How long is the Utah's Mighty 5: A National Parks Road Trip route?

This route takes 10 days taking in 6 stops.

Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from Salt Lake City, Utah to Las Vegas, Nevada in Utah, United States.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is April to May, September to October.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Active. Moderately active — expect some walking and light physical activity.

What transport do I need for this route?

This route works best with a car or a campervan.

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Mixed accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Balanced — a good mix of sightseeing and downtime.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Nature, Adventure, Scenic, Classic road trip.

Utah's Mighty 5: A National Parks Road Trip

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The route · 6 stops

5 overnight bases · 1 stop on the way

Salt Lake City, Utah

1 night

The trip's arrival hub and nearest large airport to the eastern parks. Pick up the rental car, stock up on water and supplies, and rest before the desert driving begins. Worth a short evening walk around Temple Square or up into the Wasatch foothills before heading south.The trip's arrival hub and nearest large airport to the eastern parks. Pick up the rental car, stock up on water and supplies, and rest before the desert driving begins. Worth a short evening walk around Temple Square or up into the Wasatch foothills before heading south.

Recommendations

5h 42m · 410 km drive to Moab (Arches & Canyonlands National Parks)

Moab (Arches & Canyonlands National Parks)

3 nights

Red-rock basecamp for two parks. Arches has the world's densest concentration of natural stone arches, with Delicate Arch the icon. Canyonlands' Island in the Sky offers canyon overlooks and the Mesa Arch sunrise. Three nights lets you hike both parks without rushing.Red-rock basecamp for two parks. Arches has the world's densest concentration of natural stone arches, with Delicate Arch the icon. Canyonlands' Island in the Sky offers canyon overlooks and the Mesa Arch sunrise. Three nights lets you hike both parks without rushing.

Recommendations

2h 45m · 198 km drive to Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park

1 night

The quietest of the five and an easy day. The paved scenic drive runs below the cliffs of the Waterpocket Fold, and the historic Fruita orchards still bear fruit you can pick in season. A relaxed one-night stop in or near Torrey breaks the run between Moab and Bryce.The quietest of the five and an easy day. The paved scenic drive runs below the cliffs of the Waterpocket Fold, and the historic Fruita orchards still bear fruit you can pick in season. A relaxed one-night stop in or near Torrey breaks the run between Moab and Bryce.

Recommendations

2h 2m · 146 km drive to Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park

2 nights

Famous for its amphitheatre of red and orange hoodoos, best seen at sunrise from Sunrise, Sunset or Inspiration Point. At nearly 8,000 feet it is cooler than the desert parks, so pack layers. The Navajo and Queen's Garden trails drop you among the spires. Two nights covers the rim and a hike.Famous for its amphitheatre of red and orange hoodoos, best seen at sunrise from Sunrise, Sunset or Inspiration Point. At nearly 8,000 feet it is cooler than the desert parks, so pack layers. The Navajo and Queen's Garden trails drop you among the spires. Two nights covers the rim and a hike.

Recommendations

1h 30m · 108 km drive to Zion National Park

Zion National Park

2 nights

The grand finale: sheer sandstone walls rising from the Virgin River. In peak season a shuttle runs Zion Canyon, with trailheads for The Narrows river walk and the exposed Angels Landing chains (permit required). Springdale at the gate has the route's best food and lodging. Two nights to hike and ride the canyon.The grand finale: sheer sandstone walls rising from the Virgin River. In peak season a shuttle runs Zion Canyon, with trailheads for The Narrows river walk and the exposed Angels Landing chains (permit required). Springdale at the gate has the route's best food and lodging. Two nights to hike and ride the canyon.

Recommendations

On the way

Las Vegas, Nevada
4h 3m · 291 km
The exit hub, about two and a half hours from Zion on the interstate. Drop the rental car and fly home, or add a night to break the journey before an onward flight. A practical end point rather than part of the parks experience.The exit hub, about two and a half hours from Zion on the interstate. Drop the rental car and fly home, or add a night to break the journey before an onward flight. A practical end point rather than part of the parks experience.
Recommendations

Utah's Mighty 5: A National Parks Road Trip