how do i plan a trip to all 5 utah national parks

What are the best parks to visit in Utah?

Visiting all five parks is a seven-hour, 370-mile endeavor, and that’s excluding the additional time and distance required to explore each park. If you plan on starting and ending your tour via the …

What are the 5 national parks in Utah?

If you only have one week, here is a whirlwind road trip through Utah to visit all five National Parks. Day 1: Arrive in Salt Lake City, drive to Moab. Day 2: Arches National Park. Day 3: …

What are the Big 5 parks in Utah?

Apr 17, 2022 · If you only have one week, here is a whirlwind road trip through Utah to visit all five National Parks. To get the full details on how to do this same itinerary, and get suggestions on …

What are the best places to visit in Utah?

May 06, 2021 · Canyonlands National Park. Stop #2 on the Utah road trip and another one of Utah’s Big Five National Parks close to Moab is Canyonlands National Park. There are 2 ways …

How many days do you need for Utah national parks?

How many days do you need for Utah 5?

How long does it take to visit the mighty 5 Utah?

How long would a road trip to all national parks take?

Is Capitol Reef worth visiting?

How do you get to the Big 5 in Utah?

Which of the mighty 5 is the best?

How far apart are Zion and Arches National Park?

Where should I stop between Bryce Canyon and Salt Lake City?

How do I plan a trip to all national parks?

How do you tour all national parks?

What should I pack for a national park road trip?

How long does it take to visit all five national parks in Utah?

Utah’s national parks are located in the southern part of the state. Visiting all five parks is a seven-hour, 370-mile endeavor, and that’s excluding the additional time and distance required to explore each park.

How far is Arches National Park from Canyonlands?

Just 10 minutes south of Arches National Park and 30 minutes east of Canyonlands National Park, this town of about 5,000 residents has accommodations ranging from campgrounds to condos and hostels to hotels. Where To Eat At Arches And Canyonlands National Parks.

What are the districts of Canyonlands National Park?

The park is divided into five distinct districts: Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze, Horseshoe Canyon, and the Rivers. Because it’s an easy drive from Moab and offers amazing views from a paved scenic drive, Island in the Sky is the most visited part of Canyonlands National Park.

Where is the Arches National Park?

Arches National Park. Just an hour from the Colorado border, Arches National Park is the easternmost of Utah’s national parks. Best known for Delicate Arch, this sliver of a sandstone arch is a can’t-miss sight at Arches National Park. The hike to the base of Delicate Arch is on a 3.2 round trip trail with an elevation increase of 480 feet.

When to use Zion Shuttle?

In order to better manage the traffic associated with more than 6 million visitors and enjoy your time at the park, plan on using the Zion Shuttle System when you visit between February and November. From natural rock arches to gravity-defying hoodoos and narrow slot canyons, Utah’s national parks are filled with beauty.

How long does it take to drive to the Mighty Five?

When planning your trip to Utah’s Mighty Five, it is recommended that you allow at least one day to explore each park.

Where to go on Highway 24?

Another recommended side trip from Highway 24 is to Goosenecks Overlook. In the shadow of Mummy Cliff, turn south to access the overlook as well as Panorama Point. Pro Tip: While there is no fee to travel through Capitol Reef National Park on Highway 24, there is a $20 fee to explore the Scenic Drive.

What state is day 4 of the Utah National Parks Road Trip?

On day four of the Utah national parks road trip, we’re actually heading into another state: Arizona!

How many national parks are there in Utah?

With five national parks to explore, hiking trails galore and some epic scenery, a Utah national parks road trip is something you’ll never forget. Hitting the so-called Mighty 5 – Utah’s five national parks of Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands and Capitol Reef – is possible in just a week, and you won’t believe how different and beautiful each national park is.

What is the only lodging in Zion National Park?

Zion Lodge is the only lodging inside Zion National Park

How long does it take to return a campervan in Utah?

Finally, return your car or campervan in Salt Lake City – 7 days in Utah goes by quickly! This will be a trip you won’t quickly forget – and if you’re like me, you’ll be wanting to go back very soon.

How many campgrounds are there in Zion National Park?

Zion National Park has three campgrounds: South, Watchman and Lava Point. You can reserve South and Watchman in advance (campsites are $20 per night). If you can’t reserve in advance, you can still plan to arrive at the campgrounds at around 10 or 11 a.m. in case a site becomes available.

What is the busiest park in Utah?

Zion National Park is the busiest Utah national park, with more than 4.5 million visitors each year. Despite the crowds, it’s a must-visit on a Utah parks road trip. Springdale is the town just outside of the entrance to Zion, and it has several great options for your first dinner on the road.

What to do in Salt Lake City?

You could check out of a few of the best things to do in Salt Lake City, but I’d recommend jumping straight on the road and heading for Zion National Park . It’s about a 4.5-hour drive from Salt Lake City. Zion National Park is the busiest Utah national park, with more than 4.5 million visitors each year.

How many national parks are there in Utah?

Stretching across southern and central Utah are five stunning National Parks. Called the Mighty 5, these parks contain some of the most thrilling hiking trails and iconic landscapes in the United States.

How to visit Arches National Park in one day?

Midday, visit Balanced Rock, Double Arch, The Windows and Turret Arch. End with sunset at Delicate Arch.

What is the name of the park with hoodoos?

Bryce Canyon National Park is a fantasyland of hoodoos, bizarre rock formations, and sandstone pillars.

Where to see sunrise in one day in Bryce Canyon?

Bryce Canyon in One Day: Watch the sunrise from Sunset Point (we liked the sunrise views better here than from Sunrise Point, ironically). Walk along the rim, hike the Queens Garden and Navajo Loop Trail, and visit Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, Rainbow Point, and Yovimpa Point.

How long is the White Rim Road?

Ultimate Adventure: Rent a 4×4 or bring your mountain bike and go on a multi-day adventure, driving (or cycling) the 100-mile long White Rim Road. This rough, dirt road twists and turns along the White Rim. You will need a permit and camping gear to do this.

How many arches are there in Arches National Park?

Arches National Park is a wonderland of strange rock formations, short hiking trails, and you guessed it, arches. Not only will you find over 2,000 arches here, but you will also see hoodoos, fins of sandstone rocks, massive mesas, and balanced rocks.

Where to hike Mighty 5?

Here is a sample Mighty 5 itinerary, with more time in several national parks and the addition of several great state parks and hiking destinations in Utah. Day 1: Arrive in Moab. Day 2: Arches National Park. Day 3: Canyonlands National Park. Day4: Goblin Valley & Little Wild Horse Canyon.

Where to go on a road trip in Utah?

Goblin Valley State Park. Continuing on the Utah road trip, the next stop will be Goblin Valley State Park. This is a super cool state park that is a perfect place for kids. The park has several hikes, a small campground, a disc golf course, and the best part is the valley itself.

What are the best places to visit in Utah?

Being able to see Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Arches and Zion National Park in the Colorado Plateau all in one trip is simply amazing and makes it one of the best United State road trips.

What is the best hike in Moab?

Another great hike in Moab is Corona Arch. This is about a mile and a half roundtrip that includes ladders and some steep rock scrambles. You’ll end up under Corona Arch which is just amazing.

How long is the hike to Arches?

There are several hikes that we really enjoyed in Arches. The most iconic being Delicate Arch. This hike is about 3 miles roundtrip and felt like it was uphill the whole way. It culminates at Delicate Arch which is just an amazing structure.

How many campgrounds are there in Bryce Canyon?

Bryce Canyon has 2 campgrounds right in the park. The North Campground has 99 sites in a mix of RV and tent sites with no hookups. There is a General Store in the area that offers laundry, showers, snacks and supplies.

How many RV sites are there in Fruita Campground?

Next to the Gifford House is the Fruita Campground. They have 64 RV/tent sites along with 7 walk-up tent sites. There are no hookups at this campground but they do have a potable water fill as well as a dump station in the campground.

How long is the Arches backcountry helicopter flight?

If you want to see more remote areas and amazing rock formations, you may want to check out this Arches Backcountry Helicopter Flight. This tour is a 20-30 minute flight that departs from Canyonfields Airport. Talk about breathtaking views!

Where to fly if you don't live in Utah?

Day 1- Fly into Salt Lake City. If you don’t live near Utah, you’ll need to fly into the region. You could also fly into Las Vegas and do this road trip in reverse. It’s great to have both options because you can search for cheap flightswith some flexibility.

Where to walk in Arches National Park?

At Arches National Park, you won’t want to miss the views from the park’s scenic drive, hiking up to Delicate Arch, or walking down into Park Avenue.

How many districts are there in Canyonlands National Park?

Canyonlands National Park is divided into 4 districts. The Island in the Sky section of the park is by far the most visited area. After checking out of your hotel this morning, make the 20-minute ride from Moab. Again, remember to have the food and water you need for the day before leaving Moab.

How long is the Mesas butte loop?

The most popular Mesas, Buttes, and Spires are along a 17-mile loop within the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. You can join a guided tour or drive yourself. I drove my small rental car with no problem. Yes, the road is rough and bumpy, but if you drive slowly and carefully, you’ll be fine. Choosing the self-driving option also allowed more time to enjoy the views and go at my own pace.

How far is America the Beautiful from Moab?

The park is just 5 minutes from downtown Moab. Buy the America the Beautiful Pass to get entrance to any National Park for a whole year or find out ahead of time if you qualify for another way to save money on National Park entrance fees.  After visiting just a few parks, the $80 pass will pay for itself.

Where to take a detour in Canyonlands?

Just before reaching Canyonlands entrance and visitor’s center, take a detour into Dead Horse Point State Park. The lookout at Dead Horse Point Overlook is a must-see!

Is Monument Valley road rough?

Yes, the road is rough and bumpy, but if you drive slowly and carefully, you’ll be fine. Choosing the self-driving option also allowed more time to enjoy the views and go at my own pace. For a detailed Monument Valley Guide, check out: Everything You Need to Know for an Epic Visit to Monument Valley.

How long does it take to visit all 5 national parks in Utah?

To see all 5 of Utah’s national parks, you need 7 to 10 days. This will give you plenty of time to see the highlights of each park at a more leisurely pace.

How long is the shuttle line in Zion National Park?

Zion requires all visitors from Spring to Fall to take the shuttle throughout the park. Often in the summer, shuttle lines can reach an hour long. That’s why it’s incredibly important to get your day started early.

What is the sunrise in Bryce Canyon?

Sunrise in Bryce Canyon is unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. The park’s famous hoodoos illuminate with the purples, pinks, and oranges of the rising sun. Arrive at Sunrise Point before dawn to take in the last few minutes of the starry night sky. As the sun creeps over a distant plateau, the hoodoos in Bryce Canyon Amphitheater come alive and reflect the first light of day.

Where to hike in Canyonlands?

Hike Aztec Butte Trail in Canyonlands, a trail to the historic Puebloan home. See sunset at Dead Horse Point State Park, just outside of Canyonlands National Park.

Where is Canyonlands National Park?

Canyonlands National Park is located 45 minutes south of Moab and is the biggest of Utah’s national parks. The most accessible region of Canyonlands is the Island in the Sky District. This area is reminiscent of the Grand Canyon and home to the famous Mesa Arch.

What is the most popular national park in the US?

by Julia Jennings. Utah is home to some of the United States’ most popular national parks. The Utah national parks cover almost 2% of the state’s total land. From Bryce Canyon’s famous hoodoos to the arid desert arches, the best way to see southern Utah’s beauty is on a Utah national park s road trip.

Where to stay near Bryce Canyon?

Hotels and Campgrounds Near Bryce Canyon National Park. Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn, the best hotel option just outside the park in Bryce. Ruby Inn’s RV Park and Campground, a budget option for camping or glamping outside the park in Bryce. Bryce Canyon Inn, a budget motel in Tropic, about 15 minutes from the park.

What are the mountains in Utah?

Utah has the Wasatch Mountains and Salt Lake City to the north, the salt flats and Great Basin Desert to the west, red rock country and national parks to the south — and mountains, rivers, forests and state parks everywhere in between.

What is Utah known for?

Utah is known for its recreation opportunities, but did you know all of these attractions and activities are accessible to people of all ability levels?

What is tread lightly in Utah?

You'll also encounter fragile ecosystems. Tread Lightly in Utah by modeling appropriate behavior and leaving the areas you visit better than you found them. We call this, Forever Mighty.

Is Utah a snowy state?

Utah's metropolitan areas are situated right by our snow-packed mountains, offering visitors unparalleled access. The only challenge is deciding if you want to stay in a slope-side lodge or a hotel in the city. Either choice is good, or even better, try out both.

Is Utah a good place to visit?

Utah is one of the top family vacation destinations.

How many national parks are there in Utah?

Stumped on how many days you need to explore Utah’s five national parks – Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef and Zion? With some of the most beautiful and interesting landscapes in the country, Utah is an exciting destination for people of all ages. However, when planning a Utah national parks itinerary, it’s easy to get conflicting advice about how much time to allow for your adventure.

Where to go in Utah outside of the National Parks?

Your main focus should be experiencing the national parks, but with many other well-known, and super scenic Utah destinations outside of the parks (Dead Horse Point State Park, Goblin Valley, Monument Valley, Grand Stair case National Monument, to name a few), you may want to fit one or two into your itinerary as you go.

How long is Canyonlands to Arches?

Sounds like you would need a lot of time. But then again, they are all within a half-day drive of each other or less. (Arches to Canyonlands is only 30 minutes.)

What is Utah vacation?

A Utah vacation is an active outdoor adventure. A trip through Utah’s national parks involves a lot of exercise. Hiking, climbing and exploring are the ways to see the sights. Even the most active travelers can benefit from mixing a little downtime into the schedule rather than powering through hurriedly day after day.

How many national parks can you visit in one week?

While you can physically visit all five national parks in one week or even five days, we don’t recommend it. Here’s why: 1. Utah national parks’ landscape is stunningly scenic and varied. First, it’s important to mention that you really should visit all five parks, in case you were thinking of skipping one.

How long does it take to visit the Mighty Five?

One comment in an online travel forum stresses you need at least 12-14 days to hit all the parks, while Google articles advise how to visit Utah’s Mighty Five in 5 days. Five days versus two weeks… that’s quite a difference.

Where can I swim in the Red Rock Quarry?

One find was Sand Hollow State Park where you can swim in a red rock quarry. It was absolutely stunning and my 10 year old son went Cliff Diving!! Well he jumped – but still there’s a 40 foot drop! I would totally add that in to any summer itinerary in the future.