Cover the Mighty 5 in seven days on a small-group tour that moves from Arches’ fins to Bryce’s hoodoos, with Monument Valley, the Wave lottery, Horseshoe Bend and Moab’s adventure options along the way. Expect long drives, short hikes, deep geology and cultural stops led by local guides.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The engine hums before dawn as the minivan slips out of Salt Lake City onto open highway, headlights cut through a chill that the desert will soon shrug off. By midmorning the landscape has changed—pinks and russets bloom against a sky that seems too big for the road. Your guide parks at an overlook; wind carves the silence, hoodoos stand like an audience, and the Colorado River, far below, dares you to peer over its rim.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
7 days
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness: comfortable walking, some short steep hikes and sustained days in a vehicle.
Wildlife
History
This region preserves millennia of human history from Fremont pictographs to Navajo cultural lands and later Mormon pioneer settlements like Fruita in Capitol Reef.
Conservation
Limited permits at sensitive sites (the Wave) and guided access to Navajo lands protect fragile soils and cultural sites; visitors should stay on durable surfaces and pack out all waste.
Reserve your spot on the Utah Mighty 5 National Parks: Small Group 7-Day Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Hydrate for long stretches
Carry at least 2–3 liters of water daily; refill opportunities are limited between parks and mid-day heat can spike rapidly.
Plan for early light
Set alarms for sunrise at Bryce or Monument Valley — the colors and crowds shift dramatically with the light.
Footwear matters
Bring sturdy hiking shoes with good tread for loose sand, slickrock and short steep descents.
Prepare for permit variability
Wave permits are lottery-based; have alternate plans (Coyote Buttes, Goosenecks, or extra time in Moab) if lottery fails.
Sturdy hiking shoes
Traction and ankle support are useful for slickrock, loose scree and hoodoo basins.
Daypack with 3L hydration system
Keeps water, layers, snacks and camera accessible during hikes and viewpoints.
Sun protection (hat, SPF 30+ sunscreen, sunglasses)
High desert sun and reflective sandstone increase UV exposure.
summer
Warm insulating layer
Nights and high plateaus can be cold even after hot days—bring a lightweight insulated jacket.
fall