Customize dates and stops, or download a PDF.

Utah's Mighty 5: The Red Rock Loop

An 8-day loop through Utah's "Mighty 5" National Parks, balanced with scenic drives and hidden state park gems.

Las Vegas Strip → Valley of Fire → Springdale → Bryce Canyon → Torrey → Goblin Valley → Moab → Cedar City → Las Vegas Strip

  1. Into the Fire and Zion

    Leave the neon lights behind and head northeast into the Mojave Desert's red heart.

    • Las Vegas Strip

      Start your journey heading toward the Nevada-Utah border.

    • Zion Canyon Scenic Drive

      Enter the towering walls of Zion National Park.

    • Valley of Fire State Park

      Walk among the Aztec Sandstone formations and see ancient petroglyphs.

  2. The Vertical Walls of Zion

    Dedicate the morning to the valley floor before climbing toward the high plateau.

    • Riverside Walk

      A paved trail leading to the start of the Narrows, framed by weeping walls.

    • Checkerboard Mesa

      Stop at this unique petrified sand dune with its distinct cross-bedding.

    • Sunset Point

      Arrive at Bryce Canyon in time to see the hoodoos glow in the late light.

  3. The High Plateaus and Scenic Byway 12

    Experience one of the most beautiful drives in America as you transition between parks.

    • Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive

      Visit the various overlooks including Inspiration Point and Bryce Point.

    • Kiva Coffeehouse

      A perfect stop for a break with sweeping views of the Escalante Grand Staircase.

    • Utah Scenic Byway 12

      Drive the "All-American Road" over the Hogback, a narrow ridge with drops on both sides.

  4. The Waterpocket Fold

    Explore the "Land of the Sleeping Rainbow" and the strange geology of the San Rafael Swell.

    • Hickman Bridge Trailhead

      A moderate hike to a massive natural bridge.

    • Capitol Reef Scenic Drive

      Wind through the heart of the park's tilted rock layers.

    • Goblin Valley State Park

      Walk among thousands of "hoodoos" or mushroom-shaped rock pinnacles.

    • Moab Main Street

      Enter the adventure capital of the West.

  5. The Arches and Icons

    A day dedicated to the most famous natural stone spans in the world.

    • The Windows Section

      Visit Double Arch and the North/South Windows with minimal hiking.

    • Delicate Arch Viewpoint

      See Utah's most famous icon from across the canyon.

    • Grand View Point Overlook

      Peer over the edge of the Island in the Sky at the vastness of Canyonlands.

    • Dead Horse Point State Park

      Watch the Colorado River go around a 2,000-foot gooseneck bend.

  6. Canyonlands Deep Dive

    Deepen your exploration of the Moab area with a focus on the Colorado River corridors.

    • Corona Arch Trailhead

      Hike to one of the most spectacular arches located just outside the national park boundaries.

    • Potash Road Dinosaur Tracks

      See ancient tracks and petroglyphs along the riverside cliffs.

    • Moqui Cave

      Explore this unique natural history museum carved into the sandstone nearby.

  7. Southern Spires and Hot Springs

    Begin the journey back west, stopping at unique roadside landmarks.

    • Wilson Arch

      A massive roadside arch that requires only a short scramble to reach.

    • Mystic Hot Springs

      Soak in natural mineral water in vintage bathtubs set into the hillside.

    • Cedar City Downtown

      Arrive in the "Festival City" for a change of pace.

  8. The Finger Canyons to Vegas

    Conclude the loop with a visit to Zion's hidden side before returning to the city.

    • Kolob Canyons Viewpoint

      See the massive red fingers of Zion from the northwest entrance.

    • Pioneer Park

      A local favorite in St. George with red rocks you can climb right in town.

    • Las Vegas Strip

      Return to the starting point to wrap up the journey.