Your Complete Mighty 5 Road Trip Guide
- Logan & Audri
- Aug 16
- 11 min read
Updated: Aug 23
We’ve already done this road trip twice in 2025, and it’s only August. That should tell you just how much we love it.
Utah’s Mighty 5 isn’t just a checklist of national parks; it’s an adventure through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the United States. You’ll take on epic hikes, catch some of the best sunsets in the country, and discover landscapes you’ll be talking about for the rest of your life. This road trip is pure magic from start to finish.
In this guide, we’ll take you through our exact route starting in Las Vegas (because yes, it’s the perfect starting point), share our best tips from two back-to-back trips, and provide links to our detailed guides for each park so you can dive even deeper. Whether you’ve got a week or ten days, you’ll finish this road trip wondering how one state can hold this much beauty.
What is the Mighty 5 Road Trip?
The Mighty 5 is Utah’s crown jewel of road trips, five national parks in one epic loop: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands. Each one feels like stepping onto a different planet, which is exactly why this route never gets old.
One day you’re driving through Zion’s red-rock canyon walls, the next you’re watching the sunrise over Bryce Canyon’s strange, spiky hoodoos. By the end, you’ll have stood under world-famous arches, gazed out over canyons that seem to stretch forever, and found yourself in places you didn’t even know existed.
Table of Contents
Mighty 5 Road Trip Map
Here’s a quick look at the Mighty 5 road trip route to help you visualize the journey. Starting in Las Vegas, you’ll loop through all five national parks: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands before heading back. We recommend saving this map to your phone or Google Maps so you can easily navigate between stops on the road.
How Many Days Do You Need for the Mighty 5 Road Trip?
If you only have 5 days, you can technically see all five parks, but it’ll be rushed, think one park per day with long drives in between. For us, the sweet spot is 7–10 days. That gives you time to hike the best trails, catch sunrises and sunsets, and not feel like you’re living out of your car. If you’ve got two weeks, even better, you can slow down and explore hidden gems in each park without rushing from one to the next.
We’ve done the Mighty 5 in a week and also stretched it to 10 days, and honestly, the longer version felt way less stressful. You’ll want to factor in drive times (some of these parks are several hours apart), plus a rest day or two if you’re not used to back-to-back hikes.
Driving Times & Distances Between Stops
Route | Distance | Drive Time |
Las Vegas → Zion National Park | 160 miles | ~2.5 hours |
Zion → Bryce Canyon | 85 miles | ~1.5 hours |
Bryce Canyon → Capitol Reef | 120 miles | ~2.5 hours |
Capitol Reef → Arches (Moab) | 130 miles | ~2.5 hours |
Arches → Canyonlands (Island in the Sky) | 30 miles | ~40 minutes |
Canyonlands → Las Vegas (return) | 450 miles | ~6.5 hours |
📌 Pro tip: Always factor in stops for gas, food, scenic overlooks, or taking the scenic route; some drives are too beautiful not to pause.
Best Time of Year to Do the Mighty 5 Road Trip
The Utah desert looks totally different depending on the season, so the “best time” really depends on what you prefer.
Spring (March–May): Cooler temps, wildflowers, and rushing waterfalls. A personal favorite of ours.
Summer (June–August): All roads and trails are open, but it’s hot and crowded. Expect packed parking lots and trails at Zion and Arches.
Fall (September–October): Crisp air, fewer crowds, and golden cottonwoods along the rivers. A magical time to go.
Winter (November–February): Quiet trails and snowy red rocks that look surreal. Be ready for cold nights and possible road closures.
Our advice: spring or fall if you can swing it. Summer works too, just start hikes at sunrise to beat the heat and the crowds.
Mighty 5 Sample Itineraries
5 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Las Vegas → Drive to Zion (explore afternoon)
Day 2: Zion National Park (1 full day)
Day 3: Bryce Canyon National Park
Day 4: Capitol Reef → Drive to Moab
Day 5: Arches in the morning → Canyonlands in the afternoon → Return
7 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Las Vegas → Drive to Zion
Day 2: Zion National Park
Day 3: Bryce Canyon National Park
Day 4: Capitol Reef
Day 5: Arches National Park
Day 6: Canyonlands (Island in the Sky)
Day 7: Drive back
10 Day Itinerary
Days 1–2: Zion National Park (2 days)
Day 3: Bryce Canyon
Days 4–5: Capitol Reef (extra time for hiking + Fruita orchards)
Days 6–7: Arches National Park (split hikes between morning/evening)
Days 8–9: Canyonlands (Island in the Sky + The Needles)
Day 10: Drive back / bonus day in Vegas
✨ Feel free to tweak these depending on your energy and hiking style; that’s the beauty of the Mighty 5. No two road trips ever look the same, and that’s what makes it so special!
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What to Pack for a Mighty 5 Road Trip
The Mighty 5 takes you through deserts, canyons, and high-elevation parks, which means you’ll experience blazing sun, chilly mornings, and everything in between. Packing smart can make or break your trip. Here’s what we always bring:
Clothing & Layers
Lightweight, moisture-wicking shirts (great for hot hikes)
A warm jacket or fleece for early mornings/evenings
Convertible hiking pants or shorts
A hat & sunglasses for sun protection
A rain jacket or windbreaker (weather changes fast)
Footwear
Sturdy hiking boots with a good grip
Comfortable sandals or slip-ons for camp/driving
Extra socks (your feet will thank you)
Day Hiking Essentials
A reliable daypack
Hydration system (CamelBak or water bottles, aim for 2–3L per person)
Trail snacks (nuts, jerky, granola bars)
Sunscreen & lip balm with SPF
A lightweight first aid kit
Headlamp (sunsets sneak up on you out here!)
Extras That Make a Difference
National Park Pass (America the Beautiful, saves you $$$)
Portable power bank for phones/cameras
Binoculars for wildlife & stargazing
Cooling towel or neck fan (summer lifesaver)
Reusable utensils & picnic gear (lots of spots for scenic meals)
👉 Want to make packing easy? We’ve rounded up our favorite gear in our Amazon Storefront so you can see exactly what we use on our road trips.
Where to Start the Mighty 5 Road Trip
Most people kick off in either Las Vegas or Salt Lake City. We’ve done both, but Vegas wins for us.
From Las Vegas: It’s closer to Zion (just 2.5 hours), so you can dive straight into the adventure. Plus, flights are usually cheaper and more frequent.
From Salt Lake City: Better if you want to end near Arches or Canyonlands, but the first stretch to Zion is a long haul.
Either works, but Vegas feels like the perfect launch point, and we love grabbing a final iced coffee and breakfast before hitting the road.
Stop 0: Las Vegas – The Perfect Starting Point
If you’re flying in for your Mighty 5 road trip, there’s no better starting point than Las Vegas. With affordable flights, tons of rental car options, and endless hotels, it’s both convenient and fun to kick off your adventure here.
We’ve started both of our Utah trips from Vegas, and it makes the drive so much easier, especially if you want to grab a good meal, stock up on snacks, or even spend a night enjoying the Strip before heading into the desert. Plus, the drive from Las Vegas to Zion (your first national park stop) is only about 2.5 hours, so you can easily land in the morning and be hiking among the red cliffs by afternoon.
👉 If you’re planning extra time here, check out our Las Vegas Guide, where we share everything from budget-friendly eats, the best day trips, where to stay, and more.
Stop 1: Zion National Park
Zion is often the first stop on the Mighty 5, and it sets the bar high. Driving into the park, the canyon walls tower above you, and it feels like you’ve entered another world. Zion is also one of the most accessible parks, with trails ranging from easy riverside walks to bucket-list hikes like Angels Landing (permit required) and The Narrows, where you’ll literally walk through the Virgin River.
If you only have one day in Zion, we recommend starting early, taking the shuttle through the scenic canyon, and picking a hike that matches your comfort level. Angels Landing is iconic but strenuous; The Narrows is unforgettable but requires gear (and dry pants if you’re going in colder months). For something easier, the Riverside Walk or Canyon Overlook Trail are short but incredibly rewarding.
👉 Ready to plan your time here? Check out our Zion National Park Guide & Itinerary for the best hikes, views, tips, and more.
Stop 2: Bryce Canyon National Park
If Zion feels dramatic, Bryce Canyon feels almost alien-like. The park is famous for its hoodoos, thin spires of red and orange rock that rise up like something out of a fantasy movie. Standing at the rim, especially at sunrise, is one of the most surreal views in all of Utah.
Bryce is smaller and easier to see in a short time compared to Zion. You can drive the scenic road and stop at viewpoints like Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, and Inspiration Point, all within a short walk from the parking areas. For those who want to stretch their legs, the Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail is the park’s most iconic hike. It takes you down into the amphitheater, weaving among the hoodoos, and then back up to the rim with amazing views the entire way.
👉 Want the full breakdown? Head over to our Bryce Canyon National Park Guide & Itinerary, where we cover the best viewpoints, hikes, how to make the most of your visit, and more.
Stop 3: Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef is often the most overlooked of the Mighty 5, but don’t make the mistake of skipping it. It feels quieter, more rugged, and way less crowded, which makes it feel like a hidden gem compared to Zion and Bryce.
The park is centered around the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile-long wrinkle in the Earth’s crust that creates dramatic cliffs, domes, and canyons. Driving the Scenic Drive is the easiest way to take in Capitol Reef’s beauty, with plenty of spots to pull over and snap photos. If you’re up for hiking, trails like Hickman Bridge (a 2-mile round trip to a natural arch) or Cassidy Arch (named after Butch Cassidy, the outlaw who once roamed this area) are musts.
One of Capitol Reef’s most unique features is the Fruita Historic District, where pioneer orchards are still maintained by the National Park Service. If you visit in season, you can even pick fresh fruit straight from the trees. And don’t leave without stopping at the Gifford House for their famous homemade pies; it’s practically a rite of passage.
👉 Full guide coming soon, stay tuned for our Capitol Reef National Park Guide, where we’ll dive into hikes, scenic drives, and hidden spots you won’t want to miss.
Stop 4: Arches National Park
Arches is one of the most unreal places we’ve ever been. With over 2,000 natural stone arches scattered across the park, it’s a photographer’s dream and a must for anyone who loves landscapes that feel special.
The most famous stop is, of course, Delicate Arch. It’s Utah’s state symbol for a reason, and hiking out to see it in person is an unforgettable experience. The 3-mile round trip can be hot and strenuous in the summer, but standing under that arch, especially at sunset, is worth every step.
If you’re short on time or energy, there are plenty of shorter trails and overlooks too. Double Arch, The Windows, and Balanced Rock are all quick walks with huge payoffs. Driving the main park road is also an experience in itself, with views that change dramatically at every bend.
👉 Planning a visit? Check out our full Arches National Park Guide & Itinerary for everything you need to know, including the best hikes, when to go, and how to snag timed entry tickets.
Stop 5: Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands is the largest of Utah’s national parks, but also the least visited. It’s carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers into four distinct districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the rivers themselves.
Most road trippers spend their time at Island in the Sky, and for good reason, it’s the most accessible and is filled with unreal overlooks. Places like Mesa Arch at sunrise (seriously, get there early!) and Grand View Point make you feel like you’re standing at the edge of the world.
The Needles District is perfect if you’ve got extra time and want quieter trails through colorful rock formations and spires. The Maze, on the other hand, is one of the most remote areas in the entire U.S. national park system, beautiful but best left to experienced adventurers with a lot of time.
👉 Ready to plan your time here? Check out our COMPLETE Canyonlands National Park Guide for the districts explained, best things to do, and more!
Wrapping Up Your Mighty 5 Adventure
Driving Utah’s Mighty 5 is one of those trips that sticks with you long after you’ve left. In just one loop, you’ll have walked between canyon walls, watched the sunrise over hoodoos, stood under world-famous arches, and looked out across canyons that seem endless. Every stop feels different, yet they all come together to show off the best of the American Southwest.
Whether you squeeze it into a fast-paced 5 days or take a slower 10-day route, this road trip is one you’ll never forget, and one we’ll happily do again and again.
Utah's Mighty 5 National Parks Road Trip FAQs
Do you need a reservation for the Mighty 5 national parks?
Most of the parks are open without reservations, but there are a few exceptions:
Zion: Angels Landing hike requires a permit.
Arches: Timed entry reservations are required from April–October.
Others (Bryce, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands): No reservations needed.
Always check the National Park Service website before you go, since rules can change.
How much does it cost to visit the Mighty 5?
Entrance fees are between $20-$35 per park per vehicle, valid for 7 days. But if you’re doing the full loop, grab the America the Beautiful Pass ($80/year), it covers all U.S. national parks and will save you money. Don’t forget to budget for gas, food, and lodging too, since those add up quickly on a longer road trip.
Is the Mighty 5 road trip family-friendly?
Yes! While some hikes are strenuous, each park has plenty of easy, kid-friendly trails and viewpoints. Bryce’s rim views, Arches’ Windows area, and Zion’s Riverside Walk are all family favorites. Just pack plenty of snacks, water, and sun protection, and consider a stroller or carrier for younger kids.
Which park is the best in the Mighty 5?
That depends on your style! Truthfully, each park feels completely different; that’s what makes it so special.
Zion: Best for epic hikes and dramatic cliffs.
Bryce Canyon: Sunrise and hoodoos like nowhere else.
Capitol Reef: Underrated, quiet, and full of hidden gems.
Arches: A photographer’s dream with 2,000+ arches.
Canyonlands: Endless overlooks and wide-open views.
What else can you see near the Mighty 5?
If you have extra time, there are plenty of add-ons to your road trip:
Grand Staircase-Escalante
Monument Valley
Goblin Valley State Park
Lake Powell & Horseshoe Bend
Grand Canyon North Rim
These stops can make your Mighty 5 trip even more epic!
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