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 → Capitol Reef → Moab (Arches/Canyonlands) → Monument Valley → Las Vegas
Zion’s Towering Walls
Grab your rental (SUV recommended for comfort) and stock up on a massive cooler of water and snacks. The drive out of Vegas into the Virgin River Gorge is a stunning prelude to the red rocks.
Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
Grab your rental (SUV recommended for comfort) and stock up on a massive cooler of water and snacks. The drive out of Vegas into the Virgin River Gorge is a stunning prelude to the red rocks.
Zion National Park
Even among America's national parks, few can match the stunning beauty of Zion National Park. Situated between the Dixie and Canyon Country regions of southern Utah, the park protects a series of incredible rock formations and high sandstone cliffs, and is a favorite spot for hiking, backpacking, canyoneering and climbing.
Canyon Overlook Trail
The historical buildings and structures of Zion National Park represent a variety of buildings, interpretive structures, signs and infrastructure associated with the National Park Service's operations in Zion National Park, Utah.
Hoodoos and High Altitudes
Take it slow on the drive out; the checkerboard mesa formations are wild.
Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway
Take it slow on the drive out; the checkerboard mesa formations are wild.
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, stand here to see the vastness of the hoodoo forest. The air is thinner and cooler here (over 8,000ft), so keep a jacket handy even in summer.
The All-American Road
This is arguably the most beautiful drive in America. You’ll cross "The Hogback," a narrow ridge with drops on both sides—keep your eyes on the road, but have your passenger snap photos.
Highway 12 Scenic Byway
This is arguably the most beautiful drive in America. You’ll cross "The Hogback," a narrow ridge with drops on both sides—keep your eyes on the road, but have your passenger snap photos.
Kiva Coffeehouse
Stop here for a mid-drive refuel. The architecture blends into the cliffs and the view over the Escalante River basin is top-tier.
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.
Red Rocks to Arches
270km, 3h drive
Capitol Gorge Road
Drive deep into the canyon at Capitol Reef to see the "Pioneer Register," where early settlers carved their names into the rock.
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.
Delicate Arch Trail
Time your arrival at Arches for the late afternoon hike. It’s a steady uphill walk, but seeing that free-standing arch glow bright orange at sunset is a spiritual experience. Bring a headlamp for the walk back down!
Canyons and Island in the Sky
Specifically the "Island in the Sky" district. It’s a massive level mesa resting on sheer cliffs.
Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park is a national park in Utah's Canyon Country. The small town of Moab is the gateway to this and the nearby Arches National Park. It is divided into three districts not connected by roads interior to the park: the Island in the Sky, the Needles, and the Maze (including Horseshoe Canyon).
Mesa Arch
Mesa Arch is a pothole arch on the eastern edge of the Island in the Sky mesa in Canyonlands National Park in northern San Juan County, Utah, United States. Mesa Arch is a spectacular natural stone arch perched at the edge of a cliff with vast views of canyons, Monster Tower, Washer Woman Arch, Airport Tower, and the La Sal Mountains in the distance.
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.
The Long Desert Stretch
430km, 4.5h drive
Arches National Park (Windows Section)
A quick morning visit to the "Windows" and Double Arch before the crowds get heavy. They are massive and involve very little hiking.
Mexican Hat
As we head back south/west, stop by this rock that looks exactly like a sombrero.
Monument Valley
Monument Valley (Tsé Bii' Ndzisgaii in Navajo) is perhaps the most famous example of the classic American West landscape. In the Navajo Nation close to the border of Arizona and Utah, the valley has been the backdrop for many movies and advertisements, ranging from Marlboro cigarette ads to the films of John Ford to Back to the Future 3, Forrest Gump and Easy Rider.
The Road Back to Neon
450km, 4.5h drive
Lake Powell
Glen Canyon is a vast United States National Recreation Area in Utah's Canyon Country.
Kanab
Kanab is a small town in the Canyon Country region of the state of Utah, in the United States of America. It is famous for its past use as a backdrop for many famous western movies as well as a good base for exploring the surrounding area. It is also well known as the home of Best Friends Animal Society.
Las Vegas
Situated in the midst of the southern Nevada desert, Las Vegas is the largest city in the state of Nevada. Nicknamed Sin City, Las Vegas and its surrounding communities are famed for their mega-casino resorts, often lavishly decorated with names and themes meant to evoke romance, mystery, and exotic destinations.
- Day 5: 5h 35m driving — plan rest stops
- Day 7: 6h 25m driving — plan rest stops