Utah's Mighty 5 Loop
A whirlwind loop through the heart of the American Southwest, hitting all five of Utah's legendary national parks.
Springdale (Zion) → Bryce Canyon → Torrey (Capitol Reef) → Moab (Arches/Canyonlands)
Red Rocks and River Canyons
Grab some coffee and hit the road from Las Vegas or St. George. The landscape shifts quickly from desert scrub to towering sandstone walls as you approach the Virgin River valley.
Depart
Grab some coffee and hit the road from Las Vegas or St. George. The landscape shifts quickly from desert scrub to towering sandstone walls as you approach the Virgin River valley.
Zion National Park
This is the crown jewel. Hop on the park shuttle to the Temple of Sinawava and walk the Riverside Walk to the start of the Narrows. If you've got the energy and a permit, the hike to Scout Lookout offers views that’ll make your heart skip a beat.
Springdale
Wind down in this gateway town. It’s nestled right under the canyon walls, making it the perfect spot to grab a local brew and watch the sunset turn the cliffs deep orange.
Hoodoos and High Altitudes
This drive is an attraction itself. The tunnel has "windows" cut into the rock, and the switchbacks on the other side look like something out of a car commercial.
Drive through Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel
This drive is an attraction itself. The tunnel has "windows" cut into the rock, and the switchbacks on the other side look like something out of a car commercial.
Bryce Canyon National Park
It’s not actually a canyon, but a series of massive natural amphitheaters. Walk the Navajo Loop trail down into the "Silent City"—you’ll be surrounded by thousands of orange rock spires called hoodoos.
Bryce Canyon Inspiration Point
Before the sun dips too low, stand here to see the scale of the park. The shadows stretching across the hoodoos make for the best photos of the trip.
The Loneliest Road & Waterpocket Fold
This is often voted the most beautiful drive in America. You'll cross "The Hogback," a narrow ridge with steep drops on both sides—keep your eyes on the road, but tell your passengers to look out!
Scenic Byway 12
This is often voted the most beautiful drive in America. You'll cross "The Hogback," a narrow ridge with steep drops on both sides—keep your eyes on the road, but tell your passengers to look out!
Capitol Reef National Park
This park is a hidden gem. Visit the Fruita District to see historic orchards and ancient Petroglyphs. If it’s harvest season, you can actually pick fruit from the trees planted by pioneers.
Hickman Bridge Trail
A relatively easy hike to a massive 133-foot natural bridge. It’s a great way to stretch your legs after the morning drive.
Arches and Island in the Sky
The drive across the San Rafael Swell feels like driving on the moon. Vast, open, and rugged.
Head East
The drive across the San Rafael Swell feels like driving on the moon. Vast, open, and rugged.
Arches National Park
This place gets busy, so head straight for the Windows Section or Delicate Arch. Seeing that free-standing arch against the La Sal Mountains is a quintessential Utah moment.
Dead Horse Point State Park
A short detour from the main road to Canyonlands. It offers a gooseneck view of the Colorado River 2,000 feet below—honestly, it rivals the Grand Canyon for drama.
Canyons Forever and the Long Road Home
It's a longer drive today as you loop back toward your starting hub, passing through the red desert one last time.
Canyonlands National Park (Island in the Sky)
Visit Mesa Arch early. It sits right on the edge of a cliff, framing the vast canyon system below. It’s the perfect "final" viewpoint for the Mighty 5.
Grand Point Overlook
The very end of the paved road. You can see for a hundred miles in every direction, looking down at the "White Rim" trail and the winding rivers.
- Pack twice as much water as you think you need; the high desert air is incredibly drying.