Planning a road trip through Utah’s national parks sounds exciting until you sit down and realize how much ground there is to cover. While it might not look like much on a map, The Mighty 5 (Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands) spans hundreds of miles, each with its own entrance rules, hiking priorities, and lodging requirements.
It takes travelers a good amount of time to figure out the exact route and how to plan smart without getting overwhelmed. To make it easier, let’s break down exactly what you need to know to plan this trip, including how to route your trip, how many days to spend in each park, what kind of vehicle works best, when to book, and what to pack for Utah’s unpredictable desert conditions.
So, whether you’ve got a few days, a week, or 10 days, this no-fluff checklist will help you avoid the usual road trip mistakes and help you focus on planning an epic Utah National Parks road trip.
Step 1: Choose Your Route: Loop or One-Way?
The first thing to decide when planning your Utah road trip is your route, specifically whether you’ll explore the full loop of national parks or a one-way trip.
A loop means you’ll start and end your journey in the same city, typically Las Vegas or Salt Lake City (being the closest major airports).
This option is ideal if you have 7–10 days and want to visit all five parks. It also gives you flexibility with rental car returns and often better flight options.
A one-way route, on the other hand, is better if you’re short on time. You’ll save hours of backtracking and will be able to focus on just three or four parks. For example, you could start in Las Vegas and end in Moab (or vice versa), covering Zion, Bryce, and Arches without looping back.
Both options work, and it really just depends on your timeline and travel style. Before you take off, though, decide your route based on your available days, airport choices, and interest level in each park.
Step 2: Prioritize the Parks That Match Your Vibe
Each of Utah’s national parks has its own distinct landscape and experience, so prioritize the parks you visit based on what kind of trip you’re after.
If hiking dramatic trails and canyon views is your priority, Zion should be high on your list. It’s home to iconic hikes like Angels Landing and The Narrows, which are often touted as dream routes for avid hikers to take on.
For those who prefer surreal, otherworldly formations and photogenic landscapes, Arches and Bryce Canyon offer incredible rewards with minimal physical effort.
Capitol Reef is quieter than the other neighboring parks and perfect if you want fewer crowds and scenic drives through orchards and red rock terrain. There’s also Canyonlands, which is vast and rugged and is great for off-road enthusiasts or travelers looking for more remote views.
If you’re short on time for this trip, opt only to visit Zion, Bryce, and Arches. These big three parks have enough to give you a diverse mix of hikes and viewpoints in just three to four days.
Step 3: Give Each Park the Right Amount of Time
Each of Utah’s national parks deserves at least a day, but how long you spend in each depends on your pace and interests. Here’s a general guide to help you plan:
- Zion: 2 days — It has some of the most popular hikes in the U.S., like Angels Landing and The Narrows. You’ll need time to navigate the shuttle system and explore different parts of the park.
- Bryce Canyon: 1 day — A relatively compact park with easily accessible viewpoints and short trails. Sunrise here is worth the early wake-up.
- Capitol Reef: 1–2 days — Ideal for scenic drives, light hikes, and fewer crowds. If you’re into geology or want to explore off-the-beaten-path trails, stay longer.
- Arches: 1–2 days — You can see the highlights in one day, but if you want to hike to Delicate Arch or visit in cooler morning or evening light, an extra day helps.
- Canyonlands: 1 day — Especially if you’re sticking to the Island in the Sky district, which offers short hikes and expansive views.
Step 4: Rent the Right Vehicle for Your Trip Style
Most of Utah’s National Parks are easily accessible by regular cars, so if you’re planning to stick to paved roads and stay in hotels or lodges, a basic rental will do just fine.
However, if you’re seeking a more flexible or outdoorsy experience, such as staying at campsites or trying dispersed camping near trailheads, a campervan or RV would be a more suitable option.
An SUV can also help if you’re planning to explore remote areas like Cathedral Valley in Capitol Reef or certain parts of Canyonlands that require high-clearance vehicles. But for most park-to-park driving along standard scenic routes, it’s not necessary, and any car will do just fine.
Step 5: Know Where to Stay (And Book Early!)
Each national park in Utah has a small gateway town that serves as an ideal base for you.
These towns offer a range of accommodations, from lodges and motels to campgrounds and RV parks. But options fill up quickly, especially in the summer. Book your stays at least three to six months in advance, especially if traveling during peak months, i.e., during April–May or September–October.
Here’s where to stay:
- Zion: Stay at Springdale, which can be within walking distance of the park entrance with shuttle access
- Bryce Canyon: Stay in Tropic, a small town with quick access to park viewpoints
- Capitol Reef: Stay at Torrey, a low-key, scenic, and closest to the park’s central area
- Arches/Canyonlands: Stay at Moab, which is the largest town on this route with plenty of stays and restaurants
Step 6: Get the America the Beautiful Pass
If you plan to visit more than two national parks on your Utah road trip, this pass is a smart investment. The America the Beautiful Pass costs $80 for most people and covers entry to all five of Utah’s Mighty 5, plus 2,000+ federal sites across the country. If you’re a senior citizen, in the military, or have a child in the 4th grade, you’re also eligible for discounts on your pass.
It’s valid for a full year and works for everyone traveling in one vehicle. Without it, each park charges a separate entry fee, which could range from $20 to $35 per car.
This pass will be helpful even if you only use it for the Utah National Parks trip. However, you can maximize your savings by visiting more national parks throughout the year.
Step 7: Reserve in Advance Where Needed
This step might slip completely out of your mind, but without knowing which parks require a reservation, you could create major delays in your trip. Most national parks in Utah don’t require timed entry, but a few popular spots have restrictions you’ll need to plan for.
Here’s what you should book in advance:
- Arches requires a timed entry reservation between April and October (7 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
- Zion’s main canyon can only be accessed via shuttle during peak months (March to November).
- Angels Landing in Zion requires a separate permit, which is issued through a lottery system.
Check the official NPS websites for release dates and set calendar reminders so you don’t miss your booking window.
Step 8: Pack for the Desert, Not Just the Hikes
Utah’s weather can swing dramatically, even on the same day. Early mornings and evenings can get chilly, while midday sun can be harsh, especially in exposed areas.
Here’s a basic packing list to keep things smooth:
- A hydration pack or refillable water bottles (Staying hydrated is very important)
- Proper hiking shoes with grips
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen
- Breathable layers for changing temperatures
Step 9: Prepare for Spotty Signal and Long Drives
Cell reception can get patchy, especially in and around Capitol Reef and Canyonlands. Don’t count on having service when you need directions or updates on the go.
Download offline maps ahead of time using Google Maps or Maps.me. This is particularly non-negotiable if you’re planning longer hikes or venturing into less-visited areas.
Also, don’t underestimate how remote some stretches can feel. Gas stations between parks are few and far between. Make it a rule to refuel when your tank hits half, especially before heading into Capitol Reef or crossing Scenic Byway 12.
Step 10: Use This 7-Day Sample Itinerary (Or Build Your Own)
If you’re doing a full loop through Utah’s Mighty 5, here’s a 7-day itinerary that hits all five parks without rushing.
- Day 1: Zion National Park
- Day 2: Zion (Angels Landing or The Narrows)
- Day 3: Bryce Canyon National Park
- Day 4: Drive along Scenic Highway 12 to Capitol Reef
- Day 5: Explore Capitol Reef and head to Moab
- Day 6: Arches + Canyonlands
- Day 7: Return to Las Vegas or Salt Lake City
Remember that this 7-day loop is perfect if you want to cover all five parks in one go, but it’s definitely a fast-paced plan. It won’t leave much time for long hikes or slow mornings. Expect early starts, long drives on a few days, and limited flexibility around entry reservations. It is ideal for first-time Utah visitors who want a snapshot of Utah’s National Parks or those who want to see more and do less.