Exploring Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks
After seeing a commercial highlighting the beauty of Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks, I fell in love with the idea of hiking through these stunning landscapes. It quickly became a bucket list item alongside other major adventures, such as hiking the Camino and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
The best time to visit these parks is fall for several reasons: cooler temperatures, fewer tourists, and the end of the storm season. However, summer remains the peak season, attracting numerous families on vacation despite the heat.
Researching on the Visit Utah website proved invaluable; it offers tips and potential itineraries. I opted to receive their information packet, which included a useful map for planning my overnight stays between the parks—definitely worth the effort.
Additionally, acquiring the travel guide “Moon Zion & Bryce” significantly aided our planning, providing insights on trails, dining, and lodging options. For travel logistics, I recommend flying into Las Vegas and securing a rental car there, as it tends to be more economical. Las Vegas serves as a convenient starting point for exploring some of the best national parks in the Southwest.
For accommodations, ensure you book your first night in Las Vegas, your hotel in Moab due to high demand, and your return stay in Las Vegas. For other nights along your route, consider booking the night before or the morning of through platforms like hotels.com or booking.com, which allowed us to find excellent deals while minimizing driving distances.
Utah’s scenery captivated me from the moment I crossed the border. Each park presents unique landscapes, and the drives between them feature breathtaking views with vast, uninhabited stretches. Approximately 88% of Utah’s three million residents live in the Salt Lake City area, which adds to the allure of Southern Utah’s natural beauty.
While small towns may seem friendly and helpful, keep expectations low for dining suggestions, as options are limited. We stumbled upon some delightful surprises, such as BBQ in Panguitch and a diner breakfast that fueled us for our hikes.
Our objective was clear: explore the hiking trails that reveal the breathtaking treasures offered by Utah’s national parks. With a rough itinerary based on our guidebook, our hiking adventures allowed for more exploration than anticipated.
Our hiking goals evolved as we embarked on each new trek, prioritizing those that offered strenuous challenges and significant elevation changes, providing the most awe-inspiring vistas. I recommend visiting each park’s visitor center to gain insights from park rangers about the best trails.
Zion National Park
Our first stop was Zion National Park, which carries the distinction of being the oldest of Utah’s national parks, established in 1919. Notably, it features a remarkable 5,613-foot tunnel carved through the rock
The park offers ample parking upon entry, alongside shuttle services that provide convenient transportation to various hiking trailheads. This efficient shuttle system is a significant advantage for exploring Zion.
West Rim Trail to Angel’s Landing
Our initial hiking quest commenced with the West Rim Trail leading to Angel’s Landing. This 5.4-mile round trip hike, while strenuous, offers unparalleled views of Zion Canyon. However, the final ascent can be intimidating, as hikers must traverse sheer cliffs with chains for support.
As someone with a pronounced fear of heights, I opted to stop short of the peak. Nevertheless, the views from my vantage point were still breathtaking, reminding me that safety comes first over pushing personal limits. The strenuous nature of the hike, complete with numerous switchbacks, showcased the unique beauty of the region.
Kayenta Trail to the Emerald Pools Trail
Adjacent to the West Rim Trail, the Kayenta Trail leads visitors to the Emerald Pools trail system, which consists of upper, middle, and lower pools. Although the hike is easy and picturesque, I found it less memorable compared to the more strenuous options.
The Narrows
We then ventured to the starting point of the Narrows, a popular full-day hike that features stunning canyon walls and river crossings. While we only reached the entrance, I hope to return one day for a backcountry experience on this much-celebrated trail.
Court of the Patriarchs
In conclusion to our Zion visit, we stopped at the Court of the Patriarchs. This short but rewarding hike offers an incredible view of three peaks named after biblical figures—I found the ethereal glow of the setting sun on these rocks a fitting end to our time in Zion.
Bryce Canyon National Park
As the second oldest national park in Utah, Bryce Canyon became my favorite among the five due to its unique elevation range of 6,600 to 9,100 feet, contributing to cooler temperatures. Our hiking plan involved the Peekaboo Trail, with hopes of exploring additional shorter trails.
The bus shuttle drops you off at Bryce Point, setting the stage for breathtaking views. Upon commencing the Peekaboo Trail, I was awestruck by the stunning colors of the hoodoos, which stood shimmering in the morning light—an unforgettable moment for me.
Bryce Canyon is essentially a massive amphitheater with numerous rock formations, making it a photographer’s paradise. Hoodoos, shaped by erosion, illustrate the area’s unique geological history. While folklore claims Native Americans venerated these formations, no evidence supports such beliefs.
Peekaboo Trail to the Navajo Loop Trail
The Peekaboo Trail offers a gradual descent into the amphitheater, revealing fresh vistas at every turn. Connecting with the Navajo Loop Trail, known for being more accessible, we encountered a busier path. While the Navajo Loop didn’t leave a lasting impression, spontaneity led us to the Fairylands Trail, which was a highlight of the trip.
Fairylands Trail
Characterized by vibrant rock formations, the Fairylands Trail provided a serene atmosphere conducive to reflection. Its candy-corn hues paired with gentle undulations made it the most memorable trail of my journey, even overshadowing the breathtaking views from the Peekaboo Trail.
Capitol Reef National Park
Often viewed as a pass-through park, Capitol Reef is frequently overshadowed by Zion and Bryce. However, after my visit, I firmly believe it deserves more recognition. We explored trails accessible from the scenic drive, beginning with the Grand Wash Trail.
Grand Wash Trail
This 4.5-mile round trip trail can be accessed from either the scenic drive or Highway 24, allowing hikers to choose their starting point. As a relatively easy hike, it follows a dried riverbed, showcasing dramatic canyon walls that tower overhead.
Red lizards captivated our attention, transforming our expedition into an impromptu lizard hunt!
Cassidy Arch Trail
On our return, we chose to hike the Cassidy Arch Trail, a 3.5-mile round trip climb with a significant elevation gain. The trail requires navigating various cairns to stay on course, and moments of sheer drops require caution.
Upon reaching the end, we encountered slickrock terrain, perfect for a lunch break. It was surprising to discover that we could walk atop the arch itself, though my fears of heights kept me at a safe distance.
Cohab Canyon Trail
Next, we ventured onto the Cohab Canyon Trail, known for its historical ties to Mormon polygamists. The trail offers stunning views of the Fruita area and invitations for photography enthusiasts.
Initially unimpressive, the trail soon transformed into an exciting exploration area filled with intriguing rock formations. My delight grew as we navigated side paths and playground-like climbing areas.
Capitol Reef proved to be a surprising gem of a park, revealing adventurous trails that should not be overlooked.
Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands boasts the title of the largest national park in Utah, featuring five distinct districts that are not connected. For those with limited time, I recommend focusing on the “Islands in the Sky District,” which offers a rewarding experience in a single day.
Syncline Trail in Upheaval Dome
Upon arriving, we spoke with park rangers at the visitor center who recommended the Syncline Trail in the Upheaval Dome area. This trail presents a thrilling 8-mile loop with a 1,200-foot elevation change that is not for novice hikers. Be prepared to navigate with cairns—essential for avoiding disorientation.
The Syncline Trail offers magnificent views around the Upheaval Dome’s crater without actually entering it during the hike. While there is a short trail leading to a viewpoint, we found the true excitement lay in the strenuous yet fun nature of our chosen route, filled with switchbacks, washes, and rocky sections.
Geologists propose two theories explaining the formation of the crater: one is the “Salt Dome Theory,” suggesting erosion of salt deposits underlying sandstone led to the dome’s uplift. The alternative—“Meteorite Theory”—indicates a meteor impact caused the crater’s instability, creating an intriguing geological feature.
If you’re in search of a shorter, easy hike, don’t miss Mesa Arch.
Arches National Park
Arches National Park was the final destination of our Mighty 5 journey. While this park is smaller than others, its proximity to Moab makes it incredibly accessible. Moab is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, providing diverse activities from hiking to mountain biking.
Moab’s town center features a vibrant selection of coffee shops, restaurants, and gift shops, making for a lively atmosphere during the day. However, by nighttime, the scene quiets down significantly, leading to unexpected early-night closures—an amusing experience for us!
Sporting a noticeable sunglasses tan became a quirky badge of honor among locals—a testament to my outdoor adventures, needing only protection from the sun.
Devils’ Garden Loop
We began our journey on the Devils’ Garden loop, setting out to see the eight named arches before backtracking to the Delicate Arch trail. The chilling wind only heightened the awe inspiring views along the trail.
The rocky paths became more challenging with unexpected drop-offs, requiring careful navigation. While some cairns were more difficult to follow, we managed our way toward the intriguing Dark Angel formation, a proud monolith rather than an arch.
On returning, we encountered hikers from the more rugged Primitive Trail, which ultimately inspired us to complete the entire trails loop.
The combined Devils’ Garden Trail stretches a total of 7.2 miles and features minor elevation changes alongside exciting rock formations. This adventurous hike was undoubtedly worth our added effort.
Delicate Arch
Despite feeling fatigued amongst a bustling crowd, the allure of the Delicate Arch compelled us to venture forth. The total distance of 3 miles proved strenuous, challenging to both feet and spirit.
The trail begins near an historic farmhouse and features petroglyphs, adding cultural depth to the scenic adventure.
Its solitary position amidst natural landscapes sets it apart from other formations. Despite the throngs of tourists clamoring for snapshots, experiencing the Delicate Arch remains essential for any adventurer.
While we didn’t explore every single trail available in the Mighty 5, our experiences across the parks offered profound impressions. The guidebooks provide estimated times for hikes, but enthusiastic hikers can exceed those expectations, resulting in a more comprehensive understanding of each park’s splendor.
Tips and Resources for Planning Your Visit to Utah’s Mighty 5
Invest in an America the Beautiful Pass ($80) if you plan on visiting multiple parks. Ordering in advance is wise, as shipping can take longer than expected and having this pass can save on park entrance fees.
For additional insights into visiting the Mighty 5 parks, consider the Visit Utah website .
Final Reflections
The Utah Mighty 5 parks rank among my favorites with their diverse opportunities for exploration and adventure. If you intend to visit all five in one trip, be prepared for an early start to fully embrace the beauty each park has to offer.
And for those seeking another incredible destination nearby, consider checking out the Grand Canyon during your journey; the experiences offered by the National Park Service are endless.
