The Mighty 5 Loop
This is the ultimate desert odyssey through Utah's red rock country, starting and ending in the neon glow of Vegas.
Las Vegas → Zion → Bryce Canyon → Torrey → Moab → Las Vegas
Zion's Towering Walls
Grab your rental SUV—you'll want the clearance for some of these backcountry roads—and stock up on a massive cooler of water before leaving the city.
Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
Grab your rental SUV—you'll want the clearance for some of these backcountry roads—and stock up on a massive cooler of water before leaving the city.
Zion National Park South Entrance
The scale here is dizzying. Since the main canyon is car-free, hop on the shuttle. If you're feeling brave, hike up to Scout Lookout, or for something chill, wander the Pa'rus Trail along the river.
Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
The Floor of the Valley Road, also known as the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, follows the canyon of the North Fork of the Virgin River, also known as Zion Canyon, through Zion National Park, Utah.
Hoodoos and High Altitudes
This drive is an attraction itself. The tunnel is historic, and the switchbacks on the other side look like a different planet. Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep.
Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway
This drive is an attraction itself. The tunnel is historic, and the switchbacks on the other side look like a different planet. Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park is a national park in Utah's Canyon Country. Some 35,835 acres (14,502 ha) or 56 mi² (145 km²) in extent, the designated area around the spectacular Bryce Canyon (not actually a canyon, but rather a giant natural amphitheater created by erosion) became a United States National Monument in 1923 and was designated as a National Park in 1928.
Inspiration Point
Before the sun dips too low, walk the rim trail here. The rows of spires look like a frozen army.
The All-American Road
Most people rush this, but don't. You’ll cross "The Hogback," a ridge with drops on both sides that will make your palms sweat.
Highway 12 Scenic Byway
Most people rush this, but don't. You’ll cross "The Hogback," a ridge with drops on both sides that will make your palms sweat.
Kiva Coffeehouse
Stop here for a mid-day refuel. The view over the Escalante Grand Staircase from their patio is the best "cafe view" in the Southwest.
Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park is a national park of the United States in south-central Utah. The park is approximately 60 miles (100 km) long on its north–south axis and just 6 miles (10 km) wide on its east-west axis, on average. The park was established in 1971 to preserve 241,904 acres of desert landscape and is open all year, with May through September receiving the most visitors.
Waterpockets and Canyons
Drive down into the Waterpocket Fold. The sheer scale of the earth's crust tilting is wild. Check out the Gifford House for a fresh-baked mini pie before you leave.
Capitol Reef Scenic Drive
Drive down into the Waterpocket Fold. The sheer scale of the earth's crust tilting is wild. Check out the Gifford House for a fresh-baked mini pie before you leave.
Goblin Valley State Park
Goblin Valley State Park is a Utah State Park on the edge of the San Rafael Swell in Eastern Utah. This park encompasses a large number of rock Hoodoos ranging in size from 1-3 meters tall.
Moab
Moab is a town in the Utah's Canyon Country and a gateway to the nearby Arches National Park and other attractions in Canyon Country.
The Island in the Sky
The Island in the Sky (100km, 1.5h drive)
Canyonlands National Park (Island in the Sky)
This park is huge. Head to Mesa Arch early; even if you miss sunrise, the view through the arch over the 1,000-foot drop is the iconic Utah shot.
Grand View Point Overlook
Walk the easy rim trail. You can see the Green River carving through the canyon floors way below. It makes the Grand Canyon feel small.
Dead Horse Point State Park
Dead Horse Point State Park is in Utah, near the city of Moab. It offers a panoramic view of the Colorado River far below as it makes its way toward the Grand Canyon.
Arches and Icons
Arches and Icons (50km, 1h drive)
Arches National Park
Arches National Park is a national park that is in Utah's Canyon Country near the town of Moab. It is home to the world's greatest concentration of natural arches, including Delicate Arch, one of the state's most famous icons.
The Windows Section
Easy walking here to see Double Arch and the North/South Windows. It's great for when your legs are starting to feel the week's miles.
Delicate Arch
Delicate Arch is a 52-foot-tall (16 m) freestanding natural arch located in Arches National Park, near Moab in Grand County, Utah, United States. The arch is the most widely recognized landmark in Arches National Park and is depicted on Utah license plates and a postage stamp commemorating Utah's centennial anniversary of admission to the Union in 1896.
The Long Haul West
It’s a big driving day back to Nevada, but the scenery on I-70 through the San Rafael Swell is surprisingly epic.
Depart Moab
It’s a big driving day back to Nevada, but the scenery on I-70 through the San Rafael Swell is surprisingly epic.
Beaver, Utah
Beaver is a city in and the county seat of Beaver County in southwestern Utah, United States. The population was 3,592 at the 2020 census, up from the 2010 figure of 3,112.
Las Vegas Strip
The Las Vegas Strip is the newer main street of Las Vegas, offering boundless entertainment opportunities through gambling, restaurants, shows and more. Visitors with money to spend and the energy for nightlife will get the most out of The Strip, although since the 1980s attractions have developed for families and travelers on a budget as well.
- Pack layers! Bryce is cold even in summer, while Moab will be scorching.
- Day 7: 6.5h driving — plan rest stops
- 🛫 Route includes 0 flight + 1 rail segments. Map shows them as dashed lines (connection only, not real road).