✈️ adventure/national parks 📅 7 days

🕐 May 24, 2026

7-Day Utah Mighty 5 - Travel Itinerary

📍 Utah's National Parks (The Mighty 5)

🗓️ 7 Days

📍 6 Places

💰 $3,090 Budget

✨ Create Your Own Trip

Photo by Daniel Erlandson

💰 Budget Overview

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Accommodation

$1,500

Based on a mid-range budget for one person, staying in 3-star hotels/motels near national park entrances. Prices are highly seasonal (estimates for shoulder season/peak season average): Moab ($200-350/night), Torrey ($150-250/night), Bryce Canyon City ($200-350/night), Springdale ($250-400/night). Total of 6 nights.

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Transport

$950

Car Rental: Mid-size SUV for 7 days at an average of $100/day = $700. Fuel: Approximately 1100-1200 miles driving the itinerary. At 25 MPG and $4.00/gallon, fuel cost is ~$192. Rounding up to $250 to account for variable gas prices and potential detours.

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Food

$560

Mid-range food budget for one person. Breakfast: $10-15 (often quick grab & go or included at hotels). Lunch: $15-25 (picnics in parks, casual cafes). Dinner: $30-50 (casual sit-down restaurants). Snacks & Drinks: $10-15/day.

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Activities

$80

America the Beautiful National Parks Pass: $80 (covers entrance for one vehicle for a year to all US National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands). This is a one-time cost, essential for this itinerary.

Total Estimated Budget $3,090

📅 Daily Itinerary

Day 1 • Salt Lake City (Arrival) & Moab

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🌅 Morning 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Arrive at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), pick up rental car

Fly into SLC, complete car rental paperwork, and grab any last-minute supplies for the road trip. Ensure your rental has good clearance if planning any dirt road excursions (though not strictly necessary for the main itinerary).

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☀️ Afternoon 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Scenic drive to Moab

Begin the approximately 3.5-4 hour drive southeast to Moab. Enjoy the changing landscapes from mountains to high desert. Stop for lunch in a small town like Price or pack a picnic.

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🌙 Evening 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Check into hotel, explore downtown Moab & dinner

Settle into your accommodation in Moab. Walk around the vibrant downtown area, browse outdoor gear shops. Have dinner at a local favorite like Moab Brewery or The Pasta Jay's.

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Day 2 • Arches National Park

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🌅 Morning 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Explore Arches National Park (Delicate Arch)

Start early to avoid crowds and heat. Hike to Delicate Arch (3.2 miles roundtrip, moderately strenuous), or visit viewpoints like Balanced Rock and Park Avenue. Timed entry reservations may be required depending on the season.

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☀️ Afternoon 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Further exploration of Arches (Devil's Garden, Windows Section)

Visit the Devil's Garden area (hike to Landscape Arch, Double O Arch), or explore the Windows Section (Turret Arch, Double Arch, North & South Window). Pack plenty of water and snacks.

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🌙 Evening 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Sunset views & dinner in Moab

Enjoy sunset from a scenic overlook in Arches or nearby Dead Horse Point State Park if time allows. Return to Moab for a hearty dinner, perhaps at Jeffrey's Steakhouse.

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Day 3 • Canyonlands National Park & Dead Horse Point State Park

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🌅 Morning 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Canyonlands National Park - Island in the Sky district

Head to Canyonlands NP. Visit Mesa Arch (short, easy hike for iconic views), Grand View Point, and Shafer Canyon Overlook. Enjoy the vast, rugged landscapes.

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☀️ Afternoon 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Dead Horse Point State Park & extra Canyonlands trails

Explore Dead Horse Point State Park for stunning views of the Colorado River winding through canyons. If time permits, do a longer hike in Canyonlands like White Rim Overlook trail.

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🌙 Evening 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Return to Moab, evening leisure & dinner

Enjoy some relaxation after two full days of hiking. Consider a casual dinner at a food truck or another local restaurant like Quesadilla Mobilla.

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Day 4 • Capitol Reef National Park & Scenic Byway 12

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🌅 Morning 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Drive to Capitol Reef National Park & exploration

Begin the approximately 2.5-hour drive to Capitol Reef National Park. Stop at the visitor center, drive the scenic drive, and pick fruit at the historic orchards (seasonal). Enjoy a hike to Hickman Bridge (2 miles roundtrip).

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☀️ Afternoon 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Explore Capitol Reef & drive Scenic Byway 12

Visit the Gifford House for fresh pies and ice cream. Continue on the stunning Scenic Byway 12, one of America's most beautiful drives, towards Torrey, Escalante, or Bryce Canyon area. The drive itself is an attraction.

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🌙 Evening 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Check into hotel near Bryce Canyon, dinner

Arrive and check into your accommodation near Bryce Canyon City or Panguitch. Have dinner at your hotel or a nearby restaurant to prepare for an early start at Bryce.

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Day 5 • Bryce Canyon National Park

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🌅 Morning 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Sunrise & exploration of Bryce Canyon amphitheater

Wake up early for sunrise at Inspiration Point or Bryce Point u2013 truly magical! Hike down into the amphitheater via the Navajo Loop and Queen's Garden Trail (3 miles, moderate).

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☀️ Afternoon 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Scenic drive & additional viewpoints in Bryce

Drive the scenic road to Rainbow Point and Yovimpa Point. Stop at other viewpoints like Paria View and Swamp Canyon Overlook. Enjoy the unique hoodoo formations.

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🌙 Evening 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Stargazing & dinner

Bryce Canyon is an International Dark Sky Park. Enjoy incredible stargazing opportunities. Have dinner at The Lodge at Bryce Canyon or one of the restaurants in Bryce Canyon City.

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Day 6 • Zion National Park

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🌅 Morning 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Drive to Zion National Park & explore iconic trails

Drive approximately 1.5-2 hours to Springdale, the gateway to Zion. Park in Springdale and take the free shuttle into the park. Hike the Emerald Pools Trail (various lengths, easy to moderate) or Riverside Walk (easy, paved).

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☀️ Afternoon 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Challenging hikes or scenic views

For the adventurous, consider the strenuous but rewarding hike to Angels Landing (permit required) or the iconic Narrows (requires specific gear, check conditions). Otherwise, enjoy the Pa'rus Trail or Canyon Overlook Trail (moderate, shorter hike outside shuttle area).

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🌙 Evening 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Check into hotel, dinner in Springdale

Settle into your accommodation in Springdale. Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants like Oscar's Cafe or Bit & Spur Restaurant and Saloon, known for Southwestern fare.

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Day 7 • Zion National Park (Morning) & Departure from Salt Lake City

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🌅 Morning 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Last views of Zion or short hike

Enjoy a final short hike in Zion, perhaps revisit a favorite spot or do a different section of the Pa'rus Trail. Grab breakfast in Springdale.

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☀️ Afternoon 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Scenic drive back to Salt Lake City

Begin the approximately 4.5-5 hour drive back to Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). Stop for lunch along the way, perhaps in Provo or American Fork.

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🌙 Evening 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Return rental car, depart from SLC

Allow ample time to return the rental car and check in for your departure flight from SLC. Reflect on the incredible landscapes of Utah's Mighty 5.

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🏆 Best Places to Visit

Zion National Park

Known for its massive sandstone cliffs, narrow canyons (The Narrows), and accessible river walks. Offers a wide range of hikes from easy riverside strolls to strenuous cliffside ascents.

⏱️ 2-3 days

Majestic landscape of Bryce Canyon's Natural Bridge under clear blue sky in Utah.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Famous for its unique geological structures called 'hoodoos,' formed by erosion. The vibrant colors and natural amphitheaters create otherworldly landscapes.

⏱️ 1-2 days

Arches National Park

Home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the iconic Delicate Arch. Offers diverse trails and viewpoints showcasing the erosion-sculpted landscape.

⏱️ 1-2 days

Canyonlands National Park

A vast, rugged wilderness dissected by the Green and Colorado rivers. Divided into four districts, with 'Island in the Sky' being the most accessible and popular for panoramic canyon views.

⏱️ 1-2 days (for Island in the Sky district)

Capitol Reef National Park

A hidden gem featuring a 100-mile-long wrinkle in the Earth's crust called the Waterpocket Fold. Offers unique geology, historic orchards, and diverse hiking opportunities with fewer crowds.

⏱️ 1 day

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Scenic Byway 12

Recognized as an All-American Road, this stunning route connects Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon, offering breathtaking views of diverse landscapes from red rock cliffs to forested plateaus.

⏱️ Half day (as part of travel)

🗓️ Best Time to Visit

Best Months April-May (Spring) or September-October (Fall)

Weather Spring offers mild temperatures (50s-70su00b0F) and blooming wildflowers, but also potential for late-season snow in higher elevations. Fall provides pleasant, cooler temperatures (60s-80su00b0F) and beautiful autumn foliage, especially along scenic byways.

Why These shoulder seasons offer the most comfortable hiking temperatures, fewer crowds compared to summer, and stunning natural beauty. Summer (June-August) can be extremely hot (90s-100su00b0F in the desert parks) and very crowded. Winter brings cold temperatures and potential road closures, though it can offer unique snowy beauty.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Arches National Park often requires a timed entry reservation during peak season (typically April-October). Check the NPS website for each park (especially Arches and Zion) before your trip to see current requirements and reserve well in advance if necessary. Zion often uses a shuttle system where you park outside and ride in, and permits are required for strenuous hikes like Angels Landing and sometimes The Narrows.

💬 Original Request

Trip to Utah