The Ultimate Guide to Utah’s Mighty Five National Parks
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What to do, When to Go, and How to Travel on a Budget in Utah’s Five National Parks + How I did it all Solo!
I visited Zion National Park in April 2019 along with a stop at the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and Horseshoe bend. After this short trip, it was safe to say I was captivated with the American Southwest!
Warm canyons stretching miles with bright blue skies; I was inspired more than I thought I would be. Just a few months later in November, I booked another trip, but this time only to Utah to visit the other four of the “Mighty Five” National Parks!
Each is so vastly different, it’s hard to pick a favorite! In this post, I will share how to travel to these parks on a budget, what to do while you’re there, how long you should spend at each, and how to get there!
Bonus tip: Get a National Park Annual Pass for 90$ if you plan to visit all five to save $$$.
When to Go
I would recommend going during the “off season” of early spring & late fall/winter for two main reasons: less HEAT and less CROWDS.
Of course if summer is the ONLY time you can go, then go! But I would personally avoid the summer months of June- August. Even when I went to Zion in mid April, it was pretty crowded! (i.e. the first bus to get to Angels Landing was at 100% capacity, with people still left behind in line)
Bonus tip: Visiting Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Bryce in mid November was heavenly. I heard from a few locals this is the best time to go as the crowds are so thin, but the weather is great! There can be a chance of snow in places during this time, mostly Bryce, so check the forecast. However when I went during the day, the high was in the low 60s, but getting up for sunrise was quite chilly with temps as low as in the 20s! Once the sun came up, it warmed right up so dressing in layers is key.
Getting There
When I went to Zion, I flew in and out of Las Vegas airport. It looked like this:
Las Vegas -> 4 hrs to Grand Canyon -> 2 hrs to Horseshoe Bend & Antelope Canyon -> 2 hrs to Zion -> 2 1/2 hrs to Las Vegas.
When I went to the other four, I flew in and out of Salt Lake City and it looked like this:
Salt Lake City -> 4 hrs to Bryce -> 2 hrs to Capitol Reef -> 2 hrs to Moab. From Moab, you are minutes outside of Arches, and about 1 hr from Canyonlands (depending on the district). -> 4 hrs to Salt Lake City.
Bonus tip: If you are going to all five and on a budget, I would fly in/out of SLC (within a 4-5 hr drive to all five), compared to Las Vegas, which is almost a 7 hr drive to Moab! There is also Grand Junction airport in Colorado, less than 2 hours’ drive away from Moab! However, this may cost you more.
Traveling on a Budget
Traveling here on a budget was not that hard. To find cheap flights I track them on Google Flights and fly from the largest airports near me. For budget accommodation I use Airbnb (links below). To save on rental cars I go through AAA and use Hertz, always getting the cheapest economy car, which is always great on gas! For food, I usually ate a sandwich and coffee from a gas station for breakfast (6$). For lunch I would mostly pack food/ snacks into the parks (5-8$). And for dinner I would usually do a large meal at a restaurant to take out as it is sometimes weird to eat by yourself LOL (15$).
Traveling the National Parks Solo
These were the first (and only) two solo trips I have taken.. yet 😉
I found them all very easy to navigate between Google maps on my phone and the National Park maps/ visitor guides.
I never felt unsafe in any of these parks, any of the towns of the Airbnbs where I stayed, or in any place I stopped at along the way!
Tips for solo travelers/ hikers: Give your friends and family a itinerary of what you’ll be doing each day. Check in with family and friends telling them where you are and where you are going next ESPECIALLY when you are leaving where you are staying to go into a park. You may not have cell service the whole day you’re in the park, and for miles outside of it! (I’m looking at you Capitol Reef) Bring plenty of water and food for hikes as well as a flashlight and spare battery pack to charge your phone if needed. ALWAYS take a picture of the trail right before you start (there is always a map at the beginning) in case you lose your way, and bring your national park map/ guide.
1. Zion
Plan your visit: download this map before you go & pick up a guide at the visitor center! https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/upload/Shuttle-map_7_7_17.pdf
Where I Stayed
I use Airbnbs whenever I travel as they are usually cheaper and offer more unique experiences. This one was about 45 minutes outside of Zion and was a ‘yurt’ in a campground, at just 39$/night! https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/27963032?source_impression_id=p3_1574183974_FCqjVCzPm70z77mS
Get 40$ off your first Airbnb! https://www.airbnb.com/c/katelynk811?currency=USD
How long I stayed
I was in Zion for one half day, and one full day. I really think that Zion deserves at least two full days, especially if you want to do big hikes such as The Narrows (closed when I went). I really fell in love with this park, and just found it magical- wishing I had more time to spend there!
What I did
The first hike I did was an easy one, called Canyon Overlook on the east side of Zion. One of the best views of the park for the smallest effort! Just about one mile roundtrip.
The next hike I did was the Watchman trail for sunset, which I would highly recommend. Gorgeous 360 views, and it is not that difficult at less than 400 feet of elevation gain over 3 miles roundtrip. It is easy to access, just cross the road from the Zion visitor center and the trailhead is on the east bank of the Virgin River.
The next day, I woke up nice and early to catch the first bus to hike Angels Landing; 5.5 miles roundtrip with 1500 ft elevation gain.
Bonus tip: People will start lining up at the bus stop in the first parking lot well before – so be early! Check the bus schedule before you go to see when that is. Depending on the month/ season, the bus schedule changes.
If I am being honest, I got on the bus not really knowing if I would actually complete the hike. I am pretty much scared to death of heights, and was doing this solo.. besides the probably hundred(s) of people on the trail 😉
So I got a small ways up the first set of chains after “Walter’s Wiggles”- the many switchbacks to get up to the point where you hike up the chains, and was ready to turn around. As I was walking away, I thought “I came alllll this way, I may as well try.” With my small amount of courage, I made it up to the top!
Disclaimer: If you have vertigo or get panic attacks/ severe anxiety over heights, don’t do this hike for safety reasons. I also would NOT recommend bringing small children, even though I did see some on the trail.. People HAVE died on this hike. Wear good hiking shoes/ boots, not Vans or tennis sneakers.. you will have better traction and less chance of slipping!
I then hiked Lower Emerald Pools, another short trail, with beautiful views! After this, I ate lunch at the Zion Canyon Brewery in the park with a much needed beer, then relaxed along the river, and headed back to the airport to fly home.
2. Bryce
Plan your visit: download this map before you go & pick up a guide at the visitor center! http://npmaps.com/wp-content/uploads/bryce-canyon-national-park-map.pdf
Where I stayed
I stayed in an Airbnb in Hatch, UT about 30 minutes away from Bryce. It was a great private small cabin at just 60$/night! https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/21899508?source_impression_id=p3_1574187921_ZhV5dzzST4Fnee9S
How long I stayed
I had an entire day in Bryce, from sunrise to sunset. However, I don’t think you have to spend a full day in this park. As incredible as it is, after a while different sections of the park kind of started to look the same to me. I would recommend a half day for a great sunrise and a few mile long hike into the hoodoos.
What I did
I walked the paved Sunset to Sunrise Point walk, half mile roundtrip, during sunrise to get many different views of the sunrise! I found the best view of the sunrise to be at sunset point, ironically.
I then hiked the Navajo Loop/ Queens Garden Trail. Combined, they are about 3 miles roundtrip with 600 feet elevation gain. This trail begins at either Sunset or Sunrise Point and is well marked. I have to say, if you are able, definitely walk down into the hoodoos while you are in Bryce to truly experience this park and admire the gorgeous hoodoos! From below, you can see how truly unique and large they are as they tower over you.
After this, I listened to a “geology talk” by a national park ranger about how the hoodoos and the canyon were formed- very interesting! Check the visitor center for the times.
Next I walked from Sunset point to Inspiration Point, a nice peaceful walk since everyone usually drives to this point.
By this time, I was starving so I headed back into Bryce Canyon City, just a 10 minute drive, to get lunch. After, I drove to Fairyland Point (right before you enter Bryce), Bryce Point, and then to the Natural Bridge viewpoint.
Bonus tip: If I knew before how highly rated the ‘fairlyland loop’ was I would have hiked it! The fairyland section is actually not in the national park, it is right before you get into Bryce. I just went to the viewpoint but wished I did the 9 mile hike. This section looks similar to the main amphitheater but it is less crowded and offers a great day hike option. Skip the Navajo Loop/ Queens Garden trail for this if you want more seclusion or you have more time.
For sunset, I again walked around from Sunrise to Sunset Point to get multiple shots with different angles/ lighting. The actual Sunset Point at sunset was ridiculously crowded with selfie sticks and people crawling on each other, so I stayed out of that.
3. Capitol Reef
Plan your visit: download this map before you go and pickup a guide at the visitor center! https://www.nps.gov/care/planyourvisit/upload/CARE-Park-Map-for-web.pdf
Where I stayed
I didn’t actually stay near Capitol Reef. Instead, I woke up at 5am from where I was staying near Bryce and drove 2 hrs to this park, stayed a half day, then drove another 2 hrs to Moab.
How long I stayed
I was here for just a half day and did two hikes. However, going into the park, I realized how underrated it was! The park reminded me of Zion in a way with a valley and river; it just had hardly ANY tourists. Granted, I did start my hikes very early on a weekday in November.
I wish I had stayed longer, so I recommend at least a full day here.
What I did
The first hike I did was the Hickman Bridge trail, at just under 3 miles roundtrip with 425 ft elevation gain, it was not overtly difficult. I started this hike just before 8am and passed all of six people coming back down, and I was the first one on the trail!
Next, I hiked the Cassidy Arch trail, a little more difficult at around 3 miles roundtrip and 700 ft elevation gain. To get to this trail, I found it a little confusing so I went to the visitor center and asked. Starting on the ‘Scenic Drive’ road, on your left about 15 minutes into the drive, you will see a dirt road and the sign will say “Grand Wash”. This dirt road is about a mile long, and my little rental Kia Soul made it just fine.
From the parking lot, you walk about 0.25 miles before you see the sign that indicates the Cassidy Arch trail to your left, where you will see a series of switchbacks. This hike can get just slightly hairy if you are not good with direction, a new hiker, and by yourself.. all of which I was. So, follow and keep track of the cairns. Go back to the last cairn you saw if you think you are lost.
It is slick rock all around, so again good shoes are imperative for traction!
4. Arches
Plan your visit: download this map before you go & pick up a guide at the visitor center. https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/upload/ARCHmap.pdf
Where I stayed
I stayed in a private room in someone’s house with an en suite with Airbnb, super cheap for the Moab area at 52$/night: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/22230453?source_impression_id=p3_1574211620_5LiHw2F7OTChLoYK
How long I stayed
I was in Arches for one full day which I think is great for this park. Get one sunrise and one sunset, and a few hikes in between, and you will be able to see most of what the park has to offer. However, I certainly don’t think it’s a bad idea to spend another day if you have the time.
What I did
In the morning, I was up early for sunrise at The Windows section of the park. Here, you can see the North and South Window arches, Turret Arch, and across the parking the lot is Double Arch. I have to say this was my favorite section of the park! In the early morning, there was hardly anyone here, but I have heard during the day it gets really crowded!
After the sunrise, I headed to the ‘Devils Garden’ section of the park, at the very end of the road from the visitor center (about 30 minutes away). On the way, I stopped at Skyline Arch, Sand Dune Arch, and Broken Arch.
Next I did the Devils Garden hike. If you walk the whole thing with the many paths leading off to different arches, it will be about 8 miles roundtrip with 1000 ft elevation gain and take you to a dozen arches! The level walk will first take you to landscape arch, it is not far at less than a mile.
From there, I took the primitive trail which does take some skills including route finding and mild rock climbing/ scrambling. Being afraid of heights this was a challenge for me, but I ended up meeting a few great people that stuck with me the whole time. Afterwards, we even ended up eating lunch together in the park. Being solo, I felt I had made a little trail family of sorts and it was really nice. 🙂
If you get the chance, try to say ‘hi’ to people on the trails, ask them where they’re from, and hear their story. Some of my best memories from trips are from meeting others traveling; hearing why they’re on their trips and where they’re going next!
And last by not certainly not least… For sunset I hiked to Delicate Arch. Infamous Delicate Arch. Even in November, it was quite crowded around the arch itself, but not too much so that it was impossible to get a good picture!
It’s not too difficult at 3 miles round trip with 480 feet elevation gain. What no one tells you though, is that to get to where the arch is, you have to walk on slick rock surrounding the arch, in a fish bowl shape. I don’t know why but every time I walk on this I think I’m just gonna slip and fall! It just freaks me out LOL. So remember everyone’s cool pics on Instagram and think of where they had to walk to get it. Maybe I’m over hyping it too much (its really not THAT bad), but just something to keep in mind.
Nevertheless, it is a gorgeous arch, and if you can I 100% urge you to walk on that slick rock to stand next to or below the arch. You will feel so small!
5. Canyonlands
Plan your visit: download this map before you go & pick up a guide at the visitor center. https://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/upload/canymap.pdf
How long I stayed
Canyonlands is a little more complicated than the other parks listed. It has 4 districts: Island in the Sky (most popular), the Needles, the Maze, and the rivers themselves (the Colorado and Green Rivers).
I stayed a half day in each Island in the Sky and the Needles. From Moab, Island in the Sky is just an under an hour’s drive, and the Needles is about an hour and a half. It’s important to note that it’s probably not feasible to do both of these in one day since they are 2+ hours driving distance from each other. I think a half day is sufficient enough for each district, though one full day is not a bad idea.
*For most roads that lead you to anything in the Needles district, you need a 4WD vehicle with high clearance (which I didn’t have). I did one hike here, and at the end I wasn’t sure if it was even worth driving an hour and a half for.
Where I stayed
I stayed in Moab for each day in Canyonlands, the same where I stayed for Arches (see above Airbnb).
What I did
In the Needles, I hiked from the Elephant Hill trailhead to Chesler Park. I didn’t do the full 12 miles “Chesler Park loop” because I was so tired from hiking 13-15 miles each day before. Just to the Chesler Park viewpoint is about 6 miles roundtrip with 700 feet elevation gain.
The trail is fun, and the needle formation of the rocks is beautiful and interesting, but I think after seeing all the other sites in Utah I wasn’t particularly blown away like I thought I would be! I’m not trying to discourage anyone from going here, but having a little rental Kia Soul I really couldn’t do anything else in this section of the park!
On the way back into Moab, I stopped for a few pictures of the canyon and large buttes along side the road. And I took a look at the petroglyphs on ‘Newspaper Rock’, close to the entrance of the park which was worth a stop!
The next morning, I woke up really early to catch the sunrise at the famous Mesa Arch. Most mornings there is a line of photographers at this arch, sitting shoulder to shoulder as it is not very big! In the winter months especially it is crowded due to the ‘glow’ that the sunrise gives the arch, though any time of year it is glorious.
Once the sun came up, I could see why the arch was so popular. It was my favorite sunrise of the trip, and one of the best views! The arch is just about a half mile roundtrip from the parking lot. Be sure to get here at least a half hour earlier than the sunrise to secure a spot, and to see the sky light up!
Next, I did two short walks that were about two miles round trip each.
The first was ‘White Rim Overlook’. It was kind of hard to find (the parking lot is between Buck Canyon Overlook and Grand View Point), but the sign will not say anything about White Rim Overlook. It will just say that there are picnic tables and hiking trails. The parking lot was also very limited.
The next walk was ‘Grand View Point Overlook’. Beautiful view points along the way and a rather easy walk.
On my way back into town, I stopped at ‘Green River Great Overlook’; one of the best views in the park in my opinion! And it is a very short walk from the parking lot.
That’s it folks!
And that concludes my ‘Ultimate Guide to Utah’s Mighty Five’!
I hope you enjoyed reading about my experiences and found useful tips for your own trip to this beautiful and unique state. Being in Utah you just feel like you are on a different planet.
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