The Mighty 5 National Parks in Utah

Utah is renowned across the globe for its five national parks, collectively dubbed the “Mighty 5.” These parks offer unique experiences for outdoor adventurers. Therefore, if you are planning a trip to the Red Rock country, here’s what you need to know about each park.

Arches National Park

Best national park for paved driving

Arches National Park is perhaps the most recognizable park in Utah, frequently featured on license plates and in outdoor promotions. The park is the most drivable among the Mighty 5. Visitors can access nearly every top location via the scenic drive, often directly from various parking lots scattered along the route.

Visiting Arches: Conveniently located just ten minutes south in Moab, this area offers numerous hotels and restaurants. Within the park, must-see attractions include the scenic drive, hiking Delicate Arch, Devil’s Garden, and exploring Fiery Furnace. Other highlights encompass walking Park Avenue, marveling at Double Arch, and observing climbers tackle Balancing Rock.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Best national park for otherworldly views

Bryce Canyon, the smallest national park in Utah, is renowned for its visually stunning landscapes. The thousands of towering rock spires, known as “hoodoos,” create an almost alien-like atmosphere. It is often suggested that Bryce’s unique beauty resembles the landscapes of Mars. Hiking down to the Navajo and Queen’s Garden Loop, walking the Sunrise to Sunset rim trail, and experiencing the canyon under the full moon are all unforgettable experiences.

Visiting Bryce: While Bryce does not have a nearby large tourist city, there are limited accommodations and dining options just outside the entrance or in Tropic to the east. Due to its smaller size, visitors can explore most of Bryce in just a few days. This park is frequently paired with trips to either Zion National Park or Capitol Reef National Park, both reachable in one to two hours via the Utah 12 Scenic Byway.

Canyonlands National Park

Best national park for remote off-roading

Canyonlands is essentially three distinct districts in one: Island in the Sky, The Needles, and The Maze. This park is the largest and least-visited in Utah, yet each area is famous for its off-roading and mountain biking opportunities. Island in the Sky is particularly popular among mountain bikers.

Visiting Canyonlands: The Canyonlands Visitor Center is approximately an hour west from Moab, providing information and access to attractions like Green River Overlook, Landscape Arch, and biking the thrilling switchbacks of the Shafer Trail and White Rim Trail. Additionally, off-roading trails such as Hell’s Revenge and Elephant Hill are among the most challenging globally.

Capitol Reef National Park

Best national park for photography

Capitol Reef National Park may not be as frequently photographed as other parks, making it a hidden gem for photographers. Its distinctive landscapes, fruit farms, and lush valley settings provide countless opportunities to capture stunning images. Many photography enthusiasts frequent this park for its natural beauty.

Visiting Capitol Reef: Just five minutes from the park’s entrance is the town of Torrey, making it an ideal base for exploration. Notable attractions include the scenic drive, canyoneering along Sulphur Creek, and hiking Hickman Bridge, Cassidy Arch, and Grand Wash. For those with off-roading capabilities, Cathedral Valley offers incredible terrain akin to Canyonlands.

Zion National Park

Best national park for iconic hiking

Zion takes the crown for the best hiking experiences in Utah. Its renowned trails attract hikers from all over the world. For instance, National Geographic once listed two trails in this park among the top ten day hikes globally: the Narrows and Angel’s Landing. The Narrows provides a unique hike through narrow canyon walls alongside the refreshing Virgin River, while Angel’s Landing, a challenging 5.5-mile trek, offers breathtaking views but requires caution due to its narrow paths.

Visiting Zion: Springdale is the most popular location for visitors to Zion. It is important to note that Zion is the busiest national park in Utah and third busiest nationwide. Therefore, planning is essential. Notable hikes include the Narrows, Angel’s Landing, the Subway, and the Watchman Trail among others.

This article aims to help you navigate the stunning landscapes and adventures available in Utah’s national parks, making each visit an unforgettable experience.