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Southern Utah is house to a few of the most numerous, otherworldly landscapes in america, together with all 5 of Utah’s Nationwide Parks – affectionately dubbed the Utah Mighty 5. In case you plan a highway journey good, you’ll be able to hit all 5 superb parks in every week’s time.
That’s what my husband and I made a decision to do in October. Come alongside for the trip as we recap how we efficiently hit the Utah Mighty 5, together with Petrified Forest Nationwide Park and Monument Valley Tribal Park, in seven days.
Deciding Our Path
Alex and I are Phoenix-based explorers, which supplies us comparatively easy accessibility to southern Utah’s nationwide, state, and tribal parks. In contrast to our final van highway journey the place we had two weeks, we knew we had a restricted timeline for this journey. Understanding our must-see objects and the way a lot time we needed in every park helped us determine on the most effective path. Finally we selected a Friday to Friday journey, visiting the parks from East to West in a loop.
We reserved a transformed Dodge Ram Promaster from Arizona Campervan for the journey. These vans are custom-built with totally different interiors and embody limitless miles. They’re our go-to when planning prolonged highway journeys.
Right here’s a breakdown of our day-by-day adventures.
Day 1: Petrified Forest Nationwide Park
After gearing up our van, we left Tempe and headed for Petrified Forest Nationwide Park. Admittedly, this park was added to the journey to “cross it off the listing,” however ended up being fairly the shock.
Attending to the park took about 3.5 hours from Tempe by the use of highways 87 and 260. We spent a grand whole of about 2 hours within the park and traveled from the southern park entrance on Freeway 180, by means of the park, and out the northern entrance close to Interstate 40. We gave ourselves time for a couple of stops for brief walks and viewpoints.
Rainbow Forest Museum & Big Logs Path
On the Rainbow Forest Museum, we explored displays in regards to the park’s distinctive geology and prehistoric historical past. We then walked the Big Logs Path adjoining to the museum. This loop is lower than half a mile and is totally paved making it a simple path for many explorers. You get to see logs like Outdated Devoted and think about most of the petrified timber up shut.
Crystal Forest Path
This brief path is known for its focus of glittering quartz in most of the petrified logs. We liked getting to look at the mineral make-up of those logs and the way it differed from those simply up the highway on the Big Logs path. The path was solely .8 miles and had a delicate elevation achieve of 36 ft.
Blue Mesa Drive
This stunning scenic loop takes you into the blueish-purple badland hills of Petrified Forest Nationwide Park. The panorama was stunning, and for many who wish to discover additional, there’s a one-mile path that takes you into the badlands. We opted only for the perspective.
Painted Desert View Level
In direct distinction to the Blue Mesa drive, the Painted Desert viewpoint overlooks expansive hills of purple and orange. There’s a one-mile path alongside the rim for many who wish to see totally different vantage factors.
Total, Petrified Forest shocked us with how distinctive the park’s panorama is. When visiting, remember this park does shut in a single day to those that usually are not backpacking. Park rangers will remind you when it’s time to go out for the night.
Take a look at Tenting World’s full information to RVing Petrified Forest Nationwide Park for more information.
We continued on our approach to Monument Valley after exiting the park to be ready for our dawn tour the following morning. So, onward we went to our RV spot at The View Lodge.
Day 2: Monument Valley
Tsé Biiʼ Ndzisgaii, or Monument Valley, is about as iconic Southwest because it will get. Featured in lots of westerns and sacred to the individuals who name the Valley house, it’s excessive on many journey lists for a motive.
As vacationers, we needed to make sure we visited the park in a approach that revered the land and used the Navajo Nation Tribal Parks web site to discover a 100% Diné (Navajo) owned-and-operated tour firm. We booked the 3-hour dawn tour with Blackwater Excursions and had been fortunate sufficient to be the one folks on the tour.
Dawn at Mitten Viewpoint
We caught the buttes simply because the solar lit up the long-lasting purple sandstone. This view offers you the chance to see buttes just like the Mittens, Sentinel Mesa, and the Three Sisters.
John Ford’s Level
Well-known for its look in lots of movies, this cease presents panoramic views of the valley. We had been there earlier than a lot of the space opened up, however there’s a Fry Bread store and some locations the place native, indigenous artisans promote their crafts. You can too decide to take an image on the iconic view atop a good looking Buckskin horse. Simply make sure you please tip the proprietor!
Holes, Arches and Anasazi Petroglyphs
There are quite a few holes and arches in Monument Valley. We obtained to spend time at The Massive Hogan, Moccasin Arch, Solar’s Eye Arch, and Ear of the Wind Arch. We additionally obtained to see petroglyphs from the traditional Anasazi peoples.
If you need, you’ll be able to drive the 17-mile loop in Monument Valley by yourself, however you permit a lot on the desk, each when it comes to sightseeing and cultural significance. I extremely advocate reserving a tour with an indigenous-owned firm to really perceive the significance of the land’s historical past and the individuals who nonetheless name the Valley house right this moment.
After our tour, we traveled to our campsite at Sand Flats Recreation space close to Moab, Utah, and relaxed for the remainder of the day.
Day 3: Canyonlands Nationwide Park
Right here begins our tour of the Utah Mighty 5! First up, Canyonlands. This park is damaged into three districts: Island within the Sky, The Needles, and The Maze. Every district has its personal entrance, and touring between them takes not less than two hours. We opted to solely discover Island within the Sky and are available again one other time to hit The Needles and The Maze.
Upheaval Dome 1st & 2nd Lookouts
We made it to each viewpoints on this path and every one supplied stunning views overlooking the canyon and a deep crater with mineral-tinged rocks. The path was 1.4 miles spherical journey with a modest 282 ft of elevation achieve.
Inexperienced River Overlook
Canyonlands was shaped by the mixed powers of the Inexperienced and Colorado rivers. Inexperienced River Overlook offers you sweeping views of the canyon and is definitely accessible for folks of any skill.
Grand View Level Overlook
Drive to the top of Island within the Sky and also you’ll attain Grand View Level Overlook. Stand on the edge and take within the panoramic scene of Canyonlands. To your left is the Colorado River and to your proper you’ll see the Inexperienced River. In case you look into the gap towards the southeast, you’ll be able to see the Needles District throughout the canyon. We trekked the 1.8-mile rim path for higher views.
Mesa Arch
On our approach out of the park, we stopped at Mesa Arch. It’s a comparatively brief stroll to the arch and again, simply over a half-mile spherical journey. This was considered one of my favourite stops of the day. The arch acts as a window overlooking the canyon. Simply watch out once you go for footage as a result of it’s a sheer drop on the opposite facet.
Learn extra ideas for this park in Tenting World’s information to RVing Canyonlands.
We completed the day by heading again to Moab the place our buddies Jeff and Brooke met up with us for the remaining 4 parks.
Day 4: Arches Nationwide Park
Arches was subsequent on the line-up as a result of its proximity to Moab. This was a park that we needed to plan for prematurely, because it requires timed entry from April by means of October. We reserved a 7 am to eight am entry slot so we might hit the paths close to early.
Delicate Arch
We headed straight for Delicate Arch earlier than crowds began to roll in. The hike wasn’t lengthy at solely 3.3 miles roundtrip, however you’ll climb about 700 ft. A few of that climb is on easy, spherical sandstone. There’s not a lot to organize you for simply how giant Delicate Arch actually is in particular person. It was a bucket listing merchandise that we had been excited to lastly examine off the listing.
Panorama & Pine Tree Arch by way of Satan’s Backyard
We then ventured over Satan’s Backyard the place you get to see Panorama Arch and take an non-obligatory offshoot to Pine Arch. I’ll admit that Panorama Arch, whereas stunning, was a bit underwhelming. We actually loved Pine Arch as a result of it was a bit extra secluded and spectacular. The path was 2.2 miles lengthy and 207 ft of achieve.
Double Arch
Our final cease for the day was Double Arch. It was crowded, and for good motive. If Delicate Arch weren’t on the Utah license plate, Double Arch can be. You possibly can take within the views from the brief stroll as much as the arches or you’ll be able to scramble up the rocks to take a seat beneath them. We made the climb and spent a while stress-free beneath the arches.
Discover extra about this park on this information to RVing Arches Nationwide Park.
We hit the highway towards Capitol Reef round 3 pm and arrived at our in-park campsite at round 5:30. We ate dinner alongside the herd of deer that had been wandering across the campground and loved some stargazing earlier than heading to sleep.
Day 5: Capitol Reef Nationwide Park
Capitol Reef Nationwide Park is newer to the roster. It gained Nationwide Park standing in 1971, making it the youngest of the Utah Mighty 5. However simply because it was late to the get together doesn’t imply it’s any much less spectacular.
Capitol Gorge Path
We began our day driving down the scenic highway and persevering with on the unpaved path to Capitol Gorge. Although unpaved, you don’t want a excessive clearance car to achieve this trailhead. We walked by means of the gorge and handed cool options like Pioneer Register the place former explorers left their mark. Some names dated again to the late 1800s!
Whereas it’s cool to see the historical past of those explorers, right this moment it’s unlawful to carve your title within the rock. All the time bear in mind to Go away No Hint when exploring our pure lands.
We additionally took the path up the gorge to see the tanks. You possibly can depart this one off the listing. The payoff wasn’t price it and the path is difficult to seek out in your approach again down. All of us ended up off-trail, discovering alternative ways again down into the gorge. In whole, we hiked about 2.7 miles with 200 ft of achieve.
Hickman Bridge
We then drove again towards the park customer middle and the Hickman Bridge path. This 1.9 mile out-and-back hike takes you to a pure bridge and provides you stunning views of the Fremont River as you hike up into the mountains. We climbed a complete of 440 ft and this was considered one of my favourite hikes of the journey.
Fruita Historic District
Capitol Reef’s verdant valley has been a spot the place folks might reliably develop meals for hundreds of years. To today, it’s nonetheless a working orchard with a whole bunch of fruit varieties. In season, you’ll be able to go into the orchards, decide, and eat fruit proper off the tree.
Study extra about this district, and different sights, on this information to RVing Capitol Reef.
After a day of exploring, it was time to go towards our subsequent campground close to Bryce Canyon. On our drive out I hoped to cease off on the iconic rock formations generally known as the Temple of the Solar and Moon. Sadly, on the time I believed they had been referred to as Twin Rocks and we missed them altogether as a result of they’re on the alternative facet of the park from the place we had been. Oops…a lesson realized for subsequent time, and for all you future Utah Mighty 5 explorers.
Day 6: Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park
Time for the well-known hoodoos! I’ve been trying ahead to Bryce Canyon for a really very long time. So, let’s not waste any time attending to the great things.
Navajo to Queens Backyard Loop
Put together your knees, it’s time for the long-lasting switchbacks. You can begin this path at Dawn or Sundown level, however the park service web site recommends Sundown. So will we. You’ll enterprise into the canyon with the hoodoos and beautiful views at every flip. You get to see iconic formations like Thor’s Hammer and Queen Victoria, together with a whole bunch of orange spires that appear like you might be on one other planet. The path is about three miles and boasts 640 ft of climbing.
Rainbow Level & Bristlecone Loop
In case you drive all the best way to the top of the highway, you’ll hit the very best level in Bryce Canyon at round 9,000 ft of elevation. Take the loop path to see Bristlecone Pines that solely develop at excessive elevations. A number of the timber are over 1,600 years previous. That path is simply over a mile with beneath 200 ft of elevation change. Remember the fact that at this excessive of an elevation, oxygen ranges are decrease than you is likely to be used to.
Pure Bridge Overlook
On our approach again down, we stopped at Pure Bridge Overlook as a result of our good friend Jeff needed to seek out “an arch in each park.” Spoiler alert: he was unsuccessful in Zion, however vowed to attempt once more. It’s a pleasant overlook with pretty views of Pure Bridge.
Study extra about planning an RV journey to Bryce Canyon.
Bryce Canyon actually took our breath away. There’s a lot extra of this park that I wish to see and we’ll completely be again to sort out Fairyland Loop and a few longer hikes. After a enjoyable day of exploring, it was time to make our approach to the final park on the roster: Zion Nationwide Park. We obtained into the park late within the afternoon and arrange at our spot in South Campground for the following two nights.
Day 7: Zion Nationwide Park
Residence of well-known hikes like The Narrows and Angel’s Touchdown, Zion Nationwide Park is a surprising testomony to only how lush and biodiverse a desert could be. This park attracts over 5 million guests per yr, so plan your actions properly if you wish to keep away from crowds.
Due to its reputation, a lot of the yr Zion closes the scenic highway into the valley to outdoors visitors and guests should make the most of the park-run shuttle. It’s free and runs repeatedly, so that you’ll by no means wait lengthy, however you will have to plan for crowds. In case you keep at South Campground, it’s a brief stroll to the customer middle to catch the shuttle.
Higher, Center & Decrease Emerald Swimming pools
We deliberate for a really early begin and caught the primary shuttle at 7 am. to the trailhead at Zion Lodge. We took The Grotto path as much as the Kayenta path, which takes you to all three of the Emerald Swimming pools.
As a result of we obtained to this path so early when most individuals had been heading to Angel’s Touchdown, we shared the path with only a few hikers. In case you are the kind that likes to keep away from crowds, that is the best way to go. The path took us alongside the Virgin River and up into the mountains to see the long-lasting Emerald Swimming pools. We hiked about 5 miles and climbed about 725 ft.
Riverside Stroll
After Emerald Swimming pools, we hopped again on the shuttle to the ultimate cease at Temple of Sinawava. We took the mile-long Riverside Stroll to the sting of The Narrows. In case you are trying to hike into the slot canyon, simply step off into the river and proceed in your approach. We determined to save lots of this hike for one more time. If you wish to do it in cooler months you’ll be able to lease waders and footwear from outlets in Springdale to maintain you dry. Remember the fact that The Narrows are house to flash floods, so examine the climate and seek the advice of park rangers earlier than you go.
Weeping Rock
This brief stroll takes you up about 80 ft in beneath 1 / 4 of a mile the place you get to view hanging moss gardens fed by spring water from the mountainside. It was brief, candy, and steep, however actually price it for the views. Simply watch out of slick floor on the prime.
After a morning of mountain climbing, we stopped at Zion Lodge for lunch and beer and to cheers an unimaginable journey exploring. We took the shuttle again to our campground the place our buddies determined to tackle one last hike, Watchman Path. Alex and I opted to chill out and provides our knees a break. We spent the night grabbing dinner in Springdale and strolling across the cute city that helps Zion’s many yearly guests. We then made our last campfire and rested up for the six-hour drive again to Phoenix the next day.
Listed here are extra ideas and knowledge that will help you plan your Zion RV journey.
5 Suggestions for Highway Tripping the Utah Mighty 5
Total, finishing a highway journey of the Utah Mighty 5 inside every week is totally possible if you know the way to optimize your time in every park. Listed here are the 5 greatest ideas for pulling off this journey.
Tip 1: Camp at Your Subsequent Day’s Vacation spot
In case you don’t take another tip out of this listing, take this one, please. By touring to our subsequent park the day earlier than, we had been capable of begin exploring early within the morning earlier than the paths obtained too crowded. It additionally allowed us invaluable time to relaxation and recharge at our campsite within the night. We’d get up between 5:30 am and seven am and start exploring within the park shortly after. At round 2 pm or 3 pm, we’d begin the drive to our subsequent vacation spot. We’d get to our campsites earlier than sundown, take pleasure in dinner across the campfire after which get to mattress round 9 pm.
Right here’s what the drive occasions appeared like for days between the park:
- Moab to Canyonlands: 50 minutes
- Moab to Arches: 10 minutes
- Moab to Capitol Reef: 2 hours quarter-hour
- Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon: 2 hours half-hour
- Bryce Canyon to Zion: 1 hour 20 minutes
Tip 2: Reserve Campsites
We had buddies becoming a member of us that will be tenting in a tent alongside our van, so we opted to order campsites forward of time which can be tent and van pleasant. We didn’t want electrical hookups, so these spots might not be best for you when you do.
Right here’s the place we stayed:
The campgrounds within the parks are well-liked, so keep watch over Recreation.gov for when reservations open up. We couldn’t reserve our campground inside Zion Nationwide Park till two weeks earlier than our journey.
In case you really feel like winging it, you’ll be able to at all times discover public lands the place you’ll be able to “boondock” or off-the-grid camp. Simply ensure you are following the hearth laws inside the space and depart no hint.
Tip 3: Reserve Entry Instances, Excursions & Mountain climbing Permits
There are specific logistics for various parks that you could be have to plan for. Arches has timed entry for half the yr, and a few trails like Angel’s Touchdown require permits. As you might be planning your journey, take into consideration the actions you wish to do and parks you wish to attend to grasp if there are reservations you want forward of time. We used every park’s web site to plan our visits and reserve objects forward of time. Our tour of Monument Valley was additionally an exercise that we researched and booked previous to the journey.
Tip 4: Have a Free Plan
With solely round 6 to eight hours to discover every park earlier than heading to our subsequent vacation spot, we couldn’t waste time determining our actions the day of our go to. We checked out park maps to grasp if there have been any must-see objects and the best order to go to them. This allowed us to make straight for well-liked trails very first thing, however left us wiggle room so as to add unplanned stops alongside the best way.
Tip 5: Have a Packing Technique
It’s necessary to know your car and pack accordingly. We used the teachings we realized from our first van tenting journey to prioritize our packing.
Meals and garments had been the place we targeted our technique. We deliberate easy-to-make meals that solely required a Jetboil. For garments, we opted for items we might simply layer in colours that didn’t present dust on the times we re-wore them. This allowed us to save lots of area for issues we picked up alongside the best way, like firewood bundles or souvenirs.
You may actually spend every week in every of the Utah Mighty 5 parks, however when you don’t have that point, it’s simple to do them in only a week. In case you plan issues strategically and prioritize your actions, you’ll be able to take pleasure in a very enjoyable highway journey that actually feels such as you didn’t depart something on the desk as you discover every of those distinctive parks. So, pack your baggage and hit the highway! And inform us which park you’re most excited to discover.
Are you interested by planning an analogous nationwide park highway journey in your area? Take a look at Tenting World’s full assortment of guides to RVing America’s nationwide parks to plan your journey.
What questions do you will have about highway tripping the Utah Mighty 5? Tell us within the feedback under.
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