Utah’s Mighty 5
Utah is blessed with many incredible scenic areas and state parks. It is also home to five national parks that bear the nickname The Mighty 5. Over two separate trips, I have had the privilege of visiting all five of the national parks to witness their beauty firsthand.
On my first trip to Utah, I visited Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park near Moab, Utah and Capitol Reef National Park which is approximately two hours west of Moab. Recently, I returned to Utah to explore the two southernmost national parks, Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park. All five of these parks are unique and provide visitors with breathtaking vistas and mind-bending rock formations. Here are some of my favorite photos and locations you can enjoy while visiting The Mighty 5.
Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park is known for its desert landscape which was carved by the Colorado River. The park is comprised of three sections, the Island in the Sky, the Needles, and the Maze. Due to being more remote, the Needles and the Maze are less visited than the Island in the Sky. During my trip, I spent my time exploring the Island in the Sky section which is a huge, flat-topped mesa with panoramic views.
Each stop on the Island in the Sky is incredible. You are able to park and take a short walk to the observation points in most areas. Little hiking is required to enjoy the jaw-dropping views. Grand View Point, Green River Overlook, Schafer Trail Viewpoint, Mesa Arch Trail, and White Rim Overlook are a few must-visit locations, but the best thing to do is to take your time and just explore.
The photos below highlight some noteworthy vistas:
Left: Shafer Trail Viewpoint - The first main overlook once you enter the park in the Island in the Sky section, this stop will get you excited about all of the views to come.
Center: Mesa Arch - The most popular photo spot in the park, a .5-mile walk will take you to Mesa Arch where you can view the canyon through an arched, sandstone rock formation. This view is perfect at sunrise - but expect crowds.
Right: Green River Overlook - The power of water is evident at this overlook where you can see the canyon formed by the Green. River winding its way across the plateau.
*Bonus: If you get a chance, go to Dead Horse State Park. This location is very close to Canyonlands and offers some of the best views in the area with an interesting history.
Arches National Park
One of the best-known national parks in Utah, Arches draws many people to the Moab area. This park contains 2,500 stone arches and is such an adventure to visit. Some of the landforms are visible from the road or an overlook, but to get the best experience in Arches, you will want to hike closer to the arches. They are even more impressive up close.
A few notable sights that are worth the hike are Delicate Arch, the arches at Devil’s Garden, and the arches along The Windows Trail. From the road, you can get great views of Double Arch, Balanced Rock, and Skyline Arch, but if you hike closer to these sights, you gain even better views. The drive into the park is particularly scenic as you pass by Park Avenue, Courthouse Towers, and view the La Sal Mountains to the southeast.
The photos below highlight some noteworthy vistas:
Left: Delicate Arch - This is a strenuous, uphill hike that is 1.5 miles each way. The arch is iconic and larger than you expect once you get next to it. *My favorite hike in the park.
Center: Skyline Arch - The walk to this arch is an easy .4-mile walk each way and is considered one of the easiest in the park.
Right: Balanced Rock - Although Balanced Rock can be viewed from the road and parking area, it is worth the short, .3-mile loop trail around the rock for different perspectives.
Capitol Reef National Park
Not to be overlooked, Capitol Reef National Park is a bit more remote. Situated 2 hours west of Arches and Canyonlands and 2 hours northeast of Zion and Bryce, it takes a bit of effort to visit this park. You will not be disappointed by the rich geological history and stunning views the park has to offer. A geological feature called the Waterpocket Fold spans approximately 100 miles and created some of the beautiful formations in the park.
Visitors usually only see a small portion of the park off of Highway 24. From this area, you can see the small historic town of Fruita with its orchards - a sight that stands out in the desert landscape. For sunset, check out Panorama Point and Sunset Point with expansive views right off of Highway 24.
For more adventurous visitors, the Hickman Natural Bridge trail (1.7 miles and an elevation gain of 416 feet) and Cassidy Arch hike (3.1 miles with an elevation gain of 600 feet) are highly recommended. These are the most popular hikes in the park. Another section of the park that is remote but popular is the Temples of the Sun and Moon. These large monoliths are located down a rough dirt road but are incredible photography subjects.
The photos below highlight some noteworthy vistas:
Left: Historic Fruita - An apple orchard in the middle of the desert? You will be surprised by the green contrasting with the red cliffs. The Gifford Homestead, schoolhouse and barn give you a glimpse into the history of this early Mormon settlement which was active from 1895 to 1947.
Center: Capitol Gorge Trail - A journey down the scenic drive off of Highway 24 will give you a more intimate view of the park. Take time to go to the Capitol Gorge and if you are up to it, you can hike into the gorge.
Right: Visitor Center - The Capitol Reef Visitor Center is in a beautiful location next to soaring sandstone cliffs. It is worth a stop during your visit.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Although it is called Bryce Canyon National Park, the geological formation is not actually a canyon but a series of over a dozen amphitheaters, each at least 1,000 feet into stone of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. Weathering and erosion have formed columns of rocks called hoodoos which make Bryce even more photogenic. Note that the elevation in this park is above 8,000 feet; therefore, weather can change quickly, and temperatures can vary drastically.
One of the many surprises at Bryce Canyon National Park is that it is situated within the Dixie National Forest. The forest gives visitors a relaxing, green drive down the main park road to each of the overlooks and trailheads. All of the overlooks are worth visiting, but a few of my favorite are Natural Bridge Overlook, Upper Inspiration Point, Bryce Point, Ponderosa Canyon, Rainbow Point, and Yovimpa Point. You can also hike among the hoodoos and into the “canyon”. Some of the best trails are the Queen’s Garden Trail, the Navajo Loop Trail, and the Rim Trail.
The photos below highlight some noteworthy vistas:
Above: Ponderosa Canyon - At this roadside viewpoint, you get a glimpse between two rock walls into the valley below. It is even more spectacular after a snow.
Left: Natural Bridge Viewpoint - Actually an arch instead of a natural bridge, this formation is a sight to behold, and no walking is required to get this incredible view.
Center: Upper Inspiration Point - There are three levels to view the amphitheater below Inspiration Point, and my favorite is the Upper Inspiration Point. It is an uphill, .6 mile walk to the top viewing area, and it is absolutely worth it.
Right: Yovimpa Point - At the end of the main road, you will find Yovimpa Point and Rainbow Point. Both are stunning because they provide views for miles and miles.
Zion National Park
The most visited of Utah’s Mighty 5, and the second most visited national park in the United States in 2021, is Zion National Park. With over 5 million annual visitors, this park can get quite crowded, but the hikes, viewpoints, and adventures in Zion are unparalleled. The park is divided into three sections:
Zion Canyon: This is the main area people visit and it is where you can hike The Narrows, Angel’s Landing, Emerald Pools, Zion Overlook, and more.
Kolob Terrace: This is a more remote part of the park that offers beautiful views of Aspen Trees in fall and is the location of the Subway Hike.
Kolob Canyons: This less visited section of the park offers a scenic drive through a canyon with beautiful views. The Taylor Creek Hike and Timber Creek Overlook Trail are in this section of the park.
Zion is epic! There is so much to see and do in the area, but due to crowds, you will want to do your research regarding the bus routes, parking, and trail openings/closings so that you are best prepared.
The photos below highlight some noteworthy vistas:
Above: The Narrows - Walking through the Virgin River up a slot canyon is one of the most unique and beautiful hikes in America. The out and back trail from the bottom of the canyon at the Riverside Walk can be completed without a permit, but special hiking gear and a walking stick are recommended (especially in colder weather). See Zion Outfitters for details and rentals.
Left: Zion Canyon Overlook Trail - This is my sunrise spot. I love hiking this trail in the dark and enjoying how the sun lights up the canyon. It is only about a 1-mile hike, and it is moderately rated.
Center: Timber Creek Overlook Trail - The scenic drive in the Kolob Canyons section of the park is worth it, and the views from the 1-mile-long Timber Creek Overlook Trail make for a great short hike.
Right: Upper Emerald Pool - There are three Emerald Pools in Zion, and all are worth visiting, but my favorite is the Upper Emerald Pool. The hike up is steep, but the views are wonderful. Once at the top, you are treated to a pool with a thin waterfall streaming down from the cliff above.
Are You Ready to Explore Utah’s Mighty 5?
If you have not been to these parks - hopefully these suggestions and photos have inspired you to add Utah to your travel list. If you have been to these locations, let me know in the comments which park is your favorite or what hikes/trails you enjoy the most. I plan to return to these parks - 14 days was only enough to scratch the surface of what they have to offer. The beauty is untamed and rugged, and it is a place where you feel at peace taking in the awe-inspiring landscapes.