The Utah 5
Highlights
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Hike the Virgin River at the Narrows
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Explore Canyonlands in a 4x4
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Watch sunrise at Bryce Canyon
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Trek the isolated north of Arches
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Get your adventure fix from Moab
3 States
5 National Parks
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10 days
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1,200 miles
National Park
checklist
Capitol Reef
Bryce Canyon
Canyonlands
Arches
Zion
Our example itinerary
Day 1 - Las Vegas, NV
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Las Vegas has plenty of nicknames! Sin City, City of Light, Gambling Capital of the World... most of these are based on the incredible night life that Vegas offers! Virtually every hotel has a casino, but if trying to make back the cost of your vacation isn't for you, there's tonnes of concerts, shows and clubs to entertain and wear you out! Keep an eye on what artists and shows are coming through town to make sure you book what you want to see!
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But if you're not a party animal or night owl, don't think Vegas won't be for you. While most of the life in the city does occur at night because of hot the days are, you can still enjoy your time by the hotel pool, enjoy a meal out, or go to the shopping outlets! There are north and south outlets so you can easily reach them from wherever you're based in Las Vegas. If you're looking to go big, you can stay at the Bellagio, famous for its fountain and water show at night. Or stay at the Hilton Grand Vacations Club on the Las Vegas Strip for another hotel with a prime location!
There's also a whole host of activities and adventures based out of Las Vegas. Journey sand dunes on an all-terrain vehicle, kayak the beautiful Emerald Cove, visit the Hoover Dam, or ride horses around Red Rock Canyon at sunset! The possibilities are endless, but you'll definitely find something in or around this great desert city that's for you!
Day or night, Las Vegas has tonnes to see and do! Casinos, hotel lobbies, shows, trips, excursions. High or low adrenaline?
All day, half day, a few hours? Las Vegas has everything to offer to start off your road trip exactly how you want!
Day 2 - Arriving at Zion National Park, UT
One of our favourite parks in the whole national park system, Zion has some of the coolest hikes you'll find anywhere in the country. With a few days to spend in this corner of Utah, you should have enough time to tackle every challenge! From Las Vegas, it's around a 2.5 hour drive, with a late start optional based on how you're feeling from the night before! On the way is Valley of Fire State Park, which is well worth checking out for a couple of hours! Rich red rocks line the undulating roads, creating some great photo opportunities.
One of the best places to stay for Zion is in the town of Springdale, right on the border of the park. You do pay a bit of a premium to stay so close to the park. However, the park often reaches temperatures in excess of 100F in summer, so the days here will consist of very early starts. That extra bit of time in bed will probably be much appreciated! Desert Pearl Inn is a very popular choice, as is the Majestic View Lodge, with both having swimming pools to help you cool down if the southwest sun does indeed get a bit too much.
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For the evening, enjoy an early dinner in town before a gentle stroll of The Watchman, about a 2 hour hike running near the Virgin River, with the famous mountain peak in the distance. Don't forget your head torches just incase you spend a bit of time enjoying sunset and blue hour. If you can grab an early nights sleep, then do! An early start is in store tomorrow!
The subtle sounds of the Virgin River will pass you on The Watchman trail. A gentle slope takes you to an overlook of Springdale, with the Watchman himself looking over you. This Navajo Sandstone mountain, like many in the park, has been carved by the river, exposing nine different layers of rock dating back an incredible 150 million years...
Day 3 - Zion National Park, UT
Grab those head torches again for an early start, probably setting off from the trailhead about half an hour before sunrise, to beat both the heat and crowds on one of the best day hikes in the whole of the United States. Angels Landing is unique, renowned for its chain linked, sheer-drop summit section. To get there, a series of tough switchbacks await, and while the hike is pretty short, at 5.4 miles out-and-back, the steepness is the challenge.
As you ascend and the sun continues to rise, the orange colours of the canyon become visible, and you start to see some of the iconic views of the park. Some sweeping open curved paths lead to Walter's Wiggles. Push through this relentless section to reach Scout Lookout, where you can then decide to hike the chain section if you're feeling prepared, confident and safe. 13 people have died on the trail since 2000, so take your time, respect other users of the trail, and only climb in good weather conditions.
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Once at the summit, enjoy the best view of Zion Canyon, sharing it with many of the chipmunks who seem to reside up there! As of 2022, the park is running a pilot permit program for the hike to help reduce the crowds and make sure it's safe. Ensure you enter the lottery long before your trip, or, if it's a more spontaneous adventure, you can apply for a day-before permit.
The chain linked section begins from Scout Lookout, running along the ridge of this mighty peak. The hike is exhilarating, and the view of the canyon at the top is just reward too - not many hikes can offer both! A must if you're in Zion.
Day 4 - Zion National Park, UT
Start the day by venturing out to the little visited East Zion, where slot canyons provide the perfect spot for canyoneering. For some added excitement, the tour begins by taking an all-terrain vehicle to the base point! The tour takes up about 4 hours, so pick the 8:30 start time if you can to maximise your adventure in the Narrows in the afternoon!
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The Narrows is a hike through a huge canyon, where you wade through the Virgin River, sometimes above waist height, even in summer. Check the weather conditions first as any rain in the forecast makes the hike very dangerous and inappropriate. You can hike 4.7 miles upstream before needing a permit, but we recommend going about 2-3 miles as it's more tiring than you'd expect given the resistance of the water. Along with Angels Landing, the Narrows is another unique and awesome hike that Zion hosts. Gear up with the appropriate clothing and footwear at Zion Outfitters. Definitely pick up the included hiking stick, to give you the stability and confidence you need to conquer the canyon! Grab dinner at Kings Landing Bistro or Spotted Dog as reward for all your hard work over the past two days!
With walls towering hundreds of feet above the Virgin River in places, it's incredible to think about how this river has carved such an impressive slice through ancient sandstone rock. Weave and cross the river multiple times before wading deeper as you advance into the canyon. The cool water will feel heavenly for those choosing to travel the park in summer, but slightly crisper for those who don't!
Day 5 - Bryce Canyon National Park, UT
Take the scenic road east out of Zion to drive the 80 miles to Bryce Canyon and climb in elevation up the Colorado Plateau, reaching around 9,000 ft. The main attraction of Bryce Canyon is the giant amphitheatre filled with hoodoos - tall, thin spires of rock - and yet another example of erosion and the power of Mother Nature. But before heading there, recreate the adventures of Butch Cassidy on horseback through Red Canyon!
After, enjoy the 38 mile round trip Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive along Highway 63, stopping at various overlooks on the way. End down by the amphitheatre, where you can choose from the aptly named Sunset point, which has Thor's hammer - a boulder stacked on top of a hoodoo. Alternatively you can choose Paria View, facing almost perfectly west, so you can usually watch the sun itself dip below the horizon. After enjoying sunset at one of these points, head back to your accommodation, whether that is camping, a hotel/motel such as Bryce Canyon Inn, or a nearby rental cabin.
Hoodoos for as far as the eye can see.
Day 6 - Bryce Canyon & Capitol Reef National Parks, UT
Check the time for sunrise and drive out to sunrise point. As shadows are often cast over the hoodoos during sunset, sunrise is probably the best time to visit the amphitheatre! The orange of the hoodoos is particularly vibrant, and the Utah sky is often blue to due to the low humidity of the region.
Once the brightness of the day has satisfied you, head on to Utah's youngest national park, Capitol Reef, preserving a 100 mile Waterpocket fold. Begin your exploration of the park at Fruita, one of the main early settlements in the park, with a few buildings and orchards remaining. You can even pick and eat the fruit! The visitor centre is also located here, where you can learn about the unique geological features of the park.
There are also 15 hikes based out of Fruita, so you're spoilt for choice, and can choose whatever length and difficulty you desire! Just bear in mind that the heat is relentless, so avoid hikes in the middle of the day, carry plenty of water, and wear sunblock. Cohab Canyon and Hickman Bridge are both well worth considering, being a few miles long with great views of Fruita and the Waterpocket fold!
Just driving through Capitol Reef NP, you will realise what underrated beauty it has around every turn, with the Waterpocket fold looming large.
Day 7 - Arches National Park, UT
Base yourself in the adventure fuelled town of Moab for the next few days, such as at Sun Moab Outdoors Downtown with a range of campsites & cabins and a refreshing pool. Make sure to use the pool and keep yourself super hydrated! Or if you're visiting in summer and need air-conditioning then the stunningly located Red Cliffs Lodge should definitely be a stay to consider. The heat of the southwest states is unforgiving!
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Today, lets tackle Arches National Park, home to over 2000 natural sandstone arches, illustrating yet another wondrous formation carved out by Mother Nature. Most of the famous arches are accessible via short hikes from the only road through the park. The Windows section is a great place to explore during summer, but if hiking in spring or fall with slightly cooler temperatures, then you must try the Devil's Garden Loop!
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Delicate Arch is probably the most famous, and to get up close, it is at the end of a moderately difficult trail. However, it's probably the busiest hike in the park, with queues to take pictures near the arch especially in peak season. It's definitely still worth checking out, but something to bear in mind! For sunset tonight, leave Arches and travel 40 minutes to Dead Horse Point State Park. This park is famous for bordering Canyonlands National Park, providing one of the best views of the trip as you look over the mosaic of buttes carved by the Colorado River!
Dead Horse Point State Park sits at on a rocky outcrop, overlooking the vast, isolated and unforgiving Canyonlands NP. The Colorado River cuts through, meandering south west on its journey towards the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, and eventually Mexico.
Day 8 - Moab & Canyonlands National Park, UT
Canyonlands is Utah's largest national park, but much is unaccessible for most visitors in absence of a lot of wilderness experience, and a 4x4. For most, the best way to experience the park is to arrive at the Island in the Sky district, one of three that make up the park, and definitely the most accessible. The most famous arch in the Park, Mesa, is located here, and is awesome at sunrise, but like Delicate Arch yesterday, it is very popular with tourists and photographers. Drive to nearby Green River Overlook for one of the furthest views of the park, looking out over the Green River before it merges with the Colorado, and seeing the Maze district on a clear day!
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You can also head out to Upheaval Dome, which may have been created by a meteorite impact. You can explore the whole area by foot, with quite a few different routes branching out from here. One includes a 1.2 mile out-and-back to a couple of viewpoints, which is probably the best option for today given the number of other stops in the park. Head back to Moab for the evening and grab some dinner, with plenty of Mexican, Asian, Italian and classic American options. There's also a cute small cinema in town which could be a great after dinner activity, and a nice change from the exhausting exploration of Utahs parks!
Mesa Arch is the most famous in the park, with stacks and buttes of the Island in the Sky district seen through it's window.
Green River Overlook offers a view of the smaller of the two rivers passing through the park as it journeys to join the Colorado.
The science behind the formation of Upheaval Dome is unknown, with theories including a salt dome or meteor strike.
Day 9 - Moab adventures, UT
Utah is one of the best desert playgrounds you could imagine! With Canyonlands and Arches on the doorstep, there are a host of routes for 4x4 and all-terrain vehicle adventures, and the Colorado river provides some great white water rafting! Great landscapes are abundant even outside of the parks, with a series of sandstone domes and slickrock ledges found at Hell's Revenge making it one of Utah's best off-road trails! If you fancy something that doesn't get the heart pumping quite as much, dedicate your day to photography! Take your pick of many popular outings and you'll be sure to be longing to come back to Moab again!
Day 10 - Returning to Vegas, NV
Unfortunately your time out in the Utah desert is almost up. Having travelled continuously west, it's time to head back to the start now for one big last night in Nevada. A 450 mile, 7 hour journey mostly along I-70 and I-15 can be broken up along the way, so the post-vacation blues don't start to early. Take a detour to Cedar Breaks National Monument and Dixie Forest after coming off the interstate at Parowan, or pop over to Snow Canyon State Park near St George.
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Reach Las Vegas again by evening and enjoy big blowout dinner! Use your last evening to make sure you go to any shows or concerts that are on! As the trip ends, hopefully you'll see yourselves as masters of the southwest desert! 5 awesome national parks ticked off with some Vegas fun either side!
