Mighty 5 National Parks Utah – 6‑Night Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Springdale & Zion National Park

Morning: Fly into St. George Regional Airport and pick up your rental car. Drive to Springdale, check into your lodge, and enjoy a quick breakfast at a local café.

Afternoon: Explore Zion National Park via the easy Canyon Overlook Trail, offering sweeping views of the Zion Canyon floor. Stop at the Visitor Center to learn about the park’s geology.

Evening: Dine in Springdale’s Main Street, then stroll along the Virgin River for sunset reflections on the towering cliffs.

Day 2: Zion – Angels Landing & The Narrows

Morning: Hike the iconic Angels Landing for adrenaline‑pumping vistas; allow 4 hours for the ascent and descent.

Afternoon: Cool off with a guided walk through the Riverside Walk leading to the entrance of The Narrows. If water levels permit, wade a short section of the river.

Evening: Return to Springdale for a hearty dinner and relax with a glass of local wine.

Morning: Drive 1.5 hours to Bryce Canyon National Park. Begin at the Visitor Center and then hike the Queens Garden Trail for close‑up hoodoo photography.

Afternoon: Ride the shuttle to the famed Sunset Point and walk the short rim trail to capture the canyon’s vibrant colors at midday.

Evening: Stay in nearby Tropic; enjoy stargazing on the park’s Dark Sky Preserve.

Day 4: Capitol Reef National Park

Morning: Travel east to Capitol Reef. Explore the historic Fruita Historic District, sampling orchard fruits and visiting pioneer cabins.

Afternoon: Hike the moderate Hickman Bridge Trail, a 2‑hour loop that showcases a natural arch over a turquoise pool.

Evening: Camp under the stars at the park’s **Fruita campground**, or stay at a nearby lodge in Torrey.

Day 5: Arches National Park

Morning: Arrive at Arches National Park and head straight to the Delicate Arch trail, the park’s most photographed landmark.

Afternoon: Visit the Windows Section and hike the Double Arch trail, perfect for a quick yet rewarding walk.

Evening: Dine in Moab’s downtown and enjoy a sunset view from the Dead Horse Point State Park overlook (optional short drive).

Day 6: Canyonlands National Park – Island in the Sky

Morning: Drive to the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands. Stop at the Grand View Point overlook for panoramic vistas of the maze below.

Afternoon: Hike the easy Upheaval Dome trail and then explore the Mesa Arch, a hidden gem reachable via a moderate 2‑hour hike.

Evening: Return to Moab for a farewell dinner and reflect on the adventure over a local craft beer.

Day 7: Departure

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in Moab, then begin the drive back to Salt Lake City (≈4 hours) for your departing flight.

Afternoon: Stop at the Great Salt Lake viewpoint for a quick photo before arriving at the airport.

Evening: Fly home with memories of Utah’s five iconic parks.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Zion National Park – Angels Landing: 4 hours, $35 entrance fee
• Zion National Park – The Narrows (Riverside Walk): 2 hours, included in park fee
• Bryce Canyon National Park – Queens Garden Trail: 3 hours, $35 entrance fee
• Capitol Reef National Park – Fruita Historic District: 2 hours, $20 entrance fee
• Capitol Reef National Park – Hickman Bridge: 2 hours, included in park fee
• Arches National Park – Delicate Arch: 3 hours, $30 entrance fee
• Arches National Park – Double Arch: 1.5 hours, included in park fee
• Canyonlands National Park – Island in the Sky: 4 hours, $30 entrance fee
• Guided Tour (Zion & Bryce combined): 5 hours, $50
• Meals (average $50/day): 7 days, $350
• Accommodation (average $150/night): 6 nights, $900
• Total Estimated Cost: $1,400

Tips

If you need to shorten the trip, skip the optional Dead Horse Point sunset and combine Day 3 and Day 4 by driving straight from Bryce to Capitol Reef. To extend, add a full day in Moab to explore the Dead Horse Point State Park and the La Sal Mountains for hiking or mountain biking, or consider a day‑trip to the nearby Goblin Valley State Park for otherworldly landscapes.