Mighty 5 Utah National Parks in 5 Days: Small-Group Adventure from Salt Lake City
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
5 days
Fitness Level
Expect several short hikes (0.5–3 miles) with some elevation change; a reasonable cardio base and comfort on uneven trails recommended.
Overview
See Utah’s Mighty 5—Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce and Zion—in a focused five-day small-group tour that balances short hikes with private transport and included park fees. Ideal for travelers with moderate fitness who want maximum exposure to Utah’s signature landscapes in minimal time.
Mighty 5 Utah National Parks in 5 Days: Small-Group Adventure from Salt Lake City
Select participants and date
The coach hums onto Highway 6 before dawn, headlights piercing a pale desert that, by midmorning, will be a riot of red and orange. You cup a steaming paper cup of coffee and watch sandstone fins and mesas slip past—each bend a promise: an arch, a canyon overlook, a hoodoo field. On this small-group five-day sweep of Utah’s Mighty 5 you move from high desert plateaus into narrow, wind-carved canyons and then up onto sweeping overlooks where the Colorado River dares you to take in its drop.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Hydrate for altitude
Carry at least 2–3 liters of water per day; higher elevations and dry air increase dehydration risk.
Layer for big temperature swings
Start dawn departures with an insulating layer and sunproof outer layer for hot afternoons.
Wear grippy footwear
Trails use slick sandstone and loose scree—trail runners or hiking boots with good traction are recommended.
Book activity day early
Reserve your Moab adventure (rafting, horseback, 4×4) in advance to secure spots and the best timing.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Desert bighorn sheep
- Golden eagle
History
The canyon country has been home to Indigenous peoples for millennia; Fremont and Ancestral Puebloan artifacts and pictographs are visible in several parks, later followed by 19th-century Mormon settlers who farmed oases like Fruita.
Conservation
Visitor numbers stress delicate soils and cryptobiotic crusts—stay on trails, avoid touching formations, and pack out all waste to protect fragile desert ecosystems.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Salt Lake City
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy hiking shoes or trail runners
Provides traction on slickrock, loose gravel and steep switchbacks.
Daypack (20–30L) with hydration bladder
Carries water, layers, snacks and a light first-aid kit for park hikes.
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, SPF 30+ sunscreen)
High desert sun and reflective sandstone intensify UV exposure.
summer specific
Light insulated jacket
Chilly mornings and higher-elevation evenings call for a packable layer.
spring specific