by Looking for the best active road trip around the Southwest? Below is our most complete itinerary of Utah’s Mighty 5 national parks – Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, Arches, Canyonlands – as well as the Grand Canyon and a few other amazing destinations along the way. It may look like a speedy trip, but you’ll do so much hiking in each park that you’ll feel like you know every corner of it. The only decisions you have to make is where to stay each night. Note that this road trip is best combined with campgrounds that are the closest to each destination.
Get our roadbook to experience the magic of Utah’s Mighty 5 parks in 8 days
For only US$5.00, you can download our mini-guidebook to save you time and energy in creating an itinerary from scratch. This personalized roadbook includes the most pertinent information about the parks, directions to trailheads, alternate activities in case your original plan falls through, fun facts about the area, and a few other helpful tidbits.
Of course you can check Google, Lonely Planet, TripAdvisor, Yelp, talk to locals, and use many other resources to decide where to go. But you’ll get more information than you want. That’s where DetourOn comes in. Download the below DetourOn Roadbook to alleviate frustration caused by information overload. You’ll have the most pertinent and interesting information for a stress-free travel experience.
Roadbook – Utah’s Might 5 and more
Road trip for 8 days through the most alluring national parks of the American Southwest – Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, Arches, Canyonlands, Grand Canyon – and other amazing places along the way
$5.00
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Much value could be added to your travels when you have more time to enjoy your surroundings and waste less energy fretting about how to do it.
Itinerary summary
8 days to Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, Arches, Canyonlands, Monument Valley, Lake Powell, and the Grand Canyon. This itinerary is ideal as a camping road trip any time of year. Keep in mind that summer temps are scorching, so keep the longer hikes for early morning or late evening. In winter, you may be hiking and camping in snow in places like Bryce and the Grand Canyon. No matter the season, there’s something new to experience year-round. You may want to return to follow the exact same itinerary in a different season!
Highlights
- Zion: Half-day hike in Zion Canyon, combining multiple mythical trails in the park
- Bryce: Half-day hike in the Bryce Amphitheater, combining multiple alluring trails in the park
- Capitol Reef and the San Rafael Swell: Short stops and walks along the highway
- Moab area: Hikes in Arches, Canyonlands, and along the scenic Colorado River corridor
- Navajo Nation and Lake Powell: Visit Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon, and a tiny part of the immense Lake Powell
- Grand Canyon: Hike around the South Rim
- Other: Hidden gems along the way to stretch your legs and enjoy the views
Roadbook – Utah’s Might 5 and more
Road trip for 8 days through the most alluring national parks of the American Southwest – Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, Arches, Canyonlands, Grand Canyon – and other amazing places along the way
$5.00
Cart:
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Itinerary
Day 1: Drive Las Vegas to Zion and hike Angels Landing, Emerald Pools, and Riverside Walk. Total drive time 3 hours.
Day 2: Sunrise hike in Zion (Canyon Overlook) followed by drive to Bryce. Afternoon hike Figure 8 combo trails in the Bryce Amphitheater. Total drive time 2 hours.
Day 3: Drive to Capitol Reef, stopping to hike at Lower Calf Creek Falls in the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. Total drive time 3 hours.
Day 4: Drive to Moab, stopping to hike in the San Rafael Swell at Little Wild Horse Canyon and Goblin Valley State Park. Total drive time 3 hours.
Day 5: Three fantastic hikes in one day! Start with an early morning walk under the Fisher Towers near Moab. From there, continue for a hike in Arches National Park, and finish the day with an evening stroll in Canyonlands National Park. Total drive time 1 hour.
Day 6: Start with a sunrise hike to the infamous Delicate Arch. Continue to Monument Valley for a million photo ops. In the afternoon, check out Navajo National Monument. Total drive time 4 hours.
Day 7: Join a morning guided tour to Betatakin, if available. From there, continue to Page to learn about Lake Powell and the Glen Canyon Dam. While there, visit Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, and then set off toward the Grand Canyon South Rim.
Day 8: Morning walk at the Grand Canyon. In the afternoon, drive to Las Vegas with stops along the Route 66 and the Hoover Dam. Total drive time 4.5 hours.
Where to spend the night
Links for the nearest campgrounds to each destination:
Zion National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park
Capitol Reef National Park
Moab Area (Arches and Canyonlands)
Grand Canyon National Park
Campgrounds around Las Vegas
If you’re booking hotels:
Night 1: Reserve 1 night in Zion Lodge or hotel of your choice in Springdale, UT
Night 2 Reserve 1 night in Bryce Canyon Lodge or Ruby’s Inn
Night 3: Reserve 1 night in any hotel or B&B in Torrey, UT
Nights 4 & 5: Reserve 2 nights in any hotel or B&B in Moab, UT
Night 6: Reserve 1 night in any hotel or B&B in Kayenta, AZ
Night 7: Reserve 1 night in one of the lodges in Grand Canyon Village or hotel of your choice in Tusayan
Night 8: Las Vegas. Go with your gut.
Have questions or want to modify this itinerary?
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See you on the trails!