Utah Mighty 5 Road Trip
A self-drive loop linking five national parks in southern Utah: Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, Arches and Canyonlands. Scenic Byways 12 and 24 are the highlights.
Utah's five national parks are all on the Colorado Plateau in southern Utah. The state tourism office collectively calls them the 'Mighty 5'. The classic loop starts in Salt Lake City or Las Vegas. Head southeast to Moab first, and visit Arches National Park (Delicate Arch, the Windows Section and Devils Garden) and the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands (Mesa Arch and Grand View Point). You can add Dead Horse Point State Park. Then take Highway 24 west, past Goblin Valley to Capitol Reef (the Fruita orchards, the Scenic Drive and the rock art). Cross Boulder Mountain on Scenic Byway 12, one of America's most beautiful scenic roads, and pass the Hogback ridge to Escalante and Bryce Canyon. Finally, drive to Zion (Angels Landing and The Narrows), then return via Interstate 15. The full loop covers about 1,600 km, takes at least 7 days, and is best done in 10 days or more. Arches requires timed-entry reservations in peak season. Zion's main canyon can only be reached by shuttle bus. The Angels Landing hike requires a permit obtained by lottery. In summer, check flash flood warnings before wading into slot canyons. Buying a national park annual pass is recommended.