
• Clear Sky Resorts Stargazing Domes (upscale clear glamping tents)

Capitol Reef National Park: What to Do

Capitol Reef is the hidden gem of the Mighty 5. It gets fewer visitors than the other parks, but it is just as beautiful. It is a 100-mile wrinkle in the Earth’s crust.

You can drive through orchards planted by Mormon pioneers, see petroglyphs carved into cliffs, pick fresh fruit, and even buy homemade pie.

For Hikers

• Cassidy Arch (3.5 miles, moderate). Named after outlaw Butch Cassidy. You can actually stand on top of the arch.
• Grand Wash (4.5 miles, easy). Walk through a narrow canyon with tall walls. Easy and scenic. Can be combined with Cassidy Arch.
• Hickman Bridge Trail (1.8 miles, moderate). Leads to a natural bridge. Beautiful rock formations.
• Capitol Gorge: (1-2 miles RT). Scenic drive there, narrow sandy canyon, and water-filled potholes known as the “tanks.”

For Non-Hikers

• Fruita Historic District. Drive the scenic road through orchards. Pick fresh fruit (peaches and pears in spring/summer) and visit the old schoolhouse.
• Gifford House. Buy the famous fresh-baked pies, but make sure to get there early before they sell out.
• Scenic Drives. Capitol Reef has several unpaved scenic drives. Cathedral Valley is a more difficult drive, but a tour is a great option to see this under-visited part of the park.
• Stargazing. This is a Dark Sky park. Look at ranger-led stargazing tours.

Where to Stay Near Capitol Reef

Torrey is the closest town (10 minutes from the park).

• Capitol Reef Resort (close to park entrance, more upscale option)
• Broken Spur Inn (simple, good value, highly-rated, breakfast)

Both of these have a limited number of covered wagons that you can stay in, which kids will love. 

Arches National Park: What to Do

Arches has over 2,000 natural stone arches. Delicate Arch is the most famous (it is on Utah license plates). But there are dozens of other incredible arches to see.

Important: Arches may require timed entry reservations April through October, 7 AM to 4 PM. Check for updates on the NPS site. Or arrive before 7 AM or after 4 PM.

I love Arches. I stood in front of Delicate Arch, wondering how nature could have created that. I’ve explored Devil’s Garden, enjoying one amazing arch after another. The scenery is stunning, but it gets HOT in summer. Start your day early or go in the spring/fall.

For Hikers

• Delicate Arch (3.2 miles, moderate to strenuous). The iconic hike. Steep with no shade. Do it at sunrise to avoid heat and crowds. Worth every step.

• Devils Garden Trail (7.2 miles to see all arches, strenuous). See multiple arches, including Landscape Arch (the longest arch in North America). You can turn around at any point.
• Double Arch and Windows Section (1-2 miles, easy). Short trails to multiple arches, which is great for families with young kids.
• Fiery Furnace.  A unique hike with narrow passages, sandstone walls, and rock scrambles. It’s easy to get lost here. You need a permit or a guided tour that can only be booked exactly one week in advance.

For Non-Hikers

• Scenic Drive. The 18-mile paved road through the park has pullouts at major arches. You can see Balanced Rock, The Windows, and more from your car.
• Viewpoints. Park Avenue Viewpoint and La Sal Mountains Viewpoint require minimal walking.
• Stargazing. This is yet another Dark Sky park. Try Balanced Rock or the Windows for great stargazing.

Moab Activities (For Non-Hikers and Adventurers of Every Level)

Moab is the outdoor adventure capital of Utah. There is so much to do beyond hiking.

• Jeep Tours. Off-road tours through the backcountry. See areas you cannot access in a regular car. Dan Mick’s Jeep Tours was the pioneer in off-road jeep tours. Pro-tip: It may sound cool to drive yourself, but you get to go on much cooler obstacles if you let a professional drive.

• Rafting on the Colorado River. Half-day or full-day trips. Scenic floats or whitewater rapids, depending on the season.
• Mountain Biking. Moab has world-class mountain biking. Slickrock Trail is famous but challenging, but there are easier trails too. Rent bikes yourself or take a tour.
• Dinosaur Museum. Kids can learn about dinosaurs that roamed this area.

Where to Stay in Moab

Moab is the biggest town on the Mighty 5 road trip and has tons of hotels. A few I would recommend:

• Purple Sage Flats (boutique hotel downtown)
• Red Cliffs Lodge (on the Colorado River, beautiful views)
• Expedition Lodge (great family-friendly, budget-friendly, highly-rated option)
• Under Canvas Moab (glamping, expensive but unique experience)

I always recommend Hotels.com because it’s easy to compare rates and amenities for independent and chain hotels in one place, rates are competitive or lower than booking direct, refund policies are often more flexible, and a great reward program (2% back for future hotel stays). I also love the rate tracking features. You can see if a price is high, average, or low, and even get an alert if prices go down.

Pro-tip: Book a refundable room, turn on alerts, and then cancel and rebook if rates go down.

Canyonlands National Park: What to Do

Canyonlands is the largest of the Mighty 5 with sweeping views of endless canyons carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers. It is divided into four districts, but most visitors stick to Island in the Sky, which is the most accessible.

For Hikers

• Mesa Arch (0.6 miles, easy). The most photographed spot in Canyonlands. A natural arch frames the canyon behind it. Sunrise is magical here.
• Grand View Point Trail (2 miles, easy). Easy walk along the rim with spectacular canyon views.
• Upheaval Dome Trail (1.8 miles, moderate). See a mysterious geological crater that scientists think was caused by a meteorite.

For Non-Hikers

• Scenic Drives. Drive to all the viewpoints in Island in the Sky. Green River Overlook, Buck Canyon Overlook, and more.
• Dead Horse Point State Park. Just outside Canyonlands, some people say the views here are even better than in the national park. Plenty of overlooks here with minimal walking required.

Best Time to Visit the Utah Mighty 5

Spring (April-May): This is my favorite time. The weather is mild (60s-70s during the day). Wildflowers are blooming, waterfalls are flowing, and crowds are more manageable than in summer.

Downsides: The Narrows in Zion can be closed due to high water. If it’s open, the water will be cold. Some higher elevation trails, especially in Bryce, may still have snow.

Summer (June-August): It’s busy and hot (think 90s-100s), but everything is open.

Upsides: The Narrows is perfect in summer (cool water on a hot day). Long daylight hours mean you can hike early and late and relax in the pool in the mid-day heat.

Fall (September-October): Excellent time to visit with cooler temperatures (70s-80s), fall colors, and thinner crowds.

Downsides: Not much other than shorter days and some campgrounds close.

Winter (November-March): Very quiet. Lower hotel prices. Beautiful snow on red rocks.

Downsides: Many roads and services close (including parts of Bryce and Capitol Reef), making the Mighty 5 road trip very tough and cold (20s-40s).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t make these mistakes that I’ve seen other families make.

1. Trying to Do All 5 Parks in 5 Days. This is really rushed. You will be exhausted from all the driving and rushing around. I’d say 7 days is a bare minimum and that will still be very fast-paced.

2. Not Booking Hotels Early Enough. You tend to get better prices and better selection further in advance. Hotels.com typically has refundable and the best rates (plus 2% back on future hotel stays). Use their alerts feature to see if prices go down.  

3. Forgetting Arches Timed Entry Reservations. If you visit Arches from April through October between 7 AM and 4 PM, you will likely need a reservation. You also need permits for Angels Landing and Fiery Furnace. See my complete guide on 2026 national park reservations.

4. Underestimating the Heat. Summer temperatures in Moab and Zion can hit 100+ degrees. That’s really hot. Hike early, drink plenty of water, and book a hotel with a pool for a mid-day retreat.

5. Not Packing Layers. Bryce is at 8,000 feet. It can be 40 degrees in the morning and 70 degrees in the afternoon, so bring a jacket even in summer.

6. Skipping Capitol Reef. Many people rush through Capitol Reef or skip it entirely. It is beautiful, less crowded, and very underrated. I loved it.

7. Only Doing the Famous Hikes. Angels Landing and Delicate Arch are amazing. But there are dozens of other incredible trails with fewer people. Find the hidden gems, and sometimes those are in the nearby state parks.

What to Pack

Essentials:

• Layers (mornings cold, afternoons hot)
• Hiking boots, sun hat, sunglasses
• Day pack with 2 liters of water per person
• Sunscreen (SPF 50+), first aid kit
• Snacks, portable phone charger
• America the Beautiful Pass and reservation confirmations
• Offline maps downloaded (cell service is spotty)

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Can you do the Utah Mighty 5 with young kids?

Yes. There are easy trails, scenic drives, and activities that do not require long hikes.

Do you need a 4WD vehicle?

Generally no, but it depends on when and where you are going. All main roads are paved, but if you are visiting any slot canyons off the beaten path or traveling in snow season (which comes earlier in Bryce), you may want AWD or 4WD.

Which park is the best?

Personally, Zion is my favorite, so I’d spend more time there if you can, but they are all different. Zion has towering cliffs. Bryce has hoodoos. Arches has iconic arches. They are all worthy of a visit.

Can you do the Mighty 5 in winter?

I wouldn’t recommend it. Many roads are closed, and it can be very cold.

Do you need reservations for all the parks?

Arches no longer requires a reservation, but the rules are always changing. Zion doesn’t require a reservation to enter, but you must take a shuttle most of the year to reach the most popular sites. Angels Landing in Zion requires a permit lottery. But the rules are always changing. Check out my 2026 national park reservation guide.

Should you go West to East or East to West?

Most people go East (Zion → Bryce → Capitol Reef → Arches → Canyonlands), but either works. If you are doing one way flights, you can book whichever flight options are best (into Las Vegas, out of Grand Junction, or vice versa).

Stop Researching and Start Exploring

The Utah Mighty 5 is one of the best road trips in America.

There are so many options that it’s almost impossible to take anyone’s stock itinerary.

• How much do you want to hike?  
• What do you and your family enjoy?
• What type of non-hiking activities do you want to do?
• How do you prioritize when trying to fit five parks into a short period of time?
• Do you want to add on state parks, hidden gems outside the parks, the Grand Canyon, or a Star Wars glamping experience?

You can spend hours and hours reading blogs trying to figure it out or let me do that for you. I can customize a trip that works for exactly what you and your family want.

All you have to do is get off the plane and enjoy the parks.

This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you.