Wednesday, October 14, 2026TheUtah Ledger
Itinerary · 7 days, about 900 miles

The Mighty 5 in a week

All five of Utah's national parks in one loop: Arches and Canyonlands from Moab, Capitol Reef and Scenic Byway 12 through the middle of the state, then Bryce Canyon and Zion. Spring and fall are ideal.

Day 1: Salt Lake City to Moab

  1. MorningDrive south through Price and Green River

    About 4 hours on US-6 and I-70 to US-191. Fuel up in Green River.

  2. AfternoonArches National Park

    Drive the scenic road to the Windows and Balanced Rock, then hike to Delicate Arch for sunset.

  3. EveningMoab

    Dinner on Main Street and a night in town.

Day 2: Canyonlands and Dead Horse Point

  1. SunriseMesa Arch

    The arch frames the canyon below and glows at sunrise. It is a short walk from the road.

  2. MorningIsland in the Sky

    Grand View Point and the Green River Overlook look over a thousand square miles of canyons.

  3. AfternoonDead Horse Point State Park

    The gooseneck of the Colorado River 2,000 feet below; stay for sunset.

Day 3: Moab to Capitol Reef

  1. MorningGoblin Valley State Park

    Wander among thousands of mushroom-shaped hoodoos. A short detour off SR-24.

  2. AfternoonCapitol Reef National Park

    Scenic Drive, the Fruita orchards and petroglyphs, then Hickman Bridge.

  3. EveningTorrey

    A small town with big night skies at the park's west entrance.

Day 4: Scenic Byway 12

  1. MorningOver Boulder Mountain

    SR-12 climbs through aspen forest with views across the Waterpocket Fold.

  2. MiddayLower Calf Creek Falls

    A sandy walk to a 126-foot waterfall in Grand Staircase-Escalante.

  3. AfternoonThe Hogback and Kodachrome Basin

    Ride the narrow ridge between canyons, then see the sand pipes at Kodachrome.

Day 5: Bryce Canyon

  1. SunriseSunrise Point

    Watch the amphitheater light up from the rim.

  2. MorningQueen's Garden and Navajo Loop

    The classic walk down among the hoodoos and back up Wall Street.

  3. AfternoonRainbow Point

    Drive the 18-mile road to the park's high end, stopping at the viewpoints on the way back.

Days 6 and 7: Zion

  1. Day 6Zion-Mount Carmel Highway

    Drive in from the east through the tunnel, stopping for the short Canyon Overlook trail.

  2. Day 6Springdale

    Base yourself in the gateway town and ride the shuttle up the canyon.

  3. Day 7The Narrows or Angels Landing

    Wade the Virgin River or, with a permit, climb the chains to Angels Landing.

  4. EveningBack to Salt Lake

    About 4.5 hours north on I-15, or fly home from St. George or Las Vegas.

More itineraries