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Utah is home to five magnificent national parks that span its southern and central regions. These parks, collectively known as the "Mighty 5", are home to some of America's most exhilarating hiking routes and iconic scenery. Tourists can ascend Zion's Angels Landing, view the hoodoo wonderland in Bryce Canyon, discover Capitol Reef's Water Pocket Fold, and visit Mesa Arch in Canyonlands to witness the dawn. At Delicate Arch in Arches National Park, they can observe the sunset. It is difficult to match Utah's splendor if they enjoy arid, rocky terrain. These parks have plenty of hiking paths to keep tourists occupied for weeks. Additionally, if tourists enjoy taking road trips, Utah is the ideal state to see from a vehicle's seat. It is highly recommended to spend some time exploring the very picturesque roads they pass through during their drive through the national parks. This region of the United States is really enticing to everyone. Here is a guide to the Mighty 5 in 5 days.
Day 1: Get On The Road To The Wonderful Zion National Park
The Utah Mighty 5's Zion National Park is the one that is closest to Las Vegas, where tourists can begin their trips. It is ideal to reach Zion by 7:00 AM. There are many things tourists may accomplish in a single day in the marvelous park. They can start their day by hiking to Observation Point. Then, they can have a lovely drive through the park. After that, they may end their visits by making a few miles of trekking into the Narrows. If they still have the time, they may also try the Angels Landing hike.
- Recommended hotels: Zion Ponderosa, Cliffrose Lodge, Zion Mountain Ranch, Quality Inn Bryce Canyon, etc.
Day 2: Wander In The Enchanting Bryce Canyon National Park
From Zion National Park, it takes around two hours to go reach Bryce Canyon National Park. When tourists arrive, tourists can complete at least three linked trails: they can start with the Queen's Garden Trail, which descends from the top of the park. Then they can join the Navajo Loop Trail to return. Finally, they can climb up to the summit and walk the magnificent Rim Trail. This picturesque trek makes hikers fall in love with Bryce Canyon even more. Most people can do this moderate hike in a single day.
- Recommended hotels: Bryce Canyon Pines, Stone Canyon Inn, The Grand, Ruby’s Inn, etc.
Day 3: Visit The Least Known Park Of Mighty 5, Capitol Reef National Park
Without a doubt, Capitol Reef National Park is one of the magnificent 5 road trip itinerary's less well-known sites. Nevertheless, it is also one of the Utah national parks where visitors are most pleasantly surprised by how gratifying a visit is. They may enjoy the incredible natural beauty and take in some fascinating human history in the park. In order to fully experience the varied Utah scenery, hikers can choose from a wide variety of treks of various lengths and difficulties. They may choose from simple, short, and clearly designated paths to more difficult wilderness hikes. However, Capitol Reef National Park is not just a hiker's paradise. Its center is the Fruita Historic District. A stop here gives Utah's formidable 5 national parks road trip a historical context.
- Recommended hotels: Rodeway Inn Capitol Reef, Broken Spur Inn, Capitol Reef Resort, etc.
Day 4: Time To Stop At The Astonishing Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park is the next destination on the Utah Mighty 5 road trip itinerary. Island in the Sky, the Needles, and the Maze are the three distinct sections of Canyonlands. Island in the Sky is the closest part to Moab. Beautiful rim-side views of the huge canyons that dominate the area may be seen from there, and it is the most visited section of the park. Tourists can locate Mesa Arch, a magnificent park landmark, on the Island of the Sky. On their road journey through the Utah national parks, the Mesa Arch Trail, which is less than a mile long, will take tourists past some of the most beautiful views. The Canyonlands National Park's Needles sector is well-known for its hiking trails and for the needle-shaped rock spires that dot the landscape. Though less distant than the Maze, it is farther away than Island in the Sky. The Maze area of the national park is the furthest, making it ideal for those seeking isolation, daring maze-like walks, and more breathtaking views. As an extra district, Rivers of Canyonlands is occasionally referenced. There, tourists may enjoy canoeing, kayaking, and rafting in this area of the national park since it is lush and shaded.
- Recommended hotels: Canyonlands Lodging, Red Cliffs Lodge, Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn, etc.
Day 5: It Is A Wrap With The Bewitching Arches National Park
On the Utah big 5 road trip schedule, Arches National Park is a collection of stunning reddish rock formations in a variety of forms. The magnificent sandstone arches are the most astonishing and known formations. More than 2,000 distinctive arches may be seen in the national park. To get a better look at the most famous arch, Delicate Arch, tourists can park their cars at the Delicate Arch Trailhead and trek there. The 3-mile (4.8-kilometer) round journey is enjoyable at any time of day, but if tourists go in the summer, they shall be aware of the heat and lack of shade. In Arches National Park, the arches are, without a doubt, the major draw, but tourists shall not overlook the sandstone fins, hoodoos, and towers.
- Recommended hotels: The Moab Resort, WorldMark Associate, SpringHill Suites, Aarchway Inn, etc.