Mighty Five Utah National Parks Road Trip
If you love the US National Parks as much as I do this is the best road trip to see 5 of them in one trip! I’ve completed this Mighty Five Utah National Parks road trip multiple times and have found some great hidden gems and ways to maximize time in each of the parks.
In this article:
- One week Utah National Parks road trip itinerary
- Best hikes and things to do in each Mighty Five Utah National Park
- My favorite route and things to do along the way
- National Park tips & what to do if you have more or less time
Itinerary Overview: Mighty Five Utah National Parks Road Trip
There’s a lot of ground to cover on a road trip to the Utah Mighty Five. The best itinerary is a full one week National Park road trip that bookends both weekends – Saturday through the following Sunday, which gives you 9 days (including travel days).
This 8 day Utah National Parks road trip itinerary allows for you to add 1 day onto the front or back end in Las Vegas or Salt Lake City:
Mighty Five Utah National Parks Road Trip
Where To Start & End Your Utah National Parks Road Trip
The Mighty Five Utah National Parks are spread throughout the state, so how much time and budget you have for this road trip will influence whether it’s best to do a roundtrip loop or a point-to-point itinerary.
The least expensive way to see the Mighty Five is to start and end your trip in Las Vegas.
Typically, Las Vegas offers the best flight prices and the most affordable rental car rates. You’ll also save money on a rental car by returning it to the same location you picked it up from.
However, you’ll spend more time driving with this round-trip itinerary because you’ll have to double back across Utah.
If you’d prefer to cut down on drive time, then I recommend flying into Las Vegas, checking out the Mighty Five, and then ending your trip at Salt Lake City.
While this point-to-point itinerary will save you time driving, you’ll likely spend a bit more than if you booked flights and a rental car in and out of Vegas.
Before you decide between a round trip or a point-to-point itinerary I recommend comparing flights and car rental prices:
Utah Mighty Five Road Trip Map
Use this map to plan your Mighty Five Utah National Parks road trip itinerary! I’ve labeled items by day (noted by color) activity type (noted by icon).
How To Use This Map:
Open this map in your browser by clicking the icon in the top right corner. Then click the star icon on the left-side bar. This will save the map to the Google Maps app on your phone so you can easily reference it during your trip.
Locate this map in your Google Maps app by selecting ‘you’ at the bottom of the phone app and then scroll down and click ‘maps’ to find saved trip maps like this one.
Mighty Five Utah National Parks Road Trip
In case you missed it – this is my favorite National Park road trip! I love how easy it is to see five National Parks in just one week, and some of my all time favorite hikes are on this itinerary as well!
Day 1: Las Vegas To Zion National Park
Drive time from Las Vegas to Zion: 3.5 hours
I recommend booking an early flight into Las Vegas so you can make the most of day one.
The drive time from Las Vegas to Zion National Park is 2.5 hours if you don’t detour.
However, I recommend a slight detour to Valley Of Fire State Park – it’s definitely worth spending a few hours! With this stop, plan for 3.5 hours of driving from Las Vegas to Zion.
Best Stops Along The Route From Las Vegas To Zion National Park
Valley Of Fire State Park is an hour outside of Las Vegas. There are a few short hikes that take you through deep red slot canyons, caves and fascinating rock formations striped with swirling layers of color.
My top recommendations for hikes in Valley Of Fire are:
- Fire Wave and Seven Wonders Loop – 1.9 miles
- Petroglyph Canyon via Mouse’s Tank Trail – 0.7 miles
- Elephant Rock Trail – 0.3 miles
Entry Fee: $15 per vehicle (America The Beautiful National Park Pass not accepted)
The drive time from Valley Of Fire State Park to Zion National Park is 2.5 hours. Keep in mind that Utah (MST) is in a different timezone than Nevada (PST), so once you cross the border you’ll jump ahead an hour.
If you arrive to Zion before sunset I recommend hiking Canyon Overlook (1 mile) or Observation Point (7 miles) for the best sunset views.
The town of Springdale (right outside the main entrance to Zion) has tons of great restaurants for dinner. I recommend trying Thai Sapa, Camp Outpost (try the Prickly Pear Margarita!), Oscar’s Cafe (try the chicken and chorizo burrito!) or Wild Thyme Cafe.
Where To Stay Near Zion National Park
There’s only one hotel in Zion National Park – Zion Lodge – and it’s the best place to stay when visiting Zion because of how conveniently it’s located to the best hikes and free Zion shuttle.
There are also great options in Springdale that are more affordable:
- Bumbleberry Inn – mid-range
- Red Cliffs Lodge – luxury
- 2 bedroom vacation rental – good for groups
On my most recent trip we stayed at Gooseberry Lodges near Hurricane, Utah. It’s about 40-minutes from Zion but the private cabins are really comfortable, pet-friendly, and we loved sitting around the fire pit at night.
Day 2-3: Zion National Park
In order to see the highlights, you’ll want 2 days in Zion National Park.
On day two of your Utah road trip, spend the full day in Zion.
On day three, spend most of the day exploring the park before driving from Zion to Bryce Canyon in the evening so you’re positioned for a full day in Bryce Canyon on day four.
Best Things To Do In Zion National Park
While you’re at Zion National Park you definitely want to make time to hike the Narrows and Angels Landing, as well as exploring the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.
I think the best way to see Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is by renting a bicycle and biking to the various trailheads. The road is 7-miles in one direction and relatively flat.
It’s also possible to use the Zion shuttle to explore Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Keep in mind that during the busy summer months there may be long lines at the shuttle stops.
Best Hikes In Zion
The best hikes in Zion National Park are Angels Landing and The Narrows. You definitely want to make time for both!
Angels Landing is 4.3 miles and leads out along a narrow cliff that protrudes into Zion Canyon with incredible views of the Virgin River below. This is a wildly popular hike, and advanced Zion permits are required.
The Narrows is a 9-mile hike through the Virgin River. No permit is required for this hike, but I highly recommend renting gear from Zion Outfitters to keep your feet warm – especially during spring when the water temperature is cold from snow melt.
You don’t have to complete the full 9-miles – if you’re short on time I recommend hiking at least 1.5 miles up the river where the crowds thin.
Additionally, these are some of my other favorite hikes in Zion National Park that I recommend:
- Observation Point (via East Mesa Trail) – 7 miles
- Canyon Overlook – 1 mile
- The Watchman – 3.1 miles
- Emerald Pools – 3 miles
Best Stops Along The Route From Zion To Bryce Canyon
Drive time from Zion to Bryce Canyon: 1 hour 45 minutes
At the end of day 3 of your road trip, drive just under 2 hours from Zion to Bryce Canyon.
Make sure your GPS is taking you from US-89 to UT-12, not on I-15 through Cedar City. I-15 is about the same distance but far less scenic.
You’ll leave Zion National Park via the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, which has several stunning viewpoints. As you exit the park you’ll drive through the famous Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel.
⚠️ Oversized Vehicle Access To Zion-Mt Carmel Tunnel:
Vehicles that are wider than 7 ft 10 in or taller than 11 ft 4 in require a tunnel permit ($15) and can only pass through the tunnel while rangers restricted traffic to one-way.
Oversized vehicles with a permit can use the tunnel from 8 am to 4:30 pm, daily.
Beginning mid-2026, oversized vehicles will no longer be allowed to use the tunnel, instead they must detour outside of Zion.
Just over an hour past Zion is Mammoth Cave – a series of 4 cave chambers created by lava that you can hike through. This is a slight detour from RT-89 and will add half an hour to your drive time.
Mammoth Cave is free to enter, and the trail through the caves is an easy 0.4 mile loop.
I recommend packing a headlamp because it can get quite dark inside the caves.
Just before reaching Bryce Canyon you’ll turn onto scenic byway 12 and pass through the Red Canyon area of Dixie National Forest.
There are two great hikes to do here: Losee Canyon (5.9 miles), which takes you through hoodoos, and Birdseye Trail (2.3 miles), which offers views of neat sculpted rock formations.
Finally, you’ll drive through Red Canyon Arch – an iconic spot on Scenic Byway 12 – so be sure to have your camera ready!
If you arrive to Bryce Canyon prior to sundown I recommend heading straight to Sunset Point to watch the glowy red and orange colors change in the canyon.
Where To Stay Near Bryce Canyon National Park
The most convenient place to stay is inside the park at The Lodge At Bryce Canyon. It’s right next to Sunrise Point, which makes it easy to see the best sunrise in Bryce Canyon.
If you’re booking last minute, or looking for more affordable rates, the town of Bryce Canyon City is located right outside the main entrance and is connected to the Bryce Canyon shuttle system.
- Ruby’s Inn – lower mid-range
- Bryce View Lodge – mid-range
- Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel – luxury
- Quality Inn – budget (but slightly farther away)
Day 4: Bryce Canyon National Park
It’s one of the smallest National Parks, and it’s definitely possible to see all the best spots with just one day in Bryce Canyon.
Bryce Canyon sits at higher elevation than the other Mighty Five Utah National Parks on this list, so it’s often cooler, even in summer.
The best way to maximize your time in Bryce is by starting early along the amphitheater, and then heading farther into the park along Southern Scenic Drive.
The shuttle doesn’t service Southern Scenic Drive so it’s less crowded, and a good place to head in the afternoon when the amphitheater area starts to fill.
Best Things To Do In Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon has one of the best sunrises out of all the US National Parks I’ve visited. Most people catch sunrise from Sunrise Point, but I think it’s incredible from inside the amphitheater, and much more peaceful.
I definitely recommend making time to walk along the rim, as well as at least one hike down into the amphitheater (sometimes called the canyon, even though it’s not technically a canyon at all!)
I also suggest spending the afternoon exploring Southern Scenic Drive. It has many fantastic viewpoints (like Agua Canyon and Natural Bridge), and takes you to the highest point in the park – Rainbow Point, which is more than 9,000 feet above sea level!
Best Hikes In Bryce Canyon
My absolute favorite hike in Bryce Canyon is a combo trail – Navajo Loop & Queens Garden (3 miles). The best way to hike this loop is counterclockwise, starting with the Navajo Loop side.
There are some steep switchbacks at the beginning of Navajo Loop and it’s easier to descend them, then come back up the gradual trail on the Queens Garden Trail side.
The other best hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park I recommend are:
- Mossy Cave Trail – 0.9 miles
- Bristlecone Loop Trail – 1.1 miles
- Sunset Pt to Sunrise Pt via Rim Trail – 1.2 miles
- Peek-a-boo Loop Trail – 5.2 miles
Day 5: Capitol Reef National Park
Drive time from Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef: 2.5 hours (take scenic byway 12)
On day five of your Utah National Parks road trip, hit the road early!
The drive from Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef is just over 2.5 hours, and there’s a few great stops to make along the route!
You’ll want to take your time with this drive, it’s so beautiful and has plenty of pull-offs to soak in the views.
🗺️ Pro Tip:
There are two routes from Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef National Park: UT-24 and UT-12.
Your GPS will probably route you via UT-24 because it’s a few miles shorter, but you’d miss taking scenic byway 12 which is an epic Utah road trip in-and-of itself, and is where the best views and the hidden gems are found.
Make sure you tell Google Maps to route you on UT-12!
Best Stops Along The Route From Bryce Canyon To Capitol Reef
Just after you drive out of Bryce Canyon City the main road intersects UT-12. Make sure you turn right (towards scenic byway 12) and not left (towards UT-24… which is boring in comparison).
Scenic byway 12 takes you through the heart of Escalante National Monument.
About an hour into the drive you’ll come across a fantastic, random, roadside coffee shop – Kiva Koffeehouse. I definitely recommend stopping in for a coffee, and if you have 1.5 hours to spare check out the Escalante River Trail just around the bend.
Escalante River Trail is 4.5 miles along the river. You’ll pass Escalante Natural Bridge before arriving at some ruins.
Note: this trail can be tricky to navigate, so I recommend downloading the route on the AllTrails+ app before you lose service. There are also multiple river crossings, and a majority of the trail has full sun exposure so you want a minimum of 1 gallon of water per hiker.
If you’re looking for something a little more tame, Lower Calf Creek Falls trailhead is just 1.5 miles farther along this route.
Lower Calf Creek Falls is a 6.1 mile hike to the base of the 126-foot waterfall. It takes about 2.5 hours to complete, and there’s a fantastic waterhole at the base of the falls you can swim in.
I liked this trail because it was a great way to break up the drive from Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef. It’s mostly flat, but quite sandy which will slow your pace a bit.
The trail follows the river and has a good amount of shade. It’s also dog-friendly! I travel with my dog, Oscar, and he also loved this trail. (narrator: “in fact, he loves all trails”)
From Lower Calf Creek Falls it’s just over an hour to Capitol Reef National Park. I suggest getting to Capitol Reef by early afternoon so you can spend several hours in the park before heading on to Canyonlands the next day.
Best Things To Do In Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park doesn’t get enough credit, and is far too underrated in my opinion. So many people skip this park on their Utah road trips – but that’s good news for you because it’s much less crowded than the other Mighty Five Utah National Parks.
While you’re here you’ll definitely want to check out Goosenecks & Sunset Point (perfect for sunrise), Petroglyph Trail, walk around the orchards and stop into Gifford Homestead for fruit pie or their famous cinnamon rolls.
Capitol Reef Scenic Drive is also one of the best scenic drives in a National Park, in my opinion. It passes through the Waterpocket Fold (a 100-mile long buckle in the earths surface) and the geology and views are super interesting.
The scenic drive is 7.9 miles and paved so it’s easily accessible with any vehicle – you don’t need 4-wheel drive. I drove it easily in my 22-foot campervan.
Best Hikes In Capitol Reef
Goosenecks & Sunset Point (2.5 miles, shorter if you can find parking at the upper lot) is a quick trail that takes you to an expansive view of the canyon carved below.
I visited for sunrise and for sunset – personally, I think the views at sunrise are better (it faces east), and it’s far less crowded in the morning.
Petroglyph Trail (0.3 miles) is another short trail, along a boardwalk that follows the rock wall with tons of ancient petroglyphs carved into it. It’s definitely worth the 10-minute stop to check it out.
My absolute favorite hike in Capitol Reef is Cassidy Arch Trail (3.1 miles). The trailhead is off Capitol Reef Scenic Drive, and the trail follows the Grand Wash before heading up towards the arch.
Where To Stay Near Capitol Reef National Park
Most of the hotels, restaurants and vacation rentals near Capitol Reef National Park are located on the west side, in Torrey, Utah.
- Capitol Reef Resort – full resort with cabin rentals
- The Rim Rock Inn – budget
- The Noor Hotel – mid-range
- Motel Torrey – mid-range
For a unique experience, glamp in a stargazing geodome at Skyview Hotel or in a chuckwagon like a pioneer (except these have private bathrooms!)
On my recent visit, we stayed a few minutes farther down the road at a great, pet-friendly VRBO. There are two rentals in the home so it’s perfect for larger groups – one unit has four bedrooms and the other has one bedroom.
Day 6: Canyonlands National Park
Drive time from Capitol Reef to Canyonlands (with a stop at Goblin Valley): 3 hours 15 minutes
On day six, catch sunrise in Capitol Reef (at Goosenecks & Sunset Point) before continuing 2.5 hours down the road to Canyonlands National Park.
The good news is, after arriving in Canyonlands you won’t have much driving for a few days. Canyonlands and Arches are both right next to Moab so it’s easy to settle into one hotel and use it as a base camp for these parks.
Best Stops Along The Route From Capitol Reef To Canyonlands
An hour outside of Capitol Reef is a funky little state park filled with the weirdest natural rock formations I’ve ever seen.
Goblin Valley State Park reminds me of that scene from Despicable Me where Gru is addressing a sea of yellow minions. Or maybe the green alien toys from Toy Story. Either way it’s wild that this park was naturally formed.
Admission to Goblin Valley State Park is $20 per vehicle (America The Beautiful National Parks Pass is not accepted here). It’s a bit pricy for a state park but there are a few epic hikes that are worth it.
The Goblin’s Lair is 2.3 miles trail that takes you to a deep slot canyon. The entrance has been blocked by rock fall (so some light scrambling is required) and the walls are over 100 feet tall. During mid-day you can see beams of light bounce through the openings above.
On the way back, take the other half of Carmel Canyon Loop Trail (you came in following the first half of this loop).
This won’t change your total distance, but you’ll be able to see the complete Carmel Canyon Loop, including Three Sisters Formation which is one of the most famous goblin formations in the park.
From Goblin Valley State Park it’s a little under 2 hours to Canyonlands National Park.
Best Things To Do In Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands is such a large National Park that it’s divided into 4 different districts: Island In The Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and The Rivers.
Island In The Sky is the most popular district. It’s also the easiest to get to (many of the others require a 4×4 vehicle) and it’s where most of the best things to do in Canyonlands National Park are located.
Even though it’s a massive park, you can definitely see the highlights in half a day. While you’re there I recommend making time for Mesa Arch Trail, Grand View Point Trail and driving Island In The Sky Scenic Drive.
Grand View Point Road (Island In The Sky Scenic Drive) is also the primary roadway through Island In The Sky, so you’ll already be on this road in order to access the best hikes in Canyonlands National Park.
The best viewpoints along Grand View Point Road are White Rim Overlook and Grand View Point Overlook.
I also recommend taking a short detour down Upheaval Dome Road, off of Grand View Point Road, to see Green River Overlook and Upheaval Dome Overlook.
Best Hikes In Canyonlands
Mesa Arch (0.7 miles) is the most iconic view in the park. It’s a short and flat loop trail, but it can be quite busy.
I’ve found it’s best to go, and wait a few minutes near the arch because the crowd tends to pulse so if you’re patient you can find a quieter time to enjoy it.
Grand View Point Trail (1.8 miles) has fantastic views across Canyonlands. Parking is really limited so you might have to circle a few times, but most people just come to the overlook and leave quickly so spots open up often.
The hike is relatively flat, but completely exposed so it can get hot. I made the mistake of thinking that because it was under 2 miles I didn’t need to carry water – wrong! I was parched by the time I got back. Bring water!
Without trees for trail markers, the route is marked by cairns (stacks of flat rocks), and it’s really easy to follow the rim out towards the viewpoint at the end.
If you can’t find parking at Grand View Point, White Rim Overlook Trail is a few minutes back down the road and offers similar views as well as a 1.8 mile trail along the rim that juts out into the deep canyon.
Where To Stay Near Canyonlands & Arches National Park
There are many hotels near Arches National Park and Canyonlands in Moab, which is the closest town and has a large number of restaurants and things to do.
Moab is also a great place to find camping near Arches National Park and Canyonlands.
My top recommendations for where to stay in Moab are:
- Gravity Haus Moab – mid-range
- Hoodoo Moab – luxury hotel with full on-site spa
- Wingate by Wyndham Moab – budget-friendly
- Under Canvas Moab – unique experience
Day 7: Arches National Park
Arches National Park is just 10 minutes from Moab. I recommend heading to the park early in the day because it gets extremely congested after 10 am, and there’s very limited parking which makes it challenging to see the park without wasting hours circling for parking.
🎟️ Timed-Entry At Arches National Park:
During the summer, Arches National Park Reservations are required to enter the park!
2025 Dates: April 1 – July 6 & Aug 28 – Oct 31
for entry between 7 am – 4 pm
Best Things To Do In Arches National Park
As a smaller national park, it’s definitely possible to see all the highlights with just one day in Arches National Park. The two primary sections of the park you don’t want to miss are The Windows and Devils Garden areas.
The best things to do in Arches National Park include checking out Delicate Arch (you can hike to it, or view it from the overlook), hiking to North and South Windows as well as Double Arch, and driving Arches Scenic Drive.
The Scenic Drive is the primary road that connects different areas in the park, so you’ll be able to see this no matter what’s on your Arches itinerary!
Best Hikes In Arches
Most of the trails in Arches are fairly flat, and relatively short. This is more of a “seeing” than a “hiking” National Park.
These are the best hikes in Arches National Park you won’t want to miss on your trip:
- Delicate Arch – 3.2 miles
- Landscape Arch – 1.8 miles (or complete the entire 7.9 mile Devils Garden Loop Trail)
- Balanced Rock – 0.3 miles
- The Windows – 1 miles
- Double Arch – 0.6 miles
Day 8: Drive To Salt Lake City Or Las Vegas & Fly Home
Drive time from Arches to Salt Lake City: 3.5 hours
Drive time from Arches to Las Vegas: 6.5 hours
Finally, it’s time to head home. From Arches National Park you can either drive north 3.5 hours to Salt Lake City, or 6.5 hours back to Las Vegas.
While Salt Lake City is closer to Arches, you may pay more for a one-way car rental. Additionally, flights out of Salt Lake City are often a bit more expensive than flying out of Las Vegas.
Additional Stops With More Time
If you have more than 8 days for this Mighty Five Utah National Parks road trip I recommend spending one day in Las Vegas or Salt Lake City – there are great things to do in either city!
Or, if you have even more time I suggest driving from Moab to Grand Canyon National Park and adding two additional days to this itinerary.
One Day In Las Vegas
Of course, Las Vegas is known for it’s gambling, but there are a ton of things to do in Vegas besides poker!
Vegas is also known for its shows – some of the best ones are Cirque Du Soleil, Blue Man Group and David Copperfield’s magic show. There’s also a fantastic open-top sightseeing bus that’ll show you all the best places in Vegas at night when the iconic city lights put on their most dazzling show!
Just outside the city limits there are tons of adventures, too! I loved kayaking to Emerald Cave. For a bit of a thrill, book an ATV tour and check out the Mojave Desert. Hoover Dam tours are also very popular, and very close to Las Vegas.
One Day In Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City has a lot going on, and there are some really unique things to do in the area.
I recommend spending an afternoon at Antelope Island – a state park, just outside of Salt Lake City, where you can see buffalo, big horn sheep and antelope.
There’s several good hikes here, too. Admission is $15 per vehicle.
Homestead Crater Mineral Dome is also an incredibly unique activity just outside of Salt Lake City, near Park City. It’s a beehive shaped dome of limestone (kind of like a cave) with a geothermal hot spring you can swim, snorkel or scuba dive in.
Rates start at $15 per adult, you can find more information on their official website.
It’s a bit farther away (1.5 hours from Salt Lake City), but Bonneville Salt Flats is a another fantastic place to explore.
The wide open expanse of white, cracked salt fields is super unique, and just after its rained there’s typically a layer of standing water that perfectly reflects the sky and creates insanely beautiful photos.
Moab To Grand Canyon National Park
After visiting Canyonlands and Arches, drive from Moab to Grand Canyon National Park. In total, the drive time is just under 5 hours.
You can drive to Grand Canyon in half a day, or you can follow this multi-day itinerary for a road trip from Moab to Grand Canyon National Park, which includes stops at Goosenecks State Park, Monument Valley and Page, Arizona (where Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon are located.)
I recommend at least one full day in Grand Canyon National Park so you can explore the south rim and Desert View Drive, and maybe even hike down into the canyon!
From Grand Canyon to Las Vegas you’ll add another 4.5 hours of driving to this National Park road trip itinerary.
Suggestions For Less Time On Your Mighty Five Utah National Parks Road Trip
If you don’t have 8 days for this Mighty Five Utah National Parks road trip there are a few ways I would cut down this itinerary to fit into a shorter trip.
First, skip the stops in between National Parks – Valley Of Fire, Mammoth Cave, Dixie National Forest, Escalante National Monument and Goblin Valley State Park. (But if you have time for a few I would prioritize Valley Of Fire and Goblin Valley!)
Second, you can shorten your itinerary to one day in Zion National Park. I would still focus on hiking The Narrows and Angels Landing, and pick either Observation Point or Canyon Overlook for sunset.
Tips To Make The Most Of Your Utah National Parks Road Trip
These are a few tips I’ve learned along the way to save money, avoid crowds and spend your time on a Utah National Parks road trip efficiently!
Book Early
If you’re hoping to snag reservations at any of the lodges inside the Utah National Parks you definitely want to book early. Way early. Like up to a year in advance. (Same applies for the campgrounds!)
There’s a very limited number of hotel rooms and campsites inside each of the parks, and they’re in high demand.
Booking early will also ensure you get the best rates!
America The Beautiful National Parks Pass
This pass will save you a ton of money if you plan to visit all of the Mighty Five Utah National Parks!
It’s an annual pass (rolling 12-months) that gets you into every US National Park (all 63!) plus hundreds of other national recreation areas for free. The pass costs $80 and you only need one per vehicle.
Without this pass you’ll pay these admission fees (per vehicle) at each of the Mighty Five Utah National Parks:
- Zion National Park Fee: $35
- Bryce Canyon National Park Fee: $35
- Capitol Reef National Park Fee: $20
- Canyonlands National Park Fee: $30
- Arches National Park Fee: $30
To visit the Mighty Five Utah National Parks you’d spend $150 total for entrance fees.
With the America The Beautiful National Park Pass you’d save $70 on this trip, plus entry fees for any other National Park or recreation area you visit within 12-months.
I’ve had an annual pass for several years and absolutely love it! Most parks also have an express lane for pass holders who don’t need to pay at the entrance gate, so it can also save you a bunch of time waiting in line to enter the park, too.
Rent A Campervan
This Utah National Parks road trip is the perfect time to test out van life! In my experience, Utah is one of the easiest places to find great, free camping. I traveled full-time in my van for 4 years and Utah is the easiest state for van life.
Additionally, you’ll save money by renting a campervan instead of paying for hotels and a rental car.
I also love how flexible you can be with a campervan. It’s nice not to be committed to hotel check-in and check-out times, and to have a fully stocked kitchen so you can save money on meals and save time by avoiding restaurants so you can play in the parks!
How To Find Free Utah Campsites
I find most of my free campsites with the app iOverlander. It relies on user generated content, so you’ll get GPS coordinates as well as recent reviews that tell you about the campsite, cell coverage, availability of toilets and water, etc.
I also have a guide on how to find free campsites! There are a surprising number of stunning, free campsites along this Mighty Five Utah National Parks road trip route – including one just outside of Zion National Park that’s extremely convenient for visiting the park.
Plan Your Hikes With AllTrails
AllTrails is my favorite hiking app and I’ve been using it for years. You can save hikes your favorite trails into personalized folders for each National Park so you can easily reference them on your trip.
With the paid version ($2.99 per month) you can also download the maps so your able to access them even when you’re out of cell signal (common in most National Parks).
There are also useful features like alerts that tell you if you’ve wandered off the trail, and the ability to share your location with others for added safety.
❤️ A Love Note About AllTrails ❤️
My Favorite App For HikingSome links on this post show you the detailed AllTrails guide for each recommended hike. I love AllTrails+ for my National Park trips. It allows me to easily pre-plan my hikes, save trails to personalized lists for easy access, and download them so I can access route information while out of cell service.
As a solo hiker, the live sharing capabilities make me feel much safer knowing someone else has my coordinates, and if I wander off the trail the app alerts me so I don’t get lost.
Best Time To Visit Utah National Parks
I’ve been to the Mighty Five in July (hottttt!), April and October. My favorite time to go is in the fall because there are far fewer crowds and the daytime temperatures are comfortable.
Visiting in April is a close second. The springtime is a bit cooler, especially at night, but with spring break you’ll be battling crowds at most of the Utah National Parks.
I will probably never go again during July if I can avoid it, haha. It’s sweltering, crowded, and the cost for hotels is at its height.
I’m a “wing it” travel girl, so I’m usually planning last minute and that’s just never going to work out well for visiting the Mighty Five in the middle of the busiest season.
My verdict: fall is the best time to visit the Mighty Five. Second to that is spring. Third place is tied between summer and winter. Winter can be chilly (especially winter at Bryce Canyon because of the elevation), but you can see a lot more of the park in less time without crowded trails and parking lots.
Keep Planning Your Utah National Parks Road Trip
Check out these additional resources to make planning your Utah road trip a breeze!
- Zion National Park Itinerary & Travel Guide
- Bryce Canyon National Park Itinerary & Travel Guide
- Arches National Park Itinerary & Travel Guide
- More Utah Travel Guides
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