Guide to Exploring Utah's "Mighty Five" National Parks

Sep 16, 2024

Here is your all-inclusive guide on the Mighty Five national parks in Utah- the country’s 3rd most national-park populated state. Find information on traveling from Salt Lake City or Las Vegas, as an example, or discover top spots at each national wonder. 

Did you know? Utah’s mighty five are actually closer to Las Vegas, Nevada, than Salt Lake City, Utah? Zion National Park is only 2.5 hours from Las Vegas, while Arches is nearly 4 hours away from SLC. 

First, What Are the “Mighty Five” National Parks in Utah?

1. Arches National Park; Moab, UT
2. Bryce Canyon National Park; Bryce, UT
3. Canyonlands National Park; Moab, UT
4. Capitol Reef National Park; Torrey, UT
5. Zion National Park; Springdale, UT

Utah’s Mighty Five Map

Starting from west to east, all five national parks are a total of 381 miles apart in this order: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and Arches National Park.

1. Zion National Park

Located in: Springdale, UT

If you're looking for a scenic escape, Zion National Park in Springdale, UT, is packed with epic trails and breathtaking views and is a popular favorite among Utah’s Mighty Five. Whether you're up for a challenging hike or just want to take in some stunning lookouts, this park has something for everyone.

Must-See Spots & Experiences in Zion National Park

• Angel’s Landing: This legendary hike is one of Zion's most popular and worth the effort. The steep trail rewards you with sweeping canyon views from the top, making it an unforgettable experience.
• Canyon Overlook: For a shorter and more accessible trail, Canyon Overlook is perfect. This relatively easy hike gives you a stunning view of Zion’s canyon, with fewer crowds than Angel’s Landing but equally incredible scenery.
• Court of the Patriarchs: A quick stop at this viewpoint will give you a clear look at three towering sandstone peaks. As the light shifts throughout the day, the colors and shadows create a mesmerizing effect.
• The Narrows: One of Zion's most unique hikes, The Narrows takes you right through the Virgin River with canyon walls towering on both sides. It's an adventurous way to experience Zion’s dramatic landscapes.
• Emerald Pools: For an easy yet scenic hike, the Emerald Pools trail takes you past waterfalls and shimmering pools nestled in the canyon. There are three different levels—Lower, Middle, and Upper Emerald Pools—allowing you to choose your adventure based on time and fitness level. It’s a peaceful and beautiful spot that offers something for everyone.

No matter what you’re looking for—whether it's an intense hike or a relaxing lookout—Zion National Park offers stunning views and unforgettable experiences at every turn.

2. Bryce Canyon National Park

Located in: Bryce, UT

Nestled in Bryce, UT, Bryce Canyon National Park offers a unique mix of alpine forests and stunning red rock formations known as hoodoos. With its dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife, this park is a must-see for anyone looking to explore Utah’s natural beauty.

Must-See Spots and Experiences in Bryce Canyon National Park

• The Hoodoos: Bryce Canyon is famous for its tall, thin spires of red rock, called hoodoos. The best way to see these natural wonders is by hiking along one of the park's many trails, like the Navajo Loop Trail or the Queen’s Garden Trail, both offering fantastic views of the hoodoo formations.
• Sunrise and Sunset Points: These two lookouts are some of the best spots in the park to watch the colors of the canyon come alive at dawn and dusk. The shifting light enhances the vibrant reds and oranges of the rock, creating a magical experience.
• Bryce Amphitheater: This massive natural bowl is packed with hoodoos and offers some of the most jaw-dropping views in the park. It's easily accessible and a great spot for photos.

Whether you’re hiking among the hoodoos or taking in the views at the scenic lookouts, Bryce Canyon National Park is filled with unforgettable moments and stunning scenery.

3. Capitol Reef National Park

Located in: Torrey, UT

Capitol Reef National Park, located in Torrey, UT, stands out even among Utah's many incredible parks. Known for its expansive landscapes, dramatic rock formations, and endless skies, Capitol Reef offers a sense of openness and beauty that’s hard to match.

Must-See Spots and Experiences in Capitol Reef National Park

• Waterpocket Fold: One of the park’s most iconic features, this nearly 100-mile-long wrinkle in the earth’s crust is a geologic wonder. The Capitol Gorge Trail is a great way to explore this unique formation up close, passing through narrow canyons and historic petroglyphs.
• Scenic Drive: Capitol Reef’s scenic drive offers breathtaking views of colorful cliffs, towering rock formations, and sweeping desert landscapes. It’s a perfect way to take in the park’s dramatic scenery without strenuous hiking.
• Hickman Bridge Trail: This popular and relatively easy hike leads to a natural rock arch, Hickman Bridge, one of the park's standout features. The trail offers stunning views of both the arch and the surrounding cliffs and canyons.
• Goosenecks Overlook: For one of the best panoramic views in the park, head to Goosenecks Overlook. From here, you can gaze down at the twisting and winding Sulphur Creek far below, framed by the rugged rock walls of the canyon.
• Fruita Historic District: A unique feature of Capitol Reef is the Fruita area, a lush oasis filled with fruit orchards planted by early settlers. Visitors can pick fruit in season and explore the historic schoolhouse and cabins.

Capitol Reef National Park is the perfect spot for those seeking vast, untouched desert landscapes and a true sense of wilderness. Whether you're driving through its scenic routes or hiking among its unique rock formations, the park offers endless opportunities for adventure.

Want a Local to Map Out the Road Between Parks?

The Mighty Five are spread across 381 miles of Utah desert, and the roads connecting them are half the experience. Riders Share offers guided motorcycle tours from Salt Lake City led by locals who know the best routes between parks, where to fuel up, and which stretches are worth slowing down for. If a week-long road trip sounds incredible but planning the logistics doesn't, a guided ride handles the details so you can focus on the scenery.

4. Canyonlands National Park

Located in: Moab, UT

Canyonlands National Park, located in Moab, UT, is known for its endless desert views, towering rock formations, and diverse experiences. From peaceful solitude in the park's remote areas to iconic landmarks like Mesa Arch, Canyonlands offers a wide range of adventures for all types of explorers.

Must-See Spots and Experiences in Canyonlands National Park

• Mesa Arch: Perhaps the park's most famous landmark, Mesa Arch, is a favorite for photographers, especially at sunrise when the light filters through the arch, illuminating the canyon below. The short and easy hike to reach it makes this a must-see spot for visitors.
• Island in the Sky: This area of Canyonlands offers breathtaking views from its high plateau, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding canyons, rivers, and rock formations. The Grand View Point Trail is a relatively easy hike that leads to one of the park's most stunning viewpoints.
• The Needles District: Known for its striking red rock spires, or "needles," this district offers a variety of moderate hikes through the unique landscape. The Chesler Park Loop Trail is a favorite among hikers, showcasing the park's distinct rock formations and offering expansive views.
• The Maze: For those seeking solitude and a challenge, the Maze is one of the park’s most remote and rugged areas. Accessible only by 4x4 or a strenuous backpacking trip, It offers a sense of adventure and isolation that few places can match.
• Green River Overlook: This scenic viewpoint provides sweeping views of the Green River as it carves through the canyons below. It’s one of the best spots to take in the park's vast and dramatic landscape without venturing far from the main road.

Canyonlands National Park is a place of incredible diversity, offering everything from peaceful solitude to thrilling hikes and scenic viewpoints. Whether you're capturing the iconic Mesa Arch or exploring the remote areas of The Maze, Canyonlands is full of unforgettable experiences.

5. Arches National Park

Located in: Moab, UT

Located in Moab, UT, Arches National Park is home to over 2,000 natural stone arches, the highest concentration of these incredible formations in the U.S. From short hikes to stunning viewpoints, Arches is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers alike.

Must-See Spots and Experiences in Arches National Park

• Delicate Arch: One of the most famous and photographed arches in the world, the Delicate Arch is the symbol of Utah. The 3-mile round-trip hike to this iconic landmark is moderately challenging but offers stunning views and a chance to see the arch up close.
• Double Arch: Easily accessible and incredibly impressive, Double Arch features two massive arches stacked together. A short, flat trail leads you right to this unique formation, making it perfect for visitors of all ages.
• Windows Section: This area of the park is home to several large arches, including North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch. A short loop hike connects these incredible formations, offering some of the best photo opportunities in the park.
• Landscape Arch: Measuring over 300 feet across, Landscape Arch is one of the longest natural arches in the world. The easy Devils Garden Trail takes you to this delicate and awe-inspiring formation, a must-see for anyone visiting the park.
• Balanced Rock: One of the park’s most popular features, Balanced Rock is a massive rock formation that seems precariously balanced on a narrow pedestal. The short trail around the rock provides great views of this natural wonder from all angles.

Arches National Park is a wonderland of natural beauty, with countless arches and rock formations waiting to be explored. Whether you’re hiking to Delicate Arch or enjoying the easy trails around Double Arch and Balanced Rock, Arches offers endless opportunities for adventure and awe-inspiring scenery.

Rent a Motorcycle in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Visit the Mighty Five

In Salt Lake City and looking for the road trip of a lifetime? Utah has the third most national parks of any state in the USA and is perfect for a week-long getaway to some of the most mind-boggling natural wonders in the country. Riders Share offers the perfect opportunity to rent a motorcycle and explore the Mighty Five on the open road for as low as $23/day plus fees. 

Utah’s Mighty Five FAQ

When is the best time to see the mighty five national parks?

Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) are the best times to visit the Mighty Five- you’ll find more mild weather and fewer crowds.

How long does it take to drive to the Mighty 5 in Utah?

Without accounting for driving within the parks themselves, it takes around 7-10 hours to reach each entrance of the 5 national parks in Utah. The variation comes from the different entrances you might enter through, as well as traffic depending on the time of year. 

How many days do you need for Utah’s national parks?

It typically takes 7-10 days to explore all five parks, depending on how much time you spend at each location.

How far is the drive from Salt Lake City to see the Mighty Five?

It’s about a 4.5-hour drive from Salt Lake City to the closest park, Arches National Park.

How far is the drive from Las Vegas to see the Mighty Five?

From Las Vegas, it's about a 2.5-hour drive to the closest park, Zion National Park.