Utah's Mighty Five From Salt Lake City
Discover Utah's 'mighty five' national parks on this escorted group tour from Salt Lake City. Enjoy plenty of opportunities for hiking, take in incredible and unique landscapes and see creatures such as bighorn sheep. Discover all of Utah's main national parks, visiting Canyonlands, Arches, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon and Zion national parks, plus lots more.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Welcome to Utah
Day 1 Welcome to Utah
Arrive in Salt Lake City and make your own way to our hotel. The rest of today is at leisure for you to settle in and head out to explore Utah's capital. Salt Lake City is known for its Mormon history and for its location on the Great Salt Lake, the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere.
Accommodation: Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Salt Lake City or similar
Day 2 Canyonlands National Park
Day 2 Canyonlands National Park
Salt Lake City - Canyonlands National Park - Moab. Our day starts at 7:00 as we make the four hour drive through the majestic Wasatch Mountains, crossing Soldier Summit and passing through Utah's Dinosaur Capital on our way to Canyonlands National Park, the first of our mighty five. Our first destination is the Island in the Sky district, where we can marvel at a wilderness of countless canyons, buttes, mesas, and other geological features sculpted over millions of years by the Colorado and Green Rivers.
We can hike along the rims of the canyon, visit the iconic Mesa Arch, and explore trails leading to Grandview Point, Murphy Point, or Upheaval Dome. We then make our way to the town of Moab for the evening.
Accommodation: Homewood Suites by Hilton or similar
Day 3 Arches National Park
Day 3 Arches National Park
Moab - Arches National Park - Moab. Today's excursion takes us to Arches National Park, home to over 2,000 arches as well as a diverse array of geological formations, including fault lines, petrified sand dunes, arches, bridges, balanced rocks, and spires.
Our day starts with a visit to Delicate Arch at sunrise to beat the crowds. Afterwards, we venture deeper into the park to explore areas like Park Avenue, Windows Section, Balanced Rock, Courthouse Wash, and other sites along the southern front of the park. Landscape Arch, and Double Arch are all must-see formations. If time permits, we'll also have the chance to explore Cove of Caves, Garden of Eden, Petrified Sand Dunes, Fiery Furnace Viewpoint, Double O Arch, and more.
We take a scenic drive and hike along the Colorado River to discover the remarkable Petroglyph Panels, dinosaur tracks, and various geological formations just outside the park. After a day of hiking, soaking up incredible views and taking in many of the park's best landmarks, we return to Moab for the evening.
Accommodation: Homewood Suites by Hilton or similar
Day 4 Exploring Capitol Reef National Park
Day 4 Exploring Capitol Reef National Park
Moab - Capitol Reef National Park - Torrey. Leaving Moab, we enjoy a brief visit to see the unique rock formations at Goblin Valley State Park.
Then it's onwards to Capitol Reef National Park, a landscape of cliffs, canyons, domes, bridges, petrified wood, geodes, and fruit orchards. Nestled in the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile geologic monocline exposed by erosion, the park offers a glimpse into 15+ unique rock layers, from the top layers of the Grand Canyon to Mesa Verde, all within a compact area.
Our guide will share fascinating stories about the settlers and Native Americans who inhabited this region for thousands of years, and we can see some of the ancient petroglyphs and historic buildings from past inhabitants. The final stops for the day include Sulphur Creek Overlook and Panoramic Point. Our day concludes in Torrey.
Accommodation: Capitol Reef Resort or similar
Day 5 Bryce Canyon National Park
Day 5 Bryce Canyon National Park
Torrey - Capitol Reef National Park - Bryce Canyon National Park - Bryce City. Opt to rise early and enjoy a mesmerizing sunrise from your hotel balcony. We then head back to Capitol Reef National Park for a morning of hiking and exploration. Today's options include Hickman Bridge, Cassidy Arch, Grand Wash, Cohab Canyon, Chimney Rock, and Sulphur Creek, each offering unique experiences with diverse rock formations.
We then make the 3-4 hour drive to Bryce Canyon National Park via Scenic Route 12, stopping to traverse the Canyons of Escalante and hike a short section of the Burr Trail. On arrival, we take a short hike to Mossy Cave along the East Fork of the Sevier River. Then it's on to our accommodation in Bryce City.
Accommodation: Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel or similar
Day 6 Bryce Canyon sunrise & Zion National Park
Day 6 Bryce Canyon sunrise & Zion National Park
Bryce City - Bryce Canyon National Park - Zion National Park - Springdale. We rise early once more, venturing back into the national park to enjoy the sunrise from the rim of Bryce Canyon. We then enjoy a comfortable walk along the rim or you can opt for hikes like the Queen's Garden/Navajo Loop trail or Fairyland Loop trail. Besides hiking, we have the opportunity to spot pronghorns, antelope, deer, and other mammals native to this high plateau.
Around lunchtime, we head to Zion National Park, a drive of around 2 hours. Entering Zion National Park through its east entrance, we are greeted by remnants of the world's largest sand dunes. Bighorn sheep scaling cliffs, ponderosa pines rooted in sheer rock faces, and ancient layers of sand shaped over millions of years await.
After brief stops at Checkerboard Mesa and other prime photo spots, we hike up to Canyon Overlook with a view extending 2,500 feet down to Pine Creek and Zion Canyon. Traversing the historic 1.1-mile tunnel, we descend into the main canyon, experiencing the sacred landscape valued by Native Americans for millennia.
We then make our way to Springdale, where the evening is at leisure to rest and recharge.
Accommodation: Hotel De Novo Tapestry by Hilton or similar
Day 7 Return to Salt Lake City
Day 7 Return to Salt Lake City
Springdale - Zion National Park - Salt Lake City. You can choose to lie in this morning or wake early to explore. Options for adventure include hiking the Virgin River Narrows, traversing Angels Landing, walking to the Emerald Pools, or tackling the East Rim Trail to reach Cable Mountain.
At noon, we leave Zion National Park for our journey back to Salt Lake City, a 4.5-hour drive. En route, we stop for lunch in historic Cedar City and take another break in Fillmore. Our route will also take us along the Hurricane and Wasatch Fault lines. We aim to arrive in Salt Lake City in the early evening, and you can head out for an evening in the city.
Accommodation: Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Salt Lake City or similar
Day 8 Salt Lake City
Day 8 Salt Lake City
Our tour comes to an end this morning, after a final breakfast at the hotel. Make your own way to the airport for your onward journey.
Tour Highlights
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Hotels
Situated off US-191 in downtown Moab, this laid-back all-suite hotel is 6 kilometres from the Slickrock Bike Trail and 8 kilometres from Arches National Park. The casual suites provide free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and kitchens with microwaves, fridges, and dishwashers, as well as living areas with pull-out sofas. A hot breakfast is offered, along with regular weekday evening socials featuring drinks and snacks. Additional amenities include a gym, an indoor pool, a hot tub, and a 24-hour convenience store, with coin-operated laundry facilities also available.
Overlooking the red cliffs and situated 1.6 kilometres from Capitol Reef National Park, this laid-back resort is 4.8 kilometres from the charming town of Torrey. The relaxed rooms come with flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi. The resort features an informal restaurant, a gift shop, and a newsstand, as well as a seasonal heated outdoor pool and a hot tub. Additional benefits include hiking opportunities.
Located 1.6 km from Bryce Canyon National Park, this relaxed, country-style hotel is 6.4 km from Sunset Point and 12.9 km from Swamp Canyon. The cosy rooms offer free Wi-Fi, work desks, flat-screen TVs, coffee makers, mini fridges, and microwaves. Amenities include a hot breakfast, a seasonal outdoor pool, a hot tub, and a 24-hour fitness room. There is also a business centre and meeting facilities.
Nestled among red rock hills, this upscale, log cabin-style lodge is 4.2 kilometres from the south entrance of Zion National Park and 6.4 kilometres from the Zion Human History Museum. The cosy rooms, decorated in a woodsy-chic style, feature flat-screen TVs, minifridges, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi, with complimentary admission to an on-site wildlife museum. Additional amenities include a rustic steakhouse/bar, event space, a hot tub, and a seasonal outdoor pool.
Just a 2-minute walk from a light rail station, this straightforward hotel on a busy street is 1.6 kilometres from Salt Lake Temple and 8 kilometres from Red Butte Garden. The stylish rooms, featuring contemporary décor and pillow-top mattresses, offer free Wi-Fi, iPod docks, and flat-screen TVs with premium channels, as well as marble bathrooms, kitchenettes, and sitting areas. A trendy bistro/bar serves breakfast and dinner, while amenities include a gym, an indoor pool, and a hot tub, along with a market and a business centre.
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