Discover how to experience Utah's 'Mighty 5' national parks on an unforgettable road trip

While Utah may not hold the record for the most national parks – that title belongs to California – it certainly boasts the highest density of them.

All of Utah’s 'Mighty 5' are conveniently located near each other, making the state ideal for an epic national parks road trip that can fit even within a limited vacation timeframe. With just a week to spare, you can explore the unique charm of each national park in the state.

Here’s your guide to planning an unforgettable drive through Utah.

What’s the best starting point for your Utah national parks road trip?

You can explore Utah’s national parks from west to east or the other way around, depending on your starting point. Traveling from west to east is the more popular choice since Zion National Park is only a few hours from the international airport in Las Vegas. Alternatively, you could kick off your road trip from Salt Lake City, heading towards either Zion or Arches first.

Where is the best place to rent a car for a Utah road trip?

If you're flying in to see Utah’s national parks, the simplest option is to rent a car at your arrival airport. After you pick up your vehicle, stop by a grocery store to stock up on water, snacks, and other essentials before hitting the road, especially if you have specific items in mind. The gateway towns to Utah’s parks are small, and their stores typically offer a limited selection.

What’s the optimal time to drive between Utah's national parks?

Late spring and early fall are ideal for road trips in Utah. While summer is a busy season, it also brings more traffic and crowded trails. Winter offers solitude, but ensure you're equipped to drive on snowy roads and have contingency plans for closures. Some state highways, particularly around high elevations like Brian Head north of Zion National Park, may remain closed until May due to heavy snowfall.

Stop 1: Zion National Park

The atmosphere: Stunning canyon landscapes and legendary hikes

Things to do: Zion Canyon is one of the country's most fascinating natural wonders, attracting a multitude of visitors. Experience the park’s uniqueness by tackling its two legendary hikes: Angels Landing (permit required), a thrilling ascent with chains to a narrow plateau, and the Narrows, where you walk through the Virgin River as it flows through a dramatic slot canyon.

What to eat: Nestled in the canyon, the historic Zion Lodge offers two dining options: a quaint café and a full-service restaurant. While the food may not stand out, the ambiance certainly does, and it’s the only dining spot within the national park if you don’t bring your own provisions. Just outside the south entrance of Zion National Park, Zion Canyon Brew Pub, the first microbrewery in southern Utah, serves hearty pub fare that complements its brews perfectly. Springdale, the gateway town by Zion’s south entrance, is filled with more restaurants, coffee shops, and small grocery stores.

Where to stay: Zion National Park features two accommodation choices within the park: camping or Zion Lodge. Reservations must be made months in advance for either option. Springdale offers numerous excellent lodging options. Check availability at Under the Eaves Inn, Red Rock Inn, or Desert Pearl Inn, or venture a bit further from the canyon. In East Zion, Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort is perfect for families, providing various activities for all ages. To the west, AutoCamp Zion provides a trendy stay in Airstream trailers, while Under Canvas features beautiful luxury glamping tents along Kolob Terrace Road.

The drive (75 miles, 1 hour and 25 minutes): Exit Zion National Park via the east entrance, navigating through the narrow Zion–Mt Carmel Tunnel, which was the longest tunnel in the nation upon its completion in 1930. Continue along Hwy 9 to Mt Carmel Junction, then head north on Hwy 89. Turn east onto Scenic Byway 12, recognized as an 'All-American Road' for its historical significance and scenic beauty. You’ll catch a glimpse of what awaits at the next national park as you pass through red rock arches and intriguing rock formations resembling Crayola crayons—brightly colored just like the crayons themselves.

Curious to learn more about Zion? Check out our guide

Stop 2: Bryce Canyon National Park

The atmosphere: Otherworldly rock formations

What to do: Upon entering Bryce Canyon, the park keeps its wonders hidden, but once you reach the rim of the plateau, a stunning display of hoodoos—tall, spire-like rock formations—awaits you in the amphitheater's basin. The paved road throughout the park offers numerous scenic overlooks for breathtaking views of these enchanting structures. Don't miss Inspiration Point and Rainbow Point for incredible sights. To truly experience the hoodoos up close, hike the Navajo Loop from Sunset Point, book a horse ride on Peekaboo Loop, or explore the quieter Fairyland Loop.

What to eat: Bryce Canyon is home to Utah’s second national park with a historic lodge, featuring a restaurant (make sure to try the elk chili). There's also a park general store that sells pizza, craft beer, ice cream, and snacks. Just outside the park gates, Bryce Canyon City has dining options, but head a bit further to the town of Tropic for even better choices. Sample the pulled pork at IDK Barbecue or enjoy an elegant dinner at Stone Hearth Grille.

Where to stay: Plan ahead to secure accommodations within the park, whether it’s a campsite or a room at Bryce Canyon Lodge. Bryce Canyon City has several lodging options close to the park entrance, but consider driving a bit further to Bryce Glamp & Camp, a picturesque and secluded spot where you can stargaze from your bubble dome bed.

The drive (125 miles, 2 hours and 40 minutes): Continue along Scenic Byway 12, which becomes even more stunning as you navigate the rolling hills and descend the switchbacks. Much of the land around you is part of Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument, spanning nearly 2 million acres. Inviting trailheads call out to you, especially near Escalante and Boulder—stop and hike if time permits. Scenic Byway 12 concludes at Hwy 24 near Torrey, the gateway to Capitol Reef National Park.

Visiting Bryce Canyon for the first time? Here’s what you should know

Stop 3: Capitol Reef National Park

The atmosphere: Hikes steeped in history

What to do: At Capitol Reef, the park's rich history comes alive as you hike the trails once traversed by generations, from the enigmatic Native Fremont people to early Mormon settlers. Be sure to visit the petroglyphs located east of the Capitol Reef Visitor Center, accessible via a boardwalk, and the ancient rock art along the Capitol Gorge trail, which is near the Pioneer Register that records the names and dates of 19th-century travelers. In the heart of the park lies Fruita, a Mormon settlement established in 1879, known for its historic orchards still tended by the National Park Service. Don’t leave without trying one of the famous fruit pies from Gifford Homestead, the last home of Fruita's residents.

What to eat: Just a short drive from the entrance of Capitol Reef National Park, Torrey boasts impressive dining options for such a small town. At Torrey Grill & BBQ, a Culinary Institute of America graduate works wonders with smoked meats, while the charming Wild Rabbit Cafe offers delicious all-day breakfasts and sandwiches. For fine dining, check out Hunt & Gather, known for its beautifully presented dishes made with local ingredients.

Where to stay: Capitol Reef features one developed campground and several free primitive sites in the backcountry (a backpacking permit is required). If you prefer a cozy indoors experience, consider staying at Torrey Schoolhouse B&B, a renovated 1914 schoolhouse turned elegant bed and breakfast. Another great option in Torrey is Skyview, offering rooms with hot tubs overlooking stunning redrock views, geodesic domes with skylights perfect for stargazing, and a rooftop terrace.

The drive (155 miles, 2 hours and 30 minutes): Start your journey east on Hwy 24, known as the Capitol Reef Scenic Byway, which veers north at Hanksville. If time permits, take a detour west of Hwy 24 to Goblin Valley State Park to explore its strange rock formations. On the eastern side of Hwy 24, Horseshoe Canyon, part of Canyonlands National Park, features one of North America's most significant Native rock art sites, often referred to as the 'Louvre of the Southwest.' Note that the road to Horseshoe Canyon is unpaved, so a high-clearance 4WD vehicle is recommended. When Hwy 24 ends near Green River, merge onto Interstate 70 east and continue until you reach the Moab exit at Hwy 191. Turn west on Hwy 313 to access another area of Canyonlands National Park.

Staying in Capitol Reef? Here’s what to explore during your visit

Stop 4: Canyonlands National Park - Island in the Sky district

The vibe: Breathtaking vistas

What to do: Canyonlands is Utah's largest and least explored national park. Very few visitors make their way to its more remote areas (requiring appropriate vehicles and self-sufficiency), making it a tranquil escape from the busier parks in Utah. The park is divided into four districts, with Island in the Sky being the most accessible, located near Moab. This area sits atop a stunning mesa, thousands of feet above the Colorado and Green Rivers, which have carved the landscape into dramatic canyons and striking pinnacles. The scenic drive through the Island in the Sky district meanders past several overlooks. Don’t miss the chance to take in a panoramic view of the terrain from the aptly named Grand View Point at the end of the paved road.

What to eat: Moab’s main street boasts an array of fantastic restaurants perfect for refueling before your adventures, just a quick 40-minute drive from the Island in the Sky Visitor Center. In northern Moab, Proper Brewing features a delightful beer garden where you can relax with a burger and a locally crafted brew.

Where to stay: The Island in the Sky district offers one campground. Additional campsites are available on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land along Hwy 313, as well as Hwy 128 and the Colorado River south of Arches National Park. For hotel stays, Moab provides convenient options. Field Station is highly recommended for its location, price, and adventurous vibe, situated in a beautifully renovated roadside motel.

The drive (29 miles, 40 minutes): Canyonlands and Arches are remarkably close to each other, with just a 30-minute journey from Island in the Sky Visitor Center to Arches Visitor Center. For even more stunning views, consider a detour to Dead Horse Point State Park. Head from Hwy 313 to Hwy 191 and travel south for a few miles until you reach the turnoff for Arches National Park.

Want to explore more of Canyonlands? Here’s what to know

Stop 5: Arches National Park

The vibe: A world of arches

What to do: The main attraction of Arches is embodied in its name, as this national park boasts the highest concentration of such rock formations on the planet. Delicate Arch stands as the most famous, featured on Utah’s license plates, with many others visible along the park’s primary paved road via short hikes and accessible viewpoints. The Devils Garden Trail at the end of the road offers a choice between a leisurely or challenging hike, showcasing several arches, including the remarkable 306-foot Landscape Arch, one of the longest in existence.

What to eat: There are no dining options within Arches National Park, so be sure to pack provisions from Moab or dine in town before or after a day of exploring the arches. You can find a variety of popular, budget-friendly eateries at Moab Food Truck Park or book a table at Desert Bistro, one of the top restaurants in the region, set in a historic 1892 former dance hall, offering game and seafood.

Where to stay: Arches National Park features one campground within its borders (be sure to book well in advance), and there are numerous sites on BLM land just outside the park. Alternatively, Moab serves as an excellent base camp, boasting a variety of hotels along its main street and further afield. For a more secluded experience south of town, ULUM Moab offers luxury glamping tents with views of its very own arch.

The drive: Conclude your Utah national parks road trip by returning to Salt Lake City (235 miles from Moab) or Las Vegas (460 miles from Moab). The quickest but least scenic route to Las Vegas involves the interstates (I-70 north of Moab followed by I-15 south), but if time allows, consider the longer, more picturesque journey south from Moab. Stop at the Needles district of Canyonlands National Park, explore the film-famous Monument Valley on Navajo land, and try to secure a permit for the Wave—one of the most coveted hikes in the Southwest—located in Kanab.

Need more info about Arches? Here's our guide for first-time visitors

Tips for EV drivers

Despite the remoteness of some areas, Utah is a fantastic destination for an EV road trip, especially when visiting the national parks. Many campgrounds and hotels, including Zion Lodge within the national park, offer EV chargers for guests. Tesla has several Superchargers throughout the state, primarily along I-15 and I-70, including locations in St. George (approximately 45 miles from Zion National Park’s south entrance), Green River, Moab (near Arches and Canyonlands), and Blanding (about 70 miles from Canyonlands’ Needles district).

A challenging segment for EV drivers lies between Capitol Reef National Park and Moab. The gateway town of Torrey offers charging stations, as does Green River, but it's wise to be mindful of how many spots you choose to visit along the way.