Utah's Mighty 5 National Parks

Rise and shine (ish). No need to be a sunrise warrior here, Arches looks stunning bathed in any kind of light. Fuel up with a breakfast burrito from the nearby Moab town and hit the road!  Your first stop? Delicate Arch, the park's iconic symbol. Just be prepared to share the view – Delicate Arch is a superstar, and rightfully so. Snap your pics, channel your inner Ansel Adams (or just hold your phone sideways, no judgment), and move on to the next adventure.

Time to stretch those legs! The Delicate Arch Viewpoint Trail is a short and sweet loop that offers stunning views of not just Delicate Arch, but also Landscape Arch and Double Arch. Feeling a little more ambitious? Take the Landscape Arch Trail, a 1.9-mile roundtrip hike that leads you right up to Landscape Arch, another mind-blowing natural wonder.  Just remember, these arches are millions of years old, so no climbing or hanging allowed. Respect the rocks everyone!

Pack a picnic lunch and find a scenic spot to chill. There are plenty of picnic areas throughout the park, or you can pull off on the side of the road (safely, of course) and soak in the views. Refuel, rehydrate, and maybe take a nap under a juniper tree (because seriously, why not?).

Since you're already in the area, explore Double Arch and Turret Arch, two arches that are, well, double and like a giant turret, duh.  Next, head over to Park Avenue, a towering canyon filled with hoodoos (those wacky rock spires) and offering a glimpse into what this landscape looked like millions of years ago.  Feeling like Indiana Jones but without the snakes? Hike the Sand Dune Arch Trail, a short and sandy adventure that leads you to a unique arch partially buried by windblown sand.

As the day winds down, head over to Landscape Arch Viewpoint again (because, let's face it, the views are killer). Watch the golden light bathe the arches in a magical glow and snap some epic sunset pics. Remember, Arches National Park is a designated International Dark Sky Park, so stick around after sunset for some serious stargazing (just mind the occasional curious desert critter).

Rise and shine (ish). No need to be a sunrise warrior here, Zion's beauty unfolds throughout the day.  Fuel up with a breakfast burrito from a nearby Springdale cafe and hop on the free shuttle that takes you right into the park (score!).  Your first stop? The Zion Canyon Visitor Center. Grab a map, chat with the rangers (they're a wealth of knowledge), and get hyped for your adventure.

Time to explore! The Pa'rus Trail is a paved pathway that winds alongside the Virgin River, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a bike ride (rentals are available near the visitor center). Keep your eyes peeled for deer, bighorn sheep, and maybe even a curious desert cottontail. Feeling a little more adventurous? Take the Canyon Overlook Trail, a short but scenic hike that offers breathtaking views of Zion Canyon.

Pack a picnic lunch and find a shady spot by the river. There are plenty of designated picnic areas throughout the park, or you can explore the options in Springdale (because sometimes, a post-hike burger and fries are the perfect reward). Refuel, rehydrate, and maybe take a power nap under a cottonwood tree (because seriously, why not?).

Channel your inner Indiana Jones (but with way less snakes, hopefully) and embark on the Riverside Walk. This paved trail takes you alongside the Virgin River, through towering red rock walls, and past cascading waterfalls.  

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The Narrows is the ultimate Zion experience (our fav!), but be warned: it requires wading through water and special shoes (rentals available). If you're not up for getting wet, the Emerald Pool Trail offers a shorter hike with a refreshing payoff at the end (hint: it involves a waterfall).

As the day winds down, head back to the Canyon Junction and take the shuttle up to Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. This scenic drive offers stunning panoramic views of the park, especially magical during golden hour.  Find a pull-off spot, relax, and soak in the beauty of Zion bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun.

If you end up having a few more days, we highly recommend hitting up some more hikes in the park as they are some of the most notable in the US! We already listed some in this itinerary, but here are a few more:

• ANGELS LANDING (great for all ages, but difficult for kids when it gets to the part with ropes!)
• THE WATCHMAN
• ORDERVILLE CANYON (for the experienced canyoneers)

Rise and shine (whenever you feel like it – Canyonlands isn't about sunrise alarms). Fuel up with a breakfast burrito from a nearby Moab cafe and hit the road!  First stop? The Island in the Sky Visitor Center. Grab a map, chat with the rangers (they're like walking encyclopedias of Canyonlands knowledge), and decide on your adventure.

Option 1: The Mesa Archaeologist

Feeling like Indiana Jones, minus the snakes (hopefully)?  Hike the Mesa Arch Trail, a short and sweet loop that leads you to a massive natural arch overlooking The Needles district.  Imagine this: you, channeling your inner explorer, gazing out at a labyrinth of canyons bathed in the morning light. Pretty epic, right?

Option 2: The Off-Roader

Got a sense of adventure and a four-wheel drive vehicle? The trails in the Needles District are calling your name!  Think winding dirt roads, towering rock spires (hoodoos, for the geology buffs), and a feeling of being on top of the world (well, almost).  Just remember, off-roading requires responsibility. Stick to designated trails, respect the fragile landscape, and tread lightly.

Pack a picnic lunch and find a scenic spot to chill. There are designated picnic areas throughout the park, but the real prize? Finding a quiet overlook and soaking in the vastness of Canyonlands with your lunch spread. Refuel, rehydrate, and maybe take a siesta under a juniper tree (because seriously, why not?).

Option 1: The Canyon Gazer

Feeling like a laid-back sightseer? Take a scenic drive along the Canyon Rim Drive. This paved route winds along the rim of The Needles and The Maze districts, offering jaw-dropping vistas at every turn.  Pull off at overlooks, snap some panoramic pics, and marvel at the power of nature's sculpting abilities.

Option 2: The History Buff

History buffs, rejoice!  The Upheaval Dome is a geological anomaly that'll leave you scratching your head (in a good way). Hike a short trail to the overlook and ponder the mysteries of this giant rock formation – was it a meteor impact? A volcanic eruption?  The jury's still out, but the views are undeniably stunning.

As the day winds down, head back to a viewpoint and watch the sun dip below the horizon, painting the canyons in fiery hues of orange, red, and purple.  Canyonlands is a photographer's paradise during sunset, so snap some epic pics to remember your adventure by.

Rise and shine (ish). Sunrise is magical at Bryce, but there's no pressure to be a rooster. Fuel up with pancakes (because carbs are your adventure buddy) at a nearby Tropic cafe and hit the road!  Your first stop? Sunrise Point.  Even if you missed the actual sunrise, the views from here are guaranteed to leave you speechless.  Hoodoos in every color imaginable stretching as far as the eye can see – it's like stepping into a real-life postcard.

Option 1: The Rim Wanderer

Feeling like a laid-back explorer? The Rim Trail is your jam.  This paved pathway winds along the rim of Bryce Amphitheater, offering epic views of the hoodoos at every turn.  Take your time, stop for photo ops (because, seriously, how can you not?), and soak in the beauty of this natural wonder.

Option 2: The Hoodoo Adventurer

Craving a bit more adventure? The Queen's Garden Trail and Navajo Loop Trail take you down into the amphitheater itself, right up close and personal with the hoodoos.  Imagine towering rock spires all around you, feeling dwarfed by nature's handiwork – it's an unforgettable experience.  Just remember, these trails involve some elevation changes, so wear sturdy shoes and take your time.

Pack a picnic lunch and find a scenic spot along the rim. There are designated picnic areas throughout the park, but the real prize? Finding a quiet overlook and enjoying your lunch with a million hoodoos as your company. Refuel, rehydrate, and maybe take a power nap under a ponderosa pine (because seriously, why not?).

Option 1: The Stargazer

Stargazing enthusiasts, rejoice! Bryce Canyon National Park is a designated International Dark Sky Park, meaning you're in for a celestial light show once the sun sets. As dusk settles, find a spot away from light pollution and marvel at the Milky Way sprawling across the inky black canvas of the night sky.

Option 2: The History Buff

History buffs, listen up!  The Bryce Canyon Amphitheater wasn't always just a hoodoo haven.  The park was home to the Ancient Puebloan people for centuries.  Explore the Two Thumb Spire Loop and learn about the history and culture of these fascinating people through informative plaques along the trail.

As the day winds down, head back to a viewpoint (Sunset Point is a classic for a reason) and watch the sun dip below the horizon, painting the hoodoos in fiery hues of orange, red, and purple.  Bryce Canyon is a photographer's paradise during sunset, so snap some epic pics to remember your adventure by.