Mighty 5 Utah National Parks – 6‑Night Scenic Tour (No Hiking)

Day 1: Arrival & Zion National Park

Morning: Arrive at St. George Regional Airport and pick up your rental car. Drive north to Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, stopping at the Visitor Center for a quick orientation.

Afternoon: Ride the park shuttle along the scenic drive, enjoying panoramic views from the Court of the Patriarchs and the Zion Lodge viewpoint. Take a leisurely walk to the Emerald Pools overlook (short, flat path).

Evening: Check into your lodge in Springdale, then relax with dinner and a sunset view from the town’s Main Street overlooking the canyon.

Day 2: Zion to Bryce Canyon National Park

Morning: Depart Zion via Highway 9 and stop at the stunning Kolob Canyons overlook for photo opportunities.

Afternoon: Continue to Bryce Canyon and explore the Bryce Amphitheatre from the paved rim trail, pausing at the Sunset Point and Sunrise Point overlooks.

Evening: Settle into a lodge in Bryce Canyon City. Enjoy stargazing on the dark‑sky plateau; the park often hosts a brief night‑sky program.

Day 3: Bryce Canyon National Park

Morning: Take the park’s free shuttle to the Inspiration Point and marvel at the hoodoo formations bathed in early light.

Afternoon: Drive the scenic Bryce Canyon Road to the Ridge Trail viewpoint, where you can savor the panoramic vista without a strenuous walk.

Evening: Return to your lodge for a relaxed dinner. Optional: join a ranger‑led evening talk about the park’s geology.

Day 4: Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef National Park

Morning: Leave Bryce and travel east on Highway 12, known as “America’s Most Scenic Byway.” Stop at the iconic Grand Staircase‑Escalante National Monument overlook.

Afternoon: Arrive at Capitol Reef and drive the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive, stopping at the historic Fruita Historic District to see old orchards and a pioneer homestead.

Evening: Stay overnight in Torrey. Enjoy a sunset picnic at the park’s Petroglyph Panel viewpoint.

Day 5: Capitol Reef to Arches National Park

Morning: After breakfast, head toward Moab, making a brief stop at the Hickman Bridge overlook (view from the road, no hike required).

Afternoon: Enter Arches National Park and drive the Park Avenue Loop, pausing at the Balanced Rock and the Garden of Eden vista points.

Evening: Check into a Moab hotel. Dine in town and, if time permits, attend the park’s free evening program at the Visitor Center.

Day 6: Arches National Park

Morning: Take the free shuttle to the Delicate Arch Viewpoint and enjoy the iconic silhouette from the paved trailhead.

Afternoon: Explore the Windows Section and the nearby Double Arch from the easily accessible parking areas.

Evening: Return to Moab for dinner. Consider a sunset drive to the La Sal Mountains overlook for sweeping desert vistas.

Day 7: Canyonlands National Park & Departure

Morning: Drive to Canyonlands and start at the Island in the Sky Visitor Center, where you can pick up a park map and watch the short film.

Afternoon: Follow the short paved route to Grand View Point and the Green River Overlook, soaking in the expansive canyon scenery.

Evening: Head back to Moab, return the rental car, and catch an evening flight from Grand Junction or Salt Lake City, concluding your adventure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Zion Canyon Scenic Drive – 2 hrs – $35 park fee
• Kolob Canyons overlook – 0.5 hr – included
• Bryce Amphitheatre & Rim viewpoints – 3 hrs – $35 park fee
• Grand Staircase‑Escalante view – 0.5 hr – free
• Capitol Reef Scenic Drive & Fruita – 3 hrs – $35 park fee
• Hickman Bridge overlook – 0.5 hr – free
• Arches Park Avenue Loop – 2 hrs – $35 park fee
• Delicate Arch Viewpoint – 1 hr – included
• Windows Section – 1 hr – included
• Canyonlands Island in the Sky & Grand View Point – 3 hrs – $35 park fee
• Overall Total Estimated Cost – $175

Tips

If you have an extra day, consider adding a sunrise visit to Angels Landing (via the shuttle) for a spectacular view without a full hike, or explore the Grand Staircase‑Escalante side canyons with a guided scenic drive. To shorten the trip, skip the full day in Canyonlands and spend that time relaxing in Moab or flying out directly from Salt Lake City after Arches.