Happy National Public Lands Day (Sept. 28, 2019)! To celebrate, we’re throwing it back to one of our pre-RTW trips.
In October 2017, Jonathan and I took a week-long road trip in Utah to visit all five national parks in the state (also known as “The Mighty 5”). All the parks are beautiful and they each have a lot to offer parkgoers. If you can, we highly recommend visiting all five! But if you need to pick just one for now, we hope this quick and dirty guide to the Mighty 5 will help.
If you love backcountry camping …
Canyonlands National Park
During our road trip, Jonathan reserved a backcountry permit for Murphy Point Overlook. Imagine our surprise (and delight) when we checked in with the ranger to pick up our permit and realized they only give out one permit for that mesa each night! Score. After a mile-and-a-half hike (or so) out to the overlook, we pitched our tent and enjoyed all this goodness [sunset pictured above] to ourselves.
If you appreciate amenities …
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park is gorgeous and also very accessible. If you aren’t into hiking or have mobility issues that prevent you from hitting the trail, there is a mile-long paved path along the rim of the canyon so you can still get all the great views the park is famous for [see above]. There are also plenty of restaurants, hotels, shops, etc., inside (and immediately outside) the park so you can stay in comfort and style.
If you don’t want to leave your car …
Arches National Park
I mean, we definitely recommend leaving your car if you have the time and inclination. But if you are driving through Moab and are really pressed for time, Arches National Park has a lovely 36-mile paved loop through the park for a scenic drive. Of course, you can get out at multiple points along the drive to admire the scenery closer up, and we encourage you to explore a few hiking trails on the way! Check out nps.gov or Moab Adventure Center for more suggestions on driving through Arches.
If you love epic hikes …
Zion National Park
Honestly, between The Narrows [pictured above], Angels Landing and The Subway, Zion has to have some of the very best hikes in the entire country–all in one park. And if you’re not an adventurous hiker, Zion has amenities that rival those of Bryce Canyon, so the park can definitely be visited in comfort.
If you don’t mind going the extra mile …
Capitol Reef National Park
Want to avoid the crowds that can come with the majesty that is the Mighty 5? Head to Capitol Reef. Whereas Zion and Bryce are neighbors within day-trip distance of Las Vegas, and Canyonlands and Arches are both at the edge of Moab, Capitol Reef is isolated from the other four parks in the center of the state. Browse the ancient fruit orchards and enjoy the foliage without fear of accidentally finding cell reception.
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